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  1. Chai AWY, Yee PS, Price S, Yee SM, Lee HM, Tiong VK, et al.
    Elife, 2020 09 29;9.
    PMID: 32990596 DOI: 10.7554/eLife.57761
    New therapeutic targets for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are urgently needed. We conducted genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens in 21 OSCC cell lines, primarily derived from Asians, to identify genetic vulnerabilities that can be explored as therapeutic targets. We identify known and novel fitness genes and demonstrate that many previously identified OSCC-related cancer genes are non-essential and could have limited therapeutic value, while other fitness genes warrant further investigation for their potential as therapeutic targets. We validate a distinctive dependency on YAP1 and WWTR1 of the Hippo pathway, where the lost-of-fitness effect of one paralog can be compensated only in a subset of lines. We also discover that OSCCs with WWTR1 dependency signature are significantly associated with biomarkers of favorable response toward immunotherapy. In summary, we have delineated the genetic vulnerabilities of OSCC, enabling the prioritization of therapeutic targets for further exploration, including the targeting of YAP1 and WWTR1.
    Matched MeSH terms: Mouth Neoplasms/genetics*
  2. Pan Y, Ong EC
    Xenobiotica, 2017 Oct;47(10):923-932.
    PMID: 27690753 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2016.1244370
    1. This article aims to evaluate the potentials of using cytochrome P450 2W1 (CYP2W1) as a biomarker and a drug target of cancer because of its characteristic cancer-specific expression. 2. Discrepant findings comparing the expression levels of CYP2W1 in cancer and non-cancer samples were reported. In general, the expression followed a developmental pattern. The demethylation status of CpG island and the expression levels of CYP2W1 genes was positively correlated. 3. CYP2W1 was able to activate several procarcinogens, anticancer pro-drugs and to metabolise many endogenous substances including fatty acids and lysophospholipids. 4. CYP2W1 expression level was suggested to serve as an independent prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. The correlation of genetic polymorphisms of CYP2W1 and cancer risk was uncertain. 5. Further characterisation of CYP2W1 structure is suggested to link to its functions. More studies are warranted to reveal the true status and the regulation of CYP2W1 expression across normal and cancer tissues. Catalytic activity of CYP2W1 should be tested on a wider spectrum of endogenous and exogenous substances before its use as the drug target. Larger size of clinical samples can be included to verify the potential of CYP2W1 as the prognostic or cancer risk biomarker.
    Matched MeSH terms: Liver Neoplasms/metabolism; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
  3. Jayapalan RR, Mun KS, Wong KT, Sia SF
    World Neurosurg X, 2019 Apr;2:100006.
    PMID: 31218281 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2018.100006
    Background: Rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor (World Health Organization grade I) is considered as a benign tumor with very low potential for progression. The potential for malignant transformation of this tumor is not known and has never been reported before in literature.

    Case Description: We report a 42-year-old man, diagnosed with rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle with a positive isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation, progressed to glioblastoma after 6 years from diagnosis. We discuss the clinical history, radiological findings, and histopathological characteristic with immunohistochemistry findings observed in this unique case.

    Conclusions: Despite being acceptable as benign, based on our observations in this case, there is a potential for malignant transformation of rosette-forming glioneuronal tumor. The role of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation leading to malignant transformation could not be established as our finding is novel and further prospective studies are required to prove this association.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms
  4. Low PH, Mangat MS, Liew DNS, Wong ASH
    World Neurosurg, 2020 12;144:e710-e713.
    PMID: 32949798 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.045
    BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has set a huge challenge to the delivery of neurosurgical services, including the transfer of patients. We aimed to share our strategy in handling neurosurgical emergencies at a remote center in Borneo island. Our objectives included discussing the logistic and geographic challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODS: Miri General Hospital is a remote center in Sarawak, Malaysia, serving a population with difficult access to neurosurgical services. Two neurosurgeons were stationed here on a rotational basis every fortnight during the pandemic to handle neurosurgical cases. Patients were triaged depending on their urgent needs for surgery or transfer to a neurosurgical center and managed accordingly. All patients were screened for potential risk of contracting COVID-19 prior to the surgery. Based on this, the level of personal protective equipment required for the health care workers involved was determined.

    RESULTS: During the initial 6 weeks of the Movement Control Order in Malaysia, there were 50 urgent neurosurgical consultations. Twenty patients (40%) required emergency surgery or intervention. There were 9 vascular (45%), 5 trauma (25%), 4 tumor (20%), and 2 hydrocephalus cases (10%). Eighteen patients were operated at Miri General Hospital, among whom 17 (94.4%) survived. Ninety percent of anticipated transfers were avoided. None of the medical staff acquired COVID-19.

    CONCLUSIONS: This framework allowed timely intervention for neurosurgical emergencies (within a safe limit), minimized transfer, and enabled uninterrupted neurosurgical services at a remote center with difficult access to neurosurgical care during a pandemic.

    Matched MeSH terms: Brain Neoplasms/surgery*; Skull Base Neoplasms/surgery
  5. Roethlisberger M, Jayapalan RR, Hostettler IC, Bin Abd Kadir KA, Mun KS, Brand Y, et al.
    World Neurosurg, 2020 Jan;133:381-391.e2.
    PMID: 31476461 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.08.102
    BACKGROUND: Data on the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) to treat sellar/parasellar synchronous tumors remain sparse. This work aims to describe a minimally invasive approach with intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to remove a large sellar/parasellar synchronous tumor, and presents a systematic literature review.

    METHODS: The preoperative MRI of a 54-year-old woman revealed a sellar lesion (28 × 19 × 16 mm), presumably a pituitary macroadenoma, and a second extra-axial lesion (22 × 36 × 20 mm) expanding from the tuberculum sellae to the planum sphenoidale with encasement of the anterior communicating complex, presumably a meningioma. We used intraoperative MRI to assess the extent of the resection before reconstructing the large skull base defect. Furthermore, we systematically reviewed pertinent articles retrieved by a PubMed/Embase database search between 1961 and December 2018.

    RESULTS: Out of 63 patients with synchronous tumors reported in 43 publications, we found 3 patients in which the tumor was removed by EEA. In these 3 patients and the presented case, the resection of both lesions was successful, without major approach-related morbidity or mortality. More extensive removal of endonasal structures to gain an adequate tumor exposure was not necessary. We did not find any previous reports describing the benefits of intraoperative MRI in the presented setting.

    CONCLUSIONS: In the rare case of a synchronous meningioma and pituitary adenoma of the sellar region, intraoperative MRI might be beneficial in confirming residual disease before skull base reconstruction, and therefore radiologic follow-up.

    Matched MeSH terms: Meningeal Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Pituitary Neoplasms; Skull Base Neoplasms
  6. Yahya N, Manan HA
    World Neurosurg, 2019 Oct;130:e188-e198.
    PMID: 31326352 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.027
    BACKGROUND: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which visualizes white matter tracts, can be integrated to optimize intracranial radiation therapy (RT) and radiosurgery (RS) treatment planning. This study aimed to systematically review the integration of DTI for dose optimization in terms of evidence of dose improvement, clinical parameter changes, and clinical outcome in RT/RS treatment planning.

    METHODS: PubMed and Scopus electronic databases were searched based on the guidelines established by PRISMA to obtain studies investigating the integration of DTI in intracranial RT/RS treatment planning. References and citations from Google Scholar were also extracted. Eligible studies were extracted for information on changes in dose distribution, treatment parameters, and outcome after DTI integration.

    RESULTS: Eighteen studies were selected for inclusion with 406 patients (median study size, 19; range: 2-144). Dose distribution, with or without DTI integration, described changes of treatment parameters, and the reported outcome of treatment were compared in 12, 7, and 10 studies, respectively. Dose distributions after DTI integration improved in all studies. Delivery time or monitor unit was higher after integration. In studies with long-term follow-up (median, >12 months), neurologic deficits were significantly fewer in patients with DTI integration.

    CONCLUSIONS: Integrating DTI into RT/RS treatment planning improved dose distribution, with higher treatment delivery time or monitor unit as a potential drawback. Fewer neurologic deficits were found with DTI integration.

    Matched MeSH terms: Brain Neoplasms/radiotherapy
  7. Lau BL, Che Othman MI, Fathil MFMD, Liew DNS, Lim SS, Bujang MA, et al.
    World Neurosurg, 2019 Jul;127:e497-e502.
    PMID: 30926555 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.183
    BACKGROUND: Replacing the skull defect with synthetic materials for hyperostotic bone secondary to meningioma is recommended owing to the possibility of tumor invasion. In our institution, neurosurgeons have been putting back the refashioned hyperostotic bone flap after meningioma excision because of budget constraints. The aim of this study was to review the long-term meningioma recurrence rate in these patients.

