Single-dose dexamethasone for the prevention of pemetrexed associated cutaneous adverse reactions.

Pemetrexed (Alimta®) is a novel anti-folate antimetabolite agent that is used in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma and as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin for patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell-lung-cancer. Cutaneous adverse reactions are common side effects of pemetrexed for which the manufacturer recommends 3-day premedication with dexamethasone 4 mg by mouth twice daily-(the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment). Patients' adherence to this premedication regimen is of concern.

Safety and efficacy of FOLFOX followed by cetuximab for metastatic colorectal cancer with severe liver dysfunction.

Both 5-FU and oxaliplatin have been used as single agents in patients with colorectal cancer and severe liver dysfunction, but the combination of these drugs has not yet been investigated. A 67-year-old man diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008 presented in April 2011 to Appalachian Regional Healthcare Cancer Center with obstructive jaundice and weight loss. Imaging studies were compatible with a liver mass and dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts.

Influence of related donor age on outcomes after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Background Aims: The rising use of allogeneic transplantation in older recipients necessitates considering older related donors. The effect of related donor age for peripheral blood stem cell allografts (PBSC) on graft maintenance and outcomes, independent of CD34(+)cell dose, has not been well-characterized.

Methods: HLA-related donors (98% siblings) underwent a uniform filgrastim-based mobilization regimen aiming to collect and infuse 5 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/recipient kg.

Polyethylene glycol antiglobulin tube versus gel microcolumn: influence on the incidence of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and delayed serologic transfusion reactions.

Background: Our institution has reported on delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and delayed serologic transfusion reaction (DSTR) incidence changes. From January 1993 to June 2003, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) tube-based technique was used for red blood cell (RBC) antibody screen. In June 2003, a gel microcolumn technique was implemented.