Variability of assay methods for total and free PSA after WHO standardization.

The variability of total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) results among commercial assays has been suggested to be decreased by calibration to World Health Organization (WHO) reference materials. To characterize the current situation, it is necessary to know its impact in the critical cutoffs used in clinical practice. In the present study, we tested 167 samples with tPSA concentrations of 0 to 20 µg/L using seven PSA and six fPSA commercial assays, including Access, ARCHITECT i2000, ADVIA Centaur XP, IMMULITE 2000, Elecsys, and Lumipulse G1200, in which we only measured tPSA. tPSA and fPSA were measured in Access using the Hybritech and WHO calibrators. Passing-Bablok analysis was performed for PSA, and percentage of fPSA with the Hybritech-calibrated access comparison assay. For tPSA, relative differences were more than 10 % at 0.2 µg/L for ARCHITECT i2000, and at a critical concentration of 3, 4, and 10 µg/L, the relative difference was exceeded by ADVIA Centaur XP and WHO-calibrated Access. For percent fPSA, at a critical concentration of 10 %, the 10 % relative difference limit was exceeded by IMMULITE 2000 assay. At a critical concentration of 20 and 25 %, ADVIA Centaur XP, ARCHITECT i2000, and IMMULITE 2000 assays exceeded the 10 % relative difference limit. We have shown significant discordances between assays included in this study despite advances in standardization conducted in the last years. Further harmonization efforts are required in order to obtain a complete clinical concordance.

Perfil hormonal preoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical por cáncer de próstata / Preoperative Hormonal Pattern in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy due to Prostate Cancer

Objetivos: Los niveles preoperatorios de testosterona (T) relacionados con factores de mal pronóstico después de la prostatectomía radical (PR) han sido motivo de controversia. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la relación entre los niveles preoperatorios de T, los resultados anatomopatológicos y la recidiva bioquímica tras la PR. Material y métodos: Analizamos de manera prospectiva 143 pacientes sometidos a PR desde febrero de 2008 a junio de 2010 en nuestro centro. Se determinaron los niveles preoperatorios de T y globulina transportadora de hormonas sexuales como parte de nuestro protocolo clínico. La T libre (Tl) y la biodisponible (Tbio) fueron calculadas usando la formula de Vermeulen. Se definieron niveles bajos de testosterona sérica como T menor o igual a 346 ng/dL. Se realizó un análisis comparativo analizando las variables pTNM, márgenes positivos, tamaño tumoral,escala de Gleason, multifocalidad, recidiva bioquímica (usando los 2 cortes de PSA > 0,4 ng/dLy PSA > 0,2 ng/dL como valores de corte) en función de los niveles preoperatorios de T. Resultados: Las variables Gleason, la tasa y número de márgenes positivos, el tamaño tumoral, la multifocalidad, el tiempo a recidiva bioquímica y el estadio patológico final no se correlacionaron con los niveles preoperatorios hormonales. Los niveles preoperatorios bajos de T (< 346 ng/dL) no se relacionaron con recidiva bioquímica (PSA > 0,4 ng/dL de log-rank, p = 0,512),aunque sí se observó una tendencia cuando PSA > 0,2 ng/dL (log-rank, p = 0,097).Conclusión: Los niveles preoperatorios de T no se relacionaron con las características anatomopatológicas del cáncer de próstata ni con la presencia de recidiva bioquímica (AU)

Objective: There is controversial evidence regarding preoperative testosterone (T) levels related to poor prognosis factors after radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this manuscript is to determine the relationship between preoperative T levels and final pathologic report together to biochemical recurrence after RP. Materials and methods: We prospectively analysed 143 patients submitted to RP from February 2008 to June 2010 in our centre. Pretreatment T and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were determined as part of our clinical protocol. Free calculated (fT) and bioavailable (bioT) T were calculated using Vermeulen’s formula. Low T levels were defined as 346 ng/dL or less. A comparative analysis with variables pTNM, positive margins, tumour burden, Gleason score, multifocality and biochemical recurrence (using both PSA > 0.4 ng/dL and PSA > 0.2 ng/dL as cut-off values) was performed, according to preoperative levels of T. Results: Variables Gleason score, rate and number of positive margins, tumour burden, tumour multifocality, time to biochemical recurrence and pathological stage were not related to preoperative hormonal levels. Preoperative T < 346 ng/dL was not found to be related to PSA recurrence (PSA > 0,4 ng/dL log-rank, P = 0.512), although a trend was observed whenPSA > 0,2 ng/dL (log-rank, P =0 .097). Conclusion: Preoperative T levels were not related to final pathological report or to biochemical recurrence (AU)

Preoperative hormonal pattern in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversial evidence regarding preoperative testosterone (T) levels related to poor prognosis factors after radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this manuscript is to determine the relationship between preoperative T levels and final pathologic report together to biochemical recurrence after RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed 143 patients submitted to RP from February 2008 to June 2010 in our centre. Pretreatment T and sex hormone-binding globulin levels were determined as part of our clinical protocol. Free calculated (fT) and bioavailable (bioT) T were calculated using Vermeulen's formula. Low T levels were defined as 346 ng/dL or less. A comparative analysis with variables pTNM, positive margins, tumour burden, Gleason score, multifocality and biochemical recurrence (using both PSA>0.4 ng/dL and PSA>0.2 ng/dL as cut-off values) was performed, according to preoperative levels of T. RESULTS: Variables Gleason score, rate and number of positive margins, tumour burden, tumour multifocality, time to biochemical recurrence and pathological stage were not related to preoperative hormonal levels. Preoperative T<346 ng/dL was not found to be related to PSA recurrence (PSA>0,4 ng/dL log-rank, P=.512), although a trend was observed when PSA>0,2 ng/dL (log-rank, P=.097). CONCLUSION: Preoperative T levels were not related to final pathological report or to biochemical recurrence.

La infección urinaria y su prevención / Urinary Tract Infections and Their Prevention

Contexto: En este artículo se revisan diferentes aspectos acerca de la prevención de las infecciones del tracto urinario que incluyen: la confirmación de la existencia de dichas infecciones, la aplicación de medidas higiénico-dietéticas, la profilaxis antibacteriana-preferentemente la toma de una única dosis nocturna diaria oral de un antibiótico o quimioterápico con elevada excreción urinaria y buena tolerancia-, la administración de vacunas elaboradas con Escherichiacoli y otros bacilos gramnegativos completos con fracciones inmunoestimulantes o fimbrias tipo 1 de E. coli por vías parenteral u oral. Objetivo: Revisión de las nuevas medidas de prevención de las infecciones del tracto urinario. Adquisición y síntesis de evidencia: Se revisan diferentes aspectos microbiológicos, la fisiopatología y los factores de virulencia de E. coli uropatógenos productores de fimbrias de tipos 1y P. Se analiza la relación entre los grupos sanguíneos y la infección del tracto urinario en los individuos secretores y no secretores. Conclusiones: El uso de vacunas inactivadas con fenol y administradas por vía mucosa, el empleode inhibidores de la adherencia y de la formación de biopelículas bacterianas y el uso de estimuladores del adenosín-monofosfato cíclico se presentan como nuevas medidas preventivas de la infección urinaria, particularmente para el grupo de mayor incidencia, representado por las mujeres entre la pubertad y la menopausia (AU)

Context: This article reviews diverse aspects of the prevention of urinary tract infections, including confirmation of the diagnosis, application of hygiene and dietary measures, antibacterial prophylaxis (preferably consisting of a single nocturnal oral dose per day of an antibiotic or drug with high urinary excretion and good tolerance), and administration of vaccines made with Escherichia coli and other Gram-negative bacilli, consisting of immunostimulating fractions of E. coli strains or E. coli type-1 fimbriae administered through the parenteral or oral route. Objective: We aimed to review the new preventive measures against urinary tract infections. Acquisition and synthesis of evidence: We reviewed various microbiological aspects, as well as the physiopathology and virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli strains expressing type-1 and P fimbriae. The association between blood groups and urinary tract infections in blood group antigen-secretors and non secretors was analyzed. Conclusions: New preventive measures against urinary tract infection consist of the use of phenol-inactivated vaccines administered via the mucosal route, inhibitors of bacterial adherence and biofilm formation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate stimulators, especially in women aged between puberty and menopause, who show the highest incidence of these infections (AU)

[Urinary tract infections and their prevention]. / La infección urinaria y su prevención.

