Oncology
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Comparative Study
EML4-ALK rearrangement and its clinical significance in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
To identify the clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to investigate possible associations of NSCLC with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. ⋯ Patients with EML4-ALK conferred similar objective response rates after EGFR-TKI although inferior PFS compared to those with EGFR mutation. Coexistence of EML4-ALK and EGFR mutation might represent a separate NSCLC genotype.
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This study investigated the impact of specific mutations in codon 12 of the Kirsten-ras (KRAS) gene on treatment efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). ⋯ The present analysis suggests that KRAS codon 12 mutation may not represent a homogeneous entity in mCRC when treated with cetuximab-based first-line therapy.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of quick diagnosis units and conventional hospitalization for the diagnosis of cancer in Spain: a descriptive cohort study.
Quick diagnosis units (QDUs) in Spain provide patients with severe disease who would normally require hospitalization with the prompt and effective diagnosis they deserve. We compared the value and cost of a QDU and of conventional hospitalization in assessing patients with cancer. ⋯ For diagnostic purposes, cancer patients can be managed similarly in a QDU or in in-hospital settings, but the QDU model seems to incur fewer costs.
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Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) inevitably develop recurrent or progressive disease after initial multimodal treatment and have a median survival of 6-9 months from time of progression. To date, there is no accepted standard treatment for GBM relapse or progression. Patupilone (EPO906) is a novel natural microtubule-stabilizing cytotoxic agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been found to have preclinical activity in glioma models. ⋯ In recurrent GBM, patupilone can be given safely pre- and postoperatively. The drug accumulates in the tumor tissue. The treatment results in long-term PFS in some patients. Patupilone represents a valuable novel compound which deserves further evaluation in combination with radiation therapy in patients with GBM.
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The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is related to the regulation of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor progression. ⋯ ACEI/ARB in combination with standard chemotherapy might improve survival in patients with AGC and hypertension. These results support further investigation into the anticancer effects of ACEL/ARB.