Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G J Rees.
Patients receiving combination chemotherapy with vinblastine, bleomycin and cis-platinum for testicular teratoma frequently demonstrated early-onset transient thrombocytopenia. We have shown that this effect is due to reduced platelet survival. The relevant literature is reviewed and it is concluded that this phenomenon may be attributable to drug synergism.
Autopsies and laboratory examinations of material from 24 Australian pelicans found sick or dead in southern coastal Queensland in 1977 to 1979 revealed dieldrin poisoning in 8 from the Brisbane region and botulism in 8 from Brisbane, Bundaberg and Gladstone. In those diagnosed as dieldrin poisoning, brain and liver samples contained 12.1 to 27.4 and 34.0 to 48.1 mg/kg dieldrin respectively. All of these birds were emaciated, 2 had convulsed and 1 had muscle tremors. Low and probably insignificant residues of DDE were detected in many birds. Type C botulism was confirmed in 4 of the 6 birds tested with specific antiserums. A large number of parasites including mites, lice, nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, coccidia and Sarcocystis sp were found but were thought to have had only a limited effect on the health of these birds.
A previously proposed theory of lymphoma pathogenesis is discussed and extended to assist in the formulation of a hypothesis for the mechanism of low dose systemic irradiation of lymphoma. It is proposed that masses of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may not necessarily be truly autonomous neoplasms, and that low dose total body irradiation may be effective in such cases through a cytotoxic action on more radiation sensitive precursor cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow.
The hospital records of 895 patients presenting to this centre with a diagnosis of Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been reviewed. In the records of 26 patients there was evidence for or against the occurrence of abscopal regression with radiotherapy. Attention is drawn to inevitable inaccuracy in a retrospective study of this type. Evidence of abscopal regression was seen in the records of 10 patients, four with Hodgkin's and six with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It appears to be associated with a more favourable prognosis in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is suggested that this phenomenon is elicitable in more patients than is commonly recognised, and that together with response to low dose total body irradiation, could be explained by radiation damage to normal lymphocytes.
Twenty-six patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have received total body irradiation (TBI) as a secondary therapy. A response was achieved with 17 patients, in six of whom it was complete. The actuarial survival rates were 50% at one year and 42% at 30 months. Best results were achieved in those with low grade histology and in those under 60 years of age. Transient marrow toxicity was the only detected significant side-effect of treatment and although it was usually severe there were no serious sequelae. TBI should be considered as a secondary therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, regardless of previous treatment.
Oxygen uptake (VO2) and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) were measured continuously in four children during cardiopulmonary bypass, using the variation in concentration of a tracer gas, argon, as a measure of flow, and a mass spectrometer to monitor gas concentrations. Normal values for the ratio of VCO2:VO2 (= 0.8) indicated that gas exchange equilibrium had been established following sudden changes in body temperature. During rapid cooling, 10% carbon dioxide is necessary to ensure carbon dioxide homeostasis within the body.
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Thirty patients with an advanced bronchogenic carcinoma were treated with a combination of adriamycin and 5-fluorouracil; in eight the size of the tumour or its metastases was reduced by over 50%, and eight further patients experienced useful relief of symptoms. This drug combination is useful in the magagement of lung cancer.
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