Is there an association between lymph node size and hyperprogression in immunotherapy-treated patients?

BACKGROUND: Hyperprogressive disease (HPD) can be described as an accelerated increase in the growth rate of tumors combined with rapid clinical deterioration observed in a subset of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy, specifically with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The reported incidence of HPD ranges from 5.9% to 43.1% in patients receiving ICIs. In this context, identifying reliable predictive risk factors for HPD is crucial as it may allow for earlier intervention and ultimately improve patient outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed ten metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. The identification of HPD was based on the diagnostic criteria proposed by Ferrara R et al. This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between LN size and HPD using a cutoff value of 3 cm for LN size. Given the limited sample size, Fisher's exact test was used to test this association. We conducted a Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis to estimate the median overall survival (OS) of patients with HPD and compared it to those without HPD. RESULTS: Three patients (30%) developed HPD, while seven (70%) did not. Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant association between the HPD and LN size ≥ 3 cm (p=0.008). In the HPD group, the median OS was significantly shorter, with a median OS of 3 months, whereas in the non-HPD group, the median OS was not reached (P =0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study found a significant association between LN size ≥ 3 cm in the pretreatment period and HPD development.

Impact of KRAS Mutation on Survival Outcome of Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Jordan.

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent cancer in males, with an incidence rate (IR) of 13.1%, and the second most prevalent cancer in females, with an IR of 8.4%, coming after breast cancer in Jordan. The present study was motivated by conflicting clinical data regarding the prognostic impact of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Our study aimed to investigate if KRAS mutation conferred a negative prognostic value in Jordanian patients with mCRC. Materials and methods The current study is a retrospective study that collected data from a cohort of 135 mCRC patients diagnosed between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2022 at our Oncology Department at the Jordanian Military Cancer Center (MCAC) using our patients' electronic medical records. The last follow-up date was 1 September 2022. From the cohort, we obtained data regarding age, sex, date of diagnosis, metastatic spread, KRAS status, either mutated KRAS or wild-type KRAS, and location of the primary tumor. All patients underwent tumor tissue biopsies to determine KRAS mutational status based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization from an accredited diagnostic laboratory at Jordan University Hospital. Statistical analysis was carried out to address the associations between KRAS mutation and the patients-tumor characteristics and their prognosis on survival. Results KRAS mutation was found in 40.3% of the participants in the study, and 56.7% had the wild type. There was a predilection of KRAS mutation, with 67% on the right side versus 33% on the left side (p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed worse survival outcomes in KRAS mutant patients (p = 0.002). The median overall survival in the KRAS mutant patients was 17 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.762-19.273) compared to 21 months (95% CI: 20.507-27.648) in patients with wild-type KRAS. Additionally, the Cox regression model identified that KRAS mutation carries a poorer prognosis on survival outcome hazard ratio (HR: 2.045, 95% CI: 1.291-3.237, p = 0.002). The test also showed statistical significance in the metastatic site (lung only). But this time, it was associated with a better survival outcome (HR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.186-0.788, p = 0.009). Conclusion The present study shows that the presence of KRAS mutation has been found to negatively impact the prognosis and survival outcome of Jordanian patients with mCRC.

Hyperprogressive Disease In a Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Patient After Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Case Report.

Owing to their survival benefits, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as the mainstay treatment for several types of malignant tumors including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the usage of ICIs such as nivolumab, ipilimumab, and atezolizumab can be complicated by unexpected rapid clinical deterioration and acceleration of tumor growth. This adverse event is called hyperprogressive disease (HPD) with an incidence rate of 10-20%. Since its first description in 2016, efforts have been made to identify and predict this phenomenon. We report a case of a 34-year-old female patient diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with sarcomatoid features. She underwent a left radical nephrectomy followed by combination ICIs (nivolumab/ipilimumab) therapy. However, she presented with a rapid clinical deterioration shortly after receiving her second cycle of ICIs. The radiological assessment showed new multiple bilateral lung nodules, new multiple mediastinal and left hilar lymph node involvement, and two focal areas of new appearance involving the left aspect of L3 lumbar vertebrae and left ischial bone. The diagnosis of HPD was made. Unfortunately, the patient died soon following her second infusion of the nivolumab/ipilimumab combination.

Trichilemmal carcinoma of the axilla with regional lymph nodes metastasis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Trichilemmal carcinoma is a rare malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasm of hair follicles originating from the external root sheath epithelium. The diagnosis is rarely made clinically and is still challenging for an experienced pathologist. AIM: To report a rare case of trichilemmal carcinoma presenting as a right axillary mass with regional lymph nodes metastasis and was treated with wide local excision in the General Surgery Department Jordanian Royal Medical Services (JRMS), Jordan. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old presented with a right axillary mass of six-month duration. Physical examination revealed a hyperemic, thickened skin of both armpits with a palpable 5-cm mass in the right axilla. He underwent an excisional biopsy of the right mass. Histopathologic examination revealed a malignant adnexal skin tumour with foci of trichilemmal-type keratinisation. It was excised with adequate margins. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Trichilemmal carcinoma usually occurs on the forehead, scalp, neck, back of hands and trunk. These neoplasms are rare lesions presenting as locally aggressive, low-grade carcinomas and have the potential for nodal involvement and distant metastasis. Therefore, the establishment of a correct diagnosis is vital to guide the treatment plan. Wide excision with adequate tumour-free margins is considered a curative treatment and offers a successful outcome. CONCLUSION: Malignant cutaneous adnexal tumours are one of the most challenging subjects of dermatopathology. Surgical excision is always required to establish a definitive diagnosis and differentiation subtypes. Trichilemmal carcinoma is a relatively rare tumour, mainly when located in the axilla.