Clinical advances in hematology & oncology : H&O
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The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases is part of a network of pathways that are involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer. HER-kinase receptors include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3, and HER4, which must combine as dimers to affect signaling. Different combinations of receptors produce different qualities and levels of pathway activation. ⋯ Data points towards the importance of inhibiting multiple members of the HER-kinase family to achieve more complete blockade of this axis for cancers other than HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Multiple pharmaceutical agents that block the HER-kinase axis are currently being tested for patients with prostate cancer. These include antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel strategies which seek to decrease HER2 expression.
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Clin Adv Hematol Oncol · Dec 2003
ReviewThe role of prophylactic cranial radiation in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.
Patients with lung cancer face a substantial risk of developing brain metastases. Prophylactic cranial irradiation therapy has been demonstrated to significantly decrease the incidence of central nervous system metastasis and improve overall survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer. ⋯ However, the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer is less well defined. As treatment modalities improve and patients live longer their risk of developing central nervous system recurrence increases, and methods to prevent this demand exploration.
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Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) have been associated with thromboembolic events. Since they were fi rst described in 1906, APAs have been the subject of multidisciplinary studies seeking to link them to potential pathophysiologic mechanisms. This review summarizes the different types of APAs, antigenic targets, clinical complications associated with APAs, and APA syndrome. In addition, the currently available methods for laboratory identification of lupus anticoagulants are discussed, as is the laboratory diagnosis of anticardiolipin antibodies.