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H Frikha

Publications and source records attributed to H Frikha.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Primitive intracranial ependymomas. Salah-Azaîz institute experience].

PURPOSE: - To assess the outcome and prognostic factors of patients with primitive intracranial ependymomas treated at the department of radiotherapy of Salah-Azaîz Institute. METHODS AND MATERIAL: - Between 1972 and 1997, 31 patients aged one to 53 years received postoperative radiotherapy. There were 16 males and 15 females. Location of tumor was infratentorial in 24 cases and supratentoriel in seven cases. Surgical treatment consisted of complete resection in 14, incomplete resection in 13 and unknown type in four patients. All patients were treated with radiotherapy to the craniospinal axis in 26 cases, whole brain in five cases. RESULTS: - Five years survival rate was 63%. For infratentorial tumors, two patients failed locally, two patients failed locally and at distance and four patients failed only at distance, while one patient with supratentorial tumor relapsed locally. Age, performances status, tumor site, gender and extent of surgery had no impact on survival. The treatment field extent was the only variable predictive of outcome. Patients treated with craniospinal irradiation had a survival rate of 86% compared with 37,5% for patients treated with whole brain irradiation. CONCLUSION: - Infratentorial ependymomas seem to have a worse prognosis than supratentorial ones. Irradiation field extent should be correlated to prognostic factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Primary intramedullary ependymomas: retrospective study of 16 cases].

PURPOSE: To review the radiotherapy department experience in treating primary spinal cord ependymomas (PSCE), analyse prognostic factors and provide treatment recommendations regarding literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with PSCE received postoperative radiotherapy between 1972 and 1997. There were 10 male and 6 female patients with a mean age of 34 years (range 2-63). Surgery was gross total resection in 2 cases, subtotal resection in 9, biopsy in 4 and of unknown type in one patient. All patients were treated with radiotherapy to the craniospinal axis (4 cases), spinal cord (1 case) and to the site of primary tumour in 11 cases. RESULTS: Five year-survival rate was 73%. Two patients had recurrent tumours within the primary site. Gender, extent of surgery and treatment field extent were not prognostic factors. Histologic type was the only variable predictive of outcome. Patients with myxopapillary type had a 5-year survival rate of 100% compared with 47% for those with other histology types. CONCLUSION: We conclude that aggressive surgery is not necessary in the management of PSCE, localised field radiotherapy is associated with favourable outcome, and tumour grade is an important prognostic factor.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Indications for radiotherapy of benign lesions: yesterday, today and tomorrow].

A better knowledge of the radiobiological effects and the control of the techniques of dosimetry led to a renewed interest for the radiotherapy of the benign lesions. The doses used for these indications are weaker than those recommended for treatment of cancer and the radiobiological mechanisms implied are different. The aim of this review of the literature is to specify the radiobiological mechanisms, the risks and the place of ionizing radiations during the processing of the benign lesions. Although the risk of radiation induced neoplasms remains a limiting factor of the indications, those are very varied. Some indications are well accepted such as keloid, cerebral arteriovenous malformations, graves' ophtalmopathy, prevention of postoperative heterotopic bone formations; and some others remain still controversial such as the prevention of the post angioplasty restenosis and age-related macular degeneration.

Angioplasty↗
PubMed1999

[Breast cancer in Tunisia: clinical and epidemiological study].

This study has been realized to determine epidemiological profile and clinicopathologic aspect of breast cancer in Tunisia. We have counted and analyzed all cancers of the breast diagnosed in Tunisia with proof pathologic or to defect cytologic of malignancy, between first January 1994 and 31 December 1994. In the course of this year, 689 new cases of mammary cancers have been diagnosed at the women. The average patient age was 50.0 years, the incidence standardized on the age of the cancer of the breast in Tunisia was 16.7/100,000 women. The average size of the tumor was 49.5 mm (35.8 mm at patients processed in private clinics and 50.7 mm at patients processed in the public hospitals). According to TNM classification of 1988, 7.2% of tumors were classified T1, 48.9% T2, 18.5% T3, and 23.4% T4 (6.2% T4d and 16.1% T4b). 22.1% of tumors were M1. 3.3% were in situ carcinoma. For the infiltrants cancers, the grade II SBR has been the most frequent (53.6%). On the therapeutic plan, the conservative processing has been practiced only at 17.6% of patients. The cancer of the breast in Tunisia rest again relatively little frequent, and its clinic profile resides alarming. The inflammatory cancer notion of the breast (equal T4d) intimately linked to Tunisia overestimates probably the reality. Cancers that were classified "PEV" in many publications would be in reality only for most of locally evolved and neglected cancers.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Radiotherapy in the management of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: a retrospective study of 643 cases.

