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Biomedical subjects

E E Partridge

Publications and source records attributed to E E Partridge.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The use of dimethylsulfoxide as a vehicle in cell culture experiments using ovarian carcinoma cell lines.

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a well-known solvent that is commonly used in the laboratory. We selected DMSO as the vehicle for an experiment designed to determine if several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the growth of Caov-3, OVCAR-3, and SK-OV-3 ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Using the tetrazolium conversion assay, however, we observed some variability in the number of cells present in each ovarian carcinoma cell line with varying concentrations of DMSO (10(-6)-10(-2) M) compared to medium alone. Similarly, when Caov-3, OVCAR-3, and SK-OV-3 cells were treated with 10(-4) M DMSO plus medium (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with 10% fetal bovine serum) and plated on coverslips, the total number of cells present in 60 random fields increased significantly (P < 0.0001) for each ovarian carcinoma cell line treated with DMSO compared to medium alone. Ethanol did not demonstrate such prominent effects on cellular growth. Our observations are important to consider when selecting an appropriate solvent, especially for growth inhibition studies using Caov-3, OVCAR-3, and SK-OV-3 cell lines.

Acetaminophen↗

Human papillomavirus triage of patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance on cervical Papanicolaou smear.

INTRODUCTION: The recent development of affordable human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has prompted consideration of its use as adjuvant and primary screening for cervical dysplasia. This review focuses on the use of HPV testing in triage management of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) Pap smears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline search was performed for articles relevant to HPV testing as a triage strategy for ASC-US Paps. Key references from other papers that were not included in the search were also reviewed. Findings from the major randomised trials were then summarised. RESULTS: Reflex HPV testing with hybrid capture is at least as effective and potentially cheaper than repeat cytology for evaluation of an ASC-US Pap. It also avoids 50% of colposcopies that would normally be performed if immediate colposcopy were done for all ASC-US Paps, while retaining excellent negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Reflex HPV testing using liquid-based cytology is the preferred management strategy for triage of ASC-US Paps.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical expression of molecular markers in an avian model: a potential model for preclinical evaluation of agents for ovarian cancer chemoprevention.

OBJECTIVE: A significant obstacle confronting the evaluation of potential chemopreventive compounds in ovarian carcinoma is the absence of an animal model of spontaneous ovarian carcinogenesis. A potential model of adenocarcinoma has been described in the laying hen (Gallus domesticus). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of available antibodies that have been utilized in chemoprevention studies in this potential model of epithelial carcinoma. METHODS: Two hundred 2-year-old hens were sacrificed at Auburn University in accordance with IUACUC guidelines. Of these hens, 8 animals were thought grossly to have ovarian carcinoma and ascites. The tumors from these 8 hens were fixed in neutral-buffered formalin and processed to paraffin blocks. Hematoxylin and eosin stains were used to document the histologic presence of adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical evaluation for expression of antigen was performed using the following antibodies: CA125, CEA, cytokeratin, EGFR, erbB-2, Ki-67, Lewis Y, p27, PCNA, Tag 72, TGF-alpha, Muc 1, and Muc 2. RESULTS: Upon microscopic examination by a pathologist eight specimens were documented as adenocarcinomas. Several antibodies to antigens that are frequently expressed in human ovarian cancer were cross-reactive in the laying hen. Of these, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, pan cytokeratin, EGFR, Lewis Y, CEA, Tag 72, and erbB-2 stained the chicken carcinomas. EGFR and p185erbB-2 stained diffusely, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3, pan cytokeratin, Lewis Y, CEA, and Tag 72 were focally positive in the tumor. The aforementioned antibodies which have been useful as surrogate endpoints in chemoprevention trials and which also stained the chicken carcinomas included PCNA, p27, and TGF-alpha Antibodies that were not cross-reactive include CA 125, Ki-67, Muc 1, and Muc 2. CONCLUSION: The data presented in this pilot study support the potential utility of an avian model of spontaneously arising adenocarcinoma in which to study chemopreventive agents. More importantly, the influence of chemoprevention protocols on the expression of relevant antigens can be determined using available antibodies that are cross-reactive in this model. Thus, changes in the phenotypic expression of surrogate endpoint biomarkers as identified by cross-reactive antibodies can aid in the development of chemoprevention trials for human ovarian cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Light-based imaging of green fluorescent protein-positive ovarian cancer xenografts during therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to develop a sensitive, noninvasive imaging method for monitoring ovarian xenografts during therapeutic intervention. METHODS: Human ovarian tumor cells (SKOV3.ip1) were infected with a replication-deficient adenoviral (Ad) vector encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GFP-positive tumor cells were imaged in vitro and in vivo with a fluorescence stereomicroscope. Using appropriate filters, both GFP fluorescence and adriamycin were simultaneously detected. Nude mice implanted with GFP-positive cells were imaged repeatedly, in a noninvasive manner. RESULTS: SKOV3.ip1 cells infected with Ad-GFP showed high GFP fluorescence, which was eliminated after treatment with adriamycin. Loss of GFP fluorescence was confirmed to be dead cells. For in vivo imaging, intraperitoneal tumors as small as 0.2 mm in diameter were detected externally. Adriamycin uptake was detected in tumors by in vivo imaging, and reduction in tumor size was concurrent with decrease in GFP fluorescence. These findings were confirmed at necropsy. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence stereomicroscopy monitored the response of ovarian xenografts to adriamycin therapy. For the first time, GFP and adriamycin were imaged simultaneously.

