Neurotoxidad inducida por ifosfamida / Ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity

Introducción: La ifosfamida es un agente alquilante utilizado para el tratamiento de enfermedades oncohematológicas. Entre sus eventos adversos agudos se encuentra la neurotoxicidad. Esta puede presentarse desde el inicio de la infusión hasta tres días después. El tratamiento consiste en suspender la administración y asegurar una adecuada hidratación. Objetivo: Describir eventos neurológicos asociados al uso de ifosfamida en pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades oncohematológicas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal. Los datos se obtuvieron de historias clínicas de pacientes internados en el Hospital Garrahan que infundieron ifosfamida y desarrollaron síntomas neurológicos. Se analizaron edad, diagnóstico de base, dosis de ifosfamida, síntomas neurológicos y su relación con la infusión, tratamiento instaurado, exámenes complementarios y posibles factores de riesgo asociados. Resultados: Se registraron un total de catorce eventos neurológicos en doce pacientes, sin diferencia de sexo, con una mediana de edad de 9,5 años. La enfermedad de base más prevalente fue osteosarcoma. Las convulsiones fueron el síntoma más frecuente (50%), seguido de somnolencia y paresias. La combinación de ifosfamida y etopósido con/sin carboplatino se asoció en un 36% cada uno. El 64% desarrolló neurotoxicidad dentro de las primeras cuatro horas. Ningún paciente presentó alteraciones en los exámenes complementarios. Todos presentaron recuperación ad integrum. Conclusión: Este estudio brinda información acerca del tiempo de aparición de esta complicación, lo cual facilitará su detección precoz y tratamiento oportuno (AU)

Introduction: Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent used for the treatment of cancer. Among its acute adverse events is neurotoxicity. This can occur from the beginning of the infusion up to three days afterwards. Treatment consists of discontinuing administration and ensuring adequate hydration. Objective: To describe neurological events associated with the use of ifosfamide in children with cancer. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from clinical records of patients admitted to the Garrahan Hospital who received ifosfamide infusion and developed neurological symptoms. Age, baseline diagnosis, ifosfamide dose, neurological symptoms and their relationship with the infusion, treatment, complementary tests, and possible associated risk factors were analyzed. Results: A total of fourteen neurological events were recorded in twelve patients, without difference in sex and with a median age of 9.5 years. The most prevalent underlying disease was osteosarcoma. Seizures were the most frequent symptom (50%), followed by drowsiness and paresis. The combination of ifosfamide and etoposide with/without carboplatin was associated in 36% each. Sixty-four percent developed neurotoxicity within the first four hours. None of the patients presented with abnormalities in the complementary examinations. All recovered ad integrum. Conclusion: This study provides information about the time of onset of this complication, which will facilitate its early detection and timely treatment (AU)

Analysis of the prevalence and social security situation of pneumoconiosis in non-coal mine industry in Jiangsu Province / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To understand the social security situation of current cases of pneumoconiosis in non-coal mine industries in Jiangsu Province, and to provide reference for the treatment and security work of pneumoconiosis patients. Methods: From January to October 2020, a follow-up survey was conducted on 4038 cases of pneumoconiosis in non-coal mine industries of the province from October 1949 to December 2019. The age, type of pneumoconiosis, industry type, and social security status of the patients were collected. Namely, work-related injury insurance, employer compensation, basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, major illness insurance, etc. SPSS 19.0 was used for statistical description and analysis. Results: The cases of pneumoconiosis in non-coal mine industries in Jiangsu Province ranged in age from 36 to 105 (70.78±8.43) years old, and had been exposed to dust for 1 to 55 (19.27±9.29) years. Silicosis was the main form (3875 cases, 95.96%), and non-metallic mining and dressing industry was the main form (2618 cases, 64.83%). A total of 3991 cases (98.84%) of pneumoconiosis patients enjoyed social security, most of them were urban and rural residents with basic medical insurance (3624 cases, 89.75%), but there were still 47 patients without any social security. 15 cases (0.37%) enjoyed the subsistence allowance, with the monthly allowance amount ranging from 104 to 3960 yuan, with the average amount of 954.87 yuan/month. Conclusion: In Jiangsu Province, the proportion of pneumoconiosis patients in non-coal mine industries enjoying social security is relatively high, but there are still patients who do not enjoy any social security, and the difference in the amount of subsistence allowance is slightly larger. It is necessary to further improve the medical security of pneumoconiosis patients and improve their quality of life.

