Association of gleason risk groups with metastatic sites in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common non cutaneous male malignancy worldwide. Gleason composite score is used for risk classification. The most common site of metastasis in prostate cancer is the bone among others. The site and number of metastasis affect overall survival. The ability to predict the metastatic site at diagnosis can assist in predicting the prognosis. To assess the pattern of bone and visceral organ metastases in prostate cancer and evaluate if the initial Gleason grade at diagnosis can predict metastatic sites in prostate cancer. Records of patients with metastatic prostate cancer seen in an institution in Nigeria were analysed. Imaging examination reports used were Technitium99m bone scan for skeletal metastasis; ultrasonography; chest x-ray and cranial CT scan for evidence of visceral metastasis. The association of the initial Gleason grade and site of metastasis was determined using Chi square test for significance. Eighty two patient's records were analysed. The proportion of patients with low risk Gleason grade (=6) at diagnosis was 27(32%); Intermediate risk grade (Gleason=7) was 25 (30%) while high risk Gleason grade (8-10) was 30 (38%). Spinal metastasis was 77(94%); pelvis 55(67%) femur 36 (44%) and tibia 1 (1%) while 55(67%) patients had multiple bones affected. Twenty seven patients 33% had visceral metastasis with liver 15(18%) lungs 9 (11%) and brain 3 (4%). There was no significant association between the initial Gleason risk grade with the site of metastasis (x2 3 =2.411; p=0.491). The spine was the most common site of metastases from prostate cancer in this series. The Gleason risk grade at diagnosis was not predictive of metastatic site

Docetaxel chemotherapy in the management of advanced and metastatic breast cancer in Nigerians a pilot study

The aim of this study was to assess whether introduction of Docetaxel into the management will improve palliation of symptoms; quality of life; response rate and probably survival in breast cancer patients. A total of 19 patients referred from different medical centers in Nigeria were entered into the study. The age range was 25 to 52 years with a median of 34 years. The sex incidence was 18 females; 1 male. There were 7 patients in stage III and the duration of median response was 30 months. There were 12 patients in stage IV. Out of these 3 patients with brain metastasis had median response of 4 months. 4 patients with liver metastasis average duration of response was 22 months. 5 patients with pulmonary metastasis average duration of response was 20 months. In all; 16; out of the 19 patients (84