Expert review of anticancer therapy
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The statistics on lung cancer survival remain disappointing and form a powerful argument to develop new methods to control this most deadly form of cancer in both men and women. Chemoprevention is one of these new approaches. While carcinogens from cigarette smoke form an essential link between nicotine addiction and lung cancer, several investigations confirm that dietary and genetically determined factors play an important role in modulating the individual susceptibility and are linked to the chemoprevention approach. ⋯ On the other hand, recent progress in molecular biology has led to the discovery of specific approaches to chemoprevention and there considerable optimism regarding the potential of molecules and antibodies that target specific receptors or mutations. Epidermal growth factor receptor blocking agents, farnesyltransferase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors and 9-cis retinoic acid have been identified as promising candidates for studies in high risk populations. After more than 20 years of worldwide research, the prospects for effective lung cancer treatment are better than ever.
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Cancer-related fatigue is now a recognized phenomenon with an established diagnosis. Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients and in many cases, the challenge of alleviating its severity is daunting for the clinician. ⋯ Research of cancer-related fatigue treatment is in its infancy and future clinical trials examining the effects of various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for cancer-related fatigue are needed. The development of effective therapies for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue could profoundly affect the lives of many cancer patients.
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Expert Rev Anticancer Ther · Dec 2002
ReviewGemtuzumab ozogamicin: promise and challenge in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
CD33 is a suitable target to guide delivery of a toxic moiety to most acute myeloid leukemia cells. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) is a humanized antiCD33 monoclonal antibody covalently linked to a derivative of a cytotoxic antibiotic, calicheamicin. As a single agent, gemtuzumab ozogamicin has activity (complete remission rate of 15-20%) in patients with relapsed disease. ⋯ Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is approved as single-agent therapy for patients over the age of 60 years in first relapse who are not considered candidates for cytotoxic therapy. The administration of gemtuzumab ozogamicin should be carried out under a level of supervision commensurate with that afforded other intensely myelosuppressive agents. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin-based combinations should not be prescribed outside the research setting until further data is available.
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Expert Rev Anticancer Ther · Aug 2002
ReviewEvolving role of ribonucleoside reductase inhibitors in hematologic malignancies.
Ribonucleotide reductases catalyze the de novo biosynthesis of deoxyribonucleosides for DNA synthesis. Increased ribonucleotide reductases activity has been associated with malignant transformation and tumor cell growth. ⋯ This review focuses on the therapeutic use of ribonucleotide reductases inhibitors in hematologic malignancies. Hydroxyurea, fludarabine and cladribine have established roles in the management of hematologic malignancies, while other ribonucleotide reductases inhibitors, such as gemcitabine, tezacitabine and heterocyclic carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones (e.g., triapine) are being evaluated in clinical trials.