Prótesis colónicas en el tratamiento paliativo del cáncer colónico. Nuestra evaluación tras 10 años de experiencia / Self-expanding metal stents in the palliative treatmentof coloncancer. Results of 10 years of experience

Introducción: la colocación de prótesis metálicas autoexpansibles (PAE) por vía endoscópica surge como opción terapéutica para la obstrucción colónica neoplásica en dos situaciones: como tratamiento paliativo y como puente a la cirugía curativa. Este procedimiento evita cirugías en dos tiempos y disminuye la probabilidad de colostomía definitiva y sus complicaciones con el consecuente deterioro de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: comunicar nuestra experiencia en la colocación de PAE para el tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción colorrectal neoplásica. Diseño: retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional. Material y métodos: se incluyeron todos los pacientes a quienes el mismo grupo de endoscopistas les colocó PAE con intención paliativa por cáncer colorrectal avanzado entre agosto de 2008 y diciembre de 2019. Fueron analizadas las variables demográficas y clínicas, el éxito técnico y clínico, las complicaciones tempranas y tardías y la supervivencia. Resultados: se colocó PAE en 54 pacientes. La media de edad fue 71 años. El 85% de las lesiones se localizó en el colon izquierdo. En el 57% de los pacientes se realizó en forma ambulatoria. El éxito técnico y clínico fue del 92 y 90%, respectivamente y la supervivencia media de 209 días. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 29,6%, incluyendo un 14,8% de obstrucción y un 5,6% de migración. La mortalidad tardía atribuible al procedimiento fue del 5,6%, ocasionada por 3 perforaciones tardías: 2 abiertas y 1 microperforación con formación de absceso localizado. Conclusiones: la colocación de PAE como tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción neoplásica colónica es factible, eficaz y segura. Permitió el manejo ambulatorio o con internación breve y la realimentación temprana, mejorando las condiciones para afrontar un eventual tratamiento quimioterápico paliativo. Las mayoría de las complicaciones fueron tardías y resueltas endoscópicamente en forma ambulatoria. (AU)

Introduction: endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) emerges as a therapeutic option for neoplastic obstruction of the colon in two situations: as palliative treatment and as a bridge to curative surgery. This procedure avoids two-stage surgeries and reduces the probability of permanent colostomy and its complications with the consequent deterioration in quality of life. Objective: to report our experience in the placement of SEMS as palliative treatment in neoplastic colorectal obstruction. Design: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study. Methods: all patients in whom the same group of endoscopists performed SEMS placement with palliative intent for advanced colorectal cancer between August 2008 and December 2019 were analyzed. Data collected were demographic and clinical variables, technical and clinical success, early and late complications, and survival. Results: SEMS were placed in 54 patients. The average age was 71 years. Eighty-five percent were left-sided tumors. In 57% of the patients the procedure was performed on an outpatient basis. Technical and clinical success was 92 and 90%, respectively, and median survival was 209 days. The complication rate was 29.6%, including 14.8% obstruction and 5.6% migration. Late mortality attributable to the procedure was 5.6%, caused by 3 late perforations: 2 open and 1 microperforation with localized abscess formation. Conclusions: The placement of SEMS as a palliative treatment for neoplastic colonic obstruction is feasible, effective and safe. It allowed outpa-tient management or brief hospitalization and early refeeding, improving the conditions to face an eventual palliative chemotherapy treatment. Most complications were late and resolved endoscopically on an outpatient basis. (AU)

Effectiveness and tolerance of electrochemotherapy as palliative therapy for patients with head and neck cancer and malignant melanoma and its relation to early skin reaction

