Origin and survival outcomes of Pseudomyxoma peritonei-A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an unusual clinical condition typically presenting with widespread mucinous neoplastic lesions within the peritoneum resulting in gelatin material-rich ascites. It was first described by Werth in 1884. Ever since, its clinical presentation, definition, site of origin, and prognosis have been a subject of debate. However, many histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic studies have attempted to locate the primary lesion in the appendix in both genders. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the histological origin and survival outcomes of pseudomyxoma peritonei in patients treated at a regional cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cases of PMP were diagnosed during the five-year study period. The demographic and clinicopathological details were retrieved; the slides were reviewed and histological parameters reassessed. Descriptive statistics were used to express proportions. Continuous variables were recorded as mean (SD) or median (IQR). Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve was used to estimate overall survival. RESULTS: Mean age for PMP was found to be 47.5 years for low grade Mucinous Carcinoma Peritonei (MCP), 54.2 years for high grade MCP, and 58 years for high grade MCP with signet ring cells. Most common overall presentation was abdominal distension in 53.3% (8/15) of cases, followed by acute appendicitis in 20% (3/15) cases. PMP was detected synchronous with the primary tumor in 9/15 cases (60%). Primary lesion in the appendix was grossly identified in 7/15 cases, while it was not explored in the remaining eight cases. Yet, by combined clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis, we identified that most of the cases (14/15) had an appendiceal origin (93.3%). The overall survival for 12 months was 50% and for 18 months was 37%. CONCLUSION: The surgeon and radiologist may well bear in mind the most common possibility of an appendiceal origin for PMP and resect the appendix, irrespective of the presence of a grossly or radiologically detectable lesions. We emphasize that immunohistochemistry helped to detect the site of origin even when the primary was occult.

Clinical Outcomes and Dosimetric Evaluationof Interstitial Brachytherapyin Gynecological Malignancies.

BACKGROUND: In management of Carcinoma Cervix, Brachytherapy plays a crucial role. Most commonly used technique is Intracavitary Brachytherapy (ICBT). In cases where ICBT is not technically feasible or it may result in suboptimal dose distribution, Interstitial Brachytherapy (ISBT) is recommended. With this study we wanted to study the clinical outcome and dosimetric details of interstitial brachytherapy in gynecological cancers. MATERIALS & METHODS: We analysed clinicaloutcome and dosimetric details of interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) done for gynecological malignancies in our institute during the period 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2020. RESULTS: Total of 42 interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) details were analysed.37 patients had Carcinoma Cervix and 5 patients had Carcinoma Vagina. In the majority of the patients, ISBT dosage schedule was three fractions 7Gy each. D2cc to rectum, bladder, sigmoid and bowel were 4.88 Gy, 5.62 Gy, 3.57 Gy and 2.47 Gy respectively. Mean CTV volume was 129.89 cc. EQD2 dose to CTV combining EBRT and ISBT dose was 85.88 Gy. D90 and D100 to CTV from ISBT were 111.96% and 68.21 % of prescribed dose respectively. Grade III/IV toxicities were seen in 5 (12%) patients. Local control rates at 1year &2 years were 88% & 85.7% respectively. DFS at 1 year, 2 years and 3 years were 80.7%, 72.3% and 65.7% respectively. OS at 1year, 2 years, 4 years and 5 years were 92.5%, 65.5%, 59.5% and 42.3% respectively. CONCLUSION: 3D imagebased dosimetry with CT based planning using MUPIT implant is a feasible option for gynecological malignancies warranting interstitial brachytherapy. In view of good clinical outcomes in terms of toxicity profile, Local control, DFS and OS with acceptable GEC-ESTRO dosimetric data, we recommend routine use interstitial brachytherapy if facilities are available and in clinical situations were ISBT is indicated.

Genomic analysis of breast cancer patients from Kerala: A novel BRCA1 mutation detected.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females, with an incidence of 6,41,000 cases annually. The genetic makeup of the individuals, ethnicity, geographical location, lifestyle, and BMI are some well-described factors associated with breast cancer. It is well known that pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with a majority of hereditary breast cancer. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 80 germline susceptibility loci responsible for hereditary breast cancer. METHODS: In the present study, analysis of 94 genes associated with hereditary cancer was performed using next generation sequencing (NGS) in twelve patients having breast cancer and suspected with hereditary association. RESULTS: Four out of twelve (33%) patients harbored pathogenic mutation of the BRCA1 gene. Two patients was identified p. E23Vfs*17 mutation in BRCA1, one patient had p.Glu1580Gln in BRCA1, and a novel frameshift variant p.T1456Ifs*9(c.4367Cdel) in one patient. CONCLUSION: In the present study, out of four detected mutations in the BRCA1 gene, three were known and one was a novel BRCA1 mutation. It is advised to perform NGS-based genome sequencing to identify the genetic predisposition in breast cancer patients.

Impact of perioperative period on disease-free survival among carcinoma ovary patients treated with the interval cyto-reductive surgery at a tertiary cancer centre in Kerala, India: a retrospective study

Background: Global incidence of ovarian malignancies is 300,000 as per GLOBOCAN 2018. The treatment protocol for advanced ovarian malignancies (stage IIIc and stage IV) includes neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Aims of the study was to determine the effect of duration of chemo interruption on disease free survival of ovarian malignancies treated by interval cytoreduction followed by surgery.Methods: A total 48 patients were studied for events such as recurrence, death, patient’s status on last follow up, peri-operative period between 3rd cycle of chemo therapy and 4th cycle of chemo therapy. Based on the median duration of peri operative period patients was classified as early or delayed receivers of adjuvant chemo therapy. Difference in duration of over-all survival and disease-free survival was analysed through Kaplan Meier survival analysis using log-rank test. Hazard ratio adjusted for background characteristics such as staging, performance status, grade of tumour were analysed using cox proportional hazard model.Results: The two peri operative period categories based on mean value (85 days) didn’t show any significant association to disease free interval (minimum-21days, maximum-146 days, Hr = 1.3, p-value = 0.52). Other established factors like stage, extent of resection, response to chemotherapy, also didn’t show any significant association. Serum marker level showed a significant negative correlation with disease free survival (minimum-9 days, maximum-30659, p-value =.04, Hr = 3.19).Conclusions: The study could not establish any correlation between peri operative period and median disease-free survival. The small sample size is a limiting factor, well controlled randomized trials may needed for further clarification.