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Biomedical subjects

J Santini

Publications and source records attributed to J Santini.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and survival in upper aerodigestive tract cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate its prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EGFR was determined in tumor biopsies obtained from 109 consecutive patients with head and neck cancer (100 men, nine women). Control biopsies were obtained from 94 patients in a symetric nontumoral area of the same anatomic site. EGFR was measured by a binding assay using human recombinant iodine 125-EGF. RESULTS: The presence of detectable EGFR levels was found in all explored tumors with highly marked differences between patients (median, 71 fmol/mg protein; range, 2 to 2,302). In 93 of 94 cases, EGFR levels were higher in tumor samples as compared with healthy control zones. There was no significant difference in EGFR expression according to the various anatomic sites explored or tumoral differentiation status. There was a significant difference of distribution for EGFR levels between stages I and II tumors and stages III and IV tumors. The tumor EGFR levels were not linked to the response to first-line chemotherapy by cisplatin (CDDP) and fluorouracil (5FU). Survival was assessable for 103 patients for overall survival and for 81 patients for recurrence. EGFR overexpression was associated with shorter relapse-free (P = .0125) and overall survival (P = .028) rates. By multivariate analysis, the only significant variable was EGFR for relapse-free survival and tumor staging for overall survival. The association of EGFR to tumor staging markedly improves the significance for overall survival predictability (P = .002). CONCLUSION: EGFR determination deserves particular attention in head and neck cancer, since it independently carries a strong prognostic value.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Bacillary angiomatosis of the oral cavity in AIDS. A differential diagnosis of mucosal Kaposi's sarcoma].

The diagnosis of bacillary angiomatosis (BA) was performed on a biopsy of a reddish nodular lesion of the gingival mucosa, in a patient seropositive for the H.I.V. It was based on the histopathological features, and by the demonstration of bacilli both on the Warthin-Starry stain and the electron microscopic study. A treatment by erythromycin was quickly effective. BA is an opportunistic infection seen essentially in patients with A.I.D.S., most often causing cutaneous involvement. The causative pathogen is Rochalimaea henselae. BA of the oral cavity is very rare. This infection can be mistaken with Kaposi sarcoma on its clinical appearance.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1993

[Focal epithelial hyperplasia. An unusual clinical aspect].

We report a case of focal epithelial hyperplasia in a child born in France of Algerian parents. The clinical appearance was unusual in that certain lesions were verrucous and pediculate. A virological study revealed the presence of papillomavirus 32, one of the two types of HPV specifically associated with this entity.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1992

Influence of sex and age on fluorouracil clearance.

PURPOSE: Currently, fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the major drugs used in cancer chemotherapy. Several investigators, including ourselves, have demonstrated a link between abnormalities in 5-FU clearance (Cl) and the risk of developing more or less 5-FU-related toxicities. Age and sex are among the host factors that have been implicated in the pharmacokinetic variability of drugs. Presently, no data are available on the possible influence of sex and age on 5-FU Cl. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred eighty patients (mean age, 61.7 years; range, 25 to 91; 301 men and 79 women) with squamous cell carcinoma (sre) of the head and neck were treated in our institution between 1987 and 1991. 5-FU Cl was determined for a total of 1,092 chemotherapy cycles. Each cycle consisted of cisplatin and 5-day continuous intravenous infusion 5-FU (daily doses ranging between 365 and 1,224 mg/m2). RESULTS: 5-FU Cl values (L/h/m2) showed a wide dispersion for both men (median, 179; range, 29 to 739) and women (median, 155; range, 56 to 466). 5-FU Cl values were lower significantly for women compared with men (P = .0005). When adjusted for age and dose, the influence of sex on log Cl remained significant (P = .013). There was no evidence that age modified 5-FU Cl when adjusted for sex and dose. Interestingly, for both men and women, the oldest patients (greater than 70 years) maintained their ability to clear 5-FU with daily doses that ranged from 500 to 1,000 mg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the capacities to clear 5-FU are lower in women compared with men and are not influenced by age. It would be of interest to know whether this sex-related difference in 5-FU Cl may be clinically relevant by considering both toxicity and tumor response to 5-FU treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Latero-cervical septate cystic lesions in adults].

Laterocervical septated lesions are infrequent in adults, and their etiological diagnosis is difficult. The authors report about four cases in which an exploration with imaging and an anatomical control were performed. Two etiologies are specially interesting, either because of their remarkable features with imaging (cystic lymphangioma) or because they require formal identification (metastatic adenopathy from thyroid or ovarian papillary carcinomas). While modern imaging can confirm the diagnosis, and sometimes define the treatment (cystic lymphangioma), the surgical exeresis of such lesions remains imperative in all cases of atypical appearances, in order to avoid leaving a prevailing lymph node metastasis unrecognized.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗
PubMed1992

[Imaging of anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland].

