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Biomedical subjects

M Callaghan

Publications and source records attributed to M Callaghan.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Phase II trial of alpha (human leukocyte) interferon administered daily in adenocarcinoma of the colon/rectum.

Nineteen patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum were treated with alpha (human leukocyte) interferon (alpha IFN). Patients received 3 X 10(6) IU/day of interferon im 5 days/week. Eighteen patients are evaluable for response and toxicity. There were no objective responses. All evaluable patients demonstrated progression of disease during therapy. Toxicity consisted primarily of mild granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, weakness, and fever. This trial demonstrates that while alpha IFN can be administered safely as scheduled, this regimen has no activity against adenocarcinoma of the colon/rectum.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psychiatric disorders in sexually abused children.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a clinical sample of sexually abused children referred for outpatient evaluation. Two a priori hypotheses were tested: (1) the sexually abused group would have more post-traumatic stress disorder than the non-sexually abused group and (2) non-sexually abused children referred for evaluation would have more diagnoses than the sexually abused group. METHODS: Twenty-six sexually abused children and 23 non-sexually abused children referred for psychiatric outpatient evaluation at a medical school center were matched by age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status and compared to determine differences in prevalence of Axis I, DSM-III-R disorders. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Epidemiologic Version was used for systematic diagnosis. RESULTS: Groups did not differ significantly in the number of diagnoses and, in both groups, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was the most frequent diagnosis. However, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among sexually abused children was significantly greater (p < .02), with 42.3% of sexually abused children and 8.7% of non-sexually abused children meeting full criteria. There were no significant differences between groups in other diagnostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: This study, using structured interviews and comparison groups, confirmed earlier findings suggesting that sexually abused children are at heightened risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rituximab: a new monoclonal antibody therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To review the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), specifically rituximab, in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and to describe the nursing management of patients receiving rituximab. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, abstracts, book chapters, drug manufacturer, lectures, and personal experience with rituximab. DATA SYNTHESIS: NHL ranks sixth among malignancies in incidence and mortality in the United States. The most common subtype, low-grade follicular lymphoma, is considered incurable. Lack of specificity may limit the usefulness of chemotherapy for low-grade follicular NHL. However, MAb therapy may deliver a cytotoxic effect specifically to the targeted cancer cell. Rituximab is the first MAb approved for cancer therapy. Clinical trials indicate that rituximab is efficacious and safe for recurrent or chemotherapy-resistant, B-cell, low-grade NHL. Infusion-related side effects are the most common and can be managed effectively by following the infusion rate recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Monoclonal antibody therapy is an effective and safe treatment modality for cancer. Infusion-related side effects are managed effectively by following infusion rate recommendations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses need to be knowledgeable about MAb therapy to educate patients and families regarding the mechanism of action and side-effect profiles of these agents, which often differ from those of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Nurses should be familiar with the unique side effects of rituximab and also specific infusion-rate instructions, measures to reduce the incidence of side effects, and criteria for stopping the infusion when necessary.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