Neoplastic Fever Research Articles

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Proximal Thigh With Neoplastic Fever and Metachronous Sternal Metastases: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Proximal Thigh With Neoplastic Fever and Metachronous Sternal Metastases: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ovarian carcinosarcoma with lung metastasis characterized by persistent fever: A case report and literature review.

Ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare malignant tumor prone to distant metastasis. Primary manifestations include pelvic and/or abdominal pain, bloating, and compression. Nevertheless, it is uncommon for OCS to present primarily with persistent fever. This is the first reported case of OCS with lung metastasis characterized by persistent fever. A 61-year-old female patient complaining of abdominal pain and fever was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography showed an irregular, slightly low-density mass on the left side of the uterus and multiple solid nodules in both lungs. She underwent cytoreductive surgery for pathologically confirmed stage IVB OCS. She was administered chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery. Given the patient's history of persistent fever and progressively enlarged pulmonary nodules, a pulmonary abscess was considered as a possible diagnosis. Following antibiotic therapy, the patient's high body temperature did not decrease; however, following nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy, it quickly decreased. These symptoms were eventually considered the consequence of neoplastic fever caused by lung metastases. Owing to the rapid progression of the disease, the patient ultimately died. This study suggests that, for patients with pelvic and/or abdominal pain, bloating, and pelvic masses, especially those with suspicious lesions in other organs accompanied by fever of unknown origin, a diagnosis of cancer or sarcoma with metastasis should be considered after ruling out infectious fever.

Risk factors and prognosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with paraneoplastic syndrome

BackgroundMalignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive tumor. Its clinical manifestations are diverse, and the symptoms are not specific. Some patients will develop paraneoplastic syndrome (PS) during the disease course. This study aims to analyze the risk factors of PS in patients with MPM and their impacts on prognosis.MethodsThe clinical data of MPM patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) at our center from June 2015 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. MPM patients were divided into PS group and non-PS group according to the diagnostic criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the risk factors of PS in MPM patients, and to analyze the impact of PS on prognosis.ResultsThere were 146 MPM patients in this study, including 60 patients (41.1%) with PS and 86 patients (58.9%) without PS. The highest incidence of PS was thrombocytosis (33.6%), followed by neoplastic fever (9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed 8 factors (P < 0.05) with statistically significant differences between the two groups: prior surgical scores, targeted therapy history, Karnofsky performance status score, preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 level, vascular tumor embolus, peritoneal cancer index, completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score and intraoperative ascites. Multivariate analysis identified 3 independent factors associated with PS: preoperative CA 125 level, vascular tumor embolus, and CC score. Survival analysis demonstrated that MPM patients with PS had worse prognosis, although PS was not an independent prognostic factor.ConclusionsPS is not rare in patients with MPM, and is independently associated with preoperative CA 125 level, vascular tumor embolus and CC score. PS often indicates advanced disease and poor prognosis.

Physician practices in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in home care settings: A questionnaire study.

To elucidate the current practices of infectious disease management in home care settings in Japan, we sent a questionnaire to 36 physicians working at 13 clinics that specialize in providing care to patients in their homes or residential care facilities. The questionnaire described three hypothetical scenarios (aspiration pneumonia, pyelonephritis, and neoplastic fever) in older patients with terminal cancer, and 25 respondents answered questions on testing and treatment strategies. Most respondents chose to obtain cultures for aspiration pneumonia (sputum) and for pyelonephritis (urine), although fewer respondents chose to obtain blood cultures. For neoplastic fever, most of respondents elected to continue observation without antibiotic treatment. The most frequently selected antibiotics were cephalosporins and quinolones. The results indicated that most respondents would perform bacterial culture tests before prescribing antibiotics and observe patients when bacterial infections are not suspected. Standardized guidelines are needed to optimize infectious disease management in home care.

