Abnormal postprandial duodenal chyme transport in patients with long standing insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Patients with long standing diabetes mellitus frequently have upper gut dysmotility. Gastroparesis has been well studied, whereas detailed data on duodenal motor function are limited.

AIMS

To characterise postprandial duodenal chyme transport in such patients.

METHODS

Intraluminal multiple impedance measurement, recently introduced as a novel technique for investigation of chyme transport, was used to study postprandial duodenal chyme flow in 10 patients with long standing insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with gastroparesis, and 10 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Four distinct transport patterns of chyme, termed bolus transport events (BTEs), were found in both groups and could be characterised as: short distance propulsive; simple long distance propulsive; retrograde; and complex long distance propulsive. Diabetic patients had significantly lower numbers of propulsive BTEs (p < 0.01), and higher proportions of retrograde BTEs and complex long distance BTEs (p < 0.05) than control subjects, whereas the proportion of simple long distance BTEs was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The mean propagation velocities of the BTEs were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal postprandial duodenal chyme transport was found in patients with long standing insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. This is characterised by transport disorganisation and may result in disturbed chyme clearance.

Dynamics of esophageal bolus transport in healthy subjects studied using multiple intraluminal impedancometry

The dynamics of a bolus transport through the esophagus are largely unexplored. To study this physiological process, we applied multiple intraluminal impedancometry in 10 healthy subjects. Three different protocols were used: 1) liquid bolus administered with subject supine, 2) liquid bolus with subject upright, or 3) semisolid bolus with subject supine. Transit of different parts of a bolus (bolus head, body, and tail) was analyzed at different anatomic segments, namely the pharynx and the proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the esophagus. A characteristic pattern of bolus transport was seen in all subjects. Impedance changes related to air were observed preceding the bolus head. The bolus head propelled significantly faster than did the bolus body and tail. Pharyngeal bolus transit was significantly faster than esophageal bolus transit. Within the esophagus, bolus propulsion velocity gradually decreased. Bolus transport was significantly accelerated in the upright position and delayed with increase of bolus viscosity. In conclusion, the dynamics of a bolus transport from the pharynx into the stomach are complex. It varies within both different anatomic segments and different parts of the bolus and depends on bolus characteristics and test conditions. The spatial and temporal resolution of a bolus transport can be obtained by the impedance technique.

Combination anti-gene therapy targeting c-myc and p53 in ovarian cancer cell lines

Gene therapy clinical trials targeting p53 and other genes are underway in nongynecologic cancer systems. To explore the potential for antigene therapy in gynecologic oncology, we examined the in vitro effects of oligonucleotides targeting c-myc and p53 in the ovarian cancer cell lines CAOV-3, SKOV-3, and BG-1. The ATP cell viability assay was used to measure growth effects after 6-day treatments with 27-mer antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides (oligos) targeting the Puf/nm23 binding region of c-myc and promoter/ATG region of p53. A random sequence of the p53 27-mer was used as a control, and an untransformed fibroblast cell line was used for comparison. IC50 was defined as the oligo concentration required for 50% growth reduction compared to untreated controls. Synergistic vs antagonistic effects of oligo combinations were quantitated by combination indexes (CI) as calculated from median effect parameters by the methods of Chou and Talalay. Mean +/- SE IC50's of c-myc and p53 antisense oligos in CAOV-3 and SKOV-3 ranged from 1.0 +/- 0.2 to 9.7 +/- 1.3 microM. The IC50's of c-myc oligos were consistently lower than corresponding p53 oligos in all cell lines (P < 0.034, t test). The fibroblast cell line was sensitive to anti-c-myc and combination anti-c-myc/p53 oligos (IC50 = 1.5 +/- 0.6 and 1.4 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively), but not to anti-p53 oligos alone (IC50 > 16 microM). Nonspecific toxicity was observed at concentrations of 16 microM for all cell lines except in BG-1, where maximal growth stimulation occurred at this concentration with anti-p53 oligos. Growth stimulation was also observed in BG-1 with anti-c-myc and anti-c-myc/p53 combinations at intermediate doses, with inhibition at higher doses. While c-myc/p53 combinations in CAOV-3 were synergistic (CI < 0.8), they were antagonistic in SKOV-3 (CI > 3.2). Phosphorothioate oligos directed against c-myc and p53 in different cell lines were shown to have both antiproliferative and stimulatory activity, as single agents and in combination, at concentrations that are achievable in vivo. Because of the complex patterns of effects, further in vitro studies are warranted before considering clinical trials with these agents in gynecologic cancers.

