Endocrine therapy for desmoid tumors

Article Abstract:

Desmoid tumors arise from fibrous tissue such as the fascia of muscles. They are aggressive tumors, but since they do not metastasize to distant parts of the body, they are termed benign rather than malignant. Desmoid tumors are uncommon, and occur with an incidence of roughly four cases per million people per year. The authors present two cases in which desmoid tumors were successfully treated with hormone therapy. In one case the patient developed a mass in her left calf; the mass was surgically removed, but recurred. The second patient developed symptoms of abdominal discomfort; after being symptomatic for one year, she sought medical attention and an abdominal mass was found. The mass was determined to be a desmoid tumor. It was so intermingled with the abdominal organs, however, that surgical removal of the mass would be impossible unless the entire small intestine was removed as well. In the first case, treatment with the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen resulted in the regression of the calf tumor. In the second case, tamoxifen proved to be ineffective; despite two months of treatment with tamoxifen, CT scan and clinical examination revealed signs that the tumor was progressing. The patient was placed on Zoladex. This drug is similar in structure to the natural hormone releasing factor (LHRH) and suppresses the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone by the pituitary gland. Tumor progression was again observed, and this time the synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate was added to the treatment protocol. The tumor mass began to regress, and 10 months later the patient is free of symptoms. A small, ill-defined mass remains visible on the CT scans of this patient. A review of the medical literature reveals 33 additional cases of desmoid tumor treated with hormonal therapy. Tumor regression was successfully achieved in 18 of 35 cases, suggesting a response rate of 51 percent. The authors suggest that when surgery is not practical for desmoid tumors, hormonal therapy is the recommended second line of treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Hormone therapy

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Immunohistochemical determination of tumour growth fraction in human ovarian carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Ovarian cancer, usually found in an advanced state, has small hope for cure even with the most effective chemotherapeutic drug treatments. Tumor cells have varying characteristics and some progressive cell types are more sensitive to radiotherapy than to chemotherapy. Identification of cell type and aggressiveness may be helpful in assessing which therapy will offer the most effective treatment for ovarian cancers. The use of monoclonal antibody Ki-67, a special type of cell labelling, was used to determine the growth fraction in 30 patients with ovarian cancer. Tumors which were advanced, spreading and poorly differentiated had a high growth fraction as opposed to early stage, well differentiated tumors. A one year follow-up revealed that tumors with higher growth fractions were associated with shorter survival. This information may influence treatment plans and predict prognosis for certain ovarian cancers.

Analysis, Ovarian cancer, Antineoplastic agents, Chemotherapy, Diagnostic immunohistochemistry

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Human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid as a prognostic indicator in early-stage cervical cancer: a possible role for type 18

Article Abstract:

A specific type of human papillomavirus may cause additional tumors to grow after surgical treatment of cervical cancer. Researchers analyzed the type of human papillomavirus DNA in cervical cancer tumors from 148 patients, and found that type 18 was linked with tumor regrowth after surgery more than type 16 was. Other risk factors for tumor regrowth were advanced stage of cancer, metastasis, and age 35 years or under. Detection of the type of human papillomavirus DNA at earlier stages of cervical cancer may enable doctors to better determine outcomes and treatment options.

Physiological aspects, Prognosis, Cervical cancer, Papillomaviruses, Papillomavirus, Cancer recurrence

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