Surface-mediated organometallic synthesis: High-yield and selective syntheses of neutral and anionic ruthenium carbonyl clusters by controlled reduction of silica-supported RuCl3 in the presence of Na2CO3 or K2CO3

[Ru3(CO)10Cl2], [Ru3(CO)12], [H4Ru4(CO)12], [H3Ru4(CO)12]-, [HRu6(CO)18]-, and [Ru6C(CO)16]2- have been synthesized in good or high yields by one-step or two-step (with the surface species [Ru(CO)3Cl2(HOSi 61)] as intermediate) one-pot controlled reduction of RuCl3 supported on silica in the presence of alkali carbonates. The selectivity of the reaction is controlled by the (i) nature and quantity of the alkali carbonate (Na2CO3 or K2CO3), (ii) manner by which the alkali carbonate is deposited on the silica surface, (iii) gas-phase composition (CO, CO + H2, or CO + H2O), (iv) temperature, and (v) reaction time. The unusual selectivity can be explained by the initial formation of [Ru(CO)x(OH)2]n (x = 2, 3) which, under CO, aggregates first to [Ru3(CO)12], key intermediate for the synthesis in situ of various ruthenium carbonyl clusters on the silica surface

Use of the word “cured” for cancer patients—implications for patients and physicians: The Siracusa charter

Long-term survival for adult patients with solid tumours continues to increase. For some cancers, the possibility of recurrence after a number of years is extremely low, and the risk of death becomes similar to that of the general population of the same sex and age. During the Fifth European Conference on Survivors and Chronic Cancer Patients held in Siracusa, Italy, June 2014, oncologists, general practitioners, epidemiologists, cancer patients and survivors, and patient advocates joined to discuss the possible use of the term “cured” in reference to some adult patients with solid tumours. The specific focus was the appropriateness of using the term in communicating with cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Initial results of the discussion, in concert with a review of the published literature on the subject, were later further discussed by all participants through electronic communication. The resulting final statement aims to suggest appropriate ways to use the word “cured” in the clinical and communicative setting, to highlight the potential impact of the word on patients, and to open a critical discussion concerning this timely and delicate matter

Docetaxel-related fatigue in men with metastatic prostate cancer: a descriptive analysis

Purpose: Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating side effect of docetaxel chemotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer. A better understanding of the kinetics and nature of docetaxel-related fatigue may provide a framework for intervention. Methods: This secondary analysis was performed using the MOTIF database, from a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of modafinil (200 mg/day for 15 days) for docetaxel-related fatigue in men with metastatic prostate cancer [1]. The pattern of fatigue was analysed using the MDASI (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory) score. The impact of modafinil, cumulative docetaxel exposure, age and smoking status on fatigue kinetics were explored. Fatigue-related symptoms were assessed using the SOMA6 (fatigue and related symptoms) subset of the SPHERE (Somatic and Psychological Health Report). Mood was tracked using the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Results: Across four docetaxel cycles, fatigue scores were higher in the first week and decreased over weeks two and three. Whilst men randomised to modafinil had reduced fatigue scores, cumulative docetaxel had little impact. Younger men (55–68 years) had significantly reduced fatigue scores, whereas current and ex-smokers had higher scores. There was no significant change in mood status or haemoglobin across treatment cycles. Men described both ‘somnolence’ and ‘muscle fatigue’ contributing significantly to their symptom complex. Conclusions: Assessment and management of docetaxel-related fatigue remains an important challenge. Given the complex, multifactorial nature of fatigue, identification through structured interview and interventions targeted to specific ‘at risk’ groups may be the most beneficial. Understanding the temporal pattern (kinetics) and nature of fatigue is critical to guide this process