Paclitaxel: a radiation sensitizer of human cervical cancer cells

Paclitaxel is an exciting chemotherapeutic agent active in a variety of malignant tumors. This study was designed to explore the radiosensitizing potential of paclitaxel in human cervical cancer cell lines. The cell lines ME180, SiHa, and MS751 were evaluated. Experiments were performed in the proliferative phase of growth. Paclitaxel doses were treated at 0.01x, 0.02x, 0.03x, 0.04x, and 0.05x peak plasma concentration (PPC) in ME180 and 0.001x, 0.002x, 0.003x, 0.004x, and 0.005x PPC in SiHa and MS751. Radiation (RT) doses of cobalt-60 were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy. In the combination group RT was given 48 hr after paclitaxel treatment. To allow for median effect analyses, combination doses were kept at a fixed ratio: 0.01x/2 Gy, 0.02x/4 Gy, 0.03x/6 Gy, 0.04x/8 Gy, and 0.05x/10 Gy for ME180 and 0.001x/2 Gy, 0.002x/4 Gy, 0.003x/6 Gy, 0.004x/8 Gy, and 0.005x/10 Gy in MS-751 and SiHa. Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence was performed on Day 7 after treatment and compared to untreated controls. Dose-response data were fit to the linear quadratic model and mean inactivation dose D was calculated. Data analysis with t test was performed. The median effect principle was used to evaluate the nature of the interaction between the two therapeutic modalities. Paclitaxel increased radiation cytotoxicity in all three cell lines. Mean inactivation D values for RT versus combination were 6.70 (+/- 0.15) and 4.33 (+/- 0.43) (P = 0.004) in ME180, 6.08 (+/- 0.70) and 4.54 (+/- 0.093) (P = 0.033) in MS751, and 7.03 (+/- 0.46) and 5.97 (+/- 0.51) (P = 0.034) in SiHa. The interaction of paclitaxel and RT was found to be supraadditive in ME180 and SiHa and subadditive in MS751. We conclude that paclitaxel has modest radiation-sensitizing effects in cervical cancer cell lines and that further clinical trials should be considered.

Chyme transport patterns in human duodenum, determined by multiple intraluminal impedancometry

To get information about the mechanisms involved in chyme transport during the fasting and postprandial states, the novel procedure of multiple intraluminal impedancometry was evaluated in 14 healthy subjects (6 during fasting, 8 after a test meal). All main features of the migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle were determined. During phase II of the MMC cycle and the postprandial period, different transport patterns of chyme, termed bolus transport events (BTEs), were determined. These were 1) simple long-distance propulsive transport (spreading distance > 16 cm), 2) short-distance propulsive transport, and 3) retrograde transport. A significantly lower number of BTEs was recorded during fasting than postprandially. Short-distance propulsive BTEs predominated during fasting (72%), and long-distance propulsive BTEs predominated after the test meal (76%). Retrograde BTEs were recorded during fasting (4%) and postprandially (8%). In the latter state, complex long-distance propulsive BTEs were also observed (5%), consisting of multiple components. A major proportion of gastric contents was found to be continuously transported to jejunum. In conclusion, impedancometry enables us to determine patterns and parameters of chyme transport during fasting and postprandial states.

The role of prophylactic oophorectomy in cancer prevention

Prophylactic oophorectomy is presently the only effective method of ovarian cancer prevention. This study reviews current data on how prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) should be used in different risk groups. It is estimated that 7% of ovarian cancer patients have positive family history, of which 3-9% may end up having hereditary cancer syndromes. Women in direct genetic lineage of family cancer syndromes may have up to 50% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Because of such a high risk, PO is indicated for women with familial cancer syndromes after childbearing or the age of 35-40 at the latest. Most women with positive family history of ovarian cancer do not have one of the recognized hereditary cancer syndromes. However, women with one or two affected relatives do have an increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer from a baseline of 1.6 to 5-7%. This risk is not high enough to warrant PO recommendation for a large number of women. After being properly informed and the patient still desires surgical prevention (i.e., cancer phobia), PO then becomes an indicated procedure. In women without family history of ovarian cancer, the role of PO remains controversial. The decision of PO as a concurrent procedure to other indicated gynecologic surgeries should depend on the individual patient and her ability to comply with lifelong estrogen replacement therapy.

