1 of 49

Oncology

Basic principles behind oncogenesis

Haematological and non-haematological malignancies

Oncological emergencies

John McFarlane (He/Him), Doctorials 2021/2022

2 of 49

Learning Objectives

  1. The nomenclature of oncology
  2. Revise the cell cycle and its relevance to the pathogenesis of cancer
  3. Organize and list known carcinogens
  4. Introduction to haematological malignancies
    • Leukemia and lymphoma
    • Hodgkin’s vs Non-Hodgkins
    • Myeloproliferative disorders
    • WM vs MM
  5. Introduction to non-haematological malignancies
    • Adenoma-carcinoma sequence
    • Polyposis syndromes
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Psammoma bodies
  6. Management of cancer: Chemotherapy
  7. Oncological emergencies: febrile neutropenia, spinal cord compression, tumor lysis syndrome

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

3 of 49

Definitions

  • Tumour: “Swelling”
    • Can be any tissue mass – solid, liquid-filled, benign, or malignant
  • Cancer: A malignant tumour
    • Has the potential to metastasize
    • Synonymous with neoplasia, where tissue growth occurs despite the absence of stimulus
  • Differentiation: The morphology of cells when compared to normal cells of the same tissue
    • Well differentiated cells will look like and function the same as normal cells of that tissue type
    • Poorly differentiated cells do not function like normal and appear abnormal under microscopy

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

4 of 49

Definitions

  • Features of anaplastic/poorly differentiated cells
    • Pleomorphic: A continual variety in size and shape
    • Hyperchromatic: Dark staining cells with a large nuclei
    • Loss of polarity: Loss of uniform orientation and new disorganized growth
    • Mitoses: Increased proliferation resulting in an abnormally large number of cells undergoing mitosis

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

5 of 49

Definitions

  • Types of tissue growth

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Hypertrophy

Hyperplasia

Metaplasia

Dysplasia

Anaplasia

Neoplasia

Definition

Increase in cell size without increase in cell number

Increase in cell number

Reversible replacement of one cell type with another

Altered cell maturation, orientation, and tissue architecture.

“To form backward”. A lack of cell differentiation. A hallmark of malignancy

“New growth”. Unregulated cell proliferation as a result of genetic changes

Example

Skeletal or cardiac muscle cells in response to increased workload

Physiologic: Liver cells after resection

Pathologic: Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Acid reflux – esophageal squamous epithelium to glandular columnar epithelium

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia – a premalignant lesion of the cervix with various grades of epithelial dysplasia.

Colorectal cancer displaying a progressive dedifferentiation of colon epithelial cells

Adenocarcinoma of the lung involves uncontrolled growth as a result of oncogene KRAS expression and loss of TSG p53

Mechanism

Increase in protein production in response to mechanical stress and growth factors

Growth factors stimulate cell proliferation from existing mature cells or stem cells

External stimuli triggering altered gene expression, leading to differentiation of stem cells

Dysregulation of cell maturation and growth as a result of altered gene expression or mutations

A lack of differentiation of the cancer stem cells

We will discuss

Cancer risk

-

+

++

+++

++++

Cancer formed

6 of 49

Definitions

  • Benign vs malignant:

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Benign

Malignant

Nomenclature

Ends in “-oma”

Ends in –carcinoma (cells of endodermal or ectodermal origin)

Ends in –sarcoma (cells of mesenchymal origin)

Growth Rate

Slow

Fast

Local Invasiveness

None. Grows as a cohesive mass covered in dense connective tissue

Yes. Destroys surrounding tissue and has no well-defined capsule

Metastasis

No

Yes. Except for CNS and cutaneous basal cell carcinomas

Differentiation

Well differentiated

Poorly differentiated - anaplastic

Examples

Adenoma

Osteoma

Squamous cell papilloma

Adenocarcinoma: a glandular epithelial cancer

Osteosarcoma: bone cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma: skin cancer

7 of 49

The Cell Cycle

  • A highly regulated series of steps to govern cell proliferation
  • G0 - Quiescence: A period of inactivity of dormancy
  • G1 – Early and late stage. The cell is sensitive to the influence of growth factors
  • S – Synthesis: DNA replication occurs
  • G2 – Growth of necessary internal cell structures
  • M – Mitosis: The equal splitting of one cell into two identical daughter cells

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

8 of 49

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

9 of 49

G1 Phase - Presynthetic

  • Early phase
    • Mitogen dependent
  • R point
    • Point of no return
    • Requires hyperphosphorylation of RB by Cyclin Dependent Kinase (CDK)6,4/Cyclin D
  • Late phase
    • Mitogen independent
    • CDK2/Cyclin E
  • G1/S checkpoint
    • Requires CDK2 and Cyclin A
    • Checks the integrity of the DNA before replication

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

10 of 49

RB Phosphorylation

  • Retinoblastoma gene
    • First tumor suppressor gene discovered
    • Gene product is a DNA-binding protein expressed in every cell type
    • Exists in a hypophosphorylated state, bound to E2F (family of transcription factors), preventing transcription of Cyclin E
    • Growth factor signaling leads to Cyclin D expression and the activation of CDK4,6/Cyclin D complexes
    • RB becomes hyperphosphorylated by these complexes
    • E2F is released
    • Gene transcription of Cyclin E is allowed to continue

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

11 of 49

CDK-Cyclin Complexes

  • Cyclins D, E, A, B
    • David Eats A Brownie
  • CDK 6, 4, 2, 1
    • 6-4 = 2
    • 2-1 = 1
  • CDK-Cyclin Complexes
    • Cyclin D/CDK6
    • Cyclin D/CDK4
    • Cyclin E/CDK2
    • Cyclin A/CDK2
    • Cyclin A/CDK1
    • Cyclin B/CDK1

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

12 of 49

TP-53

  • The “Guardian of the Genome”
  • Encodes p53 – a tumour suppressor gene
  • One of the most commonly mutated genes in human cancers
  • Prevents neoplasm by 3 processes:
    • 1. Activation of temporary cell cycle arrest (quiescence)
    • 2. Induction of permanent cell cycle arrest (senescence)
    • 3. Triggering of programmed cell death (apoptosis)
  • Senses internal stress
    • Anoxia, inappropriate oncoprotein activity (MYC or RAS), damage to DNA integrity.

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

13 of 49

TP-53 Continued

  • Normal function:
    • Short half life – 20 minutes
      • Targeted by MDM2
    • Internal cell stressors activate “sensors” like protein kinases to catalyze post-translational modifications in p53 to release it from MDM2 and increase its half-life and give it opportunity to transcribe target genes.
      • CDKI gene – CDKN1A AKA p21: Inhibits cyclin-CDK complexes and thus prevents the phosphorylation of RB, arresting the cell in the G1 phase
      • Gives the cell time to complete necessary repairs
    • Once damage is repaired, p53 upregulates transcription of MDM2, leading to its own destruction and allowing the cell cycle to continue
    • If damage cannot be repaired, the cell may enter senescence or undergo apoptosis

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

14 of 49

TP-53 Continued

  • Homozygous loss of function:
    • DNA damage goes unrepaired
    • Previous mutations become fixed in the genome and are passed to daughter cells
    • Increased risk of malignancy
      • More than 70% of human cancers have mutations in this gene
  • Li-Faumeni Syndrome:
    • Inheritance of a mutated TP-53 allele
    • Only one further mutation to the normal TP-53 allele required to create a homozygous lack of function
    • 25x more likely to develop a malignant tumour before age 50

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

15 of 49

Knudson Two-Hit Hypothesis

  • Initially investigated for retinoblastoma
    • A neoplasm of the retina
    • Two copies of the same gene need to be mutated (loss of function) for neoplasia to occur
    • Approximately 60% are sporadic mutations, and the rest are familial
    • Essentially there needs to be “two-hits” to the RB gene to create a retinoblastoma.
    • In familial acquired, one of the hits comes from an inherited mutated allele.
  • Common feature of many neoplasms – breast, lung, bladder cancers

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

16 of 49

17 of 49

Hallmarks Of Cancer

  • Six keys to success for a cancer cell
    • Create your own stimulus to grow
    • Don’t let anything slow you down
    • Continue to divide infinitely
    • Don’t let anything trigger cell death
    • Establish a strong source of nutrients
    • Invade into other areas and spread

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

18 of 49

Why Is Cancer So Hard To Beat?

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

19 of 49

Common Carcinogens - Chemicals

Robbins Pathology, 9th Edition

Found in smoked foods

Stomach carcinoma

Nitrosamines

Occupational exposure in plumbing

Associated with angiosarcoma of liver

Vinyl Chloride

Exposure can lead to lung carcinoma or mesothelioma

Insulation in walls

Asbestos

Overuse assoc w/ squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx , upper esophagus and HCC

EtOH

Carcinoma of oropharynx, esophagus, lung, kidney, bladder, pancreas

Most common carcinogen world wide

Cigarette smoke

Derived from Aspergillus

Associated with HCC

Aflatoxin

Carcinogen: An agent that damages DNA and increases the risk for cancer formation

20 of 49

Common Carcinogens – Viruses and Radiation

Robbins Pathology, 9th Edition

Kaposi sarcoma

HHV-8

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma

HTLV-1

Sq cell carcinoma of vulva, vagina, anus and cervix; adenocarcinoma of cervix

High risk HPV

Subtypes 16, 18, 31, 32

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma Chinese/African male

Burkitt lymphoma, CNS lymphoma in AIDS

EBV

Hepatocellular carcinoma

HBV and HCV

Pyrimidine dimer formation in DNA

Basal cell carcinoma, sq cell carcinoma, melanoma

Non ionizing (UVB sunlight)

Generation of hydroxyl free radicals

AML, CML, Papillary carcinoma of thyroid

Ionizing

(Nuclear reactor accidents, radiotherapy)

21 of 49

5 Minute Break!

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

22 of 49

Hematological Malignancies – Leukemia and MPD

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Hematopoeitic CD34+ stem cell

Myeloid stem cell

Erythroblast

RBC

PV

Myeloblast

AML

Granulocytes : neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils

CML

Monoblast

Ac. Monoblastic leuk

Monocytes

Megakaryoblasts

Ac. Megakaryoblastic leukemia

Megakaryocytes (platelet)

Myelofibrosis, ET

Lymphoid stem cell

B lymphoblast

B-ALL

Naïve B cells

CLL, Hairy cell leukemia

Plasma cell

MM, WM,

T lymphoblast

T-ALL

Naïve T cells

CD8 T cells CD4 T cells

MF, ATLL

Acute myeloid leukemia

Myeloproliferative disorders

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia

23 of 49

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – tDt+

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

B-ALL

T-ALL

Epidemiology

Children, associated with Down syndrome (after age 5)

B – Cell ALL – 80-85% of cases

T – Cell ALL – 15-20% of cases

Other key info

t(12;21): good prognosis (more common in children)

t(9;22): poor prognosis (more common in adults)

Present as Thymic masses in Teenagers (lymphoblastic lymphoma)

Cell markers

CD10, 19 and CD20

CD3, CD4, CD7

The most common childhood malignancy

How might a thymic mass present?

24 of 49

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

  • Accumulation of immature myeloid cells
  • Older adults

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Myeloblasts*

Monoblasts

Megakaryoblasts

Epidemiology

Older adults (average 50-60 years old)

Associated with Down syndrome (before age 5)

Characteristics

  • Presence of Auer rods (MPO)
  • t(15;17) 🡪 translocation of retinoic acid receptor to chromosome 17 🡪 disruption blocks maturation 🡪 accumulation of promyelocytes
  • Increased risk of DIC

Blasts infiltrate gums

Treatment

  • All trans retinoic acid (ATRA)

25 of 49

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

B cell origin

T cell origin

Type

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Hairy Cell leukemia

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)

Mycosis Fungoides

Findings

Naïve B cells

Mature B cells

Mature CD 4+

Cell markers/ histology/cause

CD5+ and CD20 +

Smudge cells

TRAP +, hairy cells

Caused by HTLV-1 (Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus – 1)

Cerebriform nuclei (Sezary cells)

Lymphadenopathy

Yes

No

Yes

Other unique features

Assoc. w/ complications:

Hypogammaglobulinemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Richter transformation

Splenomegaly

Dry tap on bone marrow aspiration

Common in Japanese and Caribbean,

Rash, hepatosplenomegaly, lytic bone lesions, hypercalcemia

Caused by HTLV

Skin involvement: rash, plaques, nodules), Pautrier abscesses

26 of 49

Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD)

