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Biomedical subjects

W C Gray

Publications and source records attributed to W C Gray.

28 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Suppression of cellular immunity by head and neck irradiation. Precipitating factors and reparative mechanisms in an experimental model.

A model was developed in C3H mice to investigate the immunosuppressive effects of head and neck irradiation and to explore mechanisms for repair of the defects. Mice receiving 1200 rad (12 Gy) of head and neck irradiation showed significant depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, spleen cell counts, and spleen cell production of interleukin-2. Treatment with optimal dosages of thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha-1) produced significant increases in all of these values, in some instances to levels higher than in the nonirradiated controls. In identical experiments with mice irradiated to a portal limited to the pelvic region, T alpha-1 induced only partial remission of the abnormalities. The dose response of T alpha-1 with head and neck irradiation showed a relatively limited dose range for immune restoration, a finding that warrants similar determinations in clinical trials with immunomodulating agents. The results suggest a potential clinical usefulness of T alpha-1 and also interleukin-2 in restoring cellular immunity after irradiation for head and neck cancers. The model appears to be useful for investigating immunomodulating agents before they are clinically evaluated as adjuvants with head and neck irradiation regimens.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Effects of radiation therapy on T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with head and neck cancer.

Cellular immunity was assessed in 85 patients with head and neck cancer with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens that identify total T cells, helper cells, and suppressor cells. The control group consisted of 22 healthy volunteers. Nine patients who had surgical procedures for benign diseases were also studied. Compared with the controls, the patients with cancer who received radiation therapy had a significant decrease in total lymphocytes, T cells, helper cells, suppressor cells, and decreased helper/suppressor cell ratio. Significant decreases in lymphocyte subpopulations were not detected in patients tested before treatment or in patients treated with surgery alone. The immune deficits observed were prolonged in duration, with some present in the patients studied up to 11 years after radiation therapy. This long-lasting immune depression may have relevance to tumor recurrences and second primaries in patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiation therapy and to attempts at increasing cure rates with adjuvant agents that improve immune reactivity.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1985

Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex and sphenoidal sinus: a case report.

A case of a cholesterol granuloma located in the petrous apex and eroding into the sphenoidal sinus is reported. Cholesterol granuloma is thought to occur when pneumatized cells in the temporal bone become obstructed. Although usually occurring in the middle ear, it can occur in the petrous apex. The diagnosis and surgical management are discussed.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1984

Throat culture in impending peritonsillar abscess.

Throat cultures done immediately before the development of a peritonsillar abscess were positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci in only one of 12 cases. To prevent suppurative complications such as peritonsillar abscess, treatment with antibiotics may be indicated in selected severe cases of tonsillar infections despite negative throat cultures.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1980

CSF rhinorrhea associated with the empty-sella syndrome.

The empty-sella syndrome consists of the abnormal extension into the sella turcica of an arachnoid diverticulum filled with CSF, which displaces and compresses the pituitary gland. Such a diverticulum can erode through the sellar floor and lead to CSF rhinorrhea through the sphenoidal sinus. Empty-sella syndrome should be considered a diagnostic possibility in patients with nontraumatic CSF rhinorrhea. Diagnosis and treatment are best accomplished with a team approach involving the otolaryngologist, neurosurgeon, neuroradiologist, and neuroendocrinologist. Definitive diagnosis requires pneumoencephalography and thin-section polytomography. Attention should be directed to the possibility of a coexisting pituitary adenoma. Treatment can be accomplished by a transseptal, transsphenoidal approach with localization and repair of the leak.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Use of tragal cartilage with the total ossicular replacement prosthesis.

A method was developed for the use of tragal cartilage and perichondrium with the total ossicular replacement prosthesis. The method involves securing the flat base of the prosthesis in a perichondrial tunnel on the cartilage to stabilize the prosthesis, prevent extrusion, and promote vascularization.

Cartilage↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combination chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Fifty-one patients (32 previously untreated, 19 previously treated) with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck received a single course of combination chemotherapy consisting of high dose cis-platinum (DDP), bleomycin (Bleo), +/- high dose methotrexate (MTX). Thirty-three (65%) patients responded to therapy; 5 (10%) of these patients had a complete response. Previously untreated patients and those who received the three drugs (DDP, Bleo and MTX) had the highest response rates. The duration of response was 8 to 12 weeks. Seven (15%) patients showed a two-year survival rate. All nonresponders were dead of disease within two years. Three (56%) of the five complete-response patients and 4 (21%) of the partial-response patients survived for two years. The role of preoperative chemotherapy in head and neck cancer is yet to be conclusively defined.

Adult↗