The lancet oncology
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Since the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 1993, and the subsequent discovery of their highly conserved nature in 2000, the amount of research into their function--particularly how they contribute to malignancy--has greatly increased. This class of small RNA molecules control gene expression and provide a previously unknown control mechanism for protein synthesis. As such, it is unsurprising that miRNAs are now known to play an essential part in malignancy, functioning as tumour suppressors and oncogenes. This Review summarises the present understanding of how miRNAs operate at the molecular level; how their dysregulation is a crucial part of tumour formation, maintenance, and metastasis; how they can be used as biomarkers for disease type and grade; and how miRNA-based treatments could be used for diverse types of malignancies.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2012
ReviewShort-term androgen deprivation therapy for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer undergoing dose-escalated radiotherapy: the standard of care?
What is the best way to manage patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer? One of the most controversial aspects of treatment is the role of short-term androgen deprivation therapy in combination with definitive radiotherapy. In two randomised trials of patients with mostly intermediate-risk prostate cancer, increased overall survival was reported when short-term androgen deprivation therapy was added to radiotherapy. ⋯ This limitation, in combination with the heterogeneous nature of the cancers classified as intermediate risk, has complicated the application of these trial results to modern clinical practice. In this Review, we discuss clinical evidence for and against use of short-term androgen deprivation therapy with dose-escalated radiotherapy for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2012
Review Comparative StudyGlobal burden of cancers attributable to infections in 2008: a review and synthetic analysis.
Infections with certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites have been identified as strong risk factors for specific cancers. An update of their respective contribution to the global burden of cancer is warranted. ⋯ Fondation Innovations en Infectiologie (FINOVI) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2012
Review Comparative StudyLenalidomide maintenance for multiple myeloma.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2012
ReviewOptimising radiation treatment decisions for patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy.
Whereas randomised clinical trials have established which patients might benefit from postmastectomy radiation therapy after upfront surgery, no such data exist for guiding decisions on who might benefit from postmastectomy radiation therapy after upfront chemotherapy. Insight must be drawn from non-randomised data to provide such guidance. Early data suggest that both extent of disease at presentation and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy predict the risk of locoregional recurrence, and can be used to tailor recommendations for postmastectomy radiation therapy. Randomised clinical trial data are needed to assess whether postmastectomy radiation therapy can be safely omitted in selected women with good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.