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Biomedical subjects

A Depierre

Publications and source records attributed to A Depierre.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Six year longitudinal study of respiratory function in dairy farmers in the Doubs province.

A previous study, carried out in 1986 in France, showed the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and of respiratory function impairment to be higher in dairy farmers than in a control group of nonexposed subjects living in a rural zone. In order to confirm the harmful effect of dairy farming, the two groups were re-studied 6 yrs later at the same period of the year. One hundred and ninety-four (77.6%) farmers and 155 (62%) control subjects were available for re-examination. Non-re-evaluated subjects were comparable to re-evaluated subjects for age, sex, smoking and respiratory symptoms and function at initial evaluation. Dairy farmers consistently had more respiratory symptoms and lower levels of respiratory function than did control subjects. In the study populations as a whole, the mean annual decline in vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was slightly, but nonsignificantly, higher in farmers than in control subjects: in mL x yr(-1) (SD), -43.1 (68.2) versus -37.9 (60.2) for VC and -32.8 (56.7) versus -30 (47.2) for FEV1. There was a positive interaction between farming and age (i.e. duration of exposure in this cohort) on respiratory function decline, and in male subjects aged > or = 45 yrs, dairy farming was associated with an accelerated loss in VC (p<0.05) and FEV1 (p<0.05) after controlling for age, smoking, height and geographic location in a multiple linear regression model. Initial values of respiratory function, age and pack-years smoked (only for VC) were the other variables found to be significant determinants of decline in lung function. In conclusion, this study mainly suggests that dairy farming is associated to a very moderate accelerated loss in respiratory function that increases with duration of exposure and is significant in older male subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Chemotherapy in a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of stage III non-small-cell bronchial cancers (NSCBC)].

Radiotherapy and surgery are not the only treatments for non-small cell stage III bronchial cancer (CBNPC) but are elements in an overall strategy used in association with chemotherapy. In resectable forms, chemotherapy can be used only after the operation: 14 randomised trials have been published between 1962 and 1994 which were ultimately joined together in a large meta-analysis. Only chemotherapy containing platinum in the regime appeared to have a beneficial effect which was at the limit of statistical significance, although the effects of chemotherapy were deleterious for those regimes incorporating alkylating agents. The number of published trials associating chemotherapy and post-operative radiotherapy are much fewer. One finds, but in a less clear cut fashion, a deleterious effect of chemotherapy using alkylating agents and a tendency for a non-significant improvement and survival in the arms of studies containing Cisplatine in their regime. Chemotherapy may also be used before an operation and there are many theoretical arguments in favour of this approach. Three published randomised studies have important problems in their design and should be interpreted with caution whilst awaiting the results of several studies which are underway. In the non-resectable forms radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used in a sequential fashion, simultaneously or rapidly alternating each method of administration have advantages and disadvantages. At least ten randomised trials compare the sequence of chemotherapy-radiotherapy or radiotherapy-chemotherapy or radiotherapy exclusively. Each time chemotherapy comprising platinum was used the trials showed evidence of a significant difference in survival compared to the associated arms. Concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy using 5-Fluoro-uracil, VP16 and above all platinum have been the object of several Phase I and Phase II studies. Response levels with platinum. Several randomised studies have compared the association of chemotherapy/radiotherapy concomitantly to exclusive radiotherapy. Their results are divergent. Thus, if many questions remain, it seems established that the association of radiotherapy, in Stage III non-resectable cancer, or of short initial chemotherapy, or of concomitant therapy may be susceptible to improving the survival in a significantly way. Besides, it is probable but not yet demonstrate, that the association of short neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery in the resectable forms may equally improve the survival in a significant fashion.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1998

[Treatment of the paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton syndrome].

The Lambert-Eaton syndrome is an autoimmune disease affecting the presynapse of the neuromuscular junction. Proximal muscle fatigue of the limbs is improved by repeated maximal voluntary contractions. Generally, patients present hypo or areflexia and frequently a dry mouth syndrome. In 50% of the cases, the Lambert-Eaton syndrome is associated with small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma. The different treatments proposed in the literature for Lambert-Eaton paraneoplastic syndrome focus on treatment of the primary tumor. Symptomatic treatment of the junctional disorder are based on cholinergic drugs, immunosuppression and immunomodulation, useful in case of unsuccessful antineoplastic therapy.

Cholinergic Agents↗
PubMed1998

[Respective influence of occupational and personal factors on respiratory function in dairy farmers].

Occupational and individual factors influencing respiratory function were analysed in a sample of dairy farmers. The study protocol included a medical questionnaire, an occupational questionnaire, spirometry and allergological tests (skin prick tests for a panel of inhalant allergens, serum total IgE level and Phadiatop (CAP System). Two hundred and forty-five farmers were studied (140 men, 105 women with an average age of 45.9 (11.3) years, 35 were smokers, 27 ex-smokers and 183 non-smokers). A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the correlations between respiratory function and the different independent variables. There was a statistically significant negative correlations between smoking (expressed in pack-years) and all the respiratory function parameters (p < 0.01). Respiratory function was significantly impaired in farmers working on traditional farms (p < 0.05 for VC and for FEV1), and the respiratory function values increased proportionally with the modernisation of the farms (notably using an artificial barn drying system for hay and a ventilation system for the cow byres). No significant relationship between respiratory function and quantitative indicators of exposure (size of farm, amount of livestock, quantity of hay handled during professional lifetime) or indicators of IgE-mediated allergy was observed. In conclusion, this study suggests that traditional work conditions in farms which have little mechanisation are, along with tobacco, the determining factors for the respiratory function impairment in dairy farmers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The efficacy of a combination of ondansetron, methylprednisolone and metopimazine in patients previously uncontrolled with a dual antiemetic treatment in cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The French Ondansetron Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is one of the most effective cytotoxic drugs used in the treatment of certain neoplasms, but is also one which most frequently induces nausea and vomiting. Combination of corticosteroids with ondansetron enables greater control of emesis than that obtained with ondansetron alone, but some patients still experience symptoms. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel group study was to examine the benefit of the addition of metopimazine (MPZ), a dopamine receptor antagonist, to the combination of ondansetron + methylprednisolone (O + M) in the prevention of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting in patients uncontrolled [i.e., at least one emetic episode (vomiting and/or retching) or moderate or severe nausea] during their previous course of cisplatin based chemotherapy, despite antiemetic treatment with a combination of a 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist (5HT3) with a corticosteroid. The impact of the treatment on the patients' quality of life was also evaluated using two specific questionnaires the FLIC (Functional Living Index for Cancer), and the FLIE (Functional Living Index for Emesis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The intent-to-treat population consisted of 338 patients; 168 patients received the triple combination of ondansetron, methylprednisolone and metopimazine (O + M + MPZ), and 170 patients received ondansetron plus methylprednisolone (O + M). Tumour type was comparable in the two treatment groups, the most prevalent being lung cancer. Patients in group O + M + MPZ received ondansetron as an 8 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on day 1 followed by 8 mg tablets b.i.d. from D2 to D3, methylprednisolone as a 120 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on D1 and followed by 16 mg tablets b.i.d. from D2 to D3, and metopimazine as a 40 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on D1 and followed by 15 mg capsules b.i.d. on D2 to D3. Patients in group O + M received treatment with ondansetron and methylprednisolone as above. RESULTS: Analysis of the primary efficacy criterion (absence of emetic episode throughout the course of chemotherapy) revealed a success rate of 53% in the group receiving O + M + MPZ and 38% in the group receiving O + M (P = 0.008). Analysis of the secondary efficacy criteria (nausea grade, number of emetic episodes and global patient satisfaction on D1 and from D2 to D3) showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in favour of the O + M + MPZ treatment. The scores obtained with the FLIC and FLIE questionnaires did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. Treatment was well tolerated in both groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the addition of MPZ to the combination O + M was an effective and well tolerated antiemetic treatment, with a 15% increase in efficacy compared to the combination in patients not controlled during their previous course of chemotherapy. The addition of metopimazine to existing regimens containing 5HT3 receptor antagonist and steroid combination should be considered for patients who fail on their previous course.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Long-term survivors of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): a French multicenter study. Groupe d'Oncologie de Langue Française.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze SCLC patients beyond 30 months, particularly their outcome, their way of life, and factors which could influence relapses, second-primary cancers and death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1986 and May 1995, 263 SCLC patients who survived longer than 30 months were included from 52 French institutions. The analysis was performed on the 155 cases confirmed by a pathologic review. RESULTS: Physical, mental and psychological states were considered as normal at 30 months in respectively 70.3%, 87.7% and 67.7% of patients, not influenced by prophylactic cranial irradiation, number of chemotherapy cycles, CCNU or cisplatin. Therapeutic sequelae were neurological impairment (13%), pulmonary fibrosis (18%) and cardiac disorders (11%) at 30 months. Return to work was possible for 40% of patients in the first two years following diagnosis. Among 43 relapsing patients, 33 benefited from a second-line treatment. Their median survival was 12 months since retreatment, and seven patients have survived again longer than 30 months. Age > 60 at the time of diagnosis was found as an independent factor increasing the risk of relapse beyond 30 months (OR = 2.46, IC 95% (1.16-5.26), P = 0.01). The risk of relapse became less than 10% beyond five years. Twenty patients (13%) developed a second primary cancer in a mean time of 58.6 months. The risk of second primary cancer was increased by a number of chemotherapy cycles > 6 (OR = 3.25, IC 95% (1.08-9.8) P = 0.02) and by an age > 60 (OR = 2.92, IC 95% (1.07-7.97), P = 0.03). Five- and 10-year survival rates were respectively 68% and 44%. In these patients having reached a 30-month survival, three independent factors were predictive of a survival longer than five years: age < or = 60 at the time of diagnosis (OR = 2.85, IC 95% (1.23-6.6), P = 0.01), chest radiotherapy (OR = 3.1, IC 95% (1.28-7.69), P = 0.006) and absence of relapse (OR = 4.5, IC 95% (1.75-12.5), P = 0.002). This study suggests that: 1) therapeutic sequelae are rather mild, allowing return to work in 40% of patients; 2) relapsing 30-month survivors can benefit from second-line treatment; 3) SCLC cure can be achieved with a 10-year follow-up.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Longitudinal study of respiratory health in dairy farmers: influence of artificial barn fodder drying.

