Molecular cytogntic profiles of hepatitis C infection in patients at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

In this study, 40 paraffin blocks liver tissues from HCV-PCR positive patients [HBV seronegative] were examined using DNA image cytometry to evaluate its role in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] associated with hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. Fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH] technique using LSIZNF 217 chromosome 20q 13.2 probe was applied. The results showed a high percentage of S- phase fraction in cases of G2S2 and G3S3 with DNA diploidy. Only two cases of G3S3 showed DNA aneuploidy with a severe amplification of chromosome 20q 13.2. Consequently, DNA imaging cytometry is considered a good approach in differentiating dysplasia from well- differentiated HCC on the top of HCV infection. In conclusion, HCV has an acquired role in the development of HCC through the amplification of the aggressive tumor behavior oncogene LSIZNF 217 at chromosome 20q 13.2

COPP/ABV chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy for patients with hodgkin's disease

The aim of this trial was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of COPP/ABV combined with reduced radiotherapy in patients with stage I-III Hodgkin's disease [HD]. Forty-three patients were prospectively treated with 4 cycles [stage I and II patients] or six cycles [stage III patients] of COPP/ABV [cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone/adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine] followed by radiotherapy; 25 Gy to areas of initial involvement. In sites of bulky disease >/= 5 cm, the radiotherapy dose was raised to 40 Gy. The complete remission [CR] rate was 83.7%. The 5-year progression free survival [PFS] was 64% and the 5-year overall survival [OS] was 77%. Prognostic factors that could significantly affect the CR rate and the PFS were age [< vs >/= 40 years], stage of disease [I and II vs III] and the presence of bulky disease >/= 5 cm. Treatment was well tolerated with acceptable early and late toxicity. It is concluded that COPP/ABV combined with reduced radiotherapy for patients with stage I-III HD is a safe and effective approach. Further research is needed with treatment strategies being tailored according to prognostic factors