The effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy on thymidine phosphorylase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression in cancer of the uterine cervix

OBJECTIVE

Levels of 5-FU metabolic or related enzymes, particularly thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), have been investigated in various cancer types, including uterine cervical cancer. Intratumoral TP levels have been reported to increase in response to several chemotherapeutic agents or irradiation in both xenografts and clinical studies. In cervical cancer, however, only a few studies about changes in TP and DPD expression associated with cancer treatment have been published. We evaluated the effect of chemotherapy and/or irradiation on TP and DPD expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Of 27 patients in this study, 12 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of nedaplatin, ifosfamide, and/or peplomycin followed by radical surgery, and 15 patients underwent radiotherapy (n=8) or chemoradiotherapy with nedaplatin (n=7) as initial treatment. Tumor specimens were obtained from biopsies acquired before treatment and after administration of chemotherapy (2 weeks after the first and second cycles), and after irradiation with 10 Gy, 20 Gy, and 30 Gy. These specimens were used to measure TP and DPD levels by ELISA.

RESULTS

In the 12 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, intratumoral TP and DPD levels did not change. In contrast, in the 15 patients who underwent radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with nedaplatin, TP or DPD expression appeared to be slightly increased or decreased, respectively, after irradiation with 20 Gy, and consequently the TP/DPD ratio was significantly higher after irradiation with 20 Gy than before irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a clinical advantage of chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine or doxyfluridine over radiotherapy alone via the elevation of the TP/DPD ratio in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. However, no advantage of combination chemotherapy with these 5-FU derivatives was demonstrated. Therefore, further evaluation with a larger number of patients or with other chemotherapeutic agents is required to confirm these observations.

A successful IVF-pregnancy in a patient who underwent conservative surgery followed by a regimen of cisplatin, vinblastine and peplomycin to treat an advanced ovarian mixed germ cell tumour: a case report

Mixed germ cell tumours of the ovary, one type of malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCTs), are rare gynaecologic cancers usually affecting young women. We report the case of a patient with an advanced ovarian mixed germ cell tumour who underwent fertility-saving surgery followed by a chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin, vinblastine and peplomycin. The patient was disease-free 8 years after initial presentation. She conceived and gestated dichorionic twins after IVF-embryo transfer. To the best of our knowledge, the patient is the first to be treated successfully with the combination chemotherapy regimen and then conceive safely using assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Granisetron reduces clinical and histological response to intra-arterial neoadjuvant chemotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Intra-arterial neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TPP) with pirarubicin, cisplatin and peplomycin produced strong primary effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma, using metoclopramide (MCA) as an anti-emetic. After clinical application of granisetron (GRN), the clinical responses to TPP observed previously were weakened. In this paper, the influence of GRN on TPP is discussed. Sixty-three cases were evaluated with regard to the primary effects of TPP and anti-emetics. GRN was used in 42 cases of the GRN group, and MCA in 21 cases of non-GRN group. The clinical response rate (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) was 95.2% in the non-GRN group, and 76.2% in the GRN group. The rate of CR in the non-GRN group was 47.6%, whereas it was 9.5% in the GRN group. The histological effects in the GRN group were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of non-GRN group. Concerning the relationship between the clinical responses and the histological responses, 4 of the 18 CR+PR cases (22.2%) in the GRN group showed good histological responses, compared with 6 of the 14 CR+PR cases (42.9%) showing in the non-GRN group. The histological responses in the GRN group were significantly lower (P<0.05) than in the non-GRN group. Our data indicate that GRN reduces the clinical and histological responses of chemotherapy.

Apoptosis in cervical cancer after balloon-occluded arterial infusion of anticancer drugs

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between apoptosis and Bcl-2 and Bax expressions in uterine cervical cancer after balloon-occluded arterial infusion (BOAI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four specimens were obtained before and after BOAI. The occurrence of apoptosis was examined with molecular biochemical techniques. The expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were investigated by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Labelling of DNA in situ indicated that apoptotic cells were sporadically seen before BOAI (6.1 +/- 1.9). Apoptotic cells apparently increased at 5 days (25.1 +/- 6.4) after BOAI The autoradiographic analysis revealed that the DNA-ladder was identified at 5 days after BOAI. Although Bcl-2 immuno-reactivity was faintly detected, the expression of Bax increased at 3 days (49.4 +/- 10.4%) after BOAI.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that treatment with BOAI resulted in transient increases of apoptosis in cervical cancer in association with the increased expression of Bax.

[A case of primary and solitary bone metastasis of testicular seminoma after orchiectomy]

A 40-year-old man with stage I left testicular seminoma who had been followed for 18 months after orchiectomy, complained of pain in his left upper extremity and dysbasia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scintigraphy suggested multiple bone lesions in the thoracic vertebrae and right ischium, and bone biopsy revealed metastasis of seminoma. There was no evidence of other metastatic lesions. After he was treated with 2 courses of first-line chemotherapy consisting of peplomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin, which were followed by 2 courses of high-dose chemotherapy with carboplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide, the metastatic lesions were nearly in complete response on MRI and bone scintigraphy and the result of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography was negative, but the hCG-beta level remained slightly elevated. In most advanced testicular tumors, bone metastasis usually coexists with other metastatic lesions and appears as a secondary lesion. Herein, we report this rare case of primary and solitary bone metastasis from testicular seminoma after orchiectomy.

Preoperative Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Maxillary Sinus

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to assess the prognostic factors for the management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary sinus, who received preoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). We also elucidated the appropriate sequence of chemotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 124 patients (median age 62 years) with SCC of the maxillary sinus were analysed retrospectively. T3 or T4 disease was found in 93% of the patients. Thirty-nine patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA), 38 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and 47 patients received NA followed by CRT. The median dose of RT was 60 Gy. Maxillectomy was undertaken in 98 patients.

RESULTS

The 5 year overall survival (OAS) and local control probability (LCP) were 56.6 and 73.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, surgery (P < 0.0001) and T classification (P < 0.04) were significant prognostic factors for OAS and LCP. Histological grade and nodal status were also related to OAS. However, any chemotherapy sequence was not associated with the treatment outcome. On multivariate analysis, surgery (P < 0.0005) and T classification (P < 0.05) were identified as significant prognostic factors for LCP and OAS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that both surgery and T stage are important prognostic factors for LCP and OAS in the management of SCC of the maxillary sinus. The appropriate sequence of chemotherapy remains to be elucidated in the future study.

