Analysis and results of the 104Sn Coulomb excitation experiment

G. Guastalla, et al. XX International School on Nuclear Physics, Neutron Physics and Applications (Varna 2013); 5 pags.; 1 fig.The analysis of the Coulomb excitation experiment conducted on 104Sn required a strict selection of the data in order to reduce the large background present in the γ-ray energy spectra and identify the γ-ray peak corresponding to the Coulomb excitation events. As a result the B(E2; 0+ →2+) value could be extracted, which established the downward trend towards 100Sn and therefore the robustness of the N=Z=50 core against quadrupole excitations. Published under licence by IOP Publishing LtdA. J. would like to thank the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion for financial support under Contract No. FPA2011-29854- C04Peer Reviewe

Phase I study of gemcitabine using a once every 2 weeks schedule.

Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) is a novel nucleoside analogue. As part of a series of studies to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of gemcitabine and the most appropriate schedule, a two-centre phase I study of gemcitabine was undertaken in patients with advanced refractory solid tumours using a once every 2 weeks schedule. Fifty-two patients were entered into the study at 14 different dose levels (40-5700 mg m-2). Weekly evaluations for toxicity were performed and the MTD for this once every 2 weeks schedule was 5700 mg m-2. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, with neutropenia being most significant. Other toxicities were nausea, vomiting, fever and asthenia. One minor response was seen in a heavily pretreated breast cancer patient treated at 1200 mg m-2. Preclinical studies suggest that the efficacy of gemcitabine is more schedule than dose related, and it is concluded that this is not the most appropriate dosing schedule for gemcitabine. However, this study demonstrates the safety profile of gemcitabine, as doses over fourfold greater than that recommended for the weekly schedule of 1000 mg m-2 could be tolerated

Phase II of oral gimatecan in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, previously treated with platinum and taxanes

Background: A prospective phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of oral gimatecan in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer