The Oncologist current issue

Anthracyclines in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Is It the End of an Era?

Robson, D., Verma, S. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

The article reviews the literature reporting the efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant anthracycline (doxorubicin and epirubicin) therapy for early-stage invasive breast cancer and summarizes the progress toward molecular predictive markers of anthracycline efficacy. The newer nonanthracycline regimens and their relative merits are also discussed.

Commentary: Anthracyclines in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Is It the End of an Era?

Pritchard, K. I. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

The author argues for the view that the clinical role of the anthracyclines will persist in the adjuvant therapy of breast cancer for some time to come.

Resection of the Primary Colorectal Cancer Is Not Necessary in Nonobstructed Patients with Metastatic Disease

Damjanov, N., Weiss, J., Haller, D. G. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

This review article discusses bias in previous retrospective studies that showed extended life span of patients who undergo resection of the primary tumor and concludes that asymptomatic patients with metastatic colorectal cancer do not routinely need to undergo such resection.

NCCTG Study N9741: Leveraging Learning from an NCI Cooperative Group Phase III Trial

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

This review summarizes the history and major findings of the N9741 clinical trial in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, which has helped to change the standard of care for this disease in the U.S. and worldwide.

Plasma Fibrinogen Levels and Prognosis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Study

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

This study evaluated the prognostic value of pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels in a large multicenter series of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly associated with advanced tumor stage and the presence of a postoperative residual tumor mass, but not with histological grade and type. Higher plasma fibrinogen levels were associated with impaired disease-free and overall survival.

New Advances in the Second-Line Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Hurwitz, J. L., McCoy, F., Scullin, P., Fennell, D. A. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:16 PDT

The article reviews the current evidence for the use of second-line cytotoxic therapy and also the emerging role of novel agents and targeted therapies in the second-line treatment of small cell lung cancer.

Prognostic Factors in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Biochemotherapy and Maintenance Immunotherapy

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT

This study examines prognostic factors in metastatic melanoma patients treated with biochemotherapy to determine which patients might benefit from this intensive therapy. Results suggest that patients who have either a normal lactate dehydrogenase level or skin or nodes as one of their metastatic sites may have durable remissions with this therapy.

Should Patients with High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma Receive Adjuvant Chemotherapy?

Schuetze, S. M., Patel, S. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT

The authors argue in favor of the use of chemotherapy in the management of high-risk, localized, soft tissue sarcoma.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Localized Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Still Not Proven

Blay, J.-Y., Le Cesne, A. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT

The authors argue that adjuvant chemotherapy has not been proven to improve outcome in soft tissue sarcoma patients.

Contemporary Imaging in Sarcoma

Landa, J., Schwartz, L. H. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT

This article discusses various imaging techniques used in the evaluation of both bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

The Assessment and Management of Delirium in Cancer Patients

Bush, S. H., Bruera, E. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT

Outlined are the causes of delirium in advanced cancer, especially drug-induced delirium, and the diagnosis and management of opioid-induced neurotoxicity.

Prognostic Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Phosphorylation and Mutation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:40:17 PDT