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Bou Zerdan M, Nasr L, Khalid F, Allam S, Bouferraa Y, Batool S, Tayyeb M, Adroja S, Mammadii M, Anwer F, Raza S, Chaulagain CP. Addendum: Systemic AL amyloidosis: current approach and future direction. Oncotarget 2023; 14:721. [PMID: 37477528 PMCID: PMC10360921 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Lewis Nasr
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Farhan Khalid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
| | - Sabine Allam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Saba Batool
- Department of Internal Medicine, UnityPoint Methodist, Peoria, IL 61636, USA
| | - Muhammad Tayyeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
| | - Shubham Adroja
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77094, USA
| | - Mahinbanu Mammadii
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Faiz Anwer
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shahzad Raza
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chakra P Chaulagain
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA
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Bouferraa Y, Fares C, Bou Zerdan M, Boyce Kennedy L. Microbial Influences on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in Melanoma: The Interplay between Skin and Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119702. [PMID: 37298653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of melanoma, but its limitations due to resistance and variable patient responses have become apparent. The microbiota, which refers to the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the human body, has emerged as a promising area of research for its potential role in melanoma development and treatment response. Recent studies have highlighted the role of microbiota in influencing the immune system and its response to melanoma, as well as its influence on the development of immune-related adverse events associated with immunotherapy. In this article, we discuss the complex multifactorial mechanisms through which skin and gut microbiota can affect the development of melanoma including microbial metabolites, intra-tumor microbes, UV light, and the immune system. In addition, we will discuss the pre-clinical and clinical studies that have demonstrated the influence of different microbial profiles on response to immunotherapy. Additionally, we will explore the role of microbiota in the development of immune-mediated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Callie Fares
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, NY 13205, USA
| | - Lucy Boyce Kennedy
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Bou Zerdan M, Nasr L, Khalid F, Allam S, Bouferraa Y, Batool S, Tayyeb M, Adroja S, Mammadii M, Anwer F, Raza S, Chaulagain CP. Systemic AL amyloidosis: current approach and future direction. Oncotarget 2023; 14:384-394. [PMID: 37185672 PMCID: PMC10132994 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder characterized by deposition of amyloidogenic monoclonal light chain fragments causing organ dysfunction. It is a fatal disease and if not diagnosed and treated early can lead to organ failure and potentially death. The renal system along with the cardiovascular system are the most common organs involved but other organs such as gut and liver can be involved as well. The initial evaluation of patients requires confirming the diagnosis with tissue biopsy and staining with Congo red followed by confirmatory typing with mass spectrometry of the Congo red positive tissue. Then establishing the extent of the organs involvement by various staging and biomarkers testing. The treatment options and the tolerability of therapy depend on the disease staging, frailty, and co-morbidities. The autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after high dose melphalan therapy is an effective strategy which is usually done after initial bortezomib induction therapy. Unfortunately, most systemic AL amyloidosis patients are not candidate for HCT due to frailty, old age, multi-organ involvement, renal and heart failure at the time of diagnosis. While it is widely accepted that the patients need to be treated until they achieve complete hematologic response, the maintenance therapy after HCT is not well established in AL amyloidosis. In this review, we report the literature on the latest treatment updates of AL amyloidosis and the ongoing clinical trials highlighting the future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Lewis Nasr
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Farhan Khalid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
| | - Sabine Allam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Saba Batool
- Department of Internal Medicine, UnityPoint Methodist, Peoria, IL 61636, USA
| | - Muhammad Tayyeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ 07740, USA
| | - Shubham Adroja
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77094, USA
| | - Mahinbanu Mammadii
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Faiz Anwer
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shahzad Raza
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chakra P Chaulagain
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA
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Bou Zerdan M, Bouferraa Y, Bou Zerdan M, Al Barathie J, Khoury R. Insights of Medical Students and Graduates Toward Electronic Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: A National Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Educ Curric Dev 2023; 10:23821205231209106. [PMID: 37868043 PMCID: PMC10588408 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231209106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the perceptions of Lebanese medical students and graduates regarding the switch to electronic learning (e-learning) and measures their psychological distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by an unprecedented financial collapse and the August 4 Beirut blast. METHODS This is a national cross-sectional descriptive study, consisting of a 48-item questionnaire, diffused online to Lebanese medical students between February 8 and 21, 2021. The survey divided into 5 sections assesses for (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) implemented changes in medical education delivery precipitated by the pandemic, (3) students' perceptions regarding the effectiveness, advantages, and barriers of e-learning, and (4) role of e-learning in clinical training. Finally, students' psychological distress was measured, using the Kessler 10-item distress scale (K10). Descriptive analyses were performed using Stata version 13 and Excel. RESULTS 1060 responses were recorded (27% response rate) across all Lebanese medical schools. Although 71.6% of participants found e-learning to be stimulating, half of the participants thought it was not equally effective to face-to-face learning. Around 73.1% of students felt they were not able to learn hands-on clinical skills. Lebanese students identified cost savings (food, transportation etc) and poor internet connectivity are the most common advantage and barrier, respectively; 77.8% of participants showed high/very high levels of distress (K10 score ≥22). CONCLUSIONS Ensuring accessibility and availability of resources such as electricity and internet is of utmost priority. Lebanese medical schools need to incorporate clinical training experiences to their virtual platforms to maintain the quality of medical education to their students. A particular attention to students' mental health is warranted, by increasing awareness and access to mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Morgan Bou Zerdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Josleen Al Barathie
- Institute for Development Research Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & the Medical Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bou Zerdan M, Hebbo E, Hijazi A, El Gemayel M, Nasr J, Nasr D, Yaghi M, Bouferraa Y, Nagarajan A. The Gut Microbiome and Alzheimer's Disease: A Growing Relationship. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:CAR-EPUB-128458. [PMID: 36578263 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666221227090125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Evidence that the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is already un-ravelling. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that is not fully understood but includes neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. The progression of Alzheimer's disease is supported by mechanisms related to the imbalance in the gut microbiota and the development of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are at the origin of Alzheimer's disease. Alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome led to dysregulation in the pathways governing this system. This leads to neurodegeneration through neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Neurodegeneration and disruption of the blood-brain barrier are frontiers at the origin of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, bacteria populating the gut microbiota can secrete large amounts of amyloid proteins and lipopolysaccharides, which modulate signaling pathways and alter the production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with the pathogenesis of Alz-heimer's disease. Importantly, through molecular mimicry, bacterial amyloids may elicit cross-seeding of misfolding and induce microglial priming at different levels of the brain-gut-microbiota axis. The potential mechanisms of amyloid spreading include neuron-to-neuron or distal neuron spreading, direct blood-brain barrier crossing, or via other cells such as astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, and immune system cells. Gut microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, pro-inflammatory factors, and neurotransmitters may also affect AD pathogenesis and associated cognitive decline. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the current findings that may elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may provide new insights into novel therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease, such as probiotics and targeted oligosaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - Elsa Hebbo
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Hijazi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maria El Gemayel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Janane Nasr
- Saint George Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | - Dayana Nasr
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, USA