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the breast with neoplastic fever: case report and genomic characterization

PurposePrimary breast sarcomas are extraordinary rare, in particular undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). UPS with neoplastic fever (UPS-NF) of the breast has not been reported yet. Here, we present an extended UPS-NF of the breast including its comprehensive molecular workup.MethodsA 58-year-old female presented with general malaise, fever spikes, weight loss, and a massively swollen left breast. C-reactive protein and blood leucocytes were significantly increased. However, repeated blood cultures and smears were all sterile. Histopathology of the abscess-forming tumor revealed an undifferentiated malignancy with numerous of tumor giant cells as well as spindle-shaped cells with nuclear pleomorphism and hyperchromasia. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated partial, patchy desmin staining and weak heterogonous neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity of tumor cells, but a focal staining for Melan-A.ResultsNeither common melanoma driver mutations nor an ultraviolet mutational signature was detected by whole genome sequencing. Using FISH and RT-PCR we also excluded translocations characteristic for clear cell sarcoma. Thus, the diagnosis of inflammatory UPS-NF of the breast was considered highly probable. Despite a complete mastectomy, the tumor recurred after only three months. This recurrence was treated with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab based on the primary tumor’s TPS score for PD-L1 of 30%. After an initial response, however, the tumor was progressive again.ConclusionWe describe here the first case of UPS-NF of the breast, which shows great clinical and histopathologic resemblances to previously reported UPS-NF of other anatomic localizations.

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma with Neoplastic Fever: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundAlthough the annual incidence of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is extremely low, it can be subdivided into different subtypes. UPS with fever of unknown origin (also known as neoplastic fever) is a specific subtype of UPS, which shows certain clinical features that differentiate it from other UPS subtypes. However, no studies have focused on this rare UPS subtype. This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with UPS to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of UPS with neoplastic fever.MethodsThis study included patients with UPS who were diagnosed and treated between June 2012 and June 2018. We examined whether these patients had a history of neoplastic fever. The characteristics of patients with UPS with neoplastic fever were summarized and analyzed.ResultsWe reviewed the medical records of 183 patients with UPS. Seven (3.83%) of these patients had neoplastic fever. In patients with UPS with neoplastic fever, the primary lesions were located in the extremities and across the muscle space. In these patients, magnetic resonance imaging showed necrosis within the tumor body and extensive soft tissue edema around the tumor body. Patients with UPS with neoplastic fever had a lower metastasis rate (14.29% vs 44.94%) and a higher 3-year survival rate (85.71% vs 59.55%) than those without neoplastic fever.ConclusionUPS with neoplastic fever is characterized by intratumoral necrosis and extensive edema of the surrounding soft tissues. Patients with UPS with neoplastic fever may have a better prognosis than those without neoplastic fever.

Celecoxib Combined with Thalidomide in the Treatment of Refractory Neoplastic Fever in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report

Neoplastic fever, a common symptom of tumors, can be mainly controlled by nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. However, there is no standard treatment guideline for refractory neoplastic fever, which cannot be controlled by the medicines mentioned above. This report presents a case of advanced cholangiocarcinoma with persistent fever lasting 3 weeks. After ineffective treatment with various antibiotics, ibuprofen, and corticosteroids, the body temperature returned to normal after a 48-hour treatment with celecoxib + thalidomide. Finally, the overall survival (OS) of the patient reached 8 months with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Neoplastic Fever In A Cancer Patient: A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Neoplastic Fever In A Cancer Patient: A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Treatment of neoplastic fever and sweats in two cancer patients with oxybutynin.

128 Background: Treatment for neoplastic fevers and sweating (NFS) is usually accomplished successfully with non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, but such therapies may be contraindicated in some patients due to drug interactions, bleeding diathesis, renal disease, or cirrhosis. Options for treating NFS in such patients are limited. Methods: We report the first use of oxybutynin (OxyB), commonly used for hyperhidrosis and increasingly used for hormonally mediated hot flashes (Smith TJ, NEJM 2018; Leon-Ferre R, SABCS 2018, under review in JNCI Cancer Spectrum, for NFS in NSAID-ineligible or refractory patients. Results: Two patients with NFS were treated. The first was a 70 year old (yo) woman with cholangiocarcinoma with 3 months of NFS for whom naproxen was ineffective and who was starting chemotherapy. Within 2 hours after 2.5 mg OxyB q12h her sweating was gone, and her fever, which had been up to 100.4F, never resumed. The second was a 52 yo male with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma who was prescribed 2.5 mg q12h OxyB with lysis of his fever within hours and cessation of his sweating. To date, over one month has passed with no reduction in efficacy. Conclusions: OxyB may be a successful treatment modality for patients with NFS who cannot be treated with or are refractory to NSAIDs. Further research is warranted to ensure stability of results over time and to monitor for side effects.

Naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:The effect of naproxen on the treatment of neoplastic fever is still unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the effect of naproxen in the treatment of cancer fever or suspicion. Besides, the latest and most convincing evidence was provided for the earlier use of naproxen in treating cancer patients with fever of unknown origin.Methods:A literature review was conducted to identify all published studies on the naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever. Electronic databases (eg, PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library) were searched until October 2018. Data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed by 2 authors independently. Standard meta-analyses on the rate of successful treatment were conducted using a random-effects model, and relative risks were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:A total of 15 studies, recruiting 582 participants, were included, which were 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), 1 non-RCT, 3 cross-sectional studies, and 10 case-series studies. The result of our meta-analysis revealed that the success rate on the treatment of neoplastic fever using naproxen was 94.1% (95% CI: 87.6%–97.3%). The success rate of the suspected neoplastic fever was 79.8%; for fever of unknown origin, it also reached 67.7%. In this meta-analysis, the success rate was 98.1% (95% CI: 95.0%–99.3%) in the dosage of 250 mg twice a day. Besides, a small dose of 125 mg naproxen, 375 mg twice a day and 250 mg 3 times a day were also useful. The result of the subgroup analysis revealed that the difference was not statistically significant in the treatment success rate for solid tumors and hematologic malignant.Conclusions:The result of our meta-analysis suggested that naproxen exhibited a highly successful rate for the treatment of neoplastic fever. Besides, naproxen was also satisfactory in improving symptoms of suspected neoplastic fever and fever of unknown origin. The earlier use of naproxen might be able to mitigate cancer patient's suffering and enhanced their quality of life. These findings, however, rely primarily on observational data and should be interpreted rigorously. Further well-conducted trials are required to assess naproxen for the treatment of neoplastic fever.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis as a cause of intermittent fever of unknown origin in a hemodialysis patient with renal cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review

Hemodialysis patients have weakened immune systems and can exhibit fever due to various causes. Herein, we describe the case of a 61-year-old hemodialysis patient who exhibited intermittent low-grade fever after a pacemaker had been implanted 2 months before due to sick sinus syndrome. She had a medical history of subcutaneous sarcoidosis and uveitis. Active pulmonary sarcoidosis was diagnosed based on elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptor, elevated lysozyme level, and gallium-67 scintigraphy uptake in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. She was also diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma via contrast computed tomography. However, because her C-reactive protein level remained normal, the possibility of neoplastic fever was considered low. After the initiation of prednisolone administration, her fever gradually disappeared. Her serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor and lysozyme level improved in parallel with the enlargement of the mediastinal lymph node and gallium-67 scintigraphy uptake.

Neoadjuvant BEP regimen in the treatment of extensively advanced yolk sac tumor: A single institutional experience.

5570 Background: Due to the highly aggressive biological behavior and early intra-abdominal spread potential of ovarian yolk sac tumor (YST), a considerable proportion of patients were inoperalbe at initial diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in this cohort of patients. Methods: Between July 1982 and December 2015, 58 patients diagnosed as YSTs were initially treated at Cancer Hospital of China Academy of Medical Science (CAMS), among which 18 were evaluated to be inoperable and received NACT. They were either too debilitated by the disease (ECOG ps≥2) to undergo a major surgery, or were with too extensively disseminated lesions to be optimally debulked. Massive ascites, pleural effusion, dyspnea, neoplastic fever, hypoproteinemia, or electrolyte disturbance were also common in these 18 patients. This cohort of patients was retrospectively reviewed. Results: One or 2 cycles of BEP regimens were prescribed to the majority of patients preoperatively. At the completion of NACT, all the 18 patients had ECOG ps≤1 . Seventeen of them (94.4%) exhibited clinical partial tumor regression and 1(5.6%) had clinical stable disease. Pathological complete tumor regression was observed in 2 (11.1%) patients, whereas the remaining 16(88.9%) had nearly complete pathological response. All these 18 patients were rendered operable at the completion of NACT, yielding a resection rate of 100%. Seventeen patients (94.4%) were cytoreduced to no macroscopic residual disease, 1 (5.6%) patient was cyto-reduced to macroscopic residual disease ≤2 cm. No major surgical complications occurred in our series. After a median follow-up of 83.5 months, 17 patients were free of recurrence. Five-year DFS and OS were both 94.4%. Fertility-sparing surgery was carried out in all the 17 patients with fertility desire, and 5 infants were delivered in 6 patients who attempted conception. Conclusions: One or 2 cycles of NACT followed by early cyto-reductive surgery offers a chance for cure in patients with extensively advanced YSTs. It allows for a more through and safe cyto-reductive surgery, improves survival outcomes, and helps pave the way for fertility-sparing surgery.

