OncoLink Library

Reviews of book and videos about survivorship

Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment Authors: Kenneth D. Miller, MD, editor ISBN: 9780801886850 Information: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008 \| $18.95 US paperback OncoLink Rating: Call me “Coach.” Breast Cancer Coach, to be exact. It’s a volunteer role I play on a regular basis. The phone might ring on a quiet Sunday
A Significant Journey: Breast Cancer Survivors and the Men Who Love Them Author: The American Cancer Society Format: VHS Color Time: 20 minutes This is an excellent short videotape that deals with the relationships between couples after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The participants range in age from 24-72 and come from all walks of life. Each couple is interviewed together. The video emphasizes
Survivors' Guide to Breast Cancer: A Couple's Story of Faith, Hope and Love Authors: Robert C. Fore, Ed.D. and Rorie E. Fore, RN Publisher: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc. Price: $17.00 (USA) ISBN: 1-57312-170-3 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Survivors' Guide to Breast Cancer is an inspirational story about one couple's experience through the diagnosis and treatment of breast
A Warrior's Way: Insights for Cancer patients, Cancer Survivors and Those Who Love Them Author: John R. Cope Publisher:Hearts That Care PublishingISBN: 0967828422 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure The old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" will never be used more appropriately than when choosing to or refusing to read A Warrior's Way-- Insights for Cancer patients, Cancer Survivors and Those Who
UPLIFT: Secrets From The Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors Author: Barbara Delinsky Publisher: Pocket Books, 2001 ISBN: B00006B6B4 OncoLink Rating: Barbara Delinsky, known for her best selling fictional work, shares her personal battle, as well as that of many other men and women, through UPLIFT. Barbara's experience with breast cancer began when she was just 6 years old, with her
The Year My Mother Was Bald Author: Ann Speltz Publisher: Magination Press ISBN: 1-55798-888-9 OncoLink Rating: The Year My Mother Was Bald was written to emphasize the effect that a diagnosis of cancer can have on the patient's child. This is an important aspect to touch upon, as many children will experience this very situation. In these cases, not
Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment (3rd & 4th Editions) Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 2005 (3rd ed) & 2007 (4th ed) Information: ISBN 0-9663610-0-6-3 \| $24.95 US, 180 pages OncoLink Rating: Dr. Vladamir Lange (the author) and his wife, Mandy, are both physicians, yet when they first learned that Mandy
Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (DVD/Video) Author: National Cancer Institute Publisher: NCI, 2005
OncoLink Patient Guide: Breast Cancer Authors: James Metz MD, Editor-in-Chief, OncoLink, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Maggie Hampshire RN, Managing Editor, OncoLink, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Publisher: Saunders, Published November 23, 2006 Information: ISBN
I Wish I Knew - Series I Wish I Knew: Notes from a Breast Cancer Survivor I Wish I Knew How to Help: Notes from a Breast Cancer Survivor on How to Help I Wish I Knew Who I’ve Become: Notes from a Breast Cancer Survivor on Thriving after Treatment
I Am Not My Breast Cancer: Women talk openly about love & sex, hair loss & weight gain, mothers & daughters, and being a woman with Breast Cancer Author: Ruth Peltason
Dear Talula. A Film by Lori Benson It appeared in my mailbox on a humid Saturday afternoon: a small DVD mailer with a Manhattan return address. Momentarily a total mystery until I ripped open the envelope and Dear Talula slid out and landed on my kitchen counter. Then I remembered: there was an article about Lori Benson in a recent issue of MAMM magazine; this 38 year-old aspiring
Healing Words: Poetry & Medicine Does poetry heal? To answer that question, the filmmakers take us into the Shands Hospital at the University of Florida and invite us to experience their Arts in Medicine program. The film features intimate scenes and images that resonate powerfully and linger long after the documentary ends. We stand next to a dance therapist who uses music
Pretty is What Changes Authors: Jessica Queller ASBN: 9780385520409
Five lessons I didn't learn from breast cancer (and One Big One I Did) Author: Shelley Lewis ISBN: 9780451223906 Information: New American Library, 2008 \|
The Middle Place Authors: Kelly Corrigan ASBN: 1587612801
Jonna's Body, Please Hold. A Cancerous Dark Comedy - A Film by Jonna Tamases A Film By: Jonna Tamases Information: 46 minutes \| 2007 \| www.JonnasBodyMovie.com OncoLink Rating: Last Thursday night, me and four of my breast cancer support group buddies entered the surreal
After the Cure Authors: Emily K. Abel & Saskia K. Subramanian Publisher: New York University Press, 2008
Not now... I'm Having a No Hair Day Author: Christine Clifford with illustrations by Jack Lidstrom Publisher: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers Price: $9.95 (US) ISBN: 1-57025-120-7 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Christine Clifford is a breast cancer survivor who found that humor helped her cope with the diagnosis of cancer. She was able to identify
The Victoria's Secret Catalogue Never Stops Coming - and Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer Author: Jennie Nash Publisher: Plume Price: $11.00 (USA) ISBN: 0452283663 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure As an oncology nurse, I hesitated to read another breast cancer survivor's story. These stories are often filled with emotion, reminding me of the many life stories I have played a part in as a nurse and friend
Advanced Breast Cancer: A Guide for Living with Metastatic Disease Author: Musa Mayer Publisher: O'Reilly Price: $19.95 USA, $29.95 CAN ISBN: 1-56592-522-x OncoLink Rating: According to Musa Mayer, there are two groups of breast cancer patients: those with primary cancer of the breast, hoping for a cure, and those with metastatic disease, defined as the spread of cancer
Woman to Woman : Breast Cancer and Reconstruction Options -- a Discussion for any Woman Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Producer: Bosom Buddies, Inc. 1998 Running Time: 41:30 minutes OncoLink Rating: One of the most common cancers in women is breast cancer with another woman diagnosed every 3 minutes. With screening and increased public awareness, this malignancy has usually been intervened upon in the early stages, meaning a greater chance
The Breast Cancer Survivor's Club Author: Lillie Shockney, RN, MAS Publisher: Windsorhouse Publishing Group ISBN: 1-8816-3622-4 Note:Title change from "Joining the Club" with second edition This is a true story of a woman named Lillie Shockney, who has had "the unique opportunity to experience breast cancer from three different perspectives: as a
Coping with Breast Cancer Author: Dr. Eadie Heyderman Publisher: Price: £ 6.99 UK ISBN: 0-85969-729-0 If you are looking for basic facts and medical information on breast cancer written in a clear and precise way, this book is for you. Written by a doctor who had breast cancer herself, it guides the reader through the diagnosis of
Examining Myself : One Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery Author:Musa Mayer Publisher: ISBN: OncoLink Rating: "Examining Myself: One Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery" by Musa Mayer (Faber & Faber, 1994 Paper $10.95 ISBN 0-571-19845-7) Reviews: "The very best book anybody has ever written about what it is like to have breast cancer." -- Linda
Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer: Tips For Becoming An Effective Support Partner Author: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, Breast Health Specialist Publisher: Educare Publishing ISBN: 188665-11-7 OncoLink Rating: This book was written based on the experiences of the author working with women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. There is a general discussion of the growth of cancer cells in
Journey Unknown Author: Margaret Phalor Barnhart Published by: Journey Press, Troy, OH 1988 ISBN: 0-9625121-1-7 In 1987, at the age of 46, Margaret Phalor Barnhart was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a modified radical mastectomy followed by six months of chemotherapy. To help ease the emotional and psychological burden of the disease
Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 1998 Price: $24.95 US ISBN: 0-9663610-0-8 OncoLink Rating: The author of this book, Dr. Vladimir Lange and his wife, also a physician, were overwhelmed at the discovery that she had breast cancer. Doctors bombarded them with information, and many
The Breast Cancer Handbook Author: Joan Swirsky and Barbara Balaban Publisher: Power Publications ISBN: 1-888315-05-9 OncoLink Rating: Joan Swirsky is a health and science writer for the New York Times. She has written over 200 articles on breast cancer, in addition to eight other issues related to the consumer and health. She is a
The Breast Cancer Companion Author: Kathy LaTourPublisher: William Marrow & Co, Inc.Price: $22.00, $17 PaperbackISBN: 0380719967 Copyright © 1994, Meniscus Health Care CommunicationsReprinted with permission of the publisher This 506-page book combines the dynamic personal account of a woman who survived breast cancer with the voices of more than 75
Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook Author: Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN, Breast Cancer Specialist Publisher: Educare Publishing ISBN: 1-88665-10-9 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure The author is a certified oncology nurse with a specialty in breast cancer. She is the author of several books including Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer, A lump In Your
Breast Cancer Journey Produced by: Barbara Jabaily & Cathlin Donnell Executive Producer: Lyda Hersloff, Journey Productions 1998 To order: 1-800-876-7676 Running Time: 90 minutes OncoLink Rating: The path to knowledge can be a winding one. In the case of breast cancer patients, the trail to enlightenment has many obstacles for those
Living Beyond Breast Cancer: A Survivor's Guide for When Treatment Ends and the Rest of Your Life Begins Authors: Marisa C. Weiss, MD, and Ellen Weiss Publisher: Times Books, Random House Price: $16.95 US ISBN: 0-8129-2689-7 OncoLink Rating: Marisa Weiss, MD is a founder of the nonprofit organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer. This organization offers support to breast cancer survivors to help them cope with
Beyond Miracles: Living With Cancer Author: Stephen P. Hersh, MD Publisher: Contemporary Books Price: $15.95 (US), 21.95 (CAN) ISBN: 0-8092-3124-7 OncoLink Rating: Beyond Miracles is a book that inspires cancer patients to take charge of their lives and become active participants in their cancer treatments. Steven Hersh, MD is an accomplished
Bosom Buddies: Lessons and Laughter on Breast Health and Cancer Authors: Rosie O'Donnell and Deborah Axelrod, MD, FACS, with Tracy Chutorian Semler Publisher: Warner Books, Inc., New York, 1999 ISBN: 0-446-67620-9 OncoLink Rating: Rosie O'Donnell's mother died of breast cancer when she was just 10 years old, and many of her close friends have experienced it as well. These
Assess Your True Risk of Breast Cancer Author: Patricia T. Kelly, PhD Publisher: Owl Books ISBN: 0805064680 OncoLink Rating: In the United States, a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 10% by the age of 70 years. More than 180,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year, and more than 43,000 women die from this
Diseases of the Breast - Second Edition Authors: Jay R. Harris, Marc E. Lippman, Monica Morrow, C. Kent Osborne Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000 ISBN: 0-7817-1839-2 Format: Hardcover, 1152 pages OncoLink Rating: Breast diseases, both benign and malignant, comprise a significant problem in recent times. Benign entities in the breast
Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide Authors: Yashar Hirshaut, MD, FACP and Peter I. Pressman, MD FACS Publisher: Bantam Books Price: $14.95 (US) $19.95 (CAN) ISBN: 0-553-37203-3 OncoLink Rating: Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide is an excellent reference for any patient diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Hirshaut, a medical oncologist, and Dr.
Beyond Survival: A Patient's Guide to Managing Complication of Colorectal Cancer Author: Robert Sieben, MD Publisher: Bay Tree Publishing, 2011 Price: $19.95 US ISBN: 0983617929 OncoLink Rating: This book is basically organized into three major sections. The first being a narrative from the author, the second section being a breakdown for the layman of colorectal cancer and potential side effects, and the third a
Farang Ba (Crazy White Foreigner) Director: John Sullivan, © 2002 ASBN: B000IFRRS0 Information: 60 minutes \| $27 US OncoLink Rating: Craig Wilson is an American attorney living and working in Thailand. In searching for a way to exercise after the death of his father of a heart attack, he discovers boxing. At first, it is a way to get in shape, but he is
Be a Survivor™ : Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 2006
Colon & Rectal Cancer : A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families Author: Lorraine Johnston Publisher: O'Reilly ISBN: 1-56592-633-1 OncoLink Rating: Colon and Rectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families is the second book on cancer written by Lorraine Johnston. Her first book, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment and Options, was
Yes We Can! Advice on Traveling With an Ostomy and Tips for Everyday Living Authors: Kathy Foley-Bolch, Michelle Fallon Kasouf, Barbara Kupfer, and W. Brian Sweeney, MD Publisher: Chandler House Press Format: Paper, 240 pages ISBN: 1886284598 OncoLink Rating: The authors, Barbara Kupfer, Kathy Foley-Bolch, and Michelle Fallon Kasouf, all have had ostomy surgery. Doctor W. Brain Sweeney was formerly
Colorectal Cancer Author: Bernard Levin, MD Publisher: Villard Books Price: $14.95 (U.S.A.) $20.95 (CAN) ISBN: 0-679-77813 OncoLink Rating: Bernard Levin, MD is the chair of the American Cancer Society's National Advisory Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and vice president for cancer prevention at the University of Texas M.
Colon and Rectal Cancer Produced by: Time Life Medical Medical Director: C. Everett Koop, MD Format: VHS, 30 minutes Price: $19.95 US ISBN#: 0761108734 OncoLink Rating: Time Life Medical, with C. Everett Koop, MD as Medical Director, has developed an extensive series of medical video productions. A booklet is included with each video
OncoLink Patient Guide: Colorectal Cancer Authors:James Metz MD, Editor-in-Chief, OncoLink, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Maggie Hampshire RN, Managing Editor, OncoLink, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA Publisher:Saunders, Published October 2003 Information:ISBN 0702027154 \|
Don't Die of Embarrassment: Life After Colostomy and Other Adventures Author: Barbara Barrie Publisher: Fireside Price: $12.00 (USA) ISBN: 0684846241 OncoLink Rating: Barbara Barrie is an accomplished actress who received an Academy Award nomination for best actress in Breaking Away and a Tony nomination for her role in Companion. She also starred in the television comedy Barney
Review of For People With Cancer and For People Undergoing Chemotherapy Author: Belleruth Naparstek Publisher: Time Warner Audiobooks Price: $12.00 (USA) OncoLink Rating: Belleruth Naparstek has been a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years and has developed an excellent reference on guided imagery entitled Staying well with Guided Imagery as well as numerous instructional audiotapes.
The Alternative Medicine Handbook Author: Barrie R. Cassileth, Ph.D. Publisher: W.W. Norton and Company ISBN: 0-393-04566-8 OncoLink Rating: Barrie R. Cassileth, PH.D. is considered one of the world experts on unconventional medical therapies. She has created an excellent in-depth review of 53 of the most commonly used treatments. Although this book was not
Staying Well With Guided Imagery Author: Belleruth Naparstek Publisher: Warner Books Price: $11.99 US Online: http://www.healthjourneys.com/catalogue.html ISBN: 0-446-67134-7 OncoLink Rating: Belleruth Naparstek has been a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years and has developed an excellent reference on guided imagery. She has done extensive research
Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine Author: Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. Publisher: Random House, New York, 1997 ISBN: 0-679-42817-8 Price: $ 25.95 USA, $ 36.00 Canada OncoLink Rating: Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D. is Rossi Distinguished Professor of Clinical Medicine at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. He is an accomplished author with many
The Petrea King Audiotape Collection Petrea King is a leukemia survivor who has developed many support and meditation groups for people with cancer and life threatening illnesses. She is a best selling author, lecturer, counselor, clinical hypnotherapist, herbalist, masseuse, and meditation teacher. She has counseled over 15,000 people and facilitated over
Choices in Healing Author: Michael Lerner, Ph.D. Publisher: MIT Press Price: $18.50 (USA) ISBN: 0-262-62104 OncoLink Rating: Michael Lerner, Ph.D. is president and founder of Commonweal, which is a health and environmental research institute. He served as Special Consultant to the U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment for his study
Complementary Cancer Therapies Author: Dan Labriola, ND Publisher: Prima Publishing ISBN: 0-7615-1922-X OncoLink Rating: It is clear many cancer patients are utilizing unconventional medical therapies in combination with conventional cancer treatments. Often patients use these treatments without reliable guidance or accurate information. Many times
Healing Through Art Produced by: Cogent Interactive Communications, Vienna, Virginia, 1-800-900-8662 Format: VHS, 30 minutes-->Price: $24.95 USOncoLink Rating: Healing Through Art chronicles the journey of artist Darcy Lynn during her experience with lymphoma. Through personal narration and commentary by her physicians, nurses, and others involved in her care, as
The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines Authors: Charles W. Fetrow and Juan R. AvilaPublisher: Springhouse CorporationISBN: 1-58255-062-XOncoLink Rating: There is widespread use of herbal medicines by cancer patients throughout the world. This utilization requires that health care professionals become familiar with these treatments and that patients understand the herbal
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation Authors: Joan Budilovsky and Eve AdamsonPublisher: Alpha BooksISBN: 0-02-862907-8OncoLink Rating: Meditation is a technique to achieve relaxation, spiritual growth and maintain mental wellness. Although this book was not specifically written for the cancer patient, it may help those patients who are searching for a way to gain control over
Minding the Body, Mending the Mind Author: Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.Publisher: Bantam New Age BooksPrice: $12.95 (USA), $16.95 (CAN)ISBN: 0-553-34556-7OncoLink Rating: Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. is a founder and former director of the Mind/Body Clinic at the New England Deaconess Hospital. The Mind/BodyClinic was started in 1981 to train patients to elicit the relaxation response. It
The Mozart Effect Author: Don CampbellPublisher: Avon BooksPrice: $24.00 (USA) $31.00 (CAN)ISBN: 0-380-97418-5OncoLink Rating: Don Campbell is a classical musician, professional music critic in Japan, and educational director of the largest guild of children's choirs in the United States. He has written several books and produced numerous audiotapes on
Yoga For Dummies Authors: Georg Feuerstein, PhD and Larry Payne, PhDPublisher: IDG Books Worldwide, INC.ISBN: 0-7645-5117-5OncoLink Rating: Complementary medical techniques have gained increased popularity in recent years within the general population. Yoga is both a physical and spiritual experience that may help some cancer patients manage stress and place
The Key to Cancer Author: Richard S. Weeder, MD, FACS Publisher: Washington Square PressHoaloha Books, © 2006
Alternative Medicine for Dummies Author: James Dillard, MD and Terra Ziporyn, PhD Publisher: IDG Books Worldwide, INC ISBN: 0-7645-5109-4 Price: $19.99 USA OncoLink Rating: In the spirit of other "Dummies Books", Alternative Medicine for Dummies is a straightforward, no-nonsense guide to unconventional medical treatments. Although it is not
Cancer Talk Authors: Selma R. Schimmel with Barry Fox, PhD Publisher: Broadway Books Price: $13.00 US, $20.00 CAN ISBN: 0-7679-0325 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Cancer Talk is a wonderful book that consists of a collection of statements from cancer survivors, families, and healthcare providers throughout North America.
Tell Them You're Fine Written, Directed, and Produced by Ian Aronson Format: VHS, Color Time: 16 minutes ISBN: 1-57295-235-0 Fanlight Productions: (800) 937-4113 * Fax (617) 524-8838 E-mail: fanlight@tiac.net Web site: http://www.fanlight.com/ This is a poignant video documentary by film student Ian Aronson. The film is about people living
Cancer Has Its Privileges: Stories of Hope and Laughter Author: Christine Clifford Publisher: Perigee ISBN: 0399527761 OncoLink Rating: Christine Clifford is a seven-year breast cancer survivor, who learned early on the value of humor in getting through such a difficult time. She found that her own friends and family, although very supportive, were careful to avoid humorous
I'm Not Lance! A Cancer Experience & Survival Guide for Mere Mortals Author: Scott P. Alcott ISBN: 9781449986322 Information: CreateSpace Publishers, 2009 \| $15.00 US \| Paperback OncoLink Rating: Ahhhh, spring; here at last it's a classic end-of-March-first-week-of-spring sort of day: robins on the front lawn, yellow daffodils blooming in the backyard, the sun shining, brightly in a clear blue sky.
Cancer Schmancer Author: Fran Drescher Publisher: Warner Books, 2002 ISBN: 0446530190 OncoLink Rating: Like most cancer survivors, Fran Drescher (best known for TV's The Nanny) knows that cancer has changed her life, in a good way. Friendships and relationships are stronger and more meaningful, she has developed friendships she might never have
Facing the Mirror with Cancer: A Guide to Using Makeup to make a Difference Author:Lori Ovitz Publisher:Belle Press, LLC, Chicago, Illinois, 2004 Information:ISBN 0974893803 \| Paperback \| 202 pages OncoLink Rating: Author Lori Ovitz began her craft twenty years ago, as a makeup artist to celebrated public figures. Six years ago, Lori’s interests shifted when she began working with
Force a Miracle Author: Darryl C Didier. Foreword by Mike Ditka. Information: 244 Pages \| ISBN: 0-595-22688-4 \| Published:
Cancer Etiquette: What to Say, What to Do When Someone You Know or Love Has Cancer Author: Rosanne Kalick Publisher: Lion Books, 2005 Price: $19.95 US ISBN: 0874604508 OncoLink Rating: In my years as a nurse, I often think I have heard it all from visitors, and then someone tops it. "You must have
Visions for Cancer Recovery: A Guided Visualization and Health Meditation Author: Mary Hallman Publisher: Integral Visions
Inner Fire Authors: Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD and Isadora R. Rosenbaum Publisher: Plexus ISBN: 1-889762-12-1 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Inner Fire is an inspiring view of life through stories from those that have faced a life-threatening illness. Ernest H. Rosenbaum is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of
Fight for Your Life FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFEIn this video, Dr. Siegel provides inspiration to thosefighting cancer by talking about exceptional patientsand the qualities they possess. Experiences of patientsranging from a woman with cervix cancer to a boy with abrain tumor are shared. Part 1 introduces these people.Dr. Siegel discusses the power of the mind in the
Fight for Your Life: Survival Techniques for Those With Cancer Produced by: Fight for Your Life CompanyFeaturing: Dr. Bernie SiegelFormat: VHS, 146 minutesOncoLink Rating:To order: Call 814-337-8192 or visitwww.ecap-online.org/resources.html. This video features the best selling author and physician, Dr. Bernie Siegel. Fight For Your Life is a program of education, inspiration, and motivation to help you
No! is an Option: A Second Story in Recovery Author: Linda MacugaPublisher: Four Seasons Publishers, Florida, 1999Format: Hardcover, 363 pagesISBN: 1-891929-11-9OncoLink Rating: Linda Macuga's previous work entitled Promises in a New Life: Available to All Who Walk a Twelve Step Path introduced readers to a woman named Patricia Carter. This is the pseudonym of a real-life alcoholic
Survivor: Taking Control of Your Fight Against Cancer Author: Laura LandroPublisher: Simon & Schuster, New York, 1998ISBN: 0-684-84335-8OncoLink Rating: Laura Landro is a senior editor in charge of entertainment, media and marketing coverage at The Wall Street Journal. She is hard working and successful, but her life changed when in 1991, shortly after her thirty-seventh birthday, she was
What to do when they say "It's Cancer." A Survivor's Guide Author: Joel NathanPublisher: Allen and UnwinPrice: $17.00 (USA)ISBN: 1-86448-635-XOncoLink Rating: Joel Nathan is a survivor of a rare form of leukemia that was diagnosed in 1983, and more recently non-small cell lung cancer. He has written this book for newly diagnosed cancer patients from the perspective of a cancer survivor. The author
A Life in the Balance Author: Scott Burton Publisher: Inconvenience Productions, P.O. Box 581083, Minneapolis, MN 55458, USA Price: $12.00 ($1.50 S&H) ISBN: 0-9658815-0 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure A Life in the Balance is a heartwarming story by Scott Burton, a professional juggler and comic who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at
A Music Review: Scribblings & Every Step of the Way Author: Matthew Zachary Publisher: Matthew Zachary Music Price: $15.00 US Purchasing Information: 1-877-MUSIC-77 or online at www.matthewzachary.com OncoLink readers interested in purchasing a CD will recieve a 10% off their purchase by using the special discount code: blad7856. OncoLink Rating: Matthew Zachary is the kind of
CancerTips: A Handbook for Cancer Prevention and Management CancerTips: A down to earth travel sized handbook by OncoLink's Editor-in-Chief, James Metz, MD. This book contains invaluable information and guidelines on an extensive range of cancer-related topics. Author: James Metz, MD Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers ISBN: 078172564X OncoLink Rating: CancerTips
The Red Devil: To Hell with Cancer and Back Author: Katherine Russell Rich Publisher: Crown ISBN: 0-609-60321-3 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure The Red Devil is the story of a unique woman's journey through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is much different from the 'typical' narratives written by other cancer survivors. It is witty,
Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing (2nd Edition) Authors: Lise Alschuler, ND & Karolyn Gazella ASBN: 1587612801
The Elephant in the Room: Practical Advice When the Diagnosis is Cancer Author: Bob Riter Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. 2011 Information: $14.95 US ISBN: 1462046584 OncoLink Rating: The morning I was scheduled to receive my first round of chemo, one of the oncology nurses handed me a hefty folder of information, the words Chemotherapy: What to Expect printed in royal blue ink across the front. Like a
Journaling Cancer in Words and Images: Caught in the Clutch of the Crab Author: Harriet Claire Wadeson Publisher: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., 2011 Information: $36.95 US ISBN: 9780398086725 OncoLink Rating: Art therapist Harriet Wadeson made two critical decisions when she was diagnosed at age 78 with uterine cancer (serous papillary carcinoma). First of all, she connected with a team of doctors and committed
Help Me Live: 20 Things People With Cancer Want You To Know Author: Lori Hope Publisher: Celestial Arts, 2005, revised & expanded in 2011 Information: $15.99 US ISBN: 97815876114905 OncoLink Rating: Twice in one week. Twice! Hard to believe. Statistically improbable. Totally aggravating. I mean, really. What are the odds that in one short week, two different people from the World of the Healthy
Not As I Pictured: a Pulitzer Prize-winning Photographer's Journey Through Lymphoma A Film by John Kaplan Author: John Kaplan Available at: www.notasipictured.org Information: 54 mins., 2010 \| available free for patients & families OncoLink Rating: All of us who live in CancerLand have stories to tell. Stories of diagnosis and treatment. Stories describing painful surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. Stories
The House on Crash Corner Author: Mindy Greenstein, Ph.D. Publisher: Greenpoint Press, 2011 Information: $20.00 US ISBN: 978-0-9759760-9-8 OncoLink Rating: Some people use highlighters. Other folks scribble in the margins. The only way to tell at a glance that I have thoroughly devoured (and more than likely totally enjoyed) a book, is to look at the
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer Series Editor: Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, PhD Publisher: Scribner, 2010 Information: $30.00 US ISBN: 9781439107959 OncoLink Rating: Dr. Mukherjee's "biography of cancer" begins with a thought provoking quotation from Jane Goodfield in the prologue that sets the stage for what's to follow: Cancer begins and ends with people…
The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness and the Men Who Could Be Me Author: Bruce Feiler Publisher: William Morrow, 2010 Information: $22.99 US \| 9780061778766 OncoLink Rating: What did you do after you heard the words, I’m sorry; you have cancer. Shake a fist at the heavens and ask, why me? Cry non-stop for five days? Beat yourself up over bad lifestyle choices? Draft a will? Plan a trip around the
The Power of Two: Surviving serious illness with an attitude & an advocate The Power of Two: Surviving serious illness with an attitude & an advocate Reviewed by: Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Last Modified: June 8, 2009 Author: Brian & Gerri Monaghan Publisher: Workman Publishing (2009) Price: $22.95 US, 221 pages ISBN: 9780761152590 OncoLink
Everything Changes: The Insider's Guide to Cancer in Your 20s and 30s Author: Kairol Rosenthal Publisher: John Wiley & Sons (2009) Information: $16.95 US \| 239 pages ISBN: 0470294027 OncoLink Rating: I have been reading books submitted to OncoLink for review for close to 10 years. I cannot remember ever reading one created for the 70,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer every year. It's about time.
Anticancer: a new way of life Authors: David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD ASBN: 9780670020348 Information: Viking , 2008 \| $25.95 US OncoLink Rating:
The Light Within: the extraordinary friendship of a doctor and patient brought together by cancer Authors: Lois M. Ramondetta, M.D. and Deborah Rose Sills, Ph.D. ASBN:
Cancer On $5 A Day* (*Chemo not included) Author: Robert Schimmel & Alan Eisenstock Publisher: DaCapo Press, 2008 Information: 195 Pages \| $22.00 US OncoLink Rating: Robert Schimmel was a successful comedian in 2000, with an HBO special, a TV sitcom in the works, and the title of “Stand-up Comic of the Year”. As anyone
Pebbling the Walk Surviving Cancer Caregiving Author: Steve Reed Publisher: Blue Heron PublishingISBN: 0-936085-63-0 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure This book is a poignant look at the emotional turmoil and heartbreak of caring for a loved one who is dying. The author discusses the physical and psychological demands of daily care giving. It is portrayed as a
Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook Author: Tina M. Marrelli, MSN, MA, RNCPublisher: Mosby, Inc.ISBN: 0-8151-3557-2OncoLink Rating: Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook is authored by Tina M. Marrelli, MSN, MA, RNC, president of Marrelli and Associates, Inc. and editor and publisher of Home Care Nurse News, the monthly clinical newsletter for clinicians and managers in home
Dying At Home Authors: Andrea SankarPublisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000ISBN: 0-8018-6202-7OncoLink Rating: With the recent progress made in many potentially terminal diseases including cancer, HIV/AIDS and Alzheimer's incurable cases still prevail. Many in such situations chose to live their last days in the familiarity and comfort of
Time to Live, Time to Die Author: Jean Cameron Publisher: Lancelot Press, Hantsport, Nova Scotia 1991 ISBN: 0-88999-333-5 Jean Cameron was an invaluable social worker on the palliative care unitof the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, when she was diagnosed withterminal breast cancer. "Time to Live, Time to Die" is her account ofcaring for dying patients while
What Really Matters is the Heart (A Psychologist Grieves the Death of His Mother) Author: Philip Ruiz Belzunce, Ph.D. Publisher: Bella-Tierra International Publishing (440) 327-8140 or (440) 331-3259 (fax) Bella Tierra International 34100 Center Ridge road Ridgeville, OH 44039-3200ISBN: 0-9661666-0-4OncoLink Rating: Philip R. Belzunce is a psychologist, psychotherapist, and the son of
Sharing the Final Journey - Walking with the Dying Author: Norma Wylie, R.N., M.S.N. ISBN 0-88999-608-3 "...stories of people, with lives and friends, and dreamsand fears. That is the focus of this book, and from these stories welearn of life as well as death." -in foreword by Dr. Jock Murray The above quotation from Dr. Jock Murray, Professor of MedicalHumanities at Dalhousie University,
Last Acts of Kindness: Lessons for the Living from the Bedsides of the Dying Series Editor:Judith Redwing Keyssar, RN Publisher: CreateSpace, 2010 Information:$15.95 US ISBN: 9781453749234 OncoLink Rating: The book's subtitle eloquently captures the essence of this very special book: Lessons for the living from the bedsides of the dying. Throughout Last Acts of Kindness, the author, "a self-defined death
Caring in Remembered Ways: The Fruit of Seeing Deeply Author: Maggie Steincrolm Davis Publisher:Heartsong BookISBN: 0-9638813-3-7 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure What a wonderful journey! Maggie Steincrohn Davis has opened her heart while writing this book. It contains loving memories of her parents, family, and friends throughout their living at the end of their
Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal, and Practical Guide for Living with a Life-Challenging Condition Author: David S. Landay Publisher: St. Martin's Press, New York, 1998 Price: $29.95 US ISBN: 0-312-18048-9 Website: www.be-prepared.com/ OncoLink Rating: Mr. Landay is an attorney who graduated from the Wharton School of Finance and Harvard Law School. He has thirty years' experience dealing with legal and
Managing Your Health Care- Making the Most of Your Medical Resources Authors: Martin Gipson, PhD, Terry Liskevych, PhD, Edwin Swillinger, MD Publisher: Pathfinder Publishing of California ISBN: 0-934793-59-X Price: $9.95 USA Amazon.com Disclosure This book is the common sense handbook on medical care. It explores many facets of medical treatment, including rudimentary explanations and
Book Review: Cancer Fighting Kitchen Author: Mat Edelson Publisher: Celestial Arts, 2009, 232 pages Information: $32.50 US ISBN: 9781587613449 OncoLink Rating: Rebecca Katz's second cook book for cancer survivors, The Caner Fighting Kitchen, is bright, beautiful and upbeat. On the whole, it provides good tips and unique recipes that may be helpful for some people as they
What to Eat During Cancer Treatment Author: Jeanne Besser, Kristina Ratley, Sheri Knecht & Michele Szafranski Publisher: American Cancer Society, 2009 Price: $19.95 US, 147 pages ISBN: 978-1604430059 OncoLink Rating: Anyone who works in oncology can tell you that nutrition and dietary issues are one of the major challenges faced by patients and their caregivers.
The Cancer Recovery Eating Plan: The Right Foods to Help Fuel Your Recovery Author: Daniel W. Nixon, M.D.Publisher: Times BooksPrice: $15.00 USISBN: 0-8129-2590-4OncoLink Rating: Daniel W. Nixon, M.D. is a former associate director of the Cancer Prevention Research Program at the National Cancer Institute. He is Folk Professor of Experimental Oncology and director of cancer prevention and control at the Hollings
What to Eat When You Don't Feel Like Eating Author: James HallerISBN: 0-88999-558-3 Loss of appetite is an all too frequentcomplication for people suffering from serious illness. Theassociated weight loss adds further physical and emotional stress onboth patient and family alike. It is this integral aspect of carethat James Haller has made the core of his new book, "What to EatWhen
The Cancer Survival Cookbook Authors: Donna L. Weihofen, RD, MS with Christina Marino, MD, MPHPublisher: Chronimed PublishingPrice: $14.95 USISBN: 1-56561-129-2OncoLink Rating: Donna Weihofen is an oncology nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Medical Center. Over the years of working with cancer patients she has developed strategies for helping
A Dietitian's Cancer Story : Information and Inspiration for Recovery and Healing Author: Diana Dyer, MS, RD, CNSD, dianadyermsrd@provide.netPublisher: New 5th edition, March, 1999, Diana Dyer, P.O. Box 130221, Ann Arbor, MI 48113 (734)996-9260Price: $8.00 + $2.00 S/H. MI residents add $.48 sales tax. Canadian Residents send $12.00 (US). Other Countries send $13.00 (US). Bulk pricing available for orders of 10 or more.OncoLink
Eating Well and Getting Better During and After Cancer Treatment Author: Gene Spiller, PhD and Bonnie Bruce, DrPH, RDPublisher: Prima Publishing, 1997ISBN: 0-7615-0581-4OncoLink Rating: Dr. Spiller and Dr. Bruce believe that a person's diet affects their health, and hence their ability to fight and prevent disease. They are nutritionists who believe that food can be an effective weapon in the fight
Eating Right for Cancer Survival (DVD & Handbook) Author: The Cancer Project Publisher: The Cancer Project
Soft Foods For Easier Eating Cookbook Authors: Sandra Woodruff, RD & Leah Gilbert-Henderson Publisher: Square One Publishers, 2007 Information: $16.95 US ISBN: 978-0757002908 OncoLink Rating: I am very happy to review "Soft Foods for Easier Eating Cookbook" by Sandra Woodruff and Leah Gilbert-Henderson for OncoLink. Although this book does not exclusively deal
Prostate Cancer: A Non-Surgical Perspective Author: Kent Wallner, MDPublisher: SmartMedicine PressPrice: $15.95 (US) $17.95 (CAN)ISBN: 0-9648991-0-8OncoLink Rating: Kent Wallner, MD is a radiation oncologist who is a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of prostate cancer. He has written this book tohelp readers understand the various treatment options for prostate cancer.
Take Charge: For men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer Produced by: State of the Art, Inc.Phone: 1-888-275-2605 Format: VHS, 30 minutesPrice: $12.95 USISBN:1-881782-08-5OncoLink Rating: Take Charge is a video for patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is produced by the Academy Award winning communications company State of the Art, Inc. The video was created to help patients
Men, Women, and Prostate Cancer: A Medical and Psychological Guide for Women and the Men They Love Author: Barbara Rubin Wainrib, Ed.D., Sandra Haber, Ph.D., with Jack Maguire.Publisher: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.ISBN: 1-57224-182-9OncoLink Rating: Men, Women, and Prostate Cancer: A Medical and Psychological Guide for Women and the Men They Love is authored by Barbara Rubin Wainrib, Ed.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice
Prostate Cancer: A Survivor's Guide Author: Don Kaltenbach with Tim RichardsPublisher: Seneca House PressISBN: 0-9640088-2-3OncoLink Rating: Don Kaltenbach is a prostate cancer survivor who has written this excellent reference guide in conjunction with TimRichards. Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1989 and was frustrated by the lack of information readily available
The Prostate Answer Book: Remedies and Cures for Every Man and What Your Doctor Never Tells You about Surgery Author: FC&A with J. Curtis Nickel, M.D.Publisher: FC&APrice: $32.96 (includes shipping and handling); Phone ordering only: 1-800-226-8024ISBN: 1-890957-02-XOncoLink Rating: The Prostate Answer Book has been written by a group of editors at FC&A under the direction of J. Curtis Nickel, M.D. as medical advisor. Dr. Nickel is a
The Prostate Cancer Protection Plan Author: Robert Arnot, MDPublisher: Little, Brown and CompanyISBN: 0-316-05153-5OncoLink Rating: Dr. Bob Arnot is the chief medical correspondent for the National Broadcast Corporation (NBC) and can be seen regularly on the nightly national news. He is the author of the 1998 New York Times number one bestseller, The Breast Cancer
Complete Prostate Book: Every Man's Guide Author: Lee Belshin, M.S.Publisher: Prima Publishing, California, 1997ISBN: 0-7615-0447-8OncoLink Rating: Mr. Belshin was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia; he was treated and cured of it. Suffering from this condition made him aware of just how many men deal with prostate problems, ranging from personal friends to many
You Can Beat Prostate Cancer and You Don't Need Surgery to Do it Author: Robert J. Marckini Publisher: Robert J. Marckini, © 2006
Prostate Cancer Video Review Produced by: Time Life MedicalMedical Director: C. Everett Koop, MDFormat: VHS, 30 minutesPrice: $19.95 USOncoLink Rating: Time Life Medical, with C. Everett Koop, MD as Medical Director,has developed an extensive series of medical video productions. Abooklet is included with each video which includes a summary of keypoints, glossary of
Prostate & Cancer: A Family Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment & Survival Author: Sheldon Marks, MDPublisher: Fisher Books, LLC, Arizona, 1999Format: Softcover, 343 pagesISBN: 1-55561-206-7OncoLink Rating: Dr. Marks is a prostate cancer specialist who received his training at Tufts University, the New England Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic.He feels that, while much has been learned and written over the past
Prostate Cancer: A Family Consultation Prostate Cancer: A Family Consultation Reviewer: Kenneth Blank, MD Affiliations: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Posted Date: August 4, 1997 Authors: Philip Kantoff, MD and Malcolm McConnellPublished by: Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston, MA 1996ISBN: 0-395-71823-6Price: $15.00 US Prostate Cancer: A Family
Radiation Oncology: Management Decisions Authors: K.S. Clifford Chao, Carlos A. Perez, Luther W. BradyPublisher: Lippincott - RavenISBN: 0-397-58468-7OncoLink Rating: Radiation Oncology: Management Decisions is an excellent manual for the radiation oncology attending physician and resident. The book is derived from the comprehensive textbook Principles and Practice of Radiation
Radiation and Thyroid Cancer Editors: G. Thomas, A. Karaoglou, E. D. WilliamsPublisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.ISBN: 981-02-3814-2OncoLink Rating: An International Conference was held to facilitate understanding of the relationship between radiation exposure and the risk of thyroid cancer. The focus targeted the radioactive species of
The Best News about Radiation Therapy: How to Cope and Survive Author: Carol L Kornmehl, MD, FACRO Publisher: Academic Radiation Oncology Press ISBN: 0-9721896-0-2 OncoLink Rating: Dr. Carol Kornmehl has written a book that fills an important niche that was previously missing in cancer patient education. There are many resources available to those going through chemotherapy or undergoing
Coping With Radiation Therapy: A Ray of Hope Authors: Daniel Cukier, M.D. and Virginia McCulloughPrice: $16.00 US, $24.00 CanadaISBN: 1-56565-436-6OncoLink Rating: "Coping With Radiation Therapy" is an excellent resource for the cancer patient when radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan. The book is easy to read and written for the lay-person. Dr. Cukier, who has been a
Bone Marrow Transplants: A Guide for Cancer Patients and Their Families Author: Marianne L., R.N. Shaffer, George W. Santos Publisher: Baxley Media Group (110 West Main, Urbana, IL 61801-2700; 217-384-4838) provided us with some videos for review which deal, either directly or indirectly, with the "cancer experience." Our comments concerning these videos are included here for your
Curing Cancer: The Story Of The Men And Women Unlocking The Secrets Of Our Deadliest Illness Author: Michael Waldholz Publisher: Simon & Schuster, New York, 1997 (First Touchstone Edition 1999) ISBN: 0-684-81125-1 hardback, 0-684-84802-3 paperback OncoLink Rating: Michael Waldholz is a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal. He has written numerous articles, and another book, about the exciting world
Making Informed Medical Decisions: Where to Look and How to Use What You Find Authors: Nancy Oster, Lucy Thomas, Darol Joseff, Susan Love Publisher: O'Reilly & Associates ISBN: 1-56592-459-2 OncoLink Rating: Within the policy context of the drive towards evidence-based practice, it is important to understand what the medical decision making process is. The information revolution triggered
2000 Oncology Nursing Drug Handbook Fourth Edition Editors: Gail M. Wilkes, RN, MS, AOCN; Karen Ingwersen, RN, MSN, OCN; Margaret Barton-Burke, RN, MS, AOCN Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers ISBN: 0763711659 OncoLink Rating: The editors of this book are all certified oncology nurses. Gail M. Wilkes is an oncology nurse practitioner at Boston Medical
Cancer Facts: A Concise Oncology Text Author: James F. Bishop, MD Publisher: Harwood Academic Publishers ISBN: 90-5702-470-5 OncoLink Rating: Cancer Facts: A Concise Oncology Text is an excellent resource not only for oncologists, but also for general practice physicians, residents, and nurses. The text has been designed so the most important
Cancer Clinical Trials: Experimental Treatments and How They Can Help You Author: Robert Finn Publisher: O'Reilly ISBN: 1-56592-566-1 OncoLink Rating: Cancer Clinical Trials is a book that empowers cancer patients to critically evaluate research studies for which they may be eligible. It encourages patients to seek out and consider clinical trials for the treatment of their cancer.
Cancer Symptom Management Authors: Connie Henke Yarbro, Margaret Hansen Frogge, Michelle Goodman Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., 2000 Format: Paperback with companion CD-ROM ISBN: 0-7637-1167-5 OncoLink Rating: Cancer patients can often be affected by a wide array of symptoms as a result of either their disease or its
American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide Editors: David R. Goldman MD, FACP and David A. Horowitz, MD Publisher: DK Publishing, INC ISBN: 0-7894-4412-7 OncoLink Rating: This book is a comprehensive resource that will benefit every member of the family at every stage of life. It is an encyclopedic reference of all common medical conditions, including
Reviews of Cancer Videos from Baxley Media Group Baxley Media Group (110 West Main, Urbana, IL 61801-2700; 217-384-4838) provided us with some videos for review which deal, either directly or indirectly, with the "cancer experience." Our comments concerning these videos are included here for your reference. Please note that these reviews do not imply specific endorsement. The
American Cancer Society Consumers Guide to Cancer Drugs Authors: Gail M. Wilkes, RN, MS, AOCN; Terri B. Ades, RN, MS, AOCN; Irwin Krakoff, MD Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., Massachusetts, 2000 ISBN: 0-7637-1170-5 OncoLink Rating: This book was developed for cancer patients and their loved ones, to answer any questions they may have concerning
Cancer And Its Management Authors: Souhami & Jeffrey Tobias Publisher: Blackwell Science Ltd., London, 1998 ISBN: 0-86542-774-7 OncoLink Rating: Professor Souhami and Dr. Tobias are both London-based oncologists who wrote this text for those involved in the medical profession. Their goal is "to provide an introductory text for
Familial Cancer and Prevention Molecular Epidemiology: A New Strategy Toward Cancer Control Editors: Joji Utsunomiya, John J. Mulvihill, Walter Weber Publisher: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., May 1999 ISBN: 0-471-24937-8 OncoLink Rating: This book was inspired by the UICC (International Union Against Cancer) Symposium on Familial Cancer and Prevention, held in Kobe, Japan in 1997. Health specialists,
Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy Third Edition Author: Malin Dollinger, M.D., Ernest H. Rosenbaum, M.D., and Greg Cable Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Price: $21.95 US ISBN: 0-8362-3709-9 OncoLink Rating: The revised third edition of Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy is an excellent reference for any patient, family member, or health care provider.
Handbook of Palliative Care in Cancer Authors: Alexander Waller, MD and Nancy L. Caroline, MD Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann ISBN: 0-7506-9744-X OncoLink Rating: The Handbook of Palliative Care in Cancer is an excellent reference for any physician or nurse who deals with cancer patients. The authors have drawn on their extensive experiences to create
PDR for Herbal Medicines Publisher: Medical Economics Company ISBN: 1-56363-292-6 OncoLink Rating: It has been shown approximately 40% of cancer patients are using some form of unconventional medical therapy (UMT). Herbal medicines represent a large fraction of UMT used by cancer patients. Unfortunately, the availability of sound
Worst Pills Best Pills Authors: Sidney M. Wolfe, MD, Larry D. Sasich, Pharm.D., MPH, Rose-Ellen Hope, R.Ph., and Public Citizen's Health Research Group Publisher: Pocket Books Health ISBN: 0-671-01918-X OncoLink Rating: Recent studies have shown that medical mistakes cause a significant number of deaths and injuries each year. Many
The Basic Science of Oncology (Third Edition) Editors: Ian F. Tannock and Richard P. Hill Publisher: McGraw-Hill, New York, 1998 ISBN: 0-07-105484-7 OncoLink Rating: The Basic Science of Oncology is a compilation of information about the science of cancer reflecting the numerous aspects of this complex subject. Dr. Tannock and Dr. Hill state that this book
Understanding Cancer: A Patient's Guide to Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment Author: C. Norman Coleman, MD Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press 1998 Format: Paperback, 176 pages Price: $13.95 (US$) To Order: Call from USA & Canada 1-800-537-5487, Monday - Friday, 8:30-5:00 ET ISBN: 0-8018-6020-2 OncoLink Rating: C. Norman Coleman is an American Cancer Society Professor
Surgery: A Patient's Guide from Diagnosis to Recovery Authors: Claire Mailhot, Melinda Brubaker, Linda Garratt Slezak Publisher: University of California, San Francisco, Nursing Press ISBN: 0943671191 Price: $20.00 OncoLink Rating: There are an estimated 50 million surgeries performed in the United States each year. The majority are uncomplicated procedures that, once complete, allow the
A Medical Professional's Guide to Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplants, Fourth Edition Written by: The National Marrow Donor Program Over the last 35 years, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation have moved from an experimental treatment to a widely accepted standard of care for many diseases. By the mid-1970s, the first unrelated donor transplant had been performed and physicians had learned the importance of HLA (human
Over 140 Things You Need to Know about Your Autologous Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant Author: Mark Patton Publisher: MGC Publications, © 2005
Oncology & Hematology 2000 -- An Internet Resource Guide Consulting Medical Editor: Dr. Martin D. Abeloff Publisher: eMedguides.com ISBN: 0967681103 Format: Paperback, 536 pages OncoLink Rating: Oncology & Hematology 2000 -- An Internet Resource Guide is published by eMedguides.com as part of an Internet directories for physicians and other health care professionals.
What You Really Need to Know About Cancer Author: Dr. Robert Buckman Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press Price: $19.95 US ISBN: 0-8018-5593-4 OncoLink Rating: "What You Really Need to Know About Cancer" is a good overview of cancer for both patients and family members. Dr. Robert R. Buckman, a medical oncologist for over 20 years, has
Racing to the Beginning of the Road: The Search for the Origin of Cancer Author: Robert A. Weinberg Publisher: W. H. Freeman and Company, New York, 1998 ISBN: 0-7167-3283-1 OncoLink Rating: This book covers cancer research beginning in the mid-1970's, and ending in 1986. The author, Robert A. Weinberg, is a founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and a
Fatigue in Cancer: A Multidimensional Approach Authors: Maryl L. Winningham, Margaret Barton-Burke Publisher: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc., Massachusetts, 2000 ISBN: 0-7637-0630-2 OncoLink Rating: Maryl L. Winningham has a bachelor's and master's degree in nursing along with a doctorate degree in exercise science. She experienced years of fatigue
Comprehensive Geriatric Oncology Editors: Lodovico Balducci, MD, Gary H. Lyman, MD, and William B. Ershler, MD Publisher: Harwood Academic Publishers ISBN: 90-5702-225-7 OncoLink Rating: Comprehensive Geriatric Oncology is a textbook that is directed primarily to the oncologist who is interested with issues relating to the treatment of the
Hope -- At Last -- in Cancer Treatment Author: Vincent Anku, MD Publisher: Achilles Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 0-9647741-0-1 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure Hope -- At Last -- in Cancer Treatment is an excellent reference for cancer patients and their family members. The book is a comprehensive guide that empowers cancer patients to take an active role
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer Authors: Sharon Sorenson, Suzanne Metzger, Jody Brennan Publisher: Alpha Books ISBN: 0028639383 OncoLink Rating: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer is written by two breast cancer survivors. Sharon Sorenson is an author and editor who resides in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, and is a six-month survivor
How To Improve Your Odds Against Cancer Author: John F. Potter, MD Publisher: Lifetime Books, Inc. Price: $14.95 (US) $19.95 (CAN) ISBN: 0-8119-0851-8 OncoLink Rating: How To Improve Your Odds Against Cancer was written to teach the reader cancer prevention strategies and techniques of early detection. The best way to lower the death rate from
The Cancer Industry: The Classic Expose on the Cancer Establishment Author: Ralph W. Moss, PhD Publisher: Equinox Press, Inc., New York, 1999 ISBN: ISBN 1-881025-09-8 OncoLink Rating: NOT recommended Dr. Moss is a member of the Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council of the National Institutes of Health. He has written numerous books questioning conventional cancer treatments, and
Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Title: Informed Decisions: The Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery Authors: Gerald P Murphy, MD, Lois B. Morris, and Dianne Lange Publisher: Viking, in conjunction with The American Cancer Society Price: US $39.95 Canada $50.00 ISBN: 0-670-85370-4 OncoLink Rating: "Informed Decisions" is a
Understanding Clinical Trials (DVD) Author: National Cancer Institute Publisher: National Cancer Institute; 17 minutes
Psychosocial Nursing Care Along the Cancer Continuum Author: Rose Mary Carroll-John RN, MN, Linda Gorman RN, MN, CS, OCN, CRNH, and Nancy Jo Bush, RN, MN, MA, OCN, MFCC Intern Publisher: Oncology Nursing Press, Inc. Price: $29.95 for ONS members, $36.00 for nonmembers, plus $6.00 s/h To Order: call (412)921-7373 or fax (412)921-2131 ISBN: 1-890504-04-1 OncoLink Rating:
Clinical Cancer Genetics: Risk Counseling and Management Author: Kenneth Offit, M.D., M.P.H. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Publication, 1998 Format: Hardcover, 419 pages ISBN: 0-471-14655-2 OncoLink Rating: Dr. Offit graduated from Princeton University, and received his M.D. and M.P.H. from Harvard. He is currently Chief of the Clinical Genetics Service
The Cancer Dictionary Author: Roberta Altman and Michael J. Sarg, MD Publisher: Checkmark Books ISBN: 0-8160-3954-2 OncoLink Rating: As medical technology moves forward, more and more medical terms are added to the health care provider's vocabulary. Some of these terms become integrated into the language of the layperson through
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home Edition Author: Robert Berkow (Editor), Mark H. Md. Beers (Editor) Publisher: The Merck Manual is a well-known general medical reference used by thousands of Physicians. Merck Research Laboratories a major pharmaceutical company have published the Manual continuously since 1899. In fact, Merck claims that it is "the oldest
Natural Obsessions: Striving to Unlock the Deepest Secrets of the Cancer Cell Author: Natalie Angier Publisher: Mariner Books, 1999 ISBN: 0-395-92472-3 OncoLink Rating: "Natural Obsessions is a book about the search for the molecular origins of cancer. What the book most emphatically is not about is the search for a cure for cancer." This is how the author describes her work in the
Oncologic Therapies Consulting Medical Editor: Dr. Martin D. Abeloff Publisher: eMedguides.com ISBN: 0967681103 Format: Paperback, 536 pages OncoLink Rating: Oncology & Hematology 2000 -- An Internet Resource Guide is published by eMedguides.com as part of an Internet directories for physicians and other health care professionals.
Pain: Clinical Manual (Second Edition) Authors: Margo McCaffery, RN, MS, FAAN, and Chris Pasero, RN, MSNc Publisher: Mosby, 1999 Format: Paperback, 795 pages ISBN: 0-8151-5609-X OncoLink Rating: Medical texts often overlook the treatment of pain as a vital issue to the treatment of patients. McCaffery and Pasero hope to change that, believing that
The Cancer Dictionary: Revised Edition Authors: Roberta Altman and Michael J. Sarg, MD Publisher: Checkmark Books, New York, 2000 (First Edition 1992) ISBN: 0-8160-3953-4 (hardcover) or 0-8160-3954-2 (paperback) OncoLink Rating: Journalist Altman is a cancer survivor who worked for the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service.
Getting the Best From Your Doctor Authors: Alan N. Schwartz, MD, Richard Jiminez, MD, Tracy Myers, MHA, and Andrew Solomon, MD Publisher: Chronimed Publishing Price: $23.95 ($33.95 CAN) ISBN: 1-56561-155-1 OncoLink Rating: Recent changes in the health care marketplace make it imperative that patients understand and critically analyze their
Cancer Wars: How Politics Shapes What We Know & Don't Know About Cancer Author: Robert N. Proctor Publisher: BasicBooks, New York, 1995 ISBN: 0-465-02756-3 or 0-465-00859-3 (paperback) OncoLink Rating: Robert N. Proctor is a Professor of the History of Science at Pennsylvania State University. He states that "The purpose of this book is to explore the political history of cancer, focusing
Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach revised 4th edition Authors: Richard Pazdur, William J. Hoskins, Lawrence Wagman, and Lawrence R. Coia Publisher: Publisher Research & Representation, Inc. ISBN: 1891483056 OncoLink Rating: The revised 4th edition of Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach is an excellent reference for medical, radiation, and surgical
Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach Authors: Richard Pazdur, MD, Lawrence R. Coia, MD, William J. Hoskins, MD and Lawrence D. Wagman, MD Publisher: PRR ISBN: 1-891483-01-3 OncoLink Rating: Cancer Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach is a complete handbook for medical, radiation, and surgical oncology health care providers. The principle
Breaking the Silence on Cancer and Sexuality Author: Anne Katz, RN, PhD Publisher: Oncology Nursing Society, © 2007
Sexuality and Fertility After Cancer Author: Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D.Publisher: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.Price: $15.95 (USA) / $22.50 (CAN)ISBN: 0-471-18194-3OncoLink Rating: Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and sex therapist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr. Schover has written this book based on years of clinical experience "to help youor a loved
Melanoma: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment (2nd Edition) Author:Catherine M. Poole with DuPont Guerry IV, MD Publisher:Yale University Press, 2005 Information:ISBN 0300107250 \| $16.95 US OncoLink Rating: Looking for information on melanoma? This is a comprehensive "handbook" of sorts, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, psychological aspects of the diagnosis,
Skin Cancer Produced by: Time Life MedicalMedical Director: C. Everett Koop, MDFormat: VHS, 30 minutesPrice: $19.95 USISBN#: 0761108734OncoLink Rating: Time Life Medical, with C. Everett Koop, MD as Medical Director, has developed an extensive series of medical video productions. A booklet is included with each video which includes a summary of key
Mayo Clinic Guide to Women's Cancers Editors: Lynn C. Hartmann, MD & Charles L. Loprinzi, MD Publisher: Mayo Clinic Health Information,
Ovarian Cancer Your Guide to Taking Control Authors: Kristine Conner and Lauren Langford Publisher: O'Reilly ISBN: 0-596-50016-5 OncoLink Rating: Though much less common than other types of malignancies, ovarian cancer is the largest cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. The sole reason behind this is the relative difficulty in recognizing the subtle signs and
No Time to Die : Living With Ovarian Cancer Author: Liz TilberisPublisher: Avon Books, Inc., New York, 1998ISBN: 0-380-73226-2OncoLink Rating: Liz Tilberis lives a fabulously successful life: she studied fashion editing and became an editor of the British Vogue in London. In 1992, she became the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, and moved her husband and two sons to an Upper East
Cancer SOS: Strategies of Survival, A Guidebook For Women With Cancer Author: Rose Welsh and Shirley GrandahlPublisher: Alba Publishing, Inc.ISBN: 0-9660057-5-9OncoLink Rating: Cancer S.O.S. has been written based on the personal experiences of two cancer survivors. Rose Walsh has been diagnosed with both breast cancer and ovarian cancer and has experienced multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Shirley
No More Bad-Hair Days: A Woman's Journey Through Cancer, Chemotherapy and Coping Author: Susan Sturges HydePublisher: Longstreet PressPrice: $9.95 USISBN: 1-56352-412-0OncoLink Rating: In the spirit of publications such the ever-popular "Instruction Book" series, No More Bad Hair Days is a collection of statements that helpthe reader deal with life after a diagnosis of cancer. The book will be an inspiration to all who
A Feather in My Wig: Ovarian Cancer Cured: Twelve Years and Going Strong! Author: Barbara R. Van BilliardPublisher: Peter Randall PublisherISBN: 0-914339-69-9OncoLink Rating: A Feather in My Wig -- Ovarian Cancer: Cured, Twelve Years and Going Strong is a story of a fighter and successor. In this 149-page paperback, Barbara R. Van Billiard recounts her personal experiences, thoughts and feelings during her
Women and Cancer Author: Carolyn D. Runowicz, MD, Jeanne A. Petrek, MD, Ted S. Gansler, MDPublisher: Villard BooksPrice: $14.95 (U.S.), $20.95 (CAN)ISBN: 0-679-77814-4OncoLink Rating: The American Cancer Society has sponsored the development of this excellent reference titled Women and Cancer. It is a complete, up-to-date guide for cancers of
Selective bladder preservation by combined modality protocol treatment: Long-term outcomes of 190 patients with invasive bladder cancer Authors: Shipley WU, et al. Source: UROLOGY 60: 62-68, 2002 Background Radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for muscle invasive bladder cancer Formerly, bladder preservation was only attempted in patients with small tumors with radiation alone. These attempts had poor results, with decreased local control and overall survival
Selective Bladder Preservation by Combined Modality Protocol Treatment: Long-term Results of 190 Patients With Invasive Bladder Cancer Source: Urology. 2002 Jul;60(1):62-7 Authors: W. U. Shipley, D. S. Kaufman, E. Zehr, N. M. Heney, S. C. Lane, H. K. Thakral, A. F. Althausen, and A. L. Zietman Background The standard of care in the United States for muscle-invasive bladder cancer has traditionally been radical cystectomy. Radiation therapy as a single modality for bladder
Comparative Sensitivity of Urinary Cyfra 21-1, Urinary Bladder Cancer Antigen, Tissue Polypeptide Antigen and NMP22 to Detect Bladder Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: bladder cancer antigen, and tissue polypeptide antigen) and 1 nuclear matrix assay (NMP22) for the diagnosis of bladder cancer.MethodA total of 111 patients with active bladder cancer, 76 patients with a history of bladder cancer and no evidence of active disease at the time of the study, and 80 symptomatic and
Phase III Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Invasive Bladder Cancer Treated with Selective Bladder Preservation by Combined Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: Initial Results of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 89-03 Authors: W.U. Shipley, K.A. Winter, D.S. Kaufman, W.R. Lee, N.M. Heney, W.R. Tester, et al. Source: J Clin Oncol. 1998 Nov; 16(11): 3576-83. Background Multimodality bladder-sparing treatment regimens, consisting of limited surgery, followed by concurrent chemoradiation, is an area of intense interest. Initial phase I/II data have been
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin versus Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin in Advanced or Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Results of a Large, Randomized, Multinational, Multicenter, Phase III Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:3068-3077, (September) 2000Précis: Gemcitabine plus cisplatin should become the standard for some bladder cancer patientsIntroductionThe standard therapy for many patients with advanced bladder cancer has been the combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and
Survival benefit of hyperthermia in a prospective randomized trial of brachytherapy boost +/- hyperthermia for glioblastoma multiforme Authors: Sneed PK, Stauffer PR, McDermott MW, et. al. Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, 15 January 1998, Volume 40 number 2 p287Glioblastomas are among the most aggressive of human cancers. These tumors of the brain have a median survival of approximately one year despite the best treatment. Current
Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Metastatic Disease to the Brain Authors: Joseph C.T. Chen, Zbigniew Petrovich, Steven O'Day, et al. Source: Neurosurgery, Volume 47:268-281, (August) 2000IntroductionWhole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has been the standard care for the majority of patients with brain metastasis. However, the outcome of these patients has been dismal due to both local and systemic failure. In
Whole brain radiation therapy with or without stereotactic radiosurgery boost for patients with one to three brain metastases: phase III results of the RTOG 9508 randomised trial Authors: Andrews DW, Scott CB, Sperduto PW, Flanders AE, Gaspar LE, Schell MC, Werner-Wasik M, Demas W, Ryu J, Bahary JP, Souhami L, Rotman M, Mehta MP, Curran WJ, RTOG Source: Lancet 2004 May 22; 363: 1665-72 Background As many as 20-40% of cancer patients with widespread disease (ie: metastatic or systemic disease) have brain metastases. Of
Brain metastases treated with radiosurgery alone: An alternative to whole brain radiotherapy? Authors: Hasegawa T, Kondziolka D, Flickinger JC, Germanwala A, Lunsford LD Source: Neurosurgery June 2003; 52(6): 1318-26 Background The incidence of brain metastases as a result of systemic cancer is 20-40%. Many cases are identified in asymptomatic patients by screening neuroimaging. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) extends survival in these
Randomized Trial on the efficacy of Radiotherapy for Cerebral Low-Grade Glioma in the Adult: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Study 22845 with the Medical Research Council Study BR04: An Interim Analysis Authors: Karim et al. Source: Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys., Vol. 52, No. 2 pp. 316-32, 2002 Introduction There is no consensus on the treatment strategy for adult patients with cerebral low-grade glioma. The diagnosis and primary treatment are usually undertaken by surgery. Some investigators doubt the efficacy of postoperative
Outcome in elderly patients undergoing definitive surgery and radiation therapy for supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme at a tertiary care institution Authors: Mohan, DS et al Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Vol. 42 No. 5 p.981, December 1, 1998BackgroundThe treatment of elderly patients with glioblastoma is controversial. In light of the poor prognosis with aggressive treatment, many physicians advocate palliative measures which would serve to limit
Long-Term Outcomes after Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuromas Authors: Douglas Kondziolka, L. Dade Lunsford, Mark R. McLaughlin, John C. Flickinger Source: New England Journal of Medicine, November 12, 1998, Vol. 339 No. 20 p1426BackgroundAcoustic neuromas are benign tumors that arise along the eighth cranial nerve (also called the acoustic nerve because it innervates the ear and is responsible for
Brain and Other Central Nervous System Cancers: Recent Trends in Incidence and Mortality Authors: Julie M. Legler, Lynn A. Gloeckler Ries, Malsolm A. Smith, et al. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, No 16 (August): 1382-1390, 1999This study was based on data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), National Center for Health Statistics, and Medicare database. Trends in incidence
High Incidence of Secondary Brain Tumours After Radiotherapy and Antimetabolites Authors: Relling MV, et al. Source: Lancet 1999; Volume 354: pages 34 - 39BackgroundSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital has published an early report of their data from Total XII protocol regarding secondary brain tumors in patients treated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). One hundred and eighty-eight patients were enrolled with 182
Prognostic Value of Initial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Growth Rates for World Health Organization Grade II Glioma Author: Pallud J. et al Source: Ann Neurol 2006;60:380-383 Objective To determine if MRI-based measurement of growth rate prior to treatment has prognostic value in grade II gliomas. Methods 143 consecutive patients diagnosed between 1992-2004 Older than 17 years of age Absence of contrast enhancement Astrocytoma,
Radiotherapy plus Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide for Glioblastoma Authors: Stupp R, Mason WP, van den Bent MJ et al NEJM, March 10 2005;352:10, pp 987-996 Introduction Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults and carries a median survival of less than 1 year. The current standard of care consists of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy. Although
The risk of hemorrhage after radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations Authors: Maruyama K, Kawahara N, Shin M, Tago M, Kishimoto J, Kurita H, Kawamoto S, Morita A, Kirino T. Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 352(2); 146-153, 2005. Background Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defined by the presence of arteriovenous shunting through a nidus of tangling abnormal arteries and veins linked by
Chemotherapy for Brain Tumors Authors: Irene V. Pech, MD, PhD, Neuro-Oncology Fellow, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences; Kendra Peterson, MD Source: Oncology, April 1998, Volume 12, Number 4, pages 537-547 IntroductionThe treatment of adults and children with malignant brain tumors has incorporated the use of cytotoxic drugs with only a limited role. In
Brain Metastases in Patients with No Known Primary Tumor Authors: Satoshi Maesawa, Douglas Kondziolka, Todd P. Thompson, et al. Source: Cancer 89:1095-1101, (September) 2000IntroductionBrain metastases are a common complication in cancer patients and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In adults, the primary tumors most often responsible for brain metastases are lung cancer (50%) and breast
Long-Term Results of a Randomized Trial Comparing Breast-Conserving Therapy With Mastectomy: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 10801 Trial Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92(14):1143-1150, (July) 2000Précis: Survival is similar after mastectomy, breast-conserving therapy for stage II tumorsIntroductionIt has been well established that either radical mastectomy or breast-conserving therapy results in the same long-term survival
Randomized Trial of High-dose Chemotherapy and Blood Cell Autografts for High-Risk Primary Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92, No.3 (February):225-233, 2000BackgroundIn patients with high-risk breast carcinoma some studies have suggested that high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell support (AHSCS) improved tumor response rates compared with conventional-dose
Menopausal Estrogen and Estrogen-Progestin Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, volume 283, No. 4: 485-491, (January) 2000IntroductionPostmenopausal estrogen therapy has been used widely to reduce menopausal symptoms, risk of osteoporotic fractures, and probably coronary heart disease. Side effects include venous thrombosis and cancers of breast and uterus. Combination therapy of estrogen
Occupational and Residential Magnetic Field Exposure and Breast Cancer in Females Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Epidemiology, Volume 11:24-29, (January) 2000Précis: Exposure to magnetic fields was not associated with increased risk of breast cancer in womenIntroductionAnalyses of exposure to magnetic fields and female breast cancer have yielded conflicting results. In both human and laboratory experiments, exposure to
Outcomes Among African-Americans and Caucasians in Colon Cancer Adjuvant therapy Trials: Findings From the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91(22): 1933-1940, November 1999IntroductionSome retrospective studies have reported poorer outcomes from colon cancer among African-Americans compared to Caucasian Americans. The cause of this disparity may be multifactorial, including diagnosis at later disease stage,
Risk of Menopause During the First Year After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 2365 - 2370BackgroundBreast cancer is being "caught" earlier and earlier due to better screening practices. Premenopausal women comprise 1/4th of the breast cancer population. In a recent large meta-analysis, the benefit of chemotherapy (ChT) was found
HER-2/neu Amplification in Benign Breast Disease and the Risk of Subsequent Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18, No. 2 (January): 267-274, 2000BackgroundThe HER-2/neu oncogene (also called c-erbB-2) codes a surface membrane protein that interacts with the epithelial growth factor receptor. Several studies have reported an association between HER-2/neu amplification and both earlier relapse
Consensus Statement on Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, Volume 44, No 5 (July):989-990, 1999Based on the emerging data from many institutional reports as well as prospective randomized clinical trials, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) developed a Consensus Summary
BRCA1/BRCA2 Germline Mutations in Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer Patients After Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy: Implications for Breast-Conserving Management in Patients With BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutation Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 17, No 10:3017-3024, October 1999.BackgroundFor women with early stage breast cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy (LRT) has been an acceptable standard of care. Much effort has been made to identify a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk for ipsilateral breast
Life Expectancy Gains from Cancer Prevention Strategies for Women with Breast Cancer and BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, volume 283, No. 5: 617-624, (February) 2000.Précis: Theoretical benefit of various cancer prevention strategies for breast cancer patients with BRCA mutationsIntroductionWomen who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have a greatly increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers when compared with the general
Combined Modality Treatment of Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma in Elderly Patients or Patients with Severe Comorbid Conditions Using Tamoxifen as the Primary Therapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer Volume 88, 2054-2060 (May) 2000IntroductionLocally advanced breast cancers (LABC) are defined as tumors that measure more than 5 cm, tumors that extend to the chest wall or skin, and tumors with fixed ipsilateral axillary nodes or ipsilateral internal mammary nodes. A multimodality approach has been the
Dietary Fat, Fat Subtypes, and Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: a Prospective Cohort Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, volume 92, 833-839 (May) 2000IntroductionHigh intake of total dietary fat has been postulated to increase breast cancer risk on the basis of animal studies, international comparisons, and some other case-control studies. However, some prospective cohort studies have shown
Age-Related Variation in the Treatment and Outcomes of patients with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:369-374, (January) 2000Précis: Breast cancer diagnosed between ages 60 and 69 appeared to have more favorable outcomeIntroductionThe relationship between young age at diagnosis and the prognosis of early-stage breast cancer remains unresolved. Some investigators have reported young age to be
Increased Risk of Acute Leukemia After Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:2836-2842, (August) 2000Précis: Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer increased leukemia riskIntroductionSince the mid-1970s, adjuvant chemotherapy has been widely used to treat breast cancer with regional lymph-node involvement. More recently, systemic drug therapy has
Racial Differences in Breast Carcinoma Survival Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:114-123, (January) 2000Précis: African-American women were at increased risk of death from breast cancerIntroductionPrevious studies have documented a worse prognosis from breast cancer for black women compared with white women. There is also significant interaction between race and stage;
Prophylactic Surgery Decisions and Surveillance Practices One Year Following BRCA1/2 Testing Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Preventive Medicine, Volume 31:75-80, (August) 2000Précis: BRCA testing has low impact on screening complianceIntroductionGermline BRCA1/2 mutations are associated with greatly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Genetic testing has made it possible for some women to determine whether or
Morbidity following Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy versus Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Patients with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:608-614, (February) 2000Précis: Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy is associated with negligible morbidityIntroductionThe histologic status of axillary lymph nodes, one of the most important prognostic indicators in patients with breast cancer, directly affects clinical management. However, over
Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Large Primary Breast Tumors Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:2540-2545, (June) 2000Précis: Sentinel lymph nodes biopsy in patients with 2-5 cm. breast cancers appears accurateIntroductionThe sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node to drain the primary tumor. In theory, if the SLN does not contain metastatic cancer, the remainder of the nodal
Second Malignancies after Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy Versus Mastectomy Reviewers: Li Liu, M.D Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18 (12), 2406-2412 (June) 2000Précis: Radiation for breast cancer is not associated with greater risk of second malignancy.IntroductionAlmost all types of cancer can be caused by exposure to ionizing radiation with exception of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recent studies
Long-term Satisfaction and Psychological and Social Function Following Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA Volume 284(3): 319-324, (July) 2000Précis: High satisfaction following prophylactic bilateral mastectomyIntroductionThe improved availability to identify women at high risk for breast cancer, such as through genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, has intensified the need to define the benefits and
Prognostic Value of p53 for Local Failure in Mastectomy-Treated Breast Cancer Patients Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 18, No 9, 1906-1913, (May) 2000IntroductionRandomized clinical trials have established that radiation therapy improves the local regional control and survival in selected breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy. However, only about 50% of patients will benefit from
Significance of Axillary Lymph Node Extranodal Soft Tissue Extension and Indications for Postmastectomy Irradiation Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(7): 1258-1262, October 1999.BackgroundExtranodal soft tissue extension (ETE) is associated with decreased survival and increased recurrence rates in patients with breast cancer. However, whether axillary irradiation would improve local control remains uncertain. This study reports on a series of patients
Dual Effects of Weight and Weight Gain on Breast Cancer Risk Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association Nov 5, 1997; Volume 278 (Number 17): pp 1407 - 11.BackgroundIn most previous reports of the association of breast cancer and weight, an inverse proportionality has been found in premenopausal women. Premenopausal breast cancer risk is
Radiotherapy and tamoxifen in women with completely excised ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand: randomized controlled trial Authors: Joan Houghton, et al. Affiliation: UKCCCR DCIS Working Party / DCIS trialists in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand Source: Lancet. 2003 Jul 12;362(9378):95-102 Introduction The establishment of breast screening programs in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand resulted in an increase in the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ
Lumpectomy and radiation therapy for the treatment of intraductal breast cancer: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-17 Authors: Fisher B, Dignam J, Wolmark N, Mamounas E, Costantino J, Poller W, Fisher ER, Wickerham DL, Deutsch M, Margolese R, Dimitrov N, Kavanah M. Source: J Clin Oncol. 1998 Feb; 16(2): 441-52 Background Intraductal carcinoma-in-situ of the breast, commonly referred to as DCIS, is a pathologic diagnosis that is occurring with increasing
Twenty-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Trial Comparing Total Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, and Lumpectomy Plus Irradiation for the Treatment of Invasive Breast Cancer Authors: Bernard Fisher, M.D., Stewart Anderson, Ph.D., John Bryant, Ph.D., et al. Source: N Engl J Med 2002, 347:1233-1241 Background The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) protocol B-04 showed that over 25 years of follow-up there was no significant difference in survival between women treated with a radical
The Influence of Margin Width on Local Control of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine 1999; Volume 340: pages 1455 - 1461BackgroundNoninvasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has been increasing in prevalence over the past couple decades. This can be attributed to better mammogram screening practices throughout the nation since most (over
Tamoxifen in treatment of intraductal breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-24 randomized controlled trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1999 Jun 12; Volume 353: pages 1993 - 2000BackgroundWe have shown previously that lumpectomy with radiation therapy was more effective than lumpectomy alone for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We did a double-blind randomized controlled trial to find out whether lumpectomy,
Estrogen Replacement Therapy After Localized Breast Cancer: Clinical Outcome Of 319 Women Followed Prospectively Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 17, Issue 5 (May), 1999: 1482IntroductionWith breast cancer screening programs detecting more young women with early stage breast cancer, the number of breast cancer survivors is increasing every year. When these survivors reach menopause they are faced with a difficult
Postoperative radiotherapy in high-risk postmenopausal breast-cancer patients given adjuvant tamoxifen: Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group DBCG 82c randomised trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1999 May 15; Volume 353(Number 9165): 1641-8Background/Discussion/CritiqueThe New England Journal publications in 1997 from Denmark and Canada demonstrated a survival benefit for postmastectomy radiation therapy (RT) in premenopausal women with high risk breast cancer. The benefits of tamoxifen in
The effect of raloxifene on risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: JAMA 1999 Jun 16; 281(23): 2189-97IntroductionThe best treatment of cancer is prevention: simply put, if cancer does not occur it cannot cause morbidity or mortality. Towards this end investigators at several institutions have tested the ability of anti-estrogen medications, such as tamoxifen, to decrease the
Long-term outcome after postmastectomy radiation therapy for breast cancer patients at high risk for local-regional recurrence Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Cancer J Sci Am 1999 Mar-Apr;5(2):77-83IntroductionTwo recently published randomized trials documented the benefit of administering radiotherapy after mastectomy for breast cancer. In both these papers, the local-regional recurrence rate was reduced from 40% with surgery alone to 10% with surgery and
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy with Metastasis: Can Axillary Dissection Be Avoided in Some Patients with Breast Cancer? Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology; 1999, Volume 17: Pages 1720 26Background/Discussion/CritiqueThe sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the "first lymph node in a nodal basin to drain the primary tumor." In theory, a malignancy spreads to axillary lymph nodes (ALN's) and progresses in an orderly fashion
Similar Long-Term Results of Breast-Conservation Treatment for Stage I and II Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Compared with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast Source: Cancer. 2005 Jun 15;103(12):2447-54. Authors: Santiago RJ, Harris EE, Qin L, Hwang WT, Solin LJ. Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Background In breast cancer, invasive lobular cancers (ILC) are rarer than invasive ductal cancers (IDC), and the majority of the large randomized trials establishing the
Impact of Concurrent Versus Sequential Tamoxifen With Radiation Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Breast Conservation Treatment Source: J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jan 1;23(1):11-6. Authors: Harris EE, Christensen VJ, Hwang WT, Fox K, Solin LJ. Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Background The optimal sequencing of breast irradiation and adjuvant systemic therapy is controversial. A randomized trial evaluating the sequencing of radiation and cytotoxic
Analysis of Interfraction and Intrafraction Variation During Tangential Breast Irradiation with an Electronic Portal Imaging Device Source: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2005 Jun 1;62(2):373-8. Authors: Smith RP, Bloch P, Harris EE, McDonough J, Sarkar A, Kassaee A, Avery S, Solin LJ. Background During radiotherapy, a major goal is to deliver radiation to the target tissue while minimizing exposure to normal tissues. In tangential breast radiotherapy, the breast is the
Tamoxifen Therapy for Breast Cancer and Endometrial Cancer Risk Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, No 19:1654-1662, October 1999.BackgroundTamoxifen is now widely used among women of all ages for the treatment of all stages of breast cancer. Tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrences and mortality as well as subsequent contralateral breast cancer.
