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We investigated the change in the epidemiology of nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria during Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and antibiotic consumption rates at a pandemic hospital and at the Oncology Hospital which operated as COVID-19-free on the same university campus. Significant increases in the infection density rate (IDRs) of BSIs caused by carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) and ampicillin-resistant (ARE) were detected at the pandemic hospital, whereas carbapenem-resistant BSIs were increased at the non-pandemic Oncology Hospital. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed a polyclonal outbreak of CRAB in COVID-19 intensive care units. Antibiotic consumption rates were increased for almost all antibiotics, and was most significant for meropenem at both of the hospitals. Increased IDRs of CRAB and ARE BSIs as well as an increased consumption rate of broad-spectrum antibiotics emphasize the importance of a multimodal infection prevention strategy combined with an active antibiotic stewardship program.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, with criteria including bone marrow plasma cells ≥10% or biopsy-proven plasmacytoma with myeloma-defining events. Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) represents a singular clonal plasma cell lesion without myeloma-defining events, while extramedullary disease (EMD) is an aggressive form of MM characterized by independent growth outside the bone marrow microenvironment. We present a unique case of a 64-year-old patient with bilateral testicular plasmacytoma anteceding the development of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) kappa-type MM, featuring extramedullary renal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomas encompass various lymphoid malignancies, although they are classified and evaluated in a similar manner. Prognostic stratification of lymphomas employs biochemical tests; however, these tests do not offer a viable means of assessing response. We included 108 patients with lymphoma who underwent treatment at the Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University, between January 2015 and December 2017. Patients were grouped into good and poor responders, and changes in biochemical parameters were assessed for their utility in evaluating patient response. We evaluated the proposed scoring system's effect size using Cramer's V test. Fifty-seven patients were male, 51 patients were female, and the median age of the patients was 50 years. Twenty-seven patients had HL, 72 patients had B-cell NHL, and 9 patients had T-cell NHL. Fifty-three patients had stage IV, nine patients had stage III, 23 patients had stage II, and 22 patients had stage I disease. Levels of total protein (from 7.12 to 6.79 gr/ dL, p< 0.01), ß2-microglobulin (from 2287 to 2039 ng/mL, p= 0.07), and lactate dehydrogenase (from 297.8 to 230.1 U/L, p< 0.01) decreased in patients with good response, whereas nothing significant was found in patients with poor response. After transforming the parameters, we proposed a 4-point ordinal system comprising total protein, ß2-microglobulin, and lactate dehydrogenase values. Subsequent analysis demonstrated a nearly high effect size (Cramer's V 0.461) and significance in logistic regression (p< 0.01). Our study presents the first scoring system for response assessment in lymphoma using biochemical tests. Further research is necessary to validate our scoring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Lycopene is associated with anticancer effects in various tumor types. However, the exact underlying mechanisms of action of lycopene in human cervical cancer remain to be determined. This study aimed to determine anticancer efficacy and mechanism of lycopene in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. Materials and methods: HeLa cells were treated with cisplatin (1 µM) alone, lycopene (10 µM) alone, and in combination for 72 h. The cell viability of HeLa cells was assessed via MTS assay. Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), B-cell-associated X protein (Bax), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Results: We found that lycopene acts as a synergistic agent with cisplatin in preventing the growth of HeLa cells. The rates of HeLa cells' viability were 65.6% and 71.1% with lycopene and cisplatin treatment alone compared to the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). The inhibitory effect of cisplatin was enhanced with lycopene addition by declining the cell viability to 37.4% (P < 0.0001). Lycopene treatment significantly increased Bax expression (P < 0.0001) and decreased Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.0001) in HeLa cells. Furthermore, lycopene markedly activated the Nrf2 expression (P < 