Intraspinal metastasis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

This paper reported a case of cervical intraspinal metastasis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). The clinicopathological features, surgical treatment, chemotherapy and prognosis were introduced and the current literature was reviewed. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, molecular features and prognosis of the disease were comprehensively analyzed to improve clinicians' knowledge of this rare disease. The primary lesion appeared about 1 year ago which was painless mass of left hand whose size was about 2 cm×2 cm. After conservative treatment, the mass gradually enlarged and the mass was resected. Postoperative pathology revealed embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma. Postoperative chemotherapy with recombinant human endostatin, liposomal doxorubicin and ifosfamide was performed. The left neck mass was found about 3 months ago, and then the left neck mass was resected under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathological examination showed small round cell malignant tumors. Severe left upper extremity pain began about 2 weeks ago with nocturnal pain and supine pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were needed to relieve pain which was accompanied by numbness and weakness of the left upper extremity. MRI showed a intraspinal tumor at C5. The left thumb and index finger were absent. Hypoesthesia, muscle atrophy and hypotonia of the left upper limb were confirmed. The muscle strength of biceps brachii and deltoid muscle of the left upper limb was grade 0, the muscle strength of extensor carpus and interphalangeal muscle was grade II, the muscle strength of intrinsic muscles of hands was grade I. The tendon reflex of the left upper limb disappeared. Intraspinal mass was removed and the pain was relieved. But there was no significant change in the muscle strength of the left upper limb. Pathological examination revealed small cell malignancies which were poorly differentiated with diffuse patchy distribution and disordered arrangement. The tumor cells had round, oval or irregular nuclei, and few cytoplasms were positive for Myogenin and MyoD1. FISH test of FOXO1 gene was positive. More than 50% of nuclei showed redgreen signal separation, and the distance between redgreen signals was larger than double diameter of the signal points, which supported ARMS. Total resection of intraspinal tumors was achieved and postoperative chemotherapy was admitted. But intraspinal disseminated metastasis occurred rapidly. ARMS was rare, aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Subdural metastasis was rare. Correct diagnosis and classification can be made only with help of modern molecular diagnostic methods, which is effective to guide the treatment.

Ewing Sarcoma / 임상소아혈액종양

Ewing sarcoma is the second most frequently occurring malignant tumor of the bone and soft tissue in adolescents and young adults. Genetically, Ewing sarcoma is characterized by balanced chromosomal translocation in which a member of FET gene family is fused with an ETS transcription factor, with the most common fusion being EWSR1-FLI1 (85% of cases). Treatment of Ewing sarcoma is based on multidisciplinary approach (local surgery, radiotherapy and multiagent chemotherapy), which are associated with chronic late effects that may compromise quality of life of survivors. First line treatment includes combination of drugs incorporating doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide, and dactinomycin. The beneficial role of high dose chemotherapy has been suggested in high-risk localized Ewing sarcoma patients, and the studies are being performed to investigate the role in metastatic disease. The 5-year overall survival for localized Ewing sarcoma has improved to reach 65% to 75%. But patients with metastatic disease have a 5-year survival rate of <30%, except for those with isolated pulmonary metastasis (approximately 50%). Patients with recurrent tumor have a dismal prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies based on understanding of molecular mechanisms are needed to improve the outcome of Ewing sarcoma and to lessen the treatment-related late effects.

