Phase II study of ACNU in non-small-cell lung cancer: EORTC study 08872

A total of 62 patients with metastatic or locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were entered in a phase II study of ACNU. Initially, the drug was given i. v. at a dose of 100 mg/m2 every 6 weeks, but due to observed haematological side effects in chemotherapy-pretreated patients, the dose was lowered in this group to 75 mg/m2. We observed one complete response in a subject exhibiting multiple lung metastases and a partial response in two patients, one showing brain metastases and one who experienced local disease recurrence. The toxicity of ACNU mainly consisted of bone marrow suppression especially thrombocytopenia, with one toxic death occurring due to intracerebral haemorrhage. We concluded that at this dose and on this schedule, ACNU has limited activity in non-small-cell lung cancer

The role of thoracic radiation therapy in small cell carcinoma of the lung: a concensus report

Thoracic radiation therapy promises both survival and local-regional control benefits to patients, though its optimal role remains to be definitively established. Continued efforts are required to refine techniques so as to minimize toxicity and to develop innovative regimens to improve outcomes. © 1989.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Caring about women and cancer (CAWAC): A European survey of the perspectives and experiences of women with female cancers

This paper reports on the findings of the largest ever European survey of female patients' perceptions of their cancer treatment. It has provided clarification of what women consider important in relation to their management and has identified several areas where more research is needed. It has shown that women's knowledge about cancer before diagnosis is poor and the number undergoing regular screening could be improved. Women are not being adequately prepared and educated about what to expect from treatment and steps should be taken as a matter of urgency to redress this shortcoming. It was revealed that whilst families were the primary source of support to female cancer patients, women also derive considerable support from healthcare professionals, particularly senior doctors; more attention should be paid by specialists and nurses to developing psychological skills to cope with this. In this context, further research is needed into how support groups may best meet patient needs. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Tobacco: deadly in any form or disguise.

Journal ArticleSCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Delivering affordable cancer care in high-income countries

The burden of cancer is growing, and the disease is becoming a major economic expenditure for all developed countries. In 2008, the worldwide cost of cancer due to premature death and disability (not including direct medical costs) was estimated to be US$895 billion. This is not simply due to an increase in absolute numbers, but also the rate of increase of expenditure on cancer. What are the drivers and solutions to the so-called cancer-cost curve in developed countries? How are we going to afford to deliver high quality and equitable care? Here, expert opinion from health-care professionals, policy makers, and cancer survivors has been gathered to address the barriers and solutions to delivering affordable cancer care. Although many of the drivers and themes are specific to a particular field-eg, the huge development costs for cancer medicines-there is strong concordance running through each contribution. Several drivers of cost, such as over-use, rapid expansion, and shortening life cycles of cancer technologies (such as medicines and imaging modalities), and the lack of suitable clinical research and integrated health economic studies, have converged with more defensive medical practice, a less informed regulatory system, a lack of evidence-based sociopolitical debate, and a declining degree of fairness for all patients with cancer. Urgent solutions range from re-engineering of the macroeconomic basis of cancer costs (eg, value-based approaches to bend the cost curve and allow cost-saving technologies), greater education of policy makers, and an informed and transparent regulatory system. A radical shift in cancer policy is also required. Political toleration of unfairness in access to affordable cancer treatment is unacceptable. The cancer profession and industry should take responsibility and not accept a substandard evidence base and an ethos of very small benefit at whatever cost; rather, we need delivery of fair prices and real value from new technologies

Nutritional Online Information for Cancer Patients: a Randomized Trial of an Internet Communication Plus Social Media Intervention

We hypothesized that cancer patients using an Internet website would show an improvement in the knowledge about healthy eating habits, and this might be enhanced by social media interaction. A 6-month randomized intervention was set up. Eligible subjects were allocated in intervention (IG) and control groups (CG). IG had access to the website, and CG was provided with printed versions. All enrolled participants filled in Nutrition Questionnaire (NQ), Quality of Life Questionnaire (QoL) and Psychological Distress Inventory (PDI), at baseline and after 6 months. The difference between post- vs pre-questionnaires was calculated. Seventy-four subjects (CG 39; IG 35) completed the study. There was an increase in the score after the intervention in both groups for the NQ, even if not statistically significant. Dividing the IG into three categories, no (NI), low (LI) and high interactions (HI), we found a decreased score (improvement) in the CG (−0.2) and in the HI (−1.7), and an increased score (worsening) in the NI (+3.3) (p = NS) analysing the PDI. We found an increased score in the QoL both in CG and IG (adjusted LSMeans +3.5 and +2.8 points, respectively; p = NS). This study represents an example for support cancer patients. Despite the lack of significant effects, critical points and problems encountered may be of interest to researchers and organization working in the cancer setting. Intervention strategies to support patients during the care process are needed in order to attain the full potential of patient-centred care on cancer outcomes.</p

Curbing tobacco's toll starts with the professionals: World No Tobacco Day.

Journal ArticleSCOPUS: no.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe