ABSTRACT
The incidence of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients is reportedly around 15%, and a pulmonary embolism is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We present a case of duodenal carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis complicated by a pulmonary embolism. Heparin, followed by warfarin, was useful to treat the embolism. The combination chemotherapy with TS-1 and docetaxel was effective for the peritoneal carcinomatosis. The QOL of this patient was maintained for about 5 months.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/secondary , Duodenal Neoplasms/pathology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/secondary , Pulmonary Embolism/drug therapy , Pulmonary Embolism/etiology , Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Docetaxel , Drug Combinations , Drug Therapy, Combination , Duodenal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Heparin/administration & dosage , Humans , Middle Aged , Oxonic Acid/administration & dosage , Peritoneal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Taxoids/administration & dosage , Tegafur/administration & dosage , Warfarin/administration & dosageABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed the influence of various clinicopathologic factors on the survival of patients treated with chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 110 patients with stage IV gastric cancer who were treated from January 1996 to June 2004. RESULTS: Median survival time was 429 days for patients treated with S-1 therapy and 236 days for patients without S-1 therapy. A better survival was demonstrated in patients who had good performance status, one metastatic site, or had been given a second-line chemotherapy (P < 0.01). But very few patients (17%; 5/29) with multiple metastatic sites were able to receive the second-line chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with S-1 therapy had a better prognosis than patients without S-1. One metastatic site and being given second-line chemotherapy were other factors for better prognosis. For patients with only one metastatic site, a good prognosis can be obtained by second-line chemotherapy for those refractory to S-1. The prognosis of patients who had more than two metastatic sites remained poor; more effective chemotherapy might improve the survival of such patients if they retain good performance status.
Subject(s)
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Oxonic Acid/therapeutic use , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Tegafur/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Drug Combinations , Female , Humans , Japan , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Stomach Neoplasms/mortality , Stomach Neoplasms/surgery , Survival Analysis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Gemcitabine mono-therapy was carried out in an unresectable pancreatic cancer. After six courses of treatment, pitting edema appeared and gradually became worse especially after gemcitabine infusion. Gemcitabine-induced edema was suspected after exclusion of other causes. Diuretics and steroids were useful to control the peripheral edema in this case, and gemcitabine therapy could be continued.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects , Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives , Edema/chemically induced , Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Deoxycytidine/adverse effects , Diuretics/administration & dosage , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Therapy, Combination , Edema/drug therapy , Furosemide/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Prednisolone/administration & dosage , Spironolactone/administration & dosage , GemcitabineABSTRACT
TS-1/CPT-11 combination therapy was carried out in a case of advanced gastric cancer with liver and lymph node metastases and obstructive jaundice after percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD). Regression of the primary carcinoma and reduction in size of metastases were observed. Grade 1 fatigue and grade 2 neutropenia were noted as adverse reactions to the treatment. TS-1/CPT-11 combination therapy was useful in this case of advanced gastric cancer with liver and lymph node metastases.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Drainage/methods , Jaundice, Obstructive/therapy , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy , Biliary Tract , Camptothecin/administration & dosage , Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives , Combined Modality Therapy , Drug Administration Schedule , Drug Combinations , Gastroscopy , Humans , Irinotecan , Jaundice, Obstructive/complications , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Lymphatic Metastasis , Male , Middle Aged , Oxonic Acid/administration & dosage , Pyridines/administration & dosage , Stomach Neoplasms/complications , Stomach Neoplasms/pathology , Tegafur/administration & dosageABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation has been accepted as a novel alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy for the management of bile duct stones. Hence, little or no attempt was made to retrieve stones in cases with acute biliary pancreatitis by endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation. METHODOLOGY: The present study was conducted in ten patients with acute biliary pancreatitis associated with cholestasis or biliary infection. Two patients came with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, one Child C liver cirrhosis, and another with prolonged prothrombin time of unknown etiology. After the papilla was dilated with a balloon-tipped catheter, the stones were removed with either a retrieval basket catheter, a retrieval balloon, or both. RESULTS: Clearance of the common bile duct was achieved in all ten patients without any serious complications such as pancreatitis aggravation or hemorrhage. Clinical signs and laboratory findings were strikingly improved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that bile duct stones can be effectively and safely removed by means of endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation even in patients with acute pancreatitis.
