//THE ONLINE ONCOLOGIST™

The ABCs of BHD

A blog about Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome, the inherited genetic condition that leads to skin lesions, pneumothorax, and an increased risk of renal cancer, is a primary online reference for everything to do with the syndrome.

Brimming with information and resources for medical practitioners, this blog from BHDSyndrome.org endeavors to advance the understanding, management, and treatment of BHD. You’ll find everything from details about an international symposium that will be held in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in May to advances in identifying potential therapies for renal cell carcinoma. BHD Syndrome Blog

//THE EDUCATED PATIENT®

By the Book

“We Have Kidney Cancer” is a 100-plus page publication that serves as a patient-friendly guidebook on the disease. Available through the Kidney Cancer Association Website, the book covers topics ranging from surgical treatments to a patient’s emotional well being.

It includes the most up-to-date information on therapies for renal cell carcinoma, as well as chapters on clinical trials and resources for patients and their families. The book is available as a free download and can be ordered in hard copy. Kidney Cancer Association

//JOURNAL HIGHLIGHT

Encapsulated Cells Slow Tumor Growth

Two preclinical studies demonstrate for the first time that encapsulated mouse kidney cancer cells inhibit the growth of freely growing cancer cells of the same or different type in a laboratory dish and in tumor-bearing animals, researchers from The Rogosin Institute in New York said in a press release.

These findings support the hypothesis that cancer cells entrapped in seaweed-based gel, called “macrobeads,” send biological feedback or signals to freely growing tumors outside the macrobead to slow or stop their growth.

Both studies were published in the February 1 issue of Cancer Research.

//CLINICAL TRIAL

A Study of Pazopanib and Everolimus in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors and Previously Treated Kidney Cancer

STUDY TYPE: Interventional
AGE/SEX REQUIREMENTS: ≥18 years (none)
SPONSOR: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01184326
PURPOSE: This study will evaluate the combination of pazopanib and everolimus in kidney cancer patients who have a malignancy that is metastatic or unresectable and for whom standard curative or palliative measures do not exist or are no longer effective. As they test the safety of the drug combination, investigators will also test for the appropriate dosage. Once the maximum tolerated dose has been identified, an expansion cohort of patients with kidney cancer will be enrolled. Estimated completion date is December 2012. Clinical Trial

//ONLINE CME

Imaging Renal Cell Carcinoma with Ultrasonography, CT, and MRI

CREDITS: 1.25
FEE: None
EXPIRES: May 26, 2011

This CME activity dovetails with the increased use of abdominal imaging techniques for a variety of indications and the consequent more frequent detection of renal cell carcinoma.

The review highlights the techniques, advantages, and limitations of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of renal masses. It also addresses the role of these imaging modalities in disease staging, surveillance of small masses, and patients undergoing systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Medscape CME