Since the early 1970's, investigators at Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR), France, have been using marine organisms as models to describe molecular pathways conserved through evolution in mammalian cells (e.g. the cyclin-dependent kinases involved in the control of the cell division cycle). Some kinases are misregulated in various human pathologies, including cancers. Using a specialized screening approach, chemical libraries were analysed, using on-site facilities at Roscoff, in order to identify small chemical inhibitors of protein kinases. Eight chemical scaffolds produced by marine organisms were characterized as candidate drugs by our screening facility, some of which are being considered as chemical tools to pinpoint specific cellular functions of the targeted kinases. In this review, we describe our existing screening facilities and we discuss new perspectives related to marine bioprospecting.

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a rare entity, which may lead to serious vision complications. We report the unusual observation of a 78-year-old patient who developed exophtalmos, chemosis, and blurred vision due to isolated superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis. This rare complication is likely due to tamoxifen therapy. In contrast with published data, in the present case, cessation of tamoxifen therapy did not improve ocular symptoms.

The prevalence of chemotherapy-induced anemia in lung cancer is estimated at about 80%.

We report the case of a woman with an ALK positive lung adenocarcinoma, who developed bilateral complex renal cysts 17 months after the introduction of treatment with crizotinib. Clinical investigation led to the conclusion that the cysts were due to anticancer drug. Regression of the renal cysts was observed one month after cessation of the crizotinib. This case illustrates that specific and little known toxicities can occur with these novel molecules which have entered use for the management of lung cancer.

Eribulin gained its approval in March 2011 for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) whose disease has progressed despite anthracycline and taxane-containing regimens. This study retrospectively assessed the efficacy, safety and cost of this treatment for all patients with MBC treated by eribulin in Franche-Comté. Ninety-four patients received eribulin between July 2006 and October 2013. The median age was 62 years (35-83). Median overall survival was 10.3 months [95% CI: 7.6 to 17.9]. Median progression-free-survival was 3.8 months [95% CI: 2.9 to 5.0]. Clinical benefit was obtained in 55% evaluable patients [95% CI: 43.1 to 66.9] by RECIST criteria. Most common grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (38%), asthenia (10%) and peripheral neuropathy (7%). Median cost of the treatment was 9767 € per patient (6344-17,517). This analysis found similar results to the EMBRACE study despite less selected population. A medico-economic evaluation cost-utility type would assess the effectiveness of this strategy compared to standard treatments.

The mortality rate for malignant melanoma is higher in elderly patients aged 75 years or more, with over 25% of melanomas being diagnosed in this population. This poorer prognosis might perhaps be improved by emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapy, although these agents must be prescribed with care in this rather fragile population. The purpose of our review of the literature concerning phase-2 and -3 published trials of these innovative molecules was to examine their optimal use in elderly patients presenting metastatic malignant melanoma. Most of the trials examined included elderly patients and some were analyzed by age sub-groups. In conclusion, elderly patients with ECOG 0/1 status can be given ipilimumab or vemurafenib as first-line therapy depending on tumoral BRaf mutation status. The benefit of combined targeted therapies does not seem to apply consistently in elderly patients and their use must be discussed. Further specific data must be collected in elderly patients concerning anti-PD1 molecules. For more fragile patients, risk scales or scores should enable more accurate use of innovative therapies in metastatic melanoma. Moreover, physicians must be aware of the common drug interactions with targeted therapies, since elderly patients are often taking several concomitant drugs.

Oncologic management in pediatric patient may be associated with a high risk of neurosensory deficit, such as taste, olfaction, vision and hearing. These neurosensory deficits can be linked to chemotherapy toxicity or to a direct deleterious effect of local radiotherapy or surgical management in case of craniofacial cancers. Neurosensory deficit may be temporary but are usually irreversible and frequently progress after the completion of treatment. Taste and olfaction deficits expose to high risk of nutritional complications and quality of life alteration. Hyposialia, as a result of irradiation of the salivary glands, increases taste changes and the risk of dental caries. The risk of cataract is present in patients who received high dose corticosteroids and/or brain or orbital irradiation. When hearing is affected, a risk of impaired intellectual or academic performance is increased with an impact on the quality of life in absence of specific care. Finally, there are some cosmetic consequences of therapy such as alopecia and scarring that alter the image of the patient. Early detection of these problems in order to limit medical, psychological, educational and social impact is mandatory. Moreover, high risk of worsening of these deficits after completion of therapy support long-term follow-up children treated for cancer, especially with head and neck primary.

