EDITORIALS

Conflict of Interest: In the Eye of the Beholder?

Bruce A. Chabner
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 212-213; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0041
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Ixabepilone: A Novel Antineoplastic Agent with Low Susceptibility to Multiple Tumor Resistance Mechanisms

Linda Vahdat
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 214-221; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0167
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Resistance to chemotherapeutics remains one of the most significant stumbling blocks to achieving long-term remissions in cancer therapy. This review briefly summarizes these clinical data and focuses on the preclinical characteristics of ixabepilone that allow it to overcome both primary and acquired tumor resistance.

Should Urogenital Atrophy in Breast Cancer Survivors Be Treated with Topical Estrogens?

Mateya Trinkaus, Sheray Chin, Wendy Wolfman, Christine Simmons, Mark Clemons
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 222-231; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0234
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Because of the increasing longevity of breast cancer survivors, the consequences of menopause have become an increasingly important and challenging management issue. This review focuses on the urogenital consequences of estrogen deprivation therapy in breast cancer patients and provides practitioners with a simple guide of current and future strategies for managing these symptoms.

Professional Challenges in Cancer Genetic Testing: Who Is the Patient?

Gayun Chan-Smutko, Devanshi Patel, Kristen M. Shannon, Paula D. Ryan
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 232-238; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0203
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Two cases are presented to illustrate a number of professional and ethical conflicts for providers regarding cancer genetic testing. The authors recommend detailed pretest genetic counseling steps to empower the patient to communicate with their at-risk relatives and post-test counseling to reiterate the implications of a positive result for at-risk relatives.

Familial Risks for Cancer as the Basis for Evidence-Based Clinical Referral and Counseling

Kari Hemminki, Jan Sundquist, Justo Lorenzo Bermejo
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 239-247; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0242
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: The Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for age-specific familial risks for all common cancers. The data show convincingly that familial clustering is a common feature for all cancer sites.

Concept and Clinical Evaluation of Carrier-Mediated Anticancer Agents

William C. Zamboni
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 248-260; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0180
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Major advances in the use of carrier vehicles delivering pharmacologic agents and enzymes to sites of disease have occurred over the past 10 years. This review focuses on the concepts and clinical evaluation of carrier-mediated anticancer agents that are administered i.v. or orally.

Prolonged Versus Standard Gemcitabine Infusion: Translation of Molecular Pharmacology to New Treatment Strategy

Stephan A. Veltkamp, Jos H. Beijnen, Jan H.M. Schellens
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 261-276; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0215
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Gemcitabine is frequently used in the treatment of patients with solid tumors. In this review, the molecular pharmacology of nucleoside analogues and the influence of human nucleoside transporters and deoxycytidine kinase on the activity and toxicity of gemcitabine, which is the basis for clinical studies on fixed dose rate dosing, and the results of fixed dose rate administration of gemcitabine in patients are discussed.

Commentary: Novel Therapies for Cancer: Why Dirty Might Be Better

Tito Fojo
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 277-283; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0090
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SUMMARY: In the era of targeted therapy, many have argued that targeted therapies would not only be more effective but also less toxic. However, the early evidence suggests that the assumption that greater specificity would result in greater efficacy may have been premature. In fact, it can be argued that dirty may be better than clean.

Managing Vesicant Extravasations

Lisa Schulmeister
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 284-288; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0191
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Extravasation is an unusual but potentially severe complication of vesicant chemotherapy administration. This article presents advice and recommendations for treating patients who receive vesicants and includes a discussion of FDA-approved vesicant extravasation treatments and antidotes.

New Therapeutic Directions for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathways

Howard Burris, III, Caio Rocha-Lima
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 289-298; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0134
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: In advanced pancreatic cancer, single-agent gemcitabine became the standard therapy approximately 10 years ago. Combinations of gemcitabine with several other agents have produced no clear survival benefit. While the future treatment of pancreatic cancer may rely on molecular-targeted therapies, there are currently no clear candidates, and this remains an interesting area for further investigation.

What to Do with an Abnormal PSA Test

Stacy Loeb, William J. Catalona
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 299-305; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0139
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: For more than a decade, PSA has been used for prostate cancer screening. This review describes the evolution of prostate cancer screening and provides clinical insights into the informed use of PSA and its adjunctive measurements.

Commentary: How Serious Is Getting a Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer?

Michael J. Barry
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 306-308; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2008-0008
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SUMMARY: This commentary discusses the downside of implementing a more aggressive PSA screening strategy as suggested by Loeb and Catalona.

Critical Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cornelis J.A. Haasbeek, Suresh Senan, Egbert F. Smit, Marinus A. Paul, Ben J. Slotman, Frank J. Lagerwaard
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 309-319; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0195
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Surgery is the current standard of care for patients with stage I NSCLC, but can be associated with significant morbidity and even mortality, particularly because patients suffering from lung cancer are often elderly with high comorbidity rates. This review highlights the drawbacks of surgery as a treatment option and critically reviews new developments in nonsurgical treatments for stage I NSCLC.

The Clinical Approach Towards Chondrosarcoma

Hans Gelderblom, Pancras C.W. Hogendoorn, Sander D. Dijkstra, Carla S. van Rijswijk, Augustinus D. Krol, Antonie H.M. Taminiau, Judith V.M.G. Bovée
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 320-329; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0237
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This review provides an overview of the histopathology, classification, diagnostic procedures, and therapy of skeletal chondrosarcoma.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients with Bone Metastases Treated with Bisphosphonates: A Retrospective Study

Toni Ibrahim, Francesca Barbanti, Gianluca Giorgio-Marrano, Laura Mercatali, Sonia Ronconi, Claudio Vicini, Dino Amadori
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 330-336; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0159
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: This study aims to evaluate the correlation between bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The study finds that ONJ can appear months after interruption of treatment and recommends closer cooperation among specialists to define guidelines for the prevention of ONJ in patients with bone metastases.

Prevention of Docetaxel- or Paclitaxel-Associated Taste Alterations in Cancer Patients with Oral Glutamine: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

Florian Strasser, Ruth Demmer, Christel Böhme, Shu-Fang Hsu Schmitz, Beat Thuerlimann, Thomas Cerny, Silke Gillessen
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 337-346; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0217
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

SUMMARY: Dysgeusia, an underrecognized toxicity associated with taxane-based chemotherapy, lacks standard treatment. This study investigated prevention of dysgeusia with oral glutamine in patients undergoing first-time taxane-based chemotherapy. Compared with placebo, oral glutamine did not prevent or decrease subjective taste disturbances or altered taste perception associated with this therapy.

The Role of Recombinant Erythropoietin in Childhood Cancer

Ananth Gouri Shankar
The Oncologist 2008; 13: 347; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2007-0126erratum
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