Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0006826 (cancer)
 1,092,456 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

We observed the relief of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen and treated with sertraline for depression. Our objective was to assess the effect of sertraline on the frequency and severity of hot flashes, mood status, and health-related quality of life. We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study using 6 weeks of sertraline (50 mg each morning) versus placebo. Study participants were 62 breast cancer survivors from an oncology clinic in a tertiary care center on adjuvant tamoxifen reporting bothersome hot flashes. Patients were asked to keep a daily hot flash diary to record hot flash frequency and severity, from which hot flash scores (frequency x severity) were calculated. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--Breast (FACT-B) (at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks) were used to assess mood and quality of life. Sixty-two women were accrued. Forty-seven women (median age 53.9 years, range 36.6-77.1 years; 89% postmenopausal; 85.5% Caucasian) completed the first 6 weeks and 39 completed 12 weeks. The baseline daily hot flash frequency and score were 5.8 (standard deviation 4.1) and 11.5 (14.0), respectively. At the end of the first 6 weeks, hot flash frequency decreased by 50% in 36% of those taking sertraline compared to 27% taking placebo. In the crossover analysis, sertraline was significantly more effective than placebo: women crossing from placebo to sertraline had a decrease (-0.9 and -1.7) in hot flash frequency and score, whereas those crossing from sertraline to placebo had an increase (1.5 and 3.4) in hot flash frequency and score (p = 0.03 and 0.03). Forty-eight percent preferred the sertraline period, 11% preferred the placebo period, and 41% had no preference (p = 0.006). Measures of depression and quality of life were within normal range and did not change significantly within treatment groups. Sertraline decreases hot flashes in breast cancer survivors taking tamoxifen and women prefer sertraline to placebo. Further study of sertraline for the management of hot flashes is warranted.
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PMID:Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of sertraline (Zoloft) for the treatment of hot flashes in women with early stage breast cancer taking tamoxifen. 1650 35

The current paper reviews the literature regarding psychosocial issues confronting young women with breast cancer. The findings indicate that younger women with breast cancer experience a lower quality of life after cancer compared to older women. In part, this lower quality of life results from the effects of medical treatment. The effects of surgery and removal of the breast result in more negative feelings regarding body image, particularly for young women. With systemic treatment, many younger women experience the sudden onset of menopause, with the attendant symptoms of hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, and vaginal dryness. These physical effects along with a variety of relationship issues contribute to a high level of sexual concerns for young women. From a psychosocial perspective, breast cancer affects both females and their male partners. Both partners experience psychological distress including depression and anxiety. Within the relationship, emotional support from the partner is important in women's adjustment. In terms of psychosocial interventions for breast cancer, findings suggest that the most frequently employed interventions, which treat the woman without her partner, are not optimal. Initial findings provide encouraging evidence that couple-based psychosocial interventions for women and their partners might be of particular assistance to both partners.
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PMID:Psychosocial issues confronting young women with breast cancer. 1682 73

A rising level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), after primary surgery or radiation therapy, is the hallmark of recurrent prostate cancer and is often the earliest sign of extraprostatic spread in patients who are otherwise asymptomatic. While hormonal therapy may slightly extend survival in a minority of patients, it is not curative and produces side effects including hot flashes, decreased libido, and loss of bone mass. Alternatively, dietary modification may offer an important tool for clinical management. Epidemiologic studies have associated the Western diet not only with prostate cancer incidence but also with a greater risk of disease progression after treatment. Conversely, many elements of plant-based diets have been associated with reduced risk of progression. However, dietary modification can be stressful and difficult to implement. We therefore conducted a 6-month pilot clinical trial to investigate whether adoption of a plant-based diet, reinforced by stress management training, could attenuate the rate of further PSA rise. Urologists at the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Centers recruited 14 patients with recurrent prostate cancer. A pre-post design was employed in which each patient served as his own control. Rates of PSA rise were ascertained for each patient for the following periods: from the time of posttreatment recurrence up to the start of the study (prestudy) and from the time immediately preceding the intervention (baseline) to the end of the intervention (0-6 months). There was a significant decrease in the rate of PSA rise from prestudy to 0 to 6 months (P < .01). Four of 10 evaluable patients experienced an absolute reduction in their PSA levels over the entire 6-month study. Nine of 10 had a reduction in their rates of PSA rise and an improvement of their PSA doubling times. Median PSA doubling time increased from 11.9 months (prestudy) to 112.3 months (intervention). These results provide preliminary evidence that adoption of a plant-based diet, in combination with stress reduction, may attenuate disease progression and have therapeutic potential for clinical management of recurrent prostate cancer.
Integr Cancer Ther 2006 Sep
PMID:Potential attenuation of disease progression in recurrent prostate cancer with plant-based diet and stress reduction. 1688 Apr 25

