Effect of FOLFOX6 chemotherapy on serum VEGF expression in advanced colorectal cancer patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of FOLFOX6 chemotherapy on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in advanced colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 81 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who visited our hospital from March 2014 to February 2016 was performed. All the patients were treated with FOLFOX6 chemotherapy. On day 1, patients received oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 ivgtt (2h), calcium folinate 200 mg/m2 ivgtt (2h), 5 fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 iv bolus and 5 fluorouracil 2500 mg/m2 ivgtt (5h). The treatment course was 2 weeks, and 4 treatment courses were required. The changes in the levels of VEGF and CRP and quality of life before and after 4 courses of chemotherapy were observed and therapeutic effects and adverse reactions after chemotherapy were evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the total efficiency of chemotherapy was 82.72% (67/81) with 24 cases in complete remission, 25 cases in partial response, 18 cases in stable disease and 14 cases in progressive disease. The levels of CRP and VEGF after the treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (5.69±0.77) mg/L vs. (7.99±1.36) mg/L; (443.26±21.55) pg/mL vs. (542.83±20.44) pg/mL] (P<0.05). The KPS grade after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (57.84±4.6) point vs. (50.99±3.73) point] (P<0.05). Among them, 3 cases developed a rash, 5 cases experienced hair loss, and 9 cases developed nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: FOLFOX6 chemotherapy can decrease serum VEGF expression in patients with advanced colorectal cancer and enhance the curative effect with high safety, which is good for the improvement of patients' survival.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Explorar o efeito da quimioterapia Folfox6 na expressão do fator de crescimento endotelial vascular sérico (VEGF) em pacientes com câncer colorretal avançado. MÉTODOS: Uma análise retrospectiva de 81 pacientes com câncer colorretal avançado que visitaram nosso hospital de março de 2014 a fevereiro de 2016 foi realizada. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com quimioterapia Folfox6. No dia 1, os doentes receberam oxaliplatina 100 mg / m2 ivgtt (2h), folinato de cálcio 200 mg/m2 ivgtt (2h), 5 fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 iv bolus e 5 fluorouracil 2.500 mg/m2 ivgtt (5h). O curso de tratamento foi de duas semanas e foram necessários quatro cursos de tratamento. Foram observadas as alterações nos níveis de VEGF e CRP e qualidade de vida antes e após quatro cursos de quimioterapia e avaliados os efeitos terapêuticos e reações adversas após a quimioterapia. RESULTADOS: Após o tratamento, a eficácia total da quimioterapia foi de 82,72% (67/81), com 24 casos em remissão completa, 25 casos em resposta parcial, 18 casos em doença estável e 14 casos em doença progressiva. Os níveis de CRP e VEGF após o tratamento foram significativamente inferiores aos do tratamento (5,69 ± 0,77) mg / L vs. (7,99 ± 1,36) mg / L; (443,26 ± 21,55) pg / mL vs. (542,83 ± 20,44) pg / mL] (P < 0,05). O grau de KPS após o tratamento foi significativamente maior do que antes do tratamento (57,84 ± 4,6 pontos) vs. (50,99 ± 3,73 pontos)] (P < 0,05). Entre eles, três casos desenvolveram erupção cutânea, cinco casos sofreram perda de cabelo e nove casos desenvolveram náuseas e vômitos. CONCLUSÃO: A quimioterapia Folfox6 pode, obviamente, diminuir a expressão de VEGF no soro em pacientes com câncer colorretal avançado e melhorar o efeito curativo com alta segurança, o que é bom para a melhoria da sobrevivência dos pacientes.

Respuesta histológica completa a la neoadyuvancia en carcinoma gástrico avanzado: A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Histological complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in advanced gastric carcinoma: A case report and review of literature

La presente comunicación, describe el primer caso en el Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas "Luis Pinillos Ganoza" IREN Norte en la que una paciente con carcinoma gástrico avanzado ha mostrado respuesta histopatológica completa a neoadyuvancia. Se presenta una paciente mujer de 70 años con diagnóstico histopatológico de adenocarcinoma gástrico tubular moderadamente diferenciado, localmente avanzado con imágenes de adenopatías perigástricas asociadas y pérdida de la interfase entre tumoración gástrica, hilio hepático y vesícula biliar. Luego de 6 cursos de quimioterapia neoadyuvante con esquema FOLFOX - 4 al 80%, se obtiene una respuesta casi completa desde el punto de vista tomográfico; por ello a la paciente se le realiza gastrectomía subtotal distal más linfadenectomía D2 más gastroyeyunoanastomosis Billroth II término lateral tipo Hofmeister Finsterer, verificándose, al examen microscópico de la pieza operatoria, sólo gastritis crónica y aguda con áreas mucosas y cambios reactivos. No se observa neoplasia maligna viable. Ganglios linfáticos: 0/33. Paciente evoluciona favorablemente. A propósito del caso se hace una revisión de la literatura médica relevante actualizada