Excellent treatment outcomes in children younger than 18 months with stage 4 MYCN nonamplified neuroblastoma / 소아과

PURPOSE: Although the prognosis is generally good in patients with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma, no consensus has been reached on the ideal treatment regimen. This study analyzed treatment outcomes and toxicities in patients younger than 18 months with stage 4 MYCN nonamplified neuroblastoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients younger than 18 months newly diagnosed with stage 4 MYCN nonamplified neuroblastoma between January 2009 and December 2015. Patients received 9 cycles of chemotherapy and surgery, with or without local radiotherapy, followed by 12 cycles of differentiation therapy with 13-cis-retinoic acid. Chemotherapy consisted of alternating cycles of cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (CEDC) and ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) regimens. RESULTS: The most common primary tumor site was the abdomen (85%), and the most common metastatic sites were the lymph nodes (65%), followed by the bones (60%), liver (55%), skin (45%), and bone marrow (25%). At the end of induction therapy, 14 patients (70%) achieved complete response, with 1 achieving very good partial response, 4 achieving partial response, and 1 showing mixed response. Nine patients (45%) received local radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 17–91 months), none of these patients experienced relapse, progression, or secondary malignancy, or died. Three years after chemotherapy completion, none of the patients had experienced grade ≥3 late adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Patients younger than 18 months with stage 4 MYCN nonamplified neuroblastoma showed excellent outcomes, without significant late adverse effects, when treated with alternating cycles of CEDC and ICE, followed by surgery and differentiation therapy.

Comparison of Native Escherichia coli L-Asparaginase versus Pegylated Asparaginase, in Combination with Ifosfamide, Methotrexate, Etoposide, and Prednisolone, in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare asparaginase-related toxicities in two asparaginase preparations, namely native Escherichia coli L-asparaginase (L-ASP) and pegylated asparaginase (PEG-ASP) in combination with ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide, and prednisolone (IMEP) in natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NTCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 NTCL patients who received IMEP plus native E. coli L-ASP or PEG-ASP at Seoul National University Hospital were included in this study between January 2013 and March 2016. IMEP/ASP treatment consisted of ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide, plus native E. coli L-ASP (6,000 IU/m2 on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) or PEG-ASP (2,500 IU/m2 on day 1) every 3 weeks. ASP-related toxicities, toxicity patterns, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were compared between the different treatment groups. RESULTS: The frequency of ASP-related toxicities was similar between the IMEP plus native E. coli L-ASP group and the PEG-ASP group apart from hypofibrinogenemia (native E. coli L-ASP vs. PEG-ASP group, 86.4% vs. 36.8%; p=0.001). Although post-treatment transaminase and albumin levels were significantly high and low, respectively, hepatotoxicity gradients before and after treatment did not differ significantly between the groups. Since PEG-ASP was given at an outpatient clinic in some patients, length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the IMEP plus PEG-ASP group (median, 4.0 vs. 6.0 days; p=0.002). A favorable tendency of clinical outcomes was observed in NTCL patients treated with IMEP plus PEG-ASP (complete remission rate, 73.7% vs. 45.5%; p=0.067). CONCLUSION: IMEP plus PEG-ASP showed similar ASP-related toxicities, shorter length of hospital stay, and a trend towards improved clinical outcomes compared with IMEP plus native E. coli L-ASP in NTCL.

Retrospective study of combination chemotherapy with etoposide and ifosfamide in patients with heavily pretreated recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy with etoposide and ifosfamide (ETI) in the management of pretreated recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: Patients with recurrent or persistent EOC who had measurable disease and at least one chemotherapy regimen were to receive etoposide at a dose of 100 mg/m²/day intravenous (IV) on days 1 to 3 in combination with ifosfamide 1 g/m²/day IV on days 1 to 5, every 21 days. RESULTS: From August 2008 to August 2016, 66 patients were treated with ETI regimen. Most patients were heavily pretreated prior to ETI: 53 (80.3%) patients had received 3 or more chemotherapy regimens. The response rate (RR) of ETI chemotherapy was 18.2% and median duration of response was 6.8 months (range, 0–30). Median survival of all patients was 5 months at a median follow up of 7.2 months. Platinum-free interval (PFI) more than 6 months prior to ETI has statistically significant correlation with overall survival (OS; 9.2 vs. 5.6 months; P=0.029) and RR (34.5% vs. 5.4%; P < 0.010). However, treatment free interval before ETI, number of prior chemotherapy regimen, and optimality of primary surgery did not show significant difference for RR or OS. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities were observed in 7 cases (3%) of the 232 cycles of ETI. CONCLUSION: The ETI combination regimen shows comparatively low toxicity and modest activity in heavily pretreated recurrent or persistent EOC patients with more than 6 months of PFI after last platinum treatment.

