Food allergy in children: results of a standardized protocol for oral desensitization

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Food allergy in children is still an unresolved problem that merits investigation, particularly when the food is fundamental for the child's growth. Reports in the literature that deal with the possibility of a desensitizing treatment are sporadic and often inconsistent, and no standardized protocols are yet available. In this paper we propose a standardized oral desensitization program for food allergy in children.

METHODOLOGY

The treatment was carried out in 14 cases with allergy to food (milk in 6 cases, egg in 5, fish in 2 and apple in 1 case). The control group consisted of 10 age and sex matched allergic subjects (5 to milk, 4 to egg and 1 to fish), who underwent a strict elimination diet regimen.

RESULTS

Compliance to treatment was satisfactory, since 12 out of the 14 treated cases (85.7%) completed the program. Treatment was successful in 100% of the cases that completed the program: all the treated patients are now able to tolerate any food with no untoward effects or need for preventive drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed standardized oral desensitization treatment may represent a safe and convenient alternative in the management of food-allergic subjects.

Nasal lavage cytometry in the diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES)

The nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) is a type of chronic rhinitis, characterized by intense (> 20%) eosinophilia of the nasal secretions. In this study, screening for NARES in 81 patients with nonallergic chronic rhinitis was performed using a modified nasal lavage cytometric method. Twenty-one of the 81 investigated individuals (25.9%) showed nasal eosinophilia greater than 20%, therefore being diagnosed as having NARES. No statistical difference in total serum IgE concentration (Prist Pharmacia) was observed between the NARES subjects and those with other forms of chronic rhinitis, confirming the seemingly nonallergic nature of NARES. In 28.6% of these cases the presence of anosmia was detected: in 19.0% of cases with NARES (all subjects complaining of long-lasting symptoms and suffering from anosmia), nasal polyposis coexisted. Our results confirm that nasal lavage cytometry may represent a useful clinical tool in the diagnosis of chronic rhinitis.

Immunologic findings in Peyronie's disease: a controlled study

OBJECTIVES

Recent literature suggests the hypothesis of an immune etiology of Peyronie's disease. In this controlled study, the immune response pattern of the disease is investigated.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with Peyronie's disease and 20 age-matched controls were studied. In all patients, skin test (multitest), in vitro lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, G, and M, anti-DNA, antinuclear and anti-smooth muscle cell antibodies, C3 and C4 complement fractions, antistreptolysin, and C-reactive protein titers were evaluated.

RESULTS

A fair percentage (75.8%) of the patients with Peyronie's disease exhibited at least one abnormal immunologic test, in comparison to only 10% among controls (chi-square = 27.8, df = 1; P < 0.0001). Alterations of cell-mediated immunity (multitest, LTT) were observed in 48.5% of patients, alterations of humoral immunity (Ig) in 31.8%, and alterations of markers of autoimmune disorders (autoantibodies, complement activation) in 37.9% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that there is some involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease, although the available data still appear to be insufficient to formulate a definite pathogenetic hypothesis.

Interleukin-15 triggers activation and growth of the CD8 T-cell pool in extravascular tissues of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The impairment of interleukin-2 (IL-2) production occurs very early after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as a consequence of the quantitative depletion of Th1 cells. Despite the shift in cytokine production, most individuals develop an oligoclonal expansion of major histocompatibility complex restricted, HIV-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in different organs, suggesting that other cytokines replace IL-2 in initiating the tissue infiltration of CD8+ T cells. In this study we show that IL-15, a product of monocyte-macrophages and non-T cells and which has overlapping biological activities with IL-2, is involved in local cell networks accounting for the activation and expansion of CD8+ T-cell pools in a highly affected organ, ie, the lung. IL-15 induced proliferation of T cells obtained from the lower respiratory tract of HIV-infected patients with T-cell alveolitis and severe depletion of CD4+ T cells. Lung lymphocytes were CD45R0+/CD8+ T cells spontaneously expressing activation markers (CD69 and HLA-DR) and equipped with the receptorial subunits which bind IL-15, notably the beta and gamma chains of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and the recently identified IL-15 binding-protein termed IL-15R alpha. Similar phenotypic findings were obtained after incubation of normal T cells with IL-15, which induced CD8+ T cells to express activation markers and to proliferate. The block of the IL-2R beta/IL-2R gamma complex with specific monoclonal antibodies abolished the T-cell stimulatory activity of IL-15 while the combination of IL-15 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha upregulated the proliferative response of lung T lymphocytes. The hypothesis that the tissue growth of lung CD8+ lymphocytes may involve cytokines produced from cells other than T lymphocytes was confirmed by the evidence that pulmonary macrophages expressed high levels of IL-15 and that anti-IL-15 antibodies inhibited the accessory function of alveolar macrophages on mitogen-induced CD8+ T-cell proliferation. Together, these results suggest that macrophage-derived cytokines produced at sites of T-cell infiltration play a role in the activation of HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell-mediated immune response.

Interleukin-15 triggers the proliferation and cytotoxicity of granular lymphocytes in patients with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes

The recently cloned cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) shares several functional activities with IL-2 in different cell systems. Although IL-15 does not show sequence homology with IL-2, it uses components of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) for binding and signal transduction, namely, p75 (beta) and the p64 (gamma) chains of IL-2R. To evaluate whether IL-15 is involved in the activation of granular lymphocytes (GL) in patients with lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGL), we evaluated the ability of IL-15 to stimulate GL proliferation, cytotoxic function, and the role of IL-2R beta and gamma molecules on relevant cells. Our results show that IL-15 stimulates cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity of GL in LDGL patients. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and phenotypic analyses using the anti-IL-2R gamma-chain-specific TUGh4 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) indicate that both CD3+ and CD3- GL express the p64 IL-2R, a result previously unknown. IL-15 activity was inhibited by antibodies against p75 and p64 IL-2R chains, while no inhibitory effects are detectable with anti-p55 IL-2R antibody. The association of anti-p75 and anti-p64 IL-2R MoAbs resulted in a nearly complete (95%) inhibition of IL-15-induced GL proliferation. Using RT-PCR analysis, we demonstrated that highly purified CD3+ and CD3- GL did not express mRNA for IL-15 or IL-2. By contrast, a clear-cut IL-15 mRNA signal was detected by RT-PCR in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with monocytes likely accounting for the source of IL-15 in LDGL patients. However, even in concentrated supernatants from enriched monocyte populations, we could not demonstrate the presence of IL-15 protein. Using anti-IL-15 specific MoAbs, a membrane-bound form of this cytokine was demonstrated both on CD3+ and CD3- LDGL cells. By RT-PCR analysis, purified GL from these patients were found to express the message for IL-15 receptor alpha chain. Taken together, these results indicate that both CD3+ and CD3- GL are stimulated by IL-15 and that this cytokine mediates its activity through the beta and gamma chains of the IL-2R, providing further suggestions for the interpretation of the mechanisms that lead to cell expansion in patients with LDGL.

