BCBL must be included among the differential diagnoses of serous effusions detected radiologically in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since the combination of serous effusion, slight serosal thickening, and absence of solid masses is compatible with, though not specific for, BCBL in the context of HIV infection, radiologic findings need to be complemented by a detailed biologic and virologic characterization of tumor cells.

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Aims : The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of satisfaction of users of the Cancer Information Point section of the Library for Patients (CIP-LP), active since 1998 at the National Cancer Institute of Aviano, Italy. The CIP-LP is based on a skilled intermediary, adequate informative material and a specific location, within the Scientific Library of the Institute. Patients and methods : A survey was developed to assess service functionality and quality from the users' viewpoint. During a 6-month period, a questionnaire was mailed to 194 patients and relatives who previously used the CIP-LP; 113 (58%) were returned and processed. Results : Of the respondents, 91% were pleased with the CIP-LP and 95% would recommend the service to other people. The information obtained contributed to a clearer understanding of the illness and treatment (45% as first answer) and a better control of the situation (33%). Fifty-one per cent evaluated the information received as 'good', 42% 'excellent' and 4% 'of sufficient quality'. Conclusion : This survey shows the appreciation and usefulness in the users' perception of a specific hospital library for cancer patients and their relatives, providing an information service supplementary to doctor-patient communication.

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The ageing population and the increase in life expectancy have put new social and health questions into the public health agenda of western countries. Hematological cancer incidence peaks in older population as a logical consequence of a longer lifespan promoting prolonged exposure to carcinogens and accumulation of genetic alterations. Hematological cancer represents a major cause of mortality in this age group despite recent progress observed in the management of cancer in the general population. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) represents a therapeutic option in the treatment of a large proportion of lymphomas and multiple myeloma, but their role in the onco-geriatric setting remains an open question, due to the presence of chronic disease. Ageing is characterized by progressive decrements in physiologic reserves and abilities to compensate for physical and/or functional limitations, which increase the risk of developing morbidity and disability. These events explains the extreme diversity of ageing individuals in terms of clinical and functional status. As a consequence, life expectancy in the elderly is influenced not only by the neoplastic diseases itself but also by the various co-morbidities common to this age group. The management of elderly people with hematological diseases potentially curative, should therefore combine both geriatric and tumor assessments. Among the elderly patients identified as being candidates for AHSCT, after the mobilization of progenitor cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, the aphaeresis procedure is the most common method for collecting an adequate number of stem cells. The proper selection of patients may greatly improve the results and the toxicity related to cancer treatment in the elderly. We recommend the adoption of some form of geriatric assessment in the evaluation of any patient who is 70 years and older, this review intends to offer an overview of the state of art in ASCT in elderly patients.