Yolk sac tumor of the ovary during pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND

There is a therapeutic dilemma for the pregnant patient with malignancy requiring chemotherapy.

CASE

We had a case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman with a yolk sac tumor who underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy at 22 weeks gestation. Chemotherapy during pregnancy was postponed because of concern with the risks of the chemotherapy to the fetus. After the operation, L2 fraction of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) depending on the affinity for Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) as an indicator for a maternal source of AFP had been detectable since 30 weeks gestation and elevated rapidly with advancing gestation. Tumor recurrence was confirmed clinically at 34 weeks gestation. She was induced, delivering a healthy baby, and received seven complete chemotherapy courses (cisplatin, etoposide, and peplomycin). Currently, the mother (39 months after last chemotherapy) and child are doing well.

CONCLUSION

AFP-L2 may be a sensitive indicator for a yolk sac tumor derived AFP, leading to an earlier detection of tumor recurrence during pregnancy.

Expression of caveolin-1 and its correlation with cisplatin sensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Cisplatin (CDDP) is widely used for chemotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the mechanism of resistance to CDDP is unclear. Recently, caveolin-1 was identified as being associated with both metastasis and multidrug resistance. In the present study, we showed that caveolin-1 expression is significantly related to chemosensitivity in OSCC.

METHODS

We established a CDDP-resistant cell line, H-1R, from the parental OSCC cell line, H-1. Caveolin-1 expression was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both cell lines. We analyzed expression of caveolin-1 in 30 OSCC biopsy specimens and investigated the relationship between expression of caveolin-1 and patients' clinicopathological parameters and chemotherapeutic responses.

RESULTS

The 3-(3,4-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that H-1R has a ten-times greater resistance to CDDP than H-1 has. The level of caveolin-1 expression in H-1R was significantly decreased in comparison with that in H-1 by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Positive caveolin-1 immunostaining correlated positively with a complete response (16/20, 80.0%). However, negative immunostaining was found in 6/7 (85.7%) cases with no response. Positive immunohistochemical staining of caveolin-1 correlated positively with chemosensitivity to CDDP-based combination chemotherapy (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that overexpression of the caveolin-1 gene may provide novel diagnostic markers associated with CDDP sensitivity in OSCC.

Radiotherapy for Uterine Cervical Cancer: Results of the 1995-1997 Patterns of Care Process Survey in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to establish Japanese national practice patterns for uterine cervical cancer patients who received radiotherapy without surgery.

METHODS

The Japanese Patterns of Care Study (JPCS) conducted a national survey of 73 institutions using two-stage cluster sampling, and collected specific information on 591 patients with uterine cervical cancer treated by radiotherapy without planned surgery between 1995 and 1997.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 70 years. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was >/=90 for 37%. Most patients (95%) had histology of squamous cell carcinoma. Ten percent were stage I, 29% stage II, 48% stage III and 13% stage IVA. Photon beams of 10-14 MV were the most used for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The beam energy utilized varied significantly by institution strata. Midline block was used in approximately 70% of institutions. Intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) was performed in 77%. Institution strata correlated significantly with the ICBT application. The majority of patients (89%) were treated with high-dose-rate (HDR) ICBT. The median single point A dose of HDR-ICBT was 600 cGy. The median summated point A dose from EBRT and HDR-ICBT was 5800 cGy (range: 1196-8600). The median overall treatment time including ICBT was 49 days. Twenty-four percent of the patients received chemotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiation was performed in 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The JPCS established the Japanese national practice patterns of care for uterine cervical cancer patients treated with radiotherapy without planned surgery between 1995 and 1997. This survey demonstrated that the institutional strata significantly affected several practice patterns.

Neoadjuvant high-dose intraarterial infusion chemotherapy under percutaneous pelvic perfusion with extracorporeal chemofiltration in patients with stages IIIa–IVa cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response rate and survival of patients with locally advanced uterine cervical cancer who were treated with intraarterial infusion chemotherapy under percutaneous pelvic perfusion with extracorporeal chemofiltration (PPPEC).

METHODS

Twenty-three untreated patients with stages IIIa-IVa cervical cancer were enrolled in the study. PPPEC was administered twice at 2 weeks interval using high-dose cisplatin alone (140-250 mg/m(2)) or high-dose cisplatin plus mitomycin C (7 mg/m(2)), pepleomycin (7 mg/m(2)) and 5-fluorouracil (700 mg/m(2)). Eighteen patients in whom the tumor downstaging was confirmed underwent radical surgery following PPPEC, whereas in the remaining five patients, radiotherapy was administered.

RESULTS

Two weeks after the second PPPEC, the median volumetric tumor reduction and tumor response were 76% and 87%, respectively. Histologic response was 96%, while the tumor downstaging reached 83%. The curative surgery rate achieved was 89%. Five-year progression-free survival was 47% and 5-year survival rate was 74%.

CONCLUSION

High-dose intraarterial infusion chemotherapy under PPPEC effectively achieved tumor downstaging and resulted in the favorable performance of the subsequent radical surgery and improved the 5-year survival rate of patients with locally advanced uterine cervical cancer.

[Clinical practice of 99mTc-peplimycin imaging and radio guided surgery for lung neoplasms]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Intraoperatively,the routine method to differentiate malignant lung neoplasms from benign lesions is by the judgment of naked eye or frozen section. It is not accurate to judge by naked eye and will take long time by frozen section. Using a gamma-detecting probe (GDP) to accurately detect the tumors and the metastases, the operators could decide the resection range and the treatment plan. This study was preliminary clinical practice of tumor imaging and radioimmunoguided surgery (RGS) using (99m)Tc-PPM (peplomycin) as a tumor tracer.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients were administered with injection of (99m)Tc-PPM. The images were taken preoperatively. Region of interest (ROI) method was performed and tumor-to- normal-tissue (T/NT) ratio was calculated on the image. The radioactivity of the specimens resected from the patients was detected using GDP at the time of surgery. T/NT ratio was obtained by comparing the radioactivity of the tumor tissue with the normal lung tissue.

