bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of adjuvant cryosurgery in intralesional treatment of sacral tumors
Authors: Kollender Yehuda , Meller Issac , Bickels Jacob , Flusser Gideon , Issakov Josefin , Merimsky Ofer , Marouani Nissim , Nirkin Alexander , Weinbroum Avi A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDCryosurgery is an adjuvant surgical technique for the treatment of benign aggressive, low‐grade malignant and metastatic tumors of long bones. It has been used rarely to treat sacral tumors, mainly because of potential damage to nerves, blood vessels, and intrapelvic organs. The authors described their experience with this procedure and provided medium and long‐term follow‐up results.METHODSFifteen procedures of cryosurgery of the sacrum were performed in 14 patients to improve the therapeutic outcome of a variety of tumors. The patient group included 7 males and 7 females with a mean age of 42 ± 24 years. Three patients were younger than 20 years of age. The procedures were performed at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center between January 1991 and January 1999. There were seven benign aggressive lesions (four giant cell tumors and three aneurysmal bone cysts), one benign schwannoma, one low‐grade chondrosarcoma, five metastatic carcinomas, and one high‐grade Ewing sarcoma, all localized at level S2 or higher. Eight of the bone tumors also involved significant anterior or posterior soft tissue. All patients had severe preoperative pain radiating to the buttocks, perineum, and lower limbs and 9 (64%) patients had bladder and/or rectal dysfunction. Invasive diagnostic procedures and radiation (if warranted) preceded surgery. Sacral posterior fenestration and burr drilling were followed by two‐cycle cryosurgery using the open pour technique or the argon‐helium–based heat‐freeze system.RESULTSAll interventions were performed under combined general and regional anesthesia and concluded uneventfully with moderate blood loss. Thirteen patients were discharged home after 8 ± 5 days (one patient remained hospitalized for 30 days). Only two patients experienced local disease recurrence during a 3–11‐year follow‐up period: one was retreated successfully by cryosurgery and the other underwent sacrectomy and radiotherapy elsewhere, with a subsequent loss of visceral functions. No patient suffered chronic pain, deep wound infections, or significant neurologic deficits and all were satisfied with the esthetic outcome.CONCLUSIONSCryosurgery is a conservative, feasible, and safe adjuvant technique in the treatment of sacral tumors. It is associated with minimal permanent neurologic and vascular injury compared with sacrectomy. Cancer 2003;97:2830–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11383
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma and other fibrohistiocytic tumors in pediatric patients
Authors: Daw Najat C. , Billups Catherine A. , Pappo Alberto S. , Jenkins Jesse J. , Mahmoud Hazem H. , Krasin Matthew J. , Rao Bhaskar N. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDMalignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a controversial entity. In the current study, the authors reviewed their institutional experience with these tumors to characterize their clinical features in pediatric patients and assess the impact of surgical resection on outcome.METHODSThe records of the 28 patients who were diagnosed with MFH or MFH variants of soft tissue between January 1971 and December 2000 were reviewed and the tumors were reclassified according to the World Health Organization guidelines.RESULTSSeventeen patients had MFH; 10 patients had angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (FH), and 1 patient had a plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor. The median age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 7.3 years. The most common primary tumor site was the extremity (n = 14). Metastatic disease (to the lung) was present in only three patients, each of whom had MFH. Of the 17 MFH tumors, 13 were high grade, 8 were invasive, and 6 measured > 5 cm. All angiomatoid FH tumors and the plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor were noninvasive, and 10 measured ≤ 5 cm. Surgical treatment was comprised of wide local excision with clear margins (n = 18), amputation (n = 3), excision with positive or indeterminate surgical margins (n = 4), partial resection (n = 2), or biopsy only (n = 1). Primary reexcision was performed for 21 patients. The 5‐year survival and event‐free survival (EFS) estimates for patients with MFH were 76.5% ± 11.2% and 70.6% ± 12.1%, respectively; the 5‐year survival and EFS estimates were 100% ± 0% for patients with angiomatoid FH or plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor. Compared with partial resection or excision, wide local excision or amputation was found to have a positive impact on the probability of EFS in patients with localized disease (P = 0.008). All four patients with metastatic or unresectable MFH had died by the time of last follow‐up.CONCLUSIONSMFH should be distinguished from angiomatoid FH and plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumors, both of which are less aggressive. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice, regardless of the histology or grade of the tumor. Patients with metastatic or unresectable MFH appear to have a poor outcome and would benefit from more effective therapies. Cancer 2003;97:2839–47. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11384
Results of a 2‐arm Phase II study of 9‐nitrocamptothecin in patients with advanced soft‐tissue sarcomas
Authors: Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Beach Jennifer , Papadopoulos Nicholas , Burgess M. Andrew , Trent Jonathan , Jenkins Jan , Benjamin Robert S. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe authors conducted a 2‐arm Phase II trial of 9‐nitrocamptothecin (9‐NC), an oral topoisomerase I inhibitor, to define response rates in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) leiomyosarcomas and other soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS).METHODSPatients were required to provide informed consent and have measurable disease, Zubrod performance status ≤ 2, and adequate organ function. 9‐NC was administered orally at 1.5 mg/m2 per day × 5 days every week. Response evaluation was performed at 8 weeks, and those with stable or responding disease continued treatment until maximal response was achieved. A total of 56 patients (30 females and 26 males) with a median age of 55 years (range, 19–79 years) were enrolled on the study. Seventeen patients were enrolled on the GI leiomyosarcoma arm; only 1 minor response, lasting < 8 weeks in a patient with liver metastases, was noted, and so this arm was terminated. Thirty‐nine patients were entered on the other STS arm.RESULTSThree patients achieved a partial response (response rate, 8%) for durations of 4, 6, and 13 months, respectively. Fourteen patients had stable disease for a median of 4 months (range, 2–8 months). Two patients died of disease during the first 2 months. Four other patients required hospitalization for nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Other toxicities included diarrhea (36 patients, 5 with Grade 3 toxicity); fatigue (42 patients, 11 with Grade 3 toxicity); anorexia (32 patients, 1 with Grade 3 toxicity); nausea (37 patients, 2 with Grade 3 toxicity); vomiting (24 patients, 3 with Grade 3 toxicity); neutropenia (14 patients, 5 with Grade 3 toxicity); and thrombocytopenia (16 patients, 5 with Grade 3 or 4 toxicity).CONCLUSIONS9‐NC is well tolerated but inactive in GI leiomyosarcomas and has minimal activity in previously treated patients with STS. Cancer 2003;97:2848–52. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11385
The Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Roth Andrew J. , Rosenfeld Barry , Kornblith Alice B. , Gibson Christopher , Scher Howard I. , Curley‐Smart Tracy , Holland Jimmie C. , Breitbart William 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe psychological difficulties facing men with prostate cancer are acknowledged widely, yet identifying men who may benefit from mental health treatment has proven to be a challenging task. The authors developed the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX‐PC) to facilitate the identification and assessment of men with prostate cancer‐related anxiety. This scale consists of three subscales that measure general prostate cancer anxiety, anxiety related to prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in particular, and fear of recurrence.METHODSAmbulatory men with prostate cancer (n = 385 patients) were recruited from clinics throughout the United States. Prior to routine PSA tests, participants completed a baseline assessment packet that included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; the Distress Thermometer; the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale, Prostate Module; and measures of role functioning, sleep, and urinary functioning. PSA values from the last three tests also were collected. Follow‐up evaluation was completed within 2 weeks after patients learned of their PSA test result using a subset of these scales.RESULTSAnalysis of the MAX‐PC revealed a high degree of internal consistency and test‐retest reliability for the total score and for the three subscales, although reliability was somewhat weaker for the PSA Anxiety Scale. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlations between the MAX‐PC and measures of anxiety. Overall changes in PSA levels were correlated only modestly with changes in MAX‐PC scores (correlation coefficient, 0.13; P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONSThe MAX‐PC appears to be a valid and reliable measure of anxiety in men with prostate cancer receiving ambulatory care. Cancer 2003;97:2910–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11386