Neoplastic fever in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

The development of fever is a common complication in the clinical course of cancer. If all other potential causes of fever are excluded, the possibility of neoplastic fever should be considered. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of neoplastic fever in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Between January 2009 and December 2014, 195 patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma (111 men and 84 women; mean age, 55 years) were admitted to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Mie University Graduate School of Medicine (Tsu, Japan). Episodes of fever were observed in 58 patients (30%), of whom 11 (5.5%) had neoplastic fever (mean maximum temperature, 38.9°C). The causes of neoplastic fever were as follows: Primary tumor (n=3), local recurrence (n=1), metastasis (n=5), and local recurrence with metastasis (n=2). Of the 11 patients, 9 were treated with naproxen and 8 exhibited a complete response, with their temperature normalizing to <37.3°C within 24 h. The 2 patients who were not treated with naproxen underwent surgical tumor resection, which resulted in prompt and complete lysis of the fever. In conclusion, neoplastic fever occurred in 5.5% of the 195 patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas investigated herein. Naproxen may be effective for treating neoplastic fever in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma; however, radical tumor treatment may have to be considered to achieve permanent lysis of the fever.

Editorial Comment to Differential diagnosis between bacterial infection and neoplastic fever in patients with advanced urological cancer: The role of procalcitonin

Editorial Comment to Differential diagnosis between bacterial infection and neoplastic fever in patients with advanced urological cancer: The role of procalcitonin

Differential diagnosis between bacterial infection and neoplastic fever in patients with advanced urological cancer: The role of procalcitonin

It is difficult to determine the cause of high fever in patients with advanced cancer, because they tend to have both neoplastic fever and concomitant bacterial infections with elevated white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels. Procalcitonin has been reported to be a valuable marker for bacterial infections in a wide range of clinical scenarios. However, there have been no studies regarding the usefulness of procalcitonin to differentiate between febrile episodes caused by bacterial infections and neoplastic fever in patients with advanced urological cancer. In the present study, 37 febrile episodes were retrospectively analyzed. Although there were no differences in white blood cell number, C-reactive protein level or body temperature between bacterial infections and non-bacterial infections, procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in the former than the latter. Our findings suggest that measurement of procalcitonin might be valuable to determine the cause of febrile episodes in patients with advanced urological cancer, and can help clinicians to make appropriate decisions for treatment.

後ろ向き研究による, ホスピス入院患者における腫瘍熱と感染症の鑑別に寄与する因子の同定

【目的】終末期がん患者において, 短期間・低侵襲で感染症と腫瘍熱を鑑別する方法を開発することは, 症状緩和において有用である. 【方法】2009年4月から2011年8月の聖隷三方原病院ホスピス入院患者において, 腫瘍熱群と感染症群を後ろ向きに12人ずつ同定した. 両群の背景因子, 採血所見, 身体所見, 症状をカルテより抽出し, 比較した. 【結果】以下の項目で有意差を認めた. 平熱時と発熱時のC-reactive protein値の差(p＜0.001), 平熱時と発熱時の白血球数の差(p＝0.0017), 好中球率(p＝0.023), リンパ球率(p＝0.011), せん妄(p＝0.012). 【結論】一般的採血項目とその時系列変化により, 腫瘍熱と感染症を鑑別できる可能性が示唆された.

