bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building Bridges Between Physicians and Patients: Results of a Pilot Study Examining New Tools for Collaborative Decision Making in Breast Cancer
Authors: Sepucha Karen R. , Belkora Jeffrey K. , Tripathy Debasish , Esserman Laura J. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To present the results of a pilot study testing an intervention designed to improve the quality of medical consultations between breast cancer patients and physicians and, in particular, to report the effects of the intervention on the quality of treatment decisions, the quality of communication, and the satisfaction of patients and physicians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 24 predominantly white, well-educated, early-stage breast cancer patients who were facing local or systemic treatment decisions in a sequential, controlled trial. All patients received a visit preparation session before the consultation in which a trained researcher helped patients organize their questions and concerns. In the control, a researcher observed the consultation. In the intervention, a researcher helped create an agenda, facilitated the discussion, and created a record of the consultation in real time. Valid and reliable surveys measured the quality of treatment decisions and satisfaction with the consultation. RESULTS: Patients in the intervention achieved significantly higher final decision quality scores compared with control patients (median score, 14 v 10, respectively; P = .008) and a significantly higher level of intersubjective agreement with their physicians about decision quality (Cohen’s kappa, 0.49 v 0.285, respectively; P < .0001). Consultation recording methods did not affect the length of time required for the consultation. CONCLUSION: Consultation recording methods provide a promising innovation for medical consultations. Further studies are warranted to broaden the findings, assess impacts on the quality of decisions, cost, and health, and develop practical ways to integrate consultation recording methods into clinics.
Radiation Therapy and High-Dose Tamoxifen in the Treatment of Patients With Diffuse Brainstem Gliomas: Results of a Brazilian Cooperative Study
Authors: Broniscer Alberto , Leite Cláudia da Costa , Lanchote Vera L. , Machado Telma M. S. , Cristófani Lilian M. ,   the Brainstem Glioma Cooperative Group
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: The efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) combined with tamoxifen (TX) was tested in patients diagnosed with diffuse brainstem gliomas in a multicenter trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TX was administered orally (maintenance dose: 200 mg/m2 per day) along with conventional local RT and then continued for 52 additional weeks. Survival, tumoral radiologic response, and toxicity were evaluated. Compliance was assessed using pharmacokinetic measurements. RESULTS: Of 29 patients, 27 completed RT (median dose, 54 Gy). Of 22 assessable patients, 11 (50%) had an objective radiologic response. The mean TX steady-state serum level was 2.44 μmol/L ± 1.02 μmol/L. Only three patients completed the entire course of treatment without tumoral progression or significant toxicity. Common side effects included nausea and vomiting. Hepatotoxicity (five patients), neurotoxicity (two patients), venous thrombosis (one patient), bilateral ovarian cysts (two patients), and transient neutropenia (one patient) were also observed. Median survival was 10.3 months. Only four patients remain alive without tumoral progression. The 1-year survival rate (mean ± SD) was 37.0% ± 9.5%. CONCLUSION: This treatment combination produced no significant change in the overall poor prognosis of these patients. Most tumors responded initially to treatment but recurred as the study progressed. A minority of patients seemed to benefit from the extended use of TX. Generally, treatment was well tolerated, with good patient compliance, but we recommend continuous close monitoring for side effects. Based on our poor results, we recommend that alternative treatments be tested in patients with this type of tumor.
