Biomedical subjects

H Furue

Publications and source records attributed to H Furue.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

[Effects of an anti-emetic tropisetron capsule on QOL of patients with delayed nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapy. Group for Investigation of QOL Questionnaire for Anti-Emetics used in Cancer Chemotherapy. Joint Research Group for Tropisetron Double-Blind Comparative Study].

We have reported our "new questionnaire of QOL (quality of life) in anti-emetic therapies during cancer chemotherapy" and demonstrated its reliability and validity. In the present study we investigated the utility of tropisetron capsules for delayed nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapies with CDDP single administration in a placebo-controlled double-blind comparative study using the questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of the following scales: a physiological scale (appetite, feeling, vomiting, nausea), a psychological scale (sleep, mental fatigue, anxiety, pain, abdominal condition), a respiratory condition related scale (sputum, respiratory distress), an active scale (daily life in a hospital), a social relation scale (understanding of the family), a linear analogue scale for evaluation of the influence of nausea and vomiting in patient's life during 24 hours, and a face scale as the global scale. First, all patients were administered a preventive dose of tropisetron capsule on day 1 (the day of CDDP administration) and then allotted to once-daily oral administration of either a tropisetron (T group) or a placebo (P group) capsule during days 2 to 5 by a double-blind method. Chronological changes of QOL during the study period were measured by the area under the curve (AUC) generally used for calculation of blood levels of drugs. The maximum fluctuation (Difmax) of QOL scores throughout the whole study period was also evaluated. The data were collected from 114 cases, and 98 cases (51 in P group, 47 in T group) were analyzed. 1) The total score or 13 items (a modified linear analogue scale with 5 graduations), the face scale and linear analogue scale of T group were higher (better) than those of P group. 2) As for the total score of each scale, the physiological, psychological and active scales in the T group showed higher (better) levels than the P group. 3) As for the AUC values, the T group was lower (better) than the P group in most items. In AUC of the total score of 13 items, the face scale, the physiological and the psychological scales, the T group was significantly superior to the P group. 4) AUC levels of each item belonged to the physiological and the psychological scales in the T group tended to be lower (better) than the P group, and "sleep" and "pain" in the psychological scale were significantly lower (better) in T group than P group. 5) In Difmax values, all scales except respiratory condition related scale showed lower levels (better) in T group and the total score of 13 items, the face scale and the physiological and psychological scales showed significantly lower levels than P group. 6) Difmax values in each item belonging to the physiological and psychological scales showed lower levels in the T group, while "appetite" and "vomiting" in the physiological scale and "sleep" in the psychological scale showed significantly lower levels (better) than those of the P group. 7) In the stratified analysis performed for patients without nausea and vomiting on the 1st day of chemotherapy, there was no significance in AUC levels of all items in both groups. In patients with nausea and vomiting on the 1st day, the total score of 13 items, the face scale, the physiological and the psychological scales in the T group were significantly better than in the P group. 8) It was suggested that the anti-emetic efficacy of tropisetron for delayed nausea and vomiting might reduce the undesirable influence of chemotherapy on QOL, especially on the physiological and the psychological effects. These results suggested that this new questionnaire is applicable for evaluation of the utility of anti-emetics in patients in cancer chemotherapy, and that tropisetron capsules could reduce the decrease of QOL in delayed nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[LY188011 phase I study. Research Group of Gemcitabine (LY188011)].

LY188011 (Gemcitabine hydrochloride) is a new derivative of deoxycytidine. Phase I study was carried out by a cooperative study group. LY188011 was administered weekly for 3 consecutive weeks starting with an initial dose of 60 mg/m2 (1n) and then increasing the dosage to 1,000 mg/m2 (16.7n). Dose limiting factor was found to be myelosuppression (decreases of WBC, neutrophils and platelet), and MTD was considered to be 1,000 mg/m2. The nadir of WBC and platelet were observed after about 1-3 weeks. It took 1-2 weeks for their recovery. Other adverse reactions included fever, fatigue, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, anemia and transient elevations of GOT and GPT. However, those adverse reactions were mild. T1/2 rho of plasma concentration was about 19 min and the C5min was dependent on the dose. Anti-cancer effects were observed in one gastric cancer and two colon cancer patients. It is recommended that the dosing schedule for an early phase II study is 800 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks with 1 week of rest as one cycle, in multiple cycles.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Phase I study on DMDC].

