All trials should address a research question of importance. However, it is easier to perform a clinical trial comparing similar strategies that may exert only a small impact on practice than to perform a trial comparing very different strategies, even though results from the latter could produce large shifts in practice. Some research questions of fundamental importance have never been satisfa...

Hormonal heterophylly, the response of tissues in one phylum to hormones that occur naturally in others, is of current general interest not only to the invertebrate endocrinologist but also to the oncologist. The fact that certain mammalian tissues respond metabolically to hormones elaborated in invertebrates and plants was substantiated during the course of a conference, entitled "Conference W...

The patient requested CT/PET imaging as part of her preoperative evaluation. This scan revealed a metabolically active lytic lesion in the manubrium of the sternum (Figure 1). Several different radiologists were consulted, and opinions differed as to whether or not this likely represented a metastatic lesion. After reviewing the case with several radiologists, the surgeon chose to proceed with ...

The Oncologist 2002;7:100-102 www.TheOncologist.com Dr. Trevor Powles’ review [1] of current results from clinical trials of agents that may prevent breast cancer from ever beginning or suppress preclinical disease touches on several issues critical in interpreting our understanding of this subject and on translating this understanding into evidence-based clinical practice. This commentary rest...

For optimal management of a suspected malignant adnexal tumour, a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in oncology, and sometimes in paediatrics is necessary whenever possible, as soon as it is diagnosed. (Grade A) It should be kept in mind managing cancer and pregnancy always requires a shared decision between the patient and at least a surgical oncologist, an obstetrician, a medic...

INTRODUCTION Cancer care involves addressing patient emotion. When patients express negative emotions, empathic opportunities emerge. When oncologists respond with a continuer statement, which is one that offers empathy and allows patients to continue expressing emotions, rather than with a terminator statement, which is one that discourages disclosure, patients have less anxiety and depression...

A 29-year-old Caucasian married man, Mr. A, is the father of a 1-year-old daughter and is a successful tax attorney who maintains a healthy lifestyle. While performing a testicular self-examination, Mr. A noticed a small, fixed mass in his left scrotum. After medical workup, biopsy, and consultation, a left orchiectomy and retroperitoneal dissection were recommended. Pathology revealed a nonsem...