Chronic Hemodialysis (chronic + hemodialysis)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Terms modified by Chronic Hemodialysis

  • chronic hemodialysis patient

  • Selected Abstracts


    Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Versus Percutaneous Coronary Artery Intervention in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: Does a Drug-Eluting Stent Have an Impact on Clinical Outcome?

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2009
    Susumu Manabe M.D.
    For chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, however, the impact of DES on clinical outcome is yet to be determined. Forty-six consecutive chronic HD patients who underwent myocardial revascularization in our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-eight patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and 18 patients underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI). Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the CABG group, bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) bypass grafting was performed in 27 patients and off-pump CABG was performed in 20 patients. In the PCI group, a DES was used in 12 patients. The number of coronary vessels treated per patient was higher in the CABG group (CABG: 4.25 ± 1.32 vs. PCI: 1.44 ± 0.78; p < 0.001). Two-year survival rates were similar between the two groups (CABG: 94.1% vs. PCI: 73.9%; p = 0.41), but major adverse cardiac event-free survival (CABG: 85.9% vs. PCI: 37.1%; p = 0.001) and angina-free survival (CABG: 84.9% vs. PCI: 28.9%; p < 0.001) rates were significantly higher in the CABG group. The one-year patency rate for the CABG grafts was 93.3% (left ITA: 100%, right ITA: 84.6%, sapenous vein: 90.9%, gastro-epiploic artery: 100%), and six-month restenosis rate for PCI was 57.1% (balloon angio-plasty: 75%, bare metal stent 40%, DES: 58.3%). Even in the era of DES, clinical results favored CABG. The difference in clinical results is due to the sustainability of successful revascularization. [source]


    Sexual function in women receiving maintenance dialysis

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2010
    Srikanth SEETHALA
    Abstract While substantial attention has been paid to the issue of sexual dysfunction in men on chronic dialysis, less is known about this problem in women with end-stage renal disease. We sought to assess sexual dysfunction in women on chronic dialysis and determine whether patients discuss this problem with their providers and receive treatment. We prospectively enrolled women receiving chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis in Pittsburgh, PA. We asked patients to complete the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess sexual function and a 5-item survey that assessed whether patients had discussed sexual dysfunction with their providers and/or received treatment for this problem in the past. We enrolled 66 patients; 59 (89%) on hemodialysis and 7 (11%) on peritoneal dialysis. All patients completed the FSFI, of whom 53 (80%) had FSFI scores <26.55, consistent with the presence of sexual dysfunction. Of 37 patients who were married or residing with a significant other, 27 (73%) had sexual dysfunction. Among 24 participants who reported having been sexually active over the previous 4 weeks, 11 (46%) had sexual dysfunction. Only 21% of patients with sexual dysfunction had discussed this problem with their gynecologist, renal or primary provider, and 3 (6%) reported having received treatment. Sexual dysfunction is common in women on dialysis, even among patients who are married or residing with a significant other and those who are sexually active. However, few women discuss this issue with their providers or receive treatment. [source]


    Cool dialysate reduces asymptomatic intradialytic hypotension and increases baroreflex variability

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2009
    Lindsay J. CHESTERTON
    Abstract Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and can be ameliorated by cool temperature HD. The baroreflex arc is under autonomic control and is essential in the short-term regulation of blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to investigate if the baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) response to HD differed between standard and cool-temperature dialysate. Ten patients (mean age 67±2 years) prone to IDH were recruited into a randomized, crossover study to compare BRS variation at dialysate temperatures of 37 °C (HD37) and 35 °C (HD35). Each patient underwent continuous beat-to-beat BP monitoring during a dialysis session of HD37 and HD35. During HD37 2 patients developed symptomatic IDH, as opposed to 1 with HD35. However, asymptomatic IDH occurred with a frequency of 0.4 episodes per session with HD35 and 6.2 episodes per session during HD37 (odds ratio15.5; 95%CI 5.6,14.2). Although absolute BRS measurements did not differ between the 2 modalities, BRS variability increased during HD35. Our study has demonstrated that in IDH-prone patients, cool HD resulted in a reduction in heart rate and a greater reduction in cardiac output and stroke volume. Mean arterial pressure was maintained through a significantly greater increase in total peripheral resistance. Furthermore, although absolute BRS values during HD were not significantly altered by a reduction in dialysate temperature, there was a greater percentage increase in BRS values during cool HD. Understanding the varied causes of, and categorizing impaired hemodynamic responses to HD will enable further individualization of HD prescriptions according to patient need. [source]


