[Specific features of toxicological profile of gemcitabine, an antitumour agent from the group of anti-metabolites].

Gemicitabine (2',2'-difluorodesoxycitidine) is a relatively new medicinal product from the group of anti-metabolites used as the first line therapy of pancreatic cancer, non-pulmonary cancer, and breast cancer. However, analysis of its toxicity spectrum revealed a large number of adverse events associated with the clinical application of this product. This fact is ascribed to the narrow range of therapeutic usages of this cytostatic preparation (from 25 mg/kg to 27 mg/kg).

Kinetic characteristics of biochemical parameters during consupren therapy after allogenic transplantation of the kidney.

Changes in biochemical and common clinical parameters of the blood were detected in patients treated with consupren (cyclosporin) as the main immunosuppressant after allogenic transplantation of the kidney. Kinetic model for evaluation of treatment adequacy was based on therapeutic drug monitoring and monitoring of blood biochemistry in recipients of the primary kidney transplant. The k1, t1/2, C0, clearance (for hemoglobin), conditioned volume of distribution (for cyclosporin) of processes of biochemical parameters (toxicity markers) stabilization within the framework of a single-part kinetic model were determined.

[Intraoperative infusion-transfusion therapy in pediatric surgical oncology].

Modern concept of intraoperative blood loss compensation differs crucially from the old rule to compensate the blood loss by donor blood in the same volume, which is explained by serious risks associated with blood transfusions. The parameters of infusion/transfusion therapy with 6% Infucol GEK are presented. The drug was used with good results in adults and children.

[Growth receptor factor and steroid hormones: their diagnostic value in differential diagnosis of neoplasms in children].

The distribution of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and receptors for steroid hormones--androgens (RA), estrogens (RE) and glucocorticoids (RG) was studied in malignant (MT) and benign (BT) tumors in children. The distribution and mean levels of some receptors in normal tissues were statistically different from those in MT and BT. The absence of RA and the high levels of RE > 20 fmol/mg protein and RG > 50 fmol/mg protein were typical of MT whereas BT might be characterized by the high levels of EGFR > 300 fmol/mg protein.

[Tyrosine metabolism, antioxidative system and free radical lipid oxidative processes in children with pigmented nevus and melanoma].

The plasma levels of tyrosine and the lipid peroxidation intermediate malonic dialdehyde (MDA) were measured in children with pigmental nevus and melanoma. They were found to have antioxidative protective failure. The presence of pigmental nevus predetermines the high incidence of tyrosine metabolic abnormalities.

[Significance of adjuvant radiotherapy in the surgical treatment of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer].

The study comprised 702 patients radically operated on for non-small cell cancer of the lung: surgery alone--351; radiation + surgery --110; (Eighty-seven patients of the latter group received an intensive course of radiation with a total target dose (TTD) of 20 Gy); surgery + fractionated radiation with TTD 50-55 Gy--195; radiation + surgery + radiation--46. No significant increase in overall or stage-related survival was registered for application of either modality as compared with controls. To establish indications for adjuvant radiotherapy, a prognostic factor study was undertaken using the regression model of Cox.

[Changes of lipid peroxidation parameters in children being treated for cancer].

Lipid peroxidation (LP) occurring in pediatric cancer patients receiving polychemotherapy has been investigated. Plasma level of malonic dialdehyde in children with retinoblastoma (Rtb) was found to drop while it remained unchanged in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The treatment caused different changes in the red cell catalase levels in said groups: the enzyme concentration increased in the Rtb patients in the course of therapy and decreased in the ALL group.

[Current methods in the diagnosis and therapy of lung cancer].

A 45-year experience of diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is presented. In groups at high risk of cancer, photoroentgenographic screening has proved effective. The use of out-patient complex pulmonologic examination serves to improve identification of central cancer.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of intensive preoperative irradiation of patients with lung cancer].

The study discusses the results of treatment in 118 radically operated lung cancer patients: surgery alone--66 and combined therapy including preoperative irradiation (4 Gy for 5 successive days, total focal dose--20 Gy)--52 cases. Radiation treatment did not significantly affect the patient's general condition, nor did it interfere with surgical procedure, increase operative blood loss or postoperative lethality. However, the postoperative complication rate was higher in the radiotherapy group (51.

[Congenital disorders of tyrosine metabolism and their correction in children with tumors].

The paper deals with the evaluation of quantitative indexes of urine excretion of tyrosine and its metabolites--highly carcinogenic p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid and homogentisic acid--in infants suffering various tumors and their parents. Also, the effect of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg body weight daily) on tyrosine metabolism was studied. The sick children and their parents showed increased urine excretion of tyrosine and p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid matched by a decrease in that of homogentisic acid.

[Pneumoscintigraphy for control over the state of the vascular bed and bronchi in lung cancer patients in the radiation treatment period].

The potentialities of pneumoscintigraphy (its perfusion and inhalation variants) were estimated to assess the state of the broncho-vascular system in 35 patients, subjected to radiotherapy for lung cancer. It was found that nearly all patients with bronchial cancer showed an impairment of the perfusion and ventilation which was dependent on tumor localization and the degree of its local-regional proliferation. Studies on the pulmonary blood flow and ventilation in these patients during radiation treatment have demonstrated in most of them restoration of the involved bronchus drainage function, while in a half of the patients, in whom some regression of the tumor process was revealed roentgenologically, no improvement of the perfusion was noted.

[Evaluation of the surgical and combined treatments of lung cancer].

Ninety six patients with lung cancer metastasizing in regional lymph nodes were clinically examined by randomization method. A half of these patients was subjected only to surgical treatment, the other half was given postoperative radiotherapy. The comparison of the results of the combined and solely surgical treatment of lung cancer patients indicated a greater survival in irradiated patients.