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Biomedical subjects

H Audring

Publications and source records attributed to H Audring.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Primary carcinoma of ectopic axillary breast tissue.

The presence of ectopic breast tissue is reported in 2-6% of the general population with most cases being located in the axillary region. Although the same pathology occurs in both eutopic and ectopic breast tissue, primary carcinoma of ectopic breast tissue has been reported only in a small number of cases. Because an overlying accessory areola or nipple is often missing and because of a general lack of awareness among physicians and patients concerning these unsuspicious nodules, clinical diagnosis is frequently delayed. Histological diagnosis can also be delayed if ectopic breast tissue is not present or screened for in the biopsy specimens as apocrine glands of the breast and skin, respectively, exhibit striking similarities and immunohistochemistry is of limited help. Diagnostic delay is demonstrated by the case of a 56-year-old patient who underwent a series of four surgical excisions of a primary ectopic breast carcinoma and developed local lymph node metastasis until treatment with tamoxifen was started. As two-thirds of reported cases of primary ectopic breast carcinoma arose within the axillae, this case underlines the importance of a search for ectopic breast tissue in the context of axillary ductal carcinoma.

Axilla↗

New onset or exacerbation of psoriatic skin lesions in patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis receiving tumour necrosis factor alpha antagonists.

BACKGROUND: Blockage of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is highly effective in rheumatic diseases, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Furthermore, TNFalpha antagonists have also been shown to significantly reduce psoriatic skin lesions. CASE REPORTS: A series of nine patients with RA who were treated with different types of TNFalpha antagonists and who unexpectedly developed either a new onset or an exacerbation of psoriatic skin lesions are reported.

Adalimumab↗

The number of stratum corneum cell layers correlates with the pseudo-absorption of the corneocytes.

The removal of the stratum corneum (SC) using adhesive tapes is a common technique in cutaneous studies. The determination of the varying amounts of the SC removed would be a helpful tool in such investigations. In the present study, the cell layers of porcine SC were counted before and after removal of several tape strips using histological techniques. In addition, the pseudo-absorption of the corneocytes reflecting the amount of these cells was determined using spectroscopy. Different amounts of SC were removed using 20 tape strips. The spectroscopically determined data correlate linearly with the number of removed cell layers. Based on these results, the pseudo-absorption of the corneocytes can be used to calculate the absolute number of cell layers removed with a standard deviation of less than 11%. In this way, the SC can be quantified using the procedure of tape stripping in combination with the spectroscopic determination of the corneocytes.

Adhesives↗

The porcine snout--an in vitro model for human lips?

The morphology and histology of test sites commonly used to study the penetration of lip products differ significantly from those of the human lip itself. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the porcine snout could serve as an equivalent in vitro model for human lips. The lips of human test subjects and biopsies of porcine snout tissue were compared using histological and microscopic techniques. Using a dermatological laser scanning microscope, the penetration of topically applied fluorescent sodium fluorescein was investigated in vivo on human lips and in vitro on the porcine snout. Biopsies from the in vitro experiments were studied using fluorescence microscopy. Some parts of the porcine snout show a similar morphology and histology as human lips. The stratum corneum (SC) and the epidermis of the porcine snout are thicker than those of human tissue. Both in vivo and in vitro, the topically applied fluorescent dye was detected only on the skin surface and within the uppermost SC layer. These results indicate that porcine snout can be used as an in vitro model for human lips in penetration studies. Both human and porcine tissues exhibit an efficient barrier against the penetration of topically applied substances.

Adult↗

Systemic eight-cycle anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) therapy in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas--an applicational observation.

BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) are characterized by restriction to the skin and a variable but mostly favourable prognosis. Since 1997 the recombinant, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has been used in patients suffering from non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas. Different studies have shown that the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of patients with low-grade follicular lymphoma is comparable to or even higher than the standard CHOP chemotherapy. So far it has been unclear whether an extended duration of therapy leads to a benefit for the patients with PCBCL. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the objective response rate, time to progression, remission quality and histological changes and to compare our data with the literature. PATIENTS/METHODS: Ten patients with PCBCL [eight with follicle centre cell lymphoma (FCCL), one with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and one with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the leg (DLBCL)] were treated by intravenous application of a chimeric antibody against the CD20 transmembrane antigen (rituximab) with a dosage of eight cycles, 375 mg m(-2) body surface, weekly. RESULTS: The treatment regimen resulted in clinical overall response in 9 of 10 patients, in particular there were seven complete responses (70%) plus two partial responses (20%). The median duration of remission (durable remission, DR) is 23 months (4-30 months) to date. Histological assessment of responses in four patients showed no tumour-specific infiltration. In two patients histology revealed a residual infiltration and in one patient an increasing infiltration. In two patients no histology was taken after treatment; one patient developed a new lesion. No severe side-effects occurred. Observed side-effects were two bacterial infections, two patients with shivering during infusion, one patient with sweating for months and one patient with persisting itching. As expected the B-cell count in peripheral blood was depressed in all patients after infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous therapy with eight cycles of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is a non-toxic and effective treatment for a subset of patients with PCBCL (relapsed, aggressive entity, old patients, multiple lesions) with a long DR.

Adult↗

Polyclonal expansion of T cells with the TCR V beta type of the tumour cell in lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: evidence for possible superantigen involvement.

The involvement of superantigens in the pathology of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) has been suggested before, but without unequivocal evidence for superantigen activity in the patients. Seeking evidence for superantigen activity we analysed clones and microdissected single cells isolated from the epidermis of early-stage lesions of a CTCL patient for their T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta expression and TCR V gamma gene rearrangements. The vast majority of these T cells expressed the TCR V beta family type of the tumour. From their TCR gamma gene rearrangements, however, these cells were polyclonal. The tumour cell clone accounted for about 60% of these cells, about 40% were of heterogeneous origin. This dominance of a single V beta family in the polyclonally expanded dermal T-cell populations implies superantigen activity in the CTCL lesions.

Epidermis↗

Antitumour activity of paclitaxel and interferon-alpha in a case of metastatic eccrine porocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Eccrine porocarcinoma (EP) is a rare malignant tumour arising in the acrosyringium, with about 50% of the cases developing local recurrence or metastatic disease. No standard therapy protocols for metastatic disease exist. In the past, only short remissions were achieved by applying combinations of cytotoxic agents, which were associated with severe side-effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: In the case reported here, the aim was to find a protocol with fewer side-effects for a patient who was not willing to undergo extensive polychemotherapy. SUBJECT: A 67-year-old male patient with local recurrence and regional lymph node metastases after resection of EP was treated with a combination of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) 9 million units s.c. three times per week and paclitaxel 100 mg/m(2) weekly i.v., which shows a side-effect profile similar to taxotere and is used in the treatment of a variety of neoplasms such as advanced squamous cell carcinoma. MAIN OUTCOME: This less aggressive treatment was tolerated well and the patient responded with minor remission and long-term stable disease.

Acrospiroma↗

Malignant melanoma arising in a radiotherapy field: report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report 2 patients who developed melanoma or melanoma metastases in radiation fields 6 and 43 years after radiation therapy, respectively. One of the patients had received adjuvant hyperfractionated photon therapy for Ewing sarcoma, while the other patient had received X-ray therapy for a hemangioma. While postradiation secondary cancers with a long latency period are not uncommon, the development of melanoma is exceedingly rare.

Adult↗

[CD8-positive, CD30-negative cutaneous T-cell lymphoma simulating pyoderma gangrenosum].

