Health-related Quality of Life Profile of Newly Diagnosed Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes by Age, Sex, and Risk Group: A Real-world Study by the GIMEMA.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important goal of therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); however, little is known about HRQoL of these patients at clinical presentation. We report HRQoL profile of newly diagnosed patients with MDS across both the the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and IPSS-Revised (IPSS-R) classifications, stratified by sex and age group categories, aiming to also establish European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) reference values for these patients. Analysis was based on 927 patients with a median age of 73.3 years (interquartile range, 66.0-79.2), of whom 506 and 421 with lower- and higher-risk disease respectively, according to the IPSS classification. HRQoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and substantial differences by age groups and sex, between and within lower- and higher-risk disease categories were observed. For example, within higher-risk disease patients, the youngest group (ie, 30-59 years) tended to report clinically meaningful worse outcomes across various functional and symptom domains compared with older age groups. We also developed 2 regression models allowing for the prediction of EORTC QLQ-C30 reference scores for patients classified according to either the IPSS or the IPSS-R. Investigation of prevalence rates for clinically important problems and symptoms at diagnosis revealed a substantial burden of the disease with >50% of patients reporting clinically important problems with physical functioning and dyspnea in both lower- and higher-risk disease. Our findings may help to enhance the interpretation of HRQoL outcomes in future MDS studies and to better contextualize HRQoL data from routine practice settings.

International validation of a health-related quality-of-life questionnaire for Hodgkin lymphoma: the EORTC QLQ-HL27.

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has become 1 of the most curable cancers. Therefore, rigorous assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom burden of these patients is essential to support informed clinical decisions. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group previously developed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) Hodgkin Lymphoma 27. This paper reports the final results of an international study by the EORTC group to develop a HRQoL disease-specific measure for these patients: the EORTC QLQ-HL27. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HL (N = 381) were enrolled from 12 countries and completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HL27, and a debriefing questionnaire at baseline (any time after diagnosis). A subset completed a retest (n = 126) or responsiveness-to-change analyses (RCA) second measurement (n = 98). Psychometrics were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit of the 27 items of the QLQ-HL27 on its 4 scales (symptom burden, physical condition/fatigue, emotional impact, and worries about health/functioning). Test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-group comparisons, and RCA find satisfactory results. Symptom burden and fatigue was higher among patients on treatment (with 36%-83% reporting at least a few problems) compared with those who had completed treatment (19%-61% reporting at least a few problems). Prevalence of worries about health and functioning (reporting at least some worry) was similar for patients on treatment (51%-81%) vs those who had completed treatment (52%-78%). Implementation of the EORTC QLQ-HL27 in research and clinical applications will increase sensitivity of HRQoL assessment in patients with HL. High quality data generated through use of this questionnaire are expected to facilitate clinical decision making in the HL setting.

International validation of two EORTC questionnaires for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-HG29) and low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-LG20).

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a critical aspect to consider when making treatment decisions for patients with non-Hodgkin-lymphoma (NHL). This international study by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of two newly developed measures for patients with high-grade (HG)- and low-grade (LG)-NHL: the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and the EORTC QLQ-NHL-LG20 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). METHODS: Overall, 768 patients with HG-NHL (N = 423) and LG-NHL (N = 345) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-NHL-HG29/QLQ-NHL-LG20 and a debriefing questionnaire at baseline, and a subset at follow-up for either retest (N = 125/124) or responsiveness to change (RCA; N = 98/49). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 29 items of the QLQ-NHL-HG29 on its five scales (symptom burden [SB], neuropathy, physical condition/fatigue [PF], emotional impact [EI], and worries about health/functioning [WH]), and of the 20 items of the QLQ-NHL-LG20 on its four scales (SB, PF, EI, and WH). Completion took on average 10 minutes. Test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-group comparisons, and RCA find satisfactory results of both measures. A total of 31%-78% of patients with HG-NHL and 22%-73% of patients with LG-NHL reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g., tingling in hands/feet, lack of energy, and worries about recurrence). Patients reporting symptoms/worries had substantially lower HRQOL compared to those without. DISCUSSION: The use of the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20 questionnaires in clinical research and practice will provide clinically relevant data to better inform treatment decision-making. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group developed two questionnaires. These questionnaires measure health-related quality of life. The questionnaires are for patients with high-grade or low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are called the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20. The questionnaires are now internationally validated. This study demonstrates that the questionnaires are reliably and valid, which are important aspects of a questionnaire. The questionnaires can now be used in clinical trials and practice. With the information gathered from the questionnaires, patients and clinicians can better evaluate treatments and discuss the best choice for a patient.

