The clinical efficacy and safety of paclitaxel combined with avastin for NSCLC patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion

Summary Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of paclitaxel combined with avastin for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Method: Total of 33 patients diagnosed with NSCLC as well as malignant pleural effusion were included. All of them received paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and avastin (5 mg/kg). Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the total response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival and changes in MPE volume. Adverse events and rates of toxicities were examined as well. Results: The total response rate reached 77% while the overall survival and the median progression-free survival were respectively 22.2 months and 8.4 months. Toxicities of grade 3-4 consisted of neutropenia in 57% of patients, anemia in 17% of them, febrile neutropenia in 11%, as well as anorexia in 7%. No treatment-correlated deaths were found. Conclusion: Paclitaxel combined with avastin decreased MPE volume and increased survival rate of NSCLC patients via inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Acompanhamento presencial e telefônico dos sintomas em mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas à quimioterapia / In-person and telephone monitoring of symptoms in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy / Seguimiento presencial y telefónico de los síntomas de mujeres con cáncer de mama sometidas a quimioterapia

Objetivo: identificar os sintomas mais prevalentes durante o tratamento quimioterápico em mulheres com câncer de mama. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, prospectivo e com abordagem quantitativa, constituído por 15 mulheres avaliadas no dia da infusão e semanalmente via telefone. A pesquisa ocorreu no período de março a dezembro de 2014 numa central de quimioterapia no Rio de Janeiro. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, número do parecer: 544.459 e Certificado de Apresentação para Apreciação Ética: 26054613.5.0000.5285. Resultado: os sintomas mais frequentes foram alteração do paladar, ansiedade, artralgia, fadiga, inapetência, mialgia e náusea. Conclusão: a identificação dos sintomas mais prevalentes, em determinados momentos do tratamento quimioterápico, permite ao enfermeiro otimizar as orientações sobre os efeitos adversos. Intervenções mais precisas no cuidado, considerando as diversas drogas empregadas e a multiplicidade de sintomas, favorecem a adesão ao tratamento, na medida em que contribuem para a manutenção do bem-estar das pacientes.

Objective: to identify the most prevalent symptoms during chemotherapy treatment of women with breast cancer. Method: this quantitative, descriptive, prospective study evaluated 15 women on day of infusion, and then weekly by telephone, between March and December 2014, at a chemotherapy center in Rio de Janeiro. The project was approved by the research ethics committee (opinion number: 544,459 and Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Evaluation: 26054613.5.0000.5285). Result: the most frequent symptoms were altered taste, anxiety, arthralgia, fatigue, inappetence, myalgia and nausea. Conclusion: identification of the symptoms most prevalent at certain times of chemotherapy treatment allows nurses to optimize guidelines on adverse effects. More precise care interventions, considering the various drugs employed and the multiple symptoms, favor adherence to treatment in that they contribute to maintenance of patient wellbeing.

Objetivo: identificar los síntomas más prevalentes durante la quimioterapia en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, con enfoque prospectivo y cuantitativo, constituido por 15 mujeres evaluadas en el día de la infusión y de forma semanal por vía telefónica. La encuesta se llevó a cabo entre marzo y diciembre de 2014 en un centro de quimioterapia en Río de Janeiro. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de Investigación, número de dictamen: 544459 y Certificado de Presentación para Apreciación Ética: 26054613.5.0000.5285. Resultados: los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la alteración de gustos, la ansiedad, artralgias, fatiga, pérdida de apetito, mialgias y náuseas. Conclusión: la identificación de los síntomas más prevalentes, en determinados momentos de la quimioterapia, le permite al enfermero optimizar las directrices sobre los efectos adversos. Intervenciones más precisas en la atención, teniendo en cuenta los diversos fármacos utilizados y la multiplicidad de síntomas, favorecen la adherencia al tratamiento, ya que contribuyen a mantener el bienestar de los pacientes.

Chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the elderly population

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are over 70 years of age at diagnosis. Despite this fact, these patients are underrepresented in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). As a consequence, the most appropriate regimens for these patients are controversial, and the role of single-agent or combination therapy is unclear. In this setting, a critical systematic review of RCTs in this group of patients is warranted. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of different cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens for previously untreated elderly patients with advanced (stage IIIB and IV) NSCLC. To also assess the impact of cytotoxic chemotherapy on quality of life. METHODS: Search methods: We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to 31 October 2014), EMBASE (1974 to 31 October 2014), and Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1982 to 31 October 2014). In addition, we handsearched the proceedings of major conferences, reference lists from relevant resources, and the ClinicalTrial.gov database. Selection criteria: We included only RCTs that compared non-platinum single-agent therapy versus non-platinum combination therapy, or non-platinum therapy versus platinum combination therapy in patients over 70 years of age with advanced NSCLC. We allowed inclusion of RCTs specifically designed for the elderly population and those designed for elderly subgroup analyses. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed search results, and a third review author resolved disagreements. We analyzed the following endpoints: overall survival (OS), one-year survival rate (1yOS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), major adverse events, and quality of life (QoL). MAIN RESULTS: We included 51 trials in the review: non-platinum single-agent therapy versus non-platinum combination therapy (seven trials) and non-platinum combination therapy versus platinum combination therapy (44 trials). Non-platinum single-agent versus non-platinum combination therapy Low-quality evidence suggests that these treatments have similar effects on overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 1.17; participants = 1062; five RCTs), 1yOS (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.07; participants = 992; four RCTs), and PFS (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.07; participants = 942; four RCTs). Non-platinum combination therapy may better improve ORR compared with non-platinum single-agent therapy (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.26; participants = 1014; five RCTs; low-quality evidence). Differences in effects on major adverse events between treatment groups were as follows: anemia: RR 1.10, 95% 0.53 to 2.31; participants = 983; four RCTs; very low-quality evidence; neutropenia: RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.65; participants = 983; four RCTs; low-quality evidence; and thrombocytopenia: RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.89; participants = 914; three RCTs; very low-quality evidence. Only two RCTs assessed quality of life; however, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis because of the paucity of available data. Non-platinum therapy versus platinum combination therapy Platinum combination therapy probably improves OS (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.85; participants = 1705; 13 RCTs; moderate-quality evidence), 1yOS (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96; participants = 813; 13 RCTs; moderate-quality evidence), and ORR (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.85; participants = 1432; 11 RCTs; moderate-quality evidence) compared with non-platinum therapies. Platinum combination therapy may also improve PFS, although our confidence in this finding is limited because the quality of evidence was low (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93; participants = 1273; nine RCTs). Effects on major adverse events between treatment groups were as follows: anemia: RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.76; participants = 1437; 11 RCTs; low-quality evidence; thrombocytopenia: RR 3.59, 95% CI 2.22 to 5.82; participants = 1260; nine RCTs; low-quality evidence; fatigue: RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.38; participants = 1150; seven RCTs; emesis: RR 3.64, 95% CI 1.82 to 7.29; participants = 1193; eight RCTs; and peripheral neuropathy: RR 7.02, 95% CI 2.42 to 20.41; participants = 776; five RCTs; low-quality evidence. Only five RCTs assessed QoL; however, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis because of the paucity of available data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In people over the age of 70 with advanced NSCLC who do not have significant co-morbidities, increased survival with platinum combination therapy needs to be balanced against higher risk of major adverse events when compared with non-platinum therapy. For people who are not suitable candidates for platinum treatment, we have found low-quality evidence suggesting that non-platinum combination and single-agent therapy regimens have similar effects on survival. We are uncertain as to the comparability of their adverse event profiles. Additional evidence on quality of life gathered from additional studies is needed to help inform decision making

Pharmacovigilance of patients with multiple myeloma being treated with bortezomib and/or thalidomide

