A rare conglomeration of neurovascular variations in the brachium-antebrachium: clinico-embryological elucidation

During routine dissection in left upper limb in an elderly male cadaver, variations in the arterial and neural pattern were noticed. The undersized brachial artery divided terminally into radial and ulnar artery at a distance of 15.4 cm from the tip of coracoid process, proximal to its usual division in cubital fossa. Additionally, the superior and inferior ulnar collateral artery instead of arising from the brachial artery, emanated from ulnar artery. The course of the median nerve also deserves a brief mention as it crossed the brachial artery from medial to lateral side to position itself laterally in the midbrachium. Coursing further, it shifted from lateral to medial side over the ulnar artery in the distal third of arm, thus placing itself medial to ulnar artery in the cubital fossa. There was also a communication between a medial offshoot of the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve 3 cm from the bifurcation of the brachial artery. Although the variations in the origin, termination, course and branching pattern of upper limb vessels and nerves are well documented, but the multitude of disparity in morphology with confusing neurovascular assembly put together in the same limb denotes an outstanding case. An attempt has been made to correlate the present anatomical variations with embryological aspects. Moreover, the clinical inferences of such variations are discussed for planning, performing and analyzing invasive and noninvasive clinical procedures in this region.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children with kidney disease

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinic-radiographic entity of heterogeneous etiologies that are grouped together because of similar findings on neuro-imaging and associated symptom complex of headache, vision loss, altered mentation, and seizures. Although usually considered benign and reversible, characteristics of this syndrome in pediatric patients remain obscure. This case series included 11 patients (8 males, 3 females, age 3-15 years) of PRES during September 2010 to February 2012 out of a total 660 renal pediatric patients (1.66%). We studied their clinical profile, contributory factors, and outcome. Presenting symptoms were headache in 73%, dimness of vision or cortical blindness in 36%, seizures in 91%, and altered mentation in 55%. The associated renal diseases were acute renal failure (55%), chronic renal failure (9%), and 36% had normal renal function. The contributory factors were uncontrolled hypertension (100%), severe hypoproteinemia (9%), persistent hypocalcemia (9%), hemolytic uremic syndrome (36%), cyclosporine toxicity (9%), lupus nephritis (9%), high hematocrit (9%), and pulse methylprednisolone (9%). Brain imaging showed involvement of occipito-parietal area (100%) and other brain areas (63%). All but one patient of hemolytic uremic syndrome had complete clinical neurological recovery in a week, and all had normal neurological imaging after 4-5 weeks. PRES is an underdiagnosed entity in pediatric renal disease patients. Associated hypertension, renal disease, and immunosuppressive treatment are important triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions is of prime importance for early reversal of syndrome.

An unusual array of extensor musculature and tendons of the hand clinico-anatomical insight

Extensor tendon injury is a frequent finding in clinical practice. During a routine dissection class of undergraduate medical students examining the extensor aspect of the right hand, they found an interesting pattern of extensor tendons. The extensor digitorum (ED) exhibited three tendons for the middle and ring fingers. The intermediate tendon of the ED was found to pass to the junctura connecting the tendons of the ring and middle fingers. Additionally the Extensor carpi ulnaris displayed two tendinus slips. The lateral slip was inserted on the base of fifth metacarpal as usual, whereas the medial slip divided into two strands- proximal and distal. Apart from the above findings in the current case specimen, there was an accessory muscle belly for the index finger and the extensor digiti minimi bifurcated into two tendinus slips which gained attachment to the dorsal digital expansion of the little finger. These accessory muscle bellies and tendons could possibly be utilized for tendon reconstructions such as repairs, tenoplasties or tendon transfers.

Outcomes of her2-positive early-stage breast cancer in the trastuzumab era: a population-based study of Canadian patients

Breast cancer is heterogenous, with variable expression of the estrogen receptor (er), progesterone receptor (pr), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2). Overexpression of her2 is generally considered a negative prognostic feature, but whether outcomes for her2-positive early breast cancer remain different from those for other subtypes in the era of trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy is unknown.

METHODS

Using a retrospective chart review, we compared overall survival (os) and relapse-free survival (rfs) in 3 groups of patients with early-stage breast cancer: er-positive or pr-positive (or both) and her2-negative ["hormone receptor-positive" (hr+)]; her2-positive (her2+); and er-negative, pr-negative, and her2-negative ["triple-negative" (tn)].

