A130 ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND GUIDED THROMBIN INJECTION: A NOVEL TECHNIQUE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RECURRENT UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING CAUSED BY GASTRODUODENAL ARTERY PSEUDOANEURYSMS

Background

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is a rare vascular condition that is potentially life-threatening. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and most often encountered in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Other etiologies including atherosclerosis, peptic ulcer disease, alcohol abuse, cholecystectomy and absence of celiac axis, have been reported. False and true GDA aneurysms account for about 1.5% of all visceral artery aneurysms however are associated with a risk of rupturing and hemorrhage up to 75%. Mainstay of GDA aneurysm management involves aneurysm repair with open surgery with vessel ligation or endovascular repair with coil embolization or stent placement, depending on the patient’s comorbidities and overall hemodynamic stability. The use of percutaneous thrombin injection via computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound has also been described in the literature and is being increasingly used to promote clot formation and pseudoaneurysm occlusion as a less invasive option.

Purpose

To present a case of endoscopic ultrasound guided thrombin injection as an effective and safe management strategy for GDA pseudoaneurysms.

Method

At this time, there are limited data in the literature on endoscopic ultrasound guided thrombin injection for pseudoaneurysms. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a patient with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding from a duodenal ulcer, who had undergone multiple endoscopic and angiographic procedures, with subsequent development of a gastroduodenal pseudoaneurysm unrelated to pancreatitis which was successfully managed by occluding the pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection under endoscopic ultrasound guidance. EUS guided thrombin injection is a viable alternative to traditional interventional radiology guided thrombin injection for management of pseudoaneurysms.

Result(s)

In clinic follow-up three weeks after thrombin injection, our patient continued to do clinically well, without abdominal pain or symptoms. Repeat CT angiogram demonstrated the GDA pseudoaneurysm had remained thrombosed, indicating successful endoscopic obliteration. He had no further signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusion(s)

EUS guided thrombin injection is a novel approach that has been presented as an option in the management of bleeding gastroduodenal pseudoaneurysms, especially when radiology guided or surgical options are higher risk or have previously failed. The paucity of available data highlights the need for ongoing clinical studies comparing the different therapeutic strategies that can effectively and safely manage these rare but life-threatening vascular entities.

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A255 CHOLECYSTO-COLONIC FISTULA AND GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION DUE TO EXTRINSIC COMPRESSION: A RARE BOUVERET-LIKE SYNDROME

Background

Bouveret syndrome is a rare form of gastric outlet obstruction due to gallstone ileus. It is caused by passage of a large stone from the gallbladder into the duodenum via a bilio-duodenal fistula causing gastric outlet obstruction. It was first described by Leon Bouveret in 1896 and occurs most commonly in elderly patients with a higher incidence in women. In classic Bouveret syndrome, the stone itself becomes impacted in the intestinal lumen. A case series of 128 cases found only 2 cases where the endoscopic finding was of extrinsic compression.

Purpose

To present a rare case of Cholecysto-colonic fistula and gastric outlet obstruction due to extrinsic compression as a rare Bouveret-like syndrome.

Method

Chart review was conducted including clinical notes, laboratory, radiographic, and endoscopy reports. A relevant literature review was conducted.

Result(s)

A 76-year-old female with recent hospitalization for weight loss, anemia and cognitive decline presented to hospital with sudden onset vomiting without abdominal pain. She was admitted to general surgery. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis were done and described a subhepatic inflammatory mass with inflammation of the proximal duodenum causing a partial gastric outlet obstruction as well as a fistula between with hepatobiliary system and a loop of ascending colon with associated pneumobilia. The etiology of the fistula was unclear but thought to be due to infection vs malignancy vs stone disease and the patient was put on antibiotic therapy. Due to inability to tolerate oral intake, she was put on parenteral nutrition. The Gastroenterology (GI) service was then consulted for consideration of gastroscopy and possible stent placement for obstruction. The GI service requested an MRI for further characterization. This revealed a 20mm impacted gallstone in the fistula tract with 3 other similarly sized stones passed into the colon, as well as evidence of a partial outlet obstruction due to the inflammatory mass in the porta hepatis. Gastroscopy was pursued to identify any intraluminal compression, which revealed duodenal edema in the first segment of the duodenum without any intraluminal pathology. Given that the compression was not intraluminal, a stent was not offered. Surgical options would be extensive surgery including cholecystectomy, duodenal wedge resection and partial colonic resection. Given her comorbidities, plan was made for conservative management instead. After 2 weeks of admission and conservative management, her outlet obstruction resolved and she was able to tolerate oral intake again.

