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Arpád Mayer

Publications and source records attributed to Arpád Mayer.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

[Radiotherapy of pituitary tumours].

In this article, the role of conventional radiotherapy and radiosurgery in the management of pituitary tumors is discussed. After a brief review about the mechanism of action and different techniques of irradiation therapy, the therapeutic effectiveness and side effects are analysed in the various types of pituitary tumors. Conventional fractionated radiotherapy has long been used to control growth and/or hormonal secretion of residual or recurrent pituitary tumors. Nevertheless, there is still a controversy concerning patient selection for radiotherapy, because several potentially significant side effects including hypopituitarism may develop. Stereotactic radiosurgical methods may have several advantages over conventional radiotherapy; they can be applied, for example, in patients with residual or recurrent pituitary tumors who had previously received conventional radiotherapy. However, long-term follow-up data with these relatively new techniques are still limited.

Acromegaly↗

[Wertheim-operation: 5-year survival of 501 consecutive patients with cervical cancer].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the 5-year survival and morbidity when radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with pre- and postoperative radiation have been performed for IA2-IIB stage cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: During a 10 and a half year period between July, 1990 and December, 2000, 501 consecutive radical hysterectomies with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomies were performed by the same gynecological surgeon for stage IA2, IB, IIA and IIB carcinoma of the cervix at the I. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University Budapest. The patients were treated by pre- and postoperative irradiation as well. RESULTS: Perioperative complications apart from recurrence were minimal with no long-term morbidity. The absolute 5-year survival rates for the patients in stage IA2, IB1, IB2, IIA and IIB were 94,4%, 90,7%, 84,1%, 71,1% and 55,4%, respectively. The respective 5-year survival rates for patients without or with lymph node metastasis, were 94,5% and 33,3% in stage IB2, 81,7% and 48,7% in stage IIA and 70,2% and 36,5% in stage IIB, respectively. CONCLUSION: Nerve-sparing radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and pre- and postoperative irradiation remains the treatment of choice for most patients with early-stage and even in IIB-stage cervical cancer. The radicality and extent of lymph node dissection and parametrial resection should be individualized and tailored to tumor- and patient-related risk factors.

Adult↗

[Status report on the chemotherapy of ovarian cancer at special cancer centers in Hungary (2002-2003)].

Data on the first-line treatment of ovarian cancer in special centers of Hungary 2002 and 2003 are presented, involving 283 and 416 patients, respectively. Patients' age, clinical stage and histological type of the tumor were highly similar to literature data, while grades were different. Surgical effectiveness in case of IIIc staged tumors with >1 cm residual mass was 37%. The ratio of interval laparotomy was about 15%. Overall response rates of the first-line treatment of ovarian cancer was 82%, while the rate of complete remissions was 60%. The authors provide detailed analysis of factors that can improve the chemotherapy of ovarian cancer in Hungary.

Adolescent↗

[Radio-chemotherapy for non-resectable primary esophageal malignant melanoma].

AIM: to demonstrate the simultaneous radio-chemotherapy of primary esophageal malignant melanoma on the basis of one case. PATIENT AND METHODS: 68-years-old male patient with malignant melanoma in middle part of the esophagus. The therapy was started with intraluminal high-dose-rate afterloading brachytherapy for the recanalisation of the esophagus (8 Gy in 0.5 cm deep), followed by percutaneous megavolt therapy two weeks after the last HDR AL session (50 Gy total dose, 5 x 2 Gy/week fractions for 5 week, 3D conformal planning). The chemotherapy was started simultaneously with the percutaneous megavolt irradiation (three courses of Cisplatin-5-Fluorouracil combination, repeated in four-week intervals). After the radio-chemotherapy a supraclavicular metastasis was verified, so the radio-chemotherapy was followed with megavolt therapy of the metastasis at 30 Gy dose (5 x 2 Gy/week fractions), and chemotherapy (Cisplatin-Dacarbazine combination in 6-session, four-week intervals) and after them immunotherapy was started. RESULTS: The swallow function has been improved, the supraclavicular metastasis was in partial remission. After the beginning of the radio-chemotherapy the swallow function was good for 16 months, and 18 months after the beginning of radio-chemotherapy the patient died due to pulmonary and hepatic dissemination. CONCLUSION: Radio-chemotherapy of esophageal malignant melanoma has favorable palliative effect with acceptable quality of life.

