Therapie des multiplen Myeloms: Ergebnisse bei sukzessiver Behandlung mit Melphalan-Prednisolon und dem M2-Protokoll

Melphalan and prednisolone were intermittently used for treatment of 101 patients with multiple myeloma. In case of progression, either initially or after remission or after a phase of stabilisation, treatment was changed to the M-2 protocol. By primary treatment, remission was obtained in 24 patients, a stable phase in 47 patients. The treatment of second choice which became necessary in a total of 46 patients led to remission in 5 patients (11%), 21 (46%) became stabilised and in 20 (43%) the disease progressed. The median survival time for all 101 patients was 40.5 months after commencement of treatment. In patients with remission it was clearly longer (67 months) than in those with stable disease (38.1 months) or in those with progression (16.8 months). The mean time of survival after commencement of treatment of second choice was 12.5 months. Compared to other studies the remission rates are slight, the time of survival, however, is very remarkable. The overall survival rates are equivalent to the results thus far obtained by more aggressive treatment schemes.

Aplastic crisis as a complication of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type II

A transient aplastic crisis (TAC) is a well-known complication in all types of chronic hemolytic anemia but only 2 cases of such an event were described in congenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs). Here, we report a third case, and by retrospective chart review of 78 cases we found evidence of TAC in 8 further patients with CDA II, with serological evidence of previous human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in all but one. Although B19V infection results in TAC in only a minority of patients with CDA, physicians responsible for these patients should be aware of such a potentially life-threatening complication. Testing for B19V-specific IgG is recommended in patients with CDA to estimate the risk of a possible future aplastic crisis.

[Health, social, societal and organizational political effects of the implementation of the ICF on integrated rehabilitation--a vision of the conversion and its consequences]

Fundamental joint principles on expert opinions according to the social law code no. IX (SGB IX) and their application to a virtual individual case history were published recently in this journal. They are based on the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, WHO 2001). A visionary review of the chances and prospects for the further development of the rehabilitative system is outlined and the necessary steps for their implementation are demonstrated.

Trägerübergreifende Aspekte der Begutachtung nach dem SGB IX

A project group of the Medical Advisory Board of the German Federal Rehabilitation Council (BAR) developed fundamental joint principles on experts' opinions according to the social law code no. IX (SGB IX). The principles aim at medical experts working in different social organisations and statutory health care insurance. It was intended to create a "sociomedical language" which should be used as jointly as possible by experts in rehabilitation and social medicine and which is based on the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, WHO 2001). Its stringent application will increase the utility of medical expertise across different institutions. The authors recommend to evaluate whether this model could provide a tool in the communication and cooperation between different sectors of the health system. Part I describes the theoretical model, Part II its application to a virtual individual case history.

[Aspects of expertising which are jointly valid for German sociomedicine and statutory health care]

A project group of the Medical Advisory Board of the German Federal Rehabilitation Council (BAR) developed fundamental joint principles on experts' opinions according to the social law code no. IX (SGB IX). The principles aim at medical experts working in different social organisations and statutory health care insurances. It was intended to create a "sociomedical language" which should be used as jointly as possible by experts in rehabilitation and social medicine and which is based on the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, WHO 2001). Its stringent application will increase the utility of medical expertise across different institutions. The authors recommend to evaluate whether this model could provide a tool in the communication and cooperation between different sectors of the health system. Part I describes the theoretical model, Part II its application to a virtual individual case history.

[SGB IX - Magna Charta of a Functional Participation Philosophy]

Further development of needs-based, efficient health care structures in particular for people with chronic illness, and in conjunction with them, is the paramount objective of SGB IX, book 9 of the German social code. To achieve this it is necessary to define treatment sequences across sectoral boundaries in health care, and to establish cooperation between community-practice physicians, hospitals, rehab and long-term care facilities, cost carriers, and people with disabilities. In this context, the article discusses the current rank of rehabilitation and participation, points out the underlying conflicting issues and interests, and posits the preventive-integrative rehabilitation paradigm at the very centre of health protection networking.