    Determinants of C-reactive protein in chronic hemodialysis patients: Relevance of dialysis catheter utilization

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008
    Adriana HUNG
    Abstract Biomarkers of inflammation, especially C-reactive protein (CRP), have been consistently shown to predict poor outcomes in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. However, the determinants of CRP and the value of its monitoring in CHD patients have not been well defined. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate possible determinants of the inflammatory response in CHD patients with a focus on dialysis catheter utilization. Monthly CRP were measured in 128 prevalent CHD patients (mean age 56.6 years [range 19,90], 68% African Americans, 39% diabetics [DM]) over a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 2,26 months). There were a total of 2405 CRP measurements (median 5.7 mg/L; interquartile range [IQR] 2.4,16.6 mg/L). The presence of a dialysis catheter (p<0.002), cardiovascular disease (p=0.01), male gender (p=0.005), higher white blood cell count (p<0.0001), elevated phosphorus (p=0.03), and lower cholesterol (p=0.02) and albumin (p<0.0001) concentrations were independent predictors of elevated CRP in the multivariate analysis. Additionally, CRP levels were significantly associated with the presence of a catheter, when comparing the levels before and after catheter insertion (p=0.002) as well as before and after catheter removal (p=0.009). Our results indicate that the presence of a hemodialysis catheter is an independent determinant of an exaggerated inflammatory response in CHD patients representing a potentially modifiable risk factor. [source]


    The salvage of aneurysmal fistulae utilizing a modified buttonhole cannulation technique and multiple cannulators

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2006
    Rosa M. MARTICORENA
    Abstract We describe the St Michael's Hospital (SMH) modified buttonhole (BH) cannulation technique as a method that offers a solution for fistulae with aneurysmal dilatation due to repetitive cannulation in a restricted area. This is a prospective cohort study of 14 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients with problematic fistulae (marked aneurysmal formation and thinning of the overlying skin, bleeding during treatment, and prolonged hemostasis post-HD) because of repetitive, localized cannulation. Each patient was followed for 12 months. The protocol was as follows: creation of tunnel tracks by 1 to 3 experienced cannulators per patient, using sharp needles. After the tunnel tracks were established and cannulation was easily achieved with dull needles, additional cannulators were incorporated with the guidance of a mentor. Bleeding from cannulation sites during dialysis ceased within 2 weeks and skin damage resolved within 6 months in all patients. Hemostasis time postdialysis decreased from 24 to 15 min. Cannulation pain scores decreased significantly. Access flows and dynamic venous pressure measurements remained unchanged. No interventions were required to maintain access patency. In 2 cases, the aneurysms became much less evident. Complications included one episode of septic arthritis and one contact dermatitis. A third patient developed acute bacterial endocarditis 9 months following completion of her follow-up. The SMH modified BH cannulation technique can salvage problematic fistulae, prevent further damage, and induce healing of the skin in the areas of repetitive cannulation. This technique can be successfully achieved by multiple cannulators in a busy full-care HD unit. [source]


    Effect of intermittent compression of upper arm veins on forearm vessels in patients with end-stage renal disease

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2005
    Rina R. Rus
    Abstract Native arteriovenous fistula is the best vascular access for chronic hemodialysis. Primary and long-term success depends, in part, on the state of arteries and veins at the time of the operation. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of intermittent compression of upper arm veins on forearm vessels in patients with terminal renal disease. The study group was composed of 16 chronic hemodialysis patients who performed daily intermittent compression of the upper arm without vascular access by elastic band (Eschmarch). Ten chronic hemodialysis patients were included in the control group, which performed no specific activity. Forearm measurements were obtained at the beginning of the study and 4 and 8 weeks later during the course of intermittent compression of the upper arm veins. The forearm circumference and maximal handgrip strength were measured. The artery measures, including endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and forearm vein variables, were obtained by ultrasonography measurements. The forearm circumference, maximal handgrip strength, and artery variables, including endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, remained unchanged. The basal venous diameters (2.29 ± 0.19 mm at the beginning, 2.46 ± 0.19 mm after 4 weeks, and 2.53 ± 0.18 mm after 8 weeks) were significantly increased in the study group. The distensibility of veins was preserved in the study group. There were no significant changes in the control group. Our study demonstrated that daily intermittent compression of the upper arm veins increases the forearm vein diameter and preserves the distensibility of veins in patients with end-stage renal failure. [source]


    Ten-year study of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients in a single center

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005
    J.A. Park
    Background:,The incidence of infection in patients on chronic hemodialysis in higher than that of the general population. Infection is known to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The vascular access is important for hemodialysis, but infection through this route is the most common source of bacteremia and can be lethal to the patients. Despite the high morbidity and mortality of bacteremia in patients on chronic hemodialysis, the clinical characteristics of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients is rarely reported yet in Korea. Methods:,We included 696 hemodialysis patients from January 1993 to December 2003 at Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital. We investigated incidence, source, causative organisms, clinical manifestations, complication, and mortality of bacteremia. We compared clinical factors, morbidity, and mortality between arteriovenous fistula and central venous catheter groups. Results:,Total 52 cases of bacteremia occurred in 43 patients. The major source of infection was vascular access (48%). Staphylococcus aureus was most common organism isolated. Major complications were septic shock (9.6%), pneumonia (9.6%), infective endocarditis (3.8%), and aortic pseudoaneurysm (1.9%). Nine patients died from septic shock (n = 4), aspiration pneumonia (n = 2), hypoxic brain injury (n = 1), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 1), and rupture of aortic pseudoaneurysm. The central venous catheter group (n = 22) had higher incidences of vascular access as a source of infection (81.8% vs 23.3%, p < 0.001) and staphylococcus as a causative organism (77.2% vs 50.0%, p = 0.042) than the arteriovenous group. Conclusion:, This data shows that bacteremia causes high incidence of fatal complications and mortality. Therefore, careful management of vascular access as well as early detection of bacteremia is an important factor for the prevention of infection and proper antibiotic therapy should be started early. [source]


    Exploring the paradoxical relationship of hypertension with mortality in chronic hemodialysis

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004
    Scholarly Review
    First page of article [source]


    Preliminary Results from the Use of New Vascular Access (Hemaport) for Hemodialysis

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2003
    J Ahlmén
    One of the most important factors for an optimal chronic hemodialysis is a well- functioning vascular access. Still the A-V-fistula is the best alternative. When repeated failures arise new access alternatives are needed. The Hemaport combines a PTFE-graft with a percutaneous housing of titan. Starting and stopping the dialysis session is simple and needle-free. The first clinical experiences are presented. Thirteen patients (m-age 60 years) in 6 centres had used the Hemaport system. Out of 11 functioning devices 7 were placed on the upper arm and 4 were located on the thigh. The total days in observation were 2.156 days with 769 dialysis sessions performed. Six patients had used the Hemaport system for more than 6 months. Mean blood flow was 364, range 100,450 ml/min with a mean venous and arterial pressure of 100 mm Hg, range 30,250, and 16 mm Hg respectively, range , 140 to + 259. Thrombosis interventions have been required in 14 percent to obtain a functioning vascular access. Two patients contributed with more than half of these events. Mechanical or pharmacological thrombolysis can be performed through the Hemaport dialysis lid without open surgery. Six implants have been removed and in 5 of these cases a new Hemaport was implanted. The reasons for removing the device were related to insufficient vascular flow, thrombosis, and/or infection. In patients with repeated access problems, a new vascular access (Hemaport) has been clinically used for about 1 year. By its design, Hemaport offers a novel approach. [source]


    Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Versus Percutaneous Coronary Artery Intervention in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: Does a Drug-Eluting Stent Have an Impact on Clinical Outcome?

    JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2009
    Susumu Manabe M.D.
    For chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, however, the impact of DES on clinical outcome is yet to be determined. Forty-six consecutive chronic HD patients who underwent myocardial revascularization in our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-eight patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and 18 patients underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI). Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the CABG group, bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA) bypass grafting was performed in 27 patients and off-pump CABG was performed in 20 patients. In the PCI group, a DES was used in 12 patients. The number of coronary vessels treated per patient was higher in the CABG group (CABG: 4.25 ± 1.32 vs. PCI: 1.44 ± 0.78; p < 0.001). Two-year survival rates were similar between the two groups (CABG: 94.1% vs. PCI: 73.9%; p = 0.41), but major adverse cardiac event-free survival (CABG: 85.9% vs. PCI: 37.1%; p = 0.001) and angina-free survival (CABG: 84.9% vs. PCI: 28.9%; p < 0.001) rates were significantly higher in the CABG group. The one-year patency rate for the CABG grafts was 93.3% (left ITA: 100%, right ITA: 84.6%, sapenous vein: 90.9%, gastro-epiploic artery: 100%), and six-month restenosis rate for PCI was 57.1% (balloon angio-plasty: 75%, bare metal stent 40%, DES: 58.3%). Even in the era of DES, clinical results favored CABG. The difference in clinical results is due to the sustainability of successful revascularization. [source]


