Concomitant or antecedent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is not a prognostic factor in resected pancreatic cancer.

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-associated pancreatic cancer is becoming a common subtype of pancreatic cancer found in resected specimens. The prognostic of this subtype is still under evaluation. The study aims to evaluate the prognosis of IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to the conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: In this study, patients with resected pancreatic neoplasms and IPMN treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, from January 2016 to December 2020, were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and correlations between the variables of interest and the disease specific OS was assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: Of 187 patients undergoing resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma or IPMN, 125 (67%) had pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 33 (18%) had IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and 29 (16%) had IPMN. Resected IPMN was associated with long-term OS for most of the patients. Similar OS was identified in this study in upfront resected pancreatic cancer associated or not with IPMN. No statistical differences in median OS were identified between resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma and IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma (48 vs. 44 months, P=0.44). Size of the tumor [hazard ratio (HR), 1.33], resected stage III (HR, 1.31), perineural invasion (HR, 1.58), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.44), positive lymph nodes (HR, 1.34), and neoadjuvant treatment (HR, 1.70) were associated with worse outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that resected pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and IPMN-associated pancreatic adenocarcinoma has the same prognosis as a conventional pancreatic adenocarcinoma. More than half of the cases of IPMN-associated adenocarcinoma already had positive lymph nodes. The impact of neoadjuvant treatment in this group of patients should be investigated in larger cohorts.

Brazil-TNT: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by FOLFIRINOX Versus Chemoradiation for Stage II/III Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant radiation and oxaliplatin-based systemic therapy (total neoadjuvant therapy-TNT) have been shown to increase response and organ-preservation rates in localized rectal cancer. However, trials have been heterogeneous regarding treatment protocols and few have used a watch-and-wait (WW) approach for complete responders. This trial evaluates if conventional long-term chemoradiation followed by consolidation of FOLFIRINOX increases complete response rates and the number of patients managed by WW. METHODS: This was a pragmatic randomized phase II trial conducted in 2 Cancer Centers in Brazil that included patients with T3+ or N+ rectal adenocarcinoma. After completing a long-course 54 Gy chemoradiation with capecitabine patients were randomized 1:1 to 4 cycles of mFOLFIRINOX (Oxaliplatin 85, irinotecan 150, 5-FU 2400)-TNT-arm-or to the control arm, that did not include further neoadjuvant treatment. All patients were re-staged with dedicated pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and sigmoidoscopy 12 weeks after the end of radiation. Patients with a clinical complete response were followed using a WW protocol. The primary endpoint was complete response: clinical complete response (cCR) or pathological response (pCR). RESULTS: Between April 2021 and June 2023, 55 patients were randomized to TNT and 53 to the control arm. Tumors were 74% stage 3, median distance from the anal verge was 6 cm, 63% had an at-risk circumferential margin, and 33% an involved sphincter. The rates of cCR + pCR were (31%) for TNT versus (17%) for controls (odds ratio 2.19, CI 95% 0.8-6.22 P = .091) and rates of WW were 16% and 9% (P = ns). Median follow-up was 8.1 months and recurrence rates were 16% versus 21% for TNT and controls (P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: TNT with consolidation FOLFIRINOX is feasible and has high response rates, consistent with the current literature for TNT. This trial was supported by a grant from the Brazilian Government (PROADI-SUS - NUP 25000.164382/2020-81).

Is physical inactivity and sedentary behavior associated with tumor stage in breast cancer patients? A cross-sectional study of Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: A comparative analysis of the association between sedentary behavior versus physical activity levels and tumor staging in women with breast cancer. METHODS: The present research adopted a cross-sectional study design to recruit a total of 55 adult and elderly women newly diagnosed with breast cancer for data collection and analysis. Inclusion criteria involved patients in procession of a formal approval for participation in the study by the treating physician and those not hitherto subjected to the first cycle of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Physical activity levels did not influence the pathological stage of breast cancer (p=0.26) or histological tumor grade (p=0.07) in the analyzed subjects. However, there was a significant association between physical activity levels and responsiveness to hormones (epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), p<0.05) in the analyzed subjects. Significant difference was detected in the histological tumor grade in relation to the mean time spent sitting during the weekend (p<0.05). However, sedentary behavior had no influence on the tumor stage (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels did not influence the tumor stage and histological tumor grade. Sedentary behavior had a significant influence on the histological tumor grade.

Cost-effectiveness of selective internal radiation therapy with Y-90 resin microspheres for intermediate- and advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in Brazil.

AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severe condition with poor prognosis that places a significant burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is a treatment available to patients with HCC which addresses some of the limitations of alternative treatment options. A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken into the use of SIRT using Y-90 resin microspheres for the treatment of unresectable intermediate- and late-stage HCC in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A partitioned-survival model was developed, including a tunnel state for patients downstaged to receive treatments with curative intent. Sorafenib was the selected comparator, a common systemic treatment in Brazil and for which comparative evidence exists. Clinical data were extracted from published sources of pivotal trials, and effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and life-years (LYs). The analysis was conducted from the Brazilian private payer perspective and a lifetime horizon was implemented. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: LYs and QALYs were higher for SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres versus sorafenib (0.27 and 0.20 incremental LYs and QALYs, respectively) and costs were slightly higher for SIRT (R$15,864). The base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was R$77,602 per QALY. The ICER was mostly influenced by parameters defining the sorafenib overall survival curve and SIRT had a 73% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of R$135,761 per QALY (3-times the per-capita gross domestic product in Brazil). Overall, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results indicating that SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres is cost-effective compared with sorafenib. LIMITATIONS: A rapidly evolving treatment landscape in Brazil and worldwide, and the lack of local data for some variables were the main limitations. CONCLUSIONS: SIRT with Y-90 resin microspheres is a cost-effective option compared with sorafenib in Brazil.

Is physical inactivity and sedentary behavior associated with tumor stage in breast cancer patients? A cross-sectional study of Brazilian women

ABSTRACT Objective A comparative analysis of the association between sedentary behavior versus physical activity levels and tumor staging in women with breast cancer. Methods The present research adopted a cross-sectional study design to recruit a total of 55 adult and elderly women newly diagnosed with breast cancer for data collection and analysis. Inclusion criteria involved patients in procession of a formal approval for participation in the study by the treating physician and those not hitherto subjected to the first cycle of chemotherapy. Results Physical activity levels did not influence the pathological stage of breast cancer (p=0.26) or histological tumor grade (p=0.07) in the analyzed subjects. However, there was a significant association between physical activity levels and responsiveness to hormones (epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2), p<0.05) in the analyzed subjects. Significant difference was detected in the histological tumor grade in relation to the mean time spent sitting during the weekend (p<0.05). However, sedentary behavior had no influence on the tumor stage (p>0.05). Conclusion Physical activity levels did not influence the tumor stage and histological tumor grade. Sedentary behavior had a significant influence on the histological tumor grade.

Oncologic aspects of the decision-making process for surgical approach for colorectal liver metastases progressing during chemotherapy.

Colorectal cancer represents the third most diagnosed malignancy in the world. The liver is the main site of metastatic disease, affected in 30% of patients with newly diagnosed disease. Complete resection is considered the only potentially curative treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), with a 5-year survival rate ranging from 35% to 58%. However, up to 80% of patients have initially unresectable disease, due to extrahepatic disease or bilobar multiple liver nodules. The availability of increasingly effective systemic chemotherapy has contributed to converting patients with initially unresectable liver metastases to resectable disease, improving long-term outcomes, and accessing tumor biology. In recent years, response to preoperative systemic chemotherapy before liver resection has been established as a major prognostic factor. Some studies have demonstrated that patients with regression of hepatic metastases while on chemotherapy have improved outcomes when compared to patients with stabilization or progression of the disease. Even if disease progression during chemotherapy represents an independent negative prognostic factor, some patients may still benefit from surgery, given the role of this modality as the main treatment with curative intent for patients with CRLM. In selected cases, based on size, the number of lesions, and tumor markers, surgery may be offered despite the less favorable prognosis and as an option for non-chemo responders.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of docetaxel perioperative chemotherapy regimens in gastric and esophagogastric tumors.

