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ONCOLOGY Vol 22 No 12

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a unique B-cell lymphoma characterized by a high proliferation rate and cytogenetic changes related to c-myc proto-oncogene overexpression. Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive B-cell lymphoma that is most frequently seen in children and young adults in endemic areas.

Prior to the publication of the German CAO/ARO/AIO 94 trial, the conventional adjuvant approach for patients with clinically resectable, ultrasonographically diagnosed T3 (uT3) and/or node-positive rectal cancer was initial surgery and, if pathologically confirmed T3 (pT3) and/or node-positive, postoperative combined chemotherapy plus radiation. The German trial confirmed that compared to postoperative therapy, the preoperative approach was associated with significantly lower local recurrence rates, less acute and chronic toxicity, and an increased incidence of sphincter preservation.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous collection of hematopoietic disorders that are thought to be clonal and are characterized by low blood counts and a tendency to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Eisai Corporation of North America announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an efficacy supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for denileukin diftitox (Ontak) solution for intravenous injection for the treatment of patients with persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) whose malignant cells express the CD25 component of the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (CD25+).

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer Care has launched BreastCancerTrials.org, a free, nonprofit, clinical trial matching service that provides nationwide information for individuals diagnosed with or at risk for breast cancer.

In a change from its previous recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer using annual high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years with fecal occult testing between sigmoidoscopic exams, or colonoscopy every 10 years. According to the Task Force, good evidence exists that using these methods save lives.