Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Silmi Moyano.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of cutaneous horn of the penis and review its clinical and histological features. METHODS: The clinical and histological features of cutaneous horn of the penis are described. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous horn of the penis is an uncommon lesion that is diagnosed without difficulty. Treatment is by surgery with sufficient margins due to its possible association with malignant lesions.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of p185 oncogene in the biological characterization of transitional cell carcinoma and in the prediction of recurrence, and to analyze survival at 5 years mean follow-up. METHODS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. Tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). p185 expression was determined by enzyme immunoanalysis (EIA). A statistical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: p185 oncoprotein levels were higher in patients with recurrence (1098.97 HNU/mg protein vs. 924.54 HNU/mg). Although higher levels of p185 were found in the patients that had died vs those who are alive, the differences were not statistically significant for overall survival or stratification by tumor grade or infiltration (p = 0.556; ns). CONCLUSIONS: Determination of p185 oncoprotein was found to be useful in the prediction of tumor recurrence at 5 years mean follow-up.
METHODS: From November 1992 to November 1993, a prospective study was conducted on 20 controls and 61 patients with bladder carcinoma. EGFR expression was determined by radioimmunoassay and the correlation of the results of histological analysis and the clinical course was analyzed. The follow-up period was from November 1992 to July 1998. The association between qualitative variables and the x2 or Fisher exact test was compared using the hypothesis of the proportional ordinal trend for the ordinal variables, and the quantitative variables were analyzed using Student's t test and/or variance analysis (ANOVA). Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison was performed using the Breslow exact test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized. The SPSS software for Windows 7.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The EGFR values were higher for patients with bladder carcinoma than in controls (14.48 vs 2.54 fmol/mg of protein). EGFR values were higher in patients with superficial bladder tumor than in those with infiltrating tumors (27.03 fmol/mg vs. 10.05 fmol/mg of protein; p = 0.000). Poorly differentiated tumors showed higher values of EGFR (6.73, 14.48 and 17.07 fmol/mg of protein for grades I, II and III, respectively; p < 0.05). The EGFR values were higher in patients that died from cancer during follow-up (64.8) than in those who died from other causes (47.5) and those who are alive and on follow-up (42). An increase in EGFR values did not carry a risk of death from cancer (p = 0.1269; ns). Analysis of the grade of tumor differentiation showed that for the more aggressive tumor grade, a positive EGFR was a sign of reduced survival. Survival in patients with superficial and infiltrating tumor did not appear to change significantly according to the EGFR value. EGFR determination was not useful in predicting recurrence and increased EGFR values did not correlate with a higher risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The normal pattern of EGFR could not be established. 2) EGFR was not useful in identifying subgroups at risk of death. 3) Knowledge about these proteins synthesized by oncogenes offers new possibilities in the treatment of cancer.
OBJECTIVE: Since its discovery as a marker for prostate cancer, there have been many attempts to enhance the diagnostic efficacy of the prostate specific antigen (PSA). Among these are the studies that analyze the behavior of different forms of serum PSA bound to different antiproteases, such as alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, which forms the complexed PSA (PSA-c). This study analyzed the utility of PSA-c to enhance specificity without altering sensitivity in comparison to total PSA (PSA-t). METHODS: From September 1998 to March 1999, blood samples were obtained from 96 patients that had undergone a prostate biopsy due to a suspicion of prostate cancer. PSA-c, PSA-t (Technicon Immunol system, Bayer) and PSA-c/PSA-t ratio were analyzed in these patients. RESULTS: ROC curves were plotted and the optimal cutoffs were found for which the specificity was higher for PSA-c (44.6% [CI 95%, 32-57]) versus PSA-t (35.4% [CI 95%, 25-49]) and the PSA-c/PSA-t ratio (38.5% [CI 95%, 27-51]) while maintaining a similar sensitivity index (90%). PSA-c showed similar results for other values of sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: PSA-c was found to improve specificity in comparison to PSA-t and PSA-c/PSA-t ratio. PSA-c determination could avoid unnecessary biopsies without altering sensitivity; i.e., the same number of prostate cancers will be detected.
OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the p53 gene are frequently detected in some types of malignant tumors (bladder, prostate, kidney, lung, breast, colon and rectum). This study analyzed the utility of p53 quantitation in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and evaluated the results at 5 years. METHODS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). In both groups the tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993, including the follow-up period until July 1998. p53 expression was determined by a quantitative method based on immunoluminiscence (LIA-MAT p53). RESULTS: p53 expression was higher in bladder carcinoma than in healthy urothelial tissue; higher values of p53 were found for infiltrating and undifferentiated tumors. The p53 values were higher in patients with tumor recurrence than in those without (NS). The Bonferroni multiple comparisons test showed a higher mortality in patients with p53 > 0.9 than in patients who are alive or have died from other causes (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The results show that p53 LIA-MAT is an independent prognostic factor at a cutoff of 0.9 and permits identification of a subgroup of patients at high risk.
OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the management of arterial priapism by embolization. METHODS: Two patients with arterial priapism secondary to perineal trauma are described. Diagnostic evaluation included intracorporal blood gas, echo Doppler and selective pudendal arteriographic assessment. Treatment was by selective autologous embolization. RESULTS: Detumescence was achieved and control follow-up evaluation at 12 and 24 months demonstrated normal erectile function. CONCLUSIONS: In our view, selective embolization is an effective treatment for arterial priapism arising from perineal trauma.
OBJECTIVE: To report two rare cases of persistent müllerian duct syndrome. METHODS/RESULTS: Two patients with normal chromosome studies (46, XY) are presented. The radiological evaluation showed structures compatible with those of the müllerian duct. These structures were completely excised with excellent results. The histological findings confirmed the clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent müllerian duct syndrome is a rare form of male pseudohermaphroditism that presents difficulties in making the differential diagnosis from other conditions with a different etiopathogenesis and that are not completely defined.
OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the TP53 gene are frequently detected in some types of malignant tumors (bladder, prostate, kidney, lungs, breast, colon and rectum). This study analyzed the utility of semi-quantitative determination of p53 in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder by an immunohistochemical technique and evaluated the results at 5 years. METHODS/RESULTS: A prospective clinical cohort study was conducted on 81 patients. The study comprised two groups: nontumoral bladder tissue specimens from 20 patients (group I) and tissue specimens from 61 patients with bladder carcinoma (group II). In both groups the tissue specimens were obtained between November 1992 and November 1993, and during the follow-up period until July 1998. p53 expression was determined by a semi-quantitative method based on an immunohistochemical technique (NCL-p53-DO7, Novocastra). CONCLUSIONS: p53 oncoprotein was not found to be useful in the characterization of carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the diagnosis and management of ureteral injuries secondary to obstetric and gynecologic procedures. METHODS: During the last 25 years, 42 patients were treated at our center for iatrogenic ureteral injuries (45 renal units) associated with obstetric and gynecologic procedures, principally hysterectomy via the abdominal approach (29 cases). The injury was diagnosed in the immediate postoperative period in 21 of the 42 cases. Surgical management was frequently by ureteroneocystostomy. Patient follow-up ranged from 3 months to 11 years. RESULTS: Good results were obtained in 83.3% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral injuries detected intraoperatively should be immediately repaired. For those diagnosed postoperatively, management by retrograde or antegrade catheterization and/or US or CT-guided percutaneous nephrostomy should be attempted before performing surgery.
OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine p53 expression in urinary wash cytology by immunohistochemistry in patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and controls; 2) to correlate p53 in urinary wash cytology and anatomopathological characteristics of the bladder tumors analyzed; 3) to determine the utility of p53 expression in urinary wash cytology as a prognostic factor; and 4) to identify a subgroup of patients with superficial tumors of worse prognosis in order to improve control of the evolution of the tumor and treatment. METHODS: From 1993 to 1998, 141 cases were studied; 32 controls comprised group I and 109 (38 primary and 71 recurrence) patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder comprised group II. RESULTS: In group II, 29.5% were positive for p53 in urinary wash cytology, while no positive cases were found in group I. A total of 104 valid data were analyzed, which showed a higher percentage of p53-positive cases in grade III tumors (44.4%). Statistical analysis showed the percentage of p53-positive cases increased with tumor grade in a linear trend (p = 0.17). The recurrence rate in the p53-positive was 20% greater than in the p53-negative cases. Tumor progression was three times higher in the p53-positive than in the p53-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of biomolecular knowledge to cytology is a useful complement in follow-up of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and offers additional parameters to distinguish benign and malignant cells. Immunohistochemical determination of p53 in urinary wash cytology identifies patients with superficial tumors with a worse prognosis.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of tumors in renal graft recipients, the course, treatment and its effect on the graft and patient. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and prospective study on 477 renal transplants performed at our hospital from 1980 to 1996. The tumor type, course and possible tumor-related factors (immunosuppression, age, sex, graft rejection, virus) were analyzed. RESULTS: 57 tumors were found; 41 patients had at least one tumor. The most common were skin, renal and lung cancer. Age, sex and immunosuppression were found to be tumor-related factors in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing renal transplantation are at a higher risk for developing a tumor, above all in the older male patients. A relationship was found for immunosuppression, the number of drugs received and the number of rejection episodes. Furthermore, the tumor pattern in these patients is different from the usual pattern.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome of renal transplantation in patients more than 65 years old. METHODS: From 1991 to 1997, 83 renal transplants were performed in patients aged over 60 years at our institution; 20 of these patients were more than 65 years old. The control group comprised graft recipients under than age from the 477 cases that had undergone transplantation during the period 1980-1996. Graft donor selection was done according to standard practice. The immunosuppression protocol changed over time; 5 patients received triple therapy and another 15 patients received quadruple sequential immunosuppression therapy. RESULTS: The mean age of the recipients was 66.8 years (range 65-72); 9 patients required dialysis after renal transplantation. Patients aged over 65 years had a 94% survival at 6 months, 88% at 12 months, and 88% at 48 months, whereas the survival rates for the control group were 96%, 95% and 87% for the respective time periods. Graft survival was 95% at one month, 90% at 3 months and 74% at 48 months versus 93%, 87% and 78% for the control group. CONCLUSION: Patients more than 65 years old with chronic renal failure and who are on dialysis can benefit from renal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE: To continue a study protocol on the molecular biology of bladder tumors, analyze protein p53 expression using a new quantitative analytical method and the biological implications of the changes in p53 expression. METHOD: From January, 1993 to January, 1995, 74 patients were studied. These patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 14 controls of urothelial tissue and the second comprised 60 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. A quantitative method of immunoluminescence (LIA-mat p53 method) was utilized to analyze p53 expression. RESULTS: Tissue oncoprotein p53 was higher in patients with bladder carcinoma than in healthy urothelial tissue. Higher values of protein p53 was found in infiltrating and undifferentiated tumors and in those patients who died than in those who are alive. CONCLUSION: Protein p53 determination using this new quantitative method permits identification of subgroups of patients with tumors that have a more aggressive biological behaviour.
INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is not known tumoral marker for vesical carcinoma that would allow to distinguish when a surface tumour may become invasive. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functionality of a series of biological substances (CEA, CA 50, CA 19.9 and TPS) in vesical carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 1992 and June 1994, a total of 385 biological specimens divided into two groups were analyzed. The first group comprised 271 serum samples from 81 control subjects and 190 patients with vesical carcinoma. The second group included 114 urothelial tissue samples (56 controls and 58 vesical carcinoma). Serum and tissue levels of CA, CA 50, CA 19.1 and TPS were determined in both groups by fluoroimmunoassay, RIA and IRMA, respectively. An statistical evaluation was done using Student's 't' and/or Mann-Whitney tests depending on whether data distribution adjusted to normal or not. RESULTS: Patients with vesical carcinoma, ana within this group those with infiltrant tumours, showed higher CEA serum levels. Also CEA tissue levels found in neoplastic vesical urothelium were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Tissue levels were higher in infiltrant tumours. Higher TPS serum and tissue levels were found in the vesical tumours group. Same as with CEA, CA 50 also exhibited higher serum levels in the group with vesical Ca than in the controls (p < 0.01). Likewise, CA 50 tissue values were higher in the group with vesical Ca, more specifically in the infiltrant tumours group (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences become apparent when the above values were compared to tissue samples from the control group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, serum CA 19.9 levels were lower in the vesical carcinoma group although tissue levels were higher in the vesical Ca group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transitional cell vesical carcinoma is a tumour that produces and secretes CEA, CA 50, CA 19.1 and TPS. CEA and CA 50 levels could be used as prognostic factors.
