bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney Cancer
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

An estimated 38,890 Americans will be diagnosed with kidney cancer and 12,840 will die of this disease in the United States in 2006. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes approximately 2% of all malignancies, with a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. Smoking and obesity are among the risk factors for RCC development, and tumor grade, local extent of the tumor, presence of regional nodal metastases, and evidence of metastatic disease at presentation are the most important prognostic determinants of 5-year survival. These guidelines discuss evaluation, staging, treatment, and management after treatment.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Are All 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists the Same?
Authors: McNulty Robert
Published: April 2017

The 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists have become the cornerstone for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Four 5-HT3 antagonists are commercially available in the United States, and numerous reports have been published comparing 2 or more agents. The studies ranged from randomized, double-blinded to open-label or retrospective trials; included chemotherapy-naïve and –non-naïve patients; and covered a range of doses and routes of administration with and without concomitant steroids, for preventing and treating nausea and vomiting after highly and moderately high emetogenic chemotherapy. With few exceptions, the studies uniformly show an equivalent efficacy rate and side effect profile among the various agents at equivalent doses. This article reviews the pharmacology of the class for insight into minor differences among the agents that could possibly influence drug selection for certain patients, and considers data on the absorption, half-life, metabolism, and receptor activity. Clinical trials support the claim of various guidelines that the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are therapeutically similar in safety and efficacy, particularly because the current best practice for preventing nausea and vomiting after highly and moderately high emetogenic chemotherapy is a combination of a 5-HT3 antagonist, steroids, and aprepitant.
Radiation-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Urba Susan
Published: April 2017

Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting is a common problem for cancer patients. The emetogenic potential of radiation depends greatly on the location of the radiation field, the size of the radiation field, and the fractionation scheme. Radiation fields can be categorized as having high, moderate, low, or minimal emetogenic risk, and treatment differs accordingly. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology publish clinical practice guidelines addressing the issue of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting. This article reviews the treatment recommendations for each category of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting from these national and international guideline committees and provides the rationale for these recommendations.
Distress Management
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

All patients experience some level of distress at various stages of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Physicians' ability to recognize patients' distress has become more challenging as cancer care has shifted to the ambulatory setting, where visits are often short and rushed. Therefore, using clinical practice guidelines for managing psychosocial distress in cancer patients is critical. These guidelines recommend that each new patient be rapidly assessed in the office or clinic waiting room for evidence of distress.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Clinical Experience with the NCCN Distress Thermometer in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Dabrowski Michele , Boucher Kenneth , Ward John H. , Lovell Margaret M. , Sandre Angela , Bloch Janet , Carlquist Lynne , Porter Monica , Norman Larry , Buys Saundra S.
Published: April 2017

A study was conducted to describe our group's experience using the NCCN Distress Thermometer in an outpatient breast cancer clinic. The NCCN Distress Thermometer was administered to patients attending the breast cancer clinic at Huntsman Cancer Institute during a 4-month period. Effects of disease, treatment, and demographic variables on distress level were analyzed. Patients reporting high distress were contacted by a social worker to determine the cause of the distress. Two hundred and eighty-six (286) subjects completed 403 questionnaires, with 96 patients (34%) reporting high levels of distress (5 or greater on a 10-point scale). No relationship was seen between high distress and stage of disease, type of current treatment, time since diagnosis, age, or other demographic factors. Underlying mental health disorders were associated with a higher level of distress. The Distress Thermometer was a useful method to screen, triage, and prioritize patient interventions. In our experience, the tool promoted communication between the patient and the health care team, which enhanced treating psychosocial and physical symptoms. Methods to optimize the use of this screen are proposed.
Depression and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Boyd Andrew D. , Riba Michelle
Published: April 2017

Although pancreatic carcinoma and depression have been linked for years, the prevalence and relationship of these often coexisting diseases are still poorly understood. A clinical gestalt asserts that many patients present with depression before pancreatic carcinoma is diagnosed. Published studies reviewing this issue have found that many patients with pancreatic cancer are depressed. If the definition of depression is broadened to include mild depression in addition to major depression, these numbers increase. This article reviews the literature linking pancreatic carcinoma and depression.
Multiple Myeloma: Most Common End-Organ Damage and Management
Authors: Hussein Mohamad A.
Published: April 2017

