Quality of life in elderly breast cancer patients with localized disease receiving endocrine treatment: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: In this paper we study the quality of life (QoL) of elderly breast cancer patients receiving endocrine treatment (ET). More QoL data on elderly patients treated with ET are needed. Our aims are to study QoL in early-stage breast cancer patients throughout the treatment period and compare the QoL of ET groups. METHODS: 148 patients > 65 years who began ET with either tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor (AI) completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 and the Interview for Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in Dementia (IDDD) questionnaires three times over 3 years of ET. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate longitudinal QoL changes. ET group comparisons were conducted after 3 years of treatment via ANCOVA adjusted by basal QoL. RESULTS: QoL scores were high (> 80/100 points) in most QoL areas, with moderate limitations (> 30) in sexual functioning and enjoyment and in future perspective. After 3 years of ET, four QoL areas improved (< 6 points) compared to baseline and 3-month assessments. Hot flushes worsened (8 points) at the 3-month assessment but by 3 years had recovered. AI patients showed more hot flushes, pain and diarrhea and less sexual enjoyment than tamoxifen patients after 3 years of ET (differences 3-12 points). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that elderly early-stage breast cancer patients adapted well to their disease and ET treatment over the 3 years. Few QoL differences were observed between ET groups.

Erratum:Quality of life in long-term premenopausal early-stage breast cancer survivors from Spain. Effects of surgery and time since surgery.

In this article published in Volume 21, issue 5, the authors' names were incorrectly stated in the Pubmed abstract as: "Ignacio Arraras J(1), Juan Illarramendi J, de la Cruz S, Asin G, Manterola A, Ibanez B, Salgado E, Cambra K, Zarandona U, Angel Dominguez M, Vera R.". The correct authors' names are: "Arraras JI(1), Illarramendi JJ, de la Cruz S, Asin G, Manterola A, Ibanez B, Salgado E, Cambra K, Zarandona U, Dominguez MA, Vera R.". This error appeared only in the PubMed database and not in the print form of the Journal.

The EORTC information questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-INFO25. Validation study for Spanish patients

INTRODUCTION: The EORTC QLQ-INFO25 evaluates the information received by cancer patients. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the QLQ-INFO25 when applied to a sample of Spanish patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 169 patients with different cancers and stages of disease completed the EORTC QLQINFO25, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the information scales of the inpatient satisfaction module EORTC IN-PATSAT32 on two occasions during the patients' treatment and follow- up period. Psychometric evaluation of the structure, reliability, validity and responsiveness to changes was conducted. Patient acceptability was assessed with a debriefing questionnaire. RESULTS: Multi-trait scaling confirmed the 4 multi-item scales (information about disease, medical tests, treatment and other services) and eight single items. All items met the standards for convergent validity and all except one met the standards of item discriminant validity. Internal consistency for all scales (α>0.70) and the whole questionnaire (α>0.90) was adequate in the three measurements, except information about the disease (0.67) and other services (0.68) in the first measurement, as was test-retest reliability (intraclass correlations >0.70). Correlations with related areas of IN-PATSAT32 (r>0.40) supported convergent validity. Divergent validity was confirmed through low correlations with EORTC QLQ-C30 scales (r<0.30). The EORTC QLQ-INFO-25 discriminated among groups based on gender, age, education, levels of anxiety and depression, treatment line, wish for information and satisfaction. One scale and an item showed changes over time. CONCLUSIONS: The EORTC QLQ-INFO 25 is a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish cancer patients. These results are in line with those of the EORTC validation study (AU)

[Health-related quality of life in the oncology departments of the hospital of Navarra. The EORTC Quality of Life Group]. / Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los servicios de Oncología del Hospital de Navarra. Grupo de Calidad de Vida de la.