| | - Marita Yaghi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Arun Nagarajan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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Elias C, Zeidan YH, Bouferraa Y, Mukherji D, Temraz S, Charafeddine M, Al Darazi M, Shamseddine A. A phase II single arm study of Nivolumab with stereotactic Ablative radiation Therapy after induction chemotherapy in CHOlangiocarcinoma (NATCHO). BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1296. [PMID: 36503610 PMCID: PMC9743639 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is amongst the most common primary liver tumors worldwide. CCA carries a bad prognosis prompting research to establish new treatment modalities other than surgery and the current chemotherapeutic regimens adopted. Hence, this trial explores a new therapeutic approach, to combine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and immunotherapy (Nivolumab), and asses its clinical benefit and safety profile after induction chemotherapy in CCA. METHODOLOGY This is a Phase II open-label, single-arm, multicenter study that investigates Nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) treatment at Day 1 followed by SBRT (30 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions) at Day 8, then monthly Nivolumab in 40 patients with non-resectable locally advanced, metastatic or recurrent intrahepatic or extrahepatic CCA. Eligible patients were those above 18 years of age with a pathologically and radiologically confirmed diagnosis of non-resectable locally advanced or metastatic or recurrent intrahepatic or extrahepatic CCA, following 4 cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy with an estimated life expectancy of more than 3 months, among other criteria. The primary endpoint is the progression free survival (PFS) rate at 8 months and disease control rate (DCR). The secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), tumor response rate (TRR), duration of response, evaluation of biomarkers: CD3 + , CD4 + and CD8 + T cell infiltration, as well as any change in the PD-L1 expression through percutaneous core biopsy when compared with the baseline biopsy following 1 cycle of Nivolumab and SBRT. DISCUSSION SRBT alone showed promising results in the literature by both inducing the immune system locally and having abscopal effects on distant metastases. Moreover, given the prevalence of PD-L1 in solid tumors, targeting it or its receptor has become the mainstay of novel immunotherapeutic drugs use. A combination of both has never been explored in the scope of CCA and that is the aim of this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04648319 , April 20, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Elias
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef H. Zeidan
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally Temraz
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Monita Al Darazi
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- grid.411654.30000 0004 0581 3406Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute- NKBCI, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bou Zerdan M, Shatila M, Sarwal D, Bouferraa Y, Bou Zerdan M, Allam S, Ramovic M, Graziano S. Single Cell RNA Sequencing: A New Frontier in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194589. [PMID: 36230515 PMCID: PMC9559389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer has a very low survival rate for several reasons. One of those is primarily due to the difficulty in diagnosing it at an early stage. For this reason, it is important to refine our understanding of this disease to guide the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to combat this fatal illness. Here we attempt to provide a review of current progress in utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) techniques in the molecular profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a malignancy with a high mortality rate. It exhibits significant heterogeneity in metabolic pathways which are associated with its progression. In this review, we discuss the role of single cell RNA sequencing in unraveling the metabolic and clinical features of these highly malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Malek Shatila
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dhruv Sarwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44118, USA
| | | | - Sabine Allam
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut 0000, Lebanon
| | - Merima Ramovic
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephen Graziano
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (S.G.)
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Abdel Sater AH, Bouferraa Y, Amhaz G, Haibe Y, Lakkiss AE, Shamseddine A. From Tumor Cells to Endothelium and Gut Microbiome: A Complex Interaction Favoring the Metastasis Cascade. Front Oncol 2022; 12:804983. [PMID: 35600385 PMCID: PMC9117727 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.804983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complicated process through which tumor cells disseminate to distant organs and adapt to novel tumor microenvironments. This multi-step cascade relies on the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations within the tumor cells as well as the surrounding non-tumor stromal cells. Endothelial cells constitute a major player in promoting metastasis formation either by inducing the growth of tumor cells or by directing them towards dissemination in the blood or lymph. In fact, the direct and indirect interactions between tumor and endothelial cells were shown to activate several mechanisms allowing cancer cells’ invasion and extravasation. On the other side, gastrointestinal cancer development was shown to be associated with the disruption of the gut microbiome. While several proposed mechanisms have been investigated in this regard, gut and tumor-associated microbiota were shown to impact the gut endothelial barrier, increasing the dissemination of bacteria through the systemic circulation. This bacterial dislocation allows the formation of an inflammatory premetastatic niche in the distant organs promoting the metastatic cascade of primary tumors. In this review, we discuss the role of the endothelial cells in the metastatic cascade of tumors. We will focus on the role of the gut vascular barrier in the regulation metastasis. We will also discuss the interaction between this vascular barrier and the gut microbiota enhancing the process of metastasis. In addition, we will try to elucidate the different mechanisms through which this bacterial dislocation prepares the favorable metastatic niche at distant organs allowing the dissemination and successful deposition of tumor cells in the new microenvironments. Finally, and given the promising results of the studies combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with either microbiota alterations or anti-angiogenic therapy in many types of cancer, we will elaborate in this review the complex interaction between these 3 factors and their possible therapeutic combination to optimize response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Abdel Sater
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghid Amhaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmed El Lakkiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bou Zerdan M, Bouferraa Y, Boyrazian R, Skaf R. Fertility in multiple recurrent bilateral ovarian teratomas: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2022; 10:2050313X221074471. [PMID: 35127098 PMCID: PMC8808009 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x221074471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Very few cases of bilateral and recurrent teratomas have been reported. We present the case of a 21-year-old nulliparous female who presented to an outside facility complaining of left flank pain and was found to have bilateral ovarian teratomas. The physician proceeded with a laparotomy. Five years later, the patient presented to our facility complaining of abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a second incidence of bilateral dermoid cysts for which she underwent a bilateral laparoscopic cystectomy. The patient retained her fertility and was able to deliver a newborn 2 years later. At the age of 31, and during a regular check-up, the patient was found again to have a third incidence of bilateral dermoid cysts for which she underwent bilateral laparoscopic cystectomy with preservation of her ovaries. In conclusion, laparoscopic removal of dermoid cysts is of utmost importance to retain the fertility of young patients. Regular check-up by ultrasound post-operatively is necessary to screen for recurrences and prevent painful presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raffi Boyrazian
- Department of Pathology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Skaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bouferraa Y, Haibe Y, Chedid A, Jabra E, Charafeddine M, Temraz S, Mukherji D, El Saghir N, Shamseddine A. The impact of young age (< 40 years) on the outcome of a cohort of patients with primary non-metastatic breast cancer: analysis of 10-year survival of a prospective study. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:27. [PMID: 34980002 PMCID: PMC8722326 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09100-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of young age (< 40 years) at diagnosis as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in female patients with breast cancer has been highlighted in several studies. In this prospective study, we assessed the difference in 10-year survival between two groups of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer based on an age cutoff of 40 years. We also assessed the impact of factors including tumor characteristics, molecular markers and immunohistochemical markers on survival outcomes, highlighting the interaction of those variables with age. Methods A total of 119 female patients with newly diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer were recruited at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between July 2011 and May 2014. Patients were recruited and divided into 2 age groups (< 40 and ≥ 40 years). In addition to clinical characteristics, we assessed immunohistochemistry including estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, p53, cyclin B1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and ki-67. Germline BRCA mutations were also performed on peripheral blood samples. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared between the age groups. 10-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated accordingly. Cox regression analysis was performed in order to assess the effect of the different variables on clinical outcomes. Results After a median Follow-up of 96 (13–122) months, the estimated 10-year OS was 98.6% for patients ≥40 as compared to 77.6% in patients < 40 (p = 0.001). A similar trend was found for 10-year DFS reaching 90% for patients ≥40 and 70.4% for those < 40 (p = 0.004). On multivariate analysis for DFS and OS, only younger age (< 40 years), higher stage and triple negative phenotype among other parameters assessed significantly affected the outcome in this cohort. Conclusion This prospective study confirms the association between younger age and adverse survival outcomes in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer. Future studies of the whole genome sequences may reveal the genomic basis underlying the clinical differences we have observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Andrea Chedid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Elio Jabra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Sally Temraz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Nagi El Saghir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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11
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Bou Zerdan M, Hamouche R, Bouferraa Y, Chouairy C, Gholam D. Everolimus in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2022; 10:2050313X221106987. [PMID: 35783669 PMCID: PMC9247284 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x221106987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignancies with unknown primaries contribute to a small yet significant
percentage of overall tumors. Neuroendocrine carcinomas, a rare disease with a
poor prognosis, have been known to present as an unknown primary. Treatment
consists of cytotoxic chemotherapy but given the latter’s high toxicity profile
new treatment options are being explored. In this case report, we describe a
case of a patient with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown
primary treated with compassionate oral everolimus after his refusal of
intravenous chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Ramzi Hamouche
- Yale-Waterbury Internal Medicine Residency Program, Waterbury, CT, USA
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Camil Chouairy
- Department of Pathology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Gholam
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (SGHUMC), Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Bouferraa Y, Haibe Y, Jabra E, Charafeddine M, Kreidieh M, Raad R, Temraz S, Mukherji D, Ershaid F, Muallem N, Faraj W, Khalife M, Eid RA, Shamseddine A. Comparison Between Liver Stiffness Measurement by Fibroscan and Splenic Volume Index as NonInvasive Tools for the Early Detection of Oxaliplatin-induced Hepatotoxicity. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:448-453. [PMID: 35535062 PMCID: PMC9077221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxaliplatin remains an essential component of many chemotherapy protocols for gastrointestinal cancers; however, neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity may be dose-limiting. The gold standard for the diagnosis of oxaliplatin-induced hepatotoxicity is liver biopsy, which is invasive and costly. Splenomegaly has also been used as a surrogate for liver biopsy in detecting oxaliplatin-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), but splenic measurement is not routine and can be inaccurate and complex. We investigated the correlation between increased liver elasticity assessed by Fibroscan and the increase in spleen volume on cross-sectional imaging after oxaliplatin as a noninvasive technique to assess liver stiffness associated with oxaliplatin-induced SOS. Methods Forty-six patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers and planned to take oxaliplatin containing regimens were included in this prospective study at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Measurement of spleen volume using cross-sectional imaging and of liver elasticity using Fibroscan was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after starting oxaliplatin. Mean liver elasticity measurements were compared between patients stratified by the development of splenomegaly using the Student t-test. Splenomegaly was defined as 50% increase in spleen size compared with baseline. Results Patients who developed splenomegaly after oxaliplatin use had significantly higher mean elasticity measurements as reported by Fibroscan at 3 (16.2 vs. 7.8 kPa, P = 0.036) and 6 (9.3 vs. 6.7 kPa, P = 0.03) months. Conclusion Measurement of elasticity using Fibroscan could be potentially used in the future as a noninvasive test for predicting oxaliplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Key Words
- AUBMC, American University of Beirut Medical Center
- CAP, Controlled attenuation parameter
- CT, Computed tomography
- ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Clinical Oncology Group
- ICG-R15, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15)
- IRB, Institutional review board
- ISP, IntelliSpace Portal
- MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging
- SOS, Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
- SV, Splenic volume
- SVI, Splenic volume index
- TE, Transient elastography
- dB/m, decibels/meter
- fibroscan
- hepatotoxicity
- kPa, Kilopascal
- oxalipltin
- sinusoidal obstruction syndrome
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Elio Jabra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Malek Kreidieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Randa Raad
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Sally Temraz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Firas Ershaid
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Nadim Muallem
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Walid Faraj
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Khalife
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Rania A. Eid
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon,Address for correspondence: Professor Ali Shamseddine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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13
