Efficacy and tolerability of two scalp cooling systems for the prevention of alopecia associated with docetaxel treatment.

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is very distressing for a patient and may have an impact on treatment decisions. On docetaxel-based therapy, alopecia occurs in a substantial proportion of patients. We aimed to investigate whether two different methods of scalp cooling can prevent hair loss.

Self-reported compliance with capecitabine: findings from a prospective cohort analysis.

Objectives: While oral anticancer treatment has increased the convenience for patients with no risk of venous access complications compared to intravenous drug administration, a high level of compliance cannot always be assumed. The aim of the present report was to evaluate real-life drug adherence in a prospective cohort analysis of patients with gastrointestinal or breast cancer treated with capecitabine-based chemotherapy.

Methods: Twenty-nine Swiss oncologists recruited patients receiving capecitabine, either as monotherapy or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, in a prospective fashion.

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (caelyx) in metastatic breast cancer: a community-based observation study.

Objectives: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has improved therapy options significantly, as it causes less myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia than conventional doxorubicin, while maintaining efficacy. The goal of this survey was to determine whether the use of PLD in a community-based patient group is comparable regarding chemotherapeutic doses and side effects to preselected study patients.

Methods: 100 questionnaires were randomly sent to Swiss oncologists in private practices, general hospitals and university hospitals.

[Recurrent acute pancreatitis during pravastatin-therapy].

Acute pancreatitis can rarely be caused also by drugs. Several substances from different drug classes have been associated with the occurrence of acute pancreatitis. Regarding the class of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA-reductase-inhibitors (statins) case-reports have been published in the literature in association with each individual statin.