RESULTS

The uptake ratios (T/NT) of (99m)Tc-PPM were different between malignant and benign lesion (P< 0.01). The ratio (T/NT, x+/-2s) was regarded as the threshold for differentiation of malignant and benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of identifying malignant lesion were 90%, 87.5%, and 89.3%, respectively; GDP could be used to accurately detect the invasive range of the tumors, with the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of identifying lymph node metastases of 91%, 88%, and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

(99m)Tc-PPM is a useful agent in differentiating malignant lung neoplasm from benign lesions, and as a tumor tracer can be used in detecting tumor by GDP intraoperatively. The RGS is a simple method that can help the surgeon in the intraoperative assessment of the tumor and the lymph node metastases.

Dysgerminoma in a patient with a tumor of the neck. Empiric treatment of stage IV dysgerminoma

The evolution of therapy for malignant ovarian germ cell tumors is one of the true success stories in oncology. Treatment outcome has improved greatly thanks to cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. According to the well-established treatment guidelines for advanced cases, we treated a case of stage IV undifferentiated germ cell tumor in which we were able to preserve the patient's fertility. We concluded that the PEP regimen is an effective treatment for the patient with metastatic germ cell tumor.

[Neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy with nedaplatin, peplomycin and mitomycin C for advanced cervical cancer]

The aim of the present study was to examine the usefulness of neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy (NAC) using nedaplatin as key drug to improve the prognosis in case of advanced cervical cancer. Twenty-five cases of advanced cervical cancer (15 cases of stage II with high risks, 10 of stage III, referred to as the 254-S group) treated by NAC using nedaplatin, mitomycin C and peplomycin were compared with 30 cases (22 cases of stage II with high risks, 8 of stage III, referred to as the CDDP group) treated using cisplatin and mitomycin C which is the conventional regimen, in terms of measurable response, pathological response, rate of lymph node metastasis, cumulative survival rate, side effects and relapse style. According to the evaluation by measurable responses, the response rate was 90% (CR 52%) in the 254-S group and 75% (CR 15%) in the CDDP group. For pathological response of the specimen, the CR rate was 16% in the 254-S group and 23% in the CDDP group. The rate of lymph node metastasis extracted surgically was 33% and 41%, respectively. The cumulative survival rate in the 254-S group was about 10% better than in the CDDP group, but no significant difference was found. Leucopenia of both groups was of the same grade. In the 254-S group, although thrombocytopenia was more critical than in the CDDP group, there was a slight tendency to kidney toxicity. The locoregional recurrence rate was 12% in the 254-S group and 30% in the CDDP group. The distant metastasis rate was 16% and 27%, respectively. Although neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy using nedaplatin as a key drug was useful to improve the prognosis of advanced cervical cancer, measures against recurrence outside the pelvis and individualization of medical treatment were considered to lead to a further improvement of the prognosis.

Blood flow after intraarterial infusion chemotherapy in a patient with advanced cervical cancer

We presented a case of locally advanced cervical cancer treated by intraarterial infusion chemotherapy, and evaluated the blood flow of uterine arteries before and after chemotherapy by using a transvaginal ultrasonic color Doppler device. Pulsatility index (PI) of each uterine artery increased after first course of chemotherapy compared to that of before chemotherapy. But PI did not change after second course in spite of a significant reduction in tumor size. Blood flow change assessed by Doppler ultrasound may be a limited but useful parameter for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer.

[A case of regionally metastatic pure squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder successfully treated with radical chemoradiotherapy]

We report a case of regionally metastatic pure squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder successfully treated with combined radiation and chemotherapy in a 46-year-old man. Clinical staging was T3bN2M0. The patient received 50 Gy external radiation combined with intraarterial and systemic chemotherapy. Pathological complete response was found both in bladder and regional lymph nodes when he underwent radical cystectomy and lymph node dissection. The patient has been alive without evidence of disease for two years postoperatively.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients younger than 50 years with high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the response rate and toxicity and to improve survival, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was utilized in patients younger than 50 years with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients were treated with preoperative NAC. Eligibility included patients with previously untreated stage IB or IIA with deep stromal invasion assessed by magnetic resonance imaging or bulky tumor or IIB squamous cell carcinoma who were younger than 50 years. The NAC consisted of cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) on day 1, vinblastine (4 mg/m(2)/day) on days 1 and 2, and peplomycin (10 mg/day) on days 1, 8, and 15 (PVP). Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks for a total of two cycles. All 21 patients underwent radical hysterectomy following NAC. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to 18 patients. We used 21 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and postoperative radiation therapy as a nonrandomized control group.

RESULTS

The response rate for NAC was 86% (18/21). Two patients required discontinuation of PVP treatment after one administration because of grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and decreased carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, respectively. In the NAC group, stromal invasion was significantly reduced (P = 0.0103), and the incidence of lymph node metastasis was decreased. No patients had positive parametrial and vaginal margins. The overall 5-year survival rate was 84.0% in the NAC group, which was significantly better than that in the control group (58.9%) (P = 0.0434).

CONCLUSIONS

NAC for younger patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma is thought to be safe, well tolerated, effective, and useful for increasing operability, decreasing pathological risk factors, and improving survival.

Effects of chemotherapy on invasion and metastasis of oral cavity cancer in mice

BACKGROUND

Using an orthotopic implantation model in which oral cancer invasion and metastasis can be reproduced, we investigated the inhibitory effects of anticancer agents on invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

A highly invasive and metastatic human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, OSC-19, was implanted into the oral floor of nude mice, and cisplatin or peplomycin was administered to the mice 7 or 14 days after implantation. The effects of each anticancer drug and different administration timings on cancer invasion and metastasis were investigated.

RESULTS

Tumor size and the ratio of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells was significantly reduced. In the control group, the tumors showed grade 4C mode of invasion, whereas in the groups treated with anticancer drugs, grade 3 was observed in 77.3% of the mice, with an inhibitory effect on tumor invasion being observed. The rate of metastasis in the cervical lymph node was significantly decreased in the groups treated with the cisplatin or peplomycin on day 7 after implantation. The tumor stage progression in the metastatic lymph nodes was also inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy is effective not only for tumor diminution but also for inhibiting invasion and metastasis. In light of these effects, administration of anticancer drugs may be clinically useful in this regard.

