Declive funcional y presencia de síntomas en cuidados paliativos: ¿causa o consecuencia? / Functional decline and presence of symptoms in palliative care: cause or consequence?

Introducción. Diversas publicaciones han relacionado el declive funcional con la aparición de síntomas, especialmente psicológicos o psiquiátricos, como ansiedad y depresión. Por otra parte, un trastorno depresivo inicial o previo al declive funcional también suele empeorarlo. Nos planteamos conocer la relación entre la existencia de declive funcional medido mediante descenso en índice de Barthel (IB) y la presencia de síntomas. Material y métodos. Estudio analítico prospectivo con los pacientes derivados a un Equipo de Soporte para Atención Domiciliaria (ESAD). Resultados. Seiscientos treinta y ocho casos, 53,9% (N=344) hombres, 56% (N=357) oncológicos y 44% (N=281) no oncológicos. La edad media fue 79,64 ± 10,8 años. Obtuvimos diferencias significativas (p<0,001) en declive funcional medido mediante descenso medio en el IB entre pacientes oncológicos (34,4) y no oncológicos (12,12). Encontramos diferencias significativas (p<0,001) en todos los síntomas registrados (dolor, disnea, anorexia, náuseas, ansiedad, depresión e insomnio) con mayor frecuencia en pacientes oncológicos, salvo en el caso de la agitación psicomotriz. En pacientes con mayor grado de declive funcional, con descensos en IB superior a 20 puntos, se detectó mayor presencia de síntomas. Salvo determinados analgésicos, no hubo diferencias en los tratamientos previos; sí encontramos diferencias en diversos tratamientos pautados por el ESAD. Conclusiones. La existencia de declive funcional y su grado pueden verse relacionados con la aparición de síntomas, especialmente en el paciente oncológico (AU)

Introduction. Several publications have related functional decline to the appearance of symptoms, especially psychiatric or psychological ones, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, an initial depressive disorder or prior to functional decline usually worsens it. It was decided to investigate the relationship between the presence of functional decline, measured by a decrease in the Barthel index (BI), and the presence of symptoms. Material and methods. A prospective analytical study conducted on patients referred to a Home Care Support Team (HCST). Results. The study included 638 cases, of which 53.9% (N=344) were male, 56% (N=357) with cancer and 44% (N=281) geriatric. The mean age was 79.64 years+- 10.8. Significant differences (P<.001) were found in functional decline measured by mean decline in the BI between cancer (34.4) and non-cancer patients (12.12). Significant differences (P<.001) were also found in all recorded symptoms (pain, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea, anxiety, depression, and insomnia), more frequently in cancer patients, except psychomotor agitation. A higher presence of symptoms was detected in patients with greater functional decline, with decreases in BI above 20 points. There were no differences in previous treatments, except in certain analgesics. Differences were found in the different treatments prescribed by HCST. Conclusions. The presence of functional decline and its level may be related to the appearance of symptoms, especially in cancer patients (AU)

[Functional decline and presence of symptoms in palliative care: Cause or consequence?] / Declive funcional y presencia de síntomas en cuidados paliativos: ¿causa o consecuencia?

INTRODUCTION: Several publications have related functional decline to the appearance of symptoms, especially psychiatric or psychological ones, such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, an initial depressive disorder or prior to functional decline usually worsens it. It was decided to investigate the relationship between the presence of functional decline, measured by a decrease in the Barthel index (BI), and the presence of symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective analytical study conducted on patients referred to a Home Care Support Team (HCST). RESULTS: The study included 638 cases, of which 53.9% (N=344) were male, 56% (N=357) with cancer and 44% (N=281) geriatric. The mean age was 79.64 years+- 10.8. Significant differences (P<.001) were found in functional decline measured by mean decline in the BI between cancer (34.4) and non-cancer patients (12.12). Significant differences (P<.001) were also found in all recorded symptoms (pain, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea, anxiety, depression, and insomnia), more frequently in cancer patients, except psychomotor agitation. A higher presence of symptoms was detected in patients with greater functional decline, with decreases in BI above 20 points. There were no differences in previous treatments, except in certain analgesics. Differences were found in the different treatments prescribed by HCST. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of functional decline and its level may be related to the appearance of symptoms, especially in cancer patients.

