The -paclitaxel/gemcitabine regimen for patients with refractory advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

The phase III MPACT trial for metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) showed improved overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and response rates (RRs) for first-line -paclitaxel (Abraxane) and gemcitabine (the AG combination) compared to gemcitabine monotherapy. The safety and efficacy of the AG combination has not been systematically studied as second-line therapy or beyond for metastatic PC. We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed between September 2010 and August 2014 with advanced refractory PC that received combination treatment with AG at our institution.

Full dose neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX is associated with prolonged survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: The efficacy of FOLFIRINOX for metastatic pancreatic cancer has led to its use in patients with earlier stages of disease. This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients with locally-advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with FOLFIRINOX.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2013, 51 treatment-naïve patients with LAPC at a single institution received first-line FOLFIRINOX with neoadjuvant intent, at the full dose as described in the PRODIGE 4/ACCORD 11 study.

Successful use of Trastuzumab with anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab maintenance in patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer.

Background: There is no standard chemotherapy regimen that is universally accepted for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Trastuzumab added to chemotherapy improves survival in patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (Her2/neu)-overexpressing gastric cancer. Data are lacking for the combination of trastuzumab with other chemotherapy regimens, apart from the cisplatin/fluorouracil backbone used in the pivotal TOGA trial.

Mental health of internally displaced preschool children: a cross-sectional study conducted in Bogotá, Colombia.

Purpose: Ongoing armed conflicts, like the one in Colombia, have forcibly displaced millions of people including many young children. This study aimed to assess the mental health of internally displaced preschoolers in Bogotá Colombia and to identify correlates of mental health in these children.

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among 279 children attending four kindergartens in a deprived neighbourhood in Bogotá.