Adenoviridae↗

Intraperitoneal radioimmunochemotherapy of ovarian cancer: a phase I study.

A phase I trial was designed to examine the feasibility of combining interferon and Taxol with intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy (177Lu-CC49). Patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian cancer confined to the abdominal cavity after first line therapy, Karnofsky performance status > 60, adequate liver, renal and hematologic function, and tumor that reacted with CC49 antibody were enrolled. Human recombinant alpha interferon (IFN) was administered as 4 subcutaneous injections of 3 x 10(6) U on alternate days beginning 5 days before RIT to increase the expression of the tumor-associated antigen, TAG-72. The addition of IFN increased hematologic toxicity such that the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination was 40 mCi/m2 compared to 177Lu-CC49 alone (45 mCi/m2). Taxol, which has radiosensitizing effects as well as antitumor activity against ovarian cancer, was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) 48 hrs before RIT. It was initiated at 25 mg/m2 and escalated at 25 mg/m2 increments to 100 mg/m2. Subsequent groups of patients were treated with IFN + 100 mg/m2 Taxol + escalating doses of 177Lu-CC49. Three or more patients were treated in each dose group and 34 patients were treated with the 3-agent combination. Therapy was well tolerated with the expected reversible hematologic toxicity. The MTD for 177Lu-CC49 was 40 mCi/m2 when given with IFN + 100 mg/m2 Taxol. Interferon increased the effective whole body half-time of radioactivity and the whole body radiation dose. Taxol did not have a significant effect on pharmacokinetic or dosimetry parameters. Four of 17 patients with CT measurable disease had a partial response (PR) and 4 of 27 patients with non-measurable disease have progression-free intervals of 18+, 21+, 21+, and 37+ months. The combination of intraperitoneal Taxol chemotherapy (100 mg/m2) with RIT using 177Lu-CC49 and interferon was well tolerated, with bone marrow suppression as the dose-limiting toxicity.

Adenocarcinoma↗

A patient presenting with a pelvic mass, elevated CA-125, and fever.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous peritonitis is a rare event which can mimic advanced stage ovarian cancer. A pelvic mass and an elevated CA-125 is suggestive of an ovarian malignancy; however, benign conditions may be discovered, especially in the premenopausal patient. CASE: A patient with a pelvic mass, ascites, and an elevated CA-125 underwent an exploratory laparotomy for presumed ovarian cancer. Final pathology revealed pelvic tuberculosis without any pulmonary involvement. Acid-fast bacilli were confirmed with polymerase chain reaction in the surgical specimen. DISCUSSION: Pelvic tuberculosis is an uncommon gynecologic condition that presents with ascites, a pelvic mass, and fever. An elevated CA-125 is not specific for ovarian malignancy.