End-organ damage is the factor that differentiates plasma cell dyscrasia requiring therapy (active multiple myeloma [MM]) from disease that does not require therapy (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering [asymptomatic] MM). Progressive skeletal destruction is the hallmark of MM and responsible for principle morbidity in the disease. The spine is the most afflicted skeletal organ, and vertebral fractures have significantly contributed to its poor prognosis. Early mortality in MM is usually attributed to the combined effects of active disease and comorbid factors. Infection and renal failure are the main direct causes of early mortality. Using bisphosphonates to manage skeletal events mainly by preventing or slowing the destructive process has become an important adjunctive treatment in MM. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, offer these patients less-invasive options for treating vertebral collapse and restoring function. The aggressive management of other complications of the disease through more effective and less toxic therapy that targets the primary disease, in addition to supportive care, is resulting in patients experiencing less morbidity and probably lower mortality. This article reviews recent advances in the understanding of bone disease in MM, the role of bisphosphonates in preventing skeletal events, and available data on percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, and discusses the management of infection and renal failure, which seem to be responsible for high initial mortality and thereby compromise the current advances in therapy.
Novel Approaches to Advanced Breast Cancer: Bevacizumab and Lapatinib
Authors: Mayer Erica L. , Lin Nancy U. , Burstein Harold J.
Published: April 2017

New biological therapies continue to emerge in breast cancer. Recent advances with anti-angiogenesis therapies and anti-HER2 therapies highlight the next generation of treatments that will be entering clinical practice. Important questions regarding these targeted treatments remain, however. There are uncertainties as to how best to integrate new drugs into existing treatment algorithms, whether to use monotherapy or combination therapy with chemotherapy, and how to manage novel side effects seen with these agents. This review highlights recent advances with the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, bevacizumab, and the dual-kinase inhibitor, lapatinib, in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Counterpoint: Hyperthermia with Radiation Therapy for Chest Wall Recurrences
Authors: McCormick Beryl
Published: April 2017

The 2007 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Breast Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology include a consideration for hyperthermia (HT) and radiation for women with recurrent locoregional advanced breast cancers after first-line surgery or radiation failed. Although HT in this setting has been used for several decades, recent reports are few. This article reviews the data from several recent studies, selected because they included at least 100 patients. Unresolved issues of radiation dose, optimal temperature and timing of HT, and quality assurance problems with thermometry are apparent from these studies. Although clearly an effective treatment option in this clinical scenario, more research on HT and radiation is needed before this treatment combination can be considered standard care.
Treatment of Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Conventional Agents and Promising New Drugs
Authors: Wagner Andrew
Published: April 2017

Effective treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcomas remains challenging, despite more than 30 years of clinical trials with conventional chemotherapy. Although some agents display modest efficacy against soft tissue sarcomas, modifications in the doses and combinations of therapies have not consistently led to significant improvements in response rates or concomitant increase in overall survival. Novel therapies designed to inhibit defined molecular alterations, as exemplified by the use of imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, have revolutionized the approach to the treatment of sarcomas. As more underlying genetic mechanisms are uncovered, new agents designed to target these lesions will lead to more specific, less toxic, and more effective therapies.
Pathology of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Rubin Brian P. , Goldblum John R.
Published: April 2017

The evaluation and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas has never been more demanding than it is today. The pathologist plays a central role in this process and is an integral member of the multidisciplinary sarcoma treatment team. This article provides a brief summary of the role of the soft tissue pathologist and includes sections on methods of diagnosis, frozen section, classification of sarcomas, expert consultation, molecular pathology, grading, assessment of treatment response, and tumor banking.
Bone Cancer Guidelines
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

Primary bone cancers are extremely rare neoplasms, accounting for less than 0.2% of all cancers. Primary bone cancers show wide clinical heterogeneity and, perhaps most importantly, are often curable. With current multimodality treatment, including multi-agent chemotherapy, approximately three quarters of all patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma are cured. Updates for 2007 include changes in recommendations for treating chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Chemotherapy in the Management of Osteosarcoma and Ewing's Sarcoma
Authors: Schuetze Scott M.
Published: April 2017

Sarcomas of bone are rare malignancies diagnosed in fewer than 3000 individuals yearly in the United States. Ewing's sarcoma and most osteosarcoma are high-grade neoplasms and account for approximately one half of bone sarcoma cases. Fewer than 20% of patients presenting with localized Ewing's sarcoma or osteosarcoma are cured with surgery alone. Current management typically involves collaboration among orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, musculoskeletal radiologists, sarcoma pathologists, and radiation oncologists. Modern multidisciplinary management of Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma has improved the cure rate of patients with localized disease to more than 50%. Primary chemotherapy for high-grade bone sarcomas often involves intensive, multiagent regimens, and few secondary chemotherapy options are available to treat refractory or relapsed disease. Patient participation in clinical trials of novel therapies for Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma should be strongly encouraged.
Role of Radioactive Iodine for Adjuvant Therapy and Treatment of Metastases
Authors: Jonklaas Jacqueline
Published: April 2017

