Resectability of small-cell lung cancer following induction chemotherapy in patients with limited disease (stage II-IIIb).

A prospective study of multimodality therapy was conducted incorporating adjuvant resection in patients who presented with limited small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This preliminary report addresses the resectability rate after induction chemotherapy. Twenty-five patients (1 with Stage II, 12 with Stage IIIa, and 12 with Stage IIIb disease) completed the induction regimen of 3 cycles of intravenous cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 on day 1, vincristine 2 mg on day 3, cisplatin 20 mg/m2 on days 1-3, and etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days 1-3, (every 3-4 weeks).

Reversible elevation of plasma CEA associated with iatrogenic unilateral hydronephrosis in a patient operated for colorectal cancer.

A patient is reported with progressively rising plasma levels of CEA in association with iatrogenic, unilateral hydronephrosis, subsequent to surgery for colorectal cancer. The CEA level returned to normal with spontaneous recovery of the hydronephrosis. The knowledge of this association should serve as an additional guideline when a "second-look" operation is being considered in colorectal cancer patients (who have been previously rendered free of disease by pelvic surgery) when plasma CEA begins to rise progressively.