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E Frau

Publications and source records attributed to E Frau.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A gene transfer comparative study of HSA-conjugated antiangiogenic factors in a transgenic mouse model of metastatic ocular cancer.

Different antiangiogenic and antimetastatic recombinant adenoviruses were tested in a transgenic mouse model of metastatic ocular cancer (TRP1/SV40 Tag transgenic mice), which is a highly aggressive tumor, developed from the pigmented epithelium of the retina. These vectors, encoding amino-terminal fragments of urokinase plasminogen activator (ATF), angiostatin Kringles (K1-3), endostatin (ES) and canstatin (Can) coupled to human serum albumin (HSA) were injected to assess their metastatic and antiangiogenic activities in our model. Compared to AdCO1 control group, AdATF-HSA did not significantly reduce metastatic growth. In contrast, mice treated with AdK1-3-HSA, AdES-HSA and AdCan-HSA displayed significantly smaller metastases (1.19+/-1.19, 0.87+/-1.5, 0.43+/-0.56 vs controls 4.04+/-5.12 mm3). Moreover, a stronger inhibition of metastatic growth was obtained with AdCan-HSA than with AdK1-3-HSA (P=0.04). Median survival was improved by 4 weeks. A close correlation was observed between the effects of these viruses on metastatic growth and their capacity to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Our study indicates that systemic antiangiogenic factors production by recombinant adenoviruses, particularly Can, might represent an effective way of delaying metastatic growth via inhibition of angiogenesis.

Activating Transcription Factors↗

[Results of treating uveal melanoma with proton beam radiation: 10-year follow-up].

PURPOSE: We analyzed the long-term results of uveal melanoma treatment with proton beam irradiation in a series of patients with a follow-up of at least 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were treated with proton beam radiation between September 1991 and December 1992. They had an initial examination including visual acuity, funduscopy, A and B scan ultrasonography of the eye, fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography. General examination included chest radiography and B scan ultrasonography of the liver. All tumors received a total dose of 60 cobalt-Gray equivalents (applied in four daily fractions) at the Orsay proton therapy center. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were treated with a median follow-up of 116 months. Their median age was 59 years. Thirteen tumors were anterior to the equator, 76 overlapped the equator and 78 were posterior to the equator. An initial retinal detachment was present in 41 cases. The optic disk was invaded in 10 cases. The median tumor diameter was 12 mm and the median tumor thickness was 5.8 mm. The mean initial acuity was 20/50. The survival rate was 62.93% at 10 years; 72.9% of deaths resulted from metastasis. Statistically significant risk factors for death identified in the multivariate analysis were tumor diameter greater than 12 mm (p=0.0004) and age over 60 years (p=0.0001). The metastasis rate at 10 years was 31%. The liver was affected in 97.8% of these patients. Risk factors for metastasis were the anterior site of the tumor, its volume greater than 0.4 cc and the presence of retinal detachment at diagnosis. The secondary enucleation rate at 10 years was 13.23%, mainly attributable to secondary neovascular glaucoma. The local recurrence rate was 6%. The visual acuity rate in 42.1% of patients was better than 20/100 at 10 years. Visual loss was mainly due to postradiation maculopathy and neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the long-term results found in the literature on proton beam radiation. This therapy allows good tumor control, an excellent eye retention rate, and good final visual acuity for approximately half of the patients.

Adolescent↗

[Syphilitic chorioretinitis in the immunocompromised patient: a case report].

Syphilitic chorioretinitis is a rare manifestation of secondary syphilis. The Authors report a case of a patient tested positive for human immune deficiency virus. A 26-Year-old man presented with a history of suddenly blurred vision in the right eye. Because of a central scotoma, visual acuity was reduced to counting fingers. Slit-lamp examination found one-plus anterior chamber cells and one-plus vitreous cells. Results of ophthalmoscopic examination showed a large yellow lesion in the macular area with a papillar edema and peripheral vasculitis. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for syphilitic serology. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 after three courses of intravenous ceftriaxone (2g/day for 15 days). The fundus lesion resolved almost completely, resulting in slight pigmentary changes in the macular area. This case report highlights the need for syphilitic serology in cases of uveitis in immunocompromised patients.

Adult↗

Systemic administration of a recombinant adenovirus encoding a HSA-Angiostatin kringle 1-3 conjugate inhibits MDA-MB-231 tumor growth and metastasis in a transgenic model of spontaneous eye cancer.

We previously reported that intratumoral injection of AdK3, a recombinant adenovirus encoding human angiostatin kringle (K) 1 to 3, inhibits tumor vascularization and tumor growth. To reduce the serum clearance of this factor, we constructed an adenovirus (AdK3-HSA) that carries a chimeric gene encoding a fusion protein between angiostatin K1-3 and human serum albumin (HSA). This conjugate inhibited endothelial cell proliferation as efficiently as K1-3. K3-HSA serum concentrations in immunodeficient mice systemically injected with AdK3-HSA were dramatically higher than in AdK3-injected mice. Furthermore, the growth of MDA-MB-231 tumors grafted into nude mice that had been injected intravenously with AdK3-HSA was inhibited by 79% (versus 17% with AdK3). In TRP-1/SV40 Tag transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop eye tumors with brain metastases, intravenous injections of AdK3-HSA in newborn mice blocked metastatic dissemination efficiently and significantly, and prolonged survival by 3 weeks. After 2 months, only 46% of AdK3-HSA-treated animals developed micrometastases, whereas 94% of the AdCO1-injected group displayed numerous macrometastases. Nevertheless, ocular tumor growth was not modified because of impaired diffusion of the conjugate in the eye compartment. Our results show that HSA genetic coupling is an efficient way to increase the pharmacokinetics of circulating angiogenic inhibitors and thus their antitumoral activity.

Adenoviridae↗

[Iris melanomas. A retrospective study of 11 patients treated by surgical excision].

INTRODUCTION: Iris melanoma, even when a malignant tumor, has a slow progressive course. Surgical treatment is easy because of localization of the tumor but can be accompanied by a range of complications, from photophobia to cosmetic problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 11 patients with iris melanoma treated by surgical excision with posterior limbus incision. Conventional iridectomy was performed in nine cases and iridocyclectomy in two cases. RESULTS: There were seven females and four males ranging in age from 27 to 76 years. Histologically, 10 tumors were composed of B spindle cells and one was mixed. For all patients, followed up for 1-5 years, final visual acuity was more than 6/10. One patient complained of photophobia and cataract developed in one 76-year-old woman at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Because of the good prognosis of iris melanoma, conservative treatment can be given in most of cases (without local complications). Surgical resection confirms diagnosis after histopathological examination, with good final functional result thanks to scleral tunnel incision, which induces less astigmatism than corneal incisions. In the future, these findings will have to be confirmed by a corneal topography study before and after surgery.

Adult↗

[Characteristics of uveitis presenting de novo in the elderly].

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of uveitis presenting de novo in the elderly. The study design was a description of a retrospectively identified case series. PATIENTS: The records of 193 patients with uveitis referred to Bicêtre Hospital's department of ophthalmology between January 1995 and January 2000 were reviewed. Among these patients, the records of 57 patients with uveitis de novo beginning after age 60 were analyzed. RESULTS: Idiopathic uveitis accounted for the majority of cases. Whereas herpes viruses were the most frequent specific diagnosis, presumed sarcoidosis and birdshot choroidopathy were also identified as diagnostic entities of uveitis presenting for the first time in the elderly. Only three cases of masquerade syndrome were identified, two cases of intraocular lymphoma, and one metastasis of a visceral melanoma. CONCLUSION: Masquerade syndromes are not the leading cause of uveitis in the elderly. Idiopathic uveitis and herpes viruses are the most common etiology found.

Aged↗

[Circumstances of choroid and ciliary body melanoma detection].

PURPOSE: To report and analyze the circumstances of uveal melanoma detection. METHODS: The records of 143 consecutive patients diagnosed in the Ophthalmology Department of Gustave Roussy Institute between September 1994 and September 2001 were analyzed. The study included 66 females and 77 males, aged from 21 to 91 years (mean, 62.75 years). RESULTS: The first symptom was decreased visual acuity in 37% of cases. In 34.9%, there was no functional sign and a systematic fundus exam provided the diagnosis. Of the 143 patients, 18.8% presented alteration of the visual field or scotoma, 9.9% complained of phosphenes, 9% complained of metamorphopsia, and 6.5% complained of floaters. In 5.5% of cases, there was documented tumor growth. In 2%, the presence of extrascleral exteriorization was the first sign. At the time of diagnosis, anterior tumors tended to be significantly larger than posterior tumors (p<0.007). Smaller lesions were significantly associated with a systematic detection of the tumor (p<0.005). Liver metastasis occurred more frequently with ciliary body melanomas (p<0.001), which were more frequently the largest lesions. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the importance of early detection of uveal melanoma. We recommended frequent fundus examination after pupil dilatation.

