International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jan 2004
ReviewTargeted therapies for non-small-cell lung cancer: biology, rationale, and preclinical results from a radiation oncology perspective.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in the majority of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). This presents an opportune target for new treatment strategies designed to selectively interfere with the cancer cell growth cycle. Recent investigations into the biology of the EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways have reminded us of the complexity of cancer cell communications from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ⋯ Encouraging response rates with single-agent targeted therapy have been reported in heavily pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC. In addition, agents targeting the angiogenic pathway, which plays a key role in the regulation of angiogenesis, may play an important role in enhancing the efficacy of anti-EGFR agents. This article will focus on the biology, rationale, and preclinical studies with targeted anti-EGFR and antiangiogenic therapies for the management of NSCLC.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Jan 2004
ReviewEpidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy with ZD1839: symptom improvement in non-small-cell lung cancer.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common and frequently incurable disease. Patients with advanced Stage IIIB and Stage IV disease, although not candidates for curative resection, can benefit from receiving treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) that prolongs survival, alleviates symptoms, and/or reduces complications. However, these therapies are often associated with significant adverse events. ⋯ ZD1839 is one of a new class of targeted anticancer agents known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that has demonstrated activity in the treatment of NSCLC. In clinical trials, ZD1839 produced responses in patients with relapsed or refractory NSCLC, reduced disease-related symptoms, and was associated with an improvement in quality of life. Results from pivotal trials with single-agent ZD1839 are reviewed in this article, with an emphasis on its effects on quality of life and symptom improvement.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Apr 2003
Review Comparative StudyTreatment results of high-dose-rate remote afterloading brachytherapy for cervical cancer and retrospective comparison of two regimens.
To review the treatment results and complications of high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy for patients with carcinoma of the cervix in a single institute and to compare them with those of low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy reported in the literature. ⋯ Our experience in treating cervical cancer with HDR intracavitary brachytherapy is encouraging. Our treatment results and complication rates were compatible with those of the LDR series. Further studies are eagerly awaited to better define the optimal fractionation schedule for HDR brachytherapy and the schedule on how chemotherapy may be combined with it.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Apr 2003
ReviewVolumetric considerations in radiotherapy for pediatric parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas.
To assess the influence of radiation volume on outcome in pediatric parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas (PM-RMSs). ⋯ Radiotherapy delivered to children with PM-RMS using a shrinking field technique with a post-CMT volume boost was effective and appears to give results comparable to those of patients in whom the pre-CMT volume was treated for the entire course. The use of such tailored treatment fields is likely to lead to fewer late effects and warrants further investigation.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Apr 2003
ReviewOutcome and patterns of failure in pathologic stages I-IV clear-cell carcinoma of the endometrium: implications for adjuvant radiation therapy.
To evaluate the outcome and patterns of failure in women with uterine clear-cell carcinoma and discuss implications for adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). ⋯ Clear-cell carcinoma comprises a small percentage of endometrial cancers, frequently presents as a mixed histology, and has a poor overall outcome. Unlike papillary serous tumors, clear-cell carcinoma does not seem to have a high propensity for abdominal failure. Our results thus do not support the routine use of whole-abdominal RT in these patients. Future protocols should focus instead on combinations of locoregional RT and chemotherapy to reduce the risk of local and systemic recurrence.