Biomedical subjects

C J McGinn

Publications and source records attributed to C J McGinn.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

The experimental and clinical rationale for the use of S-phase-specific radiosensitizers to overcome tumor cell repopulation.

Clinical and laboratory evidence suggests that several common human cancers contain populations of rapidly proliferating clonogens that may have a substantial impact on local control following conventional radiotherapy. Strategies to improve locoregional control include the use of S-phase-specific radiosensitizers, such as the halogenated pyrimidine analogues (5-iododeoxyuridine, 5-bromodeoxyuridine, fluorodeoxyuridine, 5-fluorouracil) and hydroxyurea. These drugs are taken up and metabolized only by cells synthesizing DNA so that increased tumor proliferation should result in increased radiosensitization. Although the initial clinical trials with these agents were inconclusive, several recent reports have rekindled interest in these radiosensitizers. Ongoing laboratory research has provided further insight into the basic mechanisms of radiosensitization. However, many questions remain unanswered. We will review the data that suggest rapid tumor proliferation, experimental studies with the S-phase-specific drugs, and the results of clinical trials. We will also consider the possible design of future trials based on our current understanding of tumor proliferation and the mechanisms of radiosensitization of S-phase-specific agents.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Combined modality therapy.

Encouraging results continue to emerge with the use of chemoradiotherapy. This review of the current literature demonstrates some of the advances that have been achieved in a variety of common malignancies with strategies based on well-defined rationales. Preliminary randomized trials now reveal a survival advantage for chemoradiotherapy in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer and patients with rectal cancer at high risk for recurrence following resection. Other studies report that concurrent chemoradiotherapy may improve local control in patients with limited-stage, small cell lung cancer or esophageal malignancies. The additional toxicity of these approaches is discussed.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

PubMed1987

Cardiac tamponade resulting from pneumopericardium: case report and implications for the critical care nurse.

Pneumopericardium resulting in cardiac tamponade may be caused by a variety of phenomena. The onset of cardiac tamponade can indicate the presence of a rare underlying condition. As a rare complication of mechanical ventilation and PEEP, our patient experienced pneumopericardium that resulted in cardiac tamponade. Perhaps the most crucial therapy of all is astute critical care nursing assessment of patients at risk of developing the life-threatening complication of cardiac tamponade. All critical care nurses should know the signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. Through accurate data collection, frequent monitoring, and immediate referral to the critical care team for medical diagnosis and treatment, a patient's death can be prevented.

Adenocarcinoma↗