Ulcerated primary cutaneous lymphomas are not rare, but the clinical manifestation as a pyoderma gangrenosum look-alike is extraordinary. CD8-positive lymphomas are rare, unclassifiable tumours with variable prognosis. We report on a 49-year-old patient with a large ulcerated primary cutaneous lymphoma on the left chest wall presenting as pyoderma gangrenosum. With immunohistochemical staining, most lymphocytes were shown to be CD8-positive. The CD30 antigen was not expressed. After radiotherapy with complete skin irradiation, the lymphoma regressed completely. The patient has been free of relapse for 28 months so far.

CD8 Antigens↗

[Anti-CD20 antibodies in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Initial results in dermatologic patients].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas (pCBCL) are rare extra-cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphomas which occur on the trunk as follicle center cell lymphoma or on the leg as large B cell lymphoma. The currently accepted therapy of pCBCL (excision and/or radiotherapy, systemic interleukin 2 and interferon alpha 2a, local injection of cisplatin or multiagent chemotherapy, i.e. CHOP) is insufficient for treatment of multifocal pCBCL and secondary extracutaneous involvement. For this reason, the new synthetic chimeric, monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab is an alternative treatment for patients with pCBCL. PATIENTS/METHODS: Four patients with pCBCL localized to the trunk or head were treated with Rituximab (375 mg/kg weekly for 4-8 weeks, then maintenance therapy every 4 weeks for 6 months). RESULTS: All 4 patients showed a response (2/4 partial; 2/4 complete). Side effects were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab is an alternative immunotherapeutic drug for the treatment of pCBCL. Our initial experience with this new modality are presented and discussed.

Aged↗

Effects of systemic interleukin-10 therapy on psoriatic skin lesions: histologic, immunohistologic, and molecular biology findings.

Interleukin-10 is an important anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cytokine with major impact on several immune reactions, including regulatory mechanisms in the skin. Recently, we performed a phase II trial in psoriatic patients receiving subcutaneously interleukin-10 over 7 wk. The clinical response suggested that interleukin-10 might represent a novel anti-psoriatic drug. In order to understand better the mode of action and to elucidate the effects of systemic interleukin-10 treatment on the skin immune system, skin punch biopsies from sites different from interleukin-10 injection were analyzed. Biopsies were obtained from the patients before, at the end, and 3 wk after interleukin-10 therapy. The results are reported here. Histologic examination showed a decrease of several parameters reflecting the psoriatic disease activity as acanthosis and extension of the horny layer. Immunohistologic examination demonstrated decreasing numbers of infiltrating T cells, dermal CD1a+ cells, and a diminished proliferation of epidermal cells. Using a novel, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction approach a significant shift within the cytokine pattern was found. Interleukin-10 therapy led to a decrease of cutaneous interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 mRNA expression. Whereas no significant changes of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma expression were found, interleukin-4 was strongly upregulated suggesting a shift from a type 1 towards a type 2 cytokine pattern. The changes within the local cytokine pattern seem to be disease-related, as an inverse course was found in a single interleukin-10 nonresponding patient. Our findings demonstrate considerable effects of systemic interleukin-10 application on the skin immune systems, which might contribute to the anti-psoriatic activity of interleukin-10.

Adult↗

Primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphomas and large B cell lymphomas of the leg descend from germinal center cells. A single cell polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas are defined as non-Hodgkin lymphomas that occur in the skin without extracutaneous involvement for 6 mo after diagnosis. They are characterized by a less aggressive course and better prognosis than their nodal counterparts. According to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification, the major subentities of primary cutaneous B cell lymphoma are follicle center cell lymphomas, immunocytomas, and large B cell lymphomas of the leg, which differ considerably regarding their clinical behavior, the former two being indolent, the latter being of intermediate malignancy. In this study, we applied a single cell polymerase chain reaction approach to analyze immunoglobulin V(H)/V(L) genes in 532 individual B lymphocytes from histologic sections of four follicle center cell lymphomas localized on the head and trunk, and four large B cell lymphomas on the leg. We found: (i) in six of eight patients a clonal heavy chain, and in seven of eight patients a clonal light chain rearrangement, all being potentially productive; (ii) no bias in VH gene usage, in four of seven light chain rearrangements the V kappa germline gene IGVK3-20*1 was used; (iii) no biallelic rearrangements; (iv) all V(H)/V(L) genes are extensively mutated (mutation rate 5.4-16.3%); (v) intraclonal diversity in six of eight cases (three of each group); and (vi) low replacement vs silent mutation ratios in framework regions indicating preservation of antigen-receptor structure, as in normal B cells selected for antibody expression. Our data indicate a germinal center cell origin of primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphomas and large B cell lymphomas independent of those belonging to one of these subentities.

