Background: Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are known to be sensitive imaging tools in the management of cancer patients. Ultrasound has disadvantages for the follow-up, since standardized documentation is lacking. Therefore, we investigated computer-assisted digital ultrasound documentation in cancer patients. Patients and Methods: From November 1996 to December 1997 ultrasound examinations were performed on 774 patients (leukemias n = 204, malignant lymphomas n = 311, solid tumors n = 103, miscellaneous n = 156). Ultrasound pictures were transferred to a personal computer (PC) by video signal transmission. Results: A total of 1,925 ultrasound examinations were documented in 377 men and 397 women. The mean age was 50.3 years, with an SD of 16.7 (range 16–97) years. A median of 2.8 ultrasound examinations per patient was performed (range 1–16 examinations). A total number of 9,311 ultrasound pictures was archived on a hard disc. Archived ultrasound pictures were compared with live ultrasound pictures, improving the comparability and quality of ultrasound. Analogue video print documentation was not necessary. Conclusion: Computer-assisted documentation of ultrasound pictures improves the management of cancer patients.
TPS185 Background: Treatment options for patients (pts) with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are limited; carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) combination being one of the options. Belinostat (B), is a hydroxamate, class I and II histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) with a broad antineoplastic activity. Phase I and II trials are ongoing in multiple indications and in more than 500 patients the most common adverse events have been nausea, vomiting and fatique. Preclinical data shows synergistic effect when combined with C and P in vitro and in vivo. In a phase I study f or patients with pretreated advanced solid tumors, BelCaP was well-tolerated and active with objective responses seen in pancreatic and rectal cancer pts. A pt with CUP (3 prior chemotherapy regimens) had disease control during 29 mos of treatment. Theref ore, we are conducting a randomized Ph II study (N∼88) of CaP with or without B in CUP pts. Methods: Randomized, global, multicenter phase II trial in 19 centers. Inclusion criteria include: a confirmed diagnosis of CUP, no prior therapy, ECOG PS 0-2, age > 18 years. Eligible patients are randomized to receive either arm A or B. Arm A: BelCaP; B as a 30-min i.v. infusion once daily (1,000 mg/m2) on days 1-3, followed by B 2,000 mg orally once daily on days 4-5, with P (175 mg/m2) administered 2-3 hrs following B on day 3 and C (AUC6) following directly after P, up to 6 cycles. From cycle 7: B 750 mg is administered orally once daily × 14 days. Arm B: P (175 mg/m2) administered day 1 and C (AUC6) following directly after P. Cycles repeated every 3 weeks. Primary endpoint is progression free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints assess additional efficacy parameters and safety. Response is evaluated according to RECIST criteria. 33 pts have been randomized as of 6 Jan 2009. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Position Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration TopoTarget Pfizer Roche, sanofi-aventis TopoTarget
Patients about to undergo oral surgical procedures may be fearful and anxious. It is thought that stress reduction can be attained by relaxation and reassurance. One time stress reduction techniques were tested on 100 patients prior to oral surgery and measurements of stress were made prior to and during the procedures. Patients were divided randomly into four groups: group one patients received general surgical information about tooth removal; group two patients listened to a relaxation tape; group three patients listened to a combination of surgical information and relaxation information tape; and group four patients had no intervention. The day of oral surgery, patients were administered Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale. In addition, measurements of peripheral skin temperature, frontalis EMG for facial muscle tension and blood pressure recordings were made. The measurements were taken prior to and after the patients listened to the information mentioned above on audio tapes, (groups 1-3) or relaxed in their own way (group 4). Self assessment of anxiety reduction was recorded and evaluation of relaxation was made by the oral surgeon during the surgical procedure. Observations were made relating to age, sex, degree of surgical difficulty and presence or absence of preoperative pain. A significant decrease in blood pressure (p_.01 was noted between the experimental and control group. Reduction of anxiety was notably seen with group three patients, where EMG and temperature differences varied from the control group. It was also noted that all patients perceived some degree of relaxation.
