Information needs on nutrition in link to cancer prevention among cancer patients, high-risk individuals and general population - A national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nutrition is one of the fundamentals of cancer prevention. Knowing what are the patients' needs and beliefs in terms of "nutrition and cancer" information helps tailor future nutritional interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate specific information needs about "nutrition in relation to cancer prevention", including primary and tertiary prevention, among cancer patients, cancer-free individuals, and genetic high cancer risk individuals. METHODS: This online survey was shared within two large National cancer social networks and proposed to all attendees and carers of a comprehensive cancer center. RESULTS: 2887 individuals answered the survey (of whom 33% were cancer patients, 13% high-risk individuals and 55% participants of the general population). More than 80% of participants were women, had at least a high school degree. Median body mass index was 23.2 kg/m2. Eleven percent (n = 321) were following a diet, mostly low carbohydrate and weight-loss diets. Around 70% of all categories felt they lacked information on nutrition and cancer interplays. Only 12% of cancer patients (n = 108) considered they had received enough information on nutrition during their care pathway. A majority of participants agreed that food can modify cancer risk (93%, n = 2526) and 66% (n = 1781) considered that nutrition should be personalized according to the risk of cancer. Only twenty-nine percent (n = 792) believed that eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day was enough to avoid cancer, but 64% (n = 1720) thought that dietary supplements could help obtain a better health. All proposed nutrition topics were considered important by the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Although cancer patients and cancer-free respondents, whether at high risk of cancer or not, share a common broad interest on the interplay between nutrition and cancer and seek after more information on this topic, some false beliefs are observed. Healthcare providers could successfully propose more evidence-based information to these populations.

Supportive care organisation in France: an in depth study by the French speaking association for supportive care in cancer (AFSOS).

BACKGROUND: Supportive care in cancer (SCC) was further enhanced in the Second National Cancer Act decreed in December 2009. The aim of our study was to assess current SCC efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The French speaking association for supportive care in cancer (AFSOS) conducted an observational study to evaluate practices, organisations and information given to patients. A specific 32 point questionnaire was sent to 1621 French physicians (MDs) caring for cancer patients. RESULTS: Three different organisations were evaluated: the individual MDs, the transversal team and its particular structure specialised in global patient care specifically developed at comprehensive cancer centres - CCC. During their disease, 68% of patients received SCC, which was more available during the palliative period (90%) than at the diagnosis (44%). Our results found that 71% of cancer departments had a specific interdisciplinary cross-team to provide SCC, particularly in CCC (62%; p=0.01) while 37% had specific inpatient units. A specific organisation dedicated to home care was greater in CCC than in public or private centres (69%, 45%, 20% respectively; p=0.01). Adverse event information was performed more by an oncologist than other specialists (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the specific SCC organisation could be a useful management tool to improve supportive care for cancer patients.

[Angiogenesis inhibition: review of the activity of sorafenib, sunitinib and bevacizumab]. / Inhibiteurs de l'angiogenèse : revues de l'apport thérapeutique du sorafenib, du sunitinib et du bevacizumab dans le cancer du rein métastatique.

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 3% of all human malignancies. The use of cytokines in metastatic stage of disease has been the standard until last decades, presenting partial and short duration responses. Research on angiogenesis in renal carcinoma has brought important advances to understand tumor biology and to allow us development of new antiangiogenic drugs. Sunitinib (SUTENT), sorafenib (NEXAVAR) and bevacizumab (AVASTIN) are actually three molecules accepted to use in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), with a good tolerability demonstrated in different studies. Clinical evidence shows sunitinib to be reference standard of care for the first-line treatment of mRCC. The use of bevacizumab in combination with interferon alfa (IFN alfa) can also be considered in this setting. Sorafenib is recommended for second-line treatment in cytokine-refractory patients, sunitinib being also accepted in this situation. Other combination of these molecules and their use as neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapy is being evaluated and should change in the short term the management of the disease.

[Use of sorafenib in patients with hepatocellular or renal carcinoma]. / Bon usage du sorafénib chez les patients pris en charge pour un carcinome hépatocellulaire ou un cancer du rein.

Therapeutic approaches of cancers have been recently improved by the development of targeted therapies. Amongst these new drugs, some anti-angiogenic molecules have been approved by either the EMEA or the Food and Drug Administration. Sorafenib, one of these inhibitors of angiogenesis, has been established as the standard of care for advanced hepatocellular and renal carcinoma. This paper reviews the safety profile of sorafenib and presents guidelines for the prevention and the treatment of the main side effects associated with this molecule.