Filling the missing gaps on research in Chinese adolescents (Editorial)

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Filling the missing gaps on research in Chinese adolescents

2010-2011 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Management of chemotherapy-associated febrile neutropenia

The development of febrile neutropenia during a course of chemotherapy is not only a life-threatening complication, it can also lead to a decision to reduce chemotherapy intensity in subsequent treatment cycles, thus putting patient outcomes at risk. Although there are strategies available for the primary prevention of febrile neutropenia, these are not widely used in the UK management of breast cancer. It is, therefore, paramount to have a well thought out and rigorously implemented care protocol for febrile neutropenia, involving patients, family/carers and health-care professionals in both primary and secondary care, to ensure early detection and effective management

Sequential or alternating administration of docetaxel (Taxotere®) combined with FEC in metastatic breast cancer: a randomised phase II trial

The aim of this study, using a Fleming single-stage design, was to explore the efficacy and safety of Taxotere® 100 mg m−2 docetaxel and FEC 75 cyclophosphamide 500 mg m−2, fluorouracil 500 mg m−2 and epirubicin 75 mg m−2, in alternating and sequential schedules for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. One hundred and thirty-six women were randomly allocated, to one of three treatment regimens: DTX 100 plus FEC 75, alternated for eight courses (ALT); four courses of DTX 100 followed by four courses of FEC 75 (SEQ T); or four courses of FEC 75 followed by four courses of DTX 100 (SEQ F). One hundred and thirty-one women were evaluable for tumour response. Although the treatment outcome was equivalent in the two sequential arms and the alternating regimen (P=0.110, not significant), the response rate was less encouraging in the SEQ F arm (52.3%) than in the other two arms (71.1% for ALT and 70.5% for SEQ T), in which docetaxel was administered first. Time to progression was similar in the ALT, SEQ T and SEQ F arms (9.5, 9.3 and 10.4 months respectively). Grade 3–4 neutropenia was observed in nearly all patients; febrile neutropenia occurred in 9% (ALT), 16% (SEQ T) and 2% (SEQ F) of patients. Few patients (⩽9%) developed grade 3–4 non-haematological toxicities. Relative dose intensity was 97–99% for all regimens. All treatment regimens were active and well tolerated

Evaluation of Project P.A.T.H.S. (Secondary 2 Program) by the program participants: Findings based on the experimental implementation phase

A total of 49 schools participated in the Secondary 2 Program of the Experimental Implementation Phase of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes). After completion of the program, 7,406 students completed a Subjective Outcome Evaluation Form (Form A) designed by the research team to reveal their comments about the program, instructors, and perceived effectiveness of the program. Based on the consolidated reports submitted by the schools, the research team aggregated the data to form a "reconstructed" overall profile on the perceptions of the program participants. Results showed that high proportions of the respondents had positive perceptions of the program and the instructors. About 80% of the respondents were satisfied with the program and regarded it as helpful to their overall development. The present findings provide support to the effectiveness of Secondary 2 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. from the perspective of the program participants. ©2008 with author. Published by TheScientificWorld.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

The value of P2PA to travelers : evidence from the Hong Kong market

Title on author’s file: The Value of P2P to Travelers, Evidence from Hong Kong Market202206 bckwAccepted ManuscriptSelf-fundedPublishe

Dendritomas formed by fus allogenic human hepatocellular ion of mature dendritic cells with carcinoma cells activate autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Mature dendritic cells (DCs) have highly expressed CD1a, MHC class I, MHC class II, B7-1, B7-2 and ICAM-I molecules, all of which are essential for activation of naive T cells. In this study, dendritomas were formed by fusion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SMMC-7721 cells with autologous DCs in vitro. DCs were obtained from adherent monocytes cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 and were matured in monocyte-conditioned media. Expression of MHC class II and HCC-specific antigen by these dendritomas were determined using a specific murine anti-HCC monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for HCC cell line SMMC-7721, and a murine anti-human HLA-DR mAb, and was also confirmed using bi-dimensional flow cytometry and immuno-histostaining. Dendritomas were co-cultured with autologous T cells, resulting in activation of T cell proliferation and priming of naive T cells to induce MHC class I restricted lysis of HCC SMMC-7721 cells. The results imply that these dendritomas may have potential for use in HCC immunotherapy. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved