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Biomedical subjects

H I Pass

Publications and source records attributed to H I Pass.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha alters response of lung cancer cells to oxidative stress.

Selected immunotherapies (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and gamma interferon), chemotherapeutic agents (mitomycin, platinum, doxorubicin [Adriamycin], and bleomycin), and radiation therapy have been described to exert cytotoxicity through the generation of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Tumor necrosis factor, however, has been shown to impart increased resistance in vitro and in vivo against reactive oxygen species stress, including radiation therapy and oxygen toxicity, possibly because of the induction of increased cellular buffering capacities. It is unknown whether the sensitivity of a lung cancer cell to reactive oxygen species therapy is altered by tumor necrosis factor through the induction of free radical scavenging enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase. This question was investigated as follows: A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, exposed for 24 hours to 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 micrograms/ml concentrations of tumor necrosis factor, were exposed to hypoxanthine plus xanthine oxidase, a superoxide generating system, for varying intervals. The number of cells surviving 5 days after the stress was determined, and cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor were examined by Northern Blot analysis for induction of the manganese superoxide dismutase gene. The hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase stress alone caused a time-dependent decrease in survival; however, pretreatment with tumor necrosis factor increased cell survival significantly. Moreover, the cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor had a fivefold increase in the number of manganese superoxide dismutase transcripts. These findings suggest that tumor necrosis factor may confer resistance of lung cancer cells to subsequent reactive oxygen species-based therapies, and the resistance of these cells may be due to increased expression of manganese superoxide dismutase. Clinical treatment failures may result, especially if tumor necrosis factor is given concurrently with other therapies.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Sensitivity of different human lung cancer histologies to photodynamic therapy.

The relative sensitivities of different cancer histologies in a single site to photodynamic therapy (PDT) are unknown and methods to predict PDT sensitivity have not been described. The in vitro response to PDT of six established human lung cancer cell lines and one normal lung fibroblast cell line was studied using the clonogenic assay. Dose-response curves were determined for cells incubated in 25 micrograms/ml of Photofrin II for 2 h, followed by exposure to 630-nm light to total energies of 0-3150 J/m2. None of the cell lines were sensitive to sensitizer alone or light alone. Differences in inherent PDT sensitivities as evaluated by survival curve parameters n, Do, and light dose to yield 1% survival were observed among the cell lines. No clear correlation was found when inherent PDT sensitivity was compared with sensitizer uptake; however, a general association was noted between PDT sensitivity and the plating efficiency of the cell line. These data illustrate that differences in inherent PDT exist for in vitro systems. Such differences may explain some of the failures seen in clinical PDT.

Cell Line↗

Effect of photodynamic therapy on tumor necrosis factor production by murine macrophages.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the treatment of tumors in the presence of sensitizer, light, and oxygen, causing energy-dependent cytotoxicity. A vascular effect that causes hemorrhagic tumor necrosis has been described with PDT, but its basis remains undefined. To investigate the possible role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in the generation of such a vascular effect and/or a direct tumor effect, we treated thioglycollate-elicited murine macrophages with PDT, and we measured the possible production of TNF using the L929 assay. An energy-dependent production of TNF by macrophage treated with PDT, stimulated or unstimulated with endotoxin, was demonstrated, and TNF production was inhibited at the highest treatment energy levels. These data represent the first description of cytokine production by PDT-treated macrophages, and may serve as another mechanism of PDT cytotoxicity in vivo, either directly by TNF-mediated tumor necrosis, or indirectly by vascular effects on tumor vessels.

Animals↗

Management of the ectopic ACTH syndrome due to thoracic carcinoids.

The association of a bronchial or thymic carcinoid as a source for the ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has been reported since 1957, with approximately 72 cases in the literature. These patients are characterized by young age, long duration of Cushing's syndrome because of the inability to find the ectopic source, and a high incidence of hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy without curing the disease. A substantial number of patients, upon discovery of the thoracic ectopic source, are also found to have malignant carcinoid tumors with lymph node metastases. Fifteen patients have been explored for a presumed intrathoracic source of ACTH at our institution since 1983 and 14 carcinoids (13 bronchial, one thymic) have been resected. Seventy-one percent (10/14) of the patients appear cured with normal plasma ACTH levels 5 to 57 months after resection, despite a 50% incidence of positive lymph node disease. Management of these patients demands an aggressive evaluation to prevent unnecessary adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy and to allow earlier resections before these potentially curable malignancies metastasize. When the tumor is discovered, thorough exploration and complete lymph node mapping with resection must be performed.

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic↗

Survival after surgical resection for high-grade chest wall sarcomas.

