Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Horenblas

Publications and source records attributed to S Horenblas.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Iodine-125 implantation in localized cancer of the prostate; too early for rejoicing].

The role of I-125 implantation in treatment with curative intent of carcinoma of the prostate is not yet perfectly clear. No long-term results in large groups of patients have so far been published. An inherent restriction of the technique is that it is difficult to attain a high dose of radiation in the periphery of the prostate. Consequently, the technique appears to be less or not appropriate for peripherally located tumours or tumours with extracapsular spread. Implantation of I-125 should for the moment be regarded as an experimental therapy. Its application should be limited to strictly selected patients and should be carried out as a part of trials.

Brachytherapy↗

Primary skin closure of a large groin defect after inguinal lymphadenectomy for penile cancer using a skin stretching device.

PURPOSE: We describe a method of primary closure of a large skin defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 44-year-old man was treated for penile cancer. After left inguinal lymphadenectomy a large skin defect in the groin remained that could not be closed primarily. Allowing skin to stretch beyond its inherent extensibility with a skin stretching system (Sure-Closure) the wound edges were closed without tension. RESULTS: Primary closure of a large skin defect was possible after cyclic stretching and relaxation of the skin with a skin stretching device. CONCLUSIONS: Large skin defects can be closed primarily using a skin stretching device. The primary advantage of the procedure are its simplicity and avoidance of the need for more complicated reconstructive surgery.

Adult↗

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy: pretreatment prognostic factors and the predictive value of cystoscopic re-evaluation during treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between tumour and patient characteristics and local control and survival for patients with T2 and T3 bladder cancer treated with radical external beam radiotherapy and to evaluate the predictive value of cystoscopic response evaluation during radiation on final outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records from 379 patients with non-metastasized T2 or T3 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were reviewed. All patient received external beam radiotherapy at The Netherlands Cancer Institute during the period from 1977 to 1990. The total dose varied from 50 to 75 Gy with a mean of 60.5 Gy and a median of 60.4 Gy. The median follow-up was 22 months for all patients and 82 months for the 30 patients still alive at last follow-up. A stepwise procedure using proportional hazard regression was used to identify prognostic factors with respect to local recurrence and survival. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six patients experienced a local recurrence and 120 of these occurred before regional or distance metastases. The actuarial results at 5 years were 40.3% local control (SE 4.0%), 24.9% disease-free rate (SE 3.0%) and 22.2% overall survival (SE 2.2%). In the univariate analysis age, performance status, result of intravenous pyelography (IVP) and T-stage were found to be related to overall survival and multifocality was related to local control. Multivariate analysis revealed that only age and T-stage were related to survival and only multifocality was related to local control. In patients with solitary tumours who were identified as having the most favourable outcome. local control was 50% at 5 years. Local control in 89 patients who had a cystoscopic evaluation during treatment was identical regardless of whether a complete, partial or no response was observed. Furthermore, local control was identical in patients selected on the basis of a favourable response and in unselected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although we identified some significant prognostic factors, their predictive value is not strong enough to allow accurate estimation of treatment effect and disease outcome. Cystoscopic response evaluation during treatment was found not to provide reliable information to direct further treatment. Prospective studies to identify ways to select patients for bladder conservation using definitive radiotherapy are urgently needed.

Aged↗

A feasibility study of accelerated fractionation in radiotherapy of carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

PURPOSE: To establish the shortest possible overall treatment time, with respect to acute and late toxicity, in which a radiation dose of 66 Gy in 2 Gy/fraction can be administered to the urinary bladder. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In a stepwise fashion the overall treatment time of our routinely used conventional treatment schedule (66 Gy in 2 Gy/fraction in 6.5 weeks) was reduced to 5 weeks (Step 1) and then 4 weeks (Step 2). Shortening of the overall treatment time was obtained by giving two daily fractions during the last part of the treatment. The interfraction interval was a minimum of 6 h. Toxicity was scored according to a modified scheme of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Fifteen patients received the 5-week schedule and 25 patients received the 4-week schedule. RESULTS: Note that feasibility was very good for the 5-week schedule. No Grade > or = 3 acute bowel or bladder toxicity was seen in these patients. Severe late complications did not occur. In the 4-week schedule, acute bladder toxicity was unaffected but acute bowel toxicity was considerably increased. Of the 25 patients, 16 suffered from Grade 3 toxicity, 3 from Grade 4, and 1 from Grade 5 toxicity. Actuarial analysis at 3 years showed a 31% incidence of Grade 4 late bladder complications. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the 5-week schedule is well tolerated. In contrast, the 4-week schedule shows unacceptable acute bowel toxicity and an increased incidence of late bladder complications (p = 0.043).