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Polycythemia Vera

Essential Thrombocythemia

Myelofibrosis

Dominant cell type

Granulocytes

RBCs

Platelets

Megakaryocytes

Associated mutation

t(9;22)

JAK2 kinase mutation

Clinical features

Splenomegaly

++ basophils

(-) LAP

Hyperviscosity symptoms

++ risk of bleeding (lack of function) and/or thrombosis (gain of function)

Splenomegaly (extramedullary hematopoeisis)

Leukoerythroblastic smear

++ risk of infection

Tx

imatinib

1st line: phlebotomy

2nd line: hydroxyurea

Complications

Transformation into AML (2/3) or ALL (1/3)

No treatment 🡪 death in 1 yr

27 of 49

Lymphoma: Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin

  • Neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells that forms a mass in a lymph node or extranodal tissue

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Lymphoma

Hodgkin (40%)

Nodular sclerosis

Lymphocyte rich

Mixed cellularity

Lymphocyte sclerosis

Non Hodgkin (60%)

Follicular

Mantle cell

Marginal Zone

Burkitt Lymphoma

Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma

B Symptoms

Localized, single group of nodes with contiguous spread

Better prognosis

Reed Sternberg Cells

Bimodal : young adulthood and >55YO

M>F except nodular sclerosing

B Symptoms

Multiple lymph nodes, extranodal involvement common, non contiguous spread

Worse prognosis

Majority involve B cells

May be associated with autoimmune disease and viral infections (HIV, EBV, HTLV), late adulthood

28 of 49

Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • Reed-Sternberg cells “Owl eye” cells
  • CD15 + and CD30+ that are B-cell origin
  • 2 Owl eyes x 15 = 30

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Subtype

Notes

Nodular sclerosis

Most common (70%)

Lymph node divided by bands of fibrosis, RS cells in lacunar spaces,

Young female, enlarging cervical or mediastinal lymph node

Lymphocyte rich

Best prognosis

Mixed cellularity

Eosinophilia (RS cells produce IL-5), seen in immunocompromised pt

Lymphocyte depleted

Seen in immunocompromised (HIV, elderly), most aggressive, worst prognosis

29 of 49

Non Hodgkin Lymphoma: Small B cell (CD20+)

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Marginal zone

Mantle zone

Follicle

Follicular

Mantle cell

Marginal Zone

Epidemiology

Late adulthood

Late adulthood, M>>F

Chronic inflammatory states

Etiology

t(14;18)

Heavy chain Ig and BCL-2

t(11;14)

Cyclin D1 and heavy chain Ig

t(11;18)

Location within follicle/ markers

Found in germinal center which is lacking tingible body macrophages

Expand in mantle zone

CD5+

Expands in marginal zone

Presentation

Painless lymphadenopathy

Painless lymphadenopathy

Complications

Progression to large B cell lymphoma

30 of 49

NHL: Intermediate and Large B cell (CD 20+)

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Burkitt Lymphoma

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Cell type & growth

Intermediate sized B cells

Large B cells growing in sheets

Presentation

Extranodal mass in child or young adult

  • African: jaw
  • Sporadic: abdomen

Most common NHL

Late adulthood, enlarging lymph node or extranodal mass

Associations

EBV

Translocation of c-myc: t(8;14) 🡪 overexpression 🡪 +++cell growth

May transform from follicular lymphoma

Histology

“Starry sky”, sheets of lymphocytes, tingible body macrophages, high mitotic index

31 of 49

Plasma Cell Disorders: Monoclonal Plasma Cells

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Multiple myeloma

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Overproduce

IgG (55%), IgA (25%) or Light chains

IgM

SPEP

M spike in gamma region

M spike in gamma region

Presentation

CRABBI

Calcium +++

Renal insufficiency (Bence Jones proteinuria), Rouleaux

Anemia, amyloidosis

Bone lytic lesions (esp. vertebrae and skull)

Bone pain

Infection

Generalized lymphadenopathy

No lytic bone lesions

Hyperviscosity

  • Visual and neurologic deficits
  • defective platelet aggregation 🡪 bleeding

Why is there an increased risk of infection if there are more antibodies around?

32 of 49

What’s The Neoplasm?

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Auer Rods

33 of 49

What’s The Neoplasm?

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Reed-Sternberg Cells

34 of 49

What’s The Neoplasm?

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Smudge Cells

35 of 49

36 of 49

Non-Haematological Malignancies: Colon Cancer

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Signs and Symptoms

    • Iron def Anemia
    • Hematochezia
    • Colicky pain
    • Fecal Occult Blood (FOB)
    • Weight loss

Screen

    • Low risk: at age 50, begin colonoscopy
    • Alternatives: FOBT, FIT, FIT-fecal DNA, CT colonography
    • 1st deg relative with CRC : colonoscopy at 40 y/o or 10 years prior to age of presentation in relative
    • Pts with IBD

Imaging and tumor markers

    • Apple core lesion on barium enema X ray
    • CEA: only for monitoring, not for screening

Risk factors

    • Adenomatous and serrated polyps
    • Familial cancer syndrome
    • IBD
    • Tobacco use
    • Processed meats with low fiber

37 of 49

Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence

  • Stepwise mutations leading to cancer of the colon
  • Three potential pathways:
    • Chromosomal instability via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence
      • Seen in FAP and sporadic types
    • Microsatellite instability pathway
      • Seen in lynch syndrome and some sporadic types
    • Overexpression of COX-2

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Loss of APC

KRAS Mutation

P53 Mutation

38 of 49

Polyposis Syndromes

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

First Aid 2021

Familial adenomatous polyposis

Autosomal dominant mutation of APC

Thousands of polyps arising after puberty

Pancolonic. Always involving the rectum

Prophylactic colectomy or 100% rate of CRC

Puetz-Jeghers Syndrome

Autosomal dominant

Numerous hamartomas throughout GI tract

Hyperpigmented macules on mouth, lips, hands, genitalia

Increased risk of breast and GI cancers

Gardner Syndrome

FAP + osseous and soft tissue tumours

Congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium

Impacted/supernumary teeth

39 of 49

Polyposis Syndromes Continued

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

First Aid 2021

Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome

Autosomal dominant syndrome in children typically <5

Numerous hamartomatous polyps in the colon, stomach, small bowel

Increased risk of CRC

Lynch Syndrome

Autosomal dominant mutation of mismatch repair genes with microsatillite instability

~80% progress to CRC

Proximal colon is always involved. Associated with endometrial, ovarian, and skin cancers

Turcot syndrome

FAP or Lynch Syndrome + malignant CNS tumour

40 of 49

Cervical Carcinoma

  • Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)
    • Often associated with persistent HPV infection
      • Human Papilloma Virus
        • Sexually transmitted DNA virus that infects the lower genital tract, especially the cervix at the transformation zone
        • 90% of time cleared away by immune system, but persistent infections increase risk for neoplasia
        • High risk HPV – 16, 18, 31, 33
        • Low risk HPV – 6, 11
    • Characterized by koilocytic change, nuclear atypia, and increased mitotic activity
    • Typically seen in a middle-aged woman (40-50 y/o) with vaginal bleeding

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Pathoma

Koilocytes

  • Larger, darker nuclei
  • Irregular nuclear membrane – raisinoid
  • Perinuclear halo

41 of 49

Cervical Carcinoma Continued

  • CIN progresses stepwise
    • CIN I -> II -> III -> CIS (carcinoma in situ) -> invasive carcinoma/cervical carcinoma
    • Possibility to regress
  • Key risk factors:
    • HPV infections HPV-16, 18, 31, 33
    • Smoking
    • Immunodeficiency
  • Subtypes
    • Squamous cell (80%) and adenocarcinoma (20%)
  • Common cause of death
    • Post renal failure. Invades into the bladder -> obstructs ureters -> hydronephrosis
  • Screening to detect CIN before CIS
    • Pap smears starting at age 21
    • Abnormal pap smears -> colposcopy and biopsy

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

42 of 49

Psammoma bodies

  • Laminated, concentric spherules with dystrophic calcification
  • Associated with malignant cancer
  • Function: halt growth of cancer, serve as barrier against spread of malignant cancer cells
    • Thickening of bottom most layer of cells (basal lamina)
    • Followed by thrombosis, calcification and tumor necrosis
    • Mechanism unclear
  • Associated cancers : PSaMMOMa

