bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiviral treatment in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)- related low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma: An update of a multicenter study
Authors: Vallisa D. , Bernuzzi P. , Lazzaro A. , Trabacchi E. , Arcari A. , Moroni C. F. , Bertè R. , Mordenti P. , Cavanna L. 
Published: March 2020

17526 Background: HCV is largely diffuse in North-western Europe and U.S.A. It has been shown to play a role both in hepatocellular carcinoma and in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Up to now the exact biological mechanisms that could explain the lymphomagenic role of the virus are under study. Methods: We have previously published a series of 13 patients, affected by low grade B-cell NHL and characterized by an indolent course (i.e. doubling time less than 1 year, no bulky disease), who underwent antiviral treatment only with peghilated interferon and ribavirin (peghilated interferon 50–70 microgram weekly, ribavirin 1000–1200 mg daily). Now we report the second update of this study. Up to now 17 patients are evaluable with a mean follow up of 12.1 ± 8 months (range 2–31 months). Results: Eight patients experienced complete or good partial haematological response that has lasted up to now with a mean follow up of 19,5 months, among them 3 splenic marginal lymphomas, 2 nodal marginal, 1 follicular lymphoma, 1 plasmocytoid and 1 marginal extranodal lymphoma. Three other patients achieved a long lasting partial response. The only one relapse (marginal nodal lymphoma) occurred about one year after the end of treatment, hematological relapse happened together with viral relapse, the lymphoma reappeared as highly chemo resistant high grade lymphoma, and two months later the patient died. Interestingly complete and good partial responses were more likely to be seen in viral genotype 2 (p = 0.04) and were strictly related to the decrease of viral load under treatment (p = 0.005). Toxicity causes the stop of the treatment in 3 patients; however one of them was able to achieve complete hematological response. Time to achieve hematological response was quite long (mean 8 ± 4.5 months). Conclusions: This kind of experience strongly provides a role for antiviral treatment in patients affected by HCV related low grade B-cell NHL. Especially viral genotype 2 infection may be considered a good prognostic marker for hematological response as well as decrease of viral load under treatment. Toxicity in our hands was however significant and further experiences are warranted in order to better modulate antiviral therapy doses. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Gemcitabine, ifosfamide, oxaliplatin and rituximab (R-GIFOX), a new effective cytoreductive/mobilizing salvage regimen for relapsed and refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Results of a pilot study
Authors: Corazzelli G. , Capobianco G. , Russo F. , Marcacci G. , Villani O. , Pinto A. 
Published: March 2020

