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Biomedical subjects

D J Webster

Publications and source records attributed to D J Webster.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Effect of treatment on the immunological status of women with advanced breast cancer.

An immunological profile has been serially studied in 72 patients with advanced breast cancer during the course of a randomized trial of chemotherapy and hormonal manipulation. DNCB+ patients were more likely to respond to either therapy, but no other test was predictive of response. In the follow-up period all chemotherapy patients had a reduction in white-cell count which was significantly greater in those responding to treatment. None of the other tests (phytohaemagglutinin response, immunoglobulins G, A and M, or Mantoux test) demonstrated changes that could be related to treatment or response, but there was a gradual unexplained fall in IgM levels in all groups the study progressed. It is concluded that the chemotherapeutic regimen (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil) is relatively non-immunosuppressive, and that hormonal therapy (oophorectomy, tamoxifen or androgens) had no detectable effect on the immune response.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1979

A technique for high-sensitivity alpha autoradiography of bronchial epithelium tissue.

A technique for low-level alpha-particle autoradiography of bronchial epithelium utilising the plastic track detector, CR-39, is described. This plastic is new to the field of nuclear track detection and is very sensitive to alpha-particles. The recording properties of CR-39 for alpha-particles are described in detail and the technique for autoradiography discussed. This technique includes two methods of background reduction enabling activities as low as 2 alpha-particles cm-2 to be detected. The location of the point of emission of an alpha-particle from the tissue surface can be determined to an accuracy of a few micrometers. Determination of the lower limit to the energy of individual alpha-particles is possible from measurements of their range in the plastic. Examples are given of the determination of the microdistribution of alpha-particle active nuclei in bronchial tissue including the observation of two 'hot-spots' in the epithelium sample which are attributed to the presence of small particles of uranium with its daughter products.

Aged↗
PubMed1979

Caffeine, cyclic nucleotides, and breast disease.

Methylxanthine consumption is associated with the development of fibrocystic disease of the breast. Methylxanthine abstention is associated with resolution of signs and symptoms of fibrocystic disease. Abstinence from methylxanthine consumption decreased breast biopsies and the need for major breast surgery because of benign disease. Methylxanthine consumption is associated with elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) values in fibrocystic dsiease over those obtained in normal breast tissue.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1978

Le Veen shunts.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Ascites↗
PubMed1978

The use of bulk evacuant in patients with haemorrhoids.

Fifty-three patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids have been studied in a double-blind cross-over trial of a bulk forming agent (ispaghula husk) against a placebo. Although only 11 per cent of patients ocmplained of constipation, a significant benefit in symptoms and improved bowel habit was demonstrated.

Cellulose↗
PubMed1978

Estrogen receptor levels in multiple biopsies from patients with breast cancer.

The results of estrogen receptor assays of more than one sample of breast carcinoma in sixty-two patients are reviewed. There was an overall disagreement of 28 per cent between two simultaneous samples, and in the asynchronous group there was a statistically significant difference (p is less than 0.05) in the interval between those who remained positive and those who became negative. As a practical policy, decisions regarding endocrine ablation should be made on contemporary estrogen receptor status rather than on the status of the primary lesion.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1975

Closure of abdominal wounds by adhesive strips: a clinical trial.

In a randomized trial of wound closure in 512 abdominal wounds, wounds were closed with either reinforced Steristrip skin closures or interrupted silk sutures. Comparisons were made of wound pain and discomfort, wound infection, discharge, redness, width, and skin reaction. The causes of peeling of the tapes were assessed. The results showed that tapes were significantly more comfortable and that patients preferred them to sutures (P less than 0.01), but wide scars occurred more often. There was no difference in rates of wound infection and no case of allergy to the tapes was seen. Closure of abdominal wounds by these tapes is a satisfactory procedure that could be used more extensively.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1975

Carcinoma of the pancreas and periampullary region: a clinical study in a district general hospital.

One hundred patients with pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma have been reviewed. Diabetes mellitus may be an early presentation. Painless jaundice has a relatively good prognosis. Fifteen patients have had curative procedures with a 31 per cent operative mortality. Mortality is influenced by age and serum bilirubin levels. Where palliative procedures are undertaken, this should include biliary diversion and gastro-enterostomy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Benign disorders of the male breast.

Gynecomastia is the dominating problem of the male breast. Other diseases are rare but mimic the same conditions in women. Gynecomastia may occur at any age either as a primary event, when it is due to a minor hormonal imbalance, or secondary to other pathology (e.g., liver failure) or drugs. Treatment consists of assessment of cause and reassurance. In a minority of patients, treatment with drugs--such as danazol--or surgical resection is indicated.

Androgens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical experience in the use of C. parvum in the treatment of locally advanced carcinoma of the breast.

Twenty-one patients with locally advanced breast cancer which had failed to respond to conventional therapy have been treated by infusion of C. parvum (strain CN 6134, Wellcome Research Laboratories) in 5% Dextrose. Thirteen patients had a single dose of 15 mg. C. parvum over 4 h and 8 patients received 5 daily infusions of 4 mg C. parvum over 1 h. In 3 patients there was some evidence of tumour regression. Pyrexia, often associated with rigors, headaches, vomiting and variations in blood pressure occurred in most patients receiving either schedule, although the severity of the side effects decreased daily in those receiving 5 treatments. One patient became comatose within 24 h of treatment and died two weeks later. Progressive swelling of the arm on the side of the tumour and inflammation of the primary lesion were prominent in those receiving 5 daily treatments. These results show that caution must be exercised in the clinical use of C. parvum and the search for an ideal schedule should continue.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of intravenous infusion of Corynebacterium parvum on an immune profile of women with breast cancer.

An immunological profile has been measured in 21 patients with advanced breast cancer who were treated with C. parvum (Wellcome strain CN6134). Thirteen patients received a single i.v. dose of 15 mg of C. parvum and 8 received 4 mg i.v. on 5 successive days. The "profile" was recorded before and 7-10 days after treatment and included measurement of total white count, absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts, PHA response, B and T cell percentages. DNCB and Mantoux skin tests, immunoglobulin classes G, A, M and E and spleen size. Most patients showed a rise in white count, due largely to a polymorph leucocytosis, but there was no consistent change in any of the immunological variables recorded. IgG levels increased significantly following the single injection but not after the 5-day course; suggesting the possibility of acquired immunological tolerance. These results fail to demonstrate a consistent effect of C. parvum on either T-lymphocyte dependent function or on the spleen size, properties well documented in the experimental animal.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adrenalectomy for advanced breast cancer: a reappraisal.

The introduction of strict criteria of treatment response for advanced breast cancer facilitates comparison of treatment modalities. Recent studies of pharmacological measures are usually recorded according to UICC criteria but this has not been the case with regard to adrenalectomy. An analysis of 41 patients undergoing adrenalectomy for advanced breast cancer was undertaken to assess response according to UICC criteria. There were no complete objective responses but 12.2% had Partial Remission and 12.2% Static Disease, the remainder showing disease progression. These figures are lower than in most reported series which have used less clearly defined criteria of response. The Partial Response and No Change groups were similar in terms of symptomatic improvement and survival but superior to the treatment failure group. Adrenalectomy was associated with significant morbidity (46.7%) and operative mortality (6.7%). Only 1 patient of 11 previously treated with tamoxifen had a subsequent response to adrenalectomy. The low response rate when assessed on UICC criteria and high morbidity when compared with alternative treatment suggest that adrenalectomy will be less widely used in the future.

Adrenalectomy↗