[The histological antitumor effect and side effects of preoperative chemotherapy for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma--comparison between low-dose and high-dose CDDP regimens]

Preoperative chemotherapy should be effective against cancers and have few side effects that would prevent surgery. We investigated the histological effects and side effects of low- and high-dose CDDP chemotherapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and discuss the therapeutic benefits of each regimen. Thirty-six patients were divided into two groups as follows, in a non-randomized manner: A) low-dose CDDP (17 patients): CDDP 5 mg/m2/day + UFT 400 mg/day (day 1-5) (1 or 2 courses), B) high-dose CDDP (19 patients): CDDP 70-100 mg/m2/day (day 1) + peplomycin 5 mg/day (day 2-6) (1 or 2 courses). Curative surgery was conducted 1 week after protocol A or 2-3 weeks after protocol B. The histological antitumor effects were evaluated with Ohboshi & Shimosato's classification using surgical materials of primary tumors. In this classification, grade IIB, III and IV were as effective. Maximum histological effect was seen with grade IIB for regimen A and grade IV for regimen B. Four of 17 patients (23.5%) responded to regimen A and 13 of 19 patients (68.4%) to regimen B. Side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and myelosuppression, appeared with regimen B, but were seen little with regimen A. The 2-year survival rate was 93.3% with regimen A and 78.9% with regimen B. With regimen A, the 2-year survival rate of effective cases was 100% and that of ineffective cases was 91.7%. With regimen B, the rate was 92.3% and 50.0%, respectively. Effective cases showed good prognosis in both groups. The low-dose CDDP regimen was not so effective against primary tumors histologically, but the prognosis was good. The low-dose CDDP regimen appears to be useful for preoperative chemotherapy of oral SCC.

Prognostic value of response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy and residual tumor grades in tongue carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of the present study were to analyze our experience with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for advanced tongue carcinoma and to assess the prognostic value of response to preoperative therapy in these tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Between May 1988 and December 1999, a total of 43 patients with advanced but potentially resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were candidates for this study. A minimum tumor size of 3 cm was required. The mean age was 59.8 years (range, 26-85 years); 13 cases were advanced stage II, 23 cases were stage III, and 7 cases were stage IV. All patients were treated preoperatively with cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy in combination with simultaneous irradiation to a target volume of 40 Gy; 2-6 weeks later, they underwent curative surgery. Tumor regression rate, residual tumor grade, and histologic regression grade to the preoperative therapy were analyzed to determine their influence on the prognosis.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 60.5 months, overall survival rates were 86.0% for all cases, 92.3% for stage II cases, 77.3% for stage III cases, and 100% for stage IV cases. The progression-free survival rates according to tumor regression rate were 33.3% for group 1 (< 50% tumor regression), 66.7% for group 2 (> or = 50% and < 75% regression), 100% for group 3 (> or = 75% and < 100% regression), and 96.0% for group 4 (complete regression). The higher the tumor regression rates, the higher the survival rates. When patients who achieved a regression rate of 75% or higher were compared with those who did not, there was a significant difference in survival (P < .0001). The factors of residual tumor grade and histologic regression grade also had good correlations with the prognosis (residual tumor grade, P =.0324; histologic regression grade, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study suggest that response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy, such as tumor regression rate, residual tumor grade, and histologic regression grade, could be of prognostic value in patients with tongue carcinoma.

Fas antigen expression and outcome of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Paraffin sections of biopsy specimens obtained from 46 patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas were stained with both anti-peptide antibody against human Fas antigen and monoclonal mouse antibody against human proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The patients received chemotherapy with a combination of carboplatin and peplomycin sulfate or mitomycin C and peplomycin sulfate before surgery. The relation between the expression of Fas antigen and the clinical features of each case was examined. The correlation between PCNA and Fas antigen expression was also studied. The mean PCNA labeling index of the 22 Fas-negative cases was 46.9%, which was significantly higher than that of the 24 Fas-positive cases (39.5%). Strong correlations were found between the expression of Fas antigen and the response to chemotherapy, tumor recurrence, and survival. The Fas-negative group had only a minor response to chemotherapy and a poor outcome, whereas the Fas-positive group had a better response to chemotherapy and a good outcome. Although lymph node metastasis was significantly related to survival, there was no correlation between Fas antigen expression and lymph node metastasis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve of patients positive for Fas antigen was significantly better than that of patients negative for Fas antigen. Our results suggest that Fas antigen expression is an independent predictor of outcome whose usefulness should be evaluated in prospective studies.

Malignant intramuscular forearm tumor with overwhelming squamous element

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in the skeletal muscle is rare. A case of a 19-year-old female patient with an intramuscular forearm tumor showing a histopathologically overwhelming squamous element is presented. Microscopic examination revealed the classical features of SCC, including horn pearls, individual cell keratinization and intercellular bridge. A malignant spindle cell component was not detected. Neither evidence of another primary site nor skin lesion over the tumor was found and no metastatic lesion was detected in the 5 years since the appearance of the mass.

[A clinical study of inoperable head and neck cancers]

Thirty two patients with inoperable head and neck cancer seen at Jichi Medical School Hospital during the period 1978 to 1995 were analyzed. Distribution of the affected site was as follows: 15 cases of oropharynx, 12 of hypopharynx, and 3 of larynx. In order to study a better performance status, prognosis and side effects were compared between radiotherapy alone (17 patients) and combined radiochemotherapy (15 patients). Patients who received the combined therapy survived longer than those patients who received radiotherapy alone. Moreover, high QOL was obtained longer in the combined therapy. Therefore, we conclude that radiotherapy should be combined with chemotherapy for cases with inoperable head and neck cancer.

T1 and T2 lip cancer: a superselective method of facial arterial infusion therapy--preliminary experience

PURPOSE

To formulate and evaluate a facial arterial infusion chemotherapy for squamous cell lip carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included six patients (age range, 46-84 years) with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip. There were two T1 tumors, three T2 tumors, and one T1-compatible postoperative recurrent tumor. A 4-F, double-lumen balloon catheter was inserted into the external carotid artery through the superficial temporal artery and placed for selective infusion into the tumor-feeding facial artery. Patients received a combination of mitomycin C (4.4 mg/m2 per body surface area) on day 1 and 3.2 mg/m2 of peplomycin sulfate on days 1-7 (22.4 mg/m2 per week), or, when peplomycin sulfate was contraindicated, 16 mg/m2 of cisplatin only on days 1-5 (80 mg/m2 per week). Two to three cycles of chemotherapy were given until tumor disappearance was histologically confirmed.

