Association between circulating CD39+CD8+ T cells pre-chemoradiotherapy and prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The mortality rate among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has improved significantly with the advent of chemoradiotherapy strategies. However, distant metastasis remains problematic. Tumor-specific reactivity in cancer patients has been detected exclusively in CD39+ T cells, particularly in CD39+CD103+ T cells. Circulating cancer-specific T cells are important for protecting against metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of circulating CD39+CD8+ T cells for metastasis in patients with NPC.@*METHODS@#We performed a cross-sectional, longitudinal study of 55 patients with newly diagnosed NPC of stage III-IVa. All patients were initially treated with standard combined chemoradiotherapy. Blood samples were obtained from 24 patients before and at 1 month and 6 months after treatment. T cell expression of CD39 and CD103, together with the markers of T cell exhaustion programmed death-1 (PD-1)/T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3) and markers of cell differentiation CD27/CC-chemokine receptor 7/CD45RA, was examined by flow cytometry. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test analysis was used to analyze the differences between two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for analysis of progression-free survival (PFS).@*RESULTS@#The expression of circulating CD39+CD8+ and CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in patients without distant metastasis (CD39+CD8+: 6.52% [1.24%, 12.58%] vs. 2.41% [0.58%, 5.31%], Z=-2.073, P=0.038 and CD39+CD103+CD8+: 0.72% [0.26%, 2.05%] vs. 0.26% [0.12%, 0.64%], Z=-2.313, P = 0.021). Most CD39+ T cells did not express PD-1 or Tim-3. Patients with high expression of CD39+CD103+CD8+ T cells had better PFS than patients with low expression (log rank value = 4.854, P = 0.028). CD39+CD8+ T cells were significantly elevated at 1-month post-treatment (10.02% [0.98%, 17.42%] vs. 5.91% [0.61%, 10.23%], Z = -2.943, P = 0.003). The percentage of advanced differentiated CD8+ T cells also increased at 1-month post-treatment compared with pre-treatment (33.10% [21.60%, 43.05%] vs. 21.00% [11.65%, 43.00%], Z = -2.155, P = 0.031). There was a significant correlation between elevated CD39+CD8+ T cells and increased effector memory T cells (intermediate stage: r = 0.469, P = 0.031; advanced stage: r = 0.508, P = 0.019).@*CONCLUSIONS@#CD39+CD8+ circulating T cells have preserved effector function, contributing to an improved prognosis and a reduced risk of metastasis among NPC patients. These cells may thus be a useful predictive marker for a better prognosis in patients with NPC.

A comparison of cisplatin cumulative dose and cisplatin schedule in patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / Comparação da dose cumulativa de cisplatina e esquema de tratamento em pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo tratados concomitantemente com quimiorradioterapia

Abstract Introduction: Three-weekly cisplatin dose is accepted for standard treatment for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, different chemotherapy schedules are presented in the literature. Objective: We intend to compare toxicity and outcomes of high dose 3-weekly cisplatin versus low dose weekly-cisplatin and cumulative dose of cisplatin in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: 98 patients were included in the study, between 2010 and 2018. Cumulative doses of cisplatin (≥200 mg/m2 and <200 mg/m2) and different chemotherapy schedules (weekly and 3-weekly) were compared in terms of toxicity and survival. Besides prognostic factors including age, gender, T category, N category and radiotherapy technique were evaluated in uni-multivariate analysis. Results: Median follow-up time 41.5 months (range: 2-93 months). Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 68.9% vs. 90.3% (p = 0.11); 66.2% vs. 81.6% (p = 0.15); 87.3% vs. 95.7% (p = 0.18); 80.1% vs. 76.1% (p = 0.74) for the group treated weekly and 3 weekly, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Five year overall survival, local relapse-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were; 78.2% vs. 49.2% (p = 0.003); 75.8% vs. 47.9% (p = 0.055); 91% vs. 87.1% (p = 0.46); 80% vs. 72.2% (p = 0.46) for the group treated ≥200 mg/m2 and <200 mg/m2 cumulative dose cisplatin. There was statistically significant difference between groups for overall survival and there was close to being statistically significant difference between groups for local relapse-free survival. Age, gender, T category, N category, chemotherapy schedules were not associated with prognosis in the uni-variety analysis. Radiotherapy technique and cumulative dose of cisplatin was associated with prognosis in uni-variate analysis (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.071-0.628; p = 0.005 and HR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.125-0.686; p = 0.003, respectively). Only cumulative dose of cisplatin was found as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.146-0.912; p = 0.03). When toxicities were evaluated, such as hematological toxicity, dermatitis, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, there were no statistically significant differences between cumulative dose of cisplatin groups (<200 mg/m2 and ≥200 mg/m2) and chemotherapy schedules (3-weekly and weekly). But malnutrition was statistically significant higher in patients treated with 3-weekly cisplatin compared with patients treated with weekly cisplatin (p = 0.001). Conclusion: A cisplatin dose with ≥200 mg/m2 is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Chemotherapy schedules weekly and 3-weekly have similar outcomes and adverse effects. If patients achieve ≥200 mg/m2 dose of cumulative cisplatin, weekly chemotherapy schedules may be used safely and effectively in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Resumo Introdução: Três doses semanais de cisplatina com quimiorradioterapia concomitante são aceitas como o tratamento-padrão para carcinoma nasofaríngeo. No entanto, diferentes esquemas quimioterápicos são recomendados na literatura científica. Objetivo: Comparar a toxicidade e os resultados de 3 doses altas semanais de cisplatina versus dose baixa semanal de cisplatina em pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo e verificar a dose cumulativa de cisplatina. Método: Foram incluídos 98 pacientes, entre 2010 e 2018. As doses cumulativas de cisplatina (≥ 200 mg/m2 e < 200 mg/m2) e diferentes esquemas de quimioterapia (semanal e a cada 3 semanas) foram comparadas em termos de toxicidade e sobrevida. Além disso, fatores prognósticos, inclusive idade, sexo, categoria T, categoria N e técnica de radioterapia, foram avaliados na análise uni-multivariada. Resultados: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 41,5 meses (intervalo: 2-93 meses). Sobrevida global de cinco anos, sobrevida livre de recidiva local, sobrevida livre de recidiva regional e sobrevida livre de metástases a distância foram: 68,9% vs. 90,3% (p = 0,11); 66,2% vs. 81,6% (p = 0,15); 87,3% vs. 95,7% (p = 0,18); e 80,1% vs. 76,1% (p = 0,74) para os grupos tratados semanalmente e 3 x/semana, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos. Taxas de sobrevida global, sobrevida livre de recidiva local, sobrevida livre de recidiva regional e sobrevida livre de metástases a distância em cinco anos foram; 78,2% vs. 49,2% (p = 0,003); 75,8% vs. 47,9% (p = 0,055); 91% vs. 87,1% (p = 0,46); 80% vs. 72,2% (p = 0,46) para o grupo tratado com ≥ 200 mg/m2 e < 200 mg/m2 de dose cumulativa de cisplatina. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para sobrevida global e houve uma diferença quase estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para sobrevida livre de recidiva local. Idade, sexo, categoria T, categoria N e esquemas de quimioterapia não foram associados ao prognóstico na análise univariada. A técnica de radioterapia e dose cumulativa de cisplatina foram associadas ao prognóstico na análise univariada (HR = 0,21; IC 95%: 0,071 ± 0,628; p = 0,005 e HR = 0,29; IC 95%: 0,125 ± 0,686; p = 0,003, respectivamente). Apenas a dose cumulativa de cisplatina foi considerada um fator prognóstico independente na análise multivariada (HR = 0,36; IC 95%: 0,146 ± 0,912; p = 0,03). Quando as toxicidades foram avaliadas, como toxicidade hematológica, dermatite, mucosite, náusea e vômito, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre a dose cumulativa dos grupos cisplatina (< 200 mg/m2 e ≥ 200 mg/m2) e esquemas de quimioterapia (semanal e a cada 3 semanas). Entretanto, a desnutrição foi estatisticamente maior em pacientes tratados com cisplatina a cada 3 semanas em comparação com pacientes tratados com cisplatina semanalmente (p = 0,001). Conclusão: Uma dose de cisplatina ≥ 200 mg/m2 é fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global. Os esquemas de quimioterapia semanais e a cada 3 semanas têm resultados e efeitos adversos semelhantes. Se os pacientes atingirem uma dose cumulativa ≥ 200 mg/m2 de cisplatina, os esquemas semanais de quimioterapia podem ser usados com segurança e eficácia em pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo.

LMP2-DC Vaccine Elicits Specific EBV-LMP2 Response to Effectively Improve Immunotherapy in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Cancer / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine based on latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2) modified dendritic cells (DCs) that boosts specific responses of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to LMP2 before and after intradermal injection in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).@*Methods@#DCs were derived from peripheral blood monocytes of patients with NPC. We prepared LMP2-DCs infected by recombinant adenovirus vector expressing LMP2 (rAd-LMP2). NPC patients were immunized with 2 × 10 @*Results@#We demonstrated that DCs derived from monocytes displayed typical DC morphologies; the expression of LMP2 in the LMP2-DCs vaccine was confirmed by immunocytochemical assay. Twenty-nine patients with NPC were enrolled in this clinical trial. The LMP2-DCs vaccine was well tolerated in all of the patients. Boosted responses to LMP2 peptide sub-pools were observed in 18 of the 29 patients with NPC. The follow-up data of 29 immunized patients from April, 2010 to April 2015 indicated a five-year survival rate of 94.4% in responders and 45.5% in non-responders.@*Conclusion@#In this pilot study, we demonstrated that the LMP2-DCs vaccine is safe and effective in patients with NPC. Specific CTLs responses to LMP2 play a certain role in controlling and preventing the recurrence and metastasis of NPC, which warrants further clinical testing.

Locally Advanced Staged Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Treated with Endoscopic Endonasal Approach and Angio-embolization at a Tertiary Institution in Jamaica / Angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil en etapa localmente avanzada tratado con un enfoque endonasal endoscópico y angioembolización en una institución terciaria en Jamaica

ABSTRACT Locally advanced staged juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) traditionally treated with external approaches has been associated with significant morbidities such as blood loss with subsequent blood transfusions, scars, impaired speech, poor swallowing, recurrence and prolonged hospital stays. This case report describes our initial experience in a patient with a locally advanced JNA treated with endonasal endoscopic approach and angio-embolization at Kingston Public Hospital, Jamaica, with subsequent benefits.

RESUMEN El angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil (ANJ) en etapa localmente avanzada, tratado tradicionalmente con enfoques externos, se ha asociado a morbilidades significativas, tales como pérdida de sangre con transfusiones subsecuentes de sangre, cicatrices, trastornos del habla, pobre deglución, recurrencia y estancias hospitalarias prolongadas. Este reporte de caso describe nuestra experiencia inicial con un paciente con ANJ localmente avanzada tratado con un enfoque endonasal endoscópico y angioembolización en el Hospital Público de Kingston, Jamaica, con beneficios subsiguientes.

Cáncer de cavum. Experiencia institucional / Cancer of cavum. Institutional experience

Los carcinomas epidermoides de cabeza y cuello son un grupo poco frecuente de neoplasias, en los Estados Unidos representan aproximadamente el 3% de todos los tumores. El cáncer de cavum se diferencia de otros tumores de cabeza y cuello por su epidemiología, histología, historia natural y respuesta al tratamiento. Presenta una marcada variación geográfica debido a su etiología multifactorial. En las áreas endémicas, la incidencia y la mortalidad han disminuido en los últimos 30 años. Esto probablemente se deba a cambios en el estilo de vida y avances en la radioterapia (RT) y quimioterapia (QT) sistémica (AU)

Epidermoid carcinomas of the head and neck are a rare group of tumors, in the United States they account for 3% of all cancers. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma differs from others head and neck squamous cells carcinomas in epidemiology, natural history, and response to treatment. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma displays a distinct racial and geographic distribution, which is reflective of its multifactorial etiology. The incidence and mortality has declined over the past 30 years in many endemic areas. This finding is probably a result of a combination of lifestyle modification and advances in radiotherapy and effective systemic agents (AU)

Fibroangioma nasofaríngeo juvenil: experiencia de 15 años en el Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau / Juvenile nasopharyngeal fibroangioma: the experience of 15 years in Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau

Introducción: El fibroangioma nasofaríngeo juvenil es un tumor vascular benigno localmente agresivo, que afecta casi exclusivamente la nasofaringe de adolescentes de sexo masculino. Su manejo es complejo dada su extensión, naturaleza vascular y sus frecuentes recurrencias. Objetivo: Mostrar la experiencia de 15 años en fibroangioma juvenil en nuestro centro. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los pacientes con diagnóstico de ingreso de fibroangioma nasofaríngeo juvenil al Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau entre los años 1997 y 2011, caracterizando al grupo de estudio en cuanto a características clínico-demográficas, vasos aferentes, relación entre etapa tumoral y vascularización, manejo terapéutico, complicaciones y recurrencias. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 20 pacientes, todos de sexo masculino, con un promedio de edad de 13,9 años. El síntoma de presentación más frecuente fue la epistaxis a repetición y obstrucción nasal presente en el 90% y 80%, respectivamente. Todos los pacientes se estudiaron con tomografia computarizada y recibieron embolización arterial preoperatoria. La mayoría de los tumores fueron de tipo II (65%) y III (20%), según clasificación de Radkowski. La técnica quirúrgica más empleada fue abierta (57,8%). Radioterapia en un caso. El vaso aferente principal fue la maxilar interno ipsilateral en el 100%. Todos los fibroangiomas etapa III eran además irrigados por la arteria carótida interna. Se encontró 20% de persistencia y 15% de recidiva. Conclusión: Nuestros resultados concuerdan con la gran mayoría de las series publicadas en la literatura. Epistaxis recurrente, obstrucción nasal y tumor nasal unilateral deben hacernos sospechar de esta patología en un adolescente masculino. El tratamiento de elección es la cirugía con embolización preoperatoria. La vía de abordaje endoscópica presenta menor morbilidad posoperatoria en pacientes con estadios I y II de Radkowski. Todos los fibroangiomas con compromiso intracraneano, presentan irrigación también del sistema carotideo interno.

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal Fibroangioma is a locally aggressive benign vascular tumor. Its management is complex given its size, vascular nature and its frequent recurrences. Aim: To show the experience of 15 years in Juvenile Fibroangioma in our center. Material and method: Retrospective descriptive study of patients admitted with a diagnosis of Juvenile Fibroangioma Nasopharyngeal in the Department of Otolaryngology Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau between 1997 and 2011. Results: A total of 20 patients was obtained. The most common presenting symptom was recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction present in 90% and 80% respectively. The most common surgical technique was open (57.8%). Radiotherapy in one case. The main afferent vessel was the ipsilateral internal maxillary in 100%. All Fibroangioma stage III were also supplied by the internal carotid artery. 20% of persistence and 15% of recurrence was found. Conclusion: Recurrent epistaxis, nasal obstruction and unilateral nasal tumor should raise the suspicion of this disease in a male teenager. The treatment of choice is surgery with preoperative embolization. The route of endoscopic approach has less postoperative morbidity in patients with stage I and II of Radkowski. All Fibroangioma with intracranial commitment, have also the internal carotid irrigation system.

Role of regenerating gene IA expression on local invasion and survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Regenerating gene IA (REGIA) plays an important role in tissue regeneration and tumors prognosis of epithelium origin. However, the role of REGIA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the expression and function of REG1A in NPC. RESULTS: We have found that there was 63 patients with REGIA positive expression of 155 patients in this study (40.65%). The positive expression rate of REGIA was 30.50, 44.44 and 47.83% in stage T2, T3 and T4 patients, respectively. The REGIA expression was significantly difference in T2 and T4 stage tumors or T2 and T3-T4 stage. The positive expression rate of REGIA was found to be higher in patients with cervical lymph node persistence than those with cervical lymph node complete regression. Patients with negative REGIA expression had a better overall survival and free survival than those with REGIA positive expression. In addition, according to the univariate and multivariate analysis, the REGIA expression was an independent adverse prognostic factor for NPC patients. CONCLUSION: REGIA expression was a useful biomarker in NPC patients for assessing T stage and survival.

A case of central retinal artery occlusion following embolization procedure for juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

A 23-year-old male patient with right nasal Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) developed Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) during embolization of the tumor using polyvinyl alcohol particles before endoscopic excision. Classic CRAO management was initiated by an ophthalmologist after 12 h. Retrospective evaluation of the angiograms revealed a tiny communication between the external carotid and ophthalmic arteries which had not been noticed before embolization. During endoscopic excision, the tumor was found to originate extraordinarily from midline structures. It was concluded that CRAO might be a rare complication of JNA embolization. Careful preoperative angiographic evaluations to detect communicating arteries and immediate ophthalmologic consultation in case of developing visual symptoms during the procedure are necessary.

Tumores que comprometen la rinofaringe: nuestra experiencia / Tumors of rhinopharynx: our experience

Las lesiones que comprometen la rinofaringe son de difícil diagnóstico debido al complejo acceso a esta región, excepto cuando éstas alcanzan mayor tamaño o cuando presentan síntomas y/o signos secundarios al compromiso de estructuras adyacentes o de diseminación. El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar y describir casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de patología tumoral de la rinofaringe, con la finalidad de aportar nuevos antecedentes en un área en la cual existen pocos estudios publicados, dada su baja incidencia. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de corte transversal de 10 casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de patologías que comprometían la rinofaringe, evaluados en la unidad de Otoneurología del Instituto de Neurocirugía (1999-2008). De los casos analizados, se observó una mediana de edad de 52,5 años, el tiempo desde la presentación de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico fue de 8,5 meses. Los tumores de origen epitelial fueron la causa más frecuente, presentándose además tumores de origen óseo y linfoide. El tratamiento fue quirúrgico y asociado a terapia complementaria según necesidad. El número de casos analizados es pequeño, por lo que no es posible sacar conclusiones, sin embargo, dado la clínica inespecífica es fundamental un alto índice de sospecha, e idealmente en el estudio inicial realizar un examen endoscópico en forma rutinaria.

Lesions of rhinopharynx are difficult to diagnose due to the complex access to this área, except when they reach a greater size or when they present symptoms and/or signs secondary to the compression ofadjacent structures or dissemination. The aim of this study was to analyze and to describe clinical cases of patients with rhinopharynx pathologies, with the purpose of giving new antecedents in an area where are few published studies, due to its low incidence. A cross-sectional descriptive study was made of 10 clinical cases of patients with rhinopharynx tumors, which were evaluated in the unit of Otoneurology of the Neurosurgery Institute (1999-2008). The median age was 52.5 years, and the time since the symptoms appear and the diagnosis was made was of 8.5 months. The most frequent causes were tumors of epithelial origin, but also osseous and lymphoid tumors were observed. Treatment was surgical and/or associated to complementary therapy Due to the small number cases analyzed it is not possible to draw conciusions, nevertheless, it is important to have a high índex of suspicion, given the unspecific symptom and signs that they may present, and idealiy in the initial study of these patients it is necessary to perform an endoscopic evaluation.

Experiência de sete anos em pacientes com angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil / A seven-year experience with patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

O angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil (ANJ) é um raro tumor em adolescentes masculinos originário na nasofaringe. OBJETIVOS: Apresentar a experiência do tratamento do ANJ em pacientes do Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia entre 2001 e 2008. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram revisados de prontuários do Serviço de Otorrinolaringologia os dados demográficos, apresentação clínica, métodos de investigação e tratamento de 16 pacientes. DESENHO DO ESTUDO: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. Resultados: Todos os pacientes são do gênero masculino e a média de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 16,8 anos (variação de 9 a 23 anos), sendo mais de 56 por cento deles com estádio II de Fisch. Embolização pré-operatória foi realizada em 10 pacientes (62,5 por cento). Todos os 16 pacientes foram submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica. Dois pacientes (66,7 por cento) que não foram submetidos à embolização pré-operatória necessitaram de transfusão sanguínea. O índice de recidiva foi de 43,75 por cento e o índice de cura foi 93,75 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: Embolização pré-operatória diminui a perda sanguínea intra-operatória. O índice de recidiva foi relacionado ao estadiamento avançado do tumor ao diagnóstico e à não-realização de embolização pré-operatória. Cirurgia associada à embolização pré-operatória são os principais tratamentos do ANJ. Todos os pacientes devem ter estudos de imagem pré-operatórios, especialmente tomografia computadorizada, para auxiliar no planejamento cirúrgico e no seguimento.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare tumor in adolescent males. It originates in the nasopharynx. AIM: to present the experience of JNA management at an Otorhinolaryngology Service between 2001 and 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographical data, clinical presentation, investigations as well as the treatment of sixteen JNA patients were reviewed and collected from medical records from the ORL Service. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive study. Results: All JNA patients were male. The average age at diagnosis was 16.8 years (range 9-23 years). More than 56 percent of the patients were classified as Fisch II. Preoperative embolization was carried out in ten (62.5 percent) patients. All 16 patients were submitted to primary surgical resection. Two patients (66.7 percent) who didn't receive preoperative embolization required intraoperative blood transfusion. The overall recurrence rate was 43.75 percent and the cure rate was 93.75 percent. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization minimizes intraoperative blood loss. The recurrence rate was related to advanced tumoral stage at diagnostic and the lack of preoperative embolization. Surgery combined with preoperative embolization is the major treatment for JNA. All the patients should undergo preoperative imaging studies, especially CT, to assist in surgical planning and follow-up.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the management of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: current status.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) differs from other head and neck cancers in its epidemiology, natural behavior and, particularly, in the therapeutic considerations. In addition, NPC is responsive to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT). This article reviews the recent advances in concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for NPC. To identify the studies mentioned in this article, we searched the MEDLINE database, and abstracts of selected conference proceedings (up to 2008) using the key words 'nasopharyngeal carcinoma,' 'advanced,' 'radiotherapy,' and 'concurrent chemotherapy.' Eight randomized clinical trials of CCRT in NPC have been reported in the English literature. These trials can be classified according to the timing of the chemotherapy, which was given either concurrently with RT (in three trials) or concurrently with radiotherapy and adjuvant after the and of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (in five trials). There have also been four meta-analyses addressing the value and scheduling of chemotherapy in the curative treatment of NPC. This article reviews the recent literature and the pertinent issues concerning the role of CCRT in the treatment of patients with locoregionally advanced NPC.

Ressecção endoscópica de nasoangiofibroma / Endoscopic surgery of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

O nasoangiofibroma é um tumor benigno com componente vascular que acomete homens jovens, e tem como principal tratamento a cirurgia. Tem sido descrita a utilização de cirurgia endoscópica para a ressecção de tumores em estádios iniciais, sem evidência de permanência de restos tumorais ou recidiva da doença. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem o objetivo de avaliar a via endoscópica precedida pela embolização como meio de tratamento para nasoangiofibroma em estádios II, e um caso selecionado em estádio III, com avaliação da morbidade pós-operatória a partir das seguintes variáveis: tempo cirúrgico, tempo de internamento pós-operatório, necessidade de transfusão sangüínea, presença de complicações, tempo entre embolização e cirurgia e presença de recidiva tumoral. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado em estudo prospectivo, a partir de nove pacientes internados no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza SESA/SUS no período de outubro de 2001 a novembro de 2004. CONCLUSÃO: Pelos dados obtidos, concluiu-se que a via endoscópica, quando precedida pela embolização tumoral, é uma via eficaz no tratamento de nasoangiofibromas em estádios iniciais, com reduzida morbidade pós-operatória.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a vascular benign tumor that affects young men, and surgery is the treatment of choice. Endoscopic surgery has been used to excise tumors in their initial stages, when there is no evidence of residual or recurrent disease. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the endoscopic approach preceded by tumor embolization as treatment option for stages II to III angiofibroma. Treatment morbidity was evaluated through: surgery duration, hospital stay after surgery, the need for blood transfusion, complications, the time span between preoperative embolization and surgery, and tumor recurrence. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out with nine patients treated at the Fortaleza General Hospital SESA/SUS from October 2001 through November 2004. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we may conclud that the endoscopic approach, when preceded by embolization, is effective to treat angiofibromas in their initial stages, with reduced postoperative morbidity.

Metastatic tumors in the sellar and parasellar regions: clinical review of four cases

Metastatic tumors in the sellar and parasellar regions are uncommon and rarely detected in clinical practice. We present four cases of sellar and parasellar metastatic tumors, which metastasized from distant organ in one case and extended directly from adjacent structures in three. Common presenting symptoms were cranial neuropathies, headache and facial pain. Invasion into the cavernous sinus was noted in all cases. We report rare cases of sellar and parasellar metastases. Also, we should consider the possibility of metastasis in these regions for patients who showed the above clinical presentations in systemic cancer patients. In extensive diseases, transient symptomatic relief could be obtained by direct surgical management, even in restricted degree.

Delayed administration of G-CSF in both mobilization and post transplantation in autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSFs) play a very important role in the current technique of stem cell transplantation. The conventional timing of administration of G-CSF in both mobilization and post transplantation has been right after chemotherapy or right after transplantation. We have studied the effects of timing of administration of G-CSF in 21 patients who had autologous stem cell transplantation for breast cancer, lymphoma or nasopharyngeal cancer. Their stem cells were mobilized by chemotherapy followed by G-CSF, which were given on day +1 or day +5 after chemotherapy. The median peak percentage of CD34 positive cells harvested using both technique were 1.88 and 0.48% respectively. After transplantation, G-CSF were given on day +1 or day +6 after stem cell infusion until neutrophil recovery. The time until bone marrow recovery was significantly longer in the group with delayed administration of G-CSF (10 days versus 8 days). However, there was no difference in duration of neutropenic fever or hospital stay after transplantation. The transplantation outcome was also unaffected. We therefore concluded that G-CSF can be given in the delayed fashion in both mobilizing and post transplantation settings without jeopardizing the outcome and this would result in a significant cost saving.

Angiofibroma de nasofaringe. Diagnóstico y tratamiento. (Experiencia del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de México) / Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Diagnosis and treatment. (Experience of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología de México)

El angiofibroma de nasofaringe (AN) es una neoplasia rara, histológicamente benigna, que se presenta casi exclusivamente en adolescentes del sexo masculino. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en 35 pacientes con diagnóstico de angiofibroma de nasofaringe, tratados durante el periodo que comprende de enero de 1976 a diciembre de 1996, analizando los métodos de tratamiento y abordajes quirúrgicos. Todos los pacientes correspondieron al sexo masculino y el promedio de edad fue de 18.8 años. Los hallazgos clínicos más frecuentes fueron tumor en nasofaringe, obstrucción nasal y epistaxis. Con motivo de la revisión todas las lesiones se reclasificaron de acuerdo al sistema de etapificación de la American Joint Committee (AJC). Veintisiete pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente, a 17 se les practicó embolización preoperatoria y 10 casos más requirieron cirugía adicional, únicamente ocho pacientes recibieron radioterapia como modalidad única de tratamiento. El 71 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraba libre de enfermedad a 60 meses del seguimiento, el éxito del manejo quirúrgico se obtuvo en el 77 por ciento de los pacientes que se trataron con cirugía como modalidad individual de tratamiento. La morbi-mortalidad asociada a este padecimiento está íntimamente vinculada a la rica vascularidad del tumor y la propiedad de invasión localmente agresiva. La excisión quirúrgica se recomienda para las etapas I, II y II. En la etapa IV recomendamos la resección quirúrgica y/o radioterapia

Nasoangiofibroma: Conceptos actuales y revisión sobre su diagnóstico y tratamiento / Juvenil angiofibroma of the nasopharinx: Current concepts and review about its diagnosis and treatment

El nasoangiofibroma conocido también como angiofibroma nasofaríngeo juvenil es el tumor benigno más frecuente de la nasofaringe. Por su histología benigna con comportamiento clínico agresivo y destructivo local amplia se le clasifica dentro de los tumores de malignidad intermedia. Debido a la localización de su sitio de implantación en la nasofaringe con extensión frecuente a estructuras de la base del cráneo y ocacionalmente intracraneal requiere de un diagnóstico clínico y de imagenología preciso. El tratamiento de elección es el quirúrgico. Por la localización de su base de implantación en el receso esfenoetmoidal, debe elegirse una vía de abordaje adecuada y segura que permite lograr una exposición amplia y resección completa