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Biomedical subjects

J M Cain

Publications and source records attributed to J M Cain.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Stage IA2 squamous carcinoma of the cervix: difficult diagnosis and therapeutic dilemma.

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics instituted a change in the classification for carcinoma of the cervix with a new substage IA2. The criteria for this substage exceed the generally accepted criteria for microinvasion. Fifty patients with early invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were treated from 1976 through 1983 with a cone biopsy followed by a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. These patients were reviewed to evaluate the ability to make the histologic diagnosis and to examine the natural history of the disease with maximal treatment. Histologically positive margins were found at the time of cone biopsy in 66% (33/50) of the patients. Negative margins at the time of cone biopsy were identified in 34% (17/50) of the patients. Residual invasive disease at the time of radical hysterectomy was found in 24% (4/17) of the patients with negative margins. Two of the 50 patients had positive lymph nodes. Three patients had recurrent metastatic disease. This study demonstrates that a preoperative diagnosis of stage IA2 invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is a difficult diagnosis to establish and creates a therapeutic dilemma regarding treatment.

Adult↗

Gynecologic radiotherapy fields defined by intraoperative measurements.

Whole-pelvis radiation therapy has been traditionally delivered through fields, the dimensions of which have been determined by convention and based largely on textbook anatomic landmarks. Since July 1986, 100 patients have had intraoperative retroperitoneal measurements carried out at the time of radical surgery in an effort to examine this anatomic basis for field dimensions. Structural measurements of the pelvic and paraaortic arterial branches were made in reference to the lumbosacral prominence to correlate with lymphatic pathways. The mean level of the aortic bifurcation was found to be 6.7 cm above the lumbosacral prominence. The mean level of the bifurcation of the common iliac artery was 1.7 cm above this reference point on the right and 1.4 cm above on the left. Both common iliac bifurcations were cephalad to the level of the lumbosacral prominence in 87% of patients. In only three patients were both bifurcations located below this level. Transverse pelvic dimension measurements demonstrated a width of 12.3 cm at the level of the obturator fossa and of 13.0 cm at the most inferior outside width of the external iliac arteries. To establish a simple external reference which could assist in defining radiotherapy field widths, the maximal separation of the femoral arteries at the level of inguinal ligaments was measured and averaged 14.6 cm. These data suggest that conventional fields frequently fail to correspond to true anatomic landmarks and that to optimally cover the lymphatics in radiotherapy, fields should, ideally, be based on intraoperative measurements. If such surgical guides are not available, we would suggest that standard whole-pelvis radiotherapy for cervical cancers should employ anterior and posterior fields with widths of at least 16 cm which will fully include the bifemoral separation. A superior border at the L4-L5 interspace is required to cover lymphatic pathways to the mid-common iliac nodal level. It may also be convincingly pointed out that the attachments of the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments are clearly posterior to the rectosigmoid, mandating lateral fields that should encompass the entire anterior sacral silhouette.

Female↗

Bone marrow involvement in epithelial ovarian cancer by immunocytochemical assessment.

The incidence of bone marrow involvement with epithelial ovarian cancer has been evaluated as a continuation of interest in autologous bone marrow support. Fifty-eight aspirates were obtained on 50 patients and 53 aspirates were evaluable. Immunocytochemistry with the monoclonal cytokeratin antibodies 35 beta H11 and 34 beta E12 was performed. There have been no complications. Twelve (23%) were positive and three were indeterminate. Stage, grade, and CA-125 level were not different in the two groups. No patient had a positive biopsy at the time of initial diagnosis. The majority of patients were drawn from second-look procedures; of these, 7 of 19 were positive. Five of twelve with positive aspirates died from disease versus 5 of 38 with negative aspirates, and patients with a positive aspirate had a longer overall survival time until death from disease. We can confirm the presence of epithelial ovarian cancer in 23% of patients at varying times in the course of their disease. We cannot identify risk factors for the development of this finding nor the viability of those cells when found in this data set.

Bone Marrow Diseases↗

Supraumbilical upper abdominal midline incision for pelvic surgery in the morbidly obese patient.

An upper abdominal midline incision was used for pelvic surgery in 16 morbidly obese patients (229-401 lb). When this approach is used, a Bookwalter retractor displaces the incision inferiorly and compresses the abdominal wall over the pelvis, and is then secured to the operating-room table. This approach provides adequate exposure of the pelvic organs and avoids an incision in the panniculus with its associated complications. No wound infections, postoperative dehiscences, or other serious postoperative morbidity occurred in these patients.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix treated by radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection.

Fifty-five patients with Stage IB adenocarcinoma of the cervix were treated by radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy from 1965 through 1985. Bleeding was the presenting symptom in 56% of the patients. Twenty patients underwent cone biopsy for diagnostic purposes and 70% had residual carcinoma at the time of definitive surgery. A single postoperative death occurred as the result of pulmonary embolism. Tumor size, depth of invasion, and nodal metastases proved to be important prognostic factors. Tumor grade and histologic type were not related to tumor recurrence, although adenosquamous carcinoma was more frequently associated with a greater depth of invasion. Nine patients had nodal metastases, and 78% of patients with spread to the regional nodes developed recurrent carcinoma. Microscopic invasion beyond the cervix or metastases to lymph nodes was present in all but two of the 12 patients with recurrence after surgery. The overall recurrence rate was 22%, with 10 of 12 patients dead of disease, one patient alive with disease, and one patient without evidence of disease. Peritoneal cytologic studies were performed on 22 patients and all had negative cytologic findings. None of the patients with recurrent disease had evidence of intraperitoneal spread. Ninety-one percent of the patients had ovarian preservation, and there is no evidence that this contributed to tumor recurrence.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Fetal and maternal considerations in the management of stage I-B cervical cancer during pregnancy.

The timing of treatment for stage I-B cervical carcinoma diagnosed during pregnancy is complicated by conflicting concerns for fetal survival and control of malignancy. There were 11 pregnant women with stage I-B cervical carcinoma diagnosed prior to fetal viability since 1969. Six patients were managed with termination of pregnancy and radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. In 5 patients, treatment was delayed for 6 to 17 weeks and then delivery was accomplished by cesarean section followed directly by radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Two of the infants experienced complicated neonatal courses and would have benefited from additional delay. Benefits that could be achieved by delaying delivery for the fetus were calculated from a review of 600 inborn infants without congenital anomalies admitted to the neonatal intensive care (NICU) during 1984 and 1985. Neonatal mortality decreased from 32.8% at 26-27 weeks to 2.7% at 34-35 weeks gestation. Similar improvements in neonatal morbidity were demonstrated. Although adverse maternal outcomes were not associated with delay, an evaluation of risk cannot be derived from this series. Significant fetal benefit can accrue from relatively short delays in planned delivery dates. When stage I-B cervical carcinoma is diagnosed during pregnancy and when fetal survival is desired, delivery should be delayed to achieve fetal maturity, rather than only potential viability.

Adult↗

The morbidity and benefits of concurrent gracilis myocutaneous graft with pelvic exenteration.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the morbidity and potential benefits of concurrent gracilis myocutaneous graft with exenteration. All patients undergoing exenteration from 1962-1986 were reviewed, of whom 24 had concurrent grafts. The mean operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were not different in patients with versus without grafts. The rate of fistula formation in the hospital was less in the graft group (P = .004) but was not different when compared with contemporary patients only. The total infection rate (wound and pelvic) was decreased in the graft group (P = .04) when graft infections were excluded. The major problem with the graft was significant necrosis of the flap(s) in nine of the 24 patients. There were no life-threatening complications attributed to concurrent placement of gracilis myocutaneous flaps. Experience with the technique is improving the cosmetic and functional outcome of the neovagina formed with the graft. Patients most likely to benefit from this procedure include those requiring immediate reconstruction or those with potentially poor healing due to high-dose pelvic radiation, including intraoperative radiation.

Female↗

Recurrence after negative second-look laparotomy for ovarian cancer: analysis of risk factors.

To determine the long-term rate of recurrence and define risk factors for recurrence, we have analyzed clinical information on 83 patients followed up for a minimum of 4 years (median, 69 months) after negative second-look laparotomy. Overall, 21 of 83 patients (25.3%) had a recurrence. Median interval to recurrence was 14 months. Stage, grade, and type of chemotherapy were significantly related to risk of recurrence. In patients with stage I disease only one of 27 (3.7%) had a recurrence. Patients with stage I disease were not included in further analysis of risk factors. In stages II, III, and IV, 20 of 56 patients (35.7%) had a recurrence. Recurrence rates by grade (excluding stage I) are as follows: grade 1, three of 21 (14.3%); grade 2, six of 17 (35.5%), and grade 3, 11 of 17 (64.7%). Platinum-treated patients in stages II, III, and IV had a 50% (12/24) recurrence rate compared with 25% in nonplatinum-treated patients (8/32) (p = 0.05). Differences in disease-free survival between platinum- and nonplatinum-treated patients were significant at the p = 0.02 level. When treated with platinum-based regimens, more patients will achieve complete clinical remission and subsequently negative second-look laparotomy. However, the recurrence rate in these patients is considerably higher than that in patients treated for longer durations with nonplatinum regimens.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Whole abdomen radiation for minimal residual epithelial ovarian carcinoma after surgical resection and maximal first-line chemotherapy.