Neutropenia febril postquimioterapia, Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología / Febrile neutropenia after cytostatic therapy observed in the Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology

Objetivo: caracterizar a los pacientes oncológicos que presenten episodios de neutropenia febril postquimioterapia ingresados en el Instituto de Oncología y Radiobiología en el periodo de enero a mayo del 2015. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal a una muestra de 36 pacientes. Se revisaron las historias clínicas donde se tomaron las variables analizadas. Resultados: predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (61,1 por ciento). Dentro de las enfermedades oncológicas predominaron los pacientes con Linfomas no Hodgkin (25,0 por ciento) y los medicamentos citostáticos vinculados a la neutropenia fueron el carboplatino, paclitaxel, ifosfamida y etopósido. La recuperación hematológica se logró en la mayoría de los casos antes de las 72 horas y el mayor número de pacientes (72,2 por ciento) fueron clasificados como una neutropenia de bajo riesgo, según los criterios de la Multinational Association for Supportive Care. Conclusiones: en la muestra estudiada la neutropenia febril presenta un incremento proporcional con la edad y las enfermedades de origen hematopoyéticos, cuyos esquemas quimioterápicos consisten en altas dosis de agentes citostáticos(AU)

Objective: to characterize the oncological patients who present with post chemotherapy febrile neutropenia and were admitted to the Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology in the period of January to May, 2015. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of 36 patients. Their medical histories were checked from which the analyzed variables were taken. Results: females predominated in the study (61,1 percent). Among the oncological diseases, non-Hodgkin lymphomas (25,0 percent) prevailed whereas the cytostatic drugs found related to neutropenia were carboplatin, paclitaxel, ifosfamide and etoposide. The hematological recovery was reached in most cases before 72 hours and a lot of patients (72, 2 percent) were classified as low risk neutropenia according to the Multinational Association for Supportive Care criteria. Conclusions: in the study sample, the febrile neutropenia increases with the age and with hematopoietic diseases whereas chemotherapy schemes are based on high dose cytostatic agents(AU)

A Case of Malignant Glomus Tumor on Shoulder with Pulmonary Metastasis Treated with Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide in a 10-year Old Girl / 임상소아혈액종양

Malignant glomus tumor is an exceedingly rare neoplasm occurring in the soft tissues. Controversy exists over whether malignant glomus tumor is a true malignancy due to the rarity of metastasis, however, this neoplasm has been known to show relatively frequent metastasis and poor outcome. To improve the outcome of systemic therapy for malignant glomus tumor might be necessary, but the appropriate chemotherapy or radiotherapy has yet to be elucidated. We report a case of malignant glomus tumor with multiple pulmonary metastases treated with total surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy including doxorubicin and ifosfamide; however 7 months after completion of chemotherapy primary lung nodules increased. This case suggests that these chemotherapeutic agents are not effective for the management of malignant glomus tumor with metastasis.

Antioxidant activity of simvastatin prevents ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity

Ifosfamide is an anticancer agent used largely in treatment of solid tumors. The mainstay dose-limiting toxicity of ifosfamide is nephrotoxicity. This is largely believde to be a result of ifosfamide-induced oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of simvastatin and the possible protective role of simvastatin against ifosfamide induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty Sprague-Dawely rats were divided into five groups and given orally different drug combinations. Group I and II were regarded as control groups and received 0.1% DMSO and normal saline, respectively. Group III received ifosfamide at 50mg/kg, group IV received simvastatin at 0.3mg/kg and group V received both ifosfamide and simvastatin. All animals were decapitated 2 days after the last ifosfamide administration. Findings revealed that ifosfamide induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by a significant increase in plasma creatinine and lipid per oxidation. This increase was significantly inhibited in animals pretreated with simvastatin. Histopathological observations were in correlation with the biochemical parameters in that simvastatin minimized ifosfamide-induced renal tubular damage. The above results promote a future use of simvastatin in combination with ifosfamide in treatment of cancer patients to indicated that simvastatin protectics against ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity in terms of oxidative stress and might be given in combination

