Single-dose versus fractionated-dose dactinomycin in the treatment of Wilms' tumor: preliminary results of a clinical trial

Article Abstract:

Wilms' tumor, also called nephroblastoma, is a childhood cancer of the kidneys. Wilms' tumor is especially common among childhood cancers and constitutes from 5 to 10 percent of all childhood tumors. Since cancer in children is an infrequent occurrence, Wilms' tumor is rare when considered in absolute terms. As a result, it is difficult to collect enough cases to evaluate treatment protocols for this disorder. Most of the data available on the treatment of Wilms' tumor comes from collaborative groups which involve many medical centers. A large collaborative group was organized in Brazil to examine aspects of treatment that have not been studied by other large national groups. Among these issues is the relative effectiveness of single-dose chemotherapy compared with fractionated-dose chemotherapy. Generally, chemotherapeutic agents are administered in multiple-fractions spread over several days. However, a single dose is easier to administer and causes less disruption in the lives of the patient and family members. A study was conducted to compare fractionated-dose and single-dose dactinomycin in the treatment of 176 children with Wilms' tumor. The study found that the schedule of the dose had very little, if any, effect on the success of treatment. The two-year survival rate was 83 percent for the patients who received fractionated doses and 85 percent for the patients who were given single-dose therapy. Side effects and toxicity were also similar between the two treatment regimens. However, at the close of the study, the patients treated with the single-dose regimen had spent a total of 1,840 fewer days in the hospital than did their counterparts who received their chemotherapeutic treatment in the form of multiple dose fractions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Dosage and administration, Chemotherapy, Kidney cancer, Nephroblastoma, Dactinomycin, Tumors in children, Pediatric tumors, Tumors, Embryonal, Embryonal tumors

---

Structural and functional integrity of ovarian tumor tissue obtained by ultrasonic aspiration

Article Abstract:

Phacoemulsification is widely used in the treatment of cataracts. The technique involves using ultrasonic waves to break up the cataracts while water is circulated, which is then suctioned out to remove the tiny floating cataract pieces. This method may be suitable for other uses, and a device more powerful than that used for cataracts has been approved for neurosurgery. However, the method has been used for gynecological surgery only on an experimental basis. One of the primary concerns is that the ultrasonic sound waves will cause too much damage to the surrounding tissues to be suitable for routine use. To determine to what degree tissue damage might actually be expected, researchers have examined the effect of an ultrasonic unit on surgical specimens. The unit evaluated is the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator, or CUSA. Tumor tissue removed using the CUSA as a part of a related study was examined for signs of damage. Specimens of tumor tissue were also minced and enzymatically dissociated for growth in tissue culture. Microscopic examination showed that only minor tissue distortion had resulted from the disrupting effects of the ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, the tumor cells grew successfully in tissue culture, and their survival was comparable to cells from conventionally obtained specimens. This growth in culture indicates that the cells retained much, if not all, of their functional ability. These results suggest that the damage to neighboring tissues caused by the ultrasonic aspiration of tumor specimens is minimal. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Surgery, Ovarian cancer, Ultrasonics in surgery, Pathology, Gynecological, Operative ultrasound, Gynecological pathology

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Successful use of vancomycin hydrochloride in the treatment of lactulose resistant chronic hepatic encephalopathy
• Abstracts: Observations on the haemopoietic response to critical illness. Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis in beta-thalassemia intermedia
• Abstracts: Olsalazine for ulcerative colitis. Sulfasalazine revisited: a meta-analysis of 5-aminosalicylic acid in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
• Abstracts: Advocacy for methadone treatment. Dose-response effects of methadone in the treatment of opioid dependence. Biological basis for cancer treatment
• Abstracts: Dystonia - a potential psychiatric pitfall. Prevalence of delusional jealousy in different psychiatric disorders: an analysis of 93 cases

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.