A novel nomogram predicting lymph node invasion among patients with prostate cancer: The importance of extracapsular extension at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

To develop a novel risk tool that allows the prediction of lymph node invasion (LNI) among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 742 patients treated with RARP + ePLND at a single center between 2012 and 2018. All patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and were diagnosed with targeted biopsies. First, the nomogram published by Briganti et al. was validated in our cohort. Second, three novel multivariable logistic regression models predicting LNI were developed: (1) a complete model fitted with PSA, ISUP grade groups, percentage of positive cores (PCP), extracapsular extension (ECE), and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score; (2) a simplified model where ECE score was not included (model 1); and (3) a simplified model where PI-RADS score was not included (model 2). The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed with the receiver operating characteristic-derived area under the curve (AUC). Calibration plots and decision curve analyses were used.

RESULTS

Overall, 149 patients (20%) had LNI. In multivariable logistic regression models, PSA (OR: 1.03; P= 0.001), ISUP grade groups (OR: 1.33; P= 0.001), PCP (OR: 1.01; P= 0.01), and ECE score (ECE 4 vs. 3 OR: 2.99; ECE 5 vs. 3 OR: 6.97; P< 0.001) were associated with higher rates of LNI. The AUC of the Briganti et al. model was 74%. Conversely, the AUC of model 1 vs. model 2 vs. complete model was, respectively, 78% vs. 81% vs. 81%. Simplified model 1 (ECE score only) was then chosen as the best performing model. A nomogram to calculate the individual probability of LNI, based on model 1 was created. Setting our cut-off at 5% we missed only 2.6% of LNI patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a novel nomogram that combines PSA, ISUP grade groups, PCP, and mpMRI-derived ECE score to predict the probability of LNI at final pathology in RARP candidates. The application of a nomogram derived cut-off of 5% allows to avoid a consistent number of ePLND procedures, missing only 2.6% of LNI patients. External validation of our model is needed.

Breast MR with special focus on DW-MRI and DCE-MRI

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of breast lesions was first described in the 1970s; however, its wide application in clinical routine is relatively recent. The basic principles for diagnosis of a breast lesion rely on the evaluation of signal intensity in T2-weighted sequences, on morphologic assessment and on the evaluation of contrast enhancement behaviour. The quantification of dynamic contrast behaviour by dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and evaluation of the diffusivity of water molecules by means of diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) have shown promise in the work-up of breast lesions. Therefore, breast MRI has gained a role for all indications that could benefit from its high sensitivity, such as detection of multifocal lesions, detection of contralateral carcinoma and in patients with familial disposition. Breast MRI has been shown to have a role in monitoring of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, for the evaluation of therapeutic results during the course of therapy. Breast MRI can improve the determination of the remaining tumour size at the end of therapy in patients with a minor response. DCE-MRI and DW-MRI have shown potential for improving the early assessment of tumour response to therapy and the assessment of residual tumour after the end of therapy. Breast MRI is important in the postoperative work-up of breast cancers. High sensitivity and specificity have been reported for the diagnosis of recurrence; however, pitfalls such as liponecrosis and changes after radiation therapy have to be carefully considered.

Intraobserver and interobserver variability in the calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of breast tumours

PURPOSE

This study evaluated intraobserver and interobserver variability in the measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in breast carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with solid breast lesions >10 mm underwent conventional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI). Two observers (expert and trainee) segmented the lesion from the surrounding breast tissue on DW images with high b-value (1,000 s/mm(2)). This analysis was repeated by the expert reader after 6 months. Volumes were analysed to obtain mean, median and standard deviation (SD) of the ADC values. Interobserver and intraobserver variation was analysed using the Bland-Altman graph.

RESULTS

All lesions were breast carcinomas, with a mean ADC value of 1.07 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s. The mean of the differences was 0.012 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, corresponding to an intraobserver variability of 1.1% (limits of agreement: -5%/+8%). The mean interobserver difference was 0.022 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, corresponding to an interobserver variability of 2% (limits of agreement: -9%/+14%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a low intraobserver and interobserver variability in calculating ADC in breast carcinomas, which supports its potential use in routine clinical practice.

DW-MRI of the urogenital tract: applications in oncology

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) appears to hold promise as a non-invasive imaging modality in the detection of early microstructural and functional changes of different organs. DW-MRI is an imaging technique with a high sensitivity for the detection of a large variety of diseases in the urogenital tract. In kidneys, DW-MRI has shown promise for the characterization of solid lesions. Also in focal T1 hyperintense lesions DW-MRI was able to differentiate hemorrhagic cysts from tumours according to the lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values reported for renal cell carcinomas. Promising results were also published for the detection of prostate cancer. DW-MRI applied in addition to conventional T2-weighted imaging has been found to improve tumour detection. On a 3 T magnetic resonance unit ADC values were reported to be lower for tumours compared with the normal-appearing peripheral zone. The combined approach of T2-weighted imaging and DW-MRI also showed promising results for the detection of recurrent tumour in patients after radiation therapy. DW-MRI may improve the performance of conventional T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced MRI in the preoperative work-up of bladder cancer, as it may help in distinguishing superficial from muscle invasive bladder cancer, which is critical for patient management. Another challenging application of DW-MRI in the urogenital tract is the detection of pelvic lymph node metastases. As the ADC is generally reduced in malignant tumours and increased under inflammatory conditions, reduced ADC values were expected in patients with lymph node metastases.

