Cancer
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Based on an analysis of 1852 retrospectively evaluated patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC), a scoring system was developed to predict survival. This study was performed to validate the scoring system in a new data set. ⋯ In the current study, the difference in 6-month survival between the prognostic groups was found to be as significant as in the preceding study. Thus, this scoring system was considered valid to estimate survival of MSCC patients. The system could have been simplified by including only 3 instead of 5 prognostic groups.
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There has not been a comprehensive analysis of how aggregate cancer costs have changed over time. The authors present 1) updated estimates of the prevalence and total cost of cancer for select payers and how these have changed over the past 2 decades; and 2) for each payer, the distribution of payments by type of service over time to assess whether there have been shifts in cancer treatment settings. ⋯ The authors identified 3 trends in the total costs of cancer: 1) the medical costs of cancer have nearly doubled; 2) cancer costs have shifted away from the inpatient setting; and 3) the share of these costs paid for by private insurance and Medicaid have increased.
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This single-center retrospective study determined the efficacy of bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (BTD) as induction for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who were eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). ⋯ BTD was highly effective and well tolerated as induction for MM patients who were eligible for ASCT. Long-term outcomes appeared to be similar with or without ASCT consolidation.
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The 21-gene signature has been intensively studied and incorporated into major guidelines for treatment decision in early breast cancer. However, it remains to be examined whether this system is applicable to Asian populations. ⋯ This is the first report to show that the 21-gene signature has value in providing prognostic information in Asian populations with ER-positive, lymph node-negative breast cancer.
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Multicenter Study
Cancer Quality-ASSIST supportive oncology quality indicator set: feasibility, reliability, and validity testing.
Although measuring the quality of symptom management and end-of-life care could help provide a basis for improving supportive care for advanced cancer, few quality indicators in this area have been rigorously developed or evaluated. ⋯ Of 92 Cancer Quality-ASSIST quality indicators for symptoms, treatment toxicity, and information and care planning, 41 were sufficiently feasible, reliable, and valid to be used for patients with advanced cancer in these settings. This set of indicators shows promise for describing key supportive care processes in advanced cancer.