Ovarian carcinoma. A review of the significance of familial risk factors and the role of prophylactic oophorectomy in cancer prevention

Women with a family history of ovarian cancer are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) remains the only effective method of ovarian cancer prevention. This study reviewed current data on the significance of family history and how prophylactic oophorectomy should be used in different risk groups. Approximately 7% of ovarian cancer patients have a positive family history of whom 3-9% may eventually manifest certain hereditary cancer syndromes. Women in direct genetic lineage of family cancer syndromes have up to a 50% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Because of the high risk, PO is indicated for women with familial cancer syndromes after childbearing or between the ages of 35-40 at the latest. The majority of women with a positive family history of ovarian cancer do not have one of the recognized syndromes. Women with one or two affected relatives have an increased lifetime risk of ovarian cancer from a baseline of 1.6 to 5-7%. This risk is not high enough to warrant PO for a large number of women. After being properly informed, the patient still chooses surgical prevention, she then receives PO. For women without a family history of ovarian cancer, the role of PO remains controversial. Assuming an annual incidence of 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer, it is estimated that at least 1000 may be prevented if PO is diligently practiced during hysterectomy. Despite ovarian and breast cancer prevention, PO would lead to shorter life expectancy if estrogen therapy compliance were less than perfect. Thus, the decision on PO as a concurrent procedure should depend on the individual patient and her ability to comply with lifelong estrogen therapy.

National survey of ovarian carcinoma XII. Epithelial ovarian malignancies in women less than or equal to 25 years of age

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma in women less than or equal to 25 years of age is a rare entity. This study used the database of the National Survey of Ovarian Carcinoma to analyze the disease and survival in women less than or equal to 25 years of age.

METHODS

Tumor registries of 1230 hospitals were asked to enter the first 25 patients with histologically confirmed ovarian carcinoma from January 1 to December 31, 1983 and from January 1 to December 31, 1988. Data for a total of 12,136 patients were collected. Survival analysis and long-term evaluations were available on patients diagnosed with cancer in 1983. Chi-square analysis was used to compare the frequencies of operations performed in 1983 and 1988.

RESULTS

Of 12,136 patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma, 135 (1.1%) were less than or equal to 25 years of age. The majority of patients had early disease with the following distributions: stage I, 58.5%; stage II, 8.9%; stages III and IV, 28.9%. More patients had early-grade lesions with the following distributions: borderline, 21.5%; Grade 1, 27.4%; Grade 2, 11.1%; Grade 3, 6.7%; and unknown grade, 33.3%. Optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 77% of patients. During the 5-year study period, there was a significant change in the patterns of care toward more conservative surgery. In particular, unilateral salpingooophorectomy increased significantly from 38.2 to 59.7% (P = 0.0237), whereas hysterectomy decreased proportionally from 54.4 to 29.9% (P = 0.0039). The overall 5-year survival rate was 87.3% with the following divisions: stage I, 96.7%; stage II, 90.0%; stage III, 78.5%; and stage IV, 76.4%. Regarding histologic grade, 5-year survival rates were: borderline, 91.6%; Grade 1, 93.7%; Grade 2, 85.7%; Grade 3, 33.3%.

CONCLUSION

Young patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma appeared to have favorable stage and histologic grade. These factors combined with good performance status and optimal cytoreduction resulted in improved survival from cancer.