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in human pituitary tumors
Authors: Vidal Sergio , Kovacs Kalman , Bell David , Horvath Eva , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Lloyd Ricardo V. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDCyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays a role in progression of colon, breast, pancreas, and lung carcinomas. The authors investigated COX‐2 expression in pituitary tumors.METHODSExpression of COX‐2 was evaluated in 164 surgically removed human pituitary tumors. Correlation of COX‐2 with MIB‐1, a cell proliferation marker, as well as angiogenesis, patient age, gender, tumor type, size, invasiveness, and metastatic potential was investigated.RESULTSCyclooxygenase‐2 immunoreactivity was confined to the cytoplasm of tumor cells, whereas the nuclei were unlabeled. Few normal peritumoral adenohypophysial cells showed slight COX‐2 cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. The staining intensity and the percentage of immunopositive cells were higher in tumors. Most pituitary tumors (96%) were COX‐2–immunopositive. Expression was strong in 60 (44%), moderate in 39 (28%), and weak in 32 (24%). Male gonadotroph adenomas and null cell adenomas showed a high level of COX‐2 expression. Growth hormone‐producing adenomas, prolactin‐producing adenomas, thyrotropic hormone‐producing adenomas, female gonadotroph adenomas, silent adrenocorticotropic hormone‐producing adenomas, and silent subtype 3 adenomas had a low level of COX‐2 expression. Significant correlation was demonstrated with patient age, but not with tumor size, invasiveness, and MIB‐1 labeling indices. Expression was medium to high in 76% of macroadenomas and in only 45% of microadenomas. Strong correlations were noted with angiogenesis markers, such as microvessel density and surface density.CONCLUSIONSCorrelation with angiogenesis suggests that COX‐2 may be involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in pituitary tumors. Phamacologic inhibition of COX‐2 activity might suppress angiogenesis in pituitary tumors and may provide a novel approach for medical therapy. Cancer 2003;97:2814–21. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11387
Therapeutic effectiveness of novel 5‐fluorouracil‐loaded poly(methylidene malonate 2.1.2)‐based microspheres on F98 glioma‐bearing rats
Authors: Fournier Elvire , Passirani Catherine , Montero‐Menei Claudia , Colin Nathalie , Breton Pascal , Sagodira Serge , Menei Philippe , Benoit Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a real challenge for neurosurgeons and neurologists, because many molecules cannot cross the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). In recent years, solid polymeric materials have been implanted into animal and human brains either by surgery or using stereotactic methods to assure the controlled release of a drug over a determined period, thus circumventing the difficulties posed by the BBB. Poly(methylidene malonate 2.1.2) (PMM 2.1.2) is a new polymer that was described a few years ago and that allows the fabrication of novel, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐loaded PMM 2.1.2 microspheres. The objective of the current study was to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of those particles in a rat brain tumor model, the F98 glioma.METHODSForty‐three rats were used in this study. First, a histologic evaluation of the F98 tumor model was performed on Fischer female rats. Thereafter, different groups of rats were injected and were treated with 5‐FU microspheres in 2 different suspension media: carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) aqueous solution with or without 5‐FU.RESULTSThe tumor was confirmed as extremely aggressive and invasive, even in early development. The 5‐FU‐loaded microspheres improved rat median survival significantly compared with untreated animals, CMC‐treated animals, and 5‐FU solution‐treated animals when injected in CMC without 5‐FU, demonstrating the interest of a sustained release and the efficacy of intratumoral chemotherapy against an established tumor.CONCLUSIONSPMM 2.1.2 microspheres appeared to be a promising system, because their degradation rate in vivo was longer compared with many polymers, and they may be capable of long‐term delivery. Cancer 2003;97:2822–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11388