Normal thyrocytes and thyroid cancer cells are characterized by possession of a sodium iodide symporter. Radioiodine administration is a unique and powerful means of treating differentiated thyroid cancer because of the ability of thyroid cancer cells to concentrate beta-emitting radiolabeled iodine. Several manipulations, such as iodine depletion and thyroid hormone-stimulating hormone elevation, are used to enhance uptake of radiolabeled iodine by tumor cells. Adjuvant radioiodine therapy, given to patients without evidence of residual disease, enhances the sensitivity of subsequent surveillance and may decrease recurrence rates and mortality. However, its exact role in the management of low-risk patients merits further investigation. In contrast, radioactive iodine therapy used in patients with residual or metastatic disease clearly improves outcomes. Several studies show decreased recurrence and mortality rates in patients treated with radioiodine compared with those not receiving radioactive iodine. Adverse events from radioiodine therapy include salivary gland dysfunction, bone marrow suppression, and reproductive disturbances. Side effects of radioiodine therapy are generally greater when higher activities of radioiodine are used and may be transient or permanent. Secondary malignancies also may occur after radioiodine therapy. These side effects must be weighed against potential benefits, especially when radioactive iodine is used as adjuvant therapy. Stimulation of the expression of the sodium iodide symporter, or its introduction de novo into nonthyroid cells, is promising in treating poorly differentiated thyroid cancer and nonthyroid malignancies, respectively.
Counterpoint: Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: Perhaps the Surgical Gold Standard for Prostate Cancer Care
Authors: Kawachi Mark H.
Published: April 2017

Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has gained immense popularity. This article examines the most critical outcome measures in prostate cancer surgery and shows the reasons why this technique is gaining in popularity. Operative time, length of stay, blood loss, transfusions, postoperative pain, continence, potency, and cancer control all favor or tend toward improvement and benefit in RALP compared with traditional radical retropubic prostatectomy. In addition, as even greater experience and technological improvements are incorporated, further outcome improvements will be appreciated. RALP is now an accepted treatment option for prostate cancer and may soon be the most desirable treatment of prostate cancer patients.
Counterpoint: Prostate Cancer Life Expectancy Can Not Be Accurately Predicted From Currently Available Tools
Authors: McCloskey Susan A. , Kuettel Michael R.
Published: April 2017

A large and growing percentage of prostate cancers are diagnosed among men of advanced age. Current guidelines stratify treatment recommendations based on life expectancy; therefore, accurate determination of life expectancy is essential. Evidence shows that patient-related factors, including age, comorbidities, and functional status, are critical determinants of life expectancy. Equally strong evidence supports tumor-related factors, including Gleason score, tumor stage, and prostate-specific antigen, and efficacy of treatment. Currently, no available tools comprehensively consider all pertinent factors in determining life expectancy.
Point: Combination Versus Single-Agent Chemotherapy: The Argument for Sequential Single Agents
Authors: Conlin Alison K. , Seidman Andrew D.
Published: April 2017

Metastatic breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and treatment decisions depend on several individualized patient and tumor characteristics. Although combination therapy often shows improved response rates in metastatic breast cancer, few studies have shown superiority in overall survival. The choice of combination versus sequential single-agent treatment, therefore, must consider many factors, with no one strategy right for all patients. This article reviews several important clinical trials that address this issue, and argues for single-agent sequential therapy for most patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk Reduction and Counseling: Lifestyle, Chemoprevention, and Surgery
Authors: Mahoney Martin C.
Published: April 2017

Qualitative and quantitative approaches to risk assessment are useful for identifying women at increased risk for developing breast cancer for whom genetics consultation, individualized surveillance recommendations, or chemoprevention may be appropriate. A comprehensive medical and family history review can be used to stratify women into categories of breast cancer risk. A quantitative estimate of the probability of developing breast cancer can be determined using risk assessment tools, such as the Gail and Claus models. Women at increased risk for breast cancer may benefit from individualized approaches to breast cancer risk reduction. Prevention strategies for reducing breast cancer risk include lifestyle modifications, chemoprevention, surgical approaches, and pharmacotherapy.
The STAR Trial: Evidence for Raloxifene as a Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Agent for Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Bevers Therese B.
Published: April 2017