Removal of indwelling ureteral catheters with ultrasound guidance

Indwelling ureteral catheters are commonly used to splint injured ureters or to relieve obstruction. This study evaluated the possibility of using ultrasound guidance in the removal of internal ureteral catheters in women. During the 12-month period from August 1990 to August 1991, patients who desired the removal of indwelling ureteral catheters were sent to the outpatient ultrasound division instead of the urology clinic. They were instructed to come with a full bladder, or a saline infusion was required. Abdominal or vaginal ultrasound was first performed to locate the ureteral catheter. Blunt-tipped alligator forceps were used to remove the catheters under direct, real-time ultrasound guidance. A total of six catheters was removed from five patients. The average removal time was 12 +/- 4 (SD) minutes, with good patient acceptance. Further studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

National survey of ovarian carcinoma. IV: Patterns of care and related survival for older patients

BACKGROUND

An analysis was conducted by the American College of Surgeons Cancer Commission evaluating the patterns of care of ovarian cancer patients diagnosed in 1983 and 1988. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in the care patterns of elderly ovarian cancer patients and its impact on survival.

METHODS

Data were collected from 25 consecutive patients whose disease was diagnosed initially at 904 participating hospitals with cancer programs in 1983 and 1988. The survival and care of patients greater than or equal to 80 years of age were compared to those less than 80 years of age.

RESULTS

Of the 12,316 patients evaluated, 1,115 were 80 years or older. A significant reduction in survival was noted among patients 80 years and older as compared to their younger counterparts (P = 0.03-0.00001). The 5-year survivals were: stage I, 89% versus 79%; stage II, 58% versus 40%; stage III, 25% versus 11%; and stage IV, 13% versus 3%, respectively, for those less than 80 years old as compared to those greater than or equal to 80 years old. Most elderly ovarian cancer patients were cared for by nononcologists such as general surgeons (31%) and obstetricians/gynecologists (29%). As a group, older patients had fewer total abdominal hysterectomies, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomies, and omentectomies than their younger counterpart (P < 0.00001). As further evidence for a less aggressive surgical approach, the optimal tumor debulking rates of women greater than or equal to 80 years were significantly less than those of younger patients (P < 0.001). There was no significant increase in anesthesia complications between age groups. Generally, older patients are less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy than younger patients (42% versus 69%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

It appears that conservative treatments contributed to the decreased survival of older ovarian cancer patients.

[Recovery after anesthesia with Diprivan]

In view of the rapid and complete recovery, the low incidence of hangover, nausea or vomiting, propofol can be considered as first choice agent for minor surgery, short operations and/or day-case surgery. For long and major procedures it is of no advantage over the thiopental-isoflurane technique. For a rapid recovery, the dose should be titrated, particularly during the closing stage of the procedure. As propofol has some amnesic properties, any instructions given to the patient postoperatively should be in writing. Sexual thoughts resulting from disinhibition may occur during emergence; therefore, it is recommended to have a third party present to avoid any implications of misconduct.

National survey of ovarian carcinoma. Part V. The impact of physician's specialty on patients' survival

BACKGROUND

Data analysis of the recent National Survey of Ovarian Carcinoma revealed significant differences in patterns of care among various physician specialists. The goal of this study was to determine if different care patterns led to differences in patient survival.

METHODS

Data were collected from 25 consecutive patients with ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1983 and 1988 from 1230 hospitals with cancer programs across the United States.

RESULTS

A total of 12,316 patients from 904 hospitals were registered, of whom 20.8% were cared for by gynecologic oncologists (GYO), 45.0% by obstetrician-gynecologists (OBG), and 21.1% by general surgeons (GS). GYO preferred the upper-lower midline incision in 44.1% of patients, whereas both OBG and GS chose the low midline approach in 44-45%. GYO performed more hysterectomies, oophorectomies, omentectomies, and lymph node and peritoneal biopsies than did other specialists. Although the rates of surgery of the small intestine were comparable between GYO and GS, the latter performed significantly more colostomies and resections of the large intestine. The optimal debulking rates were: GYO, 42-45%; OBG, 40-44%; and GS 25%. There was no significant survival difference between patients cared for by GYO and those cared for by OBG for all stage divisions. However, with the exception of patients with Stage I disease, patients cared for by GS had significantly reduced survival than did those cared for by GYO and OBG (P < 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Efforts must be made to ensure that more patients with ovarian cancer are cared for by physicians in the appropriate specialties.

National survey of ovarian carcinoma. VI. Critical assessment of current International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system

BACKGROUND

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recently completed a national survey of patients with ovarian cancer. From the large database, the prognostic value of current International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for ovarian carcinoma was re-examined.