    METHODS: This was a nonrandomized, prospective observational study conducted from September 2011 to January 2015 on patients with intracranial convexity and parasagittal meningiomas. Preoperative computed tomography brain scans were obtained in all patients to confirm bony hyperostosis. Intraoperatively, part of the hyperostotic bone was sent for histopathologic examination. The rest of the bone flap was refashioned by drilling off the hyperostotic part. The bone flap was put back over the craniotomy site after soaking in distilled water. All patients were followed up for tumor recurrence.

    RESULTS: The study included 34 patients with convexity or parasagittal meningioma World Health Organization grade I-II who underwent Simpson grade Ia and IIa excision. Median follow-up was 63.5 months (mean 64.9 ± 9.4 months). The hyperostotic bone flap showed presence of tumor in 35% of patients. There were 2 patients with parasagittal meningiomas after Simpson grade IIa resections who developed tumor recurrences.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that meningioma recurrence was unlikely when autologous cranioplasty was done with refashioned hyperostotic bone. This could be done in the same setting with meningioma excision. There was no recurrence in convexity meningiomas at mean 5-year follow-up.

    Matched MeSH terms: Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery*
  8. Sahabudin RM, Arni T, Ashani N, Arumuga K, Rajenthran S, Murali S, et al.
    World J Urol, 2006 Jun;24(2):161-4.
    PMID: 16607550
    Robotic surgery was started in the Department of Urology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, in April 2004. We present our experience in developing the program and report the results of our first 50 cases of robotic radical prostatectomy. A three-arm da Vinci robotic system was installed in our hospital in March 2004. Prior to installation, the surgeons underwent training at various centers in the United States and Paris. The operating theatre was renovated to house the system. Subsequently, the initial few cases were done with the help of proctors. Data were prospectively collected on all patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for localized carcinoma of the prostate. Fifty patients underwent robot assisted radical prostatectomy from March 2004 to June 2005. Their ages ranged from 52 to 75 years, (average age 60.2 years). PSA levels ranged from 2.5 to 35 ng/ml (mean 10.6 ng/ml). Prostate volume ranged from 18 to 130 cc (average 32.4 cc). Average operating time for the first 20 cases was 4 h and for the next 30 cases was 2.5 h. Patients were discharged 1-3 days post-operatively. Catheters were removed on the fifth day following a cystogram. The positive margin rate as defined by the presence of cancer cells at the inked margin was 30%. Twenty-one patients had T1c disease and one had T1b on clinical staging. Of these, two were apical margin positive. Twenty-six patients had T2 disease and eight of them were apical margin positive. Two patients had T3 disease, one of whom was apical margin positive. Five patients (10%) had PSA recurrence. Five patients had a poorly differentiated carcinoma and the rest had Gleason 6 or 7. Eighty percent of the patients were continent on follow-up at 3 months. Of those who were potent before the surgery, 50% were potent at 3-6 months. The robotic surgery program was successfully implemented at our center on the lines of a structured program, developed at Vattikuti Urology Institute (VUI). We succeeded in creating a team and safely implemented the robotic program in our system. Adequate funding and extensive training followed by a short term proctoring are essential for this implementation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery
  9. Teoh JY, Cho CL, Wei Y, Isotani S, Tiong HY, Ong TA, et al.
    World J Urol, 2019 Sep;37(9):1879-1887.
    PMID: 30560297 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-018-2602-2
    PURPOSE: The Asian Urological Surgery Training & Education Group (AUSTEG) has been established to provide training and education to young urologists in Asia. We developed and validated a porcine bladder training model for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).

    METHODS: Urology residents and specialists were invited to test the training model. They were asked to complete a pre-task questionnaire, to perform piecemeal and en bloc resection of 'bladder tumours' within the training model, and to complete a post-task questionnaire afterwards. Their performances were assessed by faculty members of the AUSTEG. For the face validity, a pre-task questionnaire consisting of six statements on TURBT and the training model were set. For the content validity, a post-task questionnaire consisting of 14 items on the details of the training model were set. For the construct validity, a Global Rating Scale was used to assess the participants' performances. The participants were stratified into two groups (junior surgeons and senior surgeons groups) according to their duration of urology training.

