Medical oncology
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Secondary prophylactic administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) following an episode of febrile neutropenia is recommended if maintenance of dose-intensity is desired. This policy was adopted in our center in patients treated with an intent for cure or durable complete response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this policy. ⋯ Other dose-limiting toxicities developed in 1/51 patients who received N1 and in 1/41 patients who received N2. There was no drug-related death associated with either cycle. In conclusion, a policy of full-dose chemotherapy with secondary G-CSF support in patients who develop febrile neutropenia following moderately myelotoxic chemotherapy is relatively safe and feasible.
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The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tumor marker levels in patients with breast cancer and carcinomatous meningitis. Serial CSF and serum tumor marker (CEA, CA-15.3, CA-125, and CA-19.9) measurements were performed in five patients with breast cancer developing carcinomatous meningitis in an attempt to correlate these with clinical outcome under treatment. ⋯ Given our findings, CSF tumor marker evaluation may provide a reliable means and surrogate end-points of monitoring response of carcinomatous meningitis to treatment. Therefore, large studies to assess the value of CSF tumor marker changes in carcinomatous meningitis are warranted.