The Effectiveness of Frailty Intervention for Older Patients with Frailty during Hospitalization

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a multidomain intervention program on the change in functional status of hospitalized older adults.

DESIGN

This single-arm, prospective, non-randomized interventional study investigates the efficacy of a multidomain interventional program including cognitive stimulation activity, simple exercises, frailty education, and nutrition counseling.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

At a tertiary hospital in southern Taiwan, 352 eligible patients were sequentially enrolled. Included patients were aged ≥65 years (mean age, 79.6 ± 9.0 years; 62% male), scored 3-7 on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and were hospitalized in the geriatric acute ward.

INTERVENTION

Those receiving standard care (physical rehabilitation and nutrition counseling) during January-July 2019 composed the historical control group. Those receiving the multidomain intervention during August-December 2019 composed the intervention group.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the change in activities of daily life (ADL) and frailty status, as assessed by Katz Index and Clinical Frailty Scale, with using the generalized estimating equation model. The length of hospital stay, medical costs, and re-admission rates were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants undergoing intervention (n = 101; 27.9%) showed greater improvements in the ADL and CFS during hospitalization (ADL adjusted estimate, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.11-1.11; p = 0.02; CFS adjusted estimate, -1.11; 95% CI, -1.42- -0.80; p < 0.01), shorter length of hospital stay (adjusted estimate, -5.00; 95% CI, -7.99- -2.47; p < 0.01), lower medical costs (adjusted estimate, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49-0.69; p < 0.01), and lower 30- and 90-day readmission rates (30-day adjusted OR [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.27-0.50; p < 0.01; 60-day aOR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.33; p < 0.01) than did controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in the multidomain intervention program during hospitalization improved the functional status and decreased the hospital stay length, medical costs, and readmission rates of frail older people.

Abstract P2-03-11: Genomic pattern of breast carcinomas carrying mutations of non-BRCA homologous recombination genes

Background

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are involved in the homologous recombination (HR) double-strand DNA break repair and genomic patterns of breast tumors with defective BRCA are characterized by increased genomic instability. The pre-clinical and clinical studies show that tumors with defective BRCA or other HR genes can response to platinum and PARP inhibitors. However, the genomic pattern of tumors carrying mutations of non-BRCA HR genes are not investigated.

Methods

Genomic patterns of breast carcinomas were performed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array containing 60000 probes covering the whole genome with an average spacing of 40kb. The frequency of gains and losses for each regions detected by probes was calculated by ratio thresholds of 0.25 and -0.25, respectively. Large-scale genomic structural aberration was defined as the region of gains and losses of at least 10Mb. We analyzed the difference of large-scale aberration, including numbers, length and specific regions, between tumors with BRCA mutation (mtBRCA), non-BRCA HR mutation (mtHR) and wild type.

Results

We examined 41 breast carcinomas, including 15 cases with BRCA mutations, 14 with non-BRCA HR gene mutations and 12 without mutations (control). The 14 non-BRCA HR gene were 1 ATM, 1 BRIP1, 1 BARD1, 1 FANCA, 2 FANCB, 1 FANCI, 1 PALB2, 2 RAD50, 2 RAD51C and 2 RAD51D. The number and length of large-scale genomic structural aberration of mtBRCA tumors were significantly higher than wild type tumors (number p=0.005; length p=0.005), indicating CGH can distinguish the mtBRCA from control tumors. We then checked the mtHR tumors, which also revealed significantly increased number and longer length of structural aberrations compared to wild type tumors (number p=0.035; length p=0.022), but were not different from mtBRCA tumors (number p=0.204; length p=0.425). Among the specific regions on chromosomes, mtBRCA and mtHR tumors contained similar genomic aberration regions but different from wild type tumors. The most frequent aberration regions of mtBRCA and mtHR tumors are chromosome 6p22.1-p25, 6q21-q27, 8q11.1-q24, 11p11.2-p14.1, 11q, 12p and 19p, which are less revealed in the wild type (all p value &lt;0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a direct evidence that increased genomic instability were the common characteristics of mtBRCA and non-BRCA mtHR tumors. In addition, we identify the specific genomic patterns of mtBRCA and mtHR tumors, which can be a biomarker indicating HR deficiency and response to platinum and PARP inhibitors.

Citation Format: Lin P-H, Kuo W-H, Wang M-Y, Lo C, Lin C-H, Lu Y-S, Chiu C-F, Huang C-S. Genomic pattern of breast carcinomas carrying mutations of non-BRCA homologous recombination genes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-03-11.

Abstract OT1-04-03: Randomized phase II study of induction bevacizumab, etoposide and cisplatin followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) versus WBRT alone in breast cancer with untreated brain metastases (A-PLUS)

Background For breast cancer (BC) patients with brain metastases (BM) who are not suitable for surgery/radiosurgery, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) remained the only standard treatment. Recently, we have demonstrated that bevacizumab preconditioning followed by etoposide and cisplatin (BEEP) is a highly effective treatment for BM of BC progressing from WBRT (Clin Cancer Res. 2015;21(8):1851). The CNS objective response rate is 77.1% according to volumetric criteria, and 60% according to RECIST 1.1. It has been demonstrated that enlarged brain tumor size is a predictor of WBRT failure. We hypothesized that, for BC with BM, induction BEEP treatment could decrease the size of brain metastases and thereby enhance effectiveness of WBRT. Methods This is a Phase II, randomized, open-labelled study (NCT02185352). Key inclusion criteria: BC with measurable brain metastatic tumor who had not received WBRT and not suitable for surgery or radiosurgery; KPS ≥30%. Key exclusion criteria: patients who had leptomeningeal metastases; history of disease progression during prior cisplatin treatment. In the experimental arm, patients will be treated by induction BEEP for three cycles followed by WBRT. In the control arm, patients will receive upfront WBRT for brain metastases. The BEEP regimen consist of bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on Day 1 and, with a 1 day window period, followed by etoposide (70 mg/m2/day, Day 2 to Day 4) and cisplatin (70 mg/m2, Day 2), in a 21-day cycle. Stratification is based on the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score. Primary endpoint: brain-specific progression free survival (PFS) according to RECIST 1.1; key secondary endpoint: the 2-month brain-specific objective response rate (BS-ORR) of BEEP alone and WBRT alone. Other secondary endpoints include overall survival, extra-CNS tumor PFS, safety, time-to-improvement of neurological function,brain-specific PFS according to volumetric criteria, and BS-ORR. Approximately 126 patients will be 2:1 randomized. Multi-center recruitment is ongoing. To our knowledge this is the first randomized trial investigating a targeted therapy plus chemotherapy as induction regimen followed by WBRT as first line treatment for BC with BM.