Occult Metastases in the Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Patients with Early Stage Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86:990-996, October 1999.BackgroundThe presence of nodal metastases and the number of lymph nodes with metastases are among the most important predictors of the outcome for patients with breast cancer. Approximately 20% to 40% of patients with breast cancer and clinically undetectable lymph nodes have
Effects of radiotherapy and of differences in the extent of surgery for early breast cancer on local recurrence and 15-year survival: an overview of the randomised trials Authors: Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) Source: Lancet. 2005 366:2087-2106 Affiliation: University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Background Numerous randomized, controlled trials have studied therapies directed at improving local control in early breast cancer, especially the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. Every 5 years
Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus in Invasive Breast Cancers Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 91, No 16 (August):1376-1381, 1999BackgroundThe Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been known to play a role in the development of human malignancies, especially tumors of lymphoid or epithelial origin. The latest addition to the list is breast cancer. This French study
MRI for diagnosis of pure ductal carcinoma in situ: a prospective observational study Authors: Kuhl CK, Schrading S, Bieling HB, Wardelmann E, Leutner CC, Koenig R, Kuhn W, Schild HH Source: Lancet 2007; 370:485-92 Affiliation: University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany No conflicts of interest to report Background While ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a heterogeneous disease, there is general agreement that DCIS should be treated at
Effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy in patients <35 years old with stage II-III breast cancer treated with doxorubicin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy Authors: Garg AK, et al. Source: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2007 Sep 12, epub. Introduction Young age is considered an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer. In the past decade, several randomized trials and meta-analyses have displayed improvements in local control and overall survival with postmastectomy
Late Cardiac Mortality and Morbidity in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients After Breast-Conservation Treatment Authors: Harris EER, Correa C, Hwang W-T, Liao J, Litt HI, Ferrari VA, and Solin LJ. Source: JCO Vol. 24, Sept. 1, 2006. Background The Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group meta-analysis demonstrated increased cardiac mortality among patients who received radiation therapy for breast cancer (RR = 1.27, P = 0.0001). However,
Gene Expression Profiles in Paraffin-Embedded Core Biopsy Tissue Predict Response to Chemotherapy in Women with Locally Advanced Cancer Author: Gianni L, Zambetti, K., et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 23;29, 2005. Introduction Gene array and RT-PCR technology allows for the rapid evaluation of hundreds of individual genes that may play a role in predicting response to chemotherapy. Previously, such techniques were limited by the fact that fresh tissue was required
Skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction is an acceptable treatment option for patients with high-risk breast carcinoma Authors: Downes KJ, Glatt BS, Kanchwala SK, Mick R, Fraker DL, Fox KR, Solin LJ, Bucky LP, Czerniecki BJ. Source: Cancer. 2005 Mar 1;103(5):906-13. Background Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) has been a commonly performed procedure for greater than 10 years due to its aesthetic and psychological advantages. The aesthetic advantage is partially due
Long-Term Outcome after Breast-Conservation Treatment with Radiation for Mammographically Detected Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast Source: Cancer. Vol. 103, p. 1137-1146 (2005). Authors: Solin LJ, Fourquet A, Vicini FA, Taylor M, Olivotto IA, Haffty B, Strom EA, Pierce LJ, Marks LB, Bartelink H, McNeese MD, Jhingran A, Wai E, Bijker N, Campana F, Hwang WT. Affiliations: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (LJS, WTH) and 9 other centers. Background The role of
Dietary Factors and the Survival of Women with Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(5): 826-835, September 1999BackgroundStage for stage, Japanese women with breast cancer have a better survival compared with Western women. Diet has been thought to be one of the contributing factors. This report comes from a study of whether diet before as well as after a diagnosis of breast carcinoma was
Canadian National Breast Screening Study-2: 13-Year Results of a Randomized Trial in Women Aged 50-59 Years Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92:1490-1499, (September) 2000Précis: Mammography may not offer survival advantage over annual breast examinationIntroductionThere is universal agreement that women 50 to 69 years of age should undergo screening mammography because randomized, controlled trials
Patterns of Breast Carcinoma Treatment in Older Women Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 89:561-573, (August) 2000Précis: Very elderly women in US were often not offered full range of breast cancer treatments.IntroductionThe choices of treatment for breast cancer are influenced by many factors, some of which have a sound scientific basis, others of which are based on highly
Preoperative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Jul 1997; Volume 15: pages 2483 - 93This article details the preliminary data from the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trial B-18. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant or (preoperative) chemotherapy in affording breast cancer
The Sentinel Node in Breast Cancer -- A Multicenter Validation Study Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- October 1, 1998 -- Volume 339, Number 14BackgroundThe treatment of invasive breast cancer always includes dissection of the axilla (the area of tissue under the armpit) to determine if lymph nodes in this area have been invaded by cancer. An
Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Pre-Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Ken Blank, MD Source: N Engl J Med. 1997 Oct 2;337(14):956-62.Possibly more than any other cancer, the treatment of breast cancer has evolved over the past twenty years. Surgery to remove the entire breast (simple, modified and radical mastectomy) has been largely replaced by breast conserving surgery
Prevention Of Breast Cancer With Tamoxifen: Preliminary Findings From The Italian Randomised Trial Among Hysterectomised Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1998; volume 352: pages 93 - 97IntroductionIt is projected that 178,700 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. For noninvasive and early stage invasive disease, the cure rate is very high with thenumerous advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Hormonal therapy with
Combination chemotherapy versus single-agent therapy as first and second-line treatments in metastatic breast cancer: A prospective randomized trial Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Vol. 16, No. 12, p. 3720 1998BackgroundThe treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer is challenging, with the roles of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiation therapy evolving. The benefit of chemotherapy is based on retrospective reviews comparing patients who
Efficacy of Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, January 14, 1999, Volume 340, Number 2BackgroundThe treatment of breast cancer has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Advances have included the recognition that breast conserving surgery when combined with radiotherapy offers similar survival compared to
Plasma Organochlorine Levels and the Risk of Breast Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Ken Blank, MD Source: TheNew England Journal of Medicine -- October 30, 1997 -- Volume337, Number 18Several correlative pieces of data indicate that environment playsan important role in the etiology ofbreastcancer. Included in this data is the fact that daughters of womenwho emigrate assume the breast
Prediction of Axillary Lymph Node Involvement of Women with Invasive Breast Carcinoma Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Cancer 1998; Volume 83 (Number 5): pages 948 - 955BackgroundAxillary lymph nodes (ALN) are the most commonly involved siteof disease in breast cancer that has spread outside the primary lesion. Clinical examination is a relatively poor predictor of ALN status inbreast cancer. Because the prognostic
Reduction in New Metastases in Breast Cancer with Adjuvant Clodronate Treatment Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, 339 (6):357IntroductionBisphosphonates are a class of drugs that are increasingly being used totreat osteoporosis. These medications inhibit the function of the cellthat functions normally to destroy bone- the osteoclast. In 1996 a studypublished in
Outcome after Invasive Local Recurrence in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 16 (Number 4): pages 1367-1373. The Van Nuys Breast Center, CaliforniaBackgroundDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive cancer of the breast. It is a highly curable disease with mastectomy or lumpectomy (localized excision) with or
Lobular carcinoma in situ as a component of breast cancer: The long-term outcome in-patients treated with breast-conservation therapy Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics. 15 January 1998, Volume 40 number 2, pg. 353Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) was first described in 1941 as a noninvasive form of breast cancer. However, after years of clinical study it is now clear that LCIS it is not a
Mammography may not offer survival advantage over annual breast examination Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92:1490-1499, (September) 2000Précis: Mammography may not offer survival advantage over annual breast examinationIntroductionThere is universal agreement that women 50 to 69 years of age should undergo screening mammography because randomized, controlled trials
A High Number of Tumor Free Axillary Lymph Nodes from Patients with Lymph Node Negative Breast Carcinoma is Associated with Poor Outcome Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:108-113, (January) 2000Précis: Total number of lymph nodes predicts outcome of node-negative breast cancerIntroductionThe histologic status of axillary lymph nodes is one of the most important prognostic indicators in patients with breast cancer. However, for patients with negative axillary
Physical Activity and the Risk of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, M.D. and John Chang, M.D. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- May 1, 1997 -- Volume 336, Number 18Strong evidence exists tying estrogen exposure to breast cancer. For example, women who have early menopause, late menarche and low parity are at increased risk for breast cancer. In fact, some researches believe
Risk of Breast Cancer with Oral Contraceptive Use in Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: JAMA, Volume 284:1791-1798, (October) 2000Précis: Some oral contraceptives may link to higher risk of developing breast cancerIntroductionBreast cancer is common and on the increase. Use of hormonal contraceptives is also common and is expected to increase worldwide. Whether hormonal contraceptives (OC) cause
Prospective Randomized Trial of Docetaxel Versus Mitomycin Plus Vinblastine in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Progressing Despite Previous Anthracycline-Containing Chemotherapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 17, Issue 5 (May), 1999: 1413-1424IntroductionIt is clear that chemotherapy provides clinical benefit to many women with metastatic breast cancer (J Clin Oncol. 1996 Aug;14(8):2197-205). However, metastatic breast cancer remains essentially incurable and almost all women with such
Prospective Randomized Trial of Docetaxel Versus Doxorubicin in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 17, Issue 8 (August), 1999: 2341-2354IntroductionDocetaxel is an effective chemotherapeutic agent for advanced breast cancer, with significant activity as both first-line therapy (J Clin Oncol. 1996 Feb;14(2):422-8) and as second-line therapy in patients previously treated with
Alcohol and Breast Cancer in Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; 279: 535 - 540BackgroundMany studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer with alcohol consumption. The mechanism is not completely understood, but some studies have shown an increased estrogen level in women who have a
Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Intraductal Breast Cancer: Findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-17 Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; volume 16 (number 2): pages 441 - 452BackgroundWith the use of screening studies such as mammograms and ultrasounds along with self breast exams, there has been a trend towards an increased incidence of finding breast cancers that are not invasive
Effect of Nancy Reagan's Mastectomy on Choice of Surgery for Breast Cancer by US Women Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; Volume 279: pages 762 - 766.BackgroundCancer treatment can take on various forms. It can include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Recommendations on what is required to treat the certain cancer is influenced by extent of
Randomized Comparison of Weekly Cisplatin or Protracted Venous Infusion of Fluorouracil in Combination with Pelvic Radiation in Advanced Cervix Cancer: A GOG study Source: J Clin Oncol. 2005 Nov 20;23(33):8289-95 Authors: Lanciano R, Calkins A, Bundy BN, Parham G, Lucci JA 3rd, Moore DH, Monk BJ, O'Connor DM. Background Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard of care in locally advanced cervical cancer. Locally advanced cervical cancer is defined by parametrial or pelvic wall invasion, the
Randomized Comparison Of Fluorouracil Plus Cisplatin Versus Hydroxyurea As An Adjunct To Radiation Therapy In Stage IIB-IVA Carcinoma Of The Cervix With Negative Para-Aortic Lymph Nodes: A Gynecologic Oncology Group And Southwest Oncology Group Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Conclusion: This study demonstrates that for patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix, the combination of 5-FU and CF with RT offers patients better PFS and overall survival than HU, and with manageable toxicity.Background / Discussion / CritiqueThe article focused on the GOG 85 study
A Randomized Trial of Pelvic Radiation Therapy Versus No Further Therapy in Selected Patients with Stage IB Carcinoma of the Cervix after Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Background / Discussion / Critique Early stage cervical cancer has a very good prognosis treated with either surgery (radical hysterectomy - RH) or radiation therapy (RT). The standard of care has been radical hysterectomy, despite evidence of similar outcome with RT. However, this is beyond the scope of this
PAPNET-Assisted Re-screening of Cervical Smears - Cost and Accuracy Compared with a 100% Manual Re-screening Strategy Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: gynecological cancer screening. It can detect cervical cancer along with vaginal and endometrial malignancies. It has reduced the cancer-associated mortality in cervical cancer, dramatically. But as with any pathological specimen that is evaluated in high volume, there remains a
Paclitaxel and Cisplatin as First-Line Therapy in Recurrent or Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 17(9): 2676, September 1999BackgroundThis is a phase II study testing the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel and cisplatin in recurrent or advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. It forms the basis for the phase III study by Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) comparing this regimin
Concurrent Cisplatin-Based Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MDSource: New England Journal of Medicine April 15, 1999IntroductionThe treatment of women with locally advanced cervical cancer is evolving. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy form the standard of care in the United States; however, the optimal type of chemotherapy is controversial. Traditionally, hydroxyurea has been the
Pelvic Radiation with Concurrent Chemotherapy Compared with Pelvic and Para-Aortic Radiation for High-Risk Cervical Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MDSource: RTOG) to conduct a large randomized prospective trial of radiotherapy alone versus combined radiotherapy andchemotherapy.The results of this trial will be reported in the April 15, 1999 issue ofthe New England Journal of Medicine. Because of the implications of thisarticle for public health, the article has been
Vaginal Changes and Sexuality in Women with a History of Cervical Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, May 6, 1999 Vol. 340 No. 18 p. 1383IntroductionLocal treatment of cervical cancer often involves surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of both treatments. For early stage cervical cancer, these treatments are very effective, curing the majority of women. Unfortunately, side
Use of Colonoscopy to Screen Asymptomatic Adults for Colorectal Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 343(14): 162-168, (July) 2000.Précis: Colonoscopy is favored for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic adultsIntroductionAlmost all colorectal cancers arise from adenomatous polyps that develop over a period of years. During this time, polyps can be detected and
Adverse effects of preoperative radiation therapy for rectal cancer: long-term follow-up of the Swedish rectal cancer trial Birgisson H, Pahlman L, Gunnarsson U, Glimelius B. Journal of Clinical Oncology 23:8697-8705, 2005. Introduction Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy combined with surgery typically comprise the standard treatment for early to intermediate stage rectal cancer. Pre-operative treatment is often better tolerated than post-operative
Dietary fiber and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma in women Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of the Medicine, January 21, 1999, Vol. 340 No. 3 p.169BackgroundAs we enter the final year of the 20th century, a look back reveals amazing strides in medicine: the advent of antibiotics, vaccination, the safe use of general anesthesia, the effective treatment of many cancers with
Incidence of Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer and the Feasibility of Molecular Screening for the Disease Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 338 (21):1481Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is a genetic disorder which, predisposes people to colon and other cancers. This disorder is characterized by mutations to genes in the mismatch repair family. To date, eight
Preoperative versus Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer Authors: Rolf Sauer MD, Heinz Becker MD, Werner Hohenberger MD, et al. for the German Rectal Cancer Study Group Source: New England Journal of Medicine 351(17): 1731-1340 (2004) Background Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy has significantly improved outcomes in patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection.
Fecal Occult Blood Screening in the Minnesota Study: Role of Chance Detection of Lesions Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, M.D. and John Chang, M.D. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1997;89:1423-8 In the past, randomized trials have found that the mortality from colorectal cancer is reduced by periodic fecal occult blood testing. In the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study it was found that after 13 complete follow-up
Cost-Effectiveness of Colonoscopy in Screening for Colorectal Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, Volume 133:573-584, (October) 2000Précis: Colonoscopy is favored for colorectal cancer screeningIntroductionColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in North America. There is evidence that the rate of mortality from colorectal cancer can be reduced by screening
Tumor Downstaging and Sphincter Preservation with Preoperative Chemoradiation in Locally advanced rectal cancer: The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Experience Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, Volume 44, No 5 (July): 1027-1038, 1999.BackgroundNutritional support has long been known as an important part of multimodality treatment of head and neck cancer. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery may increase the nutrient requirement and,
Influence of the Interval Between Preoperative Radiation Therapy and Surgery on Downstaging and on the Rate of Sphincter-Sparing Surgery for Rectal Cancer: The Lyon R90-01 Randomized Trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology Volume 17 (Number 8): pages 2396 - 2402BackgroundThere will be 56,000 colorectal cancers in the US in 1999. It remains the third leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide. Treatment consists of surgery if the patient is operable. For rectal cancer, one of the goals of
Conservative treatment of Rectal Adenocarcinoma with Endocavitary Irradiation or Wide Local Excision and Postoperative Irradiation Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, M.D. and Kenneth Blank, M.D. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology October 1997, Volume 15: pp 3241 - 8. BackgroundAlong with cure of the disease, sphincter (anal) preservation is an ultimate goal in the treatment in early stage rectal cancer. Advanced stage disease or rectal muscle invasive cancer with lymph node
Multicenter Phase II Study to Evaluate a 28-Day Regimen of Oral Fluorouracil Plus Eniluracil in the Treatment of Patients with Previously Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:2894-2901, (August) 2000Précis: Oral fluorouracil plus eniluracil is effective in treating metastatic colon cancerIntroductionFluorouracil (5-FU) has been a mainstay of therapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, despite modest response rates of
Guanylyl Cyclase C Messenger RNA is a Biomarker for Recurrent Stage II Colorectal Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 131(11): 805-812, December 1999.Précis: In this study, expression of guanylyl cyclase C mRNA appeared to be strongly associated with the presence of colorectal cancer micrometastases that could not be detected by standard histopathologic examination.IntroductionThe decision to
A Comparison of Colonoscopy and Double-Contrast Barium Enema for Surveillance after Polypectomy Reviewers: Li Liu, M.D Source: New England Journal of Medicine Volume 342 (24), 1766-1772 (June) 2000Précis: Colonoscopy is superior to barium enema for postpolypectomy surveillance.IntroductionIt is widely held that adenomatous polyps are precursors of colorectal cancer and that their removal is important because of the potential for
Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance Practices by Primary Care Physicians: Results of a National Survey Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: The American Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 95:1551-1556, (June) 2000.Précis: Colorectal cancer screening by many primary physicians may not be adequateIntroductionThe American Cancer Society and the American Gastroenterological Association, as well as other groups, have all recommended screening for
Impact of a Clinical Guidelines Program for Breast and Colon Cancer in a French Cancer Center Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The Journal of the American Medical Association 1997; Volume 278: pages 1591 - 95BackgroundIn most European countries, medical (especially cancer) care isusually centralized in a few large hospitals. But as with mostmedical centers around the world, physicians who staff these
5-Fluorouracil-Induced Small Bowel Toxicity in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 86, No 7:1129-1134, October 1999.Background5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used in the treatment of a variety of human malignancies either as single agent therapy or in combination with other antitumor agents. 5-FU blocks cell proliferation by inhibiting thymidilate synthetase and incorporating into RNA.
