A dosimetric comparison of 3D conformal vs intensity modulated vs volumetric arc radiation therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

To compare 3 Dimensional Conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) with Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for bladder cancer.

METHODS

Radiotherapy plans for 15 patients with T2-T4N0M0 bladder cancer were prospectively developed for 3-DCRT, IMRT and VMAT using Varian Eclipse planning system. The same radiation therapist carried out all planning and the same clinical dosimetric constraints were used. 10 of the patients with well localised tumours had a simultaneous infield boost (SIB) of the primary tumour planned for both IMRT and VMAT. Tumour control probabilities and normal tissue complication probabilities were calculated.

RESULTS

Mean planning time for 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT was 30.0, 49.3, and 141.0 minutes respectively. The mean PTV conformity (CI) index for 3D-CRT was 1.32, for IMRT 1.05, and for VMAT 1.05. The PTV Homogeneity (HI) index was 0.080 for 3D-CRT, 0.073 for IMRT and 0.086 for VMAT. Tumour control and normal tissue complication probabilities were similar for 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT. The mean monitor units were 267 (range 250-293) for 3D-CRT; 824 (range 641-1083) for IMRT; and 403 (range 333-489) for VMAT (P < 0.05). Average treatment delivery time were 2:25min (range 2:01-3:09) for 3D-CRT; 4:39 (range 3:41-6:40) for IMRT; and 1:14 (range 1:13-1:14) for VMAT. In selected patients, the SIB did not result in a higher dose to small bowel or rectum.

CONCLUSIONS

VMAT is associated with similar dosimetric advantages as IMRT over 3D-CRT for muscle invasive bladder cancer. VMAT is associated with faster delivery times and less number of mean monitor units than IMRT. SIB is feasible in selected patients with localized tumours.

Phase II trial evaluating a 12-week regimen of interdigitating FOLFOX chemotherapy plus pelvic chemoradiation for the simultaneous treatment of primary and metastatic rectal cancer

3629

Background: Current chemotherapy regimens used during chemoradiation (CRT) are adequate for radiosensitization but suboptimal for systemic control. The aim of this study was to assess tolerability, and local/systemic benefits of new regimen delivering intensive chemotherapy and radical radiotherapy in an interdigitating manner. Methods: Phase II prospective study for patients (pts) with untreated simultaneous symptomatic primary and metastatic rectal cancer. The treatment regimen: 12 weeks long. FOLFOX chemotherapy (oxaliplatin 100mg/m2, leucovorin 200mg/m2, 5-FU 400mg/m2 bolus, all day 1, and 5FU continuous infusion [CI] 2.4 g/m2/46 hours) was given in weeks 1, 6, and 11. Pelvic CRT: 25.2 Gy in 3 weeks, 1.8 Gy/fr, with concurrent oxaliplatin 85mg/m2 day 1 and 5-FU CI 200mg/m2/day given in weeks 3-5, and 8-10. Pts received, in 12 weeks, 3 courses of FOLFOX and pelvic radiation 50.4 Gy with concurrent oxaliplatin/5-FU. All pt were staged with CT, MRI and FDG-PET before and post-treatment. Results: 26 pts treated. The mean age was 61 years, 69% male. Rectal primary MRI stage was T2 4%, T3 81% and T4 15%. Liver and lung metastases were present in 81%, and 35% of pts, respectively: 38% of patients had more than one site of metastatic disease. 24 pts (92%) completed the 12-week treatment regimen. All pts received the planned radiation dose. 65% of pts received the planned number of oxaliplatin courses with 88% of pts receiving at least 75% of the protocol oxaliplatin dose. In this 12-week period, grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia 23%, diarrhoea 15%, and radiation perineal skin reaction 12%. Only grade 4 toxicity was neutropenia: 15%. PET metabolic response (CR+PR) rate for rectal primary was 96%. Overall PET metabolic response rate for metastatic disease was 60% (CR rate 16%). Conclusions: It is thus feasible to deliver intensive chemotherapy and radical radiotherapy in an interdigitating manner to treat both primary and metastatic rectal cancer simultaneously. High completion and response rates are encouraging. This regimen is the subject of a current phase II neoadjuvant trial for resectable rectal cancer (TROG 09.01).

Satisfaction with nurse-led telephone follow up for low to intermediate risk prostate cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy. A comparative study

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

As the number of men living with prostate cancer is increasing worldwide, the requirement for follow up care also grows. This study was undertaken to evaluate nurse-led, telephone follow up, for men with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer treated with radical radiotherapy when compared with medical follow up.

METHODS AND SAMPLE

A non-randomized, two-cohort, comparative study. 169 men diagnosed with prostate cancer were recruited from outpatient clinics at a tertiary cancer centre in Australia. 83 men were recruited to cohort 1 (control) (51 low to intermediate risk; 32 high risk) and 86 to cohort 2 (intervention) (51 low to intermediate risk; 35 high risk). High risk patients, regardless of cohort, received medical follow up. Low to intermediate risk patients in cohort 2 were triaged to nurse-led review for their six month review appointment. Nurse-led follow up consisted of six monthly telephone consultations and PSA testing.

MEASURES

Participants completed the Satisfaction with Consultation Scale, the Brief Distress Thermometer and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite.

KEY RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction on any of the study measures between the nurse-led and standard medical follow up at six months following treatment completion. However, where there was a trend towards significance (p=0.051), it favoured the nurse-led follow up regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led telephone consultation provides an acceptable model of follow-up for men diagnosed with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer. Multi-centre randomised controlled trials are needed to support the efficacy of nurse-led, telephone follow up services.

18F-FDG PET/CT has a high impact on patient management and provides powerful prognostic stratification in the primary staging of esophageal cancer: a prospective study with mature survival data

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incremental staging information, management impact, and prognostic stratification of PET/CT in the primary staging of esophageal cancer in a cohort of patients with mature survival data.

METHODS

Between July 2002 and June 2005, 139 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer underwent conventional staging investigations (CSI), followed by PET/CT. Disease stage was classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system (6th edition) and grouped as stage I-IIA, stage IIB-III, and stage IV reflecting broad groupings that determine therapeutic choice. Validation of results was performed when PET/CT and CSI stage groups were discordant and in those patients where PET/CT changed management. Management impact was determined by comparing prospectively recorded pre-PET/CT management plans with post-PET/CT management plans. Survival after follow-up of at least 5 y in patients was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

PET/CT changed the stage group in 56 of 139 (40%) patients and changed management in 47 of 139 (34%) patients. In 22 patients, therapy was changed from curative to palliative and in 3 from palliative to curative; in 11, treatment modality was changed without a change in treatment intent, and in 11 the delivery of therapy or diagnostic procedure was changed. Of the 47 patients with management change, imaging results could be validated in 31 patients, and PET/CT correctly changed management in 26 (84%) of these. Of the remaining 5 patients, CSI stage was also incorrect in 4 and correct in 1. Median survival was 23 mo. PET/CT stages I-IIA, IIB-III, and IV had a 5-y survival of 40%, 38%, and 6%, respectively. Post-PET/CT stage group and treatment intent were both strongly associated with survival (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PET/CT provides incremental staging information compared with CSI, changes management in one third of patients, and has powerful prognostic stratification in the primary staging of esophageal cancer.

Robotic versus laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is being performed more frequently for the minimally invasive management of rectal cancer. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical and oncologic safety and efficacy of robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

A search of the Medline and Embase databases was performed for studies that compared clinical or oncologic outcomes of conventional laparoscopic proctectomy with robot-assisted laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer. The methodological quality of the selected studies was critically assessed to identify studies suitable for inclusion. Meta-analysis was performed by a random effects model and analyzed by Review Manager. Clinical outcomes evaluated were conversion rates, operation times, length of hospital stay, and complications. Oncologic outcomes evaluated were circumferential margin status, number of lymph nodes collected, and distal resection margin lengths.

RESULTS

Eight comparative studies were assessed for quality, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Two studies were matched case-control studies, and five were unmatched. A total of 353 robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery proctectomy cases and 401 conventional laparoscopic surgery proctectomy cases were analyzed. Robotic surgery was associated with a significantly lower conversion rate (P=0.03; 95% confidence interval 1-12). There was no difference in complications, circumferential margin involvement, distal resection margin, lymph node yield, or hospital stay (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted surgery decreased the conversion rate compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Other clinical outcomes and oncologic outcomes were equivalent. The benefits of robotic rectal cancer surgery may differ between population groups.

Helicobacter pylori eradication in functional dyspepsia: HEROES trial

BACKGROUND

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with functional dyspepsia continues to be a matter of debate. We studied eradication effects on symptoms and quality of life of primary care patients.

METHODS

Helicobacter pylori -positive adult patients with functional dyspepsia meeting the Rome III International Consensus criteria were randomly assigned to receive omeprazole, amoxicillin trihydrate, and clarithromycin, or omeprazole plus placebo for 10 days. Endoscopy and H pylori tests were performed at screening and at 12 months. Outcome measures were at least 50% symptomatic improvement at 12 months using a validated disease-specific questionnaire (primary end point), patient global assessment of symptoms, and quality of life.