Melanoma maligno primario en vagina / Primary melanoma of the vagina

El melanoma primario de vagina es un tumor poco frecuente y agresivo, siendo común las metástasis en el momento de su diagnóstico. Las características citológicas de las células melanocíticas son difíciles de apreciar en una citología cérvico-vaginal. El estudio histológico debe basarse en técnicas inmunohistoquímicas (S100, MelanA y HMB45). El diagnóstico diferencial es con el carcinoma escamoso, cuando presenta un patrón epitelioide. Se ha de excluir siempre una metástasis de otra localización. Actualmente sin consenso en el tratamiento es un tumor con baja supervivencia (AU)

Primary melanoma of the vagina is an aggressive and uncommon tumor and with frequent metastases at diagnosis. It is difficult to visualize melanocytic cells in a gynecological smear. The diagnosis should be based on immunohistochemistry techniques (S100, MelanA, HMB45). The differential diagnosis is with squamous carcinoma when melanoma presents an epithelioid pattern. It is important to always exclude metastases from other locations. Currently, there is no consensus on treatment and survival is low. At this moment there's no treatment consensus for this poor survival tumour (AU)

Heparinas de bajo peso molecular en la profilaxis de episodios tromboembólicos en pacientes con cáncer portadores de catéter venoso central / Role of low molecular weight heparins in prophylaxis of thromboembolic events on oncological patients with indwelling central venous catheter

Fundamento y objetivo: Este estudio pretende analizar la incidencia de trombosis de extremidades superiores y de embolia pulmonar en pacientes oncológicos portadores de catéter venoso central, así como valorar si las heparinas de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) podrían ser útiles en prevenir este tipo de episodios. Pacientes y método: Pacientes oncológicos portadores de catéter tipo porth a cath se trataron con bemiparina o no de forma no aleatorizada; se realizó seguimiento clínico y radiológico mediante flebografía el día 1 y ecografía Doppler los días 1, 45 y 90 tras la implantación. Se determinó la incidencia de trombosis en pacientes con o sin tratamiento con bemiparina sódica (3.500 U/día) y su relación con posibles factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se encontraron 19 episodios trombóticos en 148 pacientes elegibles: el 5,41% de trombosis venosa profunda de extremidad superior sintomática y el 2,03% asintomática; un caso de embolia pulmonar (0,68%); el 2,70% de disfunción del catéter, y el 2,03% de trombosis de extremidades inferiores. Hubo mayor porcentaje de episodios trombóticos en el grupo de tratamiento con HBPM (15,5%) que en el grupo sin profilaxis (9,4%); la diferencia no fue significativa (p=0,272). Los únicos factores de riesgo significativos fueron el tiempo de protrombina, la hipertensión arterial y el sobrepeso. Conclusiones: La colocación de catéteres venosos centrales es una técnica de gran utilidad, con bajo porcentaje de complicaciones trombóticas clínicamente manifiestas. La bemiparina sódica no presenta una relación favorable para disminuir el riesgo de trombosis en estos enfermos (AU)

Background and objective: Our study was designed to assess the incidence of thrombosis in the upper limbs and of pulmonary embolism in oncological patients with indwelling central venous catheters, and to evaluate, also, the potential role of LMWH to prevent these events. Patients and methods: Oncological patients undergoing placement of a central venous acccess (port-a-cath type) were treated with or without bemiparin in a non-randomized fashion. Assessment included clinical and radiological follow-up. A phlebography on the first day and ecodoppler on days 1th, 45th and 90th were performed. Patients received or not prophylactic bemiparin (3500UI/day) in a non-randomized way. The incidence of thrombosis in both groups was assessed as well as its relation with some risk factors. Results: One hundred and forty eight patients were eligible; 19 thrombotic events were found. The incidence of symptomatic upper extremity thrombosis was 5.41%, asymptomatic thrombosis in 2.03% ; there was one case of pulmonary embolism ( 0,68%); catheter failure occurred in 2.70%; incidence of lower extremities deep venous thrombosis was 2.03%. There was a higher percentage of events in the group of patients treated with bemiparin than in the not treated individuals (9.4%), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.27). The only risk factors reaching statistical significance were the prothrombin time, high blood pressure and overweight. Conclusions: Central venous catheters are very useful in oncology. The procedure was related with a low percentage of thrombotic complications. Sodic bemiparin does not reduce the thrombotic risk in these patients (AU)

