Randomized study to evaluate the use of high-dose therapy as part of primary treatment for "aggressive" lymphoma.

PURPOSE: This trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group compares the use of high-dose therapy (HDT) as part of primary treatment with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus etoposide followed by involved-field (IF) radiotherapy in a randomized, multicenter, phase III study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred twelve patients with "aggressive" non-Hodgkin's lymphoma aged

In vitro transformation of monocytes and dendritic cells into endothelial like cells.

Our in vitro data indicate that peripheral blood monocytes or monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells under appropriate culture conditions transdifferentiate into endothelial-like cells (ELC), which are characterized by the expression of endothelial markers and the formation of tube-like structures. Dependent on the culture conditions a mixed macrophage/endothelial or an endothelial phenotype could be induced. A similar pattern of development could be seen in CD14+ monocyte-derived ELC and ELC grown from CD34+ precursor cells or from dendritic cells generated from CD34+ cells. These in vitro data suggest that monocytes are precursors of different subgroups of endothelial cells and that the formation of endothelial cells from CD34+ progenitor cells follows a similar pathway possibly via the monocyte and/or the immature dendritic cell.