RESULTS

We randomly assigned 404 patients (78.7% were women; mean age, 46.1 years); 201 were assigned to be treated with antibiotics (antibiotics group) and 203 to a control group. A total of 389 patients (96.3%) completed the study. The proportion of patients who achieved the primary outcome was 49.0% (94 of 192) in the antibiotics group and 36.5% (72 of 197) in the control group (P = .01; number needed to treat, 8). In the patient global assessment of symptoms, 78.1% in the antibiotics group (157 of 201) answered that they were better symptomatically, and 67.5% in the control group (137 of 203) said that they were better (P = .02). The antibiotics group had a significantly larger increase in their mean (SD) Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary scores than the control group did (4.15 [8.5] vs 2.2 [8.1]; P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori eradication provided significant benefits to primary care patients with functional dyspepsia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00404534.

Patient-reported complications from fiducial marker implantation for prostate image-guided radiotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To report on complications from transrectal ultrasound-guided insertion of fiducial markers for prostate image-guided radiotherapy.

METHODS

234 patients who underwent transrectal fiducial marker insertion for prostate cancer image-guided radiotherapy were assessed retrospectively by questionnaire with regard to the duration and severity of eight symptoms experienced following the procedure. Pain during the implantation procedure was assessed according to the Wong-Baker faces pain scale.

RESULTS

Of 234 patients, 32% had at least one new symptom after the procedure. The commonest new symptom following the procedure was urinary frequency affecting 16% of patients who had not been troubled by frequency beforehand. Haematuria, rectal bleeding, dysuria and haematospermia affected 9-13% of patients, mostly at Grade 1 or 2. Pain, obstruction, and fever and shivers affected 3-4% of patients. Grade 3 rectal bleeding, haematuria, fever and shivers, and urinary frequency affected 0.5-1.5% of patients. Only one patient had a Grade 4 complication (i.e. fever and shivers). Overall, 9% of patients had symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks. The commonest symptoms that lasted more than 2 weeks were frequency, dysuria, obstructive symptoms and rectal bleeding. Mean pain score during the procedure was 1.1 (range 0-5).

CONCLUSION

Transrectal ultrasound-guided fiducial marker insertion for image-guided radiotherapy is well tolerated in the majority of prostate cancer patients. Most symptoms were Grade 1 or 2 in severity. Symptoms in the majority of patients last under 2 weeks. The most serious complication was sepsis in our study.

The effect of handgrip position on upper extremity neuromuscular responses to arm cranking exercise

The purpose of this study was to determine if handgrip position during arm cranking exercise influences the neuromuscular activity of muscles biceps brachii (BB), lateral head of triceps brachii (TB), middle deltoid (DT), infraspinatus (IS) and brachioradialis (BR). Fifteen participants cranked an arm ergometer using three different handgrip positions (supinated, pronated, and neutral). Electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded from the aforementioned muscles, and relative duration of EMG activation and amplitude were quantified for the first and second 180 degrees of crank angle. EMG measures were analyzed with MANOVA and follow-up univariate procedures; alpha was set at 0.01. The relative durations of EMG activation did not differ between handgrip positions. Muscle IS exhibited 36% less amplitude in the supinated versus neutral handgrip position (second half-cycle), and muscle BR displayed 63% greater amplitude across cycles in the neutral versus supinated and pronated handgrip positions. The greater BR activity displayed in the neutral handgrip position may reflect its anatomical advantage as an elbow flexor when the forearm is in neutral position. Muscle IS exhibited less activity in the supinated position and may be clinically relevant if it allows arm cranking to occur without subsequent shoulder pain, which is often the aim of shoulder rehabilitation.

Adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy--results of 56 patients

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate with positive surgical margins and/or seminal vesicle invasion after radical prostatectomy (RP) have a high risk of local recurrence or distant spread of disease. Several investigators reported increased local control rates following adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). However, it is unclear whether this procedure, with or without hormonal therapy (HT), improves the outcome. From 1975 to 1987, 56 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent adjuvant RT following RP (pathological stage C1, n = 19; stage C2, n = 17; stage D1, n = 20). In 27 of 56 patients an additional immediate orchiectomy was performed. 48 patients received 4000-5000 cGy to the pelvic lymphatics, including the prostatic fossa, followed by a boost to the prostatic fossa to complete 6400-7000 cGy, whereas 8 patients were treated to the prostatic fossa only. With a median follow-up of 89 months, the overall survival rate of patients with stages C1, C2 and D1 did not differ significantly (10-year overall survival rate 84, 74 and 71, respectively). The local control rate for 5- and 10-years was 96 and 90%, respectively. A significant advantage in overall survival (5- and 10-year rate: 92 versus 93% and 92 versus 63%; P < 0.05, respectively) and clinical disease-free survival (5- and 10-year rate: 92 versus 72% and 92 versus 49%; P < 0.05, respectively) was seen in 27 patients with orchiectomy compared with 29 patients without HT. A total of 15 patients (26%) developed at least one form of late toxicity, in most cases a mild proctitis, cystitis, or penile or leg oedema. However, 6 patients (11%) had severe grade 3 or 4 side-effects that necessitated a cystectomy in 2 cases as well as a colostomy in 2 cases. In all patients with grade 3 or 4 side-effects, 70 Gy as a tumour-encompassing isodose were applied. Adjuvant RT, following RP in stage C and D1 prostate cancer with positive surgical margins and/or seminal vesicle invasion increases local control. Whether immediate HT influences the outcome, as seen in this study, should be proven in prospective clinical trials.

