British journal of cancer
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British journal of cancer · Nov 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of metformin on apoptosis in a breast cancer presurgical trial.
Metformin has been associated with antitumour activity in breast cancer (BC) but its mechanism remains unclear. We determined whether metformin induced a modulation of apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) overall and by insulin resistance status in a presurgical trial. ⋯ Overall, we found no significant modulation of apoptosis by metformin, although there was a trend to a different effect according to insulin resistance status, with a pattern resembling Ki67 changes. Apoptosis was significantly higher in the surgical specimens compared with baseline biopsy and was directly correlated with Ki67. Our findings provide additional evidence for a dual effect of metformin on BC growth according to insulin resistance status.
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British journal of cancer · Nov 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialIs it possible to improve the breaking bad news skills of residents when a relative is present? A randomised study.
Although patients with cancer are often accompanied by a relative during breaking bad news (BBN) consultations, little is known regarding the efficacy of training programmes designed to teach residents the communication skills needed to break bad news in a triadic consultation. ⋯ This study demonstrates that a training programme that focuses on the practice of dyadic and triadic communication skills can improve the communication skills of the participating residents in a BBN triadic consultation. Such a training should be included in resident curriculum.