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Current Oncology is published by MDPI from Volume 28 Issue 1 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher in Open Access under a CC-BY (or CC-BY-NC-ND) licence, and they are hosted by MDPI on mdpi.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Multimed Inc..

Curr. Oncol., Volume 17, Issue 5 (October 2010) – 17 articles

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574 KiB  
Meeting Report
Selected Abstracts Submitted to the 2nd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium: Putting the Pieces Together
by
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 78-83; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.739 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 440
Abstract
The opinions expressed in the abstracts are those of the authors and are not to be construed as the opinion of the publisher (Multimed Inc.), the organizers of the 2nd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium, or the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing.[...] Full article
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Case Report
Radiotherapy for Multiple Myeloma with Skin Involvement
by S.K.A. Nguyen and A. Dagnault
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 74-77; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.618 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 575
Abstract
Multiple myeloma metastatic to the skin is a rare occurrence that usually reflects a high tumour burden. Here, we report the case of a woman with known multiple myeloma who developed cutaneous lesions on the right leg. Limited-field radiation treatment was successfully used [...] Read more.
Multiple myeloma metastatic to the skin is a rare occurrence that usually reflects a high tumour burden. Here, we report the case of a woman with known multiple myeloma who developed cutaneous lesions on the right leg. Limited-field radiation treatment was successfully used to decrease her tumour bulk. Unfortunately, the patient died of complications related to systemic treatment a few months after developing the cutaneous involvement. Full article
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Case Report
A Rare Adverse Skin Reaction after 8 Gy of Radiation Therapy to the Thoracic Spine: Case Report and Review of the Literature
by G. Mitera, G. Chan, K. Mah, R. Law, C. DeAngelis, R. Dent and E. Chow
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 70-73; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.593 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 522
Abstract
A 60-year-old woman with breast cancer metastatic to the bones experienced no adverse skin reaction at the lumbar spine after a single 8-Gy photon-beam fraction prescribed to a depth of 5 cm. However, a subsequent treatment to the thoracic spine using the same [...] Read more.
A 60-year-old woman with breast cancer metastatic to the bones experienced no adverse skin reaction at the lumbar spine after a single 8-Gy photon-beam fraction prescribed to a depth of 5 cm. However, a subsequent treatment to the thoracic spine using the same dose, fractionation, and technique resulted in skin erythema and permanent hyperpigmentation. After careful investigation, no differences were identified in her concurrent use of possibly radiosensitizing medications during the various radiotherapy treatments nor in possible errors of treatment planning and radiation delivery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to document that, with similar medications, a previous skin response to a given radiotherapy dose, fraction, and technique may not be predictive of subsequent skin response to similar radiotherapy. Full article
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Case Report
Complete Response of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Sorafenib and 90y Radioembolization
by P.K. Chaudhury, M. Hassanain, J.M. Bouteaud, T. Alcindor, C.G. Nudo, D. Valenti, T. Cabrera, P. Kavan, I. Feteih and P. Metrakos
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 67-69; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.609 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 642
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a dismal prognosis, with a median overall survival of 7.9 months if untreated and of 10.7 months if treated with sorafenib. We present a case of advanced previously unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in a 49-year-old man that achieved a pathologic [...] Read more.
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has a dismal prognosis, with a median overall survival of 7.9 months if untreated and of 10.7 months if treated with sorafenib. We present a case of advanced previously unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in a 49-year-old man that achieved a pathologic complete response and was made amenable to surgery with sorafenib in combination with 90Y radioembolization. The patient’s survival was more than double the median for patients treated with sorafenib alone. Full article
1103 KiB  
Case Report
Primary Central Nervous System T-Cell Lymphoma in Aids Patients: Case Report and Literature Review
by S. Latta, Z.W. Myint, B. Jallad, T. Hamdi, M.N. Alhosaini, D.V. Kumar and F. Kheir
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 63-66; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.621 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 583
Abstract
According to the published data, most primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLS) are B-cell lymphomas; primary T-cell lymphomas are rare. In a search of the MEDLINE database, we found only 6 cases of primary T-cell PCNSL. Here, we present the [...] Read more.
