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Biomedical subjects

D McShan

Publications and source records attributed to D McShan.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1984

The value of serum copper levels in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A study of 306 serum copper levels (SCL) determinations in 115 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma indicates a positive correlation between SCL and the state of disease. Patients with advanced disease (Stages II, III and IV) before treatment, those with active disease while under treatment, or in a relapse had a significantly higher SCL than patients in Stage I or those with no evidence of disease (NED). The mean SCL of patients with Stage I was similar to that of patients with NED. The mean values of these two groups did not differ significantly from that of healthy controls. Histological subtypes, according to the Rappaport classification, has no influence on SCL. Grouping into nodular versus diffuse lymphoma, histiocytic versus lymphocytic lymphoma and favorable versus unfavorable histology failed to demonstrate a difference between the groups. Within each subset a wide range of SCL was evident. However, good correlation was observed with the degree of disease activity. SCL may provide a useful parameter for patient monitoring. In this series, however, SCL was not useful for the prediction of an early relapse.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Bone marrow biopsy in solid cancer.

205 patients with solid cancer, underwent bone marrow biopsy using a Jamshidi needle, regular type. 32 (16%) biopsies were positive for bone marrow metastases. Results were correlated with those of skeletal radioisotope scans, X-ray films and the complaint of bone pain, alone or combined. 27 of 131 (17.5%) patients with positive X-ray film and 31 of 110 patients (28.1%) who complained of bone pain had a positive bone marrow biopsy. 17 of 46 (36.9%) patients with 3 positive parameters had a positive bone marrow biopsy as compared with none of 18 patients whose these 3 parameters were negative. Average values of Hb, WBC, serum alkaline phosphatase and calcium did not differ between patients with positive or negative bone marrow biopsy. 86 patients were diagnosed to have bone metastases and 35 more patients were diagnosed within a year following the biopsy. Of these 121 patients, 46 of 46 with positive scan, X-ray and pain were diagnosed to have bone metastases as compared to 27 of 30 patients with a positive scan with pain but negative X-ray film. Only 1 of 18 patients with negative parameters was diagnosed as having bone metastases within a year from biopsy. In our experience, it is of no value (unlike in malignant lymphoma and oat cell carcinoma of lung) to obtain a bone marrow biopsy for the detection of bone marrow micrometastases in asymptomatic cancer patients with negative skeletal radioisotope scan and negative bone X-ray films.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1979

Interactive computer supported tumor registry in the state of Rhode Island.

A new interactive computerized tumor registry has been established for the state of Rhode Island. The registry is implemented with new data base software which features a pagination scheme with rapid retrieval of non-coded variable data. The types of data stored are discussed as well as the computer system and methods of data entry storage and retrieval.

Computers↗
PubMed1979

A new interactive computerized data base and retrieval system.

A new computerized data base and retrieval system for a minicomputer has been devised for storing and retrieving clinical data. It features interactive terminal input and output using a pagination scheme as well as a subset mapping scheme for interactive retrieval. The pagination system, file structuring and retrieval system are discussed.

Computers↗
PubMed1978

A computer-assisted three-dimensional treatment planning system.

The three-dimensional treatment planning system developed at the Rhode Island Hospital visualizes the spatial interrelationships of the radiation beam, the tumor, and the adjacent organs within the patient. It is possible to rotate and vary the scale of the display to better comprehend the extent of these structures. By viewing the display as if from along the radiation beam, one can design shaped treatment fields which best suit the three-dimensional nature of the disease. With this system, it is possible to reduce the volume of normal tissue which would typically be irradiated if two-dimensional treatment planning techniques and assumptions were employed.

Computers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A dosimetry review system for cooperative group research.

The validity of conclusions drawn from multi-institutional radiotherapy studies is dependent upon the degree to which participating hospitals adhere to study requirements. A major effort undertaken by the Quality Assurance Review Center (QARC) assesses whether or not patient data which are deemed evaluable actually conform to the radiotherapy requirements of the research protocol. This paper presents the methods and results of this effort which has been ongoing for the past five years. The Dosimetry Review System (DRS) is a set of computer programs which make use of verified radiation beam data to evaluate the daily dose, total dose, dose uniformity, and TDF for protocol treatment. These programs can be adapted to facilitate and document the routine chart-checking procedures at any large radiotherapy department. The DRS data base includes radiotherapy parameters of 600 teletherapy units at more than 250 institutions in the United States and abroad. The design of the data base, the computerized review process, and the calculational algorithms are discussed.

Computers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality assurance programs in clinical trials.

Quality assurance programs attempt to assess the uniformity of compliance with a stated study program so that the results from one institution will indeed be comparable to those of all of the other institutions in the group. In the best situation, it should be easy to compare results from one group to those of any other group and any other studies of the same disease, because the basis of selection of the patient population, the treatment of patients, and the endpoints have been uniformly defined throughout. The evaluation of the end results includes a quantitative assessment of the appropriateness of these parameters. Quality assurance programs document the validity of interinstitutional, intergroup, and international studies. They are time-consuming and costly. They can be ulcerogenic. But, in the end, they are the firm basis upon which the statistical analysis can proceed.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