Aged↗

Treatment of pituitary tumors: radiation.

In this paper, the role of conventional radiotherapy and radiosurgery in the management of pituitary tumors is reviewed. After a short summary of the mechanism of action of irradiation therapy and the types of different irradiation techniques, the therapeutic effects and side effects are analyzed in patients with different types of pituitary tumors, including our own experience with conventional radiotherapy and radiosurgery in patients with acromegaly. Conventional fractionated radiotherapy has long been used to control growth and/or hormonal secretion of residual or recurrent pituitary tumors. However, patient selection for conventional radiotherapy still remains a controversial issue, because a number of potentially significant side effects, including hypopituitarism and other complications, have been described. Stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery methods have several potential advantages over conventional radiotherapy, including their use in patients with residual or recurrent pituitary tumors who had previously been treated by conventional radiotherapy, but long-term follow-up data with these relatively new techniques are still limited.

Acromegaly↗

[Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma--case report].

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are the most frequent soft tissue sarcomas and the second most frequent retroperitoneal tumours. They represent less then 0.1% of all human malignancies. Hereby we describe the treatment of our patient where of a 15-kg giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma was successfully removed and a local recurrence two years later was operated on as well. This was the 3rd largest retroperitoneal malignant tumor that was successfully removed according to the available literature of the last five decades. These typically symptom-free tumors usually grow extreme size before diagnosed. The "gold-standard" of treatment remains surgical total excision, but the high local recurrence rate (50-60%) hopefully can be reduced by adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary treatment and long-time follow-up can provide as high as 40% 5-year survival rate. We summarize the recent clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic methods of this rare condition.

Humans↗

[Evaluation of high-dose-rate brachytherapy of the preoperative treatment of stage IB (FIGO) cervical carcinoma].

PURPOSE: Examination of stage IB (FIGO) cervical cancer patients treated with preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) on the basis of specimen histology, local control and disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients with stage IB cervical cancer were treated between 01/01/1993 and 31/1/1997 as part of complex treatment with HDR BT, the dose calculated for point A 2x5.5 Gy, with one week interval in the Municipal Centre of Oncoradiology, Uzsoki Hospital, Budapest. Different types of surgery were carried out in general within two weeks after preoperative HDR BT. Depending on the specimen histology, postoperative radiation treatment varied. In case of residual tumor vaginal BT 2x5.5 Gy was applied within a week; the dose was relevant to a tissue depth of 5 mm and to the upper third of vagina. This was followed by percutaneous irradiation (telecobalt, linear accelerator) at a dose of 50 Gy, box technique. In certain cases the para-aortal region was simultaneously irradiated. In case of negative specimen no postoperative vaginal HDR BT was applied in the majority of patients. Retrospective analysis helped to determine the effectiveness of regularly followed patients, as for local control and metastasis on the basis of the time of development of dissemination, respectively. RESULT: 33.4% of 153 preoperatively treated patients had tumor-free specimen. Regular follow-up (at least 5 years) showed local relapse in 17 patients (11%), dissemination in 13 patients (8.4%), and 4 among them (2.6%) had simultaneous local relapse. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our data it can be stated that preoperative HDR BT in stage IB cervical carcinoma decreased local relapse. In spite of negative specimen histology, vaginal HDR BT can be suggested, but if there is residual tumor, both HDR BT and percutaneous irradiation is suggested on the basis of our data.

Adult↗

[The radiochemotherapy of the oesophageal cancer].

AIM: To prove the efficacy of the simultaneous radio-chemotherapy of the inoperable or non-resectable esophageal cancer. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with inoperable or non-resectable oesophageal cancer were treated between January 1995 and December 2002. The therapy was started with intraluminal HDR AL irradiation for the recanalisation of the esophagus (8 Gy at 0.5 cm depth, repeated two-three times, with one-week interval), followed by percutaneous megavolt irradiation one week after the last HDR AL session (50 Gy total dose, 5 x 2 Gy/week fractions for 5 weeks). The chemotherapy was started simultaneously with the percutaneous megavolt irradiation (three courses of Cisplatin-5-Fluorouracil combination, with four-week intervals). RESULTS: The swallow function has been improved in 16/29 patients, it remained unchanged in 10/29 and got worse in 3/29 patients (1 and 3 Units), respectively. REMISSION: complete 9/29 patients, partial 17/29 patients. Side effects: Esophagitis of different degree occurred in all patients, consecutive transitory dysphagia developed in 8/29 patients, leucopenia after the chemotherapy in 2/29 patients, tracheo-esophageal fistula in 3/29 patients. Follow-up time: average 12.2 months (3-55 months). The duration of the swallow function improvement: average 10.7 months (2-55 months). CONCLUSION: The initial results refer to the favourable effect of the palliative radio-chemotherapy of the inoperable esophageal cancer.

