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The heterogeneity of tumor cells is frequently observed in lung cancer, but the clonality of these cells has not yet been established. The distinct components of 12 lung adenosquamous carcinomas were compared by genetic alterations of p53 and K-ras, chromosomal abnormalities at 9p21 and 9q31-32, and immunohistochemical reactions. The immunoreactivity of p53 was consistent in both adenocarcinomatous and squamous cell carcinomatous components as well as in the transitional areas, retaining the morphological characteristics of the distinct components. The same p53 mutation was found in both components of each tumor with p53 overexpression. No K-ras mutations were detected in any of the tumors examined. Three of the four tumors with chromosomal abnormalities detected, one at 9p21 and two at 9q31-32, had coincident abnormalities between the distinct components, whereas one tumor deleted homozygously at 9p21 (D9S259) in the adenocarcinomatous component with loss of heterozygosity in the other component. The expression of squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen in adenocarcinomatous components was significantly higher than that of lung adenocarcinomas (57 +/- 5.8% vs. 1.0 +/- 0.5%, P < 0.0001), whereas Mucin 1 expression is less in these components (9.0 +/- 4.9% vs. 55 +/- 8.2%, P = 0.003). These results suggest monoclonal transition from squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma in lung adenosquamous carcinoma.

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Background-Little is known about pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in human T lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-I) carriers. A study was undertaken to investigate and clarify the characteristics of pulmonary MAC infection in these subjects. Methods-Twenty nine patients with pulmonary MAC infection without any underlying pulmonary disorder were investigated. The clinical features and radiographic appearance of HTLV-I carriers and non-carriers were compared and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of these 29 patients and eight normal female control subjects was analysed. Conclusions-Pulmonary MAC infection causes more diVuse and widespread lesions in HTLV-I carriers than in noncarriers. (Thorax 2000;55:388-392) Results-The

Background: Femoral pathological fractures (PFs) due to bone metastasis result in exacerbation of pain, gait disturbance, and reduced general condition. Surgery may be considered depending on the situation, but is not suggested often, and treatment is difficult toward the end of life. Objective: Terminal cancer patients with a femoral PF admitted to a palliative care unit (PCU) were retrospectively evaluated. Measurement: Seven cancer patients diagnosed with a femoral PF at a PCU on admission, in Japan, were examined for clinical background, physical symptoms, and psychiatric symptoms. In addition, the responses of the patients' families and medical staff were examined. This study was approved by the ethics board of our hospital. Results: A total of 28.6% of patients were hospitalized from home, and the trigger for PF could not be confirmed in 85.7% of patients. In all cases, surgery was not recommended, given the poor prognosis. Opioid drugs were used for pain in all patients, and 85.7% of patients were able to relieve their symptoms. Delirium was observed in 71.4% of cases, and treatment with antipsychotics was required in all cases. Family grief also emerged as a problem, and the staff was burdened; hence, we addressed this at the death conference. Conclusions: Even for femoral PFs in cancer patients with a limited prognosis, it is necessary to perform tests and control pain. In addition, it is important to support the mental distress of patients and their families in a short period; medical staff should be trained to support the families after the patients' death.

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