Citation Format: Lu Y-S, Tseng L-M, Yu J-C, Rau K-M, Chao T-Y, Chen S-C, Chiu C-F, Chang Y-C, Chen TW-W, Lin C-H, Chang D-Y, Chao T-C, Huang S-M, Huang C-S, Cheng A-L. Randomized phase II study of induction bevacizumab, etoposide and cisplatin followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) versus WBRT alone in breast cancer with untreated brain metastases (A-PLUS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-04-03.

Radiation doses of cerebral blood volume measurements using C-arm CT: A phantom study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parenchymal blood volume measurement by C-arm CT facilitates in-room peritherapeutic perfusion evaluation. However, the radiation dose remains a major concern. This study aimed to compare the radiation dose of parenchymal blood volume measurement using C-arm CT with that of conventional CTP using multidetector CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A biplane DSA equipped with C-arm CT and a Rando-Alderson phantom were used. Slab parenchymal blood volume (8-cm scanning range in a craniocaudal direction) and whole-brain parenchymal blood volume with identical scanning parameters, except for scanning ranges, were undertaken on DSA. Eighty thermoluminescent dosimeters were embedded into 22 organ sites of the phantom. We followed the guidelines of the International Commission on Radiation Protection number 103 to calculate the effective doses. For comparison, 8-cm CTP with the same phantom and thermoluminescent dosimeter distribution was performed on a multidetector CT. Two repeat dose experiments with the same scanning parameters and phantom and thermoluminescent dosimeter settings were conducted.

RESULTS

Brain-equivalent dose in slab parenchymal blood volume, whole-brain parenchymal blood volume, and CTP were 52.29 ± 35.31, 107.51 ± 31.20, and 163.55 ± 89.45 mSv, respectively. Variations in the measurement of an equivalent dose for the lens were highest in slab parenchymal blood volume (64.5%), followed by CTP (54.6%) and whole-brain parenchymal blood volume (29.0%). The effective doses of slab parenchymal blood volume, whole-brain parenchymal blood volume, and CTP were 0.87 ± 0.55, 3.91 ± 0.78, and 2.77 ± 1.59 mSv, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The dose measurement conducted in the current study was reliable and reproducible. The effective dose of slab parenchymal blood volume is about one-third that of CTP. With the advantages of on-site and immediate imaging availability and saving procedural time and patient transportation, slab parenchymal blood volume measurement using C-arm CT can be recommended for clinical application.

Can iterative reconstruction improve imaging quality for lower radiation CT perfusion? Initial experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Initial results using IR for CT of the head showed satisfactory subjective and objective imaging quality with a 20-40% radiation dose reduction. The aim of our study was to compare the influence of IR and FBP algorithms on perfusion parameters at standard and lowered doses of CTP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with unilateral carotid stenosis post-carotid stent placement referred for follow-up CTP were divided into 2 groups (tube currents were 100 mAs in group A and 80 mAs in group B). Datasets were reconstructed with IR and FBP algorithms; and SNRs of gray matter, white matter, and arterial and venous ROIs were compared. CBF, CBV, and MTT means and SNRs were evaluated by using linear regression, and qualitative imaging scores were compared across the 2 algorithms.

RESULTS

The mean effective radiation dose of group B (2.06 mSv) was approximately 20% lower than that of group A (2.56 mSv). SNRs for ROIs in the dynamic contrast-enhanced images were significantly higher than those for the FBP images. Correlations of the SNRs for CBF, CBV, and MTT across the 2 algorithms were moderate (R² = 0.46, 0.23, and 0.44, respectively). ROIs in gray matter rather than the IR algorithm predicted increasing SNRs in all CBF, CBV, and MTT maps. Two cases of significant restenosis were confirmed in both algorithms. CBV, CBF, and MTT imaging scores did not differ significantly across algorithms or groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower dose CTP (20% below normal dose) without IR can effectively identify oligemic tissue in poststenting follow-up. IR does not alter the absolute values or increase the SNRs of perfusion parameters. Other methods should be attempted to improve SNRs in settings with low tube currents.

Raf activation by Ras and promotion of cellular metastasis require phosphorylation of prohibitin in the raft domain of the plasma membrane

Prohibitin (PHB) is indispensable for Ras-induced Raf-1 activation, cell migration and growth; however, the exact role of PHB in the molecular pathogenesis of cancer metastasis remains largely unexamined. Here, we found a positive correlation between plasma membrane-associated PHB and the clinical stages of cancer. The level of PHB phosphorylated at threonine 258 (T258) and tyrosine 259 (Y259) in human cancer-cell membranes correlated with the invasiveness of cancer cells. Overexpression of phosphorylated PHB (phospho-PHB) in the lipid-raft domain of the cell membrane enhanced cell migration/invasion through PI3K/Akt and Raf-1/ERK activation. It also enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and invasiveness of cancer cells in vitro. Immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that phospho-PHB associated with Raf-1, Akt and Ras in the membrane and was essential for the activation of Raf-1 signaling by Ras. Mice implanted with cancer cells stably overexpressing PHB in the plasma membrane showed enlarged cervical tumors, enhanced metastasis and shorter survival time compared with mice implanted with cancer cells without PHB overexpression. Dephosphorylation of PHB at T258 by site-directed mutagenesis diminished the in vitro and in vivo effects of PHB. These results suggest that increase in phospho-PHB T258 in the raft domain of the plasma membrane has a role in the Ras-driven activation of PI3K/Akt and Raf-1/ERK-signaling cascades and results in the promotion of cancer metastasis.

