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Changes in body weight (absolute and percent), overweight index, and body surface area were examined in 27 grossly obese subjects after jejunal-ileal by-pass. Curves were steeper and linear for 3-4 months and then flattened out for the remainder of the twelve-month period of observation. They were parallel to each other even when a division was made between patients weighing more and less than twice their ideal weight. This shows that if a person weighs more than 120 Kg his weight loss curve will depend on the time that has elapsed since surgery. It is virtually independent of the start value.

The results obtained in 26 patients suffering from metastatic cancer of the breast no longer sensitive to hormone treatment are reported. The patients were treated with ciclophosphamide (CTX) (500 mg i.v.) once a week and triethylenethiophosphamide (20-30 mg i.m.) (TSPA) every 4 weeks associated with cyclophosphamide as follows: CTX--CTX--CTX--CTX+TSPA. 9 objective regressions (34.6%) were observed. Those with objective regression lived 28 months on average (SD 23.45) and those without lived on average 11.41 months (SD 9.89). The difference is statistically significant. Side effects of various types were observed in 7 patients (27%).

The results obtained in 14 patients suffering from hormone-resistant metastatic breast cancer treated with the following association: methotrexate (5-fluorouracyl in case of methotrexate intolerance), cyclophosphamide, vinblastin administered i.v. once every 10-13 days, are reported. 4 objective regression (29%) were observed but survival did not very appreciably differing therapy. In 9 cases (65%) intolerance of various types was observed but in 8 these signs regressed in a short time and the therapy was resumed.

An association of 5-fluoruracyl (or methotrexate) and cyclophosphamide was used in the treatment of 20 cases of hormone-resistant breast cancer. Five objective regressions were obtained. Mean survival here was 28.25 (S.D. 2.87) months, as opposed to 12.75 (S.D. 6.93) months in the remainder. Side-effects of various kinds were noted in 9 patients.

Alkylating drugs, alkylating drugs + antimetabolites, and alkylating drugs + antimetabolites + Vinblastine were used to treat 62 patients. The results were assessed in terms of Karnofsky's classes and related to the following parameters: age, free interval, menopausal status, results of prior endocrine management, site of dominant metastases, length of survival. 44 failures (71%) and 18 objective responses (29%) were noted. A mean survival of 17.3 months was noted for the entire series. Subjects who failed to respond survived an average of 14 months, as opposed to 25.5 months for the responders. This difference was just significant. No relation could be shown between the results and the other parameters, whereas that between the results and the length of survival was highly significant. It is clear that the variables considered cannot be relied upon in predicting the outcome of chemotherapeutical management. If the latter is effective, however, survival will almost certainly be prolonged.