Biomedical subjects

M M Copeland

Publications and source records attributed to M M Copeland.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1980

The National Large Bowel Cancer Project: a progress report.

The progress report from the National Large Bowel Cancer Project updates the state of the art of investigations concerning causes, role of animal models, early diagnosis of disease including potential biochemical markers, genetic and pharmacological consideration, proventive measures, and new approaches to the treatment of large bowel cancer. It points out the many interrelations in the multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the mechanisms of disease, means of prevention, methods of earlier diagnosis, and development of rational approaches in the control of large bowel cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Osteogenic sarcoma: the past, present, and future.

The term osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) is applied to malignant bone-forming tumors, identifiable by the matrix produced, though the histologic pattern may differ greatly. Ths more cellular (osteolytic) forms of the tumor have the poorer prognosis. Other prognostic factors are 1) site of the primary tumor; 2) duration of symptoms; and 3) extent of disease and tumor size. The site of tumor origin is the metaphyseal side of the epiphyseal line. The histogenesis of the tumors accounts for this distribution. Following a diagnostic biopsy, amputation of the extremities remains the treatment of choice. In selected cases, a limb-saving radical en bloc resection may surface. Radiotherapy plays a lesser but important role as adjunctive treatment, and as primary definitive treatment in certain types of bone sarcoma (Ewing sarcoma and primary reticulum cell sarcoma of bone). Until recently, chemotherapeutic agents have been used for late palliation only. Advances in treatment, however, have resulted from the application of innovative postsurgical adjuvant chemotherapy in children. The various chemotherapeutic regimens following amputation in adults and in children are discussed. In most such series of cases following amputation alone, five-year survivals have not exceeded 15-20%, with recurrent disease appearing within 18 months in fatal cases. Current studies reflect more effective regimens of adjuvant chemotherapy, with improved palliative results in metastatic osteogenic sarcoma. Although survival is much prolonged, however, many patients show a recurrence of the disease after long intervals of control, suggesting that five-year survival may not indicate a complete cure. At M.D. Anderson Hospital, th projected overall survival rate at three years is 79% of all patients with nonmetastatic disease. These results have accrued from the use of Compadri-I and Compadri-II regimens of chemotherapy. More intensive therapy may yield higher survival rates. It is known that the immunologic status of a patient definitely relates to prognosis. Although most of the investigations with immunotherapy are preliminary, emphasis is placed on improving the immune system in immunodeficient patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

The biologic aspects of cancer of the breast: a challenge.

The crude incidence rate for cancer of the breast far exceeds that for any other type of cancer found in either sex. In women it is nearly twice the rate for the next most common malignant disease found in both men and women. The percentage of patients with localized disease has gradually increased but now is approaching a plateau. There is a definite increase in the incidence of breast cancer is premenopausal women which counterbalances the better results with reference to age-specific death rates. The absolute survival rate indicates that mortality rates continue to be "above normal" for a considerable period beyond the five-year point. It is important, therefore, to study the challenge which confronts us, to keep in mind the natural history of the disease, to review the known high-risk factors and tumor-host relationships, and to evaluate continually all available diagnostic and therapeutic measures. These measures include those not used in routine practice, and especially those involving new concepts.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Introductory statement on the progress of The National Large Bowel Cancer Project: its goals, objectives, and programs.

The introductory lecture updates the state of the art bearing on cancer of the large bowel. Topics discussed include etiological factors, the pathology of the disease, the role of animal models, the early diagnosis of the disease, including biochemical markers, with emphasis on immunology, and finally therapy, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and the immunological approaches to therapy as identified in the ongoing activities of the National Large Bowel Cancer Project. Interesting aspects of complementing the traditional ways of treating colorectal disease are noted in the discussion of new approaches to chemotherapeutic treatment based on rational developments obtained throught the study of cell kinetics and cell turnover. It is pointed out that this and other interrelationships considered in the multidisciplinary experimental and clinical approaches provide important leads toward the understanding of the mechanisms of disease, discovery of causes and means of prevention, methods of earlier diagnosis, improved rational modalities of treatment, and, one hopes, more successful management.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1977

Recent progress in chemotherapy and immunotherapy of sarcomas of bony origin, both as primary and adjunctive therapy.

Treatment for primary malignant tumors of bone, in the past several decades, has yielded uniformly poor results. Recent progress in chemotherapy and immunotherapy are detailed. An important advance in treating osteogenic sarcoma has been the application of adjuvant chemotherapy after initial amputation. CONPADRI-I and COMPADRI-II chemotherapy (a multiple drug approach) is discussed. Adriamycin in combination or alone has proved effective in treating osteogenic sarcoma. Ewing's tumor is showing increased survival rates from radiation therapy alone, as well as by use of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy combined with local radiation. Adjuvant triple chemotherapy with radiotherapy has resulted in pronounced improvement in survival. Chondrosarcomas are largely chemotherapy-resistant. Immunotherapy in bone tumors still is in the experimental stage and investigations with immunotherapy are preliminary. It appears, however, that the immunological status of a patient definitely relates to prognosis. Through increased sophistication in specific chemotherapy and magnitude of treatment, further advances in treatment of primary malignant bone tumors may be expected.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMed1976

Efforts in cancer diagnosis: national task forces--large bowel cancer.

Current information from the National Large Bowel Cancer Project and other sources is given concerning new leads and avenues of research that may be used in early diagnosis or possibly in monitoring therapy. The search for biological markers has developed in two general directions: (1) to identify by genetic studies patients with a high probability of developing cancer who will provide insight into biochemical changes as premalignant lesions develop into frankly developed cancer, and (2) to fine differences between tissue and body fluid constituents in normal subjects and patients with cancer. Screening for colon cancer is discussed with a selective diagnostic approach and with emphasis on this approach in early diagnosis of asymptomatic high risk patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1975

The National Large Bowel Cancer Project. Its goals and objectives.

The National Large Bowel Cancer Project, therefore, through the combined efforts of the Directorate, Working Cadre, and Subcommittees, has planned and activated a multidisciplinary approach to large bowel cancer aimed at reducing the incidence, mortality, and morbidity of this disease. Every effort is being made to improve interdisciplinary communications among biomedical scientists and clinical investigators involved in studies related to large bowel cancer. Early application of well-established biologic concepts of large bowel cancer to the study and management of patients with this disease, or to individuals at risk for the development of this form of cancer, hopefully will result in improved methods of controlling large bowel cancer.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

PubMed1974