Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor producing rectal cancer

The Prognostic Model of Pre-Treatment Complete Blood Count (CBC) for Recurrence in Early Cervical Cancer

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of the pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) profile as a predictive marker of survival, recurrence, and death in early stage squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The pre-treatment CBC profiles of the patients from nine tertiary medical centers in South Korea who were treated surgically for early stage cervical cancer were reviewed. Statistical models by the Akaike's information criterion (AIC) were developed using CBC profiles to calculate individuals' risk scores for clinical outcomes. A total of 1443 patients were included in the study and the median follow-up was 63.7 months with a range of 3-183 months. Univariate analyses identified the components of CBC that were significantly related to clinical outcomes including white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, neutrophil, and platelet levels. The models developed using CBC profiles and the conventional clinical predictive factors provided individuals' risk scores that were significantly better in predicting clinical outcomes than the models using the conventional clinical predictive factors alone. Pre-treatment CBC profiles including WBC, hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet levels were found to be a potential biomarker for survival prognosis in early cervical cancer.

Anatomical classification of breast sentinel lymph nodes using computed tomography-lymphography

To evaluate the anatomical classification and location of breast sentinel lymph nodes, preoperative computed tomography–lymphography examinations were retrospectively reviewed for sentinel lymph nodes in 464 cases clinically diagnosed with node-negative breast cancer between July 2007 and June 2016. Anatomical classification was performed based on the numbers of lymphatic routes and sentinel lymph nodes, the flow direction of lymphatic routes, and the location of sentinel lymph nodes. Of the 464 cases reviewed, anatomical classification could be performed in 434 (93.5 %). The largest number of cases showed single route/single sentinel lymph node (n = 296, 68.2 %), followed by multiple routes/multiple sentinel lymph nodes (n = 59, 13.6 %), single route/multiple sentinel lymph nodes (n = 53, 12.2 %), and multiple routes/single sentinel lymph node (n = 26, 6.0 %). Classification based on the flow direction of lymphatic routes showed that 429 cases (98.8 %) had outward flow on the superficial fascia toward axillary lymph nodes, whereas classification based on the height of sentinel lymph nodes showed that 323 cases (74.4 %) belonged to the upper pectoral group of axillary lymph nodes. There was wide variation in the number of lymphatic routes and their branching patterns and in the number, location, and direction of flow of sentinel lymph nodes. It is clinically very important to preoperatively understand the anatomical morphology of lymphatic routes and sentinel lymph nodes for optimal treatment of breast cancer, and computed tomography–lymphography is suitable for this purpose.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing undifferentiated carcinoma of the colon mimicking a pulmonary giant cell carcinoma: a case showing overexpression of CD44 along with highly proliferating nestin-positive tumor vessels

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing tumors are known for their aggressive behavior. Only four cases of G-CSF-producing colorectal carcinoma have been previously reported. Herein, we present a case of an undifferentiated carcinoma of the descending colon showing G-CSF production and giant cell carcinoma morphology in a 93-year-old woman. A tumor with a diameter of 80 mm was identified in the descending colon via computed tomography. Descending colectomy was performed involving the abdominal wall where tumor invasion was observed. The white blood cell count, which was elevated before resection, decreased to normal levels after intervention. However, local recurrence at the resected site was detected 39 days after surgery. Upon recurrence, increased white blood cell counts and serum G-CSF were seen. The patient died because of respiratory failure 98 days after colectomy. By using immunohistochemistry, G-CSF expression was detected in tumor cells in the resected specimen, along with overexpression of CD44 and highly proliferating nestin-positive tumor vessels. The poor clinical outcome of this patient is consistent with previous reports that the expression of these three molecules predict poor prognosis. While G-CSF can be a therapeutic target considering its auto/paracrine function to induce tumor growth via the G-CSF receptor, CD44 and nestin may also be possible candidate therapeutic targets. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy of treatments targeting these three molecules.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-producing upper urinary tract carcinoma: systematic review of 46 cases reported in Japan

AIMS

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing upper urinary tract carcinoma is extremely rare, and we do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of the disease. This study was carried out to determine the characteristics of G-CSF-producing upper urinary tract carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic MEDLINE and ICHUSHI WEB (Japan Medical Abstract Society) search was carried out to identify articles and conference proceedings describing patients with G-CSF-producing upper urinary tract carcinoma. The final cohort included 46 patients: eight studies were published in English, 16 in Japanese and there were 18 Japanese conference proceedings.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 67 years and the male to female ratio was 2.5 to 1. The mean white blood cell count was as high as 33,900/μl (range 10,000-121,000) in these patients. Pretreatment serum G-CSF levels were measured in 23 patients, all of which were higher (range 55-1220 pg/ml) than normal levels. Metastasis was detected in 29 patients (63%) and lymph node and lung metastases were well observed. The most commonly reported primary treatment was surgery (33 patients), but the median survival period for these patients was short (4.5 months). Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node and/or distant metastasis (hazard ratio 2.92, P = 0.020) and the absence of adjuvant therapy (hazard ratio 3.20, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors for mortality. A total of only seven patients survived more than 1 year and most had a history of neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the presence of G-CSF-induced leukocytosis represents a distinct and highly aggressive form of upper urinary tract carcinoma. However, the results of our systematic review indicate that a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy may have the potential to control the disease, although we cannot provide definitive recommendations from this retrospective study.

