Abstract Background Few studies have reported reliable prognostic factors for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, we investigated prognostic factors in patients treated with ICIs for unresectable or metastatic RCC. Methods We included 43 patients who received ICI treatment for RCC between January 2018 and October 2021. Blood samples were drawn before treatment, and 73 soluble factors in the plasma were analyzed using a bead-based multiplex assay. We examined factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and immune-related adverse events (irAE) using the Chi-squared test, Kaplan–Meier method, and the COX proportional hazards model. Results Patients exhibited a median PFS and OS of 212 and 783 days, respectively. Significant differences in both PFS and OS were observed for MMP1 (PFS, p < 0.001; OS, p = 0.003), IL-1β (PFS, p = 0.021; OS, p = 0.008), sTNFR-1 (PFS, p = 0.017; OS, p = 0.005), and IL-6 (PFS, p = 0.004; OS, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in PFS for MMP1 (hazard ratio [HR] 5.305, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.648–17.082; p = 0.005) and OS for IL-6 (HR 23.876, 95% CI, 3.426–166.386; p = 0.001). Moreover, 26 patients experienced irAE, leading to ICI discontinuation or withdrawal. MMP1 was significantly associated with irAE (p = 0.039). Conclusion MMP1 may be associated with severe irAE, and MMP1, IL-1β, sTNFR-1, and IL-6 could serve as prognostic factors in unresectable or metastatic RCC treated with ICIs. MMP1 and IL-6 were independent predictors of PFS and OS, respectively. Thus, inhibiting these soluble factors may be promising for enhancing antitumor responses in patients with RCC treated with ICIs.
A 35-year-old man was diagnosed with stage IIIC non-seminoma with paralysis of the lower half of his body due to 8th thoracic spine metastasis. The patient received bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) therapy. On day 4 of the second course of BEP, the patient developed a fever and was diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 was suspected to worsen because of cancer and chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. However, the benefits of continuing BEP therapy outweighed these risks. After obtaining fully informed consent, BEP therapy was continued from day 5, while sotrovimab (anti-COVID-19 drug) was administered. The second course of BEP was completed without worsening severe COVID-19 or bleomycin-induced lung injury. The patient completed four courses of BEP, with normalization of tumor markers, partial response on imaging, and improvement in lower body paralysis. In this case, we successfully treated a patient with testicular germ cell tumor with chemotherapy while having COVID-19 without treatment delay. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concomitant chemotherapy and COVID-19 treatment are warranted because delaying treatment will decrease the efficacy of highly curative diseases such as germ cell tumors.
Doege-Potter syndrome, characterized by solitary fibrous tumors and non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia, is rare. Here, we report a case of Doege-Potter syndrome in which retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed with continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring.
Abstract Background: Doege-Potter syndrome presents as solitary fibrous tumors and non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). Here, we report a case of Doege-Potter syndrome in which retroperitoneal tumor resection was performed with continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring. Case Presentation: The patient was a 37-year-old healthy man with no relevant medical history. They were brought to the emergency room because of defecation difficulties and incontinence caused by hypoglycemia, and a tumor measuring 10 × 12 × 9 cm was found in the right kidney. High-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) was detected in the blood, indicating an IGF-II-producing tumor with NICTH. The patient underwent tumor resection, and the pathological results indicated a solitary fibrous tumor of retroperitoneal origin. Thus, retroperitoneal primary Doege-Potter syndrome was diagnosed. Continuous blood glucose monitoring was performed intraoperatively, and no hypoglycemic attacks occurred; insulin secretory abnormalities improved immediately after surgery. Previous studies suggest that IGF-II is metabolized in a few hours. Therefore, serum IGF-II levels were analyzed one week and one month postoperatively; the levels were within the normal range at both time points. Two years have passed since the surgery without recurrence. Conclusions: Doege-Potter syndrome of retroperitoneal primary origin is rare. Furthermore, continuous intraoperative blood glucose monitoring was performed during surgery; thus, we report blood glucose level trends for the first time. This case highlights that this type of surgery can be performed safely without special blood glucose adjustments and that insulin secretion resumes soon after surgery.
