PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Théodore

Publications and source records attributed to C Théodore.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The risk of thrombo-embolic events is increased in patients with germ-cell tumours and can be predicted by serum lactate dehydrogenase and body surface area.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thrombo-embolic events (TEE) in patients with germ-cell tumours (GCT) who receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy, to compare this risk to that of a matched control group of non-GCT cancer patients, and to identify risk factors of TEE. The rate of TEE during the 6 months following the initiation of chemotherapy was assessed in 100 consecutive patients with GCT and in 100 controls with various neoplasms who were matched on sex and age, and who received first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy during the same period of time at Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France. Data were subsequently tested on a validation group of 77 GCT patients treated in Lyon, France. A total of 19 patients (19%) (95% confidence interval (CI): 13-28) and six patients (6%) (95% CI: 3-13) had a TEE in the GCT group and the non-GCT control group, respectively (relative risk (RR): 3.4; P<0.01). Three patients from the GCT group died of pulmonary embolism. In multivariate analysis, two factors had independent predictive value for TEE: a high body surface area (>1.9 m2) (RR: 5 (1.8-13.9)) and an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (RR: 6.4 (2.3-18.2)). Patients with no risk factor (n=26) and those with at least one risk factor (n=71) had a probability of having a TEE of 4% (95% CI: 1-19) and 26% (95% CI: 17-37), respectively. In the GCT validation set, 10 (13%) patients had a TEE; patients with no risk factor and those with at least one risk factor had a probability of having a TEE of 0 and 17% (95% CI: 10-29), respectively. Patients with GCT are at a higher risk for TEE than patients with non-GCT cancer while on cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This risk can be accurately predicted by serum LDH and body surface area. This predictive index may help to study prospectively the impact of thromboprophylaxis in GCT patients.

Adolescent↗

Pattern of relapse after first line treatment of advanced stage germ-cell tumors.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a retrospective analysis of first relapses after cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced germ-cell tumors, in order to better define the appropriate follow-up. METHODS: These patients were treated between 1986 and 1998 in two institutions. They were either followed after first-line chemotherapy at the same center or referred for relapse. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients relapsed (17.5% of the total number of patients treated in the same time period). Thirty-five (36.4%) patients had serum tumor marker levels (AFP, hCG and LDH) normal values. Sites of relapse were: abdominal in 47 (49%) patients, thoracic in 17 (17.7%), thoraco-abdominal in 15 (15.6%), and brain in 8 (8.3). Seven (7.3%) patients had elevated markers only, 1 (1%) had isolated supra-clavicular lymph node, 1 (1%) had bone metastasis only. Eighty-two patients (85%) relapsed during the first 18 months of follow-up. All patients with brain metastases at relapse and those who obtained sCR after chemotherapy relapsed within 8 months of follow-up. Sixteen patients underwent resection of growing teratoma. CONCLUSIONS: These results allow to recommend extensive follow-up during the first two years after response to first line treatment. It includes marker level determination and whole body CT scan and less intensive work-up there after.

Adult↗

Sequential high-dose chemotherapy protocol for relapsed poor prognosis germ cell tumors combining two mobilization and cytoreductive treatments followed by three high-dose chemotherapy regimens supported by autologous stem cell transplantation. Results of the phase II multicentric TAXIF trial.

BACKGROUND: High-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) is able to circumvent platinum resistance of resistant/refractory germ-cell tumors (GCTs), but expectancy of cure remains low. New strategies are needed with new drugs and a sequential approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with relapsed poor-prognosis GCTs were scheduled to receive two cycles combining epirubicin and paclitaxel (Taxol) followed by three consecutive HD-CT supported by stem cell transplantation [one course combining cyclophosphamide, 3 g/m(2) + thiotepa, 400 mg/m(2), followed by two ICE regimens (ifosfamide, 10 g/m(2), carboplatin, AUC 20, etoposide, 1500 mg/m(2))]. RESULTS: From March 1998 to September 2001 (median follow-up, 31.8 months), 45 patients (median age, 28 years) were enrolled in this phase II study. Twenty-two patients received the complete course. Twenty-five patients died from progression and five from toxicity. The overall response rate was 37.7%, including an 8.9% complete response rate. The median overall survival was 11.8 months. The 3-year survival and progression-free survival rate was 23.5%. The 'Beyer' prognostic score predicted the outcome after HD-CT. CONCLUSION: Although our results warrant further studies on HD-CT in relapsed poor prognosis GCTs, patients with a Beyer score >2 did not benefit from this approach and should not be enrolled in HD-CT trials. Better selection criteria have to be fulfilled in forthcoming studies.

