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A case study on a 28-year-old woman admitted to hospital 2 days post partum due to cardiac failure and suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus until 4 weeks earlier is reported. The patient after the administration of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell support for 2 months showed recurrence of lymphoma and died approximately 10 months after the onset of symptoms.

The case of a 56-year-old woman with fever and rash is discussed to better understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Some of the challenges that are encountered in treating a patient with AITL as well as recommendations on how to overcome the challenges are highlighted.

A study was conducted to evaluate whether cranial irradiation could be excluded as a form of treatment among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Results indicated that stopping such a form of treatment could be safely omitted with effective risk-adjusted chemotherapy.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of addition of cetuximab to bevacizumab and chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Results indicated that the addition of cetuximab to the prescribed treatment resulted in a poorer quality of life and increased the risk of adverse effects among patients with colorectal cancer.

Objective To evaluate the impact on schistosomiasis of biennial treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) among school-age children in Burkina Faso, the first country that achieved full national coverage with treatment of more than 90% of the school-age population. Methods A cohort of 1727 schoolchildren (6-14 years old) was monitored at yearly intervals through a longitudinal survey. Additional groups of schoolchildren were monitored in cross-sectional surveys. Parasitological examinations for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni were performed, and prevalence and intensity of infection before and after treatment were analysed. Findings Data from the longitudinal cohort show that a single round of PZQ treatment significantly reduced prevalence of S. haematobiurn infection by 87% (from 59.6% to 7.7%) and intensity of infection by 92.8% (from 94.2 to 6.8 eggs/10 ml of urine) 2 years post-treatment. The impact on infection was also confirmed by a cross-sectional survey 2 years post-treatment. Importantly, the proportion of school-age children with heavy S. haematobium infection decreased from around 25% before treatment to around 2-3% 2 years post-treatment. Cross-sectional comparison of S. haematobium infection in 7-year-old children in their first year at school, who received treatment through community-based drug delivery, also showed significant reduction in both prevalence (65.9%) and intensity of S. haematobium infection (78.4%) 2 years after single treatment. A significant reduction in S. mansoni infection was also achieved. Conclusion Significant and sustained reduction in S. haematobium infection was achieved by biennial treatment in school-age children in Burkina Faso. This may provide a cost-effective treatment strategy for similar national schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectif Evaluer l'impact sur la schistosomiase du traitement biennal contre la schistosomiase par le praziquantel (PZQ) chez les enfants d'age scolaire du Burkina Faso, premier pays ayant obtenu une couverture nationale totale par ce traitement de plus de 90 % de la population d'age scolaire. Methodes Une cohorte de 1727 ecoliers (6-14 ans) a ete suivie a intervalles d'un an, a travers une enquete longitudinale. D'autres groupes d'ecoliers ont ete suivis dans le cadre d'enquetes transversales. Des examens parasitologiques, visant a mettre en evidence Schistosoma haematobium et Schistosoma mansoni, ont ete pratiques. La prevalence et l'intensite de