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Resumen Objetivo El objetivo del presente articulo fue identificar el valor pronostico del indice nutricional pronostico (INP) basal en pacientes con cancer de prostata resistente a la castracion metastasico (CPRCm) tratados con acetato de abiraterona o enzalutamida. Metodos Se incluyeron 101 pacientes de CPRCm. El INP se calculo mediante la formula 10 × valor de albumina serica (g/dl) + 0,005 × recuento total de linfocitos (mm 3 ). Se utilizo el analisis ROC para determinar el valor pronostico del INP. Resultados El valor de corte estadisticamente significativo para el INP fue 46,62. La respuesta inicial del PSA y la cinetica del PSA (respuesta precoz por PSA y respuesta por PSA del 30-50-90% en cualquier momento) fueron mucho mejores en el grupo INP > 46,62 que en el grupo INP ≤ 46,62 (p 46,62 fue un predictor independiente de la SLP por PSA (HR: 0,42; p Conclusion El INP es un marcador pronostico util e independiente para los pacientes con CPRCm tratados con acetato de abiraterona o enzalutamida. El uso del INP previo al tratamiento puede ayudar a los medicos en la prediccion de la supervivencia y en la eleccion de acetato de abiraterona o enzalutamida.

Purpose: We aimed to identify the prognostic and predictive values of post-treatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and PNI dynamics in nasopharyngeal cancer patients (NPC) in this study.Methods: 107 non-metastatic NPC patients were included. PNI was calculated by using the following formula: [10 x serum albumin value (gr/dL)] + [0.005 x total lymphocyte count (per mm3)]. ROC analysis was used for determining prognostic PNI values and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses for prognostic characterization of PNI. Results: The statistically significant cut-off values for pre-and post-treatment PNI were 50.65 and 44.75, respectively. Of the pre-treatment PNI analysis, PNI≤50.65 group had shorter loco-regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, for post-treatment PNI analysis, PNI≤44.75 group had shorter LRRFS and OS. In univariate analysis, only pre-treatment PNI was associated with LRRFS and DMFS, while pre-and post-treatment PNI were both associated with OS. In multivariate analysis, both PNI were independent prognostic markers for OS. In the combined analysis, pre-and post-treatment PNI, differences between the groups were statistically significant, and the PNI dynamics was an independent prognostic indicator for OS. Conclusion: PNI is a useful, independent prognostic marker for non-metastatic NPC patients. It is used for either pre-or post-treatment patients. Furthermore, changes in pre-treatment PNI value after curative treatment is a significant indicator for OS.

Transverse colon cancer (TCC) is a rare condition that accounts for 10% of all colon cancers. TCC was accepted more likely right-sided colon cancers. We aimed to investigate whether TCC differs from other colon tumors by using clinical, pathological, and molecular prognostic factors known to be important in colon cancer and if it differs in its own anatomical structure. We evaluated local and locally advanced TCC patients between 2007 and 2020 years for demographics data, symptoms, treatment status, and histopathological and molecular features. Overall, 107 TCC patients were included in this study. According to the molecular data analysis of 44, 35, and 23 patients for MSI, RAS, and BRAF status, respectively, 7 (15.9%) were MSI-H, 13 (37.1%) were RAS mutant, and 11 (47.8%) had BRAF V600E mutation. The median follow-up time was 31.5 months. Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 5.19 months, and median OS was 88.3 months for the whole study population. The tumor stage was the most significant prognostic factor for DFS and OS. Although BRAF mutation was not a significant marker for DFS, it was an independent prognostic marker for OS (HR 3.90 95% CI 1.42–10.7). There were no statistically significant differences between proximal two-thirds and distal one-third tumor location. TCC has molecular features and prognostic factors more likely RCC and no differences between proximal and distal sub-parts. BRAF V600E mutation status is an independent predictor of survival even in the early stages of TCC.

Objective: To evaluate clinical and demographic characteristics and the results of cytotoxic treatments of KRASG12C, KRASother, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel negative patients. Methods: NGS data of 1264 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively evaluated. Among these patients, the mutation distributions of 1081 patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed. A total of 150 patients with negative NGS panel or mutant KRAS followed up in our clinic were included. Clinical features, overall survival, first-line chemotherapy responses, and progression-free survival of NGS panel negative, KRASG12C, and KRASother groups were compared. Results: In 1081 patients who underwent NGS from tumor tissue with the diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, 296 (27%) NGS panel negative and 276 (26%) KRAS mutant patients were detected. Among these patients, 150 patients whose data were available were 71 (47.3%) NGS panel negative, 54 (36%) KRASother, and 25 (16.7%) KRASG12C. Clinical features, brain metastasis, and first-line chemotherapy response were similar among groups. Bone metastases were detected more often in the NGS panel negative group ( p = 0.03). The median follow-up was 8.4 months. Overall, 107 deaths had occurred at the time of analysis. There was no difference in overall survival ( p = 0.56) or progression-free survival ( p = 0.71) among NGS panel negative, KRASother, and KRASG12C patients. Conclusion: There is no difference in overall survival, first-line chemotherapy response, or progression-free survival among patients with NGS panel negative, KRASG12C, or KRASother metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Bone metastases were observed more frequently in the NGS panel negative group.