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Conclusion(s)

Impacted gallstones causing chronic cholecystitis can result in fistula formation with the colon and due to the size of the stones in the tract and resultant inflammation, extrinsic compression of the duodenum may occur presenting as clinical gastric outlet obstruction. In this event, conservative management can be an effective strategy of management as a safe alternative to extensive surgical resection and bypass.

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A291 CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE PANCREATITIS AND PANCREATIC COLLECTIONS: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background

Necrotizing pancreatitis occurs in approximately 20% of patients with pancreatitis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Drainage of pancreatic collections is critical when there is associated infection but is also indicated in patients with biliary or gastric outlet obstruction or symptoms. Drainage strategies include percutaneous, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided, and surgical. Data suggests that a step-up approach starting with EUS or percutaneous drainage is associated with lower mortality and morbidity at 3-6 months in comparison to surgery. Little is known about risk factors for pancreatic necrosis and long-term outcomes in patients with pancreatic collections, specifically those with necrotic collections.

Purpose

To improve knowledge about risk factors and long-term outcomes in patients with pancreatic collections. The primary objective was to compare mortality between patients with and without early necrotic collections. Secondary outcomes included ICU stay, recurrent collections and repeated interventions during follow-up.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults (> 18 years) with moderate to severe acute pancreatitis as per the Atlanta Criteria, admitted to a tertiary care centre in Ontario between January 2002 and January 2019 with radiological evidence of early pancreatic collections. Patients were identified using administrative codes and imaging reports from the Hospital’s data warehouse. Descriptive statistics were used. Comparisons between groups were made with chi-square and logistic regression for categorical variables.

Result(s)

723 patients were identified and 276 were included in this report. The mean age was 54.5 years (SD 16) and 109 (39.5%) were females. The most common comorbidities were diabetes (33.3%), hypertension (38.4%) and obesity (14.8%). The most common pancreatitis etiologies were biliary (34.4%) alcohol misuse (17.0%) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (7.1%). Eighty-five (30.8%) patients were diagnosed with early necrotic collections and 53 (19.2%) with peri-pancreatic fluid collections during the initial 30 days of follow-up. Drainage was performed in 100 (36.2%) patients. Patients with necrotic collections were most likely to be obese (29.4% vs. 8.4%, P <0.001), have biliary pancreatitis (50.6% vs. 27.2%), require drainage of the collection (63.5% vs. 24.1%, P < 0.001), ICU stay (62.3% vs. 33.5%, P <0.001) and develop new collections during follow up (0% vs. 20.1%, P=0.04). Sixty-one (22.1%) patients died during a median follow up of 727 days (IQR 87-2042) and there were no differences between subgroups.

Conclusion(s)

Patients with pancreatic necrotic collections seem to have a more severe clinical course requiring ICU stay and interventions for drainage of the collection(s). Necrotic collections are more commonly seen in patient with biliary pancreatitis and obesity. No all-cause mortality differences were seen between groups during follow up.

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A131 POINT OF CARE ULTRASOUND CHANGES THE NEEDLE INSERTION LOCATION FROM AN ANATOMICALLY LANDMARKED SITE DURING BEDSIDE PARACENTESIS

Background

Paracentesis is a bedside procedure to obtain ascitic fluid from the peritoneum. It is traditionally performed using anatomic landmarking and percussion to ascertain a safe drainage site. The serious complication rate has been reported as less than 2%. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been adopted into education and clinical use and has been shown to improve the safety of certain procedures such as central line insertion and thoracentesis. However, the evidence supporting its use is limited.

Aims

We aimed to assess if POCUS would yield a user-preferred site for needle insertion compared to conventional landmarking, defined as a &gt;5cm change in location.