RESULTS

In the 503 charts analyzed (332 hr+, 94 her2+, 77 tn), the 5-year os and rfs were, respectively, 94.2% and 87.2% for hr+ patients, 88.6% and 74.9% for her2+ patients, and 85.4% and 76.2% for tn patients. On multivariate analysis, the os for the her2+ subtype was similar to that for the hr+ subtype (hazard ratio:1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.31 to 3.67 with hr+ as reference), but os was significantly worse for tn patients than for hr+ patients (hazard ratio: 4.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.56 to 12.24). In her2+ patients, the 5-year os and rfs trended better for patients with er+ or pr+ disease than for patients with er-negative and pr-negative disease (5-year os: 92.1% vs. 86.9%; 5-year rfs: 79.8% vs. 71.4%). Of her2+ patients, just 80.9% received trastuzumab, including 33.3% of her2+ patients with sub-centimetre tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

In the trastuzumab era, patients with her2+ and hr+ early breast cancer have similar outcomes, while tn patients experience a significantly worse os than either of the foregoing groups. Outcomes for her2+ patients may differ by er and pr status. Trastuzumab was underutilized in this cohort.

Meta-analysis: colonoscopic post-polypectomy bleeding in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend the cessation of clopidogrel therapy 5 days and 7-10 days prior to colonoscopic polypectomy. Recent studies have advocated for continued clopidogrel as post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) rates have been similar to those in the general population not on antithrombotic therapy.

AIM

To assess colonoscopic post-polypectomy bleeding in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted for studies that investigated PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the pooled relative risk ratio (RR) of colonoscopic PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy vs. controls. Secondary outcomes were a comparison of immediate and delayed colonoscopy PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy vs. controls.

RESULTS

Five observational studies included 574 subjects on continued clopidogrel therapy and 6169 control subjects. The pooled RR for PPB on continued clopidogrel therapy was 2.54 (95% CI 1.68-3.84, P < 0.00001). For immediate PPB there was a nonsignificant pooled RR of 1.76 (95% CI 0.90-3.46, P = 0.10), and delayed PPB there was a significant pooled RR of 4.66 (95% CI 2.37-9.17, P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that continued clopidogrel increases the risk of delayed but not immediate post-polypectomy bleeding. Clopidogrel interruption in individuals with coronary artery disease predisposes to serious acute ischaemic events. In high-risk patients, endoscopists should be cognisant of these risks and consider deferring elective colonoscopy and polypectomy until it is considered safe to interrupt clopidogrel therapy.

Retroaortic left renal vein associated with unilateral superior renal polar artery: a clinico-embryological perspective

The aim of the current study is to report an unusual occurrence of a retroaortic left renal vein in an adult male cadaver of Caucasian origin. This unusual variant was discovered during the course of preclinical educational training programme for undergraduate medical students. The vascular anomaly was dissected and the surrounding adnexa carefully studied for associated variations. Subsequently, morphometry was performed on the specimen to measure certain important parameters. The left renal vein was found to emerge from lower part of renal hilum and traversed posterior to abdominal aorta and finally terminated into Inferior vena cava. Additionally, the left renal artery was higher in position and originated from the abdominal aorta at the level of upper border of body of Ist lumbar vertebra. This type of anomaly is very important as it may be associated with varicocoele. Furthermore, in preoperative planning for nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and living donor nephrectomy, the surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of this vascular anomaly. It is also stated that left renal vein appears to be at the centre of a huge venous network which makes the nephrectomy hazardous and permits the spread of infectious material and neoplasms.

Chronic type B aortic dissection in association with Hemolyticuremic syndrome in a child

Aortic dissection (AD) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency usually encountered in the elderly. Here, we report a 9-year-old child who was incidentally detected to have asymptomatic chronic type B dissecting aneurysm of aorta when he presented with relapse of Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) without any genetic abnormalities like Marfan or Ehler-Danlos syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of AD associated with HUS in a child without any known associated genetic or inherited risk factors.

Abstract P4-16-14: Salvage Radiotherapy and Cisplatin for Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Multi-Centre Study

Background/Rationale: Patients with locally advanced, triple negative(TN) breast cancer may undergo neo-adjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) prior to definitive surgery. For tumours that demonstrate progression during NAC or rapid recurrence, the optimal second-line or ‘salvage’ therapy is not well defined.

