DNA minicircles capable of forming a variety of non-canonical structural motifs.

Although more than 10% of the human genome has the potential to fold into non-B DNA, the formation of non-canonical structural motifs as part of long dsDNA chains are usually considered as unfavorable from a thermodynamic point of view. However, recent experiments have confirmed that non-canonical motifs do exist and are non-randomly distributed in genomic DNA. This distribution is highly dependent not only on the DNA sequence but also on various other factors such as environmental conditions, DNA topology and the expression of specific cellular factors in different cell types.

[Reducing the risk of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with left breast tumor].

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women. Treatment with drugs and radiotherapy increases the incidence of late cardiovascular disease. It is therefore particularly important to protect the heart from radiation exposure.

Familial clustering of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a non-endemic geographical region. Report of two Hungarian cases and a review of the literature.

The aim of this study was to investigate the familial clustering of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a non-endemic geographical region on the basis of two case reports and a review of the literature. Following an upper respiratory infection, NPC (WHO type III) was detected in a 57-year-old female (Case 1) who presented with nasal symptoms and a year later in her 36-year-old son (Case 2) who presented with enlarged lymph nodes. After a full diagnostic work-up, cT2a cN0 cM0 (stage IIA; Case 1) and cT2a cN2 cM0 (stage III; Case 2) disease were identified, and telecobalt irradiation was administered to both patients.

Increased metabolic activity in the spinal cord of patients with long-standing Lhermitte's sign.

Purpose: To investigate the pathophysiology of the radiation-induced, chronic Lhermitte's sign (LS) on the basis of long-standing case histories with partial functional recovery.

Patients And Methods: As radiotherapy in two nasopharyngeal cancer patients, a biologically effective dose (BED) of 103.8 Gy(2) (case 1) and 94.

Reirradiation of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Purpose: To study the efficacy of reirradiation as salvage treatment in patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Patients And Methods: Between 1993 and 2000, 20 consecutive patients (twelve males and eight females) with nasopharyngeal cancer, previously irradiated in different Hungarian institutions, were reirradiated for biopsy-proven locally recurrent tumor. Histologically, 85% of the patients had WHO type III, 5% type II, and 10% type I disease.