Traditional chemotherapy has been the hallmark of cancer treatment, but chemotherapeutic agents not only kill cancer cells but also affect some of healthy cells in the body. Over the last two decades, a new generation of cancer treatment has come to the forefront, i.e., molecular-targeted cancer therapies using monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. Molecular-targeting therapeutic agents block specific proteins or genes that help cancers grow and spread. Since they focus on specific molecular changes which are unique to a particular cancer, molecular-targeted cancer therapies may be more specifically beneficial for many cancer types, including lung, breast, colorectal, leukemia, and lymphoma. Moreover, recent advances have made it possible to analyze and to tailor treatment to an individual patient's tumor. For some types of cancer, molecular-targeted cancer therapies may work better than other treatments such as traditional chemotherapy. However, despite highly successful improvements of survival rates, limitations due to tumor heterogeneity, primary and acquired therapy resistance, immune evasion, and economical considerations will need to be overcome. This review article provides an overview of the up-to-date knowledge regarding molecular-targeted cancer therapies.

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　The Candida species are fungi that normally live in areas such as the skin and intestines, but they can also be found in the bloodstream of immunocompromised hosts. Because of the high mortality rate of candidemia, the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of such infections is important. Since 2015, we have conducted antifungal stewardship conferences aimed at medical institutions in Toyama to promote antifungal stewardship measures. In this study, we investigated background and treatmentrelated factors in 235 cases of candidemia at seven institutions in Toyama from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2018. We also weighed the effect of each factor before and after the conferences.
　Candida albicans was the fungus most often isolated at the institutions, and micafungin was the most commonly used first-line antifungal agent. Advanced age (≧65 years), undernourishment, and receipt of total parental nutrition were the primary background factors. After the conference launched, areas such as choice of appropriate antifungal agent and dose, confirmation of negative blood culture, and the number of ophthalmological examinations significantly improved. Problems such as the removal of central venous catheters (recommended within 24 hours) remained, but we expect further improvements from this point on.

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　Many of the chemical substances used in university laboratories, such as reagents and gases, are potential fire and explosive hazards and are harmful to human health and the environment. To handle chemical substances safely and appropriately, it is necessary to understand the laws and regulations governing their use as well as the individual characteristics of chemical substances. In this article, we explain Japanese laws and regulations, such as the Industrial Safety and Health Law and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law, which must be followed when working with chemical substances in university laboratories. We also explain how to check for hazards, handle precautions, and follow applicable laws on chemical substances based on the information on labels and safety data sheets. We then introduce the Toyama University Lab. chemicals InPut System (TULIP), which is considered effective for the proper management of reagents and gas cylinders in laboratories.

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　A 77-year-old man was referred to our clinic because of persistent low-grade fever and positive C reactive protein (CRP) levels. On day 11, chest X-ray revealed newly accumulated of pleural effusion on the right side. Laboratory data were positive for anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-dsDNA antibodies, and progressed lymphocytopenia. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and treated with steroids. Late-onset SLE is a small subgroup of the disorder, that is often overlooked as insidious onset and lacks symptoms. We should consider SLE as a differential diagnosis in elderly patients presenting with pleuritis regardless of gender distinction.

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