Cancer
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Paclitaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic agent in the management of breast carcinoma, may have activity in women whose disease has recurred after high dose chemotherapy. With this is mind the authors explored the addition of a 120-hour continuous infusion of paclitaxel to a previously reported regimen comprised of high dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa. ⋯ Paclitaxel at a dose of 180 mg/m2 as a 120-hour continuous infusion may be added safely to high dose cyclophosphamide and thiotepa with autologous stem cell rescue. Further studies are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy and further define the toxicity of this recommended Phase II dose.
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Comparative Study
How well do medical oncologists' perceptions reflect their patients' reported physical and psychosocial problems? Data from a survey of five oncologists.
Modern cancer treatments can cure or prolong patients' lives. However, the associated physical and psychosocial problems can detrimentally affect patients' compliance with treatment and, ultimately, their outcomes. Therefore, oncologists need to recognize the problems experienced by their patients and, when possible, help resolve these problems. ⋯ Medical oncologists' perceptions may not accurately reflect their patients' reported physical and psychosocial experiences. Further interventions should be developed to assist oncologists in detecting such problems, especially psychosocial ones.
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Pleural effusion is reported in up to 20% of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), most often at presentation. However, the prognostic implications of such findings are not clear. The majority of the information in the literature is based on minor observational studies or case reports. Therefore, a case-controlled study was performed to verify the clinical significance of pleural effusion in NHL. ⋯ The presence of pleural effusion at the time of presentation of NHL does not adversely affect complete remission or survival rates.
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Axillary lymph node dissection is commonly performed as part of the primary management of breast carcinoma. Its value in patient management, however, has recently been questioned. Few studies exist that document long term complications. ⋯ Mild symptoms, especially pain and numbness, are common 2-5 years after axillary lymph node dissection. The frequency of inflammation or infection in patients treated with radiation to the breast or chest wall after an axillary lymph node dissection may be greater than previously appreciated. Severe complications or symptoms that have a major impact on daily activities are uncommon. These findings should help health care providers and their patients with breast carcinoma weigh the pros and cons of axillary lymph node dissection.