Phase I study on antimetabolic carcinostatic DMDC was conducted at 16 medical institutions nationwide for patients with various types of malignant tumors. DMDC was administered by intravenous infusion as per the following three schedules: single administration, single repeated administration, and 5-consecutive-day administration. The safety of the compound was examined single administration in 16 patients, by the single repeated administration in 5 patients, and by the 5 consecutive-day administration in 7 patients, for a total of 28 patients. In the single administration trial, 200 mg/m2 (1 n) was given as an initial dose, then increased stepwise to 450 mg/m2 (2.25 n). The single repeated administration trial was conducted at a single dose of 300 mg/m2. One treatment course lasts until recovery from side effects and abnormalities in laboratory test values. As a general rule, the administration was repeated for 2 treatment courses or more. In the 5-consecutive-day administration trial, an initial dose was 30 mg/m2/day (1 n), and increased to 40 mg/m2/day (1.3 n). The dose-limiting factors for both the single and 5-consecutive-day administration trials were decreases in the numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils. The maximum tolerated dose for single administration trial was over 400 mg/m2 (2 n), and for the 5-consecutive-day administration trial 40 mg/m2 (1.3 n). The decrease in the number of leukocytes and neutrophils for both the single administration and 5-consecutive-day administration trial reached its nadir one to two weeks after administration, and recovered in about one week. In the single repeated administration trial, the administration interval for patients who had completed 2 courses was 2 approximately 3 weeks. The plasma half-life of DMDC in the final phase of elimination in the single administration trial was 5.2 approximately 6.3 hours, and no differences were seen among dose levels. The urinary excretion rate was between 32.0 approximately 61.5% until 48 hours after administration. No accumulation was seen in the 5-consecutive-day administration trial. There were no findings to suggest an antitumor effect in the present study. Given the recovery pattern for suppression of marrow, the above mentioned results led us to decide that an recommended method of administration and dosage in an early phase II trial would be 300 mg/m2 per administration by an intravenous infusion every 2 approximately 3 weeks.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Bropirimine (U-54461S) phase I clinical studies].

Bropirimine (U-54461S), an oral interferon (IFN) inducer that has also a direct antiproliferative activity, is a novel antitumor agent. To investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics of bropirimine tablets and to measure IFN concentrations in patients with cancer, Phase I studies were conducted. In single dose study (0.25 to 3g) and multiple-dose study with one-day dosing (1 or 2g, every one or two hours, three times a day), bropirimine treatment was well tolerated by the patients with cancer. In multiple-dose study with consecutive days dosing (1 or 2g, every 2 hours, three times a day for 3 or 5 consecutive days), a regimen with a dose of 1g orally administered every two hours, three times a day for three consecutive days was considered to be tolerable to cancer patients. Adverse drug reactions frequently observed were generalized malaise, fever, nausea/vomiting, anorexia, headache/dull headache, and tachycardia. Abnormalities in laboratory tests frequently observed were leukemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevation in GOT/GPT. IFN was not induced in any patients in the single dose study. It was, however, induced in 3 of 16 cases (18.8%) in the one-day dosing study and in 6 of 7 cases (85.7%) in the consecutive days dosing study. As to clinical antitumor efficacy, a decrease in size of the tumor lesions and improvement in subjective/objective symptoms were noted in two cases in the one-day dosing study. With these findings, the regimen with the dose of 1g orally administered every two hours, three times a day for three consecutive days with a four-day drug-free interval per week was recommended for early phase II studies.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

Anti-liver/kidney microsome-1-positive chronic hepatitis C with type I cryoglobulinemia responding to interferon.

