Association of antiviral prophylaxis and rituximab use with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs): A nationwide cohort study

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of solid organ transplantation (SOT). Most PTLD cases are associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. The role of antiviral prophylaxis or rituximab therapy for prevention of PTLD in SOT recipients is controversial. In a nationwide cohort, we assessed the incidence, presentation, and outcome of histologically proven PTLD. We included 4765 patients with a follow-up duration of 23 807 person-years (py). Fifty-seven PTLD cases were identified; 39 (68%) were EBV positive (EBV+ PTLD). Incidence rates for EBV+ PTLD at 1, 2, and 3 years posttransplant were 3.51, 2.24, and 1.75/1000 py and 0.44, 0.25, and 0.29/1000 py for EBV− PTLD. We did not find an effect of antiviral prophylaxis on early and late EBV+ PTLD occurrence (early EBV+ PTLD: SHR 0.535 [95% CI 0.199–1.436], p = .264; late EBV+ PTLD: SHR 2.213, [95% CI 0.751–6.521], p = .150). However, none of the patients (0/191) who received a rituximab-containing induction treatment experienced PTLD, but 57 of 4574 patients without rituximab induction developed PTLD. In an adjusted restricted mean survival time model, PTLD-free survival was significantly longer (0.104 years [95% CI 0.077–0.131]) in patients receiving rituximab as induction treatment. This study provides novel data on the association of rituximab induction and reduced risk for PTLD.     

Narrative review of prostate cancer grading systems: will the Gleason scores be replaced by the Grade Groups?

The Gleason grading system, proposed by Dr. Donald F. Gleason in 1966, is one of the most important prognostic factors in men with prostate cancer (PCa). At consensus conferences held in 2005 and 2014, organized by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), the system was modified to reflect the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In particular, in the 2014 Conference, it was recognized that there were weaknesses with the original and the 2005 ISUP modified Gleason systems. Based on the results of a research conducted by Prof. JI Epstein and his group, a new grading system was proposed by the ISUP in order to address some of such deficiencies: i.e., the five distinct Grade Groups (GGs). Since 2014, results of studies have been published by different groups and societies, including the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS), giving additional support to the prognostic role of the architectural Gleason patterns and, in particular, of the GGs. A revised GG system, taking into account the percentage of Gleason pattern (GP) 4, cribriform and intraductal carcinoma, tertiary GP 5, and reactive stroma grade, has shown to have some advantages, however not ready for adoption in the current practice. The aim of this contribution was to review the major updates and recommendations regarding the GPs and GSs, as well as the GGs, trying to give an answer to the following questions: “How has the grade group system been used in the routine?” and “will the Gleason scoring system be replace by the grade groups?” We also discussed the potential implementation in the future of molecular pathology and artificial intelligence in grading to further define risk groups in patients with PCa.     

Towards a new WHO classification of renal cell tumor: what the clinician needs to know—a narrative review

In 1952, renal cell carcinomas had been divided into 2 categories—clear cell or granular cell—depending upon their cytoplasmic staining characteristics. In the following years, the inventory of renal epithelial tumors has expanded by the addition of tumors named by their architectural pattern (i.e., papillary RCC, tubulocystic RCC), anatomic location (i.e., collecting duct carcinoma, renal medullary carcinoma), associated diseases (i.e., acquired cystic disease-associated RCCs). With the extensive application of molecular diagnostic techniques, it becomes possible to detect genetic distinctions between various types of renal neoplasm and discover new entities, otherwise misdiagnosed or diagnosed as unclassified RCC. Some tumors such as ALK rearrangement-associated RCC, MiT family translocation renal carcinomas, SDH-deficient renal cancer or FH-deficient RCC, are defined by their molecular characteristics. The most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification of renal neoplasms account for more than 50 entities and provisional entities. New entities might be included in the upcoming WHO classification. The aim of this review is to summarise and discuss the newly acquired data and evidence on the clinical, pathological, molecular features and on the prognosis of new RCC entities, which will hopefully increase the awareness and the acceptance of these entities among clinicians and improve prognostication for individual patients.     

Mulibrey nanism: Three additional patients and a review of 39 patients

We report on 3 patients with Mulibrey nanism (MN), or Perheentupa syndrome: the first 2 sibs from Argentina and a new patient from Spain. All 3 patients had growth failure, short stature, abnormal pigmentary retinal changes, and a J-shaped sella turcica. These findings are considered major criteria of MN. Two had pericardial constriction, which is a frequent and lifethreatening abnormality in this syndrome. MN is a rare autosomal recessive condition. Reviewing the 39 patients described so far, we have classified the anomalies into the very frequent (present in more than 66%), frequent (in at least 25%), and not frequent. Identifying the anomalies specific to MN should help its early diagnosis and treatment. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The sCEA molecule suppressive role in NK and TH1 cell functions in colorectal cancer

The soluble form of carcinoembryonic antigen (sCEA), an oncofetal glycoprotein, is frequently produced by human epithelial-tumor cells, particularly of colorectal origin, and evaluated as a prognostic index of tumor progression and patient survival. sCEA molecules are often present at high concentrations in the peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients, but the function and significance of this are not well understood. Reported data have demonstrated that sCEA can interfere in NK-cell/tumor-cell interaction by drastically reducing the lysis of tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner and can also suppress T and B cell functions. The aim of our study was to evaluate this situation in colorectal cancer by determining peripheral blood immunological parameters in a group of patients and healthy subjects. We evaluated the interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN) gamma, IL-4, sIL-2R and IL-10 levels in the serum and the release of IFN gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); the PBMC expression of CD3, CD16 and CD19 phenotypic antigens; the PBMC proliferative responses to IL-2, IL-2 + anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mCD3) and mCD3. The statistical evaluation of our overall results strongly indicates that the high level of the sCEA molecules in the patient's serum might act as a suppressive factor for NK and TH1 immunocompetent cells. This may be the cause of sCEA involvement in tumor progression, and indicates the possibility of an improvement in cancer treatment through its manipulation.     

Giant abdominopelvic epithelioid angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis: Report of a case

(Received for publication on July 16, 1998; accepted on Mar. 11, 1999)     

Interposition vein cuff in infrainguinal prosthetic bypasses

The Authors describe the interposition vein cuff technique as an adjuvant method to infrainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts. The haemodynamic, mechanical and humoral factors thought to be involved in the beneficial effects of the vein cuff are herein discussed. The results of the main series suggest the use of this method particularly in patients without any available autologous vein conduit requiring a below-knee popliteal or crural reconstruction.