Only limited data are available concerning the long-term outcomes of imatinib treatment among Vietnamese or Asian patients with unresectable or recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Our study, which was conducted in 188 patients, aimed to assess the efficacy of imatinib mesylate against unresectable or recurrent GISTs. Imatinib had a high response rate and long survival. Some predictors favorable for progression-free survival and overall survival are good performance status and response with imatinib. Findings are discussed in relation to clinical practice in low- and middle-income country.

Minor salivary gland cancer is a relatively uncommon disease of head and neck, arising across the upper aerodigestive tract. This is a malignant neoplasm with diverse clinical behaviors and histological types which are prognostically significant. Although complete surgical resection, with adequate free margin, is currently the treatment of choice for locoregional diseases, the optimal treatment is still not standardized. We presented here a case of locally advanced minor salivary gland cancer that was treated by radical resection, reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation therapy at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital and had promising outcomes.

Introduction. Survival outcomes in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with systemic chemotherapy and correlation with potential prognostic factors were investigated. Material and Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 61 CRC patients with unresectable liver metastasis who underwent liver tumor-directed percutaneous RFA combined with conventional systemic chemotherapy between October 2013 and September 2018. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to characterize differences in the median survival time and the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates of subgroups to identify prognostic factors. Results. Median overall survival and progression-free survival of all patients were 32 and 14 months, respectively. The cumulative survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years were 93.2%; 44.5%, and 38.2%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that pre-RFA serum CEA levels, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status, number of liver lesions, the size of the largest lesion, and the total lesion size were prognostic factors. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the number of liver lesions and the size of the largest lesion were independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion. RFA plus systemic chemotherapy provides an encouraging survival outcome for patients with unresectable CRC liver metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the number and size of liver metastatic lesions are independent prognostic factors for survival.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is amongst the most common malignancies of head and neck cancers. Most patients are admitted to the hospital with advanced disease. NPC has a tendency toward early metastatic spread to cervical lymph nodes, and levels II and III are most commonly involved. A few reports have indicated specific metastatic sites of nasopharyngeal cancer, including lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Evidence of histopathology and immunohistochemistry is required to prove NPC origin. In many cases, surgery can be performed to obtain accurate evidence of the pathology. However, surgery can also affect the overall treatment plan and strategy for NPC and should be considered in the specific circumstances of the disease. Multidisciplinary consultation is required for these uncommonly specific metastases. Paying attention to the specific lymph node metastasis sites of NPC plays an important role in accurately diagnosing the stage, thereby giving an appropriate treatment strategy. It is also important in determining radiotherapy volumes because radiotherapy is the standard therapy for this disease. Herein, we are reporting 2 cases of NPC with clinical metastasis to unusual lymph node sites such as the parotid salivary gland and the cheek. Histological analyses from the resected specimens confirmed its nasopharyngeal origin. Lymph node metastases in the parotid gland and the cheek are unusual. In diagnosis and follow-up, it is necessary to evaluate carefully to make an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans for patients as well as early detect recurrent metastases at uncommon sites of lymph nodes.