FLOT regimen became the standard perioperative treatment in several centers around the world for esophagogastric tumors despite concerns about toxicity. In addition, FLOT has never been compared with other docetaxel-based regimens. To address this question, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science including prospective or retrospective studies of docetaxel based perioperative regimen in gastric and esophagogastric tumors. Data regarding chemotherapy regimens, efficacy and toxicity were extracted. Outcomes were compared using a random effects model. Of 548 abstracts, 16 were considered eligible. Comparing the studies with meta-analysis we can see that the regimens are similar in terms of pathological complete response, resection rate, progression free survival and overall survival in one year, without significant heterogeneity. The meta-regression of docetaxel dose failed to show any association with dose ranging between 120-450 mg/m². Regarding the toxicity of the regimens it is noted that the regimens are quite toxic (up to 50-70% of grade 3-4 neutropenia). The results of this meta-analysis with a combined sample size of more than 1,000 patients suggest that docetaxel perioperative regimens are equivalent in outcomes. Prospective trials addressing modified regimens should be performed to provide less toxic strategies and be applicable to all patients.

Worst outcomes according to RAS mutation variants: an analysis in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Over 50% of metastatic colorectal cancers harbor RAS mutations. It is unclear if different mutation variants have an impact on survival. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of these mutations on colorectal cancer survival. METHODS: The charts of all cases of metastatic colorectal cancer diagnosed between January 2005 and January 2016 in a tertiary hospital in Brazil were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were complete data on clinical staging, treatments received and all-RAS testing. Multivariate Cox proportional survival models were used to evaluate the impact of specific RAS variants on survival. RESULTS: There were 151 eligible patients and 61.6% had RAS alterations, the most common G12D (11.9%) and G12A (8.6%). Most patients received chemotherapy, including oxaliplatin (79%), irinotecan (53%) and bevacizumab (59%). Among RAS-wild type patients, 46% received anti-EGFR therapy. Median survival was 39.2 months for RAS-wildtype, 18.8 months for RAS G12A and 34.6 for other RASmutant patients (multivariate analysis for G12A vs RASwild type HR 1.94; 95% CI 0.83-5.51; p=0.12). CONCLUSION: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have RAS mutations have shorter overall survival. Regarding the impact of specific KRAS alterations, G12A mutations have a worse prognosis.

Predictive Value of Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) for Early Mortality in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in metastatic pancreatic cancer are used in daily practice as a marker of response to chemotherapy. The association between CA19-9 levels and mortality remains uncertain. This study sought to determine the most accurate level of CA19-9 associated with early mortality, both at diagnosis and during the course of metastatic disease. METHODS: This research is a retrospective analysis of 64 patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas evaluated from January 2010 to December 2015. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the CA19-9 value and the association with early death (death within 2 months after diagnosis of advanced disease). The survival analysis was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and variables of interest were assessed by proportional hazards regression Cox models. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 92.2%, and the estimated median survival was 11.0 months. For the ROC curve analysis of initial CA19-9, an area under the curve of 0.868 (95% confidence interval 0.782 to 0.954) was obtained; the cutoff of 2504 U/ml had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82.8% for early death. The effect of initial CA19-9 and chemotherapy contributed independently to the survival time, and every increase of 1000 CA19-9 units increased the risk of death by 9% (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: CA19-9 levels in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma are associated independently with worse prognosis and early death. CA19-9 levels could be considered as a stratification factor for future clinical trials.

Incidental Findings in Reduction Mammoplasty Specimens in Patients with No Prior History of Breast Cancer. An Analysis of 783 Specimens.

Breast reduction surgery is a common procedure and the rate of incidental findings in the removed specimens varies between 0% and 4.6%. There are no guidelines about pathological evaluation of breast reduction surgery. We reviewed all pathology reports of patients undergoing breast reduction surgery in a single tertiary institution in Brazil from January 2008 to August 2014. Exclusion criteria were a personal history of breast cancer, unclear reason for mastectomy and incomplete data on the pathology report. We considered "relevant findings" flat epithelial atypia, atypical hyperplasia, carcinomas in situ and invasive carcinoma. Of 1672 specimens from breast reduction surgery, 783 met inclusion criteria. Median patient age was 40 (8-77), 91% underwent bilateral mastectomy and 57% of the specimens weighted less than 200 g. In 55% of cases, 4 or more paraffin blocks were sampled. There were 40 (5.1%) relevant findings and the most common was atypical lobular hyperplasia (16-2%). There were 3 invasive carcinomas (0.38%). In multivariate analysis, the only variables associated with a higher odds of relevant pathological findings were patient age ≥ 40 (OR 4.73 CI95% 1.98-11.3 p < 0.001) and sampling of ≥4 paraffin blocks from each specimen (OR 6.69 95% CI 2.25-19.9 p < 0.001). The incidence of pre-malignant and malignant lesions in specimens from breast reduction surgery is around 5%, but this risk is significantly higher for patients older than 40 years-old. Sampling at least 4 paraffin blocks from each specimen significantly increases detection rates.

Use of Expansion Cohorts in Phase I Trials and Probability of Success in Phase II for 381 Anticancer Drugs.

Purpose: Evaluate the association between the use of phase I expansion cohorts (ECs) and drug performance in phase II as well as time to approval by the FDA.Experimental Design: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE for single-agent dose-finding adult oncology phase I trials published in 2006 to 2011 and subsequent phase II trials. Successful phase II trials were those that met their primary endpoints. Dates of approval were obtained from the Drugs@FDA website in April 2014. A logistic regression model was used to determine the associations between variables and success in phase II.Results: We identified 533 phase I trials evaluating 381 drugs; 112 drugs had at least one phase I trial with an expansion cohort. Phase I trials with expansion cohorts of two to 20 patients were associated with a higher rate of successful phase II trials than those with no expansion cohort [48% vs. 27%; OR, 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-4.0; P = 0.037]. Phase II success rates were the same for expansion cohort with two to 20 and more than 20 patients (48% vs. 52%). Other positive associations were disease-specific trials (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9; P = 0.037), industry sponsorship (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5-5.7; P = 0.0024), and response rate of 6% to 20% (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.6-5.2; P = 0.0007). Drugs tested in phase I trials with expansion cohorts had a higher rate of 5-year approval (19% vs. 5%; HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.2-8.8; P < 0.001).Conclusions: The use of expansion cohorts in phase I trials was associated with success of subsequent phase II trials. However, confounders may play a role in this association. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4020-6. ©2017 AACR.

Does Time-to-Chemotherapy Impact the Outcomes of Resected Ovarian Cancer? Meta-analysis of Randomized and Observational Data.

OBJECTIVES: This study is a meta-analysis of prior publications evaluating the impact of time-to-chemotherapy (TTC) on disease recurrence and survival 3 years after the original surgery. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of studies published in PubMed (1950-2016) as of April 2016. Inclusion criteria were as follows: randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective cohorts that included patients with ovarian cancer who had undergone surgery with curative intent and use of adjuvant chemotherapy. We compared rates of disease recurrence and death according to the TTC ("early" vs "delayed") using a random-effects model and performed a metaregression to evaluate the impact of covariates on these outcomes. RESULTS: Of 239 abstracts in the original search, 12 were considered eligible. The cutoffs used for TTC were between 20 and 40 days. All studies used a platinum-based chemotherapy, and the rates of patients with suboptimal resection varied from 33% to 70%. A longer TTC was not associated with higher rates of disease recurrence (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.24) or death at 3 years (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.24). There was no evidence of significant publication bias (Egger test P = 0.472), but data were heterogeneous (I = 64.3%). Metaregression showed that the percentage of patients with suboptimal surgery and values used as cutoff to define "delayed" chemotherapy combined were a significant source of bias (residual I = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: In our analysis, TTC after surgery for ovarian cancer with curative intent was not associated with higher risk of disease recurrence or death. However, this association was influenced by the rate of optimal debulking and definition of "late" initiation of chemotherapy, so we must be careful when applying these data to patients with complete resection.

Clinical features and overall survival among elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological profile and overall survival of a large population of elderly individuals diagnosed with solid tumors in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients aged >65 years, diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011, at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. The medical records were reviewed to obtain information about clinical variables and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 806 patients were identified, and 58.4% were male. Mean age was 74 years (65 to 99 years). The most common types were prostate (22%), colorectal (21%), breast (19%), and lung cancer (13%), followed by bladder (8%), pancreas (6%), and other types (11%). The majority of patients were diagnosed at early stage disease. After a median follow-up of 27 months (15 to 45 months), 29% of the patients (234/806) died, predominantly in the group older than 70 years. For the entire cohort, the median 2-year survival rate was 71%. Median overall survival was not reached within the study period. In a multivariate analysis, age (HR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.25-1.45; p<0.001) and disease stage (HR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.75-2.14; p<0.001) were independent negative predictors of poor survival. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent tumors were prostate, colorectal, breast, and lung cancer, with the larger proportion diagnosed at initial stages, reflecting the great number of patients alive at last follow-up.

Clinical features and overall survival among elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center / Características clínicas e de sobrevida global em pacientes oncológicos idosos num centro oncológico terciário

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the epidemiological profile and overall survival of a large population of elderly individuals diagnosed with solid tumors in a tertiary hospital. Methods This retrospective study included patients aged >65 years, diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011, at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. The medical records were reviewed to obtain information about clinical variables and overall survival. Results A total of 806 patients were identified, and 58.4% were male. Mean age was 74 years (65 to 99 years). The most common types were prostate (22%), colorectal (21%), breast (19%), and lung cancer (13%), followed by bladder (8%), pancreas (6%), and other types (11%). The majority of patients were diagnosed at early stage disease. After a median follow-up of 27 months (15 to 45 months), 29% of the patients (234/806) died, predominantly in the group older than 70 years. For the entire cohort, the median 2-year survival rate was 71%. Median overall survival was not reached within the study period. In a multivariate analysis, age (HR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.25-1.45; p<0.001) and disease stage (HR: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.75-2.14; p<0.001) were independent negative predictors of poor survival. Conclusion The most prevalent tumors were prostate, colorectal, breast, and lung cancer, with the larger proportion diagnosed at initial stages, reflecting the great number of patients alive at last follow-up.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico e a sobrevida global em uma grande população de indivíduos idosos diagnosticados com tumores sólidos, em um hospital terciário. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes com idade >65 anos, diagnosticados com tumores sólidos entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011, no Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brasil. Os prontuários médicos foram revisados para se obterem informações sobre variáveis clínicas e sobrevida global. Resultados Foi identificado um total de 806 pacientes, sendo 58,4% deles do sexo masculino. A média de idade foi de 74 anos (65 a 99 anos). Os tipos mais comuns de câncer foram de próstata (22%), colorretal (21%), de mama (19%) e de pulmão (13%), seguidos pelos de bexiga (8%), pâncreas (6%) e outros tipos (11%). A maioria dos pacientes foi diagnosticada em estágios iniciais. Depois de um seguimento médio de 27 meses (15 a 45 meses), 29% (234/806) estavam mortos, predominantemente no grupo com idade >70 anos. Para toda a coorte, a mediana de taxa de sobrevida em 2 anos foi 71%. A mediana de sobrevida global não foi alcançada dentro do período de estudo. Em análise multivariada, idade (HR: 1,35; IC95%: 1,25-1,45; p<0,001) e estadiamento (HR: 1,93; IC95%: 1,75-2,14; p<0,001) foram preditores negativos independentes de pior sobrevida. Conclusão Os tumores mais prevalentes foram de próstata, colorretal, mama e pulmão, com uma grande proporção diagnosticada em estádios iniciais, o que reflete em um grande número de pacientes vivos até o último seguimento.

Prevalence of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of abnormal glomerular filtration rate in elderly patients with solid tumors. METHODS: A retrospective study with patients aged >65 years diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011 in a cancer center. The following data were collected: sex, age, serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis and type of tumor. Renal function was calculated using abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulae and then staged in accordance with the clinical practice guidelines published by the Working Group of the National Kidney Foundation. RESULTS: A total of 666 patients were included and 60% were male. The median age was 74.2 years (range: 65 to 99 years). The most prevalent diagnosis in the study population were colorectal (24%), prostate (20%), breast (16%) and lung cancer (16%). The prevalence of elevated serum creatinine (>1.0mg/dL) was 30%. However, when patients were assessed using abbreviated MDRD formulae, 66% had abnormal renal function, stratified as follows: 45% with stage 2, 18% with stage 3, 3% with stage 4 and 0.3% with stage 5. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to estimate the frequency of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in Brazil. The prevalence of abnormal renal function among our cohort was high. As suspected, the absolute creatinine level does underestimate renal function impairment and should not be used as predictor of chemotherapy metabolism, excretion and consequent toxicity.

Prevalence of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in a tertiary cancer center / Prevalência de insuficiência renal em pacientes idosos com câncer em um centro de tratamento oncológico

Objective To estimate the prevalence of abnormal glomerular filtration rate in elderly patients with solid tumors. Methods A retrospective study with patients aged >65 years diagnosed with solid tumors between January 2007 and December 2011 in a cancer center. The following data were collected: sex, age, serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis and type of tumor. Renal function was calculated using abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulae and then staged in accordance with the clinical practice guidelines published by the Working Group of the National Kidney Foundation. Results A total of 666 patients were included and 60% were male. The median age was 74.2 years (range: 65 to 99 years). The most prevalent diagnosis in the study population were colorectal (24%), prostate (20%), breast (16%) and lung cancer (16%). The prevalence of elevated serum creatinine (>1.0mg/dL) was 30%. However, when patients were assessed using abbreviated MDRD formulae, 66% had abnormal renal function, stratified as follows: 45% with stage 2, 18% with stage 3, 3% with stage 4 and 0.3% with stage 5. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to estimate the frequency of renal insufficiency in elderly cancer patients in Brazil. The prevalence of abnormal renal function among our cohort was high. As suspected, the absolute creatinine level does underestimate renal function impairment and should not be used as predictor of chemotherapy metabolism, excretion and consequent toxicity. .

Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de taxa de filtração glomerular alterada em pacientes idosos diagnosticados com tumores sólidos. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com mais de 65 anos de idade, diagnosticados com tumores sólidos entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011 em um centro de tratamento oncológico. Foram coletados dados sobre sexo, idade, creatinina sérica à época do diagnóstico e tipo de tumor. A função renal foi calculada utilizando a versão simplificada da equação MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) e depois estratificada de acordo com as diretrizes de prática clínica do Working Group of the National Kidney Foundation. Resultados Foram incluídos 666 pacientes, sendo 60% do sexo masculino. A idade mediana foi 74,2 anos (variação de 65 a 99 anos), e os diagnósticos mais prevalentes na população do estudo foram câncer colorretal (24%), de próstata (20%), mama (16%) e pulmão (16%). A prevalência de creatinina sérica elevada (>1,0mg/dL) foi 30%. No entanto, quando os pacientes foram avaliados utilizando a forma abreviada da equação MDRD, 66% tinham uma função renal anormal assim estratificada: 45% em estádio 2, 18% em estádio 3, 3% em estádio 4 e 0,3% em estádio 5. Conclusão Até onde sabemos, este foi o primeiro estudo a estimar a frequência de insuficiência renal em pacientes idosos com câncer no Brasil. A prevalência de função renal alterada na coorte estudada foi alta. Como suspeitávamos, o nível absoluto de creatinina subestima a alteração na função renal e não deve ser usado como preditor de metabolismo, excreção e consequente toxicidade dos agentes quimioterápicos. .

Association of glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms with clinical and metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with clinical and metabolic profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrine disease that affects 5-8% of women and may be associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cortisol action and dysregulation account for metabolic syndrome development in the general population. As glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) polymorphisms regulate cortisol sensitivity, we hypothesized that variants of this gene may be involved in the adverse metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHOD: Clinical, metabolic and hormonal profiles were evaluated in 97 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. The alleles of the glucocorticoid gene were genotyped. Association analyses were performed using the appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Obesity and metabolic syndrome were observed in 42.3% and 26.8% of patients, respectively. Body mass index was positively correlated with blood pressure, triglyceride, LDL-c, total cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels as well as HOMA-IR values and inversely correlated with HDL-c and SHBG levels. The BclI and A3669G variants were found in 24.7% and 13.4% of alleles, respectively. BclI carriers presented a lower frequency of insulin resistance compared with wild-type subjects. CONCLUSION: The BclI variant is associated with a lower frequency of insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucocorticoid gene polymorphism screening during treatment of the syndrome may be useful for identifying subgroups of at-risk patients who would benefit the most from personalized treatment.

Association of glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms with clinical and metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with clinical and metabolic profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrine disease that affects 5-8% of women and may be associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cortisol action and dysregulation account for metabolic syndrome development in the general population. As glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) polymorphisms regulate cortisol sensitivity, we hypothesized that variants of this gene may be involved in the adverse metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHOD: Clinical, metabolic and hormonal profiles were evaluated in 97 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who were diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. The alleles of the glucocorticoid gene were genotyped. Association analyses were performed using the appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Obesity and metabolic syndrome were observed in 42.3% and 26.8% of patients, respectively. Body mass index was positively correlated with blood pressure, triglyceride, LDL-c, total cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels as well as HOMA-IR values and inversely correlated with HDL-c and SHBG levels. The BclI and A3669G variants were found in 24.7% and 13.4% of alleles, respectively. BclI carriers presented a lower frequency of insulin resistance compared with wild-type subjects. CONCLUSION: The BclI variant is associated with a lower frequency of insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Glucocorticoid gene polymorphism screening during treatment of the syndrome may be useful for identifying subgroups of at-risk patients who would benefit the most from personalized treatment. .

Effect of tight blood glucose control versus conventional control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Tight control of blood glucose reduces cardiovascular events and total mortality is conflicting. To summarize clinical effects of tight versus conventional glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Knowledge with no limits of language and time. Further trials were searched from the reference lists of identified studies. We included randomized controlled comparing different levels of blood glucose control intensity in type 2 diabetic patients. Two independent reviewers extracted data of eligible studies using standard case report forms. We investigated total mortality, cardiovascular and microvascular events, and hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. We used random-effects models to obtain relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 6 trials involving 27,654 patients. There was no significant effect of tight blood glucose control on all-cause mortality (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.90-1.17) or cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.83-1.29). Tight glucose control reduced the risk for nonfatal MI (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.76-0.95), although had no effect on the incidence of nonfatal stroke (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.88-1.17). For microvascular events, tight glucose control reduced the risk progression of retinopathy (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.71-0.91), incidence of peripheral neuropathy (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99), and progression of nephropathy (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37-0.80), but had not significant effect on the incidence of nephropathy (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.42-1.14). The risk of severe hypoglycemia increased with tight glucose control (RR 2.39; 95% CI 1.79-3.18). Tight blood glucose control reduces the risk for some macrovascular and microvascular events, without effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Tight glucose control increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia.

Impact of Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 on acid-base status and hemodynamics in a model of controlled hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions is a cornerstone of the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. However, crystalloid solutions can have variable metabolic acid-base effects, perpetuating or even aggravating shock-induced metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare, in a controlled volume-driven porcine model of hemorrhagic shock, the effects of three different crystalloid solutions on the hemodynamics and acid-base balance. METHODS: Controlled hemorrhagic shock (40% of the total blood volume was removed) was induced in 18 animals, which were then treated with normal saline (0.9% NaCl), Lactated Ringer's Solution or Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4, in a blinded fashion (n = 6 for each group). Using a predefined protocol, the animals received three times the volume of blood removed. RESULTS: The three different crystalloid infusions were equally capable of reversing the hemorrhage-induced low cardiac output and anuria. The Lactated Ringer's Solution and Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions resulted in an increased standard base excess and a decreased serum chloride level, whereas treatment with normal saline resulted in a decreased standard base excess and an increased serum chloride level. The Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions did not change the level of the unmeasured anions. CONCLUSION: Although the three tested crystalloid solutions were equally able to attenuate the hemodynamic and tissue perfusion disturbances, only the normal saline induced hyperchloremia and metabolic acidosis.