The lancet oncology
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Hair loss can be a psychologically devastating adverse effect of chemotherapy, but satisfactory management strategies for chemotherapy-induced alopecia remain elusive. In this Review we focus on the complex pathobiology of this side-effect. ⋯ Additionally, the degree of hair-follicle stem-cell damage determines whether chemotherapy-induced alopecia is reversible. We highlight the need for carefully designed preclinical research models to generate novel, clinically relevant pointers to how this condition may be overcome.
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The lancet oncology · Feb 2013
Selumetinib in women with recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum: an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study.
Low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary is chemoresistant but mutations in the MAPK pathway could be targeted to control tumour growth. We therefore assessed the safety and activity of selumetinib, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, for patients with this cancer. ⋯ National Cancer Institute.
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The lancet oncology · Feb 2013
Radiotherapy capacity in European countries: an analysis of the Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) database.
Radiotherapy is used for cure or palliation in around half of patients with cancer. We analysed data on radiotherapy equipment in 33 European countries registered in the Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) database, managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. As of July, 2012, Europe had 1286 active radiotherapy centres. ⋯ Most western and southern European countries have several small centres with one or two machines, with few larger centres. The fragmentation in radiotherapy services that prevails in many European countries might affect the economic burden of radiotherapy and its quality. Eastern and southeastern European countries need to expand and modernise their radiotherapy equipment.