Quality of life assessment is one of the key elements of the care that is offered to cancer patients. The aim of this work is to present the research line on quality of life that has been carried out since 1992 in the Oncology Departments of the Hospital de Navarra. These departments actively collaborate with the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer - EORTC - Quality of Life Group in creating questionnaires and also in other projects of this group. Our institution has coordinated the development process of the EORTC information module. Different EORTC questionnaires have been validated for use in our country. Quality of life studies have been carried out in the main tumour sites and in other areas, such as patients' satisfaction with care. This research line has a direct benefit on the attention that patients receive.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los servicios de Oncología del Hospital de Navarra. Grupo de Calidad de Vida de la EORTC / Health-related Quality of Life in the Oncology departments of the Hospital of Navarra. The EORTC Quality of Life Group

La evaluación de la calidad de vida es uno de los elementos clave de la atención que se ofrece al paciente oncológico. Este trabajo presenta la línea de investigación que sobre la calidad de vida se ha realizado desde 1992 en los servicios de oncología del Hospital de Navarra. Se trabaja dentro del Grupo de Calidad de Vida de la Organización Europea para la Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer –EORTC– en el desarrollo de cuestionarios y en otros proyectos. Se ha coordinado la creación de la escala de la EORTC de información. Se han validado instrumentos de medida de dicho organismo para nuestro país. Se han llevado a cabo estudios de calidad de vida en tumores y en satisfacción delos pacientes con los cuidados recibidos. Esta línea de investigación tiene un beneficio directo en la atención que reciben los pacientes(AU)

Quality of life assessment is one of the key elements of the care that is offered to cancer patients. The aim of this work is to present the research line on quality of life that has been carried out since 1992 in the Oncology Departments of the Hospital de Navarra. These departments actively collaborate with the European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer –EORTC– Quality of Life Group in creating questionnaires and also in other projects of this group. Our institution has coordinated the development process of the EORTC information module. Different EORTC questionnaires have been validated for use in our country. Quality of life studies have been carried out in the main tumour sites and in other areas, such as patients’ satisfaction with care. This research line has a direct benefit on the attention that patients receive(AU)

[The clinical application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy]. / Aplicación clínica de la radioterapia de intensidad modulada.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) represents one of the greatest technical innovations in modern radiotherapy. Its capacity of achieving treatments with the dose conforming largely to the irradiated area makes it possible to treat volumes close to organs at risk with great safety These characteristics make it an ideal technique for studies, whether for reducing toxicity in organs at risk, or for intensifying dosages to improve the control of the disease. The first part of the article considers what is understood by IMRT and its peculiar dosimetric characteristics, as well the types of IMRT; the second part deals with the clinical evidence in some localisations such as tumours of the head and neck, prostate and breast.

[Clinical impact of image guided radiotherapy]. / Radioterapia guiada por imagen. Impacto clínico.

Image guided radiotherapy (IGR) is a concept that encompasses the most modern way of administering radiotherapy treatment. The aim is to maximise the dose deposited in the target volume, minimising the dose in healthy organs. This would not be possible without the continuous development of technology and software, above all in the following areas: deformable image registration, replanning new treatments, real time image and calculation of accumulated dose. While the clinical impact is evident, little is said about the impact on the reorganisation of the Radiotherapy Oncology services. IGR supposes training all team members involved, with a training and a starting period. With the experience acquired, the time dedicated to each patient (in all stages of treatment: simulation, planning, starting out, systems for verifying position, on-line, off-line corrections, replanning, periodic clinical controls) is far higher than that required in conventional radiotherapy, which gives rise to new responsibilities and roles.

Aplicación clínica de la radioterapia de intensidad modulada / The clinical application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy

La radioterapia de intensidad modulada (IMRT)representa una de las mayores innovaciones técnicasde la moderna radioterapia. Su capacidad de conseguirtratamientos con la dosis altamente conformada al áreade irradiación permite tratar volúmenes próximos aórganos de riesgo con gran seguridad. Estas característicasla convierten en una técnica ideal para estudios,bien de disminución de toxicidad en órganos de riesgo,bien de intensificación de dosis para mejorar el controlde la enfermedad. La primera parte de este artículo tratarásobre qué se entiende por IMRT y sus peculiarescaracterísticas dosimétricas, así como de los tipos deIMRT; en la segunda parte se tratará la evidencia clínicaen algunas de las localizaciones más investigadas comoson tumores de cabeza y cuello, próstata y mama(AU)

