Dr. Bottner's research primarily centers on mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a type of cancer that often affects older adults. He investigates treatments that combine chemotherapy with rituximab, a medication that targets and kills cancer cells, to help improve survival rates and minimize side effects. Additionally, he studies programs like the Living Well interview that assist seriously ill patients in articulating their values and wishes for end-of-life care, ultimately leading to better planning and quality of hospice care.
Key findings
In a study on maintenance rituximab following induction chemo-immunotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma, 62% of patients were still alive after over five years without new harmful side effects.
In his pilot study, 77% of 22 patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma responded to the combined treatment, with 64% achieving complete remission and an average progression-free survival of 37 months.
The Living Well interview helped 52 terminally ill patients achieve better planning and earlier hospice care, leading to longer hospice stays and more discussions about their values.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Bottner study mantle cell lymphoma?
Yes, Dr. Bottner focuses on treatments for mantle cell lymphoma, including innovative combinations of chemotherapy and rituximab.
What treatments has Dr. Bottner researched for cancer?
He has researched the use of maintenance rituximab following induction chemo-immunotherapy to improve survival rates and decrease side effects for mantle cell lymphoma patients.
Is Dr. Bottner's work relevant to patients facing serious illnesses?
Yes, his research on the Living Well interview program helps seriously ill patients communicate their values, improving their end-of-life care.
Publications in plain English
Maintenance rituximab following induction chemo-immunotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: long-term follow-up of a pilot study from the Wisconsin Oncology Network.
2011
Leukemia & lymphoma
Kenkre VP, Long WL, Eickhoff JC, Blank JH, McFarland TA +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a treatment plan for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), which is a type of cancer that often affects older patients. After following patients for over five years, the results showed that 62% of them were still alive, and they experienced no new harmful side effects from the treatment. This is important because it means that this specific treatment could be a very good option for older patients facing MCL, improving their chances of living longer without complications.
Who this helps: Older patients diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma.
Maintenance rituximab following induction chemoimmunotherapy may prolong progression-free survival in mantle cell lymphoma: a pilot study from the Wisconsin Oncology Network.
2006
Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
Kahl BS, Longo WL, Eickhoff JC, Zehnder J, Jones C +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment approach for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), using a combination of chemotherapy and the drug rituximab. Out of 22 patients, 77% responded to the treatment, with 64% achieving complete remission. On average, patients who responded remained free of disease progression for about 37 months, showing that the maintenance dose of rituximab may help keep the disease at bay without adding extra side effects.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma by providing a potentially effective treatment option.
Honing an advance care planning intervention using qualitative analysis: the Living Well interview.
2003
Journal of palliative medicine
Schwartz C, Lennes I, Hammes B, Lapham C, Bottner W +1 more
Plain English This research studied a program called the Living Well interview, designed to help seriously ill patients discuss their values and wishes for end-of-life care. The study included 52 terminally ill patients and found that using this interview led to better planning and earlier hospice care than the national average. Additionally, people who talked about passing on their values (generativity) tended to have longer hospice stays and more time left to live, highlighting important themes for future research.
Who this helps: This benefits patients facing serious illnesses and their families.