Onkologie
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Long-term health-related quality-of-life outcomes after permanent prostate brachytherapy.
We evaluated the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after modern prostate brachytherapy (PB). ⋯ Our data substantiate the favorable long-term HRQoL outcomes associated with modern PB techniques. Significant age differences were observed in sexual symptoms and less pronounced age differences in urinary symptoms. We found a low rate of urinary symptoms and no evidence of severe rectal dysfunction.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes the 5th most frequent cancer worldwide, and due to a lack of treatment options, HCC represents the 3rd most lethal cancer worldwide. The incidence of HCC is continuously rising in Europe and Northern America, which can be explained by spreading of hepatitis C virus infections. Systemic chemotherapy is not an option for most patients with HCC. ⋯ Phase I/II studies showed high progression-free survival rates with antibodies or small molecules targeting the VEGF receptor pathway. Recently, a randomized placebo-controlled phase III study showed that the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, which inhibits VEGF and Raf, significantly improves survival of patients with advanced HCC and Child A cirrhosis. As a consequence of this study, sorafenib is now the first available drug for effective systemic treatment of patients with advanced HCC.
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Totally implantable venous access ports have been in use now for over 20 years. They are valuable instruments for long-term intravenous treatment of patients with cancer. ⋯ This review will give a broad overview on the frequency and possible complications related to port devices. Furthermore, this review suggests strategies for management including proposals to avoid such complications.
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Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare disease in children and young adults, usually responsive to chemotherapy. Here we report on a patient with chemorefractory disease, treated in an unconventional approach. ⋯ Rhabdomyosarcoma refractory to chemotherapy may respond to radiotherapy and the addition of bevacizumab and statins. Although the contribution of the adjuncts is unclear, the unexpected tumour control in this case may help in decision-making in similar cases and may encourage the investigation of these adjuncts in protocols.
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Surgical resection followed by radiotherapy used to be the standard treatment in malignant gliomas. Recently, temozolomide has become a cornerstone in the treatment of these patients. We evaluated retrospectively the efficacy and the toxicity of temozolomide which was administered concomitantly with radiotherapy, and thereafter as consolidation treatment. ⋯ Our data suggest that temozolomide is an active regimen for malignant gliomas. It was more effective in younger patients with better performance status.