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Purpose: After curatively intended rectal cancer (RC) surgery, new follow-up strategies are warranted, seeking more individualised care and targeting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional outcomes. The FURCA trial aimed to investigate the effect of patient-led follow-up on HRQoL and symptom burden 3 years after surgery. Methods: RC patients from four Danish centres were randomised 1:1 to intervention (patient-led follow-up with patient education and self-referral to a specialist nurse) or control (standard follow-up with five routine doctor visits). Patients in both groups had a computed tomography (CT) at 1 and 3 years. The primary outcome (HRQoL) was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – colorectal (FACT-C) score (Ward et al. in Qual Life Res. 8(3):181-95, 18). Secondary outcomes were functional measures, patient involvement and satisfaction and cancer recurrence at 3 years. Results: From Feb 2016 to Aug 2018, 336 patients were included of whom 248 completed 3 years of follow-up. Between-group differences were found neither for the primary endpoint, nor for functional outcomes. The recurrence rate did not differ between the groups. Patient involvement and satisfaction were higher in the intervention group with statistical significance in almost half of the items. Conclusions: We found no effect on HRQoL and symptom burden from patient-led follow-up, although it may improve patient-perceived involvement and satisfaction. Implications for Cancer Survivors: The findings in this study suggest that patient-led follow-up is a more tailored approach to meet cancer survivors' needs and might improve their ability to cope with survivorship. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: R97-A6511-14-S23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Concurrent Chemoradiation is the standard of care in the treatment of unresectable locally advanced head and neck cancer. Some of the acute side effects seen after or alongside the head and neck radiotherapy include dermatitis, mucositis, xerostomia, dysphagia and swallowing dysfunction. Evolving data demonstrate that acute toxicities may persist long-term and develop into late effects. In addition, late effects may manifest months or years after completion of therapy, persisting for years or even lifelong, far longer than previously believed. When severe, late effects may profoundly affect function and quality of life. The present study was conducted to analyze the spectrum of late radiation toxicities in head and neck cancer patients treated with radical external beam radiation therapy and to determine its prevalence and severity. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. In all patients with a histopathological diagnosis of head and neck carcinoma who have received radical radiation therapy alone or definitive chemoradiation as part of cancer-directed therapy. Results: Salivary gland toxicity was the most common toxicity encountered in head and neck cancer survivors resulting in dysphagia followed by dental caries, subcutaneous late effects and dysphagia. As expected, the spectrum of side effects correlated with the primary site, stage of disease and ECOG performance status. Conclusion: Technological advancement in radiation planning and equipment has resulted in a reduction in the most feared side effects of radiation which has led to improvement in the quality of life of the survivors. As no technology can entirely protect normal tissues from irradiation, utmost care should be taken to minimize the radiation dose received by normal tissues by following preventive and supportive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bowel dysfunction after colon cancer (CC) surgery is widely neglected in current follow up programmes. This study explored changes in bowel function and quality of life (QoL) from three (3 m) to twelve months (12 m) after surgery in CC patients undergoing right- or left-sided colon resection (RightSCR/LeftSCR) and investigated differences between the two groups 12 m after surgery. CC patients undergoing surgical resection in 2018–2020 at five surgical departments were included in this population-based prospective cohort study. Included patients completed electronic surveys consisting of a collection of validated scores 3 m and 12 m after surgery. A total of 708 CC patients (423 RightSCR, 285 LeftSCR) were included. In RightSCR, no improvement was observed from 3 m to 12 m in most scores/items, on the contrary, symptom worsening in flatus- and faecal incontinence and urgency was observed (p < 0.05). Also, the proportion of patients rating their bowel function as very good/good decreased (p < 0.05) in this group. In LeftSCR improvement was found in flatus and faecal incontinence, urgency and night-time defaecation (p < 0.02), while no improvement was observed in the remaining scores/items. At 12 m, higher proportions of RightSCR than LeftSCR reported loose stools, incontinence and urgency (all p < 0.001), whereas LeftSCR more often reported hard stools and flatus incontinence (p < 0.05). Among all CC patients 18.3% reported bowel-related impairment of QoL at 12 m with no differences between the two groups. From 3 m to 12 m no significant change was observed in the majority of bowel function and QoL scores/items, however, some symptoms worsened in RightSCR, while a few improved in LeftSCR. Bowel dysfunction and impaired QoL were still common in both groups at 12 m, although the symptom pattern differed between the groups. These findings call for a systematic screening for bowel dysfunction to ensure early treatment of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are reviewing the current state of knowledge on the virological and immunological correlates of long COVID, focusing on recent evidence for the possible association between the increasing number of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and the parallel pandemic of long COVID. The severity of reinfections largely depends on the severity of the initial episode; in turn, this is determined both by a combination of genetic factors, particularly related to the innate immune response, and by the pathogenicity of the specific variant, especially its ability to infect and induce syncytia formation at the lower respiratory tract. The cumulative risk of long COVID as well as of various cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological complications increases proportionally to the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, primarily in the elderly. Therefore, the number of long COVID cases is expected to remain high in the future. Reinfections apparently increase the likelihood of long COVID, but less so if they are mild or asymptomatic as in children and adolescents. Strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 reinfections are urgently needed, primarily among older adults who have a higher burden of comorbidities. Follow-up studies using an established case definition and precise diagnostic criteria of long COVID in people with or without reinfection may further elucidate the contribution of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections to the long COVID burden. Although accumulating evidence supports vaccination, both before and after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, as a preventive strategy to reduce the risk of long COVID, more robust comparative observational studies, including randomized trials, are needed to provide conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing or mitigating long COVID in all age groups. Thankfully, answers not only on the prevention, but also on treatment options and rates of recovery from long COVID are gradually starting to emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory disorder of young children, associated with vasculitis of the coronary arteries with subsequent aneurysm formation in up to one-third of untreated patients. Those who develop aneurysms are at life-long risk of coronary thrombosis or the development of stenotic lesions, which may lead to myocardial ischaemia, infarction or death. The incidence of KD is increasing worldwide, and in more economically developed countries, KD is now the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children. However, many clinicians in the UK are unaware of the disorder and its long-term cardiac complications, potentially leading to late diagnosis, delayed treatment and poorer outcomes. Increasing numbers of patients who suffered KD in childhood are transitioning to the care of adult services where there is significantly less awareness and experience of the condition than in paediatric services. The aim of this document is to provide guidance on the long-term management of patients who have vascular complications of KD and guidance on the emergency management of acute coronary complications. Guidance on the management of acute KD is published elsewhere.

Objective: The aim of this study was to translate and validate the chronic pain score (CP score) in a cohort of colon cancer patients. Chronic pain following colon cancer surgery is still poorly understood, in particular the lack of a validated tool for measuring chronic pain is a major issue as such an instrument is critical for evaluating the incidence and risk factors. The CP score was created using data from Danish rectal cancer patients. Methods: Danish colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 completed the CP score and two quality of life (QoL) measures. Clinical data were obtained from a national database. Convergent validity was investigated by testing the association of the CP score with a single ad hoc QoL item and the EORTC QLQ‐C30, and discriminative validity was tested as the score's ability to differentiate between gender and age groups. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by determining the ability of the score to identify patients with a major impact of pain on QoL. Results: Responses from 7127 colon cancer were included. Convergent validity was confirmed, as the score was associated with both QoL measures (p < 0.001). Moreover, the score could differentiate between males/females and older/younger patients (p < 0.001, respectively), reflecting high discriminative validity. Finally, the score was able to identify patients with a major impact on QoL, with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 82%. Conclusion: The CP score is a valid tool for measuring chronic pain after colon cancer surgery and should be used to homogenize outcomes in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Sexual dysfunction after colorectal and anal cancer is common but rarely identified and treated, although effective treatment options do exist. Therefore, we recently established nurse-led clinics for the treatment of sexual dysfunction after pelvic organ cancer at two Danish university hospitals. The aim of this paper is to present patients' clinical characteristics, the treatments offered and improvements in sexual function recorded., Method: In this cohort study, colorectal and anal cancer patients were referred to the clinics at any time point after their cancer treatment. Specialized treating nurses identified and registered organic sexual disorders and psychological concerns at the first visit, and initiated treatments. Treatments were algorithm-based and rooted in a biopsychosocial approach. Patient-reported outcome measures were completed at baseline and 3 months after discharge., Results: Among 127 referred patients, 78% were men. The mean age was 60.6 years (SD 10.4 years) and the women were a mean 7.3 years younger than the men (p = 0.001). Eighty per cent were rectal cancer patients. The most prevalent disorder was erectile dysfunction in men (95%) and dyspareunia in women (71%). Psychological concerns were registered in 53% of men and 54% of women. Pharmacological treatments, mainly phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, were prescribed to 87% of men, and local oestrogens were prescribed to 54% of women. Instructions in the use of sexual aids were given to 22% of men and 42% of women. Furthermore, sexual counselling/therapy was offered to 44% of men and 92% of women to address sexuality related psychological problems. Three months after discharge, a clinically relevant improvement of ≥1 point was found in 68% of patients in at least one of three single items measuring 'Meaningful sex life', 'Sexual needs met' and 'Overall rating of sex life' on a five-point Likert-scale., Conclusion: At nurse-led clinics, specialized nurses can effectively identify and treat sexual problems in patients with sexual dysfunction following colorectal/anal cancer. Organic dysfunctions were prevalent, and psychological problems characterized most patients. This highlights that treatment needs to be multidisciplinary and that patients benefit from specialized care., (© 2025 The Author(s). Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Simple Summary: Radiotherapy is a mainstay in the treatment of pediatric ependymoma. It requires precise dose application and optimal protection of organs at risk to minimize long-term sequelae. Compared to photon radiation treatment, proton therapy often achieves even better results regarding target coverage and organ-sparing. Due to their physical properties, helium ions could even further reduce side effects, providing better protection of healthy tissue despite similar target coverage. The present study reports the first in-depth dosimetric assessment of scanned helium ion plans compared to both state-of the art scanned protons and intensity modulated radiotherapy. Furthermore, the rationale and potential benefit of helium ions is substantiated by normal tissue complication probability analyses. Ependymomas are the third most-frequent pediatric brain tumors. To prevent local recurrence, the resection site should be irradiated. Compared to photon radiation treatment, proton therapy often achieves even better results regarding target coverage and organ-sparing. Due to their physical properties, helium ions could further reduce side effects, providing better protection of healthy tissue despite similar target coverage. In our in silico study, 15 pediatric ependymoma patients were considered. All patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapeutic treatment with active-scanned protons at Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT). Both helium ion and highly conformal IMRT plans were calculated to evaluate the potential dosimetric advantage of ion beam therapy compared to the current state-of-the-art photon-based treatments. To estimate the potential clinical benefit of helium ions, normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) were calculated. Target coverage was comparable in all three modalities. As expected, the integral dose absorbed by healthy brain tissue could be significantly reduced with protons by up to −48% vs. IMRT. Even compared to actively scanned protons, relative dose reductions for critical neuronal structures of up to another −39% were achieved when using helium ions. The dose distribution of helium ions is significantly superior when compared to proton therapy and IMRT due to the improved sparing of OAR. In fact, previous studies could clearly demonstrate that the dosimetric advantage of protons translates into a measurable clinical benefit for pediatric patients with brain tumors. Given the dose–response relationship of critical organs at risk combined with NTCP calculation, the results of our study provide a strong rationale that the use of helium ions has the potential to even further reduce the risk for treatment related sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides information about late complications of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), especially seen in adolescence and adulthood. The majority of ROP patients recover without complications and treatment, but severe ROP cases should be properly treated. Both prematurity itself and the treatment of ROP cause some changes in the anterior (refractive changes, cataract, and glaucoma) and posterior segments (tractional, rhegmatogenous and exudative retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, etc.,) of the eye and predispose to significant lifelong complications. Awareness of these late complications can minimize severe vision loss with proper follow-up and appropriate treatment. Therefore, life-long ophthalmological follow-up is mandatory in all prematures with the diagnosis of ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the most feared side effects of radiotherapy (RT) in the setting of breast cancer (BC) patients is cardiac toxicity. This side effect can jeopardize the quality of life (QoL) of long-term survivors. The impact of modern techniques of RT such as deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) have dramatically changed this setting. We report and discuss the results of the literature overview of this paper. Materials and methods: Literature references were obtained with a PubMed query, hand searching, and clinicaltrials.gov. Results: We reported and discussed the toxicity of RT and the improvements due to the modern techniques in the setting of BC patients. Conclusions: BC patients often have a long life expectancy, thus the RT should aim at limiting toxicities and at the same time maintaining the same high cure rates. Further studies are needed to evaluate the risk–benefit ratio to identify patients at higher risk and to tailor the treatment choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cigarette smoking are both risk factors for periodontal disease (PD). Previous research suggests that systemic inflammatory conditions and cigarette smoking may act in synergy, and their co-occurrence leads to a much higher risk of developing severe stage PD than what the combination of their individual risks would suggest. We originally sought to test this in the case of RA, but it turned out that the majority of our patients were former smokers, who smoked for prolonged periods in the past. For that reason, we decided to shift our focus toward the possible effects of past chronic cigarette smoke exposure. Methods The data of 73 RA patients and 77 healthy controls were analyzed. The participants received a full-mouth periodontal examination to determine their periodontal status. Rheumatological indices and data on past tobacco use were also recorded. Both the patient and the control groups were divided into former smoker and non-smoker subgroups for the analyses. Non-smoker controls were used as the reference group. Results In the control group, smoking in history increased the odds of developing both the moderate and the severe stages of PD, but the change was not statistically significant. RA significantly, increased the odds of developing both stages in itself, but the highest odds were seen in the former smoker RA group. Conclusion Based on this surprising observation of ours, we hypothesize that chronic cigarette smoke might bring about permanent changes in the periodontal tissues, leading to their hypersensitivity to inflammatory challenges.

Aim: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a new method for systematic screening for late sequelae (LS) following colorectal cancer treatment. Method: Patients with colorectal cancer from five Danish hospitals were invited to complete a survey about LS at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery as part of their follow‐up. The survey consisted primarily of validated tools, supplemented by a few ad hoc items, measuring bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunction, pain and quality of life and an additional question regarding request for contact. Patients completed surveys electronically or on paper. Results: Of the 1721 invited patients, 1386 (80.5%) were included (1085 with colon cancer and 301 with rectal cancer) of whom 72.5% responded electronically. Patients responding electronically were 7.6 years younger than those responding on paper (P < 0.001). Since some patients answered more than once, the dataset consisted of 2361 surveys. Patients with colon cancer requested phone contact in 19.0% of the surveys, and 8.4% were referred to treatment for LS, primarily bowel dysfunction. Among patients with rectal cancer, 30.8% requested phone contact and 16.2% were referred for treatment of LS, mainly due to bowel and sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: This is the first paper investigating a new method of systematic screening for LS following colorectal cancer using electronic patient‐reported outcome measures. The study shows that in the Danish population a high response rate can be obtained with this method and that close to three‐quarters of patients respond electronically. Patients with rectal cancer had a higher need for phone contact and treatment of LS than patients with colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some patients, estimated at ~10%, recovering from COVID-19 infection may have persistent (>4-12 weeks) symptoms and/or prolonged organ dysfunction attributed to COVID-19 infection (long Covid). The facets of this long Covid syndrome are slowly emerging and the chronic impact of this viral pandemic is gradually unfolding. All these issues are herein reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial treatment modality in managing cancer patients. However, irradiation dose sprinkling to tumor-adjacent normal tissues is unavoidable, generating treatment toxicities, such as radiation-associated cardiovascular dysfunction (RACVD), particularly for those patients with combined therapies or pre-existing adverse features/comorbidities. Radiation oncologists implement several efforts to decrease heart dose for reducing the risk of RACVD. Even applying the deep-inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) technique, the risk of RACVD is though reduced but still substantial. Besides, available clinical methods are limited for early detecting and managing RACVD. The present study reviewed emerging challenges of RACVD in modern radiation oncology, in terms of clinical practice, bench investigation, and multidisciplinary care. Several molecules are potential for serving as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Of these, miRNAs, endogenous small non-coding RNAs that function in regulating gene expression, are of particular interest because low-dose irradiation, i.e., 200 mGy (one-tenth of conventional RT daily dose) induces early changes of pro-RACVD miRNA expression. Moreover, several miRNAs, e.g., miR-15b and miR21, involve in the development of RACVD, further demonstrating the potential bio-application in RACVD. Remarkably, many RACVDs are late RT sequelae, characterizing highly irreversible and progressively worse. Thus, multidisciplinary care from oncologists and cardiologists is crucial. Combined managements with commodities control (such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes), smoking cessation, and close monitoring are recommended. Some agents show abilities for preventing and managing RACVD, such as statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs); however, their real roles should be confirmed by further prospective trials.

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most prevalent malignancies in young Caucasian men. Clinical stage I (CSI) TGCTs present the highest cure rate and treatment options after orchiectomy depend on histology and risk factors. Nevertheless, the management of CSI TGCTs is controversial due to the availability of multiple treatments and the lack of randomized trials. An integrated multidisciplinary approach that includes clinicians (surgeons, radiotherapists and oncologists) and psychologists is crucial to maximize the patients' compliance and must be acknowledged with appropriate tools. The aim of our work is to review the oncological and psychological aspects of the decision-making process, discussing the fundamental role of the patient involvement in the personalized management of CSI TGCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The cardiac and vascular late sequelae in long-term survivors of childhood cancer (CVSS)-study aimed to quantify the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in German childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Methods and results In the CVSS-study (NCT02181049), 1002 CCS (age range 23-48 years) diagnosed with neoplasia prior to 15 years of age between 1980 and 1990 prospectively underwent a systematic, standardized clinical and laboratory cardiovascular screening, identical to the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) cohort. For 951 individuals, prevalences of CVRF and CVD were primarily compared to the GHS sample and to two further German population-based cohorts. Using log-binomial regression models, an increased risk for occurrence of arterial hypertension [relative risk (RR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (95% CI 1.21-1.57)] and dyslipidaemia [RR 1.26 (95% CI 1.12-1.42)] was found. This indicates a premature occurrence compared to the general population of approximately 6 and 8 years, respectively [rate advancement period estimator, RAPhypertension 5.75 (95% CI 3.5-8.0) and RAPdyslipidaemia 8.16 (95% CI 4.4-11.9)]. Overall, no differences were observed for obesity and diabetes. Overt CVD was present in 4.5% (95% CI 3.0-6.6%) of CCS [RR 1.89 (95% CI 1.34-2.66), RAPCVD 7.9 (95% CI 4.1-11.7)], of which the most frequent entities were congestive heart failure and venous thromboembolism. Prevalences of CVRF and CVD increased with age without reaching a plateau over time. Conclusion This large CCS screening examination revealed consistently in comparison to three population samples a considerably increased risk for premature CVD. The findings in these young adult CCS indicate a high burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the long term. Clinicaltrials. gov-Nr NCT02181049. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survivors of preterm birth may present with various ocular conditions later in life. Long-term ophthalmic care in formerly preterm individuals is important as their vision may be compromised by sequelae of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), refractive errors, strabismus, and cerebral vision impairment. They are also at risk of developing cataracts, angle closure glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life. A protocol for follow up of preterm children with and without ROP at different ages needs to be established.