Ten patients with Stage III epithelial ovarian received whole abdomen radiation therapy after extensive courses of chemotherapy and second or third laparotomies. All patients had less than 2-mm diameter residual disease. The major side effect was bone marrow suppression which led to decreased dose or field size in four patients. Five patients have recurred and three of these have died. Further treatment after recurrence was compromised by bone marrow suppression. While 40-50% of selected patients may respond to this approach, numerous alternatives are being explored that would not handicap further treatment to the same degree and may have equal response rates.

Abdomen↗

Primary chemotherapy and the role of second-look laparotomy in non-dysgerminomatous germ cell malignancies of the ovary.

In view of the rarity of germ cell tumors of the ovary, it is not surprising that little information exists about the indications for and significance of findings at second-look laparotomy in patients with these tumors. For this reason, we have reviewed 16 patients who received primary chemotherapy for malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between 1976 and 1983. Eleven of them underwent a second-look laparotomy after completion of their therapy. Primary therapy consisted of surgery, usually unilateral oophorectomy, and cis-platinum-based VAB chemotherapy. The histologic diagnoses were six immature teratomas, five endodermal sinus tumors, four mixed germ cell tumors, and one nongestational choriocarcinoma. Stage distribution was as follows: Stage IA, eight patients; Stage IC, one patient; Stage IIA, one patient; Stage III, four patients, and unstaged, two patients. The ages ranged from 15 to 56 years, with the mean of 29 years. All of the 11 patients undergoing second-look laparotomy were found to be free of disease. They are alive and have been continuously free of disease from 9 to 77 months (mean 39 months). This paper discusses primary chemotherapy and the role of the second-look laparotomy and suggests its value in modifying treatment, predicting cure, and safely stopping therapy in patients with germ cell malignancies of the ovary.

Adolescent↗

Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix redefined.

Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix has been classically regarded as a poorly differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma, infrequently diagnosed and associated with a poor outcome regardless of the modality of therapy. The histologic characteristics associated with this lesion are also frequently encountered among undifferentiated large-cell, nonkeratinizing cervical carcinomas. In a review of all undifferentiated large-cell carcinomas of the cervix encountered at the University Hospital in Seattle, Washington, over an eight-year period, 29 cases appeared to display the characteristic histologic criteria described as typical for glassy cell carcinoma. All cases were stage Ib lesions, and 28 were treated by radical hysterectomy. The mean age was ten years younger than that of the usual patient treated at this institution with stage I carcinoma. Fourteen of these patients (45%) have developed recurrent carcinoma, and in all but one, the interval to recurrence was less than eight months. Only two have survived after second-line salvage therapy. The current survival rate among the 29 women is 55%. These observations suggest that the poor prognosis ascribed to the classically defined glassy cell carcinoma also holds true for this extended group of large-cell, undifferentiated cervical cancers that display similar histologic features and pursue a similarly aggressive clinical course.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Adjunctive hysterectomy following radiation therapy for bulky carcinoma of the uterine cervix: prognostic implications of tumor persistence.

Twenty-five patients underwent adjunctive extrafascial hysterectomy 14-60 days following completion of external and intracavitary irradiation for bulky carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Review of the operative histopathology and correlation with subsequent patient outcomes suggests that morphologically persistent cancer is prognostically ominous and that cancer near the surgical margin is viable in the majority of instances.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Radical reirradiation for recurrent or second primary carcinoma of the female reproductive tract.

Twenty-five women have been treated with a second course of irradiation for recurrent cancer or a second primary carcinoma arising within a previously irradiated pelvic volume. Fourteen patients have been rendered cancer-free (56%) with follow-up ranging from 10 to 61 months. Three of these patients have died of intercurrent disease. Seven of these patients have experienced major complications (50%), necessitating surgical intervention in three cases. The rationale for reirradiation and techniques of retreatment are discussed. Prognostic factors are analyzed and criteria for patient selection are identified.