The CD5/CD72 receptor system is coexpressed with several functionally relevant counterstructures on human B cells and delivers a critical signaling activity

The CD5 molecule is expressed on T cells and, at a lower density, on a minor B cell subset (CD5+ B cells). The pan-B Ag CD72 was recently identified as the CD5 counterstructure, and several data suggest the involvement of this ligand pair in T-B cell cognate interaction. However, the functional role of CD5 and CD72 molecules within the B cell compartment is still unknown. In this work we studied umbilical cord blood CD5+ B cells (B-1a), adult splenic CD5- B cells (B-2), and CD5+ B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Flow cytometry analysis and proliferation assays were used to determine 1) the ability of B-1a and B-2 cells to coexpress functionally relevant counterligands other than CD5 and CD72, and 2) the signaling capacity of CD5 and CD72 in terms of B cell activation and proliferation. To this purpose, freshly isolated or preactivated normal and neoplastic B cells were cultured with agonistic anti-CD5 or anti-CD72 mAbs in the presence or the absence of cytokines equipped with B cell activity. Our data demonstrate that CD5 and CD72 molecules are coexpressed with other ligand pairs usually involved in T-B cell cognate interaction on B-1a cells, but not on B-2 cells. CD5 and/or CD72 engagement delivers critical costimulatory signals in B-1a, B-2, and B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but with different requirements and patterns. Besides suggesting the potential involvement of B-1a lymphocytes in B-B cell interactions during T-independent B cell responses, our results indicate that CD5 and CD72 counterstructures play a functional role in the B cell compartment.

The CD5/CD72 receptor system is coexpressed with several functionally relevant counterstructures on human B cells and delivers a critical signaling activity

The CD5 molecule is expressed on T cells and, at a lower density, on a minor B cell subset (CD5+ B cells). The pan-B Ag CD72 was recently identified as the CD5 counterstructure, and several data suggest the involvement of this ligand pair in T-B cell cognate interaction. However, the functional role of CD5 and CD72 molecules within the B cell compartment is still unknown. In this work we studied umbilical cord blood CD5+ B cells (B-1a), adult splenic CD5- B cells (B-2), and CD5+ B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Flow cytometry analysis and proliferation assays were used to determine 1) the ability of B-1a and B-2 cells to coexpress functionally relevant counterligands other than CD5 and CD72, and 2) the signaling capacity of CD5 and CD72 in terms of B cell activation and proliferation. To this purpose, freshly isolated or preactivated normal and neoplastic B cells were cultured with agonistic anti-CD5 or anti-CD72 mAbs in the presence or the absence of cytokines equipped with B cell activity. Our data demonstrate that CD5 and CD72 molecules are coexpressed with other ligand pairs usually involved in T-B cell cognate interaction on B-1a cells, but not on B-2 cells. CD5 and/or CD72 engagement delivers critical costimulatory signals in B-1a, B-2, and B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but with different requirements and patterns. Besides suggesting the potential involvement of B-1a lymphocytes in B-B cell interactions during T-independent B cell responses, our results indicate that CD5 and CD72 counterstructures play a functional role in the B cell compartment.

Skewing of the T-cell receptor repertoire in the lung of patients with HIV-1 infection

OBJECTIVES

A bias of the use of T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta regions has been reported both in peripheral blood and in several tissues in patients with AIDS, including lymph nodes, spleen and salivary glands. Although the disease is frequently characterized by an infiltration of T cells in the lung interstitium, no information is presently available on the configuration of the TCR repertoire in this microenvironment. This study was performed to address the question of whether a bias in T-cell selection occurs in the lung of patients with AIDS.

METHODS

TCR beta-chain variable region (TCR-V beta) repertoire was analysed by flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses in blood and lung lymphocytes of 13 patients with HIV-1 infection at different stages of the disease. Blood and lung lymphocytes were also assessed for their responsiveness to different superantigenic stimuli represented by staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEA, SEB, SEC1, SEC2, SED and SEE).

RESULTS

Flow cytometry analysis in AIDS patients demonstrated an overexpression of cells bearing V beta 2 and V beta 3 gene segments in the lung compared with peripheral blood of the same subjects, as well as to lung and blood lymphocytes of normal controls. PCR analysis performed in AIDS patients extended these observations and demonstrated a significant bias also in the use of T cells bearing V beta 7 and V beta 9 gene regions in the lung compartment with respect to the blood. Virtually all T cells bearing the overrepresented V beta segment belong to the CD8 subset. Interestingly, T-lymphocyte response to different superantigens demonstrated a low proliferative rate in the lung with respect to the blood in HIV-1-infected patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate a compartmentalization of cells bearing discrete V beta gene products in the pulmonary microenvironment of patients with AIDS and suggest that the expansion of specific-V beta region subsets occurring in the lung might result from triggering by a superantigen.

[Therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of class T1N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis: indications and limitations]

At INT of Milan between 1964 and 1990, 204 consecutive native patients suffering from penile cancer have been treated. 101 (59%) patients out of 171 with invasive cancer (23 affected with Tis were excluded) have been classified T1N0M0. 74 patients have been treated with penis conserving methods, such as circumcision, radiotherapy, laser excision and primary chemotherapy + conserving surgery. Overall local failure and/or nodal relapses occurred in 27% (20/74). Relapses are significantly related with grading but there isn't any relationship with macroscopical aspect or size of the tumor. The conservative treatment had been possible in 80% of patients. In our experience T1N0 clinical stage conservative therapy does not worsen the prognosis.