The Long-Term Outcome of Pituitary Irradiation after Unsuccessful Transsphenoidal Surgery in Cushing's Disease Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: pituitary adenoma or, occasionally, hyperplasia. Cushing's disease accounts for approximately 70 percent of the spontaneous adult cases of Cushing's syndrome. The standard treatment of Cushing's disease is surgical removal of the pituitary adenoma via a transsphenoidal approach. This
Randomized phase III trial of pelvic radiotherapy versus cisplatin-based combined chemotherapy in patients with intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer: A Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group study An article by Nobuyuki Susumu, Satoru Sagae, Yasuhiro Udagawa, Kenji Niwa, Hiroyuki Kuramoto, Shinji Satoh, Ryuichi Kudo Background Randall et al.’s GOG study randomized stage III and IV patients to whole abdominal radiation vs. platinum-doxorubicin chemotherapy and demonstrated a hazard ratio for progression of 0.71 favoring chemotherapy.
A Phase III Trial of Surgery with or Without Adjunctive External Pelvic Radiation Therapy in Intermediate Risk Endometrial Adenocarcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study Authors: Keys HM, Roberts JA, Brunetto VL, Zaino RJ, Spirtos NM, Bloss JD, Pearlman A, Maiman MA and Bell JG Source: Gynecologic Oncology 92 (2004) 744-751 Background Approximately 36,000 cases of endometrial cancer are diagnosed yearly in the USA. The majority of these are stage I. After standard hysterectomy, there is little randomized data
Frequency and Effect of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Among Women With Stage I Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Source: JAMA. 2006 Jan 25;295(4):389-397 Authors: Lee CM, Szabo A, Shrieve DC, Macdonald OK, Gaffney DKAffiliation: Huntsman Cancer Hospital and University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT. Background Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in the U.S. The majority of cases are Stage I, and overall
The Quality of Swallowing for Patients with Operable Esophageal Carcinoma Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Al-Sarraf et al. J Clin Oncol 1997; 15: 277.
Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgery Compared with Surgery Alone in Squamous-cell Cancer of the Esophagus Bosset, J., Gignoux, M., Triboulet, J., et al.The New England Journal of Medicine July 3, 1997 Vol. 337 No.1 This article reports the findings of a multicenter randomized prospective trial initiated in 1981 by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). This study looked at surgery alone versus chemotherapy and
Pathology of Early Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus or Esophagogastric Junction -- Implications for Therapeutic Decision Making Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 88:2429-2437, (June) 2000Précis: Esophagectomy remains the preferred treatment for early esophageal cancerIntroductionThe treatment of esophageal cancer remains a challenge. Controversy persists regarding the optimal surgical approach to this disease. Tumors confined to the mucosa and submucosa,
Prognostic Value of Immunohistochemically Identifiable Tumor Cells in Lymph Nodes of Patients with Completely Resected Esophageal Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, M.D. and Leonard Farber, M.D. Source: New England Journal of Medicine examines new technology which may help pathologists better determine if cancer has invaded a lymph node. A total of 68 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent excision of the entire esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes were enrolled in this
Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux as a Risk Factor for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 340, Number 11: March 18, 1999BackgroundAdenocarcinoma of the esophagus has had the largest increase in incidencethan any other cancer since 1970. Specifically, from 1976 to 1987, theincidence of this cancer for men increased from 4% to 10% per year. Thereason for
Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery Compared with Surgery Alone for Localized Esophageal Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MDSource: esophageal cancer have micro-metastasis (disease in parts of the body distant from the esophagus that are not detectable on routine screening) at presentation, the addition of chemotherapy to either surgery or radiotherapy seems warranted. This thinking was confirmed with respect to radiation in a randomized
Predictors of Progression to Cancer in Barrett's Esophagus: Baseline Histology and Flow Cytometry Identify Low-and High-Risk Patient Subsets Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: American Journal of Gastroenterology, Volume 95:1669-1676, (July) 2000IntroductionBarrett's esophagus is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease in which metaplastic epithelium replaces the normal squamous lining. The significance of Barrett's lies in its potential to develop into adenocarcinoma. Virtually
Combined Chemoradiotherapy vs. Radiotherapy Alone for Early Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Study of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics September 1, 1998BackgroundThe treatment of esophageal cancer is controversial. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are all effective but questions remain regarding which of these treatmentmodalities to use and in what order. Traditionally,
EWS-FLI1 Fusion Transcript Structure Is an Independent Determinant of Prognosis in Ewing's Sarcoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 16 Number 4, pg. 1248Ewing's sarcoma is a bone tumor, which occurs in children and adolescents. It was first described in 1921 by James Ewing. Ewing's sarcoma is among a group of tumors that appear similar under the microscope, characterized
Ewing's family of tumors in adults: Multivariate analysis of survival and long-term results of multimodality therapy in 182 patients. Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, December 1998, Vol 16, No. 12, p 3736BackgroundEwing's sarcoma is a bone cancer, which typically afflicts teenagers. The median age at diagnosis is about 16 years of age. However, unlike other childhood tumors such as neuroblastoma that occur almost exclusively in children,
Second Malignancies after Treatment for Ewing's Sarcoma: A Report of Cess-studies Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics September 1, 1998 Vol. 52, No. 2. P379BackgroundAs the treatment of childhood cancer improves and more children are cured, there is a growing concern over the long-term toxicity of treatment. Possibly the mostconcerning toxicity is the
Lymphatic Mapping and Focused Analysis of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Upstage Gastrointestinal Neoplasms Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Archives of Surgery, Volume 135:926-932, (August) 2000Précis: Sentinel node analysis increased detection of gastrointestinal cancer micrometastasisIntroductionA sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node along the route of lymphatic drainage from a primary tumor. Sentinel lymph nodes receiving
Randomized Clinical Trial on the Combination of Preoperative Irradiation and Surgery in the Treatment of Adenocarcinoma of Gastric Cardia (AGC) - Report on 370 Patients Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics December 1998, Volume 42 (Number 5): pages 929 - 934.IntroductionGastric or stomach cancer is a rather uncommon malignancy in the United States, but has a high incidencein China, Japan and Chile. It is the second most common cause of cancer
Adjuvant Therapy for Gastric Carcinoma Patients in the Past 15 Years Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(9):1657-1668, November 1999.Précis: The routine use of adjuvant therapy for patients with gastric carcinoma apperrs difficult to justify.IntroductionIn 1998, gastric cancer was the 9th leading cause of cancer related death in the United States and the second leading cause in the world. The symptoms
Phase II Trial of the combination of Paclitaxel and 5-Fluorouracil in the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer ? A Novel, Safe, and Effective Regimen Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(6):580-586, December 1999.Précis: So far, the combination of paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil have appeared to be very effective and safe in patients with advanced gastric cancer. More studies are necessary.IntroductionGastric cancer is the 9th leading cause of cancer
Intensive Weekly Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer Using Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Epi-Doxorubicin, 6S-Leucovorin, Glutathione, and Filgrastim: A Report From the Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1997; Volume 15 (11): pages 3313 - 19BackgroundGastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the world. Only 10% are limited to the stomach at the time of diagnosis. Eighty percent of these patients have positive lymph nodes, 40%
Relative Frequency of Upper Gastrointestinal and Colonic Lesions in Patients with Positive Fecal Occult-Blood Tests Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, July 16, 1998, 339 (3):153IntroductionA commonly used screening method for colon cancer is the use of occultblood tests. Occult blood testing can be performed by patients at home.A stool sample is placed on a card, which turns blue if blood is
Extended Lymph-Node Dissection for Gastric Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 340, Number 12: March 25, 1999BackgroundGastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In the United States 22,000 cases were reported in 1996 and nearly 14,000 deaths were attributed to stomachcancer. In Japan the incidence of gastric cancer is nearly
OncoLink Editorial: Comparative effectiveness of IMRT, proton and conformal radiation therapy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer Presenting Author: Nathan Christopher Sheets, Afiliation: University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC From: Genitourinary Cancers Symposium 2012 Reporter: Curtiland Deville, MD Background Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men, and causes the second highest number of cancer deaths annually.
Postoperative irradiation with or without concomitant chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer Authors: Bernier J, Domenge C, Ozsahin M, Matuszewska K, Lefebvre JL, Greiner RH, Giralt J, Maingon P, Rolland F, Bolla M, Cognetti F, Bourhis J, Kirkpatrick A, van Glabbeke M Source: N Engl J Med. 2004 May 6;350(19):1945-52. Background In 1994 the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) began trial 22931 to test
Phase III Study of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy versus Radiotherapy Alone for Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Positive Effect on Overall and Progression-Free Survival Authors: Lin J, Jan J, Hsu C, Liang W, Jiang R, Wang W Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2003; 21:4, 631-637. Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is much more commonly seen in Southeast Asian, North African, and Eskimo populations than in the U.S. NPC differs from other head and neck cancers with regard to epidemiology,
An Intergroup Phase III Comparison of Standard Radiation Therapy and Two Schedules of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Unresectable Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer Authors: Adelstein D, Li Y, Adams G, et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 2003; 21 (1): 92-98 Background Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard of care for unresectable squamous cell carcinomas of the Head and Neck, but the overall survival has been relatively poor, usually less than 25%. Efforts have been made to improve these results,
Postoperative Concurrent Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for High-Risk Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, RTOG 9501/Intergroup Source: N Engl J Med. 2004 May 6;350(19):1937-44 Introduction Combined chemotherapy and radiation has become a well-accepted treatment for unresectable or locally advanced head and neck cancer, due to the findings from several large clinical trials. Standard post-operative therapy for high risk disease (positive lymph nodes, microscopically
Hyperfractionated Irradiation with or without Concurrent Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Source: The New England Journal of Medicine Vol 338(25): 1798-1804, 1998 Author: Brizel, David M. et al Affiliation: Departments of Radiation Oncology, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C. Background Cure of locally advanced carcinoma of the head and neck is uncommon, and most patients die with
Preradiotherapy Computed Tomography as a Predictor for Local Control in Supraglottic Carcinoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Vol 17, No 2 p 631 1999IntroductionSuccessful treatment of supraglottic carcinoma can be achieved with either surgery or radiotherapy. Historically, patients with small tumors (T1,T2 and early T3) who were felt to be reliable for close follow-up were offered radiotherapy. Patients
Chemoradiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy in Patients With Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Phase III Randomized Intergroup Study 0099 Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 16, No 4 (April), 1998BackgroundThe nasopharynx is a cubical cavity located behind the nasal cavity and superior to the soft palate. Superiorly it borders the base of skull and floor of the sphenoid sinus.Laterally it is perforated by the eustachian tubes, which connect to
Chemoradiotherapy versus Radiotherapy in Patients with Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Phase III Randomized Intergroup Study 0099 Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 16 Number 4, pg. 1310-1317BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinomas are rare entities in the United States and comprise less than 1% of all malignancies. It does seem to be much more common in Southern China and Taiwan (18 - 20% of all cancers).
Evidence for a Causal Association Between Human Papillomavirus and a subset of Head and Neck Cancers Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National cancer Institute, Vol. 92, No 9, 709-720, (May) 2000Précis: Association of human papillomaviruses with some head and neck squamous cell cancers.IntroductionHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with a large spectrum of diseases. Most of these are benign hyperplasias (warts) that
A Phase I Trial of 96-Hour Paclitaxel Infusion Plus Accelerated Radiotherapy for Unresectable Head and Neck Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology and Physics 1999; Volume 44: pages 311 - 315.BackgroundThis phase I study addresses the question of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) when Taxol is adminstered with AHFRT.Unresectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCCa) have a
Recurrences after Conformal Parotid-Sparing Radiotherapy Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology 72 (2004) 119-127 Authors: Barbara Bussels, Annelies Maes, Robert Hermans, Sandra Nuyts, Caroline Weltens, Walter Van den Bogaert Background One of the most difficult long-term complications of radiation treatment of head and neck cancer is xerostomia. Radiation-induced xerostomia leads to difficulties
Preliminary results of a randomized study on therapeutic gain by concurrent chemotherapy for regionally-advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: NPC-9901 Trial by the Hong Kong Nasopharyngeal Cancer Study Group Authors: Lee AW, Lau WH, Tung SY, Chua DT, Chappell R, Xu L, Siu L, Sze WM, Leung TW, Sham JS, Ngan RK, Law SC, Yau TK, Au JS, O'Sullivan B, Pang ES, O SK, Au GK, Lau JT; Hong Kong Nasopharyngeal Cancer Study Group. Source: J Clin Oncol. 2005 Oct 1;23(28):6966-75. Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is separated from most other head and neck
Simultaneous Radiochemotherapy versus Radiotherapy Alone in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: a Randomized Multi-center Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; Volume 16 (Number 4): pages 1318 ? 1324. BackgroundHead and Neck cancer is a heterogeneous group of malignancies. This article addressed a wide range of sites within the head and neck ? from the oral cavity to the larynx and hypopharynx. Locally
Induction chemotherapy plus radiation compared with surgery plus radiation in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer Authors: Wolf, G.T. et al. (The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Laryngeal Cancer Study Group) Source: NEJM. 1991 324(24):1685-90. Affiliation: Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI. Background Prior to this landmark study, standard treatment for locally advanced (Stage III or IV) laryngeal cancer consisted of total
The Impact of Nutritional Status on the Prognoses of Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 86, No 3 (August): 519-527, 1999.BackgroundNutritional support has long been known as an important part of multimodality treatment of head and neck cancer. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery may increase the nutrient requirement and, at the same time, interfere with the patient?s ability to
Salvage Radiotherapy in Patients With Relapsed and Refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis From the German Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group Authors: Andreas Josting, Lucia Nogová, Jeremy Franklin, Jan-Peter Glossmann, Hans Theodor Eich, Markus Sieber, Thomas Schober, Heinz-Dietrich Boettcher, Ulrich Schulz, Rolf-Peter Müller, Volker Diehl, Andreas Engert Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 23, No 7 (March 1), 2005: pp. 1522-1529 Background This is a retrospective
Randomized Comparison of ABVD Chemotherapy with a Strategy that Includes Radiation Therapy in Patients with Limited-Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma: National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Authors: Meyer RE, Gospodarowicz MK, Connors JM, et al. Source: JCO 23(21):4634-42, 2005. Background 90% of patients with limited-stage Hodgkin's disease achieve a durable disease-free state Long-term survival is impacted by treatment-related toxicities such as: Acute leukemia from alkylating agents or
Increased Mortality after Successful Treatment for Hodgkin's Disease Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, November 1998, Volume 16 (Number 11): pages 3592 ? 3600IntroductionAdvances in the treatment of pediatric Hodgkin's disease (HD) have improved cure rates tremendously. Long-term survival free of disease has become very common in this population with chemotherapy and/or
Second Cancer among Long-term Survivors from Hodgkin's Disease Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol 42 No. 2 p.373BackgroundGreat strides have been made in treating childhood cancer. Today, the majority of children diagnosed with cancer will live longer than five years. Unfortunately, their survival is bringing to light the side effects
Alternating MOPP and ABVD Chemotherapy Plus Mantle-Field Radiation Therapy in Patients With Massive Mediastinal Hodgkin's Disease Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology , Volume 15, Number 11Seventy percent of patients with Hodgkin's disease have tumor involving the mediastinal nodes, which lie in the chest near the heart and great vessels. A subset of these patients have what is termed massive mediastinal disease
Gallium Scans in the Management of Patients With Hodgkin's Disease: A Study of 101 Patients Source: Gallium Scans in the Management of Patients With Hodgkin's Disease: A Study of 101 Patients Emile Salloum, Debra Schwab Brandt, Vicente J. Caride, Eugene Cornelius, Daniel Zelterman, Warren Schubert, Thomas Mannino, Dennis L. CooperJournal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 15, No 2 (February), 1997 pp 518-527Hodgkin's disease, like other medical
Identification of Common Germinal-Center B-Cell Precursors in Two Patients with Both Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 340 No. 16 p. 1239IntroductionB-cells are immune cells that fight infection by producing immunoglobulins, a type of protein on the surface ofB-cells, which binds to antigens. Each B-cell has a unique immunoglobulin that is formed from three differentgenes: the variable
Randomized Study of Intensive MOPP-ABVD With or Without Low-Dose Total-Nodal Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Stages IIB, IIIA2, IIIB, and IV Hodgkin's Disease in Pediatric Patients: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, M.D. and Leonard Farber, M.D. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Volume 15, Number 8 (August), 1997: pp 2769 - 79 Hodgkin's lymphoma or disease (HD) treatment has evolved tremendously over past several decades. The possibility of cure has become a reality for most patients diagnosed with this disease, despite
Heterozygous Germline ATM Mutations Do Not Contribute to Radiation-Associated Malignancies After Hodgkin's Disease Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999, Volume 17, Number 4: pages 1259-1266.BackgroundHodgkin's disease (HD) in children and young adults has been very successfully treated. Nearly 80% or more are "cured" or have become long-term survivors of those diagnosed with early-stage HD. Unfortunately, these
Improved Survival in Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Seven-Year Follow-up of Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 8433 Trial Authors: Dillman RO, Herndon J, Seagren SL, et al. Source: JNCI. 88(17):1210, 1996. Background When this trial was originally published, radiation alone was the standard of care for unresectable non-small cell lung, but survival rates remained poor. This study was the first to demonstrate in a randomized trial the benefit of adding
Secondary Brain Tumors In Children Treated For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia At St Jude Children's Research Hospital Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; Volume 16: pages 3761 - 67.SummaryThe St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has published their experience on the incidence of secondary brain tumors in patients treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). All patients treated on various protocols were
Alemtuzumab Compared with Chlorambucil as First-Line Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Source: J. Clin. Onc. 2007 Dec 10;25(35): 5616-23 Authors: Hillmen P, Skotnicki AB, Robak T, Jaksic B, Dmoszynska A, Wu J, Sirard C, Mayer J. Affiliation: Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, United Kingdom Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent disease and can be
Annexin II and Bleeding in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England journal of Medicine April 1, 1999 Vol. 340 No 13 p994BackgroundAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a unique variant of acute myeloid leukemia, both in its biology and response to chemotherapy. APL ischaracterized genetically by the fusion of two genes, the retinoic acid receptor gene (RAR)
Chemotherapy Compared with Autologous or Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation in the Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in First Remission Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 339 No 23 p 1649BackgroundThe majority of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia attain a complete remission after initial chemotherapy. The incorporation of high dose cytarabine to the post-remission chemotherapy regimen has improved five-year disease-free survival
Neuroblastoma and Treatment-Related Myelodysplasia/Leukemia: The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Experience and a Literature Review Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 16, No. 12, December 1998BackgroundNeuroblastoma is the most common solid childhood tumor occurring outside the brain. The majority of patients with neuroblastoma present with metastatic disease and require intensive therapy if hope for a cure is to be entertained. Over the
Rising Incidence of Hepatocellular Cancer in the United States Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine March 11, 1999 Vol. 340 No 10 p.745BackgroundHepatocellular (liver) cancer is one of the most common tumors in the world, with the highest incidence in third world countries. Several recent,small reports suggest that the incidence of this deadly cancer is rising in the
CHOP Alone Compared with CHOP Plus Radiotherapy for Localized Aggressive Lymphoma in Elderly Patients: A Study by the Groupe d’Etude des Lymphomes de l’Adulte Authors: Bonnet C, Fillet G, Mounier N, et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007, 25:787-792 Background The optimal treatment for limited-stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remains uncertain, particularly with regards to the role of radiotherapy despite 4 controlled randomized clinical trials. An early report by SWOG had
Prognostic Factors in Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas Other than Mycosis Fungoides and the Sézary Syndrome Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Blood, 93(11), June 1999BackgroundData on prognostic factors of primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and the S?zary Syndrome (SS) has been lacking. The well-established factors associated with poor prognosis for nodal lymphomas may not hold true for PCL. Grange and associates conducted
Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide with Filgrastim Support in Patients with Previously Untreated Indolent Lymphoid Malignancies Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Blood, Volume 96(1): 71-75, (July) 2000Précis: Triple regimen appears promising for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemiaIntroductionAdvanced low-grade lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are relatively indolent, but are incurable with conventional treatments. The median survival
Epstein-Barr virus and a cellular signaling pathway in lymphomas from Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 338 (20):1413 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family. It is carried by almost everyone and is usually asymptomatic. EBV has a proclivity for immune cells called B-cells, and has a clear association with benign and malignant
Radiotherapy for unilesional mycosis fungoides Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, September 1, 1998 Vol. 42 No. 2 p.61BackgroundMycosis fungoides is a T-cell cutaneous lymphoma, which in laymen's terms signifies a lymphoma that effects the skin (cutaneous layer). The malignant cell is a T-cell (as opposed to a B-cell, which
¹³¹I-Tositumomab Therapy as Initial Treatment for Follicular Lymphoma Authors: Mark S. Kaminski, M.D., Melissa Tuck, M.A., Judith Estes, M.S.N., N.P., Arne Kolstad, M.D., Ph.D., Charles W. Ross, M.D., Kenneth Zasadny, Ph.D., Denise Regan, B.S., Paul Kison, B.S., Susan Fisher, B.A., Stewart Kroll, M.A., and Richard L. Wahl, M.D. Source: New England Journal of Medicine. Vol 352:441-449, 2005 Affiliation: University
High Response Rates and Lasting Remissions After Low-Dose Involved Field Radiotherapy in Indolent Lymphomas Authors: R.L.M. Haas, Ph. Poortmans, D. de Jong, B.M.P. Aleman, L.G.H. Dewit, M. Verheij, A.A.M. Hart, M.H.J. van Oers, M. van der Hulst, J.W. Baars, and H. Bartelink Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, No 13 (July 1), 2003: pp 2474-2480 Background The majority of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) present with advanced Stage III
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy Compared with Chemoradiotherapy Alone for Regionally Advanced Unresectable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Source: J Clin Oncol. 2007 May 1; 25 (13):1698-1704 Authors: Vokes, EE; Herndon, JE II; Kelley, MJ; Cicchetti, MG; Ramnath, N; Neill, H; Atkins, JN; Watson, DM; Akerley, W and Green, MR Background Standard therapy currently for unresectable stage III NSCLC is concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) CALGB 39801 asked the question
Systematic Review Evaluating the Timing of Thoracic Radiation Therapy in Combined Modality Therapy for Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Authors: Fried et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 22, Number 23, December 1, 2004 Introduction Meta-analyses by Payne, Pignon and Warde have helped to confirm the benefit of adding thoracic irradiation to chemotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer. However, there is still some controversy regarding the timing of
Recurrence of Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma in Transplanted Lungs Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 340, Number 14: April 8, 1999BackgroundBronchioloalveolar lung cancer is characterized pathologically by cancer cells lining the lung alveoli while preservinginterstitial lung tissue. Bronchioloalveolar lung cancer is widely believed to be a variant of adenocarcinoma
Effect of Cigar Smoking on the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cancer in Men Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine June 10, 1999 Vol. 340, No. 23, p.1773IntroductionThe association between cigarette smoking and cancer is well established and the efforts of various organizations have educated the American public on this relationship. In contrast, the association of cigar smoking and
Determinants of Long Term Survival after Surgery for Cancer of the Lung Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 86, No. 11 (December): 2229-2237, 1999.Précis: Prognostic factors of lung cancerIntroductionPatient age, extent of the disease, and performance status at diagnosis are major prognostic determinants for patients with lung cancer. Other factors, such as gender, histologic subtype, and socioeconomic
Targeting of Lung Cancer Mutational Hotspots by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Journal of the National Cancer Institute volume 92, 803-811 (May) 2000IntroductionGasoline and diesel engines and other industrial sources release chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) into the environment. The largest source of PAH's, however, is cigarette smoke. PAH's have been associated with
Induction Chemotherapy before surgery for Early-Stage Lung Cancer: A Novel Approach Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, Volume 119:429-439, (March) 2000Précis: Induction chemotherapy before surgery is effective for non small-cell lung cancerIntroductionDespite an encouraging decline in the overall death rate of patients with cancer over the last five years, non-small cell lung cancer
Lung Cancer Mortality in the Mayo Lung Project: Impact of Extended Follow-up Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92:1308-1316, (August) 2000Précis: Screening does not reduce long-term lung cancer mortalityIntroductionAt present, there is widespread acceptance that screening for the early detection of lung cancer is not indicated. The American Cancer Society and the
Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Germany Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 151:241-250, (February) 2000Précis: Nonsmokers' exposure to tobacco smoke in public places associated with increased lung cancer riskIntroductionDuring the last 2 decades, epidemiologic studies have been conducted on the association between exposure to environmental
Non-occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos and the risk of lung cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, May 28, 1998 Vol 338, No. 22, p.1565BackgroundAsbestos is a mineral fiber, which has many forms. Chrysotile, which is mined primarily in Quebec Canada, is the most common asbestos found in the United States. Asbestos has long been known as a human carcinogen. Lung,
Preoperative Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery Compared With Primary Surgery in Resectable Stage I (Except T1N0), II, and IIIa Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Authors: A Depierre, B Millerson, D Moro-Sibilot, et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 2002; 20 (1): 247-53 Background Early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually treated with surgical resection. Although early stage (NSCLC) is obviously more curable than more advanced stages, mortality continues to be quoted as
A randomized trial comparing preoperative chemotherapy plus surgery with surgery alone in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer Rosell R, Gomez-Codina J, Camps C, Maestre J, Padille J, Canto A, Mate JL, Li S, Roig J, Olazabal A, et al. N Engl J Med 1994 Jan 20;330(3):153-8 The classic paper by Rosell et al addresses one of the more vexing issues in the treatment of lung cancer patients (ranking among many); the management of stage III disease in non-small cell lung
A Randomized Trial of Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Completely Resected Stage II or IIIA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Authors: Keller SM, Adak S, et al. Source: New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 343(17): 1217-22. Background In patients with surgically resected NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancer), spread of the tumor to intrathoracic lymph nodes significantly worsens the prognosis for patients. Therefore, many of these patients receive post-operative
Cisplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Completely Resected Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Authors: The International Adjuvant Lung Cancer Trial Collaborative Group Source: New England Journal of Medicine (2004) Volume 350, Issue 4, Pages 351-360 Introduction In the United States, lung cancer accounted for an estimated 171,900 new cancer diagnoses and 157,200 deaths from cancer in 2003. Despite continuing development of new
Study of Paclitaxel, Etoposide, and Cisplatin Chemotherapy Combined with Twice-Daily Thoracic Radiotherapy for Patients with Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: An RTOG 96-09 Phase II Study Authors: David S. Ettinger, et. al. Authors' Affiliations: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Journal: J Clin Onc 2005; August 1, 23(22):4991-98 Background Although Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is responsive to either chemotherapy or radiation, it carries a very poor prognosis, as most patients present with advanced or metastatic disease
Melanoma Vaccines: What We Know So Far Authors: Jean-Claude Bystryn, MD, Sandra R. Reynolds, PhD Source:Oncology 19(1):97-108, 2005 Background Currently, there is no available therapy that prolongs survival in widely metastatic melanoma. For resected disease, treatment with interferon alfa-2b has only limited effectiveness and is associated with potentially severe
Does This Patient Have a Mole or a Melanoma? Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; Volume 279: pages 696 - 701BackgroundMalignant melanoma incidence has increased dramatically over the years. As we become a society that admires the "healthy tan," this skin malignancy has come to the forefront. According to this
Follow-up recommendations for Patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer Stages I-III Malignant Melanoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(11): 2252-2258, December 1999.Précis: A team of researchers from Yale University has developed follow-up guidelines for patients with malignant melanoma.IntroductionAJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) stages I, II, and III of malignant melanomas are defined as tumor thickness 1.5 mm, >1.5 mm,
Primary Care: Stereotactic Radiosurgery Plus Whole Brain Radiotherapy Versus Radiotherapy Alone for Patients with Multiple Brain Metastases Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics 1999; Volume 45: pages 427 - 434BackgroundBrain metastases management has long been a significant issue in the management of cancer patients. Initially, the treatment of choice was supportive care alone. Currently, most patients are treated
Radiation therapy in the management of symptomatic bone metastases: the effect of total dose and histology on pain relief and response duration Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MDSource: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics1998 Dec 1;42(5):1119-26BackgroundWhen cancer is advanced, one of the most important roles of the oncologist is helping to relieve the patient's pain. Palliative care can be achieved in a variety of ways. Opioid analgesics offer a fast and very
Diagnosis of Extrathoracic Metastases to the Lung Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, MD and John Chang, MD Source: Oncology, March 1998, Volume 12, Number 3, 431-438 At present, the standard diagnostic imaging modalitiesfor detection of metastases to the lungs include the chest radiographand thoracic computed tomography (CT). Rates of detecting thoracicmetastases have great variability at autopsy.