A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for close examination of his liver. Serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and anti-liver/kidney microsome (LKM) 1 were positive. Benign monoclonal gammopathy and type I cryoglobulinemia (both of IgG lambda class) which are rarely seen in association with chronic hepatitis C, were found to be present. Interferon therapy was given, resulting in the disappearance of both HCV-RNA and type I cryoglobulin in the blood. We propose a hypothesis that the primary cause of anti-LKM-1-positive chronic hepatitis C is HCV infection which triggers secondary autoimmune phenomena presenting anti-LKM-1 and cryoglobulinemia.

Autoantibodies↗

PubMed1995

[Clinical phase II study of tropisetron capsule in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by anti-cancer drugs].

A comparative clinical trial of tropisetron capsule was conducted in three dose groups to investigate its optimal dose on nausea and vomiting induced by anti-cancer drugs, including cisplatin. The doses were randomized by the central registration office. In the assessment of clinical efficacy, cases rated as "effective" or better accounted for 61.5% of the 2.5 mg group (16/26), 80.8% of the 5.0mg group (21/26) and 80.0% of the 10mg group (24/30), respectively; the ratings for the 5mg and 10mg groups were almost equivalent, which was higher than that for the 2.5mg group. Adverse events observed were fever, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache and/or facial erythema in 4 out of 97 cases. Abnormal laboratory findings noted were 6 cases of increased GOT, GPT, LDH, total bilirubin and/or creatinine, but none of these was serious or clinically problematic in particular. On the basis of the above results, the optimal dose of Tropisetron (capsule) is considered to be 5mg once daily.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Clinical phase III study of tropisetron capsule in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by anti-cancer drug; a placebo-controlled, multicenter, double-blind comparative study].

A placebo-controlled, double-blind comparative study of tropisetron capsule was conducted to assess its clinical usefulness for nausea and vomiting induced by the anticancer drug, cisplatin, at a single dose of 50 mg/m2 or higher. Either 5mg tropisetron capsule or its placebo was given orally to patients 2 hours prior to cisplatin administration; the clinical efficacy was determined the severity of nausea and the number of emesis that occurred during 24 hours after cisplatin. Tropisetron significantly exceeded the placebo in the assessment of clinical efficacy. The ratings for the tropisetron group and the placebo group were 91.7% (22/24 cases) and 25.9% (7/27 cases), respectively. Adverse events observed were one case of headache in the tropisetron group and one diarrhea in the placebo group, while neither case was serious nor clinically problematic in particular. The above results reveal that tropisetron 5 mg capsule is significantly effective in the treatment of anticancer drug-induced nausea and vomiting. It has also been confirmed that tropisetron is a useful agent without any safety problems.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

[Clinical phase III study of tropisetron capsule in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by carboplatin or non-platinum anti-cancer drugs].

A clinical phase III study of tropisetron capsule was conducted to assess its efficacy, safety and usefulness on nausea and vomiting induced by carboplatin or non-platinum anti-cancer drugs. The study was conducted in patients who experienced vomiting on previous chemotherapy. Tropisetron 5 mg capsule was given to patients once 2 hours prior to the first administration of either carboplatin or non-platinum anti-cancer drugs; the patients were then observed for nausea and/or vomiting during 24 hours after the first administration. Some 56.7% (17/30) of the patients did not vomit after tropisetron administration, and the frequency of vomiting was significantly reduced compared with that during the previous chemotherapy. Further, in the clinical efficacy ratings, in which the efficacy was assessed on the basis of the nausea and vomiting data, 83.3% (25/30) of cases were rated as "effective or better". Adverse events observed were 3 cases of mild headache, but these were not clinically problematic. The above results reveal that tropisetron capsule is significantly effective and safe in the treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by carboplatin or non-platinum anti-cancer drugs; in addition, tropisetron proved to be highly useful for its convenience as an oral agent.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Toxicity criteria].

