ONCOLOGY Vol 22 No 12

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a unique B-cell lymphoma characterized by a high proliferation rate and cytogenetic changes related to c-myc proto-oncogene overexpression. Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma that is most frequently seen in children and young adults in endemic areas.

Prior to the publication of the German CAO/ARO/AIO 94 trial, the conventional adjuvant approach for patients with clinically resectable, ultrasonographically diagnosed T3 (uT3) and/or node-positive rectal cancer was initial surgery and, if pathologically confirmed T3 (pT3) and/or node-positive, postoperative combined chemotherapy plus radiation. The German trial confirmed that compared to postoperative therapy, the preoperative approach was associated with significantly lower local recurrence rates, less acute and chronic toxicity, and an increased incidence of sphincter preservation.

In the United States, approximately 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of the most curable malignancies in adults. However, survival rates for elderly patients with HL (often defined as ≥ 60 years of age) are inferior to those achieved by younger populations.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous collection of hematopoietic disorders that are thought to be clonal and are characterized by low blood counts and a tendency to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

In this issue of ONCOLOGY, Evens et al present a thoughtful and compelling argument that Hodgkin lymphoma in elderly patients deserves to be a focus for clinical research.

As the authors have correctly pointed out, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in elderly patients is an orphan disease that has been the subject of very few specific studies, particularly regarding treatment.

Prior to the mid-1980s, patients with rectal cancer usually underwent surgery alone, resulting in high rates of pelvic failure with subsequent morbidity and death.

Minsky and Guillem should be commended for this excellent review and for addressing major areas of controversy in the management of rectal cancer.

Endocrine therapy plays a critical role in the management of early-stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, providing a nearly 50% reduction in the risk of distant and local recurrence.

In the current issue of ONCOLOGY, Henry et al comprehensively review the current state of knowledge regarding the incidence and pathogenesis of aromatase inhibitor (AI)-associated arthralgia, and its potential implications in terms of delivering adequate, effective adjuvant therapy.

Since the topic of risk-stratified management of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) was last reviewed in ONCOLOGY in 2007,[1] a few additional clinically relevant studies have emerged that can help inform decision-making in the consultation room.

Drs. Scott and Estey provide an excellent, concise review of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Both physicians are recognized world leaders in this area.

Eisai Corporation of North America announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an efficacy supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for denileukin diftitox (Ontak) solution for intravenous injection for the treatment of patients with persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) whose malignant cells express the CD25 component of the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (CD25+).

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer Care has launched BreastCancerTrials.org, a free, nonprofit, clinical trial matching service that provides nationwide information for individuals diagnosed with or at risk for breast cancer.

In a change from its previous recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer using annual high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years with fecal occult testing between sigmoidoscopic exams, or colonoscopy every 10 years. According to the Task Force, good evidence exists that using these methods save lives.

The drug tamoxifen does not prevent or treat estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer, but it can make the disease easier to find, researchers reported in a recent issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (100:1448-1453, 2008).

Socioeconomic factors and the type of treatment received have an impact on a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patient’s risk of dying.

A study of nearly 1,500 patients treated for kidney cancer at UCLA in the past 15 years shows that an aggressive, tailored treatment approach results in better survival rates and uncovered subsets of kidney cancer that behave differently and need to be treated accordingly.