Effectiveness of Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Bevacizumab for Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas: A Potential Therapy for Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Wild-Type Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy combined with bevacizumab (SRT-Bv) compared with Bv treatment for recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs). METHODS: Data for patients with recurrent HGGs who received SRT and Bv (n = 29) or Bv (n = 29) between June 2014 and September 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received conventional radiotherapy (total, 60 Gy) before this study. SRT was administered at a median dose of 42 Gy in 3-7 fractions. The recurrence pattern was classified into 3 groups: in-field, marginal, and out-field. RESULTS: The median overall survival in the SRT-Bv group was significantly longer than that in the Bv group (10.4 vs. 5.6 months; P = 0.02). In patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type tumors, the SRT-Bv treatment significantly prolonged survival more than the Bv treatment (10.9 vs. 8.2 months; P = 0.01). The World Health Organization grade and presence or absence of SRT were significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis. Besides brain edema in 2 cases and asymptomatic subdural hematoma in 1 case, no other severe adverse effect due to SRT-Bv treatment was recorded. The pattern of recurrence was as follows: in-field, 2 cases (7%); marginal, 8 cases (28%); out-field, 11 cases (38%); no recurrence on radiologic findings, 6 cases (21%); and uncertain, 2 cases (7%). CONCLUSIONS: SRT-Bv treatment significantly prolonged survival duration more than Bv treatment and provides good local control in patients with recurrent HGGs, especially those with isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type tumors.

Acquired hemophilia A in a patient with essential thrombocythemia.

A 69-year-old woman with essential thrombocythemia (ET) developed giant ecchymosis, and she was admitted to hospital. Marked anemia (Hb 8.1 g/dl) accompanied by a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (89.6 s) was observed, and she received red blood cells (RBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). On day 2 after admission, consciousness disturbance suddenly occurred, whereas computed tomography of the brain showed no evidence of bleeding. As the ecchymosis progressed, she developed shock. Although RBC and FFP transfusions were administered, she developed multi-organ failure and died 48 h after admission. Low factor VIII activity (<1%) accompanied by factor VIII inhibitor (17 Bethesda units) was found after her death. An autopsy revealed cerebral infarction without cerebral herniation. To date, acquired hemophilia A accompanying ET has been described in only one other patient. Although acquired factor VIII inhibitor is a rare disease, it should be tested for in ET patients with marked hemorrhagic tendency.