Biomedical subjects

T Al-Tweigeri

Publications and source records attributed to T Al-Tweigeri.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Phase II study of docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: This pilot phase II study investigated the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) as first-line chemotherapy for anthracycline-naive patients with metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients received a total of 359 courses consisting of docetaxel 75 mg/m2 given intravenously (IV) over 1 hour, preceded by IV doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 for a maximum of eight 3-week cycles. RESULTS: After an independent panel review, the overall objective response rate was 77% (complete response, 6%). Overall objective response rates in patients with visceral, bone, and liver involvement were 82%, 82%, and 80%, respectively. Median duration of response was 52 weeks, and median time to progression was 42 weeks. With a median follow-up of 32 months, the median survival had not yet been reached, whereas the 2-year survival was 57%. The main toxicities were hematologic (neutropenia grade 3/4 in 100% of patients and 95% of cycles; febrile neutropenia in 34% of patients and 9% of cycles). Documented grade 3 infection was seen in one patient (2%) in one cycle, and no toxic death was reported. Severe acute or chronic nonhematologic adverse events were infrequent, and docetaxel-specific toxicities (such as fluid retention and nail changes) were mild, with only one patient being discontinued for fluid retention. Congestive heart failure was seen in two patients (4%). CONCLUSION: TAC is an active and manageable regimen that has been chosen as the basis of five randomized phase III trials, including two pivotal studies comparing TAC to fluorouracil plus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in the metastatic and adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Ovarian cancer gene therapy: repeated treatment with thymidine kinase in an adenovirus vector and ganciclovir improves survival in a novel immunocompetent murine model.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the effect of multiple injections of the system of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase in an adenovirus vector and ganciclovir on survival in a murine model of human epithelial ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: In this work we tested the ability of the system of thymidine kinase delivered by an adenovirus vector and ganciclovir to treat ovarian cancer in a novel murine model for epithelial ovarian cancer, SaskMouse. SaskMouse was developed by injecting LM-1 cells, a murine epithelial ovarian cancer cell line, intraperitoneally into a syngeneic C57BL/6N x C3H/He mouse strain. The cells developed into multiple cancer implants on different abdominal organs, leading to ascites and rapid death. The model has an intact immune system, as evidenced by the inability of different human cancer cells to develop into cancers when injected into the mice intraperitoneally. RESULTS: The system of thymidine kinase delivered by an adenovirus vector and ganciclovir was applied to SaskMouse. Mice were either untreated (group 1), treated with one intraperitoneal injection of adenovirus- thymidine kinase at 250 plaque-forming units/cell (group 2), or treated with two intraperitoneal injections of adenovirus-thymidine kinase at 250 plaque-forming units/cell on days 0 and 23 (group 3). Survivals were 23 +/- 2, 27 +/- 2, and 35 +/- 4 days, respectively (P <.05). Antiadenoviral antibodies were assayed both in the serum and in the peritoneal fluid of treated mice. Despite high antibody titers in serum, there were no detectable antibodies in the peritoneal fluid. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that multiple intraperitoneal injections of the combination of thymidine kinase delivered by an adenovirus vector and ganciclovir are effective in prolonging survival in the presence of ovarian cancer. There are potential implications for other abdominal malignancies.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed1999

Cortical blindness as a manifestation of hypomagnesemia secondary to cisplatin therapy: case report and review of literature.

Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of solid tumors and is known to have a number of side effects including hypomagnesemia. We present a case report of a patient with a Stage IIA carcinoma of the cervix who initially was treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin and subsequently presented with sudden onset of blindness. The diagnosis was uncertain but the possibility of functional blindness was considered. Serum magnesium was low. Correction of this electrolyte abnormality resolved this profound visual symptom. This case emphasizes the importance of serially observing cisplatin-treated patients for the possible development of the clinical syndrome of magnesium deficiency.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prophylactic mastectomy and genetic testing: an update.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine and discuss the possible benefits and difficulties with recommending prophylactic mastectomy to BRCA1- and BRCA2-positive women. DATA SOURCES: Published research articles, professional review articles, textbooks. DATA SYNTHESIS: Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer than the general population, with limited options available for prevention. Prophylactic mastectomy has been shown to have a survival advantage in young women who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Challenges exist, however, in the use of prophylactic mastectomy and genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS: Methods of preventing breast cancer in BRCA1- and BRCA2-positive women currently are limited to watch-and-wait surveillance, prophylactic mastectomy, and, perhaps, chemoprevention. Genetic testing and prophylactic mastectomy each present unique challenges while offering certain benefits as well. Recent studies have shown survival advantages to BRCA1- and BRCA2-positive women who undergo prophylactic mastectomy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be aware of the complex issues surrounding testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and prophylactic mastectomy to be able to provide current information to patients and assist in decision making.

Breast Neoplasms↗