Search

Background An interlaboratory study was performed to compare the performance of the 3 mL TransFix®/EDTA Vacuum Blood Collection Tube (TVT), with the 5 mL Cyto-Chex® BCT tube (BCT). Both devices are intended for collection and storage of whole blood specimens for immunophenotyping of leukocytes by flow cytometry for up to 14 days. Methods One site in the United States and two in the United Kingdom tested samples from 10 HIV positive patients and four healthy subjects for a total of 42 samples. From each subject, three blood samples were collected: a BD 4 mL K3 EDTA Vacutainer (Vacutainer), a TVT, and a BCT. At all sites, samples were analyzed on a BD FACS Canto II flow cytometer for a full lymphocyte subset count within 6 h of collection (all devices) and on Day 11 and Day 15 (TVT and BCT only). Data obtained from the Vacutainer were used as the control data set with which TVT and BCT data were statistically compared. Results and conclusions Statistical concordance was demonstrated for both devices in relation to cell absolute count recovery. For cell marker signal, both devices exhibited a significant decrease in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) for the detection of lymphocyte subsets and their target markers. There was a marked increase in autofluorescence observed for BCT stabilized lymphocytes whereas values for the TVTs were comparable to the control. There were eight instances of statistical equivalence between the level of antibody autofluorescence observed in the control tube and the TVT across both patient cohorts, versus two for the BCT. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Background and purposeThe purpose of this study was to audit positioning errors during bladder image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and quantify survival outcomes.Materials and methodsWe carried out a retrospective review of 141 patients treated between March 2007 and July 2010 with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. An offline imaging protocol using kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used. Positioning errors, clinical interventions and re-planning rates were quantified. Cancer outcomes and survival were collected by review of patient notes and a registry search.ResultsAmong all, 43% of the patients required no intervention. Isocentre corrections were used for systematic bony set-up error in 13% and to improve bladder coverage in 28%. Clinical interventions to improve bladder coverage were required in 16% of the patients and repeat computed tomography planning in a further 16%. Overall, 44% of the patients demonstrated some form of organ deformation that would have resulted in inadequate dose to the bladder or significant overdose to an organ at risk if not corrected for. Post-treatment check cystoscopy was undertaken in 107 patients (76%) with 72 noted to have a complete response. Overall survival was 47·8% at 3 years.ConclusionsOrgan deformation during radiotherapy for bladder cancer is a significant problem for over 40% of patients. Strategies to compensate are essential to ensure optimal plan delivery.