Area Of Early Detection Research Articles

Surgical resection for carcinoma of the pancreas: A historical overview

AbstractAlthough attempts to treat pancreatic cancer were made at the end of the nineteenth century, there was no active interest in this field of surgery until 1935 when Whipple and his associates developed and popularized the technique for a two‐stage pancreaticoduodectomy. Several modifications of the original Whipple operation were made in the 1940s. Total pancreatectomy and regional pancreatectomy were introduced in the surgical armamentarium against pancreatic cancer, but they did not gain wide acceptance. Pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodectomy was introduced in 1978, but its role in the management of pancreatic cancer needs to be more clearly defined. The operative mortality of pancreatic resections has dramatically declined in large specialized centers during the last decade. A significant improvement in long‐term survival was also reported in recent series. Despite the decline in operative mortality and the improved long‐term survival after resection for pancreatic cancer, the overall prognosis of this disease remains dismal because of the lack of methods for early diagnosis. Future investigations should focus in the areas of early detection and more effective management approaches for locally advanced disease. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Prostate-specific antigen: Critical issues

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To assess recent developments in prostate-specific antigen(PSA) methods, the recent literature concerning PSA has been reviewed. Salient developments related to new advances in the application of this most important tumor marker are discussed. <h3>Results</h3> PSA has clearly revolutionized how we approach men with prostaatc disease.Its applicability continues to evolve. Undoubtedly, the largest Use is in the areas of early detection, screening, and as an adjunct to diagnosis. In this regard, considerable attention has been placed on increasing the specificity of this analyte. Such concepts as PSA density, PSA velocity, and age-specific PSA are gaining increased interest and have engendered some controversies. The use of PSA in. staging has been increasingly refined, as has its most established utility, that of monitoring patients with established malignancy. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Despite its entrenchment in the management of patients, we continue toevolve in our understanding of PSA and strive to improve its performance characteristics. The future undoubtedly will bring many new developments in the area of prostate tumor markers.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - A New Epidemic: A Review

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/18-1-11735 Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a relatively new disease with a defect in cell-mediated immunity resulting in the victim becoming prey to cancers and infections. The retrovirus or human T-cell lymphoma virus, HTLV-III, is currently considered to be a likely etiologic agent. This disease. which most commonly affects homosexual men, intravenous drug users and Hatians carries a poor prognosis. An attempt is made in this paper to present a broad review of this entity. The epidemiology of the disease, etiology. signs and symptoms, laboratory investigations and the lreolrnent of the disease are discussed. With new cases being reported every day in different parts of the country, there is a mass hysteria about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS. This relatively new medical malady, also called the gay plague, has acquired the status of being the most virulent epidemic of the century. The most worrisome aspect of the disease is that after three years of intensive investigations, its precise cause remains a matter of speculation. It is very important for the public to have all known facts about this deadly disease, through physicians, so that there is rational thinking about it and cooperation in the areas of early detection or prevention of the disease. This review is based on the study of papers published in 1982-84.