[Role of low molecular weight heparins in prophylaxis of thromboembolic events on oncological patients with indwelling central venous catheter]. / Heparinas de bajo peso molecular en la profilaxis de episodios tromboembólicos en pacientes con cáncer portadores de catéter venoso central.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our study was designed to assess the incidence of thrombosis in the upper limbs and of pulmonary embolism in oncological patients with indwelling central venous catheters, and to evaluate, also, the potential role of LMWH to prevent these events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Oncological patients undergoing placement of a central venous acccess (port-a-cath type) were treated with or without bemiparin in a non-randomized fashion. Assessment included clinical and radiological follow-up. A phlebography on the first day and ecodoppler on days 1th, 45th and 90th were performed. Patients received or not prophylactic bemiparin (3500UI/day) in a non-randomized way. The incidence of thrombosis in both groups was assessed as well as its relation with some risk factors. RESULTS: One hundred and forty eight patients were eligible; 19 thrombotic events were found. The incidence of symptomatic upper extremity thrombosis was 5.41%, asymptomatic thrombosis in 2.03% ; there was one case of pulmonary embolism ( 0,68%); catheter failure occurred in 2.70%; incidence of lower extremities deep venous thrombosis was 2.03%. There was a higher percentage of events in the group of patients treated with bemiparin than in the not treated individuals (9.4%), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.27). The only risk factors reaching statistical significance were the prothrombin time, high blood pressure and overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Central venous catheters are very useful in oncology. The procedure was related with a low percentage of thrombotic complications. Sodic bemiparin does not reduce the thrombotic risk in these patients.

[Novel therapeutic targets in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Results of the treatment with single-agent bevacizumab in a single institution]. / Nuevas dianas terapéuticas para el carcinoma de células renales metastásico. Resultados del tratamiento con bevacizumab en monoterapia en un único centro hospitalario.

AIM: Along the past decade a number of new agents have been developed showing promising results in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We describe our experience with the use of bevacizumab in monotherapy in the Urology and Medical Oncology departments of our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A consecutive series of patients treated with Bevacizumab 10 mg/Kg every 14 days between January 2006 and January 2008 has been assessed. Data concerning the type of surgery, histological subtype, tumor stage, Motzer's risk group, metastatic sites number of bevacizumab courses given, time to progression and overall survival were collected. RESULTS: 25 patients (16 male, 9 female) were analyzed. Median age was 59 years. Nineteen of them (75%) had prior surgery: radical nephrectomy 14, cytoreductive 4 y tumorectomy 1). Clear cell carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (22 patients). According to Motzer's prognostic index 14 had good prognosis, 8 intermediate and 3 poor prognosis. Median time to progression was 19 weeks. Overall median survival since metastatic disease was diagnosed 8,7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab offers, as single agent, modest activity in the metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The recently labeled use in combination with interferon as well as the newer targeted agents will improve the results of the treatment of this disease in the next future.

Nuevas dianas terapéuticas para el carcinoma de células renales metastásico. Resultados del tratamiento con bevacizumab en monoterapia en un único centro hospitalario / Novel therapeutic targets in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Results of the treatment with single-agent bevacizumab in a single institution

Objetivos: En la última década se están desarrollando multitud de nuevas moléculas que ofrecen resultados esperanzadores para el tratamiento del CCR metastásico. Este estudio describe nuestra experiencia en 25 pacientes tratados con bevacizumab en monoterapia. Material y métodos: Se analizan los resultados obtenidos en 25 pacientes con CCR metastásico tratados con Bevacizumab (10 mg/Kg quincenal) entre enero del 2006 y enero del 2008. Se recogieron datos acerca del tipo de cirugía practicada, tipo histológico, estadio tumoral, grupo de riesgo de Motzer, localizaciones metastásicas, número de ciclos administrados, tiempo hasta la progresión y supervivencia global. Resultados: Se analizaron 25 pacientes (16 varones y 9 mujeres), con una mediana de edad de 59 años. Más de la mitad de ellos (19) se había sometido a algún tipo de intervención quirúrgica (14 nefrectomía radical, 4 citorreductora y 1 tumorectomía). La mayor parte de los enfermos presentaban histología de células claras (22). 14 pacientes pertenecían al grupo de buen pronóstico de Motzer, 8 al grupo de pronóstico intermedio y 3 al de mal pronóstico. La mediana de tiempo hasta la progresión fue de 19 semanas, con una mediana de supervivencia global desde el inicio de tratamiento de 8,7 meses. Conclusiones: El bevacizumab en monoterapia ofrece unos resultados modestos para el tratamiento del CCR metastásico. Su reciente aprobación en combinación con Interferon, y la aparición progresiva de distintas dianas terapéuticas, permitirá optimizar los resultados en los próximos años (AU)

Aim: Along the past decade a number of new agents have been developed showing promising results in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We describe our experience with the use of bevacizumab in monotherapy in the Urology and Medical Oncology departments of our institution. Material and methods: A consecutive series of patients treated with Bevacizumab 10 mg/Kg every 14 days between January 2006 and January 2008 has been assessed. Data concerning the type of surgery, histological subtype, tumor stage, Motzer’s risk group, metastatic sites number of bevacizumab courses given, time to progression and overall survival were collected. Results: 25 patients (16 male, 9 female) were analyzed. Median age was 59 years. Nineteen of them (75%) had prior surgery: radical nephrectomy 14, cytoreductive 4 y tumorectomy 1). Clear cell carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (22 patients). According to Motzer’s prognostic index 14 had good prognosis, 8 intermediate and 3 poor prognosis. Median time to progression was 19 weeks. Overall median survival since metastatic disease was diagnosed 8,7 months. Conclusions: Bevacizumab offers, as single agent, modest activity in the metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The recently labeled use in combination with interferon as well as the newer targeted agents will improve the results of the treatment of this disease in the next future (AU)

