Surgical resection, intraoperative radiotherapy and immediate plastic reconstruction: A good option for the treatment of distal extremity soft tissue sarcomas.

Aim: To show three patients with soft tissue sarcomas of distal extremities conservatively treated after tumor-board discussion, involving margin-free surgery, exclusive intraoperative radiotherapy, and immediate reconstruction.

Background: Current guidelines show clear and robust recommendations regarding the composition of the treatment of sarcomas of extremities. However, little evidence exists regarding the application of these treatments depending on the location of the primary neoplasia.

Prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian medical oncologists.

Introduction: Burnout syndrome which is prevalent among oncologists is characterized by three aspects: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. The purpose was to evaluate prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian medical oncologists and the variables that correlate with its presence.

Methods: A survey was conducted with members of the Brazilian Society of Medical Oncology (SBOC) who received three questionnaires (general, Maslach burnout questionnaire and an opinion survey) mailed to all 458 members.

[Awareness of cancer diagnosis does not lead to depression in palliative care patients].

Objective: Characterize the profile of patients under palliative care at this institution and evaluate the prevalence of depression in these patients.

Methods: Sixty two cancer patients under palliative care, who had answered three questionnaires: one regarding their demographic characteristics, another to evaluate their quality of life and the Beck's depression inventory were surveyed.

Results: Of these patients, 68% presented with some degree of depression.

[Incidence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian cancer physicians].

Background: The Burnout syndrome can be characterized by abnormalities in three domains: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and lack of personal realization (PR). In the medical profession, oncologists are especially prone to this syndrome. This study evaluates its prevalence among cancer physicians in Brazil correlating it to their demographic, work related variables and seeks possible solutions to prevent burnout.

Continuous infusion of amphotericin B: preliminary experience at Faculdade de Medicina da Fundação ABC.

Context And Objective: Intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB-D) infusions, usually given over 4 hours, frequently induce nephrotoxicity and undesirable infusion-related side effects such as rigors and chills. There is evidence in the literature that the use of AmB-D in the form of continuous 24-hour infusion is less toxic than the usual four-hour infusion of this drug. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous infusion of AmB-D for the treatment of persistent fever in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies after chemotherapy.