Aged↗

[Incidence and treatment of prostatic carcinoma in the region of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1989-1994].

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the incidence and treatment of prostate cancer. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Comprehensive Cancer Centre Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS: All prostate cancers diagnosed in 1989-1994 in residents of the region of the CCCA (North Holland and Flevoland) were selected from the regional cancer registry data base. Cases from one hospital were excluded due to incomplete registration. RESULTS: There was a 38% increase in the number of diagnosed prostate carcinomas between 1989 (n = 671) and 1994 (n = 929). Median age at diagnosis was 74 years. The proportion of localized tumours remained at the level of 69% during this period. The percentages of localized T1 tumours and tumours with unknown T stage decreased, while the percentages of localized T2 and T3 tumours increased. There was a sixfold increase in the number of total prostatectomies. 77% of the operated patients were diagnosed with a T2 tumour, 11% with a T3 tumour. At the end of the study period total prostatectomy was the main treatment of T1/2 prostate cancers in men below the age of 60. T3 tumours and men between 60 and 75 years of age were more often treated with radiotherapy, while men over 75 were mainly treated hormonally. The percentage of localized prostate cancers observed strongly increased with age and with lower T stage. CONCLUSION: The sharp rise in the number of prostate cancers during the period 1989-1994 was not confined to early stages. Within a few years total prostatectomy became one of the main treatment modalities in localized prostate cancer. This treatment was mainly restricted to younger men with smaller localized prostate carcinomas.

Aged↗

[Internal radiotherapy in prostatic carcinoma; disappointing long-term results of retropubic Iodine-125 implantation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of retropubic implantation of 1-125 seeds in patients with carcinoma of the prostate. DESIGN: Retrospective study of records. SETTING: Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHOD: A retrospective study of records provided follow-up data on 75 patients treated in the period 1981-1990 with implantation of 1-125 seeds by a retropubic approach, preceded by pelvic lymph node dissection. Criteria for the treatment were: To, T1 or T2 carcinoma of the prostate, prostatic volume < 40 ml, no contraindications to surgery. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 103 (60-157) months. Four patients died of complications (5%). Major postoperative complications occurred in 23% (17/75) of the cases. Residual carcinoma or distant metastasization was encountered in 43 of the 71 patients (61%). Sixteen patients died from the consequences of the prostatic carcinoma. The 5- and 10-year survival rates amounted to 74% and 42%, respectively, the cancer-specific 5- and 10-year survival rates to 85% and 67%, respectively. At the latest check-up, 18 patients were alive with tumour, 16 of them under hormonal treatment, while 21 patients were alive without indications of active prostatic carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Treatment of carcinoma of the prostate with retropubic implantation of 1-125 seeds resulted in a high incidence of local therapeutic failure and numerous postoperative complications. These results are poorer than those of total prostatectomy and external radiotherapy.

Aged↗

[Good results of bladder-preserving treatment in poorly differentiated and invasive bladder carcinoma using interstitial Iridium-192 radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: The analyse the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment for T1G3 and T2-T3a bladder carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: National Cancer Institute/Anthoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS: Between 1987 and 1994 (7 years) 63 patients with T1G3 or T2-T3a tumours < 5 cm diameter were treated with a combined approach consisting of a transurethral resection, a course of external irradiation (30 Gy in 15 fractions) to the bladder and an Iridium-192 implant procedure. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (range 3 months to 7.2 years) 42 patients were alive without tumour. Fourteen patients died from bladder cancer and 4 patients died from intercurrent disease. Three patients were alive with non-curable cancer. Nine patients had an isolated bladder relapse. Seven of these could be salvaged with cystectomy (3 patients) or transurethral resection (4 patients). Eight patients developed distant metastases only and 7 patients distant metastases combined with bladder recurrence. The 5 year actuarial survival was 66%. Acute and late morbidity was limited and mainly related to the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Bladder conservation using Iridium-192 implantation is an effective and safe procedure and in selected group of patients with bladder cancer it is a good alternative to radical cystectomy.

