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Oman Med J 2013 Nov;28(6):e063

Department of Laboratory Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.

We report two cases that presented with unexplained acute renal failure and hyperuricemia and were subsequently diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patients improved with conservative therapy without the need for dialysis. Case 1 is the youngest case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome reported to date, and Case 2 presented with spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome without hyperleukocytosis. Read More

Cureus 2019 Feb 7;11(2):e4024. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Internal Medicine, Seton Hall University / Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Trenton, USA.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a fatal complication of chemotherapy treatment. It is rarely seen in the treatment of solid tumors particularly in breast cancer. We presented the case of a chemo-naïve 58-year-old Caucasian woman who developed tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) after a single treatment dose of gemcitabine for metastatic breast cancer. Read More

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2019 Apr;99(15):1142-1146

Department of Interventional Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.

To evaluate the tumor burden reducing efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) combined with octreotide LAR on neuroendocrine tumor liver metastasis (NETLM). Twenty-nine NETLM patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 2014 to August 2018 were retrospectively recruited, including 12 males and 17 females. The mean age was 25-69(50±11) years. Read More

Clin Cancer Res 2019 Apr 19. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Center for CLL, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania

Purpose: Clinical trials of venetoclax reported negligible rates of clinical tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) when using an extended dose escalation schedule. We aimed to understand TLS prophylaxis, rates of select adverse events (AEs), and impact of dosing modifications in routine clinical practice.

Experimental Design: This retrospective cohort study included 297 CLL venetoclax treated patients outside of clinical trials in academic and community centers. Read More

J Clin Pharm Ther 2019 Apr 10. Epub 2019 Apr 10.

Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, Athens University Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

What Is Known And Objective: Tumour lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency, characterized by rapid cytolysis leading to an abrupt rise of serum uric acid levels. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of febuxostat as a preventive measure in patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome development, by comparing it with allopurinol administration.

Methods: MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials. Read More

J Clin Neurosci 2019 Apr 2. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

Division of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

We report a rare case of distinctive extensive punctate intracranial haemorrhage associated with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with hyperleukocytosis. A 7-year-old girl presented with hyperleukocytosis (white cell count 788.7 × 10/L; 94% peripheral blasts) and laboratory tumour lysis syndrome. Read More

J Oncol Pharm Pract 2019 Apr 2:1078155219840421. Epub 2019 Apr 2.

1 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the stability of two non-commercially produced solutions: 1.68% sodium bicarbonate in 5% glucose (BIC solution) and 1.6% calcium chloride in 0. Read More

J Med Econ 2019 Apr 3. Epub 2019 Apr 3.

c Department of Health Economics and Outcome Research , Sanofi , Shanghai , China.

Aims: To conduct a lifetime cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of rasburicase compared with standard of care (SOC) for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in children with hematologic malignancies from the Chinese healthcare system perspective.

Materials And Methods: The CEA was performed using a decision tree model with a lifetime horizon. The model explores the cost-effectiveness of rasburicase verses SOC for both preventing TLS and treating established TLS among pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Read More

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2019 Apr;57(4):305-308

Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China.

Vet Med Sci 2019 Mar 21. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware, Newcastle, Delaware, USA.

Oncological emergencies can occur at any time during the course of a malignancy and need to be recognized promptly to maximize successful outcomes. Emergencies are characterized as chemotherapy-induced, paraneoplastic syndromes, or directly related to the neoplasm. Prompt identification with treatment of these emergencies can prolong survival and improve quality of life, even in the setting of terminal illness. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2019 5;10:208. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Department of Pharmacy, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

The ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2; also known as breast cancer resistance protein, BCRP) has been suggested to be involved in clinical multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer like other ABC transporters such as ABCB1 (-glycoprotein). As an efflux pump exhibiting a broad substrate specificity localized on cellular plasma membrane, ABCG2 excretes a variety of endogenous and exogenous substrates including chemotherapeutic agents, such as mitoxantrone and several tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Moreover, in the normal tissues, ABCG2 is expressed on the apical membranes and plays a pivotal role in tissue protection against various xenobiotics. Read More

J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2019 Mar 19. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.