Contrast nephropathy risk has been increasing in cancer patients. Nephrotoxic side effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor (anti-VEGF/R) drugs used in oncologic treatment are also prominent. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible association among anti-VEGF/R drugs use and development of the contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with cancers. A total of 92 patients were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Patients whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of

We aimed to assess whether anti-EGFR combined chemotherapy regimens are related with loss of skeletal muscle mass and to compare cetuximab and panitumumab therapies in the aspect of skeletal muscle area change as well as to assess whether skeletal muscle mass loss has prognostic significance in the RAS wild mCRC patients. A total of 56 patients (30 patients in cetuximab arm and 26 patients in panitumumab) who had computed tomography images were retrospectively evaluated at the diagnosis and follow up during the treatment period before progression. During treatment period 24 patients (42.8%) had muscle loss. Of these, 7 (29.2%) patients were treated at first-line and 17 (70.8%) patients were treated at second-line setting. There was no significant difference in the aspect of skeletal muscle loss among cetuximab and panitumumab combined treatment regimens. Median PFS was 9.1 (8.6–9.6) months in muscle loss group and 13.9 (7.2–20.6) months in muscle stable group (p = 0.001). Median OS was 23.4 (95% CI 15.8–31.0) months in muscle stable group and 19.1 (95% CI 17.0–21.3) months in muscle loss group (p = 0.57) at first-line setting. For second-line, median OS was 21.2 (14.7–27.7) months in muscle stable group and 14.4 (6.0-22.4) months in muscle loss group (p = 0.003). Decrease in skeletal muscle mass before progression on CT imaging is an independent indicator for shorter PFS value in RAS WT mCRC patients who received anti-EGFR combined chemotherapy regimens at both the first and second-line settings. Beside that shorter overall survival values also were significantly seen in patients who had muscle loss during anti-EGFR therapy in the second-line setting.

Background: In this study, it is aimed to explain the type and frequency of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDI) in patients a Medical oncology service. Methods: This study retrospective descriptive design. pDDIs were identified using the checker programme (Medscape®). Interactions were classified according to their clinical relevance as minor, moderate and major as appropriate. Results: The prevalence of pDDIs was 71.3% and median age was 61 years-old (interquartile range 54–68) and female to male ratio was 116/211. The median number of drugs per patient was 8 (interquartile range 5–10). A total of 1102 pDDIs of 327 hospitalized cancer patients were identified. Of those, 16.7% were major and 61.8% moderate, respectively. Concomitant use of opioids was the most common interaction in our study. Conclusions: Drug interactions were common in hospitalized cancer patients. In order to prevent potential hazardous effect of pDDI, awareness of the physicians should be increased about this issue. Keywords: Cancer patients, Oncology, Polypharmacy, Drug interaction, Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION[|]Multiple primary tumors are the ones that develop in the same patient at the same or different times. They are usually examined under two groups. If the second tumor is diagnosed 6 months after the first tumor is diagnosed, it is named as metachronous tumor. If it is diagnosed in 6 months after the first diagnosis, it is called as synchronous tumor. The malignancy of tumors should be proved histologically. At least 2 cm of solid tissue should be present between two tumors. If they are at localized at the same place, a gap of at least 5 years should be present between them. Metastatic disease should be eliminated.This study aimedto review the clinical, demographic, and pathological features of multiple primary tumors, detect the prevalence, compare the results with literature findings, and evaluate and improve the approach to multiple primary tumors.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 170 patients diagnosed with multiple primary tumors were included in this study. Patient data were obtained from pathology and medical reports of the patients.[¤]RESULTS[|]Most of the multiple primary tumors were metachronous. The number of male patients was more than that of female patients. The median time between double tumors was 3 monthsforsynchronous tumorsand 26 months for metachronous tumors. Synchronous tumors with the highest prevalence of comorbidity were lung–larynx and lung–colon, whereas metachronous tumors with the highest prevalence of comorbidity were lung–bladder, lung–larynx, breast–endometrium, and breast–colon. The history of smoking and alcohol was found to be higher in male patients andsynchronous tumors.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]The detection of the first tumor in the metastatic stage and an accompanying synchronous secondary tumor was found to be a poor prognostic factor. The treatment of the first tumor, smoking, squamous cell histology, and male gender were among the other factors negatively affecting survival,although they were not statistically significant.[¤]

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most lethal cancers. It is mainly classified into 2 groups: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) are very rare. The Ras oncogene controls most of the cellular functions in the cell. Overall, 21.6% of human cancers contain a Kirsten Ras (KRAS) mutation. SCLC and EPSCC have several similar features but their clinical course is different. Aims: We investigated the KRAS mutation status in SCLC and EPSCC. Study design: Mutation research. Methods: Thirty-seven SCLC and 15 EPSCC patients were included in the study. The pathological diagnoses were confirmed by a second pathologist. KRAS analysis was performed in our medical genetic department. DNA isolation was performed with primary tumor tissue using the QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue kit (Qiagen; Hilden, Germany) in all patients. The therascreen KRAS Pyro Kit 24 V1 (Qiagen; Hilden, Germany) was used for KRAS analyses. Results: Thirty-four (91.9%) of the SCLC patients were male, while 11 (73.3%) of the EPSCC l patients were female. SCLC was more common in males, and EPSCC in females (p=0.001). A KRAS mutation was found in 6 (16.2%) if SCLC patients. The most common mutation was Q61R (CAA>CGA). Among the 15 EPSCC patients, 2 had a KRAS mutation (13.3%). When KRAS mutant and wild type patients were compared in the SCLC group, no difference was found for overall survival (p=0.6). Conclusion: In previous studies, the incidence of KRAS mutation in SCLC was 1-3%; however, it was 16.2% in our study. Therefore, there may be ethnic and geographical differences in the KRAS mutations of SCLC. As a result, KRAS mutation should not be excluded in SCLC.

