Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology RSS feed: Current Issue. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology publishes scholarly, critical reviews in all fields of oncology and hematology written by experts from the five continents. All review articles, invited or submitted spontaneously, are subject to peer review before final acceptance. CROH is the Official Journal of the European School of Oncology (ESO) as of January 2011. Journal of Geriatric Oncology , launched by the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) and Elsevier in June 2010, has become the official publication of SIOG in place of Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology . Authors who wish to submit reviews to the journal are requested to submit a short synopsis of their chosen subject to the Editor, and to indicate the deadline by which they expect to submit their final manuscript. Further information regarding the submission of manuscripts and guidelines for the preparation of the manuscripts can be found in the Guide for Authors. http://www.croh-online.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology1040-8428812February 2012 © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842812000066/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S1040-8428(12)00006-6Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2012-02-01Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2012-02-01812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7CO2CO2http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000898/abstract?rss=yesHighlights: ► MiRNAs influence nearly all aspects of health and diseases, including cancer. ► Cancer cells have miRNAs aberrations (deregulated gene expression and mutations). ► MiRNA aberrations affect apoptosis, drug targets, transport or metabolism. ► MiRNAs also regulate cancer stem cells, which are chemoresistant. ► MiRNA profiling can be used to predict drug resistance and customize therapies.Abstract: Drug resistance remains a major problem in the treatment of cancer patients for both conventional chemotherapeutic and novel biological agents. Intrinsic or acquired resistance can be caused by a range of mechanisms, including increased drug elimination, decreased drug uptake, drug inactivation and alterations of drug targets. Recent data showed that other than by genetic (mutation, amplification) and epigenetic (DNA hypermethylation, histone post-translational modification) changes, drug resistance mechanisms might also be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs).In this review we provide an overview on the role of miRNAs in anticancer drug resistance, reporting the main studies on alterations in cell survival and/or apoptosis pathways, as well as in drug targets and determinants of drug metabolism, mediated by deregulation of miRNA expression. The current status of pharmacogenetic studies on miRNA and their possible role in cancer stem cell drug resistance are also discussed. Finally, we integrated the preclinical data with clinical evidences, in lung and pancreatic cancers, showing how the study of miRNAs could help to predict resistance of individual tumours to different anticancer drugs, and guide the oncologists in the selection of rationally based tailor-made treatments.Molecular mechanisms underlying the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in anticancer drug resistance and implications for clinical practiceElisa Giovannetti, Ayse Erozenci, Jorn Smit, Romano Danesi, Godefridus J. Peters10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.010Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-05-06Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-05-06812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7103122http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000539/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and other patient-reported outcomes (PROs) might be crucial in comparing effectiveness of treatments as they could provide invaluable information to better inform clinical decision-making. This is particularly true in the era of targeted therapies (TT). A systematic review was undertaken on all studies with CML patients published from 1980 to 2010 and including a PRO evaluation. Out of 619 articles scrutinized, 15 met eligibility criteria and no study was published before 1995. Six dealt mainly with interferon-based therapies, 7 with bone marrow transplantation and only 2 evaluated PROs in the context of TT. No disease-specific, validated PRO instrument for these patients was found. The main evidence being that Imatinib provides clear advantage in terms of HRQOL over interferon-based treatments. There is lack of data concerning PROs in patients treated with current TT. Documenting HRQOL and side effects of CML treatments, from the patients’ perspective is needed to evaluate overall treatment effectiveness and net clinical benefit of newer therapeutic strategies.Time for a new era in the evaluation of targeted therapies for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: Inclusion of quality of life and other patient-reported outcomesF. Efficace, K. Cocks, M. Breccia, M. Sprangers, C.A. Meyers, M. Vignetti, M. Baccarani, F. Mandelli, GIMEMA and EORTC Quality of Life Group10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.02.007Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-03-25Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-03-25812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7123135http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000709/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In this article, we reviewed and quantified reporting of the risk of myelotoxicity, specifically febrile neutropenia (FN), and the related use of supportive care with colony-stimulating factor (CSF) or antibiotics in clinical trials published between January 2005 and June 2009, evaluating emerging regimens for the treatment of selected solid tumors. Our analysis showed that clinically significant neutropenia and neutropenia-related events were generally described in the studies evaluated (grade 3/4 neutropenia incidence, 72%; FN incidence, 53%). However, use of CSF and antibiotics was infrequently and inconsistently reported (trials reporting prophylactic CSF and antibiotics use: in the methods section, 38% and 10%, respectively; in the results section, 19% and 1%, respectively). These results highlight the need for a standardized approach to reporting neutropenic outcomes and use of supportive care measures. This can assist clinicians in prospectively managing relevant toxicities associated with these emerging regimens and thereby facilitate their safe and effective use in clinical practice.Reporting of myelotoxicity associated