Current oncology reports
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Current oncology reports · May 2007
ReviewCombined-modality therapy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers.
The optimal management of locoregional esophageal cancer is controversial. Preoperative concomitant chemoradiotherapy (two courses of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil plus 50 Gy of radiation) may provide benefit in survival and local control compared with surgery alone and is a reasonable alternative to surgery alone in stages IIB, III, and possibly stage IVa disease. ⋯ Preoperative chemotherapy without radiation also provides a survival benefit compared with surgery alone, but data are insufficient to conclude it is superior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Control of distant disease remains a problem with preoperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
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Current oncology reports · Nov 2006
ReviewMolecular genetics of pediatric central nervous system tumors.
Recent advances in molecular biology have enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of brain tumors, particularly in children. The use of molecular diagnostic tools is quickly becoming a standard component in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors in children, in addition to providing insight leading to treatment stratification and improved outcome prediction. All new protocols involving treatments for brain tumors in children include studies of biomarkers and biologic correlates as a means to identify new targets for therapeutics and possible intervention strategies.
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Methadone is a unique mu opioid agonist, which also has delta receptor affinity and properties of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism and monoamine reuptake inhibition. It is mainly used in the setting of uncontrolled pain or dose-limiting toxicity. ⋯ Methadone is likely safer when used at lower doses as a first-line opioid, but its potential as such has not received enough formal evaluation. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of methadone compared with other opioids and to further evaluate its role in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Osteosarcoma is a primary bone malignancy generally affecting the young, with 60% of cases occurring before the age of 25 years and the peak incidence at 15 years. Survival has improved over the past several decades, with non- metastatic disease having an approximately 70% chance of long-term survival. ⋯ In this review article we describe several new therapies in development for osteosarcoma. These include immune-based therapies, strategies to inhibit tumor growth, radiotherapy, and the introduction of new chemotherapies and targets.
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Screening for cancer has become extremely common. The evidence supporting screening for breast, colon, and cervix cancer is strong, but it is unclear for skin cancer, problematic for prostate cancer, and ineffective for lung cancer. Despite the problems associated with many screening approaches for cancer, enthusiasm by the medical profession and the public remains high. The objective analysis for the major tumor types is presented in this review, but the ultimate decision on whether to be screened lies in the personal and societal arena of values.