Methods

Adult patients under the care of gastroenterology or general internal medicine at Kingston Health Sciences Centre undergoing paracentesis were consecutively enrolled between January and September of 2020. Physicians performing the procedure were enrolled based on availability. An anatomic site was selected 4cm superiorly and 2-4cm medially to the anterior superior ileac spine and confirmed with dullness to percussion. POCUS was then employed to determine if there was an alternative user-preferred site. Patient and operator demographic data and procedure-related information were collected.

Results

A total of 30 individual patients and 24 operators were enrolled, comprising 45 unique procedure combinations. Operators were primarily in their PGY 1 and 2 years of training (33% and 31% respectively). Per procedure, patients mean age was 61, and most of the ascites was due to cirrhosis (84%) predominantly due to EtOH (47%) and NAFLD (34%). As per indication, 29% of procedures were for diagnostic purposes alone. In total, users primarily preferred the POCUS site which resulted in a change in needle insertion site &gt;5cm from the anatomic site in 69% of cases. The average depth of fluid was greater at the POCUS site vs. the anatomic site (5.4cm+/-2.8 vs 3.0cm+/-2.5, p&lt;0.005). On average, POCUS deflected the needle insertion site superiorly and laterally to the anatomic site. Operators listed that per procedure the POCUS site was chosen to avoid adjacent organs (38%), optimize fluid pocket (61%) and due to abdominal wall issues (primarily issues with pannus; 11.5%). Importantly 6 cases were aborted due to a lack of an appropriate fluid pocket, despite clinical and/or prior radiographic evidence of ascites.

Conclusions

Overall, POCUS changes the needle insertion site from the conventional anatomic site for most procedures, due to user-perceived safety concerns. POCUS also prevented an attempt at paracentesis in 6 cases that were deemed unsafe. Therefore, POCUS plays an important role in bedside paracentesis. This research supports the use of POCUS in paracentesis and argues for continued training with POCUS throughout medical school and residency.

Funding Agencies

None

Abstract 5588: Clinical and pharmacodynamic responses to a modified whole tumor cell immunotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer from two phase I-IIa trials

SV-BR-1-GM is a GM-CSF secreting breast cancer cell line that also expresses HLA class I & II antigens. Irradiated SV-BR-1-GM is used in a regimen including pre-dose low-dose cyclophosphamide and post-dose local interferon-α2b. The SV-BR-1-GM regimen has been used alone (“Monotherapy” study ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03066947) and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ongoing combination study ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03328026). Here we report regression of metastatic breast cancer and pharmacodynamic analysis with immunologic correlates.

23 patients with advanced breast cancer refractory to standard therapies were treated with the SV-BR-1-GM regimen in the monotherapy trial with cycles every 2 weeks for the first month and then monthly. The combination study is evaluating the SV-BR-1-GM regimen with checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 inhibitors pembrolizumab or INCMGA00012) with cycles every 3 weeks (11 patients have been dosed to date). Pharmacodynamic analyses include delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), antibodies against SV-BR-1 (precursor of SV-BR-1-GM), blood lymphocyte proliferation (determined using flow cytometry), circulating cytokines in sera and cytokine secretion (Luminex based assays) following stimulation with peptides of antigens expressed in SV-BR-1-GM cells (HER2 and PRAME).

In the monotherapy study, tumor regression was seen in 3 patients. 21 patients developed measurable DTH signifying cellular immunity. Blood lymphocytes from responders after treatment showed increased proliferation and cytokine secretion (GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-21) - following stimulation with HER2 and PRAME peptides. Differential serum cytokine levels were observed (CD40L, MCP-1, IL-1RA) in 5 patients. Increased antibody levels compared to baseline were observed in 6 of the 12 patients assessed. Patients with objective tumor regression had the most pronounced responses. In the combination therapy study, 2 patients have shown objective evidence of tumor regression, including one patient with liver metastases, which decreased by 25%, and one patient with adrenal and dural metastases (29% reduction in target lesion). Both patients had Grade II tumors, similar to the tumor from which SV-BR-1-GM was derived.

These observations confirm the ability of the SV-BR-1-GM regimen to elicit regression of far advanced refractory metastatic breast cancer. No serious toxicities clearly attributed to the SV-BR-1-GM regimen were observed. Pharmacodynamic analysis of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses showed notable upregulation, the strongest responses being seen in those with measurable clinical regression. Patients with Grade I or II tumors appeared more likely to respond.