The 1998 approval of tamoxifen for breast cancer risk reduction opened the era of breast cancer chemoprevention. Women at increased risk for breast cancer now had an option other than healthy lifestyle and prophylactic surgery to reduce risk. However, women and their physicians were reluctant to use tamoxifen because of associated risks. Several trials investigating raloxifene suggested it may reduce breast cancer risk without having an apparent effect on the endometrium. The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) for the Prevention of Breast Cancer trial opened in 1999 to directly compare raloxifene to tamoxifen for breast cancer risk reduction. Since the unblinding of the STAR trial in 2006, raloxifene has emerged as an option for reducing breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women at increased risk for the disease.
Interventional Therapies for Cancer Pain Management: Important Adjuvants to Systemic Analgesics
Authors: Eidelman Anthony , White Traci , Swarm Robert A.
Published: April 2017

Optimized use of systemic analgesics fails to adequately control pain in some patients with cancer. Commonly used analgesics, including opioids, nonopioids (acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and adjuvant analgesics (anticonvulsants and antidepressants), have limited analgesic efficacy, and their use is often associated with adverse effects. Without adequate pain control, patients with cancer not only experience the anguish of poorly controlled pain but also have greatly diminished quality of life and may even have reduced life expectancy. Interventional pain therapies are a diverse set of procedural techniques for controlling pain that may be useful when systemic analgesics fail to provide adequate control of cancer pain or when the adverse effects of systemic analgesics cannot be managed reasonably. Commonly used interventional therapies for cancer pain include neurolytic neural blockade, spinal administration of analgesics, and vertebroplasty. Compared with systemic analgesics, which generally have broad indications for control of pain, individual interventional therapies generally have specific, narrow indications. When appropriately selected and implemented, interventional pain therapies are important components of broad, multimodal cancer pain management that significantly increases the proportion of patients able to experience adequate pain control.
Oncologic Emergencies: The Anesthesiologist's Perspective
Authors: Lew Michael W. , Falabella Andres , Moore-Jeffries Earl , Gray Russell J. , Sullivan Michael J.
Published: April 2017

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. During the course of treatment, a cancer patient may present emergently to the hospital because of either the cancer itself or a manifestation of cancer therapy. Rarely, patients with cancer can present to the operating room with several emergent conditions that require the services of an anesthesiologist. The main oncologic emergencies affecting anesthesiologists relate to airway obstruction and cardiac-, neurologic-, gastrointestinal-, and endocrine-related conditions. Mismanagement of these crises can increase morbidity and mortality. This article addresses emergencies in patients with cancer and how they relate to anesthetic care.
Development and Implementation of a Medical Oncology Quality Improvement Tool for a Regional Community Oncology Network: The Fox Chase Cancer Center Partners Initiative
Authors: O'Grady Margaret A. , Gitelson Elena , Swaby Ramona F. , Goldstein Lori J. , Sein Elaine , Keeley Patricia , Miller Bonnie , Li Tianyu , Weinstein Alan , Cohen Steven J.
Published: April 2017

Fox Chase Cancer Center Partners (FCCCP) is a community hospital/academic partnership consisting of 25 hospitals in the Delaware Valley. Originally created in 1986, FCCCP promotes quality community cancer care through education, quality assurance, and access to clinical trial research. An important aspect of quality assurance is a yearly medical oncology audit that benchmarks quality indicators and guidelines and provides a roadmap for quality improvement initiatives in the community oncology clinical office setting. Each year, the FCCCP team and the Partner Medical Oncologists build disease site- and stage-specific indicators based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Concordance with multiple indicators is assessed on 20 charts from each community practice. A report for each FCCCP medical oncology practice summarizes documentation, screening recommendations, new drug use, and research trends in a particular disease site. Descriptive statistics reflect indicators met, number of new cases seen per year, number of disease site cases from tumor registry information, and clinical trial accrual total. Education and documentation tools are provided to physicians and oncology office nursing staff. The FCCCP Clinical Operations Team, consisting of medical oncologists and oncology-certified nurses, has conducted quality audits in medical oncology offices for 7 years using NCCN-derived indicators. Successful audits comprising gastric, colorectal, and breast cancer have been the focus of recent evaluations. For the 2005 stage II/III breast cancer evaluation, mean compliance per parameter was 88%, with 15 of 16 practices achieving mean compliance greater than 80%. A large-scale quality assurance audit in a community cancer partner network is feasible. Recent evaluation of localized breast cancer shows high compliance with guidelines and identifies areas for focused education. Partnership between academic and community oncologists produces a quality review process that is broadly applicable and adaptable to changing medical knowledge.
Adjuvant Therapy for Stage II Colon Cancer: Prognostic and Predictive Markers
Authors: Vicuna Brian , Benson Al B.
Published: April 2017

The treatment of stage II colon cancer is a controversial issue that has persisted for the past decade. Clinicians must understand that accurate assessment of risk factors is the key to identifying patients who will benefit from treatment. Pathologic staging for colon cancer is based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th edition staging system. In addition, distinct pathologic factors characterize a patient at high risk for stage II disease. More recent retrospective data suggest that molecular markers and gene expression microarrays may be valuable as prognostic and predictive tests. Unfortunately, previous research studies were not powered to properly assess efficacy in stage II disease. However, 2 recent clinical trials, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project C-07 and MOSAIC, have provided more insight into defining the optimal treatment approach. With the development of the newer therapeutic agents, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab, ongoing trials such as Intergroup E5202 should help determine risk versus benefit of chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of stage II colon cancer.
Targeted Strategies in the Treatment of Metastatic Colon Cancer
Authors: Reidy Diane , Saltz Leonard
Published: April 2017

Advances in the understanding of tumor biology have led to the identification of important cellular processes involved in the pathogenesis of colon cancer. Drugs that interfere with these critical pathways are known as targeted agents. The goal of these therapies is to selectively interrupt the signal transduction pathways responsible for tumor growth and survival. Some of these targeted agents have made important, albeit modest, contributions to the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the activity levels with the currently available targeted therapies are far lower than experts had hoped, and toxicities are often nontrivial. This article reviews the available therapies, the data that justify their use, and the challenges of optimizing targeted therapies through combinations with cytotoxic chemotherapies and other targeted agents. Finally, some newer drugs and strategies currently being tested in clinical trials are discussed.
Targets, Trials, and Travails in Pancreas Cancer
Authors: Izeradjene Kamel , Hingorani Sunil R.
Published: April 2017

Pancreas cancer is a highly aggressive and rapidly fatal disease. The current standard of care for advanced disease improves survival modestly at best and provides palliation for a minority of patients. The need for new therapies is undisputed. This article describes new therapeutic strategies currently under investigation and discusses possible reasons that others have failed. New potential targets in the treatment of this formidable disease are suggested based on recent findings.
Prevention and Early Treatment of Opportunistic Viral Infections in Patients With Leukemia and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Angarone Michael , Ison Michael G.
Published: April 2017

A leading complication of leukemia therapy and stem cell transplantation is opportunistic viral infections. Infections caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, Epstein-Barr, and the community respiratory viruses are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in this highly immunosuppressed population. Fortunately, a growing armamentarium is allowing more effective prophylaxis of these pathogens. This article reviews the epidemiology and prophylactic strategies available for these common opportunistic viral pathogens.
Infectious Complications Associated With Immunomodulating Monoclonal Antibodies Used in the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Koo Sophia , Baden Lindsey R.
Published: April 2017

Immunomodulating monoclonal antibodies are a relatively new addition to the armamentarium of cancer therapeutics and have been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with various hematologic malignancies. Because of their targeted nature, these agents are often believed to be less immunosuppressive than standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. A clear causal association between an immunomodulating therapy and its infectious sequelae is often difficult to discern because of the burden of comorbid illness, intrinsic immunosuppression from the underlying malignancy, use in the salvage setting, and prior and concomitant use of immunosuppressive agents in this patient population. This article evaluates better-established and anecdotal infectious complications associated with major immunomodulating therapies used in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including rituximab, alemtuzumab, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, infliximab, dacluzimab, and basiliximab.
Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. An estimated 213,380 new cases (114,760 men and 98,620 women) of lung and bronchus cancer will be diagnosed in 2007, and 160,390 deaths (89,510 in men, 70,880 in women) are estimated to occur because of the disease. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases and includes 3 major types: (1) adenocarcinoma; (2) squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma; and (3) large-cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer seen in the United States and is also the most frequently occurring cell type in nonsmokers. Important updates to the 2008 guidelines on NSCLC include the addition of tables on drugs and dosing information on chemotherapy regimens for adjuvant therapy.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Venous Thromboembolic Disease
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, life-threatening condition in patients with cancer, which includes both deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. The occurrence of VTE has been reported to increase the likelihood of death for cancer patients by 2- to 8-fold. Pathophysiologic explanations for VTE in cancer include known hypercoagulability, vessel wall damage, and vessel stasis from direct compression, and the incidence of VTE in cancer is increased by additional risks factors. The NCCN guidelines specifically outline strategies to prevent and treat VTE in adult cancer patients. These guidelines are characterized by evaluations of the therapeutic advantages of pharmacologic anticoagulation measures based on both perceived risk for bleeding (i.e., contraindications to anticoagulation) and cancer status. Important updates for 2008 include new work-up recommendations and changes in the recommendations for outpatient prophylaxis and diagnosis and for treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Ovarian Cancer
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer and the fifth most common cause of cancer mortality in women in the United States. Fewer than 40% of women with ovarian cancer are cured, and 70% of patients present with advanced disease; because of the location of the ovaries, ovarian cancer has been difficult to diagnose at earlier stages. Epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors, including family history. The NCCN guidelines discuss epithelial ovarian cancer as well as less common ovarian histopathologies, including germ cell neoplasms, carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed Müllerian tumors of the ovary), and ovarian stromal tumors. For 2008, updates include the addition of platinum-based combination therapy as a possible treatment modality for recurrence and a listing of preferred agents for acceptable recurrence modalities. New information was also added to the section on clinical presentation.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers: Current Options and Future Promise
Authors: Coticchia Christine M. , Yang Jiang , Moses Marsha A.
Published: April 2017

