EDITORIALS

RNA-Directed Therapy: The Next Step in the miRNA Revolution

Carl D. Novina, Bruce A. Chabner
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1-3; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0236
[Full Text] [PDF]  

Keeping Pace

Simone John, John E. Niederhuber
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 4-5; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0213
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The future role of continuing medical education in preparing physicians for the research-driven transformation of the practice of oncology is proposed.

Prognostic Value of Initial Clinical Disease Stage After Achieving Pathological Complete Response

Shaheenah Dawood, Kristine Broglio, Shu-Wan Kau, Rabiul Islam, W. Fraser Symmans, Thomas A. Buchholz, Sean E. McGuire, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Massimo Cristofanilli, Gabriel N. Hortobágyi, Ana M. Gonzalez-Angulo
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 6-15; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0107
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Breast cancer patients who achieve a pathological complete response after primary systemic chemotherapy have a low rate of recurrence; however, higher clinical stage and inflammatory breast cancer are predictive of worse outcomes in these patients.

The Emerging Role of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Paula D. Ryan, Paul E. Goss
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 16-24; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0199
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway is important in many human cancers based on data from experimental models as well as epidemiological studies. In this manuscript, the rationale for targeting the insulin-like growth factor system is reviewed in addition to a summary of the available clinical trial data.

Application of PET/CT in the Development of Novel Anticancer Drugs

David S. Boss, Renato Valdes Olmos, Michiel Sinaasappel, Jos H. Beijnen, Jan H. M. Schellens
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 25-38; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0097
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a relatively new imaging modality, combining the functional images of PET with the anatomical information of CT. In this paper, the recent literature on the current role of PET/CT in drug development is reviewed.

Synergy Between Cetuximab and Chemotherapy in Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Reshma L. Mahtani, John S. Macdonald
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 39-50; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2006-0049
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Cetuximab, as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy, has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy against colorectal cancer. This review discusses recent clinical studies evaluating combination chemotherapies with cetuximab as well as combinations involving cetuximab and other targeted agents, focusing primarily on tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.

Expanding Criteria for Resectability of Colorectal Liver Metastases

Timothy M. Pawlik, Richard D. Schulick, Michael A. Choti
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 51-64; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0142
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The criteria for resectability of colorectal liver metastases have been significantly revised and expanded over the course of the last decade. Specifically, instead of resectability being defined by what is removed, decisions concerning resectability now center around what will remain after resection.

CT Screening for Lung Cancer: Update 2007

Claudia I. Henschke, David F. Yankelevitz
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 65-78; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0153
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [IMPORTANT: Editor's Note]  

SUMMARY: Screening is the pursuit of the early diagnosis of cancer before symptoms occur in order to provide early treatment and potentially prevent death from the cancer. The approach, advantages, and areas of concern of the Early Lung Cancer Action Project for lung cancer screening are described.

Case Report: Dramatic Recovery of Lung Adenocarcinoma–Associated Dermatomyositis with Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy Alone

Yuan-Sheng Zang, Qing-Yu Xiu, Zheng Fang, Bing Li, Tian-Bao Xia
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 79-81; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0172
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This case report details the sudden onset of severe dermatomyositis (DM) symptoms followed by rapid progression of adenocarcinoma of the lung and an obvious diminution of the primary tumor with the administration of lung cancer targeted drug therapy alone, followed by nearly complete disappearance of the DM symptoms, with no conspicuous improvement in the DM symptoms when using corticosteroids.

Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cell Subsets from Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathies Show an Abnormal Distribution and Are Functionally Impaired

Marta Martín-Ayuso, Julia Almeida, Martín Pérez-Andrés, Rebeca Cuello, Josefina Galende, Maria Isabel González-Fraile, Guillermo Martín-Nuñez, Fernando Ortega, Maria Jesús Rodríguez, Jesús F. San Miguel, Alberto Orfao
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 82-92; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0127
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study shows the existence of significant abnormalities in the distribution, phenotype, and pattern of secretion of inflammatory cytokines by different subsets of peripheral blood dendritic cells from patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Abnormalities were seen in all three monoclonal gammopathy subtypes—monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, and plasma cell leukemia.

Text on Randomized Clinical Trials in Pediatric Oncology

Peter C. Adamson
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 93-94; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0130
[Full Text] [PDF]  

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