Prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis / Papel prognóstico da relação neutrófilo-linfócito no carcinoma espinocelular da laringe: uma metanálise

Abstract Introduction New evidence suggests that the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes is associated with the prognosis of other carcinoma, but the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma remains controversial. Objective The objective of this meta-analysis was to clarify the prognostic effectiveness of the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods According to the meta-analysis of the free guide, we searched EMBASE, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library databases. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients was evaluated using mean standard vehicle and confidence interval. The overall survival, disease-free survival and progression free survival of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were expressed by standard mean carrier method and confidence interval. The risk ratio of 95% confidence interval was used as an evaluation index for patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Results Eight studies, including 1780 patients, used a variety of different end values to classify the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (range 1.78-4.0). Among the eight studies that reported risk ratio of the overall survival, the higher median value was 2.72, and 2 of 4 studies reported disease-free survival results. The critical value of ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and overall survival deterioration (risk ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.43-1.99, p< 0.001), disease-free survival (risk ratio = 2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.62-2.6, p< 0.001) and progression free survival (risk ratio = 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.75-2.10, p< 0.001) was associated with with laryngeal aquamous cell carcinoma. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes had prognostic value for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis showed that the increase of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio was related to poor prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio may serve as a cost-effective prognostic biomarker of poor prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. More high-quality prospective trials are needed to assess the practicability of evaluating the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Resumo Introdução Novas evidências sugerem que a relação neutrófilo-linfócito está associada ao prognóstico de vários carcinomas, mas a relação neutrófilo-linfócito no carcinoma espinocelular da laringe ainda permanece controversa. Objetivo Esclarecer a eficácia prognóstica da relação neutrófilo-linfócito no carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. Método De acordo com as diretrizes de metanálise, conduzimos uma busca nas bases de dados Embase, PubMed, e Cochrane Library. A relação neutrófilo-linfócito de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de laringe foi avaliado com a diferença de médias padronizadas e intervalo de confiança. A sobrevida global, sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida livre de progressão de pacientes com carcinomaespinocelular de laringe foram expressas pelo método da diferença de médias padronizadas e intervalo de confiança. A razão de risco do intervalo de confiança 95% foi usada como um índice de avaliação para pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. Resultados Oito estudos, que incluíram 1.780 pacientes, usaram uma variedade de valores finais diferentes para classificar a relação neutrófilo-linfócito (intervalo de 1,78-4,0). Entre os oito estudos que relataram a razão de risco de sobrevida global, o maior valor médio foi de 2,72 e 2 de 4 estudos relataram resultados com sobrevida livre de doença. O valor crítico de relação neutrófilo-linfócito e deterioração da sobrevida global (razão de risco = 1,68, intervalo de confiança 95% 1,43-1,99, p ˂ 0,001), sobrevida livre de doença (razão de risco = 2,09, intervalo de confiança 95% 1,62-2,6, p ˂ 0,001) e sobrevida livre de progressão (razão de risco = 1,92, intervalo de confiança 95% 1,75-2,10, p ˂ 0,001) foi associado com carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. A relação neutrófilo-linfócito tem valor prognóstico para carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. Conclusão Os resultados da metanálise mostraram que o aumento da relação neutrófilo-linfócito estava relacionado ao mau prognóstico do carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. A relação neutrófilo-linfócito pode servir como um biomarcador custo-efetivo de prognóstico do carcinoma espinocelular de laringe. Entretanto, mais estudos prospectivos de alta qualidade são necessários para avaliar a sua praticabilidade.

Mieloma múltiple. Experiencia de 9 años en el Hospital Naval Almirante Nef / Multiple myeloma. Nine years' experience at the Hospital Naval Almirante Nef

Introducción: el mieloma múltiple (MM) continúa siendo una enfermedad incurable sin embargo, el trasplante autólogo de médula ósea (TAH), y las drogas antineoplásicas han permitido mejorar la sobrevida global (SG) de los pacientes. Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de 50 pacientes con diagnóstico de MM en el hospital Naval Almirante Nef, desde 2005 a 2013. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos cohortes, según la eligibilidad a trasplante, y analizados acordes a la primera línea de tratamiento y la sobrevida global (SG) hasta abril de 2019. Resultados: mediana de edad 73 años (47-88 años), SG 49 meses, y 50% en etapa-II del Sistema de Etapificación Internacional. La SG de los 39 no candidatos a TAH fue 46 meses; con un mayor número de respuestas completas y sobrevida, con el esquema melfalán-prednisona-talidomida. La SG de los 11 candidatos a TAH fue 66 meses, siendo el esquema bortezomib-ciclofosfamida-dexame-tasona el que concentró un mayor número de respuestas completas libres de progresión. Se trasplantó el 45% de los candidatos, con una mediana de sobrevida de 79 meses versus a los 51 meses de aquellos no trasplantados. Tres casos de neuropatía asociada a talidomida y uno a bortezomib. La SG a los seis meses y a los cinco años de todos los pacientes fue 86% y 44%, respectivamente. Conclusión: la incorpo-ración de nuevos fármacos permitió obtener mejores resultados de sobrevida lo que se condice con estudios nacionales e internacionales.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease however, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and antineo-plastic drugs have allowed improving the overall survival (OS) of patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study of 50 patients diagnosed with MM at the Hospital Naval Almirante Nef, from 2005 to 2013. The patients were divided into two cohorts according to transplantation eligibility and analyzed about first-line treatment and overall survival (OS) up to April 2019. Results: Median age 73 years (47-88 years), OS 49 months, and 50% in stage-II International Staging System. OS of the 39 non-candidates for ASCT was 46 months: with a higher number of complete responses and survival, with the melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide scheme. The OS of the 11 candidates for ASCT was 66 months, with the bortezomib-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone scheme being the one with the highest number of progression-free complete responses. Forty-five percent of the candidates were transplanted, with a median survival of 79 months versus 51 months for those not transplanted. Three cases of neuropathy were associated with thalidomide and one with bortezomib. OS at six months and five years for all patients was 86% and 44%, respectively. Conclusion: The incorporation of new drugs allowed to obtain better survival results, which is by national and international studies.

