Tm Suresh

Primary bone lymphoma: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon tumor accounting for approximately 4-5% of extra nodal lymphoma and less than 1% of all non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Disease may be complicated at presentation by pathological fracture or spinal cord compression. Diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for the majority of cases of PBL. Owing to its rarity, only a few retrospective studies have been published addressing the prognosis and treatment of primary bone lymphoma. In this paper, we report our experience with two cases of PBL treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and review literature to elucidate the optimal treatment of primary bone lymphoma.

A study of triple negative breast cancer at a tertiary cancer care center in southern India

Background: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are a diverse and heterogeneous group of tumors that by definition lack estrogen and progesterone receptors and amplification of the HER-2 gene. The majority of the tumors classified as TNBCs are highly malignant, patients are usually young and only a subgroup of patients responds to conventional chemotherapy with a favorable prognosis. Various studies have been reported in western literature on TNBCs, all highlighting the poor prognosis of this subtype. However, extensive data from India is lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical profile of TNBCs at our institute. Materials and Methods: This was the retrospective study carried out in Tertiary Cancer Care Center in South India. Case files of all breast cancer patients were reviewed from the hospital database registered in 1 year and TNBC patients were selected for the study. Patient′s characteristic, treatment, and histological features were analyzed. Results: A total of 322 patients were registered during the period of 1 year and 26% (84/322) of total patients were TNBC. Median age of presentation was 44.5 years. About 94% (79/84) of patients had first full-term delivery before the age of 30 years. The most common presenting symptom was left sided breast lump. Locally advanced and early breast cancer (EBC) was 51% (43/84) and 42% (36/84), respectively. Metastatic breast cancer was seen in five patients. The highest numbers of patients were node negative disease (36.9%) [31/84], followed by N1 30.95% (26/84). Most of the patients had high-grade tumor. 94% (34/36) of cases of EBC had undergone upfront modified radical mastectomy. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the predominant histology except one who had medullary carcinoma. Twenty-four patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). There was no pathological complete remission, but all patients responded to NACT. Metastatic disease was seen in five patients. All patients had bone metastasis. Conclusions: TNBCs are highly aggressive subtype, with high grade with limited treatment options and very poor prognosis. Incidence is more in our country than the western literature. Even in our country also the incidence is varies in different region. TNBCs are significantly associated with young aged patients. There was a lack of association between tumor size and lymph node positivity.

Floor-of-mouth metastasis in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancers have potential for lymphatic and hematogenous metastases. Surgery is the definitive treatment, but the prognosis can be improved with the addition of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. However, the incidence of recurrence, both local and distant, remains significant. Distant metastases occur most often in the liver and lung; however, metastases to bone, adrenals, lymph nodes, brain, skin and the oral region have been reported. Metastases to the oral region are uncommon and may occur in the oral soft tissues or jaw bones. The prognosis in such patients is usually very poor. We report a case of colorectal carcinoma with metastasis to the floor of the mouth. This is probably the first reported case of metastasis to the floor of the mouth in a patient with colorectal cancer.

Methotrexate-induced chemical meningitis in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma.

Background: Intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) is an important component in the treatment as well as prophylaxis of leukemia/lymphoma. ITMTX can cause chemical meningitis characterized by vomiting, headache, and fever lasting 2-5 days with spontaneous resolution of symptoms which differentiates this syndrome from bacterial meningitis. Objective: This prospective observational study was carried out to determine incidence of post-ITMTX syndrome in patients receiving prophylactic ITMTX as part of Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM) protocol. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 15-50 years receiving BFM 90 or BFM 95 protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma were followed up for post-ITMTX syndrome, defined as vomiting, headache and fever between 38 o and 39 o C following ITMTX. Results: Thirty-three patients received a total of 297 courses of ITMTX. Of the 297 doses of ITMTX, 20 episodes (6.7%) of post-ITMTX syndrome were observed. The incidence of post-ITMTX syndrome was highest after the second dose of ITMTX (24%). The most common symptom of post-ITMTX syndrome was headache which was seen in 17 (85%) patients. Seventeen (85%) patients had vomiting, 10 (50%) patients had fever, and 4 (20%) patients had backache. Meningeal signs were present in 2 (10%) patients. Conclusions: Post-ITMTX syndrome is not uncommon in adult patients receiving prophylactic ITMTX for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. Patients develop a toxic syndrome closely mimicking acute bacterial meningitis but spontaneous recovery is seen without any neurological sequelae.

Locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Barriers related to effective treatment

Background: Oral cavity cancer is a significant health problem in India. Majority of patients present with locally advanced disease requiring multimodality treatment. Compliance to recommended treatment is an important factor affecting outcome. Aims: The aim was to evaluate the outcome of locally advanced oral cavity cancer patients with regards to treatment adherence and to assess reasons of noncompliance. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. We included patients referred to Department of Medical Oncology for induction chemotherapy in view of locally advanced oral cavity cancer. Results: Only 15 (26%) patients completed planned treatment schedule. Their 1 year overall survival was 93%. The remaining 43 patients who received inadequate treatment had a dismal 21% 1 year overall survival. Illiteracy, poverty, long waiting list for surgery, prolonged delay for health scheme treatment plan approval and dissatisfaction with attitude of hospital staffs are major barriers related to effective treatment of these patients. Conclusions: A detailed discussion with patient and their relatives regarding recommended treatment, proper implementation of health schemes, increasing trained manpower to avoid long waiting list for surgery, provision of additional financial support for family member accompanying the patient and a sympathetic approach toward patients are needed to help these patients overcome the battle.

