Gynecologic oncology
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Gynecologic oncology · Mar 2005
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy using high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer.
We retrospectively reviewed our experience with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) to assess its feasibility and efficacy in the treatment of patients with uterine cervical cancer. ⋯ This preliminary study suggests that CCRT using HDR-ICBT is feasible and efficacious for patients with locoregionally advanced uterine cervical cancer.
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Gynecologic oncology · Mar 2005
Lymph-vascular space invasion and number of positive para-aortic node groups predict survival in node-positive patients with endometrial cancer.
The aim of this study was to determine pathologic variables associated with disease-specific survival of node-positive patients with endometrial carcinoma treated with combination of surgery including pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. ⋯ LVSI and number of positive PAN groups were independent prognostic factors for stage IIIc endometrial cancer patients. Postoperative therapy and follow-up modality need to be individualized according to LVSI and the number of positive PAN for stage IIIc patients. New molecular markers to predict the prognosis of endometrial cancer patients preoperatively should be found for individualization of treatment. New chemotherapy regimen including taxane needs to be considered as an adjuvant therapy for patients with node-positive endometrial cancer.
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Gynecologic oncology · Mar 2005
Rapid desensitization for hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel and docetaxel: a new standard protocol used in 77 successful treatments.
Administration of paclitaxel is associated with hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) in up to 9% of patients despite premedication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized desensitization protocol in patients with HSRs to taxanes, based on our experience with carboplatin desensitization. ⋯ The rapid standard desensitization protocol provides a safe and effective strategy for the re-administration of paclitaxel or docetaxel even after severe HSRs.
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Gynecologic oncology · Feb 2005
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in patients with malignant bowel obstruction due to ovarian carcinoma.
To analyze the feasibility of using percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement in ovarian cancer patients with malignant bowel obstruction and to analyze the outcome of these patients. ⋯ PEG tube placement in ovarian carcinoma is technically feasible and safe in the palliative setting. In addition, PEG tube placement allowed the majority of patients to have end-of-life care either at home or in an inpatient hospice. For the total population, no benefit was seen regarding survival with the use of TPN in this setting. Selected patients (younger age and without liver metastasis) may benefit from chemotherapy after PEG tube placement.
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Gynecologic oncology · Jan 2005
Evaluation of germline PTEN mutations in endometrial cancer patients.
Cowden Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple hamartomas, increased risks of breast and thyroid cancers, and possibly endometrial carcinoma. Susceptibility to Cowden syndrome is conferred by germline mutation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene, and somatic mutations of PTEN are common in sporadic endometrial carcinomas. The aim of this study was to test whether a substantial proportion of endometrial cancers are associated with germline mutations of the PTEN gene, not necessarily in association with clinically overt Cowden syndrome. ⋯ Although these data do not preclude the possibility of an increased risk of endometrial cancer in association with the Cowden syndrome, they indicate that germline PTEN mutations do not account for a significant proportion of genetic attributable risk for endometrial carcinoma.