Gynecologic oncology
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Gynecologic oncology · Jun 2006
EditorialSexual rehabilitation medicine in a female oncology setting.
Comprehensive oncological care has recently expanded not only to include diagnosis and treatment but survivorship medicine as well. Tertiary health care facilities are now developing multidisciplinary survivorship programs that focus on helping cancer patients live active, fulfilled lives while dealing with the potentially damaging and longstanding sexual ramifications of cancer and cancer therapy. As part of a growing trend, health care institutions are establishing specialized sexual health programs to address cancer patients' sexual needs using functionalized survivorship curricula. ⋯ Using the Sexual Health Program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center as a prototype for the development of future sexual health programs, this article will discuss the specific components and benefits of such programs. An effective program focuses on 4 key issues-clinical care, patient education and support, medical and scientific research, and medical education and training for health care professionals and providers. This article will discuss how sexual health programs benefit the female cancer patient (it should be noted, however, that these programs, such as the one at our institution, are usually available for either sex).
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Gynecologic oncology · Jun 2006
Comparative StudyEffectiveness of darbepoetin alfa versus epoetin alfa for the treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia in patients with gynecologic malignancies.
Chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) commonly occurs in gynecologic oncology patients. This often leads to treatment with erythropoietic stimulating agents in order to prevent chemotherapy delays, dose modifications and transfusion of red blood cells. Our objective was to determine the subsequent transfusion rates following administration of either darbepoetin alfa or epoetin alfa. ⋯ This retrospective analysis powered to detect differences in transfusion rates revealed a statistically significant difference in transfusion rates between darbepoetin alfa and epoetin alfa for the treatment of CIA. These data warrant a randomized prospective trial in gynecologic oncology patients with careful attention to the timing of initiation of treatment, dosing regimens, and titration of growth factor.