8 Gy Single Fraction Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Skeletal Pain: Randomized Comparison with a Multifraction Schedule Over 12 months of Patient Follow-up Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology 1999; Volume 52: pages 111 - 21Précis: Efficacy of single fraction RT for palliation of bone metastases appears to be confirmed from this trial along with multiple predecessors. BackgroundPalliation on the surface appears to be a simple straightforward concept -- treat
Single-Agent Monoclonal Antibody Efficacy in Bulky Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Results of a Phase II Trial of Rituximab Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 1999; Volume 17: Pages 1851-57Background/Discussion/CritiqueRituximab (Rituxan trade name) is an antibody (Ab) that targets CD20. The CD20 antigen (Ag) is present exclusively on the surface of B cells, especially in B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The targeted cells
Chemotherapy Alone Compared with Chemotherapy plus Radiotherapy for Localized Intermediate-and High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 339, July 2, 1998 , Issue 1Background:The treatment of intermediate and high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has evolved over several decades. In the 1960s and early 1970s the primarytreatment was radiotherapy which cured many but not all
Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced, Unresectable NSCLC-New Standard of Care, Emerging Strategies Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Oncology, 13:1075-1088, August 1999BackgroundThis comprehensive review of the management of locally advanced unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) summarizes major landmark studies that have led to the current standard of care. In addition, more recent ongoing trials using altered radiation schedules and new
Patterns of Failure after Resection of Non-small-cell lung cancer: Implications for Postoperative Radiation Therapy Volumes Authors: Kelsey CR, Light KL, Marks LB Reference: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2006 Jul 15;65(4):1097-105 Affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center Background Several studies have shown that local recurrence rates for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can approach as high as 20%.
Toxicity and Outcome Results of RTOG 93-11: A Phase I-II Dose-Escalation Study Using Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy in Patients with Inoperable Non-small-cell Lung Carcinoma Background The RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) initiated dose escalation protocol 93-11 for patients with stage I-III lung cancer in order to attempt improvement in local control. Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy was used to increase the dose but minimize normal tissue toxicity to structures such as the lungs, spinal cord and
Multi-Institutional Randomized Phase II Trial of Gefitinib for Previously Treated Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Authors: Masahiro Fukuoka, Seiji Yano, Giuseppe Giaccone, Tomohide Tamura, Kazuhiko Nakagawa, Jean-Yves Douillard, Yutaka Nishiwaki, Johan Vansteenkiste, Shinzoh Kudoh, Danny Rischin, Richard Eek, Takeshi Horai, Kazumasa Noda, Ichiro Takata, Egbert Smit, Steven Averbuch, Angela Macleod, Andrea Feyereislova, Rui-Ping Dong, and José Baselga
Postoperative radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data from nine randomized controlled trials Author: PORT Meta-analysis Trialists Group Source:Lancet. 1998 Jul 25;352(9124):257-63 Background Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Surgery is the treatment of choice for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, even in the case of completely resected disease, 5-year survival is only 40%. In an
Randomized Phase III Study of Gemcitabine-Cisplatin Versus Etoposide-Cisplatin in the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 12 ? 18BackgroundChemotherapy (ChT) for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLCa) has been a fairly controversial topic for many years. There have been randomized trials from multiple institutions (France, Spain, the European Organization of Research
Radiosensitization with Carboplatin for Patients with Unresectable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A phase III Trial of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17 (Number 1): pages 4 ? 11BackgroundNon-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLCa) is usually best treated with surgery as the mainstay of curative therapy, reserving chemotherapy (CHTX) and radiation therapy (RT) as adjuncts. However, NSCLCa has the terrible reputation of
Molecular Pathological Substaging in 244 Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Clinical Implications Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; volume 16 (number 7): pages 2468 ? 2477IntroductionNon-small cell lung cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies secondary to its high metastatic potential. The overall cure rate (5-year survival rate) is approximately 10 ? 15% if you include
Preoperative Chemotherapy Followed by Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy Based Hyperfractionated Accelerated Radiotherapy and Definitive Surgery in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell LungCancer: Mature Results of a Phase II Trial Source Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; Volume 16 (Number 2): pages 622-634.BackgroundLocally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCa) has a very poor prognosis. By the American Joint Committee on Cancer, the stages included in the definition of locally advanced NSCLCa are IIIA and IIIB. These tumors are defined as less than 2 cm distal to
Randomized Phase III Trial of Docetaxel Versus Vinorelbine or Ifosfamide in Patients With Advanced Non?Small-Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Platinum-Containing Chemotherapy Regimens Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 18, Issue 12 (June), 2000: 2354-2362IntroductionNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of deaths related to cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but only about 20% of tumors are suitable for potentially curative resection. Most patients with late stage or metastatic disease are
Phase III Study of Concurrent versus Sequential Thoracic Radiotherapy in Combination with Mitomycin, Vindesine, and Cisplatin in Unresectable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 17(9): 2692, September 1999BackgroundThis is a long-term follow-up of a landmark study by the West Japan Lung Cancer Group (WJLCG) directly comparing concurrent chemoradiation to sequential chemoradiation for patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients
A controlled Study of Postoperative Radiotherapy for Patients with Completey Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Cancer 1999 Jul 15; Volume 86(Number 2): pages 265 - 273Background/Critique/DiscussionOverall, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCa) comprises about 85% of the 171,000 newly diagnosed lung cancers each year. The rate of long-term survival has improved minimally over the past several years from 12% to 13 -
Prospective Randomized Trial of Docetaxel Versus Best Supportive Care in Patients With Non?Small-Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 18, Issue 10 (May), 2000: 2095-2103IntroductionLung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer for both men and women in the United States and accounts for approximately 14% of new cancer cases. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy has been the standard first-line
Journal Scan article by Ken Blank and John Chang Grodstein, F, Stampfer, MJ, Colditz, GA, Et al.The New England Journal of Medicine June 19 1997 Vol. 336 No.25 The risks and benefits of prescribing estrogen with or without progestins to postmenopausal women have been debated for many years. The known benefits of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (PMHRT) includea decrease in the
Discrepances Between Meta-Analyses and Subsequent Large Randomized, Controlled Trials Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, M.D., and John Chang M.D. Source: The New EnglandJournal of Medicine, August 21, 1997 -- Volume 337, Number 8:536-542From the research center, Hôtel-Dieu de MontréalHospital, and the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,University of Montreal. In order for clinicians and patients to achieve
The Attitudes of Patients With Advanced AIDS Toward Use of the Medical Futility Rationale in Decisions to Forgo Mechanical Ventilation Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Archives of Internal Medicine Volume 160:1597-1601, (June) 2000.Précis: Better physician-patient communication is needed for end-of-life care.IntroductionDuring the last decade or two, patients and their families have become increasingly involved in end-of-life decisions, both in hospitals and in the courts.
Facile Detection of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Tumors and bodily Fluids Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Science, Volume 287(5460): 2017-2019, (March) 2000Précis: Bodily fluid testing may detect come cancersIntroductionAny non-invasive techniques that would aid early detection of cancers would clearly be welcomed. Some studies have demonstrated that high levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are ubiquitous in human
The Contamination Of Poliovirus Vaccines With Simian Virus 40 (1953 - 1963) And Subsequent Cancer Rates Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; Volume 279 (4): pages 292 - 295.IntroductionSimian Virus 40 (SV40) has been implicated to have tumorgenic effects in rodent models. DNA sequences similar to SV40's have been extracted from neoplastic cells of ependymoma,
Severe Necrosis Due to Paclitaxel Extravasation: Case Report Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, M.D. and John Chang, M.D. Source: Pharmacotherapy 1997; 17(1):163-165Paclitaxel (Taxol) is an agent with antineoplastic properties that is derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia. It has been shown to have activity against many tumors including lung, breast, and ovarian carcinomas. Its
Comparative Pharmacology and Clinical Activity of Cisplatin and Carboplatin Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999, Volume 17 (Number 1): pages 409 ? 422BackgroundPlatinum complexes were stumbled upon as anti-proliferative agents back in the mid-1960's in experiments utilizing bacteria. In vitro (laboratory ? petri dishes, tissue culture, etc?) experiments with tumor models found that
A Double-Blind comparison of Empirical Oral and Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy for Low-risk Febrile Patients with Neutropenia during Cancer Chemotherapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 341, No 5 (July), 1999BackgroundFever and neutropenia (low white count) are major complications among cancer patients treated with intensive cytotoxicchemotherapy. Serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as hypotension, pulmonary compromise,
Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Relation to Estrogen and Progestin Dose and Use Characteristics of Oral Contraceptives. SHARE Study Group. Steroid Hormones and Reproductions Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 152:233-241, (August) 2000Précis: Low-dose oral contraceptives appeared to be effective in reducing ovarian cancer riskIntroductionThe risk of ovarian cancer can be reduced by 50% or more in unselected women with long-term use of oral contraceptives (Am J Epidemiol 1992
Intraperitoneal Cisplatin and Paclitaxel in Ovarian Cancer Authors: Armstrong DK, Bundy B, Wenzel L, et al. Source: New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354:34–43. Background Ovarian Cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death among gynecologic cancers in the United States. The current standard chemotherapeutic regimen for newly diagnosed OC is a combination of a platinum-based agent
Phase III Trial of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Compared With Cisplatin and Paclitaxel in Patients With Optimally Resected Stage III Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study Authors: Ozols RF, Bundy BN, Greer BE, et al. Source: JCO, Vol 21 (17), 1-7, 2003 Background Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and among the most aggressive A large proportion of patients will present with advanced (stage III) disease, with spread within the peritoneal cavity After optimal debulking, adjuvant
Paclitaxel plus platinum-based chemotherapy versus conventional platinum-based chemotherapy in women with relapsed ovarian cancer: the ICON4/AGO-OVAR-2.2 trial Authors: The ICON and AGO Collaborators Source: Lancet, Vol 361, 2099-2106, 2003 Background Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and among the most aggressive. Most women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will develop recurrent disease and die within 5 years. Hence, effective salvage therapy is an extremely critical part
Oral contraceptives and the risk of hereditary ovarian cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine 339 (7): 424 IntroductionWomen with mutations to the BRCA1 or 2 genes are at increased risk forthe development of breast and ovarian cancer. The estimated lifetimerisk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations is 45% and in womenwith BRCA2
Consolidation Radiotherapy After Carboplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Radically Operated Advanced Ovarian Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Gynecology Oncology 1999; Volume 72: pages 215 ? 219BackgroundOvarian cancer has become one of the most dreaded diseases to treat, because of the very poor survival in the epithelial types (the subject of this article). In the early stages, ovarian cancer can be managed with surgery alone, and reported
Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Relation to Estrogen and Progestin Dose and Use Characteristics of Oral Contraceptives Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 152:233-241, (August) 2000Précis: Low-dose oral contraceptives appeared to be effective in reducing ovarian cancer riskIntroductionThe risk of ovarian cancer can be reduced by 50% or more in unselected women with long-term use of oral contraceptives (Am J Epidemiol 1992
Phase I - II Study of Gemcitabine and Fluorouracil as a Continuous Infusion in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology Volume 17: pages 585 592BackgroundPancreatic cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer, but the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. It is very often not amenable to resection and, thus, requires chemotherapy (ChT) along with radiotherapy (RT) to treat
A Randomized Trial of Chemoradiotherapy and Chemotherapy after Resection of Pancreatic cancer Author: JP Neoptolemos, et al. Source: New Engl J of Medicine 2004, 350(12);1200-10 This publication is the 2004 update to the initial report of the ESPAC-1 trial from Europe which was intended to be a randomized study examining whether patients with resected pancreatic cancer benefit from postoperative adjuvant therapy in the form of
Interferon-based adjuvant chemoradiation therapy after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma Authors: Vincent J. Picozzi, M.D., Richard A. Kozarek, M.D., L. William Traverso, M.D. Affiliation: Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA Source: Am J Surg. 2003 May; 185(5):476-80 Background Historically, 5-year survival rates in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer have been dismal (<10%), even following a Whipple
Treatment of Children and Young Adults with Early-Stage Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, M.D. and John Chang M.D. Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- October 30, 1997 -- Volume 337, Number 18The treatment of children and young adults with early stage Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) has seen remarkable advances over the past several decades. These advances have resulted in significantly improved
Randomized Comparison of Low-Dose Involved-Field Radiotherapy and No Radiotherapy for Children with Hodgkin's Disease Who Achieve a Complete Response to Chemotherapy Authors: Nachman JB, Sposto R, Herzog P, Gilchrist GS, Wolden SL, Thomson J, Kadin ME, Pattengale P, Davis PC, Hutchinson RJ, White K; Children's Cancer Group. Source: J Clin Oncol. 2002 Sep 15;20(18):3765-71 Background Standard therapy for pediatric Hodgkin's disease is combined modality treatment, typically COPP/ABVD chemotherapy with 25 Gy
Low-Stage Medulloblastoma: Final Analysis of Trial Comparing Standard-Dose With Reduced-Dose Neuraxis Irradiation Authors: Thomas PRM, Deutsch M, Kepner JL, et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 18(16), 2000, pg 3004-3011 Background: Medulloblastoma is a primitive cerebellar tumor of neuroectodermal origin. It is a childhood malignancy (median age 5-6) that has a high propensity for neuraxis spread. Hence, standard treatment involves
Subsequent Quality of Life for Children Irradiated for a Brain Tumor Before Age Four Years Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Medical and Pediatric Oncology 1998; Volume 31: pages 506 - 511.BackgroundPrimary brain tumors are among the most common malignancy in the pediatric population. Historically, the patients have been treated withsurgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy (RT). The RT fields would encompass no
Risk of cancer among offspring of childhood-cancer survivors Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine, May 7, 1998 338 (19):1339The successful treatment of childhood cancers has substantially increased the number of cancer survivors who are interested in having children of their own. Overall, greater than one-half of all children with cancer will
Influence of a Child's Sex on Medulloblastoma Outcome Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol 279, No. 18 Medulloblastoma is the most common brain tumor of childhood. Despite aggressive therapy with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy the 5-year overall survival rate is 50%. Radiation of medulloblastoma includes the entire brain
Congestive Heart Failure After Treatment for Wilms' Tumor: A report from the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 19, Issue 7 (April), 2001: 1926-1934IntroductionThe prognosis for children with Wilms' tumor has improved dramatically during the past three decades. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of and risk factors for congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients whose
Conventional Compared with Individualized Chemotherapy for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine --February 19, 1998 --Volume 338, Number 8The rate at which children clear anti-leukemic agents is highly variable. Rapid clearance of anti-leukemic agents leads to lower levels of these medications in the patients blood and worse outcome in the
Symptoms and Suffering at the End of Life in Children with Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: The New England Journal of Medicine, volume 342, 326-333, (February) 2000IntroductionOver the past 30 years, cure rates have increased dramatically for a number of pediatric malignancies because of scientific and technological advances, the advent of specialized pediatric cancer centers for treatment, and the efforts
Thyroid Carcinomas After Irradiation for a First Cancer During Childhood Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(22): 2713-2719, December 1999.Précis: External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) during childhood is strongly associated with risk of developing thyroid carcinoma.IntroductionMany studies have confirmed the association between therapeutic irradiation of the head and neck regions and
Hemangiomas in Children Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: New England Journal of Medicine, 341:173-181, July 1999BackgroundThis is a comprehensive review of hemangiomas in children. It provides useful information regarding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, complications, and management of these lesions.Hemangiomas occur in approximately 5 to 10% of one-year-old
Outcome of Radiation-Related Osteosarcoma after Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: A Study of 23 Cases Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 2789 ? 2795BackgroundSurvival and control rates of pediatric malignancies have continued to rise over the past decades. While combinations of surgery, chemotherapy (ChT) and radiation therapy (RT), have produced promising results, acute and long-term
Change in Neurocognitive Functioning After Treatment with Cranial Radiation in Childhood Authors: BJ Spiegler, E Bouffet, ML Greenberg, et al. Source:Journal of Clinical Oncology 22 (2004) 706–713. Background Treatment of pediatric posterior fossa tumors has evolved in the multimodality setting to the point that emphasis is no longer just on improving survival but in minimizing toxicities.
