Erdinc Nayir

A Pilot Study Evaluating Sequential Administration of a PPI–Amoxicillin Followed by a PPI–Metronidazole–Tetracycline in Turkey

Background:  There is no effective regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in our country. It may be due to the increasing prevalence of resistance to antibiotics used for the treatment of H. pylori. Recently, a study from Turkey has revealed that a new treatment scheme consisting of sequential administration of pantoprazole plus amoxicillin for 7 days followed by pantoprazole plus metronidazole, and tetracycline for the remaining 7 days was effective in the first‐line treatment of H. pylori. Therefore, we aimed to confirm efficacy of a new therapy scheme in the first‐line H. pylori eradication.

Impact of Surgery Type on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE Breast cancer can lead to alterations in quality of life of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in quality of life of the female patients who had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 250 female patients (breast-preserving surgery (BPS), n=27, 11%; modified radical mastectomy (MRM), n=194, 77%, and simple mastectomy (SM), n=29; 11%) aged between 28-55 years (47.4±6.4 yrs) were included in the study. Patient information, demographic characteristics, income, and treatment modalities applied were recorded. Validated Turkish versions of EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC-BR23 questionnaires were used for all patients. RESULTS Breast-preserving surgery has a more favorable impact on general well-being, physical role, cognitive, psychological, and social functions, and symptom scale scores. When the identical parameters were taken into consideration, relatively favorable outcomes of BPS on the patients were observed relative to mastectomized patients. Besides, though not statistically significant, BPS has more patient-friendly effects on sexual function and sexual satisfaction in comparison with mastectomy. Patients with advanced stage disease and elder patients had more unfavorable health related quality of life (HRQoL) scores than younger patients, and those in their early stages of breast cancer. CONCLUSION Quality of life of BPS patients is less adversely affected relative to mastectomized patients. In the decision-making process, quality of life should be taken into consideration.

Is Change in Hemoglobin Level a Predictive Biomarker of Tyrosine Kinase Efficacy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma? A Turkish Oncology Group Study

ABSTRACT Background: There are insufficient predictive markers for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: A total of 308 metastatic RCC patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The increased hemoglobin (Hb) group had significantly higher progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) compared with the decreased Hb group at 11.5 versus 6.35 months (p < .001) and 21.0 versus 11.36 months (p < .001) respectively. The 1- and 3-year OS rates were higher in the Hb increased group, i.e., 84% versus 64% and 52% versus 35% respectively. Conclusions: The present study showed that increased Hb levels after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy could be a predictive marker of RCC.

Oncologists’ Perspectives on Consolidation Radiation Treatment after Chemotherapy in Lymphoma: A Survey Study by the Lymphoma Working Committee of the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG)

In this study, we aimed to determine the perspectives of medical and radiation oncologists regarding consolidation radiotherapy in patients with a complete response after chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. The survey was designed to identify demographic and occupational features of medical and radiation oncologists and their views on application of consolidation radiotherapy in their clinical practices, as based on a five-point Likert scale (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always). The study covered 263, out of 935, physicians working in the oncology field as either medical or radiation oncologists; the rate of return on the invitations to participate was 28%. The majority of the participants were male radiation oncologists, with a duration of between 5 and 10 years of work as a university hospital official, and the mean age was 38 ± 14 (years). Although the most commonly followed international guidelines were NCCN, among the physicians, the majority of the respondents suggested that the guidelines were unclear regarding recommendations for consolidative radiotherapy. The administered dose for consolidative radiotherapy in lymphoma patients was indicated as 40 Gy by 49% of all the physicians and the most common cause of hesitancy concerning consolidative radiation treatment was the risk of secondary malignancies as a long-term adverse effect (54%). In conclusion, we suggest that medical oncologists could be most active in the treatment of lymphoma through a continuous training program about lymphomas and current national guidelines.

The Effect of Genetic Variations of Methylene Tetrahydropholate Reductase Gene Polymorphisms on Ribavirin-Induced Anemia in Hepatitis C Patients

The Effect of Genetic Variations of Methylene Tetrahydropholate Reductase Gene Polymorphisms on Ribavirin-Induced Anemia in Hepatitis C Patients Ribavirin is a purine nucleoside analogue. Even though its mechanism of action is still controversial, it widely prevents the replication of DNA and RNA viruses through the inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, an essential enzyme in the synthesis of guanosine triphosphate. Currently, the treatment of patents with hepatitis C consists of interferon-α and ribavirin combination therapy.