Factors influencing respiratory consequences of dairy farming have not been extensively investigated to date. To evaluate the effects of barn fodder drying on respiratory symptoms and lung function, a 5 yr follow-up study was performed in the Doubs (France). A cohort of male dairy farmers was analysed in 1990. The initial cross-sectional results suggested that barn-drying fodder may protect dairy farmers from lung function impairment. In 1995, 113 barn-drying farmers (92%) and 231 traditional-drying farmers (84%) were re-analysed. Barn and traditional fodder-drying farmers were compared for prevalence of symptoms and spirometric measures of lung function. After controlling for age, smoking status, altitude and cumulative exposure, barn-drying farmers compared to traditional-drying farmers had a lower prevalence of chronic bronchitis (4 versus 10%; p<0.05) and slightly higher values of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (p=0.06) and FEV1/vital capacity (VC) (p<0.01). Nevertheless, decline of the respiratory function parameters was not significantly different between the two groups. Variables positively and significantly associated to longitudinal decline of lung function parameters were: age (FEV1, FEV1/VC); altitude (VC, FEV1) and chronic bronchitis and dyspnoea at the initial survey (FEV1/VC). Persistence and emergence of chronic bronchitis, dyspnoea and symptoms at exposure were also significantly associated to an acceleration in the annual decline of the respiratory function. In conclusion, the mode of fodder drying does not seem to significantly influence the decline in lung function. Nevertheless, this study confirms the results of the initial cross-sectional analysis and supports the hypothesis that barn drying fodder may have a protective effect on respiratory health in dairy farming.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1997

[Second line chemotherapy in patients with refractory and resistant non small cell lung cancer].

Effectiveness of chemotherapy has been demonstrated in stage IV non small cell lung cancer as well as in stage IIIb disease when combined with radiotherapy. A significant improvement of both survival and quality of life was shown and is thought to be associated with higher efficiency. Therefore, treatment of relapses is now a question of practical interest. Ninety-seven non small cell lung cancer patients who were delivered a second line chemotherapy following primary chemotherapy alone were reviewed. Sixty-five patients were administered a 2 drug cisplatin-based regimen (with etoposide, bleomycin or vinorelbine). Twenty eight patients received no cisplatin but the cyclophosphamide, epirubicin combination or any 2-drug regimen assembled from the following agents: etoposide, mitomycin, ifosfamide. The last 4 patients were given single-agent vinorelbine. Fifteen objective responses (15.2%) (95% CI: 9-24%) were observed. The median response duration was 27 weeks. Response rates were 18.4% (95% CI 9-28%) and 9.3% (95% CI: 0-19%) in cisplatin-based combinations and in other regimens, respectively. No difference in response rates was observed between primary responsive and non responsive patients but response rates were influenced by the choice of the first line combination chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Phase II study of alternating doses of vinorelbine in combination with cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): a disappointing experience.

