PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “ECOG”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Use of electrocochleography for assessing endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Lyme disease and Ménière's disease.

From an otological standpoint, Lyme disease can manifest itself as Ménière's disease both clinically and electrophysiologically. The aim of this study was to describe the findings of routine clinical, auditory and vestibular tests in patients with Ménière's and Lyme disease and to use electrocochleography (ECoG) to assess the presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in both diseases. Transtympanic ECoG was performed in 91 patients with Ménière's disease and in 11 patients with confirmed Lyme disease. In both diseases the majority of patients had more than one complaint. There was one case with isolated hearing loss in the Lyme disease group. Typical clinical manifestations of Ménière's disease (vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus) were found in 6/11 patients (54.5%) in the Lyme disease group. The ECoG results indicated that there were 65/91 patients (71.4%) with Ménière's disease and 5 patients (45.5%) with Lyme disease who presented with EH. No statistically significant difference was found between the incidence of different symptoms of Ménière's and Lyme disease. On the basis of these results, patients with Lyme disease should undergo careful examination and investigation, especially in endemic regions. The presence of EH does not exclude the presence of infection with borreliosis as a cause of Ménière's disease-like symptoms.

Adult↗

Electrocorticogram spectral analysis and somatosensory evoked potentials as tools to assess electrical stunning efficiency in ducks.

1. Fast Fourier transformations (FFTs) of electrocorticogram (ECoG) signals and averaging of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were used for assessing the impact of electrical stunning of ducks in a waterbath set to deliver a constant current of 150 mA, 600 Hz alternating current (AC) for 4 s. The effectiveness of stunning was determined on the basis of induction of epileptiform activity in the ECoG followed by a decrease in total power content to less than 10% of pre-stun values and abolition of SEPs. 2. One out of 10 birds was killed by the stun. FFT analysis of the ECoG signals of the remaining 9 birds showed that only one bird had a decrease of the total power to less than 10% of the pre-stun values for up to 70 s post-stun. The SEPs were retained in 6 out of 9 ducks and and 4 of them retained the evoked responses throughout the post-stun period. In the two birds showing abolition of SEPs, this was associated with a decrease in the total power content to below 10% of the pre-stun value. 3. The present experiment confirmed that the abolition of SEPs and the decrease of the total power below 10% of the pre-stun value for assessing unconsciousness after an electrical stunning in various species are also applicable to ducks. Based on this, it is concluded that electrical waterbath stunning of ducks using 150 mA of 600 Hz AC is ineffective.

Abattoirs↗

The effect of acute anoxia on the cortical somatosensory evoked potential in the rabbit.

In the course of this study it was found that the functional state of the cortex during anoxic anoxia could be more accurately monitored by the cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (EPs) than by the electrocorticogram (ECoG). Compared with the ECoG, the EPs yield more detailed information. Five different steps may be distinguished in the evolution of EPs; the ECoG, however, exhibits only two (almost trivial) abnormal patterns (epileptic pattern and flat response). Of particular practical interest are the two steps preceding the disappearance of the EPs: (1) a rounding of the P wave accompanied by an increased voltage, followed later by (2) a decrease of the latter. If, at this stage, anoxia is maintained for 20 seconds, then permanent dysfunction is observed, at least during the time interval of the experimentation.

Animals↗

Effects of genetic and nutritional factors on post-natal reflex and behavioral development in the mouse.

The development of a number of reflex activities, of the electrocorticogram (ECoG), and measures of brain and body weight were assessed at different ages from birth to maturity in mice belonging to Swiss-Webster stock and two inbred strains (C57BL/6J and SEC/1Re). The animals also were tested at 60 days of age for exploratory activity and avoidance behavior. These effects of postnatal undernutrition on the measures of reflex and ECoG activity, brain and body weight and avoidance learning were determined at different ages after birth and in adult animals following dietary rehabilitation. Undernutrition during suckling period was introduced by increasing the litter size from 4 pups to 8 or 16 pups per litter. The results indicate that early malnutrition delayed the development of the reflex and ECoG activities and permanently altered brain growth and avoidance learning. The effects were different, depending on the genotype considered. The data indicate that strains characterized by a slower development of brain function do not show early signs of brain malfunction following undernutrition.