Adult↗

African-American attitudes regarding cancer clinical trials and research studies: results from focus group methodology.

Despite federal recommendations highlighting the need to include special population groups (mainly minorities and women) in clinical research, recruitment and retention of these groups present a great challenge to researchers. This paper describes a focus group study that was conducted to examine factors related to minority participation and retention in cancer clinical research studies. In 1996, the National Cancer Institute submitted a request for applicants to receive support for regional conferences. The purpose of the proposed conferences was to share current information and strategies to aid cancer clinical investigators in recruiting and retaining minority participants in clinical cancer research and to stimulate local/regional adaptations of these strategies. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), The University of Alabama, and Tuskegee University collaborated to respond to the request. Funding was granted by NCI for the regional conference in Alabama. The conference was held in Tuskegee, Alabama, the site of the infamous US Public Health Syphilis Study at Tuskegee. In planning for the conference, focus group sessions were conducted with African-American men and women who represented all regions of Alabama. The focus group information was used to identify important issues to be addressed at the conference.

Black or African American↗

American Joint Committee on Cancer prognostic factors consensus conference.

BACKGROUND: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) published the 1st edition of the Cancer Staging Manual in 1977 and began using T (tumor extent), N (regional lymph node status), and M (the presence or absence of distant metastasis) in an organized staging scheme to express the extent of disease in a number of cancer sites. The goal of this program has been to provide physicians and others with a useful methodology to plan treatment, project prognosis, and measure outcome end results. Until recent years, this system has incorporated only elements of anatomic extent of the tumors determined by clinical and pathologic methods. At the present time an increasing number of nonanatomic cancer prognostic factors are being identified and studied. Some of these factors currently are being used for outcome predictions and treatment decisions. METHODS: To begin the process of identifying and validating these prognostic factors to refine the present TNM system, the AJCC convened a Prognostic Factors Consensus Conference to evaluate the roles of biologic, genetic, molecular, and other nonanatomic factors in staging cancer. Working groups were appointed for carcinomas of the breast, colorectum, prostate, and ovary and experts in each of these areas were invited to participate. Emphasis was placed on evaluating existing data and the correlation of these data with survival. RESULTS: None of the groups believed that there were sufficient data at the present time to merit incorporation of serum markers into the TNM system for the four tumors under consideration, although this soon might become possible in prostate carcinoma after the evaluation of survival data from multiple institutions. Recommendations were made regarding the emerging sentinel lymph node technique, the need for an increased use of histopathology in the staging of breast and ovarian carcinomas, and the use of additional histologic staining techniques for the detection of "micrometastases" in lymph nodes. A number of additional recommendations were made for changes to the TNM system that did not involve serum markers and other nonanatomic cancer prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations are presented for the purpose of discussion and evaluation and do not yet represent formal proposals for a change in the AJCC TNM system of staging.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