This communication describes the first case in the Regional Institute of Neoplastic Diseases "Luis Pinillos Ganoza" IREN North in which a patient with advanced gastric carcinoma showed complete response to neoadjuvant histopathologic. We describe the case of a patient woman of 70 years old with histopathologic diagnosis of moderately differentiated tubular gastric adenocarcinoma, locally advanced associated with images of perigastric lymphadenopathy and loss of the interface between gastric tumor, hepatic hilum and gallbladder. After 6 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX scheme - 4 to 80%, an almost complete response from the point of tomographic view is obtained, so the patient is underwent to distal subtotal gastrectomy lymphadenectomy D2 more gastrojejunoanastomosis Billroth II termino lateral type Hofmeister Finsterer verifying on microscopic examination of surgical specimen only acute and chronic gastritis with mucous areas and reactive changes. No feasible malignancy is observed. Lymph nodes: 0/33. Commenting on the case, a review of recent relevant literature is realized

Eficacia y seguridad de bevacizumab en combinación con quimioterapia folfiri en el tratamiento de segunda línea para pacientes con diagnostico de cáncer colorrectal metastásico / Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in combination with folinic chemotherapy in second-line treatment for patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente dictamen expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del uso de bevacizumab en combinación con quimioterapia FOLFIRI como tratamiento de segunda línea para pacientes de segunda línea para pacientes para pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer colorrectal metastásico. Aspectos Generales: El cáncer colorrectal es uno de los cánceres más frecuentes a nivel mundial. Anualmente se reportan más de 1.361 millones de nuevos casos y 694.000 muertes por cáncer colorrectal constituyéndose en la tercera cuasa más frecuente de cáncer y en la cuarta causa de muerte a nivel mundial. Aproximadamente, uns 20-55% de los pacientes con cácner colorrectal presentan enfermedad metastásica al momento del diagnóstico, mientras que u 50-60% de los pacientes diagnosticados en estadios tempranos, pese a ser tratados quirúrgicamente igual desarrollarán metástasis, mayormente de localización hepática. Debido a ello, el prognóstico de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal metastásico o recurrente en general es pobre, asociándose a una sobrevida global a los 5 años del 50%.Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Bevacizumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal específico contra el factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular (VEGF) por sus siglas en inglés) humano. Al ligarse al VEGF, específicamente al VEGFp-A, actúa como una citoquina antiangiogénica previendo su interacción con los receptores del VEGFE-1 and VEGFR-2), mediando la inhibición del crecimiento y mantenimiento de los vasos sanguíneos de una variedad de células tumorales. METODOLOGIA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de bevacizumab en combinación con esquema de quimioterapia FOLFIRI como tratamiento de esegunda línea para pacientes con cáncer colorrectal metastásico. Las seguientes fuentes han sido revisadas y consultadas con la intención de buscar la mejor evidencia disponible que directamente responda a la pregunta PICO de esta evaluación. METODOLOGÍA: Sinopsis de la Evidencia: Se realizó la busqueda bibliográfica y de evidencia cientifica hasta diciembre 2016 para el sustento de uso de bevacizumab en combinación con el esquema de quimioterapia FOLFIRI como tratamiento de segunda línea para pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer colocrrectal metastásico que hubieran recibido previamente quimioterapia a base de oxaliplatino. Se presenta la evidencia disponible según el tipo de publicación priorizada en los criterios de inclusión. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen se evaluó la evidencia científica publicada hasta diciembre de 2016 en relación al uso de bevacizumab en combinación con quimioterapia FOLFIRI como una alternativa de tratamiento de segunda línea más eficaz y segura que la quimioterapia FOLFIRI, en pacientes con cácner colocrrectal metastásico que han progresado a quimioterapia a base de oxaliplatino. La mejor evidencia disponible a la fecha no permite evaluar el uso de bevacizumab más quimioterapia FOLFIRI, en comparación a quimioterapia FOLFIRI sin bevacizumab en pacientes que han progresado a regímenes de quimioterapia a base de oxaliplatino sin bevacizumab. Adicionalmente, en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud existen otras alternativas de tratamiento quimioterapéutico disponibles para pacientes que han progresado a regímenes a base de oxaliplatino, tales como irinotecán y FOLFIRI, las cuales también son considerados opciones de tratamiento de segunda línea en las GPC internacionales. Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) no aprueba el uso de bevacizumab en combinación en quimioterapia FOLFIRI para el tratamiento de cáncer colorrectal metastásico en pacientes que han progresado a quimioterapia a base de oxaliplatino.

Eficacia y seguridad de la adición de panitumumab a folfox o folfiri como tratamiento de primera línea en pacientes con cancer colrectal metastásico con gen kras no mutado (wild type) e irresecable / Efficacy and safety of the addition of panitumumab to folfox or folfiri as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic col- rectal cancer with non-mutated (wild type) kras gene and unresectable

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente dictamen expone la evaluación de tecnología de la eficacia y seguridad del uso de panitumumab asociado a quimioterapia como primera línea de tratamiento de cácner colorrectal metastásico. Aspectos Generales: El cáncer colorrectal es la segunda causa de muerte por cáncer en los países occidentales. Al momento del diagnóstico, alrededor del 20-25% de los pacientes presentan cáncer colorrectal metastásico (CCRm), mientras que se estima que entre el 20 y el 35% lo desarrollará durante el curso de la enfermedad. Además, entre el 80% y el 90% de los casos de CCRm son irresecables. A pesar de los avances en el tratamiento del CCRm, el propósito aún es pobre, con una tasa de sobrevida a los 5 años que varía entre el 10% al 20%. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Panitumumab, es un anticuerpo monoclonal recombinante totalmente humano IgG2, que se une con gran afinidad y especialidad al EGFR humano. El EGFR es una glicoproteína transmembrana que pertenece a una subfamilia de receptores de las tirosinas quinasas de tipo I, que incluye el EGFR (HER1/c-ErbB-1), HER2, HER3, HER4. El EGFR potencia el crecimiento celular en tejidos epiteliales normales, incluidos la piel y los folículos pilosos, y se expresa en una variedad de células tumorales. La unión panitumumab al EGFR provoca la internalización del receptor, la inhibición del crecimiento celular, la inducción de la apoptosis y un descenso en la producción de interleuquina 8 y del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. El EGFR juega un rol importante en el desarrollo de CCR, por lo que su inhibición podría dar la impresión de ser una estrategia prometedora de tratamiento para CCRm. METODOLOGIA: Estrategia de Búsqueda: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda sistematica de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de la adición de panitumumab a FOLFOX o FOLFIRI comparado con FOLFOX o FOLFIRI, para el tratamiento de cáncer colorrectal metastásico, irresecable, KRAS no mutado, ECOG-2. La búsqueda s einició revisando la inforamción sobre el uso del medicamiento de acuerdo con entidades reguladoras como la Food and Drug Administration (FDA), la European Medicines Agency (EMA) y la Dirección General de Medicamentos y Drogas (DIGEMID). Posteriormente, se revisaron las bases de datos de Pubmed, TRIPDATABASE y www.clinicals.gov. Adicionalmente, se realizó una búsqueda de evaluaciones de tecnologías y guías de práctica clínica en las páginas web de grupos dedicados a la investigación y educación en salud en general como The National Institute for Helath and Care Excelence (NICE), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), y The Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTADOS: Sinopsis de la Eidenci: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de evidencia científica relacionada al uso de panitumumab asociado a quimioterapia para el tratamiento de CCRm irresecable, KRAS no mutado. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento para el CCRm recomendado consiste en quimioterapia sistémica con FOLFOX, FOLFIRI o XELOX, todos los cuales se encuentran disponibles en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud. De acuerdo a las GPC revisadas, la adición de panitumumab a quimioterapia es opcional y condicionada a la ausencia de mutaciones KRAS y de la ubicación de las lesiones en el lado izquierdo. La evidencia evaluada en relación a la adición de panitumumab a FOLFOX en comparación con FOLFOX solo, no muestra benefícios en términos de aumento de la sobrevida global ni de la calidad de vida. Los benefícios en términos de SLP mostrados en el dictamen son modestos y provienen de análisis de subgrupos en que se ha perdido la aleatorización. La evidencia econtrada en relación a la adición de panitumumab a FOLFIRI en comparación con FOLFIRI solo, no pudo ser considerada para el presente dictamen por que proviene de estudios fase II, sin brazo comparador. La adición de panitumumab a quimioterapia presenta una incidencia alta de toxicidad dermatológica (>90%), con un 34 % d eEA dermatológicos grado 3 y menos de 1% de EA dermatológicos grado 5. Asismismo, la incidencia de eventos adversos no dermatológicos grado 3 o 4 fue del 82% y de eventos adversos serios fue de 40%. Así, la relación riesgo benefício no es clara, por lo que, no se encontraron argumentos técnicos que justifiquen la adición de panitumumab a la quimioterapia sistémica (FOLFOX o FOLFIRI) como primera línea de tratamiento para cpancer colorrectal irresecable, KRAS no mtado. El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud-IETSI, no aprueba la adición de panitumumab a quimioterapia a base de FOLFOX o FOLFIRI como tratamiento de primera línea para cáncer colorrectal metastásico, irresecable, KRAS no mutado.

Treatment of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia comparing biweekly eight-day Methotrexate with folinic acid versus bolus-dose Actinomycin-D, among Brazilian women / Tratamento da neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional de baixo-risco, comparando aplicação quinzenal de oito dias de Metotrexato com ácido folínico versus Actinomicina D em bolo, em mulheres brasileiras

PURPOSE: To compare two single-agent chemotherapy (ChT) regimens evaluating, in first-line treatment, response and side effects and, in final single-agent treatment, the outcomes, among Brazilian patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2002. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of two concurrent cohorts with 194 low-risk GTN patients: from 1992 to 2012, as first-line treatment, 115 patients received 4 intramuscular doses of methotrexate alternated with 4 oral doses of folinic acid (MTX/FA) repetead every 14 days and, since 1996, 79 patients received an endovenous bolus-dose of actinomycin D (Act-D), biweekly. At GTN diagnosis, patient opinion was taken into consideration when defining the initial single-agent ChT regimen, and when there was resistance or toxicity to one regimen, the other drug was used preferentially. This study was approved by the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre Ethical Committee. RESULTS: Both groups were clinically similar (p>0.05). In first-line treatments, frequency of complete response was similar (75.7% with MTX/FA and 67.1% with bolus Act-D); the number of ChT courses -median 3 (range: 1-10) with MTX/FA and 2 (range: 1-6) with bolus Act-D - and the time to remission -median 9 weeks (range: 2-16) with MTX/FA and 10 weeks (range: 2-16) with bolus Act-D) - were not different between the groups. In both groups, first-line side effects frequency were high but intensity was low; stomatitis was higher with MTX/FA (p<0.01) and nausea and vomit with Act-D (p<0.01). Final single-agent ChT responses were high in both groups (94.8% with MTX/FA and 83.5% with bolus Act-D; p<0.01) and 13% higher in the group initially treated with MTX/FA. Rates of hysterectomy and of GTN recurrence were low and similar. No patient died due to GTN. CONCLUSION: The two regimens had similar first-line ChT response. ...

OBJETIVO: Em mulheres brasileiras com neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG) de baixo-risco, de acordo com a Federação Internacional de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia (FIGO) 2002, comparar dois regimes de quimioterapia (Qt) por agente único avaliando resposta e efeitos colaterais no tratamento de primeira linha, e a eficácia no tratamento final por agente único de Qt. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de duas coortes concorrentes com 194 pacientes com NTG de baixo risco: de 1992 a 2012; como primeira linha, 115 pacientes receberam 4 doses intramusculares de metotrexato alternado com 4 doses orais de ácido folínico (MTX/FA) repetidos a cada 14 dias e, desde 1996, 79 pacientes receberam quinzenalmente dose em bolo de actinomicina D (Act-D) por via endovenosa. No momento do diagnóstico da NTG, a opinião da paciente foi levada em consideração para definir o regime de Qt por agente único inicial e, quando havia resistência ou toxicidade a um regime, o outro fármaco era usado preferentemente. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos eram clinicamente semelhantes (p>0,05). Nos tratamentos de primeira linha, a frequência de resposta completa foi semelhante (75,7% com MTX/FA e 67,1% com Act-D em bolo); não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao número de séries de Qt - mediana 3 (intervalo: 1-10) com MTX/FA e 2 (intervalo: 1-6) com Act-D em bolo - e ao tempo para remissão - mediana 9 semanas (intervalo: 2-16) com MTX/FA e 10 semanas (intervalo: 2-16) com Act-D em bolo. Em ambos os grupos, foi elevada a frequência de efeitos colaterais no tratamento de primeira linha, mas com intensidade baixa; estomatite foi mais frequente com MTX/FA (p<0.01) e náuseas e vômitos com Act-D (p<0.01). A resposta final à Qt por agente único foi alta nos dois grupos (94,8% com MTX/FA e 83,5% com Act-D em bolo; p<0,01) e 13% maior no grupo inicialmente tratado com ...

A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer Presenting as Multiple Colonic Lymphoid Hyperplasia / 대한소화기학회지

Gastric cancer frequently disseminates to the liver, lung, and bone via hematogeneous, lymphatic, or peritoneal routes. However, gastric adenocarcinoma that metastasize to the colon and that shows typical linea platisca pattern on colonofiberscopy has rarely been reported. Recently, the authors experience a case of advanced gastric cancer with colonic metastases in a 55-year-old female patient. Multiple colonic lymphoid hyperplasias were detected on colonofiberscopy and biopsy revealed metastatic gastric cancer to the colonic wall. She was treated with mFOLFOX (5-FU, oxaliplatin, leucovorin) and has achieved stable disease status without disease progression. Herein, we report a rare case of signet ring-cell gastric cancer which metastasized to the colon in the form of multiple colonic lymphoid hyperplasias.

Utilización correcta de las técnicas de detección de cáncer de mama en mujeres mexicanas / Correct utilization of breast cancer detection techniques in Mexican women

Objetivo. Identificar las características asociadas con la prevalencia de utilización correcta de la autoexploración manual (AE), el examen clínico (EC) y la mamografía (MA) para la detección de cáncer mamario (CaMa). Material y métodos. Se entrevistó a 1 030 mujeres mexicanas, sanas, de entre 20 y 88 años sobre su historia reproductiva y sociodemográfica. Con base en la forma y frecuencia de realización de estas técnicas de detección, se construyó un índice de utilización correcta. Resultados. La prevalencia de utilización correcta de la AE fue de 11% y del EC de 5.4%. El 7.6% de las mujeres entre 40 y 49 años y 31.6% de las mujeres con 50 años o más se realizaron una MA de acuerdo con la norma vigente al momento del estudio. El aseguramiento por parte del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado o del Seguro Popular fue el principal determinante de la utilización de la MA. Conclusiones. Se evidencia la necesidad de incrementar la correcta utilización de la AE, el EC y la MA.

Objective. Identify the characteristics associated with correct utilization of self examination (SE), clinical exam (CE) and mammography (MA) for breast cancer (BC) early detection. Materials and methods. Interviews were undertaken with 1 030 Mexican women (n=1 030), 20 to 88 years of age, regarding their reproductive and sociodemographic characteristics. An index of correct utilization was constructed based on the form and frequency practice of those techniques. Results. The prevalence of correct utilization of SE was 11% and 5.4% for CE. Further, 7.6% of women 40-49 years of age with 2 or more BC risk factors had MA during the two years prior to the interview, and for 31.6% among women ≥50 years of age the MA was annually. The main determinant of MA utilization was having financial protection from either IMSS, ISSSTE or Seguro Popular. Conclusions. It is necessary to improve the correct utilization of BC detection techniques in Mexico.

Qualidade de vida em mulheres no climatério atendidas na Atenção Primária / Quality of life of postmenopausal women attended at Primary Health Care / Calidad de vida de las mujeres en climaterio tratadas en la Atención Primaria

A vivência do climatério está cada vez mais presente, e demanda estratégias que melhorem a qualidade de vida das mulheres nesse período. A pesquisa objetivou avaliar a qualidade de vida de mulheres na fase do climatério, com ou sem uso da terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH). Estudo epidemiológico longitudinal, com amostra de 99 mulheres para cada grupo. Avaliaram-se as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e comportamentais. Foram aplicados à amostra a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) e o Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Utilizaram-se os testes t de student, Qui-quadrado e Tukey. As usuárias de TRH apresentaram média etária de 50,76 ± 3,63 anos, e as não usuárias de 48,95 ± 6,27anos (p=0,01). Relataram maior frequência de sintomas climatéricos de intensidade leve a moderada. Os aspectos sociais apresentaram escore abaixo de 50 para os dois grupos. Houve diferenças entre os grupos em relação aos componentes do SF-36 e MRS para estado geral de saúde, capacidade funcional, menor capacidade, depressão, insônia e fenômenos vasomotores.

The experience of menopause is increasingly present, and demand strategies to improve the quality of life of women during this period. This research aimed to evaluate the quality of life for women in the climacteric phase, with or without the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is a longitudinal epidemiological study of a sample of 99 women per group. It was evaluated the sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics. It was used the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). For data analysis, it was used the Student t test, chi-square and Tukey. HRT users had an average age of 50.76 ± 3.63 years, and nonusers of 48.95 ± 6,27anos (p = 0.01). It was identified a higher frequency of moderate climacteric symptoms of mild intensity. The social aspects evidenced scores below 50 for the two groups. There were differences between groups with respect to the components of the SF-36 and MRS to general health, functional capacity, lower capacity, depression, insomnia and vasomotor phenomena.

La experiencia de la menopausia es cada vez más presente, demandando estrategias para mejorar la calidad de vida de las mujeres durante este periodo. Esa investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la calidad de vida de las mujeres en la fase climatérica, con o sin el uso de la terapia de reemplazo hormonal (TRH). Trata-se dé un estudio epidemiológico longitudinal, con una muestra de 99 mujeres por grupo. Fueran evaluadas las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de comportamiento. Fueran aplicados a la muestra el Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) e el Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Utilizaran-se los testes t de Student, Qui-quadrado e Tukey. Las usuarias de TRH tenían una edad media de 50,76 ± 3,63 años, y las no usuarias de 48,95 ± 6,27anos (p = 0,01). Fue reportada una mayor frecuencia de síntomas climatéricos intensidad leve o moderada. Los aspectos sociales tuvieran puntuaciones por debajo de 50 para los dos grupos. Hubo diferencias entre los grupos con respecto a los componentes del SF-36 y el MRS para la salud en general, la capacidad funcional, la capacidad más baja, la depresión, el insomnio y los fenómenos vasomotores.

Radioquimioterapia adyuvante en cáncer gástrico completamente resecado: experiencia del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de Chile / Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in advanced gastric cancer: Experience in 168 patients

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most lethal tumors in the Chilean population. Aim: To report the results of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in advanced gastric cancer. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with locoregionally advanced gastric cancer, subjected to a curative resection and treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The treatment was based on the INT 0116/SWOG protocol, which includes 5-fuorouracil as a single agent. Patients were followed for a median of 58 months. Results: the records of 168 patients (99 men) treated between 2004 and 2011, were reviewed. Median survival was 41 months. Median lapses between surgery and onset of chemo and radiotherapy were 12 and 17 weeks, respectively. Overall three and five years survival was 53 and 41%, respectively. On multivariate analysis the factors associated with a lower survival were an antral location of the tumor, presence of signet ring cells and more than 15 involved lymph nodes. Conclusions: Three and five years survival of gastric cancer patients subjected to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was 53 and 41% respectively. These results are similar to those reported elsewhere.

Prognostic Factors for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer after First-line Chemotherapy with FOLFOX-4 or FOLFIRI Regimen / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Information on prognostic factors for metastatic colorectal cancer is an important basis for planning the treatment and predicting the outcomes of the patients; however, it has not been well established. The aim of this study was to identify factors that predict results of chemotherapy and to establish a plan for treatment of patients whose tumors are inoperable due to metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of records from 75 patients treated for colorectal cancer in Kosin University Gospel Hospital, from October 2004 to September 2008. Patients with inoperable tumors due to metastasis at the time of diagnosis who were treated with oxaliplatin or irinotecan as the first-line treatment were included in this study. We investigated the factors that might have an effect on overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in this study. Results of univariate analysis showed that hemoglobin (Hb) > or =10 g/dL at the time of diagnosis, no increase in CEA on the follow-up examination after chemotherapy, chemotherapy plus surgery, and better response to chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors. Results of multivariate analysis showed that Hb > or =10 g/dL at the time of diagnosis (p or =10 g/dL at the time of diagnosis, surgery after chemotherapy, and better response to chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors for metastatic colorectal cancer.

FOLFIRI as Second-line Chemotherapy after Failure of FOLFOX4 in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Korean Single-center Experience / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing every year in Korea. Irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based regimens including biologic agents are known to be effective in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. But in practice, FOLFOX (combination of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin) or FOLFIRI (combination of irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin) regimens without biologic agents are more commonly used in Korea due to of the high costs of biologic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of FOLFIRI following FOLFOX4 in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 54 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who were treated between May 2005 and May 2013 with FOLFOX4 as first-line chemotherapy and with FOLFIRI as second-line chemotherapy at Kosin University Gospel Hospital (Busan, Korea) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients received second-line FOLFIRI chemotherapy. Five patients (9.3%) had a partial response, 29 patients (53.7%) had a stable disease. The median overall survival was 8.90 months and the median time to progression was 4.33 months. Toxicities were tolerable. CONCLUSIONS: In a Korean population, FOLFIRI as second-line chemotherapy is effective and well tolerated in patients with advanced colorectal cancer after failure of FOLFOX4. Although the efficacy of FOLFIRI in this study was lower than that of second-line FOLFIRI with biologic agents, these results can help in the formulation of a treatment strategy for financially troubled patients.

Falla de la profilaxis con cotrimoxazol para la neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci con el uso concomitante de leucovorina: Reporte de un caso / Failure of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia with concomitant use of leucovorin: Case report

The concomitant use of leucovorin and cotrimoxazole in PCP can lead to therapeutic failure and increased risk of death due to antagonism. It is important to keep this possible antagonistic interaction in mind even during prophylaxis. This paper presents a case with this failure outcome.

A Case of Severe Coronary Spasm Associated with 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy

Cardiotoxicity associated with 5-fluorouracil (FU) is an uncommon, but potentially lethal, condition. The case of an 83-year-old man with colon cancer who developed chest pain during 5-FU infusion is presented. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed pronounced ST elevation in the lateral leads, and the chest pain was resolved after infusion of nitroglycerin. A coronary angiogram (CAG) revealed that the patient had significant atherosclerosis in the proximal left circumflex artery. Coronary artery spasm with fixed stenosis was considered, and a drug-eluting stent was implanted. After 8 hours, the patient complained of recurring chest pain, paralleled by ST elevation on the ECG. The chest pain subsided after administration of intravenous nitroglycerin followed by sublingual nifedipine. Repeated CAG showed patency of the previous stent. This case supports the vasospastic hypothesis of 5-FU cardiac toxicity, indicating that a calcium channel blocker may be effective in the prevention or treatment of 5-FU cardiotoxicity.

FOLFOX (oxaliplatin and 5fluorouracil/leucovorin) in patients with untreated metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma Phase II study.

Background: Oxaliplatin has shown promising activity in metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) and has synergism with 5 fluorouracil. This phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX4 regimen in MGC. Materials and Methods: Patients with MGC, aged 18-70 years, performance status ≤2, no prior chemotherapy, received FOLFOX4 regimen every 2 weeks as oxaliplatin 85 mg/m 2 IV infusion on day 1 and leucovorin 200 mg/m 2 IV infusion followed by fluorouracil 400 mg/m 2 IV bolus and 600 mg/m 2 22-hour continuous infusion on days 1 and 2. Treatment was administered until progression, unacceptable toxicity, patient's refusal or for a maximum of 12 cycles. Results: From August 2007 to June 2010, 34 patients were prospectively enrolled. The median age was 52 years (28-69). In total, 293 cycles were administered with a median of 8 cycles per patient (range 1-12 cycles) and 33 of 34 patients were assessable for treatment response. The overall response rate were 53% with one patient(3%) had complete response, 17 patients (50%) had partial responses and 6 patients (18%) had stable disease. The median survival of all patients was 12.1 months and the median time to progression was 9.4 months. The most common grade 3/4 toxic effects were neutropenia in four patients (12%), diarrhea in three patients (9%), vomiting in two patients (6%) and peripheral neuropathy occurred in three patients (9%). Conclusions: The FOLFOX4 combination chemotherapy showed a very promising antitumor activity and was generally well-tolerated as a first-line treatment of patients with MGC.

Consideraciones sobre respuesta clínica completa en el cáncer de recto luego de quimioradioterapia neoadyuvante / Considerations about complete clinical response in rectal cancer after neoadyuvant chemotherapy

Luego de la quimioradioterapia neoadyuvante un porcentaje de adenocarcinomas de recto bajo localmente avanzados presentarán remisión total de la lesión, a esto se lo conoce como Respuesta Clínica Completa; en estos casos la cirugía puede ser innecesaria. Nuestro grupo desde principios de los noventa ha incluído estos pacientes en un protocolo estricto de seguimiento que ha demostrado ser igual de seguro que el tratamiento convencional, sin las morbilidades de la cirugía radical. El presente reporte tiene por objeto definir lo que consideramos una Respuesta Clínica Completa, analizar sus implicancias y presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de este acontecimmiento.

