ABSTRACT
Quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide (4) is the historical prototype for modern heterocyclic N-oxide antitumor agents such as 3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide (tirapazamine, 1) and 3-amino-2-quinoxalinecarbonitrile 1,4-dioxide (11). Early experiments in bacterial cell lines suggested that enzymatic, single-electron reduction of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxides under low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions leads to DNA damage. Here the ability of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide to cleave DNA has been explicitly characterized using in vitro assays. The hypoxia-selective DNA-cleaving properties of 4 reported here may provide a chemical basis for understanding the cytotoxic and mutagenic activities of various quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide antibiotics.
Subject(s)
DNA Damage/drug effects , DNA/metabolism , Hypoxia , Quinoxalines/pharmacology , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/metabolism , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology , DNA/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel , Hydrolysis/drug effects , Oxidation-Reduction , Plasmids/drug effects , Plasmids/metabolism , Quinoxalines/metabolism , Xanthine/pharmacology , Xanthine Oxidase/pharmacologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the readability and content of educational materials developed specifically for patients with lung cancer. DATA SOURCES: Lung cancer patient-education materials identified in a survey of 54 cancer organizations and institutions and a literature review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Only five educational resources specifically developed to address the needs of patients with lung cancer were identified. Only two addressed dyspnea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, risk of recurrence, sexuality, smoking cessation, rehabilitation, or palliation. None addressed reduced functional abilities resulting from disease or treatment. All of the materials reviewed were written at a reading level of 10th grade or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Current lung cancer patient-education materials are inadequate and require advanced reading skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Distressing disease- and treatment-related symptoms, as well as psychological and social stressors, complicate coping with lung cancer. Existing educational resources for patients with lung cancer require modification and need to be written at more appropriate reading levels. Further research must assess and clarify the information needs of patients and determine the best method of delivering the information to patients.
Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms , Patient Education as Topic/standards , Teaching Materials/standards , Reading , United StatesABSTRACT
The American Cancer Society (1994) estimated that 42,100 people were diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 1994. The purpose of this article is to provide information regarding incidence and survival rates and to discuss risk factors and high-risk behaviors associated with head and neck cancer. The author reviews basic oral anatomy, radiobiology, and current research related to mouth care and symptom management. Innovative measures that can be used by both health care professionals and patients to reduce mouth problems caused by radiation therapy, and professional recommendations for mouth care are included.
