Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA) or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor is a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1%. It was initially described in 1896 by Buschke and later in 1925 by Buschke and Loewenstein. Classic condyloma acuminata (CCA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were initially described as different entities. These three entities are currently considered to correspond to the same spectrum of different but not exclusive malignant transformations, associated with multiple risk factors such infection by human papilloma virus (HPV), immunodeficiencies, poor hygiene, multiple sexual partners, and chronic genital infections. HPV subtypes 6 and 11 are associated with 90% of GCA. It presents as a cauliflower-like tumor in the genital region with bad odor, bleeding, and local infection, differential diagnosis with multiple conditions should be considered, and sexually transmitted diseases should always be investigated. GCA has a higher rate of malignant transformation than CCA and tends to infiltrate adjacent soft tissues. The therapeutic approach is controversial but is considered that the resection with free edges is the gold standard and can be combined with adjuncts. The recurrence rate is high. Overall mortality is 21% and is associated with morbidity caused by recurrences. Imiquimod cream 5% has recently shown good results as monotherapy and in combination with ablative and surgical treatments. The quality of life is diminished in patients with this condition. In this review, we address the different aspects of this rare entity including the therapeutic approach.

Despite having a favorable response to platinum-based chemotherapies, ~15% of Testicular Germ-Cell Tumor (TGCT) patients are platinum-resistant. Mortality rates among Latin American countries have remained constant over time, which makes the study of this population of particular interest. To gain insight into this phenomenon, we conducted whole-exome sequencing, microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization, and copy number analysis of 32 tumors from a Mexican cohort, of which 18 were platinum-sensitive and 14 were platinum-resistant. We incorporated analyses of mutational burden, driver mutations, and SNV and CNV signatures. DNA breakpoints in genes were also investigated and might represent an interesting research opportunity. We observed that sensitivity to chemotherapy does not seem to be explained by any of the mutations detected. Instead, we uncovered CNVs, particularly amplifications on segment 2q11.1 as a novel variant with chemosensitivity biomarker potential. Our data shed light into understanding platinum resistance in a Latin-origin population.

Acral melanoma, which is not ultraviolet-associated, is the type of melanoma reported most commonly in several non-European-descent populations ^1–3 , including in Mexican people ⁴ . Latin American samples are substantially under-represented in global cancer genomics studies ⁵ , which directly affects patients in these regions as it is known that cancer risk and incidence may be influenced by ancestry and environmental exposures ^6–8 . To address this, we characterized the genome and transcriptome of 123 acral melanoma tumours from 92 Mexican patients—a population notable because of its genetic admixture ⁹ . Compared with other studies of melanoma, we found fewer mutations in classical driver genes such as BRAF , NRAS or NF1 . Although most patients had predominantly Amerindian genetic ancestry, those with higher European ancestry had increased frequency of BRAF mutations. The tumours with activating BRAF mutations had a transcriptional profile more similar to cutaneous non-volar melanocytes, indicating that acral melanomas in these patients may arise from a distinct cell of origin compared with other tumours arising in these locations. Transcriptional profiling defined three expression clusters; these characteristics were associated with recurrence-free and overall survival. Our study enhances knowledge of this understudied disease and underscores the importance of including samples from diverse ancestries in cancer genomics studies.

INTRODUCTION: The PAN-PROMISE symptom score is the first patient-reported outcome in acute pancreatitis (AP). It was developed and validated in a prospective cohort of patients to be used as an endpoint in research. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the score in a large randomized controlled trial and its association with well-established AP endpoints. METHODS: This is an ancillary study of the WATERFALL trial, where PAN-PROMISE was evaluated at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The study examined the association between PAN-PROMISE with established endpoints in AP: severity, pancreatic and/or peripancreatic fat necrosis (necrosis), infected necrosis, intensive care unit admission, persistent organ failure, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated and used to compare baseline PAN-PROMISE and baseline Bedside Index for Severity in AP (BISAP) for the prediction of these endpoints. RESULTS: In total, 248 patients from the WATERFALL trial were included. A statistically significant association was found between PAN-PROMISE and severity, necrosis, persistent organ failure, intensive care unit admission, and prolonged hospital stay at all checkpoints (P < 0.05). Higher scores were also significantly associated with infected pancreatic necrosis at 24, 48, and 72 hours and death at baseline and 24 hours. The PAN-PROMISE baseline score had slightly higher areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve than BISAP for severity and necrosis, but the results were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: In the context of a randomized controlled trial, the PAN-PROMISE score, a patient-centered measure, has been validated with established AP outcomes and as an endpoint for future clinical trials.