[MR tomography in prostatic carcinoma: comparison of conventional and endorectal MRT]

In a prospective study an attempt was made to determine the value of conventional MRI (354 patients) and MRI using the endorectal surface coil (ESC) (36 patients) in the preoperative staging of prostatic carcinoma. Local preoperative staging with conventional MRI was correct in 83.9% and 88.9% with ESC-MRI. Compared to conventional MRI, ESC-MRI was better in the delineation of the prostatic capsule and early detection of infiltration into the neurovascular bundle. Lymph node staging with MRI showed a sensitivity of 54.4% in detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis. MRI is as limited as CT in assessing pelvic lymph node metastasis.

Reinvestigation of the transitional epithelium (urothelium) of the human ureter

The transitional epithelia (urothelia) of the ureters of 30 patients of different ages were studied by means of light and electron microscopical, histochemical and immunocytochemical methods. A great variability of the normal structural appearance of the urothelium was established. Structural features and the uptake of exogenous peroxidase by the surface epithelial cells provided high endocytotic activity. Urothelial cells take up many low and high molecular weight substances from the urine and further metabolize and transport these toward the subepithelial connective tissue. Lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes, plasma cells and rarely polymorphonuclear leukocytes are distributed intra- and extraepithelially and are involved in the immunological response to agents which enter the intercellular spaces of the epithelium. These cells are also responsible for the elimination of aged and degenerating superficial squamous cells. The present investigation establishes the existence of immunological defence mechanisms in the adult human urothelium. The results obtained suggest that the human ureter contains three functional barriers directed against aggressive components of the urine: the first represented by structures of the superficial squamous cells, the second by the upper cells of the ureteric intermediate layer and the third comprising epithelial and immunological cells involved in immune defence mechanisms.

Cytogenetic survey of 32 cancers of the prostate

Cytogenetic studies after short-term culture were performed on 32 adenocarcinomas of the prostate from patients without prior treatment. The tumor specimens, ranging from stage B1 to D1, were obtained by radical prostatectomy or diagnostic biopsies. Fourteen tumors showed a normal diploid chromosome complement in all metaphases examined. Clonal chromosomal alterations were detected in 16 tumor samples and the remaining two cases contained double minute (dmin) chromosomes in some cells. The most frequent numerical changes included loss the Y chromosome and trisomy 7, both found in four cases. The only recurrent structural aberration was del(10)(q24), seen in three cases both as a sole anomaly and within multiple rearrangements. Six patients showed cytogenetically unrelated clones. The occurrence of the chromosomal changes found in this study shows no relationship to certain histopathologic characteristics of the tumors. The recurrent finding of del(10)(q24) as sole anomaly and the evidence for clonal evolution in one patient demonstrates that this change is an early karyotypic event which may be important for the pathogenesis in at least a subset of prostatic cancers.

[Adjuvant radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy--results, acute and late toxicity]

Between 1975 and 1987, 53 patients with radical retropubic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate (pathological stage C or D1) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. 26 of these patients additionally underwent subcapsular orchiectomy. Radiation therapy was given to 45 patients as 40 to 50 Gy to the pelvic lymph nodes followed by a boost to the tumor bed to a total of 64 to 70 Gy. Only five of the 45 patients received treatment to prostate and pelvis developed progression, whereas four out of eight patients who were irradiated to the prostate alone showed progression (p < 0.01). The five- and ten-year disease-free survival rates of 33 patients with stage C tumors were 91% and 83%, the local control rate 97% and 94%. 20 patients with stage D1 carcinoma showed a five-year disease-free survival of 79% and a local control rate of 95%. 25/26 patients with subcapsular orchiectomy are living disease-free, 8/27 patients without hormonal manipulation had a progression of disease (p < 0.05). All 13 patients with well or moderate differentiated tumor are alive without evidence of disease, 9/40 patients with poor differentiated carcinoma have shown tumor progression (p < 0.05). Compared to published results, our data suggest, that adjuvant radiotherapy can decrease local recurrence and probably increase disease-free survival in stage C and D1 carcinoma of the prostate.