Age Factors↗

A phase II study of CI-980 in previously untreated extensive small cell lung cancer: an Ohio State University phase II research consortium study.

CI-980, (ethyl (S)-(5-amino-1,2-dihydro-2-methyl-3-phenylpyrido[3,4-b] pyrazine-7-yl) carbamate 2-hydroxyethansulfonate (1:1)), is a water-soluble mitotic inhibitor. It acts by binding to the colchicine-binding site on tubulin, a site different from that of the vinca alkaloids, inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Cells exposed to CI-980 accumulate in M phase and die. In preclinical tumor models, CI-980 showed a broad spectrum of activity, including in multi-drug resistant tumor cell lines, with activity at least equal to that of vincristine. Extensive small cell lung cancer, despite its responsiveness to chemotherapy, is usually an incurable disease with survival in patients of less than one year. Due to the preclinical activity of CI-980 and its similar mechanism of action to drugs effective in small cell lung cancer, a phase II trial in extensive small cell lung cancer was initiated by The Ohio State University Phase II Research Consortium. A "window of opportunity" design was chosen where a short six-week trial of the drug was given unless there was significant objective response. Twelve patients were entered in the study and underwent a total of 16 cycles of chemotherapy. The median age of the patients was 54 years old (range 34-71) and performance status was ECOG 0 (four patients), ECOG 1 (seven patients), and ECOG 2 (one patient). The patients were treated with a 72-hr infusion at a dose of 4.5 mg/m2/day. Toxicity was predominantly myelosuppression with granulocytopenia (nine episodes), and anemia (seven episodes). There were no objective responses with 11 patients being removed from study due to progressive disease. Evaluation of leukocyte microtubule structure in peripheral blood revealed microtubule depolymerization, which was seen after treatment (t = 72 hr) and was reversible within 24 hr of stopping the drug. We conclude that despite antitumor activity demonstrated in preclinical studies, CI-980 does not have biological activity in previously untreated small cell lung cancer at this dose and infusion protocol.

Adult↗

Repeated cycles with 72-hour continuous infusion interleukin-2 in kidney cancer and melanoma.

While high-dose bolus inpatient interleukin-2 is generally given on 8-week cycles, continuous infusion interleukin-2 could potentially allow for more rapidly repeated cycles. Fourteen (14) patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) of 0 or 1, having either kidney cancer (6) or melanoma (8), have been treated with continuous infusion (CIV) interleukin-2 (IL-2) 18 MIU/m(2)/24 hours for 72 hours. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks up to 4 cycles, then every 3-4 weeks for 2 cycles, then every 6-8 weeks, until progression or intolerable toxicity. All patients received famotidine 20 mg intravenously (i.v.) twice per day during the 72-hour infusions. Patient characteristics included a median ECOG performance status of 1; median age = 63 (range: 25-79); most common metastatic sites: lung (9), bone (5), lymph nodes (5), and the liver (3). No patients with metastatic kidney cancer underwent a nephrectomy prior to interleukin-2. Median number of cycles received = 5 (1-9). No patients required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. There have been no treatment-related deaths. Most common toxicities have been rigors, fever, nausea/emesis, and the reversible elevation of creatinine. One complete response and three partial responses (67% response rate; 95% confidence interval: 30%-90%) have been seen in kidney cancer, and two partial responses (25% response rate; 95% confidence interval: 7%-60%) have occurred in melanoma. Median survival has not been reached at >9+ months. Responding sites include the liver, bone, lung, lymph node and subcutaneous sites. Inpatient 72-hour continuous infusion interleukin-2 at this dose and schedule is well tolerated by patients with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 and has activity in kidney cancer and melanoma.

