Edward D. Holyoke

Isolation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes: Modification of a double discontinuous density gradient of Ficoll-Hypaque

Incubation of whole blood with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and carbonyl iron prior to layering on a double discontinuous gradient of Ficoll-Hypaque selectively reduced the number of platelets and monocytes found at the upper lymphocyte interface after centrifugation. This modification in combination with a double discontinuous gradient results in a lymphocyte isolation method that is simple, rapid and reproducible.

Surgery in recurrent malignant melanoma

Seventy‐nine consecutive patients with resectable, recurrent malignant melanoma were treated with surgical excision, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Of 7 Stage IIIA patients, 6 remain alive; 5 are disease‐free at 27 months. Of 33 patients with advanced stage IIIB disease with fixed tumor masses, including 16 cases that involved two nodal groups, 10 patients (30%) remain disease‐free at 30 months. Of 12 Stage IIIAB patients, one remains disease‐free at 26 months. Of 27 Stage IV patients, 7 (25%) remain disease‐free at 36 months. Characteristic of those patients who remain disease‐free is the initial presence of 3 or less discrete metastatic lesions, and a long prior disease‐free interval. Surgical removal of metastatic lesions of malignant melanoma, in combination with chemotherapy, offers improved palliation in patients with a small number of metastatic lesions and a long previous disease‐free interval.

Technic of resection of mesenteric tumors

In the resection of mesenteric tumors or primary malignant lesions of the small bowel, exposure of the superior mesenteric vessels is important. This is the necessary criterion of resectability and the condition of obtaining maximal margins in the lymphatic drainage area. It also helps avoid unnecessary sacrifice of branches and tributaries to the superior mesenteric vessels from uninvolved portions of the bowel.