Coincidence of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides): immunologic characterization by monoclonal antibodies

Although rare cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) of the T-cell type have been reported, CLL is more commonly found to be a neoplastic lymphoproliferative disease of B-cell origin. In this article, we describe a patient with long-standing CLL that was immunologically shown to be of the B-cell type, who, during the course of his disease, developed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), which was shown to be of the helper/inducer subtype. The neoplastic lymphoid cells in the skin infiltrate differed morphologically and immunologically from those in the peripheral blood. The occurrence of CTCL during this patient's clinical course represents a second neoplasm arising from a different cell line, rather than a tissue manifestation of the patient's CLL. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which the occurrence of CTCL is documented in a patient with immunologically known B-cell CLL. In addition to establishing the presence of B-cell CLL and CTCL of the helper/inducer T-cell type in the same patient, this case report demonstrates the usefulness and necessity of evaluating lymphoproliferative disorders by means of a multidisciplinary approach.     

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir +/-ribavirin in real world hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND The hepatitis C virus(HCV) NS5A inhibitor ABT-267(ombitasvir, OBV), the HCV NS4/4A protease inhibitor ABT-450(paritaprevir, PTV), the CYP3A inhibitor ritonavir(r) and the non-nucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor ABT-333(dasabuvir, DSV)(OBV/PTV/r + DSV) with or without ribavirin(RBV) is a direct-acting antiviral regimen approved in the United States and other major countries for the treatment of HCV in genotype 1(GT1) infected patients. Patients with HCV who are considered "hard-to-cure" have generally been excluded from registration trials due to rigorous study inclusion criteria, presence of comorbidities and previous treatment failures.AIM To investigate the efficacy of this regimen in HCV G1-infected patients historically excluded from clinical trials.METHODS Patients were ≥ 18 years old and chronically infected with HCV GT1(GT1a, GT1b or GT1a/1b). Patients were treatment-na?ve or previously failed a regimen including pegylated interferon/RBV +/-telaprevir, boceprevir, or simeprevir.One hundred patients were treated with the study drug regimen, which was administered for 12 or 24 wk +/-RBV according to GT1 subtype and presence/absence of cirrhosis. Patients were evaluated every 4 wk from treatment day 1 and at 4 and 12 wk after end-of-treatment.RESULTS Many of the patients studied had comorbidities(44.2% hypertensive, 33.7%obese, 20.2% cirrhotic) and 16% previously failed HCV treatment. Ninety-six patients completed study follow-up and 99% achieved 12-wk sustained virologic response. The majority(88.4%) of patients had undetectable HCV RNA by week 4. The most common adverse events were fatigue(12%), headache(10%),insomnia(9%) and diarrhea(8%); none led to treatment discontinuation. Physical and mental patient reported outcomes scores significantly improved after treatment. Almost all(98%) patients were treatment compliant.CONCLUSION In an all-comers HCV GT1 population, 12 or 24-wk of OBV/PTV/r + DSV +/-RBV is highly effective and tolerable and results in better mental and physical health following treatment.     

Evaluation of the introduction of a standardised protocol for the staging and follow-up of colorectal cancer on resection rates for liver metastases

INTRODUCTION

In 2004, an audit in our unit demonstrated wide variation in liver resection rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases within the cancer network. Subsequently, a network-wide CT-based follow-up and referral policy was introduced for all patients. A second audit was performed to assess the impact of the guidelines on liver resection rates.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Analysis of prospective liver resection database between 1997 and 2004 and after the introduction of standardised guidelines between January 2005 and April 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 362 patients underwent liver resection for CRC metastases between 1997 and 2008, 237 prior to the introduction of the referral guidelines and 125 after. Liver resection rates according to referring hospital varied from 0.92 to 2.32 per 100,000 population before guidelines were introduced. After 2005, resection rates from the four district hospitals standardised (1.68–1.84 per 100,000 population), but the central unit rate (Sheffield) remained significantly higher (2.67 per 100,000 population). No significant difference in 1-year disease-free survival between patients from Sheffield and the outlying hospitals was found (P = 0.553).

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a referral protocol standardised resection rates from the four district hospitals, but these remain lower compared to the specialist centre. The wide-spread adoption of a policy to discuss all patients with liver metastases at an advanced disease multidisciplinary team meeting, in the presence of hepatobiliary specialists, may further increase resection rates across the UK.