Klinická onkologie : casopis Ceské a Slovenské onkologické spolecnosti
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Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS, MIM 135150) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by presence of skin fibrofolliculomas, lung cysts, spontaneous pneumothorax and renal cancer. The disease is caused by germ-line mutations of the FLCN gene, which encodes protein folliculin. ⋯ Clinical recommendations include increased care during general anesthesia due to a higher risk of pneumothorax, and long-term follow-up due to an elevated risk of renal cancer. Diagnostic and predictive DNA tests are available; prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis is possible.
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Preoperative radiotherapy is considered to be standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. The timing and dosage of radiotherapy with or without preoperative chemotherapy remain controversial issues. The objective of this study was to evaluate relevant clinical outcomes of two preoperative radiotherapy regimens - the short-course and -long-course radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. ⋯ Our findings provide convincing evidence that in comparison to preoperative short-course radiotherapy, the preoperative long-course radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy is the most effective treatment modality for patients with operable locally advanced rectal cancer in terms downstaging and pathologic complete response. Increase in overall survival time as well as lower local recurrence rate makes this modality superior to other preoperative radiotherapy alternatives.
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Palliative cancer care is an active treatment and nursing intervention in patients in whom cancer therapy has been withdrawn due to untreatable progression of the cancer disease. The main aim of palliative cancer care is to ensure the best possible quality of life of a cancer patient and the patient's family members. Palliative cancer care is provided in two basic forms, general and specialized. In the present paper, the authors discuss palliative cancer care and its implementation into clinical practice with reference to their own experience in providing this care.
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Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) have proven therapeutic and preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical evidence demonstrates tumor-suppressive effects of statins in several human neoplasias, including breast cancer. ⋯ This study represents the first report of simvastatin use in experimental mammary carcinogenesis in vivo.