As more effective, less toxic cancer drugs reach patients, the need for accurate and reliable cancer diagnostics and prognostics has become widely appreciated. Nowhere is this need more dire than in ovarian cancer; here most women are diagnosed late in disease progression. The ability to sensitively and specifically predict the presence of early disease and its status, stage, and associated therapeutic efficacy has the potential to revolutionize ovarian cancer detection and treatment. This article reviews current ovarian cancer diagnostics and prognostics and potential biomarkers that are being studied and validated. Some of the most recent molecular approaches being used to identify genes and proteins are presented, which may represent the next generation of ovarian cancer diagnostics and prognostics.
Impact of Age and Comorbidity in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Stauder Reinhard , Nösslinger Thomas , Pfeilstöcker Michael , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Wimazal Friedrich , Krieger Otto , Valent Peter
Published: April 2017

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms that are preferentially diagnosed in the elderly. With the increase in older patients with MDS in the Western world and the availability of more therapeutic options, new strategies and algorithms for optimal management and treatment of these patients must be developed. Although age is recognized as an important adverse variable affecting survival, most scoring systems have not included age in score risk calculations. Comorbidity is of particular importance and a frequent covariable in elderly patients with MDS. However, although comorbidity scores have been established and used for risk assessment in younger high-risk patients scheduled to undergo intensive therapy, these scores are only just being applied to elderly patients, with relevant results. Advanced age should not exclude a patient with MDS from appropriate treatment, and age alone should not be considered a surrogate marker for functional decline or comorbidities. This article discusses the need to improve scoring systems, individualized risk-assessment, and treatment algorithms for elderly patients with MDS by including age and comorbidities.
Occult Primary
Authors: _ _
Published: April 2017

Occult primary tumors, or cancers of unknown primary, account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cancers, and are manifested by a wide variety of clinical presentations, while conferring a poor prognosis for most patients. Even after postmortem examination, the primary tumor is not identified in 20% to 50% of patients. Multiple sites of involvement are observed in more than 50% of patients. Although certain patterns of metastases suggest possible primaries, occult primaries can metastasize to any site. In most patients, occult primary tumors are refractory to systemic treatments, and chemotherapy is only palliative and does not significantly improve long-term survival. However, special pathologic studies can identify subsets of patients with tumor types that are more responsive. Treatment options should be individualized for this selected group to achieve improved response and survival rates. Important updates for the NCCN guidelines include the additions of tables on tumor-specific markers and their staining pattern as well as analysis of undifferentiated carcinoma.

For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
PET/CT and Occult Primary Tumors
Authors: Podoloff Donald A.
Published: April 2017

Within the past 5 years, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT has become one of the more frequent imaging modalities in the management of patients with cancer of unknown primary origin. FDG PET/CT detects more sites of metastasis than other modalities, and in 20% to 40% of cases it discloses the site of the primary tumor. Its exact role is yet to be defined because of a lack of prospective clinical trials comparing the performance of PET/CT with conventional anatomic imaging modalities. This article reviews the available literature, attempts to place PET/CT using F-18–labeled FDG in clinical perspective and compares the combined modality with conventional anatomic imaging technologies.
Selection of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Sorafenib
Authors: Abou-Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: April 2017