RESULTS

Complete tumor disappearance was achieved in all cases. One patient had a self-limiting asthma attack during peplomycin sulfate treatment, and another had transient partial hair loss. No disfigurement, recurrence, or late complications were observed at a mean follow-up of 5.0 years (range, 2.3-11.2 years).

CONCLUSION

The described facial arterial infusion chemotherapy appears to be a safe and curative treatment for T1 and T2 squamous cell lip carcinomas.

[Extragonadal seminoma with testicular microlithiasis: a case report]

A 43-year-old men presented with left supraclavicular growing mass. Ultrasonography revealed a 31 x 21 mm solid mass with a homogeneous echoic pattern. Lymph node metastasis of some malignant neoplasms was highly suspected. However, whole body evaluation with computed tomographic scan revealed no findings in the primary region. In addition, tumor markers including alpha fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and carcinoembryonic antigen were within normal limits. Then, extirpation of supraclavicular mass was performed and pathological diagnosis was made as pure seminoma. Evaluation of testicle by ultrasonography revealed a diffuse calcification. However, histological examination of biopsy specimen of testicle revealed no malignancy. The mass was finally diagnosed as extragonadal or "burned-out" pure seminoma. The patient received two courses of Peplomycin, vinblastine and cisplatin (PVP) therapy, and there has been no evidence of recurrence for 34 months.

Comparison of survival rates of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy, 5-fluorouracil and vitamin A ("FAR" therapy) vs FAR therapy plus adjunctive cisplatin and peplomycin chemotherapy

The overall survival rate (OSR) of 36 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) treated at Kyushu University hospital between 1983 to 1992 was analyzed. As primary treatment, 16 patients received a combination therapy of 5-fluorouracil, vitamin A, and radiation (FAR therapy); two patients received radiotherapy only; 18 patients received FAR therapy plus adjunctive systemic chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and peplomycin. The radiation dose to the nasopharynx was 6000 to 7050 cGy while that to the neck was 4000-6000 cGy. The 5-year OSR of all the patients was 49%. Histological type (moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) and patient age (> or = 55) were found to be significant prognostic factors for a worse OSR. Although survival decreased with increasing T stage, no significant difference was observed. The 5-year OSR of the patients treated with FAR therapy was 53% and was 51% with FAR therapy plus chemotherapy. Compared to FAR therapy alone, adjunctive chemotherapy did not increase OSR of the patients with NPC.

[Prophylaxis of recurrence in superficial bladder carcinoma by intravesical chemotherapy--comparative study between instillation of combined double anticancer agents and single anticancer agent]

We performed a study to compare the usefulness of double or single anticancer agents in the prophylactic treatment after the transurethral resection (TUR) of superficial bladder cancer. We experienced 127 superficial bladder cancer cases. Of these cases, 42 were treated with intravesical adriamycin (ADR) and peplomycin (PEP), 56 with ADR, PEP, epirubicin (epi-ADR) or pirarubicin (THP) only, and the remaining 29 with TUR only. Nonrecurrence rates were significantly higher in the intravesical treated cases than in the cases with TUR only, and also significantly higher in the cases treated with ADR and PEP than the other treated cases. We concluded that intravesical chemotherapy with combined agents was more effective than with a single agent.

[Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer]

Twenty-five patients with advanced cervical cancer (IIb-IVa) were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy or radiotherapy. According to the evaluation by MRI, complete response was achieved in 2 cases and partial response in 17 cases. Eventually the response rate was 76%. The response rate was higher in squamous cell carcinomas (85%) than adenocarcinomas or adenosquamous carcinomas (67%). The histological effect is superior in squamous cell carcinomas than adenocarcinomas or adenosquamous carcinomas. Radical hysterectomy was performed in 5 cases of 11 (45%) stage III-IVa cervical cancers. There was no correlation between tumor size and response to NAC. NAC therapy may be useful therapy in advanced cervical cancers, especially squamous cell carcinomas.

Radical surgery after neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy in stage IIIb squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

We examined the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical hysterectomy and/or radiotherapy in patients with stage IIIb cervical cancer. Treatment consisted of bilateral internal iliac artery infusion of cisplatin or carboplatin and peplomycin every 21 days for two courses. Patients who responded to NAC underwent radical surgery. Patients who did not respond to NAC were treated with pelvic radiotherapy. Complete response was achieved in 2 (7.1%) of 28 patients, while a partial response was observed in 17 (60.7%) and stable disease in 9 (32.1%) patients. Sixteen patients (57.2%) were able to undergo surgery. The median blood loss (674 ml) and operating time (232 min) for radical surgery in patients with stage IIIb disease was similar to that in patients with stages Ib to IIb disease. No intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications were observed. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for patients who underwent surgery (81.3%) was higher than for patients who underwent radiotherapy after NAC (31.3%). Radical surgery after NAC for stage IIIb disease was safe, and a survival benefit followed by surgery with or without radiotherapy.

[The growing teratoma syndrome: report of a case]

A 32-year-old man presented with a swelling of the left testis, for which he underwent high inguinal orchiectomy. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed teratocarcinoma. Further evaluation revealed no metastasis (stage I), and he was followed-up by monthly examination without prophylactic chemotherapy (surveillance). Thirteen months after orchiectomy, AFP and hCG-beta were elevated at 133.8 ng/ml and 0.8 ng/ml respectively. Abdominal CT scan revealed para-aortic masses of recurrent tumor. Although the AFP and hCG-beta levels markedly declined after five courses of COMPE (CDDP, VCR, MTX, PEP, Etoposide) chemotherapy, the retroperitoneal masses had further enlarged and had undergone cystic change. Excision of the residual tumors was performed, and microscopic examination of specimens revealed mature teratoma without malignant components. The diagnosis of the growing teratoma syndrome was therefore made. The growing teratoma syndrome occurs in nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors following chemotherapy and is characterized by enlargement of metastatic lesions with normal tumor marker levels. Total surgical resection of the mass yields good results, and tumor is unresponsive to chemotherapy. Early recognition of this syndrome is important for successful treatment.