UNLABELLED: In both Phase III trials of vinorelbine-cisplatin (VP) versus single-agent vinorelbine, the received vinorelbine dose intensities were 18.8 and 21.1 mg/m2 per week in the VP arms. Vinorelbine was administered at the weekly dose of 30 mg/m2. A new structure of the vinorelbine-cisplatin regimen delivering alternating doses of vinorelbine (35 mg/m2 on weeks 1, 3, 5 and 17.5 mg/m2 on weeks 2 and 4) was reported to increase the vinorelbine dose intensity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To further analyze the ability of such an alternating vinorelbine schedule to enhance vinorelbine delivery, a Phase II study of VP was conducted in NSCLC patients using the previously published alternating doses of vinorelbine for 6 cycles. Cisplatin was administered on weeks 1, 5 and every 6 weeks thereafter, at a dose of 75 mg/m2 in the first 14 patients and at a dose of 100 mg/m2 in the 18 remaining patients. The intended vinorelbine dose intensity was 26.25 mg/m2 per week. The median delivered dose intensities of vinorelbine calculated during the first 8-week period were: all patients, 17.9 mg/m2 per week; patients treated with cisplatin 75 mg/m2, 18.1 mg/m2 per week; patients receiving cisplatin 100 mg/m2, 17.9 mg/m2 per week; naive patients 18.2 mg/m2 per week and previously treated patients. 13.2 mg/m2 per week. Reductions and delays in the vinorelbine treatment mostly occurred on weeks 3 and 7, which are times of high-dose treatments (35 mg/m2) according to the protocol. The partial response rate was 34% (95% C.I. = 26-42%). Median survival was 21 weeks. The main toxicities were febrile neutropenia (nine patients, including two septic deaths) and constipation Grades 3 and 4 (five patients). CONCLUSION: The use of alternating doses of vinorelbine within the VP regimen did not lead to higher vinorelbine delivered dose intensities than those reported with a standard weekly 30 mg/m2 administration.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A multicentre, double-blind study comparing placebo, ondansetron and ondansetron plus dexamethasone for the control of cisplatin-induced delayed emesis. Ondansetron Delayed Emesis Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral ondansetron, given alone or in combination with dexamethasone in the control of cisplatin-induced delayed emesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an international, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. A total of 640 chemotherapy-naïve patients received ondansetron 8 mg i.v. and dexamethasone 20 mg i.v. for the control of acute emesis prior to cisplatin (> or = 70 mg/m2) on day 1. Patients who were not rescued or withdrawn on day 1 were to be randomised 24 hours after the start of cisplatin administration to one of four groups; group I placebo oral (p.o.), twice daily (bd) on days 2-6 (n = 125); group II ondansetron (8 mg p.o. bd) on days 2/3 followed by placebo (p.o. bd) on days 4-6 (n = 199); group III ondansetron (8 mg p.o. bd) on days 2-6 (n = 214); group IV ondansetron (8 mg p.o. bd) plus dexamethasone (4 mg p.o. bd) on days 2-6 (n = 66). RESULTS: On day 1, 81% of patients had complete control of acute emesis, with 68% having no emesis and no nausea. Over days 2/3 and over days 2-6, significantly more patients receiving ondansetron plus dexamethasone (group IV) reported no emesis and no nausea (49% and 45%, respectively) compared to ondansetron alone (32% and 27%, respectively) or placebo (group I; 33% and 27%, respectively; P < 0.05 for all pairwise comparisons). There were no significant differences in the control of emesis over days 2/3, where 61% of patients had complete emetic control (0 emetic episodes) with ondansetron plus dexamethasone (group IV), 54% with ondansetron (groups II + III) and 49% with placebo (group I). In the distribution of nausea grades, ondansetron plus dexamethasone (group IV) was significantly superior to ondansetron (groups II + III); P = 0.037) and placebo (group I; P = 0.013) over days 2/3. Over days 2-6 there were no significant differences in the control of emesis, however a comparison of the distribution of nausea grades over days 2-6 showed ondansetron plus dexamethasone (group IV) to be significantly superior to ondansetron (group III; P = 0.043) and placebo (group I; P = 0.024). All treatments were well tolerated and no unexpected drug-related adverse events were reported. There were no differences in the overall incidence of adverse events between the active treatment groups or placebo. Constipation and headache, recognised side effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, were the most commonly reported adverse events with the incidence of constipation with ondansetron alone (group III) being significantly greater than with over days 2-6 (14% vs. 6%; P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: In contrast to some previous investigations, in this study, ondansetron alone appears to have a minor role in the control of cisplatin-induced delayed emesis and nausea. In conclusion, the combination of oral ondansetron plus dexamethasone is superior to ondansetron and to placebo.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Exogenous lipid pneumonia: a retrospective multicentre study of 44 cases in France.