PURPOSE: To report to the literature the largest published series of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS), treated with radiation therapy, to summarize and discuss our 10 years experience in the treatment of this malignancy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From June 1986 to December 1996, 643 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma were treated with radiation therapy (RT) at the Cancerology Department of Henri Mondor University Hospital. The patients, 640 men and 3 women had an average age of 38.5 years (range 20-68 years). Three hundred eighty-seven patients (60.1 %) had received previous treatment for their Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). In total, 6777 fields were irradiated, as follows: face 1342 (19.8%), eyelid and conjunctiva 362 (5.3%), trunk 1903 (28.1%), upper and lower limbs 2866 (42.3%), genitals 189 (2.8%). and oral cavity 115 fields (1.7%). Radiation therapy consisted of 4 MV or 45-70 kV X-rays, depending on tumor size and location. Doses ranged from 10 to 30 Gy, according to tumor response and toxicity. RESULTS: Objective response (CR and PR) was observed in 92% (5947/6464) of all cases, treated for cutaneous form of EKS. All patients with irradiated oral lesions had an objective response. The overall tolerance was acceptable for the cutaneous lesions. By contrast, in oral lesions, mucosal reactions were often observed after relatively low doses of radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of 15 Gy for oral lesions, 20 Gy for lesions involving eyelids, conjunctiva, and genitals, have been shown to be sufficient to produce shrinkage of the tumor and good palliation of the symptoms. For the cutaneous EKS, we propose 30 Gy given in a local field, using a fractionated scheme with small size applicators. Radiotherapy has its own place in the management of EKS, as an efficient treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

[Kaposi sarcoma].

Moriz Kaposi was the first who, in 1872, described five patients presenting with "sarcoma idiopathicum multiple hemorrhagicum". In 1912 Sternberg termed this disease Kaposi's sarcoma. Since then various forms of this rare disease have been observed. In 1914 Hallenberg described the first cases of African or endemic Kaposi's sarcoma. In the 1960s the first reports discussing Kaposi's sarcoma following organ transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy were published. After 1981, the epidemic form associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was described. All these forms, their history, treatment methods and the role of radiation therapy in the management of this rare malignancy are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

[Invasive carcinoma of the cervix in young women in Tunisia].

A series of 133 patients, 35 years or less in age (mean: 31.8) presenting with a carcinoma of the cervix and treated at Salah Azaiz Institute from 1969 to 1989 was analysed and compared to a control group of patients older than 35 years (mean: 54). Neither clinical nor epidemiological particularities were found in the younger patients group, except an early sexual life and a high proportion of early stage tumours (33% versus 15.9% in the older women group). Overall survival of the younger women was dramatically worse than that of the older women: 40% and 50% at 5 years, 20% and 40% at 10 years, and 14% and 30% at 15 years, respectively. This difference is statistically significant in stage I-II patients. Young age, non-sterilization of the tumour after brachytherapy, and anemia, are associated with a poor prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Cancers associated with AIDS].

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining conditions were expanded to include three malignancies: epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma recognized in 1981, high and intermediate grade lymphoma included in 1985 and cervical carcinoma considered since January 1993. Progression in the management of these neoplasms depends on detailed knowledge of their pathogenesis and natural history. Treatment should take into consideration adverse factors such as the immunocompromised state and the clinical course of AIDS, particularly opportunistic infections.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

[Clinical and evolutive aspects of nasopharyngeal T4 N0 neoplasms].