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance after the electrochemotherapy treatment for local therapy of cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases of head-and-neck tumors and malignant melanoma refractory to standard therapies, mainly in neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma. And, to evaluate the relation of this response according to the skin reaction (healing with ulcer or dry crust). Methods prospective pase II, observational clinical study of 56 patients with metastases of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (n = 13), papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 4), adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland (n = 1) or malignant melanoma (n = 37, 5 in head). Patients were treated by electrochemotherapy (application of electrical pulses into the tumor) after the administration of a single intravenous dose of bleomycin. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed. The statistical significance was evaluated using log-rank test; p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results Overall clinical response was observed in 47 patients (84%). Local side effects were mild in all the patients. Ten patients (76.9%) with neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma had some degree of response, but only in one was complete. Patients even with only partial response had a higher overall survival than patients without response (p = 0.02). Most of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma had diminution of pain and anxiety. Response rate and overall survival was higher in MM patients (86.5%) than in squamous cell cancer patients (76.9%) (p = 0.043). The healing process (dry crust/ulcer) was not associated with the overall survival (p = 0.86). Conclusions Electrochemotherapy is associated a higher overall survival and diminution of pain and anxiety. Therefore, it is an option as palliative treatment for patients with neck metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma refractory to other therapies or even as a concomitant treatment with newer immunotherapies. The type of healing of the surgical wound could not be associated with a higher rate of response or survival. Level of evidence III.

Reverse Potts for the Treatment of Severe Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension in Children

ABSTRACT Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare and progressive disease with poor prognosis. Many patients progressively worsen even when using combinations of specific drugs for its treatment. Herein, we present our experience in the management of three children with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension refractory to clinical treatment who underwent Potts surgery in addition to clinical treatment.

A Prospective Observational Study to Ascertain the Role of Homoeopathic Therapy in Management of Rheumatology

On day to day practice most problems in all over the world is joint pain. Especially in female joint pain more common after climacteric period and old age. On these base my study of homeopathic therapeutic effect on joint pain. In my study use homeopathic medicines which are regularly use and easy availability for patient, and benefit to relive the complaint but not completely cure all joint pain. With help of homeopathic medicine improved his/her daily routine work and enjoy his/her life without pain in joint.

Survival analysis pattern of patients treated with biliary metallic stent versus patients treated with surgical procedures for hepato-biliary malignancies in a rural tertiary care centre in South India

Background: Tumors of the biliary tract show spectrum ranging from benign to malignant lesions. Only 20% of tumors are resectable at the time of presentation. The operative mortality was approximately 5 to 20%. The morbidity rate associated with the surgery is approximately 65%. Options for palliative therapy of biliary tree obstruction include the surgical bypass, percutaneous external drainage/stenting and endoscopic stenting. The aim was to compare the survival pattern of patients treated with biliary Self Expandable Metallic Stents (SEMS) as a palliative procedure to that of patients treated by curative surgery.Methods: This was a retrospective study. 6-months survival pattern were analysed in 20 patients treated by SEMS and compared with that of 10 patients treated with plastic biliary stents followed by curative surgery.Results: Survival pattern analysis was done for all 20 patients with SEMS. 7 patients were in >1-year survival, 5 were in >6months survival, 6 expired within 6months, 2 patients were lost to follow up. Survival pattern was compared with 10 patients who had plastic stents followed by curative surgery. Only 1 patient had survival rate >1year post-surgery, 5 patients expired post-surgery in <6months, 2 patients expired few weeks after plastic stent deployment, 2 patients were lost to follow up.Conclusions: In patients with biliary malignancies with obstruction, biliary SEMS followed up by palliative chemotherapy had better survival rate than patients who had plastic stents followed up with curative surgical procedures.

Treatment strategy of thyroid cancer with trachea,larynx, and major vessels involvement / 中国实用外科杂志

Surgical treatment of thyroid cancer with surrounding structures involved remains a challenge for physicians.Trachea and larynx are common affected organs,and complete resection can bring the greatest survival benefit.However,postoperative quality of life may be greatly affected.It is necessary to improve the quality of life of patients by stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ reconstruction. The case of papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the internal jugular vein or with internal jugular vein tumor thrombus can still be safely and completely removed.Some cases with carotid artery invasion could benefit from radical resection,in which case vascular reconstruction should be done simultaneously.Multidisciplinary treatment should be emphasized for the locally advanced cases. Postoperative radioactive iodine therapy,external beam radiotherapy,endocrine therapy should be considered to reduce local recurrence. For inoperable patients,participating a clinical trial or trying targeted therapy could be good choices. Patients with poor general condition may be given palliative care to alleviate the symptoms.

