Onkologie
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Up to 10% of all cervical lymph node metastases present without a known primary site. Between 70 and 80% of the found primary tumors are located in the head and neck region, because cervical lymph nodes represent the lymph drainage of the head and neck. ⋯ Following a thorough physical examination, radiologic imaging, i.e., computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, of the head and neck region as well a chest X ray, panendoscopy with biopsy of the most probable tumor sites, and diagnostic tonsillectomy should be performed. Further diagnostic procedures as gastroenterologic, urogenital and gynecological examinations should be performed, depending on histology and location of the node and under consideration of cost-benefit analysis. Curative treatment should at least include ipsilateral neck dissection and adjuvant irradiation of the complete cervical lymph drainage. In the literature, radiation of the laryngopharyngeal mucosa is still discussed controversially: some authors recommend the irradation of the pharyngeal mucosa extending from the nasopharynx to the upper esophagus, whereas others regard the resulting side effects as too high compared to the expected benefit.
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1996 wurde von der <
> (IAH), in der Vertreter an der Behandlung von Hodentumoren beteiligter Arbeitsgruppen der Deutschen Krebsgesellschaft (AIO, AUO und ARO) zusammenarbeiten, ein < > erarbeitet und publiziert [1, 2]. 1998 erfolgte der Zusammenschluss der IAH mit der < > der AUO zur < > (GTCSG). Die Beteiligung aller wissenschaftlichen Fachgesellschaften, die mit der Klinik von Hodentumoren befasst sind, sollte die wissenschaftliche Basis erweitern, die Qualität der von der Gruppe erarbeiteten diagnostischen und therapeutischen Standards für Hodentumoren erhöhen und eine breite Umsetzung der interdisziplinär erarbeiteten Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik und Therapie ermöglichen [3, 4]. ⋯ Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg -
More than 50% of patients with gastric cancer initially present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. In general, gastric cancer in an advanced or metastatic stage is regarded as incurable. Despite treatment with palliative chemotherapy, the median survival time is still limited and does not exceed 12 months. CASE REPORT: We report on a patient with advanced and metastatic gastric cancer who received palliative surgery and subsequent palliative chemotherapy. ⋯ Palliative chemotherapy for metastatic gastric cancer may seldom lead to long-term clinical remission. Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg
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Tumor-associated antigens recognized by cellular or humoral effectors of the immune system represent attractive targets for antigen-specific cancer therapy. Different groups of cancer-associated antigens have been identified inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in vitro and in vivo: 1) 'Cancer-Testis' (CT) antigens, which are expressed in different tumors and normal testis, 2) melanocyte differentiation antigens, 3) point mutations of normal genes, 4) antigens that are overexpressed in malignant tissues, and 5) viral antigens. Clinical studies with peptides derived from these antigens have been initiated to study the induction of specific CTL responses in vivo. ⋯ Clinical studies with antigenic constructs to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses will show whether these are more effective for immunotherapy of cancer. Copyright 2000 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg