Oncology
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It has been proposed that extending the platinum-free interval with intervening non-platinum therapy increases the efficacy of a later re-treatment with platinum in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. This hypothesis is based on data from small series and although it has not been validated prospectively, this strategy has entered general practice in Italy in the last years. The SOCRATES study retrospectively assessed the pattern of care of a cohort of patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer observed in the years 2000-2002 in 37 Italian centres. Data were collected between April and September 2005. ⋯ With the limits of a retrospective study, our data question the hypothesis that extending the platinum-free interval with an intervening non-platinum therapy in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer improves the response rate of a further platinum re-treatment.
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A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and oxaliplatin combination in patients with advanced solid tumors. ⋯ The combination of PLD and oxaliplatin has an acceptable toxicity profile with promising activity and merits further evaluation in phase II studies.
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The characteristics and risk factors of the long-term ototoxic effect of cisplatin in testicular cancer patients was studied by measuring distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which is a highly sensitive, new method for detecting high-frequency hearing loss. ⋯ DPOAE is a fast, noninvasive and reliable method in detecting late ototoxicity in testicular cancer patients. Contrary to the literature, not only high frequencies are affected. In patients receiving at least 400 mg/m2, using DPOAE we were able to detect significant hearing impairment at lower frequencies that are important for speech perception.
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Sexual problems are widespread among female cancer patients and survivors. Dysfunction may result from various oncologic therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, and cytostatic medication. ⋯ A multidisciplinary treatment approach to sexual dysfunction includes psychological and psychiatric intervention, medical intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and recommended lifestyle adjustments. A holistic approach to assessing and treating sexual concerns should be individually tailored to the female patient in light of her disease stage and prognosis, age, marital status, fertility concerns, and social and professional environment.