Onkologie
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Antiemetic efficacy of an oral suspension of granisetron plus dexamethasone and influence of quality of life on risk for nausea and vomiting.
To assess the antiemetic efficacy of an oral suspension of granisetron/dexamethasone in patients receiving chemotherapy and to determine whether quality-of-life parameters influence the risk for postchemotherapy nausea and vomiting (PCNV). ⋯ Once-daily oral administration of a suspension of granisetron/dexamethasone is an active prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting and compares favorably with data reported on intravenous administration. Quality-of-life parameters assessed pre-treatment could help to identify patients at high risk for nausea and vomiting so that antiemetic therapy can be tailored to individual patient risk.
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Increasing interest in the treatment of elderly patients or patients with poor performance status (PS) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has led to a number of subgroup analyses of clinical trials, and even more importantly, the conduction of trials specifically designed for this cohort. These studies allow some important conclusions. Data from retrospective studies and meta-analyses indicate that the use of platinum-based two-drug combinations in selected, fit elderly patients may produce response rates, survival, and toxicity comparable to those in younger patients. ⋯ Single- agent therapy with vinorelbine, when compared to best supportive care, has been shown to give a statistically significant survival benefit and improve quality of life. Conflicting data from phase II/III trials in elderly patients with NSCLC exist regarding a potential benefit of combination chemotherapy over single-agent treatment in the total cohort of elderly patients, including those with comorbidities or declining functional reserve. A review of the most important trials, assessing treatment options in elderly patients with lung cancer, either prospectively or retrospectively, is provided, and still unresolved issues are addressed.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Oncological management of pediatric cancer patients belonging to Jehovah's Witnesses: a two-institutional experience report.
Aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of oncological treatment in pediatric patients belonging to Jehovah's Witnesses and to describe the changing policy in performing transfusions and supportive care measures at two German pediatric cancer institutions. ⋯ Pediatric cancer patients belonging to Jehovah's Witnesses can be treated similarly to other patients. A restrictive transfusion policy and the broad application of hematopoietic supportive care measures may reduce transfusions. This treatment policy and a continuous collaboration with the Hospital Liaison Committee for Jehovah's Witnesses appears to create an oncological treatment situation with a high compliance of patients and parents where court orders may not be necessary.