Prevalence of thyroid malignancy and hormonal dysfunction following radiation exposure in childhood

INTRODUCTION@#Childhood radiation exposure is a known risk factor for thyroid malignancy and dysfunction. However, local data are limited and there is no consensus on the modality and frequency of screening in this high-risk group.@*METHODS@#Retrospective analysis study evaluating patients with childhood radiation exposure in 2006-2016 and minimum of 1-year follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Of the 132 childhood cancer survivors in the study, thyroid malignancy was detected in 2 cases (1.5%) and thyroid nodules in 13 (9.8%). The earliest thyroid malignancy was detected 5 years post-radiotherapy via ultrasound. Of the 84 patients who had screening thyroid function test, 26 (31.0%) were detected with abnormal test results post-radiation, majority being subclinical hypothyroidism.@*CONCLUSION@#Regular screening via clinical examination for thyroid nodules should be performed at least annually. Where feasible and if resources permit, consideration should be given to using ultrasound for thyroid nodule(s) and malignancy screening at 5 years post-radiation therapy. Screening for thyroid dysfunction can be considered from 6-12 months post-radiotherapy.

Glioblastoma multiforme outcomes of 107 patients treated in two Singapore institutions

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumour in adults. Although the survival rate for GBM has improved with recent advancements in treatment, the prognosis remains generally poor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a retrospective review of GBM patients seen in National University Hospital, Singapore, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, from January 2002 to December 2011. Data on disease and treatment factors was collected and correlated with survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Data on a total of 107 GBM patients was analysed. Their median survival time was 15.1 months and the two-year survival rate was 23.5%, which is comparable with data published in other series. The factors associated with improved median survival time were radiotherapy dose > 50 Gy (16.1 months vs. 8.7 months, p = 0.01) and adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy (16.4 months vs. 9.2 months, p = 0.003).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GBM confers a poor prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are associated with improved survival. Ethnicity may be a contributing factor to differences in GBM incidence and prognosis.</p>