European journal of cancer : official journal for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) [and] European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
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Worldwide, prices for cancer drugs have been under downward pressure where several governments have mandated price cuts of branded products. A better alternative to government mandated price cuts would be to estimate a final price based on drug performance, cost effectiveness and a country's ability to pay. We developed a global pricing index for new cancer drugs in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that encompasses all of these attributes. ⋯ The application of this index to estimate a price based on cost effectiveness and the wealth of a nation would be important for opening dialogue between the key stakeholders and a better alternative to government mandated price cuts.
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In the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), anti-EGFR antibodies are not currently recommended for individuals with KRAS mutant tumours. This is based on subgroup analyses of individual clinical trials rather than a formal synthesis of evidence for KRAS status as a predictive biomarker, while newer trials report no benefit for anti-EGFR antibodies irrespective of KRAS status. This study systematically reviewed the evidence for KRAS mutation status as a treatment effect modifier of response to anti-EGFR antibodies and the influence of partner chemotherapy. ⋯ KRAS mutation status is a treatment effect modifier for anti-EGFR antibodies in metastatic CRC. Further evidence is needed to determine whether this is true for all chemotherapy partners and all clinical circumstances.
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(18)F-fluoro-2-dexoy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computerised tomography (CT) has been used for staging and monitoring responses to treatment in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The sequential interim PET/CT was prospectively investigated to determine whether it provided additional prognostic information and could be a positive predictable value within patients with the same international prognostic index (IPI) after the use of rituximab in DLBCL. ⋯ Interim PET/CT scanning had a significant predictive value for disease progression and survival of DLBCL in post-rituximab treatment; it might be the single most important determinant of clinical outcome in patients with the same IPI risk.
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Time-space incidence maps of the Netherlands indicated differences in incidence of cutaneous melanoma (melanoma) over the country, which might be related to sociodemographic characteristics of living environment and socioeconomic status (SES) of the patients. The goal of this study was to refine the current approaches to prevention and early detection of melanoma by revealing relationships between sociodemographic factors and incidence of melanoma in the Netherlands. ⋯ Awareness of the risks of UV radiation (UVR) is important and in the higher SES-groups primary prevention should remain the focus. However, if the incidence rates for the higher SES-groups are illustrative for the lower SES-groups, then the focus should be on both primary and secondary prevention in the low SES-groups.
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Most patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) progress after chemotherapy. Cabazitaxel (XRP6258) is a new taxoid that is active in chemotherapy-resistant tumour cell lines. The objectives of this phase I/II study were to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and activity of cabazitaxel plus capecitabine in patients with MBC who had been previously treated with taxanes and anthracyclines. ⋯ Cabazitaxel combined with capecitabine is active, has a safety profile consistent with a taxane plus capecitabine combination and warrants further investigation in patients with MBC.