The use of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic end points to determine the dose of AQ4N, a novel hypoxic cell cytotoxin, given with fractionated radiotherapy in a phase I study.

Background: AQ4N (1,4-bis[[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl] amino]-5,8-dihydroxyanthracene-9, 10-dione bis-N-oxide dihydrochloride) is a prodrug which is selectively activated within hypoxic tissues to AQ4, a topoisomerase II inhibitor and DNA intercalator.

Patients And Methods: In the phase I study, 22 patients with oesophageal carcinoma received an i.v.

Latest trends in cancer incidence among UK South Asians in Leicester.

Using cancer registry data, we show that although South Asians have lower rates of cancer than the rest of the population, this is changing with age and time. Younger South Asians, particularly children, are at increased risk. While generally cancer rates have fallen over the last decade, they are increasing among South Asians.

Computerizing the cancer centre.

This article describes a PC-based computer network that caters for the clinical information needs of a cancer centre, crossing specialty boundaries and involving all members of the multidisciplinary team. Data are captured at all stages of patients' progress, from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up. Office automation is integral to the system, which produces work-load and process audit information as well as clinical outcomes.

Laser therapy combined with brachytherapy for the palliation of malignant dysphagia.

Background/aim Of Study: Laser therapy is effective in relieving malignant dysphagia, but repeated treatments at 4 to 6 week intervals are usually required. This prospective randomised trial is designed to determine if addition of brachytherapy offers any advantages over laser therapy alone.

Methods: Patients with inoperable carcinoma of the oesophagus were randomised to receive either endoscopic Nd:YAG laser therapy alone, or laser followed by brachytherapy.

Provision of cancer treatment services: the role of a district general hospital department of clinical oncology.

Recent reports from the Royal College of Radiologists have highlighted the debate surrounding the provision of cancer services. This review describes the work of a district hospital based department of clinical oncology, emphasizing the access to and the outcome and scope of treatment. The findings indicate that district general hospital based cancer centres can provide a comprehensive, accessible, high quality consultant based service.