Caracterización de pacientes adultos con linfoma no Hodgkin difuso de células grandes B / Characterization of adult patients with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Introducción: El linfoma difuso de células grandes B es el subtipo histológico más común de los linfomas no Hodgkin de curso agresivo. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento de pacientes adultos con linfoma difuso de células grandes B. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo que incluyó 56 pacientes adultos con linfoma difuso de células grandes B atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología desde enero 1998 hasta diciembre 2018. Resultados: El 55,4 por ciento de los pacientes fueron del sexo masculino; predominó el color de piel blanco (76,8 por ciento) y el grupo de 59 a 78 años (44,6 por ciento). Prevalecieron pacientes con comorbilidades fundamentalmente la hipertensión arterial (35,7 por ciento) y con validismo regular (55,4 por ciento). El 53,6 por ciento de los pacientes estaba en estadio IV al diagnóstico; predominaron los pacientes con síntomas B en 85,7 por ciento y fue más frecuente el grupo de riesgo bajo intermedio en 35,7 por ciento. El esquema más empleado fue R-CHOP, con el que se logró 85,7 por ciento de remisión completa. El 17,9 por ciento de los pacientes fallecieron y 41,1 por ciento recayeron. La sobrevida global a los 3, 5 y 10 años fue de 87,0 por ciento, 83,0 por ciento, y 80,0 por ciento, respectivamente. La sobrevida libre de enfermedad a los 3, 5 y 10 años fue de 74,0 por ciento, 67 por ciento y 56 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La sobrevida global y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad de los pacientes fueron altas(AU)

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Objective: Characterize the behavior of adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods: An observational retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was conducted of 56 adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma attending the Institute of Hematology and Immunology from January 1998 to December 2018. Results: Of the patients studied, 55.4 percent were male, and a predominance was found of white skin color (76.8 percent) and the 59-78 years age group (44.6 percent). Patients with comorbidities prevailed, mainly hypertension (35.7 percent) with an ability to perform activities of daily living (55.4 percent). 53.6 percent of the patients were in stage IV at diagnosis. Patients with type B symptoms prevailed with 85.7 (AU) , and the low to intermediate risk group was the most common with 35.7 percent. The regimen most frequently used was R-CHOP, obtaining 85.7 percent complete remission. 17.9 percent of the patients died and 41.1 percent relapsed. Overall survival at 3, 5 and 10 years was 87.0 percent, 83.0 percent and 80.0 percent, respectively. Disease-free survival at 3, 5 and 10 years was 74.0 percent, 67 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Conclusions: Overall and disease-free survival were high(AU)

Manejo del cáncer de mama Estadio IV / Management of Stage IV breast cancer

El cáncer de mama Estadio IV se define como la diseminación de células tumorales más allá de la mama, la pared torácica y los ganglios linfáticos regionales. Globalmente, 5-10% de las mujeres tienen metástasis al momento del diagnóstico y hasta un 30% de aquellas con estadios tempranos al inicio desarrollará metástasis en algún momento. Se estima una mediana de sobrevida global en cáncer de mama metastásico de 3 años, con un intervalo que va desde pocos meses hasta muchos años, y una sobrevida a 5 años que ronda el 25%. Continúa siendo una enfermedad tratable pero no curable. Los objetivos terapéuticos en enfermedad metastásica principalmente son: prolongación de la sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad, disminución de síntomas y complicaciones asociadas al cáncer y mejoras en la calidad de vida de las pacientes. En la actualidad, estas metas son alcanzadas principalmente con la utilización de terapias sistémicas como la quimioterapia, la hormonoterapia o el uso de agentes biológicos. En algunas circunstancias, el tratamiento locorregional también contribuye a lograr estos objetivos. La elección del tratamiento sistémico está principalmente determinada por la biología tumoral, ya que esto permite el empleo de terapias dirigidas. En los tumores Luminales, deberá emplearse hormonoterapia, sola o en asociación con otros esquemas. En tumores her2+, se indicará, de ser posible, como primera línea de tratamiento doble bloqueo anti-her más quimioterapia. El subgrupo de peor pronóstico está representado por los tumores Triple Negativos, para los cuales no existen blancos terapéuticos dirigidos. En este caso, se utilizará quimioterapia. Se deberá usar terapia de mantenimiento luego de lograr el control de la enfermedad en tumores Luminales y her2+. El rol del tratamiento locorregional en cáncer de mama metastásico continúa siendo un tema de debate. Actualmente, algunos estudios sugieren que podrían obtenerse algunos beneficios, aunque aún hacen falta más datos para sostener su indicación. Deberá garantizarse un abordaje multidisciplinario y un seguimiento cercano de estas pacientes, con el fin de valorar la respuesta al tratamiento, la aparición de toxicidad inaceptable y las condiciones de calidad de vida

Stage IV breast cancer is defined as the spread of tumor cells beyond the breast, chest wall, and regional lymph nodes. Globally, 5-10% of women have metastases at diagnosis, and up to 30% of those with early stages of onset will develop metastases at some point. A median overall survival in metastatic breast cancer of 3 years is estimated, with an interval ranging from a few months to many years, and a 5-year survival of around 25%. It remains a treatable but not curable disease. The therapeutic goals in metastatic disease are mainly: prolongation of global and disease-free survival, decrease in symptoms and complications associated with cancer, and improvements in the quality of life of patients. At present, these goals are mainly achieved with the use of systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or the use of biological agents. In some circumstances locoregional treatment also contributes to achieving these goals. The choice of systemic treatment is mainly determined by tumor biology, since this allows the use of targeted therapies. In Luminal tumors, hormone therapy should be used, alone or in association with other schemes. In her2+ tumors, double blocking anti-her plus chemotherapy will be indicated if possible as the first line of treatment. The worst prognosis subgroup is represented by Triple Negative tumors for which there are no targeted therapeutic targets. In this case chemotherapy will be used. Maintenance therapy should be used after achieving control of the disease in Luminal tumors and her2+. The role of locoregional treatment in metastatic breast cancer continues to be a matter of debate. Currently some studies suggest that some benefits could be obtained although more data are still needed to support its indication. A multidisciplinary approach and close monitoring of these patients should be guaranteed in order to assess the response to treatment, the appearance of unacceptable toxicity and quality of life conditions

Treatment outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a middle-income developing country: high mortalities, early relapses, and poor survival / Desfechos do tratamento de crianças com leucemia linfoblástica aguda em um paísem desenvolvimento de renda média: altas taxas de mortalidade, recidivas precocese baixa sobrevida

Abstract Objective Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, yet surprisingly, very few studies have reported the treatment outcomes and the relapse rate of patients from low/middle-income countries. Method This study was a 5-year retrospective cohort study. It was conducted at Oncology Center of Mansoura University in Egypt and aimed to estimate the treatment outcomes and the relapse rates of newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Results Two hundred children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia were studied; forty-six patients (23%) died during induction and most of those deaths were related to infection. Forty-one patients (27%) relapsed out of the 152 patients who achieved complete remission. The most common site of relapse was the bone marrow, followed by the isolated central nervous system, 53.7% and 31.7%, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of relapses occurred very early/early rather than later. The majority of relapse patients' deaths were related to infection and disease progression. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients was 63.1% (82.1% for non-relapsed compared to 36.6% for relapsed patients). Conclusion There was a high incidence of induction deaths related to infection and high percentages of very early/early relapses, with high mortalities and low 5-year overall survival rates. These findings suggest the urgent need for modification of chemotherapy regimens to be suitable for the local conditions, including implementation of supportive care and infection control policies. There is also a requirement for antimicrobial prophylaxis during induction period combined with the necessary increase in government healthcare spending to improve the survival of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egyptian children.

