Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lymphoma: The good, the bad and the ugly.

Lymphomas cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. A substantial number of patients ultimately relapse after standard treatment. However, the efficacy of these therapies can be counteracted by the patients' immune system, more specifically by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSC are a heterogeneous group of immature myeloid cells that suppress the innate and adaptive immune system via different mechanisms and accumulate under pathological conditions, such as cancer. MDSC play a role in the induction and progression of cancer and immune evasion. Increased numbers of MDSC have been reported in different lymphoma subtypes and are associated with a poor clinical outcome. This review aims to clarify the role of MDSC and their working mechanism in different lymphoma subtypes. Furthermore, the effect of MDSC on immunotherapies will be discussed.

[Can follow-up controls improve the accuracy of MR mammography? A retrospective analysis of MR mammography follow-up studies]. / Können Verlaufskontrollen die diagnostische Sicherheit der MR-Mammographie erhöhen? Eine retrospektive Analyse MR-mammographischer Verlaufsuntersuchungen.

PURPOSE: To assess the change in diagnostic confidence between first and follow-up dynamic MR examination of the breast (MRM). METHODS: The reports of a total of 175 MRM in 77 patients (mean age 50 years; 36-76) with 98 follow-up MRM were analyzed. All examinations were performed as a dynamic study (Gd-DTPA, 0.16 mmol/kg; 6-7 repetitive studies). The change in diagnostic confidence was retrospectively classified as follows: controlled lesion vanished during follow-up (category I); diagnostic confidence increases during follow-up (II), more likely benign (IIa), more suspicious (IIb); no difference in diagnostic confidence (III). Long-term follow-up over an average of four years was obtained for 57 patients with category IIa/III findings. RESULTS: In 98 follow-up examinations, only two lesions vanished (2%). In 77/98 cases a category IIa lesion was diagnosed, in 11 cases a category IIb lesion. In 8 cases (8%) there was no change in diagnostic confidence during follow-up. Lesions in category IIb underwent biopsy in 10/11 cases, in one case long-term follow-up proved a completely regredient inflammatory change. In 8/11 suspicious findings (IIb) a malignant tumor was detected. The mean time interval between first and follow-up MRM was 8 months for I-IIb lesions, and 4 months for category III lesions. In the long-term follow-up two patients with a category IIa lesion developed a carcinoma in a different breast area after four and five years. CONCLUSION: MRM follow up increases the diagnostic confidence if the time interval is adequate (> 4 months). A persistently or increasingly suspicious finding warrants biopsy.

[Dose-dependent effects of the combined beta/gamma emitter 186-Rhenium on the growth of human vessel wall cells]. / Dosisabhängige Auswirkungen des kombinierten beta/gamma Emitters Rhenium186 auf das Wachstum humaner Gefässwandzellen.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of human aortic smooth musc e cells (HaSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) to recover after incubation with the combined beta/gamma emitter 186rhenium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two days after plating, HaSMC and EC were incubated for five days with 186Re (total doses applied 4 Gy-32 Gy). Cell counts were performed for a period of 30 days (haSMC) and 22 days (EC). To detect possible growth recovery, colony formation assays were plated for both cell types on day 5, 10, and 20 (and lay 30 for haSMC). RESULTS: Both cell types presented a dose-dependent growth inhibition which was maximum at a dose of 32 Gy. Human endothelial cells presented with total growth recovery at 4 and 8 Gy, and a partial growth recovery at 16 Gy. Smooth muscle cells only presented partial growth recovery at 4 and 8 Gy. At 16 Gy and more no recovery was detected. CONCLUSION: HaSMC as well as EC growth can be modulated effectively with 186Re over a period of 30 days in vitro. Compared to smooth muscle cells human endothelial cellls seem to possess a higher potential to recover at doses of 8 to 16 Gy. 186Re may be a valuable radionuclide to prevent restenosis.

A new device for percutaneous suture-mediated closure of arterial puncture sites using exteriorized needles: initial experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility and initial clinical results of Closer (Perclose, Redwood City, California), a new device for percutaneous suture-mediated closure of arterial puncture sites. METHODS: Vascular interventions were performed using 6 and 7 French sheaths in 22 consecutive patients. All patients underwent suture-mediated percutaneous closure with the new device. Patients were followed by physical examination the day after the procedure. RESULTS: Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 20/22 patients (91%). In 3 out of 5 antegrade closures, only one suture was captured. In two cases, this was managed by reinsertion of a second device. In another patient, hemostasis was not achieved by the device due to knot entrapment. No major complications were observed. The overall rate of minor complications was 9% (2/22) due to hematomas without the need for blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous suture with this new device is an acceptably safe and effective method to achieve immediate hemostasis of the arterial access site after interventional procedures with minimized manipulation of the puncture track.