Purpose: To examine the efficacy and toxicity of salvage radiotherapy (XRT) and Cisplatin(CDDP) in patients with locally advanced, triple-negative breast cancer.

Methods: A retrospective review of LABC databases was performed at 3 quaternary cancer centres to identify patients with TN disease who had salvage XRT +/− CDDP. (Local research ethics board approval was obtained at each centre independently.) Patient demographics, initial staging information and primary pathology reports were reviewed to confirm eligibility. Details of NAC and salvage treatments were collected. Clinical tumour response was determined by physical assessments and imaging and categorized retrospectively using standardized definitions of response and progression. Pathological response was evaluated in all cases if available. Toxicity, loco-regional control, distant disease progression and survival were assessed up to the last available follow-up and reported. Patients who underwent previous XRT were excluded.

Results: 12 patients who underwent salvage treatment were identified. All patients had TN, LABC, including 10 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma; 1 metaplastic carcinoma; 1 poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine features. The most common indications for salvage treatment were tumour progression during NAC (n = 6) and loco-regional recurrence shortly after NAC and mastectomy (n = 3). The median age was 48 (range, 30–85). 9 patients underwent concurrent XRT + CDDP; 3 patients had salvage radiotherapy only due to poor performance status or co-morbidities. Cisplatin was administered weekly, median dose was 30mg/m2 (range, 25–40mg/m2). Median XRT dose was 65 Gy (range, 50–70 Gy) with 5 patients receiving a BID hyper-fractionated regimen. The median follow-up duration was 8 months (range, 2–60 months). 11 of 12 patients demonstrated a partial or complete clinical response to XRT +/− CDDP. 4 out of 8 patients who had surgery following salvage treatment achieved a complete pathological response (pCR). All patients developed grade 2 or 3 radiation dermatitis. No grade 4–5 toxicity was observed. One patient missed one cycle of CDDP due to grade 1 thrombocytopenia. At the last available follow-up, 4 patients were deceased or developed distant metastasis, 5 patients were alive with no evidence of disease, 3 patients had partial tumour response with surgery pending.

Conclusions: Patients with locally advanced, triple-negative breast cancer who progressed during or shortly after NAC had a high clinical response rate when treated with salvage XRT+ CDDP. In patients who underwent surgery after salvage treatment, 50% achieved pCR. Salvage treatments appeared to be relatively well tolerated and safe.

This subset of patients is at very high risk for tumour recurrence. Prospective, multi-centre studies of concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy in the setting of locally advanced, triple negative breast cancer are needed to further assess efficacy and toxicity.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-16-14.

Extending Neoadjuvant Care through Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proceedings from the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Canadian Consortium for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

The use of systemic therapy before surgery (“neoadjuvant therapy”) is the standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced and nonoperable breast cancer. The advantages of neoadjuvant therapy include improved rates of breast-conserving surgery, the possibility of early measurement of response, and potentially improved outcomes for certain subgroups of high-risk patients. The use of neoadjuvant therapy in operable breast cancer is increasing, although there are no clear guidelines in Canada to help guide patient selection and management. Multidisciplinary experts in the diagnosis and treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (labc) converged at the fourth annual meeting of the Canadian Consortium for LABC (colab) to further their goals of improved standards for neoadjuvant care and clinical research through education and collaboration. Canadian clinical researchers were joined by Dr. Michael Untch of the Helios Hospital Berlin–Buch—representing the German neoadjuvant treatment groups German Gynecologic Oncology Working Group (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynakologische Onkologie) and German Breast Group—to discuss the advancement of research in the neoadjuvant setting and important issues of clinical care and investigator-led research. The group reached a consensus on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, the use of clips to mark tumour location, and core biopsy testing for the estrogen and progesterone receptors and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 at the time of diagnosis. Other initiatives—including creation of a prospective database, inception of the colab Neoadjuvant Network, and development of a clinical survey to evaluate current practice—continue to further the colab mandate of transforming the neoadjuvant treatment landscape in Canada.

