Onkologie
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Oncology is a resource-intensive medical discipline where, so far, effectiveness rather than efficiency of a treatment has stood in the foreground. The aim of our study was, therefore, to determine the resource allocation and to assess the efficiency of oncology in Germany for the period of 2002-2004. ⋯ In Germany, oncology incurs higher costs per year of life gained as compared to several other diseases. Also, in malignant neoplasm considerable differences can be observed regarding resource allocation and efficiency.
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There is clear evidence that the epidemiologic importance of malignant diseases will continue to rise in the future. This creates the ethical obligation to further intensify the search for improved systemic treatment options. This review is focussed on principles and practices of phase I trials. ⋯ Although for formal reasons antitumor activity cannot be an endpoint in phase I studies the careful observation and documentation of potential anticancer efficacy is of utmost importance in these early clinical trials. Signals of antitumor activity may serve as important guidance for subsequent clinical development plans. Inclusion criteria, dose escalation schemes, and the importance of the concept of the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) are addressed together with ethical principles of exposure to novel chemical agents.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and possible toxicity of the combination of temozolomide (TMZ) with whole-brain irradiation (WBI) in the treatment of brain metastases from solid tumors. ⋯ WBI combined with TMZ as concomitant and adjuvant treatment is effective in treating brain metastases, with acceptable mild side effects.