HEMONC

Recommended Screening and Preventive Practices for Long-Term Survivors after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:10:00 +0000

Advances in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) technology and supportive care techniques have led to improvements in long-term survival after HCT. Emerging indications for transplantation, introduction of newer graft sources (eg, umbilical cord blood) and transplantation of older patients using less intense conditioning regimens have also contributed to an increase in the number of HCT survivors. These survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pre-, peri-, and posttransplantation exposures and risk factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were published in 2006. An international group of transplantation experts was convened in 2011 to review contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practice of transplantation and international applicability of these guidelines. This review provides the updated recommendations for screening and preventive practices for pediatric and adult survivors of autologous and allogeneic HCT.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma: prognostic factors and impact of adjuvant therapy in early stages

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:23:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) are rare uterine neoplasms. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for early stages and consists of an abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Despite appropriate surgical treatment, relapse rates are high (18% to 45%) and the value of adjuvant therapies is not clear. We evaluated prognostic factors and the impact of adjuvant treatment on localized ESS (stages I and II).

DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective, case-control study conducted at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, Morocco over 10 years from 2000 to 2009.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one cases of localized ESS were included in the analysis.

RESULTS: Standard surgery was performed in 71.4% of our patients. Myometrial invasion was noted in 57.1% of cases. Mitotic activity was considered high in five patients. Adjuvant treatment was given to 52.3% of patients: endocrine therapy in five patients and radiotherapy in six. Survival was significantly longer in the group of patients who underwent standard surgical treatment (P=.0007), in the absence of deep myometrial invasion (P=.0248) in cases with a low mitotic index (P<.0001) and in patients who received adjuvant therapy (hormone or radiotherapy) (P=.0048). In a multivariate analysis independent risk factors for monitoring were inadequate surgical treatment and absence of adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Myometrial invasion and mitotic index appear to be important prognostic factors. The reference surgery is hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Lymph node dissection does not appear to provide a benefit. Finally adjuvant treatment may carry a significant survival benefit.

A randomized trial of brief treatment of early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma: Is it effective?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:31:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Whether it is possible to reduce the intensity of treatment in early (stage I or II) Hodgkin lymphoma with a favorable prognosis remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this randomized trial, comparing two treatment groups consisting of a combination chemotherapy regimen of two different intensities followed by involved-field radiation therapy at two different dose levels.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, in patients referred to the Department of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight patients with histologically proven early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma with a favorable prognosis were enrolled in this study between January 2008 and June 2010. They were randomly assigned in one of two treatment arms: arm I received four cycles of ABVD (Adriamycin, belomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) followed by 30 Gy of involved-field radiation therapy; arm II received two cycles of ABVD followed by 20 Gy of involved-field radiation therapy.

RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the 2-year relapse free survival rates were 96% and 95% in arm I and arm II, respectively(P=.8), while the 2-year overall survival rates were 98% and 95% in arm I and arm II, respectively (P=.16). Acute toxicity affected 54% of patients treated with four cycles of ABVD, who had grade III or IV toxicity, as compared with 30% of those receiving two cycles (P<.02). The rates of acute toxicity (grade III or IV) were also higher among patients treated with 30 Gy of involved-field radiation therapy than among those receiving 20 Gy (16% vs. 2.5%, P<.03) .

CONCLUSION: In patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma and a favorable prognosis, treatment with two cycles of ABVD followed by 20 Gy of involved-field radiation therapy was as effective as, and less toxic than, four cycles of ABVD followed by 30 Gy of involved-field radiation therapy.

A phase 2 study of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines with/without taxanes

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:41:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many patients with relapsed metastatic breast cancer are pre-treated with taxanes and anthracyclines, which are usually given in the neoadjuvant/adjuvant setting or as first-line treatment for metastatic disease. The primary objective of this study was to determine the overall response rate for combination treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who had relapsed after receiving one adjuvant/neoadjuvant or first-line metastatic chemotherapy regimen containing an anthracycline with/without a taxane. Secondary endpoints included duration of response, time to progression, one-year survival probability, and toxicity.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study conducted at 17 investigative sites in Egypt.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment consisted of gemcitabine (1250 mg/m²) on Days 1 and 8 and cisplatin (70 mg/m²) on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or a maximum of 6 cycles.

RESULTS: Of 144 patients all were evaluable for safety and 132 patients were evaluable for efficacy. The overall response rate was 33.3% and 45.5% of the patients with stable disease as their best response. The median time to progression was 5.1 months and the one-year survival probability was 73%. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were nausea/vomiting (20.1%), neutropenia (19.4%), anemia (13.9%), asthenia (11.1%), diarrhea (9.7%), stomatitis (7.6%), leucopenia (7.6%), and thrombocytopenia (6.2%). Twelve (8.3%) patients had serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that gemcitabine and cisplatin were active and generally well tolerated in pretreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

A simplified method for autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:06:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of non-cryopreserved storage of autologous hematopoietic stem cells with no post-transplant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support in adult patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM).

DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of patients undergoing ASCT from May 2009 to July 2011.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Autologous stem cell were mobilized using G-CSF. Leukapheresis to harvest stem cells was performed on day -2 and -1. The grafts were kept in a conventional blood bank refrigerator at 4°C until reinfusion on day 0. The conditioning regimen consisted of melphalan 200 mg/m² in all patients. The postchemotherapy myeloablative phase was managed without growth factors.

RESULTS: Between May 2009 to July 2011, 54 adults with MM were treated in our center in Oran. The median age at ASCT was 55 years (range, 35-65). There were 37 males and 17 females. The median harvested CD34+ cell count was 3.60×10⁶/kg (range, 1.90 to 10.52). All patients had neutrophil engraftment on the median of day 10 (range, 6-17) and platelet transfusion independence on the median of day 13 (range 9-24). In the 47 evaluable patients the median post-transplant overall survival had not been reached; the estimated overall survival at 30 months was 93.8% (0.05%) , and the estimated disease-free survival at 27 months was 93.6% (0.05%).

CONCLUSION: High-dose chemotherapy and ASCT using non-cryopreserved stem cells and no G-CSF support is safe and feasible in the treatment of MM under our work conditions in developing countries.

Prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among multi-transfused Egyptian thalassemic patients

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:22:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Though regular blood transfusion improves the overall survival of patients with b-thalassemia, it carries a definite risk of infection with blood-borne viruses. The present study was carried out to estimate the real frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among Egyptian b-thalassemic patients, and determine the infection-associated risk factors in these patients.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective study conducted in a university hospital from January 2009 to January 2010.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with b-thalassemia major were enrolled in this study. Using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), their sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis C core antigen (anti-HBc), and HCV antibody (HCV Ab). The positive HCV Ab results were confirmed by second generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA).

RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 111 males and 89 females, with a median age of 13 years. Eighty-one (40.5%) patients were HCV Ab positive by ELISA and 39 (19.5) were anti-HCV positive By RIBA; 58 (29.0%) were HBsAg positive and 13 (6.5%) were anti-HBc positive. Older age, an increased number of transfusion units, and HBsAg seropositivity were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of HCV and HBV.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV and HBV infections are very high among Egyptian b-thalassemic patients, which calls for a critical look into the prevailing transfusion practices and adoption of stricter donor selection criteria to decrease the incidence rate of both HCV and HBV infections effectively. Furthermore, there is a compressing need for the use of more specific and sensitive methods for HCV testing in Mansoura University Hospitals.

Choroidal metastasis as the sole initial presentation of metastatic lung cancer

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:58:00 +0000

Choroidal metastasis as an initial presenting feature of metastatic lung cancer is exceedingly rare. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an effective and widely accepted therapeutic modality. However, data addressing the effectiveness of other treatment strategies is limited. We present a patient with choroidal metastases secondary to lung cancer and review the relevant literature. A 25-year-old male presented with deterioration of vision. His evaluation revealed bilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the lung. Unfortunately, his vision continued to deteriorate despite treatment with EBRT and chemotherapy. Choroidal metastasis as an initial presentation of metastatic lung cancer is exceedingly rare, as only 30 cases have been reported. EBRT and systemic chemotherapy are effective therapeutic modalities. This case report could prove helpful to clinicians faced with a similar exceedingly rare scenario.

Bone mineral density in ex-thalassemic pediatric patients

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:39:00 +0000

JAK2 mutation-negative essential thrombocythemia in a child presenting with cerebral venous thrombosis

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:07:00 +0000

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder occurring predominantly in the elderly population. Its occurence in the pediatric age group is even more rare. We report a 13-year-old girl who presented with isolated cerebral venous thrombosis and was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia. Family screening for any thrombocytosis was 20 negative. With no secondary cause apparent for persistent thrombocytosis, we looked for the JAK2 mutation, but the result was negative. In contrast to linkage of JAK2 mutation positivity with increased thrombotic risk, our case showed that thrombosis can occur in the absence of JAK2 mutation in a case of essential thrombocythaemia. The indications for treatment and the best treatment of children with ET are currently not known, and guidelines for the management of children with ET are needed. Adult patients have near-normal life expectancy because of the low rate of leukemic conversion, but no child has been monitored long enough to assess prognosis.

Incidence of gynecological malignancy among Saudi population

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:16:00 +0000

Higher infused CD34+ cell dose and overall survival in patients undergoing in vivo T-cell depleted, but not t-cell repleted, allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:54:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the effect of cellular graft composition on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) outcomes is an area of great interest. The objective of the study was to analyze the correlation between transplant-related outcomes and administered CD34+, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cell doses in patients who had undergone peripheral blood, AHCT and received either in vivo T-cell depleted or T-cell replete allografts.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Comparison of consecutive patients who underwent peripheral blood AHCT in our institution between January 2003 and December 2009.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The cohort of 149 patients was divided into two groups; non T-cell depleted (NTCD) (n=54) and T-cell depleted (TCD) (n=95). Study endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), engraftment kinetics (neutrophil and platelet recovery), incidence of acute graft versus host disease (acute GVHD), chronic GVHD, non relapse mortality (NRM) and disease relapse.

RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that higher infused CD34+ cell dose improved OS (relative risk 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.98, P=.04), PFS (relative risk 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-1.00, P=.05) and NRM (relative risk 0.49, 95% CI 0.24-0.99, P=.048) in the TCD group. By multivariate analysis, there was no difference in engraftment, grades II-IV acute GVHD, extensive chronic GVHD and relapse in the two groups relative to the infused cell doses. There was a trend towards improved OS (relative risk 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-1.01, P=.05) with higher CD3+ cell dose in the TCD group.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that higher CD34+ cell dose imparts survival benefit only to in vivo TCD peripheral blood AHCT recipients.