Sorafenib, a multitargeted anti-VEGF receptor and raf kinase inhibitor, was recently approved by the FDA for treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on 2 randomized phase III studies. In addition, a phase II study evaluating sorafenib in patients with HCC and Child-Pugh A and B and a phase I study evaluating sorafenib in patients with organ dysfunction have provided insight about the safety and efficacy of sorafenib in patients with HCC and more advanced cirrhosis, and any difference in outcome based on etiology of HCC. The lack of objective responses observed in the sorafenib arm in the SHARP study also raises practical issues about how to assess response or efficacy of the therapy and thus how long a patient should receive sorafenib. This article addresses these questions on the use of sorafenib in HCC, both in the locally advanced and metastatic settings, in addition to the potential future applications and uses of sorafenib.
Role of Laparoscopic Surgery in the Management of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Tenney Meaghan , Walker Joan L.
Published: April 2017

Minimum surgical treatment for endometrial cancer is removal of the uterus. The operative approach to achieve that goal ranges from vaginal hysterectomy alone to laparotomy with radical hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophorectomy, bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy with possible omentectomy, and resection of all metastatic disease. Stratifying the risk factors for predicting presence of metastatic disease has error rates exceeding tolerance for many gynecologic oncologists. Most accept routine laparoscopic surgical staging with hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and removal of adnexa as standard care for patients with endometrial cancer. Modifying the extent of surgical staging for low-risk intrauterine findings or excessive risk for postoperative morbidity is also accepted. Laparoscopic surgery has become the ideal initial surgical approach for this disease, allowing for visual inspection of common metastatic sites, biopsy of abnormal areas, and cytology from peritoneal surfaces. The extent of staging can be altered depending on frozen section findings from the uterus, adnexa, and peritoneal surfaces. Intraoperative medical decision-making can be individualized, encompassing all known risk factors for metastases and balancing comorbidities and potential adverse outcomes. This article documents how laparoscopic surgery satisfies the needs of individual patients and surgeons treating this disease.
Optimal Management of Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma: Surgery, Ablation, or Active Surveillance
Authors: Chen David Y. T. , Uzzo Robert G.
Published: April 2017

Radical nephrectomy is historically accepted as standard treatment for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the presentation of RCC has changed dramatically over the past 3 decades. Newer alternative interventions aim to reduce the negative impact of open radical nephrectomy, with the natural history of RCC now better understood. This article discusses current surgical and management options for localized kidney cancer.
New Treatments for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Targeted Therapies
Authors: Saylor Philip J. , Michaelson M. Dror
Published: April 2017

Systemic treatment options for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have expanded considerably with the development of targeted therapies. Clear cell RCC commonly features mutation or inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau gene and resultant overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The first drug to validate VEGF as a target in the treatment of clear cell RCC was the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. Since then, anti-VEGF receptor therapy with multitargeted kinase inhibitors also has shown substantial efficacy. Sunitinib is now a standard first-line therapy for advanced disease and sorafenib is among the second-line treatment options. Other kinase inhibitors are in development. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a second validated therapeutic target as the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus has been shown to prolong survival in first-line treatment of poor prognosis RCC of all histologies. Everolimus is an oral mTOR inhibitor and has been shown to prolong progression-free survival when used in second-line treatment. Non-clear cell and sarcomatoid RCC are both underrepresented in completed trials but are the subject of active research. Ongoing and planned studies will also evaluate the use of combinations of targeted agents, a strategy that is not advisable outside of clinical trials. Finally, postnephrectomy adjuvant treatment with targeted agents is not yet standard but is under investigation in phase III trials.
NCCN Task Force Report: Bone Health in Cancer Care
Authors: Gralow Julie R. , Biermann J. Sybil , Farooki Azeez , Fornier Monica N. , Gagel Robert F. , Kumar Rashmi N. , Shapiro Charles L. , Shields Andrew , Smith Matthew R. , Srinivas Sandy , Van Poznak Catherine H.
Published: April 2017

Bone health and maintenance of bone integrity are important components of comprehensive cancer care in both early and late stages of disease. Risk factors for osteoporosis are increased in patients with cancer, including women with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure, those treated with aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, men receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, and patients undergoing glucocorticoid therapy. The skeleton is a common site of metastatic cancer recurrence, and skeletal-related events are the cause of significant morbidity. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) convened a multidisciplinary task force on Bone Health in Cancer Care to discuss the progress made in identifying effective screening and therapeutic options for management of treatment-related bone loss; understanding the factors that result in bone metastases; managing skeletal metastases; and evolving strategies to reduce bone recurrences. This report summarizes presentations made at the meeting.
NCCN Task Force Report: Management of Neuropathy in Cancer
Authors: Stubblefield Michael D. , Burstein Harold J. , Burton Allen W. , Custodio Christian M. , Deng Gary E. , Ho Maria , Junck Larry , Morris G. Stephen , Paice Judith A. , Tummala Sudhakar , Von Roenn Jamie H.
Published: April 2017