l'infestation avant et apres le traiternent ont egalement ete analysees. Resultats Les donnees collectees pour la cohorte longitudinale montrent qu'une tournee unique de traitement par le PZQ a permis de reduire la prevalence de l'infestation par S. haematobium de 87 % (baisse considerable de 59,6 % a 7,7 %) et l'intensite de cette infestation de 92,8 % (baisse de 94,2 a 6,8 oeufs/10 ml d'urine) deux ans apres le traitement. Cet effet sur I'infestation a ete confirme par une enquete transversale realisee 2 ans egalement apres le traitement. Point important : la proportion d'enfants d'age scolaire lourdement infestes par S. haematobium est tombee de pres de 25 % avant le traitement a environ 2-3 % deux ans apres celui-ci. Des comparaisons transversales chez les enfants de 7 ans en premiere annee d'ecole primaire, ayant recu le traitement par le biais des systemes de delivrance communautaires, ont mis en evidence une diminution a la fois de la prevalence (65,9 %) et de l'intensite (78,4 %) de I'infestation par S. haematobium deux ans apres le traitement unique. Ces comparaisons relevaient aussi une baisse consequente de l'infestation par S. mansoni. Conclusion Une diminution importante et durable de l'infestation par S. haematobium a ete obtenue par un traitement biennal des enfants d'age scolaire au Burkina Faso. Cette demarche pourrait constituer une strategie de traitement d'un bon rapport cout/ efficacite pour d'autres programmes nationaux analogues de lutte contre la schistosomiase en Afrique sub-saharienne. Objetivo Evaluar el impacto en la esquistosomiasis a los dos anos del tratamiento bienal con prazicuantel (PZQ) en una poblacion de ninos en edad escolar en Burkina Faso, el primer pais que logro la plena cobertura nacional tratando a mas del 90% de la poblacion en edad escolar. Metodos Se realizo un estudio longitudinal para seguir la evolucion de una cohorte de 1727 escolares (6-14 anos) a intervalos de un ano. Se sometio tambien a seguimiento a otros grupos de escolares mediante encuestas transversales. Se realizaron examenes parasitologicos para detectar la presencia de Schistosoma haematobium y Schistosoma mansoni, determinandose la prevalencia e intensidad de la infeccion antes y despues del tratamiento. Resultados Los datos de la cohorte longitudinal muestran que, transcurridos dos anos, una sola ronda de tratamiento con PZQ habia reducido considerablemente la prevalencia -un 87% (de 59,6% a 7,7%)- e intensidad -92,8% (de 94,2 a 6,8 huevos/10 ml de orina)- de la infeccion por S. haematobium. El impacto en la infeccion se vio confirmado tambien por una encuesta transversal realizada a los 2 anos del tratamiento. Un dato importante es que la proporcion de ninos en edad escolar con infeccion seria disminuyo de aproximadamente un 25% antes del tratamiento a un 2%-3% a los 2 anos del mismo. La comparacion transversal del estado de infeccion por S. haematobium entre ninos de 7 anos en su primer ano de escolaridad, que recibieron tratamiento gracias a un sistema de suministro de medicamentos basado en la comunidad, tambien puso de relieve una reduccion importante tanto de la prevalencia (65,9%) como de la intensidad (78,4%) de la infeccion por S. haematobium dos anos despues del tratamiento unico. Tambien se logro reducir de forma notable la infeccion por S. mansoni. Conclusion El tratamiento bienal de los ninos en edad escolar en Burkina Faso logro reducir considerablemente y de forma sostenida la infeccion por S. haematobium. Este brindaria una estrategia de tratamiento costoeficaz para otros programas nacionales similares de control de la esquistosomiasis en el Africa subsahariana., Introduction Two main forms of human schistosomiasis or bilharzia exist in Africa--urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium infection and intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni infection. "There are around 165 [...]

