ABSTRACT
Ten patients with histologically confirmed inoperable malignant mesothelioma of the pleura were treated with doxorubicin and fractionated radiotherapy courses. Three patients derived significant clinical benefit from this treatment, although only one of the three had measureable tumor shrinkage that could be defined as partial response. Two of the ten patients showed only progressive disease, while the remaining five showed disease stabilization for 30--100 weeks. The treatment was subjectively well-tolerated and hematopoietic toxicity was acceptable. Radiation pneumonitis did not occur. Two of the four patients who lived greater than or equal to 94 weeks developed fibrosis of the irradiated hemithorax. The median survival time for all patients was 46 weeks. Although the combined treatment could be given with acceptable toxic effects and although four patients benefited from it, the best objective assessment, namely, survival time, did not appear to be adequately influenced to justify an extension of this series.
Subject(s)
Doxorubicin/therapeutic use , Mesothelioma/therapy , Pleural Neoplasms/therapy , Adult , Aged , Doxorubicin/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Leukopenia/chemically induced , Mesothelioma/drug therapy , Mesothelioma/radiotherapy , Middle Aged , Pleural Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prognosis , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Radiography , Radiotherapy/adverse effects , Radiotherapy DosageABSTRACT
A series of 231 patients, 198 males and 33 females, suffering from primary urinary bladder cancer and treated by various combinations of surgery, radiotherapy and cancer chemotherapy, was categorized into 4 treatment groups, analysed and compared with those recorded in the literature. Patients in stages T1 and T2, if treated adequately, have an excellent and good prognosis respectively, while those in stages T3 and T4, unfortunately the majority, have a prognosis that is decidedly disappointing. Haematuria is of the greatest significance and should be investigated without delay if symptoms in patients in early stage T1 are to be diagnosed, treated and cured. In a review of the aetiology, smoking, among possible predisposing factors, poses the greatest hazard for the general population. A strong plea is made that smoking never be started, or if started, that it be given up immediately, if the health of the nation is to be our prime concern.
Subject(s)
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/therapy , Adenocarcinoma/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/therapy , Female , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Follow-Up Studies , Hematuria/complications , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/complications , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/etiology , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/mortalityABSTRACT
An attempt has been made to present, in short review, the most important carcinogens that have been implicated in the development of cancer in the various organ sites of the human body and to demonstrate the relatively minor role played by ionizing radiation, especially radiotherapy, in causing a risk of cancer in man.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced , Child , Female , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/etiology , Humans , Infant , Leukemia, Radiation-Induced/epidemiology , Leukemia, Radiation-Induced/mortality , Male , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Radiation, Ionizing , Radiology , Respiratory Tract Neoplasms/etiology , Risk , Spondylitis, Ankylosing/radiotherapy , Urogenital Neoplasms/etiologyABSTRACT
An analysis of 66 patients with prostatic carcinoma treated by telecobalt therapy more than two years ago shows that this can be curative in a high percentage of cases. Local failure occurred in 20.5%. Well-differentiated tumours are more radiosensitive. Clinical regression can take a long time and histology can remain positive for even longer in an inactive prostate gland. A high dose is however required. The use of oestrogens should be delayed until further treatment is needed, as oestrogen seems to increase the radioresistance of the tumour. Radiotherapy seems to be the treatment of choice in inoperable (and even operable) patients with carcinoma of the prostate limited to the pelvis.