Neuropathy is a common, often debilitating complication of cancer and its treatment. Effective management of this disorder depends on early diagnosis and an understanding of its underlying causes in the individual patient. In January 2009, NCCN gathered a multidisciplinary group to review the literature and discuss intervention strategies currently available to patients as well as areas that require research efforts. The task force, which comprised experts in anesthesiology, medical oncology, neurology, neuro-oncology, neurophysiology, nursing, pain management, and rehabilitation, was charged with the goal of outlining recommendations for the possible prevention, diagnosis, and management of neuropathy. This report documents the proceedings of this meeting with a general background on neuropathy and neuropathy in oncology, followed by discussions on challenges and research issues, evaluation criteria, and management of different symptoms associated with this disorder.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Determining the Appropriate Prostate-Specific Antigen Cutoff Values
Authors: Catalona William J. , Loeb Stacy
Published: April 2017

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in combination with digital rectal examination forms the basis for current prostate cancer (CaP) screening programs. Although PSA screening was recently shown to reduce CaP-specific mortality in the European randomized trial, its limitations include the risk for unnecessary prostate biopsy and the diagnosis and treatment of some CaP that might never have caused suffering or death. A potential way to minimize these pitfalls is through the use of derivatives of PSA, particularly PSA kinetics, to increase the specificity for clinically relevant CaP. CaP is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States and many other westernized countries; accordingly, judicious screening of healthy men allows for diagnosis sufficiently early that all options (i.e., treatment or surveillance) are still available in most cases.
Multimodality Approaches to Localized Gastric Cancer
Authors: Das Prajnan , Jiang Yixing , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Ross William A. , Mansfield Paul F. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: April 2017

Most patients with localized gastric cancer require multimodality therapy. Surgery is the primary treatment for localized gastric cancer, although controversy exists about the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy in these patients. Recent studies have evaluated the role of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic mucosal resection in selected patients. Multimodality treatment options for these patients include post-operative chemoradiation and perioperative chemotherapy. The Intergroup 0116 trial demonstrated that patients treated with surgery and post-operative chemoradiation had significantly higher overall survival compared to patients treated with surgery alone. The MAGIC trial showed that patients treated with perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil had significantly higher overall survival compared to patients treated with surgery alone. Other recent trials have evaluated the roles of preoperative chemoradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary evaluation plays a crucial role in the management of these patients.
SupportScreen: A Model for Improving Patient Outcomes
Authors: Loscalzo Matthew , Clark Karen , Dillehunt Jeff , Rinehart Redmond , Strowbridge Rex , Smith Daniel
Published: April 2017

As demands on physician time mount, and patients and families increasingly expect accommodation and understanding of their specific, personal situations, care providers must boost efficiency and minimize the expense of their clinic processes and draw on connections with community resources. Third-party payors may also expect that the biopsychosocial needs of patients and families be addressed as an essential part of cancer care. Quality of care, cost, patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment, safety, and allocation of limited resources are all related to the identification and effective management of the psychosocial elements of cancer care. Experts suggest that health care has lagged far behind other industries in using technology to improve efficiency, and slow adoption of this technology means that critical information about the biopsychosocial needs of patients fails to reach the right professionals in a timely way. Systematic and automated screening can promote physician control in managing time, the efficiency of the clinical encounter, and rapid triage to other professionals and community resources.
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Management of Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Moley Jeffrey F.
Published: April 2017

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignancy of the thyroid C cells. Metastatic spread commonly occurs to cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. MTC cells do not concentrate radioactive iodine and are not sensitive to hormonal manipulation. Surgery is currently the only therapy that can reliably lead to cure, reduction in tumor burden, or effective palliation. In patients with hereditary MTC, central lymph node dissection should be considered in preventative operations if the calcitonin level is elevated. Systematic surgical removal of at-risk or involved lymph node basins (compartmental dissection) should be performed in all patients with palpable primary tumors and recurrent disease. A “berry-picking” approach is discouraged. Although data are limited, standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not been shown to be effective in the treatment of MTC. Newer targeted drug therapies are promising and are being examined in therapeutic clinical trials.