Objective In the year 2000, the Philippines' Department of Health adopted mass chemotherapy using praziquantel to eliminate schistosomiasis. Mass treatment was offered to an eligible population of 30 187 residents of 50 villages in Western Samar, the Philippines, in 2004 as part of an ongoing epidemiological study, Schistosomiasis Transmission and Ecology in the Philippines (STEP), aimed at measuring the effect of irrigation on infection with schistosomiasis. This paper descdbes the mass-treatment activities and factors associated with participation. Methods Advocacy, information dissemination and social mobilization activities were conducted before mass chemotherapy. Village leaders were primarily responsible for community mobilization. Mass treatment was offered in village meeting halls and schools. Participation proportions were estimated based on the 2002-2003 census. Community involvement was measured using a participation index; A Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the association between sociodemographic factors and residents coming to the treatment site. Findings A village-level average of 53.1% of residents (range: 21.1-85.3) came to the treatment site, leading to a mass-treatment coverage with an average of 48.3% (range: 15.8-80.7). At the individual level, participation proportions were higher among males, preschool and school-age children, non-STEP participants and among those who provided a stool sample. At the village-level, better community involvement was associated with increased participation whereas a larger census was associated with decreased participation. Conclusion The conduct of mass treatment in the 50 villages resulted in far lower participation than expected. This raises concern for the ongoing mass-treatment initiatives now taking place in developing countries. Une traduction en francais de ce resume figure a la fin de l'article. Al final del articulo se facilita una traduccion al espanol. Objectif En 2000, le ministere de la sante philippin a adopte la chimiotherapie de masse par le praziquantel pour eliminer la schistosomiase. Le traitement de masse a ete propose a une population justiciable de ce traitement, composee de 30 187 habitants de 50 villages du Samar occidental, aux Philippines, en 2004, dans le cadre d'une etude epidemiologique en cours, le projet STEP sur la transmission et l'ecologie de la schistosomiase aux Philippines. Ce projet STEP vise a mesurer l'impact de l'irrigation sur l'infection par la schistosomiase. Le present article decrit les operations de traitement de masse et ies facteurs lies a la participation a ce traitement. Methodes Des operations de sensibilisation, de diffusion de l'information et de mobilisation sociale ont ete menees avant la chimiotherapie de masse. Ce sont principalement les chefs de village qui ont assure la mobilisation communautaire. Le traitement a ete propose dans les salles de reunion et les ecoles des villages. Les taux de participation ont ete estimes sur la base du recensement de 2002-2003. L'implication de la communaute a ete mesuree par un indice de participation. Un modele de regression logistique hierarchique bayesien a ete applique pour estimer l'association entre des facteurs sociodemographiques et la venue des habitants sur le site de traitement. Resultats En moyenne dans les villages, 53,1% des habitants (plage de variation : 21,1--85,3) se sont rendus sur le site de traitement, ce qui donne un taux de couverture moyen de 48,3 % (plage de variation : 15,8--80,7). Au niveau individuel, le taux de participation etait plus eleve chez les hommes, les enfants d'age prescolaire et scolaire, les personnes ne participant pas au projet STEP et ceux ayant fourni un echantillon de selles. A l'echelle des villages, une plus grande implication de la communaute etait associee a une plus forte participation, tandis qu'un recensement plus large etait associe a une faible participation. Conclusion Le traitement de masse realise dans 50 villages a donne lieu a une participation bien plus reduite que prevu. Cette observation est preoccupante pour les initiatives de traitement de masse en cours actuellement dans les pays en developpement. Objetivo En el ano 2000, el Ministerio de Salud de Filipinas adopto la antibioticoterapia masiva con prazicuantel como medio de eliminacion de la esquistosomiasis. En 2004 se ofrecio tratamiento masivo a una poblacion idonea de 30 187 residentes en 50 aldeas de Samar occidental, Filipinas, como parte de un estudio epidemiologico en curso--Transmision y Ecologia de la Esquistosomiasis en Filipinas (STEP)--concebido para medir el efecto del riego en la infeccion por esquistosoma. En este articulo se describen las actividades de tratamiento masivo y los factores asociados a la participacion. Metodos Antes de la antibioticoterapia masiva se llevaron a cabo actividades de promocion, difusion de informacion y movilizacion social. Los lideres de aldea fueron los principales responsables de la movilizacion comunitaria. Se ofrecio tratamiento masivo en las salas de reunion y las escuelas de las aldeas. Los porcentajes de participacion se estimaron a partir dei censo de 2002-2003, y la implicacion de la comunidad se midio empieando un indice de participacion. Se aplico un modelo jerarquico bayesiano de regresion logistica para estimar la relacion entre los factores sociodemograficos y la visita de los residentes al centro de tratamiento. Resultados A nivel de aldea, acudieron al centro de tratamiento una media dei 53,1% de los residentes (intervalo: 21,1-85,3), lo que se tradujo en una cobertura de tratamiento masivo del 48,3% (intervalo: 15,8-80,7). A nivel individual, los porcentajes de participacion fueron mayores entre los hombres, los ninos en edad preescolar y escolar, los participantes ajenos a STEP y las personas que proporcionaron una muestra de heces. A nivel de aldea, una mayor implicacion de la comunidad se asocio a una mayor participacion; esta disminuia en cambio cuanto mayor era el censo. Conclusion La practica del tratamiento masivo en las 50 aldeas estudiadas se asocio a una participacion muy inferior a la prevista. Esto Suscita preocupacion en relacion con las iniciativas de tratamiento masivo que se estan Ilevando a cabo en los paises en desarrollo., Introduction Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. Some 6.7 million people distributed in 1212 villages (barangays), predominantly in the islands of Leyte, Samar and areas of [...]

