Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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Aberrant activation of some members of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis. Lapatinib is an oral dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor selective for inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB1) and HER2/ErbB2. Having more targets, probably its antitumor activity could be more efficient. ⋯ Interim results from the large, phase III trial in 392 patients showed that in combination with capecitabine lapatinib almost doubled time to progression when compared with capecitabine alone. Several clinical trials that explore the efficacy of lapatinib in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents [paclitaxel (Taxol), capecitabine and platinoids], hormonotherapy and other target therapies are ongoing in advanced breast cancer or in neo-adjuvant and adjuvant settings. Our improved understanding of the biology of breast cancer and the use of biomarkers for identification of specific subtypes are allowing us to bring patient-specific novel therapies such as lapatinib to the clinic.
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This open-label, phase IB study was undertaken to determine the safety/toxicity profile and recommended dose of oral once-daily PTK787/ZK 222584 (PTK/ZK) combined with oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (FOLFOX4) chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Secondary objectives were to assess full pharmacokinetics and gather preliminary evidence of antitumor activity. ⋯ The MTD of PTK/ZK in combination with FOLFOX4 in this patient population is 1250 mg daily. The combination is feasible and safe and is not associated with significant pharmacokinetic interactions.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Thrombosis-related complications and mortality in cancer patients with central venous devices: an observational study on the effect of antithrombotic prophylaxis.
Recent guidelines do not recommend antithrombotic prophylaxis (AP) to prevent catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients with a central line. ⋯ Current AP schedules do not appear to prevent catheter-related thrombosis. Systemic VTE and mortality, however, appeared lower after prophylaxis.