Adult↗

Activation of electrocorticographic activity with remifentanil and alfentanil during neurosurgical excision of epileptogenic focus.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are known to stimulate surface electroencephalographic activity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The objective of the current study was to compare the electrocorticographic activation effects of the newer short-acting opioid remifentanil with those of alfentanil during epilepsy surgery under general anaesthesia. METHODS: Thirteen patients undergoing temporal lobe epilepsy surgery under general anaesthesia received alfentanil 30 microg kg(-1) and remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) as i.v. boluses in sequence. The design was a randomized double-blind cross-over study. After opening the dura, electrocorticogram (ECoG) electrode contact strips were placed over the temporal and supratemporal neocortex and depth electrodes were inserted in the amygdala and hippocampus. Alfentanil 30 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) were administered randomly in a blinded fashion. The ECoG was recorded continuously before and after the injection of each drug. The interictal epileptiform activity (spikes and sharp waves) above baseline was analysed. RESULTS: Both drugs increased epileptiform activity especially that recorded from depth electrodes in the temporal limbic structures. No epileptiform activity was recorded from the electrodes overlying the supratemporal neocortex before or after drug administration. The more potent activator was alfentanil, which caused an increase in activation from baseline of 99.8% compared with 67.4% for remifentanil. In addition, alfentanil activated the epileptiform activity in 3 patients in which remifentanil had no effect. There were no changes in heart rate after the opioid boluses. Both remifentanil and alfentanil caused significant reductions in blood pressure at 3 and 5 min after administration. CONCLUSION: We conclude that at the doses used in this study, alfentanil is the better opioid for intraoperative activation of the ECoG in neurosurgical patients undergoing resection of a temporal lobe epileptic focus. This pharmacological activation of epileptiform activity assists in localizing and confirming the site of surgical excision. Neither alfentanil nor remifentanil activated epileptiform activity in non-epileptic brain tissue.

Adult↗

Inhibitory neurons in the human epileptogenic temporal neocortex. An immunocytochemical study.

Immunocytochemical methods were used to study alterations in inhibitory neuronal circuits in human neocortex resected during surgical treatment of intractable temporal epilepsy associated or not with brain tumours. The epileptogenic cortex was characterized and divided into spiking or non-spiking zones by intraoperative electrocorticography (ECOG). The resected cortex was cut into blocks, sectioned and stained immunocytochemically for visualization of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the calcium-binding protein, parvalbumin (PV) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). A variety of alterations in cortical neuronal circuits as revealed by immunocytochemical and histological methods were found. Similar alterations in inhibitory neuronal circuits appear to occur independently of the primary epileptogenic site and pathology associated with epilepsy, which suggests that there is possibly a common basic underlying mechanism that leads to seizure activity. These changes were apparently unrelated to ECOG findings at surgery, which bring into question the value of the use of interictal epileptic discharges recorded by ECOG to guide cortical resections. The most conspicuous and common change was the loss of chandelier cells. The finding that these cells are among the most vulnerable types of GABAergic interneurons in the epileptogenic temporal cortex indicates that they might be of great functional importance, since the axon terminals of chandelier cells are likely to exert powerful regulation of impulse generation in cortical pyramidal cells. Therefore, these cells might represent a key component in the aetiology of human epilepsy.

Adolescent↗

Functional mapping of human sensorimotor cortex with electrocorticographic spectral analysis. I. Alpha and beta event-related desynchronization.