A nationwide retrospective study of exogenous lipid pneumonia (ELP) was carried out to update the data on this disease, with emphasis on thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) findings. The inclusion criteria were: 1) presence of abnormal imaging features compatible with the diagnosis of ELP; 2) presence of intrapulmonary lipids; and 3) exogenous origin of the lipid pneumonia. Forty four cases were included (20 males and 24 females; mean age 62 +/- 11 yrs), of which four were occupational (chronic inhalation of cutting mist or oily vapour in an industrial environment). Thirty of the 40 nonoccupational cases were related to aspiration of liquid paraffin used for the treatment of constipation. A condition possibly favouring oil aspiration or inhalation was present in 34 patients (77%), most commonly gastro-oesophageal reflux (n = 20) and neurological or psychiatric illness (n = 14). Fever (39%), weight loss (34%), cough (64%), dyspnoea (50%) and crepitations (45%) were the most frequent symptoms. BAL was performed in 39 cases: 23% had a lymphocytic alveolitis; 14% neutrophilic alveolitis; and 31% a mixed alveolitis (lymphocytic and neutrophilic). Alveolar consolidations (57%), ground glass opacities (39%), and alveolar nodules (23%) were the most common radiological abnormalities. The changes were bilateral (79%), predominant in the posterior and lower zones of the lobes concerned (74%), hypodense (71%), and spared the subpleural zones (52%). In 13 cases, hypodensity was retrospectively established on CT scan by the presence of a "positive angiogram". This sign may be of diagnostic value when the density measurement is either not possible or not reliable. In conclusion, this study provides an update of the clinical, biological and radiological profile of exogenous lipid pneumonia and, in particular, confirms the diagnostic benefit of computed tomography scan, which revealed bilateral and hypodense changes in a large majority of cases.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗
PubMed1996

[Efficacy of ondansetron in acute and delayed cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting].

Nausea and vomiting have always been associated with anti-cancer agents in patients' minds because these effects were the main ones to occur during chemotherapy. Since 1990, a novel class of antiemetic agents has been available: the 5-HT3 serotonin receptors antagonists. Several randomised, international phase III studies have been carried out with ondansetron, the first compound of this therapeutic agent class. Today, the combination of ondansetron with corticosteroids appears to be one of the most efficient antiemetic treatment for high-dose cisplatin acute induced emesis and can be therefore considered as a reference treatment for acute cisplatin-induced emesis, cisplatin being the most emetogenic cytotoxic drug. A complete control (0 emetic episode) reached at the first course allows the maintenance of the efficacy over repeated courses for the majority of patients. In delayed emesis (24 hours after the start of chemotherapy), it is believed that the serotonin is not the only neuromediator involved in the mechanism.

Antiemetics↗
PubMed1995

Phase I study of vinorelbine and carboplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Thirty-one patients with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer were included in a Phase I study to determine the optimal dose of Carboplatin (CBDCA) which preserves the best Navelbine (NVB) dose-intensity. NVB was administered at a 30-mg/m2 fixed-dose on days 1-8/q 3 weeks, whereas CBDCA doses were planned to be escalated from 275 to 400 mg/m2 on day 1/q 3 weeks for six successive groups of patients. The toxicity limiting dose of CBDCA in the combination was 350 mg/m2 on day 1/q 3 weeks because of repetitive Grade IV neutropenia, and the optimal dose of CBDCA was 325 mg/m2 on day 1/q3 weeks, offering a 86.4% NVB and a 92.6% CBDCA relative dose-intensity for the first 9 weeks. Responses were observed at each step. This study demonstrates the feasibility and the efficacy of the NVB-CBDCA combination. It suggests that dose-intensity calculation can be helpful to determine the recommended dose for Phase II studies of new drug combinations.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

CYP2D6 genotype and lung cancer risk according to histologic type and tobacco exposure.

