Ahmed Salem

Standardization of rehabilitation after limb salvage surgery for sarcomas improves patients’ outcome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to establish a standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol following limb salvage surgery (LSS) in patients with primary bone sarcoma in five major anatomical locations: distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal and total femur, humerus and shoulder girdle and pelvic resections. SETTING AND DESIGN Retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS All LSSs were performed by an orthopedic oncology surgeon, and rehabilitation of all patients was based on a devised standardized rehabilitation protocol. Patient outcomes were measured using the modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society-International Symposium on the Limb Salvage (MSTS-ISOLS) scoring system. RESULTS A total of 59 patients received LSS in the above mentioned locations; endoprostheses were used in 49, bone allograft in five, while no replacements were made in five patients. At a mean follow-up of 24 months, the mean modified MSTS-ISOLS score for all patients was 87% (95% CI; 0.85-0.89). The highest scores were encountered for patients with distal femur replacement: 93% (95% CI; 0.91-0.95). Seven patients had interruption of more than six weeks in their rehabilitation and had a mean score of 71% (95% CI; 0.64-0.82). CONCLUSION The proposed rehabilitation protocol is a comprehensive, organized and applicable guideline to be used after performing LSS at the above mentioned anatomical locations. The use of standardized rehabilitation protocol resulted in improved patient functional outcome.

Breaking bad news: current prospective and practical guideline for Muslim countries.

Breaking bad news is one of the most distressing tasks which face physicians on daily basis; however, only few doctors receive formal training on this task. Disappointingly, the current status of the “breaking bad news” sector in health care systems in the Muslim countries is largely unknown. The following article attempts to address the current status of breaking bad news in the health care sector in Muslim countries and devises a practical protocol which provides a stepwise framework for breaking bad news in Muslim countries.

Primary synovial sarcomas of the mediastinum: a systematic review and pooled analysis of the published literature.

Background. The aim of this systematic review is to attempt to provide a descriptive analysis for cases of synovial sarcoma (SS) arising in the mediastinum and to analyze prognostic factors. Methods. We performed PubMed database search in July 2013. Twenty-two studies, which included 40 patients, form the basis of this review. Demographic and disease-related factors were analyzed for possible influence on survival. Findings were compared with extremity SS studies reported in literature. Results. Sixteen cases (40%) presented with locally advanced unresectable disease, 2 (5%) with metastatic disease, and 22 (55%) with localized resectable disease. Median tumor size was 11 cm (range: 5–20 cm). Thirty patients were assessable for survival and had a 5-year OS of 36%. Completeness of resection was the only factor associated with significant improvement in OS (5-year survival of 63% and 0% in favor of complete resection, P = 0.003). Conclusion. Mediastinal SS is associated with poor prognosis as more cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage and with larger tumor size compared to extremity SS. Complete surgical resection is the only identified factor associated with better prognosis and may result in survival outcomes that are comparable with those for localized SS of the extremity.

Management strategies for locoregional recurrence in early-stage gastric cancer: Retrospective analysis and comprehensive literature review

ObjectiveTo present a comprehensive account and literature review addressing the anatomical distribution, natural history, and management strategies for locoregional recurrence in early-stage gastric cancer (EGC).Patients and methodsRetrospective chart review of patients presenting with EGC recurrence at King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman, Jordan) between July 2006 and May 2009. A literature review of publications addressing recurrence following surgery for EGC was undertaken via a systematic search of PUBMED database and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline updates.ResultsSeventeen patients presented with EGC, three of whom (17.6%) were pathologically staged as T2N1 [1/33 lymph nodes (LNs)], T1N0, and T1N0 were afflicted by recurrence following R0 partial gastrectomy. Literature review yielded 18 studies specifically addressing recurrence in EGC. Several management strategies have been proposed for isolated recurrence following gastrectomy in EGC. NCCN clinical practice guideline updates do not take into consideration whether the recurrence is isolated or widespread and whether the initial stage is early or advanced.ConclusionsWhile acknowledging the limitations of this study, including the small sample size and the short follow-up period, it appears clear that oncologic treatment is possible for EGC recurrence, particularly, in patients with isolated relapse. Guideline updates should differentiate between management strategies suitable for recurrence occurring in early versus advanced initial cancer stage.

