The oncologist
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To describe the clinical studies that led to the FDA approval of rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). ⋯ On the basis of the demonstration of clinically meaningful prolongation of PFS, the FDA granted regular approval to rituximab in combination with FC for the treatment of patients with CLL. The magnitude of the treatment effect in patients 70 years and older is uncertain.
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Recommendations for communicating bad or serious news are based on limited evidence. This study was designed to understand patient perspectives on what patients value when oncologists communicate news of cancer recurrence. ⋯ This study suggests that oncologists giving news of cancer recurrence could think of the communication as going back and forth between recognition and guidance and could ask themselves: "Have I demonstrated that I recognize the patient's experience hearing the news?" and "Have I provided guidance to the next steps?"
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Simplified prognostic model in patients with oxaliplatin-based or irinotecan-based first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a GERCOR study.
The present study was done to establish a prognostic model for patients and trials using an oxaliplatin-based or irinotecan-based first-line chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. ⋯ Serum LDH level was the main prognostic factor in predicting survival, followed by WHO PS. We identified three risk groups for death depending on these two baseline parameters. This simple prognostic model can be useful for clinician's use and patient stratification in future clinical trials.
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There has been increasing interest in the use of methylphenidate for cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients with advanced cancer. However, there is limited literature on the specific patient characteristics associated with response to methylphenidate. Our objective of this study was to identify the specific patient characteristics associated with response to methylphenidate and to compare day 1 response with day 8 response. ⋯ Response to methylphenidate is associated with higher baseline fatigue but not with higher baseline depression or sedation. Additionally, day 1 improvement is highly sensitive as a predictor of long-term improvement.