Adolescent↗

[Acute alveolo-interstitial pneumopathies in HIV-negative patients treated with antineoplastic chemotherapy].

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of malignant tumors can delay some opportunistic infections. In this paper, we report three cases of alveolo-interstitial pneumonia among HIV negative patients who received chemotherapy. EXEGESIS: All three patients received corticotherapy for a long time. In two cases, it was pneumocystis-tuberculosis coinfection. Evolution was favourable for two patients with sulfaméthoxazole-triméthoprime (one with corticotherapy). CONCLUSION: The possible role of chemotherapy, corticotherapy and malignant tumor in the pathogenesis of opportunistic infections will be discussed.

Acute Disease↗

An explosive course of squamous cell penile cancer in an AIDS patient.

We report the case of a 37-year-old man in whom penile cancer was discovered while he was treated for AIDS 4 years after a human papillomavirus (HSV) infection. Despite initially localised disease with T1 N0 staging, he died of metastasis within 3 years. A brief review of the literature regarding HPV-related cancer in HIV-infected patients is presented and therapeutic options are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Acute respiratory failure due to Gemcitabine-induced pulmonary toxicity].

Gemcitabine is a therapeutic agent that has been recently employed in the treatment of various cancers. Pulmonary toxicity has rarely been described. We report a case of a patient treated with Gemcitabine who developed acute respiratory symptoms related to a hypersensitivity pneumonia. Despite a severe clinical and radiological presentation, the outcome was favorable with corticosteroid treatment. In the event of respiratory symptoms in patients receiving Gemcitabine further investigations (chest X-ray, thorax CT-scan, bronchoalveolar lavage) are indicated. In view of the severity of pulmonary toxicity that can be caused by Gemcitabine, re-introduction of treatment is not recommended. We compare our case with other published cases of Gemcitabine-induced pulmonary toxicity.

Acute Disease↗

Multimodality treatment of patients with liver metastases from germ cell tumors: the role of surgery.

BACKGROUND: The presence of liver metastases represents an independent poor risk prognostic factor for survival in patients with germ cell tumors. METHODS: The clinical files of 37 patients who had undergone liver resection for the treatment of disseminated germ cell tumors were reviewed to define the indications for resection of residual liver metastases after chemotherapy in patients with germ cell tumors. The histologic patterns of primary tumor and residual disease were compared. The prognostic factors for survival were studied by univariate analysis. RESULTS: All but 2 of 37 patients underwent complete resection. One patient died of postoperative complications. Thirteen complications occurred in 10 patients. Twelve patients had active residual tumor, 7 patients had mature teratoma, and 18 patients had only necrosis on histologic examination. Twenty-three of 37 patients (62%) were alive with no evidence of disease after a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 31-134 months). Three prognostic factors were found to be significant in the univariate analysis for unfavorable outcome: the presence of pure embryonal carcinoma in the primary tumor, liver metastases measuring > 30 mm in greatest dimension at the time of surgery, and the presence of viable, active residual disease. CONCLUSIONS: Because it is impossible to determine the histologic pattern of residual liver masses after chemotherapy with current imaging tools and percutaneous biopsy, patient selection for liver surgery may be undertaken according to the size of residual liver masses. Patients with masses that measure < or = 10 mm in greatest dimension should be considered for close follow-up, because they have a high probability of necrosis and are at low risk for malignant disease. Male patients with masses that measure > or = 30 mm in greatest dimension represent a high-risk group of patients who are not likely to benefit from liver surgery. Only male patients with masses that measure 10-29 mm in greatest dimension and all female patients with masses that measure > 10 mm in greatest dimension should be considered for liver resection.

Adolescent↗

Randomized phase III trial of high-dose-intensity methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) chemotherapy and recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor versus classic MVAC in advanced urothelial tract tumors: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Protocol no. 30924.

