Metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the gingiva of the maxilla and mandible: report of a case.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to N E Papadopoulos.
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Based on the reports of activity of interferons against metastatic melanomas, we conducted a phase II study of recombinant interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A, Hoffmann-La Roche, Nutley, NJ) in 66 patients with disseminated melanoma. All patients had excellent Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (0 to 1), and no evidence of brain metastases. Thirty patients had previously received chemotherapy and the remainder were untreated. The first 35 patients were treated on a daily schedule starting with a Roferon-A dose of 3 X 10(6) U/d and escalating to a maximum of 36 X 10(6) U/d over a period of 12 days. Because of excessive toxicity, the second group of 31 patients were treated on a fixed dose of 18 X 10(6) U/d [corrected] three times weekly (TIW). Among the 62 evaluable patients, five achieved an objective response for a response rate of 8% (95% confidence limits, 3% to 18%). Four patients had minor regressions and eight patients had stability of disease. The responses were evenly distributed between the two dose schedules. The major toxicity of interferon consisted of a constitutional syndrome of anorexia, fever, weight loss, and fatigue, which required a dose reduction in 75% of the patients on the daily schedule. Our data revealed a modest level of activity, which was not influenced by prior treatment or by the dose or schedule of interferon. Because of substantial toxicity with the daily schedule, we recommend a dose of 18 X 10(6) U/d [corrected] if interferon is used in the treatment of patients with melanoma.
Chemotherapy has become a routine part of the treatment of osteosarcoma. However, the precise role of preoperative chemotherapy remains in question. Between 1979 and 1982, a group of 40 patients were treated by multimodality therapy consisting of preoperative chemotherapy (intra-arterial cis-platinum and systemic adriamycin), surgery, and postoperative chemotherapy. Survival in this group is 64%, while continuous disease-free survival is 58%. Although age, sex, tumor size, site, and classification were found to be prognostic factors, histologic evidence of response to preoperative chemotherapy, measured as percent tumor necrosis, was found to be the most significant prognostic factor. When continuous disease-free survival was calculated as a function of tumor necrosis it was 91% in patients with greater than or equal to 90% tumor necrosis, while it was 14% in patients with less than 90% tumor necrosis. At initial presentation, 7% of patients were judged limb-salvage candidates. But due to the local effects of preoperative chemotherapy, 60% ultimately underwent limb-salvage surgery. Preoperative arteriograms were a reliable means of monitoring response to chemotherapy and served as an indicator of residual viable tumor. Using arteriogram directed planes of section, postchemotherapy, specimens were "mapped" and analyzed for chemotherapy effect. When present, residual viable tumor was preferentially found at the interface of tumor and normal anatomic structures; "sanctuary sites." It is necessary that standard methods for analyzing postchemotherapy specimens be developed; a technique is described.
Patients with ocular melanoma have a high incidence of hepatic metastases, which primarily determine their length of survival. In an attempt to control the neoplastic disease in the liver, embolization of the hepatic artery with a combination of polyvinyl sponge (Ivalon) and a suspension of cisplatin was performed in two patients with hepatic metastases from ocular melanoma. Dramatic regression of the hepatic metastases, lasting 19 and six months, occurred in these two patients after one or two such treatments. Our preliminary, albeit successful, experience with this therapeutic approach suggests that it may offer relatively prolonged periods of remission and warrants further investigation.
Copovithane is a new copolymer of low molecular weight and with a significant in vivo antitumor activity in preclinical trials. The mechanism of action is unknown. Ninety-one patients with various metastatic neoplasms beyond the curable stage were treated with copovithane by weekly intravenous administration. Dose levels ranged from 1 to 33 g/m2/week. No dose-limiting toxicity was reached. Tolerance was excellent, with minor fatigue, occasional nausea, and intermittent proteinuria as the only significant side effects in less than 25% of patients. Two patients achieved a partial remission, and five patients reached minor responses during therapy. Antitumor effects were noted only in cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases. Extensive immunologic evaluation revealed some improvement in helper:suppressor T cell ratio, in vitro cytotoxicity tests, and lymphocyte blastogenic responses in patients treated at intermediate levels. The immunologic testing also suggested that the higher dose levels (22-33 g/m2 weekly) might adversely affect the immune response. The clinical relevance of these changes is uncertain. Phase II clinical trials are recommended utilizing weekly doses between 10 and 15 g/m2.