[Phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant hormone therapy in comparison with chemotherapy of patients with breast cancer].

Data are presented on a randomized study (stage II) which was undertaken to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin+paclitaxel) vis-a-vis endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors (anastrazole or exemestane) in postmenopausal women with ER-positive and/or PgR-positive tumors. Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated and showed similar rates of overall response as compared with the latter regimen.

[Sphincter-preserving operations in rectal cancer].

Among 418 rectal operations for cancer in 63 cases abdomino-anal resection (amputation) of the rectum was performed with descending of the colon, if indicated. The following postoperative complications were observed: necrosis of the descended colon, scarring strictures, various urinary disturbances, peritonitis. The postoperative mortality made 3 per cent.