Positive allergological tests may turn negative with no further exposure to the specific allergen: a long-term, prospective, follow-up study in patients allergic to penicillin

Preliminary literature reports suggest the possibility that, in an allergic patient, a previously positive allergological test may turn negative after a long period of time with no further exposure to the specific allergen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate by which a previously positive skin test or RAST may turn negative in a group of patients allergic to penicillin if no further exposure to the specific allergen occurs. Sixty-three patients allergic to penicillin (48 with type I allergy and 15 with type IV allergy) were enrolled in a long-term, prospective, follow-up study, undergoing a successive complete allergological testing within 6 years of the first positive examination. During the follow-up period, skin tests progressively became negative in 28 (58.3%) type I allergic patients and in only one (6.7%) subject with type IV allergy. Similarly, the positive RAST turned negative in as many as 13 subjects (43.3% of cases). The cumulative skin test positivity (type I allergy) was significantly lower than that of patch tests (type IV allergy) (chi 2 = 10.4; d.f. = 1; p < 0.005, Logrank test). No significant difference in the progressive rate of decrease in skin test and RAST cumulative positivity was observed in the 30 patients showing both RAST and skin test positivity on entering the follow-up study. Our results provide strong evidence that a positive allergological test performed in a drug-allergic patient may become negative with time, in the absence of further exposure to the specific antigen. A negative allergological test cannot, therefore, rule out the immunological basis of a drug sensitivity. This is why we always suggest advising patients with a personal history of drug hypersensitivity against any further administration of the responsible drug, even in the presence of a completely negative allergological examination.

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-receptor superfamily members by lung T lymphocytes in interstitial lung disease

Recently, a novel receptor superfamily has been identified whose members interact with a parallel family of ligands showing homology to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To investigate the role of these receptor structures in the pulmonary environment, we evaluated the expression of some members of the TNF-receptor (CD27, CD30, CD40, CD95/Fas, CD120a, and CD120b) and TNF-ligand (CD40L, CD70/CD27L, CD30L, and mTNFalpha) superfamilies by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) T cells recovered from healthy subjects and patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Lung T lymphocytes recovered from control subjects showed a slight expression of CD27 but did not bear CD30, CD40, CD120a, or CD120b antigens. CD27 expression was restricted to normal CD4+ cells. Fas antigen (CD95), which is involved in activation-driven T-cell suicide, and the ligand for CD27 (CD70) were weakly expressed by normal BAL T-cell subpopulations. In patients with sarcoidosis, the majority of pulmonary T lymphocytes were CD4+ cells that expressed low levels of CD27 antigen and an upregulation of CD95 and CD70 molecules. When we characterized lymphocytes accumulating in the lung of patients with HIV infection and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, we demonstrated that T cells accounting for the CD8 alveolitis bore TNF-receptor type 2 (CD120b) at high density and were CD70+ while CD40L, CD30L, or mTNF-alpha expression were not found. The discrete surface expression of the TNF-receptors and TNF-ligands on alveolar T-cell subsets suggests that these molecules play a role in the immune regulatory mechanisms that ultimately lead to the alveolitis in the pulmonary microenvironment of interstitial lung disease.

Analysis of the T cell receptor in the lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes: superantigen activation of clonal CD3+ granular lymphocytes

To investigate whether cell populations in CD3+ lymphoproliferative disease of granular lymphocytes (LDGLs) were skewed toward the use of specific V beta regions, we studied the repertoire of T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta gene products in 18 patients, as well as their relationship to the clonal bands in the Southern blot and the activation mediated by superantigens. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for conserved V beta segments and PCR, a dominant population expressing a specific V beta region was demonstrated in all patients. In five (27%) cases, granular lymphocytes (GLs) were found to express the V beta 13.1, while V beta 8 and V beta 6 were each expressed in three (17%) cases. The remaining cases were characterized by the proliferation of TCR V beta 2, V beta 3, V beta 4, V beta 9, V beta 12, V beta 16, and V beta 20. This finding indicates a biased usage of a limited TCR V beta in LDGLs, since nearly 60% of the cases utilized only three families of the TCR V beta genes. In all of the cases studied, we proved that the subset recognized by mAb and PCR was identical to that accounting for the extra band(s) of the Southern blot. This finding confirms the clonal nature of the population identified according to TCR V beta expression both by phenotype and PCR. On functional grounds, we evaluated whether GLs can be activated through the specific TCR using the superantigens recognizing discrete V beta families, such as staphylococcal proteins, including SEA, SEB, SEC1, SEC2, SED, and SEE. We demonstrated that the TCR-alpha/beta of clonal GLs in LDGL patients is functionally active in delivering cytotoxic and proliferative signals upon superantigen activation.

Reduced serum levels of immunoreactive erythropoietin in patients with cirrhosis and chronic anemia

Chronic anemia is frequently observed in patients affected by cirrhosis. To investigate the possible role of erythropoietin (Epo) in the pathogenesis of anemia in cirrhosis, we measured the immunoreactive Epo levels and the respective hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in 48 anemic and nonanemic cirrhotic patients and in a control group of healthy subjects and patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Epo concentrations were determined in serum using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay. The regression curve between Epo values and Hb concentrations showed a significant inverse exponential trend both in cirrhotic patients (r = -.55; P < .0001) and controls (r = -.92; P < .0001). In a semilogarithmic plot, the line slope obtained in cirrhotic patients was significantly lower (P < .005) than that of controls, suggesting a blunt Epo response to anemia in cirrhosis. Moreover, covariance analysis showed that the Epo levels for a given degree of anemia were further reduced in the patients with a more severe disease, suggesting a close relation between cirrhosis and the mechanisms involved in the derangement of the Epo feedback system. Finally, the Epo concentrations measured in the cirrhotic patients without anemia did not significantly differ from Epo values obtained in healthy subjects. An impaired Epo response may play a role in maintaining low Hb concentrations in cirrhotic patients with anemia. However, the evidence of a residual Epo response to anemia in cirrhosis and the presence of normal basal Epo levels in nonanemic cirrhotic patients do not support an inadequate Epo secretion as one of the primary causes of anemia in cirrhosis.