PURPOSE: This randomized trial evaluated antitumor activity of and survival asociated with high-dose-intensity chemotherapy with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (HD-MVAC) versus MVAC in patients with advanced transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 263 patients with metastatic or advanced TCC who had no prior chemotherapy were randomized to HD-MVAC (2-week cycles) or MVAC (4-week cycles). RESULTS: Using an intent-to-treat analysis, at a median follow-up of 38 months, on the HD-MVAC arm there were 28 complete responses (CRs) (21%) and 55 partial responses (PRs) (41%), for an overall response of 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 54% to 70%). On the MVAC arm, there were 12 CRs (9%) and 53 PRs (41%), for an overall response of 50% (95% CI, 42% to 59%). The P value for the difference in CR rate was.009; and for the overall response, it was.06. There was no statistically significant difference in survival (P =.122) or time to progression (P =.114). Progression-free survival was significantly better with HD-MVAC (P=.037; hazard ratio.75; 95% CI.58 to.98). The median progression-free survival time was 9.1 months on the HD-MVAC arm versus 8.2 months on the MVAC arm. The 2-year progression-free survival rate was 24.7% for HD-MVAC (95% CI, 17.1% to 32.3%) versus 11.6% for MVAC (95% CI, 5.9% to 17.4%). CONCLUSION: With HD-MVAC, it was possible to deliver twice the doses of cisplatin and doxorubicin in half the time, with fewer dose delays and less toxicity. Although a 50% difference in median overall survival was not detected, a benefit was observed in progression-free survival, CR rates, and overall response rates with HD-MVAC.

Adult↗

Viable malignant cells after primary chemotherapy for disseminated nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: prognostic factors and role of postsurgery chemotherapy--results from an international study group.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of postsurgery chemotherapy in patients with disseminated nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCTs) and viable residual disease after first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The outcome of 238 patients was reviewed. Tumor markers had normalized in all patients before resection. A multivariate analysis of survival was performed on 146 patients. RESULTS: The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 64% and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 73%. Three factors were independently associated with both PFS and OS: complete resection (P <.001), < 10% of viable malignant cells (P =.001), and a good International Germ Cell Consensus Classification (IGCCC) group (P =.01). Patients were assigned to one of three risk groups: those with no risk factors (favorable group), those with one risk factor (intermediate group), and those with two or three risk factors (poor-risk group). The 5-year OS rate was 100%, 83%, and 51%, respectively (P <.001). The 5-year PFS rate was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62% to 76%) and 52% (95% CI, 40% to 64%) in postoperative chemotherapy recipients and nonrecipients, respectively (P <.001). No significant difference was detected in 5-year OS rates. After adjustment on the three prognostic factors, postoperative chemotherapy was associated with a significantly better PFS (P <.001) but not with better OS. Patients in the favorable risk group had a 100% 5-year OS, with or without postoperative chemotherapy. Postoperative chemotherapy appeared beneficial in both PFS (P <.001) and OS (P =.02) in the intermediate-risk group but was not statistically beneficial in the poor-risk group. CONCLUSION: A complete resection may be more critical than recourse to postoperative chemotherapy in the setting of postchemotherapy viable malignant NSGCT. Immediate postoperative chemotherapy or surveillance alone with chemotherapy at relapse may be reasonable options depending on the completeness of resection, IGCCC group, and percent of viable cells. Validation is necessary.

Adult↗

Stage I non-seminomatous germ-cell tumours of the testis: identification of a subgroup of patients with a very low risk of relapse.

There is no consensus about a reproducible prognostic model capable of distinguishing between clinical stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumour (NSGCT) carrying a high and low risk of relapse. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of histological parameters in patients with stage I NSGCT undergoing surveillance after orchiectomy. We retrospectively evaluated tumour specimens from 88 consecutive stage I NSGCT patients undergoing surveillance in our institution between 1984 and 1996. 24 patients relapsed (27%). Multivariate analysis singled out vessel invasion (VI) (relative risk (RR)=3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-10.4) and the presence of mature teratoma (RR= 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.6) as independently correlated with relapse-free survival (RFS). Patients can be classified accordingly into three prognostic groups with a low (27 patients with mature teratoma but without VI), intermediate (34 patients with both VI and mature teratoma or with neither VI or mature teratoma) and a high risk (23 patients with VI, but without mature teratoma) of relapse. Relapse rates in these three groups were 0%, 29% (95% CI: 23-35%) and 61% (95% CI: 55-67%), respectively. This prognostic index, based on two standard pathological parameters, identified a subgroup with a very low risk of relapse that represents approximately one third of stage I patients. Patients who belong to this subgroup should be managed by surveillance only, instead of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or adjuvant chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Carcinoma of an unknown primary site: a chemotherapy strategy based on histological differentiation--results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a chemotherapy strategy based on histological differentiation, for patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients were prospectively included in the trial. Thirty patients with poorly-differentiated carcinoma or poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma (group A) received a combination of cisplatin and etoposide. Patients with a responsive or stable disease after two cycles received the same regimen plus bleomycin, ifosfamide and G-CSF. Eighteen patients with well- or moderately-differentiated carcinoma (group B) received cisplatin, continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and alpha-interferon. Treatment was maintained in case of response or stable disease for up to six cycles. RESULTS: The overall response rate (RR) for the entire group is 43% (95% confidence interval (CI): 35.9%-50.1%): seven CR and five PR in group A (RR = 40%) and six CR and two PR in group B (RR = 44%). Grade 4 leucopenia was observed in 22 (46%) patients and sepsis in 3 (6%). Median survival is 9.4 months (range 5-13.7 months) and 16.1 months (range 11.8 20.3 months), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This chemotherapy strategy is one way to achieve high response rates, particularly for patients with well- or moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma usually considered poorly chemosensitive.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Association between germ cell tumours, large numbers of naevi, atypical naevi and melanoma.