Adult↗

[Role of Caelyx in second line treatment of ovarian cancer].

The authors published their own experiences and results of Caelyx treatment based on 40 ovarian cancer patients treated in 9 different institutions. Patients had been treated with platinum based or platinum-taxol combination chemoterapy. Their average age was 57.2 years (35-80). The average time to progression was 3.8 months (1-8). The effects of the therapy were assessed on 36 patients and the results were 3 CR, 8 PR, 7 SD and 18 PD. Summarised the Caelyx therapy caused improvement in 30.55% of the patients and stabilisation in 19.44%. Supportive therapy was needed in 8 cases.

Adult↗

Partial breast irradiation with interstitial 60CO brachytherapy results in frequent grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Evidence based on a 12-year follow-up of 70 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the radiation-induced toxicity and cosmesis of brachytherapy (BT) alone in early stage breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 70 women diagnosed with Stage I or II breast carcinoma participated in a BT study at the Municipal Oncoradiological Center, Uzsoki Hospital, Budapest, Hungary, between November 1987 and June 1992. They had undergone breast-conserving surgery with an unknown surgical margin. The postoperative tumor bed irradiation was performed with interstitial (60)Co sources with an active length of 4 cm, with 10-mm center-to-center spacing arranged in a single plane. The median number of inserted sources was 5 (range, 2-8), with a linear activity of 133-137 MBq/cm at the beginning of the study. The 50 Gy delivered dose at 5 mm from the surface of the (60)Co sources was administered during 10-22 h to the virtual postoperative lumpectomy cavity (i.e., plane). For radiobiologic considerations, the clinical target volume (CTV) was calculated retrospectively with a 10-mm safety margin, resulting in a 72-cm(3) median CTV (range, 36-108 cm(3)) irradiated with a reference dose of 28 Gy. In the assessment of the skin and subcutaneous toxicity, the RTOG late radiation morbidity scoring system was applied. The radiosensitivity of the cultured fibroblasts was determined by clonogenic assay to check whether individual radiosensitivity played a role in the development and course of radiation-induced side-effects. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 12 years (range, 10-15 years). The population of the final study (34 cases) comprised all survivors with tumor-free breasts (27 cases) and patients with breasts erroneously ablated/excised for misinterpreted radiation-induced sequelae (7 patients). A total of 97% of the cohort (33/34) had grade > or =2, and 59% (20/34) had grade > or =3 radiation-induced toxicity. By the end of the follow-up, 85% of the patients experienced Grade > or =2 telangiectasis and 41% had Grade 3 telangiectasis. Eighty-eight percent had fibrosis of some form, and 35% had grade > or =3 fibrosis. Forty-one percent of the cohort displayed fat necrosis, which was always accompanied by Grade > or =3 fibrosis or telangiectasis. The cosmetic results were poor in 50% (17/34) of the patients. The radiosensitivity of the fibroblasts was increased in only 2/24 patients (8% of the investigated cases, in agreement with data published for the general population). Comparisons of our fibrosis prevalence data with those of others allowed an estimate of 0.47 h(-1) for the rate of recovery of DNA damage in the fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Interstitial (60)Co BT of the breast tumor bed alone with a limited CTV (median, 72 cm(3)) and a total dose of 28 Gy is associated with a high rate (59%) of grade > or =3 radiation-induced toxicity and a high rate (50%) of poor cosmetic outcome at the end of a median follow-up of 12 years. A relatively high BT dose rate (1.3-2.8 Gy/h) applied during a short overall treatment time (10-22 h) and a possible geographic miss (close to skin implantation) might have contributed to the development of these sequelae.