According to the published data, most primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLS) are B-cell lymphomas; primary T-cell lymphomas are rare. In a search of the MEDLINE database, we found only 6 cases of primary T-cell PCNSL. Here, we present the case of a 43-year-old man with AIDS, not on highly active antiretroviral therapy, who presented with focal neurologic symptoms and was found on magnetic resonance imaging to have multiple brain lesions. A biopsy showed T-cell lymphoma, and the patient was subsequently treated with whole-brain radiation, to marked clinical response. Reported cases from the literature of primary T-cell PCNSL in AIDS patients are summarized in this review. Full article
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Case Report
Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Heart and Review of Current Literature
by H.L. Geyer and N. Karlin
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 58-62; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.606 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMS) is a rare oncologic phenomenon characterized by chondroid and neurogenic differentiation in extraskeletal locations. These tumours represent fewer than 2.5% of all soft-tissue sarcomas and are most commonly found in the lower extremities, limb girdles, distal extremities, [...] Read more.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMS) is a rare oncologic phenomenon characterized by chondroid and neurogenic differentiation in extraskeletal locations. These tumours represent fewer than 2.5% of all soft-tissue sarcomas and are most commonly found in the lower extremities, limb girdles, distal extremities, and trunk. Their presence in cardiac tissue is exceedingly unusual; just a single case of EMS metastatic to the heart has been reported, and no cases of primary cardiac EMS are known. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old man who presented to his physician with a chest wall mass. Further evaluation led to the discovery of a large intracardiac mass with multiple end-organ growths. Complete work-up of this patient included cardiac biopsy, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron-emission tomography, computed tomography, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies for the translocation involving the EWSR1 gene locus (22q12). Results of the foregoing studies confirmed the diagnosis of ems, but the origin of this patient’s tumours remains elusive and the contention between a primary cardiac source and cardiac metastasis has yet to be resolved. This article describes the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and chromosomal aberrations common to ems, together with the common presenting features, natural history, and prognosis. Full article
580 KiB  
Review
Low-Grade Spindle-Cell Ameloblastic Carcinoma: Report of an Unusual Case with Immunohistochemical Findings and Review of the Literature
by C. Jindal, S. Palaskar, H. Kaur and M. Shankari
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 52-57; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.580 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 596
Abstract
Spindle-cell differentiation in ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare event. Although reported by many authors, it was first described as a separate entity in 1999 by Slater under the heading “low-grade spindle-cell ameloblastic carcinoma.” Here, we report a case of low-grade spindle-cell ameloblastic carcinoma [...] Read more.
Spindle-cell differentiation in ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare event. Although reported by many authors, it was first described as a separate entity in 1999 by Slater under the heading “low-grade spindle-cell ameloblastic carcinoma.” Here, we report a case of low-grade spindle-cell ameloblastic carcinoma arising in pre-existing unicystic ameloblastoma. The patient, a 60-year-old Indian woman, had a large irregular swelling in the left mandibular region. Histologically, the lesion was composed of a large cystic cavity with an ameloblastomatous lining and areas showing spindle-cell proliferation. The spindle cells showed hyperchromatism, nuclear pleomorphism, and scattered mitotic figures. To our knowledge, 6 cases of spindle-cell ameloblastic carcinoma have been published to date, and this case appears to be the first reporting malignant transformation with spindle-cell differentiation in unicystic ameloblastoma. Full article
565 KiB  
Article
The Terry Fox Research Institute’s Atlantic Dialogue on Patient-Centred Care in a Personalized Treatment World
by K. Curwin, M. Johnston and S. Sutcliffe
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 46-51; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.734 - 1 Oct 2010
Viewed by 569
Abstract
The words “personalized medicine” are used daily now in cancer care and research conversations. But what do those words really mean to us as patients, caregivers, physicians, managers of the health system, or researchers? Do we know how personalized medicine will affect us [...] Read more.