Human growth hormone transgene expression increases the biomechanical structural properties of mouse vertebrae

STUDY DESIGN

Caudal vertebrae were obtained from male and female mice from two transgenic lines expressing an erythroid-specific human growth hormone transgene construct, and gender-matched, age-matched, non-transgenic control mice.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the effect of human growth hormone transgene expression on the biomechanical structural properties of caudal vertebrae in compression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

An increase in trabecular and cortical bone deposition caused by erythroid-specific human growth hormone transgene expression was demonstrated previously.

METHODS

Compression tests were performed on individual caudal vertebrae (Ca4, Ca5, Ca6) obtained from male and female mice from two transgenic lines (TG420 and TG450) and nontransgenic control mice. Two age groups were evaluated: 12 weeks old and 6 months old. The data were used to obtain axial stiffness, maximum load, and energy to failure.

RESULTS

Vertebrae from male TG420 transgenic mice produced significantly larger values for maximum load, energy to failure, and axial stiffness at both 12 weeks and 6 months in comparison with their age-matched non-transgenic male controls. Vertebrae from female TG420 transgenic mice produced similar responses at 6 months. Vertebrae from male TG450 transgenic mice showed significant increases in maximum load and energy to failure at 6 months. In general, the biomechanical properties of vertebrae were significantly larger in the 6-month age group than in the 12-week age group, and this increase was significantly greater in the transgenic mice than in the gender-matched control mice during the same time span. This process was also influenced by transgenic genotype and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Erythroid-specific production of human growth hormone in transgenic mice resulted in significant increases in biomechanical properties of their caudal vertebrae in compression. The changes in the biomechanical properties were influenced by genotype, age, and gender.

[Quo vadis, rehabilitation? Comments on the cost savings package by the federal government]

In the framework of the austerity measures contained in the programme for enhancing growth and employment, drastic cutbacks have been launched for the medical rehabilitation benefits available under the health insurance and pension insurance schemes. The legal entitlement to vocational rehabilitation benefits under the employment promotion act has been transformed into a discretionary entitlement, and will in future be contingent on available budgetary resources of the federal employment service Bundesanstalt für Arbeit. A characteristic of all of these measures is their purely budgetary focus. Given a background of adverse trends in economic activity and employment, the field of rehabilitation could certainly not turn a deaf ear to the demand to economize. Presented is an overview of the impact the austerity legislation will have in the field of rehabilitation, in particular taking a closer look at the issue of whether the measures devised are conceptually grounded, or whether mere budgetary goals are being targetted. The potential for economizing by way of innovative approaches and greater flexibility is pointed out as a viable alternative.

[Primary plasmacytoma of the lymph node (plasmocytic lymphoma). The differential diagnosis of nodal plasma-cell proliferates]

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 60-year-old man was found on routine examination to have an enlarged, firm, cervical lymph node. He looked older than his age and his general condition was poor. He had no fever, nocturnal sweating or weight loss. Further examination revealed no hepatosplenomegaly on palpation, but numerous enlarged cervical lymph nodes were palpable.

INVESTIGATIONS

Histological investigation of a cervical lymph node revealed a marked increase in slightly pleomorphic plasma cells with monotypic expression of IgM-kappa. Multiple myeloma was excluded on the basis of histological and cytological findings in the bone marrow. Serology revealed a mild antibody deficiency syndrome (gamma-globulin 7.8%) with signs of acute inflammation and an increase in alpha 2-globulin. There was no evidence of a monoclonal gammopathy on electrophoresis. A diagnosis of primary nodal plasmacytoma was made.

COURSE

As the patient was asymptomatic at diagnosis he was not given chemotherapy. There was no evidence of tumour progression at follow-up examination two months later. His progress will be monitored closely.

CONCLUSION

This patient's history is consistent with the prognosis generally associated with primary nodal plasmacytoma that is much better than that of multiple myeloma.

