Multicenter, randomized phase II trial of bevacizumab plus folinic acid, fluorouracil, gemcitabine (FFG) versus bevacizumab plus folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) as first-line therapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Purpose: To assess safety and efficacy of folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine (FFG) and folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) regimens with added bevacizumab as first-line treatment in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients And Methods: Patients with Stage III unresectable or Stage IV adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum were randomly assigned to either FFG weekly for 6 weeks of an 8-week cycle or FOLFOX4 every 2 weeks. After FDA approval, bevacizumab 5 mg/kg was added every 2 weeks.

Can a cancer program-sponsored spiritual event meet with acceptance from patients and other attendees?

Background: While many cancer patients derive strength from spiritual or religious faith, concern often remains regarding how different patient subgroups and other community members might react to faith-based services when sponsored by a secular health care organization.

Methods: "A Sacred Gathering for Those Touched by Cancer" was presented in 2 Catholic and 2 Protestant churches. The service included key themes (surrendering fear, peace, hope, community support, and God's love) reinforced by Scripture, music, ritual, and prayer.

Improving the care of patients with regard to chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis: the effect of feedback to clinicians on adherence to antiemetic prescribing guidelines.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of performance and outcomes feedback on adherence to clinical practice guidelines regarding chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis (CINE).

Methods: Institutional CINE clinical practice guidelines were developed based on American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines. Consecutive administrations of moderately/highly emetogenic chemotherapy were assessed for errors.

Transplantation of unrelated cord blood cells.

A 43-year-old woman with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive chronic myelogenous leukemia in acute phase received high-dose chemotherapy followed by transfusion of 12 randomly selected units of umbilical cord blood. HLA analysis showed cells of one donor from day +10 to day +43 post-transfusion. This unit was HLA class II identical with that of the patient.

Infusional cisplatin and etoposide in the treatment of stage III-B and IV non-small cell lung cancer: a well tolerated regimen.

Twenty-eight evaluable patients were treated with an infusion of cisplatin and etoposide for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. A response was demonstrated in 43%, although only two patients had documented partial responses. The regimen was surprisingly low in toxicity, both acute and chronic, and is suitable for palliation of patients who are elderly or suffer from chronic illnesses which preclude more agressive therapy.