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S Leodolter

Publications and source records attributed to S Leodolter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Ernst Wertheim, or the significance of the EBM of the cervical cancer].

In the field of gynecologic oncology, the beginning of the 20(th) century was dominated by a dispute between Wertheim and Schauta over the best surgical approach for cervical cancer in general, and the role of lymphonodectomy in particular. Since that time, important progress has been made with respect to diagnosis and therapy. This refers a) to the inclusion of patients with malignant diseases into clinical studies with the subsequent design and development of evidence based therapy strategies and b) on the important role of endoscopic techniques in gynecologic oncology. Some of the controversies of the "Wertheim/Schauta" era such as the "lymph node problem" are not fully resolved to date. The future will be most likely not based on diagnosis and therapy of cervical cancer, but on primary prevention with the introduction of a potent vaccination against HPV, which will be commercially available soon.

Female↗
PubMed2005

Estrogen-metabolizing gene polymorphisms and age at natural menopause in Caucasian women.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle parameters, personal history and genetic factors are thought to affect the timing of natural menopause in humans. Based on their biological function, estrogen-metabolizing gene polymorphisms have been regarded as candidate genes for early menopause. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional, multi-centre study, we analysed nine single nucleotide polymorphisms of six estrogen-metabolizing genes [three estrogen-synthesizing genes, i.e. 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17-beta HSD), cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 17 and CYP19; and three estrogen-inactivating genes, i.e. catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), CYP1A1 and CYP1B1] by sequencing-on-chip-technology in 1360 Caucasian women with natural menopause. Women's lifestyle parameters, reproductive and personal histories were ascertained. RESULTS: Carriage of at least one mutant allele of the CYP1B1-4 Asn453Ser A--> G polymorphism (P = 0.004) and the number of full-term pregnancies (P < 0.001) were found to be independently associated with age at natural menopause. Women with at least one polymorphic allele of CYP1B1-4 experienced natural menopause earlier than non-carriers of the polymorphism [mean (SD) 48.6 (5.0) versus 49.4 (4.3) years]. Women with no, one, two and three or more full-term pregnancies experienced natural menopause at 48.5 (5.0), 48.8 (4.8), 49.5 (4.2) and 49.6 (4.6) years, respectively. CONCLUSION: We present the most comprehensive data on estrogen-metabolizing gene polymorphisms and timing of natural menopause to date. The number of full-term pregnancies and the CYP1B1-4 polymorphism are significant predictors of timing of natural menopause in Caucasian women.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in patients with uterine smooth muscle tumors: an immunohistochemical analysis of MMP-1 and MMP-2 protein expression in leiomyoma, uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential, and leiomyosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been suggested to play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. We compared the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 protein in patients with leiomyoma, uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). METHODS: MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry from paraffin-embedded tissue in 26 patients with leiomyoma, in 24 patients with STUMP, and in 21 patients with LMS. RESULTS: MMP-1 was expressed in 92% of leiomyomas, in 83% of STUMP, and in 86% of LMS, whereas MMP-2 was expressed in 12% of leiomyomas, in 17% of STUMP, and in 48% of LMS. A statistically significant difference regarding the frequency of MMP-2 expression was observed between LMS and STUMP (P =.025) as well as between LMS and leiomyoma (P =.006), but not between STUMP and leiomyoma (P >.05). Likewise, the staining intensity did significantly differ between LMS and leiomyoma (P =.025), but no statistical significant difference was observed between LMS and STUMP (P >.05) and between STUMP and leiomyoma (P >.05). CONCLUSION: The stronger MMP-2 expression in patients with LMS compared with STUMP and leiomyoma indicates that this protein might be a marker for tumor invasion or metastasis in patients with uterine LMS. Furthermore, MMP-2 seems to be a useful immunohistochemical parameter to distinguish cases of smooth muscle tumors in which histologic features are ambiguous or borderline. Further studies including larger numbers of patients are necessary to establish MMP-2 as a routine marker for tumor invasion and progression.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Immunohistochemical expression of laminin-5 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Laminin-5 is an attachment protein for epithelial cells. Several studies of a variety of cancers have reported increased expression of laminin-5 in carcinoma in situ and invasive cancer. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between the grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and the immunohistochemical expression of laminin-5 in the cytoplasm and in the basement membrane underlining dysplastic squamous cells. METHODS: We used immunohistochemical methods to stain paraffin-embedded sections of cervical cone biopsies with a monoclonal antibody specifically targeting the 2-chain of human laminin-5 protein. The study sample included 175 slides: 7 normal cervical epithelium, 36 lesions of mild dysplasia, 50 lesions of moderate dysplasia, 81 lesions of severe dysplasia, and 1 invasive squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant correlation between the grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and laminin-5 immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm (P < 0.01) and in the basement membrane (P = 0.03) by use of the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. CONCLUSIONS: According to previously published reports we confirmed with a higher number of cases a correlation of laminin-5 expression in the cytoplasm and/or basement membrane and grade of dysplastic lesion in the cervical epithelium. This study warrants further investigations with special interest to follow-up to investigate whether laminin-5 is a marker to predict the risk of progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression in uterine leiomyosarcoma and correlation with different clinicopathologic parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been suggested to play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis because they degrade a wide range of components of the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 proteins in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma. METHODS: MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry from paraffin-embedded tissue sections in 21 patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS). The immunohistochemical findings were correlated with different clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients. RESULTS: MMP-1 was expressed in 86% and MMP-2 was expressed in 48% of uterine LMS. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between vascular space involvement and MMP-2 expression (P =.05) and between age and MMP-2 expression, with patients over 50 years old having significantly more frequent MMP-2-positive tumors than patients younger than 50 years (P =.006). The relationship between MMP-2 expression and tumor stage and recurrence disease did not reach statistical significance. A trend towards prolonged disease-free survival was observed in women with MMP-2-negative LMS compared with patients with MMP-2-positive LMS (P =.09). Furthermore, a univariate analysis revealed that early tumor stage (P =.0001), age at diagnosis less than 50 years (P =.02), and the absence of vascular space involvement (P =.04) were associated with longer overall survival. CONCLUSION: The statistically significant positive correlation between MMP-2 expression and vascular space involvement as well as the prolonged disease-free survival rate in patients with MMP-2 negative uterine LMS suggest that MMP-2 plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Further clinical studies with larger numbers of cases need to be performed to verify these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Is high-risk human papillomavirus infection associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia eliminated after conization by large-loop excision of the transformation zone?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether high-risk HPV infection associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was successfully eliminated after electrosurgical conization by large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). STUDY DESIGN: 142 women, who were admitted for conization of CIN 1-3 were recruited into a prospective follow-up study of HPV infection, including cervical sampling for HPV DNA before, and then 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. We examined whether there were any differences in the rate of HPV DNA positivity after LLETZ between specific risk groups, such as patients with primary (i.e. before surgical treatment) high-risk HPV infection, CIN of different grades, and positive margins. RESULTS: We did not detect statistically significant differences between specific risk groups. According to the assay used (hybrid capture II) at the last follow-up visit 94% of primarily infected patients were completely free from infection with high-risk HPV types, while 6% had persisting HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: With a detection limit of 5000 genomes/ml HPV DNA the hybrid capture II results revealed, that after electrosurgical removal of CIN in 94% of patients testing positive for high-risk HPV DNA prior to surgery were negative 12 months post-surgery.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed2001

Analysis of the human progesterone receptor gene polymorphism progins in Austrian ovarian carcinoma patients.