Bloqueio do receptor da interleucina-1 com anakinra inibe a cistite hemorrágica induzida por ifosfamida

Cistite hemorrágica (CH) induzida por ifosfamida (IFO) é uma importante complicação clínica em pacientes com câncer. Atualmente, mesna e hiper-hidratação são utilizadas como profilaxia, a despeito de ainda ser observada CH através de cistoscopia e histopatologia mesmo com essas medidas. A participação de interleucina-1 (IL-1) e fator de necrose tumoral (TNF) na patogênese da CH provê alvos para o tratamento dessa doença. Assim, esse trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito protetor do antagonista do receptor da IL-1 (anakinra) e do anticorpo anti-TNF-alfa (infliximabe) nas respostas inflamatórias, nociceptivas e funcionais da CH experimental induzida por IFO em camundongos. Foram utilizados camundongos Swiss, C57BL6, IL-1R-/-, CASP1-/-, TNFR1-/-, TNFR1/R2-/-. Os animais WT foram submetidos ao tratamento com anakinra 100 mg/kg i.p. ou infliximabe 5 mg/kgi.p. ou salina i.p., foram tratados 1h após com IFO 400 mg/kg i.p., e 12 h após a IFO foi realizado o sacrifício, com excisão das bexigas para avaliaçãomacroscópica, histopatológica, permeabilidade vascular, mieloperoxidase, contratilidade, cistometrografia e citometria de fluxo para neutrófilos e macrófagos. Alguns animais, antes do sacrifício, foram submetidos a avaliação de nocicepção visceral. Anakinra foi capaz de atenuar hemorragia, edema, infiltrado neutrofílico, hipernocicepção visceral e disfunção vesical...

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) induced by ifosfamide (IFO) is an importantclinical complication in patients with cancer. Despite prophylaxis, HC isobserved. The role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the pathogenesis of HC provides targets for treatment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra) and anti-TNF-alpha antibody (infliximab) in experimental HC-induced by IFO in mice. Swiss , C57BL6 , IL -1R-/-, CASP1-/-, TNFR1-/-, TNFR1/R2-/-mice were used. Animals were submitted to pre-treatment with anakinra 100 mg/ kg, ip or infliximab 5 mg/ Kg, ip, or saline ip, 1h after, they were treated with IFO 400 mg/ kg ip, and 12 h after IFO injection they were killed. Then, it was performed resection of the bladder for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation, vascular permeability assay, myeloperoxidase assay, muscle contractility, cistometrogram and flow cytometry to neutrophils andmacrophages. Some animals prior to death, were subjected to evaluation of visceral nociception. Anakinra was able to attenuate hemorrhage, edema, neutrophil infiltration, visceral hypernociception and bladder dysfunction...

A Case of Malignant Glomus Tumor on Shoulder with Pulmonary Metastasis Treated with Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide in a 10-year Old Girl / 임상소아혈액종양

Malignant glomus tumor is an exceedingly rare neoplasm occurring in the soft tissues. Controversy exists over whether malignant glomus tumor is a true malignancy due to the rarity of metastasis, however, this neoplasm has been known to show relatively frequent metastasis and poor outcome. To improve the outcome of systemic therapy for malignant glomus tumor might be necessary, but the appropriate chemotherapy or radiotherapy has yet to be elucidated. We report a case of malignant glomus tumor with multiple pulmonary metastases treated with total surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy including doxorubicin and ifosfamide; however 7 months after completion of chemotherapy primary lung nodules increased. This case suggests that these chemotherapeutic agents are not effective for the management of malignant glomus tumor with metastasis.