Citation Format: Vivekananda G. Sunkari, Jacqueline Galeas, Shaker R. Dakhil, Jarrod Holmes, Saveri Bhattacharya, Carmen J. Calfa, Ajay Kundra, Daniel L. Adams, Diane DaSilva, George E. Peoples, Charles L. Wiseman, William V. Williams, Markus D. Lacher. Clinical and pharmacodynamic responses to a modified whole tumor cell immunotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer from two phase I-IIa trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5588.

A164 UPTAKE OF FECAL CALPROTECTIN IN PRACTICE: PATTERNS IN A TERTIARY GI REFERRAL CENTRE

Background

Fecal Calprotectin (FC) is helpful in distinguishing functional from organic bowel disease. Also, it has proven useful in monitoring disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The uptake of its use in clinical practice has increased considerably, though access varies significantly. Studies exploring current practice patterns among GI specialists and how to optimize its use are limited. In 2017, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) began funding FC testing at no cost to patients.

Aims

We aimed to better understand practice patterns of gastroenterologists in IBD patients where there is in house access to FC assays, and to generate hypotheses regarding its optimal use in IBD monitoring. We hypothesize that FC is not being used in a regular manner for monitoring of IBD patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart audit study was done on all KHSC patients who had FC testing completed from 2017–2018. Qualitative data was gathered from dictated reports using rigorous set definitions regarding indication for the test, change in clinical decision making, and frequency patterns of testing. Specifically, change in use for colonoscopy or in medical therapy was coded only if the dictated note was clear that a decision hinged largely on the FC result. Frequency of testing was based on test order date. Reactive testing was coded as tests ordered to confirm a clinical flare. Variable testing was coded where monitoring tests that varied in intervals greater than 3 months and crossed over the other set frequency codes. Quantitative data regarding FC test values, and dates were also collected. This data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 834 patients in our study, 7 were under 18 years old and excluded. 562(67.34%) of these patients had a pre-existing diagnosis of IBD; 193 (34%) with Ulcerative Colitis (UC), 369 (66%) with Crohn’s Disease (CD). FC testing changed the clinician’s decision for medical therapy in 12.82% of cases and use for colonoscopy 13.06% of the time for all comers. Of the FC tests, 79.8% were sent in a variable frequency pattern and 2.68% with reactive intent. The remaining 17.5% were monitored with a regular pattern, with 8.57% patients having their FC monitored at regular intervals greater than 6 months, 7.68% every 6 months, and 1.25% less than 6 months. The average FC level of patients with UC was 356.2ug/ml and 330.6 ug/ml for CD. The mean time interval from 1st to 2nd test was 189.6 days.

Conclusions

FC testing changed clinical decisions regarding medical therapy and use for colonoscopy about 13% of the time. FC testing was done variably 79.8% of the time, where as 17.5% of patients had a regular FC monitoring schedule. An optimal monitoring interval for IBD flares using FC for maximal clinical benefit has yet to be determined. Large scale studies will be required to answer this question.

Funding Agencies

None

Abstract P3-09-08: Efficacy and safety of a modified whole tumor cell targeted immunotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background: SV-BR-1-GM is a GM-CSF transfected breast cancer cell line, exceptional for having antigen-presenting capability expressing both HLA I and II. We report clinical efficacy, safety, and immunologic correlates of response from our initial Phase I/II trial and initial data from our trial of SV-BR1-GM in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: We enrolled patients with recurrent and/or metastatic breast cancer refractory to standard therapy. Patients received cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 2-3d prior to intradermal injection of SV-BR-1-GM (20-40 × 106 cells divided into 4 sites) and IFNα into the inoculation sites (10,000 IU/site) ~2 & 4 days subsequently. Cycles were q2 weeks x3 then qmo x 3. Adverse events (AE) were evaluated after each inoculation. Immunologic responses were measured by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) after each inoculation with humoral and cellular responses evaluated ~q3 mo. Disease response was evaluated radiographically q3 mo and as clinically indicated (clinical trial NCT03066947). A similar regimen was used with SV-BR-1-GM in combination with pembrolizumab (200 mg IV) with cycles every 3 weeks (Phase I/II study NCT03328026). Results: In Phase I/IIa (NCT03066947), 23 patients underwent 1 - 8 cycles of treatment. Tumor regression was seen in 3 patients, all of whom matched SV-BR-1-GM at least at one HLA allele. There were no related serious adverse events. The most common adverse event was minor local irritation at the inoculation site. Clinical data are shown in the table. A measurable DTH response was present in 21 patients. Of patients who developed a DTH response and had at least one HLA match, the tumor regression rate was 33% and for those with 2 HLA matches 67%. We saw evidence of antibody responses in 3 of 5 patients evaluated to date. Especially in responders after treatment, blood lymphocytes showed increased cytokine secretion (including ITAC, IFNγ, IL-6 & IL-8) following stimulation with antigens expressed in SV-BR-1-GM. 21/23 patients had expression of PD-L1 in identified circulating cancer-associated cells, and expression levels increased with treatment. Therefore, a combination study with pembrolizumab was initiated. Data on the first 6 patients shows that the regimen is clinically active and safe. One patient with a robust DTH response had evidence of tumor regression in liver metastases. This study is ongoing and is being modified to evaluate combination therapy with the PD-1 inhibitor INCMGA00012 and the IDO inhibitor epacadostat. Conclusions: SV-BR-1-GM appears to be safe and well-tolerated. Contrary to conventional wisdom, SV-BR-1-GM can produce regression of metastatic breast cancer correlating with an immunologic response and HLA matching. Combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors is ongoing.

Citation Format: William Williams, Shaker R Dakhil, Jarrod P Holmes, Saveri Bhattacharya, Carmen Calfa, Ajay Kundra, Daniel L Adams, Diane DaSilva, George E Peoples, Vivek Sunkari, Markus Lacher, Charles L Wiseman. Efficacy and safety of a modified whole tumor cell targeted immunotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-09-08.

Programmed Cell Death Receptor (PD-1) Ligand (PD-L1) expression in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

Programmed Cell Death Receptor (PD-1) and its Ligand (PD-L1) pathway inhibitor therapy has been explored in the field of oncology treatment mainly for solid tumors. In hematologic malignancies, there is limited information except for Hodgkin's lymphoma, and there is even less information regarding myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Therefore, we explored this by first measuring PD-1 and PD-L1 levels (percentage of positive cells) in 63 patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative MPN (Ph(-) MPN), including 16 MF (12 PMF, 2 post-PV-MF, 2 post-ET-MF), 29 ET, and 18 PV. We found there was no significant difference in PD-1 or PD-L1 levels between the different MPN groups but that there was a significant difference when PV, ET and MF were grouped as MPN and compared with controls, of all immune cells including CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD14⁺ and CD34⁺ progenitor cells. We further found a higher incidence of higher expression levels (more than 50% of cells with positive expression) of PD-1 and PD-L1 (20% and 26%, respectively) in the CD34⁺ cells; in contrast, we found a low incidence (0.08-1.8%) in the immune cells in MPN patients. PD-1 and PD-L1 levels were also measured by MFI methods, and we obtained similar results except the measurements by percentage appeared to be more sensitive than the MFI methods. We found no correlation between PD-1 and PD-L1 expression levels and clinical features including WBC, platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, presence or absence of the JAK2, MPL, or CALR gene mutation, or splenomegaly. Since MPN represents stem cell disorders, the presence of elevated expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in these cells suggests that the exploration of PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway inhibitor therapy may be worthwhile in Ph(-) MPN.

The use of thalidomide therapy for refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant condition, characterised by mucocutaneous telangiectasia, aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. Thalidomide has been used as a therapeutic strategy for refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients. This review set out to examine the evidence for using thalidomide in the management of refractory epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of the available literature was performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and NHS Evidence databases, from inception to December 2017. The search terms used included: hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, epistaxis, haemorrhage and thalidomide.

RESULTS

All studies using thalidomide therapy showed a reduction in the frequency and duration of epistaxis, as early as four weeks post-therapy. In addition, thalidomide therapy was shown to increase median haemoglobin levels and reduce blood transfusion dependence.

