Table of contents
February 2005 Volume 2 No 2
Viewpoint
Importance of local control in an era of systemic therapy
60Diagnostic improvements and earlier detection of tumors have resulted in the emergence of a shift from Halsted paradigm, which has encouraged the use of systemic adjuvant therapy. With these changes in tumor paradigm, the rationale for local treatment as a curative treatment strategy has been challenged. This Viewpoint emphasizes the importance of local control in this scenario.
Research Highlights
Phase I results for bortezomib in children with refractory solid tumors
63Breast reconstruction with implants: no survival disadvantage
64Cost-effectiveness of stenting for malignant colonic obstruction
64Is total androgen blockade useful in metastatic prostate cancer?
66Practice Points
Does docetaxel plus prednisone prolong the survival of men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer?
68Can docetaxel plus estramustine prolong survival of men with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer?
70Does the combination of rituximab and thalidomide influence the long-term perspectives of advanced-stage MCL?
72Should rituximab be used prior to autologous stem-cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
74To irradiate or not to irradiate—that is the question
76Is endoscopic ultrasonography superior to multidetector CT for assessing pancreatic cancer?
78Reviews
Therapy Insight: potential of statins for cancer chemoprevention and therapy
82Statins are commonly prescribed to treat dyslipidemia and to prevent coronary artery disease, but studies also indicate their potential for cancer prevention. Preclinical data suggest pleiotropic antineoplastic effects of statins, but clinical data assessing cancer risk associated with statin use are conflicting. This review critically discusses the existing evidence highlighting the role of statins for cancer chemoprevention.
doi:10.1038/ncponc0097 | Full Text | PDF (132K)
Mechanisms of Disease: inflammation and the origins of cancer
90The function of Helicobacter pylori in inflammation-induced gastric cancers is one of the best studied infectious etiologies. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning this process, and the role of inflammation in malignancies seen in other organs where inflammation is common, will lead to novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies for gastric cancers and other malignancies.
doi:10.1038/ncponc0081 | Full Text | PDF (456K)
Perspectives in the treatment of gastric cancer
98Survival rates for patients with gastric cancer in Japan are considerably higher than reported for US patients. Surgery for gastric cancer is the mainstay of treatment, but the extent of regional lymphadenectomy is under considerable debate. Roukos and Kappas provide insights explaining the reasons for differences in treatment decisions between the US and Japan. The latest data from recent trials are discussed together with neoadjuvant treatment options, which could improve clinical outcomes.
doi:10.1038/ncponc0099 | Full Text | PDF (1,487K)
Recent developments in therapeutic cancer vaccines
108While the potential for therapeutic cancer vaccines has been recognized, based on modest clinical trials in the metastatic setting, a gap exists between the limited clinical activity of cancer vaccines and promising preclinical findings. Morse et al. discuss the relevance of appropriate platforms for cancer vaccine testing, identification of the most important biologic endpoints, and reiterate the need to improve our understanding of how to manipulate the immune system beyond the initial vaccine-induced stimulation. The authors focus on the areas of cancer vaccine development that will translate into clinical application.
doi:10.1038/ncponc0098 | Full Text | PDF (116K)
