– March 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
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Molecular Tests Discriminate Prognosis in Normal Karyotype AML
Acute myeloid leukemia in the elderly has a poor prognosis using standard therapy. Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analogue with activity at low doses for low-risk MDS harboring a 5q-. Two institutions using different protocols evaluated high-dose lenalidomide induction (35-50 mg daily for 14-21 days, 14-30 days of rest) followed by lower dose maintenance (10 mg daily). Out of 33 patients, four patients had a complete response. -
Pre-Treatment CBC and the Prediction of Myelotoxicity
Capitalizing on data from a rather homogenous population of breast cancer patients treated with a single chemotherapy regimen (FEC), Jenkins and Freeman found that pretreatment absolute neutrophil and absolute lymphocyte counts, examined together, were highly predictive of risk for all neutropenic events, including febrile neutropenia, dose delays, and overall reduced dose intensity over the six cycle course of treatment. -
Sunitinib Improves Overall Survival in Patients with Renal Cancer
In a population-based retrospective review of first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, sunitinib was shown to double overall survival when compared to interferon alpha. -
Vitamin D Level and Prognosis in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Calcidiol (25(OH)D) levels were measured in a series of 160 Norwegian prostate cancer patients, and the results correlated with cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. -
Strategies to Preserve Larynx Function in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
In a randomized, phase 3 trial of two different schedules of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for patients with advanced larynx or hypopharynx cancer, no difference was observed in progression-free survival, overall survival, or the maintenance of laryngeal function. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement
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Pharmacology Watch
FDA warning on topical anesthetics; antipsychotics increase sudden cardiac death; the step up vs step down debate; treating pain, fatigue, mood, and sleep in fibromyalgia; FDA Actions.