Cancer treatment reviews
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Cancer treatment reviews · Nov 2010
ReviewUpdate on capecitabine alone and in combination regimens in colorectal cancer patients.
Capecitabine is an orally administered fluoropyrimidine carbamate which has been developed as a prodrug of 5-FU with the goal to improve its tolerability and intratumoral drug concentration. The review aims to provide an evidence-based update of clinical trials investigating the clinical efficacy, adverse-event profile, dosage and administration of this drug, alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics and/or new target-oriented drugs, in the management of colorectal cancer patients.
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Cancer treatment reviews · Nov 2010
ReviewPrognostic vs predictive molecular biomarkers in colorectal cancer: is KRAS and BRAF wild type status required for anti-EGFR therapy?
An important molecular target for metastatic CRC treatment is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Many potential biomarkers predictive of response to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (cetuximab and panitumumab) have been retrospectively evaluated, including EGFR activation markers and EGFR ligands activation markers. ⋯ The role of B-RAF mutations, mutually exclusive with KRAS mutations, in predicting resistance to anti-EGFR mAbs is not yet consolidated. It therefore appears that BRAF mutations may play a strong negative prognostic role and only a slight role in resistance to anti-EGFR Abs.
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Cisplatin-based treatment has significantly increased survival in testicular cancer patients. Therefore, there has been enough interest for the late toxic effects of chemotherapy which affect the quality of life of the cancer survivors. ⋯ Physicians should also be aware of the risk of secondary malignancy development. Therefore, close follow-up of the testicular cancer survivors as well as, focus on minimizing treatment complications through improvement of treatment strategies are warranted.
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Cancer treatment reviews · May 2010
ReviewManagement of treatment-related adverse events in patients with multiple myeloma.
The introduction of novel antimyeloma therapies, including thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib, has expanded treatment options for patients with multiple myeloma. These compounds alter the natural history of multiple myeloma and help improve outcomes, but have different and specific toxicity profiles. ⋯ Herein we evaluate the incidence of treatment-related adverse events associated with each of these compounds. We further review the management of these adverse events with a view to delivering optimal therapeutic outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma.
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In the last decade, advances in our understanding of the biology of myeloma have led to new treatment approaches that have resulted in unprecedented improvements in survival outcomes. These gains can be attributed in part to the introduction of three new active agents for the treatment of myeloma: thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib. With these treatments, however, have come new questions regarding the optimal approach to therapy, expected outcomes, and safety issues. In the articles included in this supplement, experts at the forefront of myeloma research provide insight into the management of patients with myeloma, and the current issues that clinicians face today regarding the best use of these agents.