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the primary cancer of the head and neck localisations in the Salah Azaiz Institute (Tunisia). From 1970 to 1987, 80 patients with histologically proven T4 N0 NPC, were treated with exclusive radiation (70-75 Gy to the primary lesion and 50-55 Gy to cervical lymph nodes). The T4 N0 represents 7% of all NPC and 16% of the T4 treated in our Institute. Ninety percent of the patients are over 20 years old with a mean age of 52 years. The sex-ratio was 4:1. Extension to the brain was observed in 55% of the cases. Local control was 70% at 2 months after the end of irradiation. The actuarial survival at 5 years was 47%. Distant metastasis represent 13% (30% of all NPC). The main failure of treatment was local recurrence. The T4 N0 is probably a particular entity concerning the age, the response to radiotherapy and the low rate of distant metastasis.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1994

Radiotherapy in the management of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

PURPOSE: This study is presented to help define the role of radiotherapy in the management of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between June 1986 and June 1993, we treated 453 patients who had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related Kaposi's sarcoma. Two hundred fifty-two patients (55.6%) had received previous treatment for their Kaposi's sarcoma: 228 (55.3%) with interferon, and 116 (25.6%) with Vinblastine. Depending on both tumour size and location, patients were treated with extended cutaneous irradiation using 4 MeV electron beam energy and/or localized irradiation using 45-100 kV x-ray (cutaneous lesions), or 4 MV x-ray (oral tumours). A total of 5015 courses of radiation therapy was given. The intention of the treatment was closely linked to the anatomic sites. Multiple courses of treatment ranging from 10 to 20 Gy (2.5 Gy/fraction, 4 times/week) were used for Kaposi's sarcoma involving conjunctiva (n = 32 treatments), eyelids (n = 306), lips (n = 170), hands (n = 208), feet (n = 417), penis (n = 131), oral mucosa (n = 43), and anal region (n = 5). A second group including other cutaneous sites (face, trunk, limbs) was treated with a dose of 30 Gy (20 Gy in 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks rest and then a second series of 10 Gy in 1 week). RESULTS: For the first group, tolerance was generally good excluding oral cavity irradiation, with an effective palliation of symptoms (87.8% overall rate of objective responses); an enhanced mucosal reactions was noted in patients receiving oropharyngeal irradiation. For the second group, a complete regression rate of 85% was observed; tolerance was acceptable: complications were severe epidermitis with skin ulceration (5%), exsudative epidermitis (26%), dry epidermitis (60%), and varying degrees of erythema (9%). There was a significant correlation between risk of recurrence (overall recurrence rate of 71% after an average of 7.5 months) and occurrence of opportunistic infections: 85% of recurrences appeared concomitantly with accelerated course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that radiotherapy is an efficient treatment for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS): doses of 15.2 Gy for oral lesions and 20 Gy for lesions involving conjunctiva, eyelids, lips, hands, feet, penis, and anal region were sufficient to produce shrinkage of the tumour and good palliation of symptoms. For the other cutaneous sites, 30 Gy local field irradiation could be safely given with better short-term response. Prophylactic measures with antifungal treatment should be systematically associated with oropharyngeal irradiation, to improve tolerance to the treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Radiotherapy in the management of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma of the oral cavity, the eyelid and the genitals.

From January 1987 to December 1992, 420 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS) were treated with radiotherapy at the oncology department in the Henri Mondor Hospital. Of these, 146 (34.7%) exhibited tumours at 186 sites; 35 were oral, 102 eyelid or conjunctival (ophthalmic), and 49 penile or scrotal (genital) sites. Most patients had received prior chemotherapy. Radiation therapy consisted of 4 MV or 45 kV X-rays, depending on tumor size and location. Doses ranged from 10 to 30 Gy, according to tumor response and toxicity. In oral lesions mucosal reactions were often observed after relatively low doses of radiotherapy. In 27 patients receiving 15 Gy, severe reactions were observed in 6 (22%), moderate reactions in 4 (15%) and mild reactions in 17 (63%). By contrast, irradiation of eyelid or conjunctival lesions and genital lesions, was well-tolerated. Treatment was generally successful in achieving good symptom palliation. Eyelid and conjunctival Kaposi's sarcoma seemed to be more radiosensitive when compared with cutaneous sites: a high objective remission rate (96%, 98/102) was observed at doses ranging from 10 to 20 Gy. Penile and scrotal lesions showed a good response to low dose radiation (complete response was scored in 34/49 patients (69.4%)). A meticulous evaluation of tolerance was necessary. Toxicity of oropharyngeal irradiation at relatively low doses is an argument for a restrictive use of this procedure in oral lesions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Intraoperative brachytherapy in the management of keloids. Apropos of 114 cases] .