Sixteen cases of anaplasic thyroid carcinoma have been reviewed. In 13 cases out of 16, a diffuse invasion of one or both thyroid lobes and of the isthm associated with calcifications (50%) and necrosis (62%) was present. In 6 cases out of 8, CT Scan with contrast media injection has detected an extension into surrounding tissues. Twelve of the 16 patients presented cervical lymph nodes on the ultrasound examination and 4 of 8 patients presented mediastinal lymph nodes on the CT Scan. In 3 cases out of 16, the anaplasic carcinoma of the thyroid presented as a localized, hypoechoic nodule associated with a cervical lymph node in 1 case.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Dose reduction without loss of efficacy for 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin combined with folinic acid. In vitro study on human head and neck carcinoma cell lines.

Folinic acid (FA) and cisplatin (CDDP) both potentiate the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The activity of various drug combinations including 5-FU, CDDP and FA was tested on two human cell lines derived from squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the semi-automated colorimetric MTT test. The drugs were tested in clinically achievable conditions (concentrations and duration of exposure). The dose response curves for 5-FU (0-100 ng ml-1) associated with FA (10(-7)-10(-5) M) reflected a progressive increase in 5-FU cytotoxicity with increasing FA concentrations. When CDDP (0-5 micrograms ml-1) was associated with 5-FU, CDDP-mediated enhancement of 5-FU cytotoxicity was apparent only when CDDP was given before 5-FU. The triple association CDDP, 5-FU and FA was also tested. In this case, for an identical final cytotoxicity, the presence of FA (10(-6) M) permitted reduction of the 5-FU concentration between 24.2 and 42% and reduction of the CDDP concentration between 13.8 and 72.7%. These observations may be beneficial for the design of more rational therapeutic trials associating CDDP, 5-FU and FA.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1991

[Post-radiation mandibular fibrous histiocytoma. Apropos of a case and literature review].

Postirradiation sarcoma of the head and neck has rarely been reported. A case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (M.F.H.) occurring in the mandible is presented. Head and neck region was previously irradiated for Hodgkin's disease. The interval from initial radiation to diagnosis of sarcoma was 10 years. Aggressive treatment with early radical excision is the treatment of choice. In spite of extensive surgery, the patient died one year after treatment with local recurrence.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Pharyngoesophageal diverticula. Results of a series of 41 diverticulectomies].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results of surgical treatment of pharyngoesophageal diverticulum (POD). From 1970 to 1988, 41 patients underwent diverticulectomy for POD and in 10 cases, myotomy was associated. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (10 cases) in which patients required nutritional and/or respiratory preparation before surgery; group II (31 cases) in which patients underwent surgery without delay. In group I, the mean age was 79.8 years and the delay before diagnosis and treatment was 80.6 months versus 66 years and 34.6 months in group II. In group I, all patients presented with weight loss and suffered from pulmonary infections. Mortality in this series was 3 patients (7.3%) and 4 complications occurred. In group I, mortality was 2 patients (20%) and 3 complications occurred (30%), while in group II, mortality was one patient (3.2%) and one complication occurred (p less than 0.05). Long-term results showed 90% of good results. Local complications might be avoided by perfect surgical procedure. The mortality can be explained by the patients' previous status and the long history of disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Extemporaneous anatomopathologic test of the thyroid body. Value, limitations and practical implications. Report of 1,680 thyroidectomies].

The analysis of the results of 1,680 immediate histopathological studies of thyroidectomy specimens allows assessing the value, limitations and pitfalls of this method. Although its specificity for the diagnosis of cancer is 100%, its sensitivity is 70.5% only. Misinterpretation is accounted for by the difficulty to identify the criteria of malignancy in an immediate study. The experience of a pathologist is essential and it ensures the reliability of the method, which is aimed at allowing an optimum one-stage surgical treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

[Autograft procedures in reparative cancer surgery of the loss of substance of the nose. Critical study].

Using several examples, the authors analyse the choice of reconstructive methods available after excision of cutaneous tumours of the nose. Although a variety of procedures exist, one or two specific flap procedures may be preferred in terms of their safety and cosmetic result. Before describing these procedures, the authors briefly review the basis of surgical treatment in the particular case of the nasal region.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Malignant maxillofacial non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Apropos of 15 cases involving the naso-sinus cavities].