Adjuvant chemotherapy after radical hysterectomy for cervical carcinoma: a comparison with effects of adjuvant radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical hysterectomy with that of adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHODS

One hundred one women with invasive cervical carcinoma (stage IB through early stage IIB) underwent radical hysterectomy at Saga Medical School Hospital. Of these patients, 53 with squamous or adenosquamous carcinoma were classified as high risk, based on the presence of one or more of the following high-risk factors for recurrence: 1) lymph node metastasis, 2) deep cervical stromal invasion (greater than 3/4 thickness), and 3) parametrial invasion. Adjuvant chemotherapy with a combination of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP), vincristine, mitomycin C, and peplomycin (POMP), was prescribed. The outcome was compared with that for 127 patients who were classified as high risk under the same criteria and who received adjuvant radiotherapy at Kyushu University Hospital.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rates were much the same: 83.0% for adjuvant chemotherapy and 81.7% for adjuvant radiotherapy. In the chemotherapy group, intra- and extrapelvic recurrences accounted for 85 and 23% of all recurrences, respectively, whereas recurrences were noted for 38 and 71% in the radiotherapy group, respectively (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

The use of adjuvant chemotherapy reduces extrapelvic recurrences. The combination of both adjuvant therapies may improve the prognosis for high-risk patients.

Neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy and/or radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

We assessed neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical hysterectomy and/or radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS

Over 5 years, 48 consecutive women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIb-IVa cervical cancer were enrolled. Treatment consisted of bilateral internal iliac artery infusion of cisplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1) or carboplatin (400 mg/m2, day 1) and peplomycin (20 mg/m2, day 1) for two courses separated by 3 weeks. Doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, day 1) was added for patients with adenocarcinoma. Stage III patients who responded to NAC and Stage IIb patients underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Stage III patients not responding to NAC and all stage IVa patients were treated with pelvic radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Complete response was achieved in 5 (10.4%) of 48 patients, while a partial response was noted in 32 (66. 7%) and stable disease in 11 (22.9%). Of 25 patients with stage IIIb disease, 16 (64.0%) were able to undergo surgery. The 4-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 80.0% in patients with stage IIb and 62.3% in patients with stage III. In stage IIIb, the 4-year DFS in patients receiving surgery (75.2%) was higher than the DFS for those receiving radiotherapy (44.4%) (P < 0.05). Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia developed in 17 (35.4%) patients. Nausea and vomiting of grade 2 or higher occurred in 34 (70.8%). Creatinine clearance transiently decreased (>/= grade 2) in 16.6%. Patients negative for serum squamous cell carcinoma-associated antigen (SCC) responded better to NAC than to SCC-positive cases, and SCC-negative survival was significantly better than SCC-positive survival (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy with platinum was safely performed, and a survival benefit followed radical surgery with or without radiotherapy after response to NAC.

Pharmacokinetics of intra-arterially administered pirarubicin in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with glioma

The present paper investigates the pharmacokinetics of pirarubicin (THP) in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of two patients with glioma during hyperosmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (HODBBB) and intra-arterial combination chemotherapy. A 42-year-old Japanese man (patient A) with glioblastoma and a 21-year-old Japanese woman (patient B) with astrocytoma received a course of HODBBB and intra-arterial combination chemotherapy with THP, methotrexate, peplomycin, and vindesine. Patient A was initially administered mannitol, followed by the infusion of anticancer drugs into the right internal carotid artery. Patient B was initially administered mannitol, followed by the infusion of anticancer drugs into the right internal carotid artery and, immediately thereafter, into the right vertebral artery. Samples of blood and of CSF in the brain ventricle were obtained. THP concentration was measured by HPLC, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of this drug were estimated in plasma and CSF. In both patients, the plasma concentration of THP peaked at the end of infusion, then decreased in a bi-exponential decay pattern during the remainder of the treatment period. THP was detectable in CSF beginning 1.0 h after the initiation of infusion, then was slowly eliminated from the ventricle. The maximum CSF concentration of THP was 0.97% of plasma in patient A and 0.89% in patient B. The CSF AUC of THP was 28.4% of plasma in patient A and 13.1% in patient B.

Induction chemotherapy is associated with an increase in the incidence of locoregional recurrence in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity: results from a single institution

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to determine long term survival rates and the pattern of failure in patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity treated with induction chemotherapy or preoperative radiotherapy followed by surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 141 eligible patients with Stage II-IV International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity at the study department between 1985 and 1994. These patients received one of three treatments: surgery with or without peplomycin chemotherapy (Group A; n = 49); preoperative radiotherapy with or without concomitant peplomycin chemotherapy followed by surgery (Group B; n = 59); and induction chemotherapy followed by surgery (Group C; n = 33). Induction chemotherapy was comprised of two cycles of cisplatin, vincristine, peplomycin, with or without mitomycin C.

RESULTS

When all 141 patients were analyzed, there was no significant difference in overall survival or disease free survival. However, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of neck recurrence in Group C was observed compared with Group A (P = 0.002). Within 79 patients with N0 disease, a statistically significant disadvantage was detected for Group C in terms of disease free survival compared with Group A (P = 0.038). In patients with Stage II disease (50 patients), there was a significant difference in disease free survival, with Group C inferior to both Group A (P = 0.04) and Group B (P = 0.066).

CONCLUSIONS

Induction chemotherapy was associated with a significant increase in regional failure for patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity with N0 disease and those with Stage II disease.

Histological effects and predictive biomarkers of TPP induction chemotherapy for oral carcinoma

The effects of an induction chemotherapy with THP-adriamycin, cisplatin, and peplomycin (TPP) were studied in 32 patients with operable oral cancer. The histological evaluation according to the Shimozato-Oboshi classification was Grade (G) IV in ten cases (31.3%), GIII in one case, and GIIb in four cases. Induction of apoptosis and differentiation-inducing effects, hyperkeratinization or bone formation, were observed in some cases. The overall clinical response rate and histological response rate were 63% and 47%, respectively. Grade III was obtained in seven metastatic lymph nodes of three patients. The expressions of PCNA, p53, and AgNORs before and after chemotherapy were studied. The prechemotherapeutic PCNA positive cell index (PI) of the highly responsive tumors (GIII, IV) was significantly lower than that of the poorly responsive tumors (G0-IIb) (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the evaluation of p53 PI (P < 0.05), suggesting that PCNA and p53 are useful biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of TPP chemotherapy.

