Osteoblastic Flare in Advanced Gastric Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Amoroso Vito, Pittiani Frida, Grisanti Salvatore, Valcamonico Francesca, Simoncini Edda, Ferrari Vittorio D, Marini Giovanni
Primary Institution: Beretta Foundation, Azienda Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
Hypothesis
Can the appearance of osteoblastic lesions complicate the assessment of treatment response in advanced gastric cancer using RECIST criteria?
Conclusion
The appearance of osteoblastic lesions after treatment can complicate the definition of the best overall response using RECIST criteria.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient showed a partial response in target lesions and a complete response in non-target lesions after treatment.
- New osteoblastic lesions appeared despite the overall positive response to treatment.
- The patient's CA 19.9 level decreased significantly during treatment.
Takeaway
Sometimes, after cancer treatment, new bone growth can happen even if the cancer seems to be getting better, which can confuse doctors about how well the treatment is working.
Methodology
The patient was treated with pemetrexed and oxaliplatin, and tumor responses were evaluated using CT scans and RECIST criteria.
Limitations
The RECIST criteria do not account for osteoblastic changes, which can lead to misinterpretation of treatment response.
Participant Demographics
A 43-year-old man with advanced gastric cancer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website