Identifying groups of subjects at high risk for the development of melanoma is crucial for the early diagnosis of curable tumours. In the present study, we performed a skin examination in a group of 63 patients followed up after treatment of germ cell tumours (GCTs) who were referred to the dermatologist for multiple pigmented cutaneous spots. Forty-nine patients bearing a great number of naevi or atypical naevi were included in the study. Two thin cutaneous melanomas were discovered in two patients. In addition, a third patient had had a conjunctival melanoma since treatment of the GCT. Our study confirms the presence of atypical naevi in a subgroup of GCT patients, who are shown to be at high risk of developing melanoma. Patients harbouring multiple pigmented spots should be referred for a skin examination aimed at early detection of curable melanomas, and should be advised to protect themselves from sun exposure.

Adolescent↗

The growing teratoma syndrome: results of therapy and long-term follow-up of 33 patients.

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is defined as an increase in tumour size during or after chemotherapy for germ cell tumour (GCT), and only mature teratoma at histological analysis of the resected tumour specimen. Between 1985 and 1997, 30 male patients fulfilling GTS criteria were included in the present study. 3 female patients were also included but analysed separately. A mature teratoma component was found in 86% of the primary GCT. 3 male patients (10%) had a complication at diagnosis of GTS. One male patient (4%) having undergone complete resection (n=24) had a recurrent GTS, compared with all but 1 patient (83%) in whom resection was partial (n=6) (P<0.001). 2 (8%) and 3 (50%) male patients treated with complete and partial resection subsequently developed a malignant NSGCT respectively (P=0.01). 2 female patients treated with partial resection presented a recurrent GTS. One of them died of this recurrent GTS. GTS is an entity in its own right with respect to complications and the natural history of the disease. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for GTS.

Adolescent↗

Phase II study of all-trans retinoic acid administered intermittently for hormone refractory prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We assess the efficacy and toxicity of all-trans retinoic acid administered intermittently for hormone refractory prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and manifestations of progressive metastatic disease, despite at least 1 hormonal therapy, were included in the study. Patients received a single oral dose of 45 mg./m.2 all-trans retinoic acid daily for 7 days followed by 7 days of no treatment, and then resumed treatment on day 14. This schedule was continued until progression or limiting toxicity occurred. Response was assessed based on serial measurements of serum prostate specific antigen and pain scores every other week. In addition, objective responses were evaluated every 12 weeks in patients with bi-dimensionally measurable metastases. RESULTS: All-trans retinoic acid was administered for 168 weeks (median 6 weeks per patient, range 2 to 21). Toxicity was mild. No patient stopped therapy because of toxicity. Of the patients 4 (15%) demonstrated a biological response of 50% or greater serum prostate specific antigen decrease. No objective response was observed among 11 patients with measurable metastases. Of 17 patients who required analgesics at the onset of all-trans retinoic acid treatment only 1 achieved a significant reduction of pain. Median survival time from the onset of all-trans retinoic acid treatment was 19 months (range 2 to 24). CONCLUSIONS: All-trans retinoic acid has minimal activity in hormone refractory prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Initial management of primary mediastinal seminoma: radiotherapy or cisplatin-based chemotherapy?

Primary mediastinal seminoma is an uncommon neoplasm, the optimal management of which is still debated. Radiotherapy produces a 65% disease-free survival rate. We assess whether these results have been improved with the advent of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Data from 14 patients treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy were reviewed. 9 had received cisplatin-based chemotherapy (Group 1): their outcome was compared with that of 5 patients treated with radiotherapy without chemotherapy (Group 2). We also reviewed data from the English literature using strict criteria, and report results concerning patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy and those who received radiotherapy. 8 of the 9 patients (89%) in Group 1 are long-term disease-free survivors and only 3 of 5 patients in Group 2. The patient who died in Group 1 was the only one who refused surgical resection of residual masses after chemotherapy. The review of the literature revealed that 59 of 68 (87%) patients initially managed with cisplatin- or carboplatin-based chemotherapy and for whom sufficient data are available, are long-term survivors and free of disease. Some of these patients had also received radiotherapy. Only 64 of 103 (62%) treated with thoracic radiotherapy without chemotherapy were long-term disease-free survivors. The disease-free survival rate of 51 patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy (excluding those who received carboplatin) was 86%. The difference in survival between patients administered cisplatin-based chemotherapy and those who underwent radiotherapy is apparently not due to unbalanced prognostic factors, the effect of time or non-specific medical management. We conclude that cisplatin-based chemotherapy allows long-term disease-free survival in approximately 85% of patients. These results seem to be higher than those obtained without cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, a randomised study is required for definitive conclusions, but it is very unlikely that such a study will be performed due to the rarity of this neoplasm. Another alternative would be a meta-analysis based on individual data.

Adult↗

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced seminoma: the Institut Gustave Roussy experience.

The aim of this study was to report the results of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy for patients with pure seminomatous tumours. 72 patients with advanced seminoma were treated with various cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. 61 (85%) patients achieved a sustained durable response. 11 relapses were observed with a median time to failure of 6 months. Overall, 60 (83%) of the 72 patients remain alive and free of disease after a median follow-up of 64 months. Initial clinical (age, site of primary, prior radiotherapy, extent of disease) and biological (serum human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, serum lactic dehydrogenase levels, p53 immunostaining) features which could be of predictive value for survival, were analysed in a univariate analysis. No variable retained statistical significance. High cure rates are expected after chemotherapy with standard cisplatin-based combinations in advanced seminoma. Renewed efforts are required to identify markers of chemosensitivity.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of estramustine phosphate combined with weekly doxorubicin in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Thirty-one patients with progressive metastatic prostate cancer refractory to first- or second-line hormonal therapy were treated with a combination of daily oral estramustine phosphate (600 mg) and weekly intravenous doxorubicin (20 mg/m2). Eighteen (58%) patients demonstrated a biologic response with a 50% or more serum prostate-specific antigen decline. The median duration of biologic response was three months. Five (45%) of the 11 patients with measurable lesions achieved a partial response in liver or retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The median duration of these objective responses was four months. Of 22 patients who required analgesics at the onset of the study, six (27%) achieved a significant reduction of pain. The combination of doxorubicin and estramustine phosphate was tolerated on an outpatient schedule. The occurrence of severe toxicities required suspension of therapy in six patients. At the end of the observation time, all patients but one had died, 29 of progressive prostatic cancer and one of toxicity. The median survival time from the onset of chemotherapy was 12 months. The administration of weekly doxorubicin with phosphate estramustine appears to be a safe combination for those patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer who require chemotherapy. The benefit of chemotherapy should be investigated using relevant quality-of-life criteria in future trials.

Adult↗

Primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: results of modern therapy including cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) are uncommon neoplasms and clinically and biologically distinct from other germ cell tumors (GCT). We describe the clinical and biologic features of these patients and evaluate the results of treatment during the cisplatin era. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1976 and 1993, 38 patients with mediastinal NSGCT received cisplatin-based chemotherapy as part of their primary treatment. Twenty-nine of them were initially treated at the Institut Gustave-Roussy (IGR), VillejuiF, France, and nine were referred for salvage treatment. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients initially treated at IGR, 11 (39%) had metastasis. A complete response (CR) to therapy was obtained in 19 of 29 patients (66%) after chemotherapy and surgery. Ten patients (34.5%) have remained free of disease with a median follow-up of 89 months. All patients who did not achieve a CR died of disease. The 2-year overall survival rate for the IGR patients is 45% and the 2-year disease-free survival is 37%. Only the presence of extrapulmonary metastasis was of prognostic significance in the univariate analysis (P = .0095). None of the 20 patients who required salvage therapy is currently disease-free. Five patients developed and subsequently died of a hematologic malignancy at an interval range of 1 to 47 months from treatment of mediastinal NSGCT. Cytogenetic analysis of leukemic cells found an isochromosome of the short arm of chromosome 12 (12p) in two cases. The incidence of leukemia was 21% in patients who attained a CR. CONCLUSION: Primary mediastinal NSGCT is a clinical and biologic entity that should be distinguished from other GCT. About 40% of these patients can envisage long-term survival with modern therapy that includes cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual masses. New strategies are required for patients who do not attain a CR. Predictive factors and improvement in therapy are required for mediastinal NSGCT-associated leukemia.

Adolescent↗