Depending on their frequency and severity, hot flashes can be a major source of distress for individuals with cancer, particularly women with a history of breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. Characterized by increased skin temperature, skin conductance, and heart rate, hot flashes are associated with somatic, behavioral, and emotional manifestations. In this article, the authors review the prevailing theories on the pathophysiology of hot flashes and assess the major treatment interventions, such as hormonal agents, nonhormonal pharmacotherapy (including antidepressants), and complementary/alternative medicine options.
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PMID:Pathophysiology and management of hot flashes. 1689 93

Complementary medicine has become an increasing area of interest for patients and researchers around the world. The utilization of some of these therapies by many individuals makes it imperative to understand if they have a role in cancer or other disease treatment. Soy products have generated a large interest because a variety of laboratory and epidemiologic research suggests these items may play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer. Clinical trials are addressing this issue and whether or not these products could also improve prognosis of prostate cancer. Additionally, other soy-based capsules (ipriflavone) have received some research, but the largest clinical study to date does not support the use of these supplements to reduce hot flashes and/or osteoporosis risk. Dietary fat reduction to prevent prostate cancer is supported by numerous case-control studies over the past 25 years. However, recent prospective studies suggest that fat reduction may not play a strong role in prevention of prostate carcinoma. Soy products and fat reduction may have a symbiotic relationship. Any healthy lifestyle or dietary change should be encouraged, because it may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is still the number one cause of mortality.
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PMID:Complementary medicine for prostate cancer: effects of soy and fat consumption. 1698 97

Some critics question whether research on complementary and alternative modalities for patients with cancer can be done efficiently in traditional clinical settings. This article reviews a program of complementary medicine research that has been done in a traditional clinical setting over the past 30 years. Trials using complementary therapies for both symptom management and cancer treatment done by the Mayo Clinic and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group are reviewed. Twenty-seven studies have been developed using complementary therapies, addressing such issues as mucosal and epidermal toxicity, hot flashes, lymphedema, anorexia and cachexia, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and cancer treatment. Nineteen of them have been completed and have had results published in peer-reviewed clinical journals, whereas two manuscripts are in press. Two other trials have recently completed accrual, and the data are being analyzed so that manuscripts can be prepared. In addition, four clinical trials are actively accruing patients. The data presented in this article demonstrate that complementary and alternative medicine research can be done in a scientifically sound manner. Well-designed and adequately powered studies can be implemented, and large numbers of patients can be accrued. The resulting research evaluations can be published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
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PMID:Can complementary and alternative medicine clinical cancer research be successfully accomplished? The Mayo Clinic-North Central Cancer Treatment Group experience. 1702 22

High incidences of Small Cell Carcinoma & Adenocarcinoma of the lung, Astrocytoma & Glioblastoma Multiforme of the brain and Mesothelioma of the lung were found in those who had a high accumulation of Asbestos in the eyes and upper respiratory system (nose, larynx, trachea, etc.). When measured non-invasively using the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT), brain tumors had the highest concentration of Asbestos (0.2 approximately 2.1 mg BDORT units). Relatively high levels of Asbestos (0.2 approximately 0.6 mg BDORT units) were found in: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the lungs & esophagus, Adenocarcinoma of the larynx & breast, myelogenic leukemia, arteries of these cancers, left ventricle of failing heart, myocardial infarction, some of the narrowed arteries, varicose veins, cataracts, balding heads, hot flashes, Alzheimer's Disease and Autism. A small, round or ellipsoidal area, with diameter of 5 mm or less, was found near the center of every cancer tissue with a higher level of Asbestos (1 approximately 3 mg), As, Zn, Cr and Se, than in the rest of the tumor; this small area may be where the cancer initiated. Among areas of intractable pain with frequent recurrence and gradual worsening, about 0.2 approximately 0.5 mg BDORT units (or higher) of Asbestos were found. The author found that in the Astrocytoma and many other cancer patients, the optimal dose of DHEA produced very significant reductions of cancer cell telomere from over 1400 ng in the brain tumors (and over 900 ng in other cancers) to close to or less than 1 yg (=10(-24) g), with circulatory improvement by reduction of TXB2. Unlike the standard, widely used treatment with DHEA 25 approximately 50 mg daily, which is an overdose; we only gave one optimal dose (1.5 approximately 12.5 mg) and the beneficial effects usually lasted anywhere between 3-6 months, unless inhibiting factors were introduced. In addition, once one optimal dose of DHEA was given, the amount of Asbestos from these tumors decreased very significantly (30 approximately 99% reduction) with marked increase in urine Asbestos. One optimal dose of special Cilantro tablet reduced more Asbestos than DHEA or (+) Qi Gong Energy Stored Paper. In addition, the application of (+) Solar Energy Stored Paper often reduces 70 approximately 99% of the Asbestos, while (+) Qi Gong Energy Stored Paper reduces 50 approximately 99% of the Asbestos.
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PMID:Asbestos as a possible major cause of malignant lung tumors (including small cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma & mesothelioma), brain tumors (i.e. astrocytoma & glioblastoma multiforme), many other malignant tumors, intractable pain including fibromyalgia, & some cardio-vascular pathology: Safe & effective methods of reducing asbestos from normal & pathological areas. 1706 32