BackgroundSarcopenia is related to poor prognosis and drug toxicities in solid tumors. The aim of our study is to investigate the predisposition of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who started regorafenib treatment to sarcopenia and prolonged survival.MethodsPatients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who receives regorafenib were search retrospectively. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as dose reduction or toxicity requiring drug withdrawal. Sarcopenia evaluation was made with computed tomography performed within a month before treatment. Progression-free survival and overall survival were estimated.ResultsThirty-six patients were found as suitable for the study. 63.9% of patients were found as basally sarcopenic. Dose-limiting toxicity occured 13 of 23 patients (56.5%) with basal sarcopenia, whereas only 1 of 13 patients (7.6%) with no sarcopenia exhibited dose-limiting toxicity (p=0.005). Three patients suffered from grade 3-4 toxicity. Hand-foot syndrome, hypertension, and mucosal rash were the most seen side effects. Mean regorafenib treatment duration was 3.36 months. There was no significant difference in the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) between sarcopenic patients and patients with no sarcopenia. Durations were as OS 24.2 weeks in patients with sarcopenia (95% CI 16.7-31.7), 28.1 weeks in patients with no sarcopenia (95% CI 20.5-35.7) (p=0.36), and as PFS 14.2 weeks in patients with sarcopenia (95% CI 12.1-16.4), 14.8 weeks in patients with no sarcopenia (95% CI 9.7-20.1) (p=0.65).ConclusionDose-limiting toxicity was significantly higher in basally sarcopenic patients who were started regorafenib as treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. There was no significant relationship between overall survival and progression-free survival with sarcopenia.

To evaluate whether sunitinib and pazopanib treatments are associated with change in skeletal muscle area (SMA) and total lean body mass (LBM) as well as to compare their efficacies and safety profiles in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Thirty-six patients treated with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor were included. Eighteen of them received sunitinib and the rest/remaining received pazopanib in the first line of mRCC treatment. Baseline and follow-up computed tomography studies of the patients were performed to measure cross-sectional areas (cm2) of muscle tissues. About 69% of patients were male and median age was 60 (49–68) years. Median time interval between two CT imagings was 6.1 (3.1–7.7) months and it was similar between the two groups (for sunitinib, 4.9 (2.5–6.9) months vs for pazopanib, 7.3 (3.2–9.5) months, p = 0.16, respectively). Disease control rate was 77.7% in all patients. Of these, 66.6% in sunitinib group was consisted of four partial responses and eight stable diseases. In addition, 88.8% in pazopanib group was consisted of three partial responses and 13 stable diseases. A significant decrease in SMA and LBM was observed after sunitinib therapy, whereas SMA and LBM values of pazopanib group did not change significantly (p = 0.02 and p = 0.70, respectively). No significant differences were observed between patients with sunitinib, and pazopanib group median PFS [11.9 (95% CI 6.1–17.6) vs 8.1 months (95% CI 7.2–9.1), respectively; p = 0.28] and median OS [28.6 (95% CI 24.3–32.9) vs 25.5 months (95% CI 18.9–52.7), respectively; p = 0.42]. Dose-limiting toxicities were significantly more frequent in sunitinib group than in pazopanib group (66.7% vs 22.2%, p = 0.02, respectively). Loss of SMA and LBM with sunitinib was more substantial than with pazopanib. Treatment efficacies of both drugs were similar, but dose-limiting toxicity was more frequent in sunitinib group. Loss of SMA had no significant association with prognosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible association between SMA and prognosis in mRCC patients who receive sunitinib or pazopanib.

To assess the efficacy and safety of regorafenib versus rechallenge chemotherapy in previously treated mCRC patients in third-line setting. The data of 104 patients diagnosed with mCRC enrolled from 2010 to 2017 in six oncology centers were analyzed. Tumor treatment options were obtained from follow-up and treatment files. Rechallenge chemotherapy was identified as the re-use of the regimen which was previously administered to patients in one of the therapy lines and obtained disease control, these were the patients whose disease did not progress within 3 months. A total of 104 patients had received previously two lines of chemotherapy regimens for mCRC. Of these, 73 patients with mCRC who received regorafenib and 31 those who received rechallenge chemotherapy in third-line therapy were analyzed. Overall survival was better with rechallenge than it was with regorafenib (HR 0.29 95% CI 0.16–0.54, p

The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare the efficacy and toxicity of the oxaliplatin + 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) + leucovorin (LV) regimen [modified (m)FOLFOX-6] with that of the docetaxel + cisplatin + 5-FU regimen (DCF) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). A total of 72 patients received DCF (75 mg/m2 docetaxel and 75 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 1 and 750 mg/m2 5-FU on days 1–5) every 21 days, whereas 54 patients received mFOLFOX-6 (85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 400 mg/m2 LV as a 2-h infusion, followed by a 5-FU bolus of 400 mg/m2 and 2,400 mg/m2 5-FU as a 46-h continuous infusion) every 14 days. In the DCF arm, 55 (76.4%) of the patients received prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), 48–72 h following completion of chemotherapy. The median follow-up of the study was 12.1 months. The overall response rate (ORR) was 37.0% for mFOLFOX-6 and 40.3% for DCF (P=0.72). The median time to progression was 6.5 and 6.2 months in the mFOLFOX-6 and DCF arms, respectively (P=0.70). The median overall survival was 11.4 and 13.5 months in the mFOLFOX-6 and DCF arms, respectively (P=0.72). The rates of hematological toxicity did not differ between the two arms. However, in the subgroup analysis, grade 3–4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were significantly more common among patients who had not received G-CSF prophylaxis in the DCF arm. The incidence of grade 3–4 nausea/vomiting and diarrhea were significantly higher in the DCF arm. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the efficacy of the mFOLFOX-6 regimen was comparable to that of the DCF regimen in AGC patients. In addition, the benefit of G-CSF prophylaxis in conjunction with the DCF regimen was demonstrated.