1637 - Combination of Serum Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein Level as a Diagnostic Marker of Discriminating Infection from Neoplastic Fever in Febrile Lung Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT Background Neoplastic fever in lung cancer is assessed on clinical course only, and is difficult to discriminate from infection. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic role of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in discriminating neoplastic fever and infection. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 112 consecutive febrile episodes of 52 patients (39 males, mean age 67.1y/o), who were diagnosed as lung cancer from November 2009 to April 2012 at our Saiseikai Central Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Based on clinical, laboratory, and bacteriological results, patients were classified as having neoplastic fever (NF, n = 53), suspected or definite bacterial infection (BI, n = 59). Values of white blood cell count (WBC), PCT, and CRP were measured on day 1 of onset of fever. Microbiological specimen and radiological imaging study were also performed to diagnose infectious diseases or other febrile conditions. Results The most common infection was pneumonia (38.4 %). Mean WBC (12000 vs. 14800) were not statistically significant. Mean values of PCT were significantly higher in patients with BI compared with NF (0.14 vs. 3.95 ng/ml, p Conclusions Combination of PCT and CRP on the day of onset of fever is useful in discriminating neoplastic fever from infection in febrile lung cancer patients. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Naproxen Test for Neoplastic Fever May Reduce Suffering

Abstract Neoplastic fever (NF) is a paraneoplastic syndrome that is encountered in a significant proportion of patients with cancer. We present the case of a 37 year old female with matastatic renal transitional cell carcinoma. She was hospitalized with fever, constitutional symptoms, and worsening performance status. There was no identifiable infection source. In the third week of hospitalization, she was started on naproxen, resulting in complete lysis of fever, control of constitutional symptoms and improvement in performance status. She was discharged the next day and died of advanced disease within two months. Workup of NF can lead to unnecessary and prolonged hospitalization in patients near the end of their life, resulting in significant suffering. While it is important to rule out infection, an early trial of naproxen is inexpensive and, in patients who can tolerate NSAIDs, may provide good control for NF.

Using Vital Sign Flow Sheets Can Help to Identify Neoplastic Fever and Other Possible Causes in Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

It is important to determine the etiology of fever in cancer patients. Such patients often undergo extensive laboratory and radiographic investigations and prolonged anti-infective therapy that are time- and resource- consuming, risk drug toxicity, and postpone systemic chemotherapy. To investigate neoplastic fever (NF) patterns from vital sign flow sheets. Between September 1997 and February 2009, data on 150 consecutive hospitalized patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors documented to have NF were retrospectively collected. Sixty patients with sepsis were used as a comparison group. All patients with NF demonstrated intermittent fever patterns. Peak body temperature was 39.0+/-0.6 degrees C (38.0-40.8 degrees C). Baseline pulse rates in 139 (93%) patients showed no increase except during febrile periods. The remaining 11 (7%) patients had transiently elevated baseline pulse rates at the time of cessation of postchemotherapy dexamethasone. Once-daily fever spike patterns occurred in 108 (72%) patients. Fever spikes were most commonly found at 9 am (42%) and 5 pm (37%). Twice-daily fever spike patterns were noted in the 42 (28%) remaining patients. In the comparison group, baseline pulse rate elevated in all patients during febrile periods and 20 (33%) showed intermittent fever patterns. We conclude that the NF pattern is characterized by intermittent fever without an obvious increase in baseline pulse rate except during febrile periods. Knowing NF patterns from vital sign flow sheets can help identify NF and other possible causes of fever in oncology patients.

Non-small cell lung cancer presenting with neoplastic fever at diagnosis and relapse

Fever occurs frequently in cancer patients, and neoplastic fever is a well-described paraneoplastic phenomenon in patients with lymphoma, acute leukemias, and renal cell carcinoma. It is also more commonly encountered in metastatic disease. Treatment options include disease-specific therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroids. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, yet fever as a manifestation of this malignancy has not been emphasized. In this report, we describe an unusual case of non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presenting with neoplastic fever at both diagnosis and relapse, responding on each occasion to disease-specific treatment, and provide a review of the management of neoplastic fever.