Malignant melanoma and adjuvant alpha interferon-2b for patients at high risk of relapse.

Malignant melanoma, the least common but most serious form of skin cancer, is increasing at a faster rate than any other form of cancer. Early diagnosis can lead to cures through surgery alone. Patients with deeper primary lesions (greater than 4 mm) or regional lymph node involvement have a high risk of relapse. High-dose alpha interferon-2b is the first agent to significantly affect the relapse-free survival of high-risk patients with melanoma in a large randomized, controlled trial. Knowledge of the stages of malignant melanoma, its treatments, the mechanism of action of interferon, and commonly experienced adverse events will contribute to the nurse's ability to manage the clinical problems patients with melanoma face.

Nursing management of patients with malignant melanoma receiving adjuvant alpha interferon-2b.

As the incidence of melanoma continues to increase, oncology nurses will be caring for more patients receiving adjuvant alpha interferon-2b. Managing the side effects from this therapy requires expert nursing care. The nurse's role throughout the year-long therapy is critical to ensure the patient's continued adherence to the treatment schedule.

Linnik microscope imaging of integrated circuit structures.

Experimental one-dimensional intensity and phase images of thick (>200 nm) oxide lines on silicon are presented together with profiles predicted from the waveguide model. Experimental results were obtained with a purpose-built Linnik interference microscope that makes use of phase-shifting interferometry for interferogram analysis. Profiles have been obtained for both TE and TM polarizations for a wide range of focal positions and in both bright-field [type 1(a)] scanning and confocal modes of microscope operation. The results show extremely good agreement despite several simplifying assumptions incorporated into the theoretical model to reduce computing times.