Frontiers in oncology
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Frontiers in oncology · Jan 2016
Variation in Practice of the Diagnostic Workup of Asymptomatic Patients Diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer is frequently diagnosed, yet variation remains in terms of practice patterns in presurgical workup. We sought to determine factors associated with this variation. ⋯ These data highlight the lack of uniformity in the workup of asymptomatic patients presenting with non-palpable breast cancers, pointing to potential areas for improving value by minimizing variability.
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Frontiers in oncology · Jan 2016
Report on First International Workshop on Robotic Surgery in Thoracic Oncology.
A workshop of experts from France, Germany, Italy, and the United States took place at Humanitas Research Hospital Milan, Italy, on February 10 and 11, 2016, to examine techniques for and applications of robotic surgery to thoracic oncology. The main topics of presentation and discussion were robotic surgery for lung resection; robot-assisted thymectomy; minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer; new developments in computer-assisted surgery and medical applications of robots; the challenge of costs; and future clinical research in robotic thoracic surgery. The following article summarizes the main contributions to the workshop. ⋯ These advantages may make robotic surgery more accessible than VATS to trainees and experienced surgeons and also lead to expanded indications. However, the high costs of robotic surgery and absence of tactile feedback remain obstacles to widespread dissemination. A prospective multicentric randomized trial (NCT02804893) to compare robotic and VATS approaches to stages I and II lung cancer will start shortly.
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Frontiers in oncology · Jan 2016
Opioid-Induced Constipation among a Convenience Sample of Patients with Cancer Pain.
Little is known regarding the burden of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) among patients who suffer from cancer-related pain. ⋯ In this primarily UK sample, there appears to be considerable unmet OIC treatment needs among cancer patients.
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Frontiers in oncology · Jan 2015
Frequency, clinical correlates, and ratings of behavioral changes in primary brain tumor patients: a preliminary investigation.
Few studies have addressed the specific behavioral changes associated with primary brain tumor (PBT). This paper will report on the frequency and demographic/clinical correlates of such behaviors, and the reliability of rating such behaviors among people with PBT, family informants, and clinicians. The association of behavioral changes and patient functional status will also be discussed. ⋯ Behavioral changes were a common sequela of both benign and malignant PBT. Larger scale studies are required to confirm these results. The results suggest the importance of including behavior in brain cancer psychosocial assessments and the need to develop interventions to treat these patients and reduce the burden of care on families.
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Frontiers in oncology · Jan 2015
ReviewCervical Cancer in Botswana: Current State and Future Steps for Screening and Treatment Programs.
Botswana has a high burden of cervical cancer due to a limited screening program and high HIV prevalence. About 60% of the cervical cancer patients are HIV positive; most present with advanced cervical disease. Through initiatives by the Botswana Ministry of Health and various strategic partnerships, strides have been made in treatment of pre-invasive and invasive cancer. ⋯ In regards to treatment of invasive cancer, a multidisciplinary clinic has been initiated at the main oncology hospital to streamline care. However, challenges remain such as delays in treatment, lack of trained human personnel, limited follow-up care, and little patient education. Despite improvements in the care of pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer patients, for declines in cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality to be achieved, Botswana needs to continue to invest in decreasing the burden of disease and improving patient outcomes of patients with cervical cancer.