– August 1, 2005
August 1, 2005
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Serum HER-2/neu Conversion and Breast Cancer Progression
Detection of increased levels of HER-2/neu was observed in approximately 25% of patients at the time of progression after primary hormonal therapy. Although the initial response rate or time to progression was not different in those who expressed increased levels vs. those who did not, overall survival was worse for converted (ie, went from negative to positive with regard to HER-2/neu serum levels) was worse. -
Thal-Dex Superior to VAD Before Transplant
In a case-control analysis, the combination of thalidomide-dexamethasone (Thal-Dex) was superior to vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone (VAD) as induction prior to autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. The response rate was superior for Thal-Dex compared to VAD, at 76% vs 52%, respectively, with a similar CD34 stem cell yield of 7.85 × 106/kg and 10.5 × 106/kg, respectively. The study confirms the superiority of Thal-Dex over VAD and suggests the regimen may be considered standard induction therapy prior to autologous transplant. -
Randomized Trial First to Demonstrate a Survival Benefit in Patients with Recurrent Cervical Cancer
Despite increased toxicity, CT did not significantly reduce patient QOL when compared with cisplatin alone. Patient-reported QOL measures may be an important prognostic tool in advanced cervix cancer. -
AML Risk in Epirubicin-Treated Breast Cancer Patients
In an analysis of surveillance data on epirubicin-treated early breast cancer patients, a definite association with late development of acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplasia became apparent. The risk, however, was not evident in patients treated with conventional, moderate-dose regimens. Most patients had also received radiation therapy and cyclophosphamide and, for those who received high cumulative doses of both drugs, the 8-year cumulative probability of developing acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplasia approached 5%. -
XELOX in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Elderly patients with metastatic colon cancer were treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin in the XELOX regimen. Response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were not significantly different than published reports of this active regimen in younger cohorts; and there was generally a low level of hematotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hand-foot syndrome. Thus, the combination represents an appropriate treatment option for selected elderly patients with this disease. -
Pharmacology Watch: Antibiotic Treatment of Acute Lower Respiratory Infection
What to do with the Cox-2s; Can Mucomyst Prevent CIN?; Benzodiazepines and Medicare Coverage; FDA Actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement