The Oncologist current issue

Polo-Like Kinase (PLK) Inhibitors in Preclinical and Early Clinical Development in Oncology

Schoffski, P. — 2009-06-18

This manuscript reviews the PLK inhibitors in preclinical and clinical development in the therapeutic area of oncology.

Genetic Aspects of Familial Thyroid Cancer

Morrison, P. J., Atkinson, A. B. — 2009-06-18

In this paper, the genetic types of familial medullary thyroid cancer and familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer are reviewed and the clinical features and screening are outlined.

Commentary: Colonoscopic Findings and Tumor Site Do Not Predict Bowel Obstruction During Medical Treatment of Stage IV Colon Cancer

Damjanov, N. — 2009-06-18

This commentary discusses the accompanying Ballian et al. analysis of a study of whether colonoscopic findings can provide indications for prophylactic primary tumor resection or colonic diversion in the treatment of stage IV colon cancer.

Colonoscopic Findings and Tumor Site Do Not Predict Bowel Obstruction During Medical Treatment of Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

Ballian, N., Mahvi, D. M., Kennedy, G. D. — 2009-06-18

The study examines whether left-sided, circumferential, near-obstructing lesions and/or inability to advance the colonoscope beyond the primary tumor are associated with symptomatic bowel obstruction and are indications for prophylactic primary tumor resection or colonic diversion in stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

In Defense of the Whipple: An Argument for Aggressive Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Chamberlain, R. S., Gupta, C., Paragi, P. — 2009-06-18

The authors argue that aggressive surgical management of patients with pancreatic cancer is warranted.

Prognostic Factors in Patients with Ovarian Serous Low Malignant Potential (Borderline) Tumors with Peritoneal Implants

2009-06-18

The study evaluated outcome and prognostic factors in a large series of patients with stage II or III serous low malignant potential ovarian tumors and peritoneal implants. Patient prognosis was good, and the authors found that the strongest prognostic factor in patients with an advanced-stage borderline tumor was the use of conservative surgery.

Cetuximab and Other Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Gridelli, C., Maione, P., Ferrara, M. L., Rossi, A. — 2009-06-18

This article focuses on the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with the anti–epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies, in particular, cetuximab. The data available on panitumumab, matuzumab, nimotuzumab, and ch806, which are in different stages of development for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer, are also examined.

Vascular Disrupting Agents: A Novel Mechanism of Action in the Battle Against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

2009-06-18

This review discusses the hypothesized molecular mechanisms of action of vascular disrupting agents and their early preclinical and clinical results, emphasizing those reported in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and also to discuss future developments in this cancer population.

Angiogenesis as a Therapeutic Target in Malignant Gliomas

Chi, A. S., Sorensen, A. G., Jain, R. K., Batchelor, T. T. — 2009-06-18

This article reviews the rationale for antiangiogenic agents in glioblastoma, their potential mechanisms of action, and their clinical development in glioblastoma patients.

Bortezomib-Induced Lupus Erythematosus Tumidus

Bockle, B. C., Baltaci, M., Weyrer, W., Sepp, N. T. — 2009-06-18

This paper reports on an exceptional case of lupus erythematosus tumidus induced by bortezomib during the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Decisions, Decisions

Steensma, D. P. — 2009-06-18

The author comments on van Laarhoven et al.'s reflection on the motives behind medical decision making.

Dying at the Right Time: A Modern Dilemma

van Laarhoven, H. W.M., Leget, C. J.W., van der Graaf, W. T.A. — 2009-06-18

This article reflects on the motives behind the decision of medical oncologists to aggressively treat, with the goal of a possible cure, a critically ill cancer patient who initially refused treatment because he was "ready to die."

Coda to Winter

Gubili, J. — 2009-06-18

Reflections

Schabelman, S. — 2009-06-18