G2-checkpoint abrogation in irradiated lymphocytes: A new cytogenetic approach to assess individual radiosensitivity and predisposition to cancer.

Increased yield of chromatid breaks, following in vitro G2-phase lymphocyte irradiation, can be a marker of individual radiosensitivity and cancer predisposing genes whose role is to respond to DNA damage. Mutations or polymorphisms of genes encoding DNA repair pathways may underlie the increased chromosomal radiosensitivity. However, genes that facilitate DNA damage recognition, using signal transduction pathways to activate cell cycle arrest and preserve genomic integrity, are perhaps the most important determinant.

Increased G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity in cancer patients: the role of cdk1/cyclin-B activity level in the mechanisms involved.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that deficient DNA repair as measured by increased G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity results from up-regulation of cdk1/cyclinB and cell cycle control mechanisms during the G2 to M transition.

Materials And Methods: A total of 185 cancer patients and 25 normal individuals were tested for G2 chromosomal radiosensitivity. The chromatid breaks were analysed in metaphase using the G2 assay or directly in G0 and G2 phase using premature chromosome condensation (PCC).

Papanicolaou test of the nasopharynx in a radiotherapy department.

Radiotherapists are often asked to irradiate patients with metastases in lymph nodes in the cervical area from an unknown primary carcinoma. In our department we use indirect mirror examination, finger palpation and cytology of smears from the nasopharynx, in case the primary is located there. The same method is used before radiotherapy of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, during treatment and at their follow up examinations.

Comparison of skin erythemas under two different fractionation schemes.

This paper reports the results of a prospective clinical trial comparing 200 rads daily five times weekly for four weeks with 400 rads twice weekly for four weeks. Total dose in the first case was 4,000 rads and in the second 3,200 rads. Thirty patients threated palliatively for bronchial carcinoma are involved in this report.