High-dose cytosine arabinoside and daunorubicin postremission therapy in adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Long-term follow-up of a prospective multicenter trial

A total of 149 consecutive de novo AML patients aged 50 years or less (median age = 37 years) were enrolled in this prospective multicenter trial initiated in May 1985. All patients received the same induction and early consolidation therapy with daunorubicin (DNR), cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), and etoposide (DAV). High-dose Ara-C/DNR therapy included Ara-C at 3 g/m2, in 12 doses (HD-Ara-C/DNR I) and eight doses (HD-Ara-C/DNR II), followed by DNR 30 mg/m2 for 3 days. A complete remission (CR) was achieved in 104 (70%) patients; 61 complete responders received at least one cycle with HD-Ara-C/DNR. If those patients who were transplanted in first CR (n = 26), were not considered, the median relapse-free-survival (MRFS) of the remaining 78 patients was 15 months, with a probability of relapse-free survival (RFS) at 116 months of 30% (95% CI, 20-40%) after a median follow-up of 95 months. The MRFS of the HD-Ara-C/DNR consolidated patients was 25 months, with a probability of RFS at 116 months of 37% (95% CI, 24-50%). If all patients who were transplanted (n = 44) were not considered, the median survival time (MST) was 18 months with a probability of being alive at 118 months of 24% (95% CI, 16-33%). MST of the HD-Ara-C/DNR consolidated patients was 58 months with a survival probability of 46% (95% CI, 31-60%) at 118 months. Prognostic factor analysis did not reveal any significant influence of age, sex, FAB subtype, white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, thrombocyte count, LDH, or response to the first induction course on RFS of the HD-Ara-C/DNR consolidated patients. In summary, HD-Ara-C/DNR consolidation can improve the long-term outcome of a subgroup of de novo AML patients. Further improvement of the outcome seems to depend on the identification of patients with an inferior outcome under that strategy who might benefit from alternative treatment strategies.

[Maastricht European social policy with special reference to questions concerning rehabilitation and disability topics]

A protocol annexed to the Maastricht Treaty of 7 February 1992, the agreement on social policy is instrumental in upgrading European social policy and in making it an integral part of the policy of the European Union. It is on the one hand oriented toward appropriate provisions to protect workers in the various EU member countries against disadvantage arising from developments in the economic sector, but on the other also seeks to counter the high level of unemployment currently at hand by fostering concrete action. European social policy, hence, is emphasizing employment policy initiatives including action aimed at occupational and social integration of disabled people, such as the HELIOS II action programme or the "Employment HORIZON" Community initiative. The Commission's notions of European social policy development in the forthcoming 1995-1999 period have been presented in the White Paper "European social policy, a way forward for the Union". The proposals contained in this White Paper are to be embodied in 1995 in a work programme of the European Commission.

Assessment of the value of immunohistochemistry in the subtyping of acute leukemia on routinely processed bone marrow biopsy specimens with particular reference to macrophage-associated antibodies

The value of immunohistochemical staining in the subtyping of acute leukemia was investigated on 36 routinely processed (formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded) trephine biopsy specimens from the iliac crest containing diffuse infiltrates of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML; n = 23) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n = 13). These were stained with a broad panel of antibodies (n = 23) against various leukocyte antigens, among them 11 macrophage-associated antibodies (MAAs): Ki-M1p, MAC387, HAM56, LN5, KP1 (CD68), PG-M1 (CD68), Ki-M4p, DAKO-DRC (CD35), and antibodies against lysozyme, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and S100 protein. The French-American-British (FAB) classification subtypes of the AML cases, as determined by enzyme-cytochemical and/or immunocytological investigation of bone marrow smears, were as follows: M1 = 6, M2 = 5, M4 = 7, M5 = 3, and AML (not classified) = 2. The 13 cases of ALL were classified as follows: c-ALL (pre-B-ALL) = 7, B-ALL = 3, T-ALL = 2, and ALL (not classified) = 1. All the MAAs except LN5, Ki-M4p, and DAKO-DRC stained blast cells in AML. However, the number of stained blast cells varied considerably within and between the individual subtypes (M4/5 > M2/1). Using Fisher's exact test a significant difference in frequency of blast cell staining between AML and ALL was found for four MAAs (anti-lysozyme, MAC387, Ki-M1p, and KP1) and two of the three myeloid cell markers applied (Ki-My2p and anti-neutrophil elastase). Of these six antibodies, the combination of anti-lysozyme and KP1 can be recommended for use in routine diagnostics for the differentiation of AML from ALL on the basis of immunohistochemical staining because both of these antibodies were found to stain a relatively large percentage of cases of AML but none of ALL. However, none of the MAAs were found to discriminate reliably between the FAB M4/5 and M1/2 subtypes of AML.

