The incidence of thyroid abnormalities in adults irradiated for lymphoma

The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of thyroid abnormalities in neck irradiated lymphoma patients. Of the 298 patients who had irradiation to the neck for lymphoma between 1966-1988, 174 were found to be alive and free of disease. These patients were invited to participate in the study. From the 174, 93 were able to participate (group 1). Two control groups were recruited; both were sex and aged matched. One group (group 2) consisted of lymphoma patients who were treated with chemotherapy (n=39) or irradiation to areas other than the neck (n=16). The other group (group 3) consisting of healthy volunteers (n=35) recruited from hospital staff and minor surgery attendees, had never had lymphoma or radiotherapy. All participants were required to complete a past medical history and thyroid symptom questionnaire, had blood taken for assays of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, sodium iodide symporter antibodies and TSH receptor antibodies and underwent ultrasound and clinical examination of the neck. A significant percentage of patients who had been irradiated in the neck had abnormalities on ultrasound, compared to groups 2 and 3 (77% vs 42% vs 24%). Abnormal TSH levels were found to be significantly more common in neck irradiated patients compared to the other groups (50% vs 9% vs 5%). There is a clear difference between neck irradiated patients and control groups. The importance of screening irradiated patients for thyroid abnormalities is re-emphasised.

Current management of molar pregnancy

Molar pregnancy remains an uncommon and still not fully understood disorder. The clinical presentation has changed over recent decades. In developed countries complete moles are now usually diagnosed early (on clinical and/or ultrasound scan criteria) so that the more severe clinical presentations are much less commonly seen. The important differences between complete and partial moles and their risk factors are now well recognized. Common protocols for managing persistent gestational trophoblastic disease are being derived, and molecular genetic studies are advancing our understanding of molar pregnancy and its sequelae. Cure rates approaching 100% should now be the rule rather than the exception. There is a strong case for formal registration and monitoring of all cases through specialist centers.

Identification of novel regions of amplification and deletion within mantle cell lymphoma DNA by comparative genomic hybridization

We have carried out comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis on archival biopsy material from a series of 30 UK mantle cell lymphomas. The most frequent aberrations were gains of 3q (21 cases), 6p (19 cases), 7q (8 cases), 12p (8 cases), 12q (9 cases) and 17q11q21 (8 cases), and losses of 1p13p32 (10 cases), 5p13p15.3 (9 cases), 6q14q27 (11 cases), 8p (7 cases), 11q13q23 (8 cases) and 13q (18 cases). Nineteen cases (63%) had a common region of amplification at 3q28q29, which was highly amplified in three cases, suggesting the presence of a mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)-related oncogene in this region. There was a minimal common region of deletion at 6q25q26 in nine cases (30%). No MCL-specific locus has previously been identified on chromosome 6 and this region may contain a tumour suppressor gene specifically implicated in the development of this subtype of lymphoma. An increased number of chromosome aberrations, gain of Xq and loss of 17p were all significantly associated with a worse prognosis. A greater understanding of the genetics of mantle cell lymphoma may allow the identification of prognostic factors which will aid the identification of appropriate treatment regimens.

Prognostic markers in malignant lymphoma: an analysis of 1,198 patients treated at a single centre

The prognostic significance of 20 putative markers has been assessed in a consecutive series of 1,198 patients with malignant lymphoma seen by the Sheffield Lymphoma Group over three decades. Univariate analysis disclosed that ten factors for both Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) Grade I, and twelve factors for NHL Grade II had prognostic significance. However, multivariate analysis selected only three (age, serum albumin and lymphocyte count) for HD, one (serum albumin) for NHL Grade I and five (age, stage, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum albumin and serum lactate dehydrogenase) for NHL Grade II as independent predictors for survival. Risk adjusted prognostic models were derived for Hodgkin's disease and NHL Grade II. For Hodgkin's disease the presence of 3 risk factors predicted for only 35% long-term survival for this group of patients. For NHL Grade II the group with 3-5 risk factors present had a median survival of less than 2 years compared to a 9-year median survival in patients with 1 risk factor present. Whilst these models are being validated on a larger series of patients and will also be tested prospectively, new markers are needed to facilitate decisions on treatment for individual patients.

The skeletal metastatic complications of renal cell carcinoma

Of the 103 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma 31 (30%) developed symptomatic radiologically confirmed skeletal metastases. These were typically lytic, predominantly affecting the axial skeleton and associated with considerable skeletal morbidity. Solitary bone lesions occurred in 14 (45%) of patients. The median survival of patients with bone metastases was 12 months. Hypercalcaemia was common in patients both with (29%) and without (44%) bone metastases. The number and rate of skeletal related events was similar to that seen from bone metastases from breast cancer. It would therefore be appropriate to evaluate the effectiveness of bisphosphonate treatment for reducing skeletal morbidity in advanced renal cell cancer with bone metastases.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with spinal involvement: the Sheffield Lymphoma Group experience (1970-2000)

Spinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and histopathologic records of 39 consecutive patients referred to the Sheffield Lymphoma Group from 1970 to 2000 and analysed the prognostic differences between localised (stage IE and IIE) and secondary (stage III and IV) spinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (S-NHL) patients. Forty-five percent of all patients were over 60 years old. More patients were male (58%); presented with stage IE and IIE (63%), mostly of intermediate/high grade histology (74%); over a third had symptoms; nearly a third (11 patients) were paraplegic and 14 had sphincter dysfunction at diagnosis. The overall survival of all patients was 39% at 5 years (median 24.7 months), whilst that of localised S-NHL was 51% (median 89.7 months). Univariate analysis showed better survival for patients with good mobility status at presentation (p < 0.0l) and complete response to initial treatment (p < 0.00l). In primary S-NHL, histology (p < 0.05) significantly influenced overall survival. In conclusion, disease is frequently locally advanced at presentation with aggressive histologic grade: thorough staging should always be performed to exclude widespread disease. Good mobility status predicts for good survival outcome. Optimal treatment is still uncertain.

ChlVPP alternating with PABlOE is superior to PABlOE alone in the initial treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease: results of a British National Lymphoma Investigation/Central Lymphoma Group randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this randomized trial was to compare the efficacy of 6 cycles of prednisolone, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), bleomycin, vincristine (Oncovin) and etoposide (PABlOE) with 3 cycles of PABIOE that alternate with 3 cycles of chlorambucil, vinblastine, procarbazine and prednisone (ChlVPP) in patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease. Between October 1992 and April 1996, 679 patients were entered onto the study. 41 of these did not match the protocol requirements on review and were excluded from further analysis, most of these being reclassified as NHL on histological review. Of the remaining 638 patients, 319 were allocated to receive PABIOE and 319 were allocated to receive ChlVPP/PABlOE. The complete remission (CR) rates were 78% and 64%, for ChlVPP/PABlOE and PABIOE respectively after initial chemotherapy (P< 0.0001). 124 patients were re-evaluated subsequently following radiotherapy to residual masses. The CR rates changed from 78% to 88% for ChlVPP/PABlOE and from 64% to 77% for PABlOE when re-evaluated in this manner (treatment difference still significant, P = 0.0002). The treatment associated mortality in the PABlOE arm was 2.2% (7 deaths), while there were no such deaths in the ChlVPP/PABlOE arm (P = 0.015). The failure-free survival was significantly greater in the ChlVPP/PABlOE arm (P< 0.0001) as was the overall survival (P = 0.01). The failure-free and overall survival rates at 3 years were 77% and 91% in the ChlVPP/PABlOE arm, compared with 58% and 85% in the PABIOE arm, respectively. These results indicate that ChlVPP alternating with PABIOE is superior to PABIOE alone as initial treatment for advanced Hodgkin's disease.

Over-diagnosis of hydatidiform mole in early tubal ectopic pregnancy

AIMS

Tubal ectopic hydatidiform moles are rare lesions, and only 40 cases have been reported in the world literature. We investigated the apparently high incidence of tubal ectopic hydatidiform moles in women referred for treatment to a Supraregional Trophoblastic Tumour Screening and Treatment Centre between 1986 and 1996.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 4261 women referred during the study period, 25 (0.6%) had a suspected tubal ectopic hydatidiform mole and paraffin-embedded tissue was available in 20 (80%) of these. Each case was reviewed by two pathologists and DNA flow cytometric analysis was undertaken when the histological diagnosis was initially deemed equivocal or suggestive of hydatidiform mole. On review, 17 cases (85%) showed no evidence of hydatidiform mole (circumferential trophoblastic proliferation, hydrops, scalloped villi, and stromal karyorrhexis). Of these, 11 cases (65%) showed features of early placentation and six (35%) showed hydropic abortion. DNA flow cytometry was performed in 14 (82%) of these cases and revealed a diploid population in each case. Three cases of molar pregnancy (15%) were identified. Each of these cases had the histological features of an early complete hydatidiform mole. Sufficient tissue was available for DNA flow cytometric analysis in two of these cases and confirmed the presence of diploidy in each.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that tubal ectopic hydatidiform mole is a rare entity and demonstrate that it is over-diagnosed. Polar trophoblastic proliferation and hydropic villi are features of early placentation and of hydropic abortion. Sheets of extravillous trophoblast may be particularly prominent in tubal ectopic gestation. In the absence of circumferential trophoblastic proliferation combined with hydropic change a diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease should be avoided.

Localised extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract: Sheffield Lymphoma Group experience (1989-1998)

Extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the gastrointestinal tract accounts for about one third of all extranodal NHL. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and histopathologic records of 71 patients with stage IE and IIE primary gastrointestinal NHL referred to the Sheffield Lymphoma Group (SLG) from 1989 to 1998. Cross-referencing with the Hospital Histopathology Department database revealed that only two-thirds of all cases were seen by the Group. The most common primary site was the stomach (45 patients, 63% of all cases), followed by the small intestine (16, 23%) and large intestine (9, 13%). The median age of patients was 62 years; the majority of patients presented with stage I (61%) and/or grade (65%) NHL. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas were the largest histologic subtype seen (57%), with 87% of these arising from the stomach; next most frequent was the diffuse large B-cell subtype (21% of all cases) most frequently arising from the intestine (60%). For treatment of gastric MALT lymphoma, a combined approach (surgery followed by chemotherapy, antihelicobacter therapy followed by chemotherapy) was favoured (22 cases). Five-year and 10-year overall survivals were 52% and 45% respectively. Knowledge of the Revised European American Lymphoma classification and the Helicobacter pylori/MALT association has influenced treatment approaches over the 10-year study period. For small intestinal lymphoma, surgery (with or without chemotherapy) gave 5- and 10-year survivals of 60%. Overall survival of patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma managed by the SLG is similar to that reported from other large series.

Copy number gain at 12q12-14 may be important in the transformation from follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B cell lymphoma

The purpose of this study was to identify novel areas of genomic copy number change associated with transformation from follicular lymphoma (FL) to diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBL). DNA was extracted from tumour cells micro-dissected from paraffin- embedded tissue sections in 24 patients with FL and subsequent transformation to DLBL and 18 patients with de novo DLBL. Tumour DNA was compared to reference DNA using comparative genomic hybridization. Abnormalities common to all 3 groups were gains on chromosomes 4q, 5q, 7q, 11q and X and losses on 3p, 8p and 10q. Copy number changes seen in both transformed and de novo DLBL and not seen in FL were gains on 2p and losses on 1q, 15q and Xq. Gains on 2q, 6p, 7p and 17q and losses on 5p and 8q were specific to transformed DLBL cases. Gain on 12q12-14 was found in 52% of the transformed DLBL cases and was never seen in its follicular counterpart. Patterns of genomic copy number change associated with specific clinical events in NHL have been demonstrated and suggest that gains on 2q, 6p, 7p, 12q and 17q and losses on 5p and 8q may be important in the transformation from low to high-grade disease.

A phase II trial of bryostatin 1 in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Bryostatin 1 is a naturally occurring macrocyclic lactone with promising antitumour and immunomodulatory function in preclinical and phase I clinical investigations. In this phase II study, 17 patients with progressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of indolent type (NHL), previously treated with chemotherapy, received a median of 6 (range 1-9) intravenous infusions of 25 microg/m(2) bryostatin 1 given once weekly over 24 hours. In 14 evaluable patients no responses were seen. Stable disease was attained in one patient for 9 months. The principal toxicities were myalgia and phlebitis. Treatment was discontinued early because of toxicity alone (phlebitis) in 2 patients, toxicity in addition to progressive disease in 3 patients (myalgia and phlebitis n = 2; thrombocytopenia n = 1) and progressive disease in 5 patients. The results fail to demonstrate efficacy of this regimen of bryostatin 1 in the treatment of NHL. In light of preclinical data that demonstrate synergy between bryostatin 1 and several cytotoxic agents and cytokines, clinical studies to investigate bryostatin 1 in combination are warranted. We also present data to demonstrate that central venous lines may be used in future studies to avoid phlebitis.

Characteristics of women with recurrent molar pregnancies

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and characteristics of women who develop a second molar pregnancy after a previous episode of gestational trophoblastic disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on completed registration forms from referring hospitals in the North of England to the Sheffield Trophoblastic Screening Service over a 13-year period. All cases of second molar pregnancy were identified. Details of histology, blood group, ethnic origin, age, and subsequent pregnancies were examined.

RESULTS

Between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1997, 5030 patients were registered for follow-up and 275 (5.5%) required treatment for persistent disease. Thirty-five women had a subsequent molar pregnancy, a total of 0.70% of all registrations. There was no significant difference in age at first registration between those who were registered for one molar event and those who developed a subsequent molar pregnancy. The risk of a second molar event was highest in the second year after the initial diagnosis and reduced thereafter. There was a trend toward an increased risk of second molar pregnancy in Indian/Pakistani women when compared to Caucasian women (relative risk 2.4) but this was not significant at conventional levels. There was a significantly increased incidence of blood group B in patients that developed a molar pregnancy when compared to the normal population (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in distribution of blood group between those registered for their first molar event and those with two or more events. Patients who presented with a partial mole tended to have a partial mole as the second event but patients who presented with a complete mole were at risk of a subsequent complete mole, partial mole, or choriocarcinoma. Six percent of patients required chemotherapy for the second molar event, indicating no increase in aggressiveness in second moles. Two patients had three molar events.

CONCLUSION

In the United Kingdom the risk of second molar pregnancy is less than 1%. There is an increased risk of molar pregnancy in women with blood group B and a trend toward an increased risk of second molar pregnancy in Indian/Pakistani women. Only 6% of patients required chemotherapy for the second mole; a second molar pregnancy is not an indication for chemotherapy.

Gestational trophoblastic disease: a study of mode of evacuation and subsequent need for treatment with chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess whether there was a change in the mode of evacuation of GTD over two time periods and to assess whether mode of evacuation influenced the subsequent need for chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective case note study of 4257 cases between 1986 and 1996, at a screening and treatment center managing GTD, was performed.

RESULTS

Between the time periods 1986-1989 and 1990-1996 there was significant change in the mode of evacuation to suction curettage. The mode of evacuation was significant in determining the need for chemotherapy. The highest rate of chemotherapy was associated with medical methods of evacuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Suction curettage is a safe method of uterine evacuation in GTD and its usage has increased with time. Medical methods of uterine evacuation are associated with higher rates of chemotherapy. This is probably due to a higher rate of incomplete evacuation. Medical methods of evacuation should not be used in cases of complete hydatiform mole.

Persistent gestational trophoblastic disease: results of MEA (methotrexate, etoposide and dactinomycin) as first-line chemotherapy in high risk disease and EA (etoposide and dactinomycin) as second-line therapy for low risk disease

Persistent gestational trophoblastic disease is potentially fatal, but the majority of patients are cured with chemotherapy. Any developments in treatment are therefore being directed towards maintaining efficacy and reducing toxicity. We evaluated efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate, etoposide and dactinomycin (MEA) as first-line therapy for high risk disease and etoposide and dactinomycin (EA) as second-line therapy for methotrexate-refractory low risk disease in a retrospective analysis of 73 patients (38 MEA, 35 EA) treated since 1986 at a supra-regional centre. The median follow-up period was 5.5 years and the median number of cycles received was 7. The overall complete response rate was 85% (97% for EA, 75% for MEA). Of eight patients who failed to respond, four have since died and four were cured with platinum-based chemotherapy. Alopecia was universal. Grade II or worse nausea, emesis, or stomatitis was observed in 29%, 30% and 37% respectively. Fifty-one per cent experienced grade II/III anaemia, 8% grade II or higher thrombocytopenia and 64% grade III or IV neutropenia; in six cases this was complicated by sepsis. Fifty-four per cent of patients went on to have a normal pregnancy. No patient has developed a second malignancy. In conclusion, the MEA and EA chemotherapy regimens for persistent trophoblastic disease are very well tolerated, do not appear to affect future fertility and are associated with excellent, sustained complete response rates.

Treatment of persistent trophoblastic disease later than 6 months after diagnosis of molar pregnancy

Of 4257 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) registered between 1986 and 1996 with the Trophoblastic Screening and Treatment Centre, Sheffield, 231 women required chemotherapy; 28 were treated 24 weeks or more after the initial evacuation of products of conception. In 18 patients late treatment was a result of a predetermined watch and wait policy on the part of the Centre; these patients formed the study group. Patients were identified from the Centre's computer database. The time interval from first evacuation (diagnosis) to start of chemotherapy was calculated for each patient. Hospital records were reviewed when the interval of observation was 24 weeks or greater to determine patient characteristics, treatment and outcome. Eighteen women were treated 'late' (according to Centre policy), with a median age of 30 years (range 21-57 years). The interval from diagnosis to treatment ranged from 24 to, in one case, 56 weeks (median 33 weeks). Fourteen of 18 women had complete moles, 3/18 had partial moles and one had unclassified disease. All women had low-risk disease and were treated with single-agent methotrexate; 17 were cured with this regimen, one also required salvage chemotherapy. In conclusion, where a successful surveillance programme is in operation for GTD, a wait and watch policy can be adopted without compromising patients whose definitive treatment is commenced more than 6 months after the initial diagnosis.

VEDex (vincristine, epirubicin dexamethasone): an effective and well tolerated palliative chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

An evaluation was carried out of the efficacy and toxicity of a novel weekly palliative chemotherapy regimen comprising vincristine, epirubicin and dexamethasone (VEDex) in 57 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated at this centre. The age range was 34-88 years and the median age was 67 years. Twenty-three patients (40%) had low grade disease and 4 patients (7%) had transformed NHL. Thirty patients (53%) had high grade NHL; 7 had relapsed after conventional chemotherapy and were not fit for high-dose chemotherapy, 7 were heavily pre-treated, 8 had received prior radiotherapy and 8 had not received any prior therapy. Responding patients received a total of 8 weeks of treatment, but treatment could be repeated at a later stage if required. The overall response rate was 66.6%; 11 patients (19.3%) achieved a complete response and 27 (47.3%) achieved a partial response. A further 11 patients (19.3%) had stable disease. Twenty-four patients (42.1%) reported complete resolution of symptoms and 21 (36.8%) had partial resolution of symptoms. The median survival from the onset of treatment was 6 months. Grade III neutropenia was seen in 9 patients (15.8%). Other toxicity included nausea and vomiting grade II (3.5%), grade III (1.8%) and alopecia grade III (1.8%). There were no treatment related deaths. We conclude that VEDex is an effective palliative treatment in patients with indolent or aggressive lymphoma with poor performance status or who have been heavily pre-treated. It is well tolerated in the elderly.

Adjuvant interferon-alpha in malignant melanoma: current status

High-risk surgically resected primary or loco-regional cutaneous malignant melanoma, although uncommon, can be associated with less than 50% 5-year survival; adjuvant therapy of proven efficacy is therefore appropriate. Since immunological control mechanisms seem to be important in the natural history of melanoma, biological agents have been the subject of many adjuvant studies. Most popular has been recombinant interferon. Well over 4000 patients have been entered into randomized studies. Results suggest that there may be a clinical benefit, most clearly in relapse-free but also perhaps in overall survival. More precise estimates of the magnitude of any benefits are needed. The doses, schedules and cost-benefits have yet to be fully evaluated. Interferon cannot yet be recommended as standard adjuvant therapy in high-risk malignant melanoma.

A randomized British National Lymphoma Investigation trial of CHOP vs. a weekly multi-agent regimen (PACEBOM) in patients with histologically aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Between 1987 and 1991, the British National Lymphoma Investigation randomized 459 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a large-cell component to either CHOP or the PACEBOM regimen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Four hundred fifty-nine eligible patients were included in this trial, four hundred one with diffuse large-cell lymphoma and fifty-eight with diffuse mixed-cell lymphoma according to the Working Formulation. Two hundred twenty-six patients were randomized to receive CHOP and two hundred thirty-three to receive PACEBOM. The two arms of the trial were well balanced for all potential prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The complete remission rate with PACEBOM was 64% and with CHOP 57% (NS). At eight years, the actuarial cause specific survival (CSS) in the PACEBOM arm is 59% compared to 49% in the CHOP arm (P = 0.09). Patients < 50 years of age fared significantly better in the PACEBOM arm both for CSS and overall survival (P = 0.002) and the CSS was also significantly improved in stage IV disease (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The mature data from this trial suggest that an etoposide-containing multi-agent weekly regimen can be superior to CHOP.

Placental site trophoblastic tumour: a rare but potentially curable cancer

Placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) is a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). We have conducted an analysis of all cases of PSTT managed at the Trophoblastic Disease Screening and Treatment Centre, Sheffield, from 1984 to 1996. During this time we received 4,988 registrations for GTD and managed seven cases of PSTT. A large range of interval between antecedent pregnancy and presentation was observed - the most common presenting symptoms being irregular vaginal bleeding with or without preceding amenorrhoea. Three out of seven patients had disease confined to the uterus at diagnosis and were successfully treated by hysterectomy alone. Two out of seven patients had pulmonary metastases in addition to uterine tumour and were treated with combination chemotherapy--both are alive and well. Of the remaining two patients one had distant and the other loco-regional metastases and both died despite numerous therapeutic interventions.

Risk of second malignancy after Hodgkin's disease in a collaborative British cohort: the relation to age at treatment

PURPOSE

To assess long-term site-specific risks of second malignancy after Hodgkin's disease in relation to age at treatment and other factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 5,519 British patients with Hodgkin's disease treated during 1963 through 1993 was assembled and followed-up for second malignancy and mortality. Follow-up was 97% complete.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-two second malignancies occurred. Relative risks of gastrointestinal, lung, breast, and bone and soft tissue cancers, and of leukemia, increased significantly with younger age at first treatment. Absolute excess risks and cumulative risks of solid cancers and leukemia, however, were greater at older ages than at younger ages. Gastrointestinal cancer risk was greatest after mixed-modality treatment (relative risk [RR] = 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1 to 4.8); lung cancer risks were significantly increased after chemotherapy (RR = 3. 3; 95% CI, 2.4 to 4.7), mixed-modality treatment (RR = 4.3; 95% CI, 2.9 to 6.2), and radiotherapy (RR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.9 to 4.1); breast cancer risk was increased only after radiotherapy without chemotherapy (RR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.0); and leukemia risk was significantly increased after chemotherapy (RR = 31.6; 95% CI, 19.7 to 47.6) and mixed-modality treatment (RR = 38.1; 95% CI, 24.6 to 55. 9). These risks were generally greater after treatment at younger ages: for patients treated at ages younger than 25 years, there were RRs of 18.7 (95% CI, 5.8 to 43.5) for gastrointestinal cancer after mixed-modality treatment, 14.4 (95% CI, 5.7 to 29.3) for breast cancer after radiotherapy, and 85.2 (95% CI, 45.3 to 145.7) for leukemia after chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy).