Novel luminescent silica nanoparticles (LSN): p53 gene delivery system in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo

Objectives  Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are one among the most common genetic abnormalities to be described in breast cancer. However, there are a few recant reports on non‐viral vector‐mediated p53 gene delivery in breast cancer.

Choroidal metastasis secondary to prostatic adenocarcinoma: Case report and review of literature

Choroidal metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma is exceedingly rare. Furthermore, data addressing the optimal therapeutic strategy is limited. A 62-year-old male patient with metastatic prostate cancer was found to have a choroidal metastasis after complaining of decreased vision in his left eye. Following treatment with external beam radiotherapy, complete response in the choroidal metastasis was demonstrated. A literature search was undertaken to highlight the therapeutic options for this rare presentation. Choroidal metastasis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the prostate is exceedingly rare, as only eight cases have been reported so far. External beam radiotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality.

Choroidal metastasis as the sole initial presentation of metastatic lung cancer

Choroidal metastasis as an initial presenting feature of metastatic lung cancer is exceedingly rare. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an effective and widely accepted therapeutic modality. However, data addressing the effectiveness of other treatment strategies is limited. We present a patient with choroidal metastases secondary to lung cancer and review the relevant literature. A 25-year-old male presented with deterioration of vision. His evaluation revealed bilateral choroidal metastasis secondary to adeno- carcinoma of the lung. Unfortunately, his vision continued to deteriorate despite treatment with EBRT and chemotherapy. Choroidal metastasis as an initial presentation of metastatic lung cancer is exceedingly rare, as only 30 cases have been reported. EBRT and systemic chemotherapy are effective therapeutic modalities. This case report could prove helpful to clinicians faced with a similar exceedingly rare scenario.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the management of retinoblastoma: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In recent years, there has been an increasing role for stem cell transplantation in the management of retinoblastoma. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the treatment of patients with metastatic or relapsed, trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, and in patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension. DESIGN Systematic literature review. METHODS We performed an extensive PubMed database search on 25 February 2012 for studies describing the use of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the management of patients with retinoblastoma. RESULTS We located 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria and that included 101 patients. Following treatment for metastatic and relapsed disease, 44 of 77 patients (57.1%) were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up. However, a higher rate of local relapse developed in patients with CNS metastases (73.1%), which dropped to 47.1% in patients who received thiotepa. In patients with trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, 5 of 7 (71.4%) with reported outcome data were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up. In patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension, 6 of 7 patients (85.7%) were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Durable tumor control is possible in patients with non-CNS metastases, trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, and in patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension. Patients with CNS metastases require thiotepa to improve tumor control.

Spinal glioblastoma multiforme.

A22-years-old female presented with low back pain radiating to the left lower extremity in addition to significant left lower extremity muscle weakness. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed an oval-shaped, smooth, moderately enhancing intramedullary mass lesion at the level of D11/D12 (Figures 1 and 2). She subsequently underwent open surgical biopsy. Histopathology revealed glioblastoma multiforme (WHO grade IV) (Figures 3 and 4). MRI of the brain

Practical steps for establishing ocular plaque therapy in developing countries

INTRODUCTION Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma are the most common ocular tumors in children and adults, respectively. Enucleation and external beam radiation therapy are integral in the management of ocular tumors. However, these tumors could also be treated effectively by plaque therapy, which has the potential of preserving the globe and maintaining vision. METHODS AND MATERIALS We reviewed our experience with the introduction of this technique to our center. Furthermore, we highlighted the critical role of a specialized multidisciplinary team in the successful implementation of this procedure. DISCUSSION This review represents a detailed report addressing the practical steps for successfully establishing plaque therapy in developing countries. RESULTS Plaque therapy was successfully implemented at our center in 1.5 years. Integration with an advanced cancer center is crucial for the correct transfer of this complex technology. CONCLUSION Complex brachytherapy procedures could be successfully established and implemented in developing countries.