Showing papers by "American Cancer Society published in 1986"

Mortality experience of amosite asbestos factory workers: dose-response relationships 5 to 40 years after onset of short-term work exposure.

Abstract: A cohort of 820 men in a Paterson, New Jersey, amosite asbestos factory which began work during 1941–1945 was observed from 5 to 40 years after start of work. Most of the cohort had limited duration of work experience (days, weeks, months), though some men worked for several years until the factory closed in 1954. With white males of New Jersey as the control population, Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) of 500 are evident for the cohort for lung cancer and for noninfectious pulmonary diseases (including asbestosis), while being almost 300 for total cancer and about 170 for all causes of death. A statistically significant SMR of almost 200 is seen for colon-rectum cancer. Mesothelioma incidence initially shows a strong relationship with advancing time since onset of exposure and then tails off. The main concern of the study is with dose-response patterns. Response is measured by the mortality for relevant causes of death, while the direct asbestos dosage was measured in two ways. One way was the length of time worked in the factory and the other was the individual's accumulated fiber exposure, calculated by multiplying the aforementioned length of time worked by the estimated fiber exposures associated with the particular job that the worker had in the factory. Whichever measure of dosage is used, it was found that, in general, the lower the dose, the longer it took for adverse mortality to become evident and, also, the smaller the magnitude of that adverse mortality.

Complete Tumor Ablation With Iodine 131-Radiolabeled Disialoganglioside GD2-Specific Monoclonal Antibody Against Human Neuroblastoma Xenografted in Nude Mice

Abstract: The antibody 3F8, an IgG3 murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against disialoganglioside GD2, could target iodine-131 (131I) to established subcutaneous human neuroblastoma (NB) xenografts in BALB/c nude mice. 131I-radiolabeled MoAb (0.125-1 mCi) was injected iv. Tumor radioactivity over time was calculated from scintigraphy, and radiation dose to individual tumors was calculated. Tumor shrinkage occurred only with 131I-labeled 3F8, but not with nonradioactive 3F8 or radiolabeled irrelevant antibody. While the tumor of the control mice enlarged by tenfold, the treated tumor showed over 95% shrinkage by 12 days. Both the rate of shrinkage and duration of tumor response were dose dependent. Calculated doses of more than 10,000 rad could be achieved. Only those tumors that received more than 4,200 rad were completely ablated without recurrence. Recurrent tumors were not antigen negative or radioresistant. These results confirmed the prediction based on imaging studies that human NB xenografts could be effectively eradicated with the use of 131I-labeled MoAb 3F8 with tolerable toxicities.

Overweight and mortality.

Abstract: Mortality ratios by relative weight categories compared to average weights were computed for 750,000 men and women. Data came from the American Cancer Society's prospective study, conducted in 1960-1972. Males who were 40% or more overweight had a mortality ratio of 1.87 for all causes of death. The ratio in women was 1.89. High mortality ratios were also observed in overweight men and women who died of coronary heart disease, diabetes and digestive diseases. The mortality ratio for cancer in obese men was 1.33; 1.55 for obese women. Sites with high mortality ratios in obese males were colon-rectum and prostate; in women, endometrium (about 5 times as high as for average weights); cervix (2 times as high), gall bladder (3.5 times), ovary (mortality ratio of 1.6) and breast cancer (mortality ratio of 1.5).

A clinical trial of Fluosol DA 20% in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Abstract: Fluosol DA 20% (Fluosol) enhances the response of several rodent tumors to radiation and oxygen. This is a Phase I/II study of Fluosol and oxygen breathing in the radiation treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Fifteen patients with Stage III/IV tumors entered and completed this trial. Patients received 1.8 Gy/fraction to 45 Gy, at which time the spinal cord was shielded and gross disease was carried to 68-72 Gy. 8 ml/kg (11 patients) or 9 ml/kg (4 patients) Fluosol was infused prior to the first fraction each week for the first 5 weeks. All patients inspired 100% oxygen before and during the initial 25 fractions. The infusions were well-tolerated. Four acute reactions that responded to diphenhydramine or steroids were observed in the 75 infusions. 8/15 patients exhibited liver function abnormalities of 2-3X normal which fell after therapy was discontinued. Normal mucosal reactions were enhanced despite the 1.8 Gy fraction size. 10/15 patients required at least one treatment break: the mean dose achieved before the break was 35 Gy. Tumor clearance was also accelerated. Thirteen patients had primary tumor clearance, but one had a local recurrence. Ten had primary and nodal clearance and 2/3 with nodal persistence had salvage surgery with fibrosis only at pathologic review. One patient, locally controlled, developed distant metastases. Thus, 10/15 patients are NED, but followup time is short.

