Intraperitoneal Catumaxomab Prolongs Survival in Patients With Malignant Ascites from Ovarian Cancer

Markus Heiss

REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 5001, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
MARKUS HEISS, Klinikum Cologne, Merheim
For patients with malignant ascites as a result of ovarian cancer, a novel intraperitoneal therapy adding the trifunctional antibody catumaxomab to standard paracentesis has prolonged survival, according to a study from Germany that randomly assigned over 100 patients. Sarah Maxwell inteviewed Markus Heiss.

Sibylle Loibl

Catumaxomab for Patients With Platinum Refractory Ovarian Cancer?

REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 5005, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
SIBYLLE LOIBL, German Breast Group, Isenburg, Germany
Intraperitoneal infusion of catumaxomab seemed to show a benefit in patients with platinum refractory epithelial ovarian cancer in a study that found that a higher dose was more beneficial. Sarah Maxwell heard from Sibylle Loibl.

Jan Vermorken

Cetuximab Benefit in Head and Neck Cancer: Final Results from EXTREME

REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 5501, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
JAN VERMORKEN, University Hospital, Antwerp
New data from the EXTREME study underline the benefit achieved by cetuximab in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. Following the overall survival data released at the 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting, Jan Vermorken presented progression-free survival, response rate, and quality-of-life data at the Barcelona meeting of ECCO. Derek Thorne discussed these final results with him.

Jordon Berlin

David Cunningham

Molecular Markers Refine the Choice of Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

REFERENCE: ABSTRACTS 3019, 7LB and 3014
JORDON D BERLIN, Vanderbilt University, Nashville
COMMENT: DAVID CUNNINGHAM, Royal Marsden Hospital, London
For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, clinical outcome of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy can be predicted by testing for the molecular marker K-ras. This could help patients choose between agents such as cetuximab and panitumomab. Peter Goodwin heard findings from Jordon Berlin, and asked David Cunningham about the clinical relevance.

Jonathan Cubitt

Intensive Care Units: No Hope for Patients With Hematologic Malignancy and Multiple Organ Failure?

REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 6022, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
JONATHAN CUBITT, Royal Marsden Hospital, London
Intensive care units should consider admitting patients even if they have both hematologic malignancy and multiple organ failure because their chance of survival is higher than previously thought. Anna Lacey heard from Jonathan Cubitt of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

Peter Boyle

Cancer Control Works: Priorities for More Success

REFERENCE: ECCO Press Briefing, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
PETER BOYLE, International Agency for Cancer Research, Lyon
Simple measures including smoking-cessation programs and breast and cervical cancer screening have reduced cancer mortality in wealthy countries. But these types of measures need to be exported to poor countries to reduce the global cancer burden. Peter Boyle spoke in Barcelona to Peter Goodwin.

To listen this episode please go to ASCO Audio Journal of Oncology in Advance Presentations.