Serum retinol, retinol-binding protein (RBP), carotenoids, pre-albumin, zinc and copper were measured in a total of 111 patients. Of these 22 men and 9 women (mean age 68.4 years) had transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, 29 men and 6 women (mean age 68.8 years) had no recurrence of bladder cancer detected at cystoscopy and 24 men and 5 women presented with non-malignant urological diseases. A further group of 16 patients, 14 of whom had a malignancy at some other site, with a mean age of 73.1 years constituted a miscellaneous group. There were no significant differences between any of the groups in serum concentrations of any of the constituents measured. However, serum concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and RBP were significantly lower in a small group of patients with invasive bladder cancer than in patients with non-invasive disease. Similarly, serum concentrations of the same constituents were lower in patients with poorly differentiated tumours. Estimates of retinol and carotenoid intake made by questionnaire showed that these low values were not due to lower intake. The results of this study do not support the suggestion that high dietary intakes of retinol or carotenoid--containing foods are associated with decreased risk of bladder cancer. Furthermore, low serum levels of retinol and associated components were not found in patients with early transitional cell carcinoma. The finding of low serum levels of retinol, RBP and carotenoids in 4 patients with poorly differentiated invasive bladder tumours warrants further study.

Adult↗

PubMed1982

Aminoglutethimide therapy for advanced carcinoma of the prostate.

The results of aminoglutethimide treatment of 12 patients with advanced progressive metastatic carcinoma of the prostate are reported. As judged by performance status and analgesic requirements, there were subjective improvements in 75% of the group and side effects were minimal. No consistent objective improvements were observed but decrease in plasma androstenedione and testosterone was associated with subjective improvement in most responders. Mean survival of patients following introduction of aminoglutethimide was 6.5 months. Aminoglutethimide "medical adrenalectomy" appears safe and effective in management of advanced carcinoma of the prostate.

Aged↗

PubMed1978

Do we overtreat patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate?

Two hundred unselected patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate have been surveyed. The routine use of endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxants, intermittent positive pressure respiration, intravenous fluids and postoperative sedation was avoided whereever possible. The results of this survey are presented and indicate that such measures can be omitted from the management of patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with no significant increase in morbidity or mortality and, indeed, morbidity and mortality may be decreased by their exclusion.

Aged↗

PubMed1974