tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Extrarenal Wilms' tumor: staging, treatment, and prognosis.
Authors: M J Coppes, P C Wilson, S Weitzman
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1991)

Extrarenal Wilms' tumors are rare and have mainly been the subject of isolated case reports. This retrospective evaluation of 34 patients suggests a clinical course very similar to that of renal Wilms' tumor. While clinical presentation varies according to the extrarenal localization, investigations to determine the size of the primary tumor (T), regional lymph node involvement (N), and the occurrence of distant metastasis (M) are very similar, ie, chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound (US), and computed axial tomographic (CAT) scan of the abdomen and chest. Stage grouping according to the pathologic TNM classification showed stage I in 30%, stage II in 10%, stage IIIa in 34%, stage IIIb in 23%, and stage IVa in 3%; four patients could not be staged. Evaluation of therapy and survival indicate the need for postoperative chemotherapy (CT) to all patients, while the same data suggest that the drugs used for renal Wilms' tumor are equally effective for extrarenal Wilms' tumor. Radiotherapy (RT) probably should be reserved for those patients with unresectable gross residual disease and for metastatic disease. The radiation dose used in the reviewed cases varied from 2,000 to 5,000 cGy. However, recent experience suggests that high doses are not justified in renal Wilms' tumor. The estimated overall 2-year survival of the 34 patients is 82% (95% confidence interval, 63% to 92%).
Flow cytometric bead assay of BCR-ABL fusion proteins in leukemia patients: An Indian experience.
Authors: R. Pandey
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010)

6595 Background: The BCR-ABL fusion gene results from the translocation t(9;22). It is the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and is present in a poor-risk subgroup of precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which represents 25% to 30% of adult ALL and 3% to 5% of childhood ALL. So far, the BCR-ABL aberration has been detected by cytogenetics, FISH or PCR, which are time consuming and require special facilities. We have used a simple flow cytometric bead assay (BD) for detection of the BCR-ABL fusion protein in cell lysates, The aim of our study was to see the effectiveness of Flowcytometric detection of BCR-ABL. Methods: Test Specimens: 100 patients, CML 74 and Adult ALL 20, Paediatric ALL 6. BD-BCR-ABL Protein Kit Protocol: Cell Lysate was prepared as per manufacturer's protocol using Ficoll-Paque medium and several washing with PBS and 5% FBS plus IX pretreatment A and IX pretreatment B. CBA Assay: In BD Falcon 12 × 75 mm polystyrene tube 50 μl each of lysate, BCR-ABL Capture Beads and BCR-ABL detection reagent were added. Tube contents were resuspended with 300μl of BD CBA washed buffer. Samples were acquired with the BD FACS Canto II Flow Cytometer. FISH: Abbott Visys LSI BCR-ABL, Dual Fusion Translocation Probe. Results: Amongst 100 cases concordance was best obtained in CML cases where 65 cases were positive for BCR ABL by flow cytometric bead assay and 68 cases were positive with FISH. In case of adult and pediatric ALL 14 cases showed positivity with flowcytometric bead assay. In case of FISH, however, 16 cases were having BCR-ABL. Also bead assay is far quicker than FISH assay. Conclusions: We conclude that the flow cytometry immunobead assay is a fast and easy technique for specific detection of BCR ABL proteins in leukemic cells. The main advantaged of the immunobead assay are: 1) Not dependent on the breakpoint position in the BCR gene; 2) Can be run in parallel to routine immunophenotyping. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Prognostic impact of radiology response and tumor volume among patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCHNC) treated with concomitant chemoradiation
Authors: D. Herchenhorn, A. L. Souza, A. M. Souza, E. T. Boasquevisque, E. M. Boasquevisque, F. L. Dias, I. Small, R. Knust
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2009)

