Use of topical misoprostol to reduce radiation-induced mucositis: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Radiation-induced mucositis is an acute reaction of the mucosa of patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. It can have debilitating and dose-limiting consequences. There is no consensus on an accepted intervention that significantly reduces its severity.

Percutaneous transthoracic duct catheterization to the neck and esophagus: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of inserting a drain catheter percutaneously from the cisterna chyli (CC) through the thoracic duct (TD) wall to the neck or esophagus for potential long-term T-cell sampling or drainage in acute or short-term experiments.

Materials And Methods: Percutaneous transabdominal catheterization of the TD from the CC was performed in four animals to insert a 65-cm, 21-gauge needle over a microguidewire. In two dogs, the distal TD was perforated into the neck to connect the TD drain to an access port.

Effect of nonanticoagulant heparin (Astenose) on restenosis after balloon angioplasty in the atherosclerotic rabbit.

Purpose: To determine whether intravenous administration of Astenose, a high-molecular-weight nonanticoagulant heparin, can reduce restenosis following balloon angioplasty in a rabbit model.

Materials And Methods: Focal atherosclerosis was induced in 54 rabbits (89 vessel), and angioplasty was performed after animals were randomized into five groups. Group 1 vessels (control) were treated with lactated Ringer solution for 28 days (n = 19); group 2, Astenose at 0.

Malignant spinal cord compression: a prospective evaluation.

Purpose: To determine the influence of treatment on ambulancy, pain control and functional outcome of patients with Malignant Spinal Cord Compression.

Methods And Materials: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with Malignant Spinal Cord Compression presenting or referred to the Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital between August 1, 1989 and August 1, 1990 were studied prospectively. Patients were treated with palliative radiation therapy alone, surgery followed by radiotherapy or surgery alone.