Systemic treatment in advanced phyllodes tumor of the breast: a multi-institutional European retrospective case-series analyses.

BACKGROUND: We aimed at investigating outcome of systemic treatments in advanced breast PT. METHODS: All cases of advanced breast PT treated with systemic treatments from 1999 to 2019, in one of the referral sarcoma centers involved in the study, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 56 female patients were identified. Median age was 52 (range of 25-76) years. Patients received a median number of 2 systemic treatments (range of 1-4). Best responses according to RECIST were 1 (3.7%) CR, 11 (40.7%) PR, 6 (22.2%) SD, 9 (33.3%) PD with anthracyclines plus ifosfamide (AI); 2 (16.7%) PR, 4 (33.3%) SD, 6 (50.0%) PD with anthracycline alone; 3 (18.8%) PR, 4 (25.0%) SD, 9 (56.3%) PD with high-dose ifosfamide given as a continuous infusion (HD-IFX); 3 (20.0%) SD, 12 (80.0%) PD with a gemcitabine-based regimen (with 2 patients not evaluable); 1 (8.3%) PR, 2 (16.7%) SD, 9 (75.0%) PD with trabectedin (with 1 patient not evaluable); 1 (16.7%) PR, 1 (16.7%) SD, 4 (66.7%) PD with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI). The median PFS were 5.7 (IQR 2.5-9.1) months with AI; 3.2 (IQR 2.2-5.0) months with anthracycline alone; 3.4 (IQR 1.4-6.7) months with HD-IFX; 2.1 (IQR 1.4-5.2) months with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy; 1.8 (IQR 0.7-6.6) months with trabectedin; 3.4 (IQR 3.1-3.8) months with TKI. With a median follow-up of 35.3 (IQR 17.6-66.9) months, OS from the start of first-line systemic treatment was 15.2 (IQR 7.6-39.6) months. CONCLUSION: In this series of advanced PT (to our knowledge, the largest reported so far), AI was associated with a high rate of responses, however, with a median PFS of 5.7 months. Other systemic treatments were poorly active.

Diagnosis and management of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusion sarcomas: expert recommendations from the World Sarcoma Network.

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies with mesenchymal lineage differentiation. The discovery of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions as tissue-agnostic oncogenic drivers has led to new personalized therapies for a subset of patients with sarcoma in the form of tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors. NTRK gene rearrangements and fusion transcripts can be detected with different molecular pathology techniques, while TRK protein expression can be demonstrated with immunohistochemistry. The rarity and diagnostic complexity of NTRK gene fusions raise a number of questions and challenges for clinicians. To address these challenges, the World Sarcoma Network convened two meetings of expert adult oncologists and pathologists and subsequently developed this article to provide practical guidance on the management of patients with sarcoma harboring NTRK gene fusions. We propose a diagnostic strategy that considers disease stage and histologic and molecular subtypes to facilitate routine testing for TRK expression and subsequent testing for NTRK gene fusions.

[ECMO support in a child with cardiogenic shock due to Kingella Kingae endocarditis]. / ECMO en un lactante con shock cardiogénico secundario a endocarditis por Kingella Kingae.

INTRODUCTION: Endocarditis is a rare disease in children, especially in those without previous heart disease, and Kingella Kingae (KK) is rarely identified as the cause. Extracorporeal membrane oxyge nation (ECMO) is a support for both heart and respiratory failure. OBJECTIVE: To report the first case of infectious endocarditis (IE) due to KK which required ECMO support secondary to refractory cardiogenic shock. CLINICAL CASE: 19-months-old previously healthy female patient, with a 2-day his tory of fever, and diagnosed with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. The patient developed refractory cardiogenic shock, multiorgan failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and deep hemodynamic compromise that required veno-arterial ECMO support. The echography showed an image compa tible with mitral valve vegetation, confirming IE with transthoracic echocardiography. Blood culture was positive for KK. She had an ischemic stroke and required two heart surgeries, the first one for the mass resection and the second one for mitral valve repair, which had a posterior ring pseudoa neurysm. The patient had a favorable evolution and was discharged 73 days after admission. At one year of follow-up, she had no cardiological symptoms, but a mild right brachial-crural hemiparesis persisted. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of IE due to KK that required extracorporeal life support. KK endocarditis is an uncommon pathology that can cause multiorgan failure, which can be successfully supported with ECMO.

GEIS-21: a multicentric phase II study of intensive chemotherapy including gemcitabine and docetaxel for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma of children and adults: a report from the Spanish sarcoma group (GEIS).

BACKGROUND: First Spanish trial of Ewing sarcoma (ES) including adults and children with the aim to test the efficacy of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel (G/D) in newly diagnosed high-risk (HR) patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentric, non-randomised, open study for patients ⩽40 years with newly diagnosed ES. HR patients (metastatic, axial-pelvic primaries or bone marrow micrometastasis) received 2 window cycles of G/D. Patients with an objective response (OR) to G/D received 12 monthly cycles of G/D after completion of mP6. The primary end point was the OR rate to the G/D window phase and the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00006734). RESULTS: Forty-three patients were enroled, median age 17 years (range, 3-40). After a median follow-up of 43.4 months, the 5-year OS rate is 55.0% (95% CI, 41-74%) with an EFS of 50.0% (95% CI, 36-68%). The 5-year OS and EFS rates for standard risk (SR) patients was 76.0% (95% CI, 57-100%) and 71.0% (CI, 54-94%); for HR 36.0% (CI, 20-65%) and 29.0% (CI, 15-56%). Twelve of 17 (70.6%) high-risk (HR) patients showed an OR (7 PR and 5 SD) to G/D window therapy. The 5-year OS rate for patients ⩽18 years of age was 74.0% (CI, 56-97%) and 31.0% for >18 years (95% CI, 15-66%), P<0.001. Grade 4 adverse events during mP6 occurred in 28/39 of patients (72%) and did not correlate with age. Multivariate survival analyses with <18 vs ⩾18 and risk groups significant differences, P<0.00001. Using a Cox model for OS, both age and risk group were statistically significant (P=0.0011 and P=0.0065, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Age at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor superior to the presence of metastases with 18 years as the strongest cut-off. The mP6 regimen provided survival curves that plateau at 3 years and G/D produced significant responses in HR-ES that is worth further exploring.

Gemcitabine plus sirolimus for relapsed and progressing osteosarcoma patients after standard chemotherapy: a multicenter, single-arm phase II trial of Spanish Group for Research on Sarcoma (GEIS).

BACKGROUND: Patients with relapsed unresectable osteosarcoma represents an unmet need, so active and safe systemic treatments are required. Fas cell surface death receptor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways are implicated in progressing osteosarcoma, and we had preclinical and clinical experience with a scheme that targets both pathways. Therefore, we designed a phase II trial with gemcitabine plus rapamycin, to determine the efficacy and safety, in this subset of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, single-arm phase II trial was sponsored by the Spanish Group for Research on Sarcoma. Osteosarcoma patients, relapsed or progressing after standard chemotherapy and unsuitable for metastasectomy received gemcitabine and rapamycin p.o. 5 mg/day except for the same day of gemcitabine administration, and the day before. The main end point was 4-month progression-free survival rate (PFSR), with the assumption that rates higher than 40% would be considered as an active regimen. Translational research aimed to correlate biomarkers with the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled and received at least one cycle. PFSR at 4 months was 44%, and after central radiologic assessment, 2 partial responses and 14 stabilizations (48.5%) were reported from 33 assessable patients. The most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events were: neutropenia (37%), thrombocytopenia (20%), anemia (23%), and fatigue (15%); however, only three patients had febrile neutropenia. Positive protein expression of RRM1 significantly correlated with worse PFS and overall survival, while positivity of P-ERK1/2 was correlated with significant better overall survival. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine plus sirolimus exhibits satisfactory antitumor activity and safety in this osteosarcoma population, exceeding the prespecified 40% of 4-month PFSR. The significant correlation of biomarkers with clinical outcome encourages further prospective investigation.

Phospholamban ablation rescues the enhanced propensity to arrhythmias of mice with CaMKII-constitutive phosphorylation of RyR2 at site S2814.

KEY POINTS: Mice with Ca(2+) -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) constitutive pseudo-phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor RyR2 at Ser2814 (S2814D(+/+) mice) exhibit a higher open probability of RyR2, higher sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) leak in diastole and increased propensity to arrhythmias under stress conditions. We generated phospholamban (PLN)-deficient S2814D(+/+) knock-in mice by crossing two colonies, S2814D(+/+) and PLNKO mice, to test the hypothesis that PLN ablation can prevent the propensity to arrhythmias of S2814D(+/+) mice. PLN ablation partially rescues the altered intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics of S2814D(+/+) hearts and myocytes, but enhances SR Ca(2+) sparks and leak on confocal microscopy. PLN ablation diminishes ventricular arrhythmias promoted by CaMKII phosphorylation of S2814 on RyR2. PLN ablation aborts the arrhythmogenic SR Ca(2+) waves of S2814D(+/+) and transforms them into non-propagating events. A mathematical human myocyte model replicates these results and predicts the increase in SR Ca(2+) uptake required to prevent the arrhythmias induced by a CaMKII-dependent leaky RyR2. ABSTRACT: Mice with constitutive pseudo-phosphorylation at Ser2814-RyR2 (S2814D(+/+) ) have increased propensity to arrhythmias under ß-adrenergic stress conditions. Although abnormal Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been linked to arrhythmogenesis, the role played by SR Ca(2+) uptake remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in SR Ca(2+) uptake is able to rescue the increased arrhythmia propensity of S2814D(+/+) mice. We generated phospholamban (PLN)-deficient/S2814D(+/+) knock-in mice by crossing two colonies, S2814D(+/+) and PLNKO mice (SD(+/+) /KO). SD(+/+) /KO myocytes exhibited both increased SR Ca(2+) uptake seen in PLN knock-out (PLNKO) myocytes and diminished SR Ca(2+) load (relative to PLNKO), a characteristic of S2814D(+/+) myocytes. Ventricular arrhythmias evoked by catecholaminergic challenge (caffeine/adrenaline) in S2814D(+/+) mice in vivo or programmed electric stimulation and high extracellular Ca(2+) in S2814D(+) /(-) hearts ex vivo were significantly diminished by PLN ablation. At the myocyte level, PLN ablation converted the arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) waves evoked by high extracellular Ca(2+) provocation in S2814D(+/+) mice into non-propagated Ca(2+) mini-waves on confocal microscopy. Myocyte Ca(2+) waves, typical of S2814D(+/+) mice, could be evoked in SD(+/+) /KO cells by partially inhibiting SERCA2a. A mathematical human myocyte model replicated these results and allowed for predicting the increase in SR Ca(2+) uptake required to prevent the arrhythmias induced by a Ca(2+) -calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII)-dependent leaky RyR2. Our results demonstrate that increasing SR Ca(2+) uptake by PLN ablation can prevent the arrhythmic events triggered by SR Ca(2+) leak due to CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of the RyR2-S2814 site and underscore the benefits of increasing SERCA2a activity on SR Ca(2+) -triggered arrhythmias.

Impact of Short-Course Palliative Radiation Therapy on Pancreatic Cancer-Related Pain: Prospective Phase 2 Nonrandomized PAINPANC Trial.

PURPOSE: Clinical evidence is limited regarding palliative radiation therapy for relieving pancreatic cancer-related pain. We prospectively investigated pain response after short-course palliative radiation therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe pancreatic cancer-related pain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this prospective phase 2 single center nonrandomized trial, 30 patients with moderate-to-severe pain (5-10, on a 0-10 scale) of pancreatic cancer refractory to pain medication, were treated with a short-course palliative radiation therapy; 24 Gy in 3 weekly fractions (2015-2018). Primary endpoint was defined as a clinically relevant average decrease of ≥2 points in pain severity, compared with baseline, within 7 weeks after the start of treatment. Secondary endpoint was global quality of life (QoL), with a clinically relevant increase of 5 to 10 points (0-100 scale). Pain severity reduction and QoL were assessed 9 times using the Brief Pain Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C15-PAL, respectively. Both outcomes were analyzed using joint modeling. In addition, acute toxicity based on clinician reporting and overall survival (OS) were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 29 of 30 patients (96.7%) received palliative radiation therapy. At baseline, the median oral morphine equivalent daily dose was 129.5 mg (range, 20.0-540.0 mg), which decreased to 75.0 mg (range, 15.0-360.0 mg) after radiation (P = .021). Pain decreased on average 3.15 points from baseline to 7 weeks (one-sided P = .045). Patients reported a clinically relevant mean pain severity reduction from 5.9 to 3.8 points (P = .011) during the first 3 weeks, which further decreased to 3.2 until week 11, ending at 3.4 (P = .006) in week 21 after the first radiation therapy fraction. Global QoL significantly improved from 50.5 to 60.8 during the follow-up period (P = .001). Grade 3 acute toxicity occurred in 3 patients and no grade 4 to 5 toxicity was observed. Median OS was 11.8 weeks, with a 13.3% 1-year actuarial OS rate. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course palliative radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer-related pain was associated with rapid, clinically relevant reduction in pain severity, and clinically relevant improvement in global QoL, with mostly mild toxicity.

Current unmet needs in locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic dedifferentiated liposarcoma, the relevance of progression-free survival as clinical endpoint, and expectations for future clinical trial design: an international Delphi consensus report.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a common presentation of liposarcoma. Despite established diagnostic and treatment guidelines for DDLPS, critical clinical gaps remain driven by diagnostic challenges, symptom burden and the lack of targeted, safe and effective treatments. The objective of this study was to gather expert opinions from Europe and the United States on the management, unmet needs and expectations for clinical trial design as well as the value of progression-free survival (PFS) in this disease. Other aims included raising awareness and educate key stakeholders across healthcare systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An international panel of 12 sarcoma key opinion leaders (KOLs) was recruited. The study consisted of two rounds of surveys with pre-defined statements. Experts scored each statement on a 9-point Likert scale. Consensus agreement was defined as ≥75% of experts scoring a statement with ≥7. Revised statements were discussed in a consensus meeting. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 43 of 55 pre-defined statements across disease burden, treatment paradigm, unmet needs, value of PFS and its association with overall survival (OS), and cross-over trial design. Twelve statements were deprioritised or merged with other statements. There were no statements where experts disagreed. CONCLUSION: This study constitutes the first international Delphi panel on DDLPS. It aimed to explore KOL perception of the disease burden and unmet need in DDLPS, the value of PFS, and its potential translation to OS benefit, as well as the relevance of a cross-over trial design for DDLPS therapies. Results indicate an alignment across Europe and the United States regarding DDLPS management, unmet needs, and expectations for clinical trials. Raising awareness of critical clinical gaps in relation to DDLPS can contribute to improving patient outcomes and supporting the development of innovative treatments.

The specific inhibition of the cardiac electrogenic sodium/bicarbonate cotransporter leads to cardiac hypertrophy.

Two alkalinizing mechanisms coexist in cardiac myocytes to maintain intracellular pH: sodium/bicarbonate cotransporter (electroneutral isoform NBCn1 and electrogenic isoform NBCe1) and sodium/proton exchanger (NHE1). Dysfunction of these transporters has previously been reported to be responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the downregulation of the NBCe1 to the development of cardiac hypertrophy. To specifically reduce NBCe1 expression, we cloned shRNA into a cardiotropic adeno-associated vector (AAV9-shNBCe1). After 28 days of being injected with AAV9-shNBCe1, the expression and the activity of NBCe1 in the rat heart were reduced. Strikingly, downregulation of NBCe1 causes significant hypertrophic heart growth, lengthening of the action potential in isolated myocytes, an increase in the duration of the QT interval and an increase in the frequency of Ca2+ waves without any significant changes in Ca2+ transients. An increased compensatory expression of NBCn1 and NHE1 was also observed. We conclude that reduction of NBCe1 is sufficient to induce cardiac hypertrophy and modify the electrical features of the rat heart.

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in alveolar soft-part sarcoma: results from a retrospective worldwide registry.

BACKGROUND: Conventional cytotoxic drugs are not effective in alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS). Immune checkpoint (programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1) inhibitors (ICIs) are promising drugs in ASPS. A worldwide registry explored the efficacy of ICI in ASPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from adult patients diagnosed with ASPS and treated with ICI for advanced disease in expert sarcoma centers from Europe, Australia and North America were retrospectively collected, including demographics and data related to treatments and outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-six ASPS patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 25 years (range 3-61 years), were registered. All patients received ICI for metastatic disease. Immunotherapy regimens consisted of monotherapy in 38 patients (50%) and combination in 38 (50%) (23 with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor). Among the 68 assessable patients, there were 3 complete responses and 34 partial responses, translating into an overall response rate of 54.4%. After a median follow-up of 36 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 32-40 months] since the start of immunotherapy, 45 (59%) patients have progressed on ICI, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 16.3 months (95% CI 8-25 months). Receiving ICI in first line (P = 0.042) and achieving an objective response (P = 0.043) correlated with a better PFS. Median estimated overall survival (OS) from ICI initiation has not been reached. The 12-month and 24-month OS rates were 94% and 81%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This registry constitutes the largest available series of ASPS treated with ICI. Our results suggest that the ICI treatment provides long-lasting disease control and prolonged OS in patients with advanced ASPS, an ultra-rare entity with limited active therapeutic options.

Post-operative re-irradiation with hyperthermia in locoregional breast cancer recurrence: Temperature matters.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of hyperthermia thermal dose (TD) on locoregional control (LRC), overall survival (OS) and toxicity in locoregional recurrent breast cancer patients treated with postoperative re-irradiation and hyperthermia. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 112 women with resected locoregional recurrent breast cancer treated in 2010-2017 with postoperative re-irradiation 8frx4Gy (n = 34) or 23frx2Gy (n = 78), combined with 4-5 weekly hyperthermia sessions guided by invasive thermometry, were subdivided into 'low' (n = 56) and 'high' TD (n = 56) groups by the best session with highest median cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (Best CEM43T50) < 7.2 min and ≥7.2 min, respectively. Actuarial LRC, OS and late toxicity incidence were analyzed. Backward multivariable Cox regression and inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis were performed. RESULTS: TD subgroups showed no significant differences in patient/treatment characteristics. Median follow-up was 43 months (range 1-107 months). High vs. low TD was associated with LRC (p = 0.0013), but not with OS (p = 0.29) or late toxicity (p = 0.58). Three-year LRC was 74.0% vs. 92.3% in the low and high TD group, respectively (p = 0.008). After three years, 25.0% and 0.9% of the patients had late toxicity grade 3 and 4, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that distant metastasis (HR 17.6; 95%CI 5.2-60.2), lymph node involvement (HR 2.9; 95%CI 1.2-7.2), recurrence site (chest wall vs. breast; HR 4.6; 95%CI 1.8-11.6) and TD (low vs. high; HR 4.1; 95%CI 1.4-11.5) were associated with LRC. TD was associated with LRC in IPW analysis (p = 0.0018). CONCLUSIONS: High thermal dose (best CEM43T50 ≥ 7.2 min) was associated with significantly higher LRC for patients with locoregional recurrent breast cancer treated with postoperative re-irradiation and hyperthermia, without augmenting toxicity.

Calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII): a main signal responsible for early reperfusion arrhythmias.

To explore whether CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation events mediate reperfusion arrhythmias, Langendorff perfused hearts were submitted to global ischemia/reperfusion. Epicardial monophasic or transmembrane action potentials and contractility were recorded. In rat hearts, reperfusion significantly increased the number of premature beats (PBs) relative to pre-ischemic values. This arrhythmic pattern was associated with a significant increase in CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of Ser2814 on Ca(2+)-release channels (RyR2) and Thr17 on phospholamban (PLN) at the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). These phenomena could be prevented by the CaMKII-inhibitor KN-93. In transgenic mice with targeted inhibition of CaMKII at the SR membranes (SR-AIP), PBs were significantly decreased from 31±6 to 5±1 beats/3min with a virtually complete disappearance of early-afterdepolarizations (EADs). In mice with genetic mutation of the CaMKII phosphorylation site on RyR2 (RyR2-S2814A), PBs decreased by 51.0±14.7%. In contrast, the number of PBs upon reperfusion did not change in transgenic mice with ablation of both PLN phosphorylation sites (PLN-DM). The experiments in SR-AIP mice, in which the CaMKII inhibitor peptide is anchored in the SR membrane but also inhibits CaMKII regulation of L-type Ca(2+) channels, indicated a critical role of CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of SR proteins and/or L-type Ca(2+) channels in reperfusion arrhythmias. The experiments in RyR2-S2814A further indicate that up to 60% of PBs related to CaMKII are dependent on the phosphorylation of RyR2-Ser2814 site and could be ascribed to delayed-afterdepolarizations (DADs). Moreover, phosphorylation of PLN-Thr17 and L-type Ca(2+) channels might contribute to reperfusion-induced PBs, by increasing SR Ca(2+) content and Ca(2+) influx.

Incidence and clinical pattern of contralateral synchronous and metachronous germ cell testicular cancer.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of a second testicular tumor is higher in patients diagnosed with testicular cancer than in the general population. As incidence of unilateral germ cell cancer is increasing worldwide and most of these patients are cured, a growing number of patients at risk of developing a contralateral testis cancer is expected. OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and histological characteristics, as well as the absolute and cumulative incidence of a second testicular cancer in a cohort of 3,834 patients diagnosed with germ cell testicular cancer between I/1994 and I/2018 in 18 referral hospitals of the Spanish Germ Cell Cancer Group. METHODS: Patients were treated according to stage and year of diagnoses. Contralateral testis biopsy was not routinely performed, according to European Association of Urology rules. Follow-up of the contra lateral testis consists of a physical exam only and an annual optional testicular ultrasound for 10 years. RESULTS: Median age of the patients included was 32 years (18-82). With a median follow-up of 61 months (0-240), 67/3,834 patients (1.74%) were diagnosed with a second testicular tumor. The second testicular tumor was synchronic (diagnosed within 6 months of the first orchiectomy) in 19 patients, and metachronous in 48. Pathology of the second tumor was reported as a seminomatous testis tumor in 47 patients and a nonseminomatous cancer in 20. Cumulative incidence of contralateral testicular cancer was 2% at 5 years, and 4% (IC 95% 3%-5%) at 14 years. Younger age was a risk factor for developing a second testicular tumor (P = 0.006), whereas chemotherapy reduced the risk for a metachronous testicular cancer (P = 0.046). Within our cohort, 6 families with testicular cancer aggregation (more than 2 tumors in the same family) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of second testicular neoplasm in this cohort of 3,834 patients was similar to that which has been reported in other countries. Metachronous tumors and seminomas are more common. Follow-up of the contralateral testis is mandatory, as well as adequate information for patients to prevent a second neoplasm if feasible, and to detect and treat it as soon as possible.

GEIS-SEHOP clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in children and adolescents. In Spain the annual incidence is 4.4 cases per million children < 14 years. It is an uncommon neoplasm in adults, but 40% of RMS are diagnosed in patients over 20 years of age, representing 1% of all STS in this age group. RMS can appear anywhere in the body, with some sites more frequently affected including head and neck, genitourinary system and limbs. Assessment of a patient with suspicion of RMS includes imaging studies (MRI, CT, PET-CT) and biopsy. All patients with RMS should receive chemotherapy, either at diagnosis in advanced or metastatic stages, or after initial resection in early local stages. Local control includes surgery and/or radiotherapy depending on site, stage, histology and response to chemotherapy. This guide provides recommendations for diagnosis, staging and treatment of this neoplasm.

Synthesis and structural studies on (E)-3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one: a promising nonlinear optical material.

A new fluorinated chalcone (E)-3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one was synthesized in 90% yield and crystallized by a slow evaporation technique. Its full structural characterization and purity were determined by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman microspectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis. The fluorinated chalcone crystallized in centrosymmetric space group P21/c stabilized by the C-H⋯O and C-H⋯F interactions and the π⋯π contact. The crystalline environment was simulated through the supermolecule approach where a bulk with 378 000 atoms was built. The electric parameters were calculated at the DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level as function of the electric field frequency. The macroscopic parameters such as linear refractive index and third-order nonlinear susceptibility (χ (3)) were calculated, and the results were compared with experimental data obtained from the literature. The χ (3)-value for the chalcone crystal is 369.294 × 10-22 m2 V-2, higher than those obtained from a few similar types of molecule, showing that the chalcone crystal can be considered as a nonlinear optical material. Also, molecular theoretical calculations such as infrared spectrum assignments, frontier molecular orbital analysis and MEP were implemented, revealing that the most positive region is around the hydrogen atoms of the aromatic rings, and electrophilic attack occurs on the carbonyl group.

Paradoxical intraoperative embolism in a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome undergoing hip arthroplasty. / Embolismo paradójico intraoperatorio en paciente con síndrome de Eisenmenger sometida a hemiartroplastia de cadera.

Hip arthroplasty is associated with a high incidence of embolic events that, although usually not relevant at a clinical level, may be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in certain situations. Extreme caution should be taken in patients with cardiac defects that favor communication between the pulmonary and systemic circulation, due to their greater risk of complications. We present the case of a 72-year-old patient who suffered a paradoxical embolism during the intervention, with devastating consequences.

Efficacy and safety of peri-procedural bridging therapy with low molecular weight heparin in atrial fibrillation patients under vitamin K antagonists.

BACKGROUND: The clinical effect of peri-operative bridging therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients remains unclear given that it may increase bleeding risk without providing significant benefits. We aimed to investigate peri-procedural events in relation to peri-operative use of bridging therapy in AF patients under Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs). METHODS: We included AF patients stable the previous 6 months on VKAs. During a median follow-up of 6.5 years (IQR 4.3-7.9), we recorded all invasive procedures and the peri-operative clinical management. All peri-procedural events (ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism, clinically relevant non-major bleeding and major bleeding) and severe peri-procedural events (ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism and major bleeding) suffered until the 30-days post-intervention period were recorded. RESULTS: We included 1361 patients (48.7% male, median age 76 [IQR 71-81] years). There were 1100 (70.9%) procedures performed using bridging therapy. The rate of any (4.5% vs. 0.7%, P < 0.001) and severe (2.3% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.002) peri-procedural events were higher in patients receiving bridging therapy. Adjusted logistic regressions demonstrated that the bleeding risk of the procedure was related with higher risk of severe peri-procedural events (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.54-8.01) and peri-procedural events (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.56-4.91). Importantly, the use of bridging therapy was also independently associated with higher risk of any peri-procedural events (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.28-14.51). CONCLUSIONS: In this study including AF patients under VKA therapy, the use of bridging therapy as part of the clinical management during an invasive procedure was independently associated with higher risk of any peri-procedural event.

Clinical profile of women diagnosed with Fabry disease non receiving enzyme replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to a deficiency of the α-galactosidase A enzyme. Although women were historically considered only carriers, many studies have contradicted this fact. The main aim of this work was to set the first Spanish study out of the on-going registries on health status and management of women diagnosed with FD who were not receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive and multicentre study was assessed in women diagnosed for FD who were not receiving ERT. Assessments on symptomatology and severity were collected using several clinical questionnaires. Additionally, clinical information and lab tests were obtained from clinical records. RESULTS: Thirty-three women with a mean age of 45.6±16.2 years were studied. Symptom onset was at a median age of 35.5 years old (range: 30.0-51.5), being diagnosed a median of 2 years later (range: 1.0-1.5). Missense mutations were the most prevalent mutation (n=22, 68.8%). Although 69% considered themselves as asymptomatic, 22 (66.7%) showed at least one FD-related clinical symptom. Using Mainz Severity Score index and Fabry International Prognosis Index neurological symptomatology obtained higher scores both for severity and prognostic. The EQ-5D questionnaire showed 42.2% patients referring to some anxiety or depression, and 30.3% thought that their life was somehow altered by the pain. 62.5% were not receiving any treatment and ERT was offered only to one patient (3.6%) who refused it. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the heterozygous women for FD had not received ERT or either symptomatic treatment, they present symptoms of disease. Careful follow-up of female patients or some adjuvant treatment may be considered to delay progressive organ damage and improve patient quality of life.

Fermented pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) ingredients in pasta products.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan var. aroíto) seeds were fermented in order to remove antinutritional factors and to obtain functional legume flour to be used as pasta ingredients. Fermentation brought about a drastic reduction of alpha-galactosides (82%), phytic acid (48%), and trypsin inhibitor activity (39%). Fermented legume flours presented a notable increase of fat and total soluble available carbohydrates, a slight decrease of protein, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and total antioxidant capacity, and a decrease of soluble dietary fiber, Na, K, Mg, and Zn contents. No changes were observed in the level of starch and tannins as a consequence of fermentation. The fermented flour was used as an ingredient to make pasta products in a proportion of 5, 10, and 12%. The supplemented pasta products obtained had longer cooking times, higher cooking water absorptions, higher cooking loss, and higher protein loss in water than control pasta (100% semolina). From sensory evaluations, fortified pasta with 5 and 10% fermented pigeon pea flour had an acceptability score similar to control pasta. Pasta supplemented with 10% fermented pigeon pea flour presented higher levels of protein, fat, dietary fiber, mineral, vitamin E, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity than 100% semolina pasta and similar vitamins B1 and B2 contents. Protein efficiency ratios and true protein digestibility improved (73 and 6%, respectively) after supplementation with 10% fermented pigeon pea flour; therefore, the nutritional value was enhanced.

SEOM Clinical Guideline of management of soft-tissue sarcoma (2016).

Soft-tissue sarcomas are uncommon and heterogeneous tumors of mesenchymal origin. A soft-tissue mass that is increasing in size, greater than 5 cm, or located under deep fascia are criteria for suspicion of sarcoma. Diagnosis, treatment, and management should preferably be performed by a multidisciplinary team in reference centers. MRI and lung CT scan are mandatory for local and distant assessment. A biopsy indicating histological type and grade is needed previous to the treatment. Wide surgical resection with tumor-free tissue margin is the primary treatment for localized disease. Radiotherapy is indicated in large, deep, high-grade tumors, or after marginal resection not likely of being improved with reexcision. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy improve survival in selected cases, usually in high-grade sarcomas of the extremities. In the case of metastatic disease, patients with exclusive lung metastasis could be considered for surgery. First-line treatment with anthracyclines (or in combination with ifosfamide) is the treatment of choice. New drugs have shown activity in second-line therapy and in specific histological subtypes.