Referral Center In Mexico Research Articles

221P Treatment experience of pleural malignant mesothelioma in a tertiary referral center in Mexico

221P Treatment experience of pleural malignant mesothelioma in a tertiary referral center in Mexico

Impact of quality of life on employment and marital status in long-term cancer survivors treated in a referral center in Mexico.

122 Background: Worldwide there is an increasing number of cancer survivors (CS); in the United States in 2016 there were more than 15 million CS and are predicted to increase to 20 million in 2026. In Mexico (GLOBOCAN 2012), new cancer cases were 148.000 and at least 69.000 will survive. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on cancer survivor’s quality of life (QOL) and its effects in social aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed including 205 CS with history of non-metastatic cancer (aged ≤65 years, ≥ 2 years from diagnosis and off chemo- or radiotherapy). The QOL-CS questionnaire developed by City of Hope Medical Center was used to measure QOL. Participants reported employment and marital status changes during or after cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate QOL in CS and its association with employment and marital status. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate odds ratios (OR). Results: Of the 205 CS 70.2% were women and 29.8% men. Median age at the time of the study was 56 years. Median survival time from diagnosis was 83.6 months. 37.1% had history of invasive breast, 18% colorectal and 8.8% testicular cancers. Disease-related marital status changes presented in 15.6%, 26.8% lost or changed work and 36.6% decreased their work hours. Distress about initial diagnosis, cancer treatment, family and financial burden had the worst score in the QOL-CS. We found no differences in QOL between gender, income, age at diagnosis or type of tumor, but having received chemotherapy was associated with worst QOL (OR 7.33 CI 95% 1.99-26.96 p = 0.003) as well as self-reported neuropathy (OR 2.34 CI 95% 1.06-5.19 p = 0.032). Those with low QOL-CS scores (≤6) were more likely to have a disease-related change in employment (OR 2.34 CI 95% 1.19-4.61 p = 0.014). Disease-related marital status changes were higher in who experienced work status variations (OR 3.87 CI 95% 1.21-12.4 p = 0.023). Conclusions: this is one of the first studies in Mexican CS that associate QOL with relevant social roles. In this cohort having received chemotherapy has the greatest impact in QOL. CS with low QOL were more likely to have changes in employment and therefore, in the marital status.

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia: experience from a single referral center in Mexico City.

BackgroundAutoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by an autoimmune-mediated destruction of red blood cells. Warm AIHA (wAIHA) represents 60% of AIHA cases and is associated with the positive detection of IgG and C3d in the direct antiglobulin test (DAT). This study aimed to assess the clinical and laboratorial differences between primary and secondary wAIHA patients from a referral center in Mexico City.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with wAIHA in our institution from January 1992 to December 2015 were included and received corticosteroids as the first-line treatment. We analyzed the response to the first-line treatment, relapse-free survival, and time to splenectomy.ResultsEighty-nine patients were included. Secondary wAIHA represented 55.1% of the cases. At diagnosis, secondary wAIHA patients showed a DAT mixed pattern more frequently than primary wAIHA patients (36.7 vs. 17.5%, P<0.001). In the survival analysis, patients with secondary wAIHA had a lower time to response (18 vs. 37 days, P=0.05), median disease-free survival (28.51 vs. 50.95 weeks, P=0.018), and time to splenectomy (43.5 vs. 61 wks, P=0.029) than those with primary wAIHA. Due to economic constraints, rituximab was considered as the third-line treatment in only two patients.ConclusionSecondary wAIHA may benefit from a longer low-dose steroid maintenance period mainly due to its shorter time to relapse and time to splenectomy than primary wAIHA.

High levels of pretreatment CA125 are associated to improved survival in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

BackgroundSerum levels of CA125 measured before any treatment have been evaluated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) as a predictor of patient survival; however, results in survival index are controversial, as CA125 levels are influenced by several variables. Taking this into consideration, the present study evaluated the association of pretreatment levels of CA125 serum with the clinical stage, histology and differentiation grade of the tumor and the survival rate in a group of patients from an oncology referral center in Mexico, all of them diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma.This retrospective study consisted of 1009 patients with EOC, diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 at the National Cancerology Institute (Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-INCan), considering only those with CA125 measurements before any chemotherapy or surgical cytoreduction. Patients with three years of medical follow-up having pretreatment CA125 value and simultaneous diagnoses of histological subtype, clinical stage and differentiation grade of the tumor (n = 656) were studied in order to determine their survival rate.ResultsThe abnormal level (>35 U/mL) of CA125 was observed in 99 % of serous carcinoma cases rated I to IV in the FIGO stages. Abnormal CA125 proportions were 89 % in endometrioid subtype and 69 % in mucinous tumors, with the highest absolute value of CA125 observed in serous carcinoma surpassing any other histological subtype. Clinical stages III and IV displayed increased CA125 values compared to stages I and II. Undifferentiated carcinomas show the highest level of this indicator compared with those of low and moderate differentiated grade. Survival evaluation by Kaplan-Meier analysis including only high grade serous carcinoma at FIGO stage III (n = 57) demonstrated 57.1 % chances of survival in patients with CA125 pretreatment levels higher than 500 U/mL. Survival was 26.7 % in patients with CA125 lower than 500 U/mL and the hazard ratio for CA125 ≤ 500 U/mL was 2.28, 95 % CI 1.08–4.84, P = 0.032.ConclusionsClinical stage associated with pretreatment absolute values of CA125 should be considered as prognostic factor in EOC patients. Values of CA125 higher than 500 U/mL in high grade serous carcinoma with FIGO stage III resulted in an enhanced survival rate of the patients.

Hospital-acquired infections at an oncological intensive care cancer unit: differences between solid and hematological cancer patients.

BackgroundCancer patients have a higher risk of severe sepsis in comparison with non-cancer patients, with an increased risk for hospital-acquired infections (HAI), particularly with multidrug resistant bacteria (MDRB). The aim of the study is to describe the frequency and characteristics of HAI and MDRB in critically ill cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted an 18-month prospective study in patients admitted ≥48 h to an ICU at a cancer referral center in Mexico. Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) were compared with solid tumors. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Mortality was evaluated at 30-days.ResultsThere were 351 admissions during the study period, among whom 157 (66 %) met the inclusion criteria of the study as follows: 104 patients with solid tumors and 53 with HM. Sixty-four patients (40.7 %) developed 95 episodes of HAI. HAI rate was 4.6/100 patients-days. MDRB were isolated in 38 patients (24 %), with no differences between both groups. Escherichia coli was the main bacteria isolated (n = 24), 78 % were extended spectrum beta-lactamases producers. The only risk factor associated with HAI was the presence of mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days (OR 3.12, 95 % CI 1.6 – 6.2, p = 0.001). At 30-day follow-up, 61 patients (39 %) have died (38 % with solid tumors and 60 % with HM, p < 0.001). No differences were found in mortality at 30-day between patients with HAI (n = 25, 39 %) vs. non-HAI (n = 36, 38.7 %, p = 0.964); neither in those who developed a HAI with MDRB (n = 12, 35.3 %) vs. HAI with non-MDRB (n = 13, 43.3 %, p = 0.51).ConclusionsPatients with cancer who are admitted to an ICU, have a high risk of HAI, but there were no differences patients with solid or hematologic malignancies.

Diagnosis of acute follicular conjunctivitis: A 5-year retrospective analysis in a referral center

Objective and methodsA retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records in a referral center in Mexico over a period of 5 years, in order to determine the frequency of acute follicular conjunctivitis. Results and conclusionsA total of 859,986 ophthalmology consultations were given, from which 8,930 were diagnosed with acute follicular conjunctivitis (1.03% of the total). The number of patients diagnosed range between 100 and 200 in the majority of months. In August 2012 an increase was observed with 308 cases, and then decreasing after two months. This study did not demonstrate a highest frequency by month, with exception of year 2012 that showed a peak incidence in the third trimester.

Diagnóstico de conjuntivitis folicular aguda: un análisis retrospectivo de 5 años en un centro de referencia

Objective and methodsA retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records in a referral center in Mexico over a period of 5 years, in order to determine the frequency of acute follicular conjunctivitis. Results and conclusionsA total of 859,986 ophthalmology consultations were given, from which 8,930 were diagnosed with acute follicular conjunctivitis (1.03% of the total). The number of patients diagnosed range between 100 and 200 in the majority of months. In August 2012 an increase was observed with 308 cases, and then decreasing after two months. This study did not demonstrate a highest frequency by month, with exception of year 2012 that showed a peak incidence in the third trimester.

