Circulating tumor cell number and endocrine therapy index in ER positive metastatic breast cancer patients.

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are prognostic in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The CTC-endocrine therapy index (CTC-ETI), consisting of CTC-ER (estrogen receptor), BCL2, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), and Ki67 expression, might predict resistance to endocrine therapy (ET) in patients with ER-positive MBC. One hundred twenty-one patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative MBC initiating a new ET after ≥1 lines of ET were enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional clinical trial.

An open-label, dose-ranging study of Rolontis, a novel long-acting myeloid growth factor, in breast cancer.

This randomized, open-label, active-controlled study investigated the safety and efficacy of three doses of Rolontis (eflapegrastim), a novel, long-acting myeloid growth factor, versus pegfilgrastim in breast cancer patients being treated with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (TC). The primary efficacy endpoint was duration of severe neutropenia (DSN) during the first cycle of treatment. Patients who were candidates for adjuvant/neoadjuvant TC chemotherapy were eligible for participation.

Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Middle Mediastinum Involving the Right Main Pulmonary Artery.

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the mediastinum are extremely rare. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea and was found to have a 6.8-cm tumor completely obliterating the right main pulmonary artery.

Results of a phase II open-label, nonrandomized trial of oral satraplatin in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Cisplatin and carboplatin have antitumor activity in breast cancer. Satraplatin, an orally bioavailable platinum analog, offers a potential alternative to intravenous chemotherapy. We conducted a multicenter phase II study of this agent as first- or second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

A phase I study of concurrent 9-nitro-20(s)-camptothecin (9NC/Orathecin) and radiation therapy in the treatment of locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Background And Purpose: In vitro studies have suggested that 9-nitro-20(s)-Camptothecin (9NC/Orathecin/Rubitecan) can enhance the effects of radiation. We conducted a phase I study to assess the toxicity and determine the maximum tolerated dose of 9NC when combined with radiation in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Patients And Methods: Eleven patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas received 9NC, orally during radiation.

Phase I trial of Orzel (UFT plus leucovorin), cisplatin, and radiotherapy in the treatment of potentially resectable esophageal cancer.

Purpose: Fluorinated pyrimidines have been established as radiosensitizers in the combined modality therapy of esophageal cancer. UFT, an oral combination of a 5-fluorouracil pro-drug (uracil) and a dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibitor (ftorafur), may provide improvement in the ease of administration with equal efficacy. This Phase I study was designed to determine the maximal tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity of UFT, leucovorin, and cisplatin when given with radiotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of resectable esophageal cancer.

The epidermal growth factor receptor as a target for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the family of transmembrane protein kinase receptors known as the erbB or HER receptor family. When activated, EGFR phosphorylates and activates other intracellular proteins that affect cell signaling pathways, cellular proliferation, control of apoptosis and angiogenesis. EGFR signaling is best thought of as a network of activating and inactivating proteins with EGFR as the entry point into the network.

Prostate cancer early detection practices among men with a family history of disease.

Objectives: Genetic studies of familial prostate cancer, which is often asymptomatic until advanced stages, rely on correct designation of affection status. In this pilot study, we set out to determine the proportion of unaffected men whose families are participating in a study of hereditary prostate cancer who have been tested for prostate cancer with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement and digital rectal examination (DRE).

Methods: Participants were identified from the University of Michigan Prostate Cancer Genetics Project, a family-based study of inherited prostate cancer susceptibility.