Resumo Objetivo Estimar os desfechos do tratamento e as taxas de recidiva de crianças recém-diagnosticadas com leucemia linfoblástica aguda. É o câncer infantil mais comum, mas surpreendentemente poucos estudos relataram os desfechos do tratamento e a taxa de recidiva em pacientes de países de renda baixa/média. Método Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de cinco anos. Foi feito no Centro de Oncologia da Universidade de Mansoura, no Egito. Resultados Foram estudadas 200 crianças com leucemia linfoblástica aguda, das quais 46 (23%) morreram durante a indução e a maioria dessas mortes estava relacionada à infecção. Dos 152 pacientes que alcançaram a remissão completa, 41 (27%) apresentaram recidiva. O local mais comum de recidiva foi a medula óssea, seguido pelo sistema nervoso central isolado, com 53,7% e 31,7% dos casos, respectivamente. Das recidivas, 78% ocorreram muito precocemente ou precocemente, em vez de tardiamente. A maioria das mortes de pacientes com recidiva estava relacionada à infecção e progressão da doença. A taxa de sobrevida global em cinco anos para os pacientes foi de 63,1% (82,1% para não recidivados em comparação com 36,6% para os recidivados). Conclusão Houve uma alta incidência de mortes na indução relacionadas à infecção e altos percentuais de recidivas muito precoces ou precoces, com altas taxas de mortalidade e baixas taxas de sobrevida global em cinco anos. Nossos achados sugerem a necessidade urgente de modificação dos esquemas quimioterápicos para adequação às nossas condições locais, implantação de políticas de cuidados de suporte e controle de infecções. Há também a necessidade de profilaxia antimicrobiana durante o período de indução, junto com um aumento necessário nos gastos governamentais com a saúde, para melhorar a capacidade de sobrevivência das crianças egípcias com leucemia linfoblástica aguda.

Caracterización del linfoma de Hodgkin en los pacientes adultos / Characterization of Hodgkin's lymphoma in the adults patients

Introducción: El linfoma de Hodgkin ha pasado de ser una enfermedad fatal a una de las neoplasias con mayores posibilidades de curación. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento del linfoma de Hodgkin en los pacientes adultos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo parcial que incluyó 75 pacientes adultos con linfoma de Hodgkin atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología entre enero de 1987 hasta enero de 2017. Resultados: El 64 por ciento de los pacientes fueron del sexo masculino; predominó el color de piel blanco (85,3 por ciento) y el grupo de 18 a 38 años fue el más frecuente (68 por ciento). Prevalecieron los pacientes sin comorbilidades (65,3 por ciento) y con buen validismo (93,3 por ciento). El 52 por ciento de los pacientes estaba en estadio III al diagnóstico; predominó el grupo pronóstico de avanzado favorable 61.3 por ciento. La variedad histológica más frecuente fue la esclerosis nodular con 48 pacientes y el esquema empleado con mayor frecuencia fue ABVD, con el que se logró 92 por ciento de remisión completa. El 20 por ciento de los pacientes fallecieron y el 18,7 por ciento recayeron. La sobrevida global a los 2, 5 y 10 años fue de 93 por ciento, 83 por ciento y 80 por ciento, respectivamente. La sobrevida libre de enfermedad a los 5 y 10 años fue de 82 por ciento y 73 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La sobrevida global y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad de los pacientes fueron altas. Los pacientes tratados con la combinación de quimioterapia y radioterapia mostraron significativamente una mejor supervivencia global(AU)

Introduction: Hodgkin's lymphoma has evolved to be one of the cancers with highest possibilities of cure. Objective: To characterize the behavior of the Hodgkin's lymphoma disease in adult patients. Methods: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study was carried out. It included 75 adult patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma attended in the Institute of Hematology and Immunology since January 1987 to January of 2017. Results: 64 percent of the patients were male; the white color of skin and the group from 18 to 38 years predominated, with 85.3 percent and 68 percent respectively. Patients without comorbidity prevailed, and those who had a good status performance, representing the 65.3 percent and 93.3 percent respectively. The 52 percent of patients were in stage III at diagnosis, the group with advanced favorable disease was predominant, with 61.3 percent of the cases. The most frequent histological type was nodular sclerosis with 48 patients; and ABVD protocol was used more often, achieving 92 percent of complete remission. Twenty percent of the patients died and 18.7 percent relapsed. The overall survival of the patients at 2, 5 and 10 years was 93 percent, 83 percent and 80 percent respectively. The progression-free survival at of 5 and 10 years was 82 percent and 73 percent respectively. Conclusions: The overall survival and the progression-free survival of patients were high, and patients treated with the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy showed a significantly better overall survival(AU)

Tumor de Wilms en niños de Costa Rica / (Wilms tumor in Costa Rican children)

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características clínicas del grupo de niños diagnosticados con tumor de Wilms en Costa Rica y cuál es la evolución clínica de acuerdo con los diversos tratamientos que reciben en el Servicio de Oncohematología del Hospital Nacional de Niños. Métodos: este es un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo que analiza un periodo de 20 años de pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de Wilms confirmado por biopsia. Se revisó 69 expedientes de pacientes con edades entre 0 y 13 años, en los cuales se analizaron los datos clínicos, terapéuticos (quimioterapia, radioterapia) y pronósticos (sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad) de cada uno. Los resultados obtenidos se compararon con los de otros estudios latinoamericanos y europeos. Se realizaron modificaciones en el manejo de los pacientes costarricenses, con base en los resultados obtenidos. Resultados: se analizó una muestra total de 69 casos. Entre los resultados se encontró que los pacientes presentaban una edad promedio diagnóstica de 41,3 meses. El seguimiento promedio fue de 7,4 años. La masa abdominal fue el hallazgo clínico predominante (55%). Además, el estadio III fue el más común (31,8%). La nefrectomía total sin ruptura tumoral fue el procedimiento quirúrgico en la mayoría de los casos. El 80% de los pacientes presentó histología favorable en el análisis histopatológico. En el 51% de los casos se utilizó quimioterapia prequirúrgica. Un 17% de los pacientes presentó metástasis pulmonar. La sobrevida global fue del 73,3% y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad, del 69%. Conclusiones: los pacientes costarricenses con tumor de Wilms localizados tuvieron una sobrevida inferior a la de los países desarrollados, y similar en casos metastásicos.

