Optimisation of isolation procedure for pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Rindera umbellata Bunge.

Procedure for isolation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) from Rindera umbellata Bunge plant species was optimised. Different extraction media (methanol, ethanol and sulphuric acid), concentration and volume of sulphuric acid, pH of PA solution for alkaline extraction, extraction time and techniques (maceration, ultrasonic and overhead rotary mixer assisted extraction) were investigated. The yields of six PAs (7-angeloyl heliotridane, 7-angeloyl heliotridine, lindelofine, 7-angeloyl rinderine, punctanecine and heliosupine) were monitored by GC-MS/FID.

A two-step reevaluation of high-dose amsacrine for advanced carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: a pilot phase II study.

Results of amsacrine studies in different solid tumors with a dose of 85 mg/m2/24 h x 1 quo 3 weeks have been, in general, disappointing. Although only a few patients with head and neck cancer have been included in broad phase II studies, several responses have been reported, but detailed data concerning responders are lacking. In the present study, amsacrine (Amsidil, Godecke-Parke Davis) was administered at an increased dose of 85 mg/m2/24 h x 3 (total dose per cycle 255 mg/m2) quo 3-4 weeks.

Randomised study of high-dose epirubicin versus high-dose epirubicin-cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

A randomised study was started in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas who received either epirubicin 60 mg/m2/24 h (total dose for cycle 180 mg/m2) days 1, 2 and 3, (group A) or epirubicin 60 mg/m2/24 h days 1, 2 and 3 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2/24 h days 2, 3, 4 and 5 (group B). The maximal number of cycles foreseen in both groups was eight. Cardiotoxicity of the regimens was monitored by serial LVEF determinations.

Richter syndrome with emphasis on large-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in previously unrecognized subclinical chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The authors report seven cases of Richter's syndrome, i.e. of large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) arising in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

[A pilot study of high-dose zorubicin in advanced stages of soft tissue sarcoma in adults].

High-dose anthracyclines, doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 and epirubicin 150-180 mg/m2, are the most active drugs in the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma. These dosages are associated with significant hematological toxicity for both drugs and a high risk of cardiotoxicity for doxorubicin. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the activity of zorubicin in advanced soft tissue sarcoma, with a dosage supposed to be equihematotoxic to epirubicin 180 mg/m2.