The Oncologist recent issues

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

Introduction

Bischof Delaloye, A., Conti, P. S., Gisselbrecht, C., Gregory, S. A. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This article introduces this supplement, which summarizes and explores the emerging data and changing protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma discussed at the 6th International Workshop on Nuclear Oncology, held April 17–19, 2008.

Harnessing the Energy: Development of Radioimmunotherapy for Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Gregory, S. A., Hohloch, K., Gisselbrecht, C., Tobinai, K., Dreyling, M. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This paper explores factors that should be considered when assessing whether a patient is a good candidate for treatment with radioimmunotherapy, and aids physicians in the selection of the most appropriate therapy for each patient group.

Rationale for Consolidation to Improve Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Review of the Evidence

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This review examines the role of radioimmunotherapy as consolidation treatment for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly focusing on follicular lymphoma.

Expert Opinions on Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography Imaging in Lymphoma

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This article discusses the new guidelines and the need for standardized positron emission tomography acquisition and interpretation in Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The paper also considers how the role of imaging is evolving in the process of making treatment decisions. Specifically, it provides insight on how best to standardize the use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography for making therapeutic choices in this patient population.

Radioimmunotherapy for Stem Cell Transplantation in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: In Pursuit of a Complete Response

Gisselbrecht, C., Vose, J., Nademanee, A., Gianni, A. M., Nagler, A. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This paper summarizes data that were presented on the utility of radioimmunotherapy in the stem cell transplant setting at the 6th meeting of the International Workshop on Nuclear Oncology.

Summary

Bischof Delaloye, A., Conti, P. S., Gisselbrecht, C., Gregory, S. A. — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:56:22 PDT

This article summarizes the International Workshop on Nuclear Oncology scientific committee's conclusions.

Clinical Outcomes Associated with Bevacizumab-Containing Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The BRiTE Observational Cohort Study

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:53:59 PDT

This report presents results of the BRiTE observational cohort study designed to elucidate safety and effectiveness outcomes associated with bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy as used in clinical practice for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Should West Meet East?

Yoon, S. S., Yang, H.-K. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

Significant variability exists among countries in the extent of lymphadenectomy that is performed for gastric cancer. This article reviews these differences as well as summarizes the evidence on the extent of lymphadenectomy that should be performed for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Perspectives and Attitudes on the Use of Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Trastuzumab in Older Adults with HER-2+ Breast Cancer: A Survey of Oncologists

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This study examines how patient age and health status impact oncologists' decisions to recommend adjuvant therapy in older women with human epidermal growth factor receptor–positive breast cancer. The findings suggest that, with increasing age and declining health status, oncologists are less likely to recommend chemotherapy plus trastuzumab and more likely to recommend single-agent trastuzumab or no therapy.

The Chronology of Distress, Anxiety, and Depression in Older Prostate Cancer Patients

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This study examines the relationship between age and psychological variables such as distress, anxiety, and depression within a sample of older prostate cancer patients, and finds that overall distress and anxiety decrease with age, whereas depressive symptoms increase with age.

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

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This study examines the frequencies of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genetic mutations as well as the expression/phosphorylation status of the EGFR protein in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and attempts to elucidate associations between EGFR status and patient characteristics and disease-free survival. The study found that phosphorylated EGFR without mutations may be a marker of poor prognosis in these patients.

Vaccines for the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Renewed Anticancer Strategy

Gridelli, C., Rossi, A., Maione, P., Ferrara, M. L., Castaldo, V., Sacco, P. C. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This paper reviews the main clinical trials involving several different cancer vaccines employed in the treatment of early and advanced stage NSCLC, focusing on those in advanced stages of development.

Controversies in the Treatment of Lymphoma with Autologous Transplantation

Moskowitz, A. J., Moskowitz, C. H. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This review focuses on the controversial issues regarding high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant for follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and peripheral T cell lymphoma.

Approval Summary: Pemetrexed in the Initial Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cohen, M. H., Justice, R., Pazdur, R. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

Reported are the results of a postmarketing study to confirm and describe the clinical benefit of pemetrexed in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have failed prior chemotherapy.

Patient-Related Barriers to Fatigue Communication in Cancer Patients Receiving Active Treatment

Shun, S.-C., Lai, Y.-H., Hsiao, F.-H. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

This study explores barriers to reporting fatigue in cancer patients receiving active treatment and the factors significantly associated with those barriers. Assessing fatigue interference with daily life and identifying factors associated with barriers to reporting fatigue (i.e., type of cancer, religion, and the setting for receiving treatment) are suggested in order to provide better fatigue management in clinical settings.

Pharmacokinetics of Gemcitabine and Metabolites in a Patient with Double-Sided Nephrectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

Presented is a case of poor tolerability of gemcitabine in a patient with complete renal failure resulting from nephrectomy of both kidneys.

Trabectedin

Chuk, M. K., Balis, F. M., Fox, E. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT

Sorafenib and Sunitinib

Kim, A., Balis, F. M., Widemann, B. C. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:54:00 PDT