Leptomeningeal Gliomatosis: A Single Institution Study of 31 Patients.

Background/aim: Secondary leptomeningeal gliomatosis (LG) is a rare and severe progression pattern of glioma. Our objective was to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of patients with LG.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients diagnosed with secondary LG.

Relationships Between Dose Intensity, Toxicity, and Outcome in Patients with Oligodendroglial Tumors Treated with the PCV Regimen.

Background/aim: The drug combination of procarbazine, lomustine (CCNU) and vincristine (PCV) has been associated with efficacy in oligodendroglial gliomas (OG) when added to radiotherapy as the first line of treatment, despite the important toxicity of this treatment schedule. The aim of the present study was to analyze the tolerance, feasibility and impact of the dose intensity of the PCV regimen on outcome for patients with OG.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with OG receiving PCV (CCNU=110 mg/m(2)) who were referred to our two Institutions.

Association of matrix metalloproteinase 2 plasma level with response and survival in patients treated with bevacizumab for recurrent high-grade glioma.

Background: A predictive marker of bevacizumab activity is an unmet medical need. We evaluated the predictive value of selected circulating prebiomarkers involved in neoangiogenesis and invasion on patient outcome in recurrent high-grade glioma treated with bevacizumab.

Methods: Analyzed in plasma were a set of 11 prebiomakers of interest (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGF]; VEGF receptor 2; basic fibroblast growth factor; stromal cell derived factor 1; placenta growth factor; urokinase-type plasminogen activator; plasminogen activator inhibitor 1; matrix metalloproteinases 2, 7, and 9; and adrenomedulline), using ELISA, at baseline and 2 weeks after bevacizumab initiation in a prospective cohort of 26 patients (Cohort 1).

GJB6, of which mutations underlie Clouston syndrome, is a potential direct target gene of p63.

Background: Clouston syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by hypotrichosis, nail dystrophy, and occasionally palmoplantar keratoderma. The disease is caused by mutations in GJB6 gene, which encodes a gap junction protein connexin 30 (Cx30).

Objective: To disclose the molecular basis of Clouston syndrome in a Lebanese-German family, and also to determine precise expression of Cx30 in normal skin of humans and mice, as well as transcriptional regulation for the GJB6 expression.

Temozolomide in elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and poor performance status: an ANOCEF phase II trial.

Purpose: The management of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in elderly patients with poor performance status is not well established. A trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of temozolomide alone in this population was undertaken.

Patients And Methods: Patients age 70 years or older with newly diagnosed GBM and postoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS) less than 70 were eligible for this nonrandomized phase II trial.

Takayasu disease presenting as malignant pyoderma gangrenosum in a child with relapsing polychondritis.

A 7-year-old Lebanese girl with recently diagnosed relapsing polychondritis had a 1-month history of several painful ulcerations involving her entire body. Skin biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. She was hospitalized and started on intravenous steroids with partial improvement.