In vitro cytotoxicity of novel platinum-based drugs and dichloroacetate against lung carcinoid cell lines.

Introduction: Chemotherapy for advanced well-differentiated carcinoids is characterised by low response rates and short duration of responses. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro activity of novel platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs in combination with dichloroacetate (DCA), a sensitiser to apoptosis, against lung carcinoid cell lines.

Methods: Three permanent cell lines (UMC-11, H727 and H835) were exposed to 14 different established cytotoxic drugs and the novel platinum-based compounds as satraplatin, JM118 and picoplatin in combination with DCA, and viability of the cells was measured using a tetrazoliumbased dye assay.

Closed suctioning system reduces cross-contamination between bronchial system and gastric juices.

In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluated whether a closed suctioning (CS) system (TrachCare) influences crossover contamination between bronchial system and gastric juices when compared with an open suctioning system (OS). The secondary aims were an analysis of the frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and an analysis of alteration in gas exchange. Antibiograms were performed from tracheal secretions and gastric juice aspirates on Days 1 and 3 of intubation in 24 patients in a medical intensive care unit.

Inhibition of platelet function by hydroxyethyl starch solutions in chronic pain patients undergoing peridural anesthesia.

The use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions as a fluid replacement before peridural blockade may compromise blood coagulation, thus increasing the risk of neuraxial bleeding. In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we compared the influence of HES 130 (molecular weight in kilodalton), HES 200, and lactated Ringer's solution on platelet function and hemodynamics in chronic low back pain patients scheduled for peridural blockades. Patients received 3 test infusions of 10 mL/kg each administered IV for 30 min.

Health-related quality of life outcomes after kidney transplantation.

With the improvements in short and long term graft and patient survival after renal transplantation over the last two decades Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is becoming an important additional outcome parameter. Global and disease specific instruments are available to evaluate objective and subjective QOL. Among the most popular global tools is the SF-36, examples of disease specific instruments are the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ), the Kidney Disease Questionnaire (KDQ) and the Kidney Disease-Quality of Life (KDQOL).

Rituximab for treatment of advanced extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

Background: Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a relatively common type of lymphoma. Owing to its B cell lineage, it appears to be a potential target for treatment with the CD20 antibody rituximab. We present an analysis of our experience with rituximab for treatment of patients with advanced MALT lymphoma.

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue of the head and neck area: high rate of disease recurrence following local therapy.

Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a distinct entity with specific clinical and pathologic features that may affect diverse organs. MALT-lymphomas remain localized within their original environment for a long period of time. As recent data have demonstrated a relatively high rate of multiorgan involvement at diagnosis, the authors have retrospectively evaluated 36 patients presenting with MALT-lymphoma in the head and neck area.

Comparison of spiral-computed tomography with water-filling of the stomach and endosonography for gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type.

Background: Endosonography has been reported as the method of choice for local staging of patients with gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type. As endosonography is still restricted to specialized centers, we have investigated the use of spiral computed tomography of the abdomen with water-filling of the stomach (hydro-spiral CT) for enhanced contrast in patients with gastric lymphoma.

Patients And Methods: Patients with a histological verified diagnosis of gastric lymphoma of MALT-type were included in this prospective series.

Treatment of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type with cladribine: a phase II study.

Purpose: As chemotherapy has not been extensively studied in patients with lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), we initiated a prospective study to evaluate the activity of the nucleoside analog cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine [2-CdA]) in this disease.

Patients And Methods: Patients with histologically verified MALT-type lymphoma were enrolled. 2-CdA was administered at a dose of 0.

Randomized phase II study of irinotecan plus mitomycin C vs. oxaliplatin plus mitomycin C in patients with advanced fluoropyrimidine/leucovorin-pretreated colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Irinotecan and oxaliplatin are two new agents with promising activity in advanced colorectal cancer. Based on preclinical and clinical evidence that both drugs might act synergistically with mitomycin C, a randomized study using a 'pick the winner' design was undertaken to determine the effectiveness and tolerance of these two combination schedules in patients with fluoropyrimidine/leucovorin-pretreated advanced colorectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Sixty-four patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, who progressed while receiving or within 6 months after discontinuing palliative chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidines/leucovorin were enrolled onto this study.

Randomized multicenter phase II trial of oxaliplatin plus irinotecan versus raltitrexed as first-line treatment in advanced colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Irinotecan and oxaliplatin are two new agents with promising activity in advanced colorectal cancer. Based on preclinical and clinical evidence that both drugs act synergistically, a randomized phase II study was initiated to investigate the therapeutic potential and tolerance of this combination in the front-line setting.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-two patients with previously untreated, measurable disease were randomized to receive biweekly oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) plus irinotecan 175 mg/m(2) or raltitrexed 3 mg/m(2) given on day 1 every 3 weeks.