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A Sakowicz

Publications and source records attributed to A Sakowicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Expression of CEA and trophoblastic cell markers by lung carcinoma in association with histological characteristics and serum marker levels.

The study of tumour markers in lung cancer has focused mainly on serum-based analysis. The controversy about carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), pregnancy specific glycoprotein 1 (SP1) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (betahCG) production in lung carcinoma has been reported in several studies. The aims of this study were: to explore an expression of CEA, SP1 and betahCG in various histological types of lung carcinoma with respect to the grade of differentiation; and to define the relationship between tumour marker expression and serum marker concentration. Ninety two lung tumours (75 non-small cell carcinomas (NSCLC) and 17 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC)) entered the study. Tumour marker expression was compared with the serum levels of CEA, SP1 and betahCG in 57 patients (pts) with NSCLC and four pts with SCLC. Positive immunostaining of CEA and SP1 was observed in 87% NSCLC, and betahCG was found in 24% NSCLC. In the SCLC group positive staining showed in 29% of tumours, SP1 in 51% and betahCG in 18%. Positive CEA expression ranged from 50-100% within the carcinomatous cell population (pcp) and was more characteristic for well and moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. This finding was in contrast to squamous cell carcinomas, where the majority of tumours expressed CEA in 1-50% pcp. A significant negative correlation was noticed for adenocarcinoma between tumour expression and grade of histological differentiation for CEA (P < 0.001) and SP1 (P = 0.023). Results were not significant for squamous carcinoma. Significant differences of serum CEA concentration were noticed between adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma (P = 0.003). In addition, a statistically significant relation was found between serum CEA concentration and an early (I + II) and advanced (IIIa + IIIb + IV) stage of NSCLC (P = 0.031). A significant correlation was noticed when serum CEA and tumour CEA expression was compared for NSCLC (P < 0.001), and for serum betahCG and tumour betahCG (P = 0.019).

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

[The evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen determination in the pericardial fluid in the diagnosis of the cause of pericarditis].

Pericardial fluid CEA level was measured with radioimmunoassay in 19 patients with large pericardial effusion of unknown origin. In 11 patients malignancy was diagnosed. In all of these patients pericardial fluid CEA levels were above 7 ng/ml (mean value 52.6 +/- 42.6 ng/ml). In 8 patients the etiology of pericarditis was non-malignant. In all of them pericardial fluid CEA levels were below 7 ng/ml (mean value 2.2 +/- 1.6 ng/ml). In 9 patients with malignant pericarditis serum CEA levels were also determined: they were found to be lower than pericardial fluid CEA values in 6 patients. It was concluded that pericardial fluid CEA elevation is a reliable criteria of neoplastic pericardial involvement.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗
PubMed1997

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) serum level in non small cell lung cancer--can it be an indicator of tumour chemosensitivity?

It is believed that the tissue or serum expression of neuroendocrine markers in non small cell lung cancer patients can implicate better prognosis in cases undergoing chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to assess the value of NSE serum level for anticipation of the tumor response to chemotherapy. We found elevated serum level of NSE in 34 of 60 patients (56.7%) at the time of diagnosis of inoperable non small cell lung cancer, significantly more often in those presenting stage IV of disease. In 21.7% partial response and in another 21.7% minimal regression was found after chemotherapy. Treatment results revealed no significant differences in respect to NSE serum level, however 77% of patients achieving partial response had elevated serum level of NSE.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1997

CEA, NSE and SCC Ag in bronchial lavage in patients with lung cancer.

CEA, NSE and SCC Ag levels were measured in bronchial lavage (BL) and serum in patients with endobronchial lung cancer (LC) and in patients with nonmalignant lung diseases (NMLD). In both groups of patients 100 ml of normal saline solution was used during the lavage procedure. Tumor markers were detected using radioimmunoassay. CEA levels in BL and in serum were measured in 84 patients with LC and in 94 patients with NMLD. BL CEA levels were significantly increased in patients with LC (97.4 +/- 56.4 ng/ml) in comparison to patients with NMLD (4.2 +/- 6.3 ng/ml). Patients with LC had CEA levels in lavage fluid about 30 times higher than in serum. Significantly increased BL CEA levels in patients with LC were found in the cases with more advanced bronchoscopic tumor and in those with positive bronchial secretion cytology than in other groups of patients with LC. NSE levels were measured in BL and in serum in 21 patients with small cell lung cancer, SCC Ag levels were measured in BL and in serum in 21 patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The control group consisted of 28 patients with NMLD and 8 patients with adenocarcinoma. Determination of CEA levels in BL can be useful additional diagnostic method in patients with LC. The measurement of NSE and SCC Ag levels in BL in LC patients was considered to be not useful because of the low diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Trophoblastic markers and CEA in non-small cell lung cancer: the comparison studies of tumour cells expression and serum concentration.

