Preparation of epoxy-functionalized methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene core-shell particles and investigation of their dispersion in polyamide-6

Functional core—shell impact modifiers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized methyl methacrylate—butadiene—styrene (MBS) have been prepared via a seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. These functional MBS—GMA particles were blended with polyamide-6. Investigations by transmission electron microscopy showed a very good dispersion of the particles in the polymeric matrix, compared with blends of MBS with polyamide-6 where a third functional polymer styrene—maleic anhydride was added

Preparation of epoxy-functionalized methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene core-shell particles and investigation of their dispersion in polyamide-6

Functional core—shell impact modifiers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functionalized methyl methacrylate—butadiene—styrene (MBS) have been prepared via a seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. These functional MBS—GMA particles were blended with polyamide-6. Investigations by transmission electron microscopy showed a very good dispersion of the particles in the polymeric matrix, compared with blends of MBS with polyamide-6 where a third functional polymer styrene—maleic anhydride was added

Time patterns of recurrence and second primary tumors in a large cohort of patients treated for oral cavity cancer

Introduction: Routine follow-up after curative treatment of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is common practice considering the high risk of second primaries and recurrences (ie second events). Current guidelines advocate a follow-up period of at least 5 years. The recommendations are not evidence-based and benefits are unclear. This is even more so for follow-up after a second event. To facilitate the development of an evidence- and personalized follow-up program for OSCC, we investigated the course of time until the second and subsequent events and studied the risk factors related to these events. Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 594 OSCC patients treated with curative intent at the Head and Neck Cancer Unit of the Radboud University Medical Centre from 2000 to 2012. Risk of recurrence was calculated addressing death from intercurrent diseases as competing event. Results: The 1-, 5- and 10-year cumulative risks of a second event were 17% (95% CI:14%;20%), 30% (95% CI:26%;33%), and 37% (95% CI:32%;41%). Almost all locoregional recurrences occurred in the first 2 years after treatment. The incidence of second primary tumors was relatively stable over the years. The time pattern of presentation of third events was similar. Discussion: Our findings support a follow-up time of 2 years after curative treatment for OSCC. Based on the risk of recurrence there is no indication for a different follow-up protocol after first and second events. After 2 years, follow-up should be tailored to the individual needs of patients for supportive care, and monitoring of late side-effects of treatment

Value of routine follow-up in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer patients treated with curative intent.

BACKGROUND: The major goal of routine follow-up in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients is the asymptomatic detection of new disease in order to improve survival. This study evaluated the effect of routine follow-up on overall survival (OS). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 307 consecutive OPSCC patients treated with curative intent between 2006 and 2012 was analyzed. The effectiveness of routine follow-up was studied by comparing treatment-intent and OS in patients with asymptomatically versus symptomatically detected new disease. RESULTS: Three- and five-year risks of new disease were 29% (95% CI: 24-34) and 33% (95% CI: 27-39). Of the 81 patients with locoregional recurrence or second primary head and neck cancer, 8 (10%) were detected asymptomatically with no difference in OS with those detected with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic detection of new disease during routine visits was not associated with improved OS. The focus of follow-up should be on providing psychosocial care and rehabilitation