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare tumor type, accounting for approximately 1% of all cancers in men. However, among men aged between 15 and 40 years, testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy. Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are classified as seminoma and non-seminoma. The RAS oncogene controls several cellular functions, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and differentiation. Thus, RAS signaling is important for normal germ cell development. Mutations of the Kirsten RAS (K-RAS) gene are present in over 20% of all cancers. RAS gene mutations have also been reported in TGCTs. We investigated K-RAS and N-RAS mutations in seminoma and non-seminoma TGCT patients. A total of 24 (55%) pure seminoma cases and 19 (45%) non-seminoma cases were included in the study. K-RAS and N-RAS analyses were performed in our molecular pathology laboratory, using K-RAS and N-RAS Pyro Kit 24 V1 (Qiagen). In total, a RAS mutation was present in 12 patients (27%): 7 seminoma (29%) and 5 non-seminoma cases (26%) [p = 0.55]. A K-RAS mutation was present in 4 pure seminoma tumors (16%) and 3 non-seminoma tumors (15%) [p = 0.63], and an N-RAS mutation was observed in 4 seminoma tumors (16%) and 3 non-seminoma tumors (15%) [p = 0.63]. Both, K-RAS and N-RAS mutations were present in two patients: One with seminoma tumor and the other with non-seminoma tumor. To date, no approved targeted therapy is available for the treatment of TGCTs. The analysis of K-RAS and N-RAS mutations in these tumors may provide more treatment options, especially in platinum-resistant tumors. © 2017 ABMSFBIH.

To determine the frequency of and possible factors related to contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in hospitalised patients with cancer.Ninety adult patients were enrolled. Patients with risk factors for acute renal failure were excluded. Blood samples were examined the day before contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and serially for 3 days thereafter. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (Cr) of 0.5 mg/dl or more, or elevation of Cr to 25 % over baseline. Relationships between CIN and possible risk factors were investigated.CIN was detected in 18/90 (20 %) patients. CIN developed in 25.5 % patients who underwent chemotherapy and in 11 % patients who did not (P = 0.1). CIN more frequently developed in patients who had undergone CT within 45 days after the last chemotherapy (P = 0.005); it was also an independent risk factor (P = 0.017). CIN was significantly more after treatment with bevacizumab/irinotecan (P = 0.021) and in patients with hypertension (P = 0.044).The incidence of CIN after CT in hospitalised oncological patients was 20 %. CIN developed 4.5-times more frequently in patients with cancer who had undergone recent chemotherapy. Hypertension and the combination of bevacizumab/irinotecan may be additional risk factors for CIN development.• Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a concern for oncological patients undergoing CT. • CIN occurs more often when CT is performed45 days after chemotherapy. • Hypertension and treatment with bevacizumab appear to be additional risk factors.

WOS: 000388033500007, PubMed: 27371767, Lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers demonstrates distinct genetic profiles, and cigarette smoking affects epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) function and causes secondary EGFR tyrosine kinase resistance. We evaluated the effect of active smoking in patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 132 metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients, diagnosed between 2008 and 2013, with known EGFR mutation status, were evaluated retrospectively. Among these patients, 40 had an activating EGFR mutation. Patients who continued smoking during the treatment were defined as active smokers. Former smokers and never smokers were together defined as non-smokers. The outcomes of the treatment in relation to the EGFR mutation and smoking status were evaluated. The median follow-up time was 10.5 months. The overall response rate for the first-line therapy was significantly higher among the EGFR-mutant patients (p = 0.01), however, smoking status had no impact on the response rate (p = 0.1). The EGFR-mutant active smokers progressed earlier than the non-smokers (p < 0.01). The overall survival (OS) of the non-smokers and patients treated with erlotinib was significantly longer (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Smoking status did not affect the OS in EGFR wild type tumors (p = 0.49) but EGFR-mutant non-smokers had a longer OS than the active smokers (p = 0.01). The active smokers treated with erlotinib had poorer survival than the non-smokers (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis of EGFR-mutant patients showed that erlotinib treatment at any line and non-smoking were independent prognostic factors for the OS (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). Smoking during treatment is a negative prognostic factor in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with an EGFR mutation.

Mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare type of cancer that differs significantly from cutaneous melanoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical and demographical characteristics, prognoses and factors influencing survival, treatment alternatives, and features of different subtypes of the patients. The patients were followed up with and treated in different centers due to their diagnoses of MM. We retrospectively analyzed data of 107 patients who were diagnosed with MM in 14 different institutions in Turkey. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 years. Of the patients, 47 % were female and 53 % were male. The median overall survival (OS) was 17 months, and the mean follow-up duration was 27 months. The 2-year survival rate was 42 %, and the 5-year survival rate was 23 %. The best survival rate appeared in those patients with MM in the head-neck region (median survival rate was 27 months, P = 0.034). The most common anatomical site was the head-neck region. In a univariate analysis, variables including age ≥65 years, the anatomical site of the primary lesion other than head and neck region, the metastatic stage of the disease, high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) of ≥1 were found to be associated with poor survival (P < 0.05). However, in a multivariate analysis, only advanced stage disease (HR = 2.70; 95 % CI, 1.64–4.45; P = 0.000) and high LDH levels (HR = 2.31; 95 % CI, 1.40–3.80; P = 0.001) were determined to be adverse prognostic variables. Primary MM presents a more aggressive behavior and offers a poorer prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma. Because the disease is rarely seen, is heterogeneous, and lacks randomized studies, issues concerning optimal treatment approaches and management and clinical characteristics of the disease have not been clarified yet. © 2016, International Society of Oncology and BioMarkers (ISOBM).

