AIM To compare a benefit of chemiotherapeutic protocols docetaxel with Tarceva molecular therapy in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Primary endpoint-OS (overall survival), toxicity, secondary endpoint-quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this retrospective and -prospective study a total of 63 patients (two groups--30+33 patients) were analysed and treated for advanced or metastatic NSCLC during the period 2008-2010. One group was treated with molecular therapy Tarceva oral, and the other group was treated with chemiotherapy docetaxel monotherapy every three weeks. The chemotherapy was administered intravenously. Monitoring parameters included overall survival and toxicity. RESULTS Statistical differencet was registered in histology type, total toxicity and total survival. Adenocarcinom occured as a more often pathohistologic type in both groups of patients (Tarceva 57, 6% vs. Docetaxel 83, 3%). The chemiotherapeutic protocol, Docetaxel monotherapy, demonstrated higher total toxicity than Tarceva molecular therapy (hematological toxicity grade II 69.0% Docetaxel vs. 12.5% Tarceva). Tarceva molecular therapy demonstrated longer overall survival (OS) than Docetaxel (Tarceva 26, 4 months vs. Docetaxel 15, 5 months). CONCLUSION In this investigation of two groups of patients the molecular therapy Tarceva was showed better efficiency and toxicity profile. Preferred regimen could be molecular therapy Tarceva.

We have presented a case of rare dorsally sequestrated lumbar disc herniation manifesting as cauda equina syndrome. The patient was admitted to the Neurological Department of Canton Hospital Zenica due to urinary retention and weakness in both lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a compressing mass located in the dorsal extradural space at the L2-L3 level. An extruded intervertebral disc was found intraoperatively. The decompression was followed by good recovery.

INTRODUCTION This study was aimed at comparing the efficiency and tolerability of two reference protocols Cisplatin and Etoposide and Cisplatin and Vinorelbine in advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 60 patients (two groups consisting of 30 patients) were treated for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer during the period from January to December 2005 according to the reference protocols (Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 D1; Vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 D1, D8 on 4 weeks) and (Cisplatin 100 mg/m D1; Etoposide 100 mg/m2 D1, D3, D5 on 4 weeks) at the Department of Oncology of KBC "Bezanijska kosa". All patients were analysed for tumour response, progression free survival as well as for toxicity. X2 test, Kaplan Meiers curves and Log rank test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Although the recorded response rates were a bit lower than in previously published trials, they were not significantly different p = 0.485. No statistically significant difference was recorded in either progression free survival or overall survival. The chemotherapeutical Cisplatin/Etoposide protocol proved to be more toxic both in hematologic (3% vs. 10%) and total toxicities (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION Our study proved both protocols to have equivalent efficacy. However, the Cisplatin, Vinorelbine protocol could be recommended because of its less expressed toxic effects.

Spontaneous regression of herniated nucleus pulposus occurs when intervertebral disc herniation loses its volume partly or totally without surgical interventions. Cases of spontaneous regression of large extruded lumbar disc are rare. We presented a patient with large lumbar disc extrusion documented by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, but not found intraoperatively four months after performing diagnostic. Postoperatively he felt well for two months when the pain reappeared. Control Magnetic Resonance of lumbar spine showed complete resolution of extruded disc fragment comparing with the initial Magnetic Resonance Imaging.