17533 Background: We evaluated a new short-course (biweekly), dose intensive, cytoreductive/mobilizing salvage regimen (R-GIFOX) combining the cross-synergistic agents Gemcitabine (G), Ifosfamide (Ifo), Oxaliplatin (Ox) and Rituximab (R), in patients with recurrent CD20+ NHL. Methods: Patients were scheduled to receive three courses of R-GIFOX followed by mobilization and ASCT or three more courses if ineligible for ASCT. Therapy was delivered on a compassionate basis after written informed consent. R-GIFOX consisted of R (375 mg/m2, d 1), G (1000 mg/m2, d 2), Ox (130 mg/m2, d 3), Ifo (5 g/m2, d 3), as a 24-hour single infusion in patients aged ≤ 65 yrs, or fractionated over 3 days (dd 3–5) in those older, G-CSF (5 mcg/kg/d, dd 6–11; 10 mcg/kg/d at the 3rd course). Responses were evaluated after three courses by the integrated FDG-PET/IWC criteria. Results: Twenty patients (median age 62 yrs, r 37–79) with relapsed (n = 15) or refractory (n = 5) aggressive [diffuse large cell (n = 8), mantle cell (MCL) (n = 5), follicular G3 (n = 7)], advanced (stage IV = 75%), poor risk (IPI 3–5 = 60%; previous therapies: median = 2, r 1-4) NHL, were accrued. Eighty-five total courses were given (median 4, r 1–6). Actual dose intensities of the first 3 courses were: G = 82%, Ifo = 83% and Ox = 86.5%. CTCAE v 3.0 toxicity (85 courses) was: G3/G4 thrombocytopenia = 23%; G3/G4 neutropenia = 21%; G3 febrile neutropenia = 5% and G3/G4 infections = 8%. The ORR after three courses was 80%, with 11 complete responses (55%; CR = 8; CRu = 3) and 5 partial; CRu converted to CR at BM biopsy after 6 courses. The ORR was 77 % (6 CR, 4 PR) for patients aged ≤ 65 yrs and 86% (5 CR, 1 PR) for those older. Also, the ORR was 40% (1 CR, 1 PR) for refractory patients and 93% (10 CR, 4 PR) for those relapsed. TTF was 79.4% at a median f.u. of 8 months (r, 2-16). CD34+ cells were harvested in 6 out of 8 eligible patients. Among patients with MCL 3 CRs and 1 PR were obtained, including 2 molecular remissions. Conclusions: R-GIFOX had limited toxicity and good activity in recurrent aggressive NHL. It may offer a less toxic alternative to Cisplatin/ARA-C-based regimens, also for patients aged or unfit for ASCT, and in “difficult” histotypes such as MCL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Low prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci infection in French patients with ocular adnexal lymphomas (OAL)
Authors: Decaudin D. , Subtil A. , Ferreri A. , Vincent-Salomon A. , Ponzoni M. , Lumbroso-Le Rouic L. , Dendale R. , Escande M. , Dolcetti R. , De Cremoux P. 
Published: March 2020

17536 Background: A high prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci infection in both tumor tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Italian patients with OAL has been reported (Ferreri AJ, Guidoboni M, Ponzoni M, De Conciliis C, Dell’Oro S, Fleischhauer K, et al. Evidence for an association between Chlamydia psittaci and ocular adnexal lymphomas. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96(8):586–94.) This association has not been confirmed in some regions of the USA, and no data from other European countries are available. We therefore investigated the presence of DNA of C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, and C. pneumoniae DNA in French patients (pts) with OAL. Methods: Tumor samples from ophthalmologic biopsies of 16 OAL pts (10 conjunctiva, 6 orbit) were included in the study. Histologic type were MALT-type (n = 8), lymphoplasmocytic (n = 6), follicular (n = 1), and diffuse large B-cell (n = 1) lymphomas. Two other groups of lymphoproliferative disease were analyzed as controls. First, ten cases of nodal lymphomas (follicular and marginal zone B-cell lymphomas), and ten cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia were analyzed. A multiplex touchdown, enzyme time-release PCR designed to simultaneously detect C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis DNA sequences was performed. PCR analyses were performed in duplicate in an independent setting either inat the Curie Institut Curie in e, Paris, and in the National Cancer Institute, Aviano. Results: DNA of C. psittaci DNA was detected in the tumoral tissue of only one patient with follicular OAL. No DNA sequences of C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis DNA sequences were was detected in all any of the other OALs, or controls. Conclusions: The prevalence of C. psittaci infection in French pts with OAL was sensibly significantly lower than that reported in Italian series. Cross-controls between the two laboratories indicate that this finding is not due to different experimental conditions. Discrepancies may be explained by an heterogeneous epidemiological distribution of the bacterial infection. Large studies aimed to investigate geographical variations in the prevalence of this association are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Extranodal NHL- A retrospective review of clinico-pathologic features and outcome and comparison with nodal NHL. Single institution experience years: 1988–2004
Authors: Lal A. , Adil S. , Masood N. 
Published: March 2020

17542 Background: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) arising in an extra nodal (EN) site is not uncommon and its natural history and treatment is clearly characterized in the literature. Data on EN-NHL and comparison with N-NHL with relation to survival and prognostic factors is scarce in our part of the world. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the anatomic distribution, clinical features and outcome of DLBCL patients according to the primary site with applicability of International Prognostic Index (IPI). Methods: From 1988 to 2004, 557 patients were analyzed for the clinico-pathologic characteristics, treatment outcome and prognostic factors affecting overall survival. Results: Median age was 48.7 ± 15.3 years ; the M: F ratio was 2:1. The distribution according to the primary site was: lymph node, 322 cases (58%) of these 145 cases (44%) stage IV, 76 cases (23%) Stage III, 60 cases (18%) stage II and 47 cases(15%) stage I ; and EN sites, 235 (42%), including GIT (44%) followed by upper aerodigestive tract (19%), bones (08%), spine (05%), and 3% each as breast, CNS, testis,lungs. The median survival rate was 4.8 and 6.3 years in NL and ENL respectively vary according to primary site/stage of the lymphoma. In the univariate analysis age less than 60 years, early stage I-II, extra nodal involvement primarily gastric or bone, 0–1 extra nodal site, 0–1 PS, lack of B symptoms, normal LDH level has been associated with good prognosis. In the multivariate analysis age, PS, stage and level of LDH were the main variables to predict OS; no nodal or extranodal site maintained their prognostic value. Conclusion: Our data correspond with series from west increasing incidence extranodal lymphoma due to improved diagnostic techniques and superior results with chemotherapy by preserving the organ. Few patients with bowel obstruction or cord compression lymphoma required surgery for diagnosis or relief of symptoms. There is significant difference from western data in histologies DLBC-NHL is the most common histologies in our study. Overall survival patients with EN-NHL were similar to nodal NH-Lymphoma but largely depended on IPI. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The use and correlation with flow cytometry of fluorescent molecular beacons in real time PCR of IgH gene rearrangements for evaluation of minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kara O. , Yigin A. , Sahin B. , Paydas S. 
Published: March 2020

17552 Background: At present, the prognostic value of the amount of residual tumor cells in PB, BM or stem cell harvests and its changes over time is stil not clear. Also the advent of new therapeutic approaches to multiple myeloma made necessary the introduction of novel methods for detection of minimal residual disease. Among others approaches residual disease can be detected by using flow cytometry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a real time PCR test for the IgH gene using alellespecific molecular beacons as fluorescence probes to quantify residual disease and also correlate flow cytometric detection of plasma cells in MM patients during followup after treatment with high dose of chemotherapy or standart chemotherapy. Methods: After clinical diagnosis of 17 MM patients, the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions of the IgH gene were analysed and sequenced to identify its clonal nature. Unique sequences of the clonal IgH rearrangement were used to design specific molecular beacon probes for each MM patient. We have also examined the co-expression of CD19, CD38, CD45, CD56, and CD138 molecules in cells of bone marrow aspirates in patients with multiple myeloma by flow cytometry. Results: The active disease had been accepted of whom plasma cell infiltration ratio was over 10% in bone marrow and also of whom labeled by CD38 and CD138 by FCM. The detection of the MRD was positive in 13 patients by RT-PCR, respectively. The infiltration ratio was correlated with CD138 expression (p = 0.009) and RT-PCR detection of plasma cells (p = 0.006) and also significant correlation had been found between RT-PCR detection and CD138 expression respectively. No any correlaton was found between other surface antigens (CD38, CD45, CD56). Conclusion: Our results indicated that real time PCR with specific molecular beacons provides a feasible, accurate and reproducible method for the determination of minimal residual disease in MM. By FCM only CD138 expression may have been used as disease marker in addition of the RT-PCR detection. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the elderly veterans: We need to do better
Authors: Al Sayyed M. H. , Maken S. F. , Safa M. M. , Nahleh Z. A. , Pancoast J. R. , Muhleman A. F. , Jazieh A. R. , Komrokji R. S. 
Published: March 2020