After neoadjuvant chemoradiation, some patients with locally advanced low rectal adenocarcinoma will present with total tumor regression, this situation is known as Complete Clinical Response (CCR). In this setting immediate radical surgery could be unnecessary. Since the early nineties, our group has included this patients in a striet follow-up protocol, wich has proven to be oncologically equally safe as conventional treatment, without the morbidities of radical surgery. The objective of this report is to define what we consider a CCR and to present our experience in the management of this clinical situation.

Long-Term Survivals of Stage IIB Osteosarcoma: A 20-Year Experience in a Single Institution

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma at a single institution for 20 years and to compare the results according to the chemotherapy protocols. METHODS: From Jan 1988 to Nov 2008, 167 patients with osteosarcoma were treated at our hospital and among them, 117 patients (67 males and 50 females) with stage IIB osteosarcoma were evaluable. Their mean age was 22.6 years (range, 8 months to 71 years). Seventy-eight cases underwent the modified T10 (M-T10) protocol (group 1), 23 cases underwent the T20 protocol (group 2) and 16 cases underwent the T12 protocol (group 3). The DFS and OS were calculated and compared according to the chemotherapy protocols. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 78.9 months, 63 patients were continuously disease-free (63/117), 6 patients were alive after having metastatic lesions, 7 patients died of other cause and 41 patients died of their disease. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 60.2% and 44.8%, respectively and the 5- and 10-year DFS rates were 53.5% and 41.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference of the OS and DFS between the chemotherapy protocols (p = 0.692, p = 0.113). CONCLUSIONS: At present, we achieved success rates close to the internationally accepted DFS and OS. We were able to achieve the higher survival rates using the M-T10 protocol over the 20 years. However, there was no significant difference of results between the chemotherapy protocols. We think the M-T10 protocol will achieve more favorable results in the near future.

A Case of Severe Bevacizumab-induced Ischemic Pancolitis, Treated with Conservative Management / 대한소화기학회지

Bevacizumab (Avastin(R)) is a monoclonal antibody against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor that increases the overall survival rate when added to standard chemotherapy regimens in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The known toxicities of bevacizumab are hypertension, proteinuria, wound healing complications, arterial thrombosis, bleeding, and gastrointestinal complications. Especially ischemic colitis can rapidly develop into bowel perforation, so an emergency operation often is needed. Recently, a 65-year-old male patient developed ischemic pancolitis after FOLFOX (85 mg/m2 Oxaliplatin, d1;200 mg/m2 Leucovorin, d1;400 mg/m2 5-FU iv bolus, d1-2;and 600 mg/m2 5-FU, d1-2, every two wk) and Bevacizumab combination chemotherapy was administered. However, he recovered after early conservative care without surgery. We report this case with a review of literature.

Efficacy and Safety of Hepatic Arterial Infusion of Fluorouracil with Leucovorin as Salvage Treatment for Refractory Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Limited options remain for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) after failure of standard systemic chemotherapy. Readministration of chemotherapeutic agents by hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) has the rationale of providing higher concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents to hepatic metastases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HAI of fluorouracil with leucovorin (HAI 5-FU/LV) for patients with liver metastases from CRC. METHODS: Fourteen patients with liver metastases from CRC who received HAI 5-FU/LV after failure of systemic chemotherapy containing fluorouracil and leucovorin were identified and their medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 10 patients evaluable for response, one partial response, six stable disease, and three progressive disease were reported. Additionally, the overall response and disease control rates were 7% and 50%, respectively. The median time to progression was 4.3 months (range, 2.9 to 5.6), to hepatic progression was 5.8 months (range, 4.7 to 6.9), and to extrahepatic progression was 5.8 months (range, 2.3 to 9.2). No grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities occurred and one case of abdominal pain and two cases of oral mucositis were the only grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities. Catheter-related complications occurred in three patients: one thrombosis, one infection, and one displacement. CONCLUSIONS: HAI 5-FU/LV was well tolerated and showed modest efficacy for patients with liver metastases from refractory CRC. Readministration of previously used chemotherapeutic agents via the hepatic artery could be an effective salvage option and warrants further investigation in a prospective trial.