Failure patterns in gynecologic cancer

Abstract: In reviewing the literature on the patterns of failure in gynecologic malignancies, it is essential to define the type of recurrence resulting from the treatment program pursued. Categorizing them into local recurrences, marginal recurrences, parametrial recurrences, periaortic lymph node recurrences, abdominal recurrences, and distant metastatic disease become an important part in the design of new treatment programs in management. Most recurrences are actually the result of persistent disease. Therefore, the full extent of disease at the time of initial presentation should be determined. Pre-treatment surgical exploration obviously defines more precisely the tumor extent than does clinical stage alone. Samples of retroperitoneal abdominal lymph nodes in cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer have shown more frequent involvement than previously suspected.

Asbestosis: interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and pleural fibrosis in a cohort of asbestos insulation workers: influence of cigarette smoking.

Abstract: A cohort of 1,117 asbestos insulation workers was established in 1963 and has been prospectively followed since then. Chest X-ray abnormalities detected at the initial medical examination, and interpreted according to the International Labour Office Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses are reported in this paper. The prevalence of all radiographic abnormalities (pleural and pulmonary) increased with duration from onset of asbestos exposure. A positive smoking history was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of small irregular opacities indicating interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Such an association was not found for pleural fibrosis. The possible mechanisms which underlie the effect of smoking on asbestos-induced interstitial fibrosis seem to be of much less importance in the development of pleural fibrosis. Progression of radiographic changes over the 20-year interval 1963-1983 will be separately reported as will the predictive significance of these changes.

Chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. Comparison of cisplatin + vinblastine + bleomycin versus methotrexate.

Abstract: One hundred ninety-one patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck origin were allocated at random to chemotherapy with conventional-dose weekly intravenous methotrexate or the combination of cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin. Methotrexate induced responses in 16 of 98 patients (16%), whereas 22 of 92 (24%) responded to the combination regimen (P = not significant). Remission duration (20.2 weeks methotrexate; 15.1 weeks combination) was similar on both arms, as was survival (31.4 weeks methotrexate; 29.0 weeks combination). Therapy was relatively well-tolerated on both treatment arms, although methotrexate produced more mucositis and the combination more gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Response to chemotherapy and disease confined to the locoregional area were associated with somewhat longer survival. Combination chemotherapy as given in this study did not improve any observed parameter, and the results of treatment were poor in both arms.

125Iodine implantation after lymphadenectomy in early carcinoma of the prostate.

Abstract: The interim results of planned lymphadenectomy and 125Iodine implantation for carcinoma of the prostate in 122 patients are reported. The incidence of positive pelvic lymph nodes found at lymphadenectomy ranged from 15% in A-2 to 55% in B-2 lesions, as well as in 13% of well-differentiated tumors. Poorly differentiated histology, B-2 and D-1 tumors, had early treatment failure indicating a group of patients in whom this procedure is contraindicated. Occult disease (A-2) and well-differentiated tumors do not exhibit early failure. However, these patients will also fare well with radical external radiation or prostatectomy. The radiobiology of the low dose rate continuous irradiation of 125Iodine is questioned. It may be inadequate for long-term tumor control. Longer follow-up of this series may indicate that external radiation for clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate is the most effective treatment policy.

Estimation of exposure to Agent Orange and other defoliants among American troops in Vietnam: a methodological approach.