Preliminary experience with the use of bendamustine: a peculiar skin rash as the commonest side effect

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:19:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bendamustine has been recently approved for the treatment of low-grade lymphoproliferative disorders. There is little data on the effectiveness or toxicity of this drug outside the trial setting. This is the first report on the use of bendamustine from the Indian subcontinent.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive analysis of response and side effects of bendamustine in eight patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and eight patients with follicular lymphoma.

METHODS: Data was collated from a review of case records. We examined any association between side effects and clinical parameters.

RESULTS: The median age of patients was 52 years and three-quarters had received prior treatment with alkylators or fludarabine. Three different protocols of bendamustine were used (single agent, in combination with rituximab or in combination with vincristine and prednisolone). The overall response rate was 80% (47% complete response, 33% partial response, and 20% progressive disease). The drug was well tolerated with very few grade 3/4 toxicities. More than half the patients (9/16) developed a characteristic erythematous, papular skin rash that resolved after completion of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION: Bendamustine is a safe and useful addition to the drug arsenal against lymphoproliferative disorders. A peculiar skin rash was the commonest side effect noted in Indian patients treated with this drug.

A population-based study of the epidemiology and clinical features of adults with acute myeloid leukemia in Algeria: report on behalf of the Algerian Acute Leukemia Study Group

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:35:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Algeria, the incidence of hematologic malignancies has been difficult to estimate for many years. Today, many hematological centers, including 14 university hospitals, have been developed in the entire north and have useful epidemiological data pertinent to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We studied the incidence of AML and its subtypes, age distribution, geographic distribution and trends in the rate of diagnosis over the last 5 years in Algeria. Secondary goals were to study trends of referral of AML cases from various regions to specific centers to assess the needs for health infrastructure and change of current practices.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis of nationwide survey of all adult cases of AML (>16 years) diagnosed between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2010.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey form was distributed to all departments of hematology at the 15 participating centers.

RESULTS: The 1426 cases of AML diagnosed during the study period represented an annual incidence of 0.91/100 000 persons with a male to female (M/F) ratio of 1:16 and a median age of 45 years (range, 16-82 years). Nationally, 20% of cases AML were diagnosed in the whole western region of the country, 47% in the central and 33% in the east. There was a trend of continuous increase in the rate with age and in the rate of diagnosis over the last 5 years. The most common subtype was M2, followed by M4 and M5.

CONCLUSION: An overall increase in the number of AML patients diagnosed nationwide over the last five years indicates a need for additional health care resources including curative and therapy-intense strategies, such as stem cell transplant facilities to optimize outcome. The relatively younger age of patients compared to the Western countries may be due to the demographic composition of our population.

An approach to finding indications and contraindications for nephrectomy in post-transplant renal graft lymphomas: PTLD.Int Survey

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:01:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Allograft involvement can occur in some renal transplant recipients who develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). We aimed to find indications and/or contraindications for nephrectomy in renal allograft PTLD based on an outcome analysis of previous reports.

DESIGN AND SETTING: A comprehensive search of Pubmed and Google scholar was performed to find reports of different treatment strategies addressing PTLD occurring within the allograft after renal transplantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent nephrectomy due to kidney allograft localization by PTLD were categorized as the case group, and renal recipients with kidney PTLD for whom nonsurgical treatment modalities were used served as controls.

RESULTS: Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with renal allograft involvement who underwent allograft nephrectomy had a significantly better outcome compared to patients for whom a non-surgical approach was used (P=.03). In patients with disseminated PTLD, nephrectomy was not useful (P>.1). Patients with simultaneous kidney and lung complications by PTLD benefitted from nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients with renal graft complication with disseminated PTLD do not benefit from nephrectomy, which can be considered the only contraindication. However, some particular PTLD co-localizations were not as likely to adversely affect the benefit of nephrectomy in these patients, and these can be considered indications for the procedure. Future multicenter studies are needed to confirm our results.

Evidence for the use PET for radiation therapy planning in patients with cervical cancer: a systematic review

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:43:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In recent years, the role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the staging and management of gynecological cancers has been increasing. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role of PET in radiotherapy planning and brachytherapy treatment optimization in patients with cervical cancer.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic literature review.

METHODS: Systematic review of relevant literature addressing the utilization of PET and/or PET-computed tomography (CT) in external-beam radiotherapy planning and brachytherapy treatment optimization. We performed an extensive PubMed database search on 20 April 2011. Nineteen studies, including 759 patients, formed the basis of this systematic review.

RESULTS: PET/ PET-CT is the most sensitive imaging modality for detecting nodal metastases in patients with cervical cancer and has been shown to impact external-beam radiotherapy planning by modifying the treatment field and customizing the radiation dose. This particularly applies to detection of previously uncovered para-aortic and inguinal nodal metastases. Furthermore, PET/ PET-CT guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows delivery of higher doses of radiation to the primary tumor, if brachytherapy is unsuitable, and to grossly involved nodal disease while minimizing treatment-related toxicity. PET/ PET-CT based brachytherapy optimization allows improved tumor-volume dose distribution and detailed 3D dosimetric evaluation of risk organs. Sequential PET/ PET-CT imaging performed during the course of brachytherapy form the basis of “adaptive” brachytherapy in cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the effectiveness of pretreatment PET/ PET-CT in cervical cancer patients treated by radiotherapy. Further prospective studies are required to define the group of patients who would benefit the most from this procedure.

