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MRI can identify cancer foci that are not evident clinically or detected by mammography. The detection of additional cancer with MRI has been interpreted as evidence that the imaging procedure is beneficial to patients; however, the available data do not support this contention. The author of this Viewpoint discusses why the routine incorporation of MRI into the presurgical workup should not be included for the vast majority of patients with breast cancer.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin is the recommended first-line approach for treating cancer patients with newly diagnosed VTE. The authors of this Review discuss the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy, treatment of recurrent VTE, the role of vena cava filters, the effects of VTE and its treatment on quality of life, and the impact of anticoagulants on survival.
Epothilones exert their cytotoxicity by stabilizing microtubules dynamics, and have demonstrated a wide range of clinical activity including important anti-tumor effects in advanced prostate cancer. Epothilones have significant activity in patients with prior taxane-treated or taxane-refractory prostate tumors. The authors of this Review summarize the preclinical and clinical data about epothilones and their role in the management of castrate metastatic prostate cancer.
Trastuzumab has an established role for the treatment of HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer. The authors of this review discuss the toxicity associated with trastuzumab and the issues associated with determining its optimum timing and schedule, and assert why this agent should be the standard of care in the adjuvant setting.
Melanoma is the leading cause of death by skin cancer in industrialized countries. Identification of tumor markers may help to define molecular pathways involved in melanoma development and progression, and identify patients with early-stage melanoma who would benefit from additional therapies. Larson et al. overview the melanoma biomarkers that are most helpful for predicting patient outcomes, and discuss the biomarkers that have demonstrated prognostic significance independent of primary tumor thickness and other common clinical prognostic indicators.
A choroidal metastasis usually presents as blurred vision or decreased visual acuity and is usually an indicator of poor outcome. The authors describe the case of a 57-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer that presented with distorted vision and decreased visual acuity in her left eye. The authors discuss the use of radiation and hormonal therapy to manage this case of choroidal metastasis from breast carcinoma.
