February 1, 2008

The two main types of targeted therapy, monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. With their distinct mechanisms of action and toxicities, these drugs require new approaches to determine optimal dosing, to assess patient…

Epithelial disorders of the vulva include lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and lichen simplex chronicus, the latter of which is the most common. Topical corticosteroids are used to treat all three of these disorders.

Screening for substance use is recommended for all adolescents. If screening is positive, physicians can conduct an in-depth evaluation or refer the patient to a subspecialist. Treatment involves multiple therapeutic components for the abuse and its comorbid disorders. Ongoing…

Treatment options for acute paronychia include warm compresses, topical antibiotics and corticosteroids, systemic antibiotics, and surgical incision and drainage. Treatment of underlying inflammation and infection is recommended, using a combination of a broad-spectrumtopical…

Does the long-term use of PPIs increase the risk of hip fracture? The physician must balance the risks and benefits of PPIs, especially in certain patients.

Bill Increases Funding for Some Primary Care Programs, Reduces Funding for Others | Foundation Releases Findings From its Report on Pay-for-Performance Initiatives | <b><i>MedWatch</i></b>: FDA Warns of Potential Adverse Effects from Bisphosphonate Use | New CPT Codes Added for…

Cancer has long been recognized as a disease process in which cells invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites. Multiple genetic and epigenetic mistakes occur as cells become cancerous, and some of these mistakes lead to the expression of proteins that aid in…

What are the effects of treatments for acute gastroenteritis?

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Melatonin may be effective for treating insomnia in healthy children and in those with physical or learning disabilities.

In the context of their usual office or hospital settings, family physicians are not often called upon to deal with violent or hostile patients. However, just like advanced cardiac life support training prepares physicians for rare and unexpected cardiac arrest situations…

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has revised its original guidelines for the diagnosis and management of lung cancer to update evidence supporting the original recommendations and to include additional relevant topics.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released a practice bulletin to outline the spectrum of maternal and neonatal genital herpes infection and to provide guidelines on managing the infection during pregnancy.

Lichen sclerosus (LIKE-en skler-OH-sus) is a skin problem that usually affects the vulva (the outside part of the vagina) or the anal area. Lichen simplex chronicus (LIKE-en SIM-pleks KRAH-neh-kus) is when the skin in and around the vulva gets thicker from constant itching and…

Paronychia (pair-oh-NIE-kee-ah) is a common problem that affects fingernails and toenails. It is caused by an infection of the skin around the nail. Chronic paronychia can happen after dish washing, finger sucking, trimming the cuticles too much, or frequent contact with…