Seishi Fukuma

Effect of human leukocyte interferon on malignant brain tumors.

The antitumor effect of human leukocyte interferon was investigated on ten patients with malignant brain tumor. In eight cases of primary tumor, IFN alone was administered when their recurrent sign was evident. A dose of 3 × 106 IU or 1 × 106 IU of IFN was injected intramuscularly two or three times a week in high‐dose group, while a dose of 5 × 104 IU once a week in low‐dose group. No remarkable side effects including bone marrow depression were noted. Natural killer activity was enhanced and immunologic skin reaction manifested. Partial remission of more than 50% decrease of tumor volume calculated on CT scan was seen in two cases in the low‐dose group for about 3–6 months. Complete remission could not be obtained by IFN alone. Our pilot study has shown that IFN alone will not be effective against progressive malignant brain tumors by general administration. Further investigation should be carried out to improve the use of IFN therapy in malignant brain tumor.

Screening of the Central Nervous System in Neonates and Infants with Neurosonography

Neurosonography was used as a screening procedure in 125 cases of infants and neonates with enlarged fontanelles, convulsive seizures or minor anomalies. Sonography was obtained with a sector scanner using a 3.75 MHz (central frequency) transducer. Ultrasound detected various abnormalities in 34 cases. Lesions included hydrocephalus, subdural hematoma, tentorial-laceration, subependymal cyst, multi-cystic encephalomalacia, porencephaly, arachnoid cyst, benign subdural CSF accumulation, hydranencephaly, holoprosencephaly, and cerebellar tumor. Neurosonography was thought to be the most useful technique for screening intracranial pathology of neonates and infants for the following reasons: 1) Premedications for sedation were not necessary. 2) Follow-up sonography may be frequently performed without worrying about exposure to X-ray. 3) Real-time image. 4) Portability.