Biologic Factors Determine Prognosis in Infants With Stage IV Neuroblastoma: A Prospective Children’s Cancer Group Study
Authors: Schmidt Mary Lou , Lukens John N. , Seeger Robert C. , Brodeur Garrett M. , Shimada Hiroyuki , Gerbing Robert B. , Stram Daniel O. , Perez Carlos , Haase Gerald M. , Matthay Katherine K. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: A prospective Children’s Cancer Group study, CCG-3881, has been completed to determine if a more accurate prediction of prognosis by biologic features can identify subgroups of infants with stage IV neuroblastoma (NBL) who require differing intensities of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-four infants were registered from June 1989 to August 1995, with a median follow-up of 47.1 months (range, 0 to 88 months). The biologic factors examined were tumor MYCN copy number, Shimada histopathologic classification, serum ferritin, and bone marrow immunocytology (sensitivity, one tumor cell per 105 bone marrow cells). Patients treated on CCG-3881 (n = 116) received four-drug chemotherapy for 9 months (cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide), with surgery and local radiation to residual disease. After January 1991, all subsequent infants with tumor MYCN amplification (n = 18) were transferred after one cycle of therapy to the high-risk CCG-3891 protocol (open January 1991 to April 1996) for more intensive treatment. RESULTS: The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (mean ± SD) for the 134 infants were 63% ± 5% and 71% ± 5%, respectively. Patients whose tumors were without MYCN amplification had a 93% ± 4% 3-year EFS, whereas those with amplified MYCN had a 10% ± 7% 3-year EFS (P < .0001). Each of the other biologic features studied had prognostic significance in univariate analysis but not after stratifying by MYCN copy number. CONCLUSION: Infants less than 1 year of age at diagnosis with stage IV NBL have a much improved outcome compared with children ≥ 1 year of age. Nonamplified MYCN tumors identify a group of infants with a 93% ± 4% EFS, whereas amplified MYCN copy number clearly identifies patients who are unlikely to survive despite intensive chemotherapy.
Randomized Comparison of ACVBP and m-BACOD in the Treatment of Patients With Low-Risk Aggressive Lymphoma: The LNH87-1 Study
Authors: Tilly Hervé , Mounier Nicolas , Lederlin Pierre , Brière Josette , Dupriez Brigitte , Sebban Catherine , Bosly André , Biron Pierre , Nouvel Catherine , Herbrecht Raoul , Bordessoule Dominique , Coiffier Bertrand ,   for the Groupe d’Etudes des Lymphomes de l’Adulte
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To compare a short intensified regimen followed by sequential consolidation therapy (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vindesine, bleomycin, and prednisone [ACVBP]) to the standard regimen of methotrexate, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (m-BACOD) in patients with low-risk aggressive lymphoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 752 patients with intermediate- or high-grade lymphoma and no adverse prognostic factors (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 to 4, ≥ two extranodal sites of disease, tumor burden ≥ 10 cm in largest dimension, bone marrow or CNS involvement, Burkitt’s or lymphoblastic subtypes) were registered. Of 673 eligible patients, 332 received ACVBP and 341 received m-BACOD. RESULTS: The complete remission rate was identical (86%) in the two groups. With a median follow-up duration of 7 years, the 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) rate was 65% in the ACVBP group and 61% in the m-BACOD group (P = .16). The 5-year overall survival rate was 75% in the ACVBP group and 73% in the m-BACOD group (P = .47). ACVBP was responsible for more severe and life-threatening infections (P < .01), but m-BACOD caused more pulmonary toxicity (P < .001). The number of treatment-related deaths did not differ between the two regimens. A multivariate analysis indicated that ACVBP was associated with a longer FFS in patients with two or three risk factors of the International Prognostic Index. CONCLUSION: In this population of patients with low-risk aggressive lymphoma, toxicities of the regimens are different, but the rates of response and survival are identical. The survival advantage of ACVBP over standard regimen in patients with advanced disease is suggested by this analysis but remains to be assessed in prospective studies specifically designed for this purpose.