Objective: To identify outcomes and prognostic variables that predict survival outcomes in adult Wilms tumour patients. Methods: We collected data on 128 patients with adult Wilms tumour treated between 1973 [...]

The diagnosis and management of malignant primary brain tumors or gliomas in adults are discussed. Some of the investigational therapies used for malignant gliomas are highlighted.

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of docetaxel and paclitaxel, taxenes that are administered on a weekly basis or once in three weeks for the treatment of breast cancer. Results revealed that weekly doses of paclitaxel after chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide increased the survival rate of women with breast cancer.

A study to determine the need for gene expression profiling with clinical and pathological risk factors in the prognosis and therapeutic strategies for early stage breast cancer is conducted. Results confirm that gene expression signatures are useful in refining prognosis for breast cancer.

A randomized phase 3 trial results of the treatment of squamous-cell carcinoma of head and neck is presented. Patients receiving docetaxel plus cisplatin and fluorouracil induction chemotherapy plus chemoradiotherapy showed longer survival than those receiving cisplatin and fluorouracil induction chemotherapy plus chemoradiotherapy.

In electroehemotherapy (ECT) electropermeabilization, parameters (pulse amplitude, electrode setup) need to be customized in order to expose the whole tumor to electric field intensities above permeabilizing threshold to achieve effective ECT. In this paper, we present a model-based optimization approach toward determination of optimal electropermeabilization parameters for effective ECT. The optimization is carried out by minimizing the difference between the permeabilization threshold and electric field intensities computed by finite element model in selected points of tumor. We examined the feasibility of model-based optimization of electropermeabilization parameters on a model geometry generated from computer tomography images, representing brain tissue with tumor. Continuous parameter subject to optimization was pulse amplitude. The distance between electrode pairs was optimized as a discrete parameter. Optimization also considered the pulse generator constraints on voltage and current. During optimization the two constraints were reached preventing the exposure of the entire volume of the tumor to electric field intensities above permeabilizing threshold. However, despite the fact that with the particular needle array holder and pulse generator the entire volume of the tumor was not permeabilized, the maximal extent of permeabilization for the particular case (electrodes, tissue) was determined with the proposed approach. Model-based optimization approach could also be used for electro-gene transfer, where electric field intensities should be distributed between permeabilizing threshold and irreversible threshold--the latter causing tissue necrosis. This can be obtained by adding constraints on maximum electric field intensity in optimization procedure. Index Terms--Electrochemotherapy, electro gene transfer, electropermeabilization, modeling, optimization.

In vertebrates, the TLRs are a family of specialized immune receptors that induce protective immune responses when they detect highly conserved pathogen-expressed molecules. Synthetic agonists for several TLRs, including TLR3, [...]

Various treatments based on antimonium chemotherapy or potent antibiotics are being devised for treating Leishmaniasis, a very infectious disease caused by kinetoplastid parasites. Researchers have isolated three new disulfated meroterpenoids, namely ilhabrene, ilhabelanol and isoakaterpin, which act as the inhibitors of the antileishmaniasis target adenosine phosphoribosyl transferase, the details of isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activities of which, are presented.

The effect of addition of chemotherapy to preoperative radiotherapy and the use of postoperative chemotherapy in the treatment of T3 or T4 resectable rectal cancer is examined. It is concluded that adding fluorouracil-based chemotherapy preoperatively or postoperatively to rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy has no significant effect on survival, but chemotherapy provides a significant benefit to local control regardless of timing.

Abstract Ifosfamide (ifo) is a commonly used drug in chemotherapy. It is metabolized to acrolein (acro) and chloroacetaldehyde (CAA), which are thought to be responsible for renal side effects. We [...]

Abstract We report the case of an 8-month-old female infant presenting with bilateral, diffusely enlarged kidneys. A diagnosis of bilateral, universal nephroblastomatosis was made on tissue biopsies from both kidneys [...]