CONTEXT: This article reviews diverse aspects of the prevention of urinary tract infections, including confirmation of the diagnosis, application of hygiene and dietary measures, antibacterial prophylaxis (preferably consisting of a single nocturnal oral dose per day of an antibiotic or drug with high urinary excretion and good tolerance), and administration of vaccines made with Escherichia coli and other Gram-negative bacilli, consisting of immunostimulating fractions of E. coli strains or E. coli type-1 fimbriae administered through the parenteral or oral route. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review the new preventive measures against urinary tract infections. ACQUISITION AND SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: We reviewed various microbiological aspects, as well as the physiopathology and virulence factors of uropathogenic E. coli strains expressing type-1 and P fimbriae. The association between blood groups and urinary tract infections in blood group antigen-secretors and nonsecretors was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: New preventive measures against urinary tract infection consist of the use of phenol-inactivated vaccines administered via the mucosal route, inhibitors of bacterial adherence and biofilm formation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate stimulators, especially in women aged between puberty and menopause, who show the highest incidence of these infections.

Pain on injection from propofol may be avoided by changing its formulation.

BACKGROUND: After using propofol for a decade, pain on injection had been considered routine by patients and medical personnel. When given propofol from a different manufacturer, patients did not complain. Two preparations of propofol were compared. METHODS: A comparative, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in 22 adult patients undergoing pain relief procedures; they received sedation by an intravenous injection of 1.7 mg/kg of propofol and then were treated with paravertebral injections. Pain on injection was assessed by verbal complaint, movement of the extremity, of the whole body and recollection of pain at induction, when discharged. Propofol from Baxter Laboratories, mixed with either 5 ml of 2% lidocaine or 5 ml of NaCl 0.9%, was compared with propofol Laboratorios Gray, which was similarly mixed. Injections were randomly administered four times, blindly, to each of 22 patients. Statistical analysis was conducted using the analysis of variance method. RESULTS: A total of 352 propofol injections were given. Each of the four propofol solutions was administered 88 times; of patients receiving Baxter propofol+saline, 74 (84%) had pain; when mixed with 2% lidocaine 45 (50.2%) complained. After propofol Gray with NaCl 0.9% was given, two patients (2.2%) experienced pain. Propofol Gray with 2% lidocaine produced no pain. None of the latter group remembered having pain, whereas, those given propofol Baxter 54 (61.3%) and 26 (29.5%) remembered experiencing pain at injection. Pain on injection was prevented and statistically reduced (<0.01) with the propofol from Laboratorios Gray. CONCLUSIONS: By changing the formulation (size of molecules and their dispersion) of propofol, pain on injection was avoided.

Activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in human prostate carcinogenesis and association to biochemical relapse.

Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB/p65 regulates the transcription of a wide variety of genes involved in cell survival, invasion and metastasis. We characterised by immunohistochemistry the expression of NF-kappaB/p65 protein in six histologically normal prostate, 13 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 86 prostate adenocarcinoma specimens. Nuclear localisation of p65 was used as a measure of NF-kappaB active state. Nuclear localisation of NF-kappaB was only seen in scattered basal cells in normal prostate glands. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias exhibited diffuse and strong cytoplasmic staining but no nuclear staining. In prostate adenocarcinomas, cytoplasmic NF-kappaB was detected in 57 (66.3%) specimens, and nuclear NF-kappaB (activated) in 47 (54.7%). Nuclear and cytoplasmic NF-kappaB staining was not correlated (P=0.19). By univariate analysis, nuclear localisation of NF-kappaB was associated with biochemical relapse (P=0.0009; log-rank test) while cytoplasmic expression did not. On multivariate analysis, serum preoperative prostate specific antigen (P=0.02), Gleason score (P=0.03) and nuclear NF-kappaB (P=0.002) were independent predictors of biochemical relapse. These results provide novel evidence for NF-kappaB/p65 nuclear translocation in the transition from PIN to prostate cancer. Our findings also indicate that nuclear localisation of NF-kappaB is an independent prognostic factor of biochemical relapse in prostate cancer.

[Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: a modified technique]. / Dacriocistorrinostomía endoscópica: técnica modificada.

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical technique which has been adopted by otolaryngologists in the last years, because of the improvement in the endonasal approach by means of endoscopes. Although the results with the different techniques regarding permeability of the lacrimal duct are similar, we present some modifications in the surgical technique which contribute to a better postoperatory mucosal recovery, due to its more functional and less aggressive nature, improving the cost-benefit ratio. Two groups are compared, the first one (96 DCR) performing osteotomies with a chisel, without doing lacrimal duct and mucosa flaps, the second one (40 DCR) applying the modified technique using Smith-Kerrison forceps to perform osteotomies and creating lacrimal duct and mucosa flaps. Final results referred to permeability are similar (92.7% vs 87.5%). No major complications were found, and the most common minor complication was postoperative eyelid hematoma in cases of orbital fat exposure (5 cases vs 7 cases).

[Interaction between sildenafil and calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplant recipients with erectile dysfunction]. / Interacción entre sildenafilo y los inhibidores de la calcineurina en trasplantados renales con disfunción eréctil.

AIM: Hepatic metabolism of sildenafil uses the same metabolic pathway as the calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine/tacrolimus), through the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential interaction between sildenafil therapy and circulating levels of cyclosporine and tacrolimus in a group of steady-state renal transplant recipients with erectile dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective pilot study of sildenafil interactions was carried out in 9 stable male renal transplant recipients with severe erectile dysfunction (mean age 50 +/- 8 years, range 38-64). All patients were receiving therapy with calcineurin inhibitors (5 with cyclosporine and 4 with tacrolimus). Erectile dysfunction was evaluated by clinical history, physical examination, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and the nocturnal penile tumescence test (RigiScan). Each patient received a first dose of 50 mg of sildenafil, one hour before sexual activity and a second dose at 72 hours of 50 or 100 mg according to the clinical response to the first dose. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sildenafil and the evolution of cyclosporine-tacrolimus levels. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus trough whole blood concentrations were determined in basal conditions (before starting sildenafil) and on days 1, 4 and 7 after sildenafil therapy. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of patients (n = 8) required a complete 100 mg dose of sildenafil. There was a positive clinical response in two-thirds of cases (6 patients). In 5 patients (55%) sildenafil administration produced a complete response, in one patient the response was incomplete, and in the remaining 3 cases (33%) no clinical response was observed. Associated side effects included self-limited tachycardia in one patient and mild visual disturbances in another. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus levels remained stable in all patients. There were no significant differences in circulating levels of cyclosporine (basal 120 +/- 47; day 1: 116 +/- 55; day 4: 123 +/- 56 and day 7: 121 +/- 56 ng/ml p = NS) or tacrolimus (basal 11.6 +/- 1.3; day 1: 11.9 +/- 1.3; day 4: 11.1 +/- 1.0 and day 7: 11.8 +/- 0.9 ng/ml p = NS) over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in renal transplant recipients. Recommended therapeutic doses of sildenafil did not modify cyclosporine and tacrolimus trough blood levels.

Interacción entre sildenafilo y los inhibidores de la calcineurina en trasplantados renales con disfunción eréctil / Interaction study between sildenafil and calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplant recipients with erectile dysfunction

