[Representation of tumor and organ contours by projection radiography--an important supplement to radiotherapeutic treatment planning]

A special program developed in collaboration with the manufacturer ot the computer tomograph Somatom DR3 allows to transfer organ or tumor shapes from the transverse computed tomography scan to the localization radiograph (projection radiography). Some typical examples are presented in order to describe the possibilities offered for radiotherapy planning by this method. The procedure may be applied in all cases where neoplasms have to be irradiated or to spared and where this is of a decisive importance for simulator planning.

[Adverse effects of curative radiotherapy of prostate cancer]

The side effects of primary percutaneous radiotherapy in 100 patients with prostatic cancer were evaluated and classified into different degrees of gravity. It was shown that especially chronic side effects are benign in most of all cases. Severe - but not vitally dangerous - complications in bladder and intestine are rare (3%); their percentage corresponds roughly to the average mortality rate of surgical intervention (radical prostatectomy). Contrary to operation, troubles of the sexual function appear only in one third of the patients. Taking into consideration the similar therapeutic results of surgical intervention and radiotherapy, radiotherapy is more favorable with respect to side effects. This essential aspect should be considered when making a decision whether to apply a surgical or a radiotherapeutic treatment treatment.

[Primary duodenal carcinoma. Clinico-radiologic study]

Primary carcinoma of the duodenum represents about 0.35% of all gastrointestinal carcinomas and is thus a rare disease. The radiological diagnosis of a duodenal origin is made more difficult by the close proximity of the pancreas, biliary system, right kidney and transverse colon. Histologically, duodenal malignant tumours are usually adenocarcinomas. Between 1973 and 1983, eight patients with primary duodenal carcinomas were diagnosed at the University of Tübingen. Average age of the patients was 67 years. There was no sex difference. Average survival was 3.3 years.

[Different stages of hyperostosis of the heads of the ribs in spondylosis hyperostotica]

Hyperostosis of the heads of the ribs represents a rare pattern and localization of spondylosis hyperostotica. The latter is combined with asymmetric extensions of the costovertebral surfaces, which are different from arthrotic alterations. A distinct preference is given to the upper glenoid surfaces. The scleroses of the heads of the ribs are also more pronounced in their cranial parts. Because of the pattern and different extent of the reported alterations a classification in five degrees of development and severity was possible.

Characterization of murine hepatoma BW7756. I. Selected biochemical properties of liver and hepatoma

Selected biochemical properties, based on hepatocellular function, were assessed in the mouse hepatoma BW7756 and host and/or normal mouse liver. These biochemical properties included (a) alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) production, (b) lipid composition, (c) isozyme patterns and enzyme activities, and (d) cyclic AMP levels. The tumor evidenced an exponential growth phase and vigorous production of AFP in the first 3 weeks following transplant. The concentration of AFP in the sera of tumor-bearing mice increases roughly with the growth of the hepatoma. The percentage of total lipid in the hepatoma was greater than in either normal or host liver; however, the liver displayed more phospholipid than the tumor, while more triglyceride was demonstrable in the hepatoma. Of the 17 isozyme patterns analyzed, seven--acid phosphatase, malate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, esterase, lactate dehydrogenase, and xanthine dehydrogenase--were different in the liver and the tumor. The cyclic AMP levels decreased in the tumor and the host spleen from day 10 to day 21; however, slight increases were noted in the tumor and host spleen and liver at day 28. These studies suggested 2--3 weeks posttransplantation as the optimal time for investigational use of this hepatoma.

[Electron therapy using wedge filters. I. Experimental studies using wedge filters made from polystyrol]

Based on dose measurements at the phantom, the dose distributions obtained during electron therapy by the use of wedge filters made of polystyrol are reported. Energy doses from 15 to 42 MeV were applied; angles of wedges amounted to 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees. Only by wedge-angles larger than 45 degrees, it was possible to bring about significant changes in the dose distribution. The results obtained are presented diagrammatically. The influence exerted by the wedge-angle and by electron energy upon the inclination of the 50%-isodose to the axis of the useful beam is shown by tables.