Hepatocellular carcinoma in qatar.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to report and discuss epidemiological, etiological, type of treatment and data on survival of the patients with each mode of treatment using available data for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been diagnosed at Hamad Medical Corporation during the period March 2004-December 2010 inclusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 150 patient's data had been done, including demographic, epidemiological, etiological disease status assessment with child Pugh criteria, modes of treatment and treatment related outcome. Patient's various characteristics such as demographic, epidemiological, and other clinical characteristics were summarized using an appropriate descriptive statistics. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was performed to estimate overall and group wise survival at different time points. Furthermore, the log-rank test was applied to determine any statistical difference in survival among various subgroups. In addition, the multivariate Cox regression method was used to assess the significant effects of various prognostic factors on outcome survival time. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied HCC patients was 58.8 years (31-87years) with a male: female ratio of 3:1 (76% Male 24% Female). There were 48 (32%) Qatari and 102 (62%) non-Qatari patients. The underlying etiology HCV was the most common (45%) similar to Western European countries, HBV in (27%), alcoholic liver disease only in 6 (4%), Child-Pugh assessment was A in (33%), B in (37%) and C in (30%), nearly half of the patients (53%) were in advanced stage and had palliative treatment, the other half had chemoembolization in (17%), systemic therapy sorafenib in (13%), surgery (liver resection or transplantation) in (12%) and local ablation in (5%). CONCLUSION: HCC is more common in males (ratio M:F 3:1). HCV is the most common underlying cause, similar to the pattern in western European countries. The survivals in our patient were comparable to other studies reported in the literature. Patients who had chemoembolization had the longest median survival [Median = 27 months, 95% CI (20.27- 33.72). Majority of cases (53%) were diagnosed at advanced stage. To improve the outcome of treatment of HCC patients, the number of early and very early stage diagnosis should be increased by improving the implementation and effectiveness of the strategic screening program. KEYWORDS: Hepatocellular carcinoma, chemoembolization, radiofrequency, sorafenib, hepatitis C, Hepatitis B.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.

The adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) syndromes comprise neoplasms that arise in peripheral lymphoid tissues but a high frequency present with blood involvement mimicking T-cell leukemia. Clinically ATLL is sub-classified into four groups: acute, lymphomatous, chronic and smoldering. ATLL is etiologically linked to the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). The diagnosis of ATLL is based upon a combination of characteristic clinical manifestations, morphological and immunophenotypic changes of the malignant cells, in addition to the confirmation of HTLV-I infection. ATLL is an aggressive malignancy with a median survival of less than 12 months and no successful treatment yet available. Patients are either refractory or only transiently respond to chemotherapy or purine analogues. Smoldering and chronic ATLL pursue an indolent course and survival for years until the disease progresses and becomes refractory to therapy. The major causes of death in ATLL are opportunistic pulmonary infections and progressive disease, often in association with hypercalcemia.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar.

This study documents for the first time the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar from 1998 to 2005. The age-standardized incidence rate was higher than that in many other Gulf countries: 8.95 per 100,000 (15.2 per 100,000 for males; 3.95 per 100,000 for females). Mean age at diagnosis was 57.5 years. Most patients were current smokers or ex-smokers at the time of diagnosis (82.5%). Unlike other Gulf countries, adenocarcinoma was the predominant type in both Qatari nationals and expatriates (43.9% of lung cancer types). Many cases were in an advanced stage at diagnosis (64.2% at stage IV). Incomplete information was available on mortality rate due to the migration of expatriates.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar

This study documents for the first time the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer cases in Qatar from 1998 to 2005. The age-standardized incidence rate was higher than that in many other Gulf countries: 8.95 per 100 000 [15.2 per 100 000 for males; 3.95 per 100 000 for females]. Mean age at diagnosis was 57.5 years. Most patients were current smokers or ex-smokers at the time of diagnosis [82.5%]. Unlike other Gulf countries, adenocarcinoma was the predominant type in both Qatari nationals and expatriates [43.9% of lung cancer types]. Many cases were in an advanced stage at diagnosis [64.2% at stage IV]. Incomplete information was available on mortality rate due to the migration of expatriates

Study of colorectal cancer in Qatar.

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Qatar and compare it with other parts of the world. To collect demographic data on colorectal cancer in Qatar (age and sex distribution) and to collect anatomic pathology data on colorectal cancer in Qatar. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected from hospital records was used to review the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer in Qatar. During the period 1994-1998, one hundred and twenty patients with colorectal cancer were seen at Hamad General Hospital. RESULTS: Mean annual incidence was 24 patients/year. Forty-five patients were Qataris and 75 were non Qataris. Of the Qatari patients 26 (58%) were males and 19 (42%) females, male/female ratio was 1.4:1. Nine (20%) patients were under the age of 40 years, the presenting symptoms, physical signs and the stage of the disease were similar to other studies. Descending and sigmoid colon was the most common anatomical site affected. The most common histopathological type was adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of colorectal cancer in Qatar is lower than most of the industrial countries, this may be due to certain factors such as young population, high intake of fruits and vegetables and the life style of the people in Qatar. The incidence in the people below the age of 40 years is higher than industrial countries and, in males due to the demographic structure of the population in Qatar.