Comparative Study on Palliative Treatment of Cancer Patients between China and the United States / 中国医学伦理学

Starting from the development of palliative treatment in China and the United States, this paper compared the development mode, the medical insurance system, the public acceptance, the system of volunteer service and the way of disease notification between China and the United States, and explored the worthy enlighten-ment to China' s palliative treatment in the comparison of the differences: establishing primary palliative treatment services and treating palliative treatment as an independent subject; introducing palliative treatment relevant laws and regulations and incorporating it into the category of medical insurance; promoting palliative treatment to en-hance the death education;improving the volunteers service system of palliative treatment and establishing volun-teers pre-job training;choosing the way of disease notification according to the patients' psychological enduring capacity;establishing a palliative treatment ward with the combination mode of medicine and recuperation.

Tratamiento paliativo endoscópico con stents en pacientes con una oclusión neoplásica de colon izquierdo estadio IV: estudio multicéntrico / Endoscopic palliative treatment with stents in patients with a neoplastic occlusion of left colon stage IV: multicenter study / Tratamento paliativo endoscópico com stents em pacientes com oclusão neoplásica de cólon esquerdo em estágio IV: estudo multicêntrico

Buscamos analizar los resultados obtenidos con el uso de stents en el tratamiento de la oclusión neoplásica de colon izquierdo en pacientes estadio IV. 23 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. De los 19 pacientes donde se logró la colocación del stent (82,6%), 2 pacientes (10,5%) sufrieron una complicación que requirió cirugía y confección de una colostomía. No se registraron otras complicaciones. Los restantes 17 pacientes (89,5%) pudieron culminar su evolución libres de oclusión y sin haber sido necesario confeccionarles una colostomía, con una media de stent funcionante de 82 días. No se registró mortalidad vinculada al procedimiento. Evidenciamos un éxito técnico del 82,6% (colocación exitosa del stent) y un éxito clínico del 89,5% (pacientes que resolvieron la oclusión luego de la colocación del stent). En estos pacientes no se registró mortalidad y se evidenció una morbilidad del 10,5%. Estos valores son similares a los publicados en series internacionales.

We sought to analyze the results obtained with the use of stents in the treatment of neoplastic occlusion of the left colon in stage IV patients. Twenty three patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the 19 patients in whom the stent placement was achieved (82.6%), 2 patients (10.5%) suffered a complication requiring surgery and colostomy. No other complications were recorded. The remaining 17 patients (89.5%) were able to complete their evolution without occlusion and without the need to perform a colostomy, with a mean of 82-day functioning stent. There was no mortality associated with the procedure. We demonstrated a technical success of 82.6% (successful placement of the stent) and a clinical success of 89.5% (patients who resolved occlusion after stent placement). Mortality was not recorded in these patients and a morbidity of 10.5% was observed. These values are similar to those published in international series.

Procuramos analisar os resultados obtidos com o uso de stents no tratamento da oclusão neoplásica do cólon esquerdo em estágio IV. Os requisitos de inclusão foram preenchidos por 23 pacientes. Entre os 19 pacientes (82,6%) nos quais se conseguiu colocar o stent, dois (10,5%) sofreram uma complicação que requeriu cirurgia e confecção de uma colostomia. Nenhuma outra complicação foi registrada. Os restantes 17 pacientes (89,5%) completaram sua evolução livres de oclusão sem que fosse necessário confeccionar-lhes uma colostomia, com uma média de stent funcionante de 82 dias. Não se registrou mortalidade associada ao procedimento. Obtivemos um sucesso técnico de 82,6% (colocação bem sucedida do stent) e sucesso clínico de 89,5% (pacientes nos quais foi resolvida a oclusão após a colocação do stent). Nesses pacientes não foi registrada mortalidade e foi evidenciada uma morbilidade de 10,5%. Estes valores são semelhantes aos publicados em séries internacionais.

