Cancer
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The objective of the current study was to evaluate in a multicenter setting the feasibility and efficacy of a high-dose sequential (HDS) chemotherapy regimen that combined intensive debulking and high-dose therapy (HDT) with peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) autografting in patients with refractory or recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). ⋯ The use of HDS chemotherapy for patients with refractory and/or recurrent HL is feasible at the multicenter level. The combination of intensive debulking and HDT with PBPC autografting offers a good chance of prolonged disease free survival for patients with their first recurrence of HL.
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S100beta protein is expressed constitutively by brain astrocytes. Elevated S100beta levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum reported after head trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke were correlated with the extent of brain damage. Because elevated serum S100beta also was shown to indicate blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in the absence of apparent brain injury, it remains unclear whether elevation of serum levels of S100beta reflect BBB dysfunction, parenchymal damage, or both. ⋯ S100beta was correlated directly with the extent and temporal sequence of hyperosmotic BBBD, further suggesting that S100beta is a marker of BBB function. Elevated S100beta levels may indicate the presence of radiologically detectable BBB leakage. Larger prospective studies may better determine the true specificity of S100beta as a marker for BBB function and as an early detection or follow-up marker of brain tumors.
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Patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma (STS) who present to specialist centers after undergoing apparent macroscopic total resection often have a significant incidence of residual tumor and may benefit from reresection of the tumor bed. The potential benefits of such reresection have not been documented adequately. ⋯ Patients with localized STS who were referred to a specialist center after undergoing apparent macroscopic total resection of their tumor had a high incidence of residual tumor in their tumor bed and benefited from undergoing reresection, even if radiation was administered routinely.
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Although there is evidence for a reduction in breast carcinoma mortality with mammographic screening, some doubts have been expressed, and there is still uncertainty regarding the age specific effects. ⋯ The current results support the commonly observed 20-30% reduction in breast carcinoma mortality with invitation to screening. The impression that screening is less effective in women younger than 50 years may be an oversimplification. Age specific effects should be a target for further research.
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Community respiratory viruses long have been recognized as primary respiratory pathogens among infants and young children. More recently, it has become clear that these viruses cause a considerable disease burden throughout life. ⋯ These reinfections may spread from healthy persons to those at highest risk. Control requires a multifaceted approach combining vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, and aggressive early antiviral treatment of high-risk individuals, as well as education of all populations affected by these viruses.