Abstract Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics of the group of children diagnosed with Wilms' tumor in Costa Rica and what was the clinical evolution according to the different treatments received in the Oncohematology Division of the National Children's Hospital. Methods: this is a retrospective descriptive study that analyzed the patients with diagnosis of Wilms tumor confirmed by biopsy in period of 20 years. We reviewed 69 records of patients aged between 0 and 13 years, in which the clinical, therapeutic (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and prognostic data (global and disease-free survival) of each one were analyzed. Results: a total sample of 69 cases was analyzed. Among the results, it was found that the patients presented an average age of 41.3 months at the moment of diagnosis. The average follow-up was 7.4 years. The presence of an abdominal mass was the predominant clinical finding (55%). In addition, stage III was the most common (31.8%). Total nephrectomy without tumor rupture was the surgical procedure in the majority of cases. 80% of the patients presented favorable histology in the histopathological analysis. In 51% of cases, pre-surgical chemotherapy was used. 17% of the patients presented pulmonary metastasis. Overall survival was 73.3% and disease free survival was 69%. Conclusions: Costa Rican patients with localized Wilms' tumor had poorer results than that of patients in developed countries, but the survival was similar in metastatic cases.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / Impacto do índice de massa corporal sobre o desfecho de sobrevida em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25 kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40 kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. Results Median follow up period was 5.2 years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3 kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40 kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30 kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p = 0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Resumo Introdução Sabe-se que o aumento do índice de massa corpórea está associado à alta prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide; entretanto, os dados sobre seu impacto no desfecho de sobrevivência após tireoidectomia e terapia adjuvante são escassos. Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Método Entre 2000 e 2011, 209 pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide (papilar/folicular/de células de Hurthle) foram tratados através de tireoidectomia, seguida de tratamento com iodo radioativo-131 adjuvante e supressão de hormônio estimulante da tireoide. Com base no índice de massa corpórea, os pacientes foram divididos em cinco grupos; (a) < 18,5 kg/m2 (baixo peso); (b) 18,5-25 kg/m2 (peso normal); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (sobrepeso); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obesos) e (e) > 40 kg/m2 (obesos mórbidos). Várias características demográficas, clínicas e de tratamento e toxicidade associada e desfechos (sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença) foram analisadas e comparadas. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 5,2 anos (0,6-10). O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 31,3 kg/m2 (17-72); o índice de massa corpórea de 31-40 kg/m2 foi predominante (89 pacientes, 42,6%), seguido por 26-30 kg/m2, observado em 58 pacientes (27,8%). Observaram-se 18 recidivas locorregionais (8,6%) e 12 metástases distantes (5,7%). As taxas de sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global de 10 anos foram de 83,1% e 58,0%, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado impacto significativo do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global ou sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,081). Da mesma forma, a análise multivariada mostrou que o índice de massa corpórea não foi um fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Conclusão Embora o índice de massa corpórea possa aumentar o risco de câncer de tireoide, ele não tem impacto no resultado do tratamento; contudo, outros estudos são necessários.

Prognostic role of margin status in open and CO2 laser cordectomy for T1a-T1b glottic cancer / Papel prognóstico do estado da margem cirúrgica na cordectomia aberta e com laser de CO2 em câncer glótico T1a-T1b

Abstract Introduction Cordectomy by laringofissure and transoral laser surgery has been proposed for the treatment of early glottic cancer. Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic value of margin status in 162 consecutive cases of early glottic carcinoma (Tis-T1) treated with CO2 laser endoscopic surgery (Group A) or laryngofissure cordectomy (Group B), and to compare the oncologic and functional results. Methods Clinical prognostic factors, local recurrence rate according to margin status, overall survival and disease-free survival were analyzed. Results Margin status is related to recurrence rate in both groups (p < 0.05) without significant differences between open and laser cordectomy (p > 0.05). The 5 years overall survival and disease-free survival were respectively 90.48% and 85.71% in Group A; 88.14% and 86.44% in Group B (p > 0.05). Lower tracheostomy rate, earlier recovery of swallowing function and shorter hospital stay were observed in Group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions Margin status has a prognostic role in T1a-T1b glottic cancer. Transoral laser surgery showed similar oncologic results of open cordectomy, with better functional outcomes.

Resumo Introdução Cordectomia por laringofissura e cirurgia transoral a laser têm sido propostas para o tratamento do câncer glótico inicial. Objetivos O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar o valor prognóstico do estado da margem em 162 casos consecutivos de carcinoma glótico inicial (Tis-T1) tratado com cirurgia endoscópica a laser de CO2 (Grupo A) ou cordectomia por laringofissura (Grupo B) e comparar resultados oncológicos e funcionais. Método Foram analisados fatores prognósticos clínicos, taxa de recorrência local de acordo com o estado da margem, sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Resultados O estado de margem está relacionado à taxa de recorrência em ambos os grupos (p < 0,05) sem diferenças significativas entre cordectomia aberta e cirurgia a laser (p > 0,05). A sobrevida global de cinco anos e a sobrevida livre de doença foram, respectivamente, 90,48% e 85,71% no Grupo A; 88,14% e 86,44% no Grupo B (p > 0,05). Menor taxa de traqueostomia, recuperação mais rápida da função de deglutição e menor tempo de internação foram observados no Grupo A (p < 0,05). Conclusões O estado da margem tem papel prognóstico no câncer glótico T1a-T1b. A cirurgia a laser transoral mostrou resultados oncológicos semelhantes aos da cordectomia aberta, com melhores resultados funcionais.

Sarcoma de mediastino. Serie de casos y revisión de la literatura. Departamento de Oncología Torácica. Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. INCan / Mediastinal sarcoma. Literature review and a series of cases. Department of Thoracic Oncology. National Institute of Cancerology. INCan

Resumen El sarcoma de mediastino es un raro tumor que representa menos del 10% de los tumores del mediastino y alrededor del 1-2% de todas las neoplasias malignas en general. Debe abordarse en centros de referencia, donde se evalué multidisciplinariamente y se tengan opciones de manejo multimodal, infraestructura que permita la resección y reconstrucción quirúrgica mayor y estricto seguimiento, teniendo en cuenta la alta recurrencia local, cercana al 30%. Exponemos una serie de casos presentados a lo largo de 20 años de experiencia con la participación de varios departamentos, ajustándonos a la definición y manejo con la literatura actual.

Abstract Mediastinum sarcoma is a rare tumor that represents less than 10% of mediastinal tumors and about 1-2% of all malignancies in general. It should be approached in reference centers with multidisciplinary evaluation and multimodal management options, with an infrastructure that allows surgical resection and reconstruction and strict follow-up, taking into account the high local recurrence that is close to 30%. Therefore, we present a series of cases in 20 years of experience with the participation of several departments and adjusting the definition and management with the current literature.

Nuevas terapias target y vías moleculares clínicamente relevantes en carcinoma hepatocelular avanzado / New targeted therapies and molecular routes clinically relevant in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors worldwide. Most cases occur in patients with chronic liver disease who are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and their prognosis is poor. Because HCC is resistant to conventional systemic therapies, molecular therapies have emerged and been established as the standard for advanced forms of the disease. Since the publication of phase III clinical studies on sorafenib, research has searched for new molecular targets. Thus, multiple clinical studies that inhibit relevant molecular pathways have been performed with numerous patients. Many of these trials have had unexpectedly negative results, not only due to patient complexity and the difficulty in evaluating a therapeutic response, quality of life and the survival rate but also because phase II clinical studies, without the selection of molecular targets, have continued on to poor results in phase III studies. This review article aims to evaluate different phase II and phase III clinical studies to understand the clinically relevant molecular pathways and to improve the future management of HCC patients.

El carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) es uno de los tumores más comunes a nivel mundial. La mayoría de los casos ocurre en pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica, quienes son diagnosticados en un estado avanzado con muy pobre pronóstico. Terapias moleculares orientadas al tratamiento del CHC han sido destacadas; estas pueden afectar la proliferación celular del tumor, diferenciación celular, angiogénesis, invasión y metástasis, entre otros procesos críticos al desarrollo del tumor. El estándar para el CHC avanzado es la terapia target usando Sorafenib, sin embargo, nuevas moléculas han sido testeadas en estudios fase III de primera línea, tales como sunitinib, brivanib, erlotinib y linifanib, sin superioridad sobre sorafenib. La investigación de nuevos tratamientos es un desafío para investigadores, hepatólogos y oncólogos. Las principales vías moleculares de CHC con relevancia en estudios clínicos fase II y III son: MAP-kinase (MAPK), PI3K/AKT/mTOR, (HGF)/c-Met, cromatina y regulación epigenética, mantenimiento de telómeros, Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo y vía señalizante Jak/STAT. Las terapias futuras en CHC pueden ser orientadas rutinariamente usando sólo objetivos adecuados para terapias moleculares y seleccionando subgrupos de pacientes sobre la base de la expresión de targets moleculares o basados en nuevas clasificaciones definidas por estudios genómicos.

Abordagem cirúrgica axilar no câncer de mama estadiamento clínico T1-T2N0M0: complicações pós-operatórias e sobrevida em uma coorte hospitalar de mulheres do Rio de Janeiro / Auxillary surgical approach in breast cancer clinical stage T1-T2N0M0: postoperative complications and survival in a hospital cohort of women of Rio de Janeiro

As preocupações relacionadas ao prognóstico e qualidade de vida das pacientes com estadiamento precoce sem comprometimento linfonodal têm aumentado, especialmente no que se refere à abordagem cirúrgica axilar, devido ao aumento do diagnóstico precoce e avanços no tratamento do câncer de mama. Enquanto a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (BLS) tem se mostrado eficiente e mais protetora do que a linfadenectomia axilar (LA) na incidência de complicações, ainda existem preocupações relacionadas a sobrevida das pacientes, principalmente na presença das micrometástases linfonodais. Objetivo: Caracterizar a incidência de complicações pós-operatórias em mulheres com câncer de mama classificação T1-T2N0M0, e determinar a sobrevida global (SG) e livre de doença (SLD) de mulheres diagnosticadas e tratadas no Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) entre 2007 a 2009 segundo a abordagem cirúrgica axilar (BLS e LA). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional de uma coorte de 933 mulheres com diagnóstico clínico T1-2N0M0 atendidas no Hospital de Câncer III do Instituto Nacional de Câncer, no período de Janeiro de 2007 a Dezembro de 2009, e seguidas por um período de 60 meses. A coleta de dados foi realizada com base na análise do Registro Hospitalar de Câncer, dos prontuários físicos e/ou eletrônicos das pacientes e da ficha de avaliação do Serviço de Fisioterapia do HC-III/INCA. Dentre as informações avaliadas, constaram as características sociodemográficas, clínicas, de hábitos de vida, tratamentos empregados e variáveis de desfecho. As variáveis de desfecho serão àquelas referentes às complicações pós-cirúrgicas no membro superior afetado, status da doença (resposta ao tratamento e recidiva) e de status vital...

With increased early detection and advances in treatment of breast cancer, concerns related to the prognosis and quality of life of patients with early stage have increased without lymph node involvement, especially with respect to the axillary approach. However, while the sentinel lymph node biopsy (BLS) it has proved so efficient and more protective than the axillary lymphadenectomy (LA) in the incidence of complications, there are still concerns about the survival of patients, especially in the presence of lymph node micrometastase. Objective: To characterize the incidence of postoperative complications in women with breast cancer classification T1 and T2N0M0, according to axillary surgical approach, and determine overall survival and disease-free survival of women diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Institute (INCA) between 2007 2009. Methods: Observational study of a cohort of 933 women with clinical diagnosis T1-2N0M0 treated at Hospital Cancer-III of the National Cancer Institute (HC-III / INCA) in 2007-2009, and followed by a period of 60 months. Data collection was based on analysis of the Hospital Registry Cancer, the physical and/or electronic records of patients - HCIII/INCA and clinical evaluation form the Physical Therapy Service of the HC-III/INCA. Among the evaluated information included sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle habits, implemented treatments and outcome variables. The outcome variables will be those related to post-surgical complications in the affected upper limb, disease status (response to treatment and relapse) and vital status...

Transplante autólogo de células-tronco do sangue periférico no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria / Autologous peripheral blood stem cells transplantation at the University Hospital of Santa Maria

Introdução: O principal objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as características clínicas dos pacientes transplantados na instituição e avaliar os resultados obtidos com a infusão autóloga de células-tronco hematopoiéticas do sangue periférico (CTHSP), a mortalidade relacionada ao transplante (MRT) e a sobrevida global (SG). Métodos: Através da revisão e avaliação retrospectiva dos prontuários dos 120 pacientes submetidos a transplante autólogo no período de dezembro de 1996 a dezembro de 2011. Resultados: Cento e vinte pacientes receberam quimioterapia mieloablativa e resgate com infusões de CTHSP, sendo 78,3% adultos, com mediana de idade de 47 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino. Os diagnósticos foram 32,5% para Mieloma Múltiplo (MM), 35,8% para Linfoma de Hodgkin (LH), 16,7% para Linfoma não Hodgkin (LNH) 4,2% para Leucemia Mieloide Aguda (LMA) e 10,8% para outras neoplasias como Tumor de Wilms, Câncer de Mama Neuroblastoma, Sarcoma de Ewing, Tumor de Testículo, Meduloblastoma, Macroglobulinemia, Amiloidose e Tumor de SNC. A mediana do número de células nucleadas totais infundidas foi de 6,46x108/kg e a de células CD34+ foi de 3,17x106/kg. A mediana de tempo para recuperação de neutrófilos foi de 10 dias e para plaquetas, de 12 dias. Foi encontrada uma correlação entre a quantidade de células CD34+ infundidas e a recuperação de neutrófilos e plaquetas. Para o grupo em geral, a MRT encontrada foi de 5%, e a probabilidade de SG em cinco anos de 55,1%. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos com os transplantes autólogos em nossa instituição são semelhantes aos descritos na literatura internacional (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of patients transplanted in the institution and evaluate the results obtained with the autologous infusion of hematopoietic stem cells from peripheral blood (PBSC), transplant-related mortality (TRM) and overall survival (OS). Methods: A review and retrospective assessment of the charts of 120 patients who underwent autologous transplantation from December 1996 to December 2011. Results: One hundred and twenty patients received myeloablative chemotherapy and rescue with infusions PBSC, of whom 78.3% were adults, with a median age of 47 years and male predominance. The diagnoses were 32.5 % for Multiple Myeloma (MM), 35.8% for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), 16.7 % for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 4.2 % for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML ), and 10.8% for other cancers such as Wilms Tumor, breast cancer, neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Testicular Tumor, medulloblastoma , macroglobulinemia , amyloidosis and CNS tumor. The median number of total nucleated cells infused was 6.46 x108/kg and of CD34+ cells was 3.17 x106/kg. The median time for neutrophil recovery was 10 days and for platelets 12 days. A correlation was found between number of CD34+ cells infused and recovery of neutrophils and platelets. For the overall group, the MRT was found to be 5% and the probability of OS at five years was 55.1 %. Conclusion: The results obtained with autologous transplantation at our institution are similar to those described in the international literature (AU)