Long-Term Neurological Outcome of Childhood Brain Tumors Treated by Surgery Only Authors: Sonderkaer S, et al. Source: JCO, 21(7), 2003, pg 1347-1351 Background Intracranial tumors are common in pediatric patients, relative to other childhood malignancies The results have improved in the treatment of these tumors, with more patients therefore experiencing late toxicity from
Impact of Radiotherapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Children's Cancer Group Study Authors: Haas Kogan DA, Swift PS, Selch M, et al. Source: Oncology Biol. Phys. , Vol. 56, pp. 28-39, 2003. Background Neuroblastoma strikes 650 children per year in the US Survival at 5 years remains <30% for high-risk tumors in children >1 year old Local recurrence is a major issue Surgery is frequently
Metastasis Stage, Adjuvant Treatment, and Residual Tumor Are Prognostic Factors for Medulloblastoma in Children: Conclusions From the Children's Cancer Group 921 Randomized Phase III Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 832 - 845BackgroundIn childhood, the most common tumor of the posterior fossa is a medulloblastoma (MB). Most arise in the cerebellar vermis andgrow into the fourth ventricle causing hydrocephalus. In addition to local invasion, there can be spread
A comparison of External Beam Radiation Therapy versus Radical Prostatectomy for Patients with Low Risk Prostate Carcinoma Diagnosed, Staged, and Treated at a Single Institution Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Cancer, Volume 88, 425-432 (January) 2000.IntroductionDespite significant improvements in the treatment of localized prostate cancer, the optimal management of this malignancy remains undefined. Currently, both radiation therapy (RT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) are used as primary treatment for certain groups of
Prostate Specific Antigen Bounce after Radioactive Seed Implantation Followed by External Beam Radiation for Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: The Journal of Urology Volume 163:1085-1089, (April) 2000Précis: Prostate specific antigen bounce is common after radioactive seed implantation.IntroductionProstate-specific antigen (PSA), a serine prostease normally produced in the prostate, has become a powerful tool in the care of men with adenocarcinoma
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Preliminary Results Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Urology, Volume 55:630-634, (May) 2000.Précis: Laparoscopy permits more precise dissection during radical prostatectomyIntroductionThe standard surgical procedure for patients with organ confined prostate cancer has been retropubic radical prostatectomy. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have received a
Biochemical Failure does not Predict Overall Survival after Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer: 10-year Results Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Urology, Volume 54:884-890, (November) 1999Précis: Biochemical failure does not predict survival after radical prostatectomyIntroductionRadical prostatectomy provides excellent cancer control in most men with clinically localized disease. However, approximately 35% of men will experience a detectable serum
Impact of the percentage of positive prostate cores on prostate cancer-specific mortality for patients with low or favorable intermediate-risk disease Authors: D'Amico AV, Renshaw AA, Cote K, Hurwitz M, Beard C, Loffredo M, Chen MHSource: J Clin Oncol. 2004 Sep 15;22(18):3726-32.IntroductionRisk stratification using pretreatment markers is used to help determine treatment strategies in prostate cancer . Patients are generally divided in low, intermediate and high risk of recurrence based on stage
Percentage of Free PSA in Black versus White Men for Detection and Staging of Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Clinical Trial Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Urology, Volume 55:372-376, (March) 2000.Précis: Free PSA percentage is effective for prostate cancer detection in black men.IntroductionMeasurement of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely used as an aid in the early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen exists in multiple forms in
Seminal Vesicle-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: A Novel Concept to Restore Early Urinary Continence Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Urology, Volume 55:820-824, (June) 2000Précis: Seminal vesicle-sparing radical prostatectomy may maintain urinary continenceIntroductionUrinary incontinence is one of the major potential side effects of radical prostatectomy. The sensory and motor components of the pelvic nerve are in close contact with the
Post-treatment PSA </= 0.2 ng/mL Defines Disease Freedom After Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Using Modern Techniques Reviewers: Li Liu, M.D. Source: Urology, Volume 54:968-971, (December) 1999.IntroductionSince serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing became widely available for clinical use in the late 1980s, it has become a conventional means of monitoring treatment outcome after radiotherapy (RT) for patients with prostate cancer. Physicians have used
Does Prolonged Combined Androgen Blockade Have Survival Benefits Over Short-Term Combined Androgen Blockade Therapy? Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Urology, Volume 55:391396, (March) 2000IntroductionThe therapeutic value of combined androgen blockade (CAB), the pairing of antiandrogen therapy with medical or surgical castration for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, has been investigated over the last few decades. However, the optimal duration of CAB
Extensive Biopsy Protocol Improves the Detection Rate of Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: J Urology Volume 164:393-396, (August) 2000Précis: More extensive biopsy protocol improved prostate cancer detection rateIntroductionTransrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and TRUS-guided biopsy have become the method of choice for the detection of prostate cancer, especially when curative treatment is planned. In the
Urinary and Sexual Function After Radical Prostatectomy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: JAMA, 2000 Jan 19; 283(3): 354-60BackgroundUrinary incontinence and impotence are among the most common side effects after radical prostatectomy for early stage prostate cancer. The rates of incontinence range from 4% to 40% and impotence from 30% to 75% depending upon the selection of the patients and clinical
Comparative Efficiency of Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening Strategies for Prostate Cancer Detection Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Source: JAMA 284(11):1399-1405, (September) 2000IntroductionDigital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) are the most widely used screening tests for prostate cancer. The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society recommend that all men 50 years old or
Prostate cancer in African-American men: Outcome following radiation therapy with or without adjuvant androgen ablation Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, October 1, 1998, Vol 43 No. 2 p 517Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American males and the second leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer. When caught early, prostate cancer is often cured with radiation, surgery or
Bilateral Orchiectomy with or without Flutamide for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: New England Journal of Medicine 339 (15):1036BackgroundThe treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is controversial. Radiotherapy plays a critical role in palliating bone pain and preventing local symptoms;hormonal therapy palliates pain and can increase survival and chemotherapy remains investigational when
Biochemical Outcome After Radical Prostatectomy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, or Interstitial Radiation Therapy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), September 16, 1998; Volume 280, Number 11BackgroundRadical surgery (prostatectomy), external beam radiation therapy and interstitial brachytherapy (radiation therapy with radioactive seed implantation) modalities form the triadof choice for prostate
10-Year Outcome for Men with Localized Prostate Cancer Treated with External Radiation Therapy: Results of a Cohort Study. Authors: Zietman AL, Chung CS, Coen JJ, Shipley U Source: Journal of Urology, Vol. 171, 210-214, January 2004 Background Localized prostate cancer is currently treated with either surgery or radiation, and the optimal treatment strategy remains controversial. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing in most men, and published data often lack the
Clinical and Biologic Activity of an Estrogenic Herbal Combination (PC-SPES) in Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine, September 17, 1998, Volume 339, Number 12 BackgroundHerbal remedies are widely used in the United States and worldwide in the treatment of a wide range illnesses. The efficacy of many of these herbs is unknown, but many people advocate their
Significance of the CAG Repeat Polymorphism of the Androgen Receptor Gene in Prostate Cancer Progression Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Urology, Volume 164(2):567-572, (August) 2000.IntroductionPathologic stage, Gleason score (GS), and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) are well-established prognostic factors for prostate cancer. Standard treatment for the early stage prostate cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy (external beam
Combined Androgen Blockade with Nonsteroidal Antiandrogens for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic ReviewReviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Urology, Vol 57, 2001: 727-732IntroductionIn metastatic prostate cancer the main systemic treatment is androgen suppression (AS), either by surgical castration (orchiectomy) or by long-term use of a luteinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone agonist. The low plasma concentrations of androgens that remain, which are chiefly
The bicalutamide Early Prostate Cancer Program. Demography Authors: See WA, McLeod D, Iversen P, et al. Source: Urol. Oncol. 2001 Mar; 6(2): 43-47 Introduction It has been well established that addition of adjuvant hormonal therapy to local definitive therapy significantly improves local tumor control, disease-free survival, and overall survival in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinomas
Updated results of the phase III Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) trial 85-31 evaluating the potential benefit of androgen suppression following standard radiation therapy for unfavorable prognosis carcinoma of the prostate Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2001 Mar 15;49(4):937-46IntroductionIn locally advanced prostate cancer hormonal therapy often prolongs the suppression of the primary tumor by radiotherapy (RT), but the question remains whether hormonal therapy should be reserved for relapse or used early in asymptomatic patients with
Improved Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy andGoserelin TheNew England Journal of Medicine 1997;337:295-300.Encouraging news for patients with prostate cancer is reported in theJuly 31st issue of the NEJM. Bolla and colleagues show that the additionof Goserelin improves the efficacy of radiation therapy in treatingprostate cancer. Goserelin is a medication that prevents the proliferation of prostate
Clinical utility of ursodeoxycholic acid in preventing flutamide-induced hepatopathy in patients with prostate cancer: A preliminary study Authors: M Kojima, K Kamoi, O Ukimura, et al. Source: International Journal of Urology 2002; 9: 42-47. Background Flutamide, an antiandrogen, is used to treat patients with prostate cancer. As the indications for adjuvant androgen ablation in prostate cancer grow, the use of flutamide will become more widespread. However, its use has been
Health Outcomes after Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Results From the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92:1582-1592, (October) 2000Précis: Tradeoffs in prostate cancer treatmentIntroductionTreatment options for localized prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, observation, and a variety of new approaches. Each of these approaches is
Radical Surgery versus Radiotherapy for Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate Reviewed by: Drew Moghanaki MD, MPH Source: The Journal of Urology 1982. Sep;128(3):502-4. Background: This report by the Uro-Oncology Research Group is the first and only purported prospective randomized study comparing prostatectomy to external beam radiotherapy in the management of localized prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this paper has
Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy As Primary Treatment For Prostate Cancer: Acute Toxicity In 114 Patients Authors: G D e M eerleer , L V akaet , S M eersschout , et al. Source: Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys ., 60 (2004) 777-787 . Background In the setting of external beam radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) is rapidly becoming the norm and has replaced standard 3-dimesional conformal
Six-month Androgen Suppression Plus Radiation Therapy vs. Radiation Therapy Alone for Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Authors: D'Amico, A. et al. Affiliations: Dept. of Rad Onc, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA Source: JAMA , August 18, 2004, Vol 292, No. 7 Background In addition to overall survival, disease-specific survival is a very useful endpoint in cancer epidemiology. The latter can be particularly instructive
A randomized trial of supine vs. prone positioning in patients undergoing escalated dose conformal radiotherapy for prostate cancer Authors: AJ Bayley, CN Cattan, T Haycocks, et al. Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology 70 (2004) 37–44 . Background Controversy regarding tumor targeting, patient position, and immobilization for external beam radiotherapy to the prostate has existed for more than two decades. Central to this debate has been the
Temporarily Deferred Therapy (watchful waiting) for Men Younger Than 70 Years and With Low-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer in the Prostate-Specific Antigen Era Authors: Corey A. Carter, Timothy Donahue, Leon Sun, et al. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 21(21): 4001-4008, 2003 Background Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common solid tumor in men in the United States. The optimal management of clinically localized PC is unclear. Watchful waiting (WW) (a strategy of close observation without
Testosterone Recovery Following Prolonged Adjuvant Androgen Ablation for Prostate Carcinoma Authors: T Pickles, A Agranovich, E Berthelet, et al. Source: Cancer 2002; 94: 362-7 Background The use of androgen ablation (AA) has become more common in the treatment of prostate cancer. Androgen ablation has a proven survival benefit in patients with advanced (T3-4, or lymph node positive) disease and in those with high Gleason Score
Osteoporosis in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer Authors: Robert W. Ross and Eric J. Small Source: Journal of Urology 2002; 167: 1952-6. Background Thousands of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer will be treated with androgen ablation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. These patients include those with advanced disease (T3-4 or node positive) or high Gleason Score (8-10). In
Cost-Effectiveness of Androgen Suppression Therapies in Advanced Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92(21): 1731-1739, (November) 2000.IntroductionAndrogen ablation therapy provides effective palliation for patients with advanced prostate carcinoma. Androgen ablation may be achieved surgically (with bilateral orchiectomy) or pharmacologically, usually with the
Prostate Cancer And Supplementation With Alpha-Tocopherol And Beta-Carotene: Incidence And Mortality In A Controlled Trial Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and John Han-Chih, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 90, No. 6, March 18, 1998Vitamins have long been studied for their presumed health benefits, including a possible role in the prevention of cancers. Three of the most commonly researched vitamins are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Beta Carotene.
Second Primary Tumors after Prostate Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(9): 1567-1570, October 1999.Précis: In this study, men with prostate cancer appeared to have a significantly lower rate of second cancer compared to age matched controls without a history of prostate cancer.IntroductionData regarding second primary tumor risk after diagnosis of prostate carcinoma
Therapeutic Radiation in Patients With a Rising Post-Prostatectomy PSA Level Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, M.D. Source: Oncology 1997;12:33-9Following prostatectomy, the optimal management for patients with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA)level remains unsettled. Prior to the era of PSA testing, many patients received immediate adjuvant radiation treatment based on adverse pathologic features after
The Role of Androgen Deprivation in the Definitive Management of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Treated with Radiation Therapy Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1999 Mar 1;43(4): 707-13IntroductionThe role of medications that suppress androgen production is controversial in the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells require androgens, such as testosterone, to survive. When medications deplete the body's androgen supply or
Radiation Therapy for Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Pooled Analysis Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: JAMA 1999; Volume 281: pages 1598 - 1604.AbstractContext Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) evaluation leads to the early detection of both prostate cancer and recurrencesfollowing primary treatment. Prostate-specific antigen outcome information on patients 5 or more years following treatmentis limited and
Comparison of Radiation Side-Effects of Conformal and Conventional Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer: a Randomised Trial Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD Source: Lancet 1999; Volume 353: pages 267 - 272BackgroundIt has been known that radiation could eradicate tumors -- the radiation treatments just needed to utilize a "high enough" dose. Theproblem with tumoricidal doses of external beam radiation is that normal tissues can also be affected. This leads to acute
A Prospective Study Of The Serum Prostate Specific Antigen Concentrations And Gleason Histologic Scores Of Black And White Men With Prostate Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Cancer, 86(5):836-841, September 1999BackgroundSuccessful stratification of patients for any risk variable would enhance our understanding of the disease and therefore enable us to develop effective strategies for managing subsets of patients. This is especially true for prostate cancer since African American men have
ß-Carotene Supplementation for Patients with Low Baseline Levels and Decreased Risks of Total and Prostate Carcinoma Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, 86(9): 1783-1792, November 1999.BackgroundSome recent studies have suggested that several dietary antioxidants may reduce the risks of developing prostate cancer. The Physicians' Health Studyis a well-known, randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial of ß-carotene (50 mg every other day) and
American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) Recommendations for Transperineal Permanent Brachytherapy of Prostate Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 44(4): 789-799, July 1999BackgroundThe proportion of patients treated by permanent brachytherapy has been increasing rapidly in the past few years due to relatively low morbidity, good 10-year outcome, and better public awareness. The American Brachytherapy
Long-Term Results Of A Randomized Trial For The Treatment Of Stages B2 And C Prostate Cancer: Radical Prostatectomy Versus External Beam Radiation Therapy With A Common Endocrine Therapy In Both Modalities Authors: Koichiro Akakura, Shigeo Isaka, Susumu Akimoto, et al Source: Urology, 54(2): 313-318, August 1999 BackgroundExternal beam radiation therapy has generally been used for patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of prostate with or without hormonal therapy. The use of radical prostatectomy for the treatment of locally advanced
The Effect of Androgen Deprivation on the Early Changes in Prostate Volume Following Transperineal Ultrasound Guided Interstitial Therapy for Localized Carcinoma of the Prostate Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, Volume 44, No 5 (July):1107-1110, 1999.BackgroundThe rising incidence of and mortality from prostate cancer has generated great interest in improving the results of current methods of treatment. The use of total androgen deprivation for treatment of
Detection of Prostate Cancer: Serendipity Strikes Again Source: McNaughton-Collins M, Ransohoff DF and Barry MJJournal of theAmerican Medical Association Nov 12, 1997; Vol 278 (No 18): pp 1516 - 9The definition of serendipity is to happen upon something bychance. A cancer may be "picked up" by chance, if the screening testis falsely positive because of a reason other than the malignancy.Some contend
Randomized Prospective Study of the Benefit of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1998; Volume 16 (Number 1): pages 197 - 202BackgroundSurgery remains the mainstay of treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Radical surgery such as amputation optimize cure rates but, obviously, have high functional morbidity. The radical
Late treatment#19;related complications in 214 patients with extremity soft-tissue sarcoma treated by surgery and postoperative radiation therapy Authors: Lorenzo Livi, M.D. Riccardo Santoni, M.D., Fabiola Paiar, M.D., Paolo Bastiani, M.D., Giovanni Beltrami, M.D., Patrizio Caldora, M.D., Rodolfo Capanna, M.D., Pietro De Biase, M.D., Beatrice Detti, M.D., Simona Fondelli, M.D., Elisa Meldolesi, M.D., Maurizio Pertici, M.D., Caterina Polli, M.D., Gabriele Simontacchi, M.D., Gianpaolo Biti,
Late radiation morbidity following randomization to preoperative versus postoperative radiotherapy in extremity soft tissue sarcoma Authors: Davis AM, O'Sullivan B, et al. Source: Radiother Oncology, 2005 Apr;75(1):48-53. Initial paper review This is the update of the SR.2 trial sponsored by the NCI and headed by Dr. Brian O'Sullivan from the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Toronto. It compares preoperative (preop) versus postoperative (postop) radiotherapy
Preoperative Chemotherapy for Stage IIIB Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Long-Term Results From a Single Institution Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1997; Volume 15 (12): pages 3481 - 87BackgroundSoft tissue sarcomas (STS) are uncommon but not rare. They are tumors of mesenchymal origin which are usually localized at the time of diagnosis. Local control is thus very well preserved in most patients
Randomized Study of CODE Versus Alternating CAV/EP for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: An Intergroup Study of the National Cancer Institute of Canada clinical Trials Group and the Southwest Oncology Group Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 17, No 8 (August):2300-2308, 1999BackgroundDespite decades of intensive investigation using various combinations of chemotherapy, the outcome of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ESCLC) remains poor. . Even so small-cell lung cancer is a highly responsive tumor
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Patients with Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Complete Remission Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 341, No 7 (August):476-484, 1999BackgroundThe brain is one of the most common sites for metastasis in small-cell lung cancer. Of patients who achieve a complete remission after chemotherapy +/- thoracic irradiation, in the absence of cranial irradiation, the probability of
Role of Radiaton Therapy in the Combined-Modality Treatment of Patients with Extensive Disease Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Randomized Study Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: JCO 1999; Volume 17: 2092 - 2099SummaryThe authors have published a single institution study from the University Hospital in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia. Two hundred ten patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLCa) were enrolled onto this prospective trial, which was partially randomized. All
Randomized Trial of Alternating Versus Sequential Radiotherapy/Chemotherapy in Limited-Disease Patients With Small-Cell Lung Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Ken Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology Aug 1997; Vol. 15, No 8: pages 2840 - 9.This article details the European Organization for Research and Therapy of Cancer (EORTC) Lung Cancer Cooperative Group's (LCCG) trial on the sequencing of combined modality therapy for limited stage small cell lung
Randomized Study of Initial versus Late Chest Irradiation Combined with Chemotherapy in Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MD and Kenneth Blank, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1997, Volume 15 (9): pages 3030 - 37.BackgroundThere are a handful of prospective studies looking at the timing of thoracic or chest irradiation (CI) in the treatment of limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLCa). Add this one to that list, but
Randomized Study of Code Versus Alternating CAV/EP for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology 1999; Volume 17: pages 2300 - 2308BackgroundSmall-cell lung cancer (SCLCa) is found to be "extensive stage" (ES) in nearly two-thirds of the cases. A recent trial demonstrated long-term survival (over 5 years) in some patients treated with accelerated hyperfractionated
Treatment-Associated Leukemia Following Testicular Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Volume 92(14): 1165-1171 (July) 2000Précis: Testicular cancer treatment: survival advantage far exceeds the risk of treatment-induced leukemiaIntroductionThe introduction of cisplatin into therapy protocols for testicular tumors in the early 1970s has resulted in
Pre-natal and Peri-natal Exposures and Risk of Testicular Germ-cell Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: International Journal of Cancer, Volume 87:438-443, (August) 2000Précis: In utero estrogen exposure is linked to testicular germ-cell cancerIntroductionThe causes of testicular cancer are unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors probably play a role. Some studies suggested that estrogen level
Risk of Second Malignant Neoplasms Among Long-term Survivors of Testicular Cancer Reviewers: Leonard A. Farber, M.D. and John Chang, M.D. Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1997; 89:1429-39Testicular cancer has been treated with a variety of modalities including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with a 5-year relative survival rate of greater than 90%. Men with testicular cancer are generally in their third or
Para-aortic irradiation only appears to be adequate treatment for the patients with stage I seminoma of the testis Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, 15 January 1998, Volume 40 Number 2 455The most common tumors in men between the ages of 15 and 35 years of age are testicular tumors (also called germ cell tumors). There are two general types of germ cell tumors
Optimal Planning Target Volume for Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Medical Research Council Randomized Trial Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MDSource: Journal of Clinical Oncology April 1999 Vol 17 No 4 p1146IntroductionThe adjuvant treatment of stage I testicular cancer is controversial. After surgical removal of the involved testis, treatment options include radiotherapy of the para-aortic lymph nodes, radiotherapy of the para-aortic and ipsilateral iliac
MRC TE19: Radiotherapy versus single-dose carboplatin in adjuvant treatment of Stage I Seminoma: a randomised (sic) trial Author: Oliver RTD et al. Source: Lancet 366: 293-300. Background The standard treatments for stage I seminoma are not ideal. Radiation carries the risk of second malignancy in these young patients, the majority of whom would remain free of disease even without radiation. Surveillance, however, carries its own risks. Some patients are lost to
Outcome After Treatment of High-Risk Papillary and Non-Hurthle-Cell Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: Annals of Internal Medicine 1998; Volume 129 (Number 8): pages 622-627BackgroundDifferentiated thyroid cancers are the most common type, making up over 90% of the cases. Papillary and follicular are the major subtypes under the differentiated heading. This prospective registration trial attempted to
Comparison of Administration of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin with Withdrawal of Thyroid Hormone for Radioactive Iodine Scanning in Patients with Thyroid Carcinoma Reviewers: Kenneth Blank, MD and Leonard Farber, MD Source: The New England Journal of Medicine -- September 25, 1997 -- Volume 337, Number 13 Thyroid carcinoma is diagnosed in approximately 14,000 people in the United States each year. Thyroid cancers can be categorized into three main groups by the cell type: 1)Well differentiated - which
Effect of Intracoronary (gamma)-Radiation Therapy on In-Stent Restenosis: An Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis from the Gamma-1 Study Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Circulation, volume 102: 2915-2918, (December) 2000Précis: Intracoronary gamma-radiation therapy prevents in-stent restenosisIntroductionDespite its wide acceptance, coronary angioplasty is limited by rates of restenosis of 30 to 60 percent (Circulation 1991 Sep; 84(3): 1426-36). In recent years, much has been
Radiation Therapy in the Management of Desmoid Tumors Reviewers: John Han-Chih Chang, MDSource: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, December 1998, Volume 42 (Number 5): pages 1007?1014BackgroundDesmoid tumors are aggressive fibromatoses. Local invasiveness characterizes this low grade tumor. They arise in skeletal muscles or their fascia. They are of connective tissue
Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate: Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial for Treatment of Breakthrough Pain in Cancer Patients Authors: Farrar JT, Cleary J, Rauck R, Busch M, Nordbrock E Source: JNCI, Vol 90(8), 1998, 611-616 Background The majority of cancer patients will experience pain as a symptom of their disease In addition to persistent pain, many patients experience "breakthrough pain", which are episodes of acute pain that are superimposed on the chronic
Management of Breakthrough Pain Due to Cancer Author: Simmonds MA Source: Oncology 13(8), 1999, 1103-8 Scientific Implications The following is an excellent review of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Breakthrough pains have a rapid onset and severe intensity with a short duration. It is a complex, frequent, yet poorly understood cancer pain syndrome. Hence, reviews of
Breakthrough pain: definition, prevalence and characteristics Authors: Portenoy RK and Hagen NA Source: Pain, 41 (1990) 273-281 Background Pain is likely the most prominent symptom affecting cancer patients' quality of life A majority of patients will have not only a baseline amount of pain, but also "breakthrough pain", referring generally to a transitory exacerbation of pain that occurs
Once-Weekly Dosing of Epoetin-α Increases Hemoglobin and Improves Quality of Life in Anemic Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy Either Concomitantly or Sequentially with Chemotherapy Authors: Shasha D, George MJ, Harrison LB Source: Cancer, 2003;98:1072-9 Background Anemia is very common in cancer patients, whether it results from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the disease itself Anemia often causes the symptom of fatigue with associated functional impairment and decrease in quality of life Anemia also can
An open label study of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OFTC) for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain Authors: Fine, PG, Marcus M, De Boer AJ, Van der Oord B Source: Pain, 45; 149-153, 1991 Background The majority of cancer patients experience pain during the course of their disease Even when analgesic therapy is initiated, up to 1/3 of patients continue to have moderate to severe pain This is usually due to breakthrough pain, which
Long-Term Safety of Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate for Breakthrough Cancer Pain Authors: Payne R, Coluzzi P, Hart L, et al. Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Vol 22 (1), 575-583, 2001 Background Treatment of pain is very often an important part of a cancer treatment regimen Standard pain treatment regimens include long-acting, baseline (usually narcotic) pain medication with supplemental pain medication
Diagnostic Testing Following Fecal Occult Blood Screening in the Elderly Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 91:1641-1646, October 1999.BackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer killer of American men and women. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has endorsed annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) with screening flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years in all
Dexamethasone Alone or in Combination with Ondansetron for the Prevention of Delayed Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Chemotherapy Reviewers: Li Liu, MDSource: The New England Journal of Medicine, volume 342, 1554-1559, (May) 2000IntroductionNausea and vomiting are among the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy for cancer, but the best way to prevent these symptoms is unclear. Some studies have found that ondansetron and dexamethasone were equally effective in
Evaluating the Financial Impact of Clinical Trials in Oncology: Results From a Pilot Study From the Association of American Cancer Institutes/Northwestern University Clinical Trials Costs and Charges Project Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:2805-2810, (August) 2000.Précis: Clinical trials no longer cost more than standard care for cancer patientsIntroductionIt is not known whether the treatment regimens employed in cancer trials increase or decrease the economic costs of care over the remaining lifetimes
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Cancer Patients Is Not Associated with Perceived Distress or Poor Compliance with Standard Treatment but with Active Coping Behavior Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Cancer, Volume 89:873-880, (August) 2000.Précis: Interest in complementary medicine a sign of coping in cancer patientsIntroductionComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by more than one third of the general population of industrialized nations (New England Journal of Medicine 1993 Jan
Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure Is Highly Accurate in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 18:2811-2816, (August) 2000Précis: Sentinel lymph node biopsy predicts metastasis of vulvar cancerIntroductionA sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node along the route of lymphatic drainage from a primary tumor. Sentinel lymph nodes receiving lymphatic drainage
Radiation Therapy versus Pelvic Node Resection for Carcinoma of the Vulva with Positive Groin Nodes Authors: Homesley HD, Bundy BN, Sedlis A, Adcock L. Source: Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Dec; 68(6):733-40 Background Vulvar cancers are usually squamous cell carcinomas and are more prevalent in elderly females. Treatment is primarily surgical with radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy. 20 years ago, vulvar cancer was rarely
Is History of Squamous-Cell Cancer a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Patients with Cancer Reviewers: Li Liu, MD Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 131(9): 655-659, November 1999.Précis: A study from Sweden claimed that a history of squamous-cell skin cancer appeared to be associated with a significant greater risk for death related to second cancers.IntroductionIt is known that people who have previously had a squamous-cell
Textbook of Lymphology for Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists Editors:Foldi M, Foldi E, Kubik S. (eds) Publisher:Munchen, Germany 80033, Urban & Fischer, 2003 (translation by Biotext, LLC, San Francisco, CA,) Information:Hardcover, 689 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-9729535-0-7 Reviewers:Jane Kepics MS, PT, CLT-LANA, Physical Therapist, Lymphedema Specialist, Phoenixville Hospital Nicole L.