OBJECTIVE: The clinical course of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder can be difficult to predict due to its potential to invade the muscle layer and/or develop to a high grade lesion. Bladder carcinoma can arise from genetic changes that may activate the oncogenes (-c-erbB2, c-erbB1, c-myc, ras, etc.) and/or inactivate the suppressor genes (p53, Rb). The aim of the present study is to continue a study protocol on the molecular biology of bladder tumors. METHODS/RESULTS: From January, 1993 to January, 1995, 85 patients were studied. These patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 14 controls of urothelial tissue and the second comprised 65 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. p53 expression was determined by an immunohistochemical method (NCL-p53-DO7 monoclonal antibody). Quantification of the p8 oncoprotein in cytosol and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) in membrane was performed by ELISA (Oncogene Science) and RIA (Vienna Lab), respectively. A statistically significant relationship between the expression of p53 and EGFR with tumor stage and grade was found. Quantification of p185 and EGFR showed higher values in the tumor tissue than in the control samples, but a worse survival could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that p53 expression can be considered to be a prognostic factor. It provides useful information on the aggressive behaviour of the tumor and has a direct relation with the survival rates.
OBJECTIVES: The present study reports our experience and the results achieved in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis. To date, only 53 cases of this uncommon pathology have been reported in the literature. The different therapeutic alternatives are discussed. METHODS: Three cases of Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis were referred to our department for evaluation and treatment. In two cases we performed palliative surgery (partial excision of penis and circumcision) for the urological symptoms and the third case received chemotherapy. RESULTS: The course of the disease was torpid. At 6 months the patient who had undergone partial excision of the penis showed tumor recurrence, there was scant response in the patient who had received chemotherapy and the outcome was poor in the patient that had undergone circumcision due to the general condition of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis is an uncommon lesion that usually presents in male homosexuals with AIDS. Different therapeutic options are available and some of them have been shown to be effective, although the results depend on the patient's general condition.
OBJECTIVES: Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in the female. A vast majority of the cases present metastasis at the time of diagnosis. A case of breast carcinoma metastatic to the kidney is described to emphasize that in the presence of a renal mass, a secondary or metastatic tumor should be suspected. The literature is briefly reviewed. METHODS: We report on the diagnosis and treatment of an expanding left renal mass in a female patient with a previous history of multiorgan tumors (ovarian, breast and small bowel) or different histological types that had been diagnosed and treated at different periods. RESULTS: Following radical nephrectomy, analysis of the surgical specimen disclosed a metastatic tumor from breast carcinoma. No subsequent treatment was required and the patient is well 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis from a primary tumor must be suspected in patients with a previous history of tumor presenting with a renal mass. Renal metastasis presents in the advanced stages of tumor dissemination. Treatment depends on patient general condition and the stage of the primary and metastatic tumors.
OBJECTIVES: Ten patients with AIDS and voiding disorders were assessed to determine the most common type of lower urinary tract dysfunction and its possible usefulness in detecting neurological disease. METHODS: A complete urodynamic evaluation was performed. RESULTS: The most common symptom was urge incontinence and the most common urodynamic finding was detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia. Of the 5 patients found to have a neurological disorder, only 3 had demonstrable functional disorder of the lower urinary tract (2 patients had detrusor hyperreflexia: one of them had a history of encephalopathy from HIV and the other patient had polyneuritis; the third patient had myelitis and a urodynamically diagnosed sympathetic decentration. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the functional disorders of patients with AIDS can avoid complications and improve patient quality of life. Furthermore, it can be useful in detecting an existing neurological lesion or one that may develop in the future.