vitamin-b-12 and Thoracic-Neoplasms

The administration of pemetrexed requires routine supplementation with vitamin B12 and folate, even if blood concentrations are normal, in order to mitigate its hematologic toxicity. Emerging data suggest that such premedication can be initiated less than 1 week before starting chemotherapy. The current available data on later administration of vitamin B12 in patients with thoracic tumors are placed into a general context, and the possible role of such strategy in the era of immunooncology is discussed.

Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pemetrexed; Thoracic Neoplasms; Vitamin B 12

The success of chemotherapy of inoperable endothoracic cancer largely depends on interdisciplinary cooperation. 30 years of research have succeeded in developing some promising combinations of cytostatic agents. Administered sequentially they are better tolerated and this has made outpatient treatment possible. 87 persons had polycytostatic therapy according to the Karrer/Sighart formula. It was followed by a difinite improvement in the general condition of the patients, but without any substantial lengthening of the average survival time. The ACO scheme (Seeber/Schmidt) has been used since April 1977 in 42 persons. Preliminary results indicate a definite prologation of survival time, especially in cases of small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bronchial Neoplasms; Cyclophosphamide; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fluorouracil; Humans; Male; Methotrexate; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; Pyridoxine; Thoracic Neoplasms; Vinca Alkaloids; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Abdominal Neoplasms; Catecholamines; Child; Cyclophosphamide; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Neuroblastoma; Pelvic Neoplasms; Radiography; Thoracic Neoplasms; Urine; Vitamin B 12