Adult↗

[Results of proton beam irradiation for treatment of choroidal melanoma].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of proton beam irradiation of choroidal melanomas on a large series of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a series of patients treated with proton beam irradiation between 1991 and December 1998. The data were analyzed to evaluate the local tumor control as well as the general progression and metastatic rate of the patients. Statistical analysis served to isolate risk factors for relapse or metastasis. RESULTS: We treated 1062 patients during the study period, with a median follow-up of 38 months. Local control was obtained for 97.1% of the patients. Tumors anterior to the equator were at risk for relapse. The survival rate was 92% at 2 years and 78% at 5 years. 73.1% of the 1062 patients died from metastasis, 6.1% of living patients presented with metastatic disease. The risk factors for death were the initial diameter, the age of the patient, and large tumor volume at diagnosis. Metastasis were essentially hepatic (94.6%). Risk factors for metastasis were: a large tumor volume, a lesion anterior or straddling the equator and the age of the patient. Ocular complications may induce a visual loss of 0.1 and less in 47% of the patients, due to optic nerve head and macular ischemia. 6% of the patients required secondary enucleation due to local complications (neovascular glaucoma). CONCLUSION: Proton beam irradiation of choroidal melanoma allows good tumor control and eye retention. The survival prognosis is associated with the initial volume of the tumor. The functional results may be improved and new therapeutics are needed to treat metastatic disease.

Adolescent↗

[Sturge-Weber syndrome: medical management of choroidal hemangiomas].

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcome of irradiation of complicated choroidal hemangiomas in Sturge-Weber syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 6 patients (7 eyes) with Sturge-Weber syndrome and choroidal hemangiomas were reviewed. An exudative retinal detachment was the indication for treatment in all cases. The mean age of the 6 patients was 13 years (range, 4 to 20 years). The minimum follow-up time was 1 year. Patients were checked for initial and final best-corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and tumor thickness on B-scan ultrasonography. The patients were treated with radiotherapy. A total dose of 20 Grays was applied to 7 eyes: 2 with a circumscribed choroidal hemangioma underwent proton therapy and 5 with diffuse hemangioma were treated by external beam irradiation. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the subretinal fluid was achieved in all cases with the tumor height decreased. Visual acuity improved to 1 line or more in 5 eyes and remained stable in 2 eyes. Two cases that underwent proton therapy developed radiation retinopathy. CONCLUSION: External beam radiation is an effective and safe option in the management of choroidal hemangiomas complicated by retinal detachment. Based on our experience, proton therapy should be reserved for sporadic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

Adolescent↗

[Therapeutic strategy in delayed postoperative endophtalmitis: a report on 15 cases].

PURPOSE: To report the treatment strategies and visual acuity outcomes of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis. MATERIAL: and methods: The authors reviewed the records of 15 patients presenting 3 or more weeks after cataract surgery with intraocular inflammation and treated at Bicêtre Hospital from 1992 to 1998. Group I included 6 consecutive patients treated with vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection (vancomycin and cefazolin). Group II included 9 consecutive patients treated with intravitreal antibiotic injection (vancomycin and ceftazidime) and irrigation of the capsular bag (vancomycin). The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. RESULTS: In group I, 2 patients had recurrent inflammation. In these patients, the capsular bag and the intraocular implant were removed. In 1 patient there was culture-proven Corynebacterium and in 1 patient a Staphylococcus epidermidis was found. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 5 patients and 20/100 in 1 patient. Visual acuity improved in all cases. In group II no recurrence was seen in the 12-20 months of follow-up. In 2 patients there was proven Staphylococcus epidermidis and in one patient Propionibacterium acnes was found. Final visual acuity was 20/40 or more in 3 patients, 20/100 or more in 4 patients and less than 20/200 in 2 patients. Visual acuity improved in 8 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal antibiotic injection with vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injection with antibiotic irrigation of the capsular bag are both effective in the treatment of delayed chronic postoperative endophthalmitis; however, with the second approach, there is minimal surgical trauma and the intraocular implant is retained.

Cataract Extraction↗

[The phenol red thread first results for the assessment of the cut-off value in ocular sicca syndrome].

