Onkologie
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Currently, many treatment options and new targets for cancer therapies for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are being evaluated. This article discusses in detail the significance of first-line and second-line epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and EML4-ALK. Furthermore, the article summarizes the implications and future prospects of using molecular testing in the field of NSCLC with focus on EGFR mutations, KRAS mutation, EML4-ALK fusion gene detection, and EGFR expression.
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A port-A catheter implantation for cancer patients is popular as a route for chemotherapy. Potential complications exist, such as perforation during chemotherapeutic agent infusion, especially when the port-A tip is incorrectly positioned or when it is in long-term use. ⋯ Hoarseness is a rare complication of port-A perforation and extravasation. To avoid perforation, the tip of the catheter should be located in a high-flow vessel, such as the distal superior vena cava rather than higher in the caval vein, to prevent a locally increased concentration of drugs. We also recommend that a venogram be arranged if extravasation is suspected.
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Pulmonary actinomycosis may create a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma especially in cancer patients. ⋯ Oncologists should be aware of rare diseases that may affect management approaches in the treatment of cancer.
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The admission of patients with malignancies to an intensive care unit (ICU) still remains a matter of substantial controversy. The identification of factors that potentially influence the patient outcome can help ICU professionals make appropriate decisions. ⋯ The decision for or against ICU admission of patients with hematological diseases should become increasingly independent of the underlying malignant disease.