Toxicity criteria used by the "Japan Society for Cancer Therapy" (JSCT) were reviewed and compared with that of WHO, ECOG, NCI (USA), and JCOG. During the past ten years, these toxicity criteria of the major cooperative study groups have undergone significant revision, but, toxicity criteria of JSCT have never been revised for more than ten years. Thus criteria of JSCT now show a several inconsistency. Grading of toxicity is also indistinct. Therefore, toxicity criteria used by JSCT should be revised. Furthermore, in the assessment of toxicity, duration of toxicity, effects of toxicity on the quality of life and psychosocial problems should also be considered. Standard criteria for the assessment of long-term complications are necessary. To study early signs and symptoms of late effects and to know risk factors for toxicity are also important.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

[The clinical phase I study of TNP-351. The TNP-351 Research Committee].

The clinical phase I study of TNP-351, an antifolate drug having a novel structure, was performed through a multicenter cooperative program in 40 patients with solid tumors. The test drug was used on dosage schedules of single and daily doses for 5 or 3 days (by intravenous drip over 30 minutes, respectively). From the daily administration for 5 days, severe adverse reactions such as myelosuppression, became manifest at 5 mg/m2 (1n). This schedule was then switched to daily administration for 3 days. Administration of the test drug was initiated at a dose of 5 mg/m2. On a single-dose schedule, the dose was increased up to 100 mg/m2 (20 n), and on the 3-day daily administration schedule, up to 10.8 mg/m2 (2.2 n). Consequently, 26 of the study patients received single doses; three of them the 5-day daily administration, and 11 the 3-day daily administration. The dose-limiting factors were leukopenia and thrombopenia on both the single-dose and 3-day daily administration schedules. MTD was 100 mg/m2, and MAD, 75 mg/m2 for the single-dose schedule; and 10.8 mg/m2 and 9 mg/m2 for the 3-day daily administration schedule. WBC and platelet counts fell to nadirs at 1-2 weeks on either the single-dose or 3-day daily administration schedule, and it took the respective parameters about 1 week to recover. Subjective and objective adverse reactions to the test drug consisted of digestive tract disorders manifested as stomatitis, anorexia, nausea and vomiting; and laboratory abnormalities such as elevations of GOT and GPT in addition to the myelosuppression. Many of these adverse reactions subsided within 3 weeks after initiation of TNP-351 treatment. On the single-dose schedule, the test drug occurred chiefly in unchanged form in the blood, and in this form it disappeared from the blood biphasically with an alpha phase of 0.29-0.95 hours, and a beta phase of 7.8-14.4 hours. This disappearance pattern did not vary with an increase in dose. The 24-hour urinary excretion rate of the unchanged form amounted to 42-62% of the administered doses. On the 3-day daily administration schedule, the test drug was not accumulated in vivo. In the present study, two patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma responded to the test drug with tumor regression. The results suggested that the recommended dosage regimen for the clinical early phase II study of the test drug should comprise a course of 9 mg/m2/day (by intravenous drip infusion over 30 minutes) every day for 3 days, which should be repeated every 3 weeks.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Inhibition of growth of human small cell lung cancer by bromocriptine.