The words “personalized medicine” are used daily now in cancer care and research conversations. But what do those words really mean to us as patients, caregivers, physicians, managers of the health system, or researchers? Do we know how personalized medicine will affect us over the next decade? Are we prepared?Those and other questions are part of a continuing conversation that the Terry Fox Research Insti-tute is having with the Canadian public in 2010 as part of its public research and outreach project, The Pan-Canadian Dialogue Series on Cancer: Let’s Get Personal. The first dialogue was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, April 12, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. It featured speakers and panellists from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Three core issues framed the Atlantic discussion: cancer and population health, cancer and the health system, and the science behind cancer care. Full article
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Short Communication
Extramammary Paget Disease: Review of Patients Seen in a Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Clinic
by J. Pang, D. Assaad, D. Breen, J. Fialkov, O. Antonyshyn, J. Balogh, M. Tsao, J. Kamra, G. Czarnota and E.A. Barnes
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 43-45; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.588 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 704
Abstract
Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare skin disease commonly found in the anogenital region. In this study, we aimed to identify EMPD patients seen in the non-melanoma skin cancer clinic at Odette Cancer Centre and to describe the treatments delivered [...] Read more.
Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare skin disease commonly found in the anogenital region. In this study, we aimed to identify EMPD patients seen in the non-melanoma skin cancer clinic at Odette Cancer Centre and to describe the treatments delivered and outcomes achieved. From 2000 to 2009, 14 patients were seen. Initial treatment recommendations included imiquimod and surgical excision, although half the patients required more than one treatment modality, highlighting the difficulty of achieving complete eradication of this disease. Full article
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Article
Clinical Implications of Next-Generation Sequencing for Cancer Medicine
by A. Shuen and W. D. Foulkes
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 39-42; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.630 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
In 1976, Peter Nowell, following observations of cytogenetic heterogeneity in a population of cancer-ous cells, proposed that this genetic diversity could be explained by hypothesizing that these cells are subject to evolutionary forces[...] [...] Read more.
In 1976, Peter Nowell, following observations of cytogenetic heterogeneity in a population of cancer-ous cells, proposed that this genetic diversity could be explained by hypothesizing that these cells are subject to evolutionary forces[...] Full article
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Article
Combining Radiation Therapy and Androgen Deprivation for Localized Prostate Cancer—A Critical Review
by A. Dal Pra, F. L. Cury and L. Souhami
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 28-38; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.632 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 764
Abstract
Interest has been increasing in the use of androgen deprivation therapy (adt) combined with radiation therapy (rt) in the management of localized prostate cancer. Preclinical studies have provided some rationale for the use of this combination. In patients with [...] Read more.
Interest has been increasing in the use of androgen deprivation therapy (adt) combined with radiation therapy (rt) in the management of localized prostate cancer. Preclinical studies have provided some rationale for the use of this combination. In patients with high-risk disease, the benefit of a combined approach, with the addition of adjuvant hormonal therapy, is supported by results of randomized trials. In contrast, for patients with low-risk disease, there is no obvious therapeutic advantage except for cytoreduction. The usefulness of short-term hormonal therapy in association with rt for intermediate-risk patients is still debatable, particularly in the context of dose-escalated rt. The optimal timing and duration of adt, in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings alike, are still under investigation. In view of the potential side effects with adt, further studies are being performed to better identify subsets of patients who will definitely benefit from this therapy in combination with rt. Full article
348 KiB  
Article
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy and Adjuvant Chemotherapy Do Not Increase Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients
by T. Hijal, A.A. Al Hamad, T. Niazi, K. Sultanem, B. Bahoric, T. Vuong and T. Muanza
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 22-27; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.604 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 655
Abstract
Purpose: Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common side effect of breast irradiation, with hypofractionation being a well-known risk factor. In the context of the widespread adoption of hypofractionated breast radiotherapy, we evaluated the effect of hypofractionated radiotherapy on the incidence of skin toxicity [...] Read more.