We aimed to compare the protective effect of L-carnitine (CAR) and amifostine (AMF) against cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity through biochemical markers and histopathological evaluation. Fifty-seven Wistar albino male rats were randomly classified into six groups, which were AMF+CDDP (n = 11; 200 mg/kg AMF 30 min prior to 7 mg/kg CDDP), CAR+CDDP (n = 11; 300 mg/kg CAR 30 min prior to 7 mg/kg CDDP), CDDP (n = 11; 1 mL/kg isotonic saline 30 min prior to 7 mg/kg CDDP), AMF (n = 8; 200 mg/kg AMF alone), CAR (n = 8; 300 mg/kg CAR alone), and control (n = 8; 1 mL/kg isotonic saline alone). All drugs were given intraperitoneally. Five days after medication, animals were killed, and samples of blood and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological evaluation. The serum urea level was highest in AMF+CDDP group among CDDP-applied groups without statistical significance (median, range: 88, 56-21 mg/dL; P > 0.05). There was no statistical significance among CDDP-applied groups in terms of creatinine level (P > 0.05). In the AMF+CDDP group, the median glomerular, tubular, and tubulointerstitial inflammatory damage scores were significantly higher than the other CDDP-applied groups (P < 0.001). The difference between CAR+CDDP and CDDP groups was not statistically significant in terms of renal damage scores. AMF+CDDP group had significantly higher median total nephrotoxicity score than all the other groups (P < 0.001). To conclude, AMF or CAR has no protective effect on CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, our findings suggest that application of AMF before CDDP may enhance CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity histopathologically.

The aim of this study is to reveal likely demographic, clinical, and pathological differences among hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients according to their HER-2 status. The medical records of hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients with known HER-2 status between January 1999 and December 2006 were reviewed, retrospectively. A total of 91 cases were included in the study (68 HER-2 negative cases and 23 HER-2 positive cases). The results obtained showed that median age, menarche age, childbearing age, number of children, menopause age, and body-mass indexes were similar in both groups. The HER-2 negative patients had more family history of breast cancer than HER-2 positive patients (13.2% and 0%, respectively, P = 0.091). Eighty-three patients received neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy. Recurrence occurred in 41 (46.6%) patients. Neither recurrence nor disease-free survival of those patients was associated with HER-2 status. Tumor size (P = 0.042) and number of involved lymph nodes (P = 0.001) were found to be independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. A tendency for more frequent cerebral metastasis was found in HER-2 positive advanced stage patients (P = 0.052). HER-2 positive patients were less responsive to taxanes (P = 0.071). The number of involved lymph nodes (P = 0.004) and HER-2 status (P = 0.043) were found to be prognostic factors for overall survival. HER-2 positive and negative patients should be followed and treated with different strategies. HER-2 positive patients are at least as resistant to systemic therapies as the HER-2 negative patients. Genetic counseling should be routinely provided to triple negative patients and their families. HER-2 positive patients may be candidates for prophylactic treatment strategies concerning cerebral metastasis.

Resumo: Os tumores que metastizam para os gânglios inguinais têm frequentemente origem nos órgãos genitais e reprodutores, na pele, no recto ou ânus, ou na bexiga 1,2. Há, no entanto, algumas descrições de casos raros de metástases inguinais de tumores localizados acima do diafragma2â5, e apenas três destes apresentavam uma metástase inguinal reconhecida antes da morte. Estes casos estão detalhadamente descritos na literatura médica de língua inglesa3â5. Os tumores primários destes casos eram mesotelioma maligno e carcinomas do conduto salivar e da mama. Descrevemosum caso de carcinoma do pulmão que metastizou para gânglio inguinal, como única evidência de cancro do pulmão progressivo.Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (5): 709-713 Abstact: Tumours that metastasise to groin nodes most frequently originate in genital and reproductive organs, skin, rectum or anus, or urinary bladder 1,2. However, rare cases of inguinal metastases from tumours above the diaphragm have been reported 2â5 and only three of them had an inguinal metastasis which was recognised antemortem and reported in detail in the English medical literature 3â5. The primary tumours of these cases were malignant mesothelioma, salivary duct and breast carcinoma. In this paper, we report a case of carcinoma of the lung metastatic to an inguinal lymph node as the only evidence of progressive lung cancer.Rev Port Pneumol 2008; XIV (5): 709-713 Palavras-chave: Carcinoma do pulmão de não pequenas células, gânglio inguinal, metástase, progressão da doença, Key-words: Non-small cell lung carcinoma, inguinal lymph node, metastasis, disease progression

Abstact: Tumours that metastasise to groin nodes most frequently originate in genital and reproductive organs, skin, rectum or anus, or urinary bladder1,2. However, rare cases of inguinal metastases from tumours above the diaphragm have been reported2-5 and only three of them had an inguinal metastasis which was recognised antemortem and reported in detail in the English medical literature3-5. The primary tumours of these cases were malignant mesothelioma, salivary duct and breast carcinoma. In this paper, we report a case of carcinoma of the lung metastatic to an inguinal lymph node as the only evidence of progressive lung cancer. Resumo: Os tumores que metastizam para os gânglios inguinais têm frequentemente origem nos órgãos genitais e reprodutores, na pele, no recto ou ânus, ou na bexiga1,2. Há, no entanto, algumas descrições de casos raros de metástases inguinais de tumores localizados acima do diafragma2-5, e apenas três destes apresentavam uma metástase inguinal reconhecida antes da morte. Estes casos estão detalhadamente descritos na literatura médica de língua inglesa3-5. Os tumores primários destes casos eram mesotelioma maligno e carcinomas do conduto salivar e da mama. Descrevemos um caso de carcinoma do pulmão que metastizou para gânglio inguinal, como única evidência de cancro do pulmão progressivo. Key-words: Non-small cell lung carcinoma, inguinal lymph node, metastasis, disease progression, Palavras-chave: Carcinoma do pulmão de não pequenas células, gânglio inguinal, metástase, progressão da doença

