Journal of surgical oncology
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Editorial Biography Historical Article
Surgeon, scientist, and sailor--a tribute to Blake Cady, MD.
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The purpose of the study is to determine the significance of elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the setting prior to residual tumor resection (RTR) following chemotherapy for metastatic germ cell tumor in terms of the prediction of histology of the specimen and postoperative survival. ⋯ Sole and mild elevation of AFP is not always associated with postoperative poor prognosis. It should be carefully considered individually whether a mild elevation of AFP after chemotherapy represents residual malignancy or benign pathogenesis.
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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) represents about 20% of newly diagnosed breast carcinomas. Axillary metastasis is often related to undiagnosed DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM). The aim of this study was to confirm the interest of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in extensive DCIS. ⋯ Sentinel lymph node biopsy is valuable in patients with diffuse DCIS or DCISM who are scheduled for mastectomy in order to search for axillary micrometastases and occult breast microinvasion.
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Review Comparative Study
Adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for early breast cancer: A review of the most recent data.
Tamoxifen is the established adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer. However, the side-effects associated with tamoxifen therapy have prompted a search for safer and potentially more effective endocrine agents. Results from randomized trials of the third-generation aromatase inhibitors, anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane, demonstrating improved efficacy compared with tamoxifen and favorable tolerability profiles, are discussed in this review.