Radiation for persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: a need for reassessment

PURPOSE: The role of radiotherapy (RT) was largely deserted after the introduction of platinum-based chemotherapy, but still survival rates are disappointingly low. This study focuses on assessing the clinical efficacy of RT in relation to chemotherapy resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2002 to January 2015, 44 patients were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and treated with palliative RT for persistent or recurrent EOC. All patients received initial treatment with optimal debulking surgery and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. The biologically effective dose (BED) was calculated with α/β set at 10. Ninety-four sites were treated with RT with a median BED of 50.7 Gy (range 28.0 to 79.2 Gy). The primary end-point was the in-field local control (LC) interval, defined as the time interval from the date RT was completed to the date any progressive or newly recurring disease within the RT field was detected on radiographic imaging. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 52.3 months (range 7.7 to 179.0 months). The 1-year and 2-year in-field LC rates were 66.0% and 55.0%, respectively. Comparisons of percent change of in-field tumor response showed similar distribution of responses among chemoresistant and chemosensitive tumors. On multivariate analysis of predictive factors for in-field LC analyzed by sites treated, BED ≥ 50 Gy (hazard ratio, 0.4; confidence interval, 0.2–0.9; p = 0.025) showed better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Regardless of resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy, RT can be a feasible treatment modality for patients with persistent of recurrent EOC. The specific role of RT using updated approaches needs to be reassessed.

Palliative Radiotherapy in the Presence of Well-Controlled Metastatic Disease after Initial Chemotherapy May Prolong Survival in Patients with Metastatic Esophageal and Gastric Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We report the outcomes of patients treated with palliative radiotherapy (pRT) to the primary tumour in the context of well-controlled metastatic disease after initial chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of 132 patients with metastatic esophago-gastric (OG) cancer treated with palliative chemotherapy (pCT) between January 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Ninetyseven patients had responding or stable disease after 3 months of chemotherapy, of whom 53 patients received pRT to the primary tumour after initial chemotherapy in the presence of well-controlled metastatic disease (group A, pCT-RT). The remaining 44 patients were treated with pCT alone (group B, pCT). Treatment-related outcomes were assessed in above groups including time to local progression (TTLP), progression-free and overall survival. RESULTS: The median overall survival for patients treated with pRT after initial chemotherapy (group A) was 23.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.70 to 28.89 months) and significantly higher than the 14 months (95% CI, 10.91 to 17.08 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (group B) (p < 0.001). The use of pCT-RT was an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. Local recurrence was observed in 12/53 of patients (23%) in group A compared to 16/44 (36%) in group B. The median TTLP was significantly higher in patients after pCT-RT at 17.3 months (5.23 months to 44.50 months) compared to 8.3 months (range, 4.10 to 25.23 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: The possibility of pRT influencing systemic disease in advanced OG cancer has not been reported, and results from the present study present strong arguments for investigation of this therapeutic strategy in a randomized trial.

Drenagem biliar na paliação dos tumores malignos da confluência biliopancreática: estudo comparativo das abordagens cirúrgica e endoscópica ecoguiada / Biliary drainage in the palliative management of malignant tumors in the biliopancreatic junction: a comparative study of surgical and endosonography-guided approaches

Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes acometidos pela neoplasia que envolve a confluência biliopancreática é diagnosticada em fase avançada. A Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica (CPRE) é o método de escolha para a drenagem da via biliar obstruída. Todavia, existe um índice de insucesso em torno de 10%. Nesses casos, técnicas alternativas serão aplicadas, como drenagem percutânea trans-hepática e drenagens cirúrgicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o sucesso técnico, clínico, qualidade de vida e sobrevida da drenagem biliar pela cirurgia convencional e técnica endoscópica ecoguiada em pacientes portadores de neoplasia maligna da confluência biliopancreática. Método: No período de abril de 2010 a setembro de 2013, foram estudados 32 pacientes portadores de neoplasia maligna da confluência biliopancreática. Todos os que foram incluídos nesse estudo apresentaram falha na drenagem biliar por CPRE. Três deles foram excluídos por insucesso técnico (falha na confecção da anastomose hepaticojejunal e da formação da fístula coledocoduodenal ecoguiada). O Grupo I foi formado por 15 pacientes submetidos à Hepaticojejunostomia (HJT) em "Y" de Roux e derivação gastrojejunal. O Grupo II foi formado por 14 pacientes submetidos à coledocoduodenostomia ecoguiada (CDT). O sucesso clínico foi avaliado pela queda da bilirrubina sérica total em mais de 50% nos sete primeiros dias após o procedimento. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário SF-36 e a sobrevida pela curva de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: O sucesso técnico foi de 93,75% (15/16) no Grupo I e de 87,5% (14/16) no Grupo II (p = 0,598). O sucesso clínico ocorreu em 14 (93,33%) pacientes pertencentes ao Grupo I e em 10 (71,43%) do Grupo II. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,169). O comportamento médio dos escores de qualidade de vida foi estatisticamente igual entre as técnicas ao longo do seguimento (p > 0,05 Técnica * Momento). Houve alteração média estatisticamente significativa ao...

Introduction: Most patients with neoplasm in the biliopancreatic junction are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the method of choice for drainage of obstructed biliary tract. However, there is a failure rate of about 10%. In such cases, alternative techniques, such as, percutaneous transhepatic drainage and surgical drainage are applied. Aim: To evaluate the technical and clinical success, quality of life and patient survival of biliary drainage by conventional surgery and endosonography-guided technique in patients with malignant neoplasm of the biliopancreatic junction. Methodology: From April 2010 to September 2013, 32 patients with malignant neoplasm of the biliopancreatic junction were studied. All patients included in this study had failed biliary drainage by ERCP. Three patients were excluded due to technical failure (failure in the construction of hepatico-jejuno anastomosis and formation of endosonography-guided choledochoduodenal fistula). Group I comprised of 15 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJT) and gastrojejunal bypass. Group II consisted of 14 patients who underwent endosonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDT). Clinical success was assessed by the decrease of more than 50% in total serum bilirubin in the first seven days after the procedure. Quality of life was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire and survival by Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: Technical success rate was 93.75% (15/16) in group I and 87.5% (14/16) in group II (p = 0.598). Clinical success occurred in 14 (93.33%) patients in group I and 10 (71.43%) patients in group II. There was no significant statistically difference (p = 0.169). The average quality of life score were statistically equal between the techniques during follow-up (p > 0.05 * Technical Moment). There were statistically significant mean changes during follow-up of functional capacity score, physical health, pain, social...

Clinical Study on Compound Sophora Injection Combined with Java Brucea Fruit Oil Emulsion for Palliative Treatment of Advanced Malignant Tumors / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the short-term clinical effect of compound sophora injection combined with Java brucea fruit oil emulsion injection for palliative treatment of advanced malignant tumors. Methods Totally 120 cases of advanced malignant tumor patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, each contains 60 cases. The control group was treated with Java brucea fruit oil emulsion, and the treatment group took compound sophora injection additionally by intravenous infusion one time daily. The cycle was 24 d. After 3 cycles, the curative effect, pain relief, improvement situation of quality of life and adverse reactions of the two groups were observed. Results Feasible curative effect evaluation of 112 patients showed:The disease control rate in the treatment group was 89.5% (51/57), and the control group was 74.5% (41/55). The total effective rate of cancer pain relief of the treatment group was 91.2%(52/57), and the control group was 70.9% (39/55). The improvement rate of life quality of the treatment group was 70.2% (40/57), and the control group was 49.1% (27/55). The differences between the two groups was significant (P0.05). And the treatment group had a lower incidence of phlebitis than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Compound sophora injection combined with Java brucea fruit oil emulsion for palliative treatment can improve curative effect, significantly improve patients’ quality of life, it was a safe and effective way in treating advanced malignant tumors.