Byline: Ivar Astby (1), Leiv S. Rusten (2), Gunnar Kvalheim (2), Per Grottum (1) Keywords: Granulopoiesis; Mathematical model; High dose chemotherapy; Stem cell support; Engraftment time; CFU-GM cells; CD34+ cells Abstract: High dose chemotherapy supported with hematopoietic progenitor cells gives a characteristic neutropenic period (blood neutrophils &lt 0.5a10.sup.9 c/l) ranging from 10 to 16 days. The question of a correlation between the CFU-GM content of the transplanted CD34+ cells and time to neutrophil recovery by patients having been given high-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) with stem cell support was addressed by means of a mathematical model of granulopoiesis. The model utilizes a convection-reaction partial differential equation (PDE) with feedback from a cytokine compartment on proliferation, maturation, and mobilization of granulocytes from bone marrow to blood. The observed number of CFU-GM cells in the transplanted CD34+ cell autograft was used as input to the model. Using this approach, the observed gross relationship between CFU-GM content in the reinfused blood product and engraftment time could be reproduced. At the same time, the effects of assumed physiological mechanisms, especially some of the effects of G-CSF on proliferation rate, maturation rate, mobilization, and cell death, could be investigated and discussed relative to observed engraftment. The model makes it possible to explain how cytokines interfere with progenitor cell mobilization from bone marrow to blood, and it points out the implications of a regulating mechanism for the granulocyte maturation rate. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway (2) Stem Cell Laboratory, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway Article History: Received Date: 16/01/2001 Online Date: 23/04/2003

Byline: Emilio Esteban (1), Joaquin Fra (1), Norberto Corral (1), Miguel Valle (1), Juan Carrasco (1), Marian Sala (1), Javier Puerta (1), Enrique Estrada (1), Isabel Palacio (1), Jose Maria Vieitez (1), Jose Maria Buesa (1), Angel Jimenez Lacave (1) Keywords: chemotherapy; gemcitabine; NSCLC; phase I/II; vinorelbine Abstract: Background: Because gemcitabine andvinorelbine have demonstrated single-agentactivity in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), we conducted this phase I/II studyto determine the maximum tolerated dose(MTD) and activity of these drugs combined. Patients and methods: Patients withinoperable or advanced NSCLC and no priorchemotherapy were treated with gemcitabineplus vinorelbine on days 1 and 8 every 21days. The initial doses of gemcitabine1,000 mg/m.sup.2 and vinorelbine25 mg/m.sup.2 were escalated by250 mg/m.sup.2 and 5 mg/m.sup.2,respectively, in separate patient cohortsuntil the MTD was established. Results: In phase I, 32 patientsreceived a total of 115 cycles. Dose-limiting toxicities were neutropeniaand hepatotoxicity, occurring at the doselevel of 1,500 mg/m.sup.2 and30 mg/m.sup.2. Thus, the MTD used forphase II was 1,250 mg/m.sup.2 and30 mg/m.sup.2. Of 41 patients in phase II,16 (39%) achieved objective responses(95% confidence interval [CI] 24% to54%), with a median time to progression of4.2 months. Overall survival was 9 months(95% CI 5.7 to 12.7 months) and the 1-yearsurvival rate was 31%. World HealthOrganization (WHO) aY=grade 3neutropenia and reversible thrombocytosisoccurred in 15% and 65% of patients,respectively. Non-hematologic toxicity wasmild at all dose levels. Grades 3 and 4hepatotoxicity were reported in one patienteach. Conclusion: The combination of1,250 mg/m.sup.2 gemcitabine and30 mg/m.sup.2 vinorelbine on days 1 and 8every 21 days is well tolerated and activein patients with NSCLC. These resultsshould be confirmed in comparativestudies. Author Affiliation: (1) Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain Article History: Registration Date: 10/10/2004

