No abstract

Monoclonal antibody 7.1, which recognizes the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan molecule NG2, was used to screen prospectively blast cells from 104 consecutive children at initial presentation with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Reactivity with this antibody was found in 9 cases (8.6%), of whom 5 had a t(4;11)(q21;q23) and 4 had a t(11;19)(p13;q23). None of the NG2- cases had either translocation. Southern blot analysis disclosed MLL gene rearrangement in only the 9 cases with 7.1 reactivity plus the t(4;11)(q21;q23) or t(11;19)(q23;p13) translocation. MLL gene rearrangements were not detected in 89 patient leukemic samples that did not express NG2, including 7 patients with del(11)(q23) or inv(11)(p13q23). As expected from the association with t(4;11) and t(11;19), NG2+ cases were significantly more likely to be infants, to have hyperleukocytosis and central nervous system involvement, to be CD10-, and to express myeloid- associated antigens CD15 and CD65. Despite short follow-up duration, 3 of the NG2+ cases have relapsed while the other 101 patients remain in remission. Thus, blast cell surface expression of NG2 is useful for identifying patients with ALL having t(4;11) or t(11;19) translocations that are associated with poor prognosis, especially in the infant age group.

Health locus of control, adjustment to cancer, and communication experiences after a laryngectomy were investigated in 63 laryngeal cancer survivors. Survivors who showed internal control also scored as better adjusted and had fewer communication problems. Scales were intercorrelated (.68 to .92).

No abstract

Patients who had laryngectomies were grouped according to adjustment scales into "good copers" and "poorer copers." More than 70% of the laryngeal cancer survivors were well adjusted and classified as "good copers." Three social support scales were administered and revealed that "good copers" perceived themselves as having better quality networks and more functional support. A subjective self-evaluation of the subjects’ voices revealed a relationship between perceived voice quality, adjustment, and perceived social support. Rehabilitation for some patients with laryngectomies may need to include more direct nurturing; speech-language pathologists may want to suggest self-help groups or professional support counseling.