P4-01-04: Effects of CYP2D6 Phenotype and Drug Adherence on Tamoxifen Metabolite Levels

Background

Although the activity of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), the enzyme responsible for conversion of tamoxifen (TAM) to its most important active metabolite endoxifen, varies significantly with genotype. Routine genotype testing in patients on TAM has recently been discouraged. Conflicting results in publications regarding the prognostic utility of this test remain unexplained. Confounding factors could be lack of predicted correlation between CYP2D6 genotype and TAM active metabolites, or variability of patient compliance

Methods: Consecutive breast cancer patients on TAM were asked to enroll in a study to examine the relationship between CYP 2D6 phenotype, patient-reported treatment adherence, and TAM metabolites levels. Patients were genotyped for CYP2D6 polymorphisms using long-range PCR allele-specific amplification and single-nucleotide primer extension assay. From the genotypes, four phenotype groups were defined: Ultra rapid Metabolizer (UM), Extensive Metabolizer (EM), Intermediate Metabolizer (IM) and Poor Metabolizer (PM). Plasma was collected after at least 6 weeks of TAM (20 mg daily). The parent drug TAM, as well as 4-hydroxy N-desmethyl tamoxifen (endoxifen), 4 hydroxy tamoxifen (4OHtam) and N-desmethyl-tamoxifen (NDtam), were determined by Liquid Chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Patients also completed a questionnaire about ethinicity, side effects, concurrent medications and tamoxifen adherence. Correlation between metabolite/TAM ratio and phenotype was tested by Spearman correlation test. Relationship between metabolite levels and adherence was tested by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Chi square test was used to compare proportions.

Results: Of the 100 patients enrolled there were 62 Caucasians, 25 Asians, 4 Africans and 6 Unknown. We found a strong correlation between ratio of endoxifen/TAM and phenotype (p &lt;.0001) (Table 1) Over a 2 week period 68 never missed a TAM dose, 25 missed 1–2 times, 2 missed 3–5 times and 2 &gt; 5times (2 missing data). In EM group we found significantly lower levels of TAM (p &lt;.0001), NDtam (p=.008), 4OHtam (p=.003) in less adherent patients. A trend to decreased levels was also shown for endoxifen (p=.081). No associations were found between adherence or phenotype activity and side effects.

Management of early-stage breast cancer: Are we headed in the right direction?

284

Background: The understanding of breast cancer (BC) as a heterogeneous disease consisting of distinct subtypes based on variation in expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has led to more personalized treatment. We postulated that with increased adoption of chemotherapy and targeted therapy for HER2 positive patients, the outcomes of ER/PR+, HER2- and of HER2+ subtypes of breast cancer would be similar.

Methods: A chart review was performed of female patients >18 years old seen by a medical oncologist at an academic cancer centre in Toronto, Canada, between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006, for stage I-III invasive breast cancer. Clinical features, 5-year overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of three BC subtypes were compared: ER/PR+, HER2- (hormone receptor positive, HR), HER2+ (HER2), and ER/PR-, HER2- (triple negative, TN).

Results: Of 870 patient charts reviewed, 525 were analysed. There were 341 HR, 101 HER2 and 83 TN patients. TN patients were younger (p<0.001), and had higher stage (p<0.001) and higher histological grade tumors (p<0.001). The 5-year RFS and OS were: HR: 88.2% and 96.6%, HER2: 76.7% and 92%, TN: 79.8% and 83.9%. Chemotherapy was used in 41.1%, 84.2% and 83.1% of HR, HER2 and TN patients. Anthracycline plus taxane regimens were used in 48.6%, 52.9% and 68.1% of HR, HER2 and TN patients, respectively. Among HER2 patients, only 74.3% received trastuzumab. The 5-year RFS and OS for HER2 patients who received trastuzumab were 79.9% and 91.8%, and for those who did not: 69% and 91.6%.

Conclusions: HR+ patients have an excellent outcome. Despite significant improvement in outcomes of HER2+ patients with early stage breast cancer, they still remain at higher risk of recurrence along with TN patients. Trastuzumab was underutilized among HER2+ patients in this cohort, which may have contributed to decreased 5 year RFS. Ongoing prospective follow up of early BC outcomes by breast cancer subtypes is important.