The Efficacy of Endoscopic Palliation of Obstructive Jaundice in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Obstructive jaundice in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon (0.5-13%). Unlike other causes of obstructive jaundice, the role of endoscopic intervention in obstructive jaundice complicated by HCC has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of obstructive jaundice caused by HCC and predictive factors for successful endoscopic intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2009, 54 patients with HCC who underwent endoscopic intervention to relieve obstructive jaundice were included. We defined endoscopic intervention as a clinical success when the obstructive jaundice was relieved within 4 weeks. RESULTS: Clinical success was achieved in 23 patients (42.6%). Patients in the clinical success group showed better Child-Pugh liver function (C-P grade A or B/C; 17/6 vs. 8/20), lower total bilirubin levels (8.1+/-5.3 mg/dL vs. 23.1+/-10.4 mg/dL) prior to the treatment, and no history of alcohol consumption. The only factor predictive of clinical success by multivariate analysis was low total bilirubin level at the time of endoscopic intervention, regardless of history of alcohol consumption [odds ratio 1.223 (95% confidence interval, 1.071-1.396), p=0.003]. The cut-off value of pre-endoscopic treatment total bilirubin level was 12.8 mg/dL for predicting the clinical prognosis. Median survival after endoscopic intervention in the clinical success group was notably longer than that in the clinical failure group (5.6 months vs. 1.5 months, p< or =0.001). CONCLUSION: Before endoscopic intervention, liver function, especially total bilirubin level, should be checked to achieve the best clinical outcome. Endoscopic intervention can be helpful to relieve jaundice in well selected patients with HCC.

Usefulness of Carcinoembryonic Antigen for Monitoring Tumor Progression during Palliative Chemotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement for monitoring tumor progression during palliative chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (n=26, 54.2%) or recurrent unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (n=22, 45.8%) received FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy for palliation. Serum CEA levels and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels were measured and computed tomography (CT) studies were performed prior to chemotherapy and after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. From the CT images, tumor responses were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria and categorized as complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of tumor marker assessments for determining tumor response were calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of CEA assessment for prediction of disease progression were 50%, 77% and 69%, respectively. When the patients were dichotomized according to baseline CEA level, the initially elevated CEA group showed higher sensitivity and higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the initially normal CEA group (sensitivity=67% vs. 20%; diagnostic accuracy=71% vs. 62%). CONCLUSION: CEA assessment could be useful for monitoring tumor progression during palliative chemotherapy in only patients with initially elevated CEA level.

Estudio biocinético y dosimétrico de un kit de producción local de 177Lu-EDTMP para su uso como agente paliativo del dolor / Biokinetic and dosimetric study of 177Lu-EDTMP in the palliative treatment of skeletal metastasis

Los radiofármacos con afinidad por el tejido óseo como el ácido etilen-diamino-tetrametilen-fosfónico (EDTMP) marcado con radioisótopos emisores beta- han demostrado su eficacia en el tratamiento paliativo de las metástasis óseas. Se realizó un estudio biocinético y dosimétrico del 177Lu-EDTMP en ratones NIH. Los resultados obtenidos fueron extrapolados a humanos. Se estimó la dosis absorbida en órganos para dos modelos: un hombre adulto y una mujer adulta. El 177Lu-EDTMP posee una selectiva captación en hueso, una rápida eliminación en sangre e insignificante captación en tejidos no óseos. La dosis en hueso estimada para el hombre se encuentra entre 14,7-15,3 cGy/mCi y entre 19,6-20,4 cGy/mCi para la mujer. La toxicidad en médula ósea representa el factor limitante de este tipo de terapia, y para evitar superar la dosis máxima que ésta puede tolerar (200 cGy), se encontró que la actividad máxima segura de 177Lu-EDTMP que puede ser inyectada al hombre (73,9Kg), corresponde a un valor de 1,01 mCi/kg y a un valor de 1,25 mCi/Kg para la mujer (56,9Kg).

Bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals like the ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid (EDTMP) labeled with beta--emitting radioisotopes have demonstrated their efficacy in the palliative treatment of skeletal metastasis. A biokinetic and dosimetric study of 177Lu-EDTMP in NIH mice was performed. The results obtained were extrapolated to human. We estimate the absorbed doses in organs for two models: an adult male and an adult female. 177Lu-EDTMP has a selective uptake in bone, a rapid elimination from blood and negligible uptake in non-skeletal tissues. The estimated dose in bone is between 14.7-15.3 cGy/mCi for men and between 19.6-20.4 cGy/mCi for women. Bone marrow toxicity represents the limiting factor in this kind of therapy, and to avoid exceed the maximum dose it can tolerate (200 cGy), it was found that the maximum safe activity of 177Lu-EDTMP to be injected to male (73.9 kg), corresponds to a value of 1.01 mCi/kg and a value of 1.25 mCi/kg for female (56.9 kg).

Diagnóstico tardío de cáncer de colon recurrente en la atención primaria de salud / Late diagnosis of the colon recurrent cancer in the primary health care

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 68 pacientes con cáncer de colon recurrente, que acudieron a consulta de seguimiento por esta causa en el Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero de 1990 hasta diciembre de 2005. Se obtuvo que esa neoplasia fue generalmente diagnosticada en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad y que los 2 primeros años de seguimiento resultaron decisivos para el diagnóstico de la recurrencia, el cual suele establecerse de forma tardía, de manera que el tratamiento debe ser paliativo en la mayoría de los afectados.

A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of 68 patients with recurrent colon cancer who attended their follow-up visits due to this cause was carried out in the Saturnino Lora Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 1990 to December, 2005. It was obtained that this neoplasia was generally diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease and that the first 2 years of follow up were decisive for the diagnosis of the recurrence, which may usually be reached in a late stage, so that the treatment should be palliative in most of those affected.

The surgical progress in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice / 国际外科学杂志

Obstructive jaundice is a common disease of hepatobihary surgery,including malignant and benign ones whose treatment and prognosis are obviously different.Malignant obstructive jaundice is one of the dieseases with a worse curative effect,the surgical treatment of this disorder has made much progress in recent years.however there are also some points of disagreement.This acticle reviews the advances of the preoperative preparation,radical excision and palliative drainage in the surgical treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice by reviewing the pertiment literature of China and abroad of recent years.

Palliative treatment for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

More than 25％ pancreatic cancers are locally advanced and unresectable.For patients underwent pancreatectomy,about 80％ of patients had pancreatic cancer recurrence in 2 years.The aim of palliative treatment for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer is to relieve the disease-associated symptoms,including biliary obstruction,duodenal obstruction,and intractable abdominal pain.Surgical strategies,such as palliative resection (R1 resection ),biliary drainage and gastroenterostomy have been widely used.During recent years,neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation have been recommended as the palliative treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer.However,The controversy still exists.This article summarized current data of surgical and non-surgical strategies for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstructions: Treatment with Self-Expandable Metallic Stents

Unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) severely affects the quality of life, with complications that include nausea, vomiting, aspiration, pain, and malnutrition. Although palliative surgical procedures have been traditionally performed, they are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Placing self-expandable metallic stents is associated with higher clinical success rates, lower morbidity, shorter time from the procedure to starting oral intake, lower incidence of delayed gastric emptying, and a shorter hospital stay than palliative surgery. Fluoroscopic or endoscopic placement of either bare or covered self-expandable metallic stents is a safe, nonsurgical, palliative treatment option for unresectable malignant GOOs, with a high clinical success rate and a low rate of serious complications. Stent obstruction and migration are the most common complications, but most can be managed by interventional treatments. Although there have been substantial developments in stent design over the past decade, large prospective, randomized studies are required to determine the ideal stent for malignant GOOs.

