Biomedical subjects

J La Forge

Publications and source records attributed to J La Forge.

20 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1982

Benefits of polychemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma.

The benefits of polychemotherapy in advanced (Stage III) non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma remain uncertain. In attempt to answer the important question whether treatment improves well-being and survival in these patients, we did a prospective, randomized, single-blind study to compare polychemotherapy to a placebo. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled. Twenty received a drug combination consisting of: methotrexate, doxorubicine hydrochloride (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and lomustine (CCNU) (MACC). The other group (19 subjects) received a placebo physically comparable to MACC. The two groups were initially comparable in terms of age, sex, clinical status, and tumor burden. In the treated group, seven patients had a radiologic response (more than 50% reduction in the tumor size), and the tumor stabilized in an additional five subjects. There were no responders in the placebo group. Median survival was 30.5 weeks for the MACC group compared to 8.5 weeks in the placebo group (P less than 0.0005, Gehan-Wilcoxon). We conclude that polychemotherapy (in this case MACC) significantly benefits patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The sleep apnea syndrome. A general review].

During the last years, medical interest has focused on sleep related diseases, especially the sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and the nocturnal breathing abnormalities associated with broncho-pulmonary diseases. It now appears that SAS is far more prevalent than previously believed. In this review article we present the clinical features, the investigations and the current therapeutic methods. We also discuss the recent developments in our understanding of the SAS pathophysiology and their implications in the disease's management. Clinical importance of sleep related disorders of breathing is appreciated when one looks at some of the secondary effects including hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac insufficiency and worsening of a broncho-pulmonary disease (hypoxemia, hypercapnia); these are associated with a high degree of morbidity. The recent advent of ambulatory screening systems allows an easier evaluation of patients at risk, such as obese or hypertensive snorers and patients with hypersomnolence; then the diagnostic polysomnographic studies can be reserved for subjects in whom home recording is abnormal. A precise and early diagnosis is important to allow the initiation of treatment such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or naso-pharyngeal surgery.

Humans↗