Indications for chest wall resection of metastatic or locally recurrent sarcoma and for subsequent bony reconstruction are controversial. Twenty-eight patients had chest wall resection for high-grade primary, metastatic, or recurrent sarcoma. In all patients, resection with selective reconstruction of the bony thorax was performed without operative mortality. Since 1980, only patients with four or more ribs resected have had selective bony reconstruction. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 132 months (median follow-up, 42 months). All deaths were related to sarcoma recurrence. The overall actuarial survival rate was 85% at 1 year, 65% at 3 years, and 59% at more than 5 years. The overall actuarial proportion without disease recurrence was 64% at 1 year, 52% at 3 years, and 40% at more than 5 years. There was no significant difference in overall or disease-free survival for patients with primary, metastatic, or recurrent tumors. The most important prognostic factors were positive margins and concomitant pulmonary resection for synchronous lung metastases. These data support aggressive resection to obtain pathologically tumor-free margins for chest wall sarcomas, whether primary, metastatic or recurrent. Reconstruction can be individualized based on the extent of resection.

Adolescent↗

Preparative cytoreductive surgery in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with adoptive immunotherapy with interleukin-2 or interleukin-2 plus lymphokine activated killer cells.

A total of 63 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with the primary kidney tumor in place was accepted as candidates for immunotherapy at the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute. Of the 63 patients 54 underwent nephrectomy and 9 were treated with the primary kidney tumor in place. Many of the patients underwent associated procedures, such as regional lymphadenectomy (11), venacavotomy with extraction of tumor thrombus (9), hepatic resection (2), pulmonary wedge resection (2), cholecystectomy (2), splenectomy (2), distal pancreatectomy (1), omentectomy (1) and contralateral adrenalectomy (1). Of the 54 patients 20 were not able to enter therapy because of tumor-related (17) or other medical (3) reasons that developed between the operation and therapy, while 34 were able to receive immunotherapy postoperatively. The 20 patients who were treated with either high dose interleukin-2 or interleukin-2 plus lymphokine activated killer cells soon postoperatively (mean 2.1 months) were able to tolerate roughly the same amount of interleukin-2 as the 74 who had undergone nephrectomy before referral to our institute and who were treated for a mean of 22 months after nephrectomy. Further studies, including a prospective, randomized trial, will be required to define the role of nephrectomy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma before treatment with interleukin-2 based immunotherapies.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Atypical pathologic manifestations of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Review of 123 lung biopsies from 76 patients with emphasis on cysts, vascular invasion, vasculitis, and granulomas.

The frequency of atypical pathologic manifestations of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) were studied in 123 lung biopsy specimens from 76 National Institutes of Health patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The following atypical features were observed: interstitial (63%) and intraluminal (36%) fibrosis, absence of alveolar exudate (19%), numerous alveolar macrophages (9%), granulomatous inflammation (5%), hyaline membranes (4%), marked interstitial pneumonitis (3%), parenchymal cavities (2%), interstitial microcalcification (2%), minimal histologic reaction (2%), and vascular invasion with vasculitis (1%). These atypical features are discussed with emphasis on the significance of cavities, vascular invasion, vasculitis, and granulomas. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies to the 2G2 and 6B8 antigens of P carinii in paraffin-embedded lung biopsy specimens did not indicate any diagnostic advantage over routine methenamine silver stains. This study provides an important reminder that a wide variety of pathologic manifestations may occur in PCP in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients and that atypical features should be sought in lung biopsies from patients at risk for PCP.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Surgical management of pheochromocytoma with the use of metyrosine.

Despite recommended preoperative preparation with alpha-adrenergic blockers, severe hemodynamic instability may occur during operations to resect pheochromocytoma. We combined the alpha-blocker phenoxybenzamine with the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor metyrosine in an attempt to better manage the hypertension of patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing surgical resection. This report reviews the cases of 25 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for known intra-abdominal pheochromocytoma. Each patient had elevated serum or urine levels of catecholamines or their metabolites. Nineteen patients were prepared before operation with phenoxybenzamine and metyrosine and six patients were given phenoxybenzamine alone. There were no significant differences in maximum, minimum, or mean blood pressure before or after tumor resection between patients who received metyrosine and those who did not. However careful review suggested that those who received metyrosine had more severe disease as judged by biochemical criteria. Study of selected patients matched for age and severity of disease suggested that the intraoperative blood pressure management of patients prepared with phenoxybenzamine and metyrosine was facilitated. In addition metyrosine-prepared patients lost less blood and required less volume replacement during surgery than did non-metyrosine-prepared patients. There were no apparent differences in postoperative fluid requirements. Although the study is not a prospective randomized trial, a retrospective review of patients managed with the combination of phenoxybenzamine and metyrosine suggests that surgery to resect pheochromocytoma can be better performed with both drugs than with phenoxybenzamine alone. The combination regimen appears to result in better blood pressure control, less blood loss, and the need for less intraoperative fluid replacement than does the traditional method of single-agent alpha-adrenergic blockade.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Thin-walled cavities, cysts, and pneumothorax in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: further observations with histopathologic correlation.

