The fate of BRCA1-related germline mutations in triple-negative breast tumors.

The preservation of pathogenic germline mutations in tumor tissues is usually not questioned, while it remains unknown whether these interact with somatic genotypes for patient outcome. Herein we compared germline and tumor genotypes in operable triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and evaluated their combined effects on prognosis. We analyzed baseline germline and primary tumor genotype data obtained by Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing in 194 TNBC patients.

P53 immunoexpression as a prognostic marker for human astrocytomas: a meta-analysis and review of the literature.

During the past few decades, researchers have been looking for parameters with an impact on the prognosis of patients with astrocytic tumors. p53 is one of the most widely investigated molecules in human gliomas. We aimed to comprehensively review the evidence for the prognostic usefulness of p53 immunohistochemical expression in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas.

Docetaxel and cisplatin with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) versus MVAC with G-CSF in advanced urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter, randomized, phase III study from the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group.

Purpose: The combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) represents the standard regimen for inoperable or metastatic urothelial cancer, but its toxicity is significant. We previously reported a 52% response rate (RR) using a docetaxel and cisplatin (DC) combination. The toxicity of this regimen compared favorably with that reported for MVAC.

Randomized clinical trials with added rescue medication: some approaches to their analysis and interpretation.

Patients in some randomized clinical trials may start additional non-randomized medication because of an exacerbation of symptoms or insufficient therapeutic effect. Typically this rescue medication reduces the observed treatment effect in intention-to-treat analysis. We discuss methods of analysis which take account of rescue medication in order to achieve a more meaningful comparison of the randomized treatments, focusing on trials with a repeated quantitative outcome.