ONCOLOGY Vol 16 No 11

The first descriptions of neurologic disorders in patients with cancer identified those who had peripheral neuropathy. Most neurologists thought these patients actually had a peripheral neuropathy secondary to the inanition associated with their cancer. Still other patients clearly had peripheral neurologic damage from chemotherapy (eg, vincristine).

The article by Kim et al is a comprehensive summary of several decades of research in the management of cervical and vulvar cancer. It describes the current status of treatment and possible future trials.

Pirl and Mello carefully review the current state of knowledge about the psychological complications of prostate cancer. Their discussion is worth reading, particularly by those who treat patients with the disease. To put this knowledge in context for the general reader, we should give some thought to what this review illustrates about all patients with a serious life-threatening illness.