Mechanistic validation of the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Guidelines for the assessment of diastolic dysfunction in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Background: The American Society for Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) 2016 guidelines for assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) are based primarily on the effects of diastolic dysfunction on left ventricular filling hemodynamics. However, these measures do not provide quantifiable mechanistic information about diastolic function. The Parameterized Diastolic Filling (PDF) formalism is a validated theoretical framework that describes DD in terms of the physical properties of left ventricular filling.

Safety and efficacy of pomalidomide, dexamethasone and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

Immunomodulatory drugs including thalidomide, lenalidomide (LEN) and pomalidomide (POM), are effective for treating multiple myeloma (MM). POM has shown enhanced efficacy with dexamethasone (DEX). Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with bortezomib is US Food and Drug Administration-approved for treating MM.

A phase 2 study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, bortezomib, dexamethasone and lenalidomide for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Our previous studies have shown that lowering the dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and bortezomib in combination with intravenous dexamethasone on a longer 4-week cycle maintained efficacy and improved tolerability in both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Lenalidomide has shown efficacy in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone but this combination has been poorly tolerated. We conducted this phase 2 study (clinicaltrials.

Impact of overall treatment time on survival and local control in patients with anal cancer: a pooled data analysis of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trials 87-04 and 98-11.

Purpose: To determine whether increased duration of radiation therapy (RT) and overall treatment (RX) time has a detrimental effect in anal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Data from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 87-04 and RTOG 98-11 trials were combined to form three treatment groups: RT/fluorouracil (FU)/mitomycin (n = 472), RT/FU/cisplatin (n = 320), and RT/FU (n = 145). Cox proportional hazards models were used with the following variables: RT duration, RT intensity, RX duration, treatment group, age, sex, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), T stage, N stage, and RT dose.

Bortezomib, ascorbic acid and melphalan (BAM) therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: an effective and well-tolerated frontline regimen.

Background: We conducted a single-arm, multicentre phase 2 study to evaluate bortezomib, ascorbic acid and melphalan (BAM) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: Induction consisted of up to eight 28-d cycles of bortezomib 1.0 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, plus oral ascorbic acid 1 g and oral melphalan 0.

Carboplatin plus gemcitabine repeating doublet therapy in recurrent breast cancer.

Purpose: The combination of cisplatin plus gemcitabine is active in metastatic breast cancer. Carboplatin plus gemcitabine, widely used in ovarian and non-small-cell lung cancers, has also been used in breast cancer. This trial examined the efficacy and toxicity of split-dose carboplatin plus gemcitabine in advanced breast cancer.

Zoledronic acid markedly improves bone mineral density for patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and bone loss.

Purpose: Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have increased rates of bone resorption, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and risk of fractures. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid for patients with MGUS and enhanced bone loss.

Experimental Design: In this phase II open-label study, 54 patients with MGUS and osteopenia or osteoporosis were administered zoledronic acid 4 mg i.

Basal cell carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes and lungs.

Metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC) of the skin is rare in occurrence and may initially elude proper diagnosis and management. We describe a case of MBCC to cervical lymph nodes, originally evaluated and treated surgically as metastatic thyroid carcinoma. After definitive diagnosis of MBCC was made, chemotherapy and concomitant radiation treatment were initiated; however, despite these measures, the patient then developed MBCC to the lung.

Efficacy and safety of melphalan, arsenic trioxide and ascorbic acid combination therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: a prospective, multicentre, phase II, single-arm study.

We assessed the safety and efficacy of melphalan, arsenic trioxide (ATO) and ascorbic acid (AA) (MAC) combination therapy for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who failed more than two different prior regimens. Patients received melphalan (0.1 mg/kg p.

Overexpression of p53 protein and outcome of patients treated with chemoradiation for carcinoma of the anal canal: a report of randomized trial RTOG 87-04. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.

Background: Despite encouraging results with chemoradiation as the primary means of managing carcinoma of the anal canal, approximately 20% of patients will develop a local recurrence. This study examined the prognostic significance of p53 nuclear protein overexpression in the pretreatment biopsies of patients treated with chemoradiation for epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal.

Methods: All patients were treated in a prospective, randomized Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial (RTOG 87-04) in which radiotherapy to the pelvis was compared with concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or 5-FU and mitomycin-C.

Survival results among patients with alpha-fetoprotein-positive, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of three sequential treatments of the RTOG and Johns Hopkins Oncology Center.

Purpose: To analyze the observed therapeutic impact of the post-induction components of three treatment programs utilized sequentially between 1983 and 1991 for patients with unresectable alpha-fetoprotein-positive hepatoma.

Methods: Over a 7.5-year period, three treatment regimens were sequentially utilized: (1) RTOG 83-19, (2) a Johns Hopkins Oncology Center Institutional Pilot Program, and (3) RTOG 88-23.

Role of mitomycin in combination with fluorouracil and radiotherapy, and of salvage chemoradiation in the definitive nonsurgical treatment of epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal: results of a phase III randomized intergroup study.