CT perfusion in solid-body tumours. Part I: Technical issues

Functional imaging is becoming increasingly important in both research and clinical diagnostic radiology. Perfusion computed tomography (CTP) is a readily available and widely used tool that allows an objective measurement of tissue perfusion through the mathematical analysis of data obtained from repeated scans performed after administration of contrast agent. Recently, CTP has been increasingly used in the oncological field, being studied as a potential marker of neoplastic angiogenesis, which is one of the main targets of new tumour therapies. The aim of this paper was to provide the theoretical background and practical guidance for accurately performing CTP and interpreting results of examinations in solid-body tumours. CTP could be a valid tool for functional imaging of tumours if the acquisition technique is robust, if image and data analysis is accurate and if interpretation of results is adequately inserted within a clinical context.

CT perfusion in oncology: how to do it

Robust technique and accurate data analysis are required for reliable computed tomography perfusion (CTp) imaging. Multislice CT is required for high temporal resolution scanning; 16-slice (or 64-slice) scanners are preferred for adequate volume coverage. After tumour localization, the volume of CTp imaging has to be positioned to include the maximum visible area of the tumour and an adequate arterial vessel. Dynamic scans at high temporal resolution (at least 1-s gantry rotation time) are performed to visualize the first pass of contrast agent within the tumour; repeated scans with low temporal resolution can be planned for late enhancement assessment. A short bolus of conventional iodinated contrast agent, preferably with high iodine concentration, is power injected at a high flow rate (>4 ml/s) in the antecubital vein. The breath-hold technique is required for CTp imaging of the chest and upper abdomen to avoid respiratory motion; free breathing is adequate for CTp imaging of the head, neck and pelvis. Using dedicated software, a region of interest (ROI) has to be placed in an adequate artery (as arterial input) to obtain density–time curves; according to different kinetic models, colour maps of different CTp parameters are generated and generally overlaid on CT images. Additional ROIs can be positioned in the tumour, and in all other parts of the CTp volume, to obtain the values of the CTp parameters within the ROI.

Role of perfusion computed tomography (CTp) for pretherapy assessment and induction chemotherapy monitoring (IC) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck

e17015

Background: Reliable assessment of the response to IC is required to stratify further treatments, as responders are considered the best candidates for organ preservation strategies. We evaluated the role of CTp for pre-therapy assessment and IC monitoring in patients with SCC of the head and neck. Methods: From November 2004, 28 consecutive patients with locally advanced SCC of the head and neck were enrolled, undergoing CTp and volumetric CT before and after IC with cisplatin, administered at a dose of 100 mg/m2 iv, on day 1, and 5-fluorouracil, administered at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 ci from day 1 to day 5, q3wks for 2 or 3 cycles. Perfusion parameters were calculated for tumor: blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT) and capillary permeability-surface (PS). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to test for differences in the pre-therapy perfusion parameters between the different tumor grades, as well as between responders and nonresponders to IC. The post-therapy perfusion parameters were compared with the pre-therapy ones by the Wilcoxon signed rank test and percent changes in perfusion parameters were correlated with percent changes in tumor volume calculated by volumetric CT after IC by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Pre-therapy BF was significantly higher in G3 tumors, compared to G1 and G2 (p = 0.01) and G2 tumors (p = 0.03), and pre-therapy BV significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders (p = 0.01). Of the 20 patients who underwent post-therapy CTp, the 17 responders had significant reduction of BF (p = 0.003) and BV (p = 0.014) and increase of MTT (p = 0.04) in the post-therapy CTp, whereas the 3 non responders no significant changes in perfusion parameters. In the 17 responders, percent reduction in BF and BV showed correlation (Spearman R = 0.71, p = 0.0013 and R = 0.82, p = 0.00005, respectively) with percent reduction in tumor volume after IC. Conclusions: In our cohort of patients with SCC of the head and neck, CTp showed potential for pre-therapy assessment, as well as for IC monitoring; further studies are required to confirm our preliminary results.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Circulating endothelial cells (CECs), progenitors (CEPs), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for prediction of response in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) receiving metronomic oral vinorelbine (oV): Preliminary results