Ovarian carcinoma is the highest death cause in gynecologic malignancies. Although the molecular basis for familial breast and ovarian cancer is elucidated, few genetic markers have been associated with sporadic ovarian carcinoma. A polymorphism in intron G of the human progesterone receptor (PgR), caused by an Alu insertion, was described to be associated with ovarian carcinoma in a pooled German/Irish population. Later on, a G to T substitution in exon 4, causing a Valine to Leucine change in the hinge region of the receptor, and a synonymous C to T substitution in exon 5 were reported to be linked to the Alu insertion. This complex of the PgR gene polymorphism was designated PROGINS. In order to investigate if PROGINS is associated with risk for ovarian cancer in Austrian women, we analyzed DNA from 226 Austrian patients with sporadic ovarian carcinoma and a control group with 194 healthy volunteers for the PROGINS complex. The PROGINS status was studied in association with risk for ovarian carcinoma, the age of the ovarian patients, the protein level of PgR and estrogen receptor (ER) and histopathological parameters. The results indicate that the frequency of PROGINS carriers in Austrian women is similar to those in women in North America and England. There is no significant difference between the PROGINS allele distribution in ovarian carcinoma patients and healthy women. The PROGINS is not associated with increased risk for ovarian carcinomas. Additionally, the protein levels of ER and PgR were independent of the PROGINS status.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Perineal lacerations during spontaneous vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of perineal lacerations during normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and to evaluate potential risk factors. METHODS: The study is based on an analysis of data from the obstetric database of the University Hospital of Vienna and the Semmelweis Women's Hospital Vienna, from February 1999 through to July 1999. Women with vaginal deliveries, uncomplicated pregnancies, uncomplicated first and second stage of labor, gestational age > 37 weeks and pregnancies with cephalic presentation were included. RESULTS: Of 1009 women, 36.2% had perineal lacerations (18.1% had first-degree, 15.2% second-degree, and 2.9% third-degree perineal tears). Univariate logistic regression models showed that only low parity (p = 0.004), the absence of episiotomy (p = 0.0001), and a large head diameter of the infant (p = 0.005) increased the risk for perineal laceration. After adjustment in multivariate analysis, low parity (p = 0.0001), the absence of episiotomy (p = 0.0001) and a large head diameter (p = 0.0004) remained independent risk factors for perineal laceration. Additionally, advanced age of the mother was associated with an increased risk of perineal laceration (p = 0.03). When analyzing the probability for third-degree perineal tears, a strong association with primiparity (p = 0.01), the use of episiotomy (p = 0.0001), a prolonged second stage of labor (p = 0.0001), a large head diameter of the infant (p = 0.01) and the use of oxytocin (p = 0.008) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Primiparous women who are being delivered of a large child are at a greater risk for severe perineal lacerations. In the study population episiotomy did not appear to protect against severe perineal lacerations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Interleukin-8 serum level shift in patients with ovarian carcinoma undergoing paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel has been described to induce interleukin-8 (IL-8) transcription and secretion in human ovarian carcinoma cells. The objective of this study was to investigate possible clinical implications of the effect of paclitaxel on IL-8 serum levels in patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with ovarian carcinoma who were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin entered the study. IL-8 serum levels and CA 125 serum levels were detected three times for each patient directly before chemotherapy, after three cycles of chemotherapy, and after six cycles of chemotherapy. In addition, serum samples from 59 healthy, age-matched women were obtained. A quantitative human IL-8 immunoassay was used to determine the IL-8 serum levels. RESULTS: Seventy-eight percent of patients responded to chemotherapy, with 61% achieving a complete response and 16% achieving a partial response. The median IL-8 serum level before chemotherapy was 75 pg/mL (range, 2.7-903.3 pg/mL), the level during chemotherapy was 23.75 pg/mL (range, 0.5-248.2 pg/mL), and the level after chemotherapy was 17.65 pg/mL (range, 0.6-377.0 pg/mL). The median IL-8 serum level in controls was 15.6 pg/mL (range, 1.4-106.3 pg/mL). The authors found a statistically significant decrease in both IL-8 serum levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05) and CA 125 serum levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05) from the first to the second measurement and from the first to the third measurement, respectively. They found no correlation between the shifts of IL-8 serum levels and CA 125 serum levels during chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found a significant decrease in IL-8 serum levels in patients undergoing a paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy regimen, indicating that IL-8 possibly acts as a useful monitoring marker in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Prognostic parameters in endometrial stromal sarcoma: a clinicopathologic study in 31 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) in relation to their clinical and pathologic features and to identify possible prognostic factors. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with histologically proven ESS were included in the analysis. Endometrial stromal sarcoma is characterized by proliferations composed of cells with endometrial stromal cell differentiation. A breakpoint of 10 mitoses per 10 high-power fields was used in the statistical analysis to distinguish between low-grade and high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and to evaluate the prognostic value of mitotic count in patients with ESS. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 72 months (range 34-110). The median overall survival of the 31 patients was 127 months, resulting in a 5-year overall survival rate of 62%. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 25 patients; among those, 20 patients received postoperative radiotherapy and 5 patients received chemotherapy. Ten of the irradiated patients and 3 patients undergoing chemotherapy developed disease recurrence. Concerning the response rate to adjuvant chemotherapy, 1 patient showed a complete response, 1 patient a partial response, 1 patient stable disease, and 2 patients progressive disease. Altogether, 14 patients developed recurrent disease with a median disease-free survival of 11 months (range 5-60). Twelve patients died of the disease. A univariate model revealed that early tumor stage (P < 0.0007), low myometrial invasion (P < 0.008), and low mitotic count (P < 0.005) were associated with a lengthened overall survival in patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma. Age and adjuvant therapy did not influence overall survival of patients with ESS. CONCLUSION: Early tumor stage, low myometrial invasion, and low mitotic count are associated with a lengthened overall survival in patients with ESS.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Novel MUC1 splice variants are expressed in cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The MUC1 antigen can be used to identify epithelial cells from the background of hemopoietic cells. The present investigation describes patterns of overexpression of two novel MUC1 splice variants in human cervical carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: RT-PCR was carried out to determine MUC1 splice variants in the cervical cancer cell lines C-4 II, C-33A, DoTc 2 4510, C-4 I, SiHa, HT3, Hs 636 T (C4-I), and HeLa. RESULTS: The novel MUC1 splice variant D was expressed in all cell lines and the novel MUC1 splice variant C was expressed in all cell lines but C-33A. Variants A and B were expressed in all (variant A) and all but one (variant B) cell line. MUC1/REP was expressed in all cell lines and MUC1/SEC was positive in all but two cell lines (C-33 A, DoTc 2 4510). All but one cell line (C-33A) expressed MUC1/X and MUC1/Y, and two cell lines (C-33 A, DoTc 2 4510) did not express MUC1/Z, respectively. MUC1 variants A, D, and REP could be demonstrated consistently among all eight cervical carcinoma cell lines we have examined. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes the feasibility of detecting a large number of MUC1 variants, including MUC1 variants C and D which are described for cervical carcinoma cells for the first time. Further studies will examine the presence of MUC1 splice variants' expression in human cervical carcinoma tissue.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed2001