Adult↗

Primary radiotherapy of stage IIA/B-IIIB cervical carcinoma. A comparison of continuous versus sequential regimens.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive literature on cervical cancer demonstrates, even today, the need for optimization of the timing of external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) in the treatment of stage IIA/B-IIIB cervical carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 210 patients with carcinoma of the cervix were treated in the Municipal Center of Oncoradiology between January 1991 and December 1996 (FIGO IIA: n = 10, FIGO IIB: n = 113, and FIGO IIIB: n = 87). Two regimens were compared: sequential radiation therapy (SRT) with 4 x 8 Gy HDR-BT to point A followed by EBRT, and continuous radiation therapy (CRT) in which 5 x 6 Gy HDR-BT to point A, one session per week, was integrated into the EBRT. A total dose of 68-70 Gy to point A and 52-54 Gy to point B was given in EBRT with SRT, five fractions per week were applied. Four fractions per week were applied in CRT, i. e., no EBRT was performed on the day of HDR-BT. Total doses to points A and B were identical in both regimens. Overall treatment time (OTT) amounted to 56 days for SRT and 35 days for CRT. Median follow-up time was 3.4 (2.5-4.2) years. RESULTS: Progression-free 5-year-survival (PFS) was 71% in the CRT and 56% in the SRT group. Nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 1.00), and the same was found in a subgroup analysis of the different tumor stages, showing, however, an unequivocal trend. Late bladder and rectal injuries occurred in 13% and 25%, respectively. Late rectal injuries were significantly more frequent with SRT than CRT (35 patients in the SRT and 18 patients in the CRT group; p = 0.037). This was due to the higher doses per fraction of HDR-BT in the SRT group. No difference was found regarding late bladder injuries (p = 0.837). CONCLUSION: For the patients included in this study, no advantage has been found so far in using CRT, i. e., shortening the OTT by weekly integration of HDR-BT into EBRT. Nevertheless, an obvious trend exists. The dose of 8 Gy per fraction of HDR-BT in the SRT regimen was obviously too high. To achieve a significant improvement in local control and disease-free survival (DFS) as well as overall survival (OS), the combination with modern chemotherapy regimens and regional deep hyperthermia may rather be the treatment option.

Brachytherapy↗

[Experience in first-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel for the treatment of ovarian carcinomas].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible benefit of the paclitaxel based combined chemotherapy introduced as an "up front" chemotherapy in Hungary for the treatment of ovary cancer. METHODS: Data of four Hungarian Ovary Cancer Treatment Center was collected, evaluated and presented here as a preliminary retrospective study. Data of 67 patients was included into the investigation who underwent laparatomy followed with paclitaxel/carboplatin or paclitaxel/cisplatin combined chemotherapy between 1st of July 1999 and 31st of December 2000. The paclitaxel was administered as 135 mg/m2 i.v. infusion for 3 hours. The main attention was pay on the response rate and the side effect occurred during the administration of the anticancer drugs. RESULTS: 34 out of 67 patients underwent optimal surgery, and 33 out of 67 had got suboptimal procedure only. The chemotherapy was started at the 7th postoperative day. 430 cycles of chemotherapy was evaluated. The overall response rate (RR) at the end of the treatment was 76.1% (CR 68.65%. PR 7.46%). At the end of the follow-up there was 41 patients free of disease (61.19%), 12 patients alive with residual disease (17.91%), 10 patients (14.9%) died of disease, and there was 4 (6%) patients lost. The overall survival (OS) during the follow up period was 16.82 months. In the suboptimally operated group, 36.3% of the patients (12/33) underwent second laparotomy after the 3rd cycle of chemotherapy. Optimal operation was done in 8 out of this 12 patients and all of optimally operated patients remained free of disease at the and of the follow up. Three treatment out of 67 was interrupted because of major side effect, and 13 patients needed supportive treatment. Eleven blood transfusions was performed during the chemotherapy and erythropoetin (EPO) was administered in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of patients during of follow up period was better in the optimally operated group. There was 2 death compared to 8 in suboptimally operated group, the progression free survival (PFS) was longer (8 vs. 6.54 months), and so was the OS (17.11 vs. 16.54 months). More disease free patients was registered at the end of follow-up in the optimally operated group (29 vs. 12). The haematological side effect was also more frequent in the suboptimally operated group (12 vs 1). The data suggest that the quality of initial surgical procedure remains the main prognostic factor even if paclitaxel based combine chemotherapy is administered. On the other hand due to the paclitaxel based chemotherapy seems to be a promising "up front" treatment in patients with ovary cancer with few major side effect generally, and quite a lot haematological side effect in the suboptimally operated group only.

Adult↗

Diagnosis of soft tissue tumors by fine-needle aspiration with combined cytopathology and ancillary techniques.

The diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasm by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has presented a diagnostic challenge. Most reports claim an accuracy approaching 95%, but while they distinguish benign and malignant lesions, the most problematic group, the intermediary malignant group, is omitted. The purpose of this study was to determine whether rapid cytologic diagnosis of soft-tissue tumors could guide surgeons in therapeutic decisions without the need for a tissue biopsy. Ninety-four FNA cytologic specimens were examined by the National Soft Tissue Consortium of Hungary and compared with the corresponding histology. Ordinary lipomas were excluded. Morphologic evaluation was supplemented by ancillary techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), DNA cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. From a practical clinicopathological point of view, the cases were grouped in the following categories: 1) tumors with definitive diagnosis: a) high-grade malignant neoplasms (high-grade sarcomas, metastatic carcinomas, lymphoma), b) tumors with precise histogenetic origin by cytogenetics, c) benign tumors; 2) tumors of questionable nature. In the first group there were 74 tumors: 22 high-grade sarcomas, six metastatic carcinomas, one malignant lymphoma, 16 malignant tumors in which the precise histogenetic origin could be established by cytogenetic studies, and 29 benign soft-tissue tumors other than lipomas. In the second group there were 20 tumors comprising benign and malignant soft tissue tumors of low grade, wherein the precise nature of the neoplasm could not be established with confidence on cytologic study, even using ancillary techniques. FNAB of soft-tissue tumors combined with ancillary techniques should be considered a viable diagnostic technique for therapeutic protocols. Although the second group is fairly large, we have reliable, well-characterized categories which provide great freedom for preoperative and surgical treatment, thus providing the best chance for healing.

Adolescent↗

Results of ovary tumor treatment with abdominally administered (198)Au evaluated on the basis of long term follow up.

In the period between 1959 and 1980 165 patients previously operated with ovarian tumor were treated by intraperitoneally administered (198)Au in the Oncoradiological Centre of the Uzsoki Hospital. The stage distribution of the 158 patients with common epithelial histology was as it follows: Stage I/A 31; Stage I/B 9; Stage I/C 59; Stage II/A 19; Stage II/B 11; Stage II/C 7, Stage III/A 22. The five year survival result is the next: Stage I/A 90%; Stage I/B 78%; Stage I/C 58%; Stage II/A 26%; Stage II/B 27%; Stage II/C 14%; Stage III/A 18%. From the other 7 patients six had sex cord tumor and one lipid cell tumor. The number of the side effects is in good agreement with the data in literature. The use of (198)Au for intraperitoneal treatment of ovary tumors is not contemporary today because of gamma radiation of radiogold, but intraperitoneal radiation treatment should not be forgotten.

Abdominal Pain↗

Perioperative brachytherapy for pretreated chest wall recurrence of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the technical aspects of high-dose-rate afterloading (HDR-AL) brachytherapy for isolated local chest wall recurrence of breast cancer pretreated with mastectomy and axillary node dissection plus postoperative radiotherapy. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old female patient with left ductal breast cancer, pT2pN1biM0, was reoperated for an isolated local chest wall recurrence 13 years after primary treatment (mastectomy, axillary dissection, and 50 Gy postoperative irradiation). Radical surgery would have involved extreme mutilation. Reoperative surgical margins of 3 mm width were involved, and four parallel afterloading catheters were placed intraoperatively in this histologically positive margin site. Perioperative HDR-AL (Ir-192 stepping source, 370 GBq activity, dose rate: reference air kerma rate at 1 m 40.84 mGy/h kg) was performed. Dose per fraction: 6 Gy to the reference line, two fractions per week, total dose 30 Gy. Follow-up after secondary treatment: 5 years. RESULTS: Firm local control and 5-year disease-free survival were obtained with perioperative HDR-AL therapy; staging procedures (clinical exam, MRI, abdominal ultrasound, and bone scan) showed no evidence of disease. The development of radiodermatitis did not exceed grade 2 level and healed spontaneously within 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated local chest wall relapse can be effectively controlled by wide surgical excision and perioperative reirradiation with HDR-AL. This technique may represent a treatment alternative to ultraradical surgery, with equal healing probability and a better quality of life. Small-volume irradiation of the postoperative scar can be performed with HDR-AL brachytherapy, and long-term local control can be achieved with a total dose of 30 Gy.

Brachytherapy↗