Direct current therapy for local control of malignant tumors]

Sixteen malignant tumors of soft tissue (15 cases) were treated with low voltage direct current (DC therapy) with or without systemic chemotherapy. Two platinum or stainless steel electrodes were placed in the tumor and around 10 volts of direct current was passed for 1 hour. In cases in which chemotherapy was performed, single or combined anticancer agents consisted of ADM and BLM were administered simultaneously with DC therapy by systemic route. Ten cases (11 tumors) out of 15 cases received no other local treatment. Histological examination was performed in 6 of 11 lesions, and in all lesions pathological therapeutic effects were recognized. Decrease in tumor size was observed in 9 lesions. In 2 cases the tumors disappeared completely after DC therapy only. In one case receiving DC therapy with chemotherapy, the tumor decreased dramatically and became resectable. Main complications were slight pain during treatment and slight fever after treatment, but special treatment for these complications was not necessary. Our results suggested that DC therapy with or without systemic chemotherapy was useful for local control of malignant tumors. And also if DC therapy had been performed simultaneously with chemotherapy the therapeutic effects seemed to be more emphasized than single use of these therapies.     

The Role of the Clinical Research Coordinator in Multicenter Clinical Trials

The clinical research coordinator plays a crucial role in organizing a site's participation in the expanding arena of multicenter medical and pharmacologic clinical trials. This summary clarifies the role of the clinical research coordinator for inexperienced staff members assuming these responsibilities and outlines planning procedures leading to successful implementation. Emphasis is placed on establishing an interdependent relationship with the principal investigator, careful protocol assessment, team building, and staff feedback. Useful tools such as study manuals and physicians' study orders are described.