Radiation therapy may have deleterious effects on female fertility. It can cause ovarian dysfunction, uterine damages or disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. These effects occur at varying dose levels usually relatively low compared to the prescribed doses. Other co-factors influence the effects of radiation therapy on fertility, such as age or therapy with alkylating agents. This review aims to make an update on the current state of knowledge about the impact of radiotherapy on female fertility.

Impaired renal function may occur following multimodal treatment of cancer in childhood. Renal late effects caused by chemotherapy, renal surgery and/or radiotherapy are now well described; but little is known about their prevalence and time of development. Herein, we provide a synthesis of the different renal complications that may occur with their physiopathology in relation with specific treatment exposures. This review summarized the literature that supported the recommendations issued by the long-term follow-up group of the "Société française des cancers de l'enfant (SFCE)" for childhood cancer survivors at risk for nephrotoxicity (www.sfce.org ; www.soc-nephrologie.org/SNP/index.htm). We developed these monitoring elements and the lifestyle recommendations for all asymptomatic survivors.

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivor. The most clinically evident and best known cardiotoxicity is the anthracycline adverse effect with heart failure. Many cardiovascular adverse effects appear after cancer therapy: heart congestive failure, myocardial ischemia, hypertension, thromboembolic complications, arrhythmias and conduction disturbances. There are potential strategies to mitigate the risks of cardiac complications for cancer patients with physical examination, echocardiography and electrocardiogram. The management of the cardiotoxicity is variable.

Cure rates for most childhood cancers and adolescents have made remarkable progress over the last thirty to forty years. The development of secondary malignancies has become an important question for these patients. The frequency is low, but the risk is significantly higher (between 3 and 10 times) and it is the leading cause of long-term mortality off relapse. In this literature review, we discuss the epidemiological aspect and the risk factors contributing to this increased risk, and conclude with a summary of current recommendations for screening and surveillance. We also discuss briefly the constitutional predisposing genetic contributions to other cancers.

This article, devoted specifically to gynaecological cancers and their impact on the sexual and marital lives, is a collaboration between the psychologists and onco-gynaecologist within a cancer center. In oncology, gynaecological cancers' treatments involve at the same time anatomical, physiological and functional modifications impacting, in a major way, on the sexual life of women. All the phases of the sexual answer can be touched. Beyond the physical and aesthetic consequences of the treatments, the sexual dysfunctions are generally caused by the deep psychological upheaval induced by the disease affecting a strongly invested female body. Female cancer is also a true test for the couple challenged in its emotional, functional and sexual cohesion: emotional distress, attachment link dysfunction, change of role within the couple, disordered state of communication. The couple cannot survive and find a harmonious intimate life without communication about sexual health between the medical team, the patient and her partner. All doctors and nurses must be able to initiate the subject throughout the course of care by respecting four prerequisites: to be aware of the importance to approach this subject, to create a climate of trust, to dare the questions and to respect the rhythm of the patient and her partner.

Metastatic melanoma treatment has been radically modified over the last four years with the emergence of new and effective therapeutic strategies targeted anti-BRAF therapies as well as immunotherapy. Following this latter immunotherapy strategy, anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab demonstrated a benefit in terms of overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma and is now challenged by other checkpoint inhibitors, antibodies directed against PD-1 and PD-L1 that have extremely promising benefit/risk ratio. Adverse events as well as evaluation criteria are different from the ones associated with classical chemotherapy or targeted therapies. The challenge for the next years will be to optimize these new strategies, by possibly using these new drugs sequentially or in combination for a higher clinical benefit for our patients.