Journal of the National Cancer Institute
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Dec 1992
Enhancement of nitrosourea activity in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma multiforme.
Although chemotherapy offers promise of increased survival for children with medulloblastoma and glioblastoma multiforme, drug resistance occurs frequently, resulting in tumor progression and death. Resistance to nitrosoureas and methylating agents, which damage DNA, can be mediated by a DNA repair protein, O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGAT). Depletion of this protein with alkylguanines or methylating agents, however, restores tumor cell sensitivity to the cytotoxicity of chloroethylnitrosoureas (e.g., carmustine [BCNU]). ⋯ We recommend comprehensive clinical toxicologic evaluation of combination therapy with O6-benzylguanine plus BCNU, which would allow subsequent design of phase I clinical trials.
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Taxotere, a semisynthetic compound structurally related to taxol, has a broad spectrum of activity in murine transplantable tumors; in the B16 melanoma model, it caused a total log cell kill 2.5 times greater than that caused by taxol at equitoxic doses. ⋯ Granulocytopenia associated with oral mucositis is the dose-limiting toxicity of this schedule. We recommended a starting dose of 14 mg/m2 per day for phase II studies of this 5-day schedule. Dose modifications on days 2-5 based on the day-1 AUC may allow individualized dosing.
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · May 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of breast irradiation following lumpectomy and axillary dissection for node-negative breast cancer.
Although the conservation management of breast cancer has become a routine method of treatment in most centers, there is still considerable controversy surrounding the ultimate minimum treatment required for node-negative breast cancer to achieve adequate local control. ⋯ Further follow-up may define an acceptable low-risk group for breast relapse. Until then, we recommend that all patients receive breast irradiation. Systemic adjuvant therapy should be considered for patients with poor nuclear grade tumors.
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · May 1992
Promoting smoking cessation in the United States: effect of public service announcements on the Cancer Information Service telephone line.
Although many smokers report making attempts to quit, few seek help or are successful in their attempts. Some of the barriers to seeking help can be overcome by a telephone counseling and information service like that offered by the Cancer Information Service of the National Cancer Institute. This service has been promoted by antismoking public service announcements produced by the Office on Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ⋯ It is important to identify whether the aid offered by the Cancer Information Service hotline is effective in helping the caller to quit. Future work must concentrate on the most effective strategies for using this initial contact to provide aid to prevent relapse, thus maximizing the potential impact of the public service announcement campaigns.