Capsaicin mediates apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma NPC-TW 039 cells through mitochondrial depolarization and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Capsaicin, a pungent compound found in hot chili peppers, has been reported to have antitumor activities in many human cancer cell lines, but the induction of precise apoptosis signaling pathway in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells is unclear. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of capsaicin-induced apoptosis in human NPC, NPC-TW 039, cells. Effects of capsaicin involved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial depolarization. Capsaicin-induced cytotoxic effects (cell death) through G0/G1 phase arrest and induction of apoptosis of NPC-TW 039 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Capsaicin treatment triggered ER stress by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increasing levels of inositol-requiring 1 enzyme (IRE1), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible 153 (GADD153) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Other effects included an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+), loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨ(m)), releases of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and activation of caspase-9 and -3. Furthermore, capsaicin induced increases in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and abundance of apoptosis-related protein levels. These results suggest that ER stress- and mitochondria-mediated cell death is involved in capsaicin-induced apoptosis in NPC-TW 039 cells.

Fatal pulmonary fibrosis associated with BCNU: the relative role of platelet-derived growth factor-B, insulin-like growth factor I, transforming growth factor-β1 and cyclooxygenase-2

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe complication associated with bis-chloronitrosourea (BCNU) therapy. However, the pathogenetic mechanism has never been well investigated. We report here a 26-year-old female with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who died of severe pulmonary fibrosis 81 days after the administration of high-dose BCNU (600 mg/m2). Thoracoscopic wedge resection of left upper lung performed 10 days before patient's death showed severe pulmonary fibrosis with prominent hyperplasia of alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes. We further used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine the relative role of platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the pathogenesis of BCNU-related pulmonary fibrosis. Strong expressions of PDGF-B and IGF-1 on alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes were clearly demonstrated, but in contrast, the expressions of TGF-beta1 and COX-2 were almost undetectable. In conclusion, pulmonary fibrosis can develop early and progress rapidly after the administration of high-dose BCNU. The markedly increased expression of fibrogenic factors PDGF-B and IGF-1 on hyperplastic alveolar macrophages and hyperplastic type II pneumocytes may play an important role in the fibrogenesis of this disease. These novel findings may offer specific therapeutic targets in the treatment of BCNU-associated pulmonary fibrosis.

Low infectious morbidity in patients with heavily pretreated hematological malignancies receiving autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation without antimicrobial prophylaxis

The use of prophylactic antimicrobials during autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) remains controversial. A prospective study was therefore conducted to examine whether the use of prophylactic antimicrobials is necessary. In this study, all the antimicrobials were given therapeutically rather than prophylactically. Twenty-three consecutive patients with heavily pretreated hematological malignancies were enrolled. All of the 23 patients had at least one episode of fever during APBSCT and most were fever of unknown origin (78.3%). Clinically or microbiologically documented infections occurred in only five patients (21.7%). These included bacteremias (three patients), perianal abscess (one patient), and catheter-related phlebitis (one patient). No death, invasive fungal infection, or serious adverse events occurred. The medium duration of fever, intravenous antimicrobial therapy, and hospital stay after transplantation were 5, 10, and 17 days, respectively. In conclusion, without using prophylactic antimicrobials, the infectious morbidity during APBSCT is low even in patients with heavily pretreated hematological malignancies.

Direct transfer of Ku between DNA molecules with nonhomologous ends

The Ku protein is an essential protein for DNA double-strand-break repair by the pathway of nonhomologous DNA end-joining (NHEJ). A previous study showed that Ku bound to one DNA molecule could transfer directly to another DNA molecule without being released into the solution first. Direct transfer requires the two DNA molecules having homologous cohesive ends with a minimum of four complementary bases. Results of this study reveal that direct transfer activity of Ku is regulated by NaCl and MgCl2. Increasing either one of the two cations can decrease the required amount of the other. However, the DNA end-binding activity of Ku is not affected by changing the concentration of the cations, indicating that the two activities are regulated independently. Most importantly, the results also show that Ku can transfer directly from one DNA molecule to another one with nonhomologous ends under the condition of 200 mM NaCl and 5mM MgCl2. The ability of direct transfer between DNAs with nonhomologous ends suggests that Ku can align or juxtapose two DNA ends during NHEJ.

Bacterial infection in patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia in central Taiwan

The microorganisms, outcome of infections and the risk factors were evaluated in 39 patients with beta-thalassemia who received frequent blood transfusions. Among these patients, thirteen developed 22 episodes of infections, and bacteremia accounted for 72.7% (16/22) of all infections. Three patients developed meningitis, two patients had liver abscesses, three patients had soft tissue infections, one patient had a urinary tract infection and one patient had lobar pneumonia. Interestingly, a large proportion of the patients were infected by Gram-negative bacteria. Patients who were implanted with intravascular catheters were most susceptible to bacterial infection (1.70 episodes/patient) (P = 0.0069). So were patients with ferritin levels over 2,000 ng/mL (1.18 episodes/patient) (P = 0.028). The frequency of bacterial infections in patients with splenectomies (1.08 episode/patient) was also significantly higher than that of the average patient (P = 0.025). In conclusion, three major risk factors for bacterial infection were identified in this group of patients: intravascular catheterization, high serum ferritin levels (> or = 2,000 ng/mL) and splenectomy. The infection rate of these patients (0.45 episode/100 patient-year) is about 20-fold higher than that of general pediatric patients (0.023 episode/100 patient-year).

Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 enhances mitomycin-C-induced apoptosis

PURPOSE

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in antiapoptosis signaling, and its induction may require activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Safingol (SAF), a PKC inhibitor, has been shown to enhance apoptosis induced by mitomycin-C (MMC) in human gastric cancer MKN-74 cells. The aim of this study was to identify the role of COX-2 in MMC-induced apoptosis in MKN-74 cells.

METHODS

Protein expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 and activation of PKCalpha were examined by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis induction was examined by staining with bisbenzimide trihydrochloride (Hoechst-33258) of condensed chromatin, which characterizes the cells undergoing apoptosis. COX-2 mRNA levels were examined by Northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

After exposure for 1-2 h to 1 microg/ml MMC, upregulation of COX-2 and Bcl-2 protein expression was noted. The activation of PKCalpha occurred within 1 h of MMC exposure, and temporally preceded the induction of COX-2. Similar results were observed in cells exposed to the PKC activator, 3-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Cotreatment with SAF and MMC abolished the induction of COX-2 by MMC. Furthermore, NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, significantly enhanced MMC-induced apoptosis by fivefold from 4 +/- 2% (MMC alone) to 20 +/- 2% (MMC plus NS-398). There was no discernible change in COX-2 mRNA levels after a 2-h exposure to MMC but a twofold increase after a 24-h exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

MMC upregulates COX-2 expression, which appears to be an antiapoptotic signal downstream of PKC. Selective inhibition of COX-2 can therefore provide a novel way to enhance MMC-induced apoptosis independent of inhibiting PKC.

Virus infection in patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in Taiwan. Detection of Epstein-Barr virus, type I human T-cell lymphotropic virus, and parvovirus B19

The relationship of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), type I human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I), and parvovirus B19 to histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis was studied prospectively in 10 Taiwanese patients using materials obtained by fine-needle aspiration and lymph node biopsy. The presence of EBV was detected by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA expression. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect virus-encoded protein for EBV and parvovirus B19. DNA in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine the existence of HTLV-I provirus. Expressions of EBV-encoded RNA and Fas ligand were detected in all cases. Expression of EBV-encoded protein was identified in only 1 case. Neither HTLV-I nor parvovirus B19 was detected in any case.

Metal-metal interactions in weakly coupled mixed-valence E- and Z-diferrocenylethylene complexes

To study metal-to-metal interactions in mixed-valence states of two weakly coupling ferrocenyl groups assembled in E or Z conformation on an ethylenic double bond, E-1,2-dimethyldiferrocenylethylene (1), Z-1,2-dimethyldi-ferrocenylethylene (2), and 1,2-diferrocenylcyclohexene (3) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Crystals of 1 are triclinic, P1, with a = 7.494(9) A, b = 10.801(3) A, c = 11.971(2) A, alpha = 102.17(2) degrees, beta = 106.12(9) degrees, gamma = 90.42(2) degrees, V = 907.8 A3, and Z = 2. Crystals of 2 are monoclinic, P2(1)/c, with a = 13.601(8) A, b = 11.104(4) A, c = 13.732(1) A, beta = 114.26(7) degrees, V = 1890.8(3) A3, and Z = 4. Crystals of 3 are orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 5.766(2) A, b = 13.090(1) A, c = 26.695(2) A, V = 2014.9(3) A3, and Z = 4. Intervalence transition spectra (IT) and electrochemical data have been determined and compared with those of diferrocenyl-benzene (para, ortho, and meta). The comproportionation constants in nitrobenzene at 25 degrees C were found to be 490 and 813 for 1 and 3, respectively. That of 2 was not measured because of the fact that 2+ isomerizes rapidly in all solvents tested, yielding nearly a racemic mixture of E and Z conformers. This finding helps to clear the paradoxical phenomenon between experimental results of mixed-valence complexes of E- and Z-1,2-bis(1'-ethyl-1-ferrocenyl)-1,2-dimethylethylene and theories. The stability of the mixed-valence species was discussed in terms of resonance delocalization, Coulomb repulsion energy, inductive effect, magnetic interaction, structural factors, and statistical factor. According to our analysis based on the Hush formalism, the contribution due to Coulomb repulsion energy dominates the overall stability of the mixed-valence state in 1+, 2+, and 3+. Stabilization that arises from resonance delocalization is only minor and contributes less than 4% to the overall stability, even in 3+ where linked Cp rings and the ethylenic plane are coplanar. In calculating the resonance contribution, crystallographic Fe-Fe distances of 7.44 A (1) and 6.68 A (3) were used for 1+, and 3+, respectively.

Angiotropic lymphoma manifesting as a solitary adrenal tumor in a case of ankylosing spondylitis

Angiotropic lymphoma is an extremely rare disease characterized by intravascular accumulation of large neoplastic lymphocytes, with the clinical manifestations of fever, skin lesions and neurologic deficits. We report a patient who developed angiotropic lymphoma after a 10-year history of ankylosing spondylitis. The clinical disease manifested as a unilateral, solitary adrenal tumor, fever and body weight loss. The fever subsided after surgical removal of the adrenal tumor. Systemic chemotherapy was administered postoperatively. The patient was leading an uneventful life 44 months after the initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of angiotropic lymphoma associated with ankylosing spondylitis. It is also the second reported case manifesting with a unilateral solitary adrenal tumor without systemic involvement.

Senescent human fibroblasts have elevated Ku86 proteolytic cleavage activity

A proteolytic activity capable of cleaving the Ku86 subunit of Ku protein to two polypeptides, with molecular masses of 69 and 17 kDa in vitro, is present in a human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cell line. The activity is elevated in late-passaged and senescent cells, and the cleaved 69-kDa product seems able to form complex with Ku70 to bind DNA ends. However, further studies indicate that cleavage of Ku86 could be inhibited by including leupeptin in the extraction buffer, and no 69 kDa variant was evident in the cell. In fact, the levels of Ku86, Ku70 and DNA-end binding activity of Ku remained unchanged during replicative senescence. Thus, this study reveals an intriguing protease in HDFs, and also indicates that inconsistent results of Ku86 expression will be obtained if the protease activity is not completely inhibited.

