Immunotherapy in genitourinary neoplasia

Regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review

The literature provides few examples of regression of documented metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We report a case of cytologically documented pulmonary metastases from a renal cell carcinoma, which resolved following nephrectomy and hormonal therapy. The patient has been followed for 6 years without evidence of recurrence.

Adherent spleen cell production of E series prostaglandins in rats bearing variants of the R3327 Dunning prostatic adenocarcinoma: effect of cyclophosphamide

Prostaglandins of the E series (PGE) have been implicated in many facets of immunoregulation, as well as having a possible role in metastatic dissemination. Variant sublines of the Dunning R3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma, differing in growth rate, hormonal responsiveness and in propensity for metastasis, were carried in Fisher X Copenhagen F1 animals. Adherent spleen cells were assayed in vitro for their ability to convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandins of the E series. These glass adherent cells presumably include the monocytic and T cell populations which have been implicated as being immunoregulatory. The results indicated that those spleen cells obtained from animals carrying the metastatic R3327-MAT-LyLu subline tumor converted more arachidonic acid to PGE's than cells derived from animals bearing non-metastatic sublines. Cyclophosphamide therapy did not alter such conversion. Multiple regulatory mechanisms for prostaglandin metabolism are suggested.

Hydrophilic graft copolymers: a new concept in urological surgery

Hydrophilic graft copolymers are derived from hydrophobic polymers which have been copolymerized and then grafted by radiation initiation so that they become hydrophilic. Tubes of such material expand in diameter by 60% when wet and become slippery. The first medical applications of these materials are described: they have been used as an access conduit for percutaneous renal surgery and endoscopic access to the ureter.