We evaluated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 21 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by immunohistochemical staining of frozen tumor sections using a monoclonal antibody for EGFR and by a ligand binding method using radiolabeled epidermal growth factor. EGFR was detected in 16 of the 21 cases by ligand binding, while 11 of the 21 cases were detected by immunohistochemical staining. A significant correlation was observed between the two methods in detecting EGFR (p < 0.0001). EGFR was detected by the ligand binding method in all patients who died of RCC. Four cases that were graded as EGFR-negative on immunohistochemistry died of RCC. Observations suggest the ligand binding method was more sensitive than the immunohistochemical method in detecting EGFR and forecasting patient survival.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Predictive indicators of successful varicocele repair in men with infertility.

OBJECTIVE: We sought predictive indicators of functionally successful repair in 168 infertile Japanese males who underwent high ligation of a varicocele via a retroperitoneal approach. METHODS: Possible indicators evaluated included age at marriage, duration of infertility, testicular volume, varicocele grade, seminal analysis findings, and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and testosterone. All patients had palpable or visible unilateral left varicoceles. Success in conception was evaluated in all subjects 1 year after varicocele repair. RESULTS: No associations were observed between outcome and mean age at marriage, infertility duration, varicocele grade, seminal volume, or serum PRL and testosterone concentrations, but testicular volume, sperm count, percentage of motile sperm, and serum FSH and LH concentrations were significantly associated with outcome. Multiple regression analysis of dependence of outcome revealed testicular volume and serum FSH concentrations to be independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Varicocele repair is likely to accomplish fertility in patients with a combined testicular volume of at least 30 mL or serum FSH concentrations lower than 11.7 mIU/mL.

Adult↗