Weekly therapy with folinic acid (FA) and high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 24-hour infusion in pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma. A multicenter study by the Association of Medical Oncology of the German Cancer Society (AIO)

BACKGROUND

No effective salvage therapy is known for patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma progressive after chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/folinic acid (FA) or 5-FU/alpha interferon (IFN) combinations. The aim of the study was to test whether weekly FA/high-dose 5-FU is an effective therapy in pretreated patients with progressive metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January and December 1992, 57 patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma were treated with weekly infusions of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (2600 mg/m2 as 24-hour infusion) and folinic acid (FA) (500 mg/m2 as 1-hour infusion prior to 5-FU). All patients were pretreated with chemotherapy, most of them with regimens containing 5-FU i.v. bolus/FA or 5-FU/alfa interferon (IFN), and all had documented progressive disease at the time of entering the study. In patients with partial remission (PR) or stable disease (SD) with improvement of their clinical condition, therapy was continued until progressive disease (PD) was documented. In all other patients therapy was stopped after one course (6 infusions).

RESULTS

5/57 patients (9%) achieved PR, 32/57 (56%) SD, in 19/57 (33%) disease was progressive and one toxic death occurred. 26/32 patients (81%) with SD or PR after the first chemotherapy again obtained SD or PR on high-dose 5-FU/FA but only 8/18 (44%) of those with PD after first chemotherapy did so. The median duration of SD/PR was 3 months and the median survival for all patients 8 months (range 3-17+). Apart from one toxic death, toxicity consisting for the most part of mucositis (n = 24), nausea (n = 23), diarrhoea (n = 18) and hand-foot syndrome (n = 12) was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma, notably those with a primary PR or SD, can probably benefit from weekly high-dose 5-FU/FA.

[Biological standardization of Ginkgo extracts]

The determination of the inhibition of PAF (platelet-activating factor)-induced platelet aggregation has been proposed as a biological standardization method for commercially available Ginkgo biloba extracts by measuring the characteristic pharmacological effect of ginkgolides in vitro. The determination is specific for ginkgolides A, B, C, and J and is not influenced by other constituents present in Ginkgo biloba extracts. IC50 values of ginkgolide B can be used to standardize various Ginkgo extracts produced by special extraction methods with respect to equi-effective ginkgolide B contents. In order to compare values obtained by a chemical-analytical procedure with those obtained by the biological assay, the equi-effective total ginkgolide content of each Ginkgo extract had to be calculated. Accordingly, the concentrations of the individual ginkgolides in the various Ginkgo extracts were determined chromatographically by assaying ginkgolides as trime-thylsilyl derivatives. Their individual contributions towards the measured in vitro effects were derived from their respective IC50 values. The calculated equi-effective total ginkgolide contents of the Ginkgo extracts were in good agreement with those obtained by gas chromatography. The results demonstrate that, in addition to a chemical standardization, the biological standardization of Ginkgo extract preparations is also feasible.

[Adjuvant therapeutic possibilities in carcinoma of colon and rectum]

Recently published results of large randomized trials have changed the recommendations for adjuvant treatment in patients with colorectal cancer. Patients with Dukes C cancer of the large bowel should be treated with a combination of Levamisole and 5-FU. For patients with rectal carcinoma Dukes B and C, a combined chemo-/radiotherapy is recommended.