Intranodal injection of anticancer drugs into fixed cervical metastatic lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

In patients with head and neck carcinoma, fixed enlarged metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) are sometimes inoperable and carry an increased risk of mortality. To control metastatic LNs, we attempted intranodal injection of anticancer agents.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma arising in the gingiva (8), tongue (3), floor of the mouth (1), or maxillary sinus (3) were enrolled. These patients consisted of two groups, those in the early era in which the fixed LNs of six patients were treated with 60Co (RA group) and those in the late era in which both radiation and intranodal injection of anticancer agents were administered to nine patients (IN group). Intranodal injection consisted of peplomycin, 5-fluorouracil, and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum.

RESULTS

In the IN group, LNs regressed from about 40% to nearly 100%, although two patients showed no appreciable response. The LNs treated by combination therapy regressed considerably while LNs in the same patients treated with 60Co alone showed a minor response or grew gradually. In three patients, the LNs regressed sufficiently to be extirpated safely. The good clinical response in the locally injected LNs was histologically associated with distinct evidence of tumor cell degeneration. In the RA group, none of the LNs responded to radiation with 60Co; one LN exhibited slight regression, but the others enlarged during and soon after the radiation. Compatible with the clinical effects, many patients in the IN group demonstrated a good prognosis; three are alive without disease, and four survived for prolonged periods. However, all patients in the RA group died due to progression of the positive LNs or pulmonary complication within 10 months.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that intranodal injection of anticancer drugs is useful for the management of fixed enlarged LNs.

Pharmacokinetics of methotrexate in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate (MTX) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier and the intraarterial administration of combination chemotherapy postoperatively in a patient with glioblastoma.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old Japanese woman with a glioblastoma received two courses of combination intraarterial chemotherapy. In the first course of treatment, 20 mL of mannitol 20%, peplomycin 10 mg, vindesine 2 mg, and MTX 500 mg were administered via the right internal carotid artery, and then via the right vertebral artery. In the second course of treatment, 20 mL of mannitol 20%, peplomycin 15 mg, vindesine 2.5 mg, and MTX 1000 mg were similarly administered. Blood samples and CSF samples from the ventricle and the space left by tumor removal were obtained; the MTX concentrations were measured from these sites by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MTX in plasma and CSF were estimated.

DISCUSSION

The plasma concentration of MTX decreased in a biexponential decay pattern during each course of treatment. CSF concentrations of MTX in the ventricle and in the space left by tumor removal peaked at 2 and 6 hours, respectively, after drug administration and decreased monoexponentially. When the dose of MTX was doubled, the AUC for the plasma MTX concentration increased 2.4-fold and the AUCs for MTX in the ventricle and the space left by tumor removal increased 3.4- and 9.1-fold, respectively. The half-life of MTX in the CSF in the space left by tumor removal exceeded the half-lives of MTX in the plasma and in the ventricular CSF.

CONCLUSIONS

The CSF AUCs of MTX in the ventricle and the space left by tumor removal increased markedly and in parallel with the MTX dosage increase during osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier and intraarterial combination chemotherapy. Such treatment improves the delivery of chemotherapy agents to the brain.

[Endoscopic local injection of anticancer drugs bound to carbon particles for treatment of upper digestive tract cancers--clinical trials]

A new dosage formulation consisting of anticancer drugs bound to carbon particles was developed for treating cancers of the upper digestive tract, and is designed to distribute higher levels of anticancer drug to the regional lymph nodes and at the injection site, as compared to a drug in aqueous solution form. Thirteen patients with histologically proven carcinoma (8 with superficial esophageal cancer and 5 with early or proper muscle layer-infiltrating gastric cancer), in whom surgical treatment was contraindicated, received intra- and peritumoral injection of the new dosage formulation (total dose of 35-100 mg of peplomycin or 250-500 mg of methotrexate) guided by esophago- or gastro-fiberscope. Eleven of these 13 patients are currently alive, 12-64 months after therapy, or they died without evidence of recurrence 12-98 months after the treatment. One patient has remained cancer-free for 37 months after a second course of the therapy given to treat a recurrence found 26 months after the first treatment. Another patient has a recurrent tumor 9 months after the therapy and is now going to undergo a second course of treatment. Side effects were not severe and well-tolerable.

[Neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy based on chemosensitivity tests for locally invasive bladder cancer]

We investigated the clinical usefulness of individualization of chemotherapeutic regimen in neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy for locally invasive bladder cancer. Anticancer drugs were selected according to the results of an in vitro chemosensitivity test (collagen matrix assay or succinic dehydrogenase inhibition test). Nine patients with locally invasive bladder cancer received 1 to 4 courses of neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy, followed by radical cystectomy. Histopathological responses in the cystectomized specimens were grade 3 in 3 cases, grade 2 in 2, grade 1b in 2 and no response in 2. Pathologically, a complete response and downstaging were observed in 3 and 4 cases, respectively. Seven of the 9 patients were alive no evidence of disease with a mean follow-up period of 38.9 months, whereas 2 patients died of metastasis within 2 years. Six of the 7 patients who showed a complete response or down staging have been free of recurrence. These findings suggest that our chemotherapeutic strategy may improve the prognosis for locally invasive bladder cancer.

[Evaluation of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma]

In the present study, we investigated the clinical and histopathological effects of CP therapy consisting of cisplatin (CDDP 50 mg/m2) or carboplatin (CBDCA 300 mg/m2) and peplomycin (PEP 5 mg/day) for 25 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The effects of treatment and associated complications were as follows: 1) Complete response (CR) was achieved in 8 and partial response (PR) in 14 of the 25 cases. The overall clinical response rate was 88%. The histological response rate was 64%. 2) The clinical effects were not always consistent with the histopathological effects. There were discrepancies between the clinical and histopathological effects, especially in PR determined by clinical findings. 3) The principal adverse reaction was gastro-intestinal disturbances, but symptoms were able to be controlled. Signs of hematologic toxicity and renal disturbance were mild and did not preclude the continuance of therapy. The results of this study indicated that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with CDDP and PEP was highly effective for the local control of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

[CPE chemotherapy for tongue carcinoma--clinical effects and side effects]

Recent advances in chemotherapy have markedly improved the treatment results for oral cancer. Among many chemotherapeutic regimens, the usefulness of multiple combination chemotherapy with cisplatin as the primary drug has been frequently reported. During the past 6-year period, we have performed combination chemotherapy with cisplatin as the primary drug, peplomycin, and etoposide (CPE chemotherapy) as one of the chemotherapeutic regimens for oral cancer. The subjects were 11 patients (7 males and 4 females) with tongue cancer treated by CPE chemotherapy as neoadjuvant chemotherapy at our department between March, 1990 and April, 1995.