International validation of the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 questionnaire for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Selecting the most appropriate chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment is challenging. Patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is therefore a critical aspect to consider. This international study by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure for CLL patients: the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Patients with CLL (n = 341) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-CLL17 and a debriefing questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded from medical records. A high percentage (30%-66%) reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g. aches/pains in muscles, lack of energy and worry/fears about health). Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 17 items on the three scales (i.e. symptom burden, physical condition/fatigue and worries/fears about health and functioning). Completion took on average 8 min. Test-retest and convergent validity was demonstrated. The QLQ-CLL17 differentiated between patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology group (ECOG) performance of 0 versus 1-3 (p's < 0.01 and clinically relevant). The newly developed EORTC QLQ-CLL17 will increase sensitivity of HRQoL assessment in patients with CLL. Implementation of this questionnaire both in clinical research and practice will help to generate unique clinically relevant data to better inform CLL treatment decision-making.

Developing Symptom Lists for People with Cancer Treated with Targeted Therapies.

BACKGROUND: Targeted therapies (TTs) have revolutionised cancer treatment with their enhanced specificity of action. Compared with conventional therapies, TTs are delivered over a longer period and often have unusual symptom profiles. Patient-reported outcome measures such as symptom side-effect lists need to be developed in a time-efficient manner to enable a rapid and full evaluation of new treatments and effective clinical management OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a set of TT-related symptoms and identify the optimal method for developing symptom lists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Symptoms from TT treatment in the context of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), HER2-positive breast cancer, or Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) were identified through literature reviews, interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients, and patient focus groups. The symptom set was then pilot tested in patients across the three cancer diagnoses: The number of items derived from each source (literature, patients, or HCPs) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 316 patients and 86 HCPs from 16 countries participated. An initial set of 209 symptoms was reduced to 61 covering 12 symptom categories. Patient interviews made the greatest contribution to the item set. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom lists should be created based on input from patients. The item set described will be applicable to the assessment of new TTs, and in monitoring treatment.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with non-central nervous system malignancies: an overview for oncology providers from the MASCC Neurological Complications Study Group.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is commonly experienced by individuals with non-central nervous system cancers throughout the disease and treatment trajectory. CRCI can have a substantial impact on the functional ability and quality of life of patients and their families. To mitigate the impact, oncology providers must know how to identify, assess, and educate patients and caregivers. The objective of this review is to provide oncology clinicians with an overview of CRCI in the context of adults with non-central nervous system cancers, with a particular focus on current approaches in its identification, assessment, and management.

High serum ferritin levels in newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes are associated with greater symptom severity.

We examined the association between serum ferritin (SF) levels and patient-reported functional aspects and symptoms, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30, in newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Analysis was conducted on 497 MDS patients who were classified in two groups based on the SF value of 1000 ng/mL. Clinically relevant differences of patient-reported functional and symptom scales were evaluated and classified as small, medium and large, based on established thresholds. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to account for potential confounding factors. Patients with SF of ≥ 1000 ng/mL reported statistically significant and clinically relevant worse outcomes across various health domains. Dyspnea was the symptom indicating the largest difference and mean scores of patients with higher and lower SF levels were 40 and 24.3, respectively (p = 0.005), indicating a large clinically relevant difference (Δ = 15.7). Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between SF levels and specific health-related quality of life domains.

The IPSS-R more accurately captures fatigue severity of newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes compared with the IPSS index.

We aimed to compare fatigue of newly diagnosed patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with that of the general population (GP). We also investigated the ability of the IPSS and IPSS-R to capture severity of patient-reported fatigue at diagnostic workup. A sample of 927 newly diagnosed patients with MDS was consecutively enrolled in a large international observational study and all patients completed the FACIT-Fatigue questionnaire at baseline. Fatigue was compared with that of the GP (N = 1075) and a 3-point difference in mean scores was considered as clinically meaningful. Fatigue of MDS patients was on average 4.6 points below the mean of the GP (95% CI, -5.9 to -3.2, p < 0.001), reflecting clinically meaningful worse fatigue. Unlike the IPSS, the IPSS-R identified clearly distinct subgroups with regard to burden of fatigue. Mean scores differences compared with GP ranged from nonclinically relevant for very low risk (Δ = -1.8, 95% CI, -4.0 to 0.5, p = 0.119) to large clinically meaningful differences for very high-risk IPSS-R patients (Δ = -8.2, 95% CI, -10.3 to -6.2, p < 0.001). At diagnostic workup, fatigue of MDS is clinically meaningful worse than that reported by the GP. Compared with the IPSS classification, the IPSS-R provides a better stratification of patients with regard to fatigue severity.

