Implementation of Universal Colorectal Cancer Screening for Lynch Syndrome in Hispanics Living in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rico and third among Hispanics in the USA. Up to 2-4% of colorectal cancer cases are a result of Lynch syndrome (LS), a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by a germline mutation in at least one of the DNA mismatch repair genes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of LS in colorectal tumors during the first 15-months after the implementation of universal tumor-based screening for LS in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A total of 317 colorectal tumors were evaluated in a large private pathology laboratory from September 2014 to December 2015. Clinical characteristics were obtained from the pathology reports. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate the magnitude of association (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) between absent MMR protein expression and patient characteristics. RESULTS: Most cases (93.4%) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry; 11.8% (35 of 296) had deficient mismatch repair protein expression. While 29 of the 317 cases were subjected to PCR-based microsatellite instability analysis of which 10.3% (3 of 317) had microsatellite instability. In total, 11.0% of the tumors were reported MMR deficient. These tumors were more likely from females and more likely localized in the proximal colon compared to those with proficient MMR expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data is consistent with the results from other studies including US Hispanics, where approximately 10% of Hispanic individuals with colorectal cancer have microsatellite instability. Our results support universal tumor-based screening for LS among Hispanics in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

A Rare Case of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma with Metastasis to the Thyroid Gland.

Uterine leiomyosarcomas are aggressive tumors associated with a poor prognosis. These neoplasms have high metastatic potential, more frequently affecting the lungs, liver, and peritoneum. There are very few cases of metastasis to the thyroid described in the literature. We present the case of a 47-year-old female diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the thyroid gland. In this case report, we want to emphasize the utility of ancillary studies to help differentiate a leiomyosarcoma from anaplastic thyroid carcinoma since cytologic evaluation alone can be challenging.

Planning for the unexpected: Strategies for maintaining a robust clinical trial program.

During our entire history, Puerto Rico has suffered from being in the path of Hurricanes. The implications of these events during the conduction of clinical trials present a great challenge. On September 20, 2017 Puerto Rico suffered its most devastating hurricane in decades. We identified four main challenges faced as a result of the natural disaster: infrastructure damage, shortage of basic necessities, transportation difficulties and communication failure. By assessing the needs of each participant, we were able to aid with food, water and medicine. Protocols were resumed shortly after the disaster, participants were located and transportation to the research center was arranged for participants. Development of emergency plans within research protocols, allocation of emergency budgets, including transportation and communication costs, may overcome some of the challenges created by a natural disaster.

Double Pituitary Adenomas with Synchronous Somatotroph and Corticotroph Clinical Presentation of Acromegaly and Cushing's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Double pituitary adenomas are a rare occurrence. Synchronous clinical manifestation is extremely rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 51-year-old female with symptoms of both hypercortisolism and acromegaly during the past 2 years. Endocrine evaluation confirmed active acromegaly and revealed adrenocorticotropin hormone-dependent hypercortisolemia. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary demonstrated separated double microadenomas with different intensity. Immunohistochemical analysis of each separate adenoma confirmed an exact diagnosis. The diagnosis of acromegaly and adrenocorticotropin hormone-dependent Cushing's disease was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the third reported case in the literature of synchronous clinical manifestation of acromegaly and Cushing's disease. Extensive surgical exploration of the sella must be performed to avoid surgical failures from residual tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis is required to confirm an exact diagnosis for each of the double pituitary adenomas.

Implementation and Outcomes of a Community-Based Educational Program for Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Hispanics.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death in Puerto Rico. However, CRC screening rates remain low. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a Train-the-Trainers' (TTT) program to develop trainers capable of educating others within their communities about CRC prevention. METHODS: The TTT program consisted of didactics and seminars to capacitate participants to become trainers in CRC prevention. This project was evaluated using three components: (1) training workshops; (2) community educational sessions; and (3) the participant's experience as a trainer. Pre - and post-tests on CRC screening knowledge were given to TTT participants. Program effectiveness was determined by the pre- and post-tests, number of workshop participants completing a community educational session within three months of training and the number of community members reached. RESULTS: Among the 115 total participants, 97 participants took the pre- and post-test. There was a significant difference in the scores for the pre-test (M = 10.56, SD = 2.57) and the post-test (M = 11.43, SD = 1.83) given; t (96) = -4.68, p < 0.001. A total of 955 community members were reached. Participants from the community educational sessions (n = 680) evaluated the program. 77.7% of those participants expressed intent to undergo colonoscopy screening in the future. CONCLUSIONS: TTT was effective in preparing trainers in CRC prevention. Participants increased their knowledge about CRC prevention and successfully reached members of their community. Utilization of community trainers is an effective alternative to increase CRC education and awareness in Hispanic communities, which may positively impact CRC screening rates in this population.

Risk of thyroid cancer among Caribbean Hispanic patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited form of colorectal cancer characterized by hundreds of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. FAP is also associated with thyroid cancer (TC), but the lifetime risk is still unclear. This study reports the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of TC in Hispanic FAP patients. TC incidence rates in patients with FAP between the periods of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2013 were compared with the general population through direct database linkage from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR) and the Puerto Rico Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry (PURIFICAR). The study population consisted of 51 Hispanic patients with FAP and 3239 with TC from the general population. The SIR was calculated using the Indirect Method, defined as observed TC incidence among patients with FAP in PURIFICAR's cohort (2006-2013) divided by the expected TC incidence based on the PR population rates (2006-2010). SIR values were estimated by sex (male, female, and overall). This study received IRB approval (protocol #A2210207). In Hispanic patients with FAP, the SIR (95% CI) for TC was 251.73 (51.91-735.65), with higher risk for females 461.18 (55.85-1665.94) than males 131.91 (3.34-734.95). Hispanic FAP patients are at a high risk for TC compared to the general population. Our incidence rates are higher than previous studies, suggesting that this community may be at a higher risk for TC than previously assumed. Implementation of clinical surveillance guidelines and regular ultrasound neck screening in Hispanic FAP patients is recommended.