Objective: This paper presents the results of the first public consultation for the creation of a large-scale genetic database, the Quebec CARTaGENE project. A consultation has been undertaken in order to gauge whether the general public is receptive to the project. An integral part of the approach of the researchers is to establish a dialogue with the public. Methods: Two independent expert groups have carried out qualitative and quantitative studies measuring knowledge of and interest in genetics, incentives and obstacles to CARTaGENE participation and comprehension and evaluation of the communication tools. Results: CARTaGENE is seen to hold promise for the greater population. However, reported across qualitative and quantitative studies is the concern for confidentiality and respect for the individual, transparency, the donor’s right to feedback and governance. Participation would be conditional on a response to those concerns and a greater dissemination of information. Conclusion: Community engagement in genetic research requires targeted communications, with an appropriate proportioning of information and communication, and a consideration of the ‘values and personal interests’ of individuals according to different societal segments.

BACKGROUNDThe authors assessed the biologic behavior of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in patients age 70 years or older and evaluated factors that influenced long‐term survival.METHODSAmong 1448 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who were treated at the authors' institution over the past 60 years, 111 patients were identified who were age 70 years or older at the time of their initial diagnosis (range, 70–93 years). The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of the outcome of these 111 patients, who had a median follow‐up of 9 years (range, 2–9 years).RESULTSThere were 83 female patients and 28 male patients (female to male ratio, 3:1). Fifty‐eight tumors were papillary, 46 tumors were follicular, and 7 tumors were Hürthle cell carcinoma. Eighty percent of patients presented with a thyroid mass, and 70% of tumors were pathologic stage T3 (pT3) or pT4. Lymph node disease was evident at presentation in 44% of patients, and distant metastases were documented at diagnosis in 23% of patients. Forty‐six patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and the remaining patients underwent subtotal thyroidectomy or biopsy only. Radioiodine was administered to 80 patients, and external beam radiotherapy was administered to 19 patients. The cause specific survival rates were 75%, 50%, and 50% at 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of metastases was the most important independent prognostic factor for survival. External beam radiotherapy was associated with a poorer prognosis, in that it was reserved for patients with either inoperable disease or residual disease after surgery and patients with no uptake of radioiodine.CONCLUSIONSA large proportion of thyroid tumors showed extrathyroid spread and distant metastases, which frequently were not iodine‐avid. The prevalent histologic type was papillary, often with features of poor differentiation. Thyroid carcinoma in the elderly appears to behave more aggressively, and they have a less favorable prognosis compared with younger adults. Cancer 2003;97:2736–42. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11410

CGMS appears to be a clinically useful tool to gain additional insights into the glycemic control of diabetic CAPD patients. More biocompatible and nonglucose-containing dialysis fluids seem to be associated with improvements in glycemic control in this group of patients.

No abstract