Endogenous erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptors in colorectal cancer; can we answer the questions?

Erythropoietin (Epo) is glycoprotein hormone which binds on erythropoietin receptors (EpoR) promoting proliferation and differentiation. Studies have shown that EpoR, apart from erythrocyte precursors, is expressed on no hematopoietic tissue and various tumor cells. Despite the progress in modern medicine, colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still the leading cause of increased morbidity and mortality between oncology patients worldwide. Its precursors are benign villous adenomas, which in certain percentage progress to cancer. Anemia of chronic disease is common finding in CRC patients. Some of them are treated with Epo. Epo/EpoR seems to correlate with tumor progression and metastasizing. Therefore, the identification of at-risk group remains a clinical challenge. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that stimulates angiogenesis and concentration of VEGF is positive correlated with tumor growth in numerous tumors. The importance of Epo in tumor pathogenesis has led to a growing interest in the potential prognostic value. By our point of view there are many open questions about role of Epo/EpoR in CRC.

Perforin- and granulysin-mediated cytotoxicity and interleukin 15 play roles in neurocognitive impairment in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is an aggressive disease. The course of disease is regulated by pro-inflammatory agents, and malignant cell infiltration of tissues plays a deleterious role in disease progression, greatly impacting quality of life, especially in the cognitive domains. Our hypothesis is that significant serum concentrations of interleukin 15 (IL-15) are responsible for higher expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells of blood-brain barrier (BBB) which allow leukaemia cells and/or normal lymphocytes the infiltration into the brain. In brain tissue these cells could be stimulated to release perforin and granulysin causing induction of apoptosis in brain cells that are involved in complex neural signalling mediated by neurotransmitters, and consequent fine cognitive impairment. Such changes could be detected early, even before notable clinical psycho-neurological or radiological changes in patients with ALL. To evaluate this hypothesis we propose measuring cognitive function using Complex Reactiometer Drenovac (CRD) scores in patients with ALL. The expression of different adhesion molecules on BBB as well as presence and distribution of different lymphocytes in brain tissue will be analyzed. We will then correlate CRD scores with levels of IL-15 and the percentages of T cells, natural killer T cells, and natural killer cells expressing perforin and/or granulysin proteins. CRD is a scientifically recognised and highly sensitive psychometric laboratory test based on the complex chronometric mathematical measuring of speed of reaction to various stimuli. It provides an objective assessment of cognitive functions from the most complex mental activities to the simplest reaction reflexes. Early recognition of cognitive dysfunction might be important when selecting the most appropriate chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy regimens, and could allow for the implementation of preventive measures against further deterioration in cognitive function and quality of life in patients with ALL.

Prophylactic broad spectrum antibiotics as a new anti-myeloma therapy.

Multiple myeloma is a common, yet incurable, haematological neoplasm. The reciprocal communication between malignant plasma cells, other cell types, and the extracellular matrix in the bone marrow micro-eco system is mediated by cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, as well as the production of different soluble factors, and is crucial for tumour growth and drug resistance. Inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the clonal expansion of neoplastic plasmacytes. This extremely complex pathogenesis of multiple myeloma gives us the opportunity to promote numerous novel drugs and approaches based on the paradigm of targeted therapy. Immune dysfunction is a hallmark of multiple myeloma. Intrinsic and therapy-related immunosuppression leads to an increased risk of recurrent infection, the major cause of mortality. However, little data is available regarding the possible influence of infection on the biology and progression of multiple myeloma. Some authors have shown that pathogenic microorganisms can activate tool-like receptors on myeloma cells, as well as the robust production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; together these factors can contribute to myeloma growth, survival, and progression. Therefore, we proposed a simple, inexpensive, and new approach for anti-myeloma therapy that, to the best of our knowledge, is the first one concerning the prophylactic, long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics during the course of disease regardless of the chosen concomitant regimens. Prophylactic treatment with antibiotics should suppress the pro-inflammatory milieu produced during recurrent bacterial infections and prevent the activation of tool-like receptors on tumour cells, which are important factors responsible for tumour growth and survival in patients with multiple myeloma.