    Prevalence of heparin-induced antibodies in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2005
    Iván Palomo
    Abstract Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is a serious complication of heparin therapy. It presents initially as thrombocytopenia, and is associated with thrombosis in 20,50% of the cases. HIT is related to the presence of heparin-induced antibodies (HIA), which show specificity for the PF4-heparin (PF4-H) complex. The Fc,RIIa receptor has been suggested to participate in the pathogenic mechanism of HIA. Since patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) are exposed repeatedly to heparin, we studied the prevalence of HIA and their eventual relationship with thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis, and the possible participation of the Fc,RIIa polymorphism. We studied 207 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing HD. As a control we included 130 blood donors and 28 patients with CRF without HD. The HIA patients were studied with the use of a PF4-H ELISA. Additionally, in some positive cases for the previous test, a 14C- serotonin release assay (14C-SRA) was performed. The polymorphism Fc,RIIa H/R131 was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with allele-specific primers. Thirty-seven patients (17.9%) undergoing HD presented with HIA. The majority of these antibodies were IgG, IgM, and IgA. The HIA investigated presented specificity against the PF4-H complex, but not against PF4 alone (P<0.001). Twelve out of 22 (54.5%) PF4-H antibodies were positive when tested with the 14C-SRA. The distribution of the Fc,RIIa polymorphism in patients and healthy controls was 42.6% and 41.6% for H/H131, 41% and 48.9% for the H/R131 isoform, and 16.4% and 9.5% for the R/R131 isoform, respectively. No statistically significant difference in the Fc,RIIa isoform distribution was found. Twenty-nine out of 156 patients (18.5%) presented thrombocytopenia, and 21/207 (12.4%) had thrombosis of the native vein arterio-venous fistula (AVF). We did not find any statistically significant between HIA and thrombocytopenia or thrombosis. An important proportion of patients with CRF undergoing HD developed HIA, but these cases were not associated with thrombocytopenia or thrombosis of AVF. The frequency of the Fc,RIIa polymorphism did not statistically differ between HIT type II and normal controls. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 19:189,195, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Case,control study of calcification of the hepatic artery in chronic hemodialysis patients: Comparison with the abdominal aorta and splenic artery

    JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
    KUNIO OKUDA
    Abstract Background and Aims: Studies of the hepatic artery are scarce. We have observed that hepatic artery calcification is very uncommon in patients with hyperparathyroidism that expedites calcification. Methods: Plain abdominal CT was studied in 221 patients on chronic hemodialysis. Control consisted of 442 sex- and age-matched patients with other diseases. Calcification was graded as a percentage of the entire wall circumference for the aorta, and as a percentage of the entire length of the hepatic and splenic arteries from the celiac trunk to the hilum of each organ. Results: Aortic calcification was seen in 79.2% of male dialysis patients, 22.1% of controls, 74.1% of female dialysis patients and 17.3% of controls (P < 0.0001). Hepatic artery calcification was seen in only 13 dialysis patients. The degree of calcification of the abdominal aorta was correlated with the length of hemodialysis period (P = 0.008), but not with serum calcium, serum phosphate or their product. Although serum parathormone levels were not correlated with calcification, seven of eight dialysis patients with hepatic artery calcification had very high parathormone levels. Conclusions: The hepatic artery is far less frequently calcified than are the abdominal aorta and splenic artery. This may be a teleologic phenomenon of the liver. [source]


    Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients

    PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 4 2000
    Takahiro Itai MD
    Abstract Effects of aromatherapy (odorless condition, lavender, and hiba oil) on mood and anxiety were investigated in 14 female patients who were being treated with chronic hemodialysis. A control period consisting of natural hospital smells was established before each test session, and then aromatic test conditions were systematically evaluated for odorless conditions as well as aromatic conditions containing lavender and hiba oil aromas. The effects of aromatherapy were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA). Hiba oil aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA, and lavender aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMA. The mean scores of HAMD and HAMA in an odorless condition were not significantly different from those of the control conditions. These results indicate that in chronic hemodialysis patients hiba oil is an effective, non-invasive means for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and that lavender alleviates anxiety. [source]