METHODS

Data was collected from 25 consecutive ovarian carcinomas diagnosed in 1983 and 1988 at 904 hospitals with cancer programs. Among a total of 12,316 cases, 5156 patients had long-term survival data.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survivals were 88.9 +/- 0.9%; 57.1 +/- 2.4%; 23.8 +/- 1.3%; and 11.6 +/- 0.9% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Pairwise survival comparisons using Lee-Desu statistic confirmed the prognostic value of current staging system (P < 0.00001). When survival data was substratified further to substage division, the 5-year survivals were: IA, 92.1 +/- 0.9%; IB, 84.9 +/- 3.4%; IC, 82.4 +/- 2.0%; IIA, 69.0 +/- 4.3%; IIB, 56.4 +/- 3.6%; IIC, 51.4 +/- 4.5%; IIIA, 39.3 +/- 2.8%; IIIB, 25.5 +/- 2.6%; IIIC, 17.1 +/- 1.4%; and IV, 11.6 +/- 0.9%. As the disease process becomes more advanced, patients' survival reduces proportionally. However, the survival reduction is relatively small between IB-IC and IIB-IIC divisions. Survival comparisons revealed significant prognostic value for most substage divisions (P = 0.03-0.0002) except for IB-IC and IIB-IIC combinations (P > 0.33). Further analyses revealed no significant differences between IB-IC and IIB-IIC patients in several prognostic parameters such as age, histologic grade, cell type, and amount of residual disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the current FIGO staging system. However, Substages IB-IC and IIB-IIC should be combined to respective single substages.

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix: prognosis in early stage disease treated by radical hysterectomy

The prognosis of adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix compared to the pure cell types of this disease is a controversial issue. Survival rates vary widely among published series, with some authors finding the prognosis to be much worse and others finding it to be equal. We have studied a group of 290 patients, all of whom had the diagnosis of stage IB or IIA cervical cancer, and all of whom were treated by radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The pathology specimens were reviewed for every case. Median follow-up for all living patients was 73 months. Forty-five patients (15.5%) had adenosquamous histology, 220 (75.9%) had squamous cell, and 25 (8.6%) had adenocarcinoma. By X2, there was no significant difference among the three groups with regard to race, economic status, number of grade 3 lesions, number with positive pelvic lymph nodes, number with positive margins, stage distribution (IB vs IIA), or number of recurrences. Using Student's t test, there was no significant difference between any combination of two groups with regard to mean patient age, mean depth of invasion, or mean tumor size. Estimated disease-free survival and overall survival were not different among the three cell types. We conclude that for early stage cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy, the adenosquamous cell type does not carry a worse prognosis than either of the pure cell types.

Screening in gynecologic cancers

Gynecologic malignancies account for approximately 13% of cancers in women. Ovarian and uterine cancer are among the five most common causes of cancer deaths in women, exceeded in incidence only by cancers of the breast, colon, and lung. Improved survival in patients with genital cancers predominantly reflects early diagnosis and not improved treatments. Even cancers for which there are effective screening and satisfactory treatments are seen more often than is acceptable. It is paramount that those entrusted with the health of women be knowledgeable about all cancer screening techniques and be able to identify the patient at risk for gynecologic malignancy. The provider's obligation to be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of cancer must be matched by the patients' responsibility to her own health. Regular gynecologic examinations, Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, and immediate reporting of unusual signs and symptoms are requirements that cannot be dismissed by patients. Education directed toward patients and health care providers can optimize survival. The Pap test for cervical cancer remains a universally accepted screening procedure. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA typing, cervicography, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), transvaginal ultrasonography, color flow doppler, endometrial sampling, and serum CA 125 measurements are some of the newer techniques being investigation as potential screening tools. Although additional prospective studies are needed to establish the value of these modalities, there is little doubt that prognostic information obtained from these modalities will influence the clinical care of patients in the near future.

