Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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In the last few years, several studies have focused on the interpretation of unclassified variants (UVs) of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Analysis of UVs through a unique approach is not sufficient to understand their role in the development of tumors. ⋯ Building reliable integrated models for UV classification requires the joining of many working groups to collaborative consortia, allowing data exchange and improvements of methods. This will lead to improvement in the predictivity of gene testing in BRCA1 and BRCA2 and, consequently, to an increase in the number of families that can be correctly classified as linked or unlinked to these genes, allowing more accurate genetic counseling and clinical management.
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Advanced mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (mEOC) has been associated with a worse prognosis than the more common serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas (sEOC), but it remains unclear whether this observation reflects a more aggressive clinical presentation and/or chemoresistance. ⋯ Advanced mEOC appears to be highly chemoresistant and complete resection of peritoneal metastases is unable to reverse its poor prognosis. New therapeutic options are needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Matuzumab plus epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine (ECX) compared with epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine alone as first-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophago-gastric cancer: a randomised, multicentre open-label phase II study.
Clinical data showed promising antitumour activity with feasible tolerability for matuzumab plus epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine (ECX) chemotherapy in untreated advanced oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of matuzumab plus ECX versus ECX alone. ⋯ Matuzumab 800 mg weekly combined with ECX chemotherapy does not increase response or survival for patients with advanced OG cancer. Therefore, ECX/matuzumab should not be examined further in phase III trials.
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Once castration resistance is documented and secondary hormone therapy is ineffective, standard treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is docetaxel, with bisphosphonates and radiopharmaceuticals administered to treat bone symptoms. To improve outcomes, numerous studies have evaluated docetaxel in combination with other agents. Here, results for docetaxel-based combination therapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are reviewed. ⋯ Docetaxel-based doublet therapy remains an active investigational strategy in CRPC. Further phase III data are awaited to determine whether survival can be extended compared with docetaxel alone.
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Comparative Study
High-dose therapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation with and without rituximab for primary treatment of high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
We aimed to determine safety and efficacy of rituximab (R) in combination with repetitive high-dose therapy (HDT) as primary treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). ⋯ The addition of rituximab to MegaCHOEP significantly improved outcome in young patients with high-risk DLBCL. The higher incidence of grade 3/4 infections needs consideration when rituximab and HDT regimens are combined.