Alcohol, carcinoembryonic antigen processing and colorectal liver metastases.

It is well established that alcohol consumption is related to the development of alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, it is appreciated that other major health issues are associated with alcohol abuse, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and its metastatic growth to the liver. Although a correlation exists between alcohol use and the development of diseases, the search continues for a better understanding of specific mechanisms.

Association between depression and survival or disease recurrence in patients with head and neck cancer enrolled in a depression prevention trial.

Background: To determine if depression portends a worse prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer, we conducted a retrospective chart analysis of subjects who participated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of citalopram for the prevention of depression during head and neck cancer treatment. Thirty-five patients were randomized, 34 with 1 or more evaluations form the basis of this report.

Methods: We used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), with a minimum follow-up of 24 months if no evidence of disease, or until recurrence or death from disease.