Fenticonazole: A Clinical Trial: Fenticonazol: Ein klinischer Versuch

Summary: The activity of Fenticonazole against dermatophytes and pathogenic yeasts was studied. 46 patients affected by superficial mycoses have been treated by 2% Fenticonazole cream for time periods ranging from 13 to 28 days. Complete cure was obtained in 76.1% of cases; no symptoms of both local and general intolerance have been registered.
Zusammenfassung: Die Wirkung von Fenticonazol gegen Dermatophyten und pathogene Hefen wurde untersucht. 46 Patienten mit oberflächlichen Mykosen wurden mit 2% Fenticonazol Creme über 13 bis 28 Tage behandelt. Bei 76,1% der Patienten wurde komplette Abheilung erreicht. Lokale oder generelle Intoleranzerscheinungen wurden nicht beobachtet.     

Review: Lasers: Reflections on their evolution

A review of the past 22 years of laser applications shows that a great deal of progress has been made. It allows one to see the evolution of laser therapy, compare it with other modalities used in surgical oncology, and identify certain program that merit clinical trial. Use of lasers in surgical oncology began with a laser knife. Tissues were divided and removed with the focused beam of the CO₂ laser, which replaced the scalpel previously used to perform surgical procedures. Later, the Nd:YAG laser was used in hollow visci such as the trachea and esophagus to open obstructed passages and possibly to cure many cancers. The operating microscope was used in the larynx to remove benign and malignant lesions, and for obstructing lesions to provide time to treat medical complications by reopening airway passages, and to add irradiation and/or chemotherapy preoperatively. Many times the Nd:YAG laser was used gastroscopically to treat bleeding or obstruction. Cytoreduction by laser made surgery or chemotherapy, or both, plausible. Addition of the sapphire tip and, later, the bare or sculptured fiber increased the variety of procedures possible with the Nd:YAG laser. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses various drugs that are localized in cancer cells. The cancer is then destroyed by laser emissions of the proper wavelength. One of the problems with PDT is getting the light to the tumor. Preactivation is addressed in this report. The problems associated with anaerobic tumors are discussed and suggestions for clinical trials offered. Laser hyperthermia is compared with induced hyperthermia as well as in combination with irradiation. Protocols of local laser hyperthermia combined with irradiation need further exploration. This review addresses the use of lasers in the destruction of tumor cells for bone marrow transplant and several old and new experiments used to block the AIDS virus. Finally, ongoing research is discussed, including the present and future roles of lasers. J. Surg. Oncol. 64:84–92 © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Natural killer cells: Artifact to reality:

Summary The biology of the natural killer cell system is being investigated by many different laboratories using multiple approaches. The rationale for these investigations is the experimental evidence that NK cells play some role in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, convey some protective immunity and may be operative in control of differentiation from fetal life to adulthood. Thus, a survey of the literature reveals a multiplicity of studies examining many of these potential roles for NK cells. This review will attempt to summarize some of the findings critical to an understanding of the role NK cells play in immunophysiology and in immune reactions to various diseases. Even after ten years of study, the whole system of natural reactivity remains difficult to define. The evidence available would indicate that the NK system while incompletely understood, may be manipulated in favor of the host when threatened by infectous or neoplastic disorders.     

Review: Breast-conserving treatment: Controversies and consensus

Although breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is an accepted alternative for the treatment of breast cancer, numerous controversies surround the selection criteria and the treatment details. A review of the literature revealed that patient selection is of critical importance. However, there is disagreement over the relative importance of some of the criteria for patient selection. A wide excision is preferable to a less complete excision (tumorectomy) or a more radical excision (quadrantectomy). Accurate assessment of surgical margins is important. The risk of local recurrence may be diminished if a re-excision is performed to obtain tumor-free margins. However, the suitability and practicality of the techniques used to assess the resection margins have been questioned. Radiotherapy is an integral part of BCT. Surgery alone remains an investigational approach. Axillary dissection remains a reliable method of assessing nodal status and treating regional disease. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Update: molecular radiotherapy: survey and current status

Molecular radiotherapy (MRT) is founded on the ability to identify or synthesize radionuclide carriers that recognize and bind to tumor-associated target molecules. Advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer and other diseases have identified molecules and signaling pathways that we can now visualize, in vivo, for diagnosis, staging, and to identify optimal therapy and monitor patient response to therapy. These advances have also helped identify targets for MRT, making it possible to target radiation at the cellular and molecular level. MRT is typically administered systemically, intracavitary, or locoregional administration has also been examined. In contrast to chemotherapy, wherein all proliferating cells are affected, MRT delivers radiation to only those cells that express cancer markers.