In this study, we aimed to determine the personal, social and economic burden and the frequency of depression, as well as in caregivers of cancer patients who are being treated with chemotherapy in Turkey. The study is designed as a cross-sectional survey study using a 5-point Likert-type response scale, and the last part of the questionnaire includes the Beck Depression Inventory. The depression rate was found to be 64% (n = 476) among all subjects (n = 968), with 91% of those with depression demonstrating signs of mild depression. In this study, a significant difference was found between the presence of depression and age (young), sex (female), educational level (high), economic status (low), financial loss during treatment, patient's lack of knowledge about his/her diagnosis, metastatic disease and short survival time. In addition, 64% of all subjects had concerns of getting cancer, and 44% of all subjects had feelings of anger/rage against other people. In a multivariate regression analysis, the patient's lack of knowledge of the diagnosis was the independent risk factor. In conclusion, depression incidence and burden rate increased among cancer caregivers, and care burden was highly associated with depression. Accordingly, approaches to reducing the psycho-social effects of cancer should focus intensively on both the patients and their caregivers in Turkey. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

WOS: 000388033500009, PubMed: 27455119, This study aimed to elucidate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of a homogeneous group of patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Between 1999 and 2014, CUP was diagnosed in 159 (1.3%) of 11,742 cancer patients at Trakya University Hospital (Edirne, Turkey). Ninety-seven (61%) of the 159 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Among these, 61 (62.8%) patients with adenocarcinoma were included in this study. The most frequently predicted primary tumor site was the lung (37.7%), and 59% of the patients were smokers. There was a significant relationship between smoking and the lung as a potential primary cancer site (p = 0.042). The most frequent site of metastasis was the liver (60.7%). The median number of metastases per patient was two, but patients with liver metastases had a median of five metastases. The overall median survival time was 7 months. Median survival was significantly longer in patients with a predicted primary site than in patients without the predicted site (7 vs. 6 months, respectively; p = 0.038). When the patients with predicted ovarian and peritoneal tumors were excluded from the comparison, the statistical p value was still close to significant (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking, liver metastasis, serum alkaline phosphatase = 92 U/L, and progression in response to chemotherapy were independent predictors of a poor prognosis. The present study identified several independent prognostic factors in patients with unknown primary adenocarcinomas who received chemotherapy. Smoking, the presence of liver metastasis, and response to chemotherapy were independent risk factors for both progression-free and overall survival.

BACKGROUND. The study was conducted with the aim of reviewing the clinical features, therapy, and natural course of patients with extrapulmonary small-cell carcinoma (EPSCC) and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) to better define current concepts regarding EPSCCs. METHODS. The medical records of patients with proven diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma (SmCC) between January 1999 and May 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 65 SmCC cases were included in the study (11 [17%] cases of EPSCC and 54 [83%] cases of SCLC). RESULTS. Progression-free survival of all patients with EPSCC and patients with extensive EPSCC disease was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–13.42) and 7 months (95% CI, 4.71–13.29), respectively. Overall survival of all patients with EPSCC and patients with extensive EPSSC disease was 32 months (95% CI, 18.74–45.26) and 28 months (95% CI, 12.24–43.76), respectively. Progression-free survival and overall survival for all patients with SCLC were 5 months (95% CI, 2.26–7.74) and 10 months (95% CI, 5.95–14.05), respectively. Progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with extensive disease were 3 months (95% CI, 4.71–13.29) and 5 months (95% CI, 3.33–6.67), respectively. Overall survival was significantly better in all patients with EPSCC and in patients with extensive EPSCC disease compared with all patients with SCLC and patients with extensive SCLC disease (P = .014, P = .004, respectively). Early death and brain metastasis were observed in a higher number of patients with SCLC compared with EPSCC; however, these results were not statistically significant (P = .33 and P = .076, respectively). Smoking history was significantly less in the EPSCC group (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS. EPSCC is usually treated similarly to SCLC. However, this study suggests some differences such as etiology, clinic course, survival, frequency of brain metastases, and early death between these entities. These possible differences may influence the choice of therapeutic approach. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of single-agent bevacizumab therapy for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We identified patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma and World Health Organization Grade III glioma who were previously treated with temozolomide plus radiotherapy and received 10 mg/kg bevacizumab intravenous infusion every 2 weeks until disease progression for recurrent disease. A total 24 patients included to this study. Twenty-two patients had GBM, and two patients had WHO grade III glioma. No complete response was observed, five patients (20.8 %) had partial response, nine patients (37.5 %) had stable diseases, and ten patients (41.7 %) had progressive diseases. The overall response rate was 20.8 %. The 6-month PFS rate (PFS6) and median PFS were determined as 37.5 % and 4.1 months, respectively. Median OS was 6.4 months. Performance status of 17 (70.8 %) patients was improved following bevacizumab regimen. Univariate analysis showed that improvement in performance status (IPS) following bevacizumab therapy was a significant predictor of both PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.020). Bevacizumab-related adverse effects were observed in 13 (54.1 %) patients. Grade 3-4 toxicity was observed in 4 (16.6 %) patients. Therapy interruptions were experienced in two patients due to adverse effects. Single-agent bevacizumab is an effective and safe treatment alternative in recurrent GBM. IPS following bevacizumab therapy was a significant predictor of both PFS and OS.

We have studied the efficacy of bevacizumab in colorectal cancer with unresectable metastasis patients who had undergone resection of primary tumor. The patients with unresectable metastasis during diagnosis who had undergone resection of primary tumor without chemotherapy and the patients without resection of primary tumor were included. Among patients who had met the inclusion criteria, 46 patients with resection of primary tumor and 47 without resection of primary tumor were included in the study. A total of 93 unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer patients were included in the study. Median PFS was 9 months (95 % CI 7.37-10.62) in patients with resected primary tumor and bevacizumab containing first-line chemotherapy combination. Median PFS was 10 months (95 % CI 8.06-11.93) in patients without bevacizumab (P = 0.66) Median OS was 25 months (95 % CI 17.92-32.07) in patients with resected primary tumor and bevacizumab containing first-line chemotherapy combination. Median OS was 16 months (95 % CI 9.71-22.28) in patients without bevacizumab (P = 0.36) Median OS was 16 months (95 % CI 13.06-8.939) in patients without resected primary tumor and bevacizumab containing first-line chemotherapy combination. Median OS was 9 months (95 % CI 1.48-16.51) in patients without bevacizumab (P = 0.012). Bevacizumab seems ineffective in mCRC patients with resected primary tumor. An increase in number of retrospective literature data and randomized, prospective studies is required about this subject.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and distribution by tumor localization of KRAS point mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer. A total of 189 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2014, who were either metastatic at the time of diagnosis or developed metastasis subsequently, were included in this study. KRAS mutation analysis was performed in the primary tumor tissues and KRAS mutations were identified in 47.6% of the patients. There was a high frequency of the p.G13D point mutation in left-colon tumors (P=0.011), while the p.G12D point mutation was more frequent in right-colon tumors (P=0.004). KRAS wild-type frequency (P=0.02) was higher among patients aged 50-year-old group (P=0.03) and codon 13 mutations were more common in the

Background In platinum-taxane resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), we aimed to determine the effectiveness. Patients and Methods Between 2004 and 2013, patients afflicted with platinum-taxane resistant EOC and who were administered a 30-minute i.v. infusion of single-agent gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on the 1st, 8th and 15th days, every 28 days, were examined retrospectively. Results Twenty-six patients with platinum-taxane resistant EOC were included in the study. The overall survival (OS) was 48 months. The median survival after becoming platinum-taxane resistant was 16 months for the study population. Median time to progression (TTP) and median survival after becoming platinum-taxane resistant for patients who received second-line treatment were 3.3 months and 16 months, respectively; for patients who received third-line treatment with gemcitabine, these were 3.7 months and 19 months, respectively. Administration of gemcitabine as second- and third-line chemotherapy in platinum-taxane resistant EOC, provides similar TTP and OS outcomes (p = 0.4, p = 0.9) with a similar response and toxicity rate. Conclusions Second- and third-line gemcitabine at a dose of 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days as a 30-minute i.v. infusion in platinum-taxane resistant EOC is an effective treatment option with a tolerable and manageable toxicity.

e20051 Background: Mucosal melanoma is a rare disease that is clearly distinct from cutaneous melanoma in clinical course and prognosis. We aim to evaluate patients with mucosal melanoma of differe...

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SICH) is an entity, which is secondary to iatrogenic manipulation and breaching of dura. Postural headache in patients should be suspected, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for precise diagnosis. Hallmark of MRI is regular shape of pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement and subdural effusion. It may mimic central nervous system (CNS) metastasis. Prevention of such cases from receiving cranial radiotherapy by misinterpretation of the gadolinium enhancement as CNS metastasis is an important issue. Capecitabine is an antineoplastic agent, of which metabolites can cross blood-brain barrier in CNS via epithelial tissue. It may cause decrease in CSF production. SICH might be the clinical reflection of this decrease in CSF production. Review of the English literature revealed limited data because of the very little experience with oncologic patients suffering from intracranial hypotension. We report a case of spontaneous intracranial hypotension during capecitabine treatment. Patient was completely well following drug discontinuation and supportive treatment.

Malignant melanoma is a highly unpredictable tumor that has capacity to metastasize to any organ. A better understanding is needed of the clinicopathologic features of metastatic melanoma and, in particular, of its rare manifestations.A 33-year-old woman with a past medical history of malignant melanoma presented with symptoms of throat discomfort and bleeding. On physical examination, a dark pigmented lesion was observed on the right tonsil. Tonsillectomy was performed, and melanoma was diagnosed. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen revealed a filling defect in the right atrium and a 4-cm gallbladder mass. Echocardiography revealed a right atrial mass. No further metastasis was detected by whole body (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Each metastasis was completely resected with clear margins. The pathologic diagnosis of the resected masses was malignant melanoma. 3 weeks after the final surgery, temozolomide was started. The patient has been followed up for 9 months after diagnosis of the first recurrence, and no new metastases have been detected.We report a case with synchronous tonsil, gallbladder, and heart metastases without any other common sites of metastasis of melanoma. The patient was successfully treated with aggressive surgery followed by temozolomide.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), intralesional and systemic carnitine as monotherapy and in combination against ulceration in rats induced by intradermal doxorubicin extravasation. Sixty-nine 3-month-old male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 200-225 g, were used in this study. Rats were applied monotherapy or a combination of topical DMSO, intraperitoneal or intralesional carnitine. Control groups received saline or no drug. The necrotic area was measured and extravasated neutrophil leukocytes were counted in healthy tissue adjacent to necrotic areas. Monotherapy with topical and systemic carnitine did not significantly reduce the size of necrotic areas. However, topical DMSO had reduced necrotic areas and inflammatory cells significantly and the addition of systemic carnitine to topical DMSO had increased the efficacy. DMSO is an effective, safe, and easy-to-apply treatment for doxorubicin-induced extravasation. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the use of carnitine in combination with DMSO.

We describe a 71-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital with posterior chest pain. Following the detection of a paravetebral mass at the level of the 2nd thoracic vertebra, the patient underwent a surgical en bloc resection of the mass. The histopathologic examination revealed a Merkel cell carcinoma. One month after the operation, magnetic resonance imaging showed an inoperable mass in the same location, which indicated a rapid progression of the tumor. The patient died of progressive respiratory failure due to pneumonia on the 6th day after the onset of radiochemotherapy. Although this appears to be an isolated case, Merkel cell carcinoma must be included in the differential diagnosis of intrathoracic masses. Turkish Başlık: Merkel Hücreli Karsinomun Nadir Bir Presentasyonu Anahtar Kelimeler: Merkel hücreli karsinom, intratorasik, ekstrakütanöz Yetmişbir yaşındaki erkek hastanın sırt ağrısı şikayetiyle hastaneye başvurusu sonrasında yapılan tetkiklerinde sol paravertebral alan ikinci vertebra düzeyinde kitle tespit edilmiş ve kitlenin en blok rezeksiyonu sonrasında histopatolojik olarak Merkel hücreli karsinom tanısı konmuştur. Postoperatif birinci ayında manyetik rezonans incelemede aynı alanda tespit edilen ve inoperabl olarak değerlendirilen kitle hastalığın hızlı ilerlediğini düşündürdü. Hasta radyokemoterapinin 6. gününde pnömoni sonucunda ortaya çıkan solunum yetersizliği nedeniyle hayatını kaybetti. Bu çok nadir görülebilecek bir olgu olmakla birlikte, intratorasik kitlelerin ayırıcı tanısında Merkel hücreli karsinom da düşünülmelidir.

ture cyctic teratoma of the ovary. Pathol Int 1998;48:834-39. [CrossRef] 4. Abbosh PH, Zhang S, Maclennan GT. Germ cell origin of testicular carcinoid tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2008;14:1393-96. [CrossRef]

Background We aimed to evaluate retrospectively the correlation of loco-regional relapse (LRR) rate, distant metastasis (DM) rate, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in a group of breast cancer (BC) patients who are at intermediate risk for LRR (T1-2 tumor and 1-3 positive axillary nodes) treated with or without postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) following modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Methods Ninety patients, with T1-T2 tumor, and 1-3 positive nodes who had undergone MRM received adjuvant systemic therapy with (n = 66) or without (n = 24) PMRT. Patient-related characteristics (age, menopausal status, pathological stage/tumor size, tumor location, histology, estrogen/progesterone receptor status, histological grade, nuclear grade, extracapsular extension, lymphatic, vascular and perineural invasion and ratio of involved nodes/dissected nodes) and treatment-related factors (PMRT, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy) were evaluated in terms of LRR and DM rate. The 5-year Kaplan-Meier DFS and OS rates were analysed. Results Differences between RT and no-RT groups were statistically significant for all comparisons in favor of RT group except OS: LRR rate (3%vs 17%, p = 0.038), DM rate (12% vs 42%, p = 0.004), 5 year DFS (82.4% vs 52.4%, p = 0.034), 5 year OS (90,2% vs 61,9%, p = 0.087). In multivariate analysis DM and lymphatic invasion were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion PMRT for T1-2, N1-3 positive BC patients has to be reconsidered according to the prognostic factors and the decision has to be made individually with the consideration of long-term morbidity and with the patient approval.

The adverse effects of regimes in cancer treatment have forced us to change to new targeted therapy options. Understanding these side effects, which can lead to discontinuation of the new therapy strategies, will allow the clinical management of these side effects and result in continuing therapies with effective medications. Bevacizumab, which is an IgG1 antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, has side effects such as proteinuria, hypertension, venous and arterial thromboembolic events, and hemorrhage. This is the first reported case of dural sinus vein thrombosis, during the treatment with bevacizumab.

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCC) can clinically progress differently depending on the primary site of disease involvement. This review is focused on patients with small cell carcinoma (SmCC) exclusively localized in a lymph node or in multiple lymph nodes without any evidence of a primary tumor in any other organ.We searched the period 1980 to 2007 in the PubMed database and identified 11 publications in the English language presenting at least one case of SmCC. In total 28 individual patients were included in the present study. They were scrutinized in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, staging, pathology, etiology, treatment and prognosis.Characteristics such as age, gender and smoking were similar to those seen in other EPSCCs. Median survival was not reached (42+, range, 9.1 to 100 months). The survival rate was found to be 79% at 3 years. Seventy-seven percent of the patients had limited stage disease. These patients completely responded to surgical therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or to a combination of these treatments. Seventy-one percent of the patients with limited stage SmCC localized in lymph nodes were recurrence-free during the study periods.Our review patient group with SmCC localized in lymph nodes exhibited an excellent clinical behavior and survival results when compared to other patients with pulmonary and non-pulmonary SmCCs. SmCCs localized in lymph nodes may be a separate clinical entity.

Several studies have shown that the concurrent administration of chemotherapy (CHT) and radiotherapy (RT) is superior to RT alone in patients with inoperable non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (InSCCHN). We compared the efficacy and safety profile of RT and concurrent cisplatin CHT given in two different schedules to patients with previously untreated InSCCHN.Fifty patients with previously untreated InSCCHN admitted to our oncology department were included in the study. Thirty of 50 (60%) patients with a younger age or good performance status (PS) (ECOG 0-1) received cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on a 21-day schedule (group A). Other 20 (40%) patients with older age or poor PS (ECOG 2) received cisplatin 40 mg/m(2) on a 7-day schedule (group B). Each of the 50 patients received concurrent conventional dose RT according to primer tumor location.The median follow-up is 12 months for group A and 12.5 months for group B. Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients in group A and 18 (90%) in group B were evaluable for response. The complete response rate was 50% in group A and 40% in group B (P0.05). The objective response rate was 92% in group A and 90% in group B (P0.05). All grade 3-4 toxic events were seen in 16 (53.3%) of group A patients and 8 (40%) of group B patients (P0.05).Comparison between two treatment modalities appears to result in statistically similar response rates and adverse event profile. A randomized phase III trial is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of weekly cisplatin therapy in patients with poor PS and/or older age at diagnosis.

Although testicular germ cell tumors have become curable neoplasms, a better understanding of the clinicopathologic features is needed for the rare manifestations associated with treatment failure. We report a rare case of metastatic pure choriocarcinoma involving the small intestine arising from a testicular mixed germ cell tumor. In a patient who developed massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage during treatment, the intestinal metastases and focus of bleeding could only be determined by laparotomy. We propose an approach for the determination of subclinical intestinal metastases of testicular germ cell tumor; the case is discussed in light of similar reports in literature.