EDITORIALS

Medical Integrity Up in Smoke? Conflicts of Interest and the Lung Cancer Screening Controversy

Beverly Moy
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 474-476; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0098
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Journal author conflicts of interest are discussed in relation to the recent controversy over tobacco company funding of lung cancer screening studies.

Commercialized Multigene Predictors of Clinical Outcome for Breast Cancer

Jeffrey S. Ross, Christos Hatzis, W. Fraser Symmans, Lajos Pusztai, Gabriel N. Hortobágyi
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 477-493; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0248
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: In the past 5 years, a number of commercialized multigene prognostic and predictive tests have entered the complex and expanding landscape of breast cancer diagnostics. In this review, 14 multigene assays are evaluated as to their scientific validation, current clinical utility, regulatory approval status, and estimated cost–benefit ratio.

Use of Intravenous Bisphosphonates in Older Women with Breast Cancer

Sharon H. Giordano, Shenying Fang, Zhigang Duan, Yong-Fang Kuo, Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, James S. Goodwin
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 494-502; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0200
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This manuscript reports the first population-based analysis of the use of i.v. bisphosphonates among older women treated for breast cancer. Overall, the rate of bisphosphonate use was lower than expected, suggesting that i.v. bisphosphonates are underused in these patients.

Integrated Analysis of Zoledronic Acid for Prevention of Aromatase Inhibitor–Associated Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women with Early Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Letrozole

Adam Brufsky, Nigel Bundred, Robert Coleman, Rosemary Lambert-Falls, Raul Mena, Peyman Hadji, Lixian Jin, Nora Schenk, Solveig Ericson, Edith A. Perez, Z-FAST and ZO-FAST Study Groups
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 503-514; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0206
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [Supplemental Data]  

SUMMARY: The results of an integrated analysis of the Z-FAST and ZO-FAST studies are presented. This analysis shows that upfront zoledronic acid prevents aromatase inhibitor–associated bone loss more effectively than delayed-start zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer receiving letrozole. Additionally, disease recurrence appears to be lower with upfront zoledronic acid, but further follow-up is needed to confirm these interim results.

Clinical Efficacy of Taxane–Trastuzumab Combination Regimens for HER-2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Karen Bullock, Kimberly Blackwell
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 515-525; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0204
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Studies assessing taxane–trastuzumab combination therapy in metastatic breast cancer are reviewed. Docetaxel and paclitaxel combinations with trastuzumab appear to be well-tolerated and effective therapy options for women with HER-2–positive metastatic breast cancer, particularly in a weekly dosing schedule.

False Tumor Marker Surge Evoked by Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Masaharu Inoue, Fumitaka Koga, Satoru Kawakami, Noboru Numao, Mizuaki Sakura, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Kazunori Kihara
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 526-529; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0253
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This case study reports false surges of a tumor marker, serum human chorionic gonadotropin, evoked by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in the course of chemotherapy for a poor-risk testicular cancer patient.

The Forgotten Team Member: Meeting the Needs of Oncology Support Staff

Barbara J. Cashavelly, Karen Donelan, Kathryn D. Binda, Johanna R. Mailhot, Katherine A. Clair-Hayes, Peter Maramaldi
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 530-538; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0023
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study provides insight into the impact of caring for oncology patients on support staff. A quantitative survey of support staff found the highest satisfaction with patient relationships and the lowest satisfaction with job recognition and supervisor support; high personal accomplishment scores declined with duration of employment.

Current Management of Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Rebecca S. Sippel, Muthusamy Kunnimalaiyaan, Herbert Chen
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 539-547; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0239
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This article discusses the current methods available for the diagnosis and evaluation of a patient with suspected medullary thyroid cancer. The extent and timing of surgical excision are discussed as well as systemic therapeutic options, including several therapeutic targets with promise for the development of new therapies.