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include malignant conditions developing within lymphoid tissue, both lymph nodes and extranodal lymphoid tissue. Due to its rich lymphatic supply, the cervico-facial region is frequently involved: 10 to 15% of all NHL (1, 2, 8, 15), i.e. a similar incidence to primary GI involvement (4). The cervical glands and lymphatic structures of the Waldeyer ring are most often and most classically involved. The nasosinusal cavities may be involved, producing diagnostic problems which have to be resolved by the specialist (6). Between 1972 and 1989, 20 cases of NHL involving the bony cavities of the face were seen at the Centre Antoine-Lacassagne. These include the 15 cases reported below involving the naso-sinusal cavities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Use of the conjunctival approach in orbital-palpebral plastic surgery].

The conjunctival route has several indications in palpebral surgery and traumatology. After a brief anatomical summary, the authors review the principles of the technique and differentiate between the preseptal and retroseptal dissection planes. This technique has two indications: in subcutaneous lipectomy for isolated palpebral lipoptosis and in surgery involving the orbital bones, for example in osteotomies or relatively undisplaced fractures of the orbital floor. The conjunctival route has numerous advantages and enlarges the surgical arsenal of the specialist by providing another approach to the orbito-palpebral structures.

Conjunctiva↗
PubMed1990

[Gardner's syndrome. Review of the literature. Report of a familial form].

Through a family form study and a literature review, the authors define the symptoms of the Gardner's disease and the checkup to be carried out. Sometimes, the surgical treatment, proposed in an aesthetical purpose, is difficult to carry out due to the tumor location and consistency. Incomplete forms are likely to be more frequent but the risk of colic degeneration remains the same as for the usual form. Examination and multi-departmental care are required.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Salivary passage of 5-fluorouracil during continuous infusion.

Plasmatic and salivary concentrations of 5-FU were investigated in ten patients given 5-day continuous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (1 g/m2/day). Measurable concentrations of salivary 5-FU were scattered ranging from 6 to 100 ng/ml. Between individual 5-FU concentrations in saliva and plasma the coefficient of correlation was low. The theoretically predicted ratios of 5-FU concentrations in saliva over those in plasma, calculated as a function of salivary pH, did not correlate with the observed ratios, the majority of which ranged between 0.1 and 0.5. Noteworthy, 8 of 10 patients exhibited a more or less pronounced increase in 5-FU salivary excretion during 5-day continuous i.v. infusions.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

The labelling index: a prognostic factor in head and neck carcinoma.

The thymidine labelling index (LI), representing the percentage of cells in the DNA-synthesis phase, was measured in vitro prior to therapy in 87 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who were treated between 1977 and 1982. The LI was not related to patient age, site of the tumour, clinical stage or histological grade. Overall survival was 44.5%. Univariate analysis demonstrated that survival was affected by the following factors: (1) age: patients older than 55 had a better outcome (p = 0.03); (2) site of the tumour (p = 0.005): laryngeal tumours had the best survival; (3) clinical stage (p = 0.05). Histological grade did not influence the survival (p = 0.41). Patients having a tumour LI higher than 15.5% (mean + 1 S.D.) had a significantly lower survival than patients with lower tumour LI (p = 0.008). A multivariate analysis using the Cox model showed that clinical stage and LI kept their prognostic impact with regard to survival. Finally, survival after relapse was lower in patients with a high tumour LI. These results demonstrate that a high tumour proliferation rate is an additional factor influencing the disease outcome in head and neck carcinoma. Patients with bad prognosis defined by this parameter could be offered a more energetic treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

5-FU therapeutic monitoring with dose adjustment leads to an improved therapeutic index in head and neck cancer.

This 4 year study reports on a pharmacokinetic study for the widely used regimen of cis-platin plus continuous 5-day 5-FU as first-line chemotherapy of head and neck cancer, and the benefit of such data for real-time therapy management. Pharmacokinetic analysis of 177 cycles for 77 patients from a group of 89 patients (group 1; 228 cycles) revealed that both the time-concentration product (AUC) for the entire cycle and the half-cycle AUC (AUC0-3 days) were predictive of cycle toxicity. Real-time analysis of individual AUC0-3 days was used to decide whether to reduce the dose during the second half of the cycle for a total of 249 cycles (81 patients; group 2). The dose in the second half of the course was reduced in 40% of the group 2 courses. There was a statistical difference in complete response rates between group 1 (31%) and group 2 (47%), (0.02 less than P less than 0.05) and a statistically significant reduction was observed in the incidence of toxic cycles (greater than grade 2, group 1 = 20% versus group 2 = 12.4%; 0.02 less than P less than 0.05). Pharmacokinetic follow-up of these patients has proved to be an objective means to improve therapeutic index significantly.

Adult↗