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Biomedical subjects

K Calman

Publications and source records attributed to K Calman.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

The profession of medicine.

It seems timely to define the purpose of medicine and examine the concept of a profession. This paper does so in the wider context of health, values in society, and the need to involve patients and the public as a whole. The author looks closely at what doctors do and concludes that making the diagnosis is a key element. The consultation is the building block for resource allocation. In addition to the diagnosis it sets out the prognosis and possible treatment and emphasises the importance of communicating these to the patient. Looking at the kind of doctor we need raises such issues as ethical standards, continuing professional development, team working, clinical standards, quality, outcomes, and research and development. Throughout, the role of education is seen as crucial. Leadership and vision are required by senior members of the profession if the opportunities presented are to be developed further.

Education, Medical↗
PubMed1985

A randomised trial of tamoxifen versus tamoxifen with aminoglutethimide in post-menopausal women with advanced breast cancer.

Sixty-six post-menopausal women with metastatic breast cancer were randomised to receive tamoxifen or tamoxifen with aminoglutethimide. The women in the tamoxifen group were virtually free of toxicity, whilst 45% of patients in the aminoglutethimide group had toxicity and 13% discontinued the drug because of this. Responses were seen in 19% of patients receiving tamoxifen alone and 23% of those receiving both drugs. There is no indication that the increased toxicity seen with the addition of aminoglutethimide to tamoxifen in this situation is justified by an increased response rate.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

Treatment of advanced ovarian cancer with combination chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cis-platinum.

Fifty-four patients with advanced ovarian cancer have been treated with combination chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and cis-platinum. The toxicity of the regimen was manageable but few patients were prepared to tolerate more than 6 months of treatment. Those in complete clinical remission at that time were offered second-look laparotomy and if apparently free of disease, therapy was discontinued. Forty-seven patients could be assessed of whom 33 had had no previous therapy. Twenty-two of these were clinically free of disease after completion of chemotherapy of whom 12 had no detectable disease at second-look laparotomy. Of 14 patients who had failed previous therapy only one remains clinically free of disease. The results in the untreated patients demonstrate the primary importance of bulk reduction at initial laparotomy. The use of the regimen in patients who have failed on previous treatment or in patients with bulk disease seems to be palliative and the toxicity should be assessed in this context.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Oral levonantradol in the control of cancer chemotherapy-induced emesis.

A dose-ranging study with oral levonantradol was performed in 20 cancer patients. The optimum oral dose which attenuated vomiting accompanying chemotherapy was 1 mg 4-hourly. Side-effects comprised dizziness, confusion, euphoria, drowsiness, and difficulty in concentrating. There was no cardiovascular toxicity. Overall toxicity appeared to be dose-related and was mild and acceptable.

Antiemetics↗