Primary hepatic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor successfully treated with combination therapy: a case report and literature review

Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in a young female patient, not associated with neurofibromatosis type-I is extremely rare in the liver. A 33-year-old female was admitted with a right flank pain for a weak. The CT scan showed 12.5-cm-sized mass located at the right hepatic lobe. At laparotomy, about 20.0-cm-sized mass was on the right hepatic lobe with attachment to right diaphragmatic pleura. Right hepatic lobe and adherent part of diaphragmatic pleura were resected. On histology and immunohistochemistry, it was diagnosed MPNST. Adjuvant radiotherapy for the right diaphragmatic pleura and adjuvant chemotherapy with adriamycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin were sequentially performed. The prognosis of MPNST is generally poor and it is associated with a highly aggressive course of recurrence, metastases, and death. Our case is probably a first report about combination therapy.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (RAEB-II) Development 2 Months after Chemotherapy for a Primary Non-seminomatous Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor / 대한내과학회지

Here, we report on a 20-year-old patient with a primary nonseminomatous mediastinal germ cell tumor (MGCT) who developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) 2 months following chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide, and paclitaxel. Bone marrow examinations revealed that the MDS was a refractory anemia with excess type II blasts and complex chromosomal abnormalities. With the onset of MDS occurring rapidly following chemotherapy, it is unlikely to have been caused by the therapy. We discuss the association between primary nonseminomatous MGCTs and hematological malignancies, including the possibility of a common clonal origin.

Clinical Efficacy Comparison of Different Second Line Salvage Chemotherapy Regimens for the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and compare the clinical effects and safety of DICE regimen combined with rituximab and GDP regimen combined with rituximab for the treatment of elderly patients with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety elderly patients with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma were admitted in our hospital from January 2008 to June 2013 and randomly divided into 2 groups, including A group (45 patients) and B group (45 patients), the patients in A group were treated by DICL regimen combined with rituximab, while the patients in B group were treated by GDP regimen combined with rituximab; the clinical efficacy, disease-free survival time, the survival rate with follow-up and the incidence of toxic side-effects in 2 groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical efficacy of B group was significant better than that of A group (P < 0.05). The disease-free survival time of B group was significantly longer than that of A group (P < 0.05). The survival rate with follow-up of B group was significantly higher than that of A group (P < 0.05). The difference was not significant in incidence of the toxic side effects between 2 groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with DICE regimen combined with rituximab, GDP regimen combined with rituximab in treatment of elderly patients with relapsed and refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma can efficiently reduce tumor loading, prolong the disease-free survival time, improve the long-term clinical prognosis, and not aggravate the side effects of drugs.</p>

Curative Efficacy of Lenalidomide plus Low Dose Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of lenalidomide plus low dose dexamethasone for treating patients with multiple myeloma (MM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 19 MM patients were enrolled to receive the therapeutic schedule of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in our hospital from May 2013 to June 2015. Lenalidomide 25 mg was taken orally daily for 21 days and resting for 7 days, and dexamethasone 10 mg was taken orally daily on the day 1-4, 7-10 and 13-16. The regimens were Rd (lenalidomide and dexamethasone, n = 12), and RCd (lenalidomide, ifosfamide and dexamethasone, n = 7).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 19 patients received 1 cycle of treatment 3 patients achieved complete remission (CR), 3 patients achieved very good partial remission (VGPR), 10 patients achieved partial remission (PR) and 3 patients in stable disease (SD) with an overall response rate (ORR = CR + VGPR + PR) of 84%; their ORR rate was 89% after 2 cycles of treatment. In the early stage of treatment, the renal function was improved in 4 out of 5 patients with renal dysfunction. And the common adverse reactions were hematologic toxicity in 4 patients, 1 degree rash in 5 patients, and gastrointestinal side effects in 4 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The lenalidomide plus dexamethasone regimen has a good anti-multiple myeloma effect, which can control the disease rapidly and overcome the multidrug resistance in MM, improving the poor prognosis with renal dysfunction, and showing high remission rate in the patients exposed to bortezomib with low toxicity.</p>