e14572

Background: Metronomic administration of chemotherapy given once or more per week with no extended gaps was shown to be effectively anti-angiogenic, causing growth arrest or apoptosis of endothelial cells in tumor neo-vessels. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that ultra-low concentrations of various microtubule inhibitors inhibit proliferation or migration of endothelial cells. We investigated in a phase II study the activity of metronomic administration of oV in ABC, kinetics and response prediction of CECs, CEPs, CTCs and of other biomarkers of angiogenesis (soluble VEGF, VEGFr2, TSP1, bFGF). CT perfusion scans were also performed. Methods: From February 2008, 47 pts with ABC received oV (50 mg/die TTW). Currently 20 pts are evaluable for both activity and biomarker assessment. Baseline levels of biomarkers of angiogenesis were correlated with clinical response. Results: Shown in Table . Conclusions: We found that the baseline value of apoptotic cells (expressed as % of total cells) was significantly correlated with outcome. The baseline total, viable, and apoptotic CEC count and CTCs might provide an indirect measure for angiogenic turnover and an indicator of better response to anti-angiogenic therapy, supporting the use of metronomic treatments in patients expressing high levels of baseline CECs. Updated results will be presented together with correlation with perfusion CT scan and levels of CTCs.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intra- and interobserver agreement and impact of arterial input selection in perfusion CT measurements performed in squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CT Perfusion (CTP) has shown potential for assessing head and neck tumors. Our purposes were to assess the inter- and intraobserver agreement of CTP measurements and to investigate whether the selection of arterial input, ipsilateral versus contralateral to the tumor or left-versus-right external carotid artery (ECA), may affect CTP measurements in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the upper aerodigestive tract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with SCCA were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent CTP. Data were analyzed by 2 expert readers and by an inexperienced reader for interobserver agreement and by the 2 expert readers for intraobserver agreement assessment, by using the ECA ipsilateral to tumor site as arterial input. All 3 readers repeated their analysis by using the ECA contralateral to tumor site as arterial input. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was assessed by using the Bland-Altman approach; CTP measurements by using ipsilateral-versus-contralateral or left-versus-right ECA were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

The geometric mean of the ratios (95% limits of agreement) for inter- and intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.96 (0.75-1.23) to 1.00 (0.92-1.10) for blood flow (BF), from 0.88 (0.63-1.21) to 1.00 (0.88-1.14) for blood volume (BV), from 0.96 (0.64-1.44) to 0.98 (0.76-1.27) for mean transit time (MTT), and from 0.85 (0.41-1.76) to 1.14 (0.70-1.86) for permeability surface area product (PS). Significantly higher tumor PS and MTT for 2 readers and lower tumor BF for 1 of 3 readers were observed when the arterial input was placed in the left ECA.

CONCLUSIONS

BF, BV, and MTT demonstrated higher inter- and intraobserver agreement than PS. The selection of arterial input, right-versus-left ECA, may determine changes in CTP measurements in patients with SCCA of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for infragenicular bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia: 2-year results

AIM

The use of prosthetic grafts in below-knee (BK) bypasses may be necessary in patients with no available autologous vein and critical limb ischemia not amenable to angioplasty. Such conduits, however, have generally yielded disappointing results.

METHODS

A new heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft (Gore-Tex Propaten Vascular Graft) designed to provide resistance to thrombosis may be associated with decreased early graft failure and increased patency. This graft was implanted in 27 limbs (26 patients; 18 men; mean age 71 years; Rutherford class 4 to 6 disease) in a BK femoropopliteal and femorodistal location, without perioperative complications and with immediate graft patency.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up time of 24 months, 4 cases of thrombosis occurred, all at least 6 months postoperatively: 2 cases resolved after fibrinolytic treatment, 1 required surgical revision and in 1 case, amputation was required because of a delay in seeking treatment for thrombosis. Two patients died of cardiac disease during follow-up. The 2-year primary and secondary patency rates for the BK bypasses were 85% and 93%, respectively; the limb-salvage rate was 96%.

CONCLUSION

These results are encouraging for a prosthetic graft, especially in the light of the severity of the vascular disease in the limbs treated.

Surgical 'damage control' treatment of a large retroperitoneal liposarcoma encasing a horseshoe kidney

Damage control is a surgical strategy for severely compromised trauma patients based on speed control of life-threatening injuries that aims to rapidly resuscitate patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). We report on the use of such therapeutic strategy in a patient affected by a retroperitoneal sarcoma concomitant to a horseshoe kidney, a relatively rare anatomical malformation.

Thalidomide in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A clinical/biological study

15076

Background: thalidomide has been reported to have anti-angiogenic properties and therefore has been studied in several hypervascularized cancers. We evaluated the effect of thalidomide on progression-free survival (PFS) and several surrogate markers of angiogenesis in patients (pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: from June 2005 to November 2006, 19 out of the foreseen 24 HCC pts were treated with oral thalidomide 200 mg/day continuously. All of them had cytological/histological diagnosis of HCC, with no indication for curative treatment. Prior treatment was allowed. Six-month PFS was the main clinical endpoint. Perfusion parameters (Blood Flow -BF-, Blood Volume -BV-, Permeability Surface -PS-, and Mean Transit Time -MTT-) were measured with perfusion Computed Tomography (CTp). Circulating endothelial cells (CEC), progenitor cells (CEP), and apoptotic CECs, were measured by flow cytometry. Results: Eleven pts were HCV-positive and 4 HBV-positive. Eighteen had