    Model-Based Analysis of Potassium Removal During Hemodialysis

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 10 2009
    Andrea Ciandrini
    Abstract Potassium ion (K+) kinetics in intra- and extracellular compartments during dialysis was studied by means of a double-pool computer model, which included potassium-dependent active transport (Na-K-ATPase pump) in 38 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Each patient was treated for 2 weeks with a constant K+ dialysate concentration (K+CONST therapy) and afterward for 2 weeks with a time-varying (profiled) K+ dialysate concentration (K+PROF therapy). The two therapies induced different levels of K+ plasma concentration (K+CONST: 3.71 ± 0.88 mmol/L vs. K+PROF: 3.97 ± 0.64 mmol/L, time-averaged values, P < 0.01). The computer model was tuned to accurately fit plasmatic K+ measured in the course and 1 h after K+CONST and K+PROF therapies and was then used to simulate the kinetics of intra- and extracellular K+. Model-based analysis showed that almost all the K+ removal in the first 90 min of dialysis was derived from the extracellular compartment. The different K+ time course in the dialysate and the consequently different Na-K pump activity resulted in a different sharing of removed potassium mass at the end of dialysis: 56% ± 17% from the extracellular compartment in K+PROF versus 41% ± 14% in K+CONST. At the end of both therapies, the K+ distribution was largely unbalanced, and, in the next 3 h, K+ continued to flow in the extracellular space (about 24 mmol). After rebalancing, about 80% of the K+ mass that was removed derived from the intracellular compartment. In conclusion, the Na-K pump plays a major role in K+ apportionment between extracellular and intracellular compartments, and potassium dialysate concentration strongly influences pump activity. [source]


    Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Hemodialysis- Dependent Patients

    ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 4 2001
    Hitoshi Hirose
    Abstract: Patients with end-stage renal disease carry a risk of coronary atherosclerosis. This study was performed to evaluate the perioperative and remote data of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in hemodialysis dependent patients. We retrospectively analyzed the results of isolated CABG performed at Shin-Tokyo Hospital between June 1, 1993 and May 31, 2000. Preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data of the patients on hemodialysis (Group HD, n = 37) were collected and compared with those of control patients (Group C, n = 1,639). Group HD consisted of 26 males and 11 females with a mean age of 59.9 ± 8.1 years, and the mean number of bypasses was 2.5 ± 1.1. Group HD had a longer postoperative intubation time, ICU stay, and hospital stay than Group C. The postoperative major complication rate in Group HD (18.9%) was not significantly different from that in Group C (11.3%). However, the inhospital mortality rate in Group HD (5.4%) was higher than Group C (0.6%). At the mean follow-up of 2.4 years, the actuarial 3-year survival of Groups HD and C were 90.6% and 97.6%, respectively (p < 0.001), excluding hospital mortality. The actuarial 3-year cardiac event-free rates were 84.3% in Group HD and 88.8% in Group C, showing no difference. Patients on chronic hemodialysis carry a significant risk of prolonged inhospital care and hospital death. Once successful surgical revascularization was completed, their long-term cardiac events could be controlled as effectively. The increased distant death rates was probably associated with the nature of renal disease. [source]


    Renal diagnosis of chronic hemodialysis patients with urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in Taiwan

    CANCER, Issue 8 2007
    Chung-Hsin Chang MD
    Abstract BACKGROUND. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common malignancy in dialysis patients of Taiwan. The reason for such a high incidence of TCC is undetermined. The correlation between the underlying renal disease and the development of TCC was investigated. METHODS. The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and outcome of 1537 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients from 1993 to 2002. The incidence of TCC was computed. The Cox regression method was used to analyze the role of potential risk factors. RESULTS. After a mean dialysis duration of 46.5 months, 26 (1.69%) patients with TCC were diagnosed. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of TCC was 48.2 as compared with the general population and the SIR of TCC seemed higher in women (65.1) and in the age group 50 to 54 years (173.6). Of them, most cases showed no definite etiology. All these cases showed bilateral contracted kidneys. Nonnephrotic proteinuria was found in all cases and trace glucosuria was found in 17 (65%). Painless gross hematuria was the cardinal symptom and distant metastasis was rare. Also, TCC in upper urinary tracts were common and found in 14 (54%) of patients. Age at the time of dialysis, female sex, compound analgesic use, and Chinese herb use had statistical significance as risk factors (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS. Chronic HD patients have a high risk of TCC in Taiwan, especially in female and middle-aged patients. The study indicated that chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (CTIN) is the most likely underlying renal disease in HD patients with TCC, a high percentage of the CTIN related to the usage of Chinese herbs or compound analgesics may contribute to the development of TCC, whereas diabetes or chronic glomerulonephritis play only a minor role. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]