Human scalp EEG studies have shown that event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (15-25 Hz) bands may be used to detect functional activation of sensorimotor cortex. However, in most previous studies somatotopy has not been examined in detail and brief, self-paced movements, focusing on the planning of motor output, have been used. We recorded electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals in five clinical subjects during a visual-motor decision task that was designed to activate the representations of different body parts in sensorimotor cortex. To focus more on execution of motor output than on its planning, subjects were instructed to make sustained isometric muscle contractions in different body parts (tongue protrusion, fist-clenching or foot dorsiflexion) in response to randomized visual stimuli depicting each action. ECoG spectral analysis utilized a mixed-effects analysis of variance model in which within-trial temporal dependencies were taken into account, and the magnitude and statistical significance of alpha and beta ERDs were mapped onto a surface rendering of each subject's brain MRI. Cortical electrical stimulation was performed in all subjects for clinical purposes, and the resulting maps of sensorimotor function were compared with those generated by ECoG spectral analysis. During the early phases of the motor responses, alpha ERD commonly occurred in a diffuse spatial pattern that was not somatotopically specific. During the late phases, the spatial pattern of alpha ERD usually became more focused and somatotopically specific. Maps of alpha ERD were closer to cortical stimulation maps when alpha ERD was sustained throughout the late phases of the motor responses. Thus, the topography of alpha ERD more resembled traditional somatotopy when its temporal profile approximated that of the motor response. The topography of beta ERD was often more discrete and somatotopically specific than that of alpha ERD, but beta ERD was often transient and sometimes absent. Sometimes, unilateral limb movement produced sustained alpha and beta ERD over bilateral sensorimotor cortices, with overlapping patterns for different body parts. The topographical spread of alpha ERD beyond expected functional-anatomical boundaries during early (and sometimes late) phases of motor responses invites a re-examination of traditional assumptions about sensorimotor functional neuroanatomy, as well as the role of alpha ERD as an index of cortical activation. We agree with others that the somatotopic representations of different body parts overlap more than previously thought. Also, unilateral limb movements may be associated with both contralateral and ipsilateral activation of sensorimotor cortex. We conjecture that alpha ERD may reflect activity within a broad synaptic network with distributed cortical representations.

Adult↗

Large-dose propofol alone in adult epileptic patients: electrocorticographic results.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiologic effects of large-dose propofol, used as the sole anesthetic in patients with epilepsy. Nine patients with medically intractable complex partial epilepsy undergoing a three-stage approach to the surgical management of epilepsy were recruited. State I involved placement of the intracranial electrode array, while Stage II consisted of extraoperative localization of the seizure focus. The patients were studied during induction of anesthesia for Stage III (removal of electrodes and resection of seizure focus). Unpremedicated patients were induced with a propofol infusion (0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1) until one of the following occurred: 1) electrical seizure activity, 2) burst suppression, or 3) total dose of 10 mg/mg. Electrocorticography (ECoG) was recorded continuously during this period. Two patients were excluded from the study after experiencing delayed awakening after the Stage I procedure. Both had received propofol along with other anesthetics. No ECoG evidence of seizure activity was detected in the seven patients completing the study. Burst suppression was attained in six patients using a mean dose of 5.7 mg/kg +/- 2.6. We conclude that large dose propofol alone does not trigger electrical epileptiform activity on the ECoG of seizure patients.

Adolescent↗

Evidence that L-arginine possesses proconvulsant effects mediated through nitric oxide.

Increasing evidence suggests a neurotransmitter role for NO in the mammalian CNS. We have now studied the behavioural and electrocortical (ECoG) profile of rats injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle (ICV) with L-arginine (L-arg), the endogenous donor of the guanidino group from which NO physiologically originates. Rats treated with L-arg (up to 300 micrograms) showed behavioural stimulation, ECoG desynchronization with occasional isolated high voltage spikes but not motor seizures. In rats receiving a subconvulsive dose (0.5 microgram) of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, (NMDA; ICV) the microinjection of L-arg (300 micrograms; 1 min before) resulted in behavioural and ECoG seizures. The latter effects were prevented by co-administrating L-arg with N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthesis. In conclusion, L-arg possesses proconvulsant effects probably mediated by an increase in NO synthesis.

Animals↗

Suppression of gamma activity in the human medial temporal lobe by sevoflurane anesthesia.

We have reported the presence of continuous gamma (30-150 Hz) activity in the human medial temporal lobe (MTL). Since the MTL is involved in learning and memory, we speculated that MTL gamma activity is related to such higher brain functions. It is thus of interest to learn how this activity changes during different states of consciousness. In this study, we recorded electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity directly from the surface of the MTL after various doses of sevoflurane anesthesia. Five epileptic patients underwent electrode placement operations in which electrodes were attached to the surfaces of the MTL and the basal temporal lobe (BTL). Immediately following the operation ECoG was recorded from each patient under four concentrations of sevoflurane anesthesia (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis was performed on the MTL ECoGs. Under the lowest sevoflurane concentration, MTL gamma activity was observed in all patients. However, gamma activity was progressively suppressed by increased concentrations of sevoflurane, in a dose-dependent manner. Sevoflurane has been known to reduce neuronal excitability in the rat hippocampus in vitro, probably by changing GABAergic inhibition. The reduction of MTL gamma in the present study may be the result of such a mechanism. Although memory function was not tested in this study, the amount of MTL gamma activity may be related to residual memory function during anesthesia.

Adolescent↗

Survival after phase II treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma with taxol or high-dose interleukin-2.

From 1986 to 1989, 71 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma were treated at one institution with either the Phase II agent, taxol, or one of several high dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) protocols. As no responses to taxol were seen, that group may represent the natural history of renal cell carcinoma in a Phase II population. The results of treatment with IL-2 were examined against this background. Concurrently, 17 patients received taxol and 14 patients IL-2. An additional 40 patients subsequently received IL-2. Five taxol patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 2 were excluded from the comparison as similar patients were ineligible for the IL-2 studies. There were more patients in the IL-2 groups with non-liver/lung metastases and ECOG PS 0 than in the taxol group. Six (43%) of concurrent IL-2 patients responded [complete response (CR) = 14%; partial response (PR) = 29%]. The response rate for all IL-2-treated patients was 22% (CR +/- 7%, PR +/- 15%). The response rate to IL-2 was higher in cases with ECOG PS 0, time to treatment < 12 months, and no prior chemotherapy. The median time to progression for the concurrent IL-2 group was 4.5 months (4.0 months for all IL-2 patients) and 2.5 months for taxol patients. Median survival for concurrent IL-2 patients was 12.5 months (12 months for all IL-2 patients) and 10 months for taxol patients. Durable remissions resulted in a 21% overall survival at 40 months for all IL-2 patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Early restitution of electrocorticogram predicts subsequent behavioral recovery from cardiac arrest.

Previous studies have shown that parameters of EEG restitution reflect the severity of global hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Here, the hypothesis is tested that patterns of EEG restitution during the first 4 hours predict later behavioral recovery. Time course and correlations between behavior, electrocorticogram (EcoG), and neuronal injury were investigated in a rodent model of asphyctic cardiac arrest. Forty Wistar rats were subjected to 5 minutes of asphyxia and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Behavior was assessed by repeated scoring of neurodeficits and open field activity until euthanasia at 48 hours. Electrocorticographic bursting occurred at 13.2 +/- 4 minutes after resuscitation. Bursts increased in frequency and duration until the EcoG reverted to a continuous signal. The resuscitation-continuous EcoG interval correlated with the first appearance of spontaneous movements (r = 0.80, P < 0.05). Larger intervals were associated with hyperactivity in the open field at 24 hours (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), indicating a more severe behavioral deficit. Larger intervals were also associated with worse 48-hour neurodeficit scores (P < 0.05). Neuronal damage in the hippocampus correlated with the degree of open field hyperactivity at 14 hours (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate a close temporal and prognostic relationship between electrical and behavioral recovery after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.

Animals↗

Effects of nitrous oxide on spike activity on electrocorticogram under sevoflurane anesthesia in epileptic patients.

We sought to investigate the effects of nitrous oxide on intraoperative electrocorticogram (ECoG) spike activities in 11 patients with intractable epilepsy. Grid electrodes were placed on the brain surface, and ECoG was recorded under the following conditions: 1.5 minimal alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) sevoflurane without nitrous oxide and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane with 50% nitrous oxide. The number of spikes for 5 minutes and the percentage of leads with spikes of total leads measured were assessed in each condition. The median numbers (25-75th) of spikes without and with nitrous oxide were 127 (87-368) and 61 (43-247), respectively. The numbers of spikes with nitrous oxide were significantly lower than those without nitrous oxide (P<0.05). The median percentages of leads with spikes without and with nitrous oxide were 68 (25-81) and 61 (28-70), respectively, and there were no significant differences in percentages of leads with spikes between the conditions. These results indicate that nitrous oxide attenuated the frequency of spikes on ECoG in epileptic patients, although it did not affect the extent of areas with spike activity.

Adult↗

Paraneoplastic signs and symptoms of renal cell carcinoma: implications for prognosis.