Fluorouracil versus folinic acid/fluorouracil in advanced colorectal cancer--preliminary results of a randomized trial

Patients with advanced colorectal cancer were randomized to receive either fluorouracil (5-FU) 370 mg/m2 IV days 1 to 5 followed by weekly applications of 5-FU 600 mg/m2 or the same doses of 5-FU preceded by folinic acid 200 mg/m2. Because of toxicity, the weekly 5-FU dose in the combination treatment schedule was reduced to 500 mg/m2 in the course of the study. As of November 1990, 135 patients entered the study; 71 have received combination therapy, and 64 monotherapy. Sixty-three and 59 patients, respectively, are included in the present interim analysis. The two groups are well matched for age, performance status, site of disease, number of metastatic sites, and biochemical parameters. Treatment results are evaluable in 118 patients. Thirty percent receiving combination treatment and 20% receiving monotherapy achieved a complete or partial remission. There is no survival time difference between the groups. However, time to progression is superior in the combination treatment group (median 26 weeks compared with 13 weeks). The main toxicity was diarrhea during the weekly therapy. This was especially true for patients receiving combination treatment before the reduction of 5-FU dosage. In contrast to only four of 56 patients with monotherapy, 14 of 39 with the combination treatment at the initial dosage had severe diarrhea with two treatment-related deaths in this latter group. By reduction of 5-FU dosage during the weekly therapy severe diarrhea could be clearly reduced with only one of 18 patients suffering from diarrhea of World Health Organization grade 3. Other toxicity was usually mild. In conclusion, a prolongation of time to progression could be achieved by combination treatment of folinic acid and 5-FU, which was well tolerated when the weekly dose of 5-FU did not exceed 500 mg/m2.

The prognostic significance of total serum cholesterol in patients with Hodgkin's disease

In the current retrospective study, the authors investigated the prognostic significance of total serum cholesterol values at the time of diagnosis in patients with Hodgkin's disease (n = 179). Cholesterol values were significantly lower in these patients than in age- and sex-matched controls. Subgroups with advanced stages (P less than or equal to 0.01), poor response to therapy (P = 0.04), and relapse after complete response (P = 0.026) (but not with bulky disease) had lower cholesterol values. By univariate analysis (cut-point value, 140 mg/dl), the 5-year survival rate was 2.5 times higher in patients with normal cholesterol values than in hypocholesterolemic patients (P less than 0.00009). Hypocholesterolemia was retained as an adverse, independent prognostic factor by multivariate Cox regression analysis. The authors concluded that total serum cholesterol values at the time of diagnosis may be a parameter with unrecognized significance in Hodgkin's disease.

Phenotypic and clinical heterogeneity of CD56-positive acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia

The precise phenotype and clinical course are described of a subgroup of acute nonlymphoblastic leukemias (ANLL) expressing the NK-cell differentiation antigen CD56. As previously reported, CD56+ leukemias occurred in a frequency of about 20% of ANLL cases showing clinical and immunophenotypical heterogeneity. Carrying various myelomonocytic markers, all cases were diagnosed to be of nonlymphoid origin. Positive or negative expression of CD34 allowed us to distinguish two major subtypes of CD56+ leukemias representing immature and more differentiated cells carrying further differentiation antigens (CD14 and/or CD15) of the myelomonocytic lineages. These phenotypes correlated with the M0, M2, M4, and M5 leukemias of the FAB classification.

Comparative pharmacological investigations of Allium ursinum and Allium sativum

Extracts of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) and garlic (A. sativum) with defined chemical compositions were investigated for their in vitro inhibitory potential on 5-lipoxygenase (LO), cyclooxygenase (CO), thrombocyte aggregation (TA), and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). The inhibition rates as IC50 values of both extracts for 5-LO, CO, and TA showed a good correlation with the %-content of the major S-containing compounds (thiosulfinates and ajoenes) of the various extracts. In the 5-LO and CO test the garlic extracts are slightly superior to the wild garlic extracts whereas, in the TA test, no differences could be found. In the ACE test the water extract of the leaves of wild garlic containing glutamyl-peptides showed the highest inhibitory activity followed by that of the garlic leaf and the bulbs of both drugs. The comparative studies underline the usefulness of wild garlic as a substitute of garlic.