0.001) and suppressed the NF-kB signaling pathway (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Lycopene increases the sensitization of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via inhibition of cell viability, up-regulation of Bax expression, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the anticancer effect of lycopene might be also associated with suppression of NF-kB-mediated inflammatory responses, and modulation of Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress. The results of the present study suggest that lycopene and concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy might have a role in improving the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment outcomes of our patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and to present our real-life experience. A total of 32 patients with GTN diagnosed according to the FIGO 2002 criteria followed in Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital between 2011-2018 were included. Demographic features, treatment outcomes, and survival were analyzed retrospectively. The median follow up time was 32.1 (3.3-76.9) months. Of the 32 patients, 27 (84.4%) were defined as low-risk GTN (risk score < 7) and 5 (15.6%) were high-risk GTN (risk score ≥ 7) according to the FIGO risk score. Seventeen (62.9%) patients with low-risk GTN achieved complete remission (CR) with single agent MTX. CR rate was 60% (12/20) in patients receiving weekly MTX and 71.4% (5/7) in MTX-FA eight-day regimen (p= 0.590). Of the 9 MTX resistant patients, 8 (88.8%) achieved CR with second-line Actinomycin D (ActD). Three (60%) out of the five high-risk GTN patients acquired CR with first-line EMA-CO (etoposide, MTX, plus ActD alternating with cyclophosphamide and vincristine). In the follow-up period one patient (3.1%) had recurrent disease. By the data cut off date, all of the patients were alive and CR could not be achieved in one (3.1%) patient. All patients with low-risk GTN achieved CR with sequential therapies ultimately. Therefore, single agent MTX is a reasonable option in the initial treatment of low-risk GTN. Moreover, Actinomycin D is highly effective in patients with low-risk GTN who are resistant to MTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare efficacy of dose dense and conventionally dosed paclitaxel-carboplatin regimens in the first-line treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We evaluated the medical records of women with EOC followed in Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital between 2007-2019 retrospectively. The patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0-1-2, and stages of IC-IV, without previous treatments, who had undergone primary cytoreductive surgery were included. All patients had received either dose dense paclitaxel-carboplatin (paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 given on days 1, 8, and 15 plus carboplatin Area Under the Curve: 5 on day 1 of the 21 day cycle) or conventionally dosed paclitaxel-carboplatin (paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 plus carboplatin Area Under the Curve: 5 on day 1 of the 21 day cycle) regimens in the first line treatment. Baseline clinicopathological features, progression-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated. This study included data of 133 patients. Forty patients had received dose dense regimen while 93 had conventionally dosed regimen. Median progression-free survival of the dose dense group [34.4 months (31.7 - 37.03)] was significantly longer than the conventional group [25.5 months (19.9-30.9)] [HR= 0. 55 (95% CI, 0.31 - 0.95), p= 0.03]. Median overall survival was 88.2 months (28.3 - 148.3) in the dose dense group and 76.5 months (63.3 - 89.7) in conventional group (p= 0.102). We have found improved progression-free survival in the first-line treatment of EOC with dose dense regimen compared to conventionally dosed regimen. Overall survival was longer in the dose dense group despite being not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the gap in understanding the prognostic relevance of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) expression in metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based therapy. A retrospective multicenter study (n = 34) explored HIF-1 alpha expression via immunohistochemistry in patients treated with platinum chemotherapy and bevacizumab. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly lower in the HIF-1 alpha low score group compared to the high score group (4.9 vs 12.9 months, P = 0.014). Similarly, the median overall survival (OS) was significantly reduced in the HIF-1 alpha low score group (8.3 vs 20.4 months, P = 0.006). This study, the first of its kind, highlights the prognostic significance of HIF-1 alpha expression in metastatic cervical SCC patients treated with bevacizumab-based therapy.