Durable complete response induced by paclitaxel-nimotuzumab-methotrexate chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:04:00 +0000

A 61-year-old male patient with metastatic poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of larynx to lymph nodes and lung was treated with a third-line chemotherapy scheme with paclitaxel, nimotu zumab and low-dose methotrexate receiving a total of 30 cycles. The response was complete until today and maintained at 16 months. Nimotuzumab is a humanized mono clonal antibody used to treat squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. This third-line chemotherapy combination with pacli taxel-nimotuzumab-methotrexate seems to be an active combination and needs further clinical trials to validate its use in heavily treated patients.

Eight primary malignancies: case report and review of literature

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:17:00 +0000

The incidence of multiple primary malignancies has increased over the past years secondary to the long-term survival of cancer patients due to improvements in the early detection and adequate treatment of cancer. We present a patient with eight primary malignant tumors and review the relevant literature. Our patient was a 59-year-old female with Crohn disease with an otherwise non-contributory medical history. Risk factors for multiple primary tumors were not detected in our patient. At a follow-up of 108 months from the time of diagnosis of the first malignancy, our patient was still alive. Similar long-term survival has been reported in the literature. Due to the realistic potential for long-term survival, we recommend aggressive treatment of these patients.

Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of trachea with subcutaneous emphysema and progressive dyspnea

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:25:00 +0000

Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the trachea is a rare tumor. Common complaints are dyspnea and cough that could mimic a partially refractory asthma in some cases. We report a 16-year-old female with an anaplastic large cell lymphoma (null cell type) in which tracheal involvement was presented with life-threatening airway obstruction and subcutaneous emphysema. After debulking the tumor by endobronchial curettage, the patient was treated with chemotherapy followed by local radiotherapy. She had no evidence of local or distant recurrence after 25 months. Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the trachea is a rare life-threatening disease. Nevertheless, this condition has a good prognosis if diagnosed immediately and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: How safe is safe?

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Mesothelioma in Cyprus: a case series (1997-2007)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Long-term results of non-fludarabine versus fludarabine-based stem cell transplantation without total body irradiation in Fanconi anemia patients

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:07:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only therapeutic modality capable of correcting the hematologic manifestations of Fanconi anemia (FA). The development of well-tolerated immunosuppressive conditioning regimens for FA patients undergoing HCT has proven to be a challenging task for hematologists.
DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Retrospective, patients referred to the hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation research center.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the outcome of 53 FA patients who had undergone HCT between 1992 and 2010. The median age at transplantation was 9 years. Patients received transplants from an HLA-identical sibling (n=39) or matched relative (n=9) and one-antigen locus mismatched other relative/sibling (n=5). All of the patients underwent transplantation with fludarabine and non-fludarabine-based conditioning regimens. No radiation therapy was given.
RESULTS: The median follow-up period for survivors was 13.5 months (range, 3 months-13.5 years). The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 60.6%. The 3-year OS for patients who did or did not receive fludarabine-based preparative regimens for the allograft was 36.4%, and 70%, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant differences in OS rates between these two groups (P=.112). Graft failure occurred in 4 patients (7.5%). All of these 4 patients had received fludarabine-based conditioning regimens. The incidence of acute GVHD after fludarabine-based regimens was 45% versus 79% in non-fludarabine-based regimens (P=.03).
CONCLUSION: Despite the high incidence of acute GVHD (78.6%) in the non-fludarabine group, which resulted in the death of some patients, the OS rate was significantly better than in fludarabine recipients. Therefore, in spite of the fact that recent studies advocate the fludarabine-based conditioning regimens, we propose to conduct a multicenter, prospective study to evaluate the outcomes of regimens employed in FA patients.

The challenges of managing glioblastoma multiforme in developing countries: a between cost and quality of care

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:49:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in developing countries is hindered by the paucity of clear protocols due in part to growing economic constraints and the lack of availability of expensive chemotherapeutic agents. We evaluated the deliverable treatment protocols and achievable outcomes for patients with GBM in a low-income country prior and subsequent to the worldwide adoption of temozolomide.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case series.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Charts of consecutive patients with a pathologic diagnosis of high-grade glioma diagnosed between January 2003 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS: We identified 146 adult patients, including 105 males and 41 females between 19 and 81 years of age (median age, 51 years), with histologically confirmed high-grade glioma. All patients underwent craniotomy. Eighty-two patients were treated with radiotherapy and temozolomide, of whom 42 patients received temozolomide concurrent with radiation followed by adjuvant temozolomide; 40 patients received irradiation followed sequentially by 6 cycles of temozolomide. In 40 patients irradiation was utilized as a single modality treatment adjuvant to surgery. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 56 months (median, 9.4 months). The median survival for the whole cohort was 10.2 months. The median survival for the radiotherapy-alone group was 5.3 months and for combined radiotherapy/temozolomide was 14.8 months. Survival was similar in both concurrent and sequential groups. Temozolomide conferred a statistically significant survival benefit of 9 months compared with standard therapeutic modalities.
CONCLUSIONS: The results compare favorably to those reported in developed nations. Current management of GBM in developing countries should include maximal surgical resection followed by radiotherapy/temozolomide whenever medically and/or financially feasible. Outcomes comparable to those obtained within the context of randomized trials can be expected in low-income settings if healthcare delivery is carefully planned. Our results indicate that concurrent and sequential regimens are equally effective in these patients.

Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation with a conditioning regimen of busulfan, cyclophosphamide and low-dose etoposide for children with myelodysplastic syndrome

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:46:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers the best chance of cure and long-term survival for children with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with primary MDS treated with allogeneic SCT at a single institution treated between January 1993 and December 2008.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 16 consecutive children who received allogeneic SCT for treatment of MDS in our center, 14 patients met the criteria of MDS according WHO I and II criteria. The median age was 4.8 years (range, 1-14 years) and 64% were male. The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 6 months. MDS stage was refractory cytopenia (RC) in 9, refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) in 5. Monosomy 7 was present in 35% of the patients. The majority of patients (11/14) were conditioned with a busulfan-based myeloablative (MA) regimen with addition of low-dose of etoposide (30 mg/kg). All but one received a bone marrow graft.
RESULTS: Nine patients achieved complete remission (CR), and seven remain alive. At a median follow-up of 3 years (range, 2-14 years) the OS and EFS was 57% (95%CI, 0.28-0.78). Cumulative EFS at 10 years was 43% (95% CI: 0.14–0.70). Relapse-related mortality was 21.4%; nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 28.57%. All the survivors had etoposide in their conditioning regimen. Patients younger than 10 years had better survival (P=.001).
CONCLUSION: Children with MDS achieve encouraging OS and EFS following allogeneic SCT. A busulfan-based regimen with a lower dose of etoposide is an effective and less toxic regimen. The outcomes are best in younger patients.

Retinoblastoma in Jordan: An epidemiological study (2006-2010)

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:41:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological characteristics of retinoblastoma have been extensively studied in developed countries, however epidemiological data is scarce in the Middle East. We present a detailed epidemiological analysis of retinoblastoma in Jordan in an attempt to aid national and regional strategies for improved cancer surveillance and control.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of retinoblastoma cases presenting to the sole and exclusive ocular oncology referral center in Jordan.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty children (59 eyes) presenting with clinically and/or histologically confirmed retinoblastomas were treated at King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman, Jordan) between January 2006 and December 2010. This case series included 28 boys and 12 girls. Data relating to age at diagnosis, laterality, gender, treatment modality and survival were recorded.
RESULTS: The mean age-adjusted incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan was 9.32 cases per million children per year for children aged 0-5 years. The male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Bilateral cases were encountered in 19 patients (47.5%) while 21 patients (52.5%) harbored unilateral retinoblastoma. At the time of follow-up, 38 patients (95%) were alive. Overall, 40 eyes (67.8%) were successfully preserved without the need for enucleation.
CONCLUSIONS: The national epidemiological data gathered in this study indicates that the incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan is similar to that reported in various countries of the world. Jordanian boys, however, are at significantly higher risk for developing retinoblastoma than age-matched girls. Furthermore, Jordanian patients are more likely to harbor bilateral retinoblastoma.

Small lymphocytic lymphoma in a patient with CREST syndrome

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:39:00 +0000

We report a case of a 61-year-old man with a history of CREST syndrome (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) who presented for evaluation of thrombocytopenia. He had evident cervical adenopathy and lymph node biopsy showed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) with evident systemic adenopathy and bone marrow involvement. The patient achieved a complete remission with FCR (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab) chemotherapy. About 30 cases of lymphomas are reported in the literature in association with systemic sclerosis. To our knowledge, there are no reports of a small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in association with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis with classic features of the CREST syndrome.

Association of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, colorectal cancer and meningioma

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:35:00 +0000

Recent research has provided compelling evidence that a subset of hyperplastic polyps may be associated with a risk of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer with extracolonic manifestation is usually seen in a hereditary syndrome setting, but some association with meningioma has been reported. The association of colorectal cancer with hyperplastic polyposis and meningioma is extremely rare. This report in a 57-year-old female with no family history of colon cancer or polyps, could be the first case of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome, colorectal cancer and meningioma. Hyperplastic polyposis syndrome was diagnosed as per WHO criteria at the time of colon cancer diagnosis. Within 4 months of colon cancer diagnosis she developed seizures. Imaging of the brain revealed meningioma of the left cerebellopontine angle. The patient underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor associated with fatal hemophagocytic syndrome

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:31:00 +0000

The association of endodermal sinus tumor, known also as yolk sac tumor, of the mediastinum with hemophagocytic syndrome is exceedingly rare with only a few cases on record. We report a 24-year-old male who had a large mediastinal germ cell tumor, proven to be an endodermal sinus tumor on biopsy. The patient developed pancytopenia and coagulopathy related to associated hemophagocytic syndrome, with a fatal outcome. A brief review of the relevant literature is presented as well.

Acute massive splenic infarction with complete liquefaction of the spleen in sickle cell disease

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:28:00 +0000

Uterine sarcoma: a rare cause of uterine inversion

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:23:00 +0000

Lead intoxication mimickiing a malignancy

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:19:00 +0000

Viral-associated thrombotic microangiopathies

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:16:00 +0000

Thrombotic microangiopathies encompass a group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia associated with hyaline thrombi (comprised primarily of platelet aggregates in the microcirculation), and varying degrees of end-organ failure. Many primary (genetic) and secondary etiological predisposing factors have been described—namely pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, cancer, drugs and antineoplastic therapy, bone marrow transplantation/solid organ transplantation, and infections. In the setting of infectious diseases, the association with Shiga or Shiga-like exotoxin of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 or Shigella dysenteriae type 1-induced typical hemolytic uremic syndrome is well known. Recently however, an increasing body of evidence suggests that viruses may also play an important role as trigger factors in the pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathies. This is a comprehensive review focusing on the current understanding of viral associated/induced endothelial stimulation and damage that ultimately leads to the development of this life-threatening multisystemic disorder.