Aged↗

Hybrid cell vaccination for cancer immune therapy: first clinical trial with metastatic melanoma.

Hybrid cell vaccination is a new cancer immune therapy approach that aims at recruiting T cell help for the induction of tumour specific cytolytic immunity. The vaccines are generated by fusion of the patients' tumour cells with allogeneic MHC class II bearing cells to combine the tumour's antigenicity with the immunogenicity of allogeneic MHC molecules. Safety and anti-tumour activity of this treatment were assessed in a clinical trial that has yielded one complete and one partial remission, and 5 cases of stable disease among 16 patients with advanced stage metastatic melanoma. As evidenced by histology, the vaccination induced T cell relocation into tumour nodules. Stable disease could be maintained by repeated booster injections for more than 24 months in some patients. The side effects were minor. Occasional occurrences of vitiligo spots after vaccination were indicative of a restricted therapy induced auto-immune reactivity. The results suggest that hybrid cell vaccination is a safe cancer immune therapy potentially effective for induction of acute anti-tumour response as well as long-term maintenance.

Adult↗

[The spectrum of cytotoxic lymphomas of the skin].

Cytotoxic lymphomas are peripheral T- and natural killer-cell lymphomas with primary or secondary skin manifestations. They constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disease. They are characterized by expression of cytotoxic proteins and are frequently associated with an aggressive clinical course. A brief introduction to cytotoxic lymphocytes and proteins is followed by a detailed description of clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and genetic characteristics of cutaneous cytotoxic lymphomas.

Humans↗

SM5-1: a new monoclonal antibody which is highly sensitive and specific for melanocytic lesions.

Antibodies such as HMB-45 and anti-S100 protein have been widely used as markers of malignant melanoma despite evidence that HMB-45 has a sensitivity of only 67-93% and S100 is nonspecific for melanoma. Using a subtractive immunization protocol in a mouse model of human melanoma, we have generated several monoclonal antibodies with putative specificity for melanoma. After initial screenings, the antibody SM5-1 was chosen because of its intriguing reactivity with melanocytic tumors in both frozen and paraffin sections. The immunohistochemical staining of SM5-1 was studied in paraffin-embedded specimens of 401 melanomas (n = 401; 250 primary melanomas, 151 metastases), melanocytic nevi of the skin (n = 16), nonmelanocytic neoplasms (n = 84). The results were compared with HMB-45 and anti-S100 staining. All antibodies reacted with nevi and 97-99% with primary melanomas. Whereas both SM5-1 and anti-S100 stained 96% (146/151) of melanoma metastases, HMB-45 correctly identified only 83% (126/151). All HMB-45-negative metastases were positive for SM5-1. Whereas neither SM5-1 nor HMB-45 stained any of 84 specimens from 40 different nonmelanocytic neoplasms, anti-S100 was positive in 21/84 (25%). While the staining pattern of SM5-1 was mostly homogeneous, small tumor areas in some metastases remained unstained. Staining with SM5-1 was also observed in perivascular dendritic cells, in plasma cells, some myofibroblasts and the secretion of eccrine sweat glands. Nonactivated epidermal melanocytes, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and peripheral nerves were all negative for SM5-1. These results suggest that SM5-1 is highly specific, as well as sensitive, for melanocytic lesions and is useful in the immunohistochemical evaluation of melanoma.

Animals↗