["Single potential analysis of cavernous electric activity" (SPACE). Findings before and after surgical dissection of the cavernous nerves within the scope of radical prostatectomy]

Single potential analysis of cavernous electric activity (SPACE) is said to give information on the integrity of the central and peripheral parts of the autonomic nervous system insofar as it is involved in erectile function. A total of 30 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with simultaneous severance of the cavernous nerves as treatment for locally advanced cancer were investigated by SPACE before and after the operation. The findings were compared to the those recorded on two different dates in 20 age-matched men who had not undergone surgery and in whom there was no evidence of any lesion of the autonomic nervous system. Even in this control group, few reproducible results were found. Nevertheless, with reference to the items "number of wedges" (i.e. monophasic elements with amplitudes of 25-100 microV) and "maximum amplitudes" of SPACE potentials there was a more than change correlation of the values on the two test dates, which was not found in the prostatectomy group. Although this difference between the two groups investigated was statistically significant, these findings cannot be interpreted as an effect of autonomic denervation of the cavernous bodies. This is attributed to the fact that the postoperative results in the prostatectomy group were more similar to the findings in the control group than to the preoperative measurements taken while the autonomic innervation was still intact. Therefore, our investigations lead us to conclude that routine application of SPACE as a direct check on the integrity of the autonomic nerve fibres involved in erectile dysfunction is not justified at present.

Radiotherapy of local recurrence following radical prostatectomy

Between 1977 and 1991, 20 patients with radical prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate and palpable, biopsy-proven local recurrence without evidence of metastases underwent radiotherapy. Of these patients 16 were treated with orchiectomy combined with irradiation and four patients underwent irradiation alone. Local control, as determined by rectal palpation was achieved in 19/20 patients. Eleven patients are still alive without disease. Disease-free survival (determined since 1987 including PSA) was 68% for five years and 41% for ten years. 6/9 patients have died with cancer, three patients died intercurrent free of disease. Overall survival remained 51% for five years and 31% for ten years. Prevention of local recurrence is of great importance and these data support the adjuvant post-operative irradiation in defined patients at risk.

DNA cytophotometry in adrenocortical tumours: a clinicomorphological study of 66 cases

Surgical specimens of 66 adrenocortical tumours were investigated by conventional microscopy and DNA cytophotometry. Histologically, 50 neoplasms were classified as adenomas and 16 as carcinomas. In only 8 of the latter cases were distant metastases and/or a lethal outcome recorded. On single cell scanning cytophotometry either non-euploid or aneuploid DNA histograms were identified in 24 of 50 adenomas (48%) and in 14 of 16 carcinomas (88%). The two carcinomas exhibiting euploid DNA distributions fell into the group of 7 malignancies which are recurrence-free so far. From these findings it is concluded that DNA measurements have no diagnostic and only limited prognostic value in neoplasms of the adrenal cortex.

[Signet ring carcinoma in the urinary tract. Primary tumor or metastases of an occult neoplasm?]

Between 26/2/88 and 23/6/88 we treated four patients with signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary tract. There was no conformity in clinical development, results of laboratory investigations, histomorphology or symptoms. For the first time, DNA cytophotometry was used to examine histological preparations of urinary signet ring cell carcinoma. This method provides information about the prognosis of the malignant disease, as it reveals the DNA distribution in the tumor cells. In three cases there was a clearly pathologic so-called an-euploid DNA distribution, indicating the high malignant potency of this tumor entity.

Adrenomedullary hyperplasia and phaeochromocytoma. DNA cytophotometric findings in 47 cases

Fifty adrenalectomy specimens containing normal (n = 3), hyperplastic (n = 4) or neoplastic (n = 43) medullary tissue were subjected to quantitative cytophotometric measurements of DNA content. Differing evaluation schemes were applied for interpretation of DNA distribution patterns. Of the 43 phaeochromocytomas (PCC), 16 were inherited as part of the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN 2a). Five of 27 sporadic PCCs followed a malignant course. Three benign and three malignant PCCs lacked endocrine activity. In normal medulla and in adrenomedullary hyperplasia, diploid or euploid DNA distributions were found. In contrast, 87% (33/38) of the benign and all 5 malignant PCCs exhibited non-diploid or aneuploid DNA histograms. No differences in DNA content existed between functioning and non-functioning PCCs or between sporadic and hereditary tumours. In this study, in contrast to earlier communications, DNA cytophotometry did not discriminate between benign and malignant adrenomedullary tumours. In addition, as opposed to the findings in a variety of other endocrine tumours, DNA measurements did not appear to be a useful tool to assess the prognosis of an individual malignant PCC.

