Locally advanced tumors in the olfactory area commonly have central nervous system (CNS) involvement and are often incurable.
We report the treatment of a 25-year-old male patient who presented with ...a large, neuroendocrine tumor arising from the ethmoid complex. This locally invasive lesion extended beyond the orbits and into the anterior cranial fossa with associated intracranial involvement. An endoscopic nasal biopsy demonstrated a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. The patient was treated with 4 cycles of combination induction chemotherapy with irinotecan and cisplatin followed by radiation therapy with concurrent weekly cisplatin. He had a complete response to this therapy confirmed with biopsies that demonstrated no residual disease at 8 weeks after chemoradiotherapy. He remained disease free one and a half years following surgery.
To our knowledge, this combination treatment approach has not been reported in the literature.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive technique that can be used to detect and quantify multiple metabolites. This chapter will review some of the applications of MRS to the study ...of brain functions. Typically, 1H-MRS can detect metabolites reflecting neuronal density and integrity, markers of energy metabolism or inflammation, as well as neurotransmitters. The complexity of the proton spectrum has however led to the development of other nuclei-based methods, such as 31P- and 13C-MRS, which offer a broader chemical shift range and therefore can provide more detailed information at the level of single metabolites. The versatility of MRS allows for a wide range of clinical applications, of which neurodegeneration is an interesting target for spectroscopy-based studies. In particular, MRS can identify patterns of altered brain chemistry in Alzheimer’s patients and can help establish differential diagnosis in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Using MRS to follow less abundant neurotransmitters is currently out of reach and will most likely depend on the development of methods such as hyperpolarization that can increase the sensitivity of detection. In particular, dynamic nuclear polarization has opened up a new and exciting area of medical research, with developments that could greatly impact on the real-time monitoring of in vivo metabolic processes in the brain.
Purpose. To discuss the clinical issues we addressed in the development of our institutional guidelines regarding the assessment of iron stores for cancer- and treatment-related anemia and the ...administration of parenteral iron with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
Data sources. Studies published from January 1995 to August 2007 were identified by computer searches of Medline and hand searching of bibliographies of the articles identified via the computer searches. The current clinical practice guidelines were identified by computer searches of the web sites for national professional organizations that represent health care professionals who treat patients with cancer.
Results of data analysis. Hematopoietic responses demonstrate that epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa provide similar outcomes for patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA); however, up to 50% of patients receiving these agents fail to adequately respond. Functional iron deficiency defined as a state of iron-restricted erythropoiesis is likely the primary contributor to the lack of response. Hematopoietic responses following ESA therapy with parenteral iron are substantially higher compared to response with no or oral iron.
Conclusions. Iron stores should be assessed in all patients with cancer- or treatment-related anemia and parenteral iron should be administered to patients receiving ESA therapy to improve hematopoietic response. A unique algorithm that summarizes our institutional guidelines to assess iron stores and administer parenteral iron with ESA therapy in patients with CIA is included. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2008) 14: 5—22.
Background: Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) are serious complications of myelosuppressive chemotherapy and present a considerable burden to patients with cancer. Febrile neutropenia is ...associated with increased risks of infection and hospitalization, a particular concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Oncology nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs; including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and pharmacists) play a vital role in the management of patients with cancer and the prevention of infections. Objectives: The objectives of this article are to summarize the burden of chemotherapy-related neutropenia and FN in patients with cancer in the US and to evaluate the role of oncology nurses and APPs in preventing and managing FN. Methods: This article provides a narrative review of US studies reporting on the burden of FN, FN during COVID-19, adherence to guidelines for the use of prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs), the involvement of oncology nurses in FN prevention, management, and patient quality of life, and inappropriate and/or incomplete G-CSF treatment. Findings: Despite advances in supportive care for patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, neutropenia and FN present a considerable burden to patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oncology nurses and APPs play a vital role in the appropriate and timely delivery of supportive care, which can improve patient outcomes and minimize treatment costs.
Oral anticancer medications (OAMs) can be challenging for patients due to their complex regimen. The goal of this research is to design a customized mobile application that can empower low health ...literacy patients taking OAMs and increase adherence and satisfaction with clinical care. A User-Centered Design approach was implemented by consulting with clinicians and patients at an early stage of development. Animations were incorporated to distill complex medical concepts and information. An iterative design process ensures that the tool is customized for patient engagement.
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