Value of Peptide Receptor Scintigraphy Using 123I-Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-Octreotide in 194 Carcinoid Patients: Vienna University Experience, 1993 to 1998
Authors: Raderer Markus , Kurtaran Amir , Leimer Maria , Angelberger Peter , Niederle Bruno , Vierhapper Heinrich , Vorbeck Friedrich , Hejna Michael H. L. , Scheithauer Werner , Pidlich Johann , Virgolini Irene 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To report our experience with both 123I-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide for imaging to identify primary and metastatic tumor sites in carcinoid patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-four patients with a verified or clinically suspected diagnosis of a carcinoid tumor were injected with 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT for imaging purposes, while 133 patients underwent scanning with both 123I-VIP and 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT in random order. Imaging results were compared with computed tomography scans, results of conventional ultrasound, endosonography, and endoscopy, and results of surgical exploration in case of inconclusive conventional imaging. RESULTS: Primary or recurrent carcinoid tumors could be visualized with 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT in 95 (91%) of 104 patients; metastatic sites were identified in 110 (95%) of 116 patients. In 11 (51%) of 21 patients with suggestive symptoms but without identified lesions by conventional imaging, focal tracer uptake located the carcinoid tumor. In addition, metastatic disease was demonstrated in three patients after resection. In a direct comparison in the 133 patients who underwent both imaging modalities, 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT was found to be superior to 123I-VIP, with 35 (93%) of 38 versus 32 (82%) of 38 scans being positive in primary or recurrent tumors, 58 (90%) of 65 versus 53 (82%) of 65 being positive in patients with metastatic sites, and seven (44%) of 16 versus four (25%) of 16 being positive in patients with symptoms but otherwise negative work-ups. Overall, additional lesions not seen on conventional imaging were imaged in 43 (41%) of 158 versus 25 (25%) of 103 scans with 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT and 123I-VIP, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both peptide tracers have a high sensitivity for localizing tumor sites in patients with ascertained or suspected carcinoid tumors, with 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-OCT scintigraphy being more sensitive than 123I-VIP receptor scanning. Both, however, had a higher diagnostic yield than conventional imaging, as verified by surgical intervention or long-term follow-up. The combination of both peptide receptor scans does not seem to further enhance diagnostic information.
Capecitabine, an Oral Fluoropyrimidine Carbamate With Substantial Activity in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Results of a Randomized Phase II Study
Authors: Van Cutsem Eric , Findlay Michael , Osterwalder Bruno , Kocha Walter , Dalley David , Pazdur Richard , Cassidy Jim , Dirix Luc , Twelves Chris , Allman David , Seitz Jean-Francois , Schölmerich Jürgen , Burger Hans Ulrich , Verweij Jaap 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To evaluate in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) three treatment regimens of oral capecitabine in order to select the most appropriate regimen for testing in phase III. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three capecitabine schedules were evaluated in a randomized phase II design: arm A, 1,331 mg/m2/d bid continuously; arm B, 2,510 mg/m2/d bid intermittently (2 weeks on/1 week off); and arm C, 1,657 mg/m2/d plus oral leucovorin 60 mg/d bid intermittently (2 weeks on/1 week off). RESULTS: One hundred nine patients were randomized; 39 patients were assessable for efficacy in arm A, 34 in arm B, and 35 in arm C. Patient characteristics were balanced in the arms. Confirmed tumor responses (partial response [PR] + complete response [CR]) were reported for eight patients with two CRs (21%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9% to 36%) in arm A, eight patients with one CR (24%; 95% CI, 11% to 41%) in arm B, and eight patients with two CRs (23%; 95% CI, 10% to 40%) in arm C. Median times to progression (TTP) in arms A, B, and C were 127, 230, and 165 days, respectively. Overall, more toxicity was seen with capecitabine plus leucovorin, particularly diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome. There was no grade 3 or 4 marrow toxicity. CONCLUSION: Capecitabine offers a new, effective treatment option as an oral single agent in advanced CRC. Promising overall response rates were reported for all three regimens. The addition of leucovorin to the intermittent regimen had no marked effect on tumor response or median TTP. The intermittent single-agent capecitabine schedule is proposed for phase III evaluation, based on considerations of toxicity, dose-intensity, response rate, and TTP.
