Doctors need enhanced oncology knowledge

To assess oncology knowledge among doctors, and suggestions to improve. Cross sectional analytical study. This study was carried out in the Department of Oncology, King Fahad Hospital, Madina Munawra, KSA and was completed in 8 months from November 2004 to June 2005. Series of five lectures were delivered on different subjects of oncology. Participants were asked to answer an MCQ type questionnaire, which was structured regarding the content of the lecture, before the lecture and after the lecture. Comparison was made by simple percentage calculation and statistical analysis, student's t-test. Knowledge of the doctors rose from average 37% to 74% after the lecture. Doctors need enhanced knowledge in oncology and simple lecturing can make an improvement

Cancer esophagus: Treatment modalities

Therapeutic options for cancer esophagus have increased. Treatment for each patient should be individualized. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with curative intent. In those with more advanced disease where the aim of treatment is obviously palliative, surgical resection is less frequently performed, given the alternatives available. Successful resection however, still offers the most complete and lasting relief of dysphagia, providing it can be carried out safely in experienced centers. In selected patients, a bypass procedure is also an option. Chemoradiation therapy is widely adopted in patients who have good performance status. Good palliation can be obtained in those who respond without the development of a radiation stricture. In selected patients who demonstrate a positive response, surgical resection is sometimes warranted, especially when tumor downstaging makes a curative resection possible. In patients without a chance of cure or in poor health, placement of stents achieves rapid, safe and cost effective palliation

Advanced pancreatic cancer: past, present and future of treatment

Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal disease that is rising in incidence. Chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] has shown to prolong survival in advanced pancreatic cancer modestly. Gemcitabine improves major symptoms and survival outcomes compared with 5-FU. Many compounds have been investigated. These compounds are based on classical mechanisms of action as well as biological therapies targeting cellular pathways, and include fluoropyrimidines, nucleoside cytidine analogues, platinum analogues, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimicrotubule agents, proteasome inhibitors, vitamin D analogues, arachidonic acid pathway inhibitors, histone deacytylator inhibitors, farnesyltransferase inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor therapies and many more. Out of these some have shown their promise. Many more compounds are being tested and real advances are anticipated in the near future

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer remains one of the most common causes of cancer death globally, and its cure rate has not improved for the past 20 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma develops in patients with cirrhosis of any etiology. Patients with cirrhosis are thus usually included in screening program aiming to achieve early detection and effective treatment for HCC. Only those patients diagnosed with HCC who would benefit with the available treatment, should undergo the screening procedure. This is based on ultrasonography and alpha-fetoprotein every 3-6 months based on the prevalence and economic status of the community being tested