Uso de la medicación sintomática en la consulta pediátrica / Use of symptomatic medication in pediatric practice

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de la prescripción, la cantidad, el costo medio y la forma de adquisición de la medicación sintomática (MS) en la atención primaria pediátrica.Metodología: Estudio observacional analítico prospectivo, se entrevistó a los padres acerca de la medicación indicada (droga, cantidad, nombre comercial y forma de adquisición). Resultados: Entre los meses de noviembre de 2007 a mayo de 2008 consultaron 35706 pacientes, de los cuales se tomaron al azar 202, considerando la edad el 19% (39/202) eran menores de 1 año, 81%(163/202) tenían entre 1 a 16 años(media5±4), el 52% eran de sexo masculino y todos procedían del departamento central (zonas urbanas). Los 5 motivos de consulta mas frecuentes fueron: tos 31%, fiebre 12%, tos y fiebre 10%, lesiones en piel 6%, odinofagia 5%. Los 4 diagnósticos más frecuentes infecciones respiratorias altas 31%, síndrome bronquial instructivo (SBO) 14%, crisis asmática 6 %, gastroenteritis aguda 5%. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron piodermitis 33%, escabiosis 17% y desnutrición 17%. El 91% de los pacientes recibió MS, de estos el 48% recibió más de una. De las MS mas frecuentemente utilizadas fueron ibuprofeno 22%, paracetamol 18%, salbutamol (nebu) 16%, prednisona 10% entre otros. Considerando el grupo etario los lactantes menores recibieron menos MS que el resto de la población 82% vs 93% respectivamente (p< 0,05). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos etarios en cuanto al número de MS recibida. EL 67% de los pacientes adquirieron la MS por compra exclusivamente, el 18% compraron y además recibieron, o muestras médicas (MM) o a través de la farmacia social (FS) y solo el 15% recibió toda la medicación indicada sin costo (MM o FS).El costo medio de la MS fue de 21236 ±19300 guaraníes por paciente. Considerando la cantidad de MS indicada, cuando era una sola medicación el costo medio fue de 16989±20569, 2 medicaciones 25355 ±17385 y 3 medicaciones 27680±15240 (p= 0,01).

Introduction: A number of medications are offered in the worldwide pharmacological market whose therapeutic values are relative, questionable-to-null, or unacceptable as defined in the qualitative classification of medications of LaPorte. It is therefore necessary to assess the potential risk and benefits in relation to their costs. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of prescription of the medication, the amount used, the mean cost, and the way that symptomatic medication (SM) is acquired in primary pediatric care. Methods: A prospective, analytical, observational study. Using a questionnaire with open-ended and closed questions, parents were asked upon exiting the consultation about the medication indicated (drug name, quantity, commercial name, and means of acquisition). Sampling was by convenience. Data were loaded into the EPI INFO program for analysis. Results: In the months from November 200 to May 2008, 35,706 patients were seen, of whom 202 were chosen randomly, with 19% (39) being under age 1 year, 81% (163) between ages 1 and 16 years (mean 5±4 years), while 52% were male and all were from the urban zones of the country's Central Department. The five most common presenting complaints were cough (31%), fever (12%), cough and fever (10%), skin lesions (6%), and odynophagia (5%). The 4 most common diagnoses were upper respiratory infection (31%), bronchial obstruction syndrome (14%), status asthmaticus (6%), and acute gastroenteritis (5%). Most common comorbidities include pyodermia (33%), scabies (17%), and malnutrition (17%). Symptomatic medications were prescribed for 91% of patients, with 48% being given more than one. The symptomatic medications most frequently prescribed were ibuprofen (22%), paracetamol (acetaminophen) (8%), salbutamol (albuterol) (16%), and prednisone (10%). Infants received symptomatic medications less frequently than other age groups (82% vs. 93%, p=0.05)...