Case report: portal vein thrombosis associated with hereditary protein C deficiency: a report of two cases

Protein C deficiency is one of the causes of curable or preventable portal vein thrombosis. We report two patients of portal vein thrombosis associated with hereditary protein C deficiency. The first patient presented with continuous right upper quadrant pain and high fever. The abdominal sonography revealed normal liver parenchyma but portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Based on a 55% (normal 70-140%) plasma protein C level, he was diagnosed as having protein C deficiency. A trace of his family history showed that his elder brother also had protein C deficiency with a 50% plasma C level. Both patients received anticoagulant therapy. The younger brother showed good response. Unfortunately, the elder one suffered from recurrent episodes of variceal bleeding and received a life-saving splenectomy and devascularization. We herein remind clinicians that early screening and therapy are helpful in preventing late complications of protein C deficiency with portal vein thrombosis.

Expression of Fas ligand in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis: A case report of a boy with multisystem involvement

Previous reports of patients with Langerhans' cell histiocytosis have shown characteristics of osteolytic lesion, visceral involvement and organ dysfunction. We report a 2-year-old boy who was diagnosed as Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with a prominent hepatomegaly. X-Radiogram, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the osteolysis of the right iliac bone, the absence of the left eighth rib as well as the right mandible, and an enhancing mass in the left cerebellum. The data of radiography were highly suggestive of Langerhans' cell lineage. The presence of large CD1a-positive mononuclear cells associated with inflammatory cells in peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspirate further confirmed the diagnosis. In addition, expressions of S100, CD25, CD68, CD80, CD86, and Fas ligand were identified on these cells by immunocytochemical staining. The results indicate that although these cells are activated Langerhans' cells, progression of the disease and the bone destruction could be mediated by the overt FasL expression of the cells.

Expression of Epstein-Barr virus in patients with Hodgkin's disease in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with Hodgkin's disease (HD) is intimately related to socioeconomic status. The proportion of HD patients with EBV is high in developing countries but low in developed countries. The aim of this study was to delineate the association of EBV with HD in Taiwan.

METHODS

Tissues from 70 consecutive cases of HD were examined for the presence of EBV, for the latent membrane protein (LMP- 1) by immunohistochemistry, and for EBER-1 by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

There were 53 males and 17 females, with a mean age of 42 years (range, 7-75 years). Histologic subtypes included nodular sclerosis in 36 cases (51.4%), mixed cellularity in 26 (37.1%), lymphocyte predominance in 6, and lymphocyte depletion in 2. Overall, EBV was expressed in 44 cases (62.9%), with EBER-1 expression detected in 40 (57.1%) and LMP-1 detected in 38 (54.3%). The following histologic subtypes were associated with EBV: lymphocyte predominance in 1 of 6 cases (16.7%), nodular sclerosis in 23 of 36 cases (63.9%), mixed cellularity in 18 of 26 cases (69.2%), and lymphocyte depletion in 2 of 2 cases (100%).

CONCLUSIONS

EBV association with HD is relatively high in Taiwan. Although EBV was detected in all subtypes and at all ages in this study, the low endemic incidence of HD in Taiwan suggests that other factors, besides EBV, play a role in the pathogenesis of HD.

Expression of DNA topoisomerase II alpha and multidrug resistance p-glycoprotein in acute leukemia

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance is a major cause of treatment failure in acute leukemia. Overexpression of multidrug resistance gene and decreased activity of topoisomerase II alpha are suggested as two important mechanisms for this resistance.

METHODS

We used immunohistochemical method to determine the expressions of both topoisomerase II alpha (topo II alpha) and p-glycoprotein (gp-170) in bone marrow biopsy specimens from 68 cases of acute leukemia. Patients were divided into four groups: (1) leukemia cells with high score for topo II alpha and negative for gp-170; (2) leukemia cells with high score for topo II alpha and positive for gp-170; (3) leukemia cells with low score for topo II alpha and negative for gp-170; and (4) leukemia cells with low score for topo II alpha and positive for gp-170. The clinical responses were then followed as routine, and the clinical correlation was evaluated by analysis of variance and Pearson Chi-Square test.

RESULTS

The measure of the single parameter (either topo II alpha or gp-170 alone) did not show a significant difference in the overall survival. However, the complete response rate was much higher in the first group patients whose bone marrow reading score was high in topo II alpha and negative for gp-170 expression. Survival duration increased with the increase in the complete response rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined parameters of topo II alpha and gp-170 are more useful than any individual parameter for the prognosis of acute leukemia.

The genome of Moloney murine leukemia virus can be integrated by the integrase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 expressed alone in vivo

An in vivo integration assay using the expressed human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) protein and plasmids carrying a copy of the infectious Moloney murine leukemia virus (MuLV) provirus genome as substrates is presented. The HIV-1 IN gene was taken from vector pINSD and cloned into vector pXT1 to give pXT1-IN. Two and three nucleotides from the circle junction on one pair of U3 and U5 attachment (att) sequences on an infectious MuLV provirus vector pMLV-K were changed by means of site-directed mutagenesis to that of the corresponding HIV-1 att sequences to generate vector pMLV*(U3U5). The MuLV IN sequence was partially deleted for vectors pMLV-K and pMLV*(U3U5) to generate vectors pMLV delta IN and pMLV*(U3U5) delta IN. Integration of these wild type and MuLV IN partially deleted or att mutated MuLV provirus vectors in the transfected cells by the expressed HIV-1 IN was monitored by means of a non-radioactive reverse transcriptase (RT) assay for released and collected virions. No RT activity was detected for the NIH/3T3 cell singly transfected with vector pMLV delta IN. However some RT activities were observed for the HIV-1 IN expressing cell transfected either with vectors pMLV delta IN or pMLV*(U3U5) delta IN. This indicated that in the absence of other HIV-1 proteins expressed the MuLV provirus genome was integrated by the expressed HIV-1 IN protein. The integration of these MuLV provirus genomes was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis on the genomic DNA extracted from the transfected cells using the MuLV IN sequence remained from partial deletion as a target.

