Double high-dose therapy for Hodgkin's disease with dose-intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and cisplatin (DICEP) prior to high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation.

We previously reported a 50% (95% CI = 33-76%) 5 year event-free survival (EFS) rate for 23 patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) who received salvage therapy with single agent high-dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Predictors of poor outcome included bulky disease and initial remission <1 year. Since 1995, similar poor prognosis patients have been treated with double high-dose therapy consisting of dose-intensive cyclophosphamide 5.

Is primary CNS lymphoma really becoming more common? A population-based study of incidence, clinicopathological features and outcomes in Alberta from 1975 to 1996.

Background: The incidence of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is believed to be increasing in immunocompetent patients but this may not be universally true. The objective of this study was to determine in a population if the incidence of PCNSL is increasing, if the histologic subtypes are changing, and to describe the clinicopathologic and outcome characteristics of PCNSL.

Patients And Methods: We identified all Alberta residents with a histologic diagnosis of PCNSL from 1 January 1975 to 31 December 1996 using the Alberta Cancer Registry.

Single-agent high-dose melphalan salvage therapy for Hodgkin's disease: cost, safety, and long-term efficacy.

Background: Few data are available on the cost, safety, and long-term efficacy of single-agent high-dose melphalan (HDM) followed by autologous bone marrow (ABMT) or blood stem cell (ABSCT) transplantation in the salvage therapy of Hodgkin's disease (HD).

Patients And Methods: From February 1981 to September 1996, 23 patients with relapsed (n = 15) or refractory (n = 8) HD received salvage therapy with HDM 140-200 mg/m2 followed by non-cryopreserved ABMT (n = 18) or cryopreserved ABSCT (n = 5). The cost of HDM/ABSCT in 1996, from initial consultation until transfer back to referring physician, was determined and compared to the estimate costs of two multi-agent regimens commonly used for HD.

Simulation of irregularly shaped electron treatment fields using a digital camera.

The use of a digital camera to simulate irregularly shaped electron treatment fields was investigated. The simulation of electron treatment fields, drawn on patient's skin or shell, is required to fabricate cerrobend inserts for defining the beam apertures. The use of the digital camera made the procedure very easy and time efficient, which was essential for patient comfort as well.