Elevated white blood cell count at the time of recurrence diagnosis is an indicator of short survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of elevated white blood cell (WBC) count at the time of the diagnosis of cervical cancer recurrence.

METHODS

The baseline characteristics and outcome data of 219 patients who had a diagnosis of recurrent cervical cancer between April 1996 and September 2010 were collected and reviewed. Survival after recurrence was compared between the leukocytosis group (WBC ≥9000/μL) and the nonleukocytosis group (WBC <9000/μL). A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to investigate the prognostic significance of elevated WBC count in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.

RESULTS

The patients in the leukocytosis group showed significantly shorter disease-free interval (P = 0.0005) and more frequently had multiple recurrences (P = 0.0101) than those in the nonleukocytosis group. The median survival after recurrence of the patients with elevated WBC count was 9 months, which was significantly shorter than the 21 months observed in the patients without normal WBC count (log rank; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that clinical stage, tumor diameter, histology, an elevated WBC count (≥9000/μL), and an elevated neutrophil count (≥6500/μL) were significant prognostic factors in survival after recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The elevated WBC count at the time of the diagnosis of recurrence is an independent prognostic factor in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.

The first 2 cases of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor producing adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing nonhematopoietic malignancies have been reported in various organs, and most of them have been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, because of the rarity of the reported cases, information regarding the G-CSF-producing gynecological malignancies is limited. We report the first 2 cases of G-CSF-producing cervical adenocarcinomas, which exhibited an aggressive clinical course. At initial diagnosis, both patients exhibited marked leukocytosis without an obvious sign of infections. Of these, one was initially treated with definitive radiotherapy and the other was treated with radical surgery. However, both of these patients experienced recurrences in a short period and died from disease progression in less than 6 months. According to the facts that the tumor cells were positive for G-CSF, the elevated serum level of G-CSF, and their clinical course correlated well with the white blood cell count, we concluded that these tumors were G-CSF-producing cancers. These cases strongly indicate the aggressive nature of the G-CSF-producing cervical adenocarcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: a report of 4 cases and a review of the literature

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing malignant tumor has been reported to occur in various organs, and most of which has been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, because of the rarity of the reported cases, information regarding the G-CSF-producing gynecological malignancies is limited. We report 4 cases of G-CSF-producing cervical cancers. At initial diagnosis, all of the 4 patients exhibited marked leukocytosis without an obvious sign of infection. Of the 4 patients, 3 had their disease initially treated with definitive radiotherapy, and one was treated with radical surgery. Despite the aggressive treatments, all of these patients experienced recurrences within 6 months. In all cases, the white blood cell count returned to the normal range in response to the initial treatment and then increased again with recurrences. Based on the facts that the tumor cells were positive for G-CSF, the serum level of G-CSF was elevated, and their clinical course correlated well with the white blood cell count, we concluded that these tumors were G-CSF-producing cancers. All patients died from disease progression in less than 15 months. These cases strongly indicate the aggressive nature of the G-CSF-producing cervical cancer.

A Case of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Simultaneously Producing Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

We describe the first report of an ovarian clear cell carcinoma simultaneously producing parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). A 64-year-old woman complained of general fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The results of blood and biochemistry tests were white blood cell count of 21,060 /ml and calcium of 18.0 mg/dl, indicating an increase in the number of leukocytes and hypercalcemia. A computerized tomography scan showed a tumor in the lower abdomen with a maximum diameter of 16 cm and containing both cystic and solid parts. There was a remarkable elevation of the tumor marker CA 19-9, to 1611 IU/ml, and serum level of PTHrP was elevated to 25.9 pmol/ml. The PTH-intact level was 14 pg/ml, which was at the lower limit of the normal range. In addition, the G-CSF level was also elevated to 73 pg/ml (normal range: <38 pg/ml). Since hypercalcemia caused by tumor PTHrP production was suspected, and as this required elimination of the primary disease, extirpation of the tumor was carried out. Serum calcium levels promptly returned to 11.1 mg/ml on the first day following surgery, and PTHrP also dropped to its normal level on the same day. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed that the tumor was clear cell adenocarcinoma which was partially positive for PTHrP and positive for G-CSF, indicating the tumor simultaneously producing PTHrP and G-CSF.