Sigmoidoscopy and other tests for screening of colorectal cancer.

We have been carrying our mass detection for colorectal cancer with fecal occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy. The occult blood test is negative in 60% with colorectal cancer.

Hyperthermic sensitivity and cholesterol levels of mammalian cell lines in culture.

In this study, we asked whether cholesterol contents were specifically correlated with cellular sensitivity to hyperthermia. To examine this possibility, we employed two isogenic mammalian cell lines, Chinese hamster V79 cell line and its amphotericin B-resistant (AMBr) cell line. AMBr cells had a decreased content of membrane sterols in comparison with V79 cells. Clonogenic assays showed that AMBr cells were more sensitive to hyperthermic treatment at 45 degrees C than V79 cells. Cholesterol contents were increased in AMBr cells by exposure to liposomes containing 1:1 lecithin-cholesterol, and the sterol level was comparable to that of V79 cells. In comparison with untreated AMBr cells, AMBr cells were more resistant to hyperthermia at 45 degrees C when incubated with liposomes containing cholesterol. Treatment of V79 cells with oxygenated sterol, a potent inhibitor of endogeneous sterol synthesis, sensitized the hyperthermic cytotoxicity. Our present data present the hypothesis that cellular cholesterol contents are closely correlated with cellular heat toxicity.

The clinical effect of bifemelane hydrochloride on dementia in aged patients.

The effect of bifemelane hydrochloride on dementia in the elderly was studied in thirty-one patients having cerebrovascular disorders. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsonism and related diseases. The drug (150 mg) was administered orally three times daily for 10 weeks. The final global improvement rating was 77.4% for all patients. The rates of improvement for Alzheimer's disease were higher than those for cerebrovascular disorders, suggesting that this drug affects Alzheimer's disease through a cholinergic potentiating action. Psychotic, neurological and subjective symptoms, and the activity of daily life, were rated before, during and after treatment. All mean rates of improvement were based on observations made in the 4th week after the start of treatment. Improvement rates for global symptoms were more than 80% for emotional incontinence and prejudice or querulous attitudes toward the nurses, and in headache, tinnitus and dizziness among the subjective symptoms. The improvement in intellectual function was evaluated by the dementia rating scale for the elderly (DRSE), and a significant increase was found in DRSE after treatment with this drug. Side effects attributable to the drug were noted in one patient developing urticaria. It is thus suggested that bifemelane hydrochloride is useful in the treatment of different symptoms of dementia.

[Phase II study of THP (2''R)-4'-0-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin) in breast cancer].

In a phase II study of THP, fifty-six patients with advanced or recurrent breast cancer were evaluated, and a response rate of 23.2% including 1.8% with complete response and 21.4% with partial response, was obtained. Response rates of THP varied according to the location of metastasis and the highest rate was shown to be 38.5% in patients with soft tissue metastasis. The median dose for inducing response was 100 mg with a range from 60 mg to 160 mg. Toxicities such as leukopenia and gastrointestinal disorders were observed during THP treatment. The favorable response to THP was close to that of adriamycin, but it was noteworthy that a lower frequency of alopecia occurred.

[Nutritional management of anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery--with special reference to the serious cases].

Effects of intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) were studied in 38 patients with anastomotic leakage following gastrointestinal surgery. Spontaneous closure of the leakage were found in 23 patients (60%), and surgical closure were needed in 9 patients (24%). The duration required for spontaneous closure was 5 weeks on the average; and closure occurred readily in cases of tubular fistula. Death occurred in 6 patients (16%); among these, 5 were MOF cases. The following three points are emphasized concerning measures to increase IVH efficacy in serious cases such as MOF. GFX-solution is efficacious for reduced glucose tolerance. Administration of canrenoate potassium(Soldactone), linoleic acid and BCAA enriched amino-acid mixture is effective for accelerated albumin synthesis. Concomitant treatment by IVH and ED(elemental diet) is efficacious in cases of high caloric administration.

[Clinical analysis on side effects of long-term oral administration of futraful to out-patients].

Ninety-six cases of cancer patients were treated with long-term oral administration of Futraful ranging more than one to five years. Group A consisted of 57 cases receiving the drug for 1-2 years and Group B of 39 cases receiving the drug for 3-5 years. In Group A abnormality of TTT was observed in 49% and also abnormality of LHD in 32% of the patients, abnormalities of hemoglobin, leucocyte count, lymphocyte per cent, GOT, GPT, ALP, Bilirubin and ZST were respectively reported in 10-20%. On the other hand, in Group B abnormalities of TTT (64%), hemoglobin (26%), LDH (21%) were observed as well as abnormalities 10-20% of leucocyte count, lymphocyte, GOT, and ALP in each approximately 10-20% of the patients. But all of the disorders were not severe and clinically not serious. These results suggested and safety of long-term oral administration of Futraful to out-patients.