with emerging regimens for the treatment of selected solid tumorsArlene Chan, Shailendra Verma, Sibylle Loibl, Jeffrey Crawford, Mi Rim Choi, Lyndah Dreiling, Ted Vandenberg10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.003Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-04-20Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-04-20812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7136150http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000497/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Purpose: We address whether rational and significant clinical data exist on using angiogenic targeted therapies as neoadjuvant or adjuvant options to nephrectomy in non-metastatic RCC.Methods: We reviewed the recent international literature by carrying out a PUBMED search.Results: Neoadjuvant: a possible indication for a neoadjuvant targeted therapy approach is to facilitate surgery, reducing risks for patients and increasing the possibility of removing the mass and improving oncological results. Adjuvant: three major phase III clinical trials are currently ongoing. The ASSURE trial (1 year on oral sunitinib, sorafenib or placebo), the SORCE trial (3 years on placebo versus 1 year on sorafenib, followed by 2 years on placebo versus 3 years on sorafenib), and the S-TRAC trial (1 year on sunitinib or placebo) analyze patients who are at high risk of relapse.Conclusions: Rationale and needs for the neoadjuvant or adjuvant use of targeted therapies in RCC are relevant. Significant phase III trials on the adjuvant use of targeted therapy in RCC are ongoing.The emerging role of targeted therapy in renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Is it time for a neoadjuvant or an adjuvant approach?Alessandro Sciarra, Susanna Cattarino, Stefano Salciccia, Andrea Alfarone, Alessandro Gentilucci, Ulderico Parente, Gianna Mariotti, Michele Innocenzi, Vincenzo Gentile10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.02.003Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-03-09Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-03-09812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7151162http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000692/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Eribulin mesylate is a non-taxane, structurally simplified, completely synthetic, halichondrin B derivative with an end poisoning, microtubule inhibitory action. Preclinical studies have demonstrated activity in various cancer cell lines and synergistic action with gemcitabine, epirubicin, trastuzumab, cisplatin, docetaxel and vinorelbine. Eribulin has recently been approved by United States Food and Drug Administration as a third line therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients, who have previously been treated with an anthracycline and a taxane. It has also advanced to phase II trials in non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, prostate, bladder, head and neck cancers, sarcomas and ovarian and other gynecological tumors. Combination trials with carboplatin, gemcitabine, pemetrexed, cisplatin, and erlotinib are currently ongoing. Eribulin potentially has a low incidence of peripheral neuropathy. The predominant side effects are neutropenia and fatigue, which are manageable. This article reviews the available information on eribulin with respect to its clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, preclinical studies and clinical trials.Eribulin—A review of preclinical and clinical studiesUmang Swami, Imran Chaudhary, Mohammad H. Ghalib, Sanjay Goel10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.002Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-04-15Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-04-15812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7163184http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000758/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Primary malignant melanoma (MM) of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare neoplasm, with about 78 cases described in the literature. Since traces of melanocytes in normal cervical epithelium were found in 3.5% of cases primary origin of melanoma at this site cannot be ruled out. It occurs mainly in the sixth decade of life, and it is five time less common than primary vaginal or vulvar MM. Clinical history usually includes abnormal genital bleeding; and physical examination frequently reveals a pigmented, exophytic cervical mass. Diagnosis is confirmed by immuno-histochemical methods and by exclusion of any other primary site of melanoma. Treatment of this condition is not yet standardized, and the overall prognosis is very poor.Diagnostic approaches and therapeutic procedures on primary MM of the uterine cervix are discussed following a review of the literature encompassing more than one century.A literature overview of primary cervical malignant melanoma: An exceedingly rare cancerSara Pusceddu, Emilio Bajetta, Maria Luisa Carcangiu, Barbara Formisano, Monika Ducceschi, Roberto Buzzoni10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.008Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-04-25Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-04-25812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7185195http://www.croh-online.com/article/PIIS1040842811000680/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Introduction: Survival after breast cancer is determined by disease related factors such as stage at diagnosis, patient characteristics, e.g., age, and treatment.Aim: To review evidence published during the last ten years on the effect of comorbidity on survival after early breast cancer.Methods: A search in Pubmed with keywords, breast neoplasm, comorbidity, and survival, was performed. A total of 18 studies published between 2000 and August 2010 was included in this review.Results: All 18 studies demonstrated that comorbidity had a significant impact on survival after breast cancer with poorer survival among patients with one or more comorbid conditions. The effect of comorbidity persisted after adjustment for age at diagnosis and stage of disease. Older patients with comorbidity were less likely to receive therapy according to guidelines.Conclusion: Presence of comorbidity at diagnosis is an important prognostic factor in early breast cancer, irrespective of age and stage of disease.Comorbidity and survival after early breast cancer. A reviewLotte Holm Land, Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton, Trine Lembrecht Jørgensen, Marianne Ewertz10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.03.001Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology 81, 2 (2012)2011-05-03Critical Reviews in Oncology / Hematology2011-05-03812S1040-8428(12)X0002-7196205