Prognostic impact of MYD88 and TP53 mutations in diffuse large B Cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of lymphoma. It is a highly heterogeneous lymphoid neoplasm, with variations in gene expression profiles and genetic alterations. MYD88 and TP53 genes are common to be expressed and mutated in DLBCL patients with controversy regarding their role in prognosis and survival. This study aims to determine the predictive and prognostic role of MYD88 and TP53 gene mutation in DLBCL. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 50 patients who were diagnosed with DLBCL and 30 healthy individuals to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MYD88 and TP53 genetic mutations. MYD88 and TP53 gene mutations were more sensitive, specific, and accurate in predicting overall mortality and disease progression in comparison with the international prognostic index. Mutant MYD88 and TP53 showed their prognostic importance for worse objective response rates and survival outcomes. Both mutant MYD88 and TP53 were associated with worse ORR. There was a significant statistical difference for both MYD88 and TP53 with regard to 2-year PFS and 2-year OS rate. Hence, both mutant MYD88 and TP53 can be used in predicting disease progression and overall mortality.

The Role of MRI Pancreatic Protocol in Assessing Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer (BRPC) remains a unique entity that is difficult to categorize due to variance in definitions and the small number of patients. The ultimate goal is to achieve a free resection (R0) after a favorable response to neoadjuvant therapy that is somewhat difficult to assess by current radiological parameters. AIM: To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) pancreatic protocol, including Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), in patients with BRPC receiving neoadjuvant therapy, and further compare it to RECIST criteria and outcome. METHODS: Histologically confirmed BRPC patients were prospectively included. DWI-MRI was performed pre- and post-therapy. Clinical characteristics with ensuing operability were recorded and correlated to radiological RECIST/apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) change, preoperative therapy administrated, surgical resection status, and survival. RESULTS: Out of 30 BRPC cases, only 11 (36.7%) ultimately underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Attaining a stationary or stable disease via ADC/RECIST was achieved in the majority of cases (60%/53.3% respectively). Of the 12 patients (40%) who achieved a regression by ADC, 11 underwent surgery with an R0 status. These surgical cases showed variable RECIST responses (PR=5, SD=4, PD=3). Responders by ADC to neoadjuvant therapy were significantly associated to presenting with abdominal pain (p =0.07), a decline in post-therapy CA19-9 (p<0.001), going through surgery (p<0.001), and even achieving better survival (p<0.001 vs. 0.66). CONCLUSION: DWI-MRI ADC picked up patients most likely to undergo a successful operative procedure better than traditional RECIST criteria. An algorithm incorporating novel radiological advances with CA19-9 deserves further assessment in future studies.

Clinical recommendations in the management of advanced prostate cancer: International Gastrointestinal, Liver and Uro-oncology (IGILUC 2019) experts.

PURPOSE: Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (PC) have rapidly progressed through the past years. Various factors should be taken into account while treating individual patients to ensure optimal and careful decision making. The purpose of this consensus review is to summarize the current practice patterns when managing patients with advanced prostate cancer (APC) as there is still a lack of or very limited evidence on its clinical management in some areas. METHODS: Pre-defined questions were shared with experts prior to the consensus session that took place in Cairo, Egypt in April 2019 during the 8th International gastrointestinal, liver and uro-oncology conference (IGILUC). Voting was based mainly on the expert opinions of the panel after a thorough discussion and review of available evidence from guidelines or best evidence available concerning the topic at hand. RESULTS: A strong consensus or unanimity was reached on 47% of the proposed questions. Notably, the panelists reached consensus on several topics based on high-level expert opinion. These findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of the management of PC and provide a basis for future recommendations. There was also a lack of consensus on other several topics, which suggests the need for further supporting data addressing these knowledge gaps. CONCLUSION: This review offers a thorough understanding of APC practice and offers insight on the various opinions shared amongst experts in the field that can serve as guidance regionally and deepens our understanding of disease management globally.

Sunitinib 4/2 Versus 2/1 Schedule for Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Tertiary Care Hospital Experience.

BACKGROUND: Sunitinib first-line treatment is one of the standards of care in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, the adverse events associated with its use can hinder adequate dosing and hence have detrimental effects on treatment outcome. Alternative schedules, such as 2-weeks-on treatment and 1-week-off treatment (2/1 schedule), might solve this dilemma. Therefore, an analysis was performed to compare both schedules in terms of toxicity and efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data regarding first-line sunitinib treatment of mRCC patients using the 4/2 and 2/1 schedules were collected. The data from 56 patients were reviewed. Of the 56 patients, 30 started sunitinib using the 4/2 schedule (group 1) and 26 using the 2/1 schedule (group 2). The primary endpoint was toxicity assessment. The secondary endpoints were the response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: The overall incidence of adverse events was less for the 2/1 group, and the difference reached statistical significance for fatigue (P = .018), hand-foot syndrome (P = .008), mucositis (P = .010), hypertension (P = .038), diarrhea (P = .03), and thrombocytopenia (P = .023). The objective response rates were better for group 2 (modified schedule) in the first and subsequent response evaluations. The median progression-free survival was 15 months and 17 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The median overall survival was 24 months and 23 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The alternative 2/1 schedule of sunitinib demonstrated improved toxicity compared with the traditional 4/2 schedule, with similar survival.