The Impact of Malnutrition on the Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Hospital.

Malnutrition among colorectal cancer patients can impair quality of life and decrease survival. This study evaluated the nutritional status of colorectal cancer patients and its association with quality of life among Filipino colorectal cancer patients seen in a tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted among colorectal cancer patients seen at the Philippine General Hospital between December 1, 2019 and February 28, 2020. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Subjective Global Assessment, while quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and logistic regression were employed for analysis. Among 292 patients, malnutrition was noted in 76.4%. Stage III cancer had a higher odds for malnutrition (OR (odds ratio) = 6.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59, 24.42). Patients who received or were currently receiving chemotherapy were less likely to develop malnutrition (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18-0.69). Global health status and all functional subscale scores for the severely malnourished group were lower while the scores for symptom scales increased with the degree of malnutrition. There was a high prevalence of malnutrition among colorectal cancer patients and this was associated with poor quality of life. Future directions emphasizing early nutritional screening and assessment are recommended.

Rare case of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare and presents with high morbidity and mortality. As a rare entity, a few patients with CNS metastasis from NPC have been reported, and no studies were available on treatment and prognosis. Based on our clinical experience, early diagnosis with incorporation of a clear palliative plan is imperative in providing holistic care for patients with locally-invasive and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CASE REPORT: Our study reports a case of a 48-year-old Filipino male with known NPC Stage IVB who developed acute symptoms of constipation, urinary retention, and bilateral lower limb weakness and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed intramedullary lesions in multiple segments of the spinal cord. Steroid and radiotherapy of the spine were initiated with noted transient improvement of the motor strength. Subsequently, he developed cancer-related stroke. The patient progressively deteriorated despite best medical care.

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of the Tonsil: A Multimodality Approach.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) accounts for < 0.4% of soft tissue sarcomas. Only 35 cases of tonsillar FDCS have been reported, and majority had localized presentation. We present a case of FDCS of the tonsil, wherein a well-coordinated trimodality approach provided good disease control in advanced disease. A 53-year-old man presented with a painless and enlarging neck mass of 11-month duration, with no other symptoms. Close examination revealed a 10 × 5 cm mass at the left carotid triangle, and a 3.2 × 2.2 cm mass at the left tonsillar fossa. Imaging revealed the tumor to be unresectable due to its attachment to the great vessels. There were no distant metastases. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry were initially deemed consistent with an undifferentiated sarcoma. Palliative chemotherapy was given using single agent doxorubicin and subsequent dacarbazine, resulting in partial response and stable disease, respectively. Pathological re-evaluation was pursued because of the uncharacteristic slow progression of the tumor, revealing diffuse positivity for CD21 and negative for CD1A and CD34, consistent with FDCS. The patient underwent three cycles of gemcitabine plus docetaxel resulting in 50% regression. This allowed dissection of level IB-V lymph nodes and subsequent radiotherapy for the neck and tonsillar mass, with weekly gemcitabine as a radiosensitizer. Evaluation 8 months post-treatment showed no signs of disease progression. Treatment-related complications included radiation dermatitis and swallowing dysfunction, which both resolved on follow-up. This case highlights the multidisciplinary management of a rare type of sarcoma in an uncommon anatomic location. Precise pathologic diagnosis is important in soft tissue sarcoma because of its therapeutic implications. For FDCS, effective response may still be achieved in the third-line setting.

The efficacy of oral trimetazidine in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy among patients undergoing elective coronary procedures: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious but preventable complication of coronary procedures. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has recently been explored for use in preventing post-procedural CIN due to its cellular anti-ischemic and antioxidant properties. The objective is to assess the efficacy of oral TMZ in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy during elective coronary angiography and PCI among patients with renal impairment. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubmed/ MEDLINE, EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov for articles published until June 2016 for randomized controlled trials examining the effects of adding oral TMZ to standard therapy in preventing CIN. Outcome measures were incidence of CIN, defined as a 0.5 mg/dl or ?25% increase in serum creatinine 48-72 hours after contrast exposure, and incidence of dialysisrequiring CIN. Validity of studies was assessed through a risk assessment tool available from Cochrane. Treatment effect was estimated by calculating the Mantel-Haenszelweighted risk ratio (RR) using a fixed-effects model available from RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: A total of four studies comprising 714 patients (TMZ group=352, Control group=362) were included in the final analysis. Pooled results revealed the TMZ group was associated with significantly fewer incidences of CIN compared to control (RR 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20, 0.53; P CONCLUSION: The addition of oral TMZ to standard hydration confers a significant benefit in preventing CIN after coronary procedures among patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. We recommend the addition of TMZ to standard prevention strategies. However, a large well-designed trial should be conducted to determine its effect on other outcomes such as prevention of dialysis-requiring CIN and mortality.