    RESULTS: For the pre-task questionnaire, a mean score of ≥ 4.0 out of 5.0 was achieved in 5 out of 6 statements. For the post-task questionnaire, a mean score of ≥ 4.5 out of 5.0 was achieved in every item. For the Global Rating Scale, the senior surgeons group had higher scores than the junior surgeons group in 8 out of 11 items as well as the total score.

    CONCLUSION: A porcine TURBT training model has been developed, and its face, content and construct validity has been established.

    Matched MeSH terms: Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery*
  10. Renninger M, Fahmy O, Schubert T, Schmid MA, Hassan F, Stenzl A, et al.
    World J Urol, 2020 Feb;38(2):397-406.
    PMID: 31030231 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02780-0
    PURPOSE: To investigate whether hexaminolevulinate-based (HAL) bladder tumor resection (TURBT) impacts on outcomes of patients with primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who were eventually treated with radical cystectomy (RC).

    METHODS: A total of 131 consecutive patients exhibiting NMIBC at primary diagnosis were retrospectively investigated whether they had undergone any HAL-guided TURBT prior to RC. Uni- and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the impact of HAL-TURBT on cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). The median follow-up was 38 months (IQR 13-56).

    RESULTS: Of the 131 patients, 69 (52.7%) were managed with HAL- and 62 (47.3%) with white light (WL)-TURBT only prior to RC. HAL-TURBT was associated with a higher number of TURBTs prior to RC (p = 0.002) and administration of intravesical chemotherapy (p = 0.043). A trend towards a higher rate of tumor-associated immune cell infiltrates in RC specimens (p = 0.07) and a lower utilization rate of post-operative systemic chemotherapy (p = 0.10) was noted for patients who were treated with HAL-TURBT. The 5-year CSS/OS was 90.9%/74.5% for the HAL-group and 73.8%/55.8% for the WL-group (p = 0.042/0.038). In multivariable analysis, lymph node tumor involvement (p = 0.007), positive surgical margins (p = 0.001) and performance of WL-TURBT only (p = 0.040) were independent predictors for cancer-specific death.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the resection of NMIBC under HAL exerts a beneficial impact on outcomes of patients who will need to undergo RC during their course of disease. This finding may be due to improved risk stratification as the resection under HAL may allow more patients to be treated timely and adequately.

    Matched MeSH terms: Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery*
  11. Chan VW, Tan WS, Leow JJ, Tan WP, Ong WLK, Chiu PK, et al.
    World J Urol, 2021 Dec;39(12):4295-4303.
    PMID: 34031748 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-021-03734-1
    PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation or deferment of many elective cancer surgeries. We performed a systematic review on the oncological effects of delayed surgery for patients with localised or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the targeted therapy (TT) era.

    METHOD: The protocol of this review is registered on PROSPERO(CRD42020190882). A comprehensive literature search was performed on Medline, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL using MeSH terms and keywords for randomised controlled trials and observational studies on the topic. Risks of biases were assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. For localised RCC, immediate surgery [including partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN)] and delayed surgery [including active surveillance (AS) and delayed intervention (DI)] were compared. For metastatic RCC, upfront versus deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) were compared.

