Current oncology reports
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Current oncology reports · Jun 2012
ReviewPancreatic neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors: what's new, what's old, and what's different?
Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be subdivided into carcinoid and pancreatic NETs (panNETs). Recently, two therapies have been FDA approved for progressive well-differentiated pancreatic NETs but have not been submitted for use in carcinoid tumors (Yao, Shah, Ito, et al. N Engl J Med 364:514-23, 2011••; Raymond, Dahan, Raoul, et al. ⋯ This review will discuss "new" NET therapies and provides an overview of liver directed and "older" cytotoxic treatment options. We also briefly outline "what's different" by describing a recent genetics report identifying genetic mutations in panNETs. Such a discovery could potentially be used to stratify treatment and such studies are currently being investigated.
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Current oncology reports · Apr 2012
Preserving vision in retinoblastoma through early detection and intervention.
The most frequent neoplasm of the eye in children is retinoblastoma. It is a rare disease with an average incidence of 1 in 14,000 to 18,000 live births. The incidence is greater in developing countries. ⋯ Improving public awareness and knowledge of the early signs may lead to early diagnosis, which can save more eyes and lives. Advances in both the basic science and clinical applications of new therapies continue to emerge for this rare cancer. We expect that all conservative treatments will be available worldwide and consequently more children will be cured and maintain the vision.
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Current oncology reports · Aug 2011
ReviewThe value of data collection within a palliative care program.
Collecting reliable and valid data is an increasing expectation within palliative care. Data remain the crux for demonstrating value and quality of care, which are the critical steps to program sustainability. Parallel goals of conducting research and performing quality assessment and improvement can also ensure program growth, financial health, and viability in an increasingly competitive environment. ⋯ We present types of data to collect, published guides for data collection, and how data can inform quality, value, and research within a palliative care organization. Our experiences with the Quality Data Collection Tool (QDACT) in the Carolinas Palliative Care Consortium to collect data on quality have led to valuable lessons learned in creating a data collection system. Suggested steps in forming data-sharing collaborations and building data collection procedures are shared.
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Current oncology reports · Aug 2011
ReviewThe challenges of providing palliative care for older people with dementia.
Palliative care seems the right approach to dementia, except that it suggests a dichotomy between cure and care. As in cancer care, supportive care provides a broader framework, viewing dementia from the time of diagnosis until death and bereavement. The challenge is to find the right approach to the individual. ⋯ The challenging features of palliative care for older people with dementia are found in connection with the use of antibiotics, antipsychotics, and other medications, as well as in decisions about whether the person is in pain or in distress, or whether artificial feeding should be contemplated or not, as well as about the use of advance care plans. In short, the challenges are essentially ethical as well as clinical. The right approach will be the one that recognizes this facet of clinical care.
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Current oncology reports · Aug 2011
Palliative medicine: barriers and developments in mainland China.
The development of palliative care in China is vital to the care of its aging population and associated increase in cancer incidence. There are physician-related and population-related barriers which impede palliative care development. ⋯ Academic centers such as the one in Chengdu associated with Sichuan University have partnered with the World Health Organization to establish centers of excellence to both develop and teach palliative care to physicians in training and practice. The National Hospice Service Program has developed five principles to the practice of palliative care in China.