Phase II Trial of Docetaxel and Vinorelbine in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Miller Vincent A. , Krug Lee M. , Ng Kenneth K. , Pizzo Barbara , Perez Wendy , Heelan Robert T. , Kris Mark G. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Docetaxel and vinorelbine are active agents in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and demonstrate preclinical synergism perhaps, in part, through their inactivation of the proto-oncogene bcl-2. We show that docetaxel (60 mg/m2) and vinorelbine (45 mg/m2) can be safely combined when given on an every 2-week schedule with filgrastim, with encouraging antitumor activity observed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five chemotherapy naïve patients with advanced NSCLC received vinorelbine as an intravenous push immediately followed by docetaxel as a 1-hour intravenous infusion once every 2 weeks. Prophylactic corticosteroids, ciprofloxacin, and filgrastim were used. RESULTS: We delivered median doses of 450 mg/m2 of vinorelbine and 600 mg/m2 of docetaxel. The major objective response rate was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34% to 68%). With a median follow-up of 14 months, the predicted median survival time was 14 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 60% (95% CI, 44% to 80%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in five patients and five (1.3%) of 384 treatments. No dose-limiting neurotoxicity occurred. Symptomatic onycholysis and excessive lacrimation were observed after several months or more of therapy. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel 60 mg/m2 and vinorelbine 45 mg/m2, both given every 2 weeks, is a highly active combination for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Filgrastim largely obviates neutropenic fever and allows for the single-agent dose-intensity of both drugs to be delivered. The occurrence of certain late toxicities can limit use in some cases and suggests that the combination could also be beneficial in settings requiring briefer, fixed periods of treatment, such as in induction or postoperative therapy.
Tirapazamine Plus Cisplatin Versus Cisplatin in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Report of the International CATAPULT I Study Group
Authors: von Pawel Joachim , von Roemeling Reinhard , Gatzemeier Ulrich , Boyer Michael , Elisson Lars Ove , Clark Peter , Talbot Denis , Rey Augustin , Butler Thomas W. , Hirsh Vera , Olver Ian , Bergman Bengt , Ayoub Joseph , Richardson Gary , Dunlop David , Arcenas Anthony , Vescio Robert , Viallet Jean , Treat Joseph 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: A phase III trial, Cisplatin and Tirapazamine in Subjects with Advanced Previously Untreated Non–Small-Cell Lung Tumors (CATAPULT I), was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of tirapazamine plus cisplatin for the treatment of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with previously untreated NSCLC were randomized to receive either tirapazamine (390 mg/m2 infused over 2 hours) followed 1 hour later by cisplatin (75 mg/m2 over 1 hour) or 75 mg/m2 of cisplatin alone, every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight cycles. RESULTS: A total of 446 patients with NSCLC (17% with stage IIIB disease and pleural effusions; 83% with stage IV disease) were entered onto the study. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was ≥ 60 for all patients (for 10%, KPS = 60; for 90%, KPS = 70 to 100). Sixty patients (14%) had clinically stable brain metastases. The median survival was significantly longer (34.6 v 27.7 weeks; P = .0078) and the response rate was significantly greater (27.5% v 13.7%; P < .001) for patients who received tirapazamine plus cisplatin (n = 218) than for those who received cisplatin alone (n = 219). The tirapazamine-plus-cisplatin regimen was associated with mild to moderate adverse events, including acute, reversible hearing loss, reversible, intermittent muscle cramping, diarrhea, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting. There were no incremental increases in myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, or renal, hepatic, or cardiac toxicity and no deaths related to tirapazamine. CONCLUSION: The CATAPULT I study shows that tirapazamine enhances the activity of cisplatin in patients with advanced NSCLC and confirms that hypoxia is an exploitable therapeutic target in human malignancies.
