Effect of KRAS codon13 mutations in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (advanced CRC) under oxaliplatin containing chemotherapy. Results from a translational study of the AIO colorectal study group.

Background: To evaluate the value of KRAS codon 13 mutations in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (advanced CRC) treated with oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidines.

Methods: Tumor specimens from 201 patients with advanced CRC from a randomized, phase III trial comparing oxaliplatin/5-FU vs. oxaliplatin/capecitabine were retrospectively analyzed for KRAS mutations.

Clinical value of endosonography in the assessment of laryngeal cancer.

Background: Endosonography has been successfully used in staging gastrointestinal cancer, but its value is as yet undetermined in laryngology.

Methods: This prospective study includes 84 patients undergoing microlaryngoscopy for laryngeal cancer. The results of endosonography were compared with those of CT and MRI in the 76 surgical cases.