PURPOSE: To determine the cut-off value of the phenol red-impregnated thread test (Zone-Quick((R)), Menicon trade mark ) for the diagnosis of ocular sicca syndrome using the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) procedure and to estimate the agreement with the Schirmer I test (without anesthetics). MATERIAL: and methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients (including 50 females) with dry eyes, presumably related to an immune disorder, were recruited on the basis of subjective ocular symptoms and medical history (sicca syndrome). Both the phenol red thread (PRT) test and the Schirmer I test (testing periods, 15s and 5min, respectively) were performed in both eyes in random order. Only the lowest result for each test was used in statistical analyses. The same procedure was applied to 29 normal volunteers (no subjective symptoms). The patient and the control groups were matched for age and gender (mean age, 58.1 and 59.6, respectively). RESULTS: The ROC procedure showed that a cut-off value of 12mm in the PRT test provided the best ratio between sensitivity and specificity (56% and 69%, respectively) for the detection of dry eyes. Using this threshold, the agreement with the Schirmer I test was highly significant (kappa test; P<10(-3)). However, discordant results were observed in 32% of subjects. CONCLUSION: Giving a cut-off value at 12mm, the sensitivity and specificity of the PRT are 56% and 69%, respectively. Even if the agreement with the Schirmer I test is highly significant, 32% of patients have discordant results. These two methods of functional assessment of tear secretion are therefore complementary and further studies remain necessary to better understand the place of both tests in clinical practice.

Coloring Agents↗

[Bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation associated with systemic carcinoma: two case reports].

Diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome resulting in rapid bilateral visual loss in patients with systemic carcinoma, caused by proliferation of benign melanocytes within the choroid and the ciliary body. More often visual impairment is due to retinal detachment and cataract. The authors report two cases of presumed diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation. The first patient was a 74-year-old man with a history of colic carcinoma and hemangioendothelioma of the liver who presented with bilateral multiple nevi of the choroid and extrascleral melanic nodule. The second patient was a 59-year-old woman who presented bilateral multiple nevi of the choroid and a history of carcinoma of the thyroid treated by thyroidectomy 2 years before. There was no evidence of systemic melanoma in either patient. Our two patients showed slow progression with no visual impairment and a longer survival than those described in the literature.

Aged↗

Unusual etiology of visual loss in an HIV-infected patient due to endogenous endophthalmitis.

Disseminated candidiasis, especially ocular infections such as endophthalmitis, is uncommon in HIV-infected patients. We report a case of candidal endophthalmitis in an HIV-positive non-drug-user patient, following candidemia from a cutaneous abscess at the site of a peripheral catheter. Ocular disease was revealed by a visual decrease in the left eye. DNA analysis using RAPD showed identical patterns of Candida albicans isolated from the skin and eye. Combination therapy with high-dose fluconazole and intravenous amphotericin B was performed. Two intravitreal amphotericin B injections and a vitrectomy were administered because of an amblyopic right eye and severe vitritis. The outcome was favorable without relapse at 18 months.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Intraocular inflammation after proton beam irradiation for uveal melanoma.

AIM: To describe the inflammatory reaction that can occur following proton beam irradiation of uveal melanomas based on a large series of patients and to try to determine the risk factors for this reaction. METHODS: Data from a cohort of patients with uveal melanoma treated by proton beam irradiation between 1991 and 1994 were analysed. The presence of inflammation was recorded and evaluated. Kaplan-Meier estimates and statistical analysis of general and tumour related risk factors were performed. RESULTS: 28% of patients treated during this period presented with ocular inflammation (median follow up 62 months). Risks factors were essentially tumour related and were correlated with larger lesions (height > 5 mm, diameter > 12 mm, volume > 0.4 cm(3)). Multivariate analysis identified initial tumour height and irradiation of a large volume of the eye as the two most important risk factors. Ocular inflammation usually consisted of mild anterior uveitis, resolving rapidly after topical steroids and cycloplegics. The incidence of inflammation after proton beam irradiation of melanomas seems higher than previously reported and is related to larger lesions. Evidence of inflammation associated with uveal melanoma has been described and seems to be associated with tumour necrosis (spontaneous or after irradiation). The appearance of transient inflammation during the follow up of these patients may be related to the release of inflammatory cytokines during tumour necrosis. CONCLUSION: Inflammation following proton beam irradiation is not unusual. It is correlated with larger initial tumours and may be related to tumour necrosis.

Analysis of Variance↗

[Neovascular glaucoma following proton-beam therapy. Case report].

A 52-year-old-male patient was treated for a posterior choroid melanoma of the right eye. When it was diagnosed, it measured 6mm in thickness and 11.9mm for the largest diameter and had a typical mushroom shape. General investigations found no metastatic disease. It was treated with proton-beam irradiation. Seven years later, the patient experienced increased intraocular pressure associated with cataract and pain. The patient finally accepted enucleation, as the vision of this eye was completely lost and the eye had become painful. Histologic analysis of the eye showed changes affecting both the anterior and the posterior segments of the eye, mostly related to the tumor and the consequences of treatment. Neovascular glaucoma is a major complication that very often leads to enucleation.

Cataract↗