Management of complicated urinary tract infections in a referral center in Mexico.

Urinary tract infections are a common problem encountered by primary care, emergency physicians and urologists. A complicated urinary tract infection (CUTI) responds less effectively to the standard treatment. E. coli is the most common pathogen (40-70 %). In Mexico, there are ciprofloxacin resistance rates of 8-73 %, to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 53-71 % and cephalosporins 5-18 %, with an ESBL E. coli prevalence of 10 %. For infections producing gas or purulent material, the percutaneous or endoscopic drainage is the standard. To describe the management of patients with CUTIs, their specifically clinical course and eventual culture results determining the most common isolated microorganisms and their resistance. The clinical records of patients hospitalized with CUTIs from January 2012 to July 2013 were reviewed. One hundred and seventy-three patients were included. Acute pyelonephritis was the most common presentation (53.2 %). The most common microorganism was E. coli (83 %), with ESBL prevalence of 71.4 % and a resistance to quinolone, cephalosporin and trimethoprim of 89.7, 64.7 and 60.3 %, respectively. The most common factors associated with development of CUTIs were recent use of antibiotics (95.3 %) and obstructive uropathy (73.4 %). A total of 41 % received carbapenems and 40.5 % received minimally invasive treatments. Overall mortality was 2.9 %. There were a greater ESBL-producing pathogen prevalence and an over 50 % resistance to classically first-choice antibiotics. The minimally invasive treatments for complicated infections are fundamental; however, nephrectomy still has a role. Wide-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and minimally invasive approaches are the most common treatments for CUTIs in our center, and a reevaluation regarding antibiotic use in Mexico needs to be done.

Abstract P5-12-10: Pathological characteristics and patterns of recurrence and mortality among young Mexican breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: In Mexico, it is recognized that breast cancer (BC) is diagnosed at younger ages than that reported in the US and other populations. Although national data is not available regarding BC age of diagnosis distribution, data from the INCAN, the main referral center in Mexico, showed that 17% of the total 893 newly diagnosed BC patients seen in 2012 were younger than 40 years old (which is more than twice that -7%- reported for US BC patients). We conducted a retrospective study in order to describe the frequency of BC among young Mexican BC patients, as well as their pathological characteristics at diagnosis and patters of recurrence. Methods: Clinical and pathologic data from young pts (≤42 years old) who were newly diagnosed with invasive BC between January 2007 and December 2010 at the INCAN in Mexico and were followed for at least 2 years were identified. Clinical stage at diagnosis was recorded and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 expression were determined by immunohistochemistry and/or FISH. Proportion differences were tested using the Chi-square test. Results: 445 young patients were identified from a total of 2919 BC patients (15%). A total of 320 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Median age of diagnosis was 36 years (19-42). 49% of patients were very young patients (≤ 35 years). 19% were diagnosed as early disease, 67.5% as locally advanced BC and 13.5% as metastatic. 32% of patients had triple negative BC disease, while 27% were HER2 positive. From the non-metastatic patients at diagnosis, 31% developed recurrence (65% systemic, 21% loco regional and 14% both). After a median follow-up of 26 months, 18% of the 320 patients died secondary to BC disease progression. Conclusions: Although this series corresponds to patients treated at a reference national center, the data reported in this study suggests that BC among young women is very prevalent in Mexico compared to other populations. The causes underlying the striking difference in age at diagnosis in Mexican BC patients are unknown and have not been investigated, including the genetic contributing factors. As reported in non-Hispanic population studies, BC among young women is diagnosed in more advanced stages, and triple-negative and HER2 positive diseases are more frequent. It is associated with a high proportion of systemic and loco regional recurrence, with a dismal prognosis. Due to the substantial number of BC cases among young women in Mexico, its prospective study is more than justified. In order to meet with this goal, our group is preparing the establishment of the Mexican Young Women's Breast Cancer Cohort Program at the INCAN in Mexico and to launch the related scientific projects related to this plan. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-12-10.