Detection of micrometastasis of neuroblastoma to bone marrow and tumor dissemination to hematopoietic autografts using flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Sze Tsang Kam , Kong Li Chi , Chiu Tsoi Wai , Leung Yonna , Ming Kong Shing Matthew , Wai Chik Ki , Lee Vincent , Heung Ling Ng Margaret , Man Pan Yuen Patrick 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe identification of neuroblastoma metastases to bone marrow (BM) is requisite in staging disease for risk‐adopted therapy. However, micrometastases were not elucidated fully.METHODSFlow cytometry (FCM) with CD45/CD56/CD81 and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCR) for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) transcripts were used to evaluate neuroblastoma in bilateral BM aspirates at diagnosis, BM autografts, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections, and CD34+ cell products of 27 children.RESULTSTH transcripts were amplified in histology‐negative (H−) BM specimens from seven patients (four patients with Stage 3 disease, two with Stage 4 disease, and one with Stage 4S disease), revealing a prevalence of submicroscopic metastasis. The median number of CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells in four H− TH− BM samples from two patients with Stage 1 and Stage 2 disease, respectively, was comparable to that encountered in 10 normal BM controls (0.003% [range, 0.002–0.004%] vs. 0.004% [0–0.008%], P = 0.724). In six H− TH+ BM specimens from three patients whom were otherwise diagnosed with neuroblastoma Stage 3, 0.031% (0.009–0.06%) CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells were detected. Besides, 1.474% (0.088–3.009%) CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells were identified in four H− TH+ BM specimens from two patients at Stage 4. TH transcripts were evident in four of five BM autografts and in 22 of 45 (48.9%) PBSC specimens. FCM demonstrated 0.018% and 0.049% CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells in two TH+ BM autografts, respectively. The number of CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells was higher in 19 TH+ PBSC specimens than in 20 TH− PBSC specimens (0.026% [0.006–1.128%] vs. 0% [0–0.009%], P < 0.0001). CD34+ cell selection achieved 2.9 (2.1–3.5) log depletion of CD45−CD81+CD56+ cells in four manipulated products, rendering six of seven PBSC autografts TH‐free.CONCLUSIONSFCM in combination with RT‐PCR evaluated neuroblastoma micrometastasis and assessed the purity of hematopoietic autografts for transplant. However, the clinical relevance remains to be elucidated. Cancer 2003;97:2887–97. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11389
Dexamethasone‐associated toxicity during induction chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is augmented by concurrent use of daunomycin
Authors: Belgaumi Asim F. , Al‐Bakrah Mohammed , Al‐Mahr Mohammed , Al‐Jefri Abdullah , Al‐Musa AbdulRahman , Saleh Mahasen , Salim Mohammed F. , Osman Mohammed , Osman Layla , El‐Solh Hassan 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe goals of the current study were to examine the incidence and severity of toxicity resulting from dexamethasone and prednisone during induction therapy for children with precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to determine whether the addition of daunomycin affected toxicity.METHODSMedical records of patients with precursor B‐cell ALL from January 1996 through June 2000 were reviewed retrospectively for toxicity during the 4‐week induction phase and the 2 weeks after the induction phase.RESULTSOne hundred seventy‐six patients age < 14 years were diagnosed with precursor B‐cell ALL from January 1996 through June 2000. Of the 156 evaluable patients, 106 were treated with prednisone and 50 with dexamethasone. Fifty‐two patients received steroids, L‐asparaginase, and vincristine, whereas 104 high‐risk patients received daunomycin in addition to these 3 agents. The incidence of gastritis was significantly higher among patients receiving dexamethasone (P = 0.01); incidence rates of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and myopathy were similar for all treatment groups. Dexamethasone led to more weight gain than did prednisone (+11.9% vs. +5.4%; P = 0.002). Serious infections were observed in 27 (25.5%) and 18 (36%) patients receiving prednisone and dexamethasone, respectively (P ≤ 0.2). Five patients, four of whom received prednisone and one of whom received dexamethasone, died of infection. The addition of daunomycin to treatment regimens increased overall toxicity (P < 0.01). When daunomycin was included in treatment regimens, toxicity was greater among patients receiving dexamethasone; in contrast, when daunomycin was not included, toxicity was equal for both treatment groups. Regardless of daunomycin use, there was no difference in the incidence of serious infection between the two groups. ALL treatment was not compromised by steroid‐related toxicity in either group.CONCLUSIONSThe addition of daunomycin led to a much larger increase in dexamethasone‐related toxicity compared with the increase in prednisone‐related toxicity. Although the use of daunomycin enhanced dexamethasone‐related toxicity, this enhancement did not result in a higher mortality rate or the alteration of planned ALL therapy. Cancer 2003;97:2898–903. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11390