Polymorphism for CYP2D6 was determined genetically as part of a hospital-based case-control study. The cases were males with a histologically confirmed lung cancer diagnosis, < 75 years old, and no previous cancer diagnosis. Male controls were matched for age, hospital and residence area. This study includes 301 cases and 310 controls. A DNA bank was established for 547 patients (89.5%), and genotypes for CYP2D6 were differentiated by the Heim and Meyer method for the DNA samples of 249 cases and 271 controls. Among the cases, the frequencies of homozygous for the wild-type (EM), heterozygous (HEM) and homozygous for the mutant alleles (PM) were 62%, 32% and 7%; among the controls: 57%, 37% and 6%. Using EM as the reference, and adjusting for age, hospital and residence, we estimated the odds ratios for the HEM group and the PM group at 0.8 (95% CI [0.5-1.2]) and 1.1 (95% CI [0.5-2.4]) respectively. The PM frequency among the cases of adenocarcinoma was twice as high as among the controls (OR = 1.8, 95% CI [0.7-4.9]). This result was not observed among squamous and small cell carcinoma (OR = 0.7, 95% CI [0.3-1.8]). Twelve different case-control studies on CYP2D6 and lung cancer have so far been performed; the ORs they estimate range from 0.1 to 2.0, with a median value of approximately 0.6. This result lends some support to the hypothesis that belonging to the PM group is associated with a slight protective effect against lung cancer, but does not take into account the possibility that results may vary according to histologic type. In this context, the suggestion of a positive relationship between CYP2D6 and adenocarcinoma seems to us to merit investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Prevalence of immediate allergy to respiratory allergens in fodder farmers in Doubs].

The Doubs is a damp, semi-mountainous fodder farming department in which occupational respiratory diseases (including asthma) are common in farmers. We studied the prevalence of IgE-mediated allergy (total IgE, Phadiatop and skin prick tests) in a group of 265 exclusive dairy farmers of both sexes of the department and in a control group of non exposed, administrative workers living in the same area. Skin prick tests were: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, cat hair, cow danders, grass pollens, betullacea pollens (trees from the East of France), and hay extracts from the Doubs. Total IgE were higher than 180 KUI/l in 26 (9.9%) farmers and in 15 (10.5%) controls (NS). Phadiatop was positive in 41 (15.7%) farmers and in 27 (19%) controls (NS). Prevalence of positive skin prick tests (at least one) in farmers and controls was respectively 36% and 40% (NS). Farmers were more frequently sensitized to hay extracts (OR = 1.7), cow danders (OR = 1.3) and less frequently to cat hair (OR = 0.63) than controls but the differences were not statistically significant. In conclusion, this study fails to give evidence of a risk of IgE-mediated allergy to work-related and other common inhalation allergens in dairy farmers the Doubs.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Vinorelbine versus vinorelbine plus cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the possible benefit of the combination vinorelbine (NVB)-cisplatin (DDP) in comparison with NVB alone in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), not treated previously. It also involved confirmation of the efficacy of vinorelbine as monotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase III trial, 231 eligible patients were stratified by centre and randomized to receive either NVB alone, 30 mg/m2/week or the combination of NVB 30 mg/m2/week and DDP 80 mg/m2/3 weeks. Patients were to be treated for a minimum of 6 weeks, with the first response assessment performed 9 weeks after the beginning of treatment. RESULTS: The two groups differed in terms of objective response rates (16% and 43%, respectively, p = 0.0001) and median time to progression (10 weeks and 20 weeks, p = 0.0001). However, the difference was not significant for median survival time (32 weeks, 33 weeks, p = 0.48). The addition of DDP resulted in an increase in toxicity, in particular renal, hematologic, neurologic and emetic. This toxicity led to treatment discontinuation in 8% and 21% of patients, respectively. Respectively 3% and 13% of patients stopped treatment early during objective response (toxicity or refusal). CONCLUSIONS: The NVB-DDP combination increased objective response rates and time to progression in comparison with NVB alone, but did not influence the survival of patients. The activity of NVB in the treatment of advanced NSCLC was confirmed.

Antineoplastic Agents↗