Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 107 111 Marziyeh Vahid Dastgerdi Associated Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Soraya Ahmari Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sadaf Alipour Associated Professor, Surgery Department, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afsaneh Tehranian Associated Professor, Department of Gynecology, Arash Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2015 10 14 Background: Thromboembolism is the most important complication of cancers.The aim of this study was to determine D-dimer levels in benign and malignant tumors of the uterus, ovary and cervix. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross sectional study and it was conducted on 90 female patients referred to Imam Khomeini and Arash Hospitals because of uterine, cervical and ovarian tumors in 2013-2014. After surgical resection or tissue biopsy, 2 cc of each patient’s blood was taken to be sent to laboratory of hospitals. “Nycocard” kit was chosen to measure D-dimer levels in Mg/Lit by neflumetry method. Data were analyzed in SPSS-16 by T-test and One-Way ANOVA test. Results: The highest mean of D-dimer was 3.9 (± 2.9SD) in malignant cervical tumors. The mean plasma levels of D-dimer in malignant uterine cancers (P = 0.008), ovarian cancers (P = 0.007) and cervical cancers (P = 0.006) was significantly higher than benign tumors. In all three types of uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers, D-dimer was significantly higher in advanced stages than lower stages. Conclusion: The plasma D-dimer levels in patients with malignant tumors of the uterus, cervix and ovary were higher than benign types. By increasing the stage of gynecologic malignant tumors, the levels of plasma D-dimer were increased. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/386 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/386/411

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 112 121 Shabnam Shokouhi Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. AND Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Sarah Bray Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. AND Department of Hematology/Oncology, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, South Australia, Australia. Salar Bakhtiyari Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Kourosh Sayehmiri Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran. Kamran Alimoghadam Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a curative treatment option for many patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML); however, it can lead to complications of Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) which can affect the quality of life and overall survival. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of both acute and chronic GVHD on survival rate in patients with AML who received HSCT. Subjects and Methods: In a longitudinal study, 587 patients with AML who underwent bone marrow transplantation in Tehran-Iran between1991 and 2011 were recruited. All patient records were analyzed for the occurrence of adverse events including acute and chronic GVHD and leukemia relapse. Data were analyzed using Log-rank, Kaplan-Meier, Univariate and Multivariate Cox Regression models. Results: The five-year overall survival (OS) was found to be 71.9% (95% CI: 67.40-76.41). Also there was a significant relationship between cGVHD and OS (P=0.001, HR = 0.476, 95%). Hazard of death in these patients was less than those who did not experience an occurrence of cGVHD and aGVHD (HR= 0.629, P= 0.078). A significant relationship between cGVHD and relapse was observed (P< 0.001) indicating that patients who developed cGVHD experienced a better survival rate. A significant relationship was also found between overall survival and aGVHD grade (P< 0.001). Hazard of death (HD) for cGVHD and relapse variables were estimated to be 0.554 and 3.869. Discussion: This study is one of the largest studies (regarding the number of participants) done to date in the Middle East with quite a long duration (20 years). cGVHD appears to have a positive influence on survival rate in patients with AML who received HSCT. It is recommended that further studies investigate the underlying reason or mechanisms behind this. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/385 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/385/412

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 122 127 Rashmi Koul Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Center, 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, Canada S4T7T1. Richard Tse Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK, Canada. Erwin Karreman University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. Arbind Dubey Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Center, 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, Canada S4T7T1. Patricia Tai Radiation Oncologist, Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Center, 4101 Dewdney Ave, Regina, SK, Canada S4T7T1. 2015 10 14 Background: The impact of treatment on cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL) has been the focus of a variety of longitudinal studies in English literature for past decade. The measurement of patient-reported outcomes which includes health-related quality of life is a new important initiative which has emerged and grown over the past three decades. Following the development of reliable and valid self-reported questionnaires, health-related quality of life has been assessed in tens of thousands of patients and a wide variety of cancers. With growing information, feedback and experience, the quality of the health-related QOL studies has improved a lot. We expect in near future more methodologically robust studies will be done in a scientific way to answer unanswered questions. Methods: As part of a Dean's summer project, a survey was undertaken to facilitate a more complete description of the quality of life experience in patients with histological diagnosis of cancer undergoing external beam radiation as an outpatient at Allan Blair Cancer Center, Regina, Canada. The questionnaires had two major components: depression and global QOL. The depression was measured by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale which is a short self-administered survey to quantify the depression status of a patient. Results: Overall, only the equation associated with the outcome of QoL - Physical well-being was significant. That data indicated that only the variable of age was a significant predictor. A positive relationship was present indicating higher levels of depression when patients received chemotherapy or narcotics. Breast cancer patients were less depressed than lung cancer patients. Conclusion: Cancer and its related treatment is an important health issue influencing QoL. The study has revealed that the use of chemotherapy and narcotics has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL). https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/384 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/384/413

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 128 132 Soheila Zareifar Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Seyed Mohsen Dehghani Gasteroenterology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Najmeh Rahanjam Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Mohammad Reza Farahmand Far Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Among the many complications reported for cirrhosis, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has attracted much attention. This type of anemia, in contrast to other types of anemia, is easy to treat prophylactically, but if left untreated can lead to a poor quality of life. The aim of this study was to estimate the hemoglobin and serum iron levels among patients with liver cirrhosis for the early diagnosis of IDA and to avoid unnecessary testing and iron supplementation. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 88 children diagnosed with cirrhosis were included, and the values of hemoglobin, serum iron levels and relationship between serum iron (SI), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), prothrombine time (PT), international normalization ratio (INR), total and direct bilirubin and hepatic enzymes were estimated using paired t test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Forty-six (52.3%) of 88 children were girls and 42 (47.7%) were boys. Forty-eight (54.5%) patients had anemia and 8 (9%) had iron deficiency anemia (5 boys, 5.6%, and 3 girls, 3.4%). No relationships were observed between iron deficiency anemia and the patient’s age or gender, whereas there was a relationship between iron deficiency and severity and duration of the disease, although the correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The high frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with cirrhosis (9%) suggests that timely screening should be used for early diagnosis and treatment. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/383 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/383/414

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 133 137 Mehrdad Payandeh Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Masoud Sadeghi Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. AND Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Edris Sadeghi Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. AND Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a chronic B-cell lymphoid leukemia characterized by pancytopenia, splenomegaly, myelofibrosis and the presence in peripheral blood, bone marrow and spleen of atypical lymphoid cells with a hairy aspect. The study aims to evaluate a group of patients with hairy cell leukemia, hospitalized in the Clinic of Hematology and Oncology, Kermanshah, Iran, on a period of 15 years and affect of between cladribine therapy and IFN therapy on the patients with HCL. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 11 patients in the Clinic of Hematology and Oncology, Kermanshah, Iran, between 2004 and 2013. Clinical features at diagnosis, differential count (platelet, Hb and WBC) types of therapy, survival rate and BRAF mutation have been monitored. As a result, cladribine therapy is the best treatment option for patients. Results: The mean age of patients was 50 years with 100% of men. Approximately 45% of them had splenomegaly at diagnosis. 100% of patients had pancytopenia at diagnosis.9% of patients had mutation of BRAF V600E. Before of treatment, there were fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, fever, night sweat and itching in all of the patients. Conclusion: There is presence of hairy cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow and was associated with pancytopenia, splenomegaly, myelofibrosis in HCL patients. Also, cladribine therapy is best option for treatment of patients and it is better than IFN. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/382 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/382/416

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 138 142 Ebrahim Miri-Moghaddam Genetics of Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan-Iran. AND Department of Genetics, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan-Iran. Abass Nikravesh Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd-Iran. AND Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran. Negin Gasemzadeh Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Zabol University, Zabol-Iran. Mahin Badaksh Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol-Iran. Nahid Rakhshi Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Bojnourd branch, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran. 2015 10 14 Background: Alpha thalassemia (α-thal) is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the spectrum of α-thal mutations among premarital Baluch couples in southeastern Iran. Subjects and Methods: We assessed 1215 individuals by multiplex gap polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR). Results: Of the 1215 participants with mean age of 23±5.7 years, 62.3% lived in urban areas, and the rate of consanguineous marriage was 68.1%. Five mutations were identified, the most frequent one was –α3.7 (rightward) with a frequency of 76.5%, followed by α−5 nt (16.8%), α2/ Codon 19(-G) (4%), –α4.2 (leftward)(2.4%), – –MED (0.3%) among mutated alleles of the α -globin gene. Conclusion: Knowing the alpha-genotype is helpful for genetic counseling, microcytic anemia discrimination and hemoglobinopathy prevention. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/381 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/381/417