Linezolid induced vasculitis: An unusual case report with review of the literature

We report a case of a 17-year-old male with precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented with erythematous palpable rash over all extremities and trunk following initiation of linezolid for febrile neutropenia. This rash resolved on discontinuation of linezolid. We report this case with emphasis on review of the literature to highlight this unusual adverse effect and make clinicians aware and create a high index of suspicion in such a situation.

Hyperleukocytosis, an unusual paraneoplastic manifestation of lung cancer: Case report and review of literature

Leukocytosis may be found in patients with lung cancer either at time of diagnosis or during the course of the disease. Though mild leukocytosis is common in lung cancer, hyperleukocytosis defined as total leukocyte count more than 100,000 is uncommon. We describe a 68-year-old chronic smoker who presented with osteolytic pelvic bone lesion and hyperleukocytosis, who on evaluation was found to have a primary lung cancer. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed marked myeloid hyperplasia. Myeloid series comprised predominantly mature neutrophils and stab forms. Cytogenetic investigation showed a normal chromosome set (46, XY). Repeated cultures from blood, urine, and sputum were sterile. He was started on chemotherapy but had a progressive downhill course. In patient with lung cancer, leukocytosis can be due to infection, use of corticosteroid or hematopoetic growth factors, bone marrow involvement, or paraneoplastic manifestation. Paraneoplastic leukocytosis is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive disease.

Plasmablastic lymphoma: Does prognosis differ with HIV status and site of disease?

Background: Apart from its common occurrence in the oral cavity in HIV-positive patients, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) has also been described at extraoral sites and among immunocompetent individuals. There is sparse data quoting prognostication of PBL depending on the site of occurrence and HIV status of patients. Aims: The present study was carried out at a tertiary oncology center to address the issue whether PBLs occurring at oral and extraoral sites differ prognostically and whether HIV status of patient has any impact on prognosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at our center on consecutive patients diagnosed with PBL, from January 2008 to December 2012. Results: We had four patients with oral PBL; three male and one female. Sites of involvement were oral tongue and buccal mucosa. Two patients died within 6 months of diagnosis due to disease progression while on treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up after achieving complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy. Only one patient completed the prescribed schedule of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is in CR with 33 months follow-up. There were four extraoral PBL patients; three female and one male. Extraoral sites were ileocaecal region, ovary, clavicle and rectum. Three patients died within 6 months due to progressive disease during treatment. Only one patient has completed chemotherapy and is in CR with18 months follow-up. Among all these eight oral and extraoral PBL patients, four were HIV positive. Two of them are in CR after treatment (18 months and 33 months follow-up). One patient died during treatment and one patient was lost to follow-up after being in CR. Unfortunately, none of the other four HIV-negative patients could survive for more than 6 months after diagnosis. Conclusion: Both oral and extraoral PBLs have aggressive clinical course and an overall unfavorable outcome. Prognosis of HIV-associated PBL seems to be better with addition of highly active antiretroviral therapy to chemotherapy. Further large sample studies are needed to confirm these results.

Primary breast lymphoma in males-a report of two cases with a review of the literature.

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) in males is a rare clinical entity and has been reported in anecdotal case reports up until now. We report two cases of PBL from a tertiary care centre in Southern India. A 46-year-old male presented with a lump in the right breast with right axillary lymphadenopathy; a biopsy with immunohistochemistry showed neoplastic cells positive for CD 20 and negative for CD 30, epithelial membrane antigen, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, suggestive of diffuse large B cell lymphoma stage IIEA. He received three cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone) chemotherapy, then developed a cerebrovascular accident, and died. The other patient was a 60-year-old male with a left breast lump with left axillary lymphadenopathy. The biopsy with immunohistochemistry showed neoplastic cells positive for CD 23 and CD 5, suggestive of small lymphocytic lymphoma stage IIEA. Initially he received three cycles of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone (COP) and defaulted. One year later, he received six cycles of COP chemotherapy, developed progressive disease, and was lost to follow-up. The literature on PBL in males was reviewed. To conclude, PBL in males is an extremely rare disease and can mimic breast cancer. A strong index of suspicion with early diagnosis by biopsy with immunohistochemistry and treatment with rituximab- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy will improve overall survival.

Diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma of the thyroid: Seven cases with review of the literature from India

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent subtype of nonHodgkin′s lymphoma globally with frequent extra nodal involvement. There is sporadic data available on thyroid DLBCL in Indian population and hence we undertook this retrospective observational study at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, a tertiary care oncology center in India to analyze the clinico biological features of this disease. Methodology: A total of 7 consecutive cases diagnosed as DLBCL by appropriate lymph node biopsy with evidence of thyroid involvement on fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid or thyroid histopathology (following thyroidectomy) were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (WHO classification) between January 2008 and September 2013 were included in this study. Results: A total of 7 patients were included in the study. Median age was 65-years (range: 50-72 years), and all were females. Six out of seven were in stage IIAE and one was in stage IVAE. The distribution according to the international prognostic index was as follows: 3 were in low risk, 1 in low-intermediate, 2 in high-intermediate and 1 in high risk group. Regarding treatment, 5 received CHOP, 1 received COP and 1 received no treatment. 5 patients received radiotherapy. 2 patients underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. Of the 6 patients who received chemotherapy ΁ radiotherapy, 4 had complete response 1 was lost to follow-up at 3 months and 1 alive with no disease at 32 months), 2 had partial response. The median survival was 15 months (3-32 months). Conclusions: Extranodal thyroid DLBCL presents common in elderly age group and in females. A multimodality treatment approach is used to treat this entity and may improve survival compared with unimodality approach.