Safe use of systemic bevacizumab for respiratory recurrent papillomatosis in two children.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis can be a devastating condition for a child, with severe consequences. Currently, there is no proven successful medical treatment. We describe the use of systemic bevacizumab to treat two children affected by aggressive recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Respiratory symptoms and quality of life improved dramatically in both patients, without observing any toxicity. The only complication was mild proteinuria. Systemic bevacizumab is a promising adjuvant treatment in aggressive recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in children. It is effective and well tolerated. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal dosing frequency and duration of therapy. Laryngoscope, 129:1001-1004, 2019.

Life stressors, emotional avoidance and breast cancer.

Two groups of women were assessed in psychological aspects considered by some authors of interest for personal well-being. The sample consisted of 118 women, 58 diagnosed with breast cancer and 60 healthy women, of similar ages and personal circumstances. The purpose of the study was: (a) to explore the existence of stressful life events in the women's history and their degree of subjective distress and (b) to determine whether or not there is an emotional avoidance style in the group of women with breast cancer. The following assessment instruments were employed: the "Cuestionario de Formas de Afrontamiento" (CEA), the Five-Factor Inventory NEO-PI-R, and the State-Trait Anger Inventory (STAXI). The results revealed more stressful vital events in the last two years in the group of women with breast cancer and significant differences in the degree of current distress. They also obtained higher scores in current anger, resignation, and neuroticism.

Association of Performance Status and Pain in Metastatic Bone Pain Management in the Spanish Clinical Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Bone metastasis is the most common cause of cancer-related pain, and metastatic bone pain (MBP) is not only severe but also progressive in many patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between pain management and performance status in patients with metastatic bone cancer in the Spanish clinical setting. METHODS: A 3-month follow-up prospective, epidemiologic, multicenter study was conducted in 579 patients to assess the evolution of their performance, the impact of pain control on sleep and functionality, and the degree of pain control according to analgesic treatment. RESULTS: In patients with MBP, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status (1.5 ± 0.7-1.3 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.001) and pain (6.5 ± 1.4-2.8 ± 1.9 and 2.1 ± 1.9; p < 0.001) improved significantly from baseline to months 1 and 3, as did functionality and sleep, after a treatment change consisting of increasing the administration of opioids. Evolution of ECOG and pain were closely related. ECOG and pain outcomes were significantly more favorable in patients treated with opioids versus non-opioid treatment, and in patients who did not need rescue medication versus those who did. CONCLUSIONS: MBP is currently poorly managed in Spain. ECOG improvement is closely and directly related to pain management in MBP. Opioid treatment and a lack of requirements for rescue medication are associated with better ECOG and pain outcomes in MBP patients. FUNDING: Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals S.L.