Accurate Cancer Information Research Articles

Evolution of prostate biopsy techniques. Looking back on a meaningful journey

BackgroundThe technique of prostate biopsy has evolved a long way since its inception to being a safe diagnostic procedure. The principles of the biopsy technique continue to improvise with the knowledge about prostate cancer and availability of newer treatment options like active surveillance and focal therapy. Currently, we depend on accurate cancer information from the biopsy more than ever for deciding the ideal treatment option. AimThe aim of this review is to present the major milestones in prostate biopsy technique evolutions and its impact on the prostate cancer management. Acquisition of evidenceWe performed a detailed non-systematic literature review to present the historical facts on the transformations in prostate biopsy techniques and also the direction of present research to improve accurate cancer detection. Summary of evidenceThere is a clear change in trend in biopsy technique before and after the introduction of transrectal ultrasound and prostate specific antigen. In the earlier era, the biopsies were aimed at palpable nodules and obtaining adequate prostatic tissue for diagnosis while the later era has moved toward detection of non-palpable and early prostate cancer. Recently, there is an increasing trend toward image guided targeted biopsies to extract maximum cancer information from minimum biopsy cores. ConclusionProstate biopsy techniques have seen major changes since its inception and have a major impact on prostate cancer management. There is a great potential for research which can further support the newer treatment options like focal therapy.

Evolución de las técnicas de biopsia prostática. Mirando hacia atrás en un viaje significativo

BackgroundThe technique of prostate biopsy has evolved a long way since its inception to being a safe diagnostic procedure. The principles of the biopsy technique continue to improvise with the knowledge about prostate cancer and availability of newer treatment options like active surveillance and focal therapy. Currently, we depend on accurate cancer information from the biopsy more than ever for deciding the ideal treatment option. AimThe aim of this review is to present the major milestones in prostate biopsy technique evolutions and its impact on the prostate cancer management. Acquisition of evidenceWe performed a detailed non-systematic literature review to present the historical facts on the transformations in prostate biopsy techniques and also the direction of present research to improve accurate cancer detection. Summary of evidenceThere is a clear change in trend in biopsy technique before and after the introduction of transrectal ultrasound and prostate specific antigen. In the earlier era, the biopsies were aimed at palpable nodules and obtaining adequate prostatic tissue for diagnosis while the later era has moved towards detection of non-palpable and early prostate cancer. Recently, there is an increasing trend towards image guided targeted biopsies to extract maximum cancer information from minimum biopsy cores. ConclusionProstate biopsy techniques have seen major changes since its inception and have a major impact on prostate cancer management. There is a great potential for research which can further support the newer treatment options like focal therapy.

Reaching Minority and Underserved Populations: The Impact of the Cancer Information Service's Outreach Program. Part 3

Through its regional outreach program, the Cancer Information Service (CIS) develops partnership with organizations that reach minority and underserved populations and connects them with accurate cancer information and an array of support services and resources. To evaluate the usefulness, satisfaction, and impact of the CIS outreach program on partner organizations, a national random sample survey was conducted by an independent research firm in 1996. This paper focuses on the survey results of 359 special population partner organizations that identified their main audience as a specific racial or ethnic group and/or the underserved. Almost all (84% to 93%) rated the services provided by the CIS outreach program to be very important or important to meeting the goals of their projects. A large majority of these special population partners stated that the CIS provided them with the latest cancer information (67%) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) resources (83%), and more than half (57%) utilized CIS expertise to develop and plan programs. Special populations partners were more likely to use an array of CIS assistance than other CIS partners. Furthermore, they were more likely to be heavy users of CIS assistance and more likely than other CIS partners to indicate that the CIS had an important impact on their programs. The results indicate that the CIS's nationally coordinated, regionally focused outreach program provides critical support and has an important impact on the cancer-related programs of partner organizations that reach minority and underserved audiences.

The National Cancer Institute's CancerNet

Abstract The International Cancer Information Center (ICIC) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides up-to-date, accurate cancer information through CancerNet, an online service. CancerNet is comprised of a comprehensive knowledge base that includes peer-reviewed statements from Physician Data Query (PDQ); fact sheets, publications, and NCI news; detailed information about ongoing clinical trials; selected information from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute; and CANCERLIT topic searches. This article discusses the role CancerNet plays in providing timely and accurate cancer information to health professionals and consumers.