e17035 Background: There are no validated prognostic factors to predict response of chemo/RT in LASCHNC. Tumor volume as well as post-treatment CT radiology response have been studied in small retrospective series. An analysis of tumor volume and CT radiology response-score to endoscopic and pathologic responses as well as disease free survival was performed. Methods: In a single institution phase I-II study LASCHNC of oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were treated with concurrent radiation, cisplatin and erlotinib. 34 patients (pts) underwent a base line and post treatment CT (after 6 weeks), endoscopic evaluation and biopsy. Tumor volume was measured by multiplying the longest diameter by 0,523. (Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2005), CT post-treatment changes score used as proposed by Pamejier et al., using a 3-point CT-score: 1 = expected post-treatment changes; 2 = focal mass with a maximal diameter of &lt; 1 cm and/or asymmetric obliteration of laryngeal tissue planes; 3 = focal mass with a diameter of &gt; 1 cm, or &lt; 50% estimated tumor volume reduction. Results: Median tumor volume (mTV) was 21cm3 (0.3 to 178), median disease free survival (mDFS) in pts with tumor volume greater than mTV was 20.4 months and not reached in patients with tumor volume lower than mTV, log-rank 5.9, p = 0.015. The median tumor volume reduction by CT was 84% (-62 a 100%), 8pts were classified as score 1 (23.5%), 1pt score 2 (2.9%), 25pts score 3 (73%). There was a tendency for shorter DFS for those with a score 3, log-rank 3.05, p = 0.08. With a median follow-up of 24 months, 88% of score 1.2 are alive, versus 56% of score 3. Conclusions: There is a great variability in TV in LASCHNC, small tumor volumes were related to longer DFS and there is no correlation between tumor reduction and post-treatment CT score. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Suicide and homicide in the United States: an epidemiologic study of violent death, population changes, and the potential for prediction
Authors: P C Holinger, D Offer, E Ostrov
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (1987)

The authors found significant positive correlations between the suicide and homicide rates for 15-24-year-olds and the proportion of 15-24-year-olds in the U.S. population from 1933 to 1982. Significant negative correlations were found for most adult age groups (35-64 years). Since future numbers of adolescents and adults can be estimated on the basis of current population data for children and preadolescents, the epidemiologic patterns for suicide and homicide may be predictable for certain age groups. However, methodologic problems are inherent in using national mortality and population data, and many years are necessary to evaluate such epidemiologic propositions.
High-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) for metastatic renal Cell carcinoma (mRCC): Contemporary utilization trends in the United States.
Authors: Christopher B. Allard, Francisco Gelpi-Hammerschmidt, Lauren Christine Harshman, Izak Faiena, Parth K Modi, Benjamin I. Chung, Eric A. Singer, Steven L. Chang
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2015)

449 Background: Targeted therapies (TT) have revolutionized treatment of mRCC with broad based efficacy and tolerability but ultimately all patients progress. While HD IL-2, the prior standard of care treatment, is associated with significant toxicities, it remains the only agent proven to elicit durable complete responses albeit rarely. This study evaluated trends in HD IL-2 use for patients with mRCC during the TT era. Methods: Our study cohort was comprised of a weighted sample of 2,351 patients with mRCC undergoing HDIL-2 treatment from 2004-2012, from the Premier Hospital Database (Premier Inc., Charlotte, NC), a nationally representative hospital discharge database. We employed descriptive statistics and fitted multivariable regression models, accounting for clustering and weighting, to identify predictors of treatment toxicity and tolerability. Results: We found a progressive decrease in the use of HD IL-2 from 2004 to 2008 with a general upward trend thereafter. HD IL-2 was increasingly concentrated at academic centers representing the site of treatment for 24% of patients in 2004 versus 90% of patients in 2012. Most patients were men (75.3%), Caucasian (70.7%) and aged &lt;60 (59.6%) with lung metastases (60.9%) and otherwise healthy (64.72%, Charlson comorbidity index=0). Our adjusted analysis showed that severe hypotension was associated with patients &lt;50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35, p=0.045), while the likelihood of receiving ≥2 cycles of HDIL-2 was associated with good health (CCI=0, OR: 1.72, p=0.004) and having &gt;1 metastatic site (OR: 4.32, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Over the past decade, the use of HD IL-2 initially diminished coinciding with the widespread availability of TT but has remerged potentially due to renewed enthusiasm for immunotherapies showing promising efficacy with novel immune checkpoint inhibitors in mRCC. HD IL-2 has increasingly been limited to academic centers and our analysis suggests a strong selection bias for younger, healthier patients who can better tolerate the toxicities and those with a greater burden of metastatic disease. Future studies are warranted to determine the optimal role of HDIL-2 in the contemporary treatment of mRCC.
Reduced integrin alpha3 expression as a factor of poor prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung.
Authors: M Adachi, T Taki, C Huang, M Higashiyama, O Doi, T Tsuji, M Miyake
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (1998)

