Percutaneous interstitial chemotherapy of a small hepatocellular carcinoma under ultrasound guidance

A small (less than 3 cm) inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma was treated with percutaneous interstitial chemotherapy (PIC). 5-Fluorouracil was injected by a fine needle under ultrasound guidance. After 3 months a fine needle biopsy (FNB) yielded fibronecrotic material. After 18 months another FNB yielded steatosis and dysplastic cells and the lesion showed no increase in size. PIC could be an interesting alternative treatment for small tumors unresponsive to conventional therapies.     

Copper radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine

The chemistry, radiochemistry, radiobiology, and radiopharmacology of radiopharmaceuticals containing copper radionuclides are reviewed. Copper radionuclides offer application in positron emission tomography, targeted radiotherapy, and single photon imaging. The chemistry of copper is relatively simple and well-suited to radiopharmaceutical application. Current radiopharmaceuticals include biomolecules labelled via bifunctional chelators primarily based on cyclic polyaminocarboxylates and polyamines, and pyruvaldehyde-bis(N⁴-methylthiosemicarbazone) (PTSM) and its analogues. The chemistry of copper, of which only a fraction has yet been exploited, is likely to be applied more fully in the future.     

Choosing art as a complement to healing.

Art à la Carte is a volunteer program that enables long-term care patients to decorate their hospital room with an art print of their choice. Thirty-seven participants were interviewed to evaluate the program. The data suggest that art adds a personal touch to the sterile hospital environment, facilitates interaction between staff and patients, and provides positive distractions. Choosing a work of art also helps patients to regain a sense of control. These themes coincide with the key components of supportive health care environment. The data suggest that Art à la Carte can provide a meaningful complement to the healing process.