A Primer on Lymphedema Author: Deborah G. Kelly Publisher: Prentice Hall ISBN: 0-13-022410-3 OncoLink Rating: A Primer on Lymphedema is a must read for the lymphedema practitioner and patient. Descriptive chapters, which include pictures and illustrations, focus on the Anatomy and Physiology of the Lymphatic System, Complete Decongestive
Your Brain After Chemo Author: Daniel Silverman, MD, PhD & Idelle Davidson Publisher: DaCapo Press, 2009 Price: $25.00 US ISBN: 0738212598 OncoLink Rating: Cognitive changes after cancer therapy, often called “chemo-brain”, are a side effect that survivors have long talked about in support groups and on discussion boards. Unfortunately, when
Coping With Lymphedema Authors: Joan Swirsky RN and Diane Sackett Nannery Publisher: Avery Publishing Group Price: $13.95 US ISBN: 0-89529-856-2 OncoLink Rating: Joan Swirsky is a clinical nurse specialist as well as a health and science journalist who specializes in women's health issues. She has written articles for the New York Times, and was
Fatigue and Cancer Scientific Updates, 5 Editors: M. Marty and S. PecorelliPublisher: Elsevier ISBN: 0-444-50905-4 OncoLink Rating: The European School of Oncology is a non-profit organization that brings together leading experts in oncology to discuss and debate various topics that affect the person with cancer. Volume five, is a compilation of scientific
The Guide to Living with Bladder Cancer Authors: Mark P. Schoenberg, MD, FACS Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press ISBN: 0-8018-6519-0 OncoLink Rating: Despite the fact that bladder cancer is a fairly common cancer, most people don't know very much about it. You don't hear about bladder cancer on television or read about it in the newspaper. This makes Dr. Mark
ScienceDirect ScienceDirect Login ScienceDirect Search ScienceDirect Search ----> Overview ScienceDirect is the world's largest scientific, technical and medical database. It is a rich journals collection supplemented by relevant bibliographic databases to expand literature searches further and a growing program of online reference works. Born out of an
Cancer Vaccines: Between the Idea and the Reality Author: Finn, OL Source: Nature Reviews-Immunology, August 2003, pg 630 This is an excellent review article illustrating the current state of cancer vaccines and the hurdles that must be overcome if vaccines are to make their way into the clinic. Though written for an immunologist or someone familiar with the immune response and vaccine potential
Adjuvant autologous renal tumour cell vaccine and the risk of tumour progression in patients with renal-cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy: phase III, randomised controlled trial Author: Jocham D, et al. Source: Lancet, 363, Feb 2004, pg 594 Background Over 31,000 new cases of renal cell carcinoma are expected in the United States this year Approximately 75% of renal cell carcinomas are local or regional upon diagnosis, with the remaining 25% being metastatic Standard therapy is radical or partial
Adjuvant Immunotherapy of Resected, Intermediate-Thickness, Node-Negative Melanoma With an Allogeneic Tumor Vaccine: Overall Results of a Randomized Trial of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG-9035) Authors: Vernon K. Sondak, P.-Y. Liu, Ralph J. Tuthill, Raymond A. Kempf, Joseph M. Unger, Jeffrey A. Sosman, John A. Thompson, Geoffrey R. Weiss, Bruce G. Redman, James G. Jakowatz, R. Dirk Noyes, and Lawrence E. Flaherty Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 20, No 8 (April 15), 2002: pp 2058-2066 Background There is no standard adjuvant
Pilot Study of a Dual Gene Recombinant Avipox Vaccine Containing Both Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and B7.1 Transgenes in Patients with Recurrent CEA-expressing Adenocarcinoma Authors: von Mehren M, et al. Source: Clinical Cancer Research, 6, 2000, pg 2219 Background The development of cancer vaccines has been attempted for over a century Recent developments have given insight into the immune response, paving the way more avenues to exploit to make cancer vaccines more efficacious A wealth of preclinical
Induction of Protective Host Immunity to Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), a Self-Antigen in CEA Transgenic Mice, by Immunizing with a Recombinant Vaccinia-CEA Virus Author: Kass E, et al. Source: Cancer Research, 59, 1999, pg 676 Background CEA is expressed in normal epithelial tissue (along the GI tract and at times in the trachea and respiratory tree) as well as in a high percentage of colon, pancreatic, breast, and lung cancers CEA as a tumor antigen has been studied extensively, though most
Amplification of Virus-Induced Antimelanoma T-Cell Reactivity by High-Dose Interferon- a2b: Implications for Cancer Vaccines Authors: Astsaturov I, et al. Source: Clinical Cancer Research, 9, 2003, pg 4347 Background A number of tumor antigens have been identified in melanoma and other cancers. These have been used to make specific cancer vaccines Current cancer vaccines often activate T cells for only a short time without providing strong, long-lasting
When Will Melanoma Vaccines Be Proven Effective? Authors: Sosman JA, Weeraratna AT, Sondak VK Source: J Clin Oncol. 2004 Feb 1;22(3):387-9. Epub 2003 Dec 22 This article serves to update the reader on the current state of vaccines for the treatment of melanoma. In doing so, it highlights some important studies, points out some inherent flaws in nonrandomized studies, and gives direction to
Current Developments in Cancer Vaccines and Cellular Immunotherapy Author: Ribas A, Butterfield LH, Glaspy JA, Economou JS Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21(12), 2003, pg 2415-2432 This article reviews the immunologic basis of clinical trials that test the means of tumor antigen presentation, recognition and activation. An antigen is a protein segment specific to a cell. Therefore, tumor antigens are
Immunotherapy: past, present and future Author: Waldmann TA Source: Nature Medicine, 9(3), 2003, pg. 269 Active immunotherapy has been successful against infectious agents that cause self-limiting diseases. Effective immunotherapy for chronic diseases and cancer, however, will require the optimization of many aspects of the immune system. This review highlights past approaches and
Phase I clinical trial of a recombinant canarypoxvirus (ALVAC) vaccine expressing human carcinoembryonic antigen and the B7.1 co-stimulatory molecule Authors: Horig H, et al. Source: Cancer Immunol Immunother 49, 2000, pg 504 Background Vaccination strategies for cancer treatment has been an idea for nearly a century, but without much success New understandings of immune function and immune responses have led to a resurgence of cancer vaccines The new insights are that T-cells
The Phase III Trial in the Era of Targeted Therapy: Unraveling the "Go or No Go" Decision Author: Roberts Jr TG, Lynch Jr TJ, Chabner BA Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21(19), 2003, pg 3683-3695 Background In 1954, the first randomized trial in medical oncology was completed Since then, many phase III randomized clinical trials have been completed. Many have been sufficiently powered to establish clinical benefit of
Developing and implementing a pain management benchmark Authors: Ann Chandler, Fiona Kinnaird, Miriam Wood Source: Nursing Times 99(39): 46-7, 2003 Background Cancer patients frequently experience pain. Adequate pain control is achieved in 80-90% of patients when the World Health Organization's guidelines on pain are followed; however, these guidelines are not routinely implemented in
Clinical Decision Making in Pain Management: Contributions of Physician and Patient Characteristics to Variations in Practice Authors: Carmen R. Green, John R. C. Wheeler, and Frankie LaPorte Source: The Journal of Pain 4(1):29-39, 2003 Background Although there has been a great deal of focus on treatment of cancer pain, 70% of patients who die of cancer will have unrelieved cancer pain. Previous studies have shown that physician and patient
Use of Strong Opioids in Advanced Cancer Pain: A Randomized Trial Authors: Franco Marinangeli, Alessandra Ciccozzi, Marco Leonardis, et al. Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 27(5):409-416, 2004 Background The World Health Organization (WHO) therapeutic ladder for the treatment of cancer pain has recommended using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or acetaminophen as first-line
Cancer Patient Compliance in the Self-Administration of a Pain Assessment Tool Authors: Augusto Caraceni, Anna Galbiati, Cinzia Brunelli, et al. Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 27(5):417-424, 2004 Background Pain intensity is the main clinical variable in guiding management of cancer pain. Pain measurement scales should be psychometrically valid and practically feasible. One of the most
Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate in the Outpatient Management of Severe Cancer Pain Crises: A Retrospective Case Series Authors: Allen W. Burton, Larry C. Driver, Tito R. Mendoza, and Ghyasuddin Syed. Source: Clinical Journal of Pain 20(3):195-197, 2004 Background Severe exacerbations of pain are a problematic clinical occurrence in opioid-tolerant cancer patients. Guidelines from the National Cancer Care Network (NCCN) suggest using parenteral
Clinicians Communicating with Patients Experiencing Cancer Pain Authors: Donna L Berry, Diana J Wilkie, Charles R. Thomas, and Paige Fortner Source: Cancer Investigation 21(3):374-381, 2003 Background Pain is a common and serious symptom for cancer patients. Effective treatment of cancer patients requires effective communication between the patients and their health care providers. The
Interventions to overcome clinician- and patient-related barriers to pain management Authors: Sigridur Gunnarsdottir, MS, RN, Heidi S. Donovon, MS, RN, and Sandra Ward, PhD, RN, FAAN Source: Nursing Clinics of North America, 38(2003) 419-434 Background Certain barriers exist to managing chronic cancer pain, including under-prepared physicians, patient's apprehension about medications, and poor communication between
Help Your Dog Fight Cancer: An Overview of Home Care Options featuring Bullet's Survival Story Author: Laurie Kaplan Publisher: JanGen Press, Briarcliff , NY Information: ISBN 0-9754794-6-6 \| Paperback \| 109 pages When author Laurie Kaplan's dog Bullet was diagnosed with cancer, she looked for books to help guide her through the difficult decisions and times ahead. Finding none, she gathered the opinions of veterinary experts, perused
Grizz's Story - A Greater Courage Author: Jo Helms Publisher: Jo Helms Publishing
Living with Lymphoma: A Patient's Guide Author: Elizabeth M. Adler Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, © 2005
Be a Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide Author: Vladimir Lange, MD Publisher: Lange Productions, 2009 Price: $24.95 US \| 186 pages ISBN: 9780981948911 OncoLink Rating: Dr. Vladimir Lange (the author) and his wife, Mandy, are both physicians, yet when they first learned that Mandy had breast cancer, they were overwhelmed with the information being presented to them. This led Dr.
Children With Cancer : A Comprehensive Reference Guide for Parents Author: Jeanne Munn Bracken Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1986 ISBN: 0-19-503482-1 OncoLink Rating: Jeanne Munn Bracken is a reference librarian whose own child survived cancer. Her daughter was diagnosed in 1977, and at that time there were no helpful books for parents to turn to for answers. Ms. Bracken
Ways to Live Forever Authors: Sally Nicholls ASBN: 0545069483
The Hope Tree Authors: Laura Numeroff & Wendy Harpham, MD Publisher: Simon & Schuster ISBN: 068984526X OncoLink Rating: The goal of The Hope Tree is to help the children and grandchildren of cancer patients better understand and express their emotions. Parents are often too overwhelmed to know how to discuss the disease with their children.
The Rainbow Feelings of Cancer Authors: Carrie Martin & Chia Martin Publisher: Hohm Pr ISBN: 189077216X OncoLink Rating: Chia Martin was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998. Her daughter, Carrie, was seven at the time. Children often have difficulty expressing their emotions, and Carrie was no different. Carrie, like many children, likes to draw. It is
My Sister's Keeper Author: Jodi Picoult Publisher: Washington Square Press
Daddy's Promise Authors: Cindy Klein Cohen and John T. Heiney Illustrator: Michael J. Gordon Publisher: Promise Publications ISBN: 0-9656498-0-6 OncoLink Rating: Daddy's Promise is an excellent children's book that addresses the difficult subject of death of a parent. Cindy Klein Cohen is a Child Life Specialist whose
What am I, Chopped Liver? Communicating with Your Doctor Series: The STARBRIGHT Videos with Attitude Series Producer: The STARBRIGHT Foundation Price: $35.00 (Ordering Information) FREE to teens and preteens with serious and chronic illness (and their parents). OncoLink Rating: The Starbright Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with serious
Childhood Cancer Survivors Authors: Nancy Keene, Wendy Hobbie & Kathy Ruccione Publisher: O'Reilly & Associates ISBN: 1-56592-460-6 OncoLink Rating: There have been dramatic increases in the cure rates of childhood cancers over the past few decades. This has led to a subsequent increase in the number of cancer survivors living into
Childhood Leukemia : A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers Author: Nancy Keene Publisher: O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1997 Price: $24.95 US, $35.95 CAN Format: Paperback, 539 pages ISBN: 1-56592-191-7 OncoLink Rating: Nancy Keene's daughter survived childhood leukemia, which motivated this fledgling author to write this book. She felt the need to be an informed
My Daddy's Cancer Authors: Cindy Klein Cohen, MS, CCLS and John T. Heiney Publisher: Promise Publications ISBN: 0-9656498-1-4 OncoLink Rating: My Daddy's Cancer is the second book written by Cindy Klein Cohen dealing with children who experience a parent with cancer. Her previous book, Daddy's Promise, has also been reviewed on
Mommy’s Cancer Author: Ellen R. Meyer Publisher: AuthorHouse Information: $12.99 US direct from the publisher (link below) OncoLink Rating: How to Buy: http://www.mommyscancer.org/how When Ellen Meyer was diagnosed with colon cancer, she had two young children at home. This is unfortunately the reality for many adults diagnosed with cancer. They are
We Can Cope: Helping Parents Help Children When A Parent Has Cancer Authors: Jonas I. Bromberg, Psy.D., Caroline F. McCabe, M.A., Andrea F. Patenaude, Ph.D. Publisher: Inflexxion, 2000 Purchasing Information: $99.00 / set of three tapes. Phone: 1-800-848-3895 OncoLink Rating: It is widely understood that a diagnosis of cancer affects more than just the patient. The diagnosis and uncertainty is felt by
My Mommy's Cancer Authors: Cindy Klein Cohen, MS, CCLS and John T. Heiney Publisher: Promise Publications ISBN: 0-9656498-2-2 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure My Mommy's Cancer is the third book written by Cindy Klein Cohen dealing with children who experience a parent with cancer. Her previous books, Daddy's Promise and My Daddy's
Stevie's New Blood Author: Kathryn Ulberg Lilleby Publisher: Oncology Nursing Press, Inc. ISBN: 1-890504-17-3 OncoLink Rating: Amazon.com Disclosure For any family facing the prospect of a child undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Stevie's New Blood will be a welcomed addition to the bookshelf. In her thoughtfully planned and well-crafted
Plastic Eggs or Something? Cracking Hospital Life Series: The STARBRIGHT Videos with Attitude Series Producer: The STARBRIGHT Foundation Price: $35.00 (Ordering Information) FREE to teens and preteens with serious and chronic illness (and their parents). OncoLink Rating: The Starbright Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with serious
Book Reviews for Pediatric Patients My Book for Kids with Cansur by J. Gaes, Publishers Group West (publ) ISBN 093760304X Amazon.com Disclosure This book was written by a child with Burkitt's lymphoma because he felt that there were not enough books for kids about cancer. It is written in his own words, with his own spelling and handwriting (i.e. keymotherapy,
Pediatric Radiation Oncology, 3rd Edition Authors/Editors: Edward Halperin, MD; Louis Constine, MD; Nancy Tarbell, MD; Larry Kun, MD Publisher: Lippincott William & Wilkins, 1999 ISBN: 0-7817-1500-8 OncoLink Rating: The authors of this text hail from the departments of radiation oncology at Duke University Medical Center, University of Rochester
Our Family Has Cancer, Too! Author: Christine Clifford with illustrations by Jack Lindstrom Publisher: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers Price: $6.95 US ISBN: 1-57025-144 OncoLink Rating: Our Family Has Cancer, Too! is the second book from Christine Clifford, a survivor of breast cancer. She currently serves as president and chief executive
Against the Odds: The True Story of Michele, A Cancer Survivor Authors: Patrick Nolan, Patricia A. Nolan, RN, & Michele K Nolan Publisher: Alchemy Publishing Company, Langley, WA, 1995. ISBN: 1-887170-05-7 $15.00 softcover Reviewed by R. Medbery, M.D. Against the Odds: The True Story of Michele, A Cancer Survivor is the story of a little girl who developed a cancer of
Kids tell kids what it's like... when a family member has cancer Produced by: Cancervive Supported by a Grant from Pharmacia and Upjohn. Format: VHS, 29:53 minutes Contact: 1-800-4 TO CURE OncoLink Rating: This video was developed and produced by Cancervive, a non-profit organization for cancer survivors. The goal of the video is to enhance communication between children and family
Fighting Chance Author: Harry Connolly Publisher: Woodholme House Publishers Price: $27.95 US ISBN: 0-9656342-5-6 OncoLink Rating: Harry Connolly is a professional photographer who lives with his family in Baltimore, Maryland. This is his second book. Over a three-year period, he took more than 15,000 photographs of children
Count It All Joy Authors: Sheila Ethier, R.N Publisher: Speedfast Color Press in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ISBN: 0-9685057-0-8 OncoLink Rating: Sheila Ethier is a nurse and single mother whose life began down a difficult path one fateful day in October of 1987 when she was told that her younger son had T-cell leukemia. Her story is one of
Definitive Guide to Cancer Author: W. John Diamond, MD and W. Lee Cowden, MD with Burton Goldberg Publisher: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 1-887299-01-7 OncoLink Rating: NOT Recommended The title of the publication "Definitive Guide to Cancer" is very misleading. It is actually a book about alternative medicine for the treatment of cancer. It must
Cancer Salves : A Botanical Approach to Treatment Author: Ingrid Naiman Publisher: North Atlantic Books ISBN: 1-55643-270-4 OncoLink Rating: NOT Recommended This book has been placed on the OncoLink NOT RECOMMENDED list for a number of reasons. It gives irresponsible advice and information that may be dangerous for those who follow the recommendations. The author, Ingrid
Herbal Medicine, Healing, and Cancer : A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment Author: Donald R. Yance, Jr.Publisher: Keats PublishingISBN: 0-87983-968-6OncoLink Rating: NOT Recommended Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer has been placed on the OncoLink NOT RECOMMENDED list for a number of reasons. First of all, the book makes broad and sweeping conclusions, many of which are inaccurate and without any scientific basis. The
Having Children After Cancer: How to Make Informed Choices Before and After Treatment and Build the Family of Your Dreams Author: Gina M. Shaw Publisher: Celestial Arts, 2011 Price: $16.99 US, 198 pages ISBN: 9781587613654 OncoLink Rating: A diagnosis of cancer brings about many emotions; these may includefear, anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness, among many others. When a young adult receives a cancer diagnosis, his or her mind may also go to dreams
Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer And Recovery Author: Melinda Marchiano Publisher: Happy Quail, 2010 Price: $15.95 US ISBN: 9780984271207 OncoLink Rating: When I was thirteen years old, I kept a diary in one of those old-fashioned black and white hardcover composition books. Day by day I painstakingly wrote about the things that were important to me at the time: best friends, family fights,
Jones & Bartlett Survivorship Series Series Editor: Lisa Kennedy Sheldon Publisher: Jones & Bartlett, 2010 Information: $22.95 US \| 219-249 pages, depending on which of the 5 guides OncoLink Rating: Cancer survivorship care seems to be everywhere you turn these days, which is wonderful! But this isn’t a topic nurses heard about in nursing school, so where is a nurse
This Time's a Charm: Lessons of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor Author: Donald A. Wilhelm Publisher: FEA Publishing Information: $21.95 US \| Order from The Book's Website (in eBook formats) ISBN Number: 978-0-615-20180-1 OncoLink Rating: Donald Wilhelm is my kind of patient. When faced with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease in his 30s, he does his homework, researches the disease and learns about
Crazy, Sexy Cancer Tips Author: Kris Carr Publisher: Morris Publishing Group, 2007
Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer Authors:Sherri Magee, PhD & Kathy Scalzo, MSOD Publisher:Rutgers University Press Information:ISBN 0743454537 \| Paperback \|224 Pages \| $24.95 US OncoLink Rating: When cancer treatment is over, friends and family often think things will quickly be back to "normal". But any survivor can tell you, things may never
The Sky Begins At Your Feet: a memoir on cancer, community, and coming home to the body Author: Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg ISBN: 9781888160437 Information: Ice Cube Press, 2009 \| $19.95 US OncoLink Rating: I have never met author Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg face to face. But despite that fact, I feel a real connection to her. I have to wonder why. Maybe it's because I've been a fan of her work for the past five years or so. Caryn's

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Ms. Gambino talks about the complexity of cancer care and the need for patients and families to have help in navigating from diagnosis and treatment decisions to survivorship. Read more.

Cancer Types
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