The study was designed to explore the tumour cell expression of three markers: hCG, SP1 and CEA in lung cancer in relationship with histological type and histological differentiation of tumours as well as serum concentration of antigens. 58 primary resected lung cancers: 28 adenocarcinomas, 27 squamous cell and 3 large cell carcinomas were included. Tumours immunoreactivity of three markers was evaluated by semiquantitative analysis. Simultaneously serum tumour markers were measured in 42 patients by enzyme radioimmunoassays. CEA and SP1 expressions in lung tumours were found in a majority of carcinomas-86% and 79% respectively. Expression of tumour markers was not associated with any certain histological type of carcinoma but was more characteristic for moderately and well differentiated adenocarcinomas. hCG positive tumour staining was less frequent than CEA and SP1 (only 22% tumours) and was much less intensive (5-50% population of carcinomatous cells) in the tumours. The study showed correlation between increased serum CEA concentration and tumour expression of antigen.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Value of neuron specific enolase levels and squamous cell carcinoma antigen in bronchial lavage fluid in patients with lung cancer].

The aim of the study was to assess a value of NSE and SCC Ag level determination in bronchial lavage fluid in patients with lung cancer. It was found out that NSE levels in bronchial lavage fluid were much lower than in serum and did not differentiate patients with small cell lung cancer from patients with non small cell lung cancer and nonmalignant lung diseases. Bronchial lavage SCC Ag levels were significantly higher than serum SCC Ag levels. Although determination of SCC Ag levels in bronchial lavage was also not helpful in differential diagnosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[The value of determining neuron specific enolase for diagnosis of complete remission during treatment of small cell lung cancer].

The aim of this study was to assess whether the lowest serum NSE obtained during treatment of small cell lung cancer patients can be helpful in the diagnosis of complete remission (CR). The material consisted of 68 patients with small cell lung cancer, treated in the Institute o Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases from 1.III.1993 to 15.II.1995. In the course of treatment CR was obtained in 13 patients, partial remission (PR) in 37 and no remission (NR) in 18. The distribution and median of the lowest NSE serum levels were the same in CR and RP patients. NSE serum levels remained above normal, that is above 12.5 ng/ml, in two CR patients and in 4 PR patients. 3 patients (2 with CR and I with PR) are still living for 26, 27 and 41 months in spite of NSE serum levels 14.3, 15.6 and 13.6 ng/ml respectively. In those patients in whom NR was obtained the lowest NSE level above 20 ng/l was connected with bad prognosis. We conclude that the estimation of the lowest NSE serum level in the course of treatment can not help to differentiate CR from PR.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The value of measuring adenosine deaminase activity in pericardial effusion fluid for diagnosing the etiology of pericardial effusion].

The diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis is difficult. The cultures of the pericardial fluid for M.tuberculosis are often negative. The determination of ADA activity in pleural fluid in TB patients /PTS/ is very useful. It seemed reasonable to measure ADA activity in pericardial effusion. ADA activity in pericardial fluid of 40PTS/19 women and 21 men/with large pericardial effusion of different etiologies who were treated in our institute in years 1988-1995 was investigated. The median age was 44 years. In each case the pericardiocentesis was performed. PTS were grouped as follows: group I-4 PTS with strongly suspected TB pericarditis, group II-32 PTS with malignancy and group III-4 PTS with miscellaneous diseases. In group I the mean ADA activity was 24U/I(3-60), in group II 18U/I (3-60) and in group III 18U/I (0-37) (with a cutoff value for ADA activity of 40U/I). It was definitive bacteriologic diagnosis of TB pericarditis in PTS of group I. Our observation does not confirm the earlier data about the high ADA activity in clinically suspected TB pericarditis without bacteriologic diagnosis. The value of ADA determination in pericardial fluid is its high specificity (97%) in excluding of TB etiology of pericardial effusion.

