ORIGINAL PAPERS

   BREAST CANCER

Minimizing Cardiotoxicity While Optimizing Treatment Efficacy with Trastuzumab: Review and Expert Recommendations

Miguel Martín, Francisco J. Esteva, Emilio Alba, Bijoy Khandheria, Leopoldo Pérez-Isla, José Ángel García-Sáenz, Antonia Márquez, Partho Sengupta, José Zamorano
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 1-11; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0137
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This paper aims to identify the incidence of cardiac dysfunction in trastuzumab-treated breast cancer patients, together with potential risk factors and strategies for minimizing its occurrence in clinical practice. The management of trastuzumab-associated cardiotoxicity is also discussed.

Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

Terry Gernsheimer
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 12-21; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0132
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This paper examines the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and cellular kinetics of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Emerging treatment strategies targeting the thrombopoietin receptor to increase platelet production are also discussed.

The Clinical Benefit of Bevacizumab in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Is Independent of K-ras Mutation Status: Analysis of a Phase III Study of Bevacizumab with Chemotherapy in Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Herbert I. Hurwitz, Jing Yi, William Ince, William F. Novotny, Oliver Rosen
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 22-28; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0213
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study describes parameters of clinical benefit of bevacizumab treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients relative to K-ras mutation status. Bevacizumab resulted in a statistically significant longer median progression-free survival time in patients with both wild-type and mutant K-ras, suggesting significant clinical benefit regardless of K-ras status.

Anti–Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Where Are We Today?

Marc Peeters, Tim Price, Jean-Luc Van Laethem
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 29-39; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0167
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review provides an overview of several key trials of panitumumab and cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer. It also provides an update on the recent retrospective analyses of clinical studies with anti–epidermal growth factor receptor monotherapy suggesting that KRAS mutational status is an important predictor of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor–targeted therapy.

Indications, Extent, and Benefits of Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Patients with Bladder and Prostate Cancer

Ramesh Thurairaja, Urs E. Studer, Fiona C. Burkhard
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 40-51; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0123
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: In this review, the selection of patients with bladder or prostate cancer for pelvic lymph node dissection, the extent to which it should be performed, as well as its role in tumor staging and associated potential therapeutic benefits are discussed.

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Perspectives in the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Era

Swethajit Biswas, John Kelly, Tim Eisen
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 52-59; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0121
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review summarizes the evidence for the management of metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma and outlines novel approaches to be tested within future trials if the initial proposed phase III trials in this setting, using sunitinib, are successful.

Untangling the Complexities of Depression Diagnosis in Older Cancer Patients

Mark I. Weinberger, Andrew J. Roth, Christian J. Nelson
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 60-66; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0147
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review article discusses the complexities of diagnosing depression in older, geriatric cancer patients and suggests a novel way of conceptualizing and diagnosing depression in these patients that requires a modified and adapted way of assessment.

Commentary: Sorafenib Use in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Underlying Child-Pugh B Cirrhosis—Evidence and Controversy

Andrew X. Zhu, Jeffrey W. Clark
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 67-69; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0281
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SUMMARY: This editorial discusses the accompanying Pinter et al. study of sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis.

Sorafenib in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Mild to Advanced Stage Liver Cirrhosis

Matthias Pinter, Wolfgang Sieghart, Ivo Graziadei, Wolfgang Vogel, Andreas Maieron, Robert Königsberg, Adalbert Weissmann, Gabriela Kornek, Christina Plank, Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 70-76; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0191
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study examines the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC based on the severity of liver disease (Child-Pugh class).

Commentary: Disclosure in Oncology—To Whom Does the Truth Belong?

William A. Wood, Mary S. McCabe, Richard M. Goldberg
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 77-82; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0158
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The authors provide practical recommendations to the practicing clinician in the U.S. who wishes to approach a request for nondisclosure, and disclosure itself, in a compassionate and respectful way.

The Role of IGF-1R in Pediatric Malignancies

Su Young Kim, Jeffrey A. Toretsky, Daniel Scher, Lee J. Helman
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 83-91; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0189
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review explores the role of IGF-1R in a range of childhood malignancies and examines the development of a host of IGF-1R signaling modulators that are currently being tested in clinical trials.

Commentary: Sorafenib—The End of a Long Journey in Search of Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, or the Beginning?

Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 92-94; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0294
[Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This editorial discusses the Kane et al. manuscript published in this issue on the approval of sorafenib for unresectable HCC.

Sorafenib for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Robert C. Kane, Ann T. Farrell, Rajanikanth Madabushi, Brian Booth, Somesh Chattopadhyay, Rajeshwari Sridhara, Robert Justice, Richard Pazdur
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 95-100; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0185
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This paper reviews the efficacy and safety evidence that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Epidemiologic Studies Are Needed To Clarify Whether Dental Modalities Could Be Predictors of Bisphosphonate Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Breast Cancer Patients

Athanassios Kyrgidis, Charalambos Andreadis
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 101-102; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0155
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In Reply

Sharon H. Giordano
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 103; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0182
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Response to "Disparities in the Use of Chemotherapy and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Elderly Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients in the Community Oncology Setting"

Maggie Moore, Suzanne Kosmider, Kathryn Field, Jayesh Desai, Lionel Lim, Frances Barnett, Peter Gibbs
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 104-105; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0222
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SUMMARY: This letter discusses concerns regarding the limitations of a paper recently published in The Oncologist on age-related differences in treatment patterns for metastatic colorectal cancer in community practice.

In Reply

Trevor McKibbin, Jim M. Koeller
The Oncologist 2009; 14: 106-107; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0242
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