PET and PLAP in suspected testicular cancer relapse: beware sarcoidosis.

A 31-year-old man previously treated with chemotherapy for metastatic testicular cancer presented with new mediastinal lymphadenopathy and peripheral lung opacities. Serum tumour markers were not elevated and a PET (positron emission tomography) scan revealed increased FDG (fluoro-deoxyglucose) uptake in the lungs and mediastinum consistent with testis cancer relapse. A biopsy of a mediastinal lymph node was performed and the pathology was that of sarcoidosis.

A phase II study evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of CAELYX (liposomal doxorubicin, Doxil) in the treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.

Background: Preclinical studies of liposomal doxorubicin (CAELYX) have demonstrated significant inhibition of growth of human pancreatic cancer explants in nude mice. This study evaluated the efficacy of CAELYX in chemotherapy-naïve patients with unresectable, histologically confirmed pancreatic carcinoma. Secondary endpoints were quality of life (QOL).

Avascular necrosis of bone: the hidden risk of glucocorticoids used as antiemetics in cancer chemotherapy.

The role of antiemetics is invaluable in allowing cancer patients to complete otherwise potentially intolerable chemotherapy. Corticosteroids have an established place in the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting due to emetogenic cytotoxic agents. Avascular necrosis of bone is a recognised complication of glucocorticoid treatment--the risk of this increasing with higher doses and longer duration of use.

Treatment of metastatic breast cancer with continuous infusional 5 fluorouracil.

Background: Single agent continuous infusional 5 fluorouracil (CI-5FU) via a central venous catheter (CVC) is usually reserved for breast cancer patients who have previously failed one or more chemotherapy regimens. The patients are usually heavily pre-treated with later stage disease. Previously published studies of CI-5FU have reported response rates as high as 54%.

Immunomodulation therapy in colorectal carcinoma.

There has been much progress in the understanding of the relationship between the immune system and colorectal cancer. This has led to the use of immunomodulatory therapy in the adjuvant and palliative treatment of the condition. Although attempts at the use of non-specific immunomodulation with agents such as levamisole, cimetidine, alpha interferon and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) have not produced significant clinical benefits when tested in randomized trials in both the adjuvant setting and for metastatic disease, promising results are being obtained with more specific therapy.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors: applications in oncology.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are a group of zinc dependent enzymes which include the interstitial collagenases, stromelysins, gelatinases and membrane-type metalloproteinases. They are involved in the remodelling and turnover of the extracellular matrix proteins. They play a role in wound healing and the pathogenesis of arthritis.

The treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Metastatic colorectal cancer represents an incurable condition, with the exception of a very select group of patients in whom surgical excision of recurrent disease is possible. Chemotherapy offers a significant palliative benefit and may prolong patient survival. The preferred cytotoxic agent is 5-fluorouracil, through the optimal administration schedule is unknown.

Treatment of invasive thymoma with single-agent ifosfamide.

Purpose: To evaluate single-agent ifosfamide in the treatment of invasive thymoma.

Patients And Methods: Fifteen patients (eight male and seven female) with histologically confirmed invasive thymoma were treated. The median age was 48 years (range, 23 to 76 years).