Disclosure of the right of research participants to receive research results
Authors: Fernandez Conrad V. , Kodish Eric , Taweel Shaureen , Shurin Susan , Weijer Charles 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe offer of return of research results to study participants has many potential benefits. The current study examined the offer of return of research results by analyzing consent forms from 2 acute lymphoblastic leukemia studies of the 235 institutional members of the Children's Oncology Group.METHODSInstitutional review board (IRB)‐approved consent forms from 2 standard‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia studies (Children's Cancer Group [CCG] 1991 and Pediatric Oncology Group [POG] 9407) were analyzed independently by 2 reviewers.RESULTSThe authors received replies from 202 of the 235 institutions that were contacted (85%). One hundred eighty‐one institutions had CCG 1991 (n = 96) or POG 9905 (n = 85) protocols that were approved by an IRB. Most institutions provided contact information for the principal investigator (n = 175; 97%) and a member of the institution's research services office (n = 154; 85%). Only 5 (2.8%) institutions provided an indication of a participant's right to receive a summary of research results; most of these institutions provided details on how (n = 5) or when (n = 5) this was to occur. All of these institutions (n = 162; 89.5%) provided a specific statement offering new information that might affect a participant's decision to continue to participate in a study. Only 2 institutional consent forms offered participants the option to receive research results, and only 10 (5.5%) consent forms contained an unambiguous, specific statement offering to provide new information after the study was closed.CONCLUSIONSFew institutional review board–approved consent forms explicitly indicate the right of research recipients to receive a summary of the results of the research in which they have participated. Cancer 2003;97:2904–9. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11391
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs
Authors: Span Paul N. , Sweep C. G. J. (Fred) , Manders Peggy , Beex Louk V. A. M. , Leppert David , Lindberg Raija L. P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe recently describedreversion‐inducingcysteine‐rich protein withKazal motifs (RECK) inhibits membrane Type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐14), MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 secretion and enzymatic activity. Its expression is essential for normal vasculogenesis. Down‐regulation of RECK has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis and progression.METHODSThe authors assessed the prognostic value of RECK expression in tumor tissue specimens from 278 breast carcinoma patients with a median follow‐up time of 75 months (range, 2–169 months). RECK mRNA levels were measured by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction.RESULTSExpression levels of RECK were lower in tumor tissue specimens than in adjacent normal breast tissue specimens from 10 patients (P= 0.028). No relevant associations of RECK with established clinicopathologic factors or treatment regimens were found. RECK expression predicted a longer recurrence‐free survival time (RFS;P= 0.037) at the optimal cutoff value (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.98). The 100 patients whose tumors exhibited low levels of RECK had a mean RFS time of 80.4 months and a 61.8% 5‐year RFS rate, whereas the 178 patients with tumors with high RECK expression had a mean RFS time of 91.2 months and a 73.0% 5‐year RFS rate. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RECK expression maintained a significant independent prognostic value for RFS time (P= 0.047).CONCLUSIONSThese results are in agreement with the notion of RECK being an important tumor‐suppressor gene. Therefore, the possibility of applying RECK, a pharmaceutical mimetic, or drugs activating endogenous RECK expression, as possible therapeutic or preventive agents for breast carcinoma should be explored. Cancer 2003;97:2710–5. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11395