COMMENTARY

The Clinical Significance of Statistical Significance

Robert C. Kane
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1129-1133; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0186
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review provides a clinical and non-Bayesian perspective on some key elements in the statistical design, analysis, and interpretation of randomized, comparative, phase III clinical trials intended to demonstrate superiority over a control treatment.

Commentary: Hormone Receptor Testing in Breast Cancer: A Distress Signal from Canada

D. Craig Allred
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1134-1136; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0184
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This commentary reviews recent events in Canada that underscore the substantial problems with estrogen receptor testing by immunohistochemistry in breast cancer.

Presurgical Systemic Treatment of Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer: Facts and Open Questions

Alfredo Berruti, Maria Pia Brizzi, Daniele Generali, Mara Ardine, Luigi Dogliotti, Paolo Bruzzi, Alberto Bottini
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1137-1148; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0162
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This paper provides an overview on the advantages and limits of the use of disease response after primary systemic therapy in clinical studies of nonmetastatic breast cancer.

False-Positive Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in a Male Patient with a Malignant Germ Cell Tumor of the Testis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Bart E.P.B. Ballieux, Nir I. Weijl, Hans Gelderblom, Johannes van Pelt, Susanne Osanto
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1149-1154; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0159
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Presented is a case report of the first male cancer patient to receive unneeded second- and third-line chemotherapy for a relapsed germ cell tumor based on false-positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) results. The authors discuss the pitfalls of false-positive serum hCG measurements and review the literature.

Osteopontin Combined with CD44, a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Curative Resection

Guo-Huan Yang, Jia Fan, Yang Xu, Shuang-Jian Qiu, Xin-Rong Yang, Guo-Ming Shi, Bing Wu, Zhi Dai, Yin-Kun Liu, Zhao-You Tang, Jian Zhou
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1155-1165; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0081
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]  

SUMMARY: This study evaluates the prognostic significance of osteopontin and CD44 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma patients following curative resection. The authors find that osteopontin combined with CD44 is a promising independent predictor of tumor recurrence and survival.

Bevacizumab and Erlotinib: A Promising New Approach to the Treatment of Advanced NSCLC

Roy S. Herbst, Alan Sandler
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1166-1176; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0108
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Because erlotinib and bevacizumab act on two different pathways critical to tumor growth and dissemination, administering these drugs concomitantly may confer additional clinical benefits to cancer patients with advanced disease, by virtue of their complementary antitumor activity. This article examines this combination as a viable second-line alternative to chemotherapy or erlotinib monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Racism in the Chemotherapy Infusion Unit: A Nurse's Story

Lidia Schapira, Leah Gordon-Rowe, Rosalba Martignetti, Deborah Washington, Mimi Bartholomay, Donna Greenberg, Christopher Lathan, Joanne LaFrancesca, Thomas Lynch, Bruce Chabner
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1177-1180; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0210
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This dialogue focuses on the experience of a racial minority chemotherapy infusion nurse when confronted with a racist patient.

Cancer Survivorship: A Pediatric Perspective

Wendy Landier, Smita Bhatia
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1181-1192; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0104
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review describes some of the known late effects described in childhood cancer survivors in order to suggest reasonable starting points for evaluation of specific long-term problems in this unique and growing population.

Angiogenesis Inhibition in Non-GIST Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Stefan Sleijfer, Winette T.A. van der Graaf, Jean-Yves Blay
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1193-1200; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0188
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review discusses the currently available evidence supporting a role for angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcoma and the first preliminary study results obtained with angiogenesis inhibitors.

Do Patients Die from Rashes from Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors? A Systematic Review to Help Counsel Patients About Holding Therapy

Aminah Jatoi, Phuong L. Nguyen
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1201-1204; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0149
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The authors conducted a systematic review of the published, prospectively conducted clinical trial literature on epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors to determine whether rash-related death has ever been reported. They found that there were no reported deaths from a typical rash and conclude that quality of life issues should remain at the forefront when making decisions about holding cancer therapy.

A Delicate Dance: Negotiating the Doctor-Patient Relationship During Cancer Treatment

Janine Mariscotti
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 1205-1206; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0199
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The author reflects on the intricate dance of the patient–oncologist relationship experienced during her cancer journey.

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