Articles

Severe hypersensitivity reactions to antineoplastic agents are quite rare, occurring 5% of the time across all agents.¹ Despite this, the impact to the patient can be quite significant, resulting in discomfort and distress, hospitalization, treatment discontinuation, and even death. Unlike most adverse reactions, which often can be predicted, infusion reactions are unexpected and variable. Although rare, nearly every antineoplastic drug has been associated with a hypersensitivity reaction.

Although thrombocytopenia is a common problem in patients with cancer, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is relatively rare and is difficult to treat when duration exceeds 6 months. ITP can be either acute (duration ≤6 months) or chronic, can occur in both adults and children, and can be primary or secondary to another disorder, including the malignancy.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), which is formed by genetic exchange between chromosomes 9 and 22 and codes for the pathogenic tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL.^1-3 Historically, therapeutic interventions for CML have included busulfan, hydroxyurea, interferon-a, and stem cell transplantation.⁴ These therapies vary greatly in tolerability, toxicity, and efficacy. Read More ›

The discipline of breast surgery, like many specialties, has moved toward a minimally invasive approach to local therapy. Radical surgery had previously been the standard; however, surgical approaches continue to evolve as we gather more data about the oncologic safety of less invasive procedures. In addition, we are placing more emphasis on targeted therapy, and surgery is an integrated portion of patient care. Read More ›