Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy
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After the usefulness of ovariectomy in breast cancer patients was demonstrated, endocrine therapy has been one of the most effective treatments of breast cancer. Thereafter, it became clear that estrogen receptors (ERs) existed in the cells of breast cancer. After it was found that ERs could be used as a predictive factor of endocrine therapy for breast cancer, the validity of endocrine therapy has became more certain. ⋯ In the near future, endocrine mechanisms in the body and the molecular mechanisms of transcription by ER will be more clearly elucidated, and then new kinds of agent and combined therapies for the endocrine treatment of breast cancer will be developed. Currently, many clinical randomized trials are being conducted to examine the effectiveness of new endocrine treatment. Significant changes are occurring in the endocrine treatment of breast cancer.
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Depression in cancer patients is common and occurs throughout the course of cancer illness. The prevalence of major depression in cancer patients was reported to range from 6 to 42%. This reflects various cancer-related variables, such as pain and low performance status as well as risks for major depression. ⋯ The management of delirium includes interventions that are directed both at the underlying causes and the symptoms of the disorder. Identification and correction of the underlying causes of delirium must take place together with symptomatic and environmental-supportive therapies. Haloperidol, a neuroleptic agent (antipsychotic) that is a potent dopamine blocker, is the drug of choice for the treatment of delirium in persons with cancer because of the low incidence of related cardiovascular and anticholinergic effects.