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on European gynaecological cancer patients under active treatment or follow-up has not been documented. We sought to capture the patient perceptions of the COVID-19 implications and the worldwide imposed treatment modifications., Methods: A patient survey was conducted in 16 European countries, using a new COVID-19-related questionnaire, developed by ENGAGe and the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale questionnaire (HADS). The survey was promoted by national patient advocacy groups and charitable organisations., Findings: We collected 1388 forms; 592 online and 796 hard-copy (May, 2020). We excluded 137 due to missing data. Median patients' age was 55 years (range: 18-89), 54.7% had ovarian cancer and 15.5% were preoperative. Even though 73.2% of patients named cancer as a risk factor for COVID-19, only 17.5% were more afraid of COVID-19 than their cancer condition, with advanced age (>70 years) as the only significant risk factor for that. Overall, 71% were concerned about cancer progression if their treatment/follow-up was cancelled/postponed. Most patients (64%) had their care continued as planned, but 72.3% (n = 892) said that they received no information around overall COVID-19 infection rates of patients and staff, testing or measures taken in their treating hospital. Mean HADS Anxiety and Depression Scores were 8.8 (range: 5.3-12) and 8.1 (range: 3.8-13.4), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified high HADS-depression scores, having experienced modifications of care due to the pandemic and concern about not being able to visit their doctor as independent predictors of patients' anxiety., Interpretation: Gynaecological cancer patients expressed significant anxiety about progression of their disease due to modifications of care related to the COVID-19 pandemic and wished to pursue their treatment as planned despite the associated risks. Healthcare professionals should take this into consideration when making decisions that impact patients care in times of crisis and to develop initiatives to improve patients' communication and education., (© 2020 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: Uterine sarcoma accounts for 3-9% of uterine malignant tumors and has poor prognosis. Pazopanib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor and the only tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has been approved for metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pazopanib in metastatic uterine sarcoma., Methods: The data of 28 metastatic uterine sarcoma patients receiving pazopanib therapy, who were followed in four oncology centers in Ankara, Turkey between May 2013 and June 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients over 18 years, ECOG performance status ≤ 2, receiving at least one line of chemotherapy for metastatic disease, measurable disease at diagnosis, and histologically proven uterine high grade sarcoma were the inclusion criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and response rates to pazopanib were retrospectively evaluated., Results: The median age was 53 years (range, 26-76). The majority of the patients had uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) (n=25, 89.3%), 2 (7.1%) had undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS), and 1(3.6%) had high grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). The most common site of metastasis was lung (n: 21, 75%). The median time for pazopanib therapy was 5 months (0.6-28.3). In 22 patients (78.5%), pazopanib was discontinued due to disease progression, while 2 patients (7.1%) quitted therapy owing to toxicity. Partial response was achieved in 4 patients (14.3%), while 17 (60.7%) had stable disease. Median PFS was 5.2 months (95% CI 2.8-7.5) and median OS was 11.4 months (95% CI 3.4-19.5)., Conclusion: In the present study aiming to assess the real-life outcome of pazopanib-treated patients, we found that pazopanib is efficient in metastatic uterine sarcoma, and our results correspond to the literature.

Background/aim: Two effective cytotoxic agents, doxorubicin and trastuzumab, are associated with potentially life-threatening cardiotoxicity. The present study was designed to investigate cardiotoxicity aggravated by the timing of administration of trastuzumab and doxorubicin in rats., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups. These received one of the following treatment drug regimens administered via intraperitoneal injection: (i) 0.9% saline control (n=6); (ii) doxorubicin (5 mg/kg) on day 1 then trastuzumab 10 mg/kg on day 15 (n=6); (iii) trastuzumab 10 mg/ kg on day 1 then doxorubicin (5 mg/kg) on day 15 (n=6) or (iv) doxorubicin (5 mg/kg) on day 1 and trastuzumab 10 mg/ kg on day 1 (n=6). On the 30th day, the hearts were processed for pathological analysis by electron microscopy., Results: Electron microscopy revealed an ultrastructurally normal heart tissue in the control group. At electron microscopic examination of the tissue samples in the second and fourth group, a mild degree of dilation was observed in the peri-nuclear cisternae of some heart muscle cells. In the third group, pathological changes were detected in mitochondria. These exhibited prominent cristae, which also showed a mild degree of ultrastructural pathology in mitochondria., Conclusion: Based on electron microscopy findings, sequential administration of anthracycline first, followed by trastuzumab is safer in terms of cardiotoxicity, while the most toxic schedule for the rat heart was trastuzumab first, followed by anthracycline., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and prognosis of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) according to molecular subtypes., Methods: Demographic data were examined for 78 patients diagnosed with IBC among breast cancer patients monitored in our clinic. Patients were staged according to the 2010 AJCC guidelines. Physical examination and radiographic findings classified on the basis of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines were employed in the evaluation of clinical response to systemic therapy. Subtype analysis was performed in patients with IBC and subtypes were compared. Patients were divided on the basis of metastatic or non metastatic status and survival analysis was performed on the basis of molecular subtypes., Results: Distribution analysis of molecular subtypes revealed a lower incidence of luminal A and a higher incidence of both HER 2 (+) and triple negative breast cancer in IBC. Molecular subtypes had no effect on survival in the non metastatic (p=0.61) and metastatic patient group (p=0.08)., Conclusion: This study showed that IBC frequency is higher in HER2 overexpressing and triple negative subtypes. No survival differences were noticed in relation to molecular subtypes in IBC patients.