Purpose: Definitive chemoradiation (CR) has replaced radical surgery as the preferred treatment of epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal. To determine the importance of mitomycin (MMC) in the standard CR regimen and to assess the role of salvage CR in patients who have residual tumor following CR, a phase III randomized trial was undertaken by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)/Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG).

Patients And Methods: Between August 1988 and December 1991, 310 patients were randomized to receive either radiotherapy (RT) and fluorouracil (5-FU) or radiotherapy, 5-FU, and MMC.

Dose escalation in chemoradiation for anal cancer: preliminary results of RTOG 92-08.

Purpose: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group experience with chemoradiation for anal cancer has shown a local failure rate of 20% to 30% with radiotherapy doses of 45 to 50 cGy. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of higher radiotherapy doses on toxicity, local control, and survival in this disease.

Materials And Methods: Forty-seven patients with anal cancers measuring > or = 2 cm were treated with a concurrent combination of two cycles of 5-fluorouracil infusion (1000 mg/m2 over 24 hrs for 4 days) and mitomycin C (10 mg/m2 bolus) plus 59.

Final results of a phase II chemoradiation protocol for locally advanced cervical cancer: RTOG 85-15.

Background: The lack of improved cure rates for advanced cervical cancer after three decades of megavoltage radiotherapy (RT) has prompted continued efforts in improved treatment delivery. Concurrent chemoradiation (CR) is one of the several avenues being explored to improve these results.

Methods: Sixty women with advanced cervical cancer (30 patients with unfavorable Stage IIB and 30 patients with Stages III and IVA) were treated with CR comprising of a combination of external and intracavitary RT delivering between 7000 to 7500 cGy total to point A and 5890 to 6015 cGy to point B along with one cycle of 5-FU and mitomycin C and a second cycle of 5-FU and cis-platinum.

Ten-year results of chemoradiation for anal cancer: focus on late morbidity.

Purpose: To evaluate (a) long-term survival and (b) the incidence and nature of long-term morbidity/ mortality related to chemoradiation using the anal cancer experience.

Methods And Materials: From January 1979 to April 1987,34 consecutive patients with Stage I (5 patients), II (15 patients), and II (14 patients) cancers of the anal canal were treated definitively with a chemoradiation regimen combining 41.4 Gy pelvic radiotherapy with two concurrent cycles of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C.

Long-term palliation of pulmonary artery sarcoma by radical excision and adjuvant therapy.

The case of an extensive pulmonary artery sarcoma managed by radical excision and homograft reconstruction followed by aggressive chemotherapy and irradiation with prolonged survival is presented. Pulmonary artery sarcomas are reviewed with emphasis on the diagnosis and management of these usually fatal tumors.

Improved food intake and reduced nausea and vomiting in patients given a restricted diet while receiving cisplatin chemotherapy.

Administration of cisplatin alone or in combination with other cytotoxic agents commonly produces intractable nausea and vomiting, which is currently controlled through high-dose antiemetic drugs. However, patients often refuse continued therapy because of suboptimal control of nausea and vomiting and substantial decline in nutritional status. In this pilot study, 19 patients receiving cisplatin were evaluated for nausea and vomiting, amount of food intake, and subjective assessment of well-being.

Angiosarcoma in postsurgical lymphedema. An unusual occurrence in a man.

A 63-year-old man underwent partial left axillary node dissection for metastatic melanoma of unknown primary. Lymphedema of his left upper extremity developed after surgery. Eight years later, extensive cutaneous angiosarcoma developed in the edematous limb.

Evaluation of bromodeoxyuridine in glioblastoma multiforme: a Northern California Cancer Center Phase II study.

In a study activated in 1983 and closed in 1987, the Brain Tumor Research Center of the University of California and the Northern California Cancer Center evaluated the effect of bromodeoxyuridine in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. A total of 160 patients were evaluable of 173 entered. Patients were to receive a bromodeoxyuridine infusion of 0.

Preliminary results of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma: a phase I-II prospective intergroup NCOG-RTOG Study.

Thirty-eight patients with advanced carcinoma of the cervix were prospectively treated with a concurrent combination of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) using the drugs 5-fluorouracil (5FU), mitomycin C and cis-platinum as part of a Northern California Oncology Group (NCOG) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) intergroup study. RT consisted of 36.00 Gy to the pelvis in 4 weeks followed by a 9.

Radiotherapy alone and chemoradiation for nonmetastatic esophageal carcinoma. A critical review of chemoradiation.

Sixty-five patients with nonmetastatic (Stages I, II, and III) esophageal cancer (EC) were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone (56.00 to 61.00 Gy in 6 to 7 weeks) or synchronous combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT-CT).

Hodgkin's disease complicating neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis.

This article reports the previously undescribed occurrence of Hodgkin's disease in a child with neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis.

Clinical potential of synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma.

The equivocal results of past treatment regimens in which concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy were used may have resulted from a lack of site-specific active drugs that were also true radiation sensitizers. This report demonstrates an experience with 3 chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and mitomycin, given simultaneously with radiation for locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of such diverse sites as the anal canal, cervix, and esophagus. Early results show that the toxicity of these combination regimens is generally acceptable and indicate that such synchronous combination treatments may be superior in local control and survival to radiotherapy alone.