17554 Background: Recent studies demonstrated worse outcome in elderly patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). The purpose of this study was to compare the presenting features, treatment, and outcome of elderly patients with HL within the Veteran Affairs Health care system (VA). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis. The VA Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) database was used to identify patients with HL diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. There are approximately 120 VA medical centers diagnosing and/or treating patients with cancer. Data are entered by tumor registrars at the VA medical centers. This site aggregates the data collected by the medical centers’ cancer registries. Data was extrapolated and analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: We analyzed 1009 patients in the Veteran Affairs (VA) database with the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients were divided into two groups according to age, elderly group (> 60 years) (n = 383) and young group (Age ≤ 60 years) (n = 626). The median age of presentation in elderly patients was 70 years; the most common stage at diagnosis was Stage IV. The most common histological subtype was nodular sclerosis and bulky disease was present in 89 (23.2%) of patients. Out of 383 patients 237 (62%) were treated with chemotherapy, 88 patients (23%) received radiation. Compared to patients ≤ 60 years of age, elderly patients were less likely to be current smokers, more likely to be caucasian, all other baseline characteristics were not statistically significantly different. Less elderly patients received chemotherapy compared to young patients (62% versus 74%) (P-value 0.004). No difference was observed in radiation therapy. The 5 year Overall survival in the elderly was 27 % compared to 70% in patients aged 60 or less. (P-value <0.005). Conclusions: Outcome of HL among elderly veterans is poor. Elderly patients received less chemotherapy treatment. Novel strategies to better deliver treatment in elderly patients with HL are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: Treatment outcomes in 43 patients
Authors: Mello C. L. , Feher O. , Lima V. C. , Valadares C. , Soares F. A. , Carvalho A. L. 
Published: March 2020

17556 Objectives: Primary mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma (PMBL) is recognized as a separate entity in the WHO classification. Treatment for PMBL is based on a combination of conventional dose chemotherapy, high dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The best strategy is still undefined. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with PBML to identify clinical prognostic factors. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 43 patients treated at Hospital do Cancer AC Camargo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 1989 and 2004. All patients had previous diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with positive CD20 on neoplastic cells. A predominant anterior mediastinal lesion should be present. Induction chemotherapy regimens were grouped in first generation (CHOP/CHOP-like), third generation (PromaceCytabon/MACOP) and other (pediatric regimens, COP). Results: Age ranged from 16 to 82 years-old, 30 females and 13 male. Age < 35 yo was associated with a better prognosis (5 years OS - 56% × 34%, p = 0.048). Among clinical variables, female gender, stage IA-IIB, IPI 0–1, normal LDH, absence of mediastinal bulky disease were associated with better prognosis, although not statistically significant. Response rate to first generation regimens was: 37% CR (11/29), 24% PR (7/29) and 24% PD (7/29). Four patients were treated with Third generation regimens with 2 CR and 2 PR. 20 out of 25 patients with PR or CR to first line chemotherapy received mediastinal radiation therapy. More than 65% of patients had a follow up of 5 years or more. With a median follow up of 22.3 months, projected 5 year OS was 47% and for the responders the median PFS was 8,4 months. No difference in OS and PFS was observed among the three chemotherapy groups. Conclusion: Our analysis showed that response rate to first line regimens was around 60% and 25% of patients were primarily refractory to CHOP regimen. Age younger than 35 years old was associated with a better prognosis. 5 years overall survival was 45% and is in accordance with the literature. Although recent studies have demonstrated biological similarities between PMBL and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the prognosis of PMBL is less favorable than HL. Better understanding of the disease will help in developing more appropriate therapeutic strategies for PMBL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Needs satisfaction for cancer patients in an ambulatory chemotherapy service (ACS). An exploratory study
Authors: Wbanet S. , Cayuela A. , Bernal L. , Valderrama B. , Valero M. , Ruiz M. , Iglesias M. , Iglesias L. , Moreno J. , Casas A. M. 
Published: March 2020