In order to evaluate the main adverse effects of drug protocols using bortezomib and/or thalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma, we conducted a prospective study. Data were collected through interviews, clinical observation, and from hospital records. A total of 59 patients were included. There was a predominance of females, 36 (61%) vs 23 (39%) males, and of whites, 49 (83.1%) vs 10 (16.9%) blacks. Age ranged from 40 to 94 years, with a median of 65 years (SD=11.6). Regarding staging at diagnosis, 27 (45.7%) patients were in stage III-A, with 12 (20.3%) patients having serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dL. The main adverse effects in the bortezomib treatment group (n=40) were: neutropenia (42.5%), diarrhea (47.5%), and peripheral neuropathy in 60% of cases, with no difference between the iv (n=26) and sc (n=14) administration routes (P=0.343). In the group treated with thalidomide (n=19), 31.6% had neutropenia, 47.4% constipation, and 68.4% peripheral neuropathy. Neutropenia was associated with the use of alkylating agents (P=0.038). Of the 3 patients who received bortezomib in combination with thalidomide, only 1 presented peripheral neuropathy (33.3%). Peripheral neuropathy was the main adverse effect of the protocols that used bortezomib or thalidomide, with a higher risk of neutropenia in those using alkylating agents. Improving the identification of adverse effects is critical in multiple myeloma patient care, as the patient shows improvements during treatment, and requires a rational and safe use of medicines.

Resultados en el tratamiento de pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda no promielocítica en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica entre los años 2010-2014 / Results of acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Analysis of 63 patients between 2010-2014

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults, emphasizing its high recurrence rate despite hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Aim: To report the results of AML treatment at the Catholic University of Chile Clinical Hospital. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with AML. Results: 63 patients, median age 55.4 years (range:16-89), treated between 2010 and 2014. Admission laboratory values showed (median values): leukocytes 45.989/mm³, hemoglobin 9.1 g/dl, platelets 75.548/mm³, peripheral blood blasts 38% and bone marrow blasts 74%. According to cytogenetic risk classification we observed the following groups: favorable 8% (n = 5), intermediate 51% (n = 32), unfavorable 13% (n = 8) and unknown 28% (n = 17). Seventy five percent of patients received induction chemotherapy and 25% palliative care. Median survival of treated and palliative care patients was 27.3 and 1 month respectively. Induction chemotherapy (IC) mortality (ICM) was 4.2%. Seventy percent (n = 33) of patients who received IC had complete response (CR) with a 3-year relapse free survival (RFS) of 25% and overall survival (OS) of 31%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that achievement of CR, cytogenetic risk group and receiving consolidation chemotherapy were significantly associated with better RFS and OS. Conclusions: AML treatment with standard chemotherapy in our center achieves similar results to what has been described in international series regarding induction rates and ICM, however RFS and OS are still very low, especially in intermediate and high cytogenetic risk groups.

Hydrogen sulfide in posthemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph drainage alleviates kidney injury in rats

Posthemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) is a key factor in multiple organ injury following hemorrhagic shock. We investigated the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in PHSML drainage in alleviating acute kidney injury (AKI) by administering D,L-propargylglycine (PPG) and sodium hydrosulfide hydrate (NaHS) to 12 specific pathogen-free male Wistar rats with PHSML drainage. A hemorrhagic shock model was established in 4 experimental groups: shock, shock+drainage, shock+drainage+PPG (45 mg/kg, 0.5 h prehemorrhage), and shock+drainage+NaHS (28 µmol/kg, 0.5 h prehemorrhage). Fluid resuscitation was performed after 1 h of hypotension, and PHMSL was drained in the last three groups for 3 h after resuscitation. Renal function and histomorphology were assessed along with levels of H2S, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in renal tissue. Hemorrhagic shock induced AKI with increased urea and creatinine levels in plasma and higher H2S, CSE, TLR4, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α levels in renal tissue. PHSML drainage significantly reduced urea, creatinine, H2S, CSE, and TNF-α but not TLR4, IL-10, or IL-12. PPG decreased creatinine, H2S, IL-10, and TNF-α levels, but this effect was reversed by NaHS administration. In conclusion, PHSML drainage alleviated AKI following hemorrhagic shock by preventing increases in H2S and H2S-mediated inflammation.