Reduced serum levels of immunoreactive erythropoietin in patients with cirrhosis and chronic anemia

Chronic anemia is frequently observed in patients affected by cirrhosis. To investigate the possible role of erythropoietin (Epo) in the pathogenesis of anemia in cirrhosis, we measured the immunoreactive Epo levels and the respective hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in 48 anemic and nonanemic cirrhotic patients and in a control group of healthy subjects and patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Epo concentrations were determined in serum using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay. The regression curve between Epo values and Hb concentrations showed a significant inverse exponential trend both in cirrhotic patients (r = -.55; P < .0001) and controls (r = -.92; P < .0001). In a semilogarithmic plot, the line slope obtained in cirrhotic patients was significantly lower (P < .005) than that of controls, suggesting a blunt Epo response to anemia in cirrhosis. Moreover, covariance analysis showed that the Epo levels for a given degree of anemia were further reduced in the patients with a more severe disease, suggesting a close relation between cirrhosis and the mechanisms involved in the derangement of the Epo feedback system. Finally, the Epo concentrations measured in the cirrhotic patients without anemia did not significantly differ from Epo values obtained in healthy subjects. An impaired Epo response may play a role in maintaining low Hb concentrations in cirrhotic patients with anemia. However, the evidence of a residual Epo response to anemia in cirrhosis and the presence of normal basal Epo levels in nonanemic cirrhotic patients do not support an inadequate Epo secretion as one of the primary causes of anemia in cirrhosis.

Ascites free-water dynamics in decompensated cirrhosis: effects of acute and chronic frusemide treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of acute (60 mg intravenous bolus) and protracted (75 mg per day orally for 1 week) frusemide administration on ascites volume, free-water peritoneal clearance (FWPC), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and body weight in 30 decompensated cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

Individual ascites volume and FWPC were estimated by means of a previously validated methylene-blue dilution test.

RESULTS

All the investigated parameters showed a significant reduction after the protracted diuretic treatment (ascites volume 9.0 +/- 1.0 to 4.9 +/- 0.61, P < 0.001; FWPC 99.8 +/- 6.7 to 76.2 +/- 6.6 ml/min, P < 0.001; IAP 17.0 +/- 1.5 to 11.3 +/- 0.8 cmH2O, P < 0.001; body weight 75.2 +/- 1.9 to 66.3 +/- 1.8 kg, P < 0.001). A significant FWPC reduction (89.5 +/- 14.6 to 68.8 +/- 12.1 ml/min, P < 0.02) was also observed after the acute frusemide administration in the absence of any appreciable modifications to ascites volumes and IAP.

CONCLUSION

Frusemide treatment appears to be able to exert a direct significant effect on FWPC, which does not appear to be mediated by ascites volume or IAP modifications.

Expression of TNF receptors by T cells and membrane TNF-alpha by alveolar macrophages suggests a role for TNF-alpha in the regulation of the local immune responses in the lung of HIV-1-infected patients

High amounts of TNF-alpha are released by alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the lungs of patients with HIV-1 infection. To investigate the role of this cytokine in the local immune response, we studied the expression of surface receptors for TNF-alpha (TNF-Rs) and the presence of the transmembrane form of TNF-alpha (mTNF-alpha) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells recovered from 14 patients with HIV-1 infection. The role of TNF-alpha both in the events leading to the T cell alveolitis and as a mediator of cytotoxicity was also evaluated. TNF-R expression was determined by flow cytometry on BAL CD8 lymphocytes and AMs (i.e., the cells that account for the alveolitis in HIV-1 infection). We found that CD8 cells express the 75-kDa (CD120a) but not the 55-kDa (CD120a) TNF-Rs, whereas AMs were devoid of TNF-R expression. More than 90% of BAL T cells efficiently bound TNF-alpha; when T cells were tested for their proliferative capacity, an up-regulation of the IL-2-mediated proliferation by TNF-alpha was observed, suggesting that this cytokine may drive the in situ proliferation of CD120b+ T cells. As shown by flow cytometry analysis and immunoprecipitation with anti-TNF-alpha Ab, mTNF-alpha expression was observed on AMs but not on alveolar T cells. Fixed AMs showed high levels of killing against TNF-sensitive targets. Taken together, our data demonstrate the selective expression of TNF-Rs and mTNF-alpha on cells accumulating within the alveolar spaces of patients with HIV-1 infection, pointing to the compound role of TNF-alpha in the local immune responses.

Expression of TNF receptors by T cells and membrane TNF-alpha by alveolar macrophages suggests a role for TNF-alpha in the regulation of the local immune responses in the lung of HIV-1-infected patients

High amounts of TNF-alpha are released by alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the lungs of patients with HIV-1 infection. To investigate the role of this cytokine in the local immune response, we studied the expression of surface receptors for TNF-alpha (TNF-Rs) and the presence of the transmembrane form of TNF-alpha (mTNF-alpha) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells recovered from 14 patients with HIV-1 infection. The role of TNF-alpha both in the events leading to the T cell alveolitis and as a mediator of cytotoxicity was also evaluated. TNF-R expression was determined by flow cytometry on BAL CD8 lymphocytes and AMs (i.e., the cells that account for the alveolitis in HIV-1 infection). We found that CD8 cells express the 75-kDa (CD120a) but not the 55-kDa (CD120a) TNF-Rs, whereas AMs were devoid of TNF-R expression. More than 90% of BAL T cells efficiently bound TNF-alpha; when T cells were tested for their proliferative capacity, an up-regulation of the IL-2-mediated proliferation by TNF-alpha was observed, suggesting that this cytokine may drive the in situ proliferation of CD120b+ T cells. As shown by flow cytometry analysis and immunoprecipitation with anti-TNF-alpha Ab, mTNF-alpha expression was observed on AMs but not on alveolar T cells. Fixed AMs showed high levels of killing against TNF-sensitive targets. Taken together, our data demonstrate the selective expression of TNF-Rs and mTNF-alpha on cells accumulating within the alveolar spaces of patients with HIV-1 infection, pointing to the compound role of TNF-alpha in the local immune responses.

