Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
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Virtual microscopy and advances in machine learning have paved the way for the ever-expanding field of digital pathology. Multiple image-based computing environments capable of performing automated quantitative and morphological analyses are the foundation on which digital pathology is built. ⋯ The potential of digital pathology is vast, particularly with the introduction of numerous software environments available for use. With all the digital pathology tools available as well as those in development, the field will continue to advance, particularly in the era of personalized medicine, providing health care professionals with more precise prognostic information as well as helping them guide treatment decisions.
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Patients with malignancy comprise a unique group for whom transfusions play an important role. Because the need for transfusions may span a long period of time, these patients may be at risk for more adverse events due to transfusion than other patient groups. ⋯ Every transfusion carries risks of immediate and delayed adverse events. Therefore, oncologists should prescribe transfusion for patients with cancer only when absolutely necessary.
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Platelet transfusion is a critical and often necessary aspect of managing cancer. Low platelet counts frequently lead to bleeding complications; however, the drugs used to combat malignancy commonly lead to decreased production and destruction of the very cell whose function is essential to stop bleeding. The transfusion of allogeneic platelet products helps to promote hemostasis, but alloimmunization may make it difficult to manage other complications associated with cancer. ⋯ A combination of appropriate utilization of platelet inventory and laboratory testing coupled with communication between those caring for patients with cancer and those providing blood products is essential for effective patient care.
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Well-characterized biochemical, structural, and physiological changes occur when red blood cells (RBCs) are stored for a period of time and are collectively called the storage lesion. ⋯ The clinical significance of storing RBCs is controversial, although new data from randomized controlled trials of neonates and patients undergoing cardiac surgery suggest that the duration of RBC storage is not associated with adverse clinical outcomes in these patient populations.
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Castleman disease is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder characterized as either unicentric or multicentric. Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is localized and carries an excellent prognosis, whereas multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a systemic disease occurring most commonly in the setting of HIV infection and is associated with human herpesvirus 8. MCD has been associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and the therapeutic landscape for its management continues to evolve. ⋯ UCD and MCD constitute uncommon but well-defined clinicopathologic entities. Although UCD is typically well controlled with local therapy, MCD continues to pose formidable challenges in management. We address historical chemotherapy-based approaches to this disease as well as recently developed targeted therapies, including rituximab and siltuximab, that have improved the outcome for newly diagnosed patients. Ongoing research into the management of MCD is needed.