Abstract: Two pivotal problems in determining whether exposure to herbicides has caused disease in Vietnam veterans or their offspring are definition of which troops were exposed and extent of exposure. The DoD HERBS tape is the most complete publicly available record of herbicide spraying in Vietnam. It contains about 17,000 records consisting of coordinates of spray missions, dates, chemical agent, quantity and area sprayed, and mission purpose. We have developed a set of discrete and continuous indexes of probability of exposure to herbicides for individual veterans. These probability indexes are based on HERBS tape spray data and on locations and dates of service derived from a place-and-date matrix completed by the veteran. They can take into account a conservative estimate of environmental persistence of herbicide by using first-order exponential decay kinetics with an estimated half-life of dioxin. Mean values for the continuous exposure probability indexes were significantly greater among veterans judged to be exposed according to self-reported job titles and specific military experiences than among men judged unlikely to have been exposed. Probabilistic exposure indexes based on the HERBS tape for classification of likely exposure to herbicides in South Vietnam during 1965–1971 appear to be well suited for comparative classification of veterans and hence for use in epidemiologic studies.

The laser in surgery. A 23 year perspective.

Abstract: Clinically silent malignant tumor recurrence or metastasis can be treated by laser resection or vaporization as well as by a second-look procedure suggested by an increasing level of carcinoembryonic antigen. Laser resection enables surgeons to resect multiple small metastases that would not normally be resectable. The surgical limitations of each laser unit and each wavelength must be identified. The laser is now used by gynecologists, neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, and oncologic surgeons to rapidly and precisely resect or vaporize tissues and, in some cases, to extend tumor-free survival. Twenty-three years after its first experimental use, the laser has established itself as an important surgical tool.

Clinical findings among asbestos workers in U.S.: influence of cigarette smoking.

Abstract: All members of a large union were invited to participate in a study of potentially adverse effects of asbestos exposure. Clinical findings among 1,117 workers (90% of those eligible for examination) are presented in this study. Cough was much less common among those without a history of cigarette smoking, although duration from onset of employment did not appreciably affect the prevalence of cough among the smokers. Rhonchi present among nonsmokers were limited in extent, but were marked and diffuse among cigarette smokers. Although dyspnea was as prevalent among nonsmokers as in smokers forty years and more after onset of exposure, it was relatively uncommon and found only among smokers when examined shortly after onset of exposure. Cigarette smoking had less influence on the prevalence of râles among asbestos workers; both smokers and nonsmokers showed this finding when examined 30 years and more after onset of asbestos exposure. Analysis of powerhouse work experience and mask use as possible confounders indicated no difference in prevalence of these characteristics between the smokers and nonsmokers.

The professional education program of the american cancer society

Abstract: The American Cancer Society is the major organization that provides cancer education to health professionals in the United States. This is implemented not only by the National Office but through 58 Divisions and over 3000 local Units. Objectives for professional education emphasize informing physicians and the multiple disciplines of health professionals engaged in primary care about cancer detection and prevention, particularly for breast, lung, colon, rectal, and cervical cancers. A plan is now being developed for a professional education program to the year 2000. Cancer control programs sponsored or planned by the Society include the Colorectal Health CHECK program, Smoke Free Young America, Breast Cancer Detection Awareness, and Cancer Risk Reduction. These programs demonstrate an effective partnership between professionals and lay volunteers. The Society also offers Clinical Fellowships, Medical and Nursing Professorships, and Nursing Scholarships to further professional education. National ...

Evaluating personal income from internships

Abstract: Graduate students contemplating an instructional design internship should consider not only what they have to offer an organization but what they want to take away from the experience. Current literature on this topic focuses on the mutual benefits of internships for both the business and academic communities. This paper concentrates solely on the benefits to the individual interns which may be described as three kinds of personal income: financial, experiential, and psychological incomes. A group of former and current interns were interviewed and were asked to give their opinion on the three incomes. Then they were asked to evaluate the importance of each income, both before and after their internship. Interviews revealed some trends in how participants described the three incomes and indicated that an internship itself may precipitate a shift in how one rates the importance of each. In order to help prospective interns assess what they want from a position, a checklist of questions to consider is included.