Recent Advances in the Treatment and Supportive Care of POEMS Syndrome.

POEMS is a rare clonal plasma cell disorder characterized by multi-systemic features that include demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, presence of monoclonal proteins (M-protein), and skin changes. Even though the pathophysiology is poorly understood, recent studies suggest that both clonal and polyclonal plasmacytosis leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic mediators play the central role. These mediators including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the driving forces of the syndrome.

Clinico-pathologic disparities of breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina women.

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic/Latina women nationwide. Limited cancer research has been conducted in this population. El Paso, Texas is a large border city with a population of around 900,000, of which 85% are Latinos and would provide a suitable setting for this study.