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Biomedical subjects

R H Begent

Publications and source records attributed to R H Begent.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Tumour-marker levels and prognosis in malignant teratoma of the testis.

The effect of 6 putative prognostic factors on survival was studied in patients with Stages III and IV malignant teratoma of the testis. Differences between survival curves were tested for statistical significance. A diameter greater than 5 cm in the largest tumour mass, and greater than 8 pulmonary metastases were adverse prognostic factors (P = 0.004 and 0.008 respectively). Patients with malignant teratoma, trophoblastic, fared worse than those with malignant teratoma, undifferentiated, and malignant teratoma, intermediate (P = 0.011 and 0.023 respectively). Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy had no significant effect. Serum alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) above 10(3) MRC u/ml and serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) above 10(5) miu/ml, were found to predict a poor prognosis (P = 0.010 and 0.001 respectively). A combination of measurements of the tumour markers gave the most consistent indication of prognosis, in that patients with either AFP greater than 10(3) MRC u/ml or hCG greater than 10(5) miu/ml, or both, fared much worse than those with neither factor (P = 0.001). Serum concentrations of AFP and hCG should be stated in reports of treatment of testicular teratoma in order to provide a basis for comparison with other series. Regular and frequent measurements of these markers are appropriate throughout the clinical management of patients with malignant teratoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Radioimmunolocalization of tumours by external scintigraphy after administration of 131I antibody to human chorionic gonadotrophin: preliminary communication.

(131)Iodine ((131)I) labelled antibody directed against human chorionic gonadatrophin (hCG) was given on 21 occasions to 18 patients with hCG-producing neoplasms. Tumours were localized by external scintigraphy in 13 of 21 investigations. Positive results were obtained reliably when serum hCG exceeded 500 miu/ml and in some cases sensitivity was comparable to that of computerized tomography. A positive result probably implies viability in the tumour and this was of practical value in discriminating between necrotic deposits and living tumour before surgery.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1978

Combined cytotoxic and progestogen therapy for advanced breast cancer.

Sixty-nine patients with advanced breast cancer treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy were randomized to receive concomitantly either norethisterone acetate (progestogen group) or a placebo (placebo group). Objective responses were seen in 53% of patients in the progestogen group and 61% of patients in the placebo group. The median duration of response was the same for both groups (38 weeks). Three out of ten patients in the placebo group, who received subsequently the progestogen on relapse, had a further objective regression. The overall survival in the two groups was similar, although in a sub-group of patients who had operable tumors, but a subsequent short disease-free interval, survival was significantly better in the placebo group. There was less myelosuppression in the progestogen group, who were able to receive higher doses of cytotoxic drugs. Less nausea and vomiting occurred in the progestogen group, but subjective side effects were similar. It is concluded that there is no advantage therapeutically in combining cytotoxic chemotherapy and progestogen therapy and, in some patients, better results are obtained using the two treatments sequentially.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Hydroxyproline excretion in infantile gastroenteritis.

Total hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (THP:Cr) was measured in random urine specimens from 18 infants with gastroenteritis. THP:Cr was sometimes increased during the acute phase of the illness and the reasons for this are discussed. Seven patients failed to thrive after the acute phase and THP:Cr was low in all of these. The test appears to be a sensitive indicator of the onset of failure to thrive, and it is suggested that it may be of value in the management of these patients.

Child↗
PubMed1975

Toxoplasma encephalitis complicating Hodgkin's disease.

A case of Toxoplasma encephalitis is described in a patient who had received much immunosuppressive therapy for Hodgkin's disease. Such cases have been reported in immune suppressed patients outside the United Kingdom, but a search of the literature has not revealed any previous reports from this country. Since Toxoplasma gondii is a frequent pathogen and states of immune suppression are becoming more common, further cases, can be expected. Recognition of the clinical and pathological features is important because the condition can be treated.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

IV.--Pneumonia.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Carcinoembryonic antigen levels in germ cell tumours.

Elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) prior to specific treatment was noted in 3% (7/258) of assessable patients with testicular, extragonadal or ovarian germ cell tumours (GCT). In addition, persistently raised CEA was documented in 7% (26/385) of patients during or after cisplatin-based chemotherapy for metastatic GCT. Raised CEA did not appear associated with adverse prognosis. Among patients undergoing resection of residual tumour masses post-chemotherapy, 8 of 36 with mature differentiated teratoma excised had raised CEA compared with only one of 39 patients where no mature teratoma was found. However, CEA levels remained elevated in 6 of the 8 cases despite apparent complete resection of mature teratoma. Elevated CEA in treated GCT patients may be caused by hepatotoxicity from chemotherapy, intercurrent diseases, or other unknown factors. History of cisplatin-based chemotherapy may be a confounding factor in interpreting raised CEA levels. CEA measurements do not help in the management of patients with germ cell tumours.

Adolescent↗