Cyclic alternating chemotherapy of high-grade malignant non-Hodgkin lymphomas with VIM-Bleo and CHOP

Between 1986 and 1988, 81 patients with high grade malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma according to the Kiel classification were treated with the VIM-Bleo/CHOP-regimen: etoposide 100 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1-3, ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 intravenously days 1-5 with mesna for prophylaxis of cystitis, methotrexate 30 mg/m2 intravenously on days 3, bleomycin 10 mg intravenously on days 8 and 15, cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 day 22, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 day 22, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 on day 22, and prednisolone 100 mg postoperatively on days 1-5 and 22-26. Cycles were repeated four times beginning on day 43. Regions with bulky disease were irradiated after chemotherapy. 36 patients (44%) had stage II, 12 (15%) stage III and 33 (41%) stage IV disease. B-symptoms were present in 49% of patients. Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity was elevated in 53%. Overall, 59 patients (73%) achieved a complete and 14 (17%) a partial remission. 8 (9%) had stable or progressive disease. After a median follow up of 30 months thus far, probability of long-term relapse free survival is 66% for patients in complete remission. Overall survival is 72% at 24 months. Toxicity from treatment was very low with leukopenia being the main side effect. Major infections were observed in only 2% of cycles with one treatment related death. VIM-Bleo/CHOP is a well tolerated regimen with remission rates in the range of other, more toxic regimens. However, cyclic alternating treatment did not improve results as compared with repeated treatment with a single standard protocol.

In vivo induction of HLA molecules in patients with myeloproliferative syndrome during IFN alpha treatment

Eighteen patients with myeloproliferative syndrome (14 with chronic myeloid leukemia, four with essential thrombocytosis) were investigated for modulation of HLA antigens on peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and hematopoietic precursors during IFN alpha therapy as a sign of potentially increased immune recognition of malignant cells. After 1 month of IFN alpha therapy, an increased number of monocytes and hematopoietic precursor cells, but not of lymphocytes, expressed HLA-DQ antigens. In addition, a strong induction of HLA class-I antigens was found on both hematopoietic progenitors and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. With daily injections of IFN in the first month of therapy stimulation continuously increased, suggested a major effect of IFN alpha on hematopoietic progenitors with sustained enhanced expression of HLA class-I antigens during differentiation of myelomonocytic cells. HLA class-I antigen expression was consistently augmented by IFN alpha in all patients, irrespective of their hematological response.

Enhanced antigenicity of autologous leukemia cells enriched with cholesterylhemisuccinate

Cholesterylhemisuccinate (CHS) has been used by different authors to enhance the antigenicity of tumor cells in human and in animals. In the present study, leukemic cells isolated mainly from patients with chronic myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were incubated for 90 min at 37 degrees in PBS containing 3.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone, 0.5% glucose, 1% human serum albumin and 150 micrograms/ml CHS 5 x 10(6) pretreated, irradiated, autologous leukemic cells were tested for their ability to elicit a delayed type hypersensitivity skin reaction. The negative controls included CHS-treated and untreated non-leukemic autologous blood cells as well as substance controls. Recall antigens such as tetanus, diphtheria and tuberculine included in the Multitest Mérieux served as positive controls. Results from 28 patients and 44 skin tests are presented. 19 of 23 patients tested under the best of experimental conditions generated a positive skin reaction with the CHS-treated autologous leukemic cells. Less than 12% of the patients reacted with any of the above negative controls. Under the same conditions, more than 90% of the CLL patients were reactive. 5 CLL patients were selected for a treatment including 6 weekly injections of 5 x 10(6) to 5 x 10(8) autologous CLL cells. 3 patients experienced an up to 60% reduction of their initial leukocyte counts. In one patient, the leukocyte counts continued to decrease more than 6 months after the treatment was completed. One patient showed no response and in one patient with increasing leukocytes this increase could not be reversed. The results are discussed in terms of earlier observations that membrane sterol content influences the presentation of cell surface proteins.

