Factors predicting lapatinib efficacy in HER-2+ metastatic breast carcinoma: Does it work better in different histologic subtypes?

Context: Introduction of trastuzumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of HER-2, is a cornerstone in the treatment of HER-2+ breast carcinoma. However, many cancers that have an initial response to trastuzumab will progress some time later. After progression on trastuzumab-based first-line treatment, there are several options.

Use of chemotherapy at the end of life in Turkey.

Background: An increasing number of patients receive palliative chemotherapy near the end of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the aggressiveness of chemotherapy in Turkish individuals near the end of life.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with solid tumors and died from 2010 to 2011 in the medical oncology department of Akdeniz University were included in the study.

Determinants of opioid efficiency in cancer pain: a comprehensive multivariate analysis from a tertiary cancer centre.

Background: Pain is one of the most terrifying symptoms for cancer patients. Although most patients with cancer pain need opioids, complete relief of pain is hard to achieve. This study investigated the factors influencing persistent pain-free survival (PPFS) and opioid efficiency.

Clinicopathologic features and molecular subtypes of breast cancer in young women (age ≤35).

Introduction: Breast cancer in young women is a relatively rare disease; however it tends to be more aggressive and is the leading cause of cancer death in this population. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and biological features of breast cancer arising in young Turkish breast cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: Patients with breast cancer aged 35 or less (≤35 years) were selected for the study.

Use of blood transfusion at the end of life: does it have any effects on survival of cancer patients?

Background: Treatment of anemia is an important issue in the palliative care setting. Blood transfusion is generally used for this purpose in supportive care. However the place of blood transfusion in terminally ill cancer cases is less far established.

Rising CEA levels in a patient with colon carcinoma: metachronous medullary thyroid cancer.

Introduction: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a commonly used tumor marker, and its value in colon cancer is well established. However it is overexpressed in many different tumors. Here we report a case of colorectal cancer with high postoperative CEA levels that were associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma.