Late relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The outcomes for 162 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with a CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone)-like regimen who obtained a complete remission and who subsequently relapsed after ≥5 years of remission (late relapse, N=30), or <5 years of remission (early relapse, N=132), were compared. The late relapsing patients had better prognostic characteristics at diagnosis, such as stage I/II disease (73% vs. 49%, P=0·04), a normal lactic dehydrogenase (77% vs. 48%, P=0·01), and a Karnofsky performance score of ≥80 (100% vs. 86%, P=0·01). The 3-year survival after relapse was better in late relapsing patients (48% vs. 25%, P=0·03), but the survival at 5 years (32% vs. 20%) and 10 years (13% vs. 14%) after relapse was not different. A multivariate analysis of factors predicting survival after relapse found age (P<0·0001) and presence of B-symptoms (P=0·03) to predict survival, but not early versus late relapse. A small percentage of the late relapsing patients can have a prolonged second remission. However, the overall survival from the time of relapse was not different between early and late relapsing patients with most succumbing to lymphoma.

Acute coronary syndromes complicating the first infusion of rituximab.

The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes in 3 cases of rituximab infusions. We reviewed the records of 3 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders who experienced acute coronary syndromes associated with their initial infusion of rituximab. All 3 patients received rituximab according to a standardized institutional rate schedule, and all received pre-medication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. The median age of patients was 61 years. One patient had known atherosclerotic heart disease, and 2 patients had risk factors for coronary artery disease. All patients had varying degrees of evidenced high tumor burden, including lymphocytosis, elevated lactate dehydrogenase values, bulky tumor masses, and bone marrow involvement by lymphoma. All 3 patients experienced fairly typical chest pain syndromes and experienced elevations of cardiac enzymes consistent with myocardial ischemia. One patient died of an arrhythmia that deteriorated into asystole, and 2 patients recovered and underwent coronary angiography. Acute coronary syndromes can be associated with the infusion of rituximab. Patients with a history of previous coronary artery disease or risk factors for coronary artery disease should be observed closely for signs of myocardial ischemia, particularly during the initial infusion. The occurrence of symptoms that could be ascribed to an acute coronary syndrome should always be taken seriously during the first rituximab infusion and investigated aggressively. Patients should be aware that this is a rare, albeit serious, complication of treatment with rituximab.

An Overview and Update of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia for Primary Care Physicians.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) accounts for approximately 15% of adult leukemias. Forty percent of patients with CML are asymptomatic, in whom the disease is detected solely based on laboratory abnormalities. Since the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in 2001, CML has become a chronic disease for the majority of patients. Primary care physicians may be the first to recognize a new diagnosis of CML. In patients with known CML, the primary care physician may be the first to detect disease progression or adverse effects to therapy. This article provides an overview of the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment considerations of CML.

A primary care approach to myelodysplastic syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are probably the most common hematologic malignancies in adults over the age of 60 and are a major source of morbidity and mortality among older age groups. Diagnosis and management of this chronic blood cancer has evolved significantly in recent years and there are Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies that can extend patients' life expectancy and improve quality of life. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often involved in the process of diagnosis and follow-up of MDS patients, especially those in low-risk groups. They can therefore play an important role in improving patient care and quality of life by ensuring early referral and participating in supportive management. There is also a shortage of oncologists which increases the importance of the role of PCPs in management of MDS patients. In the face of limited resources, PCPs can improve access and quality of care in MDS patients. This article provides an overview of the common manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic modalities of MDS for PCPs, with a focus on when to suspect MDS, when a referral is appropriate, and how to provide appropriate supportive care for patients diagnosed with MDS.