[Occupations of the handicapped in the European Community]

Improvement of the living and working conditions of migrant workers as well as their free movement and social protection are among the major objectives of the European Community (laid down in the Treaty of Rome). In view of the forthcoming European internal market after 1993 and the related potential for increased sociopolitical integration also of disabled persons, an overview is presented of the policies adopted in the various member states in order to enhance employment of disabled people. The article gives an analysis of basic principles, without appraising the various provisions.

Acute myeloid leukemia: immunohistologic findings in paraffin-embedded bone marrow biopsy specimens

Immunohistochemical investigations were performed on decalcified, paraffin-embedded iliac crest trephine biopsy specimens from 30 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML, as defined by the FAB classification) with antibodies against B cells (L26, 4KB5, MB1, Ki-B3), T cells (UCHL1, MT1), myeloid/histiocytic cells (anti-neutrophil elastase, MAC387, anti-S-100 protein, anti-alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, DAKO-M1), natural killer/killer cells (anti-Leu-7), and megakaryocytes (anti-factor VIII-related antigen). (1) The blast cells of all the cases reacted with from at least two to at most eight different antibodies. Each antibody reacted with blast cells in a minimum of two (maximum 30) cases. (2) MT1, Ki-B3, anti-alpha 1-antichymotrypsin anti-neutrophil elastase, anti-S-100 protein, and MAC387 stained blast cells in more than 50% of the cases; MB1, L26, UCHL1, 4KB5, and DAKO-M1 in 20% to 50% of the cases; and anti-Leu-7 and anti-factor VIII-related antigen in less than 20% of the cases. (3) In the majority of cases many T lymphocytes, a small-to-moderate number of B lymphocytes, and a few Leu-7-positive lymphoid cells were intermingled with the blast cells. In some cases, especially where only a minor proportion of the blast cells was immunostained, it was nearly impossible to distinguish the lymphocytes of the tumor's stromal reaction from small blast cells. Thus, AML exhibits a heterogeneous immunophenotype in trephine biopsy specimens. Immunohistologic diagnosis of this disease in such specimens may be extremely difficult. Since staining of the blast cells with one or more of the antibodies generally used to define B cells, T cells, or their neoplastic derivatives is not uncommon, misinterpretation as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of high-grade malignancy could easily occur. These findings also suggest that mixed-type (hybrid) acute leukemias with coexpression of myeloid and lymphoid cell markers could be more common than generally realized.

Randomized clinical trial comparing mitoxantrone with epirubicin and with doxorubicin, each combined with cyclophosphamide in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer

Two hundred and twenty-four patients with advanced breast cancer were enrolled in a multicenter prospective randomized clinical study and received either doxorubicin (40 mg/m2), or epirubicin (40 mg/m2) or mitoxantrone (12 mg/m2) each combined with cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) i.v. In the patient collective the following response rates were observed: complete response 12.1%; partial response 30.6%; stable disease 40.5%; progressive disease 16.8%. A complete response was observed significantly less often in patients where more than one organ site was involved as compared to those patients with only one metastatic site. The mean time period required to reach a best response was 3.7 months. There was no significant difference between the response rates in the three arms. In comparing the observed toxicities in 1,434 treatment cycles, there was a significant difference with regard to leukocytopenia (mitoxantrone arm exhibiting more than either epirubicin and doxorubicin) although infections did not occur more frequently in the mitoxantrone arm; with regard to alopecia, mitoxantrone and epirubicin arms both exhibited less than doxorubicin. It is noteworthy that no patient who had previously received adjuvant chemotherapy achieved a complete response (p = 0.006). The overall significance of these findings can only be clearly evaluated when survival times can be measured.

Hypocholesterolemia, an unfavorable feature of prognostic value in chronic myeloid leukemia

In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) low serum cholesterol is not uncommon and has been linked to the activity of the disease. Despite these observations, most studies concerned with prognostic signs in CML have not included cholesterol. In our study, cholesterol correlated positively with survival (p = 0.0012) and with the duration of chronic phase (p = 0.0059) in a univariate analysis. The multivariate Cox regression model selected cholesterol as a parameter of additive prognostic value in addition to marrow myeloblasts plus promyelocytes, sex, eosinophilia and lactate dehydrogenase.