Thin-walled pulmonary cystic lesions were found in five immunocompromised patients, four with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Four patients had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), and one had pulmonary lesions and disseminated P carinii infection. Two patients demonstrated P carinii within necrotizing, thin-walled, smaller intraparenchymal cavities lined by organisms, exudate, and chronic inflammation. Larger, typically apical and subpleural cysts, lined by fibrosis and/or alveolar parenchyma with little inflammation, were also found during acute episodes. The larger subpleural cysts can arise via rupture of intraparenchymal necrotizing cavities into the subpleural area. Pneumothorax in the four patients with AIDS could not be cured by close thoracostomy drainage; all required pleurodesis. The cysts persisted in cases that were followed up. All cysts were more obvious and numerous with computed tomography (CT), especially with 1.5-mm collimation. CT may be indicated in immunocompromised patients with unexplained pneumothorax or when tube thoracostomy has failed and surgery is being considered, as it can positively influence the operative approach.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

In vitro photodynamic therapy of human lung cancer: investigation of dose-rate effects.

The influence of light dose-rate delivery was studied in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells treated with hematoporphyrin derivative (Photofrin II)-based photodynamic therapy. Clonogenic cell survival curves were generated for cells treated for 2 h with 25 micrograms/ml of Photofrin II followed by exposure to light delivered at 0.3, 0.15, 0.075, or 0.0375 milliwatts/cm2. Cellular sensitizer levels, as determined by fluorescence measurements, remained constant over the entire time course of all light exposures. As the dose rate of light delivery was decreased, a significant increase in cell survival was observed at equal light energies (225 mJ/cm2). The enhancement in survival from the highest to the lowest dose rate used was 1.6-fold (at the 50% survival level). These findings may have important clinical implications relating to photodynamic therapy of tumors and may provide a partial explanation for treatment failure.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Bronchoscopic phototherapy at comparable dose rates: early results.

Photodynamic therapy is a recently introduced treatment for surface malignancies. Since January 1987, 10 patients with endobronchial neoplasms have had bronchoscopic photodynamic therapy at similar dose rates (400 mW/cm) for total atelectasis (2), carinal narrowing with respiratory insufficiency (2), or partial obstruction without collapse (4). Two patients underwent photodynamic therapy as a preliminary to immunotherapy. Histologies included endobronchial metastases (colon, ovary, melanoma, and sarcoma, 1 each; and renal cell, 3) and primary lung cancer (3). The 2 patients with total atelectasis had complete reexpansion after photodynamic therapy, which permitted eventual sleeve lobectomy in 1. Carinal narrowing was ameliorated in the 2 patients seen with inspiratory stridor, thereby permitting hospital discharge. Endoscopically resected fragments after photodynamic therapy exhibited avascular necrosis. These data support further controlled studies of photodynamic therapy by thoracic surgical oncologists to define its limitations as well as to improve and expand its efficacy as a palliative or surgical adjuvant.

Adult↗

Potentiation of phototherapy cytotoxicity with light scattering media.

Lung cancer cells are susceptible to photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 630 nm light and dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE). A light scattering media, intralipid (IL), was compared to balanced salt solution (PBS) for PDT of A549 human lung cancer cells. Differences in cellular DHE content after IL or PBS exposure were determined. Cells were incubated in 25 micrograms/ml DHE for 2 hr and then incubated in various concentrations of IL or PBS at room temperature for 2.5 to 10.0 min. Significant amounts of DHE were lost from IL-incubated cells compared to cells incubated in PBS. After 5 min in 1% IL, cellular DHE content was 0.32 +/- 0.04 microgram DHE/10(6) cells compared to 0.56 +/- 0.11 microgram DHE/10(6) cells in PBS-incubated cells (P less than 0.05). Despite this, superior PDT cytotoxicity was noted when cells were treated in IL with energy densities greater than or equal to 105 mJ/cm2. At an energy density of 210 mJ/cm2, the survival fraction (SF) of cells treated in 1% IL was 0.004 +/- 0.001 compared to 0.071 +/- 0.022 in PBS-treated cells (P less than 0.05). SF was dependent upon the IL concentration with the greatest cell killing noted with 1% IL. An apparent loss of cellular DHE ("DHE washout") was confirmed by demonstration of a higher SF of cells incubated in IL, rinsed, and subsequently PDT-treated in PBS with 157.5 mJ/cm2 (SF = 0.85 +/- 0.11) compared to cells incubated and treated in PBS (SF = 0.50 +/- 0.03, P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Survival↗

Use of monochlorobimane for glutathione measurements in hamster and human tumor cell lines.