CONCLUSION

Age at treatment has a major effect on risk of second malignancy after Hodgkin's disease. Although absolute excess risks are greater for older patients, RRs of several important malignancies are much greater for patients who are treated when young. The increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers may relate particularly to mixed-modality treatment, and that of lung cancer to chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy; there are also well-known increased risks of breast cancer from radiotherapy and leukemia from chemotherapy. The roles of specific chemotherapeutic agents in the etiology of solid cancers after Hodgkin's disease require detailed investigation.

Serosal complications of single-agent low-dose methotrexate used in gestational trophoblastic diseases: first reported case of methotrexate-induced peritonitis

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folate antagonist widely used both as an anticancer drug and as an immunosupressant. Administration of an 8-day methotrexate and folinic acid regime may be associated with pleuritic chest pain and pneumonitis. We have reviewed the toxicity seen in 168 consecutive patients treated with low-dose MTX for persistent trophoblastic disease. Twenty-five per cent of patients developed serosal symptoms, pleurisy was the commonest complaint. The majority of patients had mild to moderate symptoms which were controlled with simple analgesia and did not necessitate a change in treatment; 11.9% had severe symptoms which necessitated a change in treatment. One patient developed a pericardial effusion and a second patient developed severe reversible peritoneal irritation. The possible aetiology and pathophysiology of methotrexate-induced serosal toxicity is discussed.

Primary intracerebral lymphoma: A clinicopathological study of 28 patients

Primary intracerebral lymphoma is an uncommon presenting site for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The authors review 28 histopathologically confirmed, consecutive cases, presenting over a 15-year period. The cohort included 20 males and 8 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 54 years (range 27-75 years). Subtotal resection was performed in 8 patients. Radical whole brain irradiation was given to 27 patients. One patient was too unwell to receive treatment and quickly died. Three patients also had chemotherapy. Clinical remission was achieved in 19 patients. Of these, 9 relapsed after a median interval of 18 months. Nine patients (32% total cohort) are still alive and in remission after a median follow-up of 2 years and 10 months (range 11 months to 11 years and 5 months). Cause of death was intracerebral lymphoma in 13 of the 19 patients who died. Median survival was 12 months in this group (range 1 week to 4 years and 9 months). Actuarial 5-year survival for all patients was 19%. The prognosis for patients with primary intracerebral lymphoma treated with radiotherapy alone is poor.

Gestational trophoblastic disease: does central nervous system chemoprophylaxis have a role?

In the UK there are standardized surveillance procedures for gestational trophoblastic disease. However, there are differences in practice between the two treatment centres in terms of definition of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease, prognostic risk assessment and chemotherapeutic regimens. The role of prophylactic chemotherapy for cerebral micrometastatic disease in persistent gestational trophoblastic disease is unclear. We have analysed the outcome of 69 patients with lung metastases who elsewhere might have received prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy. Of the 69 patients, 67 received intravenous chemotherapy only. The other two patients had cerebral metastases at presentation. One patient who received only intravenous chemotherapy subsequently developed a cerebral metastasis, but this patient's initial treatment was compromised by non-compliance. This experience supports our current policy of not treating patients with pulmonary metastases, without clinical evidence of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, with prophylactic intrathecal therapy.

The presentation and management of post-partum choriocarcinoma

Post-partum choriocarcinoma is a rare complication of pregnancy. We have analysed a series of nine consecutive patients presenting with choriocarcinoma after a full-term non-molar pregnancy. All patients were managed at the Supraregional Trophoblastic Disease Screening and Treatment Centre at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield between 1987 and 1996. All presented with persistent primary or secondary post-partum haemorrhage. Treatment with multiagent chemotherapy (initially methotrexate, dactinomycin and etoposide) was successful in all cases. Early diagnosis is important because this rare condition is potentially curable with appropriate chemotherapy.