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)represents one of the greatest technical innovationsin modern radiotherapy. Its capacity of achievingtreatments with the dose conforming largely to the irradiatedarea makes it possible to treat volumes close toorgans at risk with great safety These characteristicsmake it an ideal technique for studies, whether for reducingtoxicity in organs at risk, or for intensifying dosagesto improve the control of the disease. The first partof the article considers what is understood by IMRTand its peculiar dosimetric characteristics, as well thetypes of IMRT; the second part deals with the clinicalevidence in some localisations such as tumours of thehead and neck, prostate and breast(AU)

Radioterapia guiada por imagen. Impacto clínico / Clinical impact of image guided radiotherapy

La radioterapia guiada por imagen (RTGI) es unconcepto que engloba la manera más moderna de administrarel tratamiento radioterápico El objetivo esmaximizar la dosis depositada en el volumen a tratar(target), minimizando la dosis en los órganos sanos.Esto no sería posible sin el continuo desarrollo tecnológicoy de los software, sobre todo en las siguientesáreas: registrar imágenes deformables, replanificar nuevostratamientos, imagen en tiempo real y cálculo dedosis acumulada.El impacto clínico es evidente, pero poco se habladel impacto en la reorganización de los servicios de OncologíaRadioterápica. La RTGI supone un entrenamientode todo el equipo involucrado, con un periodo deaprendizaje y puesta en marcha. Con la experiencia adquirida,el tiempo dedicado a cada paciente (en todaslas etapas de su tratamiento: simulación, planificación,puesta en marcha, sistemas de verificación de posicionamiento,correcciones on-line, off-line, replanificación,controles clínicos periódicos), es muy superior al quese precisa en la radioterapia convencional, motivo porel que aparecen nuevas responsabilidades y roles(AU)

Image guided radiotherapy (IGR) is a concept thatencompasses the most modern way of administering radiotherapytreatment. The aim is to maximise the dosedeposited in the target volume, minimising the dose inhealthy organs.This would not be possible without the continuousdevelopment of technology and software, above all inthe following areas: deformable image registration, replanningnew treatments, real time image and calculationof accumulated dose.While the clinical impact is evident, little is saidabout the impact on the reorganisation of the RadiotherapyOncology services. IGR supposes training all teammembers involved, with a training and a starting period.With the experience acquired, the time dedicatedto each patient (in all stages of treatment: simulation,planning, starting out, systems for verifying position,on-line, off-line corrections, replanning, periodic clinicalcontrols) is far higher than that required in conventionalradiotherapy, which gives rise to new responsibilities and roles(AU)

The EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients with prostate cancer: EORTC QLQ-PR25. Validation study for Spanish patients.

OBJECTIVES: The EORTC Quality of Life (QL) Group has developed a questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-PR25, for evaluating QL in prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQPR25 when applied to a sample of Spanish patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven prostate cancer patients with localised disease who started radiotherapy with radical intention combined with or without hormonotherapy prospectively completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaires three times: on the first and last day of radiotherapy and in the follow-up period. Psychometric evaluation of the questionnaires' structure, reliability and validity was conducted. RESULTS: Multitrait scaling analysis showed that many of the item-scale correlation coefficients met the standards of convergent and discriminant validity. Exceptions appeared mainly in the scales for bowel symptoms and for hormonal- treatment-related symptoms. Cronbach's coefficients of the scales were good (0.72-0.86) for the urinary symptoms and sexual function scales but they were lower (<0.70) for the bowel and hormonal treatment scales. Most scales of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 had low to moderate intercorrelations. Correlations between the scales of the QLQ-C30 and the module were generally low. Group comparison analyses showed better QL in patients with higher Performance Status. Changes in QL appeared throughout the measurements. These were in line with the treatment process. CONCLUSIONS: The EORTC QLQ-PR25 was a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish prostate cancer patients. These results are in line with those of the EORTC validation study.

The EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients with prostate cancer: EORTC QLQ-PR25. Validation study for Spanish patients

OBJECTIVES: The EORTC Quality of Life (QL) Group has developed a questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-PR25, for evaluating QL in prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQPR25 when applied to a sample of Spanish patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-seven prostate cancer patients with localised disease who started radiotherapy with radical intention combined with or without hormonotherapy prospectively completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaires three times: on the first and last day of radiotherapy and in the follow-up period. Psychometric evaluation of the questionnaires' structure, reliability and validity was conducted. RESULTS: Multitrait scaling analysis showed that many of the item-scale correlation coefficients met the standards of convergent and discriminant validity. Exceptions appeared mainly in the scales for bowel symptoms and for hormonal- treatment-related symptoms. Cronbach's coefficients of the scales were good (0.72-0.86) for the urinary symptoms and sexual function scales but they were lower (<0.70) for the bowel and hormonal treatment scales. Most scales of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 had low to moderate intercorrelations. Correlations between the scales of the QLQ-C30 and the module were generally low. Group comparison analyses showed better QL in patients with higher Performance Status. Changes in QL appeared throughout the measurements. These were in line with the treatment process. CONCLUSIONS: The EORTC QLQ-PR25 was a reliable and valid instrument when applied to a sample of Spanish prostate cancer patients. These results are in line with those of the EORTC validation study (AU)

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Impact of radiotherapy on the quality of life of elderly patients with localized breast cancer. A prospective study

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies on the effect on quality of life (QL) of cancer-related illness and treatment in elderly patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate prospectively QL in a sample of elderly patients with stages I.III breast cancer who started radiotherapy treatment and compare their QL with that of a sample of younger patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients, > or = 65 years of age completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23, and the Interview for Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in Dementia (IDDD) daily activities scale three times throughout treatment and follow-up periods. Clinical and demographic data were also recorded. Fifty patients ages 40-64 years with the same disease stage and treatment modality had previously completed the QL questionnaires. QL scores, changes in them among the three assessments, differences between groups based on clinical factors, and differences between the two samples were calculated. RESULTS: QL scoring was good and stable (>70/100 points) in most areas, in line with clinical data. Light and moderate limitations occurred in global QL and some emotional, sexual, and treatment-related areas. Moderate decreases (10-20) appeared in some toxicity-related areas, which recovered during the follow-up period. Breast-conservation and sentinel-node patients presented higher scores in emotional areas. There were few QL differences among agebased samples. CONCLUSIONS: QL and clinical data indicate radiotherapy was well tolerated. Age should not be the only factor evaluated when deciding upon treatment for breast cancer patients (AU)

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[Thyroid ophthalmopathy: clinical activity determination of thyroid ophthalmopathy as a prognostic factor of immunosuppressive treatment response]. / Oftalmopatía tiroidea: determinación de parámetros de actividad clínica de la oftalmopatía tiroidea como factor pronóstico de respuesta al tratamiento inmunosupresor.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of the clinical, biochemical and thyroid imaging parameters in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, in predicting their response to immunosuppressive treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study of 16 patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy considered a number of variables including sex, age, thyroid hormone levels, treatment of the thyroid dysfunction, clinical activity score (CAS), severity (NOSPECS) of the ophthalmopathy, signs in standardized A-mode ultrasonography, in CAT and/or NMR, and previously used treatments and their effectiveness. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 50.81 (S.D: 11.89) years; there were 5 males (31.3%) and 11 females (68.8%). The ophthalmopathy was classified as active in 10/16 patients (62.5%) and inactive in 6/16 (37.5%); and as moderate in 9/16 (56.25%) and severe in 7/16 (43.75%) according to the severity defined in NOSPECS. Ultrasonography was diagnostic in 100% of the cases. The severity decreased significantly (p < or =0.05), however the clinical activity decrease did not reach significance (p=0.38) during immunosuppressive therapy. Better results were obtained during treatment of patients with a higher CAS (p=0.04) and in those with more severe ophthalmopathy (p=0.02). There was a tendency for the patients with higher levels of TSI to respond better to the treatment (p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The CAS is the best parameter to quantify the activity of the disease and predicting the response to treatment. The higher the CAS and the more severe the ophthalmopathy, the better the response to treatment. No association existed between thyroid function and the activity or severity of the ophthalmopathy; or the effectiveness of treatment.