    RESULTS: Eleven studies were included for quantitative analysis. Delayed surgery was significantly associated with worse cancer-specific survival (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.23-2.27, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Kidney Neoplasms/mortality*; Kidney Neoplasms/pathology; Kidney Neoplasms/surgery*
  12. Ng SH, Lang BH
    World J Surg Oncol, 2013;11:83.
    PMID: 23566353 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-11-83
    Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare endocrine malignancy, accounting for less than 1% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Patient-related factors such as age and sex, as well as the biological features and management of the cancer, influence mid-term and long-term survival. We report a case of a young man with an unusual presentation of parathyroid carcinoma. The patient presented with left thigh swelling, which had been present for 6 months without other symptoms of hypercalcemia. On computed tomography scan a hypodense lesion, 30 × 20 × 20 mm in size, was seen in the posterior thyroid. There was no evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy or local infiltration. On a Sestamibi scan, a hot spot was seen in the lower pole of left thyroid lobe. Cervical neck exploration was performed. The patient subsequently underwent surgery and a parathyroid tumor was excised. The tumor was adherent to the thyroid capsule, but there was no evidence of invasion. After surgery, the patient's calcium and parathyroid hormone levels normalized, but histology confirmed parathyroid carcinoma with capsular and vascular invasion. The patient was offered reoperation, but declined, and developed recurrent parathyroid carcinoma 2 years later. In this report, we aim to present the challenges in managing parathyroid carcinoma and discuss factors that might contribute to future locoregional recurrences. This case also highlighted several issues, including the challenge of ascertaining the diagnosis before surgery and the dilemma of reoperation after simple excision.
    Matched MeSH terms: Parathyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis; Parathyroid Neoplasms/surgery*
  13. Pan KL, Chan WH, Ong GB, Premsenthil S, Zulkarnaen M, Norlida D, et al.
    World J Surg Oncol, 2012;10:105.
    PMID: 22681750 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-10-105
    Tumor prostheses currently give the best short- and medium-term results for limb-salvage reconstruction procedures in the treatment of bone tumors. However, in developing countries, the cost of a tumor prosthesis is beyond the reach of much of the population. We report the use of autoclaved tumor-bearing bone in 10 patients, as an affordable alternative to the use of prostheses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bone Neoplasms/radiography; Bone Neoplasms/rehabilitation; Bone Neoplasms/surgery*
  14. Chan KK, Dassanayake B, Deen R, Wickramarachchi RE, Kumarage SK, Samita S, et al.
    World J Surg Oncol, 2010;8:82.
    PMID: 20840793 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-8-82
    This study compares clinico-pathological features in young (<40 years) and older patients (>50 years) with colorectal cancer, survival in the young and the influence of pre-operative clinical and histological factors on survival.
    Matched MeSH terms: Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis; Colorectal Neoplasms/mortality*; Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery
  15. Dhanoa A, Singh VA, Shanmugam R, Rajendram R
    World J Surg Oncol, 2010;8:96.
    PMID: 21059231 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-8-96
    We describe an unusual case of osteosarcoma in a Jehovah's Witness patient who underwent chemotherapy and major surgery without the need for blood transfusion. This 16-year-old girl presented with osteosarcoma of the right proximal tibia requiring proximal tibia resection, followed by endoprosthesis replacement. She was successfully treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery with the support of haematinics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, recombinant erythropoietin and intraoperative normovolaemic haemodilution. This case illustrates the importance of maintaining effective, open communication and exploring acceptable therapeutic alternative in the management of these patients, whilst still respecting their beliefs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Bone Neoplasms/diagnosis; Bone Neoplasms/drug therapy; Bone Neoplasms/surgery*
  16. Sultan M, Burezq H, Bang RL, El-Kabany M, Eskaf W
    World J Surg Oncol, 2008;6:81.
    PMID: 18664291 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-81
    Liposarcoma is the second most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults with a peak incidence between the 4th and 6th decade of life and slight preponderance to the male gender. It originates from multipotential primitive mesenchymal cells, rather than mature adipose tissue.
    Matched MeSH terms: Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology*; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery
  17. See HS, Yap YY, Yip WK, Seow HF
    World J Surg Oncol, 2008;6:18.
    PMID: 18275617 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-18
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a human epithelial tumour with high prevalence amongst Chinese in Southern China and South East Asia and is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The viral genome harbours an oncogene, namely, the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) gene and known variants such as the 30-bp deletion and loss of XhoI restriction site have been found. Less is known about the relationship between these variants and the population characteristics and histological type.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/blood; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics*; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/epidemiology
  18. Yip CH, Evans DG, Agarwal G, Buccimazza I, Kwong A, Morant R, et al.
    World J Surg, 2019 05;43(5):1264-1270.
    PMID: 30610270 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-018-04897-6
    Hereditary breast cancers, mainly due to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, account for only 5-10% of this disease. The threshold for genetic testing is a 10% likelihood of detecting a mutation, as determined by validated models such as BOADICEA and Manchester Scoring System. A 90-95% reduction in breast cancer risk can be achieved with bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy in unaffected BRCA mutation carriers. In patients with BRCA-associated breast cancer, there is a 40% risk of contralateral breast cancer and hence risk-reducing contralateral mastectomy is recommended, which can be performed simultaneously with surgery for unilateral breast cancer. Other options for risk management include surveillance by mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging, and chemoprevention with hormonal agents. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and development of multigene panel testing, the cost and time taken for genetic testing have reduced, making it possible for treatment-focused genetic testing. There are also drugs such as the PARP inhibitors that specifically target the BRCA mutation. Risk management multidisciplinary clinics are designed to quantify risk, and offer advice on preventative strategies. However, such services are only possible in high-income settings. In low-resource settings, the prohibitive cost of testing and the lack of genetic counsellors are major barriers to setting up a breast cancer genetics service. Family history is often not well documented because of the stigma associated with cancer. Breast cancer genetics services remain an unmet need in low- and middle-income countries, where the priority is to optimise access to quality treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/genetics*; Breast Neoplasms/therapy
  19. Gul YA, Prasannan S, Jabar FM, Shaker AR, Moissinac K
    World J Surg, 2002 Dec;26(12):1499-502.
    PMID: 12297939 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-002-6529-8
    Endoscopic thermal therapy and formalin are being increasingly recommended for the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. It may be too early, however, to discard pharmacologic agents from the management process, especially in medical institutions where specialized equipment is unavailable. We prospectively assessed the effectiveness of medical therapy in 14 consecutive patients with chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis from July 1999 to June 2001. All 14 subjects were women (mean age 56 years), 13 of whom had had radiotherapy for cancer of the cervix. The median time to onset of symptoms following irradiation was 16 months. Six patients had a hemoglobin level of < 8 g/dl, and blood transfusion was required in 11 patients. In five patients (36%) initially treated with hydrocortisone enemas prior to referral, this treatment continued; and the remaining nine patients were commenced on sucralfate enemas. Two patients given rectal hydrocortisone continued to bleed and were treated with sucralfate enemas and topical formalin, respectively. Rectal sucralfate suspension effectively procured symptomatic alleviation in all 11 patients. Rectal bleeding recurred in two patients who had been managed exclusively with hydrocortisone and sucralfate enemas, respectively, over a mean follow-up of 6 months. Both patients were managed with topical formalin, which controlled their symptoms. Even though the number of subjects in this study is small, sucralfate enema can be recommended as an effective first-line agent for managing patients with chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. The use of more specialized therapy can therefore be reserved for cases where primary treatment failure occurs with sucralfate therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genital Neoplasms, Female/radiotherapy; Genital Neoplasms, Female/surgery
  20. Bhoo-Pathy N, Balakrishnan N, See MH, Taib NA, Yip CH
    World J Surg, 2016 12;40(12):2913-2921.
    PMID: 27456497 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-016-3658-z
    BACKGROUND: Factors associated with surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, and chemotherapy and whether there were missed opportunities for treatment in elderly patients were determined in an Asian setting.