Bromocriptine, a dopaminergic agonist, inhibited the growth of human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) implanted as tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice; the effect was dose dependent. In mice bearing a SCLC with ectopic vasopressin production, plasma levels of human vasopressin-associated neurophysin decreased concomitantly. Electron microscopy of tumor tissues revealed marked degenerative changes, including pyknosis, densely aggregated chromatin masses, and vacuolization of cytoplasm after bromocriptine treatment. When a SCLC cell line, NCI-H69, was grown in semisolid medium, bromocriptine inhibited its clonal growth in a dose-related manner. Coincubation with dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, metoclopramide, or domperidone, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of bromocriptine. Receptor studies with a dopamine D2 receptor ligand, [125I]iodosulpride, showed high affinity binding sites on the membranes of SCLC cells. These results indicate that SCLC cells are enriched with dopamine D2 receptors, which may mediate the growth-inhibitory effect of bromocriptine on SCLC. Dopaminergic agonists may be useful in the medical treatment of SCLC.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Endothelin-1 as an aggravating factor of disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with malignant neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial damage may play an important role in the pathophysiology of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a frequent complication of malignant neoplasms. It may mediate a variety of triggering events to initiate DIC and platelet aggregation, which in turn leads to additional endothelial destruction. If so, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent vasoconstrictor of naturally occurring pressor substances known, may leak from injured endothelial cells and aggravate the disease process. METHODS: The study included 36 patients with various malignant neoplasms in whom DIC developed. The authors measured plasma levels of ET-1 and big ET-1, a precursor peptide of ET-1, in these patients and compared them with other laboratory abnormalities during the course of DIC. RESULTS: Plasma ET-1 and big ET-1 levels were elevated in most patients with DIC. When compared with the results of other diagnostic tests, elevated plasma big ET-1 was the most frequently found abnormality associated with DIC. Elevation of plasma ET-1 and big ET-1 levels was closely related to the initiation and progression of DIC and provided a higher degree of sensitivity and specificity than did other indicators in assessing patients with cancer and DIC. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial damage with the resultant increases in plasma ET-1 and big ET-1 levels is universally associated with DIC caused by malignancy. Excessive secretion or leakage of ET-1 and big ET-1 from injured endothelial cells may cause vasospasm and aggravate the DIC process by facilitating the formation of intravascular microthrombi, ultimately leading to ischemic end-organ dysfunction. Plasma ET-1 and big ET-1 are sensitive and specific markers for vascular endothelial injury in DIC.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Phase I clinical trial of RP 56976 (docetaxel) a new anticancer drug].

A multicenter phase I clinical trial of RP 56976 (docetaxel), a new anticancer drug, was performed with single and repeated doses. Based on the results of phase I clinical trials conducted in the United States and Europe, the starting dose was 10 mg/m2. The dose was subsequently increased to 20, 50, 70 and 90 mg/m2. A dose of 60 mg/m2 was additionally tested. Single administrations of the six dose levels were performed in a total of 27 patients via intravenous drip infusion over one hour. Ten of the patients subsequently received repeated doses at three of the dose levels in the same manner. The dose limiting factor (DLF) of docetaxel is leukopenia (especially, neutropenia). Based on the observation of the DLF, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 70-90 mg/m2. The white blood cell count reached a nadir about 9.5-19.5 days (median) after administration, and took 7-11 days (median) to recover. Other adverse reactions observed were nausea/vomiting anorexia, alopecia, diarrhea, fatigue and fever, which were all acceptable. The results of this trial suggest that a dosage regimen of 60 mg/m2 at 3- to 4 week intervals is appropriate in an early phase II clinical trial.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11)].

Irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) is a water-soluble semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin. CPT-11 is a prodrug that undergoes deesterification in vivo to produce SN-38, a metabolite that is 1,000-fold more potent than the parent compound in vitro. CPT-11 is a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor with a broad spectrum of experimental antitumor activity. Recent clinical trials also reveal that CPT-11 is very effective in the treatment of cancers including lung cancer, cervix cancer, ovary cancer, etc. Now, comparative trials of combination chemotherapy in responsive tumors are indicated from these excellent clinical results.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[An early phase II study of CPT-11 (irinotecan hydrochloride) in patients with hematological malignancies].

An early phase II study of CPT-11 (irinotecan hydrochloride) was conducted in patients with hematological malignancies by 4 administration regimens in a cooperative study involving 13 institutes in Japan. The overall response rate was 23% (7/30) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 33% (1/3) for Hodgkin's disease, 18% (2/11) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 7% (1/15) for acute myelogenous leukemia. One PR was also obtained in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Among responders, 6 relapsed and refractory malignant lymphomas (ML) and 2 relapsed and refractory acute leukemias (AL) were involved. The response rates in ML with the regimens B (40 mg/m2 for 5 days every 3-4 weeks) and C (40 mg/m2 for 3 days every weeks) were 31% (5/16) and 33% (3/9), respectively. The other regimens (regimen A, 200 mg/m2 once a day every 3-4 weeks and regimen D) resulted in no response. Responses in AL were only observed in regimen D (20 mg/m2 twice a day for 7 days every 3-4 weeks). Major toxicities were leukopenia (91%), nausea/vomiting (74%), diarrhea (73%) and anorexia (64%). The incidence of severe gastrointestinal symptoms was higher in regimen B than regimen C. Further studies are warranted to confirm the effectiveness and safety of CPT-11 against ML and AL. The recommended administration schedule was regimen C for ML and regimen D for AL.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Study of cardiac function in first stage examination of RA-700. RA-700 Clinical Study Group].