Oftalmopatía tiroidea: determinación de parámetros de actividad clínica de la oftalmopatía tiroidea como factor pronóstico de respuesta al tratamiento inmunosupresor / Thyroid ophthalmopathy: clinical activity determination of thyroid ophthalmopathy as a pronostic factor of immunosupressive treatment response

Objetivo: Determinar los parámetros clínicos, bioquímicos y de imagen que permitan conocer qué pacientes con oftalmopatía tiroidea van a responder al tratamiento y valorar su eficacia.Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de datos apareados de 16 pacientes con oftalmopatía tiroidea. Se recogieron las variables: sexo, edad, tratamiento de la disfunción tiroidea, puntuación de actividad clínica (PAC) y de severidad (NOSPECS) de la oftalmopatía, niveles hormonales; signos ecográficos, en TAC y/o RMN; tratamientos empleados y eficacia de los mismos.Resultados: La edad media de la muestra fue de 50,81 (D.E.: 11,89) años; 5 varones (31,3%) y 11 mujeres (68,8%), con seguimiento medio de 6,4 meses. La oftalmopatía fue clasificada en activa en 10/16 pacientes (62,5% )e inactiva en 6/16 (37,5%); y en moderada 9/16 (56,25%) y leve 7/16 (43,75%) según criterios de severidad NOSPECS. La ecografía fue diagnóstica en el 100% de los casos.La severidad se redujo de modo significativo (p <= 0,05) mientras que la actividad clínica de forma no significativa (p=0,38). Se observó mejor respuesta al tratamiento en los pacientes con mayor PAC (p=0,04) y con oftalmopatía más severa (p=0,02). Existe tendencia a que los pacientes con mayores niveles de TSI respondan mejor al tratamiento (p=0,06).Conclusiones: La PAC es el mejor parámetro para cuantificar la actividad de la enfermedad y predecir la respuesta al tratamiento inmunosupresor.La PAC y la severidad de la oftalmopatía elevadas se asocian con mejor respuesta al tratamiento. No existe asociación de la función tiroidea con la actividad ni con la severidad de la oftalmopatía; la eficacia del tratamiento es independiente de la función tiroidea

Objective: To determine the usefulness of the clinical, biochemical and thyroid imaging parameters in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, in predicting their response to immunosuppressive treatment. Methods: This retrospective study of 16 patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy considered a number of variables including sex, age, thyroid hormone levels, treatment of the thyroid dysfunction, clinical activity score (CAS), severity (NOSPECS) of the ophthalmopathy, signs in standardized A-mode ultrasonography, in CAT and/or NMR, and previously used treatments and their effectiveness. Results: The average age of the patients was 50.81 (S.D: 11.89) years; there were 5 males (31.3%) and 11 females (68.8%). The ophthalmopathy was classified as active in 10/16 patients (62.5%) and inactive in 6/16 (37.5%); and as moderate in 9/16 (56.25%) and severe in 7/16 (43.75%) according to the severity defined in NOSPECS. Ultrasonography was diagnostic in 100% of the cases. The severity decreased significantly (p <= 0.05), however the clinical activity decrease did not reach significance (p=0.38) during immunosuppressive therapy. Better results were obtained during treatment of patients with a higher CAS (p=0.04) and in those with more severe ophthalmopathy (p=0.02). There was a tendency for the patients with higher levels of TSI to respond better to the treatment (p=0.06). Conclusions: The CAS is the best parameter to quantify the activity of the disease and predicting the response to treatment. The higher the CAS and the more severe the ophthalmopathy, the better the response to treatment. No association existed between thyroid function and the activity or severity of the ophthalmopathy; or the effectiveness of treatment

[Branch retinal vein occlusion treated by intravitreal triamcinolone]. / Triamcinolona intravítrea en el tratamiento de la oclusión de rama venosa retiniana.

