[Ultradian variations of interleukin-1 beta concentration (IL-1 beta), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and soluble IL-2 receptors (RIL-2) in healthy volunteers humen].

The aim of this study consisted in underlining the concentrations' evolution in time of two cytokines: IL-1 beta and IFN-gamma, as well as that of RIL-2 (soluble receptor for IL-2), in healthy volunteers. Under normal physiological conditions, these molecules are secreted in small amounts, according to a sequential chronology. Thus, 25 blood samples were carried out from each of the four subjects included in the study, one every 20 minutes, during 8 hours.

Tumor-tissue and plasma concentrations of platinum during chemotherapy of non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

Tumor-tissue and plasma concentrations of platinum were studied prospectively in two groups of eight patients who were suffering from advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Treatments including two different schedules of cisplatin administration (25 vs 100 mg/m2 on day 1) were compared. At 30 min after the beginning of the cisplatin infusion, blood samples and bronchoscopically obtained biopsy specimens were taken for determinations of platinum concentrations by means of flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

The efficacy of granisetron as a prophylactic anti-emetic and intervention agent in high-dose cisplatin-induced emesis.

A single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 28 patients with malignant disease, naive to chemotherapy, receiving cisplatin at a mean dose in excess of 80 mg/m2. Patients were randomized into two groups, receiving either granisetron (40 micrograms/kg) or placebo. Patients in both groups who experienced symptoms of vomiting and nausea were given up to a further three 40 micrograms/kg doses of granisetron on an open-label basis, allowing the assessment of granisetron as an intervention anti-emetic in the placebo group.

[Prevention of cisplatin nephrotoxicity in cancer: adjusting the dosage with a computerized chrono-pump].

Platinum and its derivates are particularly efficient in treatment of ovarian and testis carcinomas. Nevertheless, the high nephrotoxicity of these drugs limits their use. It is known that nephrotoxicity appears when platinum plasmatic concentrations are higher than 1.