Smudge cell percentage as a surrogate marker for ZAP-70 expression in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of smudge cell percentage as a surrogate marker for zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. METHODS: Sixty three newly diagnosed CLL patients were investigated at the Hematology Department of the Medical Research Institute of Alexandria University with complete blood count, lactate dehydrogenase, β2 microglobulin levels, ZAP-70 expression, and estimation of the percentage of smudge cells. RESULTS: The percentage of smudge cells ranged from 2 to 58% with a mean of 24.03±13.98%. Higher percentages of smudge cells (>30%) were statistically significantly associated with markers of better prognosis (negative ZAP-70, early-stage disease according to the Binet and Rai staging systems, as well as low and intermediate risk CLL prognostic index). The percentage of smudge cells showed significantly negative correlation with the ZAP-70 expression and higher area under the curve for prediction of ZAP-70 positivity with better survival for 36 months in patients with >30% smudge cells. CONCLUSION: The percentage of smudge cells at presentation of newly diagnosed CLL patients could be used as a surrogate marker for ZAP-70 expression and an additional prognostic marker for disease progression.

Effect of cancer awareness on the percentage of reported oral cancers in Aden, Yemen

Background: From the start of Al-Amal Oncology Unit Foundation in Aden [2007], the awareness programs commenced and continued to widen the campaign on targeted population [male and female] in schools, colleges, mosques, private and government offices, local radio and television broadcasts. This study aimed to measure the impact of cancer awareness vis-à-vis the number of reported cases of cancers in Al-Amal Oncology Unit in Aden using oral cancer as the focus of study

Methods and Resources: This study was conducted retrospectively for three years [2008-2010], using the data from the archives of Al-Amal Oncology Unit in Aden, Yemen. The records of 41 newly registered oral cancers were thoroughly reviewed and analyzed in comparison with the total newly registered cancers over the same period of time

Results: It was found that the percentage of oral cancers during the time of intensified regular awareness activities was not significant after one year; however, there was a significant increase at the end of 2010. Results also show that females showed higher percentage of reported oral cancers after intensified regular awareness activities covering a wider age range. The percentages of operable [early stages] oral cancers were markedly increased after cancer awareness activities were implemented, from 8.3% in 2008 to 60.0% in 2010

Conclusion: Cancer awareness aims to minimize late presentation of the disease and encourages early presentation and detection to improve survival rates. This study concluded that an improved cancer awareness program marked a significant improvement on patients' diagnosis due to earlier presentation and thus improves the chances of survival. Cancer awareness should continue as a regular activity in Aden, Yemen to sustain this improvement so far

Pattern of gastrointestinaI cancers in South Eastern Region of Yemen

Primary gastrointestinal malignancies are more common than other malignancies among Yemeni patients. This study was conducted retrospectively with the aim of studying the pattern of primary gastrointestinal malignancies among Yemeni patients attending the Oncology Department of Al-Gamhouria Teaching Hospital, Aden, for the period from Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2004. During the four-year study period, a total of 289 patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers were reported, 173 [59.9%] were males and 116 [40.1%] were females [p=0.0002]. The ratio of male to female was 1.49:1. The age ranged from 4 to 90 years, with a mean of 55.6 +/- 13.4 years. Statistically, there is a significant difference between the means of ages of different sites of primary gastrointestinal cancers [p=0.0000]. The common types of primary gastrointestinal cancers in this study include coloreetal [30.4%] and gastric cancers [29.1%], followed by hepatic [14.9%], pancreatic [12.8%], and esophageal cancers [10.0%]. Lower percentages were noted in small intestinal cancer [2.1%] and gall bladder cancer [0.7%]. Higher percentage of primary gastrointestinal cancer was seen in the age 40 years [259 patients, 89.6%]. Females were affected more than males [60.0% and 40.0% respectively] in the younger age of >/= 40 gears, whereas in the age of 40 years and more, males were affected more than females [62.2% and 37.8% respectively]