CONCLUSION

Current available evidence suggests that low-dose thalidomide is effective in transiently reducing epistaxis frequency and duration. Further studies are required to establish a treatment regimen to prevent side effects.

Interferon induced thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA): Analysis and concise review

Interferon (IFN) has been associated with development of thrombotic microangiopathy including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). We reviewed literature from the earliest reported association in 1993, to July 2016 and found 68 cases. Analysis of this data shows: (1) Mean age at diagnosis was 47 years (95% CI, 44-50). (2) Majority of cases were seen where IFN was used for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and one case each for hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and Sezary syndrome. (3) There were no cases reported for polycythemia vera (PV) or lymphoma. (4) Sex distribution was nearly equivalent with the exception in patients with multiple sclerosis where there was female predominance (12 of 16 with reported data). (5) For pooled analysis, the average duration of treatment with IFN before TMA was diagnosed was 40.4 months. (6) Comparative analysis showed that patients with MS required the highest cumulative dose exposure before developing TMA (MS 68.6 months, CML 35.5 months, HCV 30.4 months). (7) Cases of confirmed TTP (where A disintegrin and Metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13: ADAMTS 13 level was measured) showed presence of an inhibitor. (8) In all cases of confirmed TTP, moderate to severe thrombocytopenia was a striking clinical feature at presentation while this was not a consistent finding in all other cases of TMA. (9) Outcome analysis revealed complete remission in 27 (40%), persistent chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 28 (42%) and fatality in 12 patients (18%). (10) Treatment with corticosteroids, plasma exchange and rituximab resulted in durable responses.

PDGFRᵝ-Rearranged Myeloid Neoplasm with Marked Eosinophilia in a 37-Year-Old Man; And a Literature Review

Patient: Male, 37

Final Diagnosis: PDGFR^β-rearranged myeloid neoplasm with eosinophilia

Symptoms: Night sweats • weight loss

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Hematology

Gastric Perforation in a Patient Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

Perioperative chemoradiotherapy is considered to be one of the standards of care for early-stage gastric cancer, especially when it involves the esophagogastric junction or greater curvature. To date, there are no reported cases of gastrointestinal perforation in the literature, including many major clinical trials of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for gastric cancer. It is important to recognize and manage this rare, but fatal complication in a timely manner. We report one case of gastrointestinal perforation in a gastric cancer patient undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer (T4N1M0). We started neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. After he finished the first cycle, the patient presented to emergency room with severe abdominal pain of sudden onset. Computed tomography showed moderate pneumoperitoneum and perihepatic fluid. The patient expired 6 hours after he presented to emergency room.

Immune derangements in patients with myelofibrosis: the role of Treg, Th17, and sIL2Rα

Myelofibrosis (MF), including primary myelofibrosis, post-essential thrombocythemia MF, and post-polycythemia vera MF, has been reported to be associated with autoimmune phenomena. IMiDs have been reported to be effective in some patients with MF, presumably for their immune-modulator effects. We therefore sought to elucidate the immune derangements in patients with MF. We found no differences in T regulatory cells (Treg) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells in MF patients and normal healthy controls. However, we found significantly elevated soluble interleukin 2 alpha (sIL2Rα) in MF patients compared to those with other myeloproliferative neoplasm diseases and normal healthy controls. Our studies with MF patients further revealed that Treg cells were the predominant cells producing sIL2Rα. sIL2Rα and IL2 complex induced the formation of Treg cells but not the formation of Th1 or Th17 cells. sIL2Rα induced CD8⁺ T cell proliferation in the presence of Treg cells. Monocytes or neutrophils had no effect on the production of sIL2Rα by Treg cells. Furthermore, we found plasma sIL2Rα levels were correlated to the auto-immune serology in MPN patients and ruxolitinib significantly inhibits the sIL2Rα production by the Treg cells in MF patients which may explain the effects of ruxolitinib on the relief of constitutional symptoms. All these findings suggest that sIL2Rα likely plays a significant role in autoimmune phenomena seen in patients with MF. Further studies of immune derangement may elucidate the mechanism of IMiD, and exploration of immune modulators may prove to be important for treating myelofibrosis.