Arsenic trioxide plus cisplatin/interferon α-2b/doxorubicin/capecitabine combination chemotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:12:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The failure of existing treatments for liver cancer has recently been attributed to the existence of cancer stem cells, which are difficult to kill using current drugs due to their chemoresistant properties as well as their ability to stimulate neoangiogenesis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate in vitro the antitumor efficacy of arsenic trioxide in combination with conventional chemotherapy, as proposed by the concept of ”differentiation therapy” in anticancer research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancer stem cells showed enhanced chemoresistance to cancer drugs (carboplatin and doxorubicin) and had the ability to exclude rhodamine 123 dye, proving the existence of the multidrug resistance efflux pump. Arsenic trioxide was added prior to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or to a slightly modified Piaf regimen with capecitabine replacing 5-fluorouracil. We also compared both cancer and normal stem cell lines with the hepG2 non-stem liver cancer cell line to investigate the differences between differentiated and more anaplastic cells. Molecular characterization (immunocytochemistry and rt-PCr analysis) of all the cell lines was carried out.

RESULTS: Initially, the cells had a high proliferative potential, even when cultured in a medium supplemented with cytostatics, eliminated rhodamine 123 immediately in culture and also formed spheroids in suspension. The molecular characterization showed the expression of albumin, α1-antitrypsin, α-fetoprotein, citokeratin-18, telomerase, CD90 and CD133. Low concentrations of arsenic trioxide lead to morphologic differentiation and differentiation-associated cytochemical features, like increased sensitivity to cytostatic drugs.

CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that arsenic trioxide sensitizes liver stem-like cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy. Still, further studies on animal models will be needed before we implement this idea in human clinical trials.

Cytomegalovirus infections in unrelated cord blood transplantation in pediatric patients: incidence, risk factors, and outcomes

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:08:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stem cells from umbilical cord blood (CB) have increasingly become a viable alternate source of progenitor cells for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is thought to contribute significantly to HSCT morbidity and mortality.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case-control study in patients at tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We determined the incidence, risk factors and outcomes for CMV infection and disease after unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) in children.

RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2007, 73 pediatric patients underwent UCBT and 68% of recipients were CMV seropositive. The overall incidence of CMV infection, early and late CMV infection was 58.9% (43/73), 62.8% (27/43), and 37.4% (16/43), respectively. In patients with early CMV infection, 6 of 27 (22%) patients progressed to develop CMV end-organ disease including pneumonitis and retinitis. High levels CMV antigenemia ≥70 infected cells by pp65 antigenemia assay + PMNs, P=.237) were associated with a higher risk of progression to CMV disease. The development of CMV infections was higher in CMV-seropositive recipients (P<.001) and in those who developed graft-versus-host-diseases (GVHD) (P<.001). Other risk factors for CMV infection include the use of high-dose corticosteroids (P<.001) and older age of the recipient at the time of transplant (P<.002). Late CMV infection was strongly associated with a previous history of early CMV infection (P<.001).

CONCLUSION: CMV infection is a significant complication in UCBT recipients in pediatric patients and is associated with an increase in transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for CMV infections after UCBT include GVHD, use of corticosteroids, underlying diseases (hematologic malignancies) and older age. Late CMV infection was strongly associated with a previous history of CMV infection.

Very late onset lymphoproliferative disorders occurring over 10 years post-renal transplantation: PTLD.Int. Survey

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:04:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Knowledge of the significance of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) that occur “very late” or more 10 years after renal transplantation is limited. Thus, we analysed and compared characteristics and prognosis of the disease in renal transplant patients with very late onset PTLD vs. early- and late-onset PTLD.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study of data obtained from comprehensive search of medical literature

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched for available data using the Pubmed and Google scholar search engines for reports of lymphoproliferative disorders occurring in renal transplant patients by disease presentation time.

RESULTS: We analyzed data from 27 studies that included 303 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders after renal transplantation. Renal graft recipients with very late onset PTLD were significantly less likely to be under mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)- and/or tacrolimus (FK-506) (vs. azathioprine) -based immunosuppression (P=.035) and less likely to have a history of antibody induction immunosuppression (P<.001). Compared to “early onset” disease, “very late” onset PTLD is more likely to develop in older patients (P=.032). Survival analysis did not show any difference in outcome (P=.5). No organ involvement priority was found for this patient group (P>.1 for all).

CONCLUSIONS: Older renal transplant patients are at increased risk for development of very late onset PTLD, and should be strictly followed. Further multi-institutional prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) 2008-2009: Report on behalf of the Eastern Mediterranean Bone Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:53:00 +0000

BACKGROUND: The Eastern Mediterranean Bone Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group has accumulated over 25 years of data and experience in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), most particularly in hemoglobinopathies, severe aplastic anemia (SAA), and inherited metabolic and immune disorders, in addition to hematologic malignancies peculiar to the region and where recent updates in trends in activities are warranted.