High frequency of allelic imbalance at regions of chromosome arm 8p in ovarian carcinoma.

Progressive genetic changes such as the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) are thought to play an important role in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer. Frequent nonrandom allelic imbalance (AI) at 8p11-p21 and 8p22-pter suggests the existence of TSGs that may be involved in the carcinogenesis of several human malignancies. We investigated 70 ovarian tumors with 11 highly polymorphic markers spanning 8p12-p21 and 8p22-pter to produce an AI map of 8p in epithelial ovarian cancer. Allelic imbalance was demonstrated in 54 tumors (77%), most frequently occurring at D8S136 (54%) and at D8S1992 (55%). Poorly differentiated and advanced stage cancers were more often affected by AI (G1+G2 vs. G3; 20% vs. 66%; stage I+II vs. III+IV, 36% vs. 54%, P<.001; Kruskal-Wallis test) than well differentiated and early stage tumors. There was no relationship between histological subtype and AI. Smallest regions of overlap (SRO) were delineated by analyzing 38 tumors with partial AI. This study provides compelling evidence for the involvement of TSGs on the short arm of chromosome 8, at 8p12-p21 and at 8p23 in the development and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Allelic Imbalance↗
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional ultrasound of the female urethra: comparing transvaginal and transrectal scanning.

OBJECTIVES: To compare transvaginal and transrectal three-dimensional ultrasound in determining the morphology and measurements of the female urethra. DESIGN: Sixty-five women who had not had surgery for incontinence or pelvic floor descent had transvaginal and transrectal sonography using a 7.5-MHz mechanical sector endoprobe with three-dimensional facilities. The multiplanar display of the scanned volumes allowed detailed morphologic assessment of the urethra and the measurement of distances and volumes. Statistical endpoints were: sagittal urethral diameter, maximum rhabdosphincter length and thickness, maximum thickness of the smooth muscle complex, and the volumes of the rhabdosphincter and the smooth muscle complex. Values were compared between the two approaches using Student's t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Both vaginal and rectal scans were feasible. However, significant differences between the two approaches were found for the sagittal diameter of the urethra (8.4 +/- 1.9 mm on vaginal vs. 11.5 +/- 2.2 mm on rectal scans, P < 0.01) and the transverse diameter of the urethra's smooth muscle complex (11.2 +/- 0.3 mm on vaginal vs. 8.6 +/- 0.2 mm on rectal scans, P < 0.001). No other variables showed significant differences. Compression of the urethra and displacement under the symphysis pubis were observed when the ultrasound probe was applied vaginally. Bland-Altman analysis showed acceptable variability for differences of distances but considerable variability for the differences of volumes. CONCLUSION: The female urethra can be examined both vaginally and rectally by three-dimensional ultrasound. A transvaginally applied probe seems to have a compression effect on the urethra.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for third-degree perineal tears in vaginal delivery, with an analysis of episiotomy types.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for third-degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery and to investigate the relation between different types of episiotomy and the occurrence of such tears. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective multicenter study consisted of an analysis of data from the delivery databases of the University Hospital of Vienna and Semmelweis Frauenklinic Wien between February and July 1999. The study was restricted to a sample that included all women with uncomplicated pregnancy as well as uncomplicated first and second stages of labor, gestational age > 37 weeks and a pregnancy with cephalic presentation. Women with multiple gestations, noncephalic presentation, cesarean deliveries, shoulder dystocia and gestational age < or = 37 weeks were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Among the 1,118 births, 37 women (3.3%) experienced third-degree perineal tears. The use of episiotomy per se and the type of episiotomy (midline) as well as forceps delivery, primiparity, large infant head diameter, prolonged second stage of labor and use of oxytocin were identified as risk factors for third-degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery. When analyzing different types of episiotomy, there was approximately a sixfold-higher risk of third-degree perineal tears in women undergoing midline episiotomy as compared to mediolateral episiotomy. A stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that episiotomy, prolonged second stage of labor and large infant head diameter remained independent risk factors for third-degree perineal tears. CONCLUSION: We found several risk factors for third-degree perineal tears. The use of midline episiotomy was associated especially with an increased risk of severe anal sphincter tears. To prevent women from long-term sequelae due to third-degree perineal tears, avoidable risk factors should be minimized whenever possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Paclitaxel does not cause central nervous adverse effects: a prospective vigilance-controlled EEG mapping study in ovarian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate potential adverse effects of paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy on the central nervous system in women with ovarian cancer. METHODS: Twenty-eight women with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian carcinoma and treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin were entered into the study. Patients were tested with vigilance-controlled EEG before and after chemotherapy. Additionally, a battery of neuropsychologic tests before, after 3 cycles and at the end of the chemotherapy were performed. RESULTS: Twenty of the 28 patients responded to chemotherapy (71%). Eleven patients (39%) developed peripheral neurotoxicity. A reduced vigilance in patients with ovarian cancer prior to chemotherapy compared to healthy controls was observed (clearly demonstrated by an attenuated total power, a decrease in fast alpha and slow beta activity, an increase in delta and theta activity as well as a deceleration of the centroid of the total power spectrum). On the other hand, an improved vigilance in patients with ovarian cancer treated with paclitaxel/carboplatin was observed (demonstrated by an increase in total power and an increase in beta power, being more pronounced in the right than in the left hemisphere, between pre- and post-treatment). The results of EEG mapping concurred with those of psychometric tests. The test results did not deteriorate during chemotherapy. A statistically significant improvement in the alphabetical crossout test from the first to the third measurement was observed, indicating an improvement in short-term attention, concentration and the constancy of work during chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin does not cause encephalopathy, but a trend towards an improved vigilance and an improvement of short-term attention and concentration was observed in patients with ovarian cancer after chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The clinical value of serum concentrations of cancer antigen 125 in patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare disease, and data on the serum concentration of tumor marker cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) in patients with this disease are sparse. The authors assessed the clinical value of the serum concentration of CA 125 as a prognostic and monitoring marker in patients with surgically treated PFTC. METHODS: In a multicenter study, the concentration of CA 125 was measured in 406 serum samples from 53 patients with PFTC. The results were correlated with clinical data. RESULTS: The pretreatment median serum CA 125 level was 183 U/mL (range, 6.5-5440.0 U/mL) in patients with PFTC. In a univariate Cox regression model, tumor stage and serum CA 125 level were associated significantly with shortened disease free survival (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively) and with overall survival (P = 0.03 and P = 0. 001, respectively). Lymph node involvement, tumor grade, and patient age were not associated with the length of survival. A multivariate Cox regression model showed that pretreatment the serum CA 125 level was a prognostic factor of disease free and overall survival, independent of tumor stage (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01, respectively). The pretreatment serum CA 125 level was correlated with tumor stage (P < 0.001) but not with lymph node involvement (P = 0.8), histologic grade (P = 0.3), or patient age (P = 0.2). The serum CA 125 level during chemotherapy was correlated significantly with Gynecologic Oncology Group response criteria to chemotherapy (P = 0. 001). During the follow-up of patients, serum CA 125 levels reached sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 92%, 90%, 67%, and 98%, respectively, for differentiating between no evidence of disease and the presence of recurrent disease. In 90% of the patients, an increase of serum CA 125 level preceded the clinical or radiologic diagnosis of recurrent disease with a median lead time of 3 months (range, 0.5-7.0 months). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date with respect to serum CA 125 levels in patients with PFTC. The current data indicate that the pretreatment serum CA 125 level is an additional independent prognostic factor of disease free and overall survival in patients with PFTC. The serum CA 125 level adequately defines the response to chemotherapy and displays good sensitivity and specificity characteristics during the follow-up of patients with PFTC.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

p53 polymorphism at codon 72--does it constitute a risk for squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive cancer of the cervix in Central Europeans?

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms of the tumour suppresser gene p53 especially at codon 72 are suspected to be associated with an increased risk for malignant transformation. In invasive cervical cancer, the arginine form of the p53 gene is estimated to be more susceptible to degradation mediated by tumour-associated human papilloma viruses (HPV) than the proline form. METHODS: To test the prevalence of p53 polymorphism at codon 72 in 133 healthy women, 50 patients suffering from squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL), and 105 patients with invasive cervical cancer, we developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microtiter plate-based hybridisation assay. Furthermore, we tested whether the two p53 isoforms increased the risk of developing cervical cancer. RESULTS: The proportions of individual homozygous for arginine, homozygous for proline and heterozygous for arginine and proline in the investigated patient groups did not significantly deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. We found no increased risk of developing cervical cancer in respect to p53 polymorphism, independent of histological diagnosis. DISCUSSION: In conformity with other study groups, our findings do not support the hypothesis that the p53 polymorphism at codon 72 is important in determining an increased risk of developing HPV-associated SIL or invasive cervical cancer in Central Europeans.

Adolescent↗