Gan no rinsho. Japan journal of cancer clinics
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A case of a small cell carcinoma of the prostate that occurred in a 68-year-old man is reported. Needle biopsy of the prostate showed an adenocarcinoma. A second biopsy revealed both an adenocarcinoma and a small cell carcinoma. ⋯ Widespread metastatic foci, showing a histologic pattern of solely a small cell carcinoma, were present in various organs. The adenocarcinoma component was seen restricted to the prostatic region. Immunoperoxidase staining for prostate-specific antigen, prostate-specific acid phosphatase, gamma-seminoprotein, and leu-7 showed positivity only in the adenocarcinoma, whereas neuron-specific enolase was positive only in the small cell carcinoma.
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The expectation that hyperthermia would be effective in the treatment of cancer is attributable to a theoretical viewpoint based upon biological studies. Cancer cells, which characteristically are hypoxic with poor nutrition and low pH, are sensitive to temperatures over 42.5 degrees C. This is the theoretical basis which assures the effectiveness of hyperthermia when used in combination with radiation therapy. ⋯ Fundamental studies are now being actively pursued in respect of combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy. However, inadequacy of clinical material hinders evaluation. The combination of whole-body hyperthermia with anti-cancer agents presents so far, unsolved problems, such as determination of applicable anatomical regions and prevention of complications.
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The efficacy of continuous subcutaneous infusion of buprenorphine for the treatment of terminal cancer pain was studied. Continuous subcutaneous administration of 4-8 micrograms/kg/day of buprenorphine, examined by the visual analogue scale was revealed to have satisfactory analgesic potency for control of every type of terminal cancer. ⋯ The indications for this method are almost unlimited when the subcutaneous tissue can absorb the drug at a constant rate. Continuous subcutaneous buprenorphine administration via a portable infusion pump allows patients with severe pain from cancer the opportunity to move about freely.