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Biomedical subjects

A Gúrpide

Publications and source records attributed to A Gúrpide.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

High-dose BCNU and autologous progenitor cell transplantation given with intra-arterial cisplatinum and simultaneous radiotherapy in the treatment of high-grade gliomas: benefit for selected patients.

A phase II study of postoperative high-dose carmustine (HDBCNU), intracarotid cisplatin (CDDP), and radical radiotherapy in patients with high-grade glioma was performed. Patients underwent 4-6 consecutive days of blood hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) apheresis without prior mobilization. Chemotherapy included intracarotid CDDP, 60 mg/m2, and BCNU, 900 mg/m2. HPC were infused 48 h after HDBCNU. Whole brain irradiation, up to 50 Gy, was started on the 8th day after HPC infusion. With a median follow-up time of 44 months, median overall survival was 15.5 months. Eight patients (23.5%) are alive free of disease 2-6 years after treatment (seven out of 25 patients with glioblastoma multiforme and one out of nine patients with anaplastic astrocytoma). Survival was influenced by young age, good performance and complete surgical resection. Two patients (5.8%) died of therapy-related complications. Acute hematological toxicity of HDBCNU was moderate, with a full recovery on day 26. No acute pulmonary or hepatic toxicity was found. Late severe neurological toxicity was observed in one third of patients surviving beyond 2 years. We conclude that HDBCNU, 900 mg/m2, intracarotid CDDP and radical radiotherapy appear to benefit some patients with high-grade gliomas, and phase III studies should preferentially select young patients with resectable tumors.

Adult↗

[Bone metastases].

Bone metastases represent a devastating clinical problem in the most frequent neoplasies, especially in multiple myeloma, tumours breast, prostate and lung. The consequences include pain which is refractory to conventional analgesics, osteolysis often leading to bone-marrow compression and pathological fractures, and metabolic disorders. Recent advances in diagnosis using imaging techniques as well as different biochemical techniques have helped accurate diagnosis and follow-up. The increase in survival has improved through a multimodal approach combining, inhibition of osteolysis, with prophylactic orthopaedic surgery and radiation therapy. Recent advances in basic research have determined the molecular metastatic that can predict its proclivity to metastasize. Basic research will improve understanding of the basic mechanisms and lead to the clarification of molecular targets that will help in the development of medicines capable of preventing, decreasing or blocking the metastatic process.

Biomedical Research↗

[HIV infection in an autonomous Spanish community (La Rioja). Features, trends and conclusions applicable to other regions].

BACKGROUND: The epidemiologic characteristics of HIV infection in La Rioja (Spain) were studied and the future tendencies of the same analyzed. METHODS: The data from official Health sources were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In La Rioja, the 5th region in Spain regarding to AIDS incidence, the duplication time of the number of cases continues to shorten. The number in December 1991 was 81. The heterosexual route of infection was 5% of the cases of AIDS up to December 1990 and in 1991 it was 15%, while, with regards to the total number of seropositive subjects, the number rose from 0.3% in December 1990 to 10% in 1991. One thousand one hundred fifty-one seropositive patients were detected in December 1991 representing seroprevalence of 0.34% which reaches 1.14% in the age range between 18-32 years. Mean hospital stay was 23.6 days with 3,032 hospital stays calculated for 1991 representing 8.3 occupied beds/day. There are presently 92 patients undergoing antiviral treatment. Between 43-69 new cases of AIDS have been calculated for 1992. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Medical care should be provided to a greater number of seropositive people to avoid early deterioration. 2) The increase in heterosexual infection is alarming. 3) The need for rehabilitation centers for drug abusers and social alternatives to prostitution is clear. 4) Organized campaigns pointing out and returning the dignity and value of life and therewith the role of human sexuality are needed. 5) Alternative means to conventional hospitalization is required.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