Assessment of Autonomic Function by Phase Rectification of RRInterval Histogram Analysis in Chagas Disease / Avaliação da Função Autonômica na Doença de Chagas Através da Análise de Histogramas de Intervalos RR com Retificação de Fase

Background: In chronic Chagas disease (ChD), impairment of cardiac autonomic function bears prognostic implications. Phase‑rectification of RR-interval series isolates the sympathetic, acceleration phase (AC) and parasympathetic, deceleration phase (DC) influences on cardiac autonomic modulation. Objective: This study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) as a function of RR-interval to assess autonomic function in healthy and ChD subjects. Methods: Control (n = 20) and ChD (n = 20) groups were studied. All underwent 60-min head-up tilt table test under ECG recording. Histogram of RR-interval series was calculated, with 100 ms class, ranging from 600–1100 ms. In each class, mean RR-intervals (MNN) and root-mean-squared difference (RMSNN) of consecutive normal RR-intervals that suited a particular class were calculated. Average of all RMSNN values in each class was analyzed as function of MNN, in the whole series (RMSNNT), and in AC (RMSNNAC) and DC (RMSNNDC) phases. Slopes of linear regression lines were compared between groups using Student t-test. Correlation coefficients were tested before comparisons. RMSNN was log-transformed. (α < 0.05). Results: Correlation coefficient was significant in all regressions (p < 0.05). In the control group, RMSNNT, RMSNNAC, and RMSNNDC significantly increased linearly with MNN (p < 0.05). In ChD, only RMSNNAC showed significant increase as a function of MNN, whereas RMSNNT and RMSNNDC did not. Conclusion: HRV increases in proportion with the RR-interval in healthy subjects. This behavior is lost in ChD, particularly in the DC phase, indicating cardiac vagal incompetence. .

Fundamento: Na doença de Chagas (DCh) crônica, a função autonômica cardíaca está frequentemente comprometida e traz implicações quanto ao prognóstico. A retificação de fase da série de intervalos RR isola as influências simpática (fase de aceleração – AC) e parassimpática (fase de desaceleração – DC) na modulação autonômica cardíaca. Objetivo: Este estudo investigou a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VRR) como função dos intervalos RR, para avaliar a função autonômica em indivíduos saudáveis e com DCh. Métodos: Os grupos controle (n = 20) e com DCh (n = 20) foram estudados. Todos fizeram o teste de inclinação ortostática de 60 minutos, com o registro do ECG. O histograma da série de intervalos RR dividido em classes de 100 ms, variando de 600 a 1100 ms foi calculado. Para cada classe, foram calculados os intervalos RR médios (MNN) e a diferença média quadrática (RMS) entre os intervalos RR normais que se encaixavam naquela classe. A média de todos os valores de RMS foi analisada como uma função dos MNN na série inteira (RMST) e nas fases de aceleração (RMSAC) e desaceleração (RMSDC). A inclinação das linhas de regressão linear foi comparada entre grupos através do teste t de Student. Os coeficientes de correlação foram testados antes das comparações. A RMS sofreu transformação logarítmica (α < 0,05). Resultados: O coeficiente de correlação foi significativo em todas as regressões (p < 0,05). No grupo controle, a RMST, a RMSAC e a RMSDC aumentaram de forma significativa proporcionalmente ao MNN (p < 0,05). No grupo com DCh, apenas a RMSAC mostrou um aumento significativo como função do MNN, enquanto a RMST e a RMSDC não aumentaram significativamente. Conclusão: A VRR aumenta proporcionalmente ao intervalo RR em indivíduos saudáveis. Este comportamento é perdido na DCh, especialmente na DC, indicando incompetência vagal cardíaca. .

Quality of life, clinical characteristics and treatment adherence of people living with HIV/AIDS / Qualidade de vida, características clínicas e adesão ao tratamento de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS / Calidad de vida, características clínicas y adhesión al tratamiento de personas viviendo con VIH/Sida

OBJECTIVES: to assess the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and verify its association with clinical characteristics and treatment adherence. METHOD: cross-sectional study conducted in a hospital in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. The quality of life scale proposed by the World Health Organization and a questionnaire to measure treatment adherence were used. RESULTS: of the 314 interviewees, 190 (60.5%) were male, aged 43 years on average, 121 (38.5%) had attended up to five years of schooling, 108 (34.4%) received up to two times the minimum wage, and 112 (35.7%) were on sick leave. In regard to clinical variables, individuals with an undetectable viral load scored higher in all the domains concerning quality of life, with statistically significant differences in three domains. Regarding treatment adherence, 235 (73.8%) presented poor adherence and those who strictly adhered to treatment obtained better scores in quality of life. The results show that quality of life is better among individuals adherent to ART. Supporting people to adhere to the antiretroviral treatment should be a persistent task of healthcare workers and other people participating in the treatment, such as family members and friends. .