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Husseini ZE, Haibe Y, Bouferraa Y, Kreidieh M, Darazi MA, Mukherji D, Temraz S, Charafeddine M, Shamseddine A. Total neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: A tertiary medical center experience. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:220. [PMID: 34476104 PMCID: PMC8408679 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The current standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) includes preoperative chemoradiation, followed by total mesorectal excision and adjuvant chemotherapy. This multimodality treatment improves local control but is associated with low compliance rates without clear beneficial effects on overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis. In this retrospective study, the charts of patients diagnosed with cT3/4 or cT2-node-positive rectal cancer between January 2011 and June 2019 were reviewed. The chemoradiation therapy (CRT) group received a long course of CRT with capecitabine followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. The total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) group received 6 cycles mFOLFOX and a short course of radiation therapy followed by surgery. A total of 81 patients were included, among which 55 (67.9%) received CRT and 26 (32.1%) received TNT. In the CRT group, 15 (27.3%) patients achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) compared with 10 (38.5%) in the TNT group (P=0.22). A total of 19 (35.8%) cases in the CRT group downstaged to pT0N0 or pT1N0 compared with 11 (42.3%) in the TNT group (P=0.33). The 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 81.0% in the TNT group and 84.0% in the CRT group (P=0.15). Out of 55 patients in the CRT group, 30 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, 22 (40.0% of CRT cases) of which completed a full course. All 26 patients in the TNT group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, where 22 (84.6%) patients took a full course (P<0.001). In conclusion, the present study revealed that patients treated with TNT were more compliant to chemotherapy than those treated with CRT. A numerically higher pCR rate, and nodal and tumor downstaging were noted in the TNT group without significance. No difference was noted in the 2-year DFS. Longer follow-up is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad El Husseini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Malek Kreidieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Monita Al Darazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Sally Temraz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Maya Charafeddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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14
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Bouferraa Y, Chedid A, Amhaz G, El Lakkiss A, Mukherji D, Temraz S, Shamseddine A. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Overcoming Resistance to Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Patients: Mechanisms and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158036. [PMID: 34360802 PMCID: PMC8347208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has constituted a major revolution in the treatment of patients with cancer. In contrast with the traditional cytotoxic therapies that directly kill tumor cells, this treatment modality enhances the ability of the host’s immune system to recognize and target cancerous cells. While immune checkpoint inhibitors have been effective across multiple cancer types, overcoming resistance remains a key area of ongoing research. The gut microbiota and its role in cancer immunosurveillance have recently become a major field of study. Gut microbiota has been shown to have direct and systemic effects on cancer pathogenesis and hosts anti-tumor immune response. Many studies have also shown that the host microbiota profile plays an essential role in the response to immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors. As such, modulating this microbial environment has offered a potential path to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we will talk about the role of microbiota in cancer pathogenesis and immune-system activity. We will also discuss preclinical and clinical studies that have increased our understanding about the roles and the mechanisms through which microbiota influences the response to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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15
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Shamseddine A, Zeidan Y, Bouferraa Y, Turfa R, Kattan J, Mukherji D, Temraz S, Alqasem K, Amarin R, Al Awabdeh T, Deeba S, Doughan S, Mohamad I, Elkhaldi M, Daoud F, Al Masri M, Dabous A, Hushki A, Charafeddine M, Al Darazi M, Geara F. SO-30 Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant short-course radiation followed by mFOLFOX-6 plus avelumab for locally-advanced rectal adenocarcinoma: Averectal study. Ann Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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16
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Torumkuney D, Mokaddas E, Jiman-Fatani A, Ageel A, Daoud Z, Bouferraa Y, Zerdan MB, Morrissey I. Results from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) 2015-17 in the Middle East (Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia): data based on CLSI, EUCAST (dose-specific) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:i60-i75. [PMID: 32337592 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae isolates from community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CA-RTIs) collected in 2015-17 from Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. METHODS MICs were determined by CLSI broth microdilution and susceptibility was assessed using CLSI, EUCAST (dose-specific) and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints. RESULTS A total of 139 S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from four centres in Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in 2015-17 and 55 H. influenzae isolates were collected and analysed from Saudi Arabia over the same time period. Pneumococci from all three countries were commonly non-susceptible to penicillin based on CLSI oral or low-dose IV penicillin using EUCAST breakpoints (39% in Kuwait to 57.1% in Lebanon) but by CLSI IV and EUCAST high-dose breakpoints most isolates were susceptible (∼90% in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and 100% in Lebanon). Isolates from Lebanon were highly susceptible to most other antibiotics (>90%) except cefaclor, oral cefuroxime and cefpodoxime (EUCAST breakpoints only). Overall, susceptibility was significantly lower in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia than Lebanon. Although all H. influenzae isolates (Saudi Arabia only) were β-lactamase negative, 3.6% and 12.7% were ampicillin resistant by CLSI and EUCAST breakpoints, respectively. Otherwise susceptibility was high in H. influenzae. The application of different EUCAST breakpoints for low and higher doses for some of the antibiotics (amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, penicillin, ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) allowed, for the first time in a SOAR study, the effect of raising the dosage on susceptibility to be quantified. CONCLUSIONS Relatively low antibiotic susceptibility was observed in S. pneumoniae from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in contrast to Lebanon, where rates of susceptibility were generally higher. Isolates of H. influenzae from Saudi Arabia were susceptible to most antibiotics. These factors are important in decision making for empirical therapy of CA-RTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Torumkuney
- GlaxoSmithKline, 980 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9GS, UK
| | - E Mokaddas
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabrya, Kuwait
| | - A Jiman-Fatani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Clinical and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Ageel
- Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Dhabab Street, PO Box 59046 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Z Daoud
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Al Koura, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Y Bouferraa
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Al Koura, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - M B Zerdan
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Al Koura, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - I Morrissey
- IHMA Europe Sàrl, Route de l'Ile-au-Bois 1A, 1870 Monthey/VS, Switzerland
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17
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Alam W, Bouferraa Y, Haibe Y, Shamseddine A. Complete Radiological Response of Recurrent Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma to Pembrolizumab and Mitotane. Clin Med Insights Oncol 2021; 15:11795549211007682. [PMID: 33889043 PMCID: PMC8040600 DOI: 10.1177/11795549211007682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Treatment options for ACC are limited, with resection the main intervention. Most cases present in late metastatic cases, and data regarding effective therapies is limited. We report a case of ACC in a 40-year-old woman with history of ACC postadrenalectomy, who presented with recurrent metastatic ACC in the left perinephric space. She was started on pembrolizumab which was added to her mitotane maintenance therapy. Complete radiological response was achieved after 4 cycles of pembrolizumab. As far as we know, this is the first case to achieve complete radiological response with mitotane and pembrolizumab in recurrent metastatic ACC, with negative prognostic markers and no prior radiotherapy. As our findings are in the setting of one clinical case, we suggest the need to perform a trial to assess the benefit of combining mitotane and pembrolizumab in treating metastatic ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Alam
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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18
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Salloum A, Bouferraa Y, Bazzi N, Bou Zerdan M, Abi Chebl J, Chu T, Bachour J, Benedetto A. Pathophysiology, clinical findings, and management of Fox-Fordyce disease: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol 2021; 21:482-500. [PMID: 33817950 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fox-Fordyce (FFD), also known as apocrine military, is an uncommon chronic inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands. It is characterized by pruritic, papular eruptions in apocrine-gland-bearing regions. FFD was described a century ago, but the exact pathogenesis of the disease and the management are not well understood. AIMS This paper provides a wide understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and management of Fox-Fordyce disease. Its aim is to help the physician to diagnose and manage this entity accordingly. METHODS A research was done using PubMed database on 12 April 12, 2020, and in order to retrieve all case reports, case series, cohort studies, randomized, and nonrandomized clinical trials were included describing FFD among patients. RESULTS A total of 43 articles and 68 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were young females. The disease was bilateral in 90%, affected the axillae and to a lesser extent the pubic and the periareolar areas and rarely the thoracic area, the abdominal area, and the face. FFD followed a relapsing and remitting course, and an evident improvement in disease course was noted after menopause. CONCLUSION The typical FFD patient is a post-pubertal female and pre-menopause, presenting with pruritic papules in apocrine-gland-bearing regions. FFD can be sporadic or occurs in family, and it can be asymptomatic in 1/(3-4) of patients and can be triggered by laser hair removal and hormonal changes. Further randomized clinical trials assessing different treatment of FFD are now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Salloum