An outbreak of hepatitis B with high mortality in India: association with precore, basal core promoter mutants and improperly sterilized syringes

In 2009, an outbreak of hepatitis B with high mortality was observed in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat state, India with 456 cases and 89 deaths. Hospitalized patients with self-limiting disease (152, AVH)) and fulminant hepatic failure (39, FHF including 27 fatal and 12 survivals) were investigated. These were screened for diagnostic markers for hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotyping and mutant analysis. Complete HBV genomes from 22 FHF and 17 AVH cases were sequenced. Serosurveys were carried out in the most and least affected blocks for the prevalence of HBV and identification of mutants. History of injection from a physician was associated with FHF and AVH cases. Co-infection with other hepatitis viruses or higher HBV DNA load was not responsible for mortality. Four blocks contributed to 85.7% (391/456) of the cases and 95.5% (85/89) mortality while two adjacent blocks had negligible mortality. Sequence analysis showed the presence of pre-core and basal core promoter mutants and 4 amino acid substitutions exclusively among FHF cases. None of the self-limiting patients exhibited these dual mutations. Genotype D was predominant, D1 being present in all FHF cases while D2 was most prevalent in AVH cases. Probably due to violation of accepted infection control procedures by the qualified medical practitioners, HBV prevalence was higher in the affected blocks before the outbreak. Gross and continued use of HBV contaminated (mutant and wild viruses) injection devices led to an explosive outbreak with high mortality with a striking association with pre-C/BCP mutants and D1 genotype.

Abstract P1-10-05: The Impact of Resource Setting and Guidelines on Global Early Breast Cancer Practice

Background: We developed an international physician survey to identify variations in early breast cancer practice, use of guidelines, and key challenges facing clinicians (MDs) globally in implementing guideline-based care. Methods: The survey was administered at an international breast oncology meeting, and also online using a secure platform. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test was used for bivariate analysis. Results: 691 respondents from 70 countries completed the survey. 38% of respondents were from low income (LIC) or middle income (MIC) countries. More respondents in LICs (89%) and MICs (74%) practice in academic centres; 34% of MDs in high income countries (HICs) practice in community settings (P&lt;0.001). More LIC physicians (74%) rely on clinical breast exam for diagnosis versus in MICs (58%) and HICs (55%) (P&lt;0.001). 87% of LIC physicians say that hormone receptor status is routinely reported on pathology, versus in MICs (91%) and HICs (95%) (p=0.011). The reporting of HER2 status also varies by income setting: 83% in LICs, 89% in MICs, and 95% in HICs (P&lt;0.001). Reporting seems to be the lowest in African nations (78% for hormone and 74% for HER2 status, p &lt;0.001 for each). 46% of LIC and 61% of MIC physicians offer sentinel lymph node dissection, versus 94% in HICs (P&lt;0.001). Adjuvant radiation is available in 93% of all surveyed practices. 99% of respondents give eligible patients endocrine treatment; tamoxifen is prescribed almost universally (&gt;96% of respondents). Aromatase inhibitors are given by 87% of LIC, 93% of MIC, and 94% of HIC physicians (p=0.042). 75% of MDs in LICs give chemotherapy to high risk patients; 81% of those in MICs and HICs do the same (NS). More LIC oncologists give classical CMF (21%, p=0.006), and 77% give anthracycline-taxane combinations, compared to 84% of MIC and 88% of HIC physicians (p=0.017). Trastuzumab is given to a majority (&gt;75%) of eligible patients by only 11% of LIC and 36% of MIC physicians, compared to 80% of HIC clinicians (P&lt;0.001). Trastuzumab use is most prominent in North America (85%) and Europe (75%), and lowest in Africa (19%) and Asia (32%) (P&lt;0.001). 94% of LIC and 63% of MIC physicians said trastuzumab use is limited by drug cost (P&lt;0.001); lack of HER2 testing was cited as an issue by only 8-9% of all respondents. 63% of LIC and 76% of MIC physicians say international guidelines impact their clinical practice, compared to 56% of HIC physicians (P&lt;0.001), who are more likely to rely on local/regional guidelines (33%, P&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Global practice patterns in early breast cancer care vary by resource setting but also by continent. More costly therapies such as trastuzumab are used less often in LICs and MICs. Surveyed physicians from LICs and MICs also rely on international guidelines to direct their practice more than HIC physicians. This may reflect that many guidelines with international influence are created in HICs. In order to improve breast cancer outcomes worldwide, global collaboration is required to create guidelines which not only recommend best practice, but are applicable in various resource and cultural settings, and are followed by implementation research efforts.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-05.