[The diagnostic value of MR tomography following gadolinium-DTPA compared to computed tomography in bladder tumors]

In a prospective study, 58 patients with carcinomas of the bladder were examined by CT and MRI; in 48, gadolinium-DTPA was administered intravenously. MRI provided exact staging in 89%, compared with 80% with CT. There was 13% over-staging with CT and 11% with MRI. MRI, unlike CT did not result in any under-staging. In 36 patients a quotient could be calculated from the signal intensity of the tumour and surrounding soft tissues both before and after the intravenous contrast medium and the increased quotient after contrast administration could be estimated. There was a significant increase in the tumour/muscle quotient with a mean of 72 +/- 22% (minimum 43%, maximum 153%), corresponding to a marked increase of the signal from the tumour when compared with the pre-contrast images. This had the following advantages compared with CT: accurate differentiation between superficial and intramural spread. MRI was better than CT at demonstrating tumours in the roof of the bladder and at the trigone.

Immunocytochemical differential diagnosis of adrenocortical neoplasms using the monoclonal antibody D11

The monoclonal antibody D11 is a valuable aid in the accurate typing of adrenal tumours as, in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedding material, strong nuclear D11 positivity was observed only in adrenocortical cells in 190 neoplasms (including 100 adrenal tumours). This pattern was demonstrated for all zona glomerulosa cells in 27 normal adrenals and for the neoplastic cells of 15 adrenocortical adenomas derived from that zone, as judged from clinically evident hyperaldosteronism. Normal cells of zona fasciculata and reticularis also showed strong diffuse D11 immunostaining and the same nuclear plus cytoplasmic D11 reactivity was evident in 15 benign and malignant adrenocortical neoplasms derived from these zones, documented by hypercortisolism. Cytoplasmic and/or nuclear D11 staining made topohistogenetic typing possible in 15 non-functioning cortical tumours. D11 immunostaining gave negative results in 50 specimens containing normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic adrenomedullary cells. In addition, absence of D11 reactivity was recorded in 4 adrenal metastases of extra-adrenal carcinomas, 5 paragangliomas, 25 primary renal carcinomas and 59 of 60 primary thyroid carcinomas. D11 immunocytochemistry allows the accurate typing of benign and malignant adrenocortical neoplasms, irrespective of histology and function. With this method, primary adrenocortical tumours can be separated from carcinomas metastatic to the adrenal gland, including secondary tumours of similar phenotype (such as renal carcinomas). By exclusion, D11 negativity provides evidence of the medullary origin of primary adrenal tumours even in the absence of clinical, structural, histochemical and conventional immunohistochemical indicators of phaeochromocytoma.

Quantitative assessment of endogenous testicular and adrenal sex steroids and of steroid metabolizing enzymes in untreated human prostatic cancerous tissue

Total tissue content and subcellular distribution of DHEA sulfate, DHEA, androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, testosterone, 5 alpha-DHT, and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol as well as the activities of steroid sulfate-sulfatase, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 alpha-reductase, 3 alpha/beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase were quantified in 12 untreated primary tumors of prostatic cancer. Samples were obtained by radical prostatectomy and serial sections, and were alternately used for either biochemical or morphological evaluation. The results were compared with values determined in benign parts of the same prostates. Qualitatively, all enzymes and steroids found in the benign tissues could also be demonstrated in the cancers. Steroid patterns showed individual quantitative variation but no general differences between the carcinomas and the benign tissues. Enzymes showed a tendency to lower activities in the cancers, particularly when expressed per DNA. Substantial diminutions of creatine kinase and 5 alpha-reductase activity, the latter being often accompanied by an increased testosterone/DHT ratio, were the most striking differences seen in most of the cases between malignant and nonmalignant tissues. Some interesting individual parallels of morphological and biochemical aspects were seen, but there was no obvious general parallelism between the histological picture and endocrinological characteristics.

