Drug Topics - October 13, 2008 - (Page HSE6)

> > > Special Report 6 HSE DRUG TOPICS Oct. 13, 2008 www.drugtopics.com Choi added that responsibilities include but are not limited to drug therapy recommendations, chemotherapy dose calculations, and dose adjustments for organ dysfunction or toxicity, as well as assisting in the development of individualized chemotherapy treatment plans and providing patient/caregiver education about chemotherapy, drug interactions and supportive care. In addition, the clinical pharmacist provides drug information, protocol review, chemotherapy order set development, implementation of tools/strategies to enhance adherence to oral chemotherapy, reimbursement and special drug program assistance. DT ANTHONY VECCHIONE is a writer based in New Jersey. Malignant gliomas afflicts close to 10,000 people each year in the United States alone CANCER BRAIN Brain Tumor Types Acoustic neurinoma. A benign tumor occurring in the 8th cranial nerve (the acoustic nerve) between the pons and the cerebellum, possibly associated with neurofibromatosis. The term “acoustic neuroma” is actually a misnomer since it is a primary intracranial tumor of the myelin-forming cells known as “Schwann cells” (schwannoma). Astrocytoma. A tumor arising from astrocyte cells, which form part of the brain’s supportive (neuroglial) tissue. (See also “Glioblastoma multiforme,” below.) Ependymoma. A tumor arising from the ependymal cells found along the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. Glioblastoma multiforme. A grade IV astrocytoma able to spread widely throughout the brain and marked by areas of necrosis (dead tumor cells). Approximately 25 percent of all primary brain tumors are glioblastoma multiforme. Meningioma. A benign tumor arising from the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas represent approximately 20 percent of all primary brain tumors and commonly occur in middle-aged women. Metastatic tumor. A tumor formed by cancer cells that spread (metastasize) to the brain from elsewhere in the body. They can appear anywhere in the brain or spine. Mixed glioma. A tumor containing astrocytic and neuronal elements as well as oligodendroglial cells. Mixed gliomas confuse many neuropathologists, who diagnose them as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, or even “ganglioglioneurocytomas.” Oligodendroglioma. A tumor arising from oligodendrocytes, a type of supportive brain tissue. They occur most frequently in young and middle-aged adults. Tumors often contain both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. These mixed gliomas are much more common than pure oligodendrogliomas. Pineal region tumor. A tumor occurring in the area of the pineal gland. Germinomas, teratomas, pineocytomas, pineoblastomas, mixed tumors, and astrocytomas can occur in the pineal region. Pineal tumors represent fewer than 1 percent of all primary brain tumors and 3-8 percent of childhood brain tumors. Source: The Brain Tumor Foundation Photo: Getty Images MedicalRF.com / Wikipedia Commons http://www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics - October 13, 2008 Contents Latebreakers Letters Kansas Pharmacists Partner with Law Enforcement to Fight Meth Use Pharmacy Board to Oversee Med Distribution at West Virginia Free Clinics Rx Care JP�at Large Celebrating Community Special Report Self-Care Government and Law Newer Treatment Option for Type 2 Diabetes New Products Advertisers Index Technology Classified Viewpoint:�Pharmacists Must Change our Ways

Drug Topics - October 13, 2008

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