A Case of Nasal Type Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma Incidentally Detected in a Child / 임상소아혈액종양

A nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is very rare in children. A pediatric nasal type ENKL is generally localized and is likely to have sensitivity to radiotherapy. The most common site is the upper airway tract, such as nasal region, Waldeyer's ring, paranasal sinuses and palates. It usually presents with nasal symptoms, such as obstruction or epistaxis. We describe our experience of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in a 13-year old boy having incidentally detected nasal type ENKL on laryngoscopic examination who did not have nasal symptoms. He received three cycles of dexamethasone (40 mg/day for 3 days), ifosfamide (1,000 mg/m2/day for 3 days), VP-16 (67 mg/m2/day for 3 days) and carboplatin (200 mg/m2 for 1 day) at 3-week intervals and 45 Gy intensity-modulated radiation therapy. He has been disease-free for 18 months after cessation of therapy.

Cost-utility analysis of IEV drug regimen versus ESHAP drug regimen for the patients with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Iran

Background: Chemotherapy for lymph nodes cancer is often composed of several drugs that are used in a treatment program

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a cost-utility analysis of IEV regimen [ifosfamide, epirubicin and etoposide] versus ESHAP regimen [etoposide, methylprednisolone, high-dose cytarabine, and cisplatin] in patients with lymphoma in the south of Iran

Patients and Methods: This was a cost-utility analysis done as a cross-sectional study in the south of Iran. Using decision tree, expected costs, quality -adjusted life years [QALYs] and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] were estimated. In addition, the robustness of results was examined by sensitivity analysis

Results: The results of this study indicated that the total lymphoma patients were about 65 people that 27 patients received IEV regimen and 38 patients ESHAP [43 patients with Hodgkin's and 22 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma]. The results of decision tree showed that in the IEV arm, the expected cost was dollar 20952.93 and the expected QALYs was 3.89 and in the ESHAP arm, the expected cost was dollar 31691.74 and the expected QALYs was 3.86. Based on the results of the study, IEV regimen was cost-effective alternative to the ESHAP regimen

Conclusions: According to the results of this study, it is recommended that oncologists use IEV instead of ESHAP in the treatment of patients with lymphoma and because of high costs of IEV drug costs, it is suggested that IEV drugs should be covered by insurance

Maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography/computed tomography predicts clinical outcome in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Few clinical studies have clarified the prognostic factors that affect clinical outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after immunochemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 158 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL were enrolled. All patients underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) before and after salvage therapy. All enrolled patients previously received the ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide regimen. Clinical outcomes were compared according to several factors (age > or = 65 years, low age-adjusted International Prognostic Index [aa-IPI], maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] or =12 months, complete response after salvage therapy). A low aa-IPI, SUVmax or = 12 months were independent prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: In univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, SUVmax below 6.0 (P<0.001 for progression-free survival (PFS), P<0.001 for overall survival (OS)) and low aa-IPI (P<0.001 for PFS, P<0.001 for OS) were independent prognostic factors associated with favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: The aa-IPI and initial SUVmax were powerful prognostic factors in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL.

A Case of Nasal Type Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma Incidentally Detected in a Child / 임상소아혈액종양

A nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is very rare in children. A pediatric nasal type ENKL is generally localized and is likely to have sensitivity to radiotherapy. The most common site is the upper airway tract, such as nasal region, Waldeyer's ring, paranasal sinuses and palates. It usually presents with nasal symptoms, such as obstruction or epistaxis. We describe our experience of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in a 13-year old boy having incidentally detected nasal type ENKL on laryngoscopic examination who did not have nasal symptoms. He received three cycles of dexamethasone (40 mg/day for 3 days), ifosfamide (1,000 mg/m2/day for 3 days), VP-16 (67 mg/m2/day for 3 days) and carboplatin (200 mg/m2 for 1 day) at 3-week intervals and 45 Gy intensity-modulated radiation therapy. He has been disease-free for 18 months after cessation of therapy.