More than hundred years ago Paul Ehrlich postulated that our immune system should be able to recognize tumor cells. Just recently the development of check point inhibitors, bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) and T cells genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) underlines the true power of our immune system. T cells genetically modified with CARs can lead to complete remission of malignant hematologic diseases. Read More

West J Emerg Med 2019 Mar 14;20(2):316-322. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia.

Oncologic emergencies may be seen in any emergency department and will become more frequent as our population ages and more patients receive chemotherapy. Life-saving interventions are available for certain oncologic emergencies if the diagnosis is made in a timely fashion. In this article we will cover neutropenic fever, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and hyperviscosity syndrome. Read More

Case Rep Nephrol 2019 4;2019:4890287. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Pikeville Medical Center, USA.

Acute hyperuricemia most commonly occurs in patients who experience tumor lysis syndrome. Hyperuricemia along with other electrolyte abnormalities like hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) due to acute uric acid nephropathy which is associated with significant morbidity. High risk patients are thus closely monitored for signs of these laboratory abnormalities. Read More

Blood 2019 Mar 12. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

University of California School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States.

This single-arm, open-label, phase 1b study evaluated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of venetoclax when given with obinutuzumab and its safety and tolerability in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) or previously untreated (1L) chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Venetoclax dose initially was escalated (100-400 mg) in a 3+3 design to define the MTD combined with standard-dose obinutuzumab. Patients received venetoclax (Schedule A) or obinutuzumab (Schedule B) first to compare safety and determine dose/schedule for expansion. Read More

J Nucl Med 2019 Mar 8. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a transmembrane receptor involved in survival, proliferation and dissemination of different cancers, including hematopoietic malignancies. Relapsed/refractory hematopoietic cancers are frequently resistant to conventional therapy and novel highly active strategies are urgently needed. CXCR4-directed endoradiotherapy constitutes a highly promising targeted therapeutic concept. Read More

Clin Adv Hematol Oncol 2018 Dec;16(12):812-822

Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by marked tumor proliferation resulting from translocation of the MYC oncogene. Distinct clinical variants include endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated cases. All variants are characterized by rapidly dividing tumor masses that quickly disseminate to extranodal sites, including the bone marrow and central nervous system (CNS). Read More

Gynecol Oncol Rep 2019 May 15;28:41-43. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Canada.

•Tumour lysis syndrome is an oncologic emergency.•Tumour lysis syndrome is most commonly encountered in hematologic malignancies.•Herein we report a case of tumour lysis syndrome in an endometrial stromal sarcoma. Read More

J Pak Med Assoc 2019 Feb;69(2):267-270

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan.

Our objective was to review clinical presentation, treatment protocol used and its efficacy and effectiveness in patients of grey zone lymphoma during last 5 years at our centre. A retrospective chart review of children below 18 years of age was done from 2011 to 2016. A proforma was devised for this purpose and the findings of cases detected during the specified period were noted over it. Read More

Cureus 2018 Dec 8;10(12):e3706. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Hematology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, USA.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome is an exceedingly rare manifestation of metastatic prostate cancer. It can masquerade as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These entities present with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure, and improve with the initiation of plasma exchange and steroids. Read More

Br J Haematol 2019 Feb 15. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Department of Haematology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.

Venetoclax is a BCL2 inhibitor with activity in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We conducted a multi-centre retrospective analysis of 105 R/R CLL patients who received venetoclax pre-National Health Service commissioning. The median age was 67 years and median prior lines was 3 (range: 1-15). Read More

Curr Opin Pediatr 2019 Apr;31(2):251-255

Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Chimeric antigen receptor -(CAR) T-cell therapy has become a commonly used immunotherapy originally used in the treatment of B-cell leukemias but which are now applied broadly across tumor classes. Although high rates of remission are associated with CAR T-cell therapy, toxicities associated with these novel treatment regimens can be lethal if not recognized in a timely manner.