Myelosarcomatosis of the skin preceding leukemic generalization of acute myelomonocytic leukemia

A case report of a patient with myelosarcomatosis of the skin six months preceding leukemic generalization of acute myelomonocytic leukemia is presented. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of a myelosarcoma with generalized skin involvement diagnosed before development of an overt myeloproliferative disease.

[Sequential alternating chemotherapy of highly malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with VIM-Bleo and CHOP. Initial results]

54 patients with high grade malignant NHL (stage II 19, stage III 10, stage IV 25 patients, medium age 56 years) were treated in an ongoing study with the VIM-Bleo/CHOP-regimen: Etoposide 100 mg/m2 i.v. days 1-3, Ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 i.v. days 1-5 with Mesna for prophylaxis of cystitis, Methotrexate 30 mg/m2 i.v. day 3, Bleomycin 10 mg i.v. days 8 and 15, Cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 day 22, Adriamycin 50 mg/m2 day 22, Vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 day 22 and prednisolone 100 mg po days 1-5 and 22-26. Cycles were repeated on day 43. After completion of therapy (4 cycles of VIM-Bleo/CHOP), 27 out of 35 patients (77%) were in complete remission. 6 patients (17%) had a partial remission and 2 (6%) progressive disease. After a median follow up of 8 months so far, 6 relapses occurred. Probability of survival at 12 months is 82%. Toxicity of treatment was very low with leukopenia being the main side effect. Only in 2 cycles (3%), major infections were observed. Nausea and vomiting were severe only in 4% of patients. We conclude that VIM-Bleo/CHOP is a well tolerated regimen with good remission rates in high grade malignant NHL. However, longer follow up is necessary for a final evaluation.

Response-oriented therapy with CHOP and VIM-Bleo in high-grade malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Twenty four patients with high grade malignant NHL (stage II 8, stage III 4, stage IV 12 patients respectively) were treated with a response-oriented regimen: Treatment was initiated according to the CHOP-protocol. Patients achieving at least a partial remission after 2 and a complete remission (CR) after 4 cycles were continued on CHOP to a total of 9 cycles. Patients not meeting these criteria were switched to a combination of Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Methotrexate, and Bleomycin (VIM-Bleo). With CHOP treatment, 16 patients (67%) achieved a CR. Of the remaining 8, 7 were treated with VIM-Bleo; 5 of these entered CR for a overall CR rate of 21/24 (88%). With a median follow up of 28 months 7 patients relapsed: 6 relapses occurred in patients with a rapid initial response and treated only with CHOP. We conclude, that there is a significant risk of relapse even in patients readily responding to CHOP and that consolidation therapy with a non cross-resistant regimen may improve results in these patients.

A counting process approach to the analysis of the course of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a neoplastic disease with a course including remission and relapse. Therefore, a mortality analysis of overall survival time alone may conceal important differences between the forces of mortality (hazard functions) associated with distinct states of active disease, for example pre-remission state and first relapse. Further, prognostic factors for overall survival time may fail to contribute significantly to the pre-remission force of mortality. Our approach to analysis is based on a non-homogeneous Markov illness-death process as a stochastic model of the course of disease. It exploits the statistical theory of counting processes.

Mitoxantrone and VP-16 in refractory acute myelogenous leukemia

Phase I/II-studies suggested that mitoxantrone is effective in the treatment of acute leukemia. In this study we have investigated its efficacy in combination with VP-16 in patients with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia. The regimen consists of: mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2/day i.v. from days 1 to 5, VP-16 100 mg/m2/day as short infusion from days 1 to 3. A dosis escalation of VP-16 was attempted. As of August 1985, 27 patients have been enrolled in the study and 21 patients are now evaluable. Of these 21 patients, 6 (28.6%) have achieved complete remission including 3 with primary refractory disease, 2 with early relapse (less than 6 months after CR), and 1 with relapse under maintenance therapy. Two other patients have attained a partial remission. Toxicity was mild and, except one case of early death, no life threatening complications were observed. This combination seems to be an active regimen in refractory acute myelogenous leukemia and its incorporation in front line therapy seems warranted.