Haematologica
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Therapy for relapsed/refractory lymphomas should be based only on drugs not included in the front-line chemotherapy regimens. We adopted the strategy of using salvage chemotherapy to debulk disease and simultaneously mobilize stem cells, using a regimen based on ifosfamide and etoposide, (drugs not usually used for front-line treatment). ⋯ Our results indicate the efficacy of the IEV regimen in inducing a good remission rate. IEV is a predictable and highly effective mobilization regimen in relapsed/refractory patients with aggressive NHL or HD.
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Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital (GGCH) is a tertiary care hospital with an average of 100 new cancer diagnoses made each year. In April 2000, following preliminary analysis of the potential benefits, and the results of a questionnaire filled in by the parents attending the out-patient clinic, a Home Care (HC) program was started. ⋯ The opportunity to reduce the frequency and duration of hospitalization represents an incalculable advantage for these children and their families. This report shows that home care is a feasible kind of assistance for children suffering from cancer, and reduces costs as well.
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Clinical Trial
Arsenic trioxide therapy for relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia: a bridge to transplantation.
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been reported to be a safe and effective treatment for relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity as well as the eligibility to stem cell transplantation (SCT) in a series of 7 patients with relapsing APL, managed with ATO. ⋯ The high CR rate and the mild toxicity confirm that ATO represents a valid alternative to salvage chemotherapy for patients relapsing while on ATRA treatment or who are ATRA-refractory. Allogeneic or autologous SCT after ATO-induced CR is feasible in the majority of patients.