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Biomedical subjects

K M Fehir

Publications and source records attributed to K M Fehir.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Phase I clinical and pharmacological studies of 20-(S)-camptothecin and 20-(S)-9-nitrocamptothecin as anticancer agents.

Groups of 52 and 29 patients with refractory cancers received either native camptothecin (CPT) or 9-nitrocamptothecin (9NC), respectively, in Phase I clinical trials designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose, toxicity and potential efficacy of orally administered camptothecins. Favorable responses occurred with both compounds (11% after CPT, 24% after 9NC). Although both agents could be taken safely for extended periods, dose limiting toxicities were substantial. Diarrhea was the major clinical problem with CPT, and myelosuppression with 9NC. Both compounds could cause hemorrhagic cystitis. The antitumor activity demonstrated suggests that further investigation of orally administered camptothecin analogs is warranted.

Adult

Primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix with pseudomyxoma peritonei manifested as a splenic mass.

We have reported a case of pseudomyxoma peritonei manifested as a splenic mass in a 38-year-old woman. Upon reviewing previously reported cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei with visceral involvement or extension above the diaphragm, we conclude that such spread of the disease does not significantly alter the prognosis. Furthermore, our findings support the concept that pseudomyxoma peritonei represents the implantation of malignant cells rather than metaplastic transformation of mesothelial cells.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous

Meningeal involvement in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Two patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia were found to have meningeal involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed by cerebral spinal fluid cytology in the first patient and by flow cytometric analysis in the second patient. Both patients responded well to intrathecal chemotherapy and cranial irradiation. Central nervous system infiltration by tumor cells has rarely been described in chronic lymphocytic leukemia but must be considered in all patients regardless of stage who present with lethargy, dementia, or focal neurologic signs.

Female

Myelofibrosis following treatment with a nitrosourea for malignant glioma.

Nitrosoureas are alkylating agents that have been associated with the development of a preleukemic syndrome, secondary acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and a variety of acute and delayed toxicities. Nitrosoureas have activity in the treatment of primary malignant brain tumors. The authors report a patient who developed bone marrow myelofibrosis three years following treatment with radiation therapy and oral CCNU. This is the first case of marrow fibrosis associated with the use of a nitrosourea. Bone marrow myelofibrosis may be another delayed treatment effect of this class of drugs.

Brain Neoplasms

Multiple myeloma in a homosexual man with chronic lymphadenopathy.

Kaposi's sarcoma and B-cell lymphomas have been reported to develop in homosexual men with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or chronic lymphadenopathy syndrome (CLS). We treated what we believe is the first documented case of multiple myeloma complicating CLS in a 31-year-old male homosexual. This broadens the spectrum of B-cell neoplasms associated with AIDS and has implications for the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphomas and the evaluation of these high-risk patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Lithium carbonate increases marrow granulocyte-committed colony-forming units and peripheral blood granulocytes in a canine model.

Psychiatric patients given lithium carbonate (LC) commonly develop granulocytosis of the peripheral blood. This is an important observation with several potential applications in clinical hematology and oncology. In order to study further this phenomenon, we have developed an animal model of LC-induced granulocytosis. Four mongrel dogs weighing 23--28 kg were given commercially available LC in 300 mg capsules by mouth twice daily. Peripheral blood was examined twice weekly and marrow granylocyte-committed colony forming units (CFU-c) were studied weekly. Significant increments of peripheral granulocytes (P = 0.003) and of marrow CFU-c (P =0.001) were noted. An increased number of marrow CFU-c has not been previously reported but is consistent with other knowledge about this phenomenon. We conclude that this convenient animal model may be of value in further studies of LC-induced granulocytosis and its possible applications.

Animals