PURPOSE We investigated the possible association between integrin alpha3 and motility-related protein (MRP-1), cluster of differentiation antigen 9 (CD9) gene expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluated the prognostic significance of integrin alpha3 expression. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study of integrin alpha3 and MRP-1/CD9 expression in resected tumor tissues from 151 NSCLC patients using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The ratio of integrin alpha3/beta-actin expression ranged from 0 to 5.87 (mean was 0.80; median, 0.70). Using the cutoff value of 0.7, there were 78 (52%) integrin alpha3-positive tumors and 73 (48%) tumors with reduced integrin alpha3 expression. The immunohistochemical results agreed well with those of the RT-PCR assays, and 88% had no discrepancy. In case of discrepancy, the results of RT-PCR were used in specimen classification. Integrin alpha3 gene expression was independent from MRP-1/CD9 gene expression. No significant association was found between integrin alpha3 expression and the patients' clinical characteristics. The overall survival rate of patients with integrin alpha3-positive NSCLCs was only slightly better than that of individuals whose tumors had reduced integrin alpha3 expression (55.9% v 47.1%; P = .085). By comparison, the overall survival rate of patients with integrin alpha3-positive adenocarcinomas was strikingly greater than in those whose tumors had reduced gene expression (54.4% v 35.2%; P = .004). Multivariate analysis with the Cox regression model of NSCLC and adenocarcinoma indicated that integrin alpha3 expression correlated better (P = .0188 and P = .0008, respectively) with the overall survival rate than other variables, except lymph node status. CONCLUSION No significant association was found between integrin alpha3 and MRP-1/CD9 gene expression in lung cancer. However, reduced integrin alpha3 expression is a poor prognosis factor in patients with adenocarcinomas.
Comparison of maximal airway narrowing to methacholine between children and adults
Authors: S de Pee, M C Timmers, J Hermans, E J Duiverman, P J Sterk
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (1991)

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in adults is characterized by an increased sensitivity as well as an elevated maximal response to inhaled bronchoconstrictors. In children, however, it is unknown whether the maximal response increases with increasing sensitivity. We investigated the maximal degree of airway narrowing to methacholine in nonasthmatic and asthmatic children (7-12 yrs), and compared it to that in adults. Nineteen children (9 normals, 10 asthmatics) and 19 adults (8 normals, 11 asthmatics) were selected in order to cover a wide distribution of bronchial responsiveness. All subjects underwent 2 methacholine challenge tests on separate days, by inhaling doubling doses using a standardized dosimeter technique (up to a noncumulative dose of 59 mumol). The response was measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and expressed as a percentage fall from baseline value. The complete dose-response curves were characterized by their position (PD20, the provocative dose causing a 20% fall in FEV1) and maximal response (MFEV1, the mean response on the plateau, defined as greater than or equal to 2 points within a 5% response range). Plateaus were observed in 13 children and 9 adults, the coefficient of repeatability of MFEV1 being 10.8 and 10.4% fall, respectively. There was an inverse relationship between log PD20 and MFEV1, which did not differ between children and adults (p greater than 0.15). In most of the asthmatic children and adults the plateau could not be measured (exceeding 50% fall in FEV1) if PD20 was less than 1 mumol. We conclude that, for a given bronchial sensitivity, the maximal response to inhaled methacholine is similar between children and adults.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Implementation of Amplicon Parallel Sequencing Leads to Improvement of Diagnosis and Therapy of Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Katharina König, Martin Peifer, Jana Fassunke, Michaela A. Ihle, Helen Künstlinger, Carina Heydt, Katrin Stamm, Frank Ueckeroth, Claudia Vollbrecht, Marc Bos, Masyar Gardizi, Matthias Scheffler, Lucia Nogova, Frauke Leenders, Kerstin Albus, Lydia Meder, Kerstin Becker, Alexandra Florin, Ursula Rommerscheidt-Fuss, Janine Altmüller, Michael Kloth, Peter Nürnberg, Thomas Henkel, Sven-Ernö Bikár, Martin L. Sos, William J. Geese, Lewis Strauss, Yon-Dschun Ko, Ulrich Gerigk, Margarete Odenthal, Thomas Zander, Jürgen Wolf, Sabine Merkelbach-Bruse, Reinhard Buettner, Lukas C. Heukamp
Journal: Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2015)
Biochemical and immunologic correlates of clinical response in a combination trial of the GM-CSF-gene transduced allogeneic prostate cancer immunotherapy and ipilimumab in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC)
Authors: W. R. Gerritsen, A. J. van den Eertwegh, T. D. de Gruijl, G. Giaccone, R. J. Scheper, N. Sacks, T. Harding, I. Lowy, E. Stankevich, K. Hege
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2007)