Recent Findings: Cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity are the two most common toxicities associated with CAR T-cell therapy. Read More

Br J Haematol 2019 Feb 10. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Diagn Pathol 2019 Feb 9;14(1):16. Epub 2019 Feb 9.

Brain Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 1550 Orleans Street, 1M16, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.

Background: Gliomas with 1p/19q-codeletion as well as mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 are typically characterized as oligodendrogliomas with comparatively good response to treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 28-year-old man with an IDH1 and TP53 mutant high grade glioma with abnormalities in chromosomes 1 and 19 suggestive of anaplastic oligodendroglioma that rapidly progressed to widespread metastatic disease. Biopsy of a liver lesion confirmed metastasis of the patient's known brain primary and chemotherapy with temozolomide was initiated. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2019 Feb 3;20:146-150. Epub 2019 Feb 3.

Department of Hemato-Oncology, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea.

BACKGROUND Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency resulting from the massive destruction of tumor cells after cytotoxic chemotherapy for chemosensitive malignancies with a high tumor burden. Its clinical manifestations include severe electrolyte disturbances, metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure secondary to urate deposition in the kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle, and nervous system dysfunction. We report an extremely rare case of spontaneous TLS (STLS) in idiopathic primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Read More

J Oncol Pract 2019 Feb 23;15(2):e178-e186. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

1 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

Background:: Rasburicase is a recommended treatment of tumor lysis syndrome and patients at high-risk for developing tumor lysis syndrome. Unfortunately, it is expensive, and unnecessary use raises costs of care.

Methods:: Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology was used to decrease the inappropriate use of rasburicase. Read More

Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019 May 27;85(5):924-934. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Australian Centre for Pharmacometrics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Australia.

Aims: Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory imide drug used broadly in the treatment of multiple myeloma and lymphoma. It continues to be evaluated in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at lower doses due to dose-related toxicities including tumour flare and tumour lysis syndrome. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for lenalidomide in multiple cancers, including CLL, to identify any disease-related differences in disposition. Read More

Bone Rep 2019 Jun 28;10:100194. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, United States of America.

Hypercalcemia in HIV patients has been previously reported, but 1,25-(OH) vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia, due to increased activity of extrarenal 1-alpha hydroxylase, is rarely described with HIV-related infections or malignancies. We describe a case of 1,25-(OH) vitamin D-mediated hypercalcemia in a patient presenting with progressive cognitive decline and weakness. Initial evaluation revealed a new diagnosis of HIV, for which he was started on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Read More

Med Clin (Barc) 2019 Jan 3. Epub 2019 Jan 3.

Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España. Electronic address:

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening emergency characterised by a massive cytolysis with the release of intracellular electrolytes, nucleic acids, and metabolites into the circulation. TLS comprises laboratory derangements (hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, and hypocalcaemia) responsible for acute kidney injury. In patients with hematologic malignancies after cytotoxic therapy or spontaneously and also in advanced solid tumours. Read More

Respir Med Case Rep 2019 23;26:142-145. Epub 2018 Dec 23.

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA.

Rasburicase is a recombinant urate-oxidase enzyme and is a very important medication for tumor lysis syndrome. Methemoglobinemia and hemolysis are known side effects of rasburicase that result from oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct generated during the breakdown of uric acid to allantoin. Patients with G6PD deficiency have a decreased tolerance to oxidative stress and are therefore at a greater risk of hemolysis and methemoglobinemia with rasburicase. Read More

J Family Med Prim Care 2018 Sep-Oct;7(5):1116-1119

Department of Pathology, Aster MIMS, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency caused by massive tumor lysis resulting in a constellation of metabolic abnormalities. It is observed most frequently in patients with high-grade hematological malignancies undergoing treatment. Tumor lysis syndrome can occur spontaneously and it can present as the first symptom of an underlying malignancy. Read More

Tumori 2018 Dec 23:300891618793817. Epub 2018 Dec 23.