Independent expression of p55 and p75 interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) during intravenous or subcutaneous administration of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) by T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells

BACKGROUND

The effects of immunotherapy with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) on peripheral blood lymphocytes have been a matter of debate. In this study the authors addressed the issue of the biologic effects of two different schedules of rIL-2 administration (i.e., continuous intravenous infusion versus subcutaneous injection) on the expression of the p55 and p75 chains of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R).

METHODS

Sixteen patients were studied: 6 patients with a previous diagnosis of acute leukemia entered the study at least +60 days (+63(-)+144 days) after autologous bone marrow transplantation and were treated with continuous rIL-2 infusion; 10 patients with advanced metastatic renal cancer were treated with subcutaneous rIL-2 therapy. In both groups of patients, therapy consisted of two cycles of 5-day rIL-2, and immunologic evaluation was performed two days after completion of the second cycle.

RESULTS

Intravenous treatment was associated with a marked increase in CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells expressing the p75 but lacking the p55 IL-2R; however, the absolute number of CD3+ lymphocytes was unchanged, and they showed a low or absent expression of the p55 and negativity for the p75 IL-2R. After subcutaneous rIL-2 therapy, a slight increase in the percentage of NK cells expressing only the p75 IL-2R was shown. CD3+ lymphocytes still retained the p75 IL-2R negative phenotype, however, with a significant increase (> 15%) in p55 IL-2R expression. The absolute number of CD3+ lymphocytes was also significantly increased. Functional tests on the purified CD3+ population indicate that these cells exhibited low values of cytotoxic and proliferative activities in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' data point out that subcutaneous administration of rIL-2 during a 2-week period is associated with a marked increase in T-cells that bear the low affinity p55 IL-2R. These findings could be relevant considering the independent role of lymphokine modulation mediated by the p55 and p75 IL-2R on T- and NK cells.

The intraabdominal pressure in decompensated cirrhosis: relationship with ascites volume and turn-over

The values of the intraabdominal pressure (IAP) were determined in 23 subjects with decompensated cirrhosis, both in basal conditions and after diuretic treatment (furosemide 75 mg/day orally for one week). In order to investigate the role of IAP in the regulation of ascites turn-over, ascites volume and free-water peritoneal clearance (FWPC) were estimated in the same patients by means of a methylene-blue dilution method. In wash-out conditions, no linear correlation was found between IAP and the values of ascites volume or FWPC. After diuretic treatment, we observed a significant reduction of ascites volumes (from 9.0 +/- 0.98 to 4.9 +/- 0.6 litres; p < 0.0005), IAP (from 17.5 +/- 1.3 to 11.3 +/- 0.8 cmH2O; p < 0.0005) and FWPC (from 99.8 +/- 6.7 to 76.2 +/- 6.6 ml/min; p < 0.001). In this situation, IAP values showed a significant linear correlation both with ascites volumes and clearances. These results may be due to the different weight of the two components of total IAP (hydrostatic pressure and abdominal tension): in the untreated patients (with larger ascites volumes) a considerable amount of the total IAP originates from the abdominal tension, and the correlation between IAP and ascites volumes or turn-over is biased. In the treated subjects (with lower ascites volumes) the tension component is minimal, and the correlation is resumed.

Functional role of IL-2 receptors on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes

This study was undertaken to investigate the pathways involved in the interleukin 2 (IL-2)-driven growth of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). For this purpose, TIL lines and freshly isolated TILs obtained from 16 patients with solid cancer (three melanoma, seven primary colorectal carcinoma, four hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer and two lung cancer) were evaluated for (a) expression of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) both at the RNA level and on the cell surface by flow cytometric analysis and (b) their proliferative activity in response to IL-2 and the role of IL-2R subunits in the IL-2-driven TIL growth. Northern blot analysis showed that TILs express a strong message for both the p55 and the p75 IL-2R. Accordingly, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that TILs bear both IL-2R chains. TILs cultured in vitro in the presence of rIL-2 were able to proliferate in response to different concentrations of this cytokine. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specifically recognising the p55 and p75 IL-2R chains (anti-Tac and TU27 respectively) exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on IL-2-driven growth when added individually or in appropriate combinations. Our results demonstrated that TILs are equipped with a fully functional IL-2 receptor system, thus suggesting the involvement of this structure in the activation and expansion of TILs following immunotherapy with IL-2.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors on human blood mononuclear cells are not regulated by ovarian steroids

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (pBZr) have been shown to be sensitive to hormonal perturbations, including changes in ovarian steroids. This study examines whether estradiol and progesterone modulate pBZr binding in membranes of human blood mononuclear cells, as measured by binding of both 3H-PK 11195 and 3H-Ro 5-4864. Our findings were negative. There was no steroidal modulation of pBZr binding to these membrane preparations in vivo in normal women studied at different sex-steroid phases of the menstrual cycle, or during 8-30 weeks of pregnancy. There was also no effect of hormones on the binding sites in cultures of mononuclear cells treated with estradiol or progesterone (up to 10(-5) M) over a period between 2 and 72 h. Further, we performed in vitro competition experiments, which showed that both steroids are not active at the pBZr. Our data suggest that pBZr located in human blood mononuclear cells are insensitive to the physiological variations of circulating female hormones.

Chemioterapia M-VAC intensificata nelle neoplasie uroteliali avanzate

From 1990 to 1992, 15 patients with advanced transitional cell cancer, previously untreated with chemotherapy, were treated with intensified M-VAC: methotrexate 30 mg/m2 day 1 and 15, vinblastine 3 mg/m2 day 2 and 15, adriamycin 30 mg/m2 and cisplatin 100 mg/m2 days 2→5 for a maximum of 4 cycles. Non-responders to the first 2 cycles of therapy were excluded; the partial-responder patients underwent surgical treatment of the residual disease, whenever possible. Three complete responses (20%) and 11 partial responses (73%) were observed. This regimen showed apparent benefit over classic M-VAC.

