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A Figer

Publications and source records attributed to A Figer.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Soluble histocompatibility antigen class I in breast cancer patients in relation to tumor burden.

Serum beta-2 microglobulin (B-2M) levels were studied in 365 breast cancer patients and 210 age-matched controls. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A, new patients at diagnosis; Group B, patients at follow-up; and Group C, metastatic patients. The mean B-2M of all breast cancer patients plus or minus one standard deviation (3.5 +/- 1.2; range, 1.1 to 5.9) was significantly higher than normal controls (1.29 +/- 0.49; range, 0.3 to 2.3; P less than 0.005). When the three patient groups were compared with each other, the mean B-2M level of Group A (3.0 +/- 1.5; range, 0.9 to 6.9) was similar to that of Group C (4.22 +/- 1.1; range, 2.0 to 6.4). The mean B-2M of both Groups A and C was significantly higher than that of Group B (2.38 +/- 1.02, range, 0.4 to 5.4; P less than 0.001). In Group A the mean B-2M decreased significantly after a 12-month period and reached the mean level of Group B but not that of normal controls. When patients in Group B were analyzed by their stage of disease at diagnosis, there was no significant difference between Stages I and II. There was a significant difference in the mean B-2M levels between Stages I and III. In relapsing patients, mean B-2M levels increased. These findings suggest that serum B-2M levels may reflect tumor burden, and even in patients at follow-up, occult tumor cells may activate the immune system.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Expression of HLA class I and class II in gastric carcinoma in relation to pathologic stage.

The expression of HLA class I and II antigens was studied in 41 patients with gastric cancer and in 2 normal stomachs. The normal gastric epithelia were diffusely stained for class I antigens. No staining was observed for class II. In gastric cancer an overall reduction in staining was observed, which was related to the degree of tumor penetration through the gastric wall. In tumors which penetrated the mucosa and submucosa only, 80-90% of tumor cells were stained for class I, as well as the normal areas surrounding the tumor. On the other hand, in tumors which penetrated through the organ to the fat, only 10-20% of cells were stained. Staining for class II was observed in only 12 cases, all of them advanced, with penetration to muscle or fat. No staining was observed in the normal areas surrounding the tumor. The importance of HLA antigens in immune surveillance is discussed.

Gastric Mucosa↗
PubMed1987

Familial colon cancer in the Tel-Aviv area and the influence of ethnic origin.

The family history of colon cancer was investigated in 38,823 individuals (2,129 families) who comprised a control and an oncology patient series from Tel-Aviv and nearby areas. A significant increased risk for colon cancer was observed among first-degree relatives of colon cancer patients when compared to controls. When the patient sample was divided into two groups based on country and continent of birth--European (Ashkenazim) and other (nonAshkenazim)--the relatives of the nonAshkenazi subjects showed a greater relative risk for colon cancer (P less than 0.05). Colon cancer was found to be less frequent in nonAshkenazim than in Ashkenazim controls. These findings suggest that although the colon cancer frequency in the nonAshkenazi group is lower, the genetic component may be more important than for the Ashkenazi sample. The nonAshkenazi Jews may represent distinct subgroups that differ with respect to either primary genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer and/or they may have been subjected to peculiar, environmental carcinogenic exposures when compared to their Ashkenazim brethren.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Family history of colorectal cancer as a marker of potential malignancy within a screening program.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that asymptomatic adult relatives of colorectal cancer patients are at increased risk for developing this tumor. A prospective, published pilot study confirmed this added risk and demonstrated the importance of the family history of cancer as a marker of potential malignancy. The study group was enlarged to include 471 asymptomatic adult, first degree relatives of patients having large bowel neoplasia (cancer or adenomatous polyps) but without polyposis syndromes. These first degree relatives were screened by fecal occult blood examinations and flexible sigmoidoscopy, followed by colonoscopy when indicated. Adenomatous polyps or cancer were found in 8.1% of the study group as compared with 3.7% in a comparison group of screens, not having the same family history of neoplasia and undergoing similar screening tests. Of the study group the age-adjusted rate for colorectal adenomas or cancer increased threefold (P less than 0.001) for subjects older than 40 years and an even higher fivefold relative risk was found for large bowel cancer only (P = 0.01). This was true even if there was only one relative with colorectal neoplasia (P less than 0.01) but was even more pronounced among those having more than one affected relative. The results confirm the usefulness of the family history, of even one member with large bowel neoplasia, in isolating a group at high risk for these lesions. This group would most likely benefit from regular cancer and adenomatous polyp screening particularly when older than 40 years.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1986

Colorectal tumor screening in women with a past history of breast, uterine, or ovarian malignancies.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that women who have successfully recovered from breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer have about twice the expected risk of developing colorectal cancer. These high-risk women were entered, therefore, into a large bowel screening program based on fecal occult blood detection, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy, when appropriate. The study group consisted of 183 women and the results were compared with 252 comparison subjects of similar age and ethnic origin. Neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps, or cancer were 2.5 times more frequent in the study group. However, for the largest group, women with a past history of breast cancer, the relative risk, adjusted for a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, was 3.0 (P = 0.03). This pilot study confirms the value of continuing to screen these patients, especially those with a positive family history of gastrointestinal malignancies. However, for psychological and administrative reasons, it may be better that their colon screening be integrated into a combined colon, breast, and gynecologic tumor follow-up, and not be part of a separate service.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Endometrial carcinoma stage I--comparison of two different treatment regimes--evaluation of risk factors and its influence on prognosis; suggested step by step treatment protocol.

Two hundred twenty-four patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma were treated between the years 1964 and 1978. One hundred and fifteen patients were classified as clinical stage Ia (51.3%) and 109 patients as clinical state Ib (48.7%). For stage Ia the standard treatment protocol was total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH + BSO). In stage Ib disease, preoperative irradiation was performed followed by TAH + BSO after an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. Postoperative irradiation to the pelvis and vaginal vault was given when extrauterine spread was found and in cases of myometrial penetration beyond the inner one-third of the myometrium. At evaluation in May 1983, the rate of disease recurrence in stage Ia was 20% and in stage Ib 9.1%. Five-year survival in stage Ia was 77.3% and 72.4% in stage Ib. Preoperative irradiation was found justified for G3 disregarding the clinical stage, therefore the approach of routine preoperative irradiation in stage Ib is not recommended. The uterine cavity depth was found to be an inaccurate prognostic parameter. According to the data collected in our material the histological grade and myometrial invasion are much better prognostic parameter and should be taken into consideration while planning the treatment regime.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of 5-FU and leucovorin to gemcitabine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Gemcitabine has been recently added to the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) protocol in the treatment of both new and 5-FU refractory patients with pancreatic cancer. We compared the efficacy of gemcitabine versus 5-FU and leucovorin (LCV) in 82 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Forty-seven patients received 5-FU and LCV and 35 patients received gemcitabine. Objective responses were documented in 4% on the 5-FU and LCV arm, compared to 9% in the gemcitabine arm. No change was observed in 48% on the 5-FU and LCV arm compared to 20% in the gemcitabine arm. Clinical benefit was observed in 19% on the 5-FU and LCV arm compared to 48% in the gemcitabine arm (p<0. 001). Toxicity was mild and well tolerated in both arms. One-year survival was 32% on the 5-FU and LCV arm and 23% in the gemcitabine arm. These results indicate that gemcitabine had a significantly higher clinical benefit than 5-FU and should be the standard treatment in advanced pancreatic cancer.

Aged↗