Gynecologic oncology
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Gynecologic oncology · Nov 2006
Evaluation of the incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions in cancer patients.
Although the reported incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity is low, its occurrence is important to characterize because of potential fatal complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the current incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity in the ovarian cancer patients compared to other oncology patients and identify potential risk factors that may contribute to development of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions. ⋯ This study confirmed a similar incidence of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions to previous reports. However, we found that the higher incidence associated with ovarian cancer patients can be attributed to the prolonged carboplatin exposure or history of drug allergies. This is the first study to observe that the administration of H1 and H2 antagonists is associated with a decrease risk of carboplatin hypersensitivity reaction.
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Gynecologic oncology · Nov 2006
Risk factors for anastomotic leak after recto-sigmoid resection for ovarian cancer.
Anastomotic leak after recto-sigmoid (RS) resection for ovarian cancer (OC) is a life-threatening complication. Selection of patients for protective diverting stomas has been based on observations from the colorectal literature. Our objective was to identify primary risk factors for anastomotic leak in OC patients undergoing RS resection to better determine who would most benefit from protective diversion. ⋯ Low serum albumin is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak after RS resection for OC. Patients with a low albumin level may benefit from a protective diverting colostomy/ileostomy.
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Gynecologic oncology · Nov 2006
Prospective endometrial assessment of breast cancer patients treated with third generation aromatase inhibitors.
A prospective evaluation of the effects on endometrium of third generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs), administered as adjuvant up-front therapy or switched therapy in menopausal patients suffering from breast cancer. ⋯ AIs delivered as up-front therapy for breast cancer have no effects on unspecific endometrial thickening. When administered as switched therapy after tamoxifen withdrawal, AIs may reverse tamoxifen-associated endometrial thickening. As a consequence, we reduced unnecessary second-line endometrial investigations. A low rate of emerging endometrial pathology was found during AIs therapy.
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Gynecologic oncology · Oct 2006
The impact of age on long-term outcome in patients with endometrial cancer treated with postoperative radiation.
Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy in the United States. Age has been associated with worse outcome in univariate analysis. However, the patterns of failure and associated risk factors in older patients remain unclear. We reviewed our institution's experience to assess the effect of age in a population of endometrial cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. ⋯ Older endometrial cancer (age >63 years) patients have a significantly decreased overall survival, cause-specific survival, and greater risk of recurrence following postoperative RT independent of other prognostic factors and/or treatment technique. The impact of treatment-related variables did not alter the age-related outcome.