The Oncologist current issue

Trastuzumab in the Adjuvant Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Dahabreh, I. J., Linardou, H., Siannis, F., Fountzilas, G., Murray, S. — 2008-06-27

A systematic review and meta-analysis to compare treatment outcomes for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab are reported. The results support the use of trastuzumab, especially in patients at low risk for cardiovascular morbidity.

Use of H215O-PET and DCE-MRI to Measure Tumor Blood Flow

de Langen, A. J., van den Boogaart, V. E. M., Marcus, J. T., Lubberink, M. — 2008-06-27

This review focuses on the technical and physiological aspects of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography with H₂¹⁵O with the aim of providing the essential information necessary to critically evaluate these techniques in an oncological setting. It shows that these techniques provide reliable measures of tumor perfusion, provided that a certain level of standardization is applied.

Is There an Entity of Chemically Induced BCR-ABL-Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?

Lichtman, M. A. — 2008-06-27

This study reviews the available literature and finds no epidemiological studies that report a statistically significant association of BCR-ABL–positive chronic myelogenous leukemia with an exposure to chemicals, such as benzene, alkylating agents, topoisomerase II inhibitors, and other chemotherapeutic agents.

Commentary: Let the Tail Wag the Dog: The Case for Radioimmunotherapy of Low-Grade Follicular Lymphoma

Plastaras, J. P., Glatstein, E., Schuster, S. J. — 2008-06-27

This commentary reviews the Buchegger et al. manuscript published in this issue of The Oncologist. The authors concur with Buchegger et al. and advocate greater use of radioimmunotherapy in advanced-stage low-grade follicular lymphoma.

Radiolabeled and Native Antibodies and the Prospect of Cure of Follicular Lymphoma

Buchegger, F., Press, O. W., Delaloye, A. B., Ketterer, N. — 2008-06-27

This review discusses the potential of antibodies as biological treatments, possibly combined with cytokines, and reviews radioimmunotherapy and its delivery of various forms of radiation in the treatment of advanced-stage follicular lymphoma. The authors hypothesize that the combination of an optimized biological treatment together with radiolabeled antibodies and chemotherapy early in the disease course may represent the best approach to achieve prolonged disease-free survival and eventually cure.

Pediatric Nonrhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Spunt, S. L., Skapek, S. X., Coffin, C. M. — 2008-06-27

This article summarizes what is known to date about childhood nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas, including the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.

Characteristics and Outcome of Pediatric Patients Enrolled in Phase I Oncology Trials

2008-06-27

This study is a retrospective review of the subjects enrolled at the National Cancer Institute Pediatric Oncology Branch in phase I trials from 1992 to 2005. The enrollment characteristics of these subjects and their association with the outcomes of the phase I trials are described, and radiographic response and overall survival are discussed.

Pediatric Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors: A Review

Echevarria, M. E., Fangusaro, J., Goldman, S. — 2008-06-27

This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathology diagnosis, classification, molecular features, current management, and new therapeutic approaches for central nervous system germ cell tumors.

Modern Radiotherapy as Part of Combined Modality Treatment in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Present Status and Future Prospects

van Meerbeeck, J. P., Meersschout, S., De Pauw, R., Madani, I., De Neve, W. — 2008-06-27

This article reviews the current status and outcome of treatment in stage III non-small cell lung cancer, with special emphasis on the role of novel techniques in radiation treatment, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The obstacles for improving local control are identified and the technical progress that aims at removing these obstacles is addressed.

FDA Drug Approval Summary: Nelarabine (Arranon(R)) for the Treatment of T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma

Cohen, M. H., Johnson, J. R., Justice, R., Pazdur, R. — 2008-06-27

This report describes the clinical trials leading to U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of nelarabine (Arranon®), a new purine analogue, for the treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens.

Treating Anemia of Cancer with Every-4-Week Darbepoetin Alfa: Final Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Gordon, D., Nichols, G., Ben-Jacob, A., Tomita, D., Lillie, T., Miller, C. — 2008-06-27

This paper reports the results of a phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the efficacy of darbepoetin alfa for treating anemia of cancer in patients not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Darbepoetin alfa appeared to be well tolerated and significantly increased hemoglobin levels in the study patients.

Managing Premedications and the Risk for Reactions to Infusional Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Chung, C. H. — 2008-06-27

This article discusses the incidence, etiology, prophylaxis, and management of infusion reactions associated with monoclonal antibodies.

Response to "Commentary: Lung Cancer Screening--Progress or Peril"

McMahon, P. M., Gazelle, G. S. — 2008-06-27

This letter expresses concerns regarding unauthorized use and misrepresentation of the authors' work in a recent commentary published in The Oncologist.

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Monitoring Response to Sorafenib Treatment in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Siemerink, E. J. M., Mulder, N. H., Brouwers, A. H., Hospers, G. A. P. — 2008-06-27

In Reply

Boss, D. S., Olmos, R. V., Sinaasappel, M., Beijnen, J. H., Schellens, J. H. M. — 2008-06-27

Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer 2008: Is the Glass Less Empty?

Nieto, J., Grossbard, M. L., Kozuch, P. — 2008-06-27