    METHODS: All 5616 patients, diagnosed with breast cancer in University Malaya Medical Centre from 1999 to 2013 were included. In 945 elderly patients (aged 65 years and above), multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with treatment, following adjustment for age, ethnicity, tumor, and other treatment characteristics. The impact of lack of treatment on survival of the elderly was assessed while accounting for comorbidities.

    RESULTS: One in five elderly patients had comorbidities. Compared to younger patients, the elderly had more favorable tumor characteristics, and received less loco-regional treatment and chemotherapy. Within stage I-IIIa elderly breast cancer patients, 10 % did not receive any surgery. These patients were older, more likely to be Malays, have comorbidities, and bigger tumors. In elderlies with indications for adjuvant radiotherapy, no irradiation (30 %) was associated with increasing age, comorbidity, and the absence of systemic therapy. Hormone therapy was optimal, but only 35 % of elderly women with ER negative tumors received chemotherapy. Compared to elderly women who received adequate treatment, those not receiving surgery (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.30, 95 %CI: 1.10-4.79), or radiotherapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.56, 95 %CI: 1.10-2.19), were associated with higher mortality. Less than 25 % of the survival discrepancy between elderly women receiving loco-regional treatment and no treatment were attributed to excess comorbidities in untreated patients.

    CONCLUSION: While the presence of comorbidities significantly influenced loco-regional treatment decisions in the elderly, it was only able to explain the lower survival rates in untreated patients up to a certain extent, suggesting missed opportunities for treatment.

    Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/ethnology; Breast Neoplasms/pathology*; Breast Neoplasms/therapy*
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