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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BI 2536 is a selective and potent small-molecule inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1. We performed a multi-centre, multi-tumour phase II trial to investigate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of BI 2536 in five solid tumour types. ⋯ BI 2536 showed limited antitumour activity according to the design of this trial in five different tumour types. Derivatives of BI 2536 with a more favourable pharmacological profile are currently explored further in prospective studies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Markers for EGFR pathway activation as predictor of outcome in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with or without cetuximab.
Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment are only effective in patients with KRAS wild type tumours. Here we assess the predictive value of other potential relevant markers involved in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathways for response to cetuximab-based treatment. ⋯ BRAF genotype is correlated with PFS and OS in KRAS wild type mCRC patients, which is independent of cetuximab treatment. PIK3CA mutation, loss of PTEN expression, EGFR GCN and HER2 GCN have no predictive value for response to treatment with cetuximab, neither individually nor in combination with other markers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Screening for colorectal cancer: comparison of perceived test burden of guaiac-based faecal occult blood test, faecal immunochemical test and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Perceived burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an important determinant of participation in subsequent screening rounds and therefore crucial for the effectiveness of a screening programme. This study determined differences in perceived burden and willingness to return for a second screening round among participants of a randomised population-based trial comparing a guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT), a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening. ⋯ FIT slightly outperforms gFOBT with a lower level of reported discomfort and overall burden. Both FOBTs are better accepted than FS screening. All three tests have a high level of acceptance, which may affect uptake of subsequent screening rounds and should be taken into consideration before implementing a CRC screening programme.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Outcomes in paediatric metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: results of The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) study MMT-98.
Results are presented of the SIOP study MMT-98 for paediatric metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), which evaluated intensive chemotherapy followed by low intensity 'maintenance' chemotherapy in standard risk patients (SRG). For poor risk patients (PRG), the value of a therapeutic window study, sequential high dose monotherapy to achieve a complete response (CR) followed by low dose maintenance chemotherapy was examined. ⋯ SRG patients' EFS and OS were comparable to those of previous studies. For PRG patients there was no improvement in survival.
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To determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress, depression and anxiety in adults who have survived cancer (5 years) diagnosed in adolescence, as compared to healthy controls. ⋯ Survivors of cancer during adolescence show an elevated risk of presenting symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and/or depression during adulthood which is also reflected in a greater number of DSM-IV diagnoses when compared to controls. Comprehensive follow-up assessments should include the examination of possible psychological late effects of a cancer diagnosis in adolescence in order to identify survivors needing psychosocial interventions even years after the completion of successful medical treatment.