Molecular Markers and the Pathogenesis of Adrenocortical Cancer

Patsy S. H. Soon, Kerrie L. McDonald, Bruce G. Robinson, Stan B. Sidhu
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 548-561; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0243
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis, including results of comparative genomic hybridization, loss of heterozygosity, and microarray gene-expression profiling studies. The TP53, IGF2, H19, p57^kip2, and MEN1 genes are involved in adrenocortical carcinogenesis, as are the ACTH–cAMP–PKA and Wnt pathways, but many chromosomal regions in which oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes have yet to be identified are also involved.

Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer 2008: Is the Glass Less Empty?

Jacqueline Nieto, Michael L. Grossbard, Peter Kozuch
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 562-576; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0181
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The frustrating lack of significant clinical advancements in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer remains one of medical oncology's biggest disappointments. This article examines the existing evidence in support of a role for palliative therapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer, describes recent developments with newer chemotherapeutic and molecular-targeted agents, and explores future study designs.

EBV-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Classification and Treatment

Antonino Carbone, Annunziata Gloghini, Giampietro Dotti
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 577-585; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0036
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review focuses on the pathology, diagnosis, classification, and pathogenesis of EBV-associated lymphomas. Recent advances in EBV cell–based immunotherapy, which is beginning to show promise in the treatment of EBV-related disorders, are discussed.

Lost in Translation: Integrating Medical Interpreters into the Multidisciplinary Team

Lidia Schapira, Erika Vargas, Renzo Hidalgo, Marilyn Brier, Lourdes Sanchez, Karin Hobrecker, Thomas Lynch, Bruce Chabner
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 586-592; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0042
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Good communication between a clinician and patient is challenging even if both share cultural heritage and common values, and speak the same language. Insights shared by staff interpreters at this forum highlight the opportunity to improve care for patients with limited English proficiency by integrating interpreters into the multidisciplinary team.

Editorial: The Long and Winding Road to Better Cancer Cell–Specific Therapies

Stefan Sleijfer, Erik Wiemer
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 593-595; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0090
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This editorial considers the efforts to devise cancer cell–specific therapies by Ray-Coquard et al. and Tawbi et al. in the previous issue, and applauds the progress being made by such efforts in this area.

Health Economic Evaluation of Treating Anemia in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Study in Belgian Hospitals

Erik Spaepen, Nadia Demarteau, Simon Van Belle, Lieven Annemans
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 596-607; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0219
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Presented is a retrospective analysis of a longitudinal Belgian database showing no difference in the clinical effectiveness of three erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced anemia. Anemia-related hospital costs were, however, significantly lower for patients treated with darbepoetin alfa than for those treated with epoetin alfa or epoetin beta.

Response to "CT Screening for Lung Cancer: Update 2007"

Peter B. Bach
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 608-609; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0031
[Full Text] [PDF]  

In Reply

Claudia I. Henschke, David F. Yankelevitz
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 610-612; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0051
[Full Text] [PDF]  

Response to "Absence of Conclusive Evidence for the Safety and Efficacy of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue Treatment in Protecting Against Chemotherapy-Induced Gonadal Injury"

Emily C. Somers, Gregory M. Christman, Senait Fisseha, Wendy Marder, W. Joseph McCune
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 613-614; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0021
[Full Text] [PDF]  

In Reply: Can GnRH Analogues Preserve Gonadal Function Without Preserving Fertility?

Murat Sönmezer, Heejung Bang, Kutluk Oktay
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 615-617; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0053
[Full Text] [PDF]  

The Clinical Approach Towards Chondrosarcoma

Hans Gelderblom, Pancras C.W. Hogendoorn, Sander D. Dijkstra, Carla S. van Rijswijk, Augustinus D. Krol, Antonie H.M. Taminiau, Judith V.M.G. Bovée
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 618; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0237erratum
[Full Text] [PDF]  

CT Screening for Lung Cancer: Update 2007

Claudia I. Henschke, David F. Yankelevitz
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 619; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0153erratum
[Full Text] [PDF]  

To review many abstracts, check the boxes to the left of the titles you want, and click the 'Get All Checked Abstract(s)' button.