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Context Hot flashes (HFs) and sexual dysfunction often affect breast cancer (BC) survivors and compromise their quality of life. Bupropion is an antidepressive medication used for smoking cessation and also has been previously studied for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Objectives We aimed to evaluate bupropion's efficacy in controlling HFs in BC survivors. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study that enrolled 55 BC survivors who reported more than seven HFs per week. Subjects were randomized to receive either bupropion 150mg twice daily for four weeks followed by one week of washout and four more weeks of placebo twice daily or vice versa. The primary end point was average daily HF activity (number of HFs and a score combining number and severity) reported while on bupropion or on placebo. Secondary end points were sexual dysfunction, depression, and quality of life evaluated with the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30, respectively. Results Bupropion reduced HFs by 1.26 per day and the HF score by 6.31%, whereas placebo reduced HFs by 2.11 per day ( P >0.05) and the HF score by 30.47% ( P >0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between bupropion and placebo in the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30. At the end of the study, 47% of the patients preferred bupropion, whereas 53% preferred placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in side effects between the study groups. Conclusion Compared with placebo, bupropion did not control HFs in this group of BC survivors.

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection present higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the mechanism of this association and the role of antiviral treatment are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the use of peguilated interferon and the development of insulin resistance (IR) in these patients. Methods: HOMA index was evaluated in 30 HCV-infected patients just before and during the first 6 months of treatment with peguilated interferon plus ribavirin. Anthropometrical parameters and glucose/cholesterol profile were also monitored. Results: No changes in HOMA after 6 months of treatment were observed. Glucose levels decreased but not significantly (P = 0.059). Patients with higher HOMA index after 6 months of treatment also presented higher aminotransferase levels (P = 0.03), higher fat index on computed tomography (P = 0.011), longer time of exposure to the virus (P = 0.021), and a positive smoking history when compared to non-insulin resistant patients (P = 0.045). There was no influence of fibrosis stage on liver biopsy in the insulin-resistance development. Conclusions: No changes in the IR were observed after 6 months of treatment. Insulin resistance is related to the abdominal fat and anthropometrical parameters rather than to the antiviral treatment. J. Med. Virol. 78:1406–1410, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Background Sexual morbidity after chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for breast cancer can seriously affect patients' quality of life. Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been reported to increase libido. Objective To investigate the improvement of sexual function in female breast cancer patients using bupropion. Patients and methods We performed an 8-week open trial using bupropion in women diagnosed with breast cancer who had received chemotherapy and were currently receiving adjunctive hormonal therapy. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used. The ASEX scale includes five questions that evaluate sexual function in the following areas: libido, excitability and ability to reach orgasm. Women received oral Bupropion 150 mg/daily for 8 weeks and were evaluated prior to the initiation of the study and again during Weeks 4 and 8. Results Twenty patients were included in the study. At the beginning of the study, the mean ASEX score was 23.45 [21.67–25.24] 95% CI. After 4 weeks of treatment, we observed a reduction in the mean ASEX score that persisted until the end of the study, at eight weeks: 18.45 [16.59–20.31] 95% CI (P = 0.0003) and 18.95 [16.60–21.30] 95% CI (P = 0.0024), respectively. Conclusion In this non-controlled open trial bupropion 150 mg/daily was associated with improved sexual function in women receiving adjuvant systemic treatment for breast cancer.

Cancer antigen (CA)-125 is a useful tumor marker for the follow up of ovarian and lung cancer. It is a sensitive, but not specific, tumor marker. Increased serum CA-125 levels have already been described in a number of benign and malignant diseases. We report two cases of increased serum CA-125 levels status post thoracotomy for resection of an early stage lung tumor that regressed spontaneously 3 and 8 months following surgery. Serum CA-125 levels may increase after thoracotomy, unrelated to tumor recurrence. Therefore, CA-125 levels obtained postoperatively should be interpreted with caution.

6072 Background: Sexual morbidity after chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for breast cancer can seriously affect patients’ quality of life. Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been reported to increase libido. Objective: To investigate the improvement of sexual function in female breast cancer patients using bupropion. Methods: We performed an eight week open trial using bupropion in women diagnosed with breast cancer who had received chemotherapy and were currently receiving adjunctive hormonal therapy. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used. The ASEX scale includes five questions that evaluate sexual function in the following areas: libido, excitability and ability to reach orgasm. Women received oral Bupropion 150mg/ daily for eight weeks and were evaluated prior to the initiation of the study and again during Weeks 4 and 8. Results: Twenty patients were included in the study. At the beginning of the study, the mean ASEX score was 23.45 [21.67–25.24] 95% CI. After four weeks of treatment, we observed a reduction in the mean ASEX score that persisted until the end of the study, at eight weeks: 18.45 [16.59–20.31] 95% CI, p = 0.0003) and 18.95 (SD ± 5.02 [16.60–21.30] 95% CI, p = 0.0024), respectively. Conclusions: In this non-controlled open trial bupropion 150 mg/daily was associated with improved sexual function in women receiving adjuvant systemic treatment for breast cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.