OBJETIVOS: avaliar a qualidade de vida das pessoas vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana/síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida e suas associações com características clínicas e adesão ao tratamento. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, realizado em um hospital do Estado da Paraíba. Utilizou-se questionário para caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica, escala de qualidade de vida (proposta pela Organização Mundial da Saúde) e escala de adesão ao tratamento (Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral). RESULTADOS: dos 314 entrevistados, 190 (60,5%) eram do sexo masculino, idade média de 43 anos, 121(38,5%) contavam com até cinco anos de estudo, 108 (34,4%) recebiam até dois salários-mínimos e 112 (35,7%) estavam afastados das atividades laborais. Quanto às variáveis clínicas, identificou-se que os indivíduos com carga viral indetectável apresentaram maiores escores em todos os domínios de qualidade de vida, com diferença estatisticamente significante em três domínios. Sobre a adesão ao tratamento, 235 (73,8%) apresentaram adesão insuficiente, os que apresentaram adesão estrita obtiveram melhores escores de qualidade de vida. Os resultados mostraram que a qualidade de vida é melhor para os aderentes ao tratamento antirretroviral. Apoiar as pessoas em tratamento para melhorar a adesão aos antirretrovirais deve ser tarefa constante dos profissionais de saúde e de outras pessoas que participam do tratamento, como familiares e amigos. .

OBJETIVOS: evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas viviendo con VIH/Sida y sus asociaciones con características clínicas y adhesión al tratamiento. MÉTODO: estudio transversal, realizado en un hospital del estado de Paraíba. Se utilizó un cuestionario para caracterización sociodemográfica y clínica, la Escala de Calidad de Vida (propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud) y la Escala de Adhesión al Tratamiento (Cuestionario para Evaluación de la Adhesión al Tratamiento Antirretroviral). RESULTADOS: de los 314 entrevistados, 190 (60,5%) eran del sexo masculino, edad promedio de 43 años, 121(38,5%) contaban con hasta cinco años de estudio, 108 (34,4%) recibían hasta dos salarios mínimos y 112 (35,7%) no realizaban actividades laborales. En cuanto a las variables clínicas, se identificó que los individuos con carga viral indetectable presentaron mayores puntajes en todos los dominios de calidad de vida, con diferencia estadísticamente significativa en tres dominios. Sobre la adhesión al tratamiento, 235 (73,8%) presentaron adhesión insuficiente, los que presentaron adhesión estricta obtuvieron mejores puntajes de calidad de vida. Los resultados mostraron que la calidad de vida es mejor para los adherentes a la TARV. Apoyar a personas en tratamiento para mejorar la adhesión a los antirretrovirales debe ser una tarea constante de los profesionales de la salud y de otras personas que participan del tratamiento, como familiares y amigos. .

Náuseas, vômitos e qualidade de vida de mulheres com câncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico / Náuseas, vómitos y calidad de vida en mujeres con cáncer de mama en la quimioterapia / Nausea, vomiting and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres com câncer de mama em tratamento quimioterápico e identificar a ocorrência de náuseas e vômitos durante o tratamento. Os dados foram coletados com a aplicação do instrumento da Organização Europeia de Pesquisa e Tratamento de Câncer, EORTC-QLQ-C30, na versão em português, bem como do módulo para câncer de mama BR-23, aplicados antes, no meio e ao final do tratamento. Das 79 mulheres incluídas, 93% apresentaram náuseas e 87% vômitos pelo menos uma vez durante o tratamento. A QV apresentou pequena diminuição durante o tratamento. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para cada aplicação dos questionários foi de 0,890492, 0,936392 e de 0,937639. A disponibilidade de informações sobre o tratamento e de orientações quanto ao manejo da náusea e do vômito é crucial para o gerenciamento adequado das toxicidades da quimioterapia.