18607 Background: ACS are currently the main way for the delivery of Chemotherapy to cancer patients. Aproximately half of them require intravenous chemotherapy and many need two or three separate lines of treatment during their clinical career. How these treatments are delivered will affect their health and quality of life. Appraisal of needs along chemotherapy process enable to identify problems related to health satisfaction status and quality of health care provided. Methods: We have evaluated the perceived needs of patients receiving ambulatory chemotherapy through an “ad hoc” questionnaire of 49 items exploring the following areas: treatment related symptoms, information and communication/interpersonal interaction, psychological, social and spiritual support, economical needs and management of health service. Results: 141 consecutive patients attending the ACS one year after its set up were evaluated. Demographics (age, gender and income), diagnosis and types of Chemotherapy (Adjuvant vs. Palliative) were considered for interrelationships. The most frequent tumors were breast and colorectal carcinoma. More than 50% of the patients reported having controlled symptoms (pain, nausea and vomiting, mucositis etc.). Information needs related to their illness and treatment were satisfied to more than half of the sample, but reported a need for more information about diagnostic procedures and prognosis; 48% perceived shortcomings in communication with their clinicians and 50% believed they received little advice about how cancer affects their sexual behaviour. Most patients (53%) reported not to need pshycological support neither for their family (60%) nor themselves, 83% not needing spiritual support and 50% were satisfied with the economical support they received. With respect to the facilities’ structure, 50% perceived enough intimacy in doctor’s offices and Chemotherapy Room and 64% felt comfortable in the waiting room but 72% perceived waiting too long before being attended by doctor’s and nurses. Conclusions: younger patients and breast cancer diagnosis are among the people that express more unsatisfaction related to the accomplishment of their needs (p < 0.05). No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Is bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) an ischemic manifestation of pseudo-osteopetrosis?: Biochemical, densitometric, and imaging evidence
Authors: Kelleher F. C. , McKenna M. , Collins C. , Brady G. M. , Crown J. P. 
Published: March 2020

18621 Background: BONJ is an increasingly recognised but poorly understood complication of long-term B therapy. We hypothesise that the pathophysiology is ischaemic, and is due to an osteopetrosis (OP)-like lesion which causes progressive constriction of maxillo- mandibular perforating arterial foramina. Support for this comes from the observation that the osteoclast ruffled border is functionally impaired in osteopetrosis and structurally lost with B therapy. Cases of maxillomandibular osteomyelitis and avascular necrosis complicating OP exist. Additionally the blood supply of the jaw relies partly on small periosteal perforators. Methods: Bone mineral density (BMD) of 2 female patients (pt) with BONJ was investigated with dual energy x-ray absorbptiometry. Serum creatinine BB-isoenzyme (CK-BB) was determined. Serum acid phosphatase was assessed for patient 1. Bone biochemistry; (serum calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, bone alkaline phosphatase, 25(OH) vitamin D, osteocalcin (intact), N. Ter.procoll1, CTX-1) was assessed. Multislice CT with orthoradial reconstruction was performed on pt 1. Results: CK-BB isoenzyme was increased at 21% and 20% in patients 1 and 2 (upper limit normal 2%). DEXA scan patient 1 results: BMD, lumbar spine; T score 4.9 (152%), Z score 5.4 (160%), femur; T score 2.2 (128%) Z score 2.5 (134%). DEXA scan patient 2 results: BMD lumbar spine; T score 0.2, Z score 1.2, femur; T score 1.2, Z score 1.8. Serum acid phosphatase in pt 1 was normal. Orthoradial reconstruction of the mandible in pt 1 showed absence of lateral lingual canals in affected hemi mandible.Mental foramen and inferior alveolar canal were not constricted. Conclusion: The increased BMD and CK BB isoenzyme seen in our pts are characteristic features of osteopetrosis. The normal acid phosphatase is explained by bisphosphonate-induced osteoclast apoptosis a phenomenon that does not occur in osteopetrosis. Orthoradial reconstruction of the mandible provided radiological correlation. The data was found to be consistent with the hypothesized disease process. No significant financial relationships to disclose.