Adult↗

High dose para-aortic lymph node irradiation for gynecologic cancer: technique, toxicity, and results.

A technique for high dose (5600-6100 cGy) extended field irradiation to the para-aortic lymph nodes is described. Fourteen patients have been treated with this technique, of whom 10 have had histologic confirmation of para-aortic node metastases. With follow-up ranging from 11 to 78 months, 7 of 14 patients are alive and clinically cancer-free. Acute effects of extended field treatment on patient weight and circulating blood counts are analyzed, and late treatment morbidity assessed. The findings suggest that such treatment, executed with modern equipment and appropriate technique, is not significantly more hazardous than pelvic irradiation, and can result in a substantial probability of disease-free survival.

Adult↗

Prognostic factors in adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.

A group of 136 female patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1949 and 1981, with slides available for review, formed the basis for this study. They ranged in age from 10 to 91 years. Most (73%) had abnormal bleeding, either alone or in combination with other symptoms; 15% were asymptomatic. Eighty percent had a visible abnormality, most commonly an exophytic mass. Clinical stages were: 0 (3%), IB (61%), IIA (14%), IIB (10%), III (4%). There were four major histologic subtypes: mucinous (47%), endometrioid (24%), adenosquamous (15%), and clear cell (9%) carcinoma. Of the many clinicopathologic variables evaluated for prognosis, the most significant was stage of disease (P less than 0.0001). Those with Stage IB disease had a survival probability of 76% at 5 years compared with 49% for those with Stage IIA and 34% with Stage IIB. The endometrioid pattern was associated with a more favorable prognosis than any other histologic subtype (P = 0.02). The presence of lymphatic tumor emboli and/or metastatic carcinoma in any lymph node group was associated with a less favorable prognosis for patients with Stage IB and IIA disease (P less than 0.0001).

Adenocarcinoma↗

A review of second-look laparotomy for ovarian cancer.

One hundred twenty-seven patients underwent second-look laparotomies from July 1969 to June 1982. To be included in this report they must have met the following criteria: a documented ovarian neoplasm; previous surgery; adequate chemotherapy for cessation if no disease was found; and no X-ray, chemical, or clinical evidence of disease including an exam under anesthesia. Forty-one percent had residual disease at second-look laparotomy. The original stage and the percentage of tumor debulked at initial surgery were inversely related to the likelihood of finding residual disease. Age, histologic type and grade, and type of chemotherapy did not show a significant relationship with the likelihood of disease persisting. Recurrent tumor was subsequently detected in 16% of patients who had been found to be free of disease at second-look laparotomy. Of thirty stage III and IV patients treated with combinations containing cis-platinum, 10 (33%) had recurrences. This rate of recurrence was significantly greater than the 17.6% recurrence rate in 17 patients with Stage III and IV disease whose chemotherapy consisted of single alkylating agents or with combinations without cis-platinum. Twenty patients underwent a third-look laparotomy after completion of additional chemotherapy. Nine were found to have no residual disease. Two of the nine (22%) subsequently had recurrence of disease. Three of the eleven patients with persistent disease at the time of a third-look laparotomy underwent a fourth-look laparotomy. All were found free of disease and none have recurred. Six (55%) of those with persistent disease at the third-look laparotomy have died despite continued therapy. The ability to successfully treat some patients with persistent disease continues to be a justification for the use of a second-look laparotomy. However, the high rate of recurrence after cessation of treatment following the finding of no residual disease raises the question of whether it is appropriate to discontinue all therapy at this time.

Alkylating Agents↗

Metronidazole as a radiosensitizer and high-dose radiation in advanced vulvovaginal malignancies, a pilot study.

Advanced vulvovaginal cancers have a survival of less than 25% in 5 years when treated with radiotherapy alone. The radiosensitizer metronidazole was used with unconventional radiation fractions in 10 patients. Local control was achieved in 9 out of 10 patients treated. Five of 10 patients have remained free of disease 9-30 months postdiagnosis. Two patients died with metastatic disease, but with local control. In only 1 patient did this approach fail to control local disease. The outcome of these 10 patients represents a significant improvement over conventional radiation. A randomized prospective study has been started on the basis of this pilot study.

Adult↗