Adult↗

[From urostoma to bladder replacement: current possibilities in urinary diversion].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse 48 urinary diversions in an oncological patient population. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: The Dutch cancer institute 'Nederlands Kanker Instituut/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis' in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHOD: The medical records of all patients who had a urinary diversion in the period 1989-1993 were analysed for type of diversion, indication for this specific type and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 48 patients (24 women and 24 men with a mean age of 62.1 years) a urinary diversion was constructed because of cystectomy for bladder cancer (n = 27), cystectomy in total pelvic exenteration (13), total urinary incontinence following radiotherapy (5), urethral cancer (1) or local palliation (2). Twenty-one diversions according to Bricker, 25 continent reservoirs according to Rowland and (or) neo-bladders, I ureterosigmoidostomy and I continent access to the bladder (Mitrofanoff procedure) were done. The standard diversion according to Bricker was preferred in the following circumstances: extensive intestinal resections (also previous ones), older age, fear of incontinence or no need for continent diversion. Specific problems of the new diversion techniques were difficulties of patients with catheterising the reservoir and folic acid deficiency. All other postoperative problems were related to the extensiveness of the primary oncological procedure rather than to the diversion technique. CONCLUSION: Apart from a few contraindications such as shortage of intestine, tumour growth into the urethra and patients' inability or unwillingness to catheterize themselves, there are no objections to the new diversion techniques (continent reservoir/neo-bladder). Patients being considered for urinary diversion ought to be informed about these new techniques.

Adult↗

Ultrasound in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis; a useful addition to clinical staging? A comparison of ultrasound with histopathology.

OBJECTIVE: As part of the staging procedure in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis, we assessed the role of ultrasound examination, in particular its role in assessing the extent and the invasion into the corpora. METHODS: From 1988 until 1992, all patients referred for primary treatment underwent ultrasound assessment with a 7.5 MHz linear array small parts transducer as part of the clinical workup. All ultrasound images were reviewed by one radiologist, without knowledge of the clinical outcome and were compared with the results obtained at histopathologic examination. RESULTS: In 16 patients the primary tumor and in 1 patient a recurrent cancer after primary therapy were examined. All tumors were identified as hypoechoic lesions. Ultrasound examination in the region of the glans was not able to differentiate between invasion of the subepithelial tissue and invasion into the corpus spongiosum, but absence or presence of invasion into the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum was clearly demonstrated. Accurate measurement by ultrasound of maximum tumor thickness was seen in seven of sixteen examinations. CONCLUSIONS: While ultrasound examination is inexpensive and easily done, it is not accurate enough for staging small penile cancers located at the glans penis. However, for larger tumors ultrasound can be a useful addition to physical examination by delineating reliably the anatomic relations of the tumor to structures such as the tunica albuginea, corpus cavernosum, and urethra.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. IV. Prognostic factors of survival: analysis of tumor, nodes and metastasis classification system.

Various prognostic factors of survival were assessed in 118 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis treated at The Netherlands Cancer Institute between 1956 and 1989. Using the clinical parameters of the tumor, nodes and metastasis classification system of the International Union Against Cancer (1978 version) and a differentiation system consisting of 3 grades the prognostic relevance for survival was analyzed. T category, N category and grade of differentiation showed statistical significance in the univariate analysis. Patients with small tumors, clinically negative nodes and well differentiated tumors showed a favorable prognosis. Only N category and grade were independent prognostic factors of survival using the Cox proportional hazards model. On the basis of the survival analysis a stage grouping consisting of 3 stages is proposed with 5-year survival probabilities for stages 1, 2 and 3 of 93%, 55% and 30%, respectively. A revised version of the tumor, nodes and metastasis system was introduced in 1987. This latest version was analyzed with the previous method, which was used in this report, and prognostically important and clinically useful parameters, such as the size of the primary tumor and evidence of fixation of the regional lymph nodes, have been discarded. The changes in the revised version seem to have little relevance to clinical staging. The revised version should be considered a histopathological classification only.