A comparison of treatment strategies for endometrial adenocarcinoma: analysis of financial impact.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three treatment strategies for adenocarcinoma of the endometrium on the utilization of adjuvant radiation therapy and the medical charges associated with each pattern of practice. METHODS: Three clinical algorithms felt to represent practice patterns for patients with endometrial cancer were considered: (1) comprehensive surgical staging of all patients, with adjuvant pelvic radiation reserved for documented cases of extrauterine disease, (2) total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH/BSO) with lymph node dissection reserved for cases of myometrial invasion, followed by adjuvant radiation based on the presence of uterine risk factors, and (3) TAH/BSO followed by intraoperative pathologic assessment of the uterus and consultation with a "surgical" oncologist for comprehensive staging. Each algorithm was applied to a cohort of 190 surgically staged patients identified through a retrospective medical records review. The use of radiation in each algorithm was quantified and the associated financial impact was estimated using hospital charges. RESULTS: Treatment algorithm 1 yielded the lowest charges per patient at $12,778.52. Treatment algorithms 2 and 3 had associated charges per patient of $15,997.02 and $17,343.44, respectively. CONCLUSION: Approaches to care that lead to cost-effective utilization of health care resources should be pursued.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Surgical management of endometrial adenocarcinoma using laparoscopically assisted staging and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Because of inaccuracies in clinical staging, endometrial adenocarcinoma is now a surgically staged disease. This study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of a laparoscopically assisted approach in the treatment and staging of this disease. METHODS: Using a retrospective chart review, we identified demographic characteristics, mean blood loss, operative findings, and complications of patients who had laparoscopically assisted staging and treatment for endometrial carcinoma from 1992 to 1997. RESULTS: Of 34 patients, 28 had laparoscopic surgical staging that included pelvic and para-aortic lymph node assessment, peritoneal washings, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and total vaginal hysterectomy; 23 patients (82%) had stage I disease, 2 (7%) had stage II disease, and 3(11%) had stage III disease. Complications included herniation through a 5 mm port site, necessitating small bowel resection, and a fatal myocardial infarction 10 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic staging and treatment of endometrial carcinoma is appropriate in a select group of patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Response to salvage treatment in recurrent ovarian cancer treated initially with paclitaxel and platinum-based combination regimens.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to salvage treatment in recurrent ovarian cancer treated initially with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer treated with surgical debulking and paclitaxel-based chemotherapy was performed. All cases received second-line treatment with a response evaluated by clinical or surgical means. Data analysis was conducted using the SAS statistical package. RESULTS: Fifty cases of advanced stage disease were available for review. Patients received paclitaxel and cisplatin or carboplatin with a 72.0% response rate. The median time to recurrence after primary treatment was 6 months. Second-line treatment included cisplatin or carboplatin (50%), Taxol (10%), or lutetium (22%), an intraperitoneal radiolabeled monoclonal antibody targeted to TAG-72. A 52.0% clinical response to salvage treatment was detected. With a median follow-up of 7 months, 68.0% of patients had experienced recurrence or progression of their disease. The median time to second recurrence was 5 months. Cases sensitive to initial paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy responded to any of the salvage treatments more frequently than chemotherapy-resistant tumors (88.5% versus 11.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent ovarian cancer patients initially treated with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy frequently responded to salvage treatment. However, the duration of response was brief, and hospitalization for treatment-related side-effects was common. Tumor response to initial paclitaxel/platinum treatment was predictive of future response to second-line agents. Current salvage therapies appear to provide little benefit in cases of tumors resistant to primary chemotherapy.

Adult↗

A phase I study of paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cisplatin in patients with previously untreated epithelial ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Although doxorubicin is not currently popular as a primary agent in ovarian cancer, overviews of previous studies suggest that the inclusion of doxorubicin may have improved outcome. The purpose of this phase I study was to determine the maximal dose of doxorubicin that could be added to standard doses of paclitaxel and cisplatin with G-CSF support. METHODS: Women with FIGO stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer were primarily treated with escalating doses of doxorubicin in combination with paclitaxel (135 mg/m2 over 24 h) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. Doxorubicin was started at 30 mg/m2 and escalated by 10 mg/m2 per treatment level. All patients received G-CSF support. RESULTS: Eleven patients were treated at two dose levels. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was reached at the 40 mg/m2 dose of doxorubicin. All patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia although none required hospitalization. DLT included renal toxicity and prolonged thrombocytopenia. Despite vigorous antiemetic regimens 60% of patients experienced severe nausea and vomiting. Nine patients were assessable for response. Eight patients have had a complete clinical response (89%). Of the five patients undergoing second-look laparotomy two were negative. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose of doxorubicin in this three-drug regimen is 30 mg/m2 with standard doses of paclitaxel and cisplatin. Hematologic toxicity is manageable using G-CSF. Doxorubicin appears to increase the renal toxicity of cisplatin which may be exaggerated by marked nausea and vomiting. This is an active but toxic regimen and alternative sequences and strategies should be evaluated.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy of ovarian cancer with 177Lu-CC49: a phase I/II study.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-seven ovarian cancer patients who failed chemotherapy entered a phase I/II trial of intraperitoneal 177Lu-CC49 antibody. METHODS: Patients had disease confined to the abdominal cavity +/- retroperitoneal lymph nodes, adequate organ function, and no previous radiation. RESULTS: The most common side effects were delayed, transient arthralgia (10/27) and marrow suppression with 1.665 GBq/m2 (45 mCi/m2), which was considered the maximum tolerated dose. One of thirteen patients with gross disease had >50% tumor reduction after therapy, whereas most others with gross disease progressed (one went off study with stable disease at 11 weeks). Seven of nine patients with <1-cm nodules progressed in < or =21 months, and two of nine remain without evidence of disease at 4 to 5 months. Of patients with microscopic or occult disease, one relapsed at 10 months and four of five remain without evidence of disease at >6 to 35 months. CONCLUSIONS: Marrow suppression was the dose-limiting toxic effect of intraperitoneal immunotherapy with 177Lu-CC49. Antitumor effects were noted against chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer, even at lower dose levels, and resulted in prolonged disease-free survival of most patients with microscopic disease. This form of treatment deserves further study.

