An exploratory study of the use of advance directives by US oncologists.

Purpose: This study sought to determine the rate of advance directive completion among US oncologists and factors influencing such a decision.

Methods: We surveyed 7590 members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology using a web-based questionnaire.

Results: The response rate was 8.

Circulating endothelial cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Angiogenesis is increased in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). We wanted to quantify and characterize the circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in patients with B-CLL and correlate with plasma angiogenesis-related factors. Using a four-color flow cytometry, we prospectively analyzed the CEC in the whole blood of 20 healthy controls and 20 patients with B-CLL.

Clinical trial accrual among new cancer patients at a community-based cancer center.

Background: To the authors' knowledge, only limited data are available regarding clinical trial accrual patterns and the barriers encountered among newly diagnosed patients seen at community-based cancer centers.

Methods: In the current study, the authors prospectively collected clinical and sociodemographic data from all adult patients seen at a community-based cancer center who had new cancers diagnosed between 2003-2004. Clinical trial enrollment decisions were noted and factors that prevented accrual were identified.