Adult↗

Phase II study of intermittent continuous infusion of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 in advanced melanoma and renal cell cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previously we described the immunological and clinical effects of prolonged continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2. In this phase II study we explored the therapeutic efficacy of intermittent continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We selected 15 patients with advanced melanoma and 8 patients with renal cell cancer in good clinical condition, with low tumour burden and no previous systemic treatment. A treatment cycle consisted of infusion of 1.8 x 10(6) IU/m2/24 hrs rIL-2 for 3 weeks on an out-patient basis followed by a 3-week rest. A maximum of four cycles were given. RESULTS: A total of 35 cycles were given. Treatment was well tolerated. Transient hyperthyroidism occurred in 8 patients. No objective responses were noted. We noted a high incidence of central nervous system involvement occurring shortly after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent continuous infusion of low dose rIL-2 in advanced melanoma and renal cell cancer is well tolerated but the initial therapeutic results are not promising.

Adult↗

Bladder conservation in selected T1G3 and muscle-invasive T2-T3a bladder carcinoma using combination therapy of surgery and iridium-192 implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyse the efficacy and toxicity of conservative treatment for T1G3 and T2-3a bladder carcinoma and to compare the results with those obtained in a previous study using caesium implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1987 and 1990 12 patients with high-grade T1 tumours and 28 with T2-3a tumours were treated using this combined approach. All tumours were solitary with a diameter not exceeding 5 cm. Treatment consisted of transurethral resection, a course of external irradiation (30 Gy in 15 fractions) to the whole pelvis and an implant procedure. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 40 months (range 24-65) 31 patients remained free of disease and nine relapsed: three with distant metastases, two with bladder recurrence and four with combined bladder and distant relapse. Three patients showed tumour at the original site. The 5 years actuarial rate of local control was 84% with an overall 5 years actuarial survival of 86%. Early problems included bladder leakage, wound infection and psychological problems. Late complications in four patients, was transient ulceration at the implant side causing mild dysuria. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation with iridium is equally effective as with caesium but has significantly fewer complications.

Adult↗

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. III. Treatment of regional lymph nodes.

We analyzed the management of regional lymph nodes in 110 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis treated at the Netherlands Cancer Institute between 1956 and 1989 with curative intent. Of 66 patients who presented with unsuspected nodes 57 were placed on a surveillance program, while lymph node dissection was performed in 5 (with adjuvant external radiation therapy in 1) and 4 were treated with external radiation therapy only. The management of 40 patients with clinically suspected nodes included surveillance in 5, lymph node dissection in 27 (with adjuvant radiotherapy in 11), biopsy in 4 and external radiation therapy in 4. Postoperative radiotherapy had been given if more than 2 nodes were involved or when extracapsular growth was observed. Overall, 25 patients had a regional recurrence, 5 of whom could be cured subsequently. All regional recurrences developed within 2 years after primary treatment. Analysis showed 100% survival in histologically proved node negative patients (stage pN0). The success of lymph node dissection was related to the extent of the metastatic spread and to the number of involved nodes. Patients with 1 positive node and unilateral inguinal involvement showed a statistically significant survival advantage compared to patients with more extensive spread. Considering the indications for node dissection we found a clear relationship among T category, grade and the probability of lymph node invasion. Patients with stage T1 tumors and stage T2, grades 1 and 2 tumors presented significantly less often with lymphatic invasion than those with other categories of disease and were less likely to have a regional recurrence after treatment of the primary tumor only. In these categories we recommend surveillance of the regional lymph nodes in patients who present with unsuspected nodes. However, patients with stage T2 grade 3, stage T3 and operable stage T4 tumors should undergo an immediate inguinal node dissection because of the high probability of clinically occult lymph node invasion (in our material more than 50%). With respect to the extent of the node dissection, we found that the likelihood of spread to the contralateral and/or pelvic regions was related to the number of invaded nodes in the inguinal region. We recommend contralateral node dissection and unilateral pelvic node dissection when 2 or more positive nodes are found in the dissected groin specimen. Primary pelvic node dissection should be performed in patients who present initially with cytologically or biopsy proved positive inguinal nodes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