Carboplatin and tegafur-uracil concomitant with standard radiotherapy in the management of locally advanced head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We undertook a prospective study to determine the feasibility, toxicity, response and survival rate of simultaneous chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) for locally-advanced head and neck cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty eight patients were treated with carboplatin (i.e. 100 mg/m(2)) weekly, tegafur-uracil (UFT) (oral 400 mg/m(2)) daily and simultaneous treatment with a cobalt-60 source of radiation (total dose 65-70 Gy). RESULTS: Forty six patients (79%) received the total dose of RT while CT was delayed or reduced in 31 patients (53%). Grade 3-4 toxicity observed was mucositis in 27 (47%), leukopenia in 10 (17%), anaemia in 5 (9%), and diarrhoea in 4 (7%) patients. The objective response rate was 74%; 24 complete response (41%) and 19 partial response (33%). Overall, there are 11 patients (19%) disease-free, 7 (12%) alive with disease, 35 have died of progressive disease (60%) and 3 (5%) from other causes. There were 2 toxic deaths (3%). Median time to progression was 10 months and median survival was 18.4 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of carboplatin and UFT concomitant with radiotherapy has, in our study, a slightly lower activity than other chemo-radiotherapy protocols, especially with respect to complete responses, but with no significant differences in overall survival or disease-free survival rates.

Carboplatin and tegafur-uracil concomitant with standard radiotherapy in the management of locally advanced head and neck cancer

Introducción. Presentamos un estudio para determinan la toxicidad y actividad tanto en respuesta como en supervivencia de un esquema de quimioterapia (QT) concomitante con radioterapia (RT) en pacientes con tumores localmente avanzados de cabeza y cuello. Material y métodos. Cincuenta y ocho pacientes recibieron tratamiento con carboplatino 100 mg/m² por vía intravenosa semanal y tegafur-uracilo (UFT) 400 mg/m² por vía oral diario junto a radioterapia mediante fuentes de Cobalto-60 (dosis total de 65-70 Gy). Resultados. Cuarenta y seis pacientes (79%) recibieron la dosis completa de RT y la QT debió retraerse o reducirse en 31 pacientes (53%). La toxicidad grado 3-4 fue mucositis en 27 pacientes (47%), leucopenia en 10 (17%), anemia en 5 (9%), y diarrea en 4 (7%). La tasa de respuesta objetiva fue de un 74% con 24 respuestas completas (41%) y 19 respuestas parciales (33%). Once pacientes (19%) permanecen libres de enfermedad y 7 (12%) están vivos con enfermedad. Treinta y cinco han muerto por la enfermedad (60%), 3 (5%) por otras causas y hubo 2 muertes por toxicidad (3%). La mediana de tiempo a la progresión fue de 10 meses y la mediana de supervivencia fue de 18.4 meses. Conclusiones. El uso de carboplatino y UFT concomitante con RT presenta una menor actividad que otros esquemas de QT/RT sobre todo en la capacidad de lograr respuestas completas; de cualquier manera ello no parece influir en la supervivencia global o en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad

Introduction. We undertook a prospective study to determine the feasibility, toxicity, response and survival rate of simultaneous chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) for locally-advanced head & neck cancer. Material and methods. Fifty eight patients were treated with carboplatin (i.e. 100 mg/m²) weekly, tegafur-uracil (UFT) (oral 400 mg/m²) daily and simultaneous treatment with a cobalt-60 source of radiation (total dose 65-70 Gy). Results. Forty six patients (79%) received the total dose of RT while CT was delayed or reduced in 31 patients (53%). Grade 3-4 toxicity observed was mucositis in 27 (47%), leukopenia in 10 (17%), anaemia in 5 (9%), and diarrhoea in 4 (7%) patients. The objective response rate was 74%; 24 complete response (41%) and 19 partial response (33%). Overall, there are 11 patients (19%) disease-free, 7 (12%) alive with disease, 35 have died of progressive disease (60%) and 3 (5%) from other causes. There were 2 toxic deaths (3%). Median time to progression was 10 months and median survival was 18.4 months. Conclusions. The use of carboplatin and UFT concomitant with radiotherapy has, in our study, a slightly lower activity than other chemo-radiotherapy protocols, especially with respect to complete responses, but with no significant differences in overall survival or disease-free survival rates