Midcavitary Tako-Tsubo syndrome in cancer patients.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14011-e14011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Ionescu ◽  
Danielle Stone ◽  
James Stone ◽  
Jean-Bernard Durand ◽  
Juan Lopez-Mattei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Left Ventriculography

e14011 Background:Variants of the classic Tako-tsubo syndrome or stress induced cardiomyopathy (SC) includes mid ventricular or basal left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. Midcavitary dyskinesia and ballooning is considered a unique presentation, and there is no published data showing midcavitary involvement in cancer patients. Methods: All cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC at MD Anderson Cancer Center over a 6–year period were included in the study. We selected and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 8 patients who had midcavitary SC. Clinical presentation, ECG, laboratory data, transthoracic echocardiogram and left ventriculography results were reviewed. Results: Out of30 cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC, 8 patients (26.7%) (4 females, 4 men, mean age 57.37 yo) had midcavitary SC. 62,5 % patients were diagnosed with a solid malignancy. Trigger factors for midcavitary SC were: systemic infection (3 patients with neutropenia), emotional stress (2 patients), chemotherapy (1 patient undergoing treatment with Ibrutinib), and surgical interventions (3 patients). Clinical presentation included chest pain (37.5%), shortness of breath (50%) and non specific symptoms (12.5%). T wave inversion was the most common electrocardiographic presentation (37.5 %), followed by ST elevation (25 %). All patients had changes of the cardiac biomarkers (BNP mean 2224. 4 pg/dl, TN I mean 2. 8 ng/dl, CK-MB mean 14 ng/dl) and significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 50%). All patients underwent coronary angiography which showed no obstructive CAD; left ventriculography identified basilar and apical hyperkinesis and midventricular hypokinesia. Cancer therapy was interrupted; aspirin and beta blockers were initiated in all patients. The most common complications of midcavitary SC were: respiratory failure requiring intubation (37, 5%), pulmonary edema (25%), and hypotension (25%). No cardiac deaths were registered. None of the patients experienced recurrence of SC. Conclusions: Mid cavitary SC remains a rare entity, and raises further questions about the causal association between the mid cavitary involvement and cancer, and its impact on cancer therapy and overall survival in this cohort of patients.

Tako-tsubo syndrome and use of paclitaxel.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14012-e14012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Ionescu ◽  
Danielle Stone ◽  
James Stone ◽  
Jean-Bernard Durand ◽  
Gloria Iliescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chest Pain ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Acute Chest Pain ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Published Data

e14012 Background: Vasospasm and arrhythmias are the main cardiac toxic effects of cancer treatment with Paclitaxel. Chemotherapy induced stress cardiomyopathy (SC) (Tako-tsubo syndrome) has been linked to antineoplastic agents associated with abnormal vasoreactivity. We aimed to identify if there is a causal relationship between SC and Paclitaxel administration. Methods: All cancer patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC at MD Anderson Cancer Center over a 6–year period were included in the study. We selected and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all the patients who had chemotherapy induced SC. Clinical presentation, ECG, laboratory data, transthoracic echocardiogram and coronary angiography results were reviewed. Results: Out of30 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SC, 5 patients (16.6%) had SC triggered by chemotherapy. Three patients (2 females, 1 male, mean age 71.3 yo) had Paclitaxel induced SC (60%); two patients received a combination of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for ovarian cancer, and one patient had combination of Paclitaxel and Cyclophosphamide for prostate cancer. Two patients had cardiac manifestations in the first day of Paclitaxel administration. All three patients presented with chest pain; T wave inversion was the main finding on the electrocardiography. All patients had changes in the cardiac biomarkers (BNP mean 1459.7 pg/dl, TN I mean 1.36 ng/dl, CK-MB mean 8.6 ng/dl) and significant LV dysfunction (LVEF < 50%). Characteristic apical ballooning pattern was identified in all cases from left ventriculogram. Chemotherapy was interrupted ; aspirin and beta blockers were initiated in all patients. Two patients were rechallenged with chemotherapy after 10 days, respectively 20 days after SC. None of the patients experienced recurrence of SC, nor arrhythmias while on aspirin and beta blockers. Conclusions: To our knowledge there are no published data on the association of Paclitaxel administration and SC. In cancer patients who develop acute chest pain after administration of Paclitaxel, evaluation for SC is important to exclude NSTEMI diagnosis, which can impact further cancer therapy. Cancer patients with SC whom have complete recovery may early resume cancer therapy.

scholarly journals Cardiac Involvement in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Meta-analysis of 62 Case Reports

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojdeh Pakbaz ◽  
Marziyeh Pakbaz-
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Involvement ◽  
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms ◽  
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare multi-systemic vasculitis, with cardiac involvement being one of its most serious manifestations. We aimed to systematically review and analyze the limited case reports of EGPA with cardiac involvement. f EGPA with cardiac involvement. Methods: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we performed a systematic literature search for the case reports of EGPA with cardiac involvement in the MEDLINE database from 2011 until 2018. For each case, clinical data including sex, age, clinical presentation, electrocardiographic and cardiac imaging findings, the type of cardiac involvement, the available laboratory data (cardiac biomarkers, white blood cell count, eosinophilic count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity), therapeutic regimen, and the outcome of the patients were collected and analyzed. Results: A total number of 62 cases were included. The mean age was 48.29±15.60 years, and 51.6% were male. All the cases were in the active disease state. Cardiac symptoms, electrocardiographic abnormalities, abnormal biomarkers, and abnormal echocardiography were detected in 82.3%, 68.5%, 77.4%, and 96.8%, respectively. Cardiac magnetic resonance was done in 46.8% of the patients, and it was abnormal in all. The most common abnormal findings in echocardiography were systolic left ventricular dysfunction (83.9%) and pericardial effusion (37.1%). The most common type of clinical presentation was clinical heart failure (51.6%). Only 6.5% of the patients presented with tamponade. The overall prognosis was good. Conclusion: Any part of the heart could be involved by EGPA. The results emphasize the necessity of in-depth cardiac evaluation in these patients.

P1568Cardiac biomarkers for the prediction of cardiotoxicity in cancer patients: a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Michel ◽  
R I Mincu ◽  
A A Mahabadi ◽  
F Al-Rashid ◽  
T Rassaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cardiac Troponin ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
High Dose Chemotherapy ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Β Blocker

Abstract Background Cancer therapy-related heart failure is the most concerning cardiac adverse event in patients undergoing cancer therapy. Valid diagnostic measures are fundamental for a timely diagnosis but systematic data on the use of diagnostic parameters in this collective is sparse. Cardiac biomarkers may be beneficial for diagnosis and screening of cancer therapy-related heart failure. Purpose Systematic data for cardiac biomarkers in cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity is urgently needed to establish guideline recommendations. We therefore conducted the present systematic review and meta-analysis to assess cardiac troponin and (N-terminal pro) brain natriuretic peptide (BNP/NT-proBNP) in the prediction of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in cancer patients. Methods Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, and Wiley Library were screened for studies investigating cardiac troponin or BNP/NT-proBNP in cancer patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy with and without anthracyclines, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitor therapy and radiotherapy. Reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was defined as primary endpoint. Results A total of 5772 patients from 58 studies were included. Chemotherapy and HER2 inhibitor therapy was associated with an elevation of troponin levels above the 99th percentile (odds ratio (OR) = 14.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.9–29.5). Patients treated with anthracyclines and high-dose chemotherapy had the highest rates of troponin elevation (OR = 17.5; 95% CI: 10.1–30.2 for anthracyclines; OR = 75.1; 95% CI: 4.4–1296.9 for high-dose chemotherapy, respectively). The risk for LVEF impairment was increased in troponin positive patients compared to troponin negative patients under high-dose regimens (OR = 97.9; 95% CI: 52.1–183.8) and anthracyclines with and without concomitant HER2 inhibitors (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 1.4–34.1 and OR = 10.5; 95% CI: 2.0–54.3). Cardiac troponin below the 99th percentile had a negative predictive value of 94% for the prediction of cardiotoxicity. Absolute plasma BNP/NT-proBNP was increased in patients with LV dysfunction (standardized mean difference = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.0–1.2) but pathologically increased BNP/NT-proBNP did not predict decreased LVEF (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 0.9–7.2). Preventive β-blocker therapy and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy was associated with decreased troponin elevation compared to control (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1–7.3; Figure 4). The effect was more pronounced in ACE inhibitor-treated patients compared to β-blocker-treated patients (Chi2 = 4.4; p=0.04; I2 = 77.4%). Conclusion Elevated troponin levels predict left ventricular dysfunction in cancer patients and a decrease in troponin may indicate response to cardioprotective therapy in cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity. Cardiac troponin qualifies as a screening test to identify patients at high risk for manifest cardiotoxicity who require referral to cardio-oncology units. Acknowledgement/Funding IFORES research grant of the Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

scholarly journals ECG Scoring for the Evaluation of Therapy-Naïve Cancer Patients to Predict Cardiotoxicity

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Julia Pohl ◽  
Raluca-Ileana Mincu ◽  
Simone M. Mrotzek ◽  
Reza Wakili ◽  
Amir A. Mahabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Qrs Duration ◽  
Ecg Score

Objective: To evaluate a new electrocardiographic (ECG) score reflecting domains of electrical and structural alterations in therapy-naïve cancer patients to assess their risk of cardiotoxicity. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 134 therapy-naïve consecutive cancer patients in our two university hospitals concerning four ECG score parameters: Contiguous Q-waves, markers of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, QRS duration and JTc prolongation. Cardiotoxicity was assessed after a short-term follow-up (up to 12 months). Results: Of all the patients (n = 25), 19% reached 0 points, 50% (n = 67) reached 1 point, 25% (n = 33) reached 2 points, 5% (n = 7) reached 3 points and 0.7% reached 4 or 5 points (n = 1 respectively). The incidence of cardiotoxicity (n = 28 [21%]) increased with the ECG score, with 0 points at 0%, 1 point 7.5%, 2 points 55%, 3 points 71% and ≥3 points 50%. In the ROC (Receiver operating curves) analysis, the best cut-off for predicting cardiotoxicity was an ECG score of ≥2 points (sensitivity 82%, specificity 82%, AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.77–0.92, p < 0.0001) which was then defined as a high-risk score. High-risk patients did not differ concerning their age, LV ejection fraction, classical cardiovascular risk factors or cardiac biomarkers compared to those with a low-risk ECG score. Conclusion: ECG scoring prior to the start of anti-cancer therapies may help to identify therapy-naïve cancer patients at a higher risk for the development of cardiotoxicity.

scholarly journals Machine Learning–Based Risk Assessment for Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiac Dysfunction in 4300 Longitudinal Oncology Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yadi Zhou ◽  
Yuan Hou ◽  
Muzna Hussain ◽  
Sherry‐Ann Brown ◽  
Thomas Budd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
After Cancer

Background The growing awareness of cardiovascular toxicity from cancer therapies has led to the emerging field of cardio‐oncology, which centers on preventing, detecting, and treating patients with cardiac dysfunction before, during, or after cancer treatment. Early detection and prevention of cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) play important roles in precision cardio‐oncology. Methods and Results This retrospective study included 4309 cancer patients between 1997 and 2018 whose laboratory tests and cardiovascular echocardiographic variables were collected from the Cleveland Clinic institutional electronic medical record database (Epic Systems). Among these patients, 1560 (36%) were diagnosed with at least 1 type of CTRCD, and 838 (19%) developed CTRCD after cancer therapy (de novo). We posited that machine learning algorithms can be implemented to predict CTRCDs in cancer patients according to clinically relevant variables. Classification models were trained and evaluated for 6 types of cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary artery disease (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.821; 95% CI, 0.815–0.826), atrial fibrillation (AUROC, 0.787; 95% CI, 0.782–0.792), heart failure (AUROC, 0.882; 95% CI, 0.878–0.887), stroke (AUROC, 0.660; 95% CI, 0.650–0.670), myocardial infarction (AUROC, 0.807; 95% CI, 0.799–0.816), and de novo CTRCD (AUROC, 0.802; 95% CI, 0.797–0.807). Model generalizability was further confirmed using time‐split data. Model inspection revealed several clinically relevant variables significantly associated with CTRCDs, including age, hypertension, glucose levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase levels. Conclusions This study suggests that machine learning approaches offer powerful tools for cardiac risk stratification in oncology patients by utilizing large‐scale, longitudinal patient data from healthcare systems.

Monitoring oral anti-cancer therapy adherence in cancer patients using web based application guided communication compared with nurse counseling in a community cancer center.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 88-88
Author(s):  
Milana V. Dolezal ◽  
Vivian Leong ◽  
Rajesh Behl
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Electronic Alerts ◽  
Anti Cancer

88 Background: Smart phone web based applications (apps) can be effective communication tools for monitoring compliance and increasing adherence to oral anti-cancer therapy in the outpatient setting. Methods: Cancer patients age 18-90 treated with various oral anti-cancer therapies were recruited to this prospective, 3 month observational trial at our large community cancer center to determine feasibility of using an app for oral anti-cancer therapy compliance. Enrolled patients are randomized to either Arm 1 App arm and nurse counseling or Arm 2 nurse counseling only. The free apps MyMeds and Medisafe incorporate medication reminders and record doses. Patients complete the validated RAND 36- item quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and a free text feedback. Results: 91 patients were screened between 11/2015 to 9/2016 (45 declined enrollment due to various factors). 46 patients were randomized with 25 to Arm 1 and 21 to Arm 2. Demographics included 10 men (various tumor types but mostly multiple myeloma) and 36 women; 22 with breast cancer. MyMeds app lacked the necessary real-time communication so patients were switched to the MediSafe app which features email alerts. 15 patients have completed the study through Month 3. Four patients on Arm 1 missing their monthly visit or were non-compliant with the app. 23 patients remain active in the study. Differences are a higher QOL score in Arm 1 vs Arm 2 in measured domains of Energy/Fatigue (56% in Arm 1 compared to 44% for Arm 2) and Pain (72% in Arm 1 compared to 58% in Arm 2). Patients randomized to the app found the electronic alerts very helpful. Conclusions: Our limited pilot study demonstrated the potential of smart device apps as effective communication tools for improving patients’ adherence to oral anti-cancer therapy and QOL. Ultimately, convenient ways to monitor patients’ compliance with anti-cancer therapy will impact survival and facilitate provider-patient communication.

Mortality within 30 days of immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) in metastatic cancer patients treated at Australian tertiary cancer center.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6600-6600
Author(s):  
Hiren A. Mandaliya ◽  
Sang Kim ◽  
Gaik Tin Quah ◽  
Sandy Tun Min ◽  
James Carlton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cell Cancer ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Cancer Type

6600 Background: Cancer treatment has evolved rapidly since the advent of immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors). As compared to chemotherapy, immunotherapy is associated with a more favourable but distinct side effect profile. Mortality within 30 days of chemotherapy in cancer patients has been accepted as a clinical indicator of preventable harm and used as an auditing tool for clinical practice and improving quality of life. This should be investigated in the current era of immunotherapy, as it has been the standard treatment for advanced melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell cancer and others. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on patients with advanced cancer treated with immunotherapy and died within 30 days of treatment. Clinical data on patients treated with immunotherapy at Calvary Mater Newcastle between 2006 and 2018 was collected. Data were compared with 30-day mortality statistics of chemotherapy. Results: A total of 601 metastatic cancer patients received immunotherapy agents (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Ipilimumab, Atezolizumab, Tislelizumab and MSB0011359C) on 5022 occasions. Seventy-six (12.6%) patients died within 30 days of receiving immunotherapy. Median age was 68 years (35-90). Melanoma was the most prevalent cancer type (63%) followed by lung (20%). Forty-seven (47%) of patients received immunotherapy as first-line treatment and 39% as second-line. Patients died within 30 days received an average 2 (1-16) immunotherapy doses. A quarter of patients had ECOG 3 and ECOG 4 before last dose. Majority of deaths were related to disease (86%). Nearly 80% of patients died in hospital. One patient died due to treatment-related pneumonitis. In univariate analysis, there was no association between mortality and patients’ demographic variables such as age, sex, BMI, cancer type, ECOG performance status, immunotherapy agent and prior treatment. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first ever real-world data on 30-day mortality after immunotherapy in advanced cancer. Thirty-day mortality rates were comparable to published data on patients treated with chemotherapy. Results emphasise significance of careful selection of advanced cancer patient for immunotherapy. Due to small sample size, the power to detect a significant association between patients demographics and survival is reduced.

scholarly journals Comparison of MIS-C Related Myocarditis, Classic Viral Myocarditis, and COVID-19 Vaccine related Myocarditis in Children

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trisha Patel ◽  
Michael Kelleman ◽  
Zachary West ◽  
Andrew Peter ◽  
Matthew Dove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Viral Myocarditis ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Normal Lvef

Background: Although rare, myocarditis in the pediatric population is a disease process that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 related (COVID-19) pandemic, enteroviruses were the most common cause of classic myocarditis. However, since 2020, myocarditis linked to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is now common. In recent months, myocarditis related to COVID-19 vaccines has also been described. This study aims to compare these three different types of myocarditis with regards to clinical presentation, course, and outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included all patients <21 years of age hospitalized at our institution with classic viral myocarditis from 2015-2019, MIS-C myocarditis from 3/2020-2/2021 and COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis from 5/2021-6/2021. We compared demographics, initial symptomatology, treatment, laboratory data, and echocardiogram findings. Results: Of 201 total participants, 43 patients had classic myocarditis, 149 had MIS-C myocarditis, and 9 had COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis. Peak troponin was highest in the classic myocarditis group, whereas the MIS-C myocarditis group had the highest recorded brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). There were significant differences in time to recovery of normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for the three groups: nearly all patients with MIS-C myocarditis (n=139, 93%) and all patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis (n=9, 100%) had normal LVEF at the time of discharge, but a lower proportion of the classic myocarditis group (n=30, 70%) had a normal LVEF at discharge (p<0.001). Three months post-discharge, 18 of 40 children (45%) in the classic myocarditis group still required heart failure treatment, whereas only one of the MIS-C myocarditis patients and none of the COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis patients did. Conclusions: Compared to those with classic myocarditis, those with MIS-C myocarditis had more significant hematologic derangements and worse inflammation at presentation, but had better clinical outcomes, including rapid recovery of cardiac function. Patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis had similar clinical presentation to patients with classic myocarditis, but their pattern of recovery was similar to those with MIS-C, with prompt resolution of symptoms and improvement of cardiac function. Long-term follow-up should focus on cardiac and non-cardiac consequences of myocarditis associated with COVID-19 illness and vaccination. Key Words: MIS-C, myocarditis, COVID-19, mRNA vaccine

Safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the management of recurrent clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) in cancer patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24048-e24048
Author(s):  
Hiba Ali ◽  
Weijie Ma ◽  
Shruti Khurana ◽  
Zhi-Dong Jiang ◽  
Herbert L. DuPont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk

e24048 Background: Cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of rCDI by virtue of a compromised immune function from underlying malignancy, anti-cancer therapy and frequent antibiotic use for opportunistic infections. Furthermore, cancer patients have shown to have a lower response rate to standard oral antibiotics for CDI. Data is limited in regards to the safety and efficacy of FMT in managing rCDI in cancer patients. We aim to describe our experience of the same at a tertiary care cancer center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of cancer patients who underwent FMT for rCDI at the MD Anderson Cancer Center 06/2017-01/2020. FMT was performed through colonoscopy with universal donors’ stool. Baseline clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Our sample comprises 19 patients of whom 12 had solid tumors and 7 hematological malignancies, most of which were stage 4 at the time of FMT. The mean age was 66.5 years. Most patients received proton pump inhibitor, antibiotics and cancer therapy within 3-6 months of FMT. On average, each patient had 3 episodes of CDI, received 4 courses of antibiotic treatments, and required 4 CDI related hospitalizations within 1 year prior to FMT. Majority of the CDI episodes were managed with a combination of antibiotics. Bezlotoxumab was used in 4 cases. 18 patients received FMT once, while one patient was treated with FMT thrice. Clinical response was seen in 74% patients with a median time of 1 day. 5 patients had refractory CDI including 3 recurrent rCDI, and 2 persistent symptoms. Compared to patients with good response, these refractory cases received more frequent antibiotics following FMT (100% vs 43%, p=0.033). Side effects were mostly mild GI complaints in 15.8% patients with no serious adverse events or mortality related to FMT. Conclusions: Our study shows that FMT is a safe and effective treatment for rCDI in cancer patients and provides rapid resolution of symptoms; Subsequent antibiotic use for the management of cancer related complications can negatively affect the efficacy of FMT. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Cardio-Oncology Educational Program: National Survey as the First Step to Start

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Kozhukhov ◽  
Nataliia Dovganych
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Lv Dysfunction

Aim: The collaboration of cardiologists, general practitioners (GPs), and oncologists is crucial in cancer patient management. We carried out a national-based survey—The Ukrainian National Survey (UkrNatSurv)—on behalf of the Cardio-Oncology (CO) Working Group (WG) of the Ukrainian Society of Cardiology to analyze the level of knowledge in cardio-oncology.Methods: A short questionnaire was presented to specialists involved in the management of cancer patients across the country. The questionnaire was made up of eight questions concerning referred cancer patient number, CV complications of cancer therapy, diagnostic methods to detect cardiotoxicity, and drugs used for its treatment.Results: A total of 426 questionnaires of medical specialists from different regions of Ukraine were collected and analyzed; the majority of respondents were cardiologists (190), followed by GPs (177), 40 oncologists (mainly chemotherapists and hematologists), other −19 (imaging specialists, neurologists, endocrinologists, etc.). All responders were equally involved in the management of cancer patients. However, less than half of the patients have been seen before the start of cancer therapy. GPs observe the majority of patients after the end of treatment. All doctors are sufficiently aware of cancer therapy-associated CV complications. However, the necessary diagnostic tools, mostly biomarkers, are not used widely by different specialists. The criteria for cardiotoxicity, in particular, the level of reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a marker of LV dysfunction, are not clearly understood. The specific knowledge in the management of CV complications in cancer is required.Conclusion: UkrNatSurv is the first survey in Ukraine to investigate the awareness of CO care provided to cancer patients with CV diseases (CVD) or developed CV complications. Providing such surveys among doctors involved in CO is an excellent tool to investigate the knowledge gaps in clinical practice. Therefore, the primary task is to develop a national educational CO program.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document