Annals of clinical and laboratory science
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Endocrine pancreatic tumors are frequently multicellular and produce several hormones and peptides. A review of the basic concepts of hormone secretion, pancreatic islet cell composition and ultrastructural make-up of tumors is presented. The importance of correlating ultrastructural, immunocytochemical and biochemical studies of these tumors is emphasized.
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Cancer is a major disease entity and cause of death in the human population. The discovery of cisplatin has revolutionized the chemotherapy of human cancer. The full therapeutic potential of cisplatin has not been realized due to the serious side effects and emergence of cisplatin-resistant tumor cells associated with its usage. ⋯ Incorporation of cisplatin into a number of cisplatin-based anti-cancer drug combinations has enhanced its effectiveness and allowed the use of lower doses of cisplatin, thus reducing its toxic side effects. Finally, the availability of cisplatin analogues, such as carboplatin and others with reduced toxicity, but increased effectiveness against cisplatin-resistant tumors, has expanded the potential scope and therapeutic promise of the platinum anti-cancer agents. The evolution of chemotherapy with the platinum antitumor compounds is ongoing.
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Nov 1997
ReviewHemostatic abnormalities associated with cancer and its therapy.
Hemostatic abnormalities associated with malignancy have been described since the middle of the 19th century. Abnormalities associated with hypercoagulability and hemorrhage are reported in various percentages of patients depending upon the underlying neoplasm and the type of therapy. Changes in the quantitative and qualitative aspects of protein coagulation factors, anticoagulant proteins, circulating anticoagulants, platelets, and vascular responses have been noted. ⋯ Chemotherapy has been reported to be associated with venous and arterial thromboses, cerebrovascular events, and coagulopathies. Radiation therapy decreases platelet production, particularly if the active bone marrow has been included in the field. Laboratory evaluation of HAAC requires consideration of the type of malignant disorder, the history and physical condition of the patient and any therapy.
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Jan 2007
ReviewRational use and interpretation of urine drug testing in chronic opioid therapy.
Urine drug testing (UDT) has become an essential feature of pain management, as physicians seek to verify adherence to prescribed opioid regimens and to detect the use of illicit or unauthorized licit drugs. Results of urine drug tests have important consequences in regard to therapeutic decisions and the trust between physician and patient. ⋯ These factors include metabolic conversion between drugs, genetic variations in drug metabolism, the sensitivity and specificity of the analytical method for a particular drug or metabolite, and the effects of intentional and unintentional interferants. In this review, we focus on the technical features and limitations of analytical methods used for detecting drugs or their metabolites in urine, the statistical constructs that are pertinent to ordering UDT and interpreting test results, and the application of these concepts to the clinical monitoring of patients maintained on chronic opioid therapy.
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Ann. Clin. Lab. Sci. · Nov 1980
ReviewClinical applicability and usefulness of ferritin measurements.
The accurate measurement of ferritin in the serum was first reported in 1972. Since then, the assay has become widely available to clinicians. ⋯ Hepatic disease, malignancies, and other chronic diseases can cause an elevation in serum ferritin which does not represent an elevation in body iron stores. While markedly elevated in late hemochromatosis, the value of serum ferritin in the detection of early hemochromatosis or the carrier state is not certain.