Adult↗

Rectal immunization for induction of specific antibody in the genital tract of women.

The purpose of the current study was to examine potential routes of vaccine administration for the induction of antigen-specific responses in the genital tract of women. Sixteen women were enrolled in this study, and the level of influenza-specific antibodies induced in the genital tract was measured after rectal or intramuscular immunizations. Both methods of administration induced significant increases in the concentration of flu-specific IgA found in cervical secretions within 28 days after vaccination. Initially flu-specific IgG antibodies were not induced in the genital tract by either route. As expected both IgA and IgG flu-specific antibodies were dramatically increased in serum after intramuscular vaccination. In contrast, rectal administration did not induce significant IgA responses, and only small flu-specific IgG increases in serum. Six months after administration, IgA flu-specific antibody concentrations were significantly higher than baseline levels in vaginal secretions and saliva isolated from both subject groups and flu-specific IgG concentrations in cervical secretions were high in the rectal immunization group. The long-term presence of both IgG and IgA antibody in genital secretions suggests that rectal immunization may be an effective method for induction of immune protection in the genital tract of women.

Administration, Rectal↗

The effects of the PDQ patient information file (PIF) on patients' knowledge, enrollment in clinical trials, and satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the outcomes of providing a copy of the PDQ Patient Information File (PIF) to cancer patients. METHODS: Patients with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers were randomized to two groups: 1) verbal communication only and 2) verbal communication plus PIF. Cancer knowledge and satisfaction with the PIF and the information received were assessed with telephone interviews. Clinical trial registries were reviewed to determine enrollment in clinical trials. RESULTS: The overall reaction to the PIF was good or excellent for 92% of the patients surveyed, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in their cancer knowledge, enrollment in clinical trials, or satisfaction with the information they received from their physicians. The majority of patients from both groups lacked basic knowledge about their disease, did not use any source of information other than their physicians and/or nurses, and were satisfied with the information they received. CONCLUSIONS: Patients appreciate receiving written cancer information, although it may not increase their cancer knowledge.

Clinical Protocols↗

Cancer incidence among predominantly black, rural-poor populations in southern states.

BACKGROUND: A seven-county, predominantly black, rural-poor population in Alabama is targeted for a program aimed at improving access to state-of-the-art cancer care. This paper presents combined age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for predominantly black, rural counties in North Carolina and Georgia similar to the Alabama counties and compares these rates with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) incidence rates. METHODS: Cancer incidence data from 1990 to 1993 were obtained from the Georgia Center for Cancer Statistics for 10 rural counties with predominantly black populations. Likewise, cancer incidence data from 1990 to 1993 were obtained for seven rural-poor counties in North Carolina from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. SEER incidence rates from 1990 to 1992 were obtained for nine SEER sites. RESULTS: The overall cancer incidence rate from North Carolina and Georgia is lower by 22% than the SEER rate. Cancer incidence rates for cancers of the breast, colon/rectum, lung, and prostate were at least 15% lower than the SEER rates, while the invasive cervical cancer rate was 1.78 times higher than the SEER rate. CONCLUSION: Blacks comprise about 50% of the population in these counties. In contrast, the SEER population is predominantly white, and the black population is primarily urban. Estimates of the number of cancer cases in black, rural-poor populations based on SEER incidence rates is not reflective of the cancer experience in these populations.

Adult↗