5120 Background: A Phase 1 trial is underway to study the GM-CSF-secreting immunotherapy for prostate cancer (GVAX immunotherapy [GVAX IT]) and ipilimumab (ipi) in mHRPC patients (pts). Methods: Twelve pts were treated for 24 weeks (wks) with bi-weekly intradermal injections of GVAX IT and monthly Ipi. Pts were enrolled in cohorts of 3; each cohort received an escalating dose of ipi: 0.3, 1, 3 or 5 mg/kg. Results: Median follow-up is 15.0 months. All pts had GVAX IT injection site reactions. Five of six pts at the higher ipi doses (3 and 5 mg/kg) developed Grade 2 or 3 immune-related endocrinopathy, consistent with hypophysitis manifested by adrenal insufficiency and/or hypothyroidism, all successfully treated with standard hormone replacement. Two pts were tapered off Synthroid within 6 months (m). There was no induction of the alpha-21-hydroxylase auto-antibody that is seen in 90% of cases of auto-immune adrenal insufficiency. One pt in the 5 mg group developed a Grade 3 dose-limiting alveolitis. PSA responses (declines &gt; 50%) were seen in 5/6 treated at the two higher ipi doses with median response duration of 4.9 m (2 on-going at 7.2 m and 12.8 m). These PSA responses were associated with immune-related endocrinopathy but were not consistently correlated with declines in adrenal androgens. One pt had resolution of measurable disease on abdominal CT scan. Immunomonitoring studies showed T cell and dendritic cell activation, more pronounced at higher doses. Biopsies of injection sites showed T cell infiltration. Multiple tumor-reactive antibodies (abs) induced by tx were identified by serologic analysis (SEREX), including abs to filamin B. Screening against 20 defined prostate cancer antigens demonstrated induction of abs to PSMA and NY-ESO-1. Conclusions: The GVAX IT and ipilimumab combination is active in mHRPC. There was an association between PSA response and immune-related adverse events. The PSA responses cannot be accounted for by adrenal insufficiency. The relationship between clinical activity and serologic response to identified antigens is under investigation. Tx of 16 additional pts is planned. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Role of gemcitabine as radiation sensitizer in stage II &amp; III carcinoma urinary bladder
Authors: A. S. Syed, T. N. Ansari, A. Mahmood, I. Hussein
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2004)