Purpose: Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common side effect of breast irradiation, with hypofractionation being a well-known risk factor. In the context of the widespread adoption of hypofractionated breast radiotherapy, we evaluated the effect of hypofractionated radiotherapy on the incidence of skin toxicity in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with breast cancer treated from 2004 to 2006 at a single institution. Patients undergoing lumpectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy followed by hypofractionated radiotherapy consisting of 42.4 Gy in 16 fractions were included in the study. Using cosmetic and skin toxicity scales, all patients were evaluated weekly during treatment and at scheduled follow-up visits with the radiation oncologist. Results: During the study period, 162 patients underwent radiotherapy, and 30% of those (n = 48) received chemotherapy. Radiotherapy boost to the tumour bed was more common in the chemotherapy group [n = 20 (42%)] than in the radiotherapy-alone group [n = 30 (26%)]. We observed no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to acute skin toxicity of grade 3 or higher (2.1% in the chemotherapy group vs. 4.4% in the radiation-alone group, p = 0.67) or of grades 1–2 toxicity (62.5% vs. 51.7% respectively, p = 0.23). There was also no significant difference in late grade 3 or higher skin toxicity between the groups (2.1% vs. 0% respectively, p = 0.30) or in grades 1–2 toxicity (20.8% vs. 25.5% respectively, p = 0.69). Similarly, excellent or good cosmetic result scores were similar in both groups (p = 0.80). Conclusions: In our single-institution review, we observed no adverse effects of chemotherapy in combination with hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation. Further investigations are necessary to better elucidate the effects of chemotherapy on skin toxicity in the context of hypofractionated irradiation. Full article
332 KiB  
Article
Endocrine Therapy for Male Breast Cancer: Rates of Toxicity and Adherence
by H. Visram, F. Kanji and S. F. Dent
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 17-21; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.631 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Purpose: Most male breast cancer tumours are hormone receptor–positive; the patients therefore receive endocrine therapy. There is, however, a paucity of published data on toxicities experienced by male breast cancer patients who are prescribed endocrine therapy. In the present study, we examined rates [...] Read more.
Purpose: Most male breast cancer tumours are hormone receptor–positive; the patients therefore receive endocrine therapy. There is, however, a paucity of published data on toxicities experienced by male breast cancer patients who are prescribed endocrine therapy. In the present study, we examined rates of adherence to and toxicity from endocrine treatments in male breast cancer patients treated at a single institution. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of male patients diagnosed with breast cancer at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre during 1981–2003. Data collected included patient age, hormone receptor status, therapy adherence, self-reported toxicities, and type and duration of endocrine therapies. Results: The review located 59 cases of early-stage and metastatic male breast cancer. Median patient age was 68.0 years. Tamoxifen was given to 38 patients (64.4%), anastrozole to 8 (13.6%), and letrozole to 5 (8.5%). Of patients who received endocrine therapy, 10 (25%) received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Toxicity was reported by 19 patients taking tamoxifen (50%), with hot flashes being the most common complaint (18.4%). Decreased libido, weight gain, and malaise were reported by 5 patients (13.2%). Rash and erectile dysfunction were reported by 3 patients (7.9%). Increased liver enzymes, pulmonary embolism, superficial thrombophlebitis, myalgia, depression, visual blurring, and loose stools were each reported in 1 patient (2.6%). Tamoxifen therapy was discontinued secondary to toxicity in 9 patients (23.7%). Of the patients treated with anastrozole, 3 (37.5%) reported toxicity, with 1 report each of decreased libido, leg swelling, and depression (12.5%). Toxicity was reported in 2 patients taking letrozole (40%), with both reporting peripheral edema, and 1 reporting hot flashes. No patient discontinued anastrozole or letrozole because of toxicity. Conclusions: Few studies specifically report data on adherence to and toxicities from endocrine therapies in male breast cancer patients. The rate of discontinuation at our institution because of toxicity (23.7%) is similar to that reported in the female breast cancer population. Future prospective studies should explore strategies to improve adherence to endocrine therapy in this population. Full article
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Article
Bevacizumab in Combination with folfiri Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Assessment of Safety and Efficacy in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
by G. Dranitsaris, S. Edwards, J. Edwards, M. Leblanc and R. Abbott
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 12-16; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.592 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 742
Abstract
Background: In 2005, bevacizumab was approved by Health Canada for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mcrc). Newfoundland and Labrador was one of the first Canadian provinces to fund this agent in combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) chemotherapy. In this analysis, the [...] Read more.