Suramin Therapy for Patients With Symptomatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer: Results of a Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing Suramin Plus Hydrocortisone to Placebo Plus Hydrocortisone
Authors: Small Eric J. , Meyer Mark , Marshall M. Ernest , Reyno Leonard M. , Meyers Frederick J. , Natale Ronald B. , Lenehan Peter F. , Chen Liang , Slichenmyer William J. , Eisenberger Mario 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Suramin is a novel agent that has demonstrated preliminary evidence of antitumor activity in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). A prospective randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate pain and opioid analgesic intake as surrogates for antitumor response in HRPC patients with significant, opioid analgesic–dependent pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized patients to receive a 78-day, outpatient regimen of either suramin plus hydrocortisone (HC, 40 mg/d) or placebo plus HC. Treatment assignment was unblinded when either disease progression or dose-limiting toxicity occurred; placebo patients were allowed to cross-over to open-label suramin plus HC. In addition to pain and opioid analgesic intake, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, time to disease progression, quality of life, performance status, and survival were compared. RESULTS: Overall mean reductions in combined pain and opioid analgesic intake were greater for suramin plus HC (rank sum P = .0001). Pain response was achieved in a higher proportion of patients receiving suramin than placebo (43% v 28%; P = .001), and duration of response was longer for suramin responders (median, 240 v 69 days; P = .0027). Time to disease progression was longer (relative risk = 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 1.9) and the proportion of patients with a greater than 50% decline in PSA was higher (33% v 16%; P = .01) in patients who received suramin. Neither quality of life nor performance status was decreased by suramin treatment, and overall survival was similar. Most adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity and were easily managed medically. CONCLUSION: Outpatient treatment with suramin plus HC is well tolerated and provides moderate palliative benefit and delay in disease progression for patients with symptomatic HRPC.
Hyperfractionated Radiation Therapy With or Without Concurrent Low-Dose Daily Cisplatin in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Jeremic Branislav , Shibamoto Yuta , Milicic Biljana , Nikolic Nebojsa , Dagovic Aleksandar , Aleksandrovic Jasna , Vaskovic Zeljko , Tadic Ljiljana 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the addition of cisplatin (CDDP) to hyperfractionation (Hfx) radiation therapy (RT) offers an advantage over the same Hfx RT given alone in locally advanced (stages III and IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty patients were randomized to receive either Hfx RT alone to a tumor dose of 77 Gy in 70 fractions in 35 treatment days over 7 weeks (group I, n = 65) or the same Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose (6 mg/m2) daily CDDP (group II, n = 65). RESULTS: Hfx RT/chemotherapy offered significantly higher survival rates than Hfx RT alone (68% v 49% at 2 years and 46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0075). It also offered higher progression-free survival (46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0068), higher locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) (50% v 36% at 5 years; P = .041), and higher distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (86% v 57% at 5 years; P = .0013). However, there was no difference between the two treatment groups in the incidence of either acute or late high-grade RT-induced toxicity. Hematologic high-grade toxicity was more frequent in group II patients. CONCLUSION: As compared with Hfx RT alone, Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose daily CDDP offered a survival advantage, as well as improved LRPFS and DMFS.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Treated With Temozolomide Versus Procarbazine for Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Osoba D. , Brada M. , Yung W.K. A. , Prados M. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To determine whether chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ) versus procarbazine (PCB) for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) was associated with improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: HRQOL was assessed at baseline and during treatment using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and a Brain Cancer Module (BCM20) in two clinical trials that enrolled a total of 366 patients. Two hundred eighty-eight patients provided HRQOL data that could be used for analysis; 109 patients received TMZ in a phase II study, whereas 89 patients received TMZ and 90 received PCB in a randomized phase III study. Changes from baseline in the scores of seven preselected HRQOL domains (role and social functioning, global quality of life [QOL], visual disorders, motor dysfunction, communication deficit, and drowsiness) were calculated for all groups. Statistical significance, effect sizes, and proportions of patients with improved HRQOL scores (changes of ≥ 10 points) were calculated. RESULTS: Before disease progression, patients treated with TMZ were found to have an improvement in most of the preselected HRQOL domain scores compared with their baseline (pretreatment) scores. Those who were progression-free on TMZ at 6 months had improvement in all the preselected HRQOL domains. Conversely, patients treated with PCB reported deterioration in HRQOL that was independent of whether or not the disease had progressed by 6 months. Patients with disease progression, regardless of treatment, experienced a sharp decline in all domains at the time of progression. CONCLUSION: Treatment with TMZ was associated with improvement in HRQOL scores compared with treatment with PCB. The deterioration reported by PCB-treated patients was likely because of toxicity. Delaying disease progression by treatment with TMZ is beneficial to the HRQOL status of patients with recurrent GBM.