Current oncology reports
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Bone and soft tissue sarcomas represent rare tumors that can be cured by local treatment at early stages of disease. However, advanced or metastatic disease is rarely cured, and very few drugs have shown efficacy in this setting. ⋯ The response rate and durable stable disease in early studies, as well as the tolerability profile, recommend these drugs as promising candidates for further clinical studies. This article discusses preliminary results from clinical trials in patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma as well as future perspectives.
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The result of a lung cancer screening program should be fewer lung cancer-specific deaths in the screened population. Studies evaluating chest imaging as a screening tool for lung cancer have not shown a reduction in lung cancer-specific mortality to date. ⋯ Current guidelines remain vague as randomized trials are being completed and technologic advances are occurring. The ultimate face of a successful lung cancer screening program is yet to be defined.
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Current oncology reports · May 2007
ReviewRecent advances in therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Sarcomas comprise less than 1% of all cancers. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common form of sarcoma and can vary in size and clinical outcome from an incidental finding at operation to life-threatening metastatic disease. ⋯ Sunitinib was approved in the United States in early 2006 for GIST that is refractory to imatinib. The pathology of GIST, surgical options for primary and metastatic disease, and findings leading to the use of imatinib and sunitinib for GIST are highlighted in this review.
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Current oncology reports · May 2007
ReviewCombined-modality therapy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers.
The optimal management of locoregional esophageal cancer is controversial. Preoperative concomitant chemoradiotherapy (two courses of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil plus 50 Gy of radiation) may provide benefit in survival and local control compared with surgery alone and is a reasonable alternative to surgery alone in stages IIB, III, and possibly stage IVa disease. ⋯ Preoperative chemotherapy without radiation also provides a survival benefit compared with surgery alone, but data are insufficient to conclude it is superior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Control of distant disease remains a problem with preoperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
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Current oncology reports · Nov 2006
ReviewMolecular genetics of pediatric central nervous system tumors.
Recent advances in molecular biology have enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of brain tumors, particularly in children. The use of molecular diagnostic tools is quickly becoming a standard component in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors in children, in addition to providing insight leading to treatment stratification and improved outcome prediction. All new protocols involving treatments for brain tumors in children include studies of biomarkers and biologic correlates as a means to identify new targets for therapeutics and possible intervention strategies.