Antidepressants are among the most commonly used medications, and they are frequently prescribed for cancer patients. Several dozen antidepressants are available, and they work through at least seven distinct mechanisms. These agents are used primarily to treat depressive and anxiety symptoms and have proven efficacy in treating hot flashes and as adjuvant analgesics. Side effects and drug interactions are frequent with these agents, and proper assessment and monitoring are crucial.
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PMID:Antidepressant use in ambulatory cancer patients. 1725 27

We describe an approach to produce an autologous therapeutic antitumor vaccine using hydroxyapatite (HA) for vaccinating cancer patients. The novel approach involved (1) the purification of part of the self-tumor antigens/ adjuvants using column chromatography with HA, (2) the employ of HA as a medium to attract antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to the vaccination site, and (3) the use of HA as a vector to present in vivo the tumor antigens and adjuvants to the patient's APCs. The vaccine was prepared using and combining HA particles, with at least 3 heat shock proteins (gp96 was one of them possibly with chaperoned proteins/peptides as shown in the slot blots) and with proteins from the cell membrane system (including Hsp70, Hsp27, and membrane proteins). The timing of HA degradation was tested in rats; the HA particles administered under the skin attracted macrophages and were degraded into smaller particles, and they were totally phagocytized within 1 week. In patients (n = 20), the vaccine was then administered weekly and showed very low toxicity, causing minor and tolerable local inflammation (erythema, papule, or local pain); only 1 patient who received a larger dose presented hot flashes, and there were no systemic manifestations of toxicity or autoimmune diseases attributed to the vaccine. Our study suggests that this therapeutic vaccine has shown some efficacy producing a positive response in certain patients. Stable disease was noted in 25% of the patients (renal carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and astrocytoma), and a partial response was noted in 15% of the patients (breast carcinoma and astrocytoma). The most encouraging results were seen in patients with recurrent disease; 4 patients in these conditions (20%) are disease free following the vaccine administration. However, we do not want to overstate the clinical efficacy in this small number of patients. The therapeutic vaccine tested in our study is working by activating the T-cell response as was shown in the comparative histological and immunohistochemical study performed in the pre- and postvaccine biopsy taken from a patient with inflammatory breast carcinoma. However, we cannot ruled out that the vaccine could also be producing an antibody(ies)-mediated response. In conclusion, this therapeutic vaccine based on HA ceramic particles and self-antigens can be safely administered and is showing some encouraging clinical results in cancer patients.
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PMID:A pilot study with a therapeutic vaccine based on hydroxyapatite ceramic particles and self-antigens in cancer patients. 1744 5

We utilized data from the comparison group of the Women's Healthy Eating and Living randomized trial to investigate an "a priori" hypothesis suggested by CYP2D6 studies that hot flashes may be an independent predictor of tamoxifen efficacy. A total of 1551 women with early stage breast cancer were enrolled and randomized to the comparison group of the WHEL multi-institutional trial between 1995 and 2000. Their primary breast cancer diagnoses were between 1991 and 2000. At study entry, 864 (56%) of these women were taking tamoxifen, and hot flashes were reported by 674 (78%). After 7.3 years of follow-up, 127 of those who took tamoxifen at baseline had a confirmed breast cancer recurrence. Women who reported hot flashes at baseline were less likely to develop recurrent breast cancer than those who did not report hot flashes (12.9% vs 21%, P = 0.01). Hot flashes were a stronger predictor of breast cancer specific outcome than age, hormone receptor status, or even the difference in the stage of the cancer at diagnosis (Stage I versus Stage II). These findings suggest an association between side effects, efficacy, and tamoxifen metabolism. The strength of this finding suggests that further study of the relationship between hot flashes and breast cancer progression is warranted. Additional work is warranted to clarify the mechanism of hot flashes in this setting.
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PMID:Tamoxifen, hot flashes and recurrence in breast cancer. 1754 41


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