Further Validation of the IBS-QOL: Female Mexican IBS Patients Have Poorer Quality of Life Than Females from North Carolina

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-Quality of Life (QOL) is the most extensively validated health-related quality of life (HRQOL)-specific instrument for IBS with appropriate evidence for psychometric validity. Our aim was to linguistically validate the IBS-QOL for Mexico according to standard guidelines, to conduct further psychometric validation, and to compare the HRQOL between IBS patients from Mexico and North Carolina (University of North Carolina). Construct validity was tested by correlating scores from the Mexican Spanish IBS-QOL with those for anxiety and depression obtained by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Also, HRQOL from Rome I female IBS patients who consulted a tertiary referral center in Mexico was compared with that of female patients from UNC matched by age and bowel habit. A general univariate linear model was done to determine the most important variable over HRQOL, place of origin, or bowel habit. The majority of the IBS-QOL items had a negative correlation with depression as well as with anxiety. Compared to patients from UNC, the Mexican ones reported significant lower scores on Body Image and Health Worry and a trend in Interference with activities and in the Overall score. There were some differences in Dysphoria and Interference that were related to bowel habit, independently of the place of origin. In conclusion, the IBS-QOL validated in Mexican Spanish has shown construct validity. Using this instrument we found that female IBS patients who consulted a tertiary referral center in Mexico have lower HRQOL than those in North Carolina at least in factors such as Body Image and Health Worry.

Modalidades de tratamiento para pacientes con carcinoma hepatocelular: una serie retrospectiva de una sola institución en México

To date, curative treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include orthotopic liver transplantation or surgical resection. Most patients are detected with nonresectable or transplantable HCC due to disease extension or comorbid factors, and are therefore candidates for palliative treatments only. Few follow-up data are available in patients with HCC in Latin America. We therefore reviewed the experience of HCC treatment in a single institution over a 10-year period. A total of 135 patients attending the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, a national referral center in Mexico, from January 1991 to December 2000 were included. In all patients etiology, stage, and diagnostic and therapeutic measures were documented. Survival time was calculated as a function of staging and therapy. Of 135 patients, 77 (57%) were men and 58 (43%) were women. The mean age at diagnosis was 59.17 years (range: 16-87 years). Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 89 patients (64.4%). The median overall survival for all patients with HCC was 7.9 months. Treatment included surgical resection (n=22), hepatic artery chemoembolization (n=10), percutaneous ethanol injection (n=6), systemic chemotherapy (n=5), tamoxifen (n=11), and thalidomide (n=1). Eighty patients received support measures. The median survival in the group of patients who underwent surgical resection (37.89 months) was significantly higher than that in the groups of patients who did not undergo resection. Patients with HCC who received no treatment had a median survival of 1.7 months. Hepatic resection offers the best chance of cure in patients with HCC. The strong association between HCC and cirrhotic liver disease makes surgical resection difficult in patients with low hepatic reserve.

Fulminant amebic colitis: analysis of 55 cases.

Fulminant amebic colitis is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to identify the most frequent clinical and histopathologic features of fulminant amebic colitis and to analyze results of surgical treatment and the existence of risk factors for mortality. A retrospective analysis was conducted of clinical and histopathologic data of 55 patients with fulminant amebic colitis. Data were obtained from the files of autopsies and surgical operations that had been performed at a referral center in Mexico from 1943 through 1994. Median age was 52 (range, 18-79) years. There were 34 men (62 percent) and 21 women (38 percent). Diabetes mellitus and chronic alcoholism were the most frequent diseases in association with fulminant amebic colitis (40 and 31 percent, respectively). The most frequent clinical manifestations were abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and fever. There was a coexistent amebic liver abscess in 54 percent of patients. The main histopathologic characteristics were necrosis, presence of trophozoites, and acute and/or chronic inflammation. Of 25 patients who underwent surgery, only six survived (operative mortality, 76 percent; overall mortality, 89 percent). The variables that correlated with mortality were longer duration of symptoms, lower count of leukocytes, nonsurgical treatment, nonresective surgical procedure, hospital admission before 1971, and invasion of trophozoites into or through the muscularis. The results may help to obtain an earlier diagnosis and establish proper treatment of fulminant amebic colitis.