Roger J. Levin

Angiosarcoma: Current review

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare malignant tumor of the skin and soft tissues. Due to this lesionss histopathologic similarity to other soft tissue and skin neoplasms, several names had been previously used to describe AS. In the following article, we present a comprehensive review of the literature and prior studies pertaining to AS. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a better understanding of the causative factors, clinical findings, and histological features of this uncommon but potentially lethal tumor. Furthermore, we discuss present therapeutic options and outcomes as well as summarize recent advances in AS tumor biology and cytogenetics.

Opioid growth factor (OGF) inhibits the progression of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck transplanted into nude mice

Opioid growth factor (OGF) interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) and serves as a native inhibitory growth factor. OGF and OGFr are present in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and OGF represses the replication of SCCHN in tissue culture. In this study, OGF-treated nude mice with xenografts of SCCHN displayed delays in tumor appearance and had reduced tumor size compared to controls. OGF activity was receptor-mediated. Opioid-receptor blockade by the potent opioid antagonist, naltrexone, stimulated tumorigenic processes. Both OGF and OGFr were detected in the tumors by immunohistochemistry, and OGFr was characterized by receptor binding analysis. These results indicate that the OGF-OGFr axis functions in vivo, OGF is a constitutively active molecule, and OGF modulation of SCCHN may have clinical application.

Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Residents Surrounding the Three Mile Island Nuclear Facility

Objectives/Hypothesis: On March 28, 1979, the worst nuclear exposure incident in U.S. history occurred near Harrisburg, PA. Small quantities of xenon and iodine radioisotopes were released into the environment from the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDoH) implemented a TMI Population Registry, including 32,135 individuals within a 5‐mile radius of TMI, to track possible health effects to the local population. Although no increase in cancer mortality has been noted in this cohort, cancer incidence has not been tracked. Given the long latency period for the development of thyroid cancer after exposure to low‐level radiation exposure, it is plausible that an increase in thyroid cancer incidence might just now be occurring.

Defects in the opioid growth factor receptor in human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

The endogenous opioid peptide, [Met5]‐enkephalin, termed opioid growth factor (OGF), interacts with its receptor (OGFr) to play a role as a constitutively expressed inhibitory growth factor in the proliferation of epithelial cells. This study compared protein and gene expression of OGFr in surgical specimens of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with normal epithelium.

Expression of the Opioid Growth Factor, [Met5]-Enkephalin, and the Zeta Opioid Receptor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma†

Despite the prevalence of cancers of the head and neck, survival rates have not changed in the past few decades. Recent work has implicated peptide growth factors and their receptors in the genesis and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Opioid growth factor (OGF, [Met5]‐enkephalin) is a tonically active, autocrine and/or paracrine produced, inhibitory factor that influences the growth of normal and abnormal cells and tissues. This peptide interacts with the zeta (ζ) opioid receptor to modulate cellular proliferation, migration, and survival. Both OGF and the ζ receptor are present in mammalian tongue epithelium and skin, and modulate DNA synthesis. In the present study we examined the presence and distribution of OGF and theζ opioid receptor in the head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from seven individuals. All specimens expressed this growth factor and its receptor regardless of tumor stage, location, and histologic grade. Immunoreactivity for both OGF and the ζ receptor were associated with the cytoplasm but not the nucleus in cells of each of these carcinomas. Our findings that a potent negative growth regulator and its receptor are present in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lead us to suggest that OGF may modulate the growth of these types of cancers.

Aggressive papillary tumors of the temporal bone: an immunohistochemical analysis in tissue culture.

Aggressive papillary tumors of the temporal bone are neoplasms that are locally invasive and destructive. Previously classified on histologic study as middle ear adenomas or adenocarcinomas, observational evidence suggested that they arose from endolymphatic sac.

Dopamine‐secreting glomus vagale: A case report and histopathologic correlation

Catecholamine secretion by head and neck paragangliomas is uncommon. Dopamine secretion by these tumors has not routinely been assessed. This case report describes a dopamine‐secreting glomus vagale and evaluates seven other paragangliomas immunohistochemically for their ability to synthesize dopamine.

The effectiveness of a “critical pathway” in the management of laryngectomy patients

This is a retrospective review of medical and financial records to test the hypothesis that the use of a critical pathway specifically designed for the management of laryngectomy patients will result in improved patient care, decreased length of hospitalization, and optimal allocation of resources.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presenting as an Auricular Perichondritis

AIDS-related NHL is an aggressive neoplasm, usually of high or intermediate grade, frequently extranodal at initial treatment, and often the first manifestation of AIDS. Although complete remissions have been reported, they occur in only a minority of patients. We describe a patient with NHL of the external ear that masqueraded as an auricular perichondritis. This is the first case reported in which AIDS-related NHL first appeared in the ear, and this should alert physicians who treat patient with AIDS to be aware of the protean manifestations of this disease.

An immortalized cell culture from a malignant mixed tumor of the lacrimal gland

Summary Tumor cells from a malignant mixed tumor of the lacrimal gland were maintained in tissue culture for more than 55 generations. Comparative immunohistochemical analysis was performed on whole tumor sections and on the tumor cell culture to define the origin of the cells in culture. The cultured cells expressed cytokeratin, smooth-muscle actin, S-100 protein, and vimentin and were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tumor sections expressed cytokeratin but were negative for muscle-specific actin, vimentin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Through tissue culture studies of salivary gland epithelial neoplasias, which are very similar to lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasias, pluripotential stem cells have been identified. Similar tissue culture analysis of lacrimal gland epithelial neoplasms can be a valuable tool for studying the origin of these uncommon tumors.