Background: In 2005, bevacizumab was approved by Health Canada for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mcrc). Newfoundland and Labrador was one of the first Canadian provinces to fund this agent in combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) chemotherapy. In this analysis, the entire provincial bevacizumab sample for the first 2 years was assessed for overall safety and efficacy. Methods: The medical records of 43 patients with mcrc who had received FOLFIRI with bevacizumab were identified and reviewed. The longitudinal data collection format that was adopted assessed occurrences of adverse events after each cycle of treatment. Toxicity outcomes such as gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, bleeding, diarrhea, myelosuppression, proteinuria, and venous thromboembolic events (VTES) were collected and graded using the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. Time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (os) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Overall, the 43 study patients received 398 cycles of anticancer therapy (median: 6 cycles; range: 1–24 cycles). No GI perforations were identified. However, 4 bleeding events occurred (9.3%), 3 requiring permanent discontinuation of bevacizumab. Also, 6 grade 3 or 4 VTES occurred (14.0%), 3 of which required a hospital admission. In addition, grades 3 and 4 diarrhea, febrile neutropenia, and proteinuria showed cumulative incidences of 11.6%, 2.3%, and 2.3% respectively. Median TTF was 6.3 months; median os was 24.4 months. Conclusions: Bevacizumab in combination with FOLFIRI appears to be well tolerated, and efficacy is consistent with trial reports. However, patients should be closely monitored to avoid potentially serious events such as bleeding and VTES. Full article
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Article
Association of Lipid Metabolism with Ovarian Cancer
by M. Tania, M. A. Khan and Y. Song
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 6-11; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.668 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 1147
Abstract
Defects in lipid metabolism have been found to be linked to several diseases, among which atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are the most important. Although cancer is chiefly a genetic disease, dietary lipid intake and metabolism are related to some cancer risks, including [...] Read more.
Defects in lipid metabolism have been found to be linked to several diseases, among which atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are the most important. Although cancer is chiefly a genetic disease, dietary lipid intake and metabolism are related to some cancer risks, including the risk for ovarian cancer. Higher intake of dietary lipids, systemic lipid metabolism malfunction, and abnormal serum lipid levels are somehow related to ovarian cancer. Overexpression of some lipid metabolic enzymes are also found in ovarian cancer. In this review article, we summarize the relationships between lipid intake, lipid metabolism, and ovarian cancer. Full article
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Opinion
Personalized Medicine: A Personal View
by S.A. Narod
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 4-5; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.587 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 533
Abstract
After the discovery of the breast cancer–associated genes BRCA1 in 1994 and BRCA2 in 1995, genetic testing was introduced into clinical practice in North America and Europe[...] Full article
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Editorial
Should There Be a Legal Right to Die?
by D. Benatar
Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 2-3; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.671 - 1 Oct 2010
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2091
Abstract
Imagine a society in which patients are routinely euthanized—whether they want their lives to end or not—if their suffering cannot be alleviated without dulling their consciousness, eliminating their in-dependence, or threatening their dignity.[...]
[...] Read more.
Imagine a society in which patients are routinely euthanized—whether they want their lives to end or not—if their suffering cannot be alleviated without dulling their consciousness, eliminating their in-dependence, or threatening their dignity.[...]
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