Biological markers in transurethral biopsies from bladder-cancer - preliminary-results

A biologic profile including proliferative.activity, evaluated as H-3-thymidine labeling index (H-3-dT LI), DNA ploidy, p53 tumor-suppressor gene and P-glycoprotein (P-170), as an expression of the multidrug resistance gene, was defined for 50 primary transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. H-3-dT LI was evaluated by autoradiography on histologic sections after incubation of fresh tumor biopsies with H-3-thymidine. Ploidy was defined by flow cytometric analysis of DNA content on nuclei suspensions obtained from frozen material. Expression of p53 protein and P-170 glycoprotein was detected by immunohistochemistry using the PAb1801 and C219 monoclonal antibody respectively, on sections from paraffin-embedded tumor biopsies. Invasive tumors showed a higher median H-3-dT LI (12.7% vs 4.2%) and a higher frequency of aneuploidy (73% vs 43%) and more frequently expressed p53 (82% vs 36%) than superficial tumors. Further analysis showed that proliferative activity was higher in invasive than in superficial cancers only in p53-positive or aneuploid tumors and not in p53-negative or diploid tumors. Moreover, proliferative activity and p53 overexpression, but not ploidy, were directly related to histologic grading and tumor stage. Generally, P-170 was not significantly related to any biologic or clinico-pathologic factor. Kinetic and phenotypic biologic markers are differently related to clinico-pathologic factors. A panel of biologic features can be easily evaluated on small transurethral biopsies at diagnosis, during endocavitary treatment or follow-up in bladder cancer patients.

[A probabilistic approach to the natural course of liver cirrhosis: a model of interactive simulation]

We propose a computerized mathematical model of the natural history of patients with liver cirrhosis in order to investigate the relationships between the various events that characterize the clinical course of the disease. By means of a rigorously probabilistic approach, the stimulation exposes each hypothetical patient to a series of risks of significant clinical events; whether or not these events occur is determined by preestablished probabilities. Analysis of the effects of arbitrary modifications of these theoretical risks provides useful information on the prospective relevance of the clinical events examined. For example, we compared the simulated follow-up of a population of control cirrhotic subjects with follow-ups of patient groups in whom different degrees of reduction of the risk for gastroesophageal bleeding were postulated on the basis of hypothetical primary or secondary prophylaxis. Our data confirm that the size of the investigated population strongly influences the threshold level of the bleeding-risk reduction able to determine a significant improvement in overall survival. In fact, in large populations (a 6 year follow-up of 3000 cirrhotic subjects), the threshold level was 25% (primary risk) and 45% (secondary risk) with respect to control subjects, while in more limited populations (300 subjects) even a 100% risk-reduction does not seem sufficient to bring about significant improvement in overall survival. Our data may help to explain the different results of controlled trials found in the literature; in fact, only the conclusions arrived at through meta-analysis procedures in large populations have been confirmed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Interferon and vinblastine in presumably operable metastases of renal carcinoma]

From January 1987 to December 1990, 14 consecutive patients with resectable metastases from renal cell carcinoma, underwent 3 cycles of preoperative alpha-2a Interferon (INF), 18 MUI s.c. 3 times a week, and Vinblastine (VLB), 0.15 mg/kg on day 1, every 21, days. Out of the 13 patients who completed the treatment, 4 (30.7%) achieved a clinical response (1 CR and 3 PR). Nine (69.3%) patients were submitted to surgery: all, including the CRer, had residual cancer and only 4 were radically resected. The latter were further submitted to 3 INF and VLB cycles: 2 relapsed after 7 and respectively 30 months, whilst 2 (15.4%) are alive disease-free at 12 and 52 months respectively.

Ascites dynamics in cirrhosis. Proposal and validation of a methylene blue dilution test

In order to investigate ascites dynamics, we examined a simple compartmental model based on the analysis of the peritoneal clearance rate of methylene blue in 58 patients with cirrhosis and ascites. After abdominal injection of 10-50 mg methylene blue, the ascitic concentration of the dye progressively decreased, following an exponential trend. The dye distribution volume (7.1 + 0.61, mean + SE) and its peritoneal clearance (87.6 + 5.0 ml/min) were determined by mathematical analysis. The accuracy of volume determinations was controlled in 5 subjects by total paracenteses. In 6 patients, methylene blue clearances were also compared with free-water peritoneal clearances, estimated by a deuterium oxide dilution technique. The decrease in the ascitic concentrations of both tracers followed a corresponding exponential decay in all patients, and the parameters of ascites dynamics determined by the two techniques (peritoneal volumes and clearance values) showed no statistical difference. We therefore suggest the use of the methylene blue dilution test to estimate free-water transperitoneal dynamics, which may be useful in the evaluation and control of cirrhotic patients with ascites.

Vacuolar chitinases of tobacco: a new class of hydroxyproline-containing proteins

The fungicidal type I chitinases contribute to the defense response of plants against pathogens. Two tobacco chitinases represent a different class of hydroxyproline-containing proteins. Hydroxyproline-rich proteins are predominantly extracellular, structural glycoproteins proteins that lack enzymatic activity and contain many hydroxyproline residues. In contrast, type I chitinases are vacuolar enzymes. They are not glycosylated and contain a small number of hydroxyproline residues restricted to a single, short peptide sequence.

Comparison between clinical and pathological staging in low stage nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors

Between January 1985 and December 1990, 208 consecutive patients with low stage nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors underwent retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. In all of the patients the disease was staged with post-orchiectomy serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin determinations, as well as chest x-rays and computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis. Bipedal lymphangiography was performed in 139 patients. Of the 208 patients 173 (83%) had clinical stage 1 and 35 (17%) had low clinical stage 2 disease: 21 had tumors on radiographic imaging that were smaller than 2 cm. (clinical stage 2A) and 14 had tumors between 2 and 3 cm. (clinical stage 2B less than 3 cm.). Retroperitoneal metastases were found in 31 of 156 clinical stage 1 cancer patients (19.8%) with negative or normally decreasing serum tumor markers after orchiectomy, 15 of 16 (93.8%) with persistent positive markers, 8 of 14 clinical stage 2A cancer patients (57.1%) with negative or normally decreasing markers, all 7 stage 2A cancer patients with positive markers and all 14 clinical stage 2B cancer patients. Lymphangiography added little to the reliability of clinical staging. We conclude that due to the relatively low accuracy of clinical staging, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy remains the treatment of choice for clinical stages 1 and 2A nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors with normal serum markers after orchiectomy.

