Journal of Integrative Oncology

In an earlier article by the author, the effectiveness and efficacy of Reiki Therapy when used as complementary therapy in patients with blood cancer was demonstrated. With the present article, the author invites readers to reflect on the importance of further qualitative research study of Reiki Therapy as complementary holistic therapy in these same patients. This proposal results from the fact that there are cancer variables of weight that could not be considered in the previous investigation and that can be evaluated through the spontaneous testimonies of the patients, the registry of the same and also the analysis of the content of an open question made in the previous investigation. It is therefore urgent to continue to investigate.

Breast cancer is not only the most common malignancy but also the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The management of breast cancer is subtype driven and determination of hormone receptor [HR] status, a major driving force for the tumor growth is of paramount importance. The use of hormone therapy [HT] to treat HR positive breast cancer is practiced for more than a century and is one of the pivotal examples of precision medicine. The present perspective focuses on the state of the art hormone therapy for early and advanced breast cancer in both pre and post-menopausal women. Recent advances in HT strategies, with respect to single or combination therapy use, adding agents targeting HT resistance, checkpoint inhibitors, and optimal duration of endocrine therapy are also being addressed. Opportunities for individualized patient care are discussed.

Ovarian function suppression (OFS) an old endocrine therapy has been tested in premenopausal women with early breast cancer (EBC) but not widely accepted in modern practice. The question is re-addressed in recent big trials, however the big dilemma doesn't resolved. This perspective touch upon the ancient as well as current evidence of OFS in these young early breast cancer women and try to enlighten the readers further on this controversial topic wherein there is lots of light but little illumination.

This study aimed to collect and analyze the recorded daily setup parameters of the bed as incidentally captured on an integrated record and verify system. This was done on some radical head and neck patients treated from 2008 to 2010 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) in South Africa. Most of these patients had anterior neck fields that were set-up using fixed couch longitudinal movements (meaning more than one treatment isocentre). It was hoped that the ideal absolute position of the patient on the bed relative to the isocentre of the treatment machine, for a course of head and neck radiotherapy at CMJAH, could be established. Knowledge of the set-up margin achievable could also assist in defining the tolerance assigned to couch parameters on the electronic record and verify system, such that setup is restricted accordingly.