Exploring external validity of chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in real life.

Introduction: Cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, capecitabine, and gemcitabine (PAXG) regimen activity was assessed in a single institution phase II trial (PACT-19) on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The PACT-31 study explored the external validity of PACT-19 results.

Materials And Methods: Patients aged ≥18 and ≤75 years with KPS ≥70, and PDAC diagnosis receiving PAXG in the participating institutions were eligible and categorized as follows: A) PACT-19; B) PACT-31-HSR; C) PACT-31-non-HSR.

A randomized phase III study of fractionated docetaxel, oxaliplatin, capecitabine (low-tox) vs epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine (eox) in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer: the lega trial.

Background: EOX (epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine) is one of the standard regimens for metastatic or locally advanced gastric cancer (GC). A new combination based on fractional docetaxel (low-TOX) has been developed in an attempt to increase the efficacy of EOX and reduce the heavy toxicity of classical docetaxel regimens.

Methods: Overall, 169 previously untreated GC patients were randomized between EOX (arm A) and low-TOX (arm B).

Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of Cancer Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the Lombardy Region, Italy (AIOM-L CORONA): A Multicenter, Observational, Ambispective, Cohort Study.

Cancer patients may be at high risk of infection and poor outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2. Analyzing their prognosis, examining the effects of baseline characteristics and systemic anti-cancer active therapy (SACT) are critical to their management through the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The AIOM-L CORONA was a multicenter, observational, ambispective, cohort study, with the intended participation of 26 centers in the Lombardy region (Italy).

Systematic versus on-demand early palliative care: A randomised clinical trial assessing quality of care and treatment aggressiveness near the end of life.

Aim: Early palliative care (EPC) in oncology has shown sparse evidence of a positive impact on patient outcomes, quality of care outcomes and costs.

Patients And Methods: Data for this secondary analysis were taken from a trial of 207 outpatients with metastatic pancreatic cancer randomly assigned to receive standard cancer care plus on-demand EPC (standard arm) or standard cancer care plus systematic EPC (interventional arm). After 20 months' follow-up, 149 (80%) had died.

Chemotherapy-induced anemia and oncologist perception on treatment: results of a web-based survey.

Aims And Background: Anemia prevalence and incidence in chemotherapy-treated patients is high. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are frequently employed in the management of chemotherapy-induced anemia. However, other treatments such as red blood transfusion or iron supplementation are normally used.

Adjuvant treatment for elderly patients with colon cancer. An observational study.

Background: Adjuvant 5-fluoruracil-based chemotherapy significantly reduces mortality in patients with stage II-III colon cancer, but is less prescribed with rising age. In this study we were interested in the pattern of adjuvant treatment and possible effects on survival among elderly patients.

Patients And Methods: From January to December 2004, 63 questionnaires on the management of stage II-III resected colon cancer patients aged over 70 years, collected from 10 Italian Centres, were retrospectively examined.

Palliative treatment for elderly patients with colon cancer in ten Italian medical oncology units.

Background: Palliative chemotherapy significantly reduces mortality in patients with stage IV colon cancer, but is less prescribed with rising age. In this paper, we highlight the pattern of palliative treatment and possible effects on survival among elderly patients.

Patients And Methods: From January to December 2004, 78 files on the management of stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) patients over 70 years, collected from 10 Italian Centres, were retrospectively examined.

Colorectal cancer treatment in elderly patients: results of a retrospective analysis addressed to the chiefs of medical oncology units in Italy.

Background: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the differences of 1-year treatment and chemotherapy related-toxicity in elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in different Italian medical oncology units.

Patients And Methods: An open questionnaire on the management of CRC patients over 70 years of age, from January to December 2004, was sent to Italian centres. One hundred and seventy-five files from 10 centres were analysed.

Weekly docetaxel and gemcitabine following docetaxel plus epirubicin or vinorelbine as first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer: results of a multicenter phase II study.

Aims And Background: Sequential docetaxel and gemcitabine following initial docetaxel plus epirubicin or vinorelbine association could be worthwhile as first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients entered a phase II study that included two sequential phases. In the first phase, 36 and 22 patients previously unexposed or exposed to adjuvant anthracyclines received the association of docetaxel (75 mg/m2, day 1) with epirubicin (75 mg/m2, day 1) or vinorelbine (20 mg/m2, days 1 and 5), respectively, every 21 days for 4 courses.