RESULTS

PR in 8 (73%), and NC in 3 (27%). No patient showed CR and PD. The side effects observed were reversible findings such as transient myelosuppression, nausea-vomiting, and alopecia. No patient showed severe or persistent suppression of hematopoietic function.

Endoscopic local injection of a new drug delivery formulation, anticancer drug bound to carbon particles, for digestive cancers: pilot study

A new dosage formulation consisting of an anticancer drug bound to activated carbon particles was developed for the treatment of digestive cancer in patients in whom operation is contraindicated. The new formulation is designed to distribute higher levels of anticancer drug to the regional lymph nodes and at the injection site compared to distribution of the drug in aqueous solution. In 12 patients with histologically proven carcinoma (7 with superficial esophageal cancer and 5 with early or proper muscle layer-infiltrating gastric cancer), an anticancer drug bound to carbon particles (total dose, 40-100 mg peplomycin or 250-500 mg methotrexate per person) was injected endoscopically into the primary lesions. Eleven of the 12 patients are currently alive, 12-64 months after therapy, or they died without evidence of cancer 12-98 months after the treatment. One patient has remained cancer-free for 32 months after a second course of the new formulation therapy given to treat a recurrence detected 26 months after the first treatment. Endoscopic injection of this new dosage formulation seems to control these digestive cancers in patients in whom operation is contraindicated.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus with alternating radiotherapy and chemotherapy (cisplatin, methotrexate, and peplomycin)

Between 1985 and 1990, 20 patients with stage 2 and 3 esophageal cancer without esophagopulmonary fistulas were treated with alternating radiotherapy and chemotherapy (cisplatin, methotrexate, and peplomycin). Patients given the combined therapy received courses of chemotherapy during weeks 1 and 6 and radiotherapy during weeks 2-5 and 7-9. Chemotherapy consisted of i.v. cisplatin (80 mg/ m2 of body surface area) on day 1, i.v. methotrexate (40 mg/ m2) on day 2, and s.c. peplomycin (10 mg/day) continuously from day 2 to day 5. Radiotherapy was external irradiation with or without intracavitary irradiation. In seven cases, external irradiation alone was administered at 65-70 Gy, and in 13 cases, external irradiation (50-55 Gy) was combined with intracavitary irradiation (14-20 Gy). At the end of treatment, the rate of complete response was 60% with an overall response rate of 95%. Five-year total survival was 25%; cause-specific survival was 36.8%. The most common acute toxicities were bone marrow suppression, hepatic and renal damage, pneumonitis, and esophagitis. There was no life-threatening toxicity.

Anaplastic Ki-1-positive large cell lymphoma of the pancreas: a case report and review of the literature

A case of Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the pancreas is presented. The patient complained of abdominal pain and was jaundiced. Examination of a biopsy specimen obtained by duodenal endoscopy revealed malignant lymphoma, and surgery confirmed a large mass located in the region from the intra-pancreatic tissue around the lower common bile duct to the peri-pancreatic lymph nodes. Histologically, this tumor was composed mainly of large and giant neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemically, these cells were diffusely positive for Ki-1 and CD45RO antigens, indicating the features of Ki-1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a T-cell phenotype among non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The histologic types of the majority of malignant lymphomas of the pancreas reported previously were considered to be diffuse-type non-Hodgkin lymphoma (probably with predominance of the B-cell phenotype), except for a single Japanese lymphoma case with a T-cell phenotype. This is therefore the first known case of Ki-1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the pancreas.

[Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma]

Both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are very common in skin malignancy. Operative therapy is the first choice at the treatment for SCC and BCC in early stage. After excision for large skin tumor, occasionally we use skin flap or musculocutaneous flap or free flap. At the old patient of Stage III and IV SCC and BCC, sometimes reduction surgery is useful at the combination therapy. Radiation as adjuvant therapy is sometimes useful for not only SCC but also BCC. The clinical efficacy of CA (C' A') chemotherapy (CDDP, ADM or CBDCA, EPI-ADM), was evaluated on Stage III, IV SCC and BCC. The response rate was 63% in SCC and 75% in BCC.

Initial prognostic factors in small-cell lung cancer patients predicting quality of life during chemotherapy. Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK)

The question of whether initial prognostic factors in small-cell lung cancer patients have a predictive value for patients' quality of life (QL) during chemotherapy is addressed in the context of a randomised clinical trial comparing early and late alternating chemotherapy (SAKK protocol 15/84). The relative impact of initial tumour stage and performance status, previous weight loss, sex and age on patient-rated QL was analysed over six chemotherapy cycles in 124-130 patients (according to available QL data) with more than 400 questionnaires. Fatigue/malaise, personal functioning, emotional and general well-being were prospectively selected as QL indicators. Predefined summary measures (average QL score over chemotherapy cycles, 'minimum', 'maximum' and 'final' improvement) were analysed separately by scale in various patient groups. General linear models adjusted for treatment arm and response were used to confirm the univariate findings. Within the overall sample, the average QL scores over six cycles were predicted by initial prognostic factors. Patients with poor prognostic factors reported worse QL. Within a limited sample (with baseline QL), patients with poor prognostic factors reported worse QL at baseline and greater improvement under treatment. Graphical comparison of QL patterns over cycles showed permanent discrimination by levels of prognostic factors. The impact of initial prognostic factors was consistently confirmed in the three analyses. Levels of performance status and weight loss best discriminated QL. Initial tumour stage, performance status and previous weight loss can predict QL in small-cell lung cancer during chemotherapy, even after controlling for response to treatment. Our results may contribute to clinical decision-making with regard to the intensity of chemotherapy and QL outcome, especially in patients with extensive disease.

[Surgery for bone metastasis of testicular tumor: a case report]

A 31-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of painful right scrotal swelling. Based on the diagnosis of right testicular tumor with multiple lung metastasis and L2 vertebral body metastasis, right high orchiectomy and three courses of chemotherapy (peplomycin, etoposide, CDDP) were performed. Histological diagnosis was teratocarcinoma. With the complete remission for lung metastasis and no change for bone metastasis, L2 spondylectomy and additional four courses of the same chemotherapy were performed. The patient has been free of the disease for 11 months after the spondylectomy.