Use of EMPAgliflozin in the prevention of CARDiotoxicity: the EMPACARD - PILOT trial.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline-based chemotherapy represents a cornerstone treatment for a number of common cancers, including breast cancer, lymphoma, and sarcoma. However, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity remains a significant concern, often presenting as a decline in cardiac function which can ultimately lead to heart failure (HF) or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction, in up to 10-15% of patients.Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of HF in high-risk non-cancer patients. Preliminary retrospective data suggest their role in mitigating the incidence of HF during or after anthracycline treatment METHODS: The EMPACARD-PILOT trial was a prospective case‒control study involving breast cancer patients scheduled to undergo anthracycline-based chemotherapy in a 4-cycle protocol of 60 mg/m2 doxorubicin. We used the HFA/ICOS risk score to identify patients at high or very high risk of cardiotoxicity. Patients with diabetes mellitus or stable heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) were prescribed empagliflozin (10 mg per day), starting seven days before the administration of anthracyclines and continuing for a period of six months. Those not meeting these criteria served as controls. The primary endpoint was cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) incidence. CTRCD was defined as either a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of at least 10% to a final value below 50% or a reduction in global longitudinal strain (GLS) of at least 15% from baseline at any point during the study. The secondary endpoints included mortality and hospitalization due to cardiovascular causes or clinical heart failure. Exploratory endpoints included increases in serum troponin and NT-proBNP levels and a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The safety endpoints tracked includedketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, sepsis, neutropenic fever, and urinary tract infections. RESULTS: During the enrollment period, 785 breast cancer patients were analysed. Of these, 107 met the inclusion criteria, and 76 subsequently provided informed consent. The study was conducted with comparable adherence rates of 81.5% in both the empagliflozin group (n = 38) and the control group (n = 38). The follow-up data from 62 patients revealed a significant reduction in the primary outcome within 6 months for the empagliflozin group compared with the control group (6.5% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.005), with a relative risk of 0.18 (95% CI: 0.04-0.75). Compared with the control treatment, treatment with empagliflozin also significantly preserved the ejection fraction at 6 months follow-up (56.8% ± 5.8% vs. 53.7% ± 6.7, p = 0.029). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of NT-proBNP, cTnI, clinical heart failure, GFR, or mortality/hospitalization due to heart failure. CONCLUSION: Empagliflozin is associated with reduced incidence of CTRCD in high-risk patients treated with anthracyclines. These data should serve as the foundation for a clinical trial to test whether SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the incidence of heart failure in this patient group.

Association between Leukemic Evolution and Uncommon Chromosomal Alterations in Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Background: Pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome (pMDS) is a group of rare clonal neoplasms with a difficult diagnosis and risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The early stratification in risk groups is essential to choose the treatment and indication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). According to the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System, cytogenetic analysis has demonstrated an essential role in diagnosis and prognosis. In pMDS, abnormal karyotypes are present in 30-50% of the cases. Monosomy 7 is the most common chromosomal alteration associated with poor prognosis. However, the rarity of specific cytogenetic alterations makes its prognosis uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to describe uncommon cytogenetic alterations in a cohort of 200 pMDS patients and their association with evolution to AML. Methods: The cytogenetic analysis was performed in 200 pMDS patients by G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization between 2000 to 2022. Results: Rare chromosome alterations were observed in 7.5% (15/200) of the cases. These chromosome alterations were divided into four cytogenetic groups: hyperdiploidy, biclonal chromosomal alterations, translocations, and uncommon deletions representing 33.3%, 33.3%, 20%, and 13.3%, respectively. Most of these patients (10/15) were classified with advanced MDS (MDS-EB and MDS/AML) and the initial subtype was present in five patients (RCC). The leukemic evolution was observed in 66.66% (10/15) of the patients. Most patients had poor clinical outcomes and they were indicated for HSCT. Conclusion: The study of uncommon cytogenetic alterations in pMDS is important to improve the prognosis and guide early indication of HSCT.

Severe cardiac events induced by combination immunotherapy in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: The use of combined immunotherapy could increase non-severe and severe cardiac events in patients with cancer. To examine the occurrence of severe cardiac adverse events of combined immunotherapy compared to single immunotherapy, we analysed 4 electronic databases from inception to August 2021. Material and methods: We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing combined versus single immunotherapy, for the treatment of melanoma, oesophagogastric cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. Pre-defined combined immunotherapy included monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1 inhibitors) plus against cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4 inhibitors) or against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1 inhibitors) plus CTLA-4 inhibitors. The pooled risk ratios (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects model. Results: Four RCTs involving 1581 patients were included, with a follow-up time between 18 and 39 months. The use of combined immunotherapy in comparison with single immunotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of severe cardiac adverse events: acute coronary syndromes (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 0.29-10.83, very low certainty of evidence (CoE)), myocardial infarction (RR = 3.93, 95% CI: 0.44-35.39, very low CoE), heart failure (RR = 2.99, 95% CI: 0.61-14.79, very low CoE), and atrial fibrillation (RR = 2.26, 95% CI: 0.62-8.16, very low CoE). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows that the risk of severe cardiac adverse events with combined immunotherapy seems similar to single immunotherapy, but the evidence is very uncertain. Therefore, more RCTs with longer follow-ups and adequately powered to assess cardiac adverse events are needed to confirm these findings.

A Novel Constitutional t(3;8)(p26;q21) and ANKRD26 and SRP72 Variants in a Child with Myelodysplastic Neoplasm: Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: Childhood myelodysplastic neoplasm (cMDS) often raises concerns about an underlying germline predisposition, and its verification is necessary to guide therapeutic choice and allow family counseling. Here, we report a novel constitutional t(3;8)(p26;q21) in a child with MDS, inherited from the father, the ANKRD26 and SRP72 variants from the maternal origin, and the acquisition of molecular alterations during MDS evolution. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old girl showed repeated infections and severe neutropenia. Bone marrow presented hypocellularity with dysplastic features. The patient had a t(3;8)(p26;q21)c identified by G-banding and FISH analysis. The family nucleus investigation identified the paternal origin of the chromosomal translocation. The NGS study identified ANKRD26 and SRP72 variants of maternal origin. CGH-array analysis detected alterations in PRSS3P2 and KANSL genes. Immunohistochemistry showed abnormal p53 expression during the MDS evolution. CONCLUSION: This study shows for the first time, cytogenetic and genomic abnormalities inherited from the father and mother, respectively, and their clinical implications. It also shows the importance of investigating patients with constitutional cytogenetic alterations and/or germline variants to provide information to their family nucleus for genetic counseling and understanding of the pathogenesis of childhood MDS.

Cardiovascular toxicity of checkpoint inhibitors: review of associated toxicity and design of the Spanish Immunotherapy Registry of Cardiovascular Toxicity.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have changed the prognosis of many tumors. However, concerning associated cardiotoxicity has been reported. Little is known about the real-life incidence-specific surveillance protocols or the translational correlation between the underlying mechanisms and the clinical presentation of ICI-induced cardiotoxicity. The lack of data from prospective studies led us to review the current knowledge and to present the creation of the Spanish Immunotherapy Registry of Cardiovascular Toxicity (SIR-CVT), a prospective registry of patients receiving ICI that aims to examine the role of hsa-miR-Chr8:96, (a specific serum biomarker of myocarditis) in the early diagnosis of ICI-induced myocarditis. An exhaustive prospective cardiac imaging study will be performed before and during the first 12 months of treatment. The correlation between clinical, imaging, and immunologic parameters may improve our understanding of ICI-induced cardiotoxicity and enable simpler surveillance protocols. We assess ICI-induced cardiovascular toxicity and describe the rationale of the SIR-CVT.

[Selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor hypersensitivity]. / Hipersensibilidad selectiva a inhibidores de la ciclooxigenasa-2.

BACKGROUND: The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are usually recommended as a safe alternative in patients with multiple hypersensitivity to non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions have been described, and the possibility of cross-reactivity with sulphonamides. CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old patient who, after taking a celecoxib tablet, presented with latency of several hours a skin reaction. Previously, he had presented a minor reaction during treatment with etoricoxib without establishing the correlation at that time. The patient underwent an allergological study by means of skin tests with negative results and an oral challenged test with etoricoxib with positive results. Tolerance to sulfonamides was proven. CONCLUSIONS: We present a singular case of a cross-reactivity skin reaction to etoricoxib and celecoxib, suggesting the need to perform challenge tests to confirm the tolerance or not of each drug before allowing their use. On the contrary, trimethropim/sulfamethoxazole could be safely used in our patients, if needed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los inhibidores de la ciclooxigenasa-2 suelen indicarse en pacientes con hipersensibilidad múltiple a los antiinflamatorios no esteroides. Sin embargo, se han descrito reacciones de hipersensibilidad inmediata y retardada, además de posible reactividad cruzada con sulfonamidas. REPORTE DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 66 años, que acudió al servicio de Alergia por una reacción cutánea, luego de haber consumido un comprimido de celecoxib. Previamente, durante el tratamiento con etoricoxib, tuvo una reacción menor, sin establecer la correlación farmacológica. Se realizaron pruebas cutáneas (intraepidérmicas y epicutáneas), con resultados negativos, y un examen de exposición oral controlada con etoricoxib, con resultado positivo. Se comprobó la tolerancia a las sulfamidas. CONCLUSIONES: El caso de reacción cutánea, mediante reactividad cruzada, entre etoricoxib y celecoxib expuesto en este artículo sugiere la necesidad de realizar pruebas de provocación para confirmar la tolerancia de cada fármaco antes de su prescripción. Por el contrario, trimetropim-sulfametoxazol pueden indicarse con seguridad, si fuese necesario.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia in a long-standing HIV-positive patient: Case report and literature review.

The use of antiretroviral therapy has drastically improved the life quality and prognosis of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) currently does not appear to be significantly increased compared to the general population. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), infrequent in people with HIV, is a distinct subtype of AML with unique molecular pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment. Herein we describe a fatal case of APL hypogranular variant in an HIV-positive patient presenting with hyperleukocytosis. Also, we conducted a literature review of the ten cases reported so far.

Particularidades clínicas e imagenológicas de un paciente con neumonía por Mycoplasma pneumoniae adquirida en la comunidad / Clinical and Imaging Characteristics of a Patient With Community-Acquired Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

RESUMEN El Mycoplasma pneumoniae es causa frecuente de infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior e inferior en niños y adultos jóvenes, atribuyéndosele hasta un 40 % de los casos de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. La neumonía por bacterias atípicas ha sido tema de discusión desde su descripción. El diagnóstico de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad es fundamentalmente clínico. La radiografía de tórax es el patrón oro para confirmarlo, pero no se recomienda de forma rutinaria. En casos graves es necesaria la obtención de imágenes tomográficas. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el caso de un paciente con neumonía causada por Mycoplasma pneumoniae adquirida en la comunidad que fue atendido en el Hospital de Cienfuegos. Se trata de un hombre de color de piel blanca, de 51 años de edad, de procedencia urbana, sin hábitos tóxicos, con antecedentes patológicos personales de hipertensión arterial desde hacía tres años, con tratamiento regular; diabetes mellitus tipo 2, con control glucémico mediante dieta, además antecedentes referidos de insuficiencia venosa, el cual se ingresa en el hospital por el diagnóstico de neumonía atípica. Evolucionó hacia la gravedad, pero el adecuado empleo e interpretación de los elementos clínicos e imagenológicos permitió llegar al diagnóstico de neumonía por Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adquirida en la comunidad. Se logró una atención médica adecuada y la recuperación del paciente.

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children and young adults, accounting for up to 40% of community-acquired pneumonia cases. The diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia is primarily clinical. Chest radiography is the gold standard for confirmation, but it is not routinely recommended. In severe cases, tomographic imaging is necessary. The objective of this work is to present the case of a patient with pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae acquired in the community who was treated at the Hospital de Cienfuegos. This is a 51-year-old man of white skin color, of urban origin, without toxic habits, with a personal pathological history of arterial hypertension for three years, with regular treatment; Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with glycemic control through diet, in addition to a referred history of venous insufficiency, which was admitted to the hospital for the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia. It progressed towards severity, but the proper use and interpretation of the clinical and imaging elements allowed the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae to be reached. Adequate medical care and recovery of the patient was achieved.

Neumomediastino espontáneo y dermatomiositis. Presentación de un caso / Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and dermatomyositis. A case report

RESUMEN La dermatomiositis forma parte de las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas. La presentación clínicamente amiopática comprende un grupo especial de pacientes, cuyo cuadro clínico está caracterizado por la presencia de lesiones cutáneas típicas, compromiso muscular mínimo o ausente y riesgo aumentado de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 47 años, con pérdida de peso marcada, debilidad muscular proximal discreta, malestar general, eritema en heliotropo, edema palpebral, torácico y disfagia funcional. Durante el ingreso se realizaron varios exámenes complementarios dentro de los que se incluyeron creatinphosphokinasa que fue normal, tomografía de tórax con presencia de fibrosis intersticial y biopsia de músculo compatible con los cambios de una miopatía inflamatoria idiopática. Durante su evolución desarrolló neumomediastino espontáneo. Como resultado de la investigación se diagnosticó dermatomiositis, con compromiso pulmonar. Por ser una entidad poco común y con una elevada mortalidad que solo disminuye si se instaura tratamiento inmunosupresor potente de forma temprana y porque en el caso que se presenta la enfermedad no había evolucionado según las formas clásicas descritas, de decidió su publicación. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra bajo tratamiento inmunosupresor y en evolución clínica.

ABSTRACT Dermatomyositis is one of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The clinically amyopathic presentation comprises a special group of patients, whose clinical picture is characterized by the presence of typical skin lesions, minimal or absent muscle involvement, and an increased risk of interstitial lung disease. The clinical case of a 47-years-old male patient is presented, with marked weight loss, slight proximal muscle weakness, general discomfort, heliotrope erythema, eyelid and thoracic edema and functional dysphagia. During admission, several complementary tests were performed, including creatinphosphokinase, which was normal, a chest tomography with the presence of interstitial fibrosis, and a muscle biopsy compatible with the changes of an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. During his evolution he developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum. As a result of the investigation, dermatomyositis was diagnosed, with pulmonary involvement. Because it is a rare entity with a high mortality that only decreases if powerful immunosuppressive treatment is started early and because in the case that the disease occurs it had not develop according to the classic forms described, it was decided to publish it. Currently the patient is under immunosuppressive treatment and in clinical evolution.

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia with KMT2A-SNX9 gene fusion associated with a hyperdiploid karyotype after hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) following treatment with topoisomerase-II inhibitors has been increasingly reported. These compounds (e.g. etoposide) promote DNA damage and are associated with KMT2A rearrangements. They are widely used as first-line treatment in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Here we describe a newborn who developed t-AML after HLH treatment. We provide detailed clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characteristics of this patient, including the identification of a novel gene fusion - KMT2A-SNX9 - in t-AML. Considering the dismal outcome of this case, we discuss the side-effects of etoposide administration during HLH treatment in infants.

[Role of the cardiologist in the management of oncology patients. Where are we standing, and what to expect in the future?] / Rol del cardiólogo en el manejo de pacientes oncológicos. ¿Dónde estamos y a dónde debemos ir?

Cardiovascular and oncological diseases are the main causes of death worldwide. Cancer patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases but, at the same time, cardiovascular patients experience a higher risk of cancer. This relationship goes beyond the toxicity concerning cancer treatment. Cardio-oncology goal is to facilitate cancer therapy by implementing preventive strategies that allow early diagnosis and treatment of potential cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular complications, being heart failure the most fearest one. The creation of Cardio-oncology services has the potential to impact daily clinical practice and public health, with clear implications into the future.

Use of Sacubitril/valsartan in patients with cardio toxicity and heart failure due to chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a critical problem with an impact on both oncological and cardiovascular prognosis, especially when it prevents patients from receiving cancer treatment. Standard therapy for heart failure (HF) is recommended for CTRCD, but there is no well-established evidence on how sacubitril/valsartan may help cancer patients with cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this trial was to study the effectiveness of sacubitril-valsartan in patients with CTRCD treated in cardio-oncology units. METHODS: We enrolled 635 patients with breast cancer and followed them with echocardiography and NT- proBNP. Patients who developed left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure were treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) (enalapril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (valsartan), aldosterone antagonists (eplerenone), digitalis and diuretics (furosemide), as needed. When patients remained symptomatic and met the PARADIGM-HF inclusion criteria, sacubitril/valsartan was started instead of enalapril or valsartan. We analyzed clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic variables to determine the beneficial effects of sacubitril/valsartan on left ventricular remodeling (improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle internal diameter in diastole), diastolic dysfunction (E/e' ratio), reduction in NT-proBNP levels, New York Heart Association (NHYA) class and improvement in the 6-min walk test. Also, we analyzed serum creatinine and potassium levels to determine treatmentsafety in this population. Median follow-up was 20 months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients developed cardiotoxicity and were treated with sacubitril/valsartan. The sacubitril/valsartan dose was 100 mg (sacubitril 49 mg/valsartan 51 mg) in 12 patients (42.85%) and 200 mg (sacubitril 97 mg/valsartan 103 mg) in 16 patients (57.15%). No deaths were reported, and one patient underwent heart transplantation. Baseline median NT-proBNP was 997.5 pg/ml (IQR 663.8 - 2380.8), which decreased to a median of 416.5 pg/ml (IQR 192.0-798.2) on follow-up with p < 0.001. Baseline NYHA functional class was III (78.6%) or IV (21.4%), and it improved to I (57.1%) or II (42.9%) on follow-up. LVEF increased with treatment from 26.7 ± 5.4% to 32.3 ± 5.5% (p < 0.001). There were also significant improvements in left ventricle internal diameter in diastole (LVIDD), diastolic function, 6-min walk test, and mitral valve regurgitation. There were no differences between basal and follow-up levels of serum creatinine or potassium. CONCLUSION: Sacubitril/valsartan might be a promising treatment option in patients with refractory CTRCD.

Expression Profiles of DNA Methylation and Demethylation Machinery Components in Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Clinical Implications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the expression profiles of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B (components of DNA methylation machinery), TET2 and APOBEC3B (components of DNA demethylation machinery) in pediatric MDS patients and investigate their associations with MDS subtypes, cytogenetics, evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and p15INK4B methylation level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, TET2, and APOBEC3B were evaluated in 39 pediatric MDS patients by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The quantification of p15INK4B methylation levels (MtL) was performed in 20 pediatric MDS patients by pyrosequencing. Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate possible differences between the expression levels of selected in patients and donors, according to MDS subtypes, karyotypes, evolution to AML and p15INK4B MtL. The correlations between the expression levels of the different genes were assessed by Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We found that DNMTs expression levels were higher in pediatric MDS compared to donors [DNMT1 (p<0.03), DNMT3A (p<0.03), DNMT3B (p<0.02)]. TET2 and APOBEC3B expression levels did not show a statistically significant difference between pediatric patients and donors. Considering MDS subtypes, patients at initial stage presented DNMT1 overexpression (p<0.01), while DNMT3A (p<0.02) and DNMT3B (p<0.007) were overexpressed in advanced subtypes. TET2 and APOBEC3B expression did not differ in MDS subtypes. DNMT1 (p<0.03), DNMT3B (p<0.03), and APOBEC3B (p<0.04) expression was higher in patients with normal karyotypes, while patients with abnormal karyotypes showed higher DNMT3A expression (p<0.03). Karyotypes had no association with TET2 expression. DNMTs overexpression was observed in patients who showed disease evolution. A positive correlation was found between DNMTs expression and between APOBEC3B and DNMT3A/DNMT3B. However, TET2 expression was not correlated with DNMTs or APOBEC3B. p15INK4B MtL was higher in pediatric MDS patients compared with donors (p<0.03) and its hypermethylation was associated with increased DNMT1 expression (p<0.009). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the overexpression of DNMTs and an imbalance between the expressions of the DNA methylation/demethylation machinery components play an important role in MDS development and evolution to AML. These results have clinical implications indicating the importance of DNMTs inhibitors for preventing or delaying the progression to leukemia in pediatric MDS patients.

Aberrant Expression of EZH2 in Pediatric Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Potential Biomarker of Leukemic Evolution.

Pediatric myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is an uncommon disease and little is known about the molecular alterations of its development and evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PCR2). It is a histone methyltransferase, that targets lysine 27 of histone 3. This methylated H3-K27 is usually associated with the silencing of genes that are involved in fundamental cellular processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation. There are only few studies showing the status of EZH2 expression in patients with MDS and they were performed in adult MDS patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the EZH2 expression in pediatric patients with MDS and its association with karyotypes and evolution to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We conducted the first study of EZH2 expression in pediatric patients with MDS. Considering the EZH2 expression levels in 42 patients and 17 healthy pediatric donors, it was possible to define three groups of expression in patients: low, intermediate, and high. The intermediate level encompassed patients with normal karyotypes, low level included patients with monosomy 7 and del(7q) and high level included patients with trisomy 8 and del(11q) (p < 0.0001). Comparing the leukemic evolution, the low expression group presented disease evolution in 100% (8/8) of the cases, the intermediate expression group showed disease evolution in 4.34% (1/23) and in the high expression group, 63.63% (7/11) patients showed evolution from MDS to AML (p < 0.0001). It is important to note that low and high EZH2 expression are associated with leukemic evolution, however low expression showed a stronger association with evolution from MDS to AML than the high expression. Our results suggest a scale of measure for EZH2 expression in pediatric MDS, where aberrant EZH2 expression may be a potential biomarker of disease evolution.

An uncommon t(9;11)(p24;q22) with monoallelic loss of ATM and KMT2A genes in a child with myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia who evolved from Fanconi anemia.

BACKGROUND: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is rare in the pediatric age group and it may be associated with inheritable bone marrow failure (BMF) such as Fanconi anemia (FA). FA is a rare multi-system genetic disorder, characterized by congenital malformations and progressive BMF. Patients with FA usually present chromosomal aberrations when evolving to MDS or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thus, the cytogenetic studies in the bone marrow (BM) of these patients have an important role in the therapeutic decision, mainly in the indication for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The most frequent chromosomal alterations in the BM of FA patients are gains of the chromosomal regions 1q and 3q, and partial or complete loss of chromosome 7. However, the significance and the predictive value of such clonal alterations, with respect to malignant progress, are not fully understood and data from molecular cytogenetic studies are very limited. CASE PRESENTATION: A five-year-old boy presented recurrent infections and persistent anemia. The BM biopsy revealed hypocellularity. G-banding was performed on BM cells and showed a normal karyotype. The physical examination showed to be characteristic of FA, being the diagnosis confirmed by DEB test. Five years later, even with supportive treatment, the patient presented severe hypocellularity and BM evolution revealing megakaryocyte dysplasia, intense dyserythropoiesis, and 11% myeloblasts. G-banded analysis showed an abnormal karyotype involving a der(9)t(9;11)(p24;q?22). The FISH analysis showed the monoallelic loss of ATM and KMT2A genes. At this moment the diagnosis was MDS, refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB). Allogeneic HSCT was indicated early in the diagnosis, but no donor was found. Decitabine treatment was initiated and well tolerated, although progression to AML occurred 3 months later. Chemotherapy induction was initiated, but there was no response. The patient died due to disease progression and infection complications. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular cytogenetic analysis showed a yet unreported der(9)t(9;11)(p24;q?22),der(11)t(9;11)(p24;q?22) during the evolution from FA to MDS/AML. The FISH technique was important allowing the identification at the molecular level of the monoallelic deletion involving the KMT2A and ATM genes. Our results suggest that this chromosomal alteration conferred a poor prognosis, being associated with a rapid leukemic transformation and a poor treatment response.

Leiomioma vaginal de crecimiento rápido. Reporte de un caso / Rapidly growing vaginal leiomyoma. A case report

Resumen Antecedentes: Los leiomiomas vaginales son tumores poco frecuentes. Hasta la fecha solo se han reportado 330 casos en la bibliografía internacional. Caso clínico: Paciente de 37 años, que acudió al servicio médico por percibir una tumoración de crecimiento rápido en la vagina. A la exploración física se objetivó una masa de consistencia dura, no dolorosa a la palpación, de aproximadamente 30 mm de diámetro medio, ubicada en el tercio inferior de la cara lateral derecha de la vagina, compatible con mioma vaginal. En ese momento la paciente se negó a recibir tratamiento. Después de algunos meses acudió, nuevamente, a consulta debido a molestias vaginales, metrorragias mayores al ciclo menstrual y dispareunia. La ecografía y resonancia magnética mostraron una tumoración de gran tamaño (58 x 57 x 60 mm), redondeada y de aspecto sólido, situada en el espacio vesicovaginal. Con estos datos se estableció el diagnóstico de leiomioma vaginal pediculado. Para disminuir el volumen y sangrado de los miomas se le prescribieron 5 mg al día de acetato de ulipristal. Después de dos ciclos de tratamiento se objetivó un incremento de la tumoración, que alcanzó 70 x 55 mm. Se decidió efectuar la miomectomía por vía vaginal, sin advertir claramente el pedículo dependiente del útero y el cuello uterino. El posoperatorio trascurrió sin contratiempos. El estudio histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de leiomioma vaginal. Conclusión: Los signos y síntomas (sangrado o manchado anormal, secreción vaginal, dolor o masa pélvica) de los leiomiosarcomas extrauterinos dificultan de emitir recomendaciones precisas para establecer el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Abstract Background: Vaginal leiomyomas are exceptional tumours. Only 330 cases have been reported in the world literature. Clinical case: Patient of 37 years old, with a vagina tumour of rapid growth. The physical examination showed a mass of hard consistency, without pain on palpation, of approximately 30 mm in average diameter, in the lower third of the right lateral of the vagina, compatible with the vaginal myoma. At that time the patient refused to receive treatment. After a few months, a consultation for vaginal discomfort, metrorragia greater than the menstrual cycle and dyspareunia. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance showed a tumour that increased in size (58 x 57 x 60 mm), had a rounded shape and a solid appearance, located in the vesicovaginal space. With these data the diagnosis of pediculated vaginal leiomyoma was established. Ulipristal acetate (5 mg / day) was prescribed to decrease volume and myomatous bleeding. After two treatment cycles, an increase in the tumour was observed, which reached a size of 70 x 55 mm. It was decided to perform myomectomy vaginally, without objectifying the pedicle dependent on the uterus and the cervix. The postoperative period was uneventful. The histopathological study confirms the diagnosis of vaginal leiomyoma. Conclusion: The signs and symptoms (bleeding or abnormal staining, vaginal discharge, pain or pelvic mass) of the extrauterine leiomyosarcomas make it difficult to establish precise recommendations to establish the diagnosis and treatment.

Alterações Citogenético-Moleculares no Gene FOXO1 em uma Criança com Rabdomiossarcoma Alveolar: Relato de Caso / Citogenetic-Molecular Alterations in FOXO1 Gene in a Child with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma: Case Report / Cambios Citogenetico-moleculares en el gene fOxO1 en un Niño con Rabdomiossarcoma Alveolar: Relato de Caso

Introdução: o rabdomiossarcoma (rMs) é o tumor de tecidos moles mais comum da infância. Pode ser classificado em dois subtipos principais: o rabdomiossarcoma alveolar (rMsa) e o embrionário (rMse). no rMsa, o prognóstico é desfavorável quando comparado ao rMse, necessitando de tratamento intensificado; dessa forma, a distinção entre ambos os subtipos é fundamental. citogeneticamente, o rMsa apresenta translocações cromossômicas envolvendo o gene FOXO1 em 80% dos casos. a metodologia de hibridização in situ por fluorescência (FisH) tem sido muito utilizada para caracterizar o rMsa. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, com 7 anos de idade, apresentou ao diagnóstico rMsa parameníngeo, sem metástase ao diagnóstico. a análise por meio de FisH mostrou a translocação envolvendo o gene FOXO1 e uma cópia extra desse gene. a paciente foi incluída no protocolo de tratamento do epssG, classificada como grupo de alto risco e recebeu quimioterapia e radioterapia. no final do tratamento, foi observada resposta parcial e iniciada quimioterapia de segunda linha. não houve resposta clinicorradiológica e a paciente evoluiu com progressão de doença local refratária ao tratamento e óbito após um ano do diagnóstico. Conclusão: de acordo com o nosso conhecimento, é a primeira descrição de um caso de rMsa apresentando a translocação do gene FOXO1 e uma cópia extra desse gene em clones separados. são necessários ainda novos estudos, a fim de compreender melhor o significado prognóstico da presença dessas alterações.

Introduction:rhabdomyosarcoma (rMs) is the most common soft tissue tumor of childhood. it can be classified into two main subtypes: alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (arMs) and embryonal (erMs). in arMs the prognosis is unfavorable when compared to erMs, requiring intensified treatment, thus the distinction between both subtypes is fundamental. cytogenetically, arMs present chromosomal translocations involving the FOXO1 gene in 80% of the cases. The fluorescence in situ hybridization methodology (FisH) has been widely used to characterize arMs subtype. Case Report: a 7-year-old female patient presented with parameningeal arMs, non-metastatic at diagnosis. FisH analysis showed translocation involving the FOXO1 gene and an extra copy of this gene. The patient was enrolled in the epssG treatment protocol, classified as a high-risk group and received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. at the end of treatment a partial response was observed, and second line chemotherapy was started. There was no clinical-radiological response and the patient progressed with local disease, refractory to rescue treatment and died of disease one year after diagnosis. Conclusion:to our knowledge, this is the first case of arMs presenting FOXO1 gene translocation and an extra copy of this gene in separate clones. More studies are necessary to understand the prognostic significance of these alterations

Introducción: el rabdomiosarcoma (rMs) es el tumor de tejidos blandos más común de la infancia. el rMs puede clasificarse en dos subtipos principales, el rabdomiosarcoma alveolar (rMsa) y el embrionario (rMse). el rMsa presenta un pronóstico desfavorable si se compara al rMse, habiendo así necesidad de intensificación del tratamiento. de esta forma, la distinción entre rMsa y rMse es fundamental. citogéticamente, el rMsa presenta en cerca del 80% de los casos de translocación cromosómica que involucra el gen FOXO1. la metodología de Hibridación fluorescente in situ (FisH) ha sido muy utilizada para caracterizar el rMsa. Caso de estudio: Paciente del sexo femenino, de 7 años de edad presentada con un diagnóstico de rMsa parameningeo, sin metástasis. el análisis a través del FisH mostró la translocación envolviendo el gen FOXO1 y una copia extra de este gen. la paciente fue incluida en el protocolo de tratamiento del epssG, clasificado como grupo de alto riesgo y recibió quimioterapia y radioterapia. al final del tratamiento fue observada una respuesta parcial y se inició la quimioterapia de segunda línea. no hubo respuesta clínico-radiológica y la paciente evolucionó con progresión de enfermedad local, refractaria y óbito después de 1 año del diagnóstico. Conclusión: de acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer caso de un niño con rMsa presentando la translocación del gen FOXO1 y una copia extra de este gen en clones separados. se necesitan nuevos estudios para comprender mejor el significado pronóstico de la presencia de estos cambios.