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Biomedical subjects

Julian A Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Julian A Kim.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, a new method of targeted cancer therapeutics is being directed towards molecular pathways that underlie the malignant phenotype. These therapies target specific tumor cell receptors or signaling events that are critical to tumor progression while reducing toxicity to normal cells. DATA SOURCES: The purpose of this review is to highlight several examples of novel targeted therapeutics that are currently approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with cancer. Rituxan is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD20 antigen present on B cell lymphomas and is currently approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory low-grade CD20 positive follicular lymphoma. The humanized anti-HER-2/neu herceptin is approved for use in patients with metastatic breast cancer that demonstrates overexpression of HER-2/neu. Finally, Gleevec is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits abl-specific phosphorylation and is approved for use in select patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia that is refractory to interferon therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The lessons learned from the use of these therapeutics will add to the growing knowledge of mechanistic approaches to the treatment of patients with cancer based upon targeted therapies, and herald a bright future that will improve the lives of patients with cancer.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2002

Percutaneous removal of benign breast masses using a vacuum-assisted hand-held device with ultrasound guidance.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of a vacuum-assisted, hand-held biopsy device (Mammotome) in percutaneous removal of breast masses using ultrasound guidance. METHODS: A multicenter, nonrandomized study evaluated 124 women with low-risk palpable lesions. Lesions 1.5 cm but <or=3.0 cm were removed using 1-gauge or 8-gauge probes, respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed at 10 days postbiopsy. RESULTS: The 8-guage probe was used to obtain biopsies from 75 patients, and the 11-gauge was used for 49 patients. Complete removal of the imaged lesion was similar between groups (99% 8-gauge versus 96% 11-gauge). Most complications were mild and anticipated. Most patients (97%) were satisfied with incision appearance, and 98% of patients would recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous removal of palpable benign breast masses using the Mammotome system is feasible, safe, and yields high patient satisfaction. Long-term efficacy is being evaluated in the ongoing study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Directed duct excision by using mammary ductoscopy in patients with pathologic nipple discharge.

BACKGROUND: Duct excision for pathologic nipple discharge (PND) often requires "blind" surgical resection. Intraoperative mammary ductoscopy can allow for direct visualization of intraductal abnormalities during surgical resection. METHODS: We reviewed our experience with 119 patients with PND undergoing ductoscopy-directed duct excision. The variables that could interfere with a successful procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: Cannulation of the discharging duct was successful in 105 of 119 (88%) of patients, and ductoscopy-directed duct excision could be performed in 104 of 119 (87%). A preoperative ductogram was obtained in 70 patients and was positive in 53 of 70 (76%). In this same group, ductoscopy was positive in 63 of 70 (90%). The pathologic diagnoses were as follows: cancer (5), papilloma (84), and hyperplasia (16), for an abnormal pathology yield of 88%. Hyperplasia and cancer were significant predictors of unsuccessful cannulation. In 22 patients, ductoscopy visualized multiple lesions or abnormalities beyond 4 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Mammary ductoscopy for PND is a safe, effective procedure that offers advantages of a high lesion localization rate and intraoperative guidance, therefore negating the need for a preoperative ductogram. Lesions deep within the ductal system can be identified and removed, which would likely have been missed by blind duct excision.

Adolescent↗