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

    • Papillary carcinoma of thyroid
    • Somatostatinoma
    • Meningioma
    • Malignant mesothelioma
    • Ovarian serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma
    • Prolactinoma (Milk)

43 of 49

Chemotherapy

  • Target specific steps within the cell cycle and halt its progression

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

First Aid 2021

Nucleotide synthesis

Decrease Thymidine synthesis

MTX, 5-FU

Decrease de-novo purine synthesis

6-MP

Inhibit ribonucleotide reductase

Hydroxyurea

Disrupt DNA stability

Cross link DNA

Alkylating agents , Platinum agents

DNA breakage

Bleomycin

DNA intercalation

Dactinomycin, doxorubicin

Inhibit topoisomerase I

Irinotecan/topotecan

Inhibit topoisomerase II

Etoposide/teniposide

Cellular division

Vinca alkaloids

Inhibit microtubule formation

Paclitaxel

Inhibit microtubule disassembly

44 of 49

Chemotherapy: Monoclonal Antibodies

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

First Aid 2020

CD20

Rituximab

Tyrosine kinase (bcr-abl and c-kit)

Imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib

Proteosome (induce arrest at G2-M)

Bortezomib, carfilzomib

VEGF

Bevacizumab

EGFR tyrosine kinase

Erlotinib

EGFR

Cetuximab, panitumumab

Her-2

Trastuzumab

Estrogen receptor

Tamoxifen, raloxifen

BRAF

Dabrafenib, vemurafenib

45 of 49

Oncological Emergencies

Presentation: Middle aged, male pt

  • Flank pain, reduced urine output, dysuria, shortness of breath
  • Recently started chemotherapy for Non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Labs: hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, increased creatinine
  • ECG: peaked T waves

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

TLS: triggered by massive tumor cell lysis

most often in lymphomas/leukemias

Release of K+ 🡪 muscle weakeness, arrhythmias

Release of PO43- 🡪 hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia 🡪 seizure, tetany, arrhythmias

Increased nucleic acid breakdown 🡪 hyperuricemia 🡪 acute kidney injury

Dx: Tumor lysis syndrome

Tx and Mx:

- Aggressive hydration, allopurinol, rasburicase

46 of 49

Oncological Emergencies

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Presentation: Middle aged F

  • Rigors, cough and yellow sputum and increased SOBOE
  • Currently on cycle 3 of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
  • Hx : mild COPD, salbutamol inhaler PRN
  • O/e: fever (38.8), tachycardia, hypotension, low Ox sat on RA,
  • Labs: low Hb, low WBC, low neutrophils, low platelets, raised CRP, negative urine dip

Dx: Febrile Neutropenia

Dx : oral temperature >38 over 1 hr or any single episode of T >38.2 and absolute neutrophil count <1500 cells/uL

Experienced by up to 80% of pt undergoing chemo

Tx and Mx:

- Early IV broad spec Antibiotic therapy, do not wait for culture

47 of 49

Oncological Emergencies

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

Presentation: Middle aged, male pt

  • No known illness, 6 weeks of increasing lumbar back pain. Pain is increasingly unmanageable, worse when supine or coughing
  • Associated with discomfort in left leg, feels funny when wiping after going to bathroom
  • Quit smoking 20 years ago
  • Ex: bilateral leg weakness, decreased pinprick sensation, bilateral stocking distribution, plantar is upgoing bilaterally, hyperreflexic

Dx: Spinal cord compression

  • Local and neuropathic pain typically preceding motor weakness
  • Saddle paresthesia
  • Caused by mechanical compression or infiltration
  • Mets from lung, prostate, breast; myeloma, lymphoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma and sarcoma

  • Tx: dexamethasone (taper off)
  • Mx: urgent MRI, consult radiation oncology on same day as dx, consult neurosurgery

48 of 49

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022

You Did It!

49 of 49

References

  • Pathoma
  • Robbins Pathology 9th edition
  • http://www.pathophys.org/introneoplasia/
  • Jackie Yang’s Doctorials 2020/2021 Presentation used with permission

J. McFarlane, Doctorials 2021/2022