Evaluación del tratamiento de inducción y consolidación clásico en la leucemia aguda no linfoblástica de Novo / Evaluation of induction and consolidation classic treatment in de Novo acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia

Introducción: la validación de las alteraciones citogenéticas y moleculares presentes al diagnóstico constituyen los factores pronósticos más importantes de la leucemia aguda no linfoblástica y ha permitido establecer el riesgo individual, estratificar a los pacientes e individualizar su tratamiento. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento clínico y la evolución de pacientes con leucemia aguda no linfoblástica, no promielocítica, de novo, que recibieron tratamiento de inducción y consolidación clásico en el servicio de Hematología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo que incluyó 23 pacientes ingresados entre mayo de 2008 y enero de 2011. Se estratificaron los pacientes en grupos de riesgo favorable, intermedio y desfavorable, teniendo en cuenta factores pronóstico clínicos, biológicos, citogenéticos y moleculares. Resultados: el 60,9 por ciento presentó recuento de leucocitos menor de 25 x 10(9)/L; el 47,8 por ciento tuvo la variante mielomonocítica, el 21,7 por ciento presentó cariotipo normal y el 10 por ciento la translocación (8;21). Las mutaciones del gen FLT3 y el gen NPM1 estuvieron presentes en 2 y 4 pacientes respectivamente. Con el tratamiento de inducción, el 84,2 por ciento alcanzó la remisión completa, predominaron los pacientes en el grupo de riesgo favorable sin diferencias significativas. En el grupo de riesgo molecular favorable el número de remisiones completas fue significativamente mayor (85,7 por ciento) (p = 0.05). El grupo de pacientes de riesgo favorable que se mantuvo en remisión completa con el tratamiento de consolidación representó el 54,5 por ciento, aunque no resultó significativo

Introduction: validation of cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities present at diagnosis is the most important prognostic factors of acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia. This has allowed us to establish the individual risk, stratify the patients and individualize their treatment. Objective: to describe the clinical behavior and outcome of patients with acute de novo non-lymphoblastic non-promyelocytic leukemia, receiving induction and classic consolidation therapy at the Department of Hematology of the Clinical Surgical Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras. Methods: a descriptive, prospective longitudinal study was carried out with 23 patients admitted between May 2008 and January 2011. Patients were stratified into: favorable, intermediate, poor risk groups, according to biological, molecular and cytogenetics clinical prognostic factors. Results: 60.9 percent of patients had leukocyte counts less than 25 x 10(9)/L, 47.8 percent had myelomonocytic variant, 21.7 percent had normal karyotype and 10 percent had translocation (8; 21). Mutations of the genes FLT3 and NPM1 were present in 2 and 3 patients respectively. 84 percent of patients undergoing induction therapy achieved complete remission, predominantly the ones in the favorable risk group with no significant differences. In the favorable molecular risk group, the number of complete remissions was significantly higher (85.7 percent) (p=0.05). The group of favorable risk patients remaining in complete remission with the consolidation treatment had 54.5 percent, although it was not significant. Conclusions: the disease free survival was greater whereas overall survival rate was similar to the data reported in the international literature. Both were higher within the favorable risk group but without no significant difference, what is considered an important achievement of Cuban Healthcare System

Caracterización clínica y de laboratorio del mieloma múltiple en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología / Clinical and laboratory characterization of multiple myeloma at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology

Introducción: el mieloma múltiple es una enfermedad de distribución universal, con mayor incidencia en regiones de Europa y América. Objetivos: describir las características demográficas, los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio, la sobrevida libre de eventos y la sobrevida global, así como los factores pronósticos de los pacientes con esta enfermedad atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo que incluyó 88 pacientes con el diagnóstico de mieloma múltiple atendidos en el Servicio de Adultos del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología desde el año 2000 hasta el 2010. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 60,7 años; fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino y en los pacientes con el color de la piel blanca. Los dolores óseos, la astenia y la palidez cutáneo-mucosa fueron los hallazgos principales al inicio de la enfermedad. La anemia, la eritrosedimentación acelerada, las cifras elevadas de creatinina, hipoalbuminemia e hipergammaglobulinemia fueron las manifestaciones de laboratorio más llamativas en el momento del diagnóstico. La sobrevida global fue de 5,2 años y la sobrevida libre de eventos de 3,3 años. Los pacientes que no respondieron al primer esquema de inducción tuvieron una sobrevida más corta (p < 0,01), al igual que los pacientes con una cifra inicial de hemoglobina inferior a 8 g/dL (p = 0,043) y una albúmina menor de 30 g/L (p = 0,035). Conclusión: las características del grupo de pacientes estudiados no difieren de los hallazgos realizados por otros autores

Introduction: multiple myeloma is a disease of worldwide distribution with higher incidence in regions of Europe and America. Objectives: we describe the demographic characteristics of the patients with this disease, the clinical and laboratory parameters, event-free survival and overall survival and prognostic factors. Method: a retrospective study was made which included 88 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma treated at the Adult Service in the Institute of Hematology and Immunology from 2000 to 2010. Results: mean age was 60,7 years and the disease was more frequent in males and Caucasian patients. Bone pain, fatigue and pallor were the main findings early in the disease. Anemia, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high levels of creatinine, hypoalbuminemia and hypergammaglobulinemia were the most striking laboratory findings at diagnosis. Overall survival was 5,2 years and the event-free survival was 3,3 years. Patients who did not respond to the first induction scheme had a shorter survival (p < 0,01), as well as patients with a baseline hemoglobin below 8 g/dL (p = 0,043) and a lower albumin 30 g/L (p = 0,035). Conclusion: the characteristics of this group of patients did not differ from the findings of other authors

Leucemia linfoblástica aguda: evaluación clínico terapéutica del protocolo total XV modificado: Hospital Universitario de Caracas 2003-2007: [revisión] / Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: clinical and therapeutic evaluation of the XV total protocol: Hospital Universitario of Caracas 2003-2007: [review]

La leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) se caracteriza por la proliferación clonal y acumulación de células linfoides malignas en médula ósea y en sangre periférica. Identificar los aspectos clínico-hematológicos, evolución terapéutica y morbimortalidad en niños con LLA de novo tratados con el Protocolo Total XV modificado, en el Servicio de Hematología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC) entre 2003-2007. Estudio clínico-epidemiológico, descriptivo y retrospectivo mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes menores de18 años. Los síntomas clínicos al diagnóstico fueron hipertermia, astenia, cefalea, hiporexia, sangrado y dolor óseo; los signos: adenopatías, hepatoesplenomegalia y fiebre; mayor prevalencia en el género masculino: 64,7% y entre 1 a 10 años (67,7%). La mayoría presentó anemia, leucocitosis y trombocitopenia. La infiltración del SNC fue del 5,9%. Se obtuvo un 79,4% de remisión completa (RC)en la fase de inducción, la morbilidad principal fue por neutropenia febril y 8,7% de mortalidad. En la fase de consolidación, se mantuvo la tasa de RC (79,9%), la morbilidad fue por hepatotoxicidad y 6,8% de mortalidad. En la fase de mantenimiento, se mantuvo la tasa de RC 80% pero se presentó un 11,6% de recaídas, mayor morbilidad infecciosa y 19,2% de mortalidad. La sobrevida global (SG) y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad (SLE) con una mediana de seguimiento de 24 meses, fue: 57% y 18,8%, respectivamente. La estrategia para adaptar el Protocolo Total XV modificado en el Servicio de Hematología, no fue efectiva para mejorar la SG ni SLE al compararlo con la literatura internacional.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by clonal proliferation and accumulation of malignant lymphoidcells in bone marrow and peripheral blood. To identify clinical and hematological aspects, therapeutic outcome and morbid mortality in children with de novo ALL treated with the modified Total Protocol XV, in the Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC) between 2003-2007. Clinical and epidemiological, descriptive, retrospective study by reviewing medical records of patients under 18 years. Clinical symptoms at diagnosis were hyperthermia, fatigue, headache, anorexia, bleeding and bone pain. Signs were lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and fever, more prevalent in male 64.7% and in patients between 1 and 10 years (67.7 %). Mosthad anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia. CNS infiltration was present in 5.9%. We obtained a 79.4% complete remission (CR) in the induction phase, the major morbidity was febrile neutropenia and 8.7% mortality. In the consolidation phase, CR rate remained thesame (79.9%), morbidity was 6.8% for hepatotoxicity and mortality. In the maintenance phase, CR rate was 80% but there was an 11.6% relapse, and the infectious morbidity and mortality rate increased to 19.2%. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) with a median follow-up of 24 months was 57% and 18.8% respectively. The strategy to adapt the Total Protocol XV modified in the Hematology Department was not effective in improving the OS and SLE when compared with international literature.

Mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin em capitais da região sudeste e sobrevida de pacientes submetidos a transplante no Instituto Nacional do Câncer / Mortality from non-Hodgkin's capital in the Southeast and survival of transplant patients at National Cancer Institute

A mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin vem diminuindo em vários países, porém, para o Brasil, as estimativas apontam um crescimento em ambos os sexos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a tendência da mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin em indivíduos com 20 ou mais anos, nas capitais da região Sudeste, entre 1980 e 2007. Utilizou-se como fonte de dados o Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade e o DATASUS. A tendência das taxas de mortalidade por linfoma não Hodgkin por faixas etárias foi analisada por meio de modelos de regressão polinomial. Foi observada tendência linear de incremento em Belo Horizonte e São Paulo para faixa etária de 60 ou mais anos. Ao analisar de forma separada os períodos 1980-1995 e 1996-2007, só se observou tendência de incremento no período inicial. Os resultados sugerem que o incremento observado entre 1980-2007 poderia ser resultante do crescimento das taxas entre 1980-95, já que, no último período, não foram observadas tendências estatisticamente significativas nessas cidades. A partir da década de 90, o transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) passou a ser utilizado de forma mais consistente no tratamento de pacientes com linfoma não-Hodgkin (LNH) e, entre as possíveis explicações para a redução da mortalidade por essa neoplasia, observada nas últimas décadas em diferentes países, encontram-se os avanços no seu tratamento. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo de sobrevida em uma coorte histórica de pacientes com LNH, de 18 ou mais anos de idade, submetidos ao primeiro TCTH em um hospital de referência em oncologia no Rio de Janeiro, entre janeiro de 1997 e maio de 2009. As informações do estudo foram obtidas através da análise dos prontuários médicos, utilizando-se instrumento elaborado especificamente para essa finalidade...

Mortality from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has decreased in many countries although for Brazil estimates indicate a growth in both sexes. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in mortality from non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma in individuals with 20 or more years in the capitals of the southeastern region ofBrazil between 1980 and 2007. Data were obtained through the National Information System on Mortalityand from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Trends of mortality rates for non-Hodgkin’slymphoma by age were analyzed by polynomial regression models. A linear trend of increment of the mortality was observed in Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo for the age 60 years or older. When analyzed separately in two periods 1980-1995 and 1996-2007, a trend of increase was only observed in the initial period. These results suggest that the increment observed between 1980 and 2007 could be related toincreased mortality rates between 1980-95, as there were no statistically significant trends in these cities inthe last period. Since the 90's, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is being used more consistently in the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and these advances are among the possibleexplanations for the reduction of mortality from this neoplasia, observed in recent decades in different countries. We conducted a descriptive study of survival in a historical cohort of patients with NHL, 18 or more years old, who underwent a first HSCT in a referral hospital in Rio de Janeiro, between January 1997 and May 2009. Study information was obtained through analysis of medical records, using aninstrument developed specifically for this purpose. We considered as the study’s outcomes: overall survival (in months), estimated from the date of transplantation until death; and disease-free survival (in months), estimated from the date of transplant until evidence of disease after transplantation...

Aspectos clínicos da leucemia mieloide crônica em pacientes do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal / Clinical features of chronic myeloid leukemia in patients at the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal

Objetivo. Descrever aspectos clínicos, hematológicos e de sobrevida de pacientes com leucemia mieloide crônica em hospital especializado de Brasília, Brasil. Método. Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de 223 pacientes atendidos no período de maio de 2002 a abril de 2009. Resultados. A mediana de idade foi 45 anos. Aproximadamente, 92% dos pacientes foram classificados como tendo doença em fase crônica, 5% em fase acelerada e 3% em crise blástica. Observou-se esplenomegalia em64,7% de 150 pacientes, inclusive as de grandes dimensões (29,3%), além de hiperleucocitose, com mediana 120.200/mm3, e elevada proporção de pacientes (67,5%) em grupos de risco intermediário e de alto risco de acordo com escore prognóstico de Sokal. A sobrevida global foi 84,7% aos oito anos, com intervalo de confiança de 95%:75,5% a 90,7%, e a sobrevida livre de progressão foi 73,5% no mesmo período com intervalo de confiança de 95%: 61,9% a 82%, embora diversas modalidades de tratamento tenham sido usadas. A sobrevida global aos oito anos foi significativamente maior em doentes do grupo de baixo risco no escore de Sokal (p = 0,017). Conclusão. Os pacientes se apresentaram com características de doença avançada ao diagnóstico, quando analisados em conjunto e foram seguidos em desfechos de longo prazo com resultados inferiores aos observados na literatura médica.