Primary biliary cirrhosis associated with mixed type autoimmune hemolytic anemia and sicca syndrome: a case report and review of literature

A case presenting with an unusual association of primary biliary cirrhosis and mixed type autoimmune hemolytic anemia plus sicca syndrome is described. The 49-yr-old female primary biliary cirrhosis patient had a confirmed sicca syndrome and presented with jaundice and life-threatening anemia. Laboratory tests revealed positive Coombs' test with coexisting cold and warm autoantibodies. She was successfully treated by blood transfusion with packed red cells lacking any red cell antigens corresponding to serum alloantibodies and pulse methylprednisolone therapy. The patient remained stable under maintenance treatment using oral steroids and ursodeoxycholic acid. This case is probably the first reported showing an association between primary biliary cirrhosis and mixed type autoimmune hemolytic anemia plus sicca syndrome and was probably induced by heterogenous and complicated autoimmune reactions.

Severe hyperbilirubinemia due to acute hepatitis A superimposed on a chronic hepatitis B carrier with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Taiwan is an endemic area for hepatitis A and B virus infections; nearly 90% of adults have serological markers for either virus. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is also common, ranging from 2% to 10%. We report the case of a 36-yr-old chronic HBV male carrier with G6PD deficiency who developed acute viral hepatitis A with severe hyperbilirubinemia and intravascular hemolysis. The hemolysis was in all likelihood the result of recent exposure to sulfa drugs. Fulminant hepatitis was the initial impression, because the peak serum total bilirubin concentration was alarmingly high, at 85.4 mg/dl. Exchange plasmapheresis was fresh frozen plasma was performed, and various laboratory studies gradually returned to near normal laboratory studies gradually returned to near normal over the next 3 wk. The patient made an uneventful recovery 1 month after admission.

Post-remission intensive consolidation with high-dose cytarabine-based chemotherapy and granulocyte colony-stimulatory factor in adults with acute myelogenous leukemia: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Modern induction chemotherapy produce 60% to 80% complete remission in adults with newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A major challenge is to eradicate subclinical disease in remission and prevent leukemic relapse. Intensive post-remission chemotherapy was proved of comparable disease-free survival as BMT.

METHODS

From February 1992 to to March 1995, twelve patients with AML, aged 15 to 57 y/o, received intensive consolidation chemotherapy immediately after the first complete remission. The chemotherapy included either 4 courses of high dose Arac (HiDAC), 3 gm/m2 q12h x3 days, or 2 courses of HiDAC (4 days) plus mitoxantrone for 3 days and etoposide for 7 days (HiDAC-3-7). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used used 24 hours after chemotherapy until absolute neutrophile count greater than 500/mm3.

RESULTS

Totally 24 courses of high dose chemotherapy were given. The median duration of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophile count < or = 500/mm3) was 12 days, thrombocytopenia (< or = 50,000/mm3) 18 days, fever > or = 38 degrees C 6 days, and from severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophile count < or = 500/mm3) was 12 days, thrombocytopenia (< or = 50,000/mm3) 18 days, fever > or = 38 degrees C 6 days, and from severe neutropenia (< or = 500/mm3) to infection 4 days. Infection was the most frequent complication during HiDAC treatment. No toxic death was noted. After a median follow-up of 16 months, early relapse was noted in 3 patients (2, 4, and 5 months, respectively), and late relapse in two patients (11 and 20 months, respectively). Seven patients remained in complete remission status after a median follow-up of 14+ months (7+ to 37+ months).

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive consolidation chemotherapy is well tolerable and may prolong remission duration when used in the early post-remission phase of AML.

Induction of megakaryocytic differentiation in a newly established human leukemic cell line by 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

BACKGROUND

Biological studies on megakaryopoiesis have been hampered by the scarcity of megakaryocytes in normal bone marrow and difficulty in long term culture. Alternatively, leukemic cell lines with megakaryocytic differentiation potential may provide good models to counter these problems.

METHODS

Leukemic cells from a patient with acute megakaryocytic leukemia were put into long-term culture and established into a cell line which was designated as VGH-MK1. The VGH-MK1 cells were challenged with differentiation agents and/or cytokines, and the differentiation of these cells was examined using morphological, immunocytochemical and surface-marker studies.

RESULTS

Morphologically, VGH-MK1 cells had prominent nucleoli and basophilic cytoplasm with some protrusions, but large cells were occasionally seen. Under regular culture condition, the cells had a doubling time of 36-48 hours. The cloned cell line exhibited markers characteristic of megakaryoblasts after differentiation induction. Specifically, when stimulated with 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), cells became larger and had large or multinuclei. They were induced to express platelet glycoproteins GPIb (CD42b), GPIIb/IIIa (CD41), and GPIIIa (CD61) antigens, but not erythroid nor lymphoid markers. Platelet peroxidase (PPO) activity was also induced. Retinoic acid did not exhibit similar differentiation-inducing effects. In contrast, it counteracted the effects induced by TPA.

CONCLUSIONS

An unique human leukemic cell line, VGH-MK1, has been established here. It could be induced to exhibit some characteristics of megakaryocytic lineage, and may be an useful model for the biological studies of megakaryopoiesis.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor infusion and/or autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation as a rescue for sequential high-dose combination chemotherapy: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Sequential cycles of combination chemotherapy with high-dose cyclophosphamide, etoposide and cisplatin (sHDCEP) can largely increase the total dose (TD) of drug delivered. If granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and/or autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) rescue can shorten the duration of cytopenia between cycles of sHDCEP, the dose intensity (DI) can be increased as well. In order to explore the feasibility of delivering maximal TD and DI by administration of sHDCEP with G-CSF and/or PBSC rescue, this trial is undertaken to investigate the hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity observed with sHDCEP by G-CSF and/or PBSC rescue.

METHODS

Patients with refractory malignancy and well preserved physiologic function for whom no available therapy is likely to cure or prolong the survival were eligible for the study. Each cycle of high-dose chemotherapy consisted of: cyclophosphamide 5,000 mg/m2, etoposide 1,500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 150 mg/m2. G-CSF and/or PBSC were administered alternatively after each cycle as rescue for myelosuppression. The next cycle was given to patient who showed response to the previous cycle after recovery from toxicity for a maximal of 4 cycles.

RESULTS

Two cases of refractory malignancy with progressive disease were treated by sHDCEP for 7 cycles, including 4 cycles with G-CSF rescue, 2 cycle with PBSC rescue, and 1 cycle with G-CSF + PBSC rescue. In the 4 cycles rescued by G-CSF alone, we observed a slightly slower granulocyte and markedly prolonged platelet recovery in the subsequent cycle. By comparing the effect of G-CSF and/or PBSC rescue on hematologic recovery with the preceding cycle in the same patient, we found that G-CSF rescue provided faster granulocyte recovery than PBSC, but PBSC rescue provided faster platelet recovery than G-CSF. Rescue by larger number of PBSCs provided only faster platelet but not granulocyte recovery than rescue by adding G-CSF to a very small number of PBSCs. However, G-CSF plus the very small number of PBSCs provided shorter duration of both granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia than rescue by G-CSF alone. The most common nonhematologic toxicity from sHDCEP included transient nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mild impairment of liver function but we observed no significant or irreversible major organ damage. The side effect from PBSC collection was mild and toxicity from reinfusion of the thawed PBSCs was not obvious. Using G-CSF and/or PBSC rescue, sHDCEP was delivered repeatedly in no more than 4 weeks for the next-cycles except for patient 1 who had cycle 4 delayed because of prolonged platelet recovery by only G-CSF rescue in cycle 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience has shown that the nonhematologic toxicity from sHDCEP, G-CSF and PBSC rescue was well tolerated. Prolonged platelet recovery after sequential cycles of HDCEP by only G-CSF rescue delayed the next cycle of chemotherapy. Although the next cycle was delivered within 4 weeks by only PBSC rescue, concurrent infusion of G-CSF and larger number of PBSCs should provide the most rapid hematologic recovery. Sequential high-dose chemotherapy administered by this model is likely to provide the maximal delivery of TD and DI, and is worthy of further clinical trials.

Do the reticulocyte maturation fractions and bone marrow reticulocyte count further help the classification of anemias?

BACKGROUND

Reticulocyte count plays a major role in anemic evaluation. The conventional method done by the manual supravital staining cannot subclassify the group of less than 2% of corrected reticulocyte count. The newly-developed flow cytometer provides different maturation fractions by measuring its fluorescent intensity. The reticulocytes are believed to shift to the circulation from the bone marrow earlier in more severe anemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of reticulocyte maturation fractions and bone marrow reticulocyte in anemia classification.

METHODS

By using a fully automated counter, the roles of the reticulocyte with maturation and their shifting from bone marrow were evaluated in anemias. Different groups of subjects (243 in total) including aplastic, nutritional, and infiltrative anemias and anemia due to excess destruction and blood loss were studied. Each subject had bone marrow examination for morphologic diagnosis and reticulocyte evaluation.

RESULTS

Both the absolute count and the maturation fractions of reticulocytes showed significant difference among marrow infiltration, aplastic anemia, and hemolytic anemia. Both the absolute reticulocyte count and less mature fractions were lowest in aplastic group. The marrow reticulocyte counts and shift ratio to circulating blood added little benefit in the classification of anemias.

CONCLUSIONS

The automated reticulocyte count with maturation fractions helps classify anemias, particularly for those with low reticulocyte count by the manual method.

Retinoic acid stimulates the protein kinase C pathway before activation of its beta-nuclear receptor during human teratocarcinoma differentiation

We previously reported that protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation through phorbol ester (TPA) treatment enhances the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on immunophenotypic differentiation and RA nuclear receptor (RAR) activation in the multipotential human teratocarcinoma (TC) cell line NTera-2/clone D1 (abbreviated NT2/D1). This study extends prior work in NT2/D1 cells by demonstrating that PKC pathway activation is an early effect of RA treatment which regulates RAR transcriptional activity. RA activated the PKC pathway prior to induction of RAR-beta expression at 6 h, which is an established early marker of RAR activation in NT2/D1 cells. RA caused a transient 1.3-fold increase in intracellular diacylglycerol (DG) at 2 min and a translocation of the gamma isozyme of PKC (PKC-gamma) within 5 min. Transient co-transfection studies provided evidence that PKC pathway activation plays a role in the regulation of RAR-beta expression. In these studies a constitutively active PKC-gamma augmented the RA-mediated transactivation of a luciferase reporter containing the native RAR-beta promoter which has a retinoic-acid-response element (RARE). These findings reveal that PKC pathway activation is an early step in RA-mediated human TC differentiation and that PKC-gamma can potentiate the effects of RA on RAR transcriptional activation.

Reticulocyte count with maturation fractions in pancytopenic evaluation by a fully automated counter

Using a fully automated reticulocyte counter, the roles of the reticulocyte count with maturation in pancytopenia were evaluated. Different groups of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia, infiltrative marrow disorder, hypersplenism, and megaloblastic anemia were recruited. All patients had bone marrow examinations for morphological diagnosis and reticulocyte evaluation using an automated counter. The roles of these parameters were then analyzed statistically in the differential evaluation among these conditions. The following subjects were studied: 292 normal subjects, 67 cases of aplastic anemia, 69 cases of marrow infiltration by different malignancies, 35 cases of hypersplenism, and 13 cases of megaloblastic anemia. The results showed that the absolute reticulocyte counts were lowest in the groups of aplastic anemia and megaloblastic anemia and highest in hypersplenism. Both showed significant differences from the infiltrative groups. The maturation fractions were most immature in the group of marrow infiltration and are significantly different from the other groups. It was concluded that the highest absolute reticulocyte count (> 0.09 10(12)/L) obtained in pancytopenic patients suggests it to be a case of hypersplenism. The lowest counts (< 0.03 10(12)/L) with lowest immature fractions (< 10%) suggest the groups of aplastic or megaloblastic anemias. The highest immature fractions (> 30%) with a nearly normal reticulocyte count favor the group of marrow infiltration.

Comparison of hemoglobin and red blood cell distribution width in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia

In a total group of 415 subjects (100 normal controls, 115 with iron deficiency anemia, 100 with the alpha-thalassemia trait, and 100 with the beta-thalassemia trait), the following indexes were analyzed: hemoglobin distribution width, red blood cell distribution width (RDW)-coefficient of variation, and RDW-SD. The hemoglobin distribution width and RDW-coefficient of variation were examined with a laser light scattering system (Technicon H1), whereas the RDW-SD was determined with an impedance autoanalyzer (Sysmex M-2000). All of these parameters helped, to some extent, in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anemia. However, our data suggested a low RDW-SD might provide significantly more value in differentiating thalassemia traits from iron deficiency anemia, as well as from normal controls, while the hemoglobin distribution width gave no help in the differential diagnosis between iron deficiency anemia and the beta-thalassemia trait.

Community-based epidemiological study on hypertension in Pu-Li, Taiwan

A community-based study was carried out by the Yang-Ming Crusade in 1987-1988 in Pu-Li Town, Taiwan. We interviewed 1738 out of 2573 registered residents more than 30 years old and their fasting blood samples were drawn and tested. The prevalences of definite hypertension (greater than or equal to 160/95 mm Hg) and borderline hypertension (140/90 to 160/95 mm Hg) were 18.7% and 16.0%, respectively. To study factors associated with hypertension, univariate analysis was applied first. Stratified analyses by age and sex were used for interaction assessment. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. According to the final model, the significant factors related to definite hypertension were age (greater than or equal to 50 v less than 50 years of age, odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6 to 4.3), physical activity (frequent v infrequent, OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.6), alcohol intake (yes v no, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.6), and cholesterol (greater than or equal to 240 v less than 240 mg/dL, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9). Significant factors related to borderline hypertension were age (only for those cholesterol greater than or equal to 240 mg/dL, greater than or equal to 50 v less than 50 years of age, OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.1 to 7.9), cholesterol (only for those age less than 50, greater than or equal to 240 v less than 240 mg/dL, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 7.8), physical activity (frequent v infrequent, OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7), and alcohol intake (yes v no, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.6).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A method to detect transfected chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene expression in intact animals

A rapid procedure is described for assaying chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT, EC 2.3.1.28) enzyme activity in intact animals following transfection of the RSV CAT plasmid into mouse bone marrow cells by electroporation. The reconstituted mice were injected with [14C]chloramphenicol and ethyl acetate extracts of 24-h urine samples were analyzed by TLC autoradiography for the excretion of 14C-labeled metabolites. CAT expression in vivo can be detected by the presence of acetylated 14C-labeled metabolites in the urine within 1 week after bone marrow transplantation and, under the conditions described, these metabolites can be detected for at least 3 months. CAT expression in intact mice as monitored by the urine assay correlates with the CAT expression in the hematopoietic tissues assayed in vitro. This method offers a quick mode of screening for introduced CAT gene expression in vivo without sacrificing the mice.

In vivo expression of a nonselected gene transferred into murine hematopoietic stem cells by electroporation

Mouse bone marrow cells were subjected to electroporation in the presence of RSVCAT and SV2NEO plasmids. CAT activity was detected in the G-418 resistant granulocyte-macrophage colonies. RSVCAT electroporated into primary bone marrow cells, repopulated lethally irradiated mice as demonstrated by the persistence of CAT activity in the hematopoietic tissues showing that electroporation can offer a powerful mode of gene transfer into bone marrow cells.

Screening of anti-HTLV antibody in sera of normal individuals and patients with malignancies in Taiwan

In the present study an immunofluorescence using KH-2 cells as target cells, has been developed for the screening of 1200 serum samples from normal individuals and 450 of cases from patients with various malignancies. The positive anti-HTLV-I antibody rate in the former group is 0.083% (1/1200) and while in the latter it is found to be 1.8% (8/450) (including 3 adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma cases of the 92 hematopoietic and 5 of 358 non-hematopoietic malignancies). The differences between the two groups are found to be significantly different (p value is less than 0.0001). In addition to the 3 adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma cases, the 5 seropositive cancer patients are of 5 different diseases. We have searched for the adult T-cell leukemia virus antigen and the p19 core protein in lymphoid cells of seropositive persons and the only positive cases were from cells of two proven adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients. Our results suggest that Taiwan is not an endemic area of adult T-cell leukemia virus and that KH-2 cells may be used for the detection of anti-HTLV-I antibodies.

Surface marker analysis of acute lymphocytic leukaemia in Taiwan, Republic of China

Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) is heterogeneous in clinical characteristics and immunological properties. Standard surface marker analysis has enabled us to subclassify 121 cases of ALL into four subtypes, i.e. T-ALL, common ALL, null ALL and B-ALL. We have also tried to correlate these subtypes with their clinical characteristics. Our patients had younger ages with a mean age of 13.75. A slight male predominance was observed. There were consistently higher incidences in northern Taiwan in each subtype, but no significant differences in incidences between rural and urban areas. Although there were high incidences of L1 type cell in each immunological subtype, there was no correlation between FAB classification and each subtype, nor did morphologic features relate to cellular origins. Clinical manifestations revealed significantly high incidence of CNS involvement and thymic mass in T-ALL. Hepatosplenomegaly was more common and complete remission rate was higher in children with ALL than in adults.