International journal of clinical oncology
-
The HER2 gene is overexpressed or amplified in approximately 30% of breast cancers. Breast cancer patients with HER2 overexpression or amplification have shortened disease-free and overall survivals. The HER2 protein is thought to be a unique and useful target for antibody therapy of cancers overexpressing the HER2 gene. ⋯ As a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy, trastuzumab was generally well tolerated. Thus, trastuzumab plays an important role in the treatment strategy of metastatic breast cancer overexpressing HER2 protein. In this article, details of this novel biologic agent are reviewed, in conjunction with an overview of clinical studies performed in Japan.
-
Int. J. Clin. Oncol. · Aug 2003
ReviewThe latest advances in chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers.
During the past decade, there has been much progress in various nonsurgical treatments for gastrointestinal malignancies. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been widely used as a standard treatment for early gastrointestinal cancers in Japan. For esophageal cancer, definitive chemoradiotherapy with or without EMR has shown the possibility of results comparable with those of surgery in stage I-III disease and is being evaluated in Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) studies. ⋯ In other gastrointestinal malignancies, nonsurgical treatments, including eradication of Helicobacter pylori, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for primary gastric lymphoma are being evaluated in prospective studies. A new molecular targeting agent, imatinib, has provided significant impact in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. To provide these advantages to patients, many more gastrointestinal oncologists are urgently needed in Japan.
-
Int. J. Clin. Oncol. · Aug 2003
Historical ArticleA brief history of the research and treatment of lung cancer from 1970 to 2003.
Lung cancer accounts for one-third of all cancer deaths worldwide. Once considered untreatable, lung cancer patients now have several different treatment options, and the potential for more effective therapies is promising. Clinical trials conducted during the past 25 to 30 years in the United States Cooperative Group System and throughout the world have defined the standard of care and made several initial treatment therapies possible. ⋯ Much has been accomplished on behalf of lung cancer patients. However, 80% to 90% of patients who develop lung cancer will die of their disease. Many questions remain to be answered, especially in the area of targeted therapies.