The role of DNA index as a prognostic factor in early cervical carcinoma

The value of DNA index as a prognostic factor in early cervical cancers was investigated. A total of 124 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for stages IB-IA cervical cancers from 1/1982 to 12/1985 were included. Paraffin blocks were available in only 98 patients for the analysis. After dewaxing, rehydrating, and enzyme disaggregation, cells were subjected to dual parameter flow cytometry. Tumor DNA index was calculated and the results were correlated with 5-year survival, stage, grade, tumor size, nodal metastasis, surgical margins, and lymphovascular invasion. There were 1% hypoploid, 7.3% diploid, 72.9% aneuploid, 16.7% tetraploid, and 2.1% hyperploid. At the end of 5 years, there were 69 alive and 27 dead patients with mean DNA indices of 1.50 +/- 0.3 and 1.70 +/- 0.3, respectively. t Test analysis revealed that mean DNA index of deceased patients was significantly higher than that of alive ones (P = 0.008). Survival analysis demonstrated the prognostic significance of DNA index 1.70 (P = 0.017). Median survival of patients with DNA index of 1.70 or greater was 36 months in contrast to 73.5 months for those with DNA index less than 1.70. Multivariate analysis subsequently confirmed DNA index of 1.70 as an independent prognostic indicator with a hazard ratio of 2.05.

In vitro potentiation of radiation cytotoxicity by recombinant interferons in cervical cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

This investigation, which evaluates the combination of radiation and interferon, bridges two clinical treatments of cancer. Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral part of cervical cancer treatment; interferons (IFN), however, are classified as modifiers of biologic response. The authors evaluated the radiation-modulation effects of recombinant alpha-IFN and beta-IFN on two different human cervical cancer cell lines: ME-180 and SiHa. The radiation sensitivity based on the cell growth rate (logarithmic growth phase versus confluence) was also evaluated.

METHODS

Control cells and cells pretreated with either alpha-IFN or beta-IFN were exposed to RT at doses of 0, 2, 5, 10, and 15 Gy. The pretreated cells received IFN at doses of 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 IU/ml for 24 hours. The adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay was used to measure the surviving fractions after 7 days of incubation. The data were analyzed using the linear-quadratic model and the radiosensitivity index D. The combined effects of IFN and RT on cytotoxicity were evaluated using the synergistic interaction formula for anticancer agents.

RESULTS

The ME-180 and SiHa cell lines had the same mean inactivation D values of 13.2 when radiated at confluence. Irradiation of ME-180 and SiHa cells in the logarithmic growth phase resulted in mean inactivation D values of 7.5 and 10.2, respectively. Enhanced radiosensitivity was observed in all IFN-RT combinations. Synergism was observed in the majority of experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant alpha-IFN and beta-IFN potentiate the radiotoxicity of two cervical cancer cell lines. ME-180 cells were less sensitive to IFN alone than were SiHa cells, but they showed higher a radiosensitizing effect from both IFN. Proliferating cells were more sensitive than confluent cells to RT by itself and to RT-IFN combinations.

Enhancement of progesterone receptor levels by interferons in AE-7 endometrial cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Interferon (IFN) has been reported to increase hormone receptor expression in breast cancer cells and to sensitize them to antiproliferative hormones. Endometrial cancer cells with high progesterone receptor (PR) level respond better to progesterone therapy than cells with either low or absent PR level. The effect of four different interferons (alpha and beta, both natural [n] and recombinant [r]) on cell proliferation and steroid receptor levels was investigated in the PR positive AE-7 human endometrial cancer cell line over a period of 12 days.

METHODS

Cells were exposed to 10,100 and 1000 IU/ml of each IFN either for 3 days or continuously for 12 days. Hormone receptors were determined by the monoclonal enzyme immunoassay. Chemosensitivity was evaluated with the adenosine triphosphate-cell viability assay.

RESULTS

AE-7 has a low level of estrogen receptors, which was not significantly affected by IFN exposure. The four IFN showed significantly enhanced PR levels over 12 days in both the 3-day and continuous-exposure experiments. No significant difference of PR enhancement was observed between 3 days and continuous exposure to IFN. This increase of receptors did not appear to be dose related. IFN enhanced PR level to a maximum level of about two times control cells. IFN did not produce significant cytotoxicity. Antiproliferative activity was observed with nIFN beta and rIFN beta at 1000 IU/ml dose in continuous-exposure experiments, which showed survival values of 79% and 69% respectively, compared with control at day 12.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary data on PR expression modulation support other studies, which have shown that IFN modulate hormone receptor expression and, therefore, may play a role in the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Evidence of tumor heterogeneity in cervical cancers and lymph node metastases as determined by flow cytometry

BACKGROUND

The incidence and significance of tumor heterogeneity in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes were investigated in Stage IB-IIA cervical cancers.