OBJECTIVES: To study trends in HSCT activities in the World Health Organization-Eastern Mediterranean (EM) region surveyed by EMBMT between 2008 and 2009.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the survey data, mainly of the cumulative number of transplants, types of transplants (autologous vs. allogeneic), types of conditioning as myeloablative (MAC) vs. reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) and trends in leukemias, hemoglobinopathies, SAA, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes amongst others.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fourteen teams from ten Eastern Mediterranean Region Organization (EMRO) countries reported their data (100% return rate) to the EMBMT for the years 2008-2009 with a total of 2608 first HSCT (1286 in 2008; 1322 in 2009). Allogeneic HSCT represented the majority (63%) in both years. The main indications for allogeneic HSCT were acute leukemias (732; 44%), bone marrow failure syndromes (331, 20%), hemoglobinopathies (255; 15%) and immune deficiencies (90; 5%). There was a progressive increase in the proportions of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cases transplanted beyond the first chronic phase (3; 7% of all CML cases in 2008 vs 13; 29% in 2009). The main indications for autologous transplants were plasma cell disorders (345; 36%) Hodgkin disease (256; 27%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (207; 22%) and solid tumors (83; 9%). RIC continued to show a progressive increase over the years (7% in 2007, 11% in 2008 and 13% in 2009), yet remained relatively low compared to contemporary practices in Europe published by EBMT. The vast majority (95%) of allo-HSCT sources were from sibling donors with a continued dominance of peripheral blood (PB) (1076; 63%), while cord blood transplant (CBT) increased to 83 (5% of allo-HSCT), matched unrelated donor (MUD) remained underutilized (1; 0%) and there were no haploidentical transplants reported. Large centers with >50 HSCT/year showed a plateau of the total number of allo-HSCT over the last 5 years that may be related to capacity issues and needs further study.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There is an overall increased rate of HSCT in the EMRO region with a significant increase in utilization of CBT and allogeneic PB-HSCT as a valuable source. However, further research on outcome data and development of regional donor banks (CB and MUD) may help facilitate future planning to satisfy the regional needs and increase collaboration within the group and globally.

Rosai-Dorfman disease of the paranasal sinuses and orbit

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:48:00 +0000

Complete recovery following sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with sickle cell disease

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:45:00 +0000

Successful treatment of steroid-refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with Castleman disease with anti-CD-20 antibody (rituximab)

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:41:00 +0000

Untreated primary thyroid lymphoma in an elderly woman

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:38:00 +0000

Hepatocellular carcinoma to renal cell carcinoma metastasis: a rare phenomenon with diagnostic challenges

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:31:00 +0000

CD123 monoclonal antibody in myelodysplastic syndrome

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:25:00 +0000

Role of reduced intensity conditioning in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:38:00 +0000

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation continues to play an integral role in the treatment strategy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Incorporation of newer potent anti-myeloma agents has further improved outcomes. However, disease relapse or prog-gression remains a challenge after autologous transplantation. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation remains the only potentially curative modality for some patients due in part to graft-versus-myeloma effect. High transplant-related mortality, in the range of 30% to 40%, previously seen with myeloablative conditioning regimens including total body irradiation plus cyclophosphamide has been significantly reduced by introducing less ablative preparative regimens, so called reduced-intensity conditioning. Cumulative evidence suggests encouraging prospects for allogeneic transplantation through improved outcomes of myeloma patients (overall survival exceeding 70% at 2 years in some studies); however, which patient population would benefit most from this treatment remains to be defined. Newer strategies to augment graft-versus-myeloma effect and minimize post transplant toxicities are in need of further improvement in patients with myeloma.

Early versus late outset of lymphoproliferative disorders post-heart and lung transplantation: The PTLD.Int Survey

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 12:47:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The presentation time of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are not well described because of the limited number of cases occurring at each center and lack of a reliable and unequivocal classification together with the absence of multi-institutional prospective studies. We gathered information on the histopathological and clinical features and prognosis of the disease in a very large number of heart and lung transplant recipients, with data from 27 previous reports, with an emphasis of time of presentation.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis of data for individual patients from published studies, entered into a database and reanalyzed.
METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature by PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to find all data available reports on PTLD after heart and lung transplantation.
RESULTS: Data from 288 PTLD patients after heart or lung transplantation from 27 reports were entered into analysis. Heart and lung recipients with early-onset PTLD compared with late-onset PTLD were significantly more likely to be of the B cell type (100% vs. 89.8%, respectively; P=.05). PTLD in patients with early onset was less likely to involve the skin (P=.05) and spleen (P=.015), but more frequently complications of the respiratory tract (P=.002). Morphology of PTLD lesions was significantly different between the two groups with a priority for late-onset PTLD to represent non-Hodgkin lesions (P=.009). No difference was found between the two groups in survival (P=.237). One and five-year survival rates for early-onset PTLD patients were 65% and 46%, respectively; compared to 53% and 41%, respectively, for the late-onset PTLD.
CONCLUSION: Due to a higher incidence of respiratory tract involvement in the early-onset PTLD patients and skin and spleen involvement in late-onset PTLD, we suggest that all heart/lung graft recipients should be evaluated for potential multiorgan disease based early or late presentation. Further multi-institutional prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Cyclophosphamide plus total body irradiation compared with busulfan plus cyclophosphamide as a conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:03:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cyclophosphamide plus total body irradiation (CYTBI) and oral busulfan plus cyclophosphamide (BUCY) are commonly used conditioning regimens prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with leukemia. However, there is conflicting data on the superiority of one regimen over the other. Our aim was to critically appraise and synthesize available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CYTBI compared to BUCY as a conditioning regimen.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing BUCY with CYTBI.
METHODS: We did a systematic search of the indexed medical literature using appropriate keywords to identify potentially relevant articles. The primary outcome of interest was efficacy measured by overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Acute and late toxicity were secondary endpoints. Meta-analysis was attempted only on RCTs. A relative risk or risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each outcome in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Fifteen non-randomized comparative studies involving 6280 patients were included in a narrative review without attempting a pooled analysis, in view of the potential for significant bias. Outcome data from seven RCTs involving 730 patients randomly assigned to either CYTBI or BUCY was pooled using meta-analytic methods. CYTBI was associated with a modest but non-significant reduction in all cause mortality (RR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.64-1.05; P=.12) and relapse of leukemia (RR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.72-1.10; P=.28). Transplant-related mortality (TRM) was significantly lesser with CYTBI compared to oral BUCY (RR-0.53, 95%CI: 0.31-0.90; P=.02). The cumulative incidence of major complications was not significantly different between the two regimens, but specific complications varied according to the conditioning regimen. TBI-based regimens were associated with more severe late effects on growth and development in children.
CONCLUSION: This analysis represents the largest comparative analyses of CYTBI with BUCY as a conditioning regimen prior to HSCT in the indexed medical literature. Conditioning regimen and disease (type and setting) can significantly affect outcomes. TRM is significantly lesser with CYTBI, but this does not translate into a significant survival benefit. There remain valid concerns regarding the late effects of TBI, particularly in children. Although not overly superior, the weight of evidence favors CYTBI over BUCY as a first choice-conditioning regimen in patients with leukemia.

Age at transplantation and outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with multiple myeloma

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:36:00 +0000

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The optimal treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is not well defined, in part because these patients are underrepresented in clinical studies. Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) after high-dose melphalan chemotherapy can result in a prolonged response duration and survival in patients under 65 years of age.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center, retrospective study of patients treated at Paoli-Calmettes Institute Cancer Centre, between January 1994 and January 2007 (96 months)
PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the outcome of elderly (age >65 years) patients with younger patients aged between 60 and 65 years with MM.
RESULTS: We compared 82 elderly patients with 104 younger patients. Except for age, both groups had comparable demographic features, disease characteristics, and prognostic factors. Induction VAD chemotherapy was comparable between the elderly (87%) and younger (94%) group. Prior to auto-SCT, the calculated hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific co-morbidity index was also comparable. With a median follow-up of 41 months (range, 5-227 months) after auto-SCT, 120 patients were still alive. Disease progression (n=40; 61%) was the main cause of death, and it was comparable in the two groups. Auto-SCT-related mortality was 3.8% (n=4/104) in younger and 3.7% (n=3/82) in older patients. Comparing younger/older subjects, progression-free survival was significantly higher in the younger group (P<.0001). However, disease response rates after the first auto-SCT was comparable and overall survival (OS) was also comparable (57% vs. 54% at 5 years, P=NS; 32% vs. 24% at 10 years, P=NS). In a Cox multivariate analysis model, none of the relevant characteristics was shown to be a critical prognostic feature for OS.
CONCLUSIONS: Age was insignificant for both OS and transplant-related mortality. We conclude that there is no biological justification for an age-discriminate policy for MM therapy. Physiologic aging is likely more important than chronologic aging.

How we assess adequacy of fine-needle aspiration materials intended for flow cytometric analysis

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Many articles have been published on the subject of FNA, highlighting the usefulness of flow cytometry in the diagnosis and classification of lymphomas. But occasionally, flow cytometric evaluation fails to detect an abnormal population in a FNA specimen involved by lymphoid neoplasm. Sampling errors (poor viability, peripheral blood contamination and hypocellular specimens) are the major reasons of this failure. In our laboratory we use a simple, fast and cost-effective approach to assess adequacy of FNA materials and in this paper, we describe this procedure with giving some examples of interpretations of our results.

AIDS-related sinonasal Burkitt lymphoma successfully treated with intensive chemotherapy regimen and high active antiretroviral therapy

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:52:00 +0000

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the second most common AIDS-related lymphoma. Primary sinonasal BL in HIV patients is extremely rare and treatment data in this subset of patients is almost nonexistent. Recently, a few studies reported promising results treating HIV-associate BL with an intensive chemotherapy regimen. The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) concomitantly with chemotherapy seems to improve patient outcomes, but this topic is still controversial due to potential drug interactions. We report a case of a 29-year old woman diagnosed with AIDS presenting with symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Subsequent investigation by CT scan and endoscopic biopsy discovered a sinonasal BL in an early stage. The patient was treated with intensive chemotherapy and HAART and achieved a complete remission and long-term immunologic recovery. This case report describes a rare entity whose natural history, treatment and prognosis is infrequently characterized in the medical literature.

Long-term survival of a patient with multiple abdominal metastasis from endometrial carcinoma treated with multi-portal conformal re-irradiation and chemotherapy

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:00:00 +0000

A patient with recurrent endometrial cancer with multiple abdominal and pelvic tumoral masses was treated with re-irradiation combined with liposomal doxorubicin and oxaliplatin. A multiple field conformal technique was used to deliver a highly accelerated and hypofractionated scheme (15 fractions of 3.5 Gy, within 19 days). Complete response was confirmed four months after therapy. Four years later a lung metastasis appeared and was again treated with a similar course of therapy, once again resulting in a complete response. It is suggested that in the era of modern image-guided radiotherapy patients with endometrial cancer who have relapsed within or outside the loco-regional area, should be carefully assessed for an eventual gross tumor eradication using high-dose localized radiotherapy, leaving as the only target of chemotherapy the microscopic undetectable disease.

Romiplostim reverts the thrombocytopenia in dengue hemorrhagic fever

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:10:00 +0000

Nasal extranodal peripheral NK/T-cell lymphoma treated by the protocol NK/T-cell high-dose-methoeotrexate L-asparaginase dexamethasone

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:16:00 +0000