Objective. The authors described clinical, hematological and survival features of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in a specialized hospital of Brasília, Brazil. Method. This is a retrospective and descriptive study which included 223 patients treated from May 2002 to April 2009.Results. The median age was 45 years. Approximately, 92% of patients were classified as having chronic phase, 5% accelerated phase and 3% in blast crisis. Splenomegaly was observed in a significant proportion of them, 64.7 % out of 150, and it was large in 29.3%. Hyperleucocytosis, median 120.200/mm3, was observed and a high proportion of patients(67.5%) were classified as having intermediate and high risk group according to Sokal prognostic score. The at eight years overall survival was 84.7%, with 95% confidence interval of 75.5% to 90.7%, and progression free survival was 73.5%, with 95% confidence interval of 61.9% to 82%, in the same period, although several treatment protocols were employed. Overall survival was significantly better in patients with low risk Sokal score (p = 0,017). Conclusion. The patients presented features of advanced disease at diagnosis and long-term outcomes were worse than those from published data in the medical literature.

Radioterapia y cirugía como tratamiento integrado: en adenocarcinoma de endometrio estadio II-B / Radiation therapy and surgery how treatment integrated: in adenocarcinoma state II-B

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue el de establecer la diferencia estadística, con relación a sobrevida global e intervalo libre de enfermedad en pacientes con carcinoma endometrial clasificadas como estadio II-B, tratadas en el servicio de ginecología del Hospital “Padre Machado” unas con radioterapia preoperatoria más cirugía y otras que fueron tratadas con cirugía más radioterapia posoperatoria. Se incluyen 23 pacientes con carcinoma endometrial clasificadas como estadio II-B, vistas y tratadas entre 1990-2001; a 15 de las pacientes, se les practicó cirugía más radioterapia posoperatoria, y a 8 de las pacientes radioterapia externa más braquiterapia preoperatoria y luego cirugía. El tratamiento quirúrgico para ambos grupos fue el denominado “protocolo de endometrio”. La edad promedio fue 60 años. La dosis promedio de radioterapia externa fue 50 Gy para el grupo con radioterapia posoperatoria y de 70 Gy para aquellas con radioterapia preoperatoria. La tasa de recurrencia y sobrevida global fue del 20 por ciento y 86,67 por ciento respectivamente, en pacientes con tratamiento quirúrgico primario, en comparación con el 12,5 por ciento y 87,5 por ciento, de aquellas tratadas con radioterapia preoperatoria. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre ambos grupos, con relación a sobrevida global e intervalo libre de enfermedad.

The objective of these work was the evaluated of the statistics difference between global survive and interval free disease in patients with endometrial carcinoma classified how stage II B, treated in the gynecological service of the “Padre Machado” Hospital, one of the patients treated with radiotherapy before surgery and the other treated with radiotherapy after the surgery. We included 23 patients with endometrial carcinoma stage IIB seen and treated between 1990- 2001, to 15 of the patients were tried with surgery plus external radiotherapy and 8 of the patients with radiotherapy and brachytherapy before the surgery. The surgical procedures performed for the two groups were the nominated “endometrial protocol”. The common age was 60 years. The group with radiotherapy postoperative received a promedial dose of 50 Gy, and the group with preoperative radiotherapy received a dose of 70 Gy. The tease of recurrence and global survive was of 20 % and 86.67 % respectively in patients with surgery as primary treatment, in compare with 12.5% and 87.5 % of the patients with radiotherapy preoperative. There is not any significant statistic in relation to interval free disease survival and to the global survival between the both groups.

Leucemia mielóide aguda: o olhar dos anos 2000 no Serviço de Hematologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-RS / Acute myeloid leukemia from the year 2000 point of view Hematology Service - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-RS

A leucemia mielóide aguda (LMA) representa uma preocupação para os especialistas, porque perfaz um percentual alto das leucemias no adulto e o sucesso terapêutico ainda é insatisfatório. A partir do ano 2000, o Serviço de Hematologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre definiu estratégias para diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento das LMAs, de acordo com o subtipo FAB, idade, citogenética e performance status (ECOG). Todos os casos de LMA "de novo"não promielocítica, em adultos (15 a 65 anos) foram acompanhados prospectivamente, desde outubro de 2001, data da implantação do protocolo c,ompreendendo três fases de tratamento: indução com o tradicional "7+3", citarabina 100 mg/m²/dia em infusão contínua em 7d, e daunorrubicina 60 mg/m²/dia em 3d e citarabina intratecal no D1 nas LMA M4 e M5. Após a recuperação medular, segue a consolidação idêntica à indução e posteriormente a intensificação com dois ou três ciclos de altas doses de citarabina 6 g/m²/dia por três dias. Foram diagnosticados, entre outubro/01 e dezembro/05, 69 pacientes portadores de LMA e destes, 39 com LMA "de novo"e idade entre 15 e 65 anos. Neste grupo foram analisadas a taxa de remissão, a taxa de recaída, a refratariedade e o tempo de sobrevida global. No final da observação foram encontrados: a taxa de indução de remissão 75 por cento; aconteceram 12 (40 por cento) recaídas, 7 (19 por cento) foram refratários ao tratamento. A sobrevida global foi 37 por cento em 56 meses, representando um incremento aos resultados obtidos no Serviço na década passada.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still a concern for hematologists as it represents a significant percentage of adult leukemias and the therapeutic success rates are unsatisfactory. In 2000, the Hematology Department of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre defined strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of AML patients according to the FAB subtype classification, age, cytogenetic tests and performance status (ECOG). Patients with promyelocytic leukemia are treated using the AIDA (GIMEMA) protocol with those older than 65 years receiving palliative therapy using hydroxyurea, oral etoposide, thalidomide, subcutaneous cytarabine or an association of drugs. Since October 2001 all our "de novo"AML patients aged 15 to 65 years with non-promyelocytic acute leukemia were prospectively followed up. At diagnosis we start a three phase treatment protocol: induction with a classical "7+3"therapy regimen, that is continuous infusion of 100 mg/m²/day cytarabine for 7 days, 60 mg/m²/day daunorubicin for 3 days and on day 1 an intrathecal cytarabine in AML M4 and M5 cases. After bone marrow recovery, if complete remission is achieved, follow ups involve an identical "7+3"consolidation phase followed by two or three high dose cycles of 6 g/m²/day cytarabine for 3 days. A group of 39 patients diagnosed between October 2001 and December 2005 was followed up until June 2006. Our objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of the protocol for remission, relapse rates and overall survival. The rate of complete remission was 75 percent. Relapse occurred in 12/29 (40 percent) patients and the overall survival rate at 56 months was 37 percent, showing an improvement on our results of previous decades.