PURPOSE: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can present with a wide range of signs and symptoms. To our knowledge we report the first study to describe the frequency of paraneoplastic findings in a modern RCC series and assess the prognostic significance of each finding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the kidney cancer database at our institution 1,046 patients undergoing nephrectomy for RCC between 1989 and 2001 were assessed. The prognostic significance of symptoms present at diagnosis and findings on preoperative laboratory evaluation were examined in a univariate analysis as well as on multivariate analysis controlling for TNM stage, Fuhrman grade and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS). RESULTS: Mean followup to date of death or last contact for all patients was 40.3 months. Median time to death was 19.3 months. Most paraneoplastic signs and symptoms correlated with poor survival, although on multivariate analysis hypoalbuminemia, weight loss, anorexia and malaise predicted shorter survival. The frequency of each of these findings was 19.9%, 22.9%, 10.6% and 19.1%, respectively. Cachexia, defined as the presence of at least 1 of these findings, was noted in 35.3% of patients. Cachexia did not predict a higher recurrence rate in patients with localized disease and only malaise correlated with a decreased likelihood of responding to immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Cachexia, defined as hypoalbuminemia, weight loss, anorexia or malaise, predicts worse survival after controlling for well established indicators of prognosis (TNM stage, Fuhrman grade and ECOG-PS). Consideration should be given to expanding the ECOG-PS to include measures for cachexia when applied to patients with RCC.

Analysis of Variance↗

Multi-institutional validation of a symptom based classification for renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We validate the prognostic value of a symptom based classification (S classification) in a multi-institutional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,242 patients from 5 European centers were included in this study. Based on symptoms at diagnosis, patients were stratified into 3 groups of S1-asymptomatic tumors, S2-tumors with local symptoms and S3-tumors with systemic symptoms. Variables such as age, gender, tumor size, TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, perinephric fat, renal vein and adrenal invasion were also considered for prognostic value. The end point of the study was cancer specific survival. Survival assessment was made with univariate and multivariate analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the patients 1,018 (45.4%) were classified as S1, 865 (38.6%) S2 and 339 (16.0%) S3. The S classification correlated to tumor stage, grade and ECOG (p <0.001). On univariate analysis ECOG performance status, S classification, tumor size, TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, and adrenal, perinephric fat or vein invasion were significant prognostic factors (p <0.001). The S classification provided a significant prognostic stratification in the aggregate as well at each of the 5 centers. On multivariate analysis the S classification, TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, and perinephric fat and renal vein invasion remained independent prognostic factors (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that it is possible to graduate symptoms for a prognostic purpose. The proposed symptom score should be evaluated for its integration in prognostic algorithms.

Adolescent↗

p53 is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence and progression after nephrectomy in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We determined which clinical and molecular variables can predict cancer recurrence in patients following surgical management for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a custom kidney cancer tissue microarray containing tumors specimens from 350 patients 193 undergoing nephrectomy for localized RCC at our institution between 1989 and 2000 were identified. The array was then analyzed by immunohistochemistry for certain molecular markers, namely CA9, CA12, Ki67, gelsolin, p53, EpCAM, pTEN and vimentin. The medical records of these patients were then reviewed for age, sex, TNM stage, tumor size, nuclear grade, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, recurrence status and, when applicable, time to recurrence. Cox regression analyses were done to determine clinical and molecular predictors of time to tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Of the patients 15% demonstrated evidence of tumor recurrence following nephrectomy (29 of 193). Univariate Cox regression demonstrated that tumor size, T stage, grade, ECOG performance status, Ki67, EpCAM and p53 were significantly associated with recurrence (p <0.05). A multivariate Cox regression model showed that T stage (p = 0.018), ECOG (p = 0.004) and p53 (p = 0.003) were the 3 most significant predictors. p53 expression correlated significantly with nuclear grade (Pearson correlation 0.22, p = 0.023) but not with any other clinical factors. Patients with localized tumors demonstrating mean p53 staining values above and below 20% of cells had recurrence rates of 37.7% and 14.4%, respectively (RR = 3.28, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: p53 is a significant molecular predictor of tumor recurrence, as identified in patients undergoing treatment for localized RCC.

Adult↗