Tumour regression

IL-2-stimulated cytotoxic T cells appear even more efficacious than LAK cells in promoting tumour regression. The approach adopted here entails removal of a tumour biopsy, followed by isolation of T-lymphocytes present within the tumour. These tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are cytotoxic T-lymphocytes that apparently display a cell surface receptor which specifically binds the tumour antigen in question. They are thus tumour-specific cells. Further activation of these TILs by in vitro culturing in the presence of IL-2, followed by reintroduction into the patient along with IL-2, promoted partial/full tumour regression in well over 50 per cent of treated patients. 

Overexpression of the EGF receptor (or any of its ligands), can also induce cancer in both cell lines and transgenic animal models. Monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking receptor activity can promote tumour regression in mice suffering from various carcinomas. A direct correlation also exists between elevated EGF receptor numbers and a shorter patient survival span in the case of several forms of breast, oesophageal, bladder and squamous cell carcinomas. 

NT077 Zeid, N. A., and H. K. Muller. Tobacco smoke condensate cutaneous carcinogenesis changes in Langerhans cells and tumour regression. Int J Exp Pathol 1995 76(1) 75-83. 

The related /V-oxide (77) demonstrates pharmaceutical activity without structural modification, being used as a radiosensitizer to promote tumour regression during radiation therapy (B-80MI20904). Similarly, 4-acetamidopyridine 1-oxide (78) has been described as a neuromuscular stimulant (80MI20905). A carboxylic acid derivative (79) demonstrating anticancer activity independent of any radiation treatment has recently been reported (81JMC1181). 

R D. Neeniiyun and O. Gregoriadii. Tumour regression with liposome-entrapped 1-asparaginase some immunological advantages. Biochem. Soc. Trans. 4 133 (1976). 

Focal nodular hyperplasia FNH is the most common benign hepatic neoplasia. As with adenoma, it may develop after the patient has taken oestrogens for a longer period (usually more than 4 or 5 years). In some cases, the lesion develops within 6 to 12 months after intake begins. (13, 125) en the oral contraceptives are discontinued, the tumour regresses or disappears (completely). The rate of both oestrogen-induced hepatocellular adenoma and FNH was considerably reduced after the introduction of low-dose oral contraceptives. 

Treatment If it is possible, elective resection is indicated. (98) However, due to cardiac or (increasing) hepatic insufficiency, invasive techniques cannot usually be attempted. External irradiation may be used in an effort to minimize the tumour. Ligature or embolization of the afferent hepatic artery is sometimes indicated. Steroid therapy has proved unsuccessful. The use of interferon-a is a new therapeutic approach tumour regression is accelerated and cardiac insufficiency is compensated. (103) Liver transplantations have also been carried out successfully. This infantile, benign tumour may regress with increasing age. 

Very few compounds attain a high concentration throughout the tumour, even though some like chlorambucil can cause complete tumour regression. 

Table 4. Effect of metal complexes on the established plasma cell tumour. The IDqq is the minimum dose that causes complete tumour regression. 77 = Therapeutic Index...

The situation improved with the arrival of the anti-androgens like cypro-terone acetate and flutamide, which function like tamoxifen and deny access of testosterone to its receptors in cancer cells. In addition, mimics of the gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone, like leuprolide and goserelin, were discovered, and these act upon the pituitary to switch off the production of LH. This in turn leads to a diminished production of testosterone by the testes. None of these new drugs could effect a cure, although they did cause tumour regression, and where metastasis had led to spread of the tumour to the bones (a frequent problem with this cancer), they provided pain relief. In... 

Endocrine ablation may be considered a suitable means of treatment. Oophorectomy has been found effective in premenopausal women [39] adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy have been used [41] in oophorectomised women to give objective tumour regression in 50-60% of women classified as oestrogen-receptor-positive [42] (see later). However, even after these ablative treatments, patients may still continue to produce oestrogens in significant amounts [43]. Consequently, medicinal therapy is almost always considered, to stem further growth and attempt to curtail metastases of the disease. 

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