XPC基因Ala499Val、Lys939Gln多态与食管癌、贲门癌发病风险的关联

背景与目的：XPC基因参与核苷酸切除修复,该基因存在单核苷酸多态性（SNP）位点,并可能通过SNP位点碱基的改变影响其修复能力及疾病易感性。本研究旨在探讨XPC基因第8外显子Ala499Val及第15外显子Lys939G1nSNP与河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区-磁县和涉县人群食管鳞状细胞癌（esophageal sguamous cell carcinoma,ESCC）和贲门腺癌（gastric cardiac adenocorcinoma,GCA）遗传易感性的关系。方法：采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR—RFLP）分析方法检测327例ESCC患者、253例GCA患者和612名健康对照的XPC基因第8外显子Ala499Val及第15外显子Lys939Gln SNP的基因型。结果：ESCC患者组、GCA患者组上消化道肿瘤家族史阳性个体比例明显高于对照组,上消化道肘t瘤家族史可增加ESCC、GCA的发病风险（经性别和年龄校正后的OR=1．76和1．77．95％CI=1．34～2．32和1．31～2．39）.ESCC患者组和对照组的XPC基因第8外显子C、T等位基因频率及C／C、C／T、T／T基因型分布差异均无显著性（P〉0．05）。GCA患者组T等位基因频率（26．5％）显著低于对照组（32．5％）,两组相比差异有显著性（x^2=6．12,P=0．01）;与C／C基因型相比,携带C／T基因型可显著降低GCA的发病风险（OR=0．62,95％CI=0．45～0．84）。根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤家族史进行分层分析发现,与C／C基因型相比,携带C／T基因型可显著降低吸烟个体和家族史阴性个体GCA的发病风险（OR均等于0．57,95％CI=0．36～0．91和0．37～0．88）。在ESCC、GCA患者组和对照组之间,XPC第15外显子A、C等位基因频率及A／A、A／C、C／C基因型分布差异均无显著性（P〉0．05）。根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤家族史进行分层分析发现,与A／A基因型相比,携带C／C基因型可显著增加非吸烟个体ESCC的发病风险（OR=2．05,95％CI=1．15～3．66）。单体型分析显示,A／T、A／C、C／T、C／C四种单体型,在ESCC患者组与对照组之间分布差异无显著性（P〉0．05）;在GCA患者组与对照组之间分布差异有显著性（P=0．02）。与A／T单体型相比,携带A／C、C／C单体型可显著增加GCA的发病风险（OR=1．35和1．46,95％CI=1．01～1．81和1．06～2．00）。结论：在河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区一磁县和涉县人群中,携带XPC基因第8外显子C／T基因型可能明显降低GCA的发病风险;第15外显子Lys939Gln SNP可能与ESCC、GCA的发病风险无关,但分层分析发现携带第15外显子C／C基因型可能增加非吸烟个体ESCC的发病风险;携带A／C、C／C单体型可能增加GCA的发病风险。     

XPD基因单核苷酸多态性与食管鳞状细胞癌、贲门腺癌发病风险的关联研究

目的：探讨DNA修复基因XPD第10外显子Asp312Asn及第23外显子Lys751Gln单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区磁县和涉县人群食管鳞状细胞癌（ESCC）、贲门腺癌（GCA）发病风险的关系。方法：采用聚合酶链反应．限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）分析方法检测327例ESCC患者、253例GCA患者和612例健康对照的XPD基因第10外显子Asp312Asn及第23外显子Lys751Gln的SNP基因型，并比较不同基因型以及单体型与ESCC、GCA发病风险的关系。结果：ESCC、GCA患者组中消化道肿瘤家族史阳性个体比例明显高于对照组，上消化道肿瘤家族史可增加ESCC、GCA的发病风险（经性别、年龄、吸烟状况校正后的OR=1．80和1．75，95％CI=1．36～2．38和1．29～2．36）。根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤家族史进行分层分析发现，与A／A基因型相比，携带C等位基因（A／C或C／C基因型）可显著降低非吸烟个体GCA的发病风险（经性别、年龄和上消化道肿瘤家族史校正后的OR=0．50，95％CI=0．26～0．98）。结论：XPD基因Asp312Asn、Lys751Gln SNP可能与河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区磁县和涉县人群ESCC、GCA的发病风险无关，但分层分析发现携带第23外显子A／C或C／C基因型可能降低非吸烟个体GCA的发病风险。     

XPC 基因多态性与食管鳞状细胞癌、贲门腺癌的发病风险

 目的 探讨DNA修复基因XPC第9内含子PAT＋／-和第15外显子A2920C单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区磁县和涉县人群食管鳞状细胞癌（ESCC）和贲门腺癌（GCA）遗传易感性的关系。方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）分析方法检测327名ESCC患者、253名GCA患者和612名健康对照个体的XPC基因第9内含子PAT＋／-及第15外显子A2920C SNP的基因型，比较各组间等位基因及基因型频率的分布。结果 XPC基因第9内含子PAT＋／-和第15外显子A2920C的基因型及等位基因型频率在ESCC患者组、GCA患者组和对照组之间，其总体分布均无显著性差异（P〉0．05）。根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤家族史分层分析发现，与A／A基因型比较，携带C／C基因型可能增加非吸烟个体ESCC的发病风险（经性别、年龄和上消化道肿瘤家族史校正后的OR=2．09，95％CI=1．14～3．81）。结论 XPC基因第15外显子C／C基因型可能是影响河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区磁县和涉县非吸烟人群ESCC发病风险的因素之一。     

XRCC5基因多态性与高发区食管癌、贲门癌遗传易感性的相关性

背景与目的:XRCC5为DNA双链断裂修复基因,其表达异常、活性紊乱与肿瘤的发生和发展密切相关.本研究旨在探讨XRCC5基因多态性与河北省食管癌高发区一磁、涉县人群食管鳞状细胞癌(esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,ESCC)和贲门腺癌(gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma,GCA)遗传易感性的关系.方法:采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测329例ESCC患者、255名GCA患者和631例健康对照人群XRCC5 C74468A、G74582A单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphisms,SNP)的基因型分布.结果:XRCC5基因C74468A C和A的等位基因频率及C/C、A/C、A/A基因型频率在ESCC、GCA及对照组之间差异无显著性(P＞0.05).根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤(UGIC)家族史分层分析发现,携带A等位基因(A/C A/A基因型)可能降低上消化道肿瘤阳性家族史人群的ESCC、GCA发病风险(经性别、年龄和吸烟校正后的OR分别为0.58和0.61,95%CI分别为0.38～0.90和0.38～0.97).XRCC5 G74582A基因G、A等位基因频率及鞍A/A、A/G、G/G基因型频率在ESCC、GCA及对照组之间亦差异无显著性(P＞0.05).分层分析发现,携带G等位基因(A/G G/G基因型)可能降低上消化道肿瘤阳性家族史人群的GCA发病风险(经性别、年龄和吸烟校正后的OR为0.63,95%CI为0.40～0.98).两多态性位点联合分析显示,ESCC、GCA患者与健康对照组的单体型分布差异也无显著性(P＞0.05).结论:XRCC5 C74468A A等位基因(A/C A/A基因型)可能降低磁县和涉县上消化道肿瘤阳性家族史人群的ESCC、GCA发病风险.而G74582A G等位基因(A/G G/G基因型)可能仅降低该地区上消化道肿瘤阳性家族史人群的GCA发病风险.     

RASSF1基因单核苷酸多态性与食管癌的发病风险

目的:探讨RASSF1基因第三外显子G133T和第六外显子A315G单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与陕西地区汉族人群食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)易感性的关系.方法:采用基于人群的病例对照研究,聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测120例ESCC和122例健康对照个体RASSF1基因多态位点的基因型频率分布,比较不同基因型与ESCC发生风险的关系.结果:RASSF1基因G133T多态的T等位基因频率和A315G多态的G等基因频率在ESCC患者组分别为17.5%和23.8%,显著高于健康对照组的6.1%和11.9%.根据个体吸烟状况进行分层分析发现,携带G/T基因型或T等位基因(G/T+T/T基因型)和携带A/G基因型或G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可显著增加吸烟个体ESCC的发病风险,经性别、年龄、GIC家族史校正后的OR值分别为11.7和5.02(95%CI=3.95-34.9和2.09-12.06).GIC家族史分层分析发现,携带G/T基因型或T等位基因(G/T+T/T基因型)和A/G基因型可显著增加GIC家族史阳性个体和GIC家族史阴性个体ESCC的发病风险, 经性别、年龄、吸烟状况校正后的OR值为5.08和3.51(95%CI=1.85-13.92和1.69-7.21).结论:携带RASSF1基因G133T多态的T等位基因(G/T+T/T基因型)可能显著增加陕西地区人群ESCC的发病风险.携带RASSF1基因A315G多态的G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可能显著增加陕西地区人群ESCC的发病风险.     

53BP1和p53基因多态性与食管鳞癌、贲门腺癌遗传易感性的关系

背景与目的:p53结合蛋白1(53BP1)可通过增强p53的转录活性,而在肿瘤抑制方面发挥重要作用.在53BP1的启动子区-885 bp处存在着T到G的单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphism,SNP).本实验探讨53BP1T885G基因多态性以及p53 Arg72Pro的多态性与中国河北高发区人群食管鳞癌(esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,ESCC)和贲门腺癌(gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma,GCA)遗传易感性的关系.方法:应用引物引入限制性内切酶分析-聚合酶链反应(primer-introduced restriction analysis-polymerase chain reaction,PIRA-PCR)方法.分析624例患者(其中ESCC 349例,GCA 275例)和635例健康对照者的53BP1 T885G和p53 Arg72Pro的基因型.结果:53BP1 T885G基因型分布在总体ESCC、GEA病例组与健康对照组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).根据吸烟状况和上消化道肿瘤(upper gastrointestinal cancer,UGIC)家族史分层分析显示,T885G基因型分布在病例组与健康对照组差异亦无统计学意义(P＞0.05).与Arg/Arg基因型相比,携带p53 Arg72Pro Pro/Pro基因型可降低总体GCA的发病风险,经性别、年龄、吸烟状况和UGIC家族史多因素校正后的OR值为0.79(95% CI=0.64～0.98);分层分析显示Pro/Pro基因型主要降低非吸烟组GCA的发病风险,校正后的OR值为0.72(95% CI=0.54～0.97).未发现p53Arg72Pro 对ESCC发病风险的影响.53BP1 T885G和p53 Arg72Pro 联合分析显示,在携带Pro等位基因(Arg/Pro Pro/Pro基因型)者中,同时携带T885G的G/G基因型可降低GCA的发病风险.校正后的OR值为0.74(95%CI=0.57～0.95).结论:53BP1 T885G位点可能与中国河北高发区ESCC、GCA的遗传易感性无关,p53 Arg72Pro的Pro/Pro 基因型可降低高发区GCA的发病风险.同时携带Pro等位基因(Arg/Pro Pro/Pro基因型)和53BP1 T885G的G/G基因型可降低高发区GCA的发病风险.     

E-钙粘蛋白基因多态性与食管癌、贲门癌的关系

背景与目的:E-钙粘蛋白(E-cadherin,CDH1)是钙粘蛋白家族中的一个成员,与肿瘤侵袭转移密切相关。该基因启动子区存在的多态性位点可通过改变转录活性而影响该蛋白的表达。本研究旨在探讨该基因启动子区C-160A和G-347GA单核苷多态性(single nucleotide polym orphism,SNP)与中国北方人食管鳞状细胞癌(esophagealsquam ous cellcarcinom a,ESCC)、贲门腺癌(gastric cardiacadenocarcinom a,GCA)易感性和淋巴结转移的关系。方法:采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(polym erase chain reaction-restrictionfragm entlength polym orphism,PCR-RFLP)分析方法检测333名ESCC患者、239名GCA患者和343名健康对照的CDH1C-160A及G-347GA SNP的基因型。结果:CDH1C-160A及G-347GA SNP的基因型及等位基因型分布在总体ESCC患者、GCA患者和健康对照中无显著性差异(P=0.08)。根据吸烟状况及上消化道肿瘤家族史分层分析及淋巴结转移状况的分析也未发现CDH1SNPs对ESCC和GCA发病及淋巴结转移的影响。然而,与G-347GA G/G基因型相比,携带GA等位基因(G/GA GA/GA基因型)可显著增加GCA患病风险,经性别、年龄校正后的OR值为1.45(95%CI=1.03～2.04)。应用EH软件分析显示,CDH1单体型分布在ESCC患者组和健康对照组存在显著性差异     

食管癌、贲门癌易感性与白细胞介素10基因启动子区多态性

目的研究白细胞介素10(IL-10)基因启动子区G-1082A和C-592A单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与高发区涉县人群食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)和贲门腺癌(GCA)易感性的关系。方法采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测了涉县203例ESCC、152例GCA患者和443例健康对照个体IL-10G-1082A和C-592A SNP的基因型,比较各组间等位基因及基因型频率的分布。结果吸烟与ESCC和GCA的风险性经年龄和性别校正OR(95%CI)值分别为1.88(1.29~2.74)和2.89(1.86~4.48),上消化道肿瘤家族史与ESCC和GCA的风险性经年龄和性别校正OR(95%CI)值分别为1.84(1.28~2.66)和2.92(1.89~4.53),二者均显著增加患ESCC和GCA的风险性。ESCC、GCA患者IL-10G-1082A和C-592ASNP的基因型及等位基因频率分布与健康对照组相比无显著性差异(均P>0.05)。在IL-10-1082位点中,相对于A/A基因型,A/G和G/G基因型相加并没有增加ESCC和GCA的发病风险,经年龄和性别校正OR(95%CI)值分别为1.05(0.53~1.73)和1.22(0.44~2.01)。在IL-10-592位点中,相对于A/A基因型,A/C和C/C基因型相加也没有增加ESCC和GCA的发病风险,经年龄和性别校正OR(95%CI)值分别为1.13(0.95~1.35)和1.04(0.71~1.54)。两多态性位点联合分析显示,ESCC、GCA患者与健康对照组的单体型分布也无显著性差异(均P>0.05)。结论本研究未发现IL-10基因启动子区G-1082A及C-592A多态性与涉县人群ESCC和GCA的易感性有关。     

RASSF1基因SNP与陕西地区结直肠癌发病风险关系的研究

目的:探讨RASSF1基因第三外显子G133T和第六外显子A315G单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与陕西地区汉族人群结直肠癌(CRC)易感性的关系。方法:采用基于人群的病例对照研究,聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测61例CRC和122例健康对照个体RASSF1基因多态位点的基因型频率分布,比较不同基因型与CRC发生风险的关系。结果:RASSF1基因G133T多态的T等位基因频率在CRC患者组为24.6%,显著高于健康对照组的6.1%(P=0.00)。与G/G基因型相比,携带G/T基因型的个体CRC的发病风险显著增加,经性别、年龄、吸烟状况、GIC家族史校正后的OR值为2.33(95%CI=1.05-5.15)。RASSF1基因A315G多态的G等位基因频率在CRC患者组为25.4%,显著高于健康对照组的11.9%(P=0.00)。根据个体吸烟状况进行分层分析发现,与A/A基因型相比,携带A/G基因型和G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可显著增加吸烟个体CRC的发病风险,经性别、年龄、GIC家族史校正后的OR值为4.5(95%CI=1.65-12.28)。根据GIC家族史进行分层分析发现,与A/A基因型相比,携带A/G基因型或G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可显著增加GIC家族史阳性个体CRC的发病风险,经性别、年龄、吸烟状况校正后的OR值为3.78(95%CI=1.39-10.19)。结论:携带RASSF1基因G133T多态的T等位基因(G/T+T/T基因型)可能显著增加陕西地区人群CRC的发病风险。携带RASSF1基因A315G多态的G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可能显著增加陕西地区人群CRC的发病风险。分层分析发现,G等位基因(A/G+G/G基因型)可能显著增加吸烟个体和GIC家族史阳性个体CRC的发病风险。     

MMP-12基因多态性与食管癌、贲门癌发病风险的关联

目的 本研究旨在探讨基质金属蛋白酶 12(MMP 12)基因启动子区转录起始点上游82bp处A/G单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与河北省食管癌、贲门癌高发区—磁县、涉县食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)和贲门腺癌(GCA)遗传易感性的关系。方法 采用聚合酶链反应 限制性片段长度多态性(PCR RFLP)技术检测316名ESCC患者、243名GCA患者和609名健康对照的MMP 12 A 82G SNP的基因型。结果 MMP 12 SNP的基因型及等位基因频率在两患者组与健康对照组之间,其总体分布差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。根据吸烟状况分层分析发现,吸烟组中GCA患者组与对照组A/A、A/G基因型频率分别是89.8%、10.2%和95.0%、5.0%,GCA患者组A/G基因型频率虽明显高于对照组,但两组相比差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.43, P=0.06),与A/A基因型相比,携带A/G基因型有增加吸烟个体GCA发病风险的趋势(OR=2.13, 95% CI=0.94～4.83)。结论 MMP 12基因A 82G SNP可能与河北省磁县和涉县人群的食管癌、贲门癌发病风险无关;但携带A/G基因型可能是吸烟人群GCA发病的危险因素。     

E-钙粘蛋白及PTEN基因编码蛋白与胃癌浸润转移

目的:观察抑癌基因PTEN蛋白和ECD在胃癌组织中的表达,探讨其与胃癌生物学行为及预后的关系。方法:以兔抗人PTEN多克隆抗体、鼠抗人ECD单克隆抗体,采用SABC免疫组化法,检测100例胃癌手术切除标本中拟测指标的表达。以χ2和Logrank检验对结果做统计学分析。结果:ECD、PTEN蛋白在非癌胃粘膜中均见表达;在胃癌组织中表达下调或缺失。ECD异常表达率为42.0%;弥漫型胃癌异常表达率(48.57%),明显高于肠型胃癌(26.67%),(P<0.05);ECD异常表达与浸润深度有关(P<0.05)。胃癌组织中PTEN蛋白缺失率为59%;弥漫型胃癌缺失率(65.71%)明显高于肠型胃癌(43.33%),(P<0.05);伴淋巴结转移的胃癌缺失率(64.47%)明显高于无淋巴结转移者(41.67%),(P<0.05);PTEN蛋白缺失的患者比阳性表达者预后差(P=0.0066)。65.85%PTEN阳性表达者同时伴ECD正常表达。结论:两种标志物与胃癌浸润转移有关,PTEN表达与胃癌患者预后密切相关。将两种指标联合检测,可作为正确判断胃癌患者预后,指导临床治疗的分子生物学指标。     

Cytologic classification of precancer and cancer of the endometrium and esophagus and of malignant lymphomas

The paper discusses cytological classifications of precancer and cancer of the endometrium, esophagus and malignant lymphomas presented by cytologists from five Soviet research institutes of oncology. The classifications were based on the data of 4400 cases in conformity with WHO histologic classifications.     

世界卫生组织骨质疏松症防治工作报告和防治建议

引 言 作为对第51号综合处理非传染性疾病预防与控制的世界卫生组织决议的反应,1998年7月WHO成立了致力于不断完善对骨质疏松预防和治疗策略的工作小组。小组成员来自世界各国致力于骨质疏松研究的知名专家。Harry K.Genant为本届主席。这一项世界范围内的骨质疏松教育计划旨在通过世界范围的研究,不断改善对骨质疏松的诊断水平和发展并完善对骨质疏松病人的合理治疗。其重点将以发展中国家为主。并为各国政府及其卫生部门和病人群体提供世界性有关骨质疏松症的总体的、完整的指导性资料。该项研究、教育计划的实施将由世界各国的骨质疏松症研究和治疗机构共同完成,并经权威学术机构、政府和非政府组织进行有针对性的回顾研究,最终由WHO审议通过。     

Schwannomas of Head and Neck and Review of Literature

Benign nerve cell tumours have been given various names like schwannoma, neurilemmoma, neurinoma, neurofibroma, spindle cell tumours etc. Extra cranial head and neck schwannomas usually present as solitary and well-demarcated lesions. The lesion can cause secondary symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, dysphasia, and hoarseness, depending upon the location of the lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology, CT scans, and MRI may be of limited help in the diagnosis of schwannomas. The treatment is complete surgical excision of the benign tumour and postoperative histopathological examination establishes the final diagnosis.     

A comparative study of knowledge and awareness of colorectal and breast cancerA comparative study of knowledge and awareness of colorectal and breast cancer

Aims: To assess and compare knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer and breast cancer in a sample of the general population. Methods: Eleven hundred visitors to six different outpatient clinics, in a University Hospital, were given a study-specific questionnaire, based on educational material from the British Association of Cancer United Patients (CancerBACUP). The questionnaire consisted of 12 statements on the incidence, presentation, detection, treatment and prognosis of colorectal and breast cancer. Results: One thousand and sixty-eight individuals returned the questionnaire. One thousand and four completed questionnaires were analysed. The mean age (SD) of respondents was 50.1 (17.2) years, and the male to female ratio was 2:3. Respondents had read more about breast than about colorectal cancer (60.3%vs 32.4%,P <0.0001, McNemar's test). The proportion of correct answers for each statement on breast cancer was higher than for answers to corresponding items on colorectal cancer. Mean overall scores (95% CI) for breast and colorectal cancer were 88.1 (86.9, 89.2) and 64.4 (62.5, 66.3) respectively, the mean difference (95% CI) being 23.7 (22.0, 25.5). Scores were higher for breast cancer irrespective of age or gender. Conclusion: There is a low level of understanding of colorectal cancer in the general population when compared to breast cancer. This highlights the importance of public education in this common cancer.     

Quality of life and care in leukemia,myeloma and non-malignant disease. Opinions of patients and relatives,and effects of geography and time

In a questionnaire study 140 subjects answered 4200 questions in 1980 and 1986. They consisted of patients with myeloma, acute leukemia, lung carcinoma, and non-malignant disease and their relatives. In 22 additional cases the questionnaire was not answered. The results show that myeloma patients are less content with the general care than leukemia patients (P < 0.05). Similarly, relatives of deceased myeloma patients are less satisfied with the information given to them than relatives of deceased leukemia patients (P < 0.001). The information has improved with time, however, since the patients were more satisfied in 1986 than in 1980 (P < 0.001) and relatives of myeloma patients still alive were more satisfied than relatives of patients who had died earlier (P < 0.001).     

Quality of life and care in leukemia, myeloma and non-malignant disease. Opinions of patients and relatives, and effects of geography and time

In a questionnaire study 140 subjects answered 4200 questions in 1980 and 1986. They consisted of patients with myeloma, acute leukemia, lung carcinoma, and non-malignant disease and their relatives. In 22 additional cases the questionnaire was not answered. The results show that myeloma patients are less content with the general care than leukemia patients (P less than 0.05). Similarly, relatives of decreased myeloma patients are less satisfied with the information given to them than relatives of deceased leukemia patients (P less than 0.001). The information has improved with time, however, since the patients were more satisfied in 1986 than in 1980 (P less than 0.001) and relatives of myeloma patients still alive were more satisfied than relatives of patients who had died earlier (P less than 0.001). The opinions of patients were similar to those of their relatives. However, the relatives of leukemia patients were even more satisfied with the contact with the medical staff than the patients themselves (P less than 0.05). As many as 10-30% of the relatives never gave up hope for their relative's survival. Only two out of 27 deaths were considered not dignified. The lung carcinoma patients reported a less good quality of life (P less than 0.001), and less satisfaction with the information given (P less than 0.01), than the hematological patients from the same year. Similarly, their attitude to the medical care improved less (P less than 0.01), and they were less content with the general care than the leukemia group (P less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)