ABSTRACT
<b>Purpose</b>: This study was to identify the concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and perceived positive aspects of their treatment. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted self-administered questionnaire based on Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale (CCRS) among 62 cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy, and who have agreed to participate in the study. <b>Results</b>: The CCRS score was significantly higher among those unemployed or on leave of absence, compared to those with job, and. also significantly higher among those with such adverse effects as fatigue, anorexia and hair loss. More than 90% of the participants answered that they have become more concerned about their health than they were prior to developing their disease, and have felt preciousness of their friends and families. <b>Conclusion</b>: Our results suggested to the necessity in attending to the adverse effects of the treatment, and utilizing social resources in order to address the various concerns of the cancer patients.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Gefitinib and erlotinib have minor differences in their chemical structures, and thus it remains unclear whether the hepatotoxicity induced by one compound is affected by the other. The case of a patient who developed erlotinib-induced liver injury and was then treated with gefitinib without hepatic toxicity or disease progression is presented. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old Japanese woman, who never smoked and who was diagnosed as having lung adenocarcinoma with carcinomatous meningitis, was treated with erlotinib. She developed erlotinib-induced liver injury after four weeks of treatment. The treatment was stopped right away, but the symptoms of meningitis re-appeared immediately. Gefitinib treatment was started and continued without recurrence of drug-induced liver injury. CONCLUSION: Gefitinib appears to be a potential treatment option after erlotinib-induced liver injury.