Adenosine Deaminase↗
PubMed1996

[Euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with respiratory failure].

There have been report concerning decrease of thyroid gland hormones concentrations in respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of severe respiratory failure (RF) of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients on blood serum thyroid hormone concentration. The tests were carried out in 22 ICU- patients with partial or total RF in whom the relationship between PO2, pH, PCO2 and TT3, TT4, FT3, rT3, FT4 was tested. The obtained data indicate that: 1. In patients with RF ESS takes place, 2. ESS seems to be related to the decrease of PO2; statistically significant correlation between TT3, FT3, rT3, and PO2 exist, 3. The increase of TT3 serum concentration directly correlates with the improvement of clinical state of patients. The lowest TT3 concentrations were observed in "ante mortem" patients. This fact suggest the prognostic value of TT3, TT4 concentration measurements in patients with RF.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The role of human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit elevation in small-cell lung cancer patients.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-like immunoreactivity has been found in many non-trophoblastic tumours, but the biological behaviour of HCG-producing cells has not been clarified yet. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of serum HCG beta subunit (s beta HCG) elevation in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and to assess its possible prognostic role in this type of tumour. An attempt was also made to reclassify the histology in selected cases to see whether the elevated (s beta HCG) level is connected with any special subtype of small-cell lung cancer. A total of 156 SCLC patients entered the study: 93 men, 63 women, median age 58 years. s beta HCG activity was measured by immunoenzyme assay (Abbott EIA beta HCG 15-15) before treatment. s beta HCG elevation (above 5 mIU/ml) was found in 21 of 156 patients (14%). Response to treatment after chemotherapy (complete and partial response) was obtained in only 48% of those patients in whom elevated s beta HCG was found, in comparison to the 73% response rate observed in the remaining patients. Only 5% of patients with elevated s beta HCG survived 2 years, in comparison to 21% surviving for 2 years among the remaining patients. The prognostic significance of elevated s beta HCG and extent of disease were independent of each other (Cox's proportional-hazard model). Thus s beta HCG elevation in SCLC seems to be a marker of more resistant tumours and of poor prognosis. We have not found any connection between the subtype of small-cell lung cancer and elevated s beta HCG. Elevated s beta HCG was found in 2 out of 11 patients with oat-cell carcinoma, in 3 out of 10 patients with an intermediate cell type and in 5 out of 13 patients with small-cell lung cancer in which the assessment of the subtype was not possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Value of determining the concentration of carcinoembryonic antigen in bronchial lavage for diagnosis of lung cancer].

CEA levels were measured in bronchial lavage in 84 patients with endobronchial lung cancer, undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy. The control group consisted of 94 patients with nonmalignant lung disease, in whom bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. In both groups of patients 100 ml of normal saline solution was used during the lavage procedure. CEA levels in lavage fluid and in serum were determined with polyclonal (CEA-RIA) and monoclonal antibodies (CEA-EIA). Significantly increased CEA levels in lavage fluid were observed in patients with lung cancer (97.4 +/- 56.4 ng/ml) in comparison to the patients with nonmalignant lung disease (4.2 +/- 6.3 ng/ml). Patients with lung cancer had CEA levels in lavage fluid about 30 times higher than in serum. Determination of CEA levels in bronchial lavage can be a useful additional diagnostic method in patients with lung cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Comparison of the degree of regression of small cell lung neoplasm in clinical-radiologic evaluation with levels of neuron specific enolase (NSE) in serum].

NSE was estimated using Pharmacia test and radioimmunologic method in the serum of 41 SCLC patients before treatment, at the time of maximal tumor response and in some patients also during progression. The level of 12,5 ng/l was regarded as the upper limit of normal. Elevated NSE levels before treatment were found in 12 out of 20 patients with limited disease and in 19 out of 21 patients with extensive disease. Complete remission (CR) was observed only in patients with limited disease and in those in whom NSE serum level was below 50 ng/l. Elevated NSE serum levels decreased in all those in whom partial remission (PR) or CR of tumor was obtained. Decrease of elevated NSE levels was however also observed in some patients with no significant regression of tumor. The decrease of serum NSE level seemed to be a good prognostic factor even in this last group. NSE serum level increased in 7 out 10 patients where progressive disease after PR was found. In 3 patients however NSE level persisted in normal values despite progression. The significance of this fact was discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Evaluation of the value of determining levels of cytokeratin-19 fragments for diagnosis of lung cancer].

