Anterior Provisional Restorations Used to Determine Form, Function, and Esthetics for Complex Restorative Situations, Using All-Ceramic Restorative Systems

A technique is proposed for the restoration of a large and visible maxillary anterior defect. The importance of proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and communication is emphasized. Irreversible treatment should only be rendered once patient approval has been obtained through objective evaluation with provisional restorations. The techniques presented in this article use a combination of ceramic systems currently available to satisfy functional demands while achieving acceptable esthetics. A controlled series of steps, where the provisional restorative components are being replaced by the definitive ones is planned. The only difference between the provisional and definitive restorative components is the material used. The definitive restorations consisted of an implant-supported zirconium oxide framework. Individual pressed porcelain restorations were luted to the framework and a natural tooth.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Provisional restorations allow an objective form of communication. Vertical and horizontal transitional lines can be effectively masked with appropriate treatment planning and a skilled ceramist. Many traditional dental laboratory steps may be eliminated or simplified without compromising the definitive restorations.
( J Esthet Restor Dent 22:7–17, 2010)     

Revisiting the Role of Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that interferes with VEGF binding to its receptor on vascular endothelium. Bevacizumab has been approved for the treatment of various malignant tumors, and has been studied in combination with several cytotoxic agents in the treatment of breast cancer. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for the use of bevacizumab in combination with weekly paclitaxel for first-line treatment of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. However, this approval was later reversed in 2010 because of concerns for safety and lack of improvement in overall survival in randomized clinical trials. In this review, we summarize relevant clinical studies conducted to investigate the role of bevacizumab in the management of breast cancer, both in the early stage and in the metastatic disease settings. We also provide commentary regarding the future of this agent in breast cancer treatment.