- Dermatologic SurgiCenter, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Dermatology, Saint Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Nagham Bazzi
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Joanna Abi Chebl
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Saint Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Thomas Chu
- Dermatologic SurgiCenter, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julien Bachour
- Department of Dermatology, Saint Georges Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anthony Benedetto
- Dermatologic SurgiCenter, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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19
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Abstract
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had a huge impact on all sectors around the world. In particular, the healthcare system has been subject to an enormous pressure that has surpassed its ability in many instances. Additionally, the pandemic has called for a review of our daily medical practices, including our approach to colorectal cancer management where treatment puts patients at high risk of virus exposure. Given their higher median age, patients are at an increased risk for severe symptoms and complications in cases of infection, especially in the setting of immunosuppression. Therefore, a review of the routine colorectal cancer practices is needed to minimize risk of exposure. Oncologists should weigh risk of exposure versus the patient's oncologic benefits when approaching management. In addition, treatment protocols should be modified to minimize hospital visits and admissions while maintaining the same treatment efficacy. In this review, we will focus on challenges that colorectal cancer patients face during the pandemic, while highlighting the priority in each case. We will also discuss the evidence for potential modifications to existing treatment plans that could reduce infectious exposure without compromising care. Finally, we will discuss the impact of the socio-economic difficulties faced by Lebanese patients due to a poor economy toppled by an unexpected pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Alam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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20
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El Sayed R, Haibe Y, Amhaz G, Bouferraa Y, Shamseddine A. Metabolic Factors Affecting Tumor Immunogenicity: What Is Happening at the Cellular Level? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2142. [PMID: 33670011 PMCID: PMC7927105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment paradigm in multiple solid and hematologic malignancies. However, response remains limited in a significant number of cases, with tumors developing innate or acquired resistance to checkpoint inhibition. Certain "hot" or "immune-sensitive" tumors become "cold" or "immune-resistant", with resultant tumor growth and disease progression. Multiple factors are at play both at the cellular and host levels. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes the most to immune-resistance, with nutrient deficiency, hypoxia, acidity and different secreted inflammatory markers, all contributing to modulation of immune-metabolism and reprogramming of immune cells towards pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Both the tumor and surrounding immune cells require high amounts of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids to fulfill their energy demands. Thus, both compete over one pool of nutrients that falls short on needs, obliging cells to resort to alternative adaptive metabolic mechanisms that take part in shaping their inflammatory phenotypes. Aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, tryptophan catabolism, glutaminolysis, fatty acid synthesis or fatty acid oxidation, etc. are all mechanisms that contribute to immune modulation. Different pathways are triggered leading to genetic and epigenetic modulation with consequent reprogramming of immune cells such as T-cells (effector, memory or regulatory), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) (M1 or M2), natural killers (NK) cells (active or senescent), and dendritic cells (DC) (effector or tolerogenic), etc. Even host factors such as inflammatory conditions, obesity, caloric deficit, gender, infections, microbiota and smoking status, may be as well contributory to immune modulation, anti-tumor immunity and response to immune checkpoint inhibition. Given the complex and delicate metabolic networks within the tumor microenvironment controlling immune response, targeting key metabolic modulators may represent a valid therapeutic option to be combined with checkpoint inhibitors in an attempt to regain immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola El Sayed
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
| | - Yolla Haibe
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (Y.H.); (G.A.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ghid Amhaz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (Y.H.); (G.A.); (Y.B.)
| | - Youssef Bouferraa
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (Y.H.); (G.A.); (Y.B.)
| | - Ali Shamseddine
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (Y.H.); (G.A.); (Y.B.)
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