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 9 3 2015 09 15 143 154 Gholamreza Azizi Imam Hassan Mojtaba Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. AND Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohsen Rastegar Pouyani Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shadi Sadat Navabi Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Scienciliation locale="en_US">Department of CT and MRI, University Hospital “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia, Bulgaria Sevdalin Nachev Laboratory of Neuropathology, University Hospital “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia, Bulgaria Margarita Genova Laboratory of Hematopathology and Immunology, National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Hematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria Dobroslav Kyurkchiev Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital “St. Ivan Rilski”, Department of Clinical Laboratory and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria 2016 07 23 2016 10 15 The case report presented here describes the culturing and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from a primary indolent B-cell lymphoma, located in the CNS of an immunocompetent patient. The presence of such cells in the tumor mass can further elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease and reveal possible future approaches for its treatment.  We present a case report of a 61-year-old immunocompetent woman who had an episode of confusion with numbness in the right leg and the right arm, slurred and dysarthric speech and urine incontinence. The peripheral blood tests were normal. The neurological examination demonstrated a latent hemi-paresis of the right side, aphasia, discrete hypertension and bradypsychia. The ophthalmologic examination revealed left quadranopsia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a 3.5 × 2.9 cm infiltrative neoplastic lesion involving the left temporal parenchyma. The morphological features and the immunophenotyping of the lymphoid cell composition were consistent with low-grade (indolent) B-lymphocyte non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of CNS. Cells, isolated from the resected tumor mass, were cultured in vitro in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and characterized by their morphology, growth, phenotype, clonogenicity and osteogenic differentiation. It was apparent that the cultured cells isolated from the indolent B- cell lymphoma located in the CNS have the basic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. The presence of MSCs is described for the very first time in such type of tumor. The well-known immunosuppressive properties of the MSCs may represent another mechanism favouring the tumor growth.  https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/654 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/654/636

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 12 3 2018 07 04 196 202 EN Mohit Saxena Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India Irappa Madabhavi Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Kerudi Cancer Hospital, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India Apurva Patel Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India Harsha Panchal Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India Asha Anand Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India 2016 10 11 2016 12 06 Background: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma is chemoresistant and radioresistant disease with poor survival historically, but outcome has improved in past decade after introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib and sorafenib. Sorafenib has not been tested in Indian patients with metastatic RCC till now. Material and Methods: This is a single arm, prospective, observational study done in unselected population of 60 patients with metastatic RCC treated with sorafenib as first- line therapy to assess efficacy and safety. Results: Twenty three out of 60 patients (38.33%) continued sorafenib by the end of the study. Overall response rates (ORR), stable disease (SD) and disease control rates (DCR) were 35%, 43.33% and 78.33%, respectively. Median progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6 and 8 months, respectively and associated with histopathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) risk groups, Heng risk groups and performance status. Best tolerated dose was 400 mg per day which was half of standard dose. Fatigue, diarrhea, rashes and hand foot syndrome were common side effects while hypertension was rare.  Conclusion: Sorafenib, as first-line therapy, is an effective and safe treatment in Indian patients with metastatic RCC with poor tolerance to dose more than 400 mg per day. Side effects are mostly manageable. https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/view/684 https://ijhoscr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijhoscr/article/download/684/641

Tehran University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research 2008-2207 12 3 2018 07 04 174 179 EN Theocharis Koufakis Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Diabetes Center, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece Vasiliki Antonopoulou Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Diabetes Center, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece Maria Grammatiki Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Diabetes Center, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece Spyridon Karras Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Diabetes Center, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece