Serum concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated in patients who underwent suprapubic prostatectomy, transurethral prostatectomy and radical prostatectomy. The concentration of serum IL-6 was not significantly different after each operation. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in serum IL-6 values between patients under 69 years old and over 70 years old. The risk for urinary incontinence increased in higher age, however, no other severe complications developed in any patients. The 10-year cause-specific survival rates post prostatectomy of stage B and stage C were 92.6% and 81.4%, respectively. These data suggest that elderly patients with good performance status are indicated for radical prostatectomy

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On a case of ischemic heart disease lesions including Left Main Trunk concurrent with ASO in the iliac-femoral arterial lesion, we parf ormed a two-stage operation to obtain satisfactory results. The case is a 73-year-old male. Cardiac catheterization revealed segment 1: total occlusion, segment 5: 75% stenosis, segment 6: 90% stenosis and segment 12: 90% stenosis. Angiography of the region below the abdominal aorta revealed a total occlusion of the left common iliac artery and stenosis of the right common iliac artery. Y-grafting was performed first. An end-to-end anastomosis was made in the inf rarenal abdominal aorta on the proximal site and in the right common iliac artery and left femoral artery on the distal site. After the distal anastomosis on one side, a decline in the cardiac function was noted, and the patient did not respond to conservative therapy. A collateral branch was provided from a graft on the proximal site at the site of anastomosis with the left femoral artery, and IABP was inserted. CABG (SVG to LAD seg 8) was performed the following day. Hemodynamics was stable immediately after surgery, so IABP was removed. The patient followed a satisfactory post-operative course and was discharged about one month after surgery

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In order to clarify the direct effect of kampomedicine (herbal medicines) on human pancreatic cancer cells, SUIT-2 cells were incubated together with or without 5-FU (1μg/ml), and to them, Saiko-keishi-to, Hochu-ekki-to, Rikkun-shi-to, Juzen-taiho-to or their components (Wogon, Keihi, Shaku-yaku, Hange or Kanzo of 160μg/ml) were added for one week. The proliferation of cancer cells was inhibited by 5-FU. The number of cells and cellular content of DNA, protein and LDH were significantly inhibited by the administration of Wogon. Such effects of inhibition were shown in case without 5-FU. Furthermore, some inhibitory effects were produced by the administration of Keihi. Both of these components are contained only in Saiko-keishi-to among the above-mentioned herbal medicines. The results support that Saiko-keishi-to has an anti-tumor effect on human pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, medical effectiveness was recognized even in 40μg/ml of wogon, while it was not recognized below 320μg/ml of Saiko-keishi-to

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A 21-year-old male presented to the Department of Oral Surgery of our hospital with left-sided facial swelling. Although serum creatine kinase levels were normal, magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested an acute myositis of the left masseter muscle. Electromyography and muscle biopsy findings further confirmed the presence of myositis. A diagnosis of focal myositis of the left masseter muscle was established. Treatment with 20mg/day of prednisolone was started. Four weeks later, the patient's facial swelling had completely disappeared. To date, progression from focal myositis to polymyositis has not been found

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A 59 years old man who had been given administrating Tranilast for 15 weeks visited our urology clinic complaining of bladder irritability. He previously had PICA treatment for his coronary triple branch disease and began taking Tranilast 600mg per day for the prevention of restenosis. Cystoscopy revealed extensive mucosal edema which strongly suggested an existence of drug induced cystitis. The patient stopped taking Tranilast and the symptom disappeared within 3 weeks. Bladder irrita-bility is a common side effect of Tranilast and it is well known to urologists and pharmacists, however, cardiologists who are responsible for its prescription often recognize it poorly. It is important for pharmacists to inform the side effects of Tranilast to cardiologists and prevent an irresponsible prescription

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Two cases of intracranial metastatic malignant melanoma are reported. Both patients were males of sixties with known primary skin malignant melanomas. Magnetic resonance imagings showed intracranial lesions, which were high intense in T1 WI, low intense in T2 WI and enhanced after Gd-DTPA adminisration. These findings were characteristic for intracranial malignat melanomas.
Treatment design consisted of intra-arterial chemotherapy with CDDP and ACNU, follwed by surgical resection and/or radiosurgery. In the first case, intratumoral hemorrhage occurred 40 hours after the intra-arterial chemotherapy and emergent craniotomy, instead of radiosurgery, was performed. The second patient underwent tumor removal on the following day after the chemotherapy. Both patients died of systemic metastases 2 and 3 months after the treatment, respectively.
Malignant melanomas are prone to metastasize to any organs including brain. Patients with malignant melanoma usually have short life expectancy, so the aim of treatment is focused on the maintenance of the QOL as long as possible. So, vigorous treatment should be carried out whenever necessary. Finally, spontaneous hemorrhage into intracranial malignant melanoma have been frequently observed. As shown in our case 1, treatment modalities might enhanced the risk of intratumoral hemorrhage. Care should be taken to avoid this serious complication

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