CLINICAL CASES: Five eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) were treated with intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone. Four cases showed good visual acuity and macular thickness evolution after one dose. The remaining one case suffered a relapse three months later. Therefore a second injection was performed in that case. DISCUSSION: Several treatments have been suggested to manage macular edema in BRVO. Intravitreal triamcinolone may be a therapeutic option to increase visual acuity and decrease macular thickness in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO.

Triamcinolona intravítrea en el tratamiento de la oclusión de rama venosa retiniana / Branch retinal vein occlusion treated by intravitreal triamcinolone

Casos clínicos: Presentamos cinco ojos con obstrucción de rama venosa retiniana (ORVR) que fueron tratados mediante la inyección intravítrea de 4 mg de triamcinolona. En cuatro de los casos la evolución de la agudeza visual y del grosor macular fue satisfactoria tras una inyección de triamcinolona. Uno de los casos presentó una recidiva tres meses después y requirió una segunda inyección de triamcinolona.Discusión: El edema macular secundario a ORVR es una causa frecuente de disminución de agudeza visual. Se han propuesto diversas alternativas terapeúticas para ésta patología. La inyección intravítrea de triamcinolona parece ser una opción terapeútica válida en estos casos

Clinical cases: Five eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) were treated with intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone. Four cases showed good visual acuity and macular thickness evolution after one dose. The remaining one case suffered a relapse three months later. Therefore a second injection was performed in that case. Discussion: Several treatments have been suggested to manage macular edema in BRVO. Intravitreal triamcinolone may be a therapeutic option to increase visual acuity and decrease macular thickness in patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO

[Neutropenia and fever in the patient with cancer]. / Neutropenia y fiebre en el paciente con cáncer.

Infection in the immunocompromised host is a serious clinical situation due to its high morbi-mortality and is one of the most frequent complications in the patient with cancer. In patients treated with chemotherapy, the risk of infection basically depends on the duration and intensity of the neutropenia. It is essential to evaluate, the most probable pathogen involved to initiate, a priori, the most suitable treatment, and also to evaluate the general clinical situation of the patient, because from the very beginning the treatment is quite aggressive. Outpatient care is possible for patients at "low risk" of complications. By evaluating the antecedents and clinical history of the patient, through physical exploration and from the data of laboratory and radiological explorations these points can be acknowledged. The early start of broad spectrum antibiotherapy is crucial, and in this chapter we review the most recent therapeutical recommendations.

[Respiratory emergencies]. / Urgencias respiratorias.

Respiratory emergencies in a patient with cancer can have their origin in pathologies of the airway, of the pulmonary parenchyma or the large vessels. The cause can be the tumour itself or concomitant complications. Obstruction of the airway should be initially evaluated with endoscopic procedures. Surgery is rarely possible in serious situations. The endobronchial placement of stents or radioactive isotopes (brachytherapy), tumoural ablation by laser or photodynamic therapy can quickly alleviate the symptoms and re-establish the air flow. Treatment of haemoptysis depends on the cause that is provoking it and on its quantity. Bronchoscopy continues to be the front line procedure in the majority of cases; it provides diagnostic information and can interrupt bleeding through washes with ice-cold serum, endobronchial plugging or topical injections of adrenaline or thrombin. External radiotherapy continues to be an extraordinarily useful procedure in treating haemoptysis caused by tumours and in carefully selected situations of endobronchial therapy with laser or brachytherapy, and bronchial arterial embolisation can provide a great palliative effect. Respiratory emergencies due to pulmonary parenchyma disease in the oncology patient can have a tumoural, iatrogenic or infectious cause. Early recognition of each of these will determine the administration of a specific treatment and the possibilities of success.