American journal of clinical oncology
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Dec 1996
Review Case ReportsMediastinitis related to probable central vinblastine extravasation in a woman undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, although generally safe and of proven benefit, can have severe complications. Central venous catheter (CVC) complications are relatively common forms of treatment-related morbidity in this setting. We report a rare type of CVC-related complication, that of chemotherapy-induced mediastinitis from central venous extravasation of the drug vinblastine, in a women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. ⋯ Two similar cases have been reported in pediatric patients. It is likely that this clinical problem is underreported. Patients with CVCs actively undergoing chemotherapy with vesicant agents should be watched carefully for early signs of CVC disruption and subsequent extravasation, as it is likely that early intervention will be of benefit.
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Dec 1996
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPhase II study of docetaxel in advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
Because of its unusual mechanism of action, docetaxel was selected for study in advanced soft tissue sarcomas of adults as part of a search for new active antisarcoma agents. Patients at least 18 years old with measurable histologically proven advanced nonosseous sarcomas were enrolled if they had ECOG performance status of < or = 2 and satisfactory leukocyte and platelet counts, and hepatic and renal function. Patients with Kaposi's sarcoma, mesothelioma, meningioma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma were excluded, as were patients with brain or leptomeningeal metastases. ⋯ One drug-related death occurred in a neutropenic patient. One partial regression was observed (5.9%, 95% C. I. 0.15-28.7%) among the 17 eligible patients in a patient with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma.
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Am. J. Clin. Oncol. · Dec 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialAntiemetic efficacy of two different single intravenous doses of dolasetron in patients receiving high-dose cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study compared the antiemetic effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of two different intravenous (i.v.) doses of dolasetron mesylate (0.6 and 1.8 mg/kg) in cancer patients receiving their first course of high-dose cisplatin-containing chemotherapy (> or = 75 mg/m2). Efficacy was assessed by recording the timing, number, and severity of emetic episodes in the 24 h following high-dose cisplatin. Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events, vital signs, clinical laboratory parameters, and electrocardiograms. ⋯ More than 80% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with dolasetron treatment. The most common adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity, consistent with other studies, and included headache (24.1% of patients) and diarrhea (4.8%). These results demonstrated that a single 1.8-mg/kg i.v. dose of dolasetron mesylate provided effective antiemetic activity in a majority of patients given high-dose cisplatin for the first time and should be evaluated further in clinical trials.