There are many studies in the literature on the subject of anti-neoplastic drugs for acute and chronic cardiac toxic function. It is important to check previously the cardiac toxicity of the new anti-neoplastic drugs. Now we have had a chance to study the first stage examination of RA-700, isolated from Rubia akane or Rubia cordifolia. Then we tried to study several kinds of parameters, for instance ECG, ultrasonic cardiograms and arterio-grams on cardiac toxicities of RA-700. We injected the first group of neoplastic patients only once with RA-700, while in the second group, we injected them with RA-700 for 5 consecutive days (see our previous report.) In the present study, we made some conclusions about the administration of RA-700. 1) Changes in cardiac function were noted in both groups. 2) Changes in blood pressure, sigma QRS, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening of the second group tended to be more extreme than those of the first group. Care for continuity is a concern with long-term and high doses of RA-700. 3) Because of the small sample, we could find no relationship between the changes in cardiac function and the injection doses of RA-700. 4) Therefore, the cardiac function must be checked by giving anti-neoplastic drugs to neoplastic patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Spontaneous remission in Cushing's disease.

Two patients with Cushing's disease underwent spontaneous clinical and biochemical remission following a period of secondary adrenal insufficiency. One of the patients was untreated, while the other had been treated with partial bilateral adrenalectomy before. Both patients underwent remission shortly after the administration of dexamethasone for diagnostic purposes and remained symptom free for 2 and 3 years, respectively, which was followed by relapse of the disease. We conclude that although resolution of Cushing's disease may occur spontaneously, probably by hemorrhagic infarction of corticotroph microadenomas, careful follow-up studies are required since the relapse of the disease occurs later in some patients.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1993

Production and secretion of endothelin by hepatocellular carcinoma.

To clarify whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may produce and secrete endothelin (ET), we measured plasma levels of ET-1 and big ET-1, a precursor form of ET-1, in 30 patients with HCC. When compared to normal subjects, a substantial number of patients had elevated plasma ET-1 and big ET-1 levels, determined by specific enzyme immunoassays. The mean (+/- SD) plasma concentrations of ET-1 (1.7 +/- 0.9 pmol/L) and big ET-1 (6.1 +/- 4.8 pmol/L) in patients' group were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those (1.0 +/- 0.3 and 2.0 +/- 0.8 pmol/L, respectively) in control group. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma big ET-1 and alpha-fetoprotein (r = 0.77, P < 0.01). Some of the 29 patients with liver cirrhosis also had modestly elevated plasma big ET-1 levels. The mean (+/- SD) plasma big ET-1 concentration (3.1 +/- 0.9 pmol/L) in patients with liver cirrhosis was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that in control group, although there was no significant difference between the mean plasma ET-1 levels of both groups. Raised plasma big ET-1 and, less markedly, ET-1 levels in patients with HCC decreased after successful transcatheter arterial embolization concomitantly with a reduction in tumor sizes and a decrease in plasma alpha-fetoprotein levels. In six patients, an arteriovenous difference in ET-1 and big ET-1 levels across the tumor bed with a higher concentration in the venous circulation was found. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography revealed that major portions of immunoreactive ET-1 and big ET-1 in hepatic venous plasma coeluted with synthetic ET-1 and big ET-1, respectively. Immunohistochemistry of HCC tissues from two patients demonstrated HCC cells positive for ET-1 and big ET-1, whereas no ET immunoreactivity was found in adjacent nontumorous hepatocytes. We conclude from these results that ET is produced by and released from a substantial number of HCC, which may stimulate proliferation of carcinoma cells as an autocrine or paracrine growth factor.

Adult↗