ORIGINAL PAPERS

   CANCER IMAGING

A Case of Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Intraluminal Metastases from Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer

Srikala S. Sridhar, Masoom A. Haider, Maha Guindi, Malcolm J. Moore
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 95-97; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2006-0214
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The case of a patient with metastatic renal cell cancer who was found to have intraluminal small bowel metastases is presented. This report suggests that an aggressive surgical approach is favored for small bowel metastases from metastatic renal cell cancer.

Suberoyl Bis-Hydroxamic Acid Activates Notch-1 Signaling and Induces Apoptosis in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells

Li Ning, David Yu Greenblatt, Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan, Herbert Chen
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 98-104; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0190
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study demonstrates that the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoyl bis-hydroxamic acid has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells that are mediated by induction of the Notch-1 signaling cascade, which may present a promising new form of targeted therapy for the treatment of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Management of the Solitary Thyroid Nodule

Meei J. Yeung, Jonathan W. Serpell
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 105-112; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0212
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The aim of management of thyroid nodules is to identify which nodules warrant further investigation to exclude the presence of malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is essential to decision making and is able to provide highly accurate information that will ultimately determine the management of a nodule.

Administration of Cetuximab Every 2 Weeks in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Effective, More Convenient Alternative to Weekly Administration?

Josep Tabernero, Per Pfeiffer, Andrés Cervantes
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 113-119; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0201
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review provides preliminary pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and safety evidence that every-2-weeks administration of cetuximab at a dose of 500 mg/m² may be a potentially convenient alternative to the approved weekly dosing regimen of 250 mg/m² (following an initial dose of 400 mg/m²) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Early Antiangiogenic Activity of Bevacizumab Evaluated by Computed Tomography Perfusion Scan in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Andrew X. Zhu, Nagaraj S. Holalkere, Alona Muzikansky, Kerry Horgan, Dushyant V. Sahani
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 120-125; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0174
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Computed tomography perfusion scan was able to demonstrate bevacizumab-induced angiogenic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue, including significant decreases in blood flow, blood volume, and capillary permeability surface area and an increase in mean transit time. Mean transit time changes correlated with clinical outcome, whereas the other changes did not.

Battling the Hematological Malignancies: The 200 Years' War

Marshall A. Lichtman
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 126-138; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0228
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The war against the hematological malignancies began near the end of the first third of the 19th century with the identification of Hodgkin disease, and continues today. This article reviews progress made, biomedical hurdles to further advances, and future approaches to cure the hematological malignancies. A reinvigoration of the government's support for cancer research is in the public interest and should be a national priority.

The Potential Role of mTOR Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cesare Gridelli, Paolo Maione, Antonio Rossi
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 139-147; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0171
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a critical role in transducing proliferative signals mediated through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt signaling pathways. mTOR inhibitors appear to be well tolerated, with some evidence suggesting antitumor activity. Phase I and II trials with mTOR inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer are ongoing.

The Ethical Justification for Minor Sibling Bone Marrow Donation: A Case Study

Rebecca D. Pentz, Ann E. Haight, Robert B. Noll, Raymond Barfield, Wendy Pelletier, Stella Davies, Melissa A. Alderfer, Pamela S. Hinds
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 148-151; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0185
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: A case study of a mentally delayed minor sibling donating bone marrow for his older sister is used to discuss an alternative ethical justification for minor donation.

Case Report: An Unusual Case of Adrenal Neuroblastoma in Pregnancy

Marwan M. Refaat, Shereene Z. Idriss, Lawrence S. Blaszkowsky
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 152-156; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2006-0180
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: An extremely rare case of adrenal neuroblastoma occurring in a 25-year-old woman during her first trimester of pregnancy is documented. The diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of neuroblastoma and its association with pregnancy are discussed.

The Role of Recombinant Erythropoietin in Childhood Cancer

Ananth Gouri Shankar
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 157-166; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0126
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This report reviews the pathophysiology of cancer-associated anemia in children and critically examines the published data regarding the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin in the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated anemia in children.

FDA Drug Approval Summary: Alemtuzumab as Single-Agent Treatment for B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Suzanne Demko, Jeffrey Summers, Patricia Keegan, Richard Pazdur
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 167-174; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0218
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: On September 19, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval and expanded labeling for alemtuzumab as single-agent treatment for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Results of the clinical trial leading to this approval are discussed.

Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Limbs: Which Treatment to Choose?

Peter Hohenberger, Wojciech M. Wysocki
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 175-186; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0165
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Soft tissue sarcomas form a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms arising in the mesenchymal connective tissues. Treatment concepts of preoperative therapy differ significantly among centers. This review aims to elucidate the rationale of different regimens and analyze their potentials as well as weaknesses.

Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss: Pathophysiology and Clinical Perspectives

Adam M. Brufsky
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 187-195; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0152
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Hormone-ablative therapies for breast or prostate cancer can cause marked and rapid reductions in circulating estrogen or testosterone levels, resulting in significant effects on bone metabolism and cancer treatment–induced bone loss. This article discusses new-generation i.v. bisphosphonates, in particular, zoledronic acid, which have the potential to delay or prevent cancer treatment–induced bone loss in patients receiving hormonal therapies.

Implementing an Expressive Writing Study in a Cancer Clinic

Nancy P. Morgan, Kristi D. Graves, Elizabeth A. Poggi, Bruce D. Cheson
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 196-204; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0147
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The feasibility of engaging a clinical population in a structured expressive writing task while they waited for an appointment in a cancer clinic is explored. Results suggest that expressive writing can be successfully conducted within a busy oncology clinic and provide support for future efforts to move beyond efficacy studies of expressive writing into community- and clinic-based effectiveness trials.

Homage to Judah Folkman

Bruce A. Chabner, C. Everett Koop, John E. Niederhuber, H. M. Pinedo
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 205-211; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0018
[Full Text] [PDF]  

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