Cytokeratins, the intermediate filaments, are expressed by many epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cytokeratin-19 both in bronchial epithelium and in lung cancer cells. The aim of our study was to establish the value of serum cytokeratin-19 estimation by immunoenzymatic assay (Enzymun Cyfra 21-1, Boehringer Mannheim) in the patients (pts) with lung cancer (Ic). 153 pts (104 men, 49 women, median age 50 years) entered this study. The group consisted of 37 pts with benign lung diseases (control group), 56 pts with squamous cell Ic, 37 pts with small cell Ic and 23 with adenocarcinoma. Cut off value was determined at 4 ng/ml, with 96% of specificity. Elevated cytokeratin-19 values were found in 41% of pts with lung cancer (45% of squamous cell Ic, 39% of adenocarcinoma and 35% of small cell Ic). Median cytokeratin-19 values were 2.2 ng/ml in the control group, 3.4 ng/ml in squamous cell Ic, 3.3 ng/ml adenocarcinoma and 2.9 in small cell Ic. Cytokeratin-19 elevation was observed more often in non small cell Ic pts with advanced disease, stage III--46%, stage IV--50% than in early stages (I + II)--34%. In small cell Ic pts the frequency of cytokeratin-19 elevation was 20% in limited disease versus 45% in extensive disease. We conclude that cytokeratin estimation is not valuable in the recognition of histologic type of lung cancer, although elevated levels are seen more often in squamous cell Ic. Cytokeratin-19 estimation may be also helpful in lung cancer staging.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

[Incidence of beta HCG elevation in serum of patients with small cell lung neoplasms and their prognosis].

HCG-like immunoreactivity has been found in many nontrophoblastic tumors, but the biological behaviour of HCG--producing cells has not been clarified yet. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of serum bHCG (sbHCG) elevation in SCLC patients and to assess its possible prognostic role in this type of tumor. 156 SCLC patients entered the study: 93 men, 63 women, median age 58 years. SbHCG activity was measured with immunoenzymassay (Abbott EIA bHCG 15-15) before treatment. ScHCG elevation (5 mIU/ml) was found in 21 of 156 patients (14%). Response to treatment after chemotherapy (CR + PR) was obtained in only 48% of those patients in whom elevated sbHCG was found, in comparison to 73% of response rate observed in the remaining patients. Only 5% of patients with elevated sbHCG survived 2 years, in comparison to 21% of 2-years survivors in the remaining patients. Thus sbHCG elevation in SCLC seems to be a marker of more resistant tumors and of poor prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Levels of ferritin in serum of patients with lung cancer].

Serum ferritin levels using the radiometric method were determined in 161 lung cancer patients and in 50 patients with non-malignant pulmonary disorders. Elevated serum ferritin levels were seen more often in lung cancer patients (82%) than in those with the non-malignant disorders (52%). The levels of ferritin were also affected by the extension of the disease. In patients with stage III and IV serum ferritin levels were more pronounced (median 577 ng/ml) in comparison with stage I and II (300 ng/ml). Determination of serum ferritin levels may help in evaluating disease progression and staging, but can not be used as a screening test due to a low specificity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Usefulness of simultaneous antigenic determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), ferritin and orosomucoid levels in diagnosis of lung neoplasms].

Basing on results of tumor marker levels (CEA, ferritin, orosomucoid) in 271 lung cancer patients and 50 with non-malignant pulmonary diseases the authors found that assessment of different tumor markers is clinically more useful than single marker evaluation. Analysing several markers increases the specificity to almost 100% but decreases the sensitivity. Assessing several markers can help differentiating between malignant and non-malignant pulmonary disorders. It may also help in correctly staging the disease. A 12 month survival rate was seen only in 50% of the patients in whom the levels exceeded the cut-off value of two studied markers, whereas 90% survived 12 months if all marker levels were within normal levels. None of the patients with all markers exceeding the normal values survived one year after surgery. Survival rates of patients treated non-surgically were not influenced by the tumor marker levels.

Adolescent↗