Dem eigenen Leben ein Ende setzen: Suizide zwischen Medizin und Ethik

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz -     

Outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the real-world setting

International Journal of Clinical Oncology - Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard treatments for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with poor performance status...     

Pleomorphic mastocytoma associated with loss of chromosome 5, PDGFRA,and HRAS mutations: A case of cutaneous mastocytosis with severe atypia and indolent behavior

A 21‐year‐old female presented with a 5‐year history of an erythematous papule on her right breast. The biopsy showed a dense, dermal nodular infiltrate, extending focally into the subcutaneous tissue. The infiltrate was composed predominantly of pleomorphic cells with bi‐lobed, multi‐lobed, horseshoe, or ring‐shaped nuclei. There was a smaller subset of monomorphous cells characterized by a round, reniform, or elongated single‐lobed nucleus. Accompanying cells included few foamy histiocytes, lymphocytes, and numerous scattered eosinophils. No necrosis, vascular invasion, or ulceration was present. The pleomorphic and monomorphic granular cells were positive for Giemsa stain as well as for tryptase, CD117, CD68, CD2, and CD30 immunohistochemistry and negative for S100, CD1a, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme, and CD56. Clinical examination was negative for any additional similar lesions and serum tryptase was within normal limits. The bone marrow was not biopsied. In addition, fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed multiple clones with loss of number 5 chromosome and PDGFRA and HRAS mutations. The lesion did not recur or progress after a 6‐year clinical follow‐up. To our full knowledge, we report the first case of pleomorphic mastocytoma with loss of chromosome 5 and PDGFRA and HRAS mutations.     

A literature-based treatment algorithm for low-grade neuroendocrine liver metastases

BackgroundThe optimal timing of treatment of liver metastases from low-grade neuroendocrine tumors (LG-NELM) varies significantly due to numerous treatment modalities and the literature supporting various treatment(s). This study sought to create and validate a literature-based treatment algorithm for LG-NELM.MethodsA treatment algorithm to maximize overall survival (OS) was designed using peer-reviewed articles evaluating treatment of LG-NELM. This algorithm was retrospectively applied to patients treated for LG-NELM at our institution. Deviation was determined based on whether or not a patient received treatment consistent with that recommended by the algorithm. Patients who did and did not deviate from the algorithm were compared with respect to OS and number of treatments.ResultsApplying our algorithm to a 149-patient cohort, 57 (38%) deviated from recommended treatment. Deviation occurred in the form of alternative (28, 49%) versus additional procedures (29, 51%). Algorithm deviators underwent significantly more procedures than non-deviators (median 1 vs. 2, p < 0.001). Cox model indicated no difference in OS associated with algorithm deviation (HR 1.19, p = 0.58) when controlling for age and tumor characteristics.ConclusionThis literature-based algorithm helps standardize treatment protocols in patients with LG-NELM and can reduce cost and risk by minimizing unnecessary procedures. Prospective implementation and validation is required.     

An analysis of gender differences in treatment and outcome of periampullary tumours in Sweden – A national cohort study

BackgroundLittle is known of possible gender differences in treatment of periampullary tumours and outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), and the aim of this study was therefore to investigate any variances from national multicentre perspective.MethodsData from the Swedish National Registry for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer for all patients diagnosed with a periampullary tumour from 2012 throughout 2017 was collected. The material was analysed in two groups, men and women, for palliative treatment and curative intended resection.ResultsA total of 5677 patients were included, 2906 (51%) men and 2771 (49%) women. Women were older than men, 72 (65–78) years vs. 70 (64–76), p < 0.001. A lesser proportion of women were planned for resection (1131 (41%) vs. 1288 (44%), p = 0.008), but after adjusting for age and tumour location no difference was seen. Postoperative morbidity was equal, but women had significantly better long-term survival than men. The survival was equal for palliative men and women.ConclusionNo gender bias could be established when analysing treatment for periampullary tumours in Sweden, even though less women were offered surgery. Data suggest that even though women were older they tolerate surgery well and hence offering PD at a higher age for women could be suggested.