METHODS

Paraffin-embedded tissues from 96 radical hysterectomy specimens were dewaxed, disaggregated, and subjected to dual parameter flow cytometry. Three-dimensional histograms were generated to delineate different tumor populations. A DNA index difference of at least +/- 0.15 was used to define tumor heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Mean DNA index difference of various tumor populations was 0.29 +/- 0.13. Among 69 patients with normal lymph nodes, there were 12 patients (incidence, 17.4%) with tumor heterogeneity in the primary tumors. Of 27 patients with metastatic lymph nodes, 5 (incidence, 18.5%) had evidence of tumor heterogeneity in the primary tumor, and 18 of 47 (incidence, 38.3%) had tumor heterogeneity in metastatic lymph nodes. When using DNA index to determine clonal origin of metastatic lymph nodes, as many as 60% of the metastases could not be traced to the primary tumor. Tumor heterogeneity was associated with a 40% reduction in median survival time. However, because of the small number of patients with tumor heterogeneity, statistical analyses did not show prognostic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor heterogeneity appeared to be a common characteristic of early cervical carcinoma. Additional study is needed to fully evaluate its prognostic value.

Preliminary experience with a modified Tenckhoff catheter for intraperitoneal chemotherapy

This study reports our preliminary experience with a modified Tenckhoff catheter for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, primarily designed to be larger, longer, and have more perfusion holes. There were 137 catheters implanted in 125 ovarian cancer patients from June 1988 to December 1990, among which 116 were actually used for intraperitoneal chemotherapy. A total of 559 cycles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy was given with a range of 1 to 16 uses per catheter. There were seven infections (6.0%), four inflow obstructions (3.4%), three bowel perforations (2.6%), and one leakage (0.8%). Among patients with catheter infection, three had delayed bowel perforation. Although the incidence of inflow obstruction was reduced from 5.5 to 3.4%, the improvement did not reach statistical significance. The frequency of delayed bowel perforation and infection were similar to the literature experience of other catheters. An unused catheter should be removed to avoid this serious complication. Further study is needed to evaluate fully the performance of this catheter system.

Radical hysterectomy for stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix: the University of Miami experience

The treatment of adenocarcinoma of the cervix has traditionally followed that of squamous cancer. A 25-year review of 88 radical hysterectomies for Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix at the University of Miami/Jackson Medical Center (UM) is compared to over 1600 cases reported in the literature. Adenocarcinoma represented 10.4% of 978 radical hysterectomies performed at UM from July 1965 to December 1990. In a survey of the literature, patients with Stage IB cervical adenocarcinoma treated by radical surgery alone had a statistically better 5-year survival than those treated by radiation alone (79% vs 67%, respectively; P < or = 0.05). Furthermore, no additional benefit was achieved by combining the two therapeutic modalities. The corrected 5-year survival at UM is 81% for Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix treated with radical hysterectomy, a number consistent with the cumulative data base. Radical surgery is an acceptable primary therapy in Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

National survey of ovarian carcinoma. I. A patient care evaluation study of the American College of Surgeons

BACKGROUND

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons recently finished a national survey of patients with ovarian cancer patients. The goal was to compare the patterns of care over a 5-year period.

METHODS

Data were collected from 25 consecutive patients whose disease was diagnosed first at 904 hospitals with cancer programs in 1983 and 1988.

RESULTS

There was a total of 12,316 patients, of whom 80% were 45-85 years old. Contrary to popular belief, only 8.2% of patients were nulliparous; 85% of patients had one to five children. Of significance, 18.2% of patients with ovarian cancer had undergone a previous hysterectomy with ovarian preservation. Primary surgical treatment was used in 94.9% of patients and consisted of: oophorectomy, 81.9%; hysterectomy, 55.1%; and omentectomy, 59.0%. However, only 12-25% of patients had biopsies of the diaphragm, paracolic gutters, colon, small bowel, pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes, and cul-de-sac to permit adequate surgical staging. The primary surgeons were: gynecologic oncologists, 21%; obstetrician-gynecologists, 45%; general surgeons, 21%; and others, 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that additional resources are needed to improve the care of patients with ovarian cancer.