The oncologist
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Oral granisetron for the prevention of acute late onset nausea and vomiting in patients treated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
To demonstrate the efficacy of oral granisetron 1 mg twice daily for the prevention of late onset nausea and vomiting after moderately emetogenic chemotherapy that includes cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, or doxorubicin. ⋯ Oral granisetron is well tolerated and more effective than prochlorperazine in preventing nausea and vomiting for up to 48 h following treatment with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
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The concept of targeted therapy for patients with advanced cancer has intrigued researchers for many years. The lymphoid malignancies are particularly good candidates for this therapeutic approach, due to the identification of multiple lymphocyte-specific antigens. The recent introduction of rituximab marks the beginning of a new era in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. ⋯ Within the next 12 months, several additional monoclonal antibodies will be available for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies. These include the radioimmunoconjugates tositumomab (Bexxar) and ibritumomab (Zevalin), as well as Campath-1H (anti-CD52) monoclonal antibody. Early clinical data with each of these agents are also briefly reviewed.
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Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first new chemotherapy agent to be approved for the treatment of high-grade malignant gliomas in more than 20 years. This novel oral alkylating agent has demonstrated promising activity not only in brain tumors, but in a variety of solid tumors, including malignant melanoma. TMZ is 100% bioavailable when taken orally and, because of its small size and lipophilic properties, it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. ⋯ More importantly, there is evidence to suggest that TMZ-treated patients have a lower incidence of central nervous system relapse compared with dacarbazine-treated patients. Therefore, TMZ is actively being investigated for the treatment and prevention of brain metastases in melanoma patients. TMZ may become an important part of treatment regimens for advanced metastatic melanoma.
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The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has recently decided to embark on an international partnership with the developing cancer programs on the Island of Ireland (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) in an attempt to further improve the quality and range of cancer services available for patients. This Transatlantic Partnership called the All Ireland-NCI Cancer Consortium offers exciting opportunities in cancer treatment, education and research as the cancer-caring communities from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland prepare to join with the U. S. ⋯ Finally, it is hoped that the Conference will be a marker of a very special interaction on the Island of Ireland focused on the overall development of cancer services for patients. It will also signal the start of an important partnership between the NCI and those involved in cancer care and research in Ireland. This tripartite cooperative agreement is a most exciting venture and it will hopefully be an example of how an effort focused on a human problem common to all societies can generate a spirit of cooperation and help to eliminate strife.
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The factors contributing to blood transfusions in patients with anemia of chronic disease are not well documented in the literature. We analyzed all blood transfusion events within a single oncology practice to determine if certain chemotherapy drugs, cancer types, or other factors necessitated more frequent transfusions. ⋯ The results of this study identify transfusion needs associated with certain groups of cancer patients and with certain types of chemotherapy drugs.