The approaches in the care for terminal cancer patients in radiotherapy and oncology clinic, Rijeka University Hospital Center.

We sought to determine the proportion of our admitted patients in terminal phase of ilness who recieved some kind of active oncological therapy. We conducted a pilot study on the records of patients who died in the University Hospital. We assessed the percentage of mortality, a therapeutic approach in terms of treating the underlying disease, and access to palliative treatment. Of 2097 patients hospitalized in the UHC Rijeka Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology during 2010 and 2011, 44 pts died which accounts for 2.1%. The most common primary sites of cancer in patients who died in our Department were the lungs and then the breast. Ten (22.7%) patients were admitted exclusively to receive palliative care, while others (34-77.3%) were admitted for planned active chemo- and/or radiotherapy administration. Within three months before death, 18 (40.9%) patients underwent chemotherapy treatment. The number of patients hospitalized due to providing palliative care is extremely low, which could indicate a good supply of out-patient treatment of cancer patients in the terminal stage of the disease. However, concerned about the high percentage of patients who tried to provide oncology treatments in the three months before his death. The percentages referred to in their daily work is still guided by the principles of healing "to the end" and thus we plunge into the realm disthanasia.

Nutritional support in patients with colorectal cancer during chemotherapy: does it work?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early intervention with nutritional supplementation has been shown to halt malnutrition and may improve outcome in some patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary counseling, oral nutrition and megestrol acetate during chemotherapy affected nutritional status and survival in patients with advanced disease. METHODOLOGY: Six hundred and twenty-eight patients with colorectal advanced disease were included in the study from January 2000 through December 2009 and divided into one of two groups. Group I consisted of 315 patients who were monitored prospectively and were given nutritional support. Group II included 313 patients without nutritional counseling and support. After the completion of chemotherapy all patients were evaluated (BMI, NST, Appetite Loss Scale and ECOG). RESULTS: After the completion of chemotherapy, there were lower proportions of patients in Group I with a BMI<20, NST>=5, loss of appetite and decreased weight gain. Nutritional counseling and supplemental feeding temporarily halted weight loss and improved appetite. This improvement may have implications for patient survival. Patients with early nutritional support lived 19.1 months while patients in the control group had a survival of 12.4 months (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that concurrent individualized dietary counseling and nutritional support are effective in improving nutritional status thereby lessening chemotherapy-induced morbidity.

Primary gastric mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma represents 2.5-7% all of non Hodgkin's lymphomas. Stomach is the most common site of extranodal lymphoma. However, that is not the case with mantle cell lymphoma, which is extremely rare. We present a case of 71-year-old woman admitted to the Internal Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, because of stomach discomfort and melena. Endoscopy and computed tomography revealed a polyp in gastric antrum. Histopathologic, immunohistochemic and genetic methods were also performed and the results were consistent with primary gastric mantle cell lymphoma without periepigastric and/or local or distant abdominal lymph node involvement.

Treatment strategy in schizophrenia combined with eating disorder.

Like any other patient, a schizophrenic patient can get a physical illness, too. As such patients tend to ignore reality and neglect themselves and are stigmatized by society, due to which their physical symptomatology is often ignored, physical illness can remain undetected. If the schizophrenic patient is observed and adequate care is provided by the family, family doctor and a psychiatrist, it is possible to recognize the physical illness and intervene promptly. We are presenting a case of a female patient who has been treated for schizophrenia for a number of years. The treatment was mostly ambulatory (i.e. the patient was hospitalized twice) and consisted of first-generation antipsychotics. During the past two years, for reasons unknown, the patient stopped taking regular meals and as a result lost significant body weight, became apathetic and withdrawn, started avoiding social contacts and neglected personal hygiene. She reportedly took the psychopharmaca regularly, but rarely attended psychiatric follow-up consultations. Due to substantial weight loss and hypotonia, correction of antipsychotic was made and internist treatment administered. The choice of olanzapine was not an accidental one. We decided to take advantage of its side effect for the treatment of an anorectic syndrome. Interdisciplinary cooperation proved to be a justified decision.

Antipsychotic treatment--side-effect and/or metabolic syndrome.

According to current medical opinion chronic mental diseases such as schizophrenia require life-long treatment. The choice of antipsychotics is an important treatment factor, since their side-effects often influence patients' compliance with treatment. Severe side-effects may cause the patients to reject such treatment, the latter being their right. In case a psychiatrist does not agree with the patient's decision to interrupt his antipsychotic treatment regardless its serious side-effects, the former should be persistent in convincing the patient to replace such drug with a more appropriate therapy.

Gorski Kotar--an endemic region for primary gastric non-hodgkin lymphoma?

Primary gastric non Hodgkin lymphoma (PGNHL) is a distinct group of extranodal lymphomas with interesting geographical distribution and variable prevalence in different countries. We analysed epidemiological data of our patients with PGNHL in Primorsko-goranska County. Clinical data of 30 patients with PGNHL diagnosed and treated in Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka, Croatia between January 1995 and December 2005 were prospectively analyzed. We used statistical analysis (t-test, chi2-test) for small groups. Out of 30 pts with PGNHL, 19 were born in Primorsko-goranska County, part of Croatia situated by the Adriatic sea which consists of three regions: City of Rijeka, Islands and Gorski Kotar. 6 of 19 patients (31.6%) were originally from Gorski Kotar which made incidence rate of PGNHL in Gorski Kotar 7 times higher than in other two regions. Many authors emphasized that relative frequency of PGNHL is very variable in various countries and regions. Geographical distribution of our patients was very surprising because Gorski Kotar is the region with lowest number of citizens, rural area without any known pollutants, and ecologically one of the most preserved microsystem in this part of Croatia. Gorski Kotar is known to be an endemic region for multiple sclerosis and lyme borreliosis. Is it for PGNHL too?

Metabolic syndrome - the consequence of lifelong treatment of bipolar affective disorder.

Mood disturbances are characteristic and dominant feature of Mood disorders. Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) is a mood disorder which occurs equally in both sexes. BAD may occur in co morbidity with other mental diseases and disorders such as: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Attention Deficit, Panic Disorder and Social Phobia. However, medical disorders (one or more) can also coexist with BAD. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A 61-year old female patient has been receiving continuous and systematic psychiatric treatment for Bipolar Affective Disorder for the last 39 years. The first episode was a depressive one and it occurred after a child delivery. Seventeen years ago the patient developed diabetes (diabetes type II), and twelve years ago arterial hypertension was diagnosed. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as weight gain were objective findings. During the last nine years she has been treated for lower leg ulcer. Since metabolic syndrome includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, increased cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels, the aforesaid patient can be diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome. When treating Bipolar Affective Disorder, the antipsychotic drug choice should be careful and aware of its side-effects in order to avoid the development or aggravation of metabolic syndrome.

Olanzapine monotherapy in a long-term treatment for schizophrenia: case study.

A scientific progress, due to the advancements within the pharmacological industry nowdays, is offering an ever increasing number of atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia treatment. The atypics are gradually taking over the leadership of the more conventional antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia. The advantages of using atypics are fewer instances of side-effects and a good tolerance of the drug, which promotes an adequate and a satisfactory collaboration of the patients during the treatment. The daily practice often shows a polypragmasia within the treatment itself and a less frequent presence of a monotherapy as a way of treatment of schizophrenia. A question arises asking us, whether these are just a number of some old practices or, in the other hand, some fears and doubts between the clinitians and patients? The answer remanis for us to ponder upon. The patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia had been treated with a combination of conventional antipsychotics for many years. Eight years back, olanzapine was introduced in a 20 mg daily dose, combined with an anxiolytic, to which he reacted well. He was kept on the same olanzapine dose exclusively, for the past five years. During the treatment, he used to be monitored regularly (laboratory analyses, body weight) and no side-effects were percieved. He was in a stable remission during the treatment and a good recovery is evident via social functioning and a working ability.

Influence of olanzapine on memory functions.

Even though memory dysfunction is not considered to be a diagnostic criterion for schizophrenia, results of a neuropsychological research indicate significant damage in mnestic functioning, especially in verbal memory (Saykin et al. 1991). This type of a disorder is recorded in patients with a first episode of schizophrenia, as well as in chronic patients (Saykin et al. 1994). These researches show that this deficit is not influenced by neuroleptics. Paulsen and associates suggest that the deficit of verbal learning in schizophrenia is related to difficulties in encoding retrieving information without significant storage (rapid forgetting) problems (Paulsen at al. 1995). We will present a case of a 36 - year old male who is suffering from a paranoid schizophrenia.