– December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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European Trial Demonstrates Reduced Survival in Erythropoietin-Treated Head and Neck Cancer Patients
In a multicenter trial of anemic head and neck cancer patients, recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin b) or placebo were administered as adjuncts to radiation therapy. As expected, hemoglobin levels rose in the epoetin-treated patients, but locoregional control and survival were diminished. This surprising result warrants prompt confirmatory study and expanded investigation to determine mechanism. -
Bone Marrow Transplant Registry Data on Treatment of Follicular Lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is considered incurable by standard chemotherapeutic approaches, but speculation has arisen that more intensive therapy followed by allogeneic or autologous transplants may produce more durable remissions and possibly cures. -
Long Durations and Different Regimens of Hormone Therapy and Risk of Breast Cancer
The data in this case-control study of combined estrogen plus progestin therapy revealed an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly invasive lobular tumor, regardless of whether the progestin component was taken sequentially or continuously. There was no increased risk of breast cancer in those exposed postmenopausally to estrogen only. -
Trends in Surgery and Chemotherapy for Women Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in the United States
Despite guidelines presented by several organizations, significant numbers of women with ovarian cancer are not being provided with appropriate care. -
EORTC Cancer in the Elderly: Task Force Guidelines for the Use of Colony-Stimulating Factors in Elderly Patients with Cancer
This study outlines recent EORTC cancer guidelines in chemotherapy in the elderly. -
Prevention of Breast Cancer with Tamoxifen
Only 5% of white women and 0.6% of black women are potential candidates for tamoxifen chemoprevention. -
Pharmacology Watch: Eplerenone Cleared for CHF Patients with Sustained MI
The FDA has approved Pfizer's eplerenone (Inspra) for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients who have sustained a myocardial infarction.