The role of surgery in treating-metastasized urothelial tumors

From March 1983 to December 1989 we observed 36 patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract. We treated 22 patients with M-VAC regimen and 14 patients with MP regimen. Overall response rate (CR + PR) was 71.4% in M-VAC group and 50% in MP group. The patients that had PR were 15 and 8 of them underwent surgery of residual disease. One patient had pathological CR and 6 were free of disease after surgical treatment. Out of 7 patients without cancer after surgery, 3 are alive and free of disease after 84, 42 and 26 months. We didn't have surgical complications. Surgery of residual disease after chemotherapy, when possible, is reliable.

Methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin versus methotrexate and cisplatin in advanced urothelial cancer. A randomized study

From September 1984 to December 1988, 28 consecutive patients with metastatic urothelial cancer entered a randomized study to compare 4 courses of modified methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin (M-VAC) to 4 courses of methotrexate followed by folinic acid rescue and cisplatin (MP). Non-responders or relapsing patients were to be crossed to the other therapy. Hematological toxicity was more frequent (85%), but less severe, in patients treated with M-VAC than in patients treated with MP (21%, with 1 septic death). Complete plus partial remissions were achieved in 10 (71.4%) of 14 patients treated with M-VAC and in 6 (50%) of the 12 evaluable patients treated with MP. The 20% difference lay only on complete remissions, which were 8.3% in the MP versus 28.5% in the M-VAC group. At cross-over, however, only 1 of 5 patients resistant to MP responded to M-VAC, while 3 of 5 patients resistant to M-VAC responded to MP. It seems that M-VAC should be considered as the first-line therapy of choice in metastatic urothelial cancer, while MP, or high-dose methotrexate, could be considered for salvage.

[Clinical significance of serum bile acid determination in liver diseases]

The recent availability of radioimmunological and enzymatic kits to measure serum bile acids (SBA) has allowed diffusion of this laboratory test. The aim of this paper is to provide an assessment of diagnostic and prognostic significance of SBA in liver cirrhosis, on the basis of the most recent data available to us. Measurement of these substances in serum does not appear to be very useful either in screening or in differential diagnosis of liver disorders, since it seems unable to provide further information with respect to commonly used parameters. On the contrary, SBA show a remarkable predictive value both in chronic active hepatitis and in liver cirrhosis. SBA measurement may therefore become a useful tool in planning the therapeutic approach to these hepatic diseases.

[Pseudo-hyperaldosteronism caused by licorice. Pathogenetic considerations and presentation of a clinical case]

A case of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism secondary to prolonged daily ingestion of liquorice is reported. Extreme severity of hypokalemia and of the ensuing neuro-muscular impairment characterized this case. The pathogenetic features leading to the glycyrrhizic acid dependent sodium retention are thoroughly discussed, on the basis of the latest literature. The authors stress the fact that public opinion is to a large extent unaware of risks due to prolonged ingestion of liquorice derivatives.

Nasal secretion specific IgE in rhinitis patients

Forty-five subjects with rhinitis of suspected allergic origin underwent immune and allergy testing including skin-tests and immuno-enzymatic assay of serum and nasal secretion specific IgE (RAST). Nasal secretion was collected using a cotton tampon inserted in both middle meati. A statistical analysis comparing the results of skin-tests and serum RAST was performed: the results obtained with these two techniques were very homogeneous (86.7% accuracy). An overall concordance (82.2%) was also observed by comparing skin-tests and nasal secretion RAST. Finally, the results of serum and nasal secretion RAST were compared: in this case totally superimposed data were reported (overall accuracy: 93.3%). In all cases the comparison between RAST classes in serum and nasal secretion was carried out: the difference between the semiquantitative evaluation of reaginic concentration classes using these two methods is not statistically significant (chi-square test). This technique of nasal secretion collection is simple and with no risk involved.

Long-term prognostic value of serum bile acids in liver cirrhosis: a prospective study

The long-term prognostic significance of serum bile acid (SBA) levels in liver cirrhosis was prospectively evaluated in a 3-year follow-up of 111 patients. The predictive value of SBA levels, of Child classification, and of some commonly used clinical and laboratory parameters were compared analyzing the survivorship functions by means of Life-table method and chi-square Logrank test. SBA determinations showed a high prognostic significance, comparable with the one of the multiparameteric Child classification and significantly higher than the ones of any considered single clinical or laboratory parameter. SBA levels by themselves seem therefore to be of some value in establishing an approximate survivorship prediction in liver cirrhosis, thus representing a possible alternative to multiparametric predictive models in routinary clinical practice.

Laboratory parameters in the natural history of liver cirrhosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes of common laboratory parameters in the natural evolution of liver cirrhosis, as well as their relationships with the occurrence of ascites onset and death. Routine laboratory findings of 458 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis admitted to a 9-year follow-up period were retrospectively investigated, but only data of the 138 subjects (95 males and 43 females) who died within the follow-up period were considered. Data were grouped into different classes according to the months elapsed before ascites onset or death. The statistical differences among the various groups were evaluated employing analysis of variance and Turkey's test. No laboratory parameter showed statistically significant changes before or at the time of ascites onset, while significant modifications occurred in four liver indexes (albumin, total bilirubin, platelet count and gammaglobulin percentage) during the course of the illness, thus confirming the reliable prognostic value of these laboratory parameters in liver cirrhosis.

The lumbar subarachnoid infusion test in infants

The authors describe the results obtained with the lumbar subarachnoid infusion test in 75 infants with suspected abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. On the basis of the results obtained, an algorithm is proposed that enables infants with normal intracranial responses during the test to be differentiated from those with defective cerebrospinal fluid absorption mechanisms.

Difficulties of a surveillance study omitting retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis

Between August 1981 and December 1984, 85 consecutive patients with clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis who were suitable for close observation entered a surveillance study after orchiectomy alone. All patients had unequivocally negative chest x-ray, bipedal lymph-angiography, and computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, and normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin before entering the study. Patients were followed closely for 24 to 64 months (median 42 months) with regular chest x-rays, plain films of the abdomen for lymphangiography control, and serum determinations of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin but it was difficult to obtain computerized tomography scans of the abdomen at scheduled intervals for such a long period. Followup was closed December 31, 1986. At that date 62 patients (73 per cent) were continuously free of disease after orchiectomy alone and 23 (27 per cent) suffered relapse. The over-all occurrence rate of retroperitoneal relapses was 16.5 per cent and they usually were detected late, 4 to 36 months (median 10 months) after orchiectomy. Lung metastases were detected much earlier, 2 to 10 months (median 3 months) after orchiectomy. Alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin elevations preceded the radiographic demonstration of metastases in 8 patients only (35 per cent) and in 1 they were the only sign of relapse. All but 1 patient with relapse were cured with chemotherapy and/or surgery, with an over-all survival rate free of disease of 98.8 per cent. Invasion of the epididymis, rete testis and spermatic cord, primary scrotal surgery, peritumor vascular invasion and embryonal carcinoma were associated with a higher risk for relapse but it was impossible to find clear-cut indications to select patients for adjuvant chemotherapy, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy or no treatment. Furthermore, the followup of retroperitoneal nodes proved to be much more difficult than expected. Unilateral or modified retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy facilitates management of clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis: only the chest and markers must be followed, the status of the retroperitoneal nodes is known immediately and antegrade ejaculation is preserved in the majority of cases.

Serum bile-acids in liver cirrhosis: prognostic significance evidenced by a multivariate statistical model

In order to evaluate the prognostic value of serum bile acids (SBA) in liver cirrhosis, we compared SBA levels with a theoretical expected survival length (ESL), computed on the ground of a previously proposed and validated multivariate statistical model. We demonstrated a strict correlation between SBA levels and ESL in subjects with liver cirrhosis by means of both standard linear correlation analysis and Logrank test. Our results account for a high predictive significance of SBA levels in liver cirrhosis, even in long term prognosis.

[Serum bile acids in cirrhosis: correlation with liver function parameters and with the severity of the disease]

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationships among the increase of serum bile acids (SBA) and other common liver function tests in subjects with liver cirrhosis. Our results show that SBA levels are well-correlated with the seriousness of the disease (classified according to Child's criteria), and with the presence of ascites, of oesophageal varices, of hepatic encephalopathy and with the gamma-globulin level. SBA also appear to be well-correlated with total bilirubinemia, and, at a lower extent, with cholesterolemia and albuminemia; no significant linear correlation was found among SBA and cholestasis (alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase) or cytolysis (transaminases) indexes. In conclusion, the SBA increase in liver cirrhosis without evidence of cholestasis (as in our patients) seems to be related to liver cell reuptake disturbances and to the presence of porto-systemic shunts, with consequent alterations in entero-hepatic bile salt recirculation.

Grading scores and survivorship functions in liver cirrhosis: a comparative statistical analysis of various predictive models

In a group of followed-up liver cirrhotics we evaluated the reliability of prognostic estimates predicted on the basis of a previously described multivariate statistical model (MSM). In the same subjects we also compared theoretical survival estimates obtained by fitting some other liver cirrhosis grading scores (Child-Turcotte's, McCormick's and Orrego's) to prognostic purposes. No statistical difference between actual and MSM-estimated survivorship functions was found (employing a life-table method with Logrank test), thus confirming the prognostic reliability of this multivariate classification model. Such a global and prognosis-correlated index may be recommendable both for comparing different groups of patients, and for assessing treatment effectiveness. Or results also substantially confirm the other investigated classificative methods such as reliable liver cirrhosis severity indexes, although their use for prognostic purposes seems to be less suitable.

Cisplatin combination chemotherapy in advanced seminoma

Thirty-one patients were treated with cisplatin combination chemotherapy for advanced seminoma (26 Stage III or bulky Stage II testicular, and five disseminated extragonadal). Seventeen (89%) of 19 patients not previously pretreated and four (80%) of five who had received only abdominal irradiation entered continuous complete remission (CR), versus only two (28%) of seven patients who had received extensive infra- and supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy. Results were not significantly influenced by stage, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) titers and histologic subgroups, whereas patients with lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) values exceeding 500 mIU/ml did worse (50% continuous CR rate in 12 cases) than those with normal or less elevated titers (89% continuous CR rate in 19 cases). After a median follow-up period of 34 months (range, 12+ to 77+ months), 23 patients (74.5%) remain alive in continuous CR, two (6%) died in CR and another one (3%) entered CR after deferred treatment of residual disease. Five patients (16%) died of cancer. Toxicity was severe in extensively irradiated patients, but it was acceptable in those not pretreated and in those who had received only subdiaphragmatic radiotherapy. Cisplatin combination chemotherapy can be successfully and safely used as the primary treatment of choice in patients with advanced seminoma. It is also an excellent salvage therapy for patients who had received subdiaphragmatic irradiation only. On the contrary, it is very difficult to treat with chemotherapy extensively irradiated patients.

Successful treatment of good-risk disseminated testicular cancer with cisplatin, bleomycin, and reduced-dose vinblastine

Cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin (PVB) is very effective therapy in disseminated testicular cancer, but toxicity is severe. A further reduction of vinblastine might reduce the acute toxicity of PVB without compromising the response rate in good-risk patients. Starting in March 1982, 42 consecutive patients with minimal or intermediate advanced disease (lymph node metastases less than 10 cm, lung nodules less than 5 cm) began a 0.2-mg/kg vinblastine PVB regimen, provided that serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were not greater than 1000 ng/ml and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) values were not greater than 50,000 mIU/ml. Only 9 patients (21.4%) had leukocyte counts less than 1000/mm3, 6 (14%) had infections, but none had documented sepsis. Gastrointestinal and neuromuscular toxicities were mild. Of the 42 patients, 41 (97.6%) entered complete remission (CR), 8 with surgery. After a median follow-up period of 26 months (range, 19-40 months), 35 patients (83.3%) are continuously disease-free. Of the 6 patients with AFP levels greater than 400 ng/ml and/or HCG values greater than 1000 mIU/ml, only 2 (33.3%) entered continuous CR, versus 33 (91.6%) of the 36 patients with normal or less elevated markers (P less than 0.01). PVB with a 0.2-mg/kg vinblastine dosage is very effective and well-tolerated therapy in selected good-risk patients with disseminated germinal testis cancer.