Non-familial juvenile polyposis with histological evidence of adenomatous transformation

A 14-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a sensation of something prolapsing through the anus during defecation, and was found to have diffuse colonic polyposis. There was no evidence of mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation and family history was negative, suggesting a diagnosis of non-familial juvenile polyposis. Histological analysis of multiple endoscopic biopsies showed features typical of juvenile or retention type (hamartomatous) lesions: dilated cystic glands lined by mucocus-secreting epithelium and prominent, inflamed and congested lamina propria. However, admixed with these features, focal areas of atypical adenomatous changes were recognized. Even the intervening normal-looking colonic mucosa showed some dysplastic changes. These findings indicate that hamartomatous and atypical adenomatous epithelial changes can co exist in non-familial juvenile polyposis and the latter may confer a risk of malignant transformation in this otherwise non-neoplastic disease.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome with adenomatous and carcinomatous transformation of colonic polyp

We describe a 70-year-old woman who presented with watery diarrhea and was found to have gastric and colonic polyposis, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, alopecia and onychodystrophy (Cronkhite-Canada syndrome). Histology of a polyp from the stomach showed features of juvenile or retention type (hamartomatous) polyp. One colonic polyp revealed features of tubular adenoma, with moderate dysplasia. Another large pedunculated colonic polyp showed a tubulovillous adenoma with a focus of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma confined to the submucosa of the stalk. Adenomatous and carcinomatous epithelial changes can occur in Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.

Expression of EphB4 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

EphB4 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed on epithelial cells during fetal life. It is also expressed on some venous endothelial cells. We conducted a study of six men with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) that had metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes. Our goal was to determine if EphB4 is aberrantly expressed in cases of HNSCC and to determine if there is a qualitative difference between the expression of EphB4 on primary and metastatic tumors and its expression on normal mucosa adjacent to primary tumors. From each patient, we obtained specimens of the primary tumor, the nodal metastasis, and the adjacent normal mucosa, and we performed immunocytochemistry on each. We observed EphB4 expression in all primary and metastatic tumors and no expression in the normal tissue. In each of the six patients, expression was greater in the metastatic tumor than in the primary tumor. We conclude that EphB4 is a novel target in the treatment of HNSCC.

Malignant mesothelioma growth inhibition by agents that target the VEGF and VEGF-C autocrine loops

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a locally aggressive tumor that originates from the mesothelial cells of the pleural and sometimes peritoneal surface. Conventional treatments for MM, consisting of chemotherapy or surgery give little survival benefit to patients, who generally die within 1 year of diagnosis. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative therapies. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an autocrine growth factor for MM. The closely related molecule, VEGF-C, is also implicated in malignant mesothelioma growth. VEGF-C and its cognate receptor VEGFR-3 are co-expressed in mesothelioma cell lines. A functional VEGF-C autocrine growth loop was demonstrated in mesothelioma cells by targeting VEGF-C expression and binding to VEGFR-3. The ability of novel agents that reduce the levels of VEGF and VEGF-C to inhibit mesothelioma cell growth in vitro was assessed. Antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) complementary to VEGF that inhibited VEGF and VEGF-C expression simultaneously specifically inhibited mesothelioma cell growth. Similarly, antibodies to VEGF receptor (VEGFR-2) and VEGF-C receptor (VEGFR-3) were synergistic in inhibiting mesothelioma cell growth. In addition, a diphtheria toxin-VEGF fusion protein (DT-VEGF), which is toxic to cells that express VEGF receptors was very effective in inhibiting mesothelioma cell growth in vitro. These results indicate that targeting VEGF and VEGF-C simultaneously may be an effective therapeutic approach for malignant mesothelioma.

Massive hepatomegaly: a presenting manifestation of multiple myeloma

We report a 50-year-old woman presenting with isolated massive hepatomegaly. Liver histology showed dilated sinusoids within which some atypical cells, probably of hematopoeitic origin, were identified. Bone marrow was densely packed with similar atypical cells with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, which tested positive for plasma cell markers. Plasma protein electrophoresis showed a distinct M spike in the gamma globulin fraction and skeletal survey revealed multiple lytic lesions in the skull and pelvic bones. Thus, a final diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made. The patient has received six cycles of chemotherapy and is doing well.