Phase Ib with expansion study of olaparib plus weekly (Metronomic) carboplatin and paclitaxel in relapsed ovarian cancer patients.

Objective: Our goals were to: establish the maximum-tolerated dose of olaparib tablets combined with metronomic carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with relapsed high-grade serous ovarian cancer; evaluate dose-limiting toxicities; and evaluate efficacy at the maximum tolerated dose.

Methods: In this open-label, single-arm, investigator-initiated trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01650376), patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who failed primary platinum and taxane therapy received oral olaparib tablets twice daily days 1-3 each week combined with fixed-dose metronomic carboplatin AUC2 and paclitaxel 60 mg/m weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks.

A phase I trial of intraperitoneal nab-paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced malignancies primarily confined to the peritoneal cavity.

Purpose: To evaluate intraperitoneal (IP) nab-paclitaxel in patients with advanced malignancies that are primarily confined to the peritoneal cavity in a phase I trial.

Methods: Using a 3 + 3 dose escalation of IP nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, we evaluated six dose levels (35-175 mg/m/dose). Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of IP nab-paclitaxel were determined.

Colorectal Chemoprevention Pilot Study (SWOG-9041), randomized and placebo controlled: the importance of multiple luminal lesions.

Background: Colorectal cancer is common worldwide and chemoprevention has the potential of reducing the number of individuals who may suffer and perish from this disease.

Methods: A randomized placebo controlled pilot study in colorectal cancer patients was performed using calcium carbonate as the test agent in a multi-institutional oncology study group.

Results: Two hundred twenty volunteers were randomized in the study.

Phase III study comparing gemcitabine plus cetuximab versus gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Southwest Oncology Group-directed intergroup trial S0205.

Purpose: Patients with advanced pancreas cancer present with disease that is poorly responsive to conventional therapies. Preclinical and early clinical evidence has supported targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in patients with pancreas cancer. This trial was conducted to evaluate the contribution of an EGFR-targeted agent to standard gemcitabine therapy.

The board's role in managing a crisis.

In a time of crisis, the board's first responsibility is reassuring the community.