PURPOSE: Keloid scars are unsightly, especially when located on the face or bare zones. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic results of intraoperative brachytherapy in the management of keloids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the study of 82 patients with keloids treated in Salah Azaiz Institute (Tunisia) between 1982 and 1994 (65 women and 17 men). The mean age of patients was 23.4 years (+/- 8.4). A total of 114 lesions have been treated with surgical resection and intraoperative brachytherapy using an iridium source placed under the surgical scar. The length of iridium was chosen with the result that the radioactive thread exceeded 5 mm on each side of the surgical scar. The iridium source was loaded less than six hours after resection. Average iridium activity was 1.5 +/- 0.3 mCi/cm. Average iridium length was 56.8 +/- 34 mm. The referred isodose chosen for the target volume included the surgical scar and a margin of 5 mm around the iridium source, which was placed under the surgical scar. The average administered dose was 20.4 Gy (+/- 3.2 Gy). RESULTS: The 2-year local control rate was 87% for the whole group of lesions treated (n = 114). Local control rate of keloids processed by resection and intraoperative brachytherapy as the first treatment (59 cases) was 96% at two years. This rate was better than the local control of lesions that had been previously treated with anterior surgical resection (84% in 55 cases). For the latter group, lesions treated with a dose of more than 20 Gy had better local control, but the difference was not statistically significant (87 vs. 65% at two years, P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative brachytherapy is effective for improving local control of keloids and preventing a recurrence. A rigorous technique and an adequate dose according to previous surgical treatment allows very good results.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cutaneous lymphoma in Tunisia: clinical profile and therapeutic results].

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate therapeutic result of cutaneous lymphoma in Tunisia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1969 and June 1994, 100 patients with cutaneous lymphoma were referred either to Salah Azaiz Institute or the other University Hospitals of Tunisia. Fifty-one patients had epidermotropic lymphoma and 49 non-epidermotropic lesions. Eighty-seven patients received complete treatment. Puvatherapy and other local dermatologic treatments were used for early stage mycosis fungoïdes. Thirty-two patients benefited from radiotherapy, with curative dose in 28 cases. Chemotherapy including anthracyclin agents was used for high grade lymphoma. Thirteen patients had association of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. RESULTS: Five-year survival rates were 50% for patients with epidermotropic lesions and 56% for patients with non-epidermotropic cutaneous lymphoma. Statistical study has not identified any significant prognosis factor. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are both effective. Treatment should depend on stage and histologic type.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Radiotherapy of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: the experience of the Henri-Mondor Hospital (643 patients)].

PURPOSE: Retrospective analysis of results of radiotherapy in epidemic Kaposi sarcoma at the Henri-Mondor hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June 1986 to December 1996, 643 patients presenting with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma were treated with irradiation at the Oncology Department of Henri Mondor University Hospital. Three-hundred eighty-seven patients (60%) had previously received a treatment with interferon (259 patients, 40.2%), vinblastine (225 patients, 34.5%), doxorubicin (22 patients, 3.4%), bleomycin (19 patients, 2.9%), and/or antiviral treatment (216, 33.5%). The radiotherapy was delivered by 4 MeV or 8 MeV electron beam for extended cutaneous fields and 45-100 kV x-ray for localized fields. The delivered dose was 20 Gy in 2 weeks (2.5 Gy/fraction, 4 fractions/week) followed by 2 weeks rest and second series of 10 Gy in 1 week. For oral cavity lesions, we used a series of 15.2 Gy was delivered (1.9 Gy/fraction, 4 fractions/week), followed for three patients by a 3 week rest and by a similar second series of 15.2 Gy. RESULTS: Six-hundred and twenty-one patients were evaluable and the objective response rate was 92%, with a complete regression of clinical and functional symptoms for all patients. The skin tolerance was good, with 7.3% grade I reactions, 69.3% of grade II reactions, and 23.4% grade III reactions. There was a correlation between recurrence rate and the occurrence of opportunistic infections. CONCLUSION: This analysis shows the efficacy of dose radiotherapy for treatment of epidemic Kaposi sarcoma.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