\n\nOverall 131 suspected NET cases were included. The most common condition considered suspicious for NET Selleck GSK461364 was the increase of blood markers (66), followed by inconclusive findings at conventional imaging (CI, 41), clinical signs/symptoms (10), equivocal F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET (7) or somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS, 4), or a combination of the above (3). PET/CT results were true-positive in 17 cases, true-negative in 112 and false-negative in 2 (overall sensitivity 89.5 %, specificity 100 %). Interestingly, increased blood markers and clinical signs/symptoms were associated with the lowest frequency of true-positive findings (1/66 and 1/10, respectively),
while CI findings were confirmed in one third of the cases (13/41).
Overall, the incidence of NET in the studied population was 14.5 % (19/131).\n\nOur data confirm the good accuracy (98 %) of Ga-68-DOTA-NOC PET/CT in NET lesion detection. However, our results also suggest that Ga-68-DOTA-NOC PET/CT may not be routinely recommended in patients with a suspicion of NET based on the mere detection of increased blood markers or clinical symptoms. Positive CI alone or in association with clinical/biochemical findings is on the contrary associated with a higher probability of true-positive findings.”
“Despite the increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by breast cancer patients, there is little published information regarding CAM use in the Scottish breast cancer population.\n\nA questionnaire comprising five sections-demographics; see more perceived health Cyclosporin A cell line status, prescribed medicines; use, indications, satisfaction and expenditure on CAMs; attitudes towards and factors associated with CAM use; and attitudinal statements-was issued to patients attending the Aberdeen Breast Clinic.\n\nA total of 453
questionnaires were distributed and 360 (79.5%) returned. Respondents were prescribed a mean of 3.2 medicines (95% CI 2.83-3.47). With regard to CAM use, 33.1% of respondents reported current use, 36.4% prior use, and 30.6% reported never having used CAMs. The key indications for use were general well being, boosting immune system and cancer prophylaxis, with high levels of satisfaction reported. The strongest association for CAM use was use by friends and family and higher educational attainment (p < 0.001). Supplements with estrogenic activity, such as soya or red clover, were taken by 29% of respondents. Herbs (echinacea, pomegranate, peppermint, chamomile, grapefruit, garlic, ginseng) that have the potential to interact with adjuvant endocrine therapies (tamoxifen, anastrazole, letrozole, exemestane) were being taken by 38% of treated patients.\n\nThe level of CAM use by Scottish breast cancer patients is similar to that reported from other countries, although there are marked differences in the type, nature and frequency of specific CAM therapies.