Evaluar la calidad de vida (QOL) de las mujeres con cáncer de mama durante la quimioterapia e identificar el acontecimiento de náuseas y vómitos durante el tratamiento. Se recogieron datos con la aplicación del instrumento de la Organización Europea para la Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer, EORTC-QLQ-C30 versión en portugués y módulo para el cáncer de mama BR-23 aplicado antes, en la mitad y al final del tratamiento. Se incluyeron 79 mujeres, el 93% tuvo náuseas, el 87% vómitos al menos una vez durante el tratamiento. La QOL presentó una ligera disminución durante el tratamiento. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para cada aplicación de los cuestionarios fue 0.890492, 0.936392 y 0.937639. La disponibilidad de informaciones sobre el tratamiento y directrices sobre el manejo de la náusea y vómito es fundamental para la correcta gestión de las toxicidades de la quimioterapia.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and to identify the incidence of nausea and vomiting during the treatment. Data were assessed with the application of the instrument of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC-QLQ-C30 Portuguese version and breast cancer module BR-23, which was applied before, in the middle and in the end of the treatment. The participants were 79 women, of which 93% had nausea and 87% had vomited at least once during the treatment. QoL showed a slight decrease during treatment. Cronbach's alpha for each application of the questionnaires was 0.890492, 0.936392 and 0.937639. The availability of treatment information and guidelines on the management of nausea and vomiting is crucial for the proper management of the toxicities of chemotherapy.

Isolated limb perfusion with hyperthermia and chemotherapy: predictive factors for regional toxicity

OBJECTIVE: Isolated limb perfusion combined with melphalan is an accepted treatment for obtaining locoregional control in advanced melanoma of the extremities and other malignant neoplasias restricted to the limb. This study aims to examine the factors associated with toxicity caused by the regional method. We considered the technical aspects of severe complications associated with the procedure in an attempt to diminish the patient morbidity that occurs during the learning curve. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of patients who underwent perfusion at the AC Camargo Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil between January 2000 and January 2009. The Wieberdink scale was applied to classify local toxicity and its relation to clinical and laboratory variables. RESULTS: Fifty-eight perfusions were performed in 55 patients. Most patients (86.2%) presented a toxicity level between I and III. Grade V toxicity was seen in five cases (8.6%), four of which occurred in the first 2 years. Creatine phosphokinase, an important predictive factor for toxicity, had an average value of 231.8 for toxicity grades I-III and 1286.2 for toxicity grades IV-V (p = 0.001). There was a relationship between the melphalan dose and toxicity, which was 77 mg (25 to 130 mg) for toxicity grades I-II and 93.5 mg (45 to 120 mg) for toxicity grades IV-V (p = 0.0204). CONCLUSION: It is possible to prevent the toxicity associated with melphalan by adjusting the dose according to the patient's body weight (especially for women and obese patients) and the creatine phosphokinase values in the postoperative period.

Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento con quimioterapia y radioterapia en linfoma no Hodgking localizado, de grados intermedio y alto / Long term results for intermediate and high grade localized non Hodgkin lymphoma, treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Background: Treatment of intermediate and high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) includes chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, depending on the clinical stage. The standard treatment for advanced NHL is 8 cycles of combined chemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, adriamicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP). Patients presenting with localized disease are treated with fewer chemotherapy cycles and involved field radiotherapy, with good results. Aim: To evaluate the treatment results including overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in localized aggressive NHL patients treated at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Clinical Hospital. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with Ann Arbor stages I and II referred to the hematology and radiotherapy clinic between 1998 and 2003. OS and EFS analysis was made according to the Kaplan and Meier method. Log-rank and Cox methods were used for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy toxicities were scored according to World Health Organization (WHO) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scales, respectively. Results: 39 patients (20 men), aged between 20 to 85 years, were the source for this study. The average follow-up was 51 months (range 6-115). The 5 years OS and EFS were 72,4 percent and 63,3 percent, respectively. On univariate analysis, age over 60 was the only variable that affected negatively OS and EFS. Acute toxicity caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy was uncommon. Conclusions: Age over 60 was the only independent variable associated with poor prognosis. The number of chemotherapy cycles and the drug combination did not influence the results. These results support the usefullness of a shortened chemotherapy regimen plus involved field radiotherapy.