Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Wider use of chemotherapy and targeted agents can be associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). This syndrome is most commonly found in metastatic adenocarcinoma treated with platinum-based analogs and is managed with cessation of the precipitating medication. We present the first case of PRES in early-stage breast cancer and discuss the further management of this condition. Recognition of this condition and correction of identifiable precipitating factor including cessation of relevant medications remains important in its management.

A case report of successful treatment of high-output heart failure secondary to hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia with bevacizumab.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder resulting in uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis. The pathogenesis of this disease is thought to relate to elevated levels of transforming growth factor beta and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The frail arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) give rise to complications including haemorrhage and shunting. These have classically included recurrent epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding and associated iron-deficiency anaemia. More recently, high-output heart failure has been recognized in patients with significant hepatic involvement. This is thought to occur as a result of low systemic resistance due to shunting of blood through liver AVMs with an associated compensatory increase in cardiac output. Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal that acts to cause VEGF inhibition. Previously, this drug has been shown to benefit patients with HHT by reducing transfusion requirements and frequency of epistaxis. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence that bevacizumab may be associated with amelioration of high-output cardiac failure associated with HHT-induced hepatic shunting. We believe this case supports the use of bevacizumab in this context.

Alcohol withdrawal as an underrated cause of agitated delirium and terminal restlessness in patients with advanced malignancy.

A significant number of patients with terminal cancer experience terminal restlessness or an agitated delirium in the final days of life. Multifactorial etiologies may contribute to agitation and restlessness for any one patient; alcohol withdrawal may be underrated as a contributing factor. The symptoms and signs of alcohol withdrawal--autonomic dysfunction, tremor, anxiety, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and abnormal vital signs--may continue for 6 to 12 months after the cessation of alcohol. We report four patients with terminal restlessness in whom we believe alcohol withdrawal to be a significant causal factor and a fifth patient who subsequently benefited from our team's increased awareness of this clinical problem. Formal assessment of alcohol withdrawal may be of more value in the palliative setting than using the currently accepted assessment instruments. Many of the medications utilized for the treatment of agitated delirium and terminal restlessness in the palliative care setting are effective therapies for alcohol withdrawal.

Synchronous breast cancer and lymphoma: a case series and a review of the literature.

Four patients with synchronous breast cancer and lymphoma are described. In all cases, the lymphoma was an unexpected finding in the histopathology of the axillary lymph-node dissection. The diagnosis of synchronous malignancies poses challenges for both the diagnosing pathologist and the treating clinician.

The Australian Cancer Anaemia Survey: a snapshot of anaemia in adult patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and management of anaemia in Australian adults with solid and haematological malignancies. DESIGN: 6-month observational, prospective, multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: 694 patients recruited from outpatient oncology clinics in 24 hospitals in five Australian states between 9 April 2001 and 31 July 2001. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of anaemia (haemoglobin [Hb] level < 120 g/L) at enrolment and over ensuing 6 months, by tumour type, disease status and cancer treatment; anaemia treatment and "trigger" Hb level for this treatment. RESULTS: Participants had median age 60 years, and 61% were women. Prevalence of anaemia at enrolment was 35% (199/562), with 78% of these 199 having mild anaemia (Hb, 100-119 g/L). Frequency of anaemia (either present at enrolment or developing during the study) was 57% overall (323/566), and varied with tumour type, from 49% (lymphoma/myeloma) to 85% (urogenital cancer). Patients who received radiotherapy either in combination or concomitant with chemotherapy were more likely to have anaemia (73%) than those receiving chemotherapy alone (58%) (P = 0.004). Of all chemotherapy patients not anaemic at enrolment, 23% developed anaemia by the second monthly follow-up. Independent predictors for anaemia in chemotherapy patients were low baseline Hb level (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; 95% CI, 2.7-10.9) and use of platinum chemotherapeutic agents (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 2.1-11.4) (P < 0.001). Anaemia was treated in 41% of patients with anaemia at enrolment--by transfusion (36%), iron (5%) and erythropoietic agents (2%). Frequency of anaemia treatment varied between tumour types, from 19% (breast cancer) to 60% (leukaemia). The mean "trigger Hb" for initiating transfusion was 95 g/L. CONCLUSIONS: Anaemia is prevalent among Australian patients with cancer managed in hospital oncology units. Its management varies between tumour types. Many patients do not receive treatment for their anaemia.