4714 Background: The aims of the phase II study were to investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of gemcitabine in combination with radiation in patients with stage II and III carcinoma urinary bladder. Methods: Twenty patients with stage II and III carcinoma urinary bladder received 250 mg/m2 gemcitabine once weekly for 6 weeks with concurrent standard radiotherapy, 6400 cGy, for 61/2 weeks between December 2001 and Feb 2002. Results: A complete response was observed in 17 of the 20 eligible patients at the end of the third month after completing radiation therapy, 2 patients had a partial response while 1 patient showed no response. Adverse events of grade 3 or higher included 1 case each of diarrhoea (1/20) and anaemia (1/20). Other minor complications (grade ½) were cystitis in 5 cases, proctitis in 2 cases, nausea and vomiting in 5 cases, diarrhoea in 6 cases and anaemia in 7 cases. These patients are on followup and 1 year survival data will come in April next year. Conclusion: Gemcitabine as radiation sensitizer is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of carcinoma urinary bladder. Further study of this regimen should concentrate on the dosage and the sequence of administration. The combination of gemcitabine with other chemotherapeutic agents should also be investigated. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Next Generation Sequencing of Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer. Circle-1 Trial
Authors: K. Kato, H. Shoji, T. Kakizaki, K. Honda, A. Kakimoto, T. Sakuma, T. Yamada, S. Fang, A. Wu, C.T. Lim, K. Furuta
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Low power laser in the prevention of induced oral mucositis in bone marrow transplantation patients
Authors: H. S. Antunes, A. M. De Azevedo, C. E. Adão, C. T. Pinheiro, L. H. Pinheiro, R. Azevedo, R. Mayhe, V. D. Matos, R. A. Zângaro, C. G. Ferreira
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2006)

6541 Background: High-dose chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplant produces undesirable effects in the oral cavity leading to oral mucositis (OM) that may be a painful and debilitating side-effect. Laser therapy has been used to improve the symptoms and duration of already established OM in this group of patients (pts). Recent data suggest the upfront use of laser therapy may decrease the incidence of OM. Methods: Through the use of upfront LPL as protecting and modulating therapy of the oral mucosa membrane, we evaluated the potential for a reduction in the incidence and/or severity of OM in pts submitted to autologous (AT) or allogeneic (AL) bone marrow transplant (BMT). Sample size was based on estimative of P 0 control = 0.6 and a P 1 LPL = 0.1, β = 0.1; α= 0.05. From Jan 2004 to May 2005, 38 pts treated at the National Bone Marrow Transplant Center in Rio de Janeiro were randomized into a group of 19 pts that received and a group of 19 that did not receive the application of the preventive LPL from the beginning of the conditioning. The irradiation was used an diode InGaAlP, emiting light at 660 nm wavelenght with output power of 50 mW, giving an energy density of 4 J/cm 2 . The tip of the laser device touched the oral mucosa. The evaluation of OM was done by different investigators both by WHO and OMAS scale. Results: The male to female ratio was 60.5/39.5%. The median age 37 (19–56). The frequency of AT and AL was 73.7 (15.8% non related) vs 26.3%. In the LPL group 94.8% of pts had OM WHO grade &lt; 2 (including 63.2% with grade 0), whereas in the control group 68.4% of pts had OM grade III and IV (p&lt;0,001). Remarkably the HR for grade II, III and IV OM was 0.41 (CI 95% 0.22–0.75, p = 0,002) and for grade III and IV was 0.07 (CI 95%0.11–0.53, p&lt;0,000). Using OMAS scale by the calculation of ulcerous area, 73.6% of LPL pts presented lesions of 0 to 3 cm 2 , whereas 73.6% of the control group presented ulcers from 9.1 to 18 cm 2 (p=0.003). An agreement was observed among investigators (index of 81.7%) and between WHO and OMAS scale (p&lt;0,001). Conclusion: Our results indicate that the use of upfront LPL in bone marrow transplantation patients is a powerful instrument in reducing the incidence of OM and is now standard in our center. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Co-trimoxazole in addition to antiretroviral therapy may reduce malaria risk in HIV positive adults
Authors: Nigel Hawkes
Journal: BMJ (2016)

In malaria endemic regions people with HIV infection who are treated with antiretroviral therapy do better if they are also given the antibiotic co-trimoxazole, a trial in Kenya has shown.1

Prophylactic use of co-trimoxazole has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2006, but that guidance predated the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy, so it has not been clear whether it remained appropriate. The trial, by showing that mortality and morbidity were higher among those in whom …