Chronotherapy of cancer: a major drug-deliver challenge

Micro/nanomotors towards in vivo application: cell, tissue and biofluid

Inspired by highly efficient natural motors, synthetic micro/nanomotors are self-propelled machines capable of converting the supplied fuel into mechanical motion. A significant advance has been made in the construction of diverse motors over the last decade. These synthetic motor systems, with rapid transporting and efficient cargo towing abilities, are expected to open up new horizons for various applications. Utilizing emergent motor platforms for in vivo applications is one important aspect receiving growing interest as conventional therapeutic methodology still remains limited for cancer, heart, or vasculature diseases. In this review we will highlight the recent efforts towards realistic in vivo application of various motor systems. With ever booming research enthusiasm in this field and increasing multidisciplinary cooperation, micro/nanomotors with integrated multifunctionality and selectivity are on their way to revolutionize clinical practice.

The relationship between fatigue and sleep in cancer patients: a review

Fatigue is a major complaint among cancer patients, yet it is unknown whether cancer-related fatigue experienced during the day relates to sleep/wake cycles or to the quality and quantity of sleep obtained at night. Although it is not well defined or well understood at present, cancer-related fatigue is generally regarded as a form of tiredness that does not improve following rest or sleep. Objectively recorded sleep and biological rhythms have not been well investigated in these patients, but it appears that most cancer patients may in fact not be getting a good night's sleep. Evidence is accumulating that sleep is often disturbed in cancer patients, probably owing to a variety of causes. We posit that some degree of cancer-related fatigue experienced during the day may relate to sleep/wake cycles or to the quality and quantity of sleep obtained at night. Different components or dimensions of fatigue (physical, attentional/cognitive, emotional/affective, etc.) are probably associated in some way with disrupted sleep and desynchronized sleep/wake rhythms. These associations may change in measurable ways prior to treatment, during treatment and after treatment completion. In cancer patients, as in other medically ill patients, sleep that is inadequate or unrefreshing may be important not only to the expression of fatigue, but to the patients' quality of life and their tolerance to treatment, and may influence the development of mood disorders and clinical depression. This review summarizes the state of the literature on fatigue, sleep and circadian rhythms.

Radiation and chemotherapy injury: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

The text in general is not meant to represent the participants' entire presentations. The lecture presenters in general are not responsible for the summaries, and cannot necessarily be assumed to agree with all that is stated, but they deserve credit for providing the lecture and handout material on which the summaries are based, and in most cases have contributed far more to the summaries than I have.