Purpose: To report the visual outcome and refractive status in first 3 years of age in preterm infants suffered from laser-treated Type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): a 6-year review in Hong KongDesign: Retrospective case seriesMethodology: Clinical records of all infants suffered from Type 1 ROP who had undergone laser therapy between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Basic demographic data, serial changes of refractive error, visual acuity, severity of ROP and laser were analyzed. Correlation with myopia and astigmatism progression, body weight, height, growth and gestational age were also analyzed.Result: Among 494 babies screened, 14 Chinese babies (26 eyes) recruited with 1:1 male-to-female ratio in this study. All eyes showed gradual progression of myopia in first 3 years of age but no significant change of astigmatism. Further correlation analysis showed no correlation with laser energy consumed, birth weight (p = 0.14), head circumference growth (p = 0.57) and body weight growth (p = 0.71). However, severity of myopia was related to the post-conceptual age when receiving laser therapy (p < 0.005), gestation age (p = 0.02) and possibly body height growth with age (p = 0.05).Conclusion: Myopia in early life is one of the most common ocular sequelae in Type 1 ROP survivors. Early detection of refractive error is important for prompt correction and visual rehabilitation to prevent amblyopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is used to treat approximately 80% of patients with cancer of the head and neck. Despite enormous advances in RT planning and delivery, a significant number of patients will experience radiation-associated toxicities, especially those treated with concurrent systemic agents. Many effective management options are available for acute RT-associated toxicities, but treatment options are much more limited and of variable benefit among patients who develop late sequelae after RT. The adverse impact of developing late tissue damage in irradiated patients may range from bothersome symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life to severe life-threatening complications. In the region of the head and neck, among the most problematic late effects are impaired function of the salivary glands and swallowing apparatus. Other tissues and structures in the region may be at risk, depending mainly on the location of the irradiated tumor relative to the mandible and hearing apparatus. Here, we review the available evidence on the use of different therapeutic strategies to alleviate common late sequelae of RT in head and neck cancer patients, with a focus on the critical assessment of the treatment options for xerostomia, dysphagia, mandibular osteoradionecrosis, trismus, and hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CMV is the most common cause of congenital infection in the whole world (0.2 to 2.2 %). That infection may be symptomatic or asymptomatic at birth and, although asymptomatic cases at birth are more common, some children may develop late sequelae, and require medical intervention. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CMV congenital infections in children who were born in a public hospital in Ilhéus, Brazil, and to evaluate the clinical progression in infected newborns. Methods: CMV congenital infection was determined by detecting viral DNA through nested PCR. Results: The viral DNA was detected in 25 newborns, showing a prevalence of 1.19 % (25/2100) of CMV congenital infection. In regards to the risk factors from mothers, only the variables: age of mothers (p = 0.003), number of children (p = 0.011), and use of medications (p < 0.001) were associated with the congenital infection. Approximately 12 % of children presented symptoms. One death and two auditory alterations were detected during the monitored period. Only 50 % of children diagnosed attended their medical follow. Conclusions: The prevalence found confirms the findings from other studies which involved other poor populations. Two children presented impaired hearing during the monitored period; that was one of the main sequelae from the infection. It is noteworthy that there was low adherence to medical follow-up which may underestimate data on complications of the infection CMV. Late symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases or even go unnoticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Five to 10 % of children with neuroblastoma present with symptoms of epidural compression (EC). More than half these patients are diagnosed in the first year of life. The case of a neuroblastoma presenting symptoms of EC at birth is exceptional and deserves to be reported. Case presentation: We describe a case of female born at the 36th week of pregnancy by caesarian section decided following ultrasonographic discovery of oligohydramnios. At birth, she was noted to have motor deficit involving both legs and continuous urinary dripping. These symptoms were found to be secondary to a paraspinal neuroblastoma infiltrating the spinal canal. Tumor responded well to chemotherapy, but neurologic deficit only slightly improved and bladder dysfunction remained unchanged. At 2 years of age, patient is able to walk with help of leg orthoses, suffers chronic constipation requiring daily medications, and has neurologic bladder necessitating multiple daily catheterizations. Conclusions: The finding of a newborn presenting with symptoms of EC secondary to a neuroblastoma invading the spinal canal is quite uncommon. The case described herewith confirms that these rare patients have an excellent survival probability, but almost always develop severe functional sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paranasal sinus cancers are rare diseases, accounting for about 5% of all head and neck malignancies. The variety of histological types and the overlapping pathological features with other entities constitute difficulties in pathologic interpretation, often requiring a skilled interpretation or a second opinion. Treatment of locally advanced disease relies on surgery and radiation therapy for operable disease, with a possible role for systemic treatment in selected histologies within a multimodal approach; unresectable paranasal sinus cancers are generally treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The employment of high conformal radiation techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy orcharged particle therapy, proton or carbon ion therapy may improve outcome and reduce late effects. Surgical treatment has evolved due to the progressive application of transnasal endoscopic techniques for naso-ethmoidal malignancies and due to innovative reconstructive techniques after resection of cancers of the maxillary sinus. Because of the rarity and complexity of this disease, multicenter trials represent an urgent need to improve prognosis and to reduce treatment-related effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to compare the nephrotoxicity risk of cisplatin ( CPL) and ifosfamide ( IFO) combination treatment ( CT) with that of CPL alone and to evaluate the prevalence of CPL-induced long-term nephrotoxicity in pediatric cancer survivors ( CS). Methods A total of 33 patients with pediatric solid tumors who have been cured of their disease were included in the study. They were divided into two groups based on the type of chemotherapeutics, either CPL ( n = 21) or CT ( n = 12), given during cancer treatment and were evaluated for glomerular and tubular function using the Skinner grading system. Results Nephrotoxicity was found in 15 CS (45.4%): seven (21.3%) of those had moderate, six (18.2%) had mild, and two (6.1%) had severe nephrotoxicity. Neither the rates of overall nephrotoxicity, glomerular toxicity and tubular toxicity, nor the mean overall, glomerular and tubular toxicity scores differed significantly among the CPL and CT groups ( P > 0.05 for all parameters). Cumulative IFO dose and age at treatment were found to be independent risk factors for both development and severity of CPL-induced nephrotoxicity ( P = 0.025 and P = 0.036 for development of nephrotoxicity; P = 0.004 and P = 0.050 for severity of nephrotoxicity, respectively). Conclusions Although CPL-induced long-term nephrotoxicity was found in half of the pediatric CS of solid tumors, clinically significant nephrotoxicity was detected only in a minority of them. Both higher cumulative IFO dose and younger age at treatment were found to be independent risk factors for both development and severity of CPL-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A retrospective review in patients with carcinoma cervix to evaluate the changes and trends in demographics, evolution of protocols, and outcome analysis over 16 years. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 6234 patients with carcinoma of the cervix treated with radical intent between 1979 and 1994. All the work-up, staging investigations, treatment details, radiation protocols, outcomes, and toxicities were noted, compiled, and analyzed. Results: With a mean age of 46 years (range: 18-90 years; median: 45 years), 669 (11%) patients were in stage Ib, 284 (5%) were in stage IIa, 1891 (30%) were in stage IIb, 69 (1%) were in stage IIIa, and 3321 (53%) were in stage IIIb. With a median follow-up of 68 months (57-79 months) for the entire group, there was no significant difference in the outcome of 953 patients with international federation of gynecology and obstetrics (FIGO) Ib-IIa treated after radical surgery, pre-operative radiation therapy (pre-op RT) + Sx or after radical radiation; their disease-free survival (DFS) was 60-62% at 8 years. In our series of 1891 patients with stage IIb and 3321 with stage IIIb, a respective DFS of 56% and 40% was achieved at 8 years. Conclusion: Over the last two decades, with the acquisition of newer facilities and inception of Joint Clinics, there has been a significant refinement in the treatment protocols and outcome. Improving radiation strategies to improve therapeutic ratio is the key to success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To report the incidence of clinical, pathological and radiological fat necrosis (FN) in women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using interstitial brachytherapy (BRT) for early-stage breast cancer and to study certain variables associated with it. Methods and materials: Between May 2000 and August 2008, 171 women were treated with APBI using high dose rate (HDR) BRT. Patients were treated to a dose of 34Gy/10 fractions/1week with two fractions/day after intraoperative/postoperative placement of catheters. Results: At a median follow up of 48months (SD: 28) 20 women developed FN with median time to detection being 24months (range: 4–62months, SD: 20). Actuarial 5 and 7year FN rate was 18% and 23%, respectively. Grade 1 FN was seen in 4, grade 2 in 8 and grade 4 in 8 women. Additional investigations such as aspiration/biopsy were done in 9 patients. Volume of excision was the only significant factor affecting FN (p =0.04). Conclusions: Actuarial FN rate of 18% at 5years in our study was comparable to other reported series of FN. Median time of detection of FN was 24months. Higher volume of excision resulted in an increased incidence of fat necrosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Almost one in 700 young adults is a survivor of childhood malignancy, but about 60% of long-term survivors have at least one and 30–40% at least two chronic medical problems whilst 30% have a severe, life-threatening or disabling adverse effect. Such late adverse effects have a wide range of presentations and may lead to potentially far-reaching consequences, not only during the important period of childhood and adolescent growth and development but also during future adult life. The first part of this series of two reviews highlights some of the commoner and more serious late effects of treatment for childhood and adolescent malignancy by focussing on toxicity affecting specific organs, physiological systems and tissues, including the nervous, sensory, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary, urinary tract and musculoskeletal systems, as well as damage to the teeth and skin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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In cases of unclear depression of conciousness, arrhythmia and symptoms of cardiac insufficiency inadvertent carbon monoxide intoxication should always be taken into consideration. Rapid diagnosis of acute carbon monoxide intoxication with mostly unspecific symptoms requires an immediate supply of high dose oxygen which enables a distinct reduction of mortality and long-term morbidity. Levels of carboxyhemoglobin, however, should not be used as a parameter to decide whether to supply normobaric or the more efficient hyperbaric oxygen. There is no sufficient coherence between carboxyhemoglobin blood levels and clinical symptoms. Increased carboxyhemoglobin concentrations help to diagnose acute carbon monoxide intoxication but do not allow conclusions to be drawn about possible long-term neuropsychiatric or cardiac consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: The long-term outcome of platinum-induced nephrotoxicity is unknown. This prospective single-centre longitudinal cohort study evaluated long-term changes following treatment in childhood. Methods: 63 children treated with platinum (27 cisplatin, 24 carboplatin and 12 both) were studied at the end of treatment (End), 1year and 10years later. No child received ifosfamide. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), serum calcium and magnesium (Mg) were measured, and total nephrotoxicity score (Ns) was graded. Results: There was no significant overall change in renal function over time in any treatment group (cisplatin, carboplatin or combined). Apart from marginally reduced median GFR (84ml/min/1.73m2) and Mg (0.68mmol/l) at End of cisplatin, median GFR, Ca and Mg were normal at all times in each group. At 10years, GFR was <60ml/min/1.73m2 in 11%, Ns grade was severe in 15% and oral Mg supplements were required in 7% cisplatin patients. After cisplatin, older age at treatment was correlated with lower GFR at 10years (p =0.005), and higher Ns at End and 10years (both p =0.02). After carboplatin treatment, older age was associated with lower GFR at all times, and with higher Ns at End and 1year (all p <0.03). Higher cisplatin dose rate (>40mg/m2/day) was associated with higher Ns at 1year (p =0.02) and higher carboplatin dose with lower Mg at 1year and with higher Ns at 1 and 10years (all p <0.008). Conclusions: Platinum nephrotoxicity did not change significantly over 10years. Its severity was correlated to older age at treatment, and at some time points to higher cisplatin dose rate and higher cumulative carboplatin dose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the predictive values of geometrical sparing factors for the rectum and bladder in high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDRICB) for Grade 2 and higher late sequelae in patients with cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 392 patients were enrolled in this study. They were treated with external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis, after which HDRICB was performed using Ir-192 remote after-loading at 1-week intervals for three or four sessions. The geometrical sparing factor (GSF) was defined as the average of the ratios between the reference doses and the Point A dose. Results: A total of 46 patients (11.7%) had Grade 2 or higher late rectal complications (36 Grade 2, 9 Grade 3, and 1 Grade 4). In all, 32 patients (8.2%) had Grade 2 or higher late bladder complications (14 Grade 2, 16 Grade 3, and 2 Grade 4). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a high risk of rectal sequelae in patients who developed bladder complications (p = 0.0004, hazard ratio 3.54) and had a rectal GSF greater than 0.7 (p = 0.01, hazard ratio 1.99). The high risk factors for bladder complications were development of rectal complications (p = 0.0004, hazard ratio 3.74), concurrent chemotherapy (p = 0.0001, relative risk 3.94), and a bladder GSF greater than 0.9 (p = 0.01, hazard ratio, 2.53). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the predictive value of GSFs in HDRICB for cervical cancer. Patients with rectal GSFs greater than 0.7 or bladder GSFs greater than 0.9 are at risk for Grade 2 and higher late sequelae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) can be a single system or multi-system disease. Both disease types can be associated with multi-focal bone lesions, but their bone involvement patterns have not been compared systematically. Of the new pediatric LCH cases enrolled into the JLSG-02 study during 2002-2007, 67 cases of single system multifocal bone (SMFB) LCH and 97 cases of multi-system bone (MSB) LCH were analyzed to determine if the bone involvement patterns differ in these two types, and whether these differences correlate with outcome. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and other measures. Onset ages were higher for SMFB (P < 0.001), but the two types did not differ in the number of bone lesions per patient. The skull was most frequently affected in both types, followed by the spine. Lesions in the temporal bone (P = 0.002), ear-petrous bone (P < 0.001), orbita (P = 0.003), and zygomatic bone (P = 0.016) were significantly more common in MSB. The two types did not differ in response to treatment, but MSB was associated with a significantly higher incidence of diabetes insipidus (DI) (P < 0.001). Novel measures are required in preventing the development of DI in MSB-type LCH patients with "risk" bone lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to correlate and compare the predictive values of rectal and bladder reference doses of uniform external beam radiotherapy without shielding and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDRICB) with late sequelae in patients with uterine cervical cancer.Between September 1992 and December 1998, 154 patients who survived more than 12 months after treatment were studied. Initially, they were treated with 10-MV X-rays (44 to 45 Gy/22 to 25 fractions over 4 to 5 weeks) to the whole pelvis, after which HDRICB was performed using 192Ir remote afterloading at 1-week intervals for 4 weeks. The standard prescribed dose for each HDRICB was 6.0 Gy to point A. Patient- and treatment-related-factors were evaluated for late rectal complications using logistic regression modeling.The probability of rectal complications showed better correlation of dose–response with increasing total ICRU (International Committee on Radiotherapy Units and Measurements) rectal dose. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated a high risk of late rectal sequelae in patients who developed rectal complications (p = 0.0001;relative risk, 15.06;95% CI, 2.89∼43.7) and total ICRU rectal dose greater than 16 Gy (p = 0.02;relative risk, 2.07;95% CI, 1.13∼4.55). The high risk factors for bladder complications were seen in patients who developed rectal complications (p = 0.0001;relative risk, 15.2;95% CI, 2.81∼44.9) and total ICRU bladder dose greater than 24 Gy (p = 0.02;relative risk, 8.93;95% CI, 1.79∼33.1).This study demonstrated the predictive value of ICRU rectal and bladder reference dosing in HDRICB for patients receiving uniform external beam radiation therapy without central shielding. Patients who had a total ICRU rectal dose greater than 16 Gy, or a total ICRU bladder dose over 24 Gy, were at risk of late sequelae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Revisional surgery of late complications after 141 substernal by-pass operations (1962–1990), except three cases with isoperistaltic (except seven with anisoperistaltic) transverse colon grafts for caustic esophageal strictures, are presented. Long-term adaptation of the grafts was investigated with cineradiographical and histochemical methods. Methods: Correction of the ‘pseudodiverticulum’ of the proximal anastomosis as a complication of the standard by-pass procedure (in five patients) was achieved by closure of the esophagus below the anastomosis or by end-to-end reanastomosis. Cervical anastomosis stricture (in seven) was solved either by plasty or resection and a similar reanastomosis. Delayed passage due to an intra-abdominal redundant graft (in five) was managed by abdominal shortening coloplication or by side-to-side gastrocolostomy. Late pyloric obstruction as a cause of gastrocolic reflux required pyloroplasty in two instances. Mixed barium–bread bolus for a cineradiographical transit study and periodic acid Schiff reaction plus Alcian Blue staining for a mucopolysaccharide search were used 8 years after the operations. Results: In all but one case, redo surgery was successful. Characteristic coordinated multihaustral propulsive movement developed in the distal colonic segment, playing a secondary but active role in the final phase of swallowing in isoperistaltic substitution. These grafts were free from gastrocolic reflux. Augmentation of neutral mucopolysaccharide was observed on the surface and in the Lieberku¨hn glands of colonic mucosa. Conclusions: This experience attests that the majority of late complications following colonic esophageal substitution may be corrected by revisional surgery. The predominantly automatic propulsive movements of the isoperistaltically interposed grafts seem to provide an effective antireflux barrier against the gastrocolic reflux if some technical requirements (high gastric anastomosis, good gastric drainage, etc.) are respected. The graft mucosa showed signs of a positive adaptation. The best functional results were achieved by isoperistaltically interposed left colic transplants, which may be considered as an ideal graft (both technically and functionally) in extensive caustic strictures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]