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Introduction: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy has become a standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Unfortunately, only app. 30%–50% of the patients shows histopathological response. Pretherapeutic response prediction would be of significant clinical relevance, but is currently not available. Patients and methods: During a phase II trial of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer pretherapeutic biopsies of 33 patients were available for microarray analyses. After RNA extraction and amplification gene chip analysis was done with the Human Genom U133 chip (Affymetrix). Results: Histopathological evaluation of response prediction showed a regression grade I or II (responder) in 39% (13/33) of the cases, in 43% (14/33) of the cases a regression grade III (partial responder) was found, and in 18% (6/33) a regression grade IV or V (non-responder). Statistical analysis based on 24 differentially expressed genes distinguished clearly between responders and partial or non- responders. Furthermore, a significant different gene expression profile consisting of 99 genes was found comparing responders and non-responders. Conclusion: Microarray based analyses of pretherapeutic biopsies identified responders and non-responders of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. This way of response prediction could help to individualize cancer therapy in the future.

This article defines the indications for arthroscopic meniscus repair. The inside-out technique is described with special emphasis on healing enhancement by the use of an exogenous fibrin clot.

The stabilizing function of the meniscus and the negative effect of a complete or partial meniscectomy have been demonstrated in many studies. On the other hand, it has also been shown that meniscus tears in certain locations can heal very well. The prerequisite is that the torn meniscus can be revascularized from the capsule. Revascularization can be achieved by stimulating the formation of new vessels, but also by the build-up of collagen after induction of fibrochondrocytes and fibroblasts. The requirements for meniscus reconstruction are: careful preparation of the tear, exact repositioning, and precise placement of the sutures. The additional activation of regenerating processes is promoted by using a fibrin clot. In this study, 54 patients underwent meniscus repair, but the results in this group that also received a fibrin clot are not included. In the case of longitudinal-vertical tears of the meniscus inside the 3-mm zone margin, it was decided that the procedure was indicated when tears longer than 1.5 cm were concerned. The inside-out technique was used. Subjective and objective examination of 52 patients showed that the clinical results were good to very good in 92%.

The structure of butyl-6alpha-fluoro-11beta-hydroxy-16alpha-methyl-3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregnadien-21-oate (fluocortin butylester, Vaspit) was elucidated by the spectrometric methods UV, IR, NMR and MS.

The structure of 17 alpha-ethinyl-17 beta-hydroxy-18-methyl-4,15-estradien-3-one (gestodene) was elucidated by the spectrometric methods UV, IR, NMR, MS.