The use of monochlorobimane (MCIB) as a fluorescence label for glutathione (GSH) quantitation was investigated in human tumor cell lines. When MCIB was used with a hamster fibroblast cell line under conditions where GSH was either depleted or elevated, an excellent correlation between bimane-GSH fluorescence and the standard cyclic GSH reductase assay (Tietze's) was accomplished. When the MCIB technique was applied to a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, little or no GSH labeling was noted even at MCIB levels 10X higher than that used for the hamster line. HPLC analysis suggested that the source of the problem may be the affinity for MCIB to glutathione S-transferase. By using higher dye concentrations and longer staining times, adequate staining was possible. While the MCIB technique may have problems quantitating GSH levels between cell types, the possibility of examining GSH heterogeneity in solid tumor biopsies remains feasible.

Animals↗

The detection of renal carcinoma extension into the renal vein and inferior vena cava: a prospective comparison of venacavography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Accurate preoperative evaluation of the inferior vena cava and renal vein in patients with renal cell carcinoma is mandatory to plan a successful surgical approach. The presence of venous extension may alter transfusion and anesthetic requirements, as well as require the addition of a vascular surgeon to the operative team. Venacavography traditionally has been considered the most reliable method to identify tumor thrombus, although magnetic resonance imaging has been proposed as a possible noninvasive alternative. We compared prospectively the accuracy of these 2 methods in 44 consecutive patients with renal cell carcinoma who subsequently underwent nephrectomy. Of the 44 patients 11 (25%) had tumor extension into the inferior vena cava and 17 (39%) had involvement of the renal vein at operation. Venacavography and magnetic resonance imaging correctly identified 9 of the 11 patients (82%) with inferior vena caval thrombus. When the results of both tests were combined, all 11 cases of vena caval extension were identified. Venacavography was slightly more sensitive (71%) in identifying the presence of renal vein thrombus than magnetic resonance imaging (65%) but these differences were not statistically significant. Magnetic resonance imaging better localized the thrombus within the renal vein. We conclude that venacavography and magnetic resonance imaging offer equal diagnostic accuracy in the identification of venous extension of renal cell carcinoma. The combination of both tests results in higher diagnostic yield than either test alone. Neither test by itself is reliable in the presence of a large, bulky adenopathic lesion that compresses the inferior vena cava.

Adult↗

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome: localization studies in 28 patients.

A variety of imaging procedures were performed in 28 patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome in an attempt to localize the ACTH-producing tumor. Diagnosis was made on the basis of removal of an ACTH-producing tumor or biopsy of metastases in the 19 patients with a proved source and the absence of ACTH gradients in bilateral samples of the inferior petrosal sinuses in the nine patients in whom an ACTH-secreting tumor had not been localized. Eleven bronchial carcinoids, two thymic carcinoids, three pheochromocytomas, and three islet-cell tumors constituted the proved sources. The condition has been cured in eight patients, six are alive with residual tumor, and five have died. Of the nine patients with undetected sites of ACTH production, one has died of pneumocystis pneumonia and eight are being treated medically or with bilateral adrenalectomy. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen was the most helpful study in the detection of these tumors. Selective arteriography (bronchial and visceral), systemic and portal venous sampling, and iodine-131 meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy failed to demonstrate tumors when findings at CT were negative. Bronchial carcinoids constituted most of the ACTH-secreting tumors in this study (58%) and in a review of four large series (47%). To assure early detection of these potentially malignant tumors, pulmonary CT should be performed every 6 months, even after hypercortisolism has been medically or surgically controlled.

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic↗

Failure of bronchial lavage to detect elevated levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) in patients with ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoids.

Saline lavage of the major bronchial segments was performed in five patients immediately preceding lobectomy to remove an ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid. Lavage fluid from each bronchus was concentrated, and ACTH determinations were performed. Elevated concentrations of ACTH were not demonstrated in the aspirate from the bronchus containing the known tumor. Two additional patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome from an unknown primary source also underwent selective segmental bronchial lavage for ACTH determination. Neither patient demonstrated ACTH gradients in the lavage specimens. One was found to have an ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid 18 months after negative lavage. Selective segmental bronchoscopic lavage with measurement of ACTH levels on the aspirate is not an effective technique for detecting ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid tumor.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