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The background to this study was that factors associated with carcinoid heart disease (CHD) and its impacts on overall survival (OS) are scantly investigated in patients (pts) with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In terms of materials and methods, a retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted of factors associated with CHD in advanced NET pts with carcinoid syndrome (CS) and/or elevated urinary 5-hidroxyindole acetic acid (u5HIAA). CHD was defined as at least moderate right valve alterations. The results were the following: Among the 139 subjects included, the majority had a midgut NET (54.2%), 81.3% had CS, and 93% received somatostatin analogues. In a median follow-up of 39 months, 48 (34.5%) pts developed CHD, with a higher frequency in pts treated in public (77.2%) versus private settings (22.9%). In a multivariate logistic regression, unknown primary or colorectal NETs (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.35; p = 0.002), at least 50% liver involvement (OR 3.45; p = 0.005), and being treated in public settings (OR 4.76; p = 0.001) were associated with CHD. In a Cox multivariate regression, bone metastases (Hazard Ratio {HR} 2.8; p = 0.031), CHD (HR 2.63; p = 0.038), and a resection of the primary tumor (HR 0.33; p = 0.026) influenced the risk of death. The conclusions were the following: The incidence of CHD was higher in pts with a high hepatic tumor burden and in those treated in a public system. Delayed diagnosis and limited access to effective therapies negatively affected the lives of NET patients.

The study found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in hospitalized cancer patients under active treatment. Many authors have recommended dosing vitamin D levels in this population; normalizing serum levels is difficult.

Burnout (BO) syndrome is a condition that results in physical and mental distress. The current COVID-19 pandemic is strongly affecting the mental health of the general population. We aimed to assess the incidence of BO among medical oncologists and determine factors associated with burnout levels during the current pandemic.Methods: A digital survey was created for this study. The Spanish-validated version of Maslach BO Inventory was incorporated to define BO. Social and demographic information was analysed to remove duplicated answers.Results: A total of 188 Argentinian medical oncologists from 16 cities participated in the survey. The median age of the participants was 43 years (IQR 38-50) and a similar distribution between male and female was observed. At the time of the survey, Argentina was in the third month of strict lockdown. Most of the participants practiced in both public and private practice facilities (55.3%) and the majority reported more than 10 years of experience (53.2%). Twenty-five percent (43) of subjects reported high levels of DP, 39.9% (75) reported high levels of EE and 53.7% (101) reported low levels of PA. BO Maslach criteria were fulfilled by 14.9% (28). We compared this result with other burnout assessment tools. Using the Gil-Monte and Neira tool, BO-associated domains were altered in 77.1%, 42% and 42% for EE, DP, and PA domains, respectively. Concomitantly, under Neira assessment a domain impairment was appreciated in 77.1%, 76% and 54% respectively. BO criteria were met by 30.3% (57) according to Gil-Monte and 47.9% (90) to Neira. Conclusion:BO is a multifaceted issue with a negative impact on physicians, patients, and institutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BO criteria was met in a considerable proportion of survey respondents using MBI, and Peiro and Neiro tools and younger age, use of antidepressants and psychological medications and income reduction arose as statistically significant factors after multivariate analysis.

Malignant melanoma represents the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Modern therapies, including targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have changed the dismal prognosis that characterized this disease. However, most evidence was obtained by studying patients with frequent subtypes of cutaneous melanoma (CM). Consequently, there is an emerging need to understand the molecular basis and treatment approaches for unusual melanoma subtypes. Even a standardized definition of infrequent or rare melanoma is not clearly established. For that reason, we reviewed this challenging topic considering clinical and molecular perspectives, including uncommon CMs—not associated with classical V600E/K BRAF mutations—malignant mucosal and uveal melanomas, and some unusual independent entities, such as amelanotic, desmoplastic, or spitzoid melanomas. Finally, we collected information regarding melanomas from non-traditional primary sites, which emerge from locations as unique as meninges, dermis, lymph nodes, the esophagus, and breasts. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the main scientific evidence regarding rare melanomas, with a particular focus on treatment perspectives.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The incidence of infections is poorly studied in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) treated with everolimus outside of clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of and risk factors for opportunistic infections (Opl) or any serious infection in eligible patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a retrospective multicenter study of a Latin American cohort of consecutive patients with advanced NET treated with everolimus. Duration of everolimus, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity score, type of prior treatment, institution, and concurrent immunosuppressive conditions were tested for possible associations with serious (grade 3–5) infections in univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred eleven patients from 5 centers were included. The median duration of everolimus was 8.9 months. After a median follow-up of 32.9 months, 34 patients (30.6%; 95% CI 22.2–40.1) experienced infections of any grade, with 24 (21.6%; 95% CI 14.8–30.4) having a serious infection and 7 (6.3%; 95% CI 2.6–12.6) having at least 1 OpI (<i>Candida</i> sp., <i>Toxoplasma gondi</i>, <i>Pneumocystis</i> sp., <i>Herpes</i> sp., and <i>Cryptococcus</i> sp.). Four patients (3.6%) died from infections, but only 2 deaths (1.8%) were deemed to be related to everolimus. The multivariable analysis identified everolimus duration (every 6-month increase; OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.02–1.60; <i>p</i> = 0.03) as an independent risk factor for serious infection. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Infections are more frequent in NET patients using everolimus than previously reported in clinical trials. Patients on everolimus should be closely monitored for infections, especially those receiving it for several months.

Effective networking and mentoring are critical determinants of professional satisfaction and success in oncology. There are multiple benefits associated with established mentoring programs. However, these are scarce in Latin America (LATAM). The AAZPIRE project meeting was held to encourage the discussion of mentorship strategies in our region, to create new learning frameworks, and improve cancer care. A group of 30 young oncologists and investigators, together with seven members of LACOG and CLICaP experts of 8 LATAM countries, were reunited to share views and define opportunities, barriers, and possible solutions to implement mentorship programs in LATAM. For each of the mentioned topics, key points were obtained by consensus, and a literature review was conducted to support group conclusions. This article analyses mentoring in LATAM countries and its role on promoting leadership. It will address conceptual frameworks, limitations, and opportunities from the perspectives of both mentor and mentee. The creation of regional and international group stimulation programs and joint projects that impact health policies are attractive, starting points to implement mentorship scenarios.

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