Androgens, adrenal androgen precursors, and their metabolism in untreated primary tumors and lymph node metastases of human prostatic cancer

Activities of several steroid metabolizing enzymes (steroid sulfate-sulfatase, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 alpha-reductase, and 3 alpha beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) as well as total tissue content and subcellular distribution (nuclear-extranuclear) of several androgen precursors, active androgens, and androgen deactivation products (DHEA sulfate, DHEA, 5-androstenediol, 4-androstenedione, testosterone, DHT, and 3 alpha-androstanediol) were quantified in primary tumors and lymph node metastases of human prostatic cancer obtained from patients without previous endocrine manipulation. Primary tumors were compared to benign parts of the same prostates, and the metastases were compared to their primary tumors. All enzymes and steroids found in benign prostatic tissues could also be detected in the malignant tissues. Even the capacity to accumulate active androgens in the nuclei was found to be unchanged in nearly all of the samples. Lower activities of hormone-dependent enzymes were observed in the cancers, suggesting a less efficient utilization of hormonal stimuli. Most striking changes found in the malignant tissues were a subtotal loss of 5 alpha-reductase activity and a metabolic shift to testosterone, which was more pronounced in samples from metastatic disease as compared to samples from non-metastatic disease. In conclusion, primary tumors and metastases of prostatic cancers not treated by endocrine manipulations retain their androgen receptor system and possess the same capacity to metabolize adrenal androgen precursors along the pathway to DHT as benign prostatic tissue. Consequently, they should be able to use at least androstenedione for production of active androgens directly in the target tissue.

[Morphologic changes in iliac crest trabecular bone in primary hyperparathyroidism and their significance for diagnosis]

Iliac crest bone biopsy specimens of 391 patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism were investigated. In 60 unselected cases quantitative analysis of trabecular bone changes was performed. The age of the patients ranged between 12 and 85 years. The observed morphological findings were divided into four stages. In a few cases no differences from normal bone tissue could be observed. In 46% occurrence of a nonspecific increase of osteoid seams, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts was observed. Of the cases 50% showed a specific, but very often mild endosteal fibrosis. Only in 4% was there a severe fibroosteoclasia with development of so-called brown tumors. The quantitative analysis showed an increase of trabecular bone mass as well as of remodeling surfaces. But there was an overlap of up to 25% with the normal controls. The results demonstrate the influence of parathyroid hormone peptides on bone morphology. However, the investigation of a bone biopsy specimen is not generally very useful for diagnostic purposes.

[Determination of steroid receptors in prostate cancer: possibilities and limits]

In most cases, the prostatic carcinoma (PCA) is a hormone-dependent malignant tumor. Since sexual steroids seem to act upon their target organs by means of specific steroid receptors the determination of receptor concentration in PCA is of great theoretical and practical interest. The state of art of receptor research in PCA can be summarized as follows: 1. The prognostic relevance of receptor determinations in PCA is controversial. The contradictory assessments of the value of receptor measurements may be mainly caused by methodical problems. 2. A possible heterogeneity of the receptor distribution in PCA tissue can not be detected by biochemical receptor determinations. 3. This heterogeneity could be one reason for a lack of response to endocrine therapy in cases which are biochemically receptor-rich (selection of receptor-poor cell clones). 4. The available (immuno)histochemical fluorescence techniques, which have been developed for direct detection of heterogeneous receptor distribution in the tissue, are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific. 5. It is an open question whether the development of an appropriate (immuno)histochemical method will succeed.

Differential calcium response of normal and adenomatous parathyroid glands

In vitro parathyroid hormone secretion of normal (n = 10) and adenomatous (n = 20) human parathyroid glands was compared in response to different calcium (Ca++) concentrations. The glands, prepared for tissue culture immediately after surgical removal, were incubated under identical conditions for 6 h. The medium was changed hourly and analyzed for PTH and cAMP using radioimmunoassay. During the first 2 h of the experiment, the Ca++ concentrations of all preparations was kept constant at 1.2 mM equivalent to the normal Ca++ level of the intercellular space. The PTH level of the 2nd h was defined as reference value corresponding to 100%. After the 2nd h of incubation the Ca++ concentration in the medium was shifted either to low (0.9 or 0.6 mM) or to high (1.9 or 2.6 mM) values. In low Ca++ concentrations (0.6 mM) the normal parathyroid glands responded by stimulation of the PTH release up to 310% in relation to the reference value, whereas the adenomas enhanced the PTH release to 160% only. The incubations in 0.9 mM Ca++ resulted in a slightly lower degree of stimulation. During the incubation in high Ca++ the PTH secretion was reduced to 28% by normal glands and to 52% by adenomatous parathyroid glands. Movements of cAMP measurements paralleled PTH values. The study provides evidence for an abnormally low responsiveness of parathyroid adenomas to Ca++ when compared with normal glands. The reduction in Ca++ responsiveness of adenomatous cells appears to have a fundamental role in primary hyperparathyroidism since the tumour cells may obviously recognize normal Ca++ levels as 'hypocalcaemic' and react by a stimulated PTH secretion.

[Possibilities for the evaluation of receptor sites in benign prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma of the prostate (author's transl)]

Cytoplasmic and nuclear receptor sites of the prostate will be determined for a qualitative information about the pattern of specific bindings. Their qualitative evaluation and their selective suppression will give an idea about the hormonal influence and regulation in prostatic tissue. These investigations are performed in some cases of prostatic cancer. The difficulty of tissue preparation is caused by the individual distribution of collagen tissue in prostatic cancer which will decide the yield of purified receptor sites. Besides the elemination of unspecific binding sites like SHBG and albumin is an evidence for the value of a method. According to high amount of binding sites the most effective preparation of patients before a tissue biopsy is discussed. For the clinical application the DCC test in case of cytoplasmic sites and the exchange test for nuclear sites seem to provide a suitable method. Performing gelfiltration and additional test with denatured material is necessary because of the similar size of SHBG and receptor complexes interfering the results.

[The incidence of regional lymph node metastases in operable prostatic carcinoma (author's transl)]

Operation specimens of 165 radical prostatectomies were examined systematically for their pathological anatomy. In 22 cases (13.3%) there were metastases in the obturator and (or) iliac lymph nodes, in 12 cases these were micro-metastases with a maximal diameter of 2 mm. Ten were classified as N1, 7 ad N2 and 5 as N4. Lymph node involvement increased with increasing tumour staging: from 10% in T2 to 26.3% in T3. All metastasizing tumours had invaded the capsule (P3), 77% had additional infiltration of the seminal vesicles and in 73% the tumour volume was at least 50% that of the prostate. Thus prostate carcinoma must reach a certain size and penetrate the capsule before lymph node seeding occurs. The rate of metastases increases ninefold when the seminal vesicles are infiltrated. All metastasizing prostate cancers were polymorphic and in 73% the tumour differentiation in the metastases was identical. The findings as regards localisation of the tumour in the prostate and the metastases correlated in 91%. This result leads one to suspect a regular course of laterally localised spread in which the group of obturator lymph nodes appears to lie in the primary lymph drainage area of the prostate. The prognostic significance of regional lymph node metastases cannot yet be evaluated.

[Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism based on determination of parathormone in venous blood of the neck (author's transl)]

Experiences with 77 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are reported. Among the diagnostic parameters, the serum calcium level is the most significant; a definite diagnosis can be made through PTH-RIA. The problem of HPT diagnosis are discussed. For standardization, our own human PTH preparation, produced from tissue culture of operatively removed human adenoma of the parathyroid gland, has been used. For determination of parathormone, venous blood should be selectively extracted from the neck before every relapse-necessitated operation. The technically expensive and difficult examination methods do not excuse the surgeon from carefully exploring all of the parathyroid glands, though the general procedures to be applied before the first operation are still disputed.

Carcinoma and dysplastic lesions of the prostate. A histomorphological analysis of 50 total prostatectomies by step-section technique

50 prostate carcinomas which were totally prostatectomized together with removal of the seminal vesicles in all cases and pelvic lymphadenectomy in 38 cases were studied histologically. The material was cut by step-section technique in 5 mm thick slices and "large area slides" were made. 4 of the 50 carcinomas were morphologically circumscribed (stage I), 6 tumors were limited to the organ (stage II) and 40 prostate carcinomas had already penetrated the capsule, i.e. fascia of Denonvillier (stage III). In 12 cases the seminal vesicles were involved, regional lymph node metastases were seen 8 times. The carcinomas were mainly localized in the peripheral part of the organ (28 X in the periphery, 21 X both peripherally and centrally and only 1 X in the centre). Multifocal tumor growth was found in 30 cases (60%). The main mass of tumor was mostly situated in the middle (25 X) and caudal (15 X) zone of the prostate. During the course of tumor growth the expansion was directed centrally but then mainly longitudinal and parallel to the urethra. By progressing tumor volume there was a noticeable increase in capsular penetration as well as infiltration of the seminal vesicles and lymph node metastases. Histologically 10 carcinomas showed a uniform pattern, a unique solid and/or cribriform tumor architecture was never observed. 90% of the pluriform carcinomas consisted of the morphological stage III.

[Surgical treatment of erectile impotence using the AMS penile prosthesis]

First experiences with an AMS penile prosthesis which can hydraulically fill and empty is reported. Advantage of this prosthesis: Physiologic imitation of erection and handling this method. The best cosmetic solution of all previous types of penile prosthesis. Disadvantage: A relatively complicated system and thus liable to defects. However, repairing is, in any case, easily done. After 3 years of use, experience is showing that this method turned out to be a cosmetically and functionally satisfying operative procedure.