1 Department of Hematology, Kocaeli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey.

Background:: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially fatal complication of cancer therapy characterized by severe electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcaemia. TLS usually occurs in aggressive hematologic malignancies such as Burkitt lymphoma and acute leukemia. TLS has rarely been observed in multiple myeloma (MM). Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Dec 19;11(1). Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

A middle-aged woman with a history of leiomyosarcoma of the uterus treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy suffered a bulky metastatic recurrence 1 year later. She elected treatment with palliative eribulin, presenting with acute renal failure and electrolyte abnormalities consistent with tumour lysis syndrome on cycle 1 day 8. Despite aggressive supportive care and treatment including intravenous hydration, bicarbonate and rasburicase, she continued to decline, ultimately foregoing haemodialysis in favour of palliative care and passed away in the hospital. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Nov 28;11(1). Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Internal Medicine, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening complication wherein massive tumour cell lysis results in severe metabolic abnormalities. TLS generally follows chemotherapy of rapidly proliferating haematological malignancies; spontaneous TLS and TLS from treatment of solid tumours are infrequently reported. We present a rare case of TLS following treatment of a large gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) in a 63- year-old man. Read More

Blood Adv 2018 Dec;2(24):3566-3571

Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Early data on venetoclax-containing regimens for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) show promising results with deep remissions, but are hampered by potential risk for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Whether optimal duration of venetoclax treatment can be guided by minimal residual disease (MRD) is currently unknown. To study whether TLS risk can be mitigated in an unfit population by introducing preinduction, and whether MRD-guided duration of venetoclax treatment is a feasible and efficacious approach, we performed the Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for Hemato-oncology (HOVON) 139/GIVE trial. Read More

Arch Pathol Lab Med 2019 Mar 30;143(3):386-393. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

From the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an acute, life-threatening disease among adults and children that is associated with the initiation of cytoreductive therapy in the treatment of malignancy. A pattern of metabolic derangements occurs as a result of a massive release of intracellular contents into the systemic circulation. Characteristic findings include hyperuricemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and uremia, all of which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, renal failure, and sudden death. Read More

J Nucl Med 2018 Nov 21. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Uniklinik Ulm, Germany.

Radioligand therapy (RLT) is considered a safe treatment for patients with metastasized neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and prostate cancer (PC), and the occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) with Lutetium (Lu)-labeled peptides has not been reported so far. We retrospectively screened our patients' database for TLS after RLT in NET and PC. The database was searched for patients receiving RLT with Lu-DOTATATE, -DOTATOC or -PSMA and showing laboratory or clinical abnormalities typical for TLS within 7 days after start of treatment. Read More

J Intensive Care Med 2018 Nov 9:885066618803863. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

1 Critical Care Medicine Service, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death despite a broader understanding of its biology and the development of novel therapies. Nonetheless, with an increasing survival of this population, intensivists must be aware of the associated emergencies, both old and new. Oncologic emergencies can be seen as an initial presentation of the disease or precipitated by its treatment. Read More

Invest New Drugs 2018 Nov 9. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Clinical Research Unit, Institut Claudius Regaud, IUCT- Oncopole, 1 avenue Joliot-Curie, Toulouse, 31059, France.

Background Plocabulin (PM060184) is a novel marine-derived microtubule inhibitor that acts as an antitumor agent. This first-in-human study evaluated dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and phase II recommended dose (RD) of plocabulin given as a 10-min infusion on Day (D) 1, D8 and D15 every four weeks. Patients and methods Forty-four patients with advanced solid tumors received plocabulin following an accelerated titration design. Read More

J Pak Med Assoc 2018 Nov;68(11):1625-1630

Indus Hospital Research Center, The Indus Hospital, Karachi-Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the incidence of tumour lysis syndrome and to identify associated factors and mortality rate in paediatric haematological patients.

Methods: The prospective study was conducted from April to September 2016 at Indus Children Cancer Hospital, Karachi, and collected data for all new paediatric oncology patients registered with diagnosis of haematological malignancies. Each patient was monitored for a period of three days before and seven days after the start of the treatment. Read More

Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2018 Oct 3;34(4):618-622. Epub 2018 Mar 3.

Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, Tamilnadu India.

Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme approved for use in tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and it acts by reducing serum uric acid levels. Using rasburicase at the recommended dose of 0.2 mg/kg/day for 5 days is expensive and it is not known whether this extended schedule is clinically beneficial compared to a single fixed dose of 1. Read More

Blood 2019 Jan 25;133(1):7-17. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.

Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) respond poorly to standard induction therapy. B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) overexpression is implicated in survival of AML cells and treatment resistance. We report safety and efficacy of venetoclax with decitabine or azacitidine from a large, multicenter, phase 1b dose-escalation and expansion study. Read More

J Clin Oncol 2018 Oct 25:JCO1800359. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Matthew S. Davids, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Gottfried von Keudell, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Craig A. Portell, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA; Jonathon B. Cohen, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA; David C. Fisher, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Francine Foss, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Andrew W. Roberts, Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; John F. Seymour, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Rod A. Humerickhouse, AbbVie, Chicago, IL; and Constantine S. Tam, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018 Dec 22;82(6):979-986. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse, Oncopôle, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.

Background: Trastuzumab is the mainstay of therapy for patients with HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer but resistance frequently occurs. Afatinib, an irreversible oral ErbB family blocker, shows clinical activity in trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Materials And Methods: This phase I study used a modified 3 + 3 dose escalation design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral once-daily afatinib in combination with 3-weekly intravenous trastuzumab (8 mg/kg week 1; 6 mg/kg 3-weekly thereafter) for patients with confirmed advanced or metastatic HER2-positive cancer. Read More

J Adv Pract Oncol 2017 Nov-Dec;8(7):705-720. Epub 2017 Nov 1.

University of Memphis, School of Health Studies, Memphis, Tennessee.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can develop rapidly after the release of intracellular contents from lysed malignant cells. The advent of novel and targeted therapies that have improved tumor-killing efficacy has the potential to increase the risk of TLS when used as part of front-line therapy. A recent review of TLS risk in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with newer targeted agents highlighted the need to revisit TLS risk stratification and to describe the practical challenges of TLS prevention, treatment, and monitoring. Read More

Eur J Immunol 2018 12 29;48(12):1975-1988. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.

The autosomal-dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), caused by mutations in STAT3, is a rare primary immunodeficiency that predisposes to mucocutaneous candidiasis and staphylococcal skin and lung infections. This infection phenotype is suggestive of defects in neutrophils, but data on neutrophil functions in HIES are inconsistent. This study was undertaken to functionally characterize neutrophils in STAT3-deficient HIES patients and to analyze whether the patients` eosinophilia affects the neutrophil phenotype in S. Read More

Blood Res 2018 Sep 28;53(3):223-226. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.

Background: Bendamustine is a chemotherapeutic agent that has shown broad activity in patients with lymphoid malignancies. It contains both alkylating and nucleoside analog moieties, and thus, is not commonly used for stem cell mobilization due to concerns that it may adversely affect stem cell collection. Here we describe the lymphoma subset of a prospective, non-randomized phase II study of bendamustine, etoposide, and dexamethasone (BED) as a mobilization agent for lymphoid malignancies. Read More

QJM 2019 Jan;112(1):39-40

Department of Internal Medicine of H.U. Marqués de Valdecilla, Santader, Spain.

Curr Mol Med 2018 ;18(5):335-342

Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.

Antibody-toxin fused agents or immunotoxins, are a newly engineered class of cytotoxic agents consisting of a bacterial or plant toxin moiety hooked up either to a monoclonal antibody or a specific growth factor. Nevertheless, acquiring a full potency in clinic is mostly restricted due to the Capillary leak syndrome (CLS), a serious immune provoked, life-threatening side effect, subsequent to the endothelial damage, resulting in fluid escape from the bloodstream into tissues including lungs, muscle and brain, developing organ failure and eventually death. Proposed underlying mechanisms include direct damage to endothelial cells, acute inflammation, Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells engagement, alteration in cell-cell/cell-matrix connectivities and cytoskeletal dysfunction. Read More