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Bevacizumab added to chemotherapy, particularly paclitaxel and cisplatin, was efficacious in all response outcomes (objective response, progression-free survival, and overall survival) without diminution in quality of life or unacceptable toxicity.
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In a well-controlled retrospective analysis of patients who presented with metastatic colorectal cancer, primary tumor resection was associated with improved overall survival.
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In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of bevacizumab added to standard temozolomide and radiation therapy for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, progression-free survival but not overall survival was enhanced.
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We now have three options for emergency contraception the copper IUD, oral ulipristal acetate, and oral levonorgestrel. One of the most important considerations in using emergency contraception is the initiation of ongoing regular contraception. The special feature will discuss the opportunities and considerations for use of these three different methods of postcoital contraception.
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A meta-analysis of 19 studies involving first trimester screening for fetal anomalies has shown that a majority of major structural abnormalities can be diagnosed between 11 and 14 weeks and that even cardiac abnormalities can be identified with ultrasound with reasonable efficiency.
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Synopsis: In this study, women without allergies who consumed peanuts or tree nuts five times or more per month around the time of pregnancy compared to less than one time per month had reduced odds of having children with peanut or tree nut allergies.
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The association between oral contraceptive use and ovarian or breast cancer in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers are qualitatively similar to associations reported in the general population. Oral contraceptive pill use is inversely associated with ovarian cancer risk. However, it is also associated with a modest, but not statistically significant, increased risk for breast cancer. The analysis was unable to provide conclusive recommendations as to their use as preventive measures given these and other unmeasured risks. However, oral contraceptive pills appear safe for contraception in this population.
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There has been some controversy on the role of taxanes in combination with platinum for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In the current report, patients who relapsed after a disease-free interval of 6 months or more were randomized in 2 large, multicenter trials conducted in Europe to receive either platinum (or typical platinum-based regimens) or paclitaxel plus platinum.
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Women who survive breast cancer may be at a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease compared with women without a history of breast cancer.
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The development of an isolated supraclavicular node recurrence of breast cancer after primary surgical resection (including axillary node dissection) was found, upon review of the tumor registries of 8 community hospitals in The Netherlands, to occur very uncommonly (less than 1%). Examination of clinical outcomes for these patients indicates that isolated supraclavicular recurrence is an antecedent of disseminated disease, in that, even with local control (as achieved by radiation therapy), the great majority of patients soon develop systemic disease.