Byline: B. Erdlenbruch (1), Arnulf Pekrun (1), Christian Roth (1), R. Willi Grunewald (2), Wolfgang Kern (3), Max Lakomek (1) Keywords: KeywordsaCisplatin; Nephrotoxicity; Children; Administration rate; Pharmacokinetics; Chemotherapy Abstract: Little is known about the association be- tween the rate of cisplatin administration and the severity of cisplatin-induced renal damage in children. The purpose of this study was to compare severity and reversibility of renal damage in children after continuous and repetitive bolus administration of cisplatin and to correlate these data with pharmacokinetic parameters. Study subjects included six children (ten courses) re-ceiving cisplatin as 1-h bolus infusions on three consecutive days (3x40 mg/m.sup.2) and four children (eight courses) receiving 72-h continuous infusions (120 mg/m.sup.2). In all courses, signs of glomerular and tubular damage were seen, as evidenced by elevated urinary excretion of [alpha].sub.1-microglobulin, albumin and N-acetyl-[beta]-d-glucosaminidase and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Comparing the two infusion regimens, the 1-h bolus administration of cisplatin was followed by significantly higher peak free platinum concentrations in plasma and urine (P&lt 0.001), resulting in lower nadirs of the GFR (P&lt 0.005). Correlations were found between both peak free platinum concentrations in plasma and urine and maxima of urinary albumin and N-acetyl-[beta]-d-glucosaminidase excretion. Within 12 months after completion of cisplatin therapy, children in the 1-h bolus group had recovered only partially from subclinical nephrotoxicity, with five out of six showing pathological proteinuria. The results provide clear evidence that long-term ciplatin infusions are less nephrotoxic than repetitive bolus infusions. Author Affiliation: (1) Kinderklinik der Universitat Gottingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Gottingen, Germany e-mail: erdlenbr@med.uni-goettingen.de Tel.: +49-551-396210, Fax: +49-551-396231, DE (2) Abteilung Nephrologie und Rheumatologie, Zentrum Innere Medizin, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Gottingen, Germany, DE (3) Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III der Universitat Munchen, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81366 Munich, Germany, DE Article note: Received: 30 August 2000 / Revised: 12 February 2001 / Accepted: 14 February 2001

Byline: Gordan M. Vujanic (1), Meriel E.M. Jenney (2), Haydn Adams (3), Simon M. Meyrick (2) Keywords: Key words: cystic nephroma, renal tumors, Wilms' tumor Abstract: We report a case of juxtaposed Wilms' tumor (WT) and cystic nephroma (CN) in a 21-month-old girl which gave rise to radiological diagnostic difficulty. Preoperative chemotherapy was given, resulting in marked tumor necrosis but the cystic nephroma remained untouched. Histological examination showed characteristic features of a triphasic WT and a CN the two lesions were separated by a thick fibrous capsule. While everybody agrees that WT and cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN) are closely related, there are two opposite views about their relationship to CN. One is that CN may represent the final step in maturation of WT and CPDN. Other authors argue that there is no evidence to support this theory but believe CN might have something in common with nephrogenic rests. We suggest that the two lesions in the present case may have originated from two intralobar nephrogenic rests, which would strengthen the latter view. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN, UK , GB (2) Department of Paediatric Oncology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth near Cardiff CF64 2XX, UK , GB (3) Department of Radiology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth near Cardiff CF64 2XX, UK , GB Article note: Received November 2, 1998 accepted February 16, 1999.

Byline: Lester E. Wold (0) Keywords: Key words: osteosarcoma, chemotherapy, therapeutic response Author Affiliation: (0) Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA , US Article note: Received April 20, 1998 accepted April 27, 1998.

Byline: J. H. Schiller (1) Keywords: Key words: Lung cancer--Chemotherapy--Radiation therapy--Toxicity--Cytoprotection. Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the United States today. The current methods of treatment, radiation and various chemotherapies, have been used with some success however, early detection remains the key to successful therapy. Current clinical trials indicate that an improvement of available therapies is needed. Consequently, the development of new approaches to treatment is foremost in the minds of researchers. Advances in molecular medicine have produced new drugs that can protect normal cells from chemotherapy-induced toxicities, resulting in enhanced drug delivery with few dose reductions. This review will discuss some of the advances that have been made in understanding the molecular biology of lung cancer as well as the current and most promising methods of treatment used for various forms of lung cancer. The potential contribution of cytoprotectors to enhance the safety and effectiveness of these therapies will be examined. Author Affiliation: (1) University of Wisconsin, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53792, USA, US Article note: Accepted for publication: 21 August 1997