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio piloto consistió en evaluar la interacción potencial del sildenafilo con ciclosporina y tacrólimus en un grupo de pacientes trasplantados renales estables con disfunción eréctil (DE). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio piloto, prospectivo de interacción de sildenafilo en 9 pacientes varones trasplantados renales estables con DE severa (edad media 50 ñ 8 años, rango 38-64) en tratamiento con inhibidores de la calcineurina (5 pacientes con ciclosporina y 4 pacientes con tacrólimus). La DE se evaluó mediante: historia, exploración física, cuestionario del llEF y test de tumescencia nocturna del pene (RigiScan). Cada paciente recibió dos dosis de sildenafilo. Se evaluó la eficacia, seguridad y evolución de los niveles sanguíneos de Ciclosporina/tacrólimus. Se determinó la Cmin de ciclosporina y tacrólimus en el período basal y día 1, 4 y 7 después del sildenafilo. Resultados: El 89 por ciento de los pacientes (n = 8) requirieron una dosis completa de 100 mg de sildenafilo. Se observó una respuesta clínica positiva en las dos terceras partes de los casos (6 pacientes). En 5 pacientes (55 por ciento) sildenafilo produjo una respuesta completa, en un paciente la respuesta fue incompleta y en los 3 casos restantes (33 por ciento) no se observó respuesta clínica. La terapia con sildenafilo fue segura presentando una taquicardia autolimitada en un paciente y leves alteraciones visuales en otro paciente. Los niveles de ciclosporina y tacrólimus se mantuvieron estables a lo largo del estudio en todos los pacientes. No se observaron diferencias significativas en los niveles sanguíneos de ciclosporina (basal: 120 + 47; día 1: 116 + 55; día 4: 123 ñ 56 y día 7: 121 ñ 56 p = NS) ni en los niveles de tacrólimus (basal: 11,6 ñ 1,3; día 1: 11,9 ñ 1,3; día 4: 11,1 ñ 1,0 y día 7: 11,8 ñ 0,9 p = NS). Conclusiones: Sildenafilo es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro de la DE del paciente trasplantado renal. El régimen de dosificación recomendado de sildenafilo no modifica los niveles valle de ciclosporina y tacrólimus (AU)

BTA TRAK urine test increases the efficacy of cytology in the diagnosis of low-grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

BACKGROUND: Among urinary tumor markers we studied the utility of the BTA TRAK assay to diagnose transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in highly suspiscious patients, in comparison to urine cytology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A preliminary study of 65 patients was made (21 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), 36 without TCC and 8 excluded patients who received BCG therapy, endocavitary mytomicin or radiotherapy), using the BTA TRAK, cytology and cystoscopy. RESULTS: 12 out of the 21 selected patients were pTa (9 G1and 3 G2), 2 carcinoma in situ (CIS), 2pT1 (1 G2 and 1 G3) and 5 muscle invasive tumors (all of them G3). Setting our cut-off at 18 U/ml, a sensitivity of 52.3% and a specificity of 88.9% was reached. BTA TRAK detected 11 out of 21 of the tumors as well as urine cytology. However, BTA TRAK was more sensitive in the detection of low grade tumors (p<0.05). When considering both tests as complementary, a combined sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 88.5% were obtained. CONCLUSION: BTA TRAK is a valid test for the diagnosis of TCC of the bladder, which is not superior to urine cytology but complementary. More extensive prospective studies are required to validate this application and others of the BTA TRAK assay used either alone or in combination with urinary cytology in the management of bladder cancerpatients.

[Factors helping in the decision to change intubation for tracheotomy in critical patients]. / Estudio de los factores que ayudan a la decisión del paso de intubación a traqueotomía en pacientes críticos.

We carry out a prospective study in order to determine the prognostic factors in the development of injuries of upper airways, and their influence in the decision to perform a tracheotomy. The time to tracheotomy was previously stated, according to the type of patient (neurological or non-neurological). This study includes the clinical data and the upper airways endoscopic exploration of 654 patients with oro-tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours in a 6 year period. Three endoscopic explorations were carried out in the first month (early exploration), with two additional explorations at six and twelve months (late exploration). Using a multivariable statistical study we have analysed the prognostic factors and the risk groups for the development of later injuries of the upper airway of these patients. The later endoscopic exploration of the upper airways has shown injuries in 30 of 280 cases (11%). In this study, the main factor that determines the development of injuries of the upper airway was the time of intubation. The risk groups to develop later lesions of the upper airways include: patients with pathological background, patients with medical admissions, non-neurological patients and patients with serious lesions in the earlier endoscopic exploration. We conclude that it is necessary to state the time to perform a tracheotomy in patients with oro-tracheal intubation. It must be based on the own experience, the patient's clinical condition and the disease that caused hospital admission.

Rare secondary carcinoma from bladder to testis.

Metastatic carcinoma to the testis is very unusual in daily urologic practice. We report a case of metastatic cancer to the testis detected as incidental findings in a squamous bladder tumor.

Influence of AFP, CEA and PSA on the in vitro production of cytokines.

Several studies have demonstrated a decreased cytokine production in patients with cancer. Likewise, there is some evidence showing that tumor markers may play a role in immunoregulation. In this work, we have studied the in vitro production of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in whole-blood cell cultures of 10 healthy subjects after polyclonal activation with lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella enteridis and phytohemagglutinin in the presence or absence of three markers, AFP, CEA and PSA. Each sample was incubated for 48 h at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO(2). Subsequently, cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined. AFP did not significantly affect the production of the three cytokines compared to the basal value obtained on adding PBS. In contrast, CEA significantly increased the production of IL-6 (p <0.001) and TNF-alpha (p = 0.002), while PSA significantly decreased IL-1beta (p <0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.031) and TNF-alpha (p <0.0001) production. These results suggest a possible role of CEA and PSA in the production of these cytokines.

Free to complexed PSA ratio in differentiating benign prostate hyperplasia from prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The description of the different forms of circulating PSA has opened a new strategy in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic potential of PSA and the PSA fractions in the diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We measured the serum levels of PSA (Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany), complexed PSA (Immuno 1 system, Bayer, Tarrytown, NY USA) and free PSA (Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) in 178 patients with BPH and 44 patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: ROC curves were used for comparison of the diagnostic utility of the tests assessed. The biggest areas under the curve were obtained for the ratios between free/complexed PSA and free/total PSA (0.887 and 0.872, respectively). When choosing the cut-off values to obtain a 90% sensibility, we found that the specificity for the free/total PSA ratio was 59% and for the free/complexed PSA ratio 72%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that replacement of the measurement of total PSA by complexed PSA in prostate cancer diagnosis may be interesting. Nevertheless, as this is a retrospective study limited to a small number of patients, it is obvious that we need more data to make a final decision with regard to this subject.

[Treatment of metastatic bone pain with repeated doses of strontium-89 in patients with prostate neoplasm]. / Tratamiento del dolor óseo metastásico con dosis repetidas de Estroncio-89 en pacientes con neoplasia de próstata.

This study has aimed to evaluate the usefulness of repeated treatment with 89Sr in patients with prostate neoplasm and metastatic bone pain. Seventeen patients with partial or complete response after the first dose were retreated with two or more doses (total of 39 doses). The Karnofsky functional status, pain and degree of analgesia were assessed. After the first dose the response was good in 68% of the patients and partial in 32%. After the second dose, the response was good in 62% of the patients, partial in 15% and there was no response in 23% of the cases. The pre-treatment Karnofsky functional status and duration of the effect of 89Sr was lower after the second dose (p = 0.03, p = 0.02), but there were no statistically significant differences in the type of response. In conclusion, re-treatment with 89Sr can be administered safely and with a similar response to that achieved after the first dose.

Analysis of type T1 and T2 cytokines in patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that a dysregulation in the balance between type T1 (IL-2, IFN-gamma) and type T2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines may be implicated in the development of cancer. METHODS: We determined the expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma in CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes by flow cytometry in 12 patients with prostate cancer and in 7 healthy subjects. In addition to the basal expression of these cytokines, their expression was also determined, following stimulation of lymphocytes with PMA (phorbol 12-mystirate 13 acetate) and ionomycin. RESULTS: The basal expression of cytokines was scarce, while following stimulation this increased markedly. On the other hand, there was a dysregulation in the balance between T1 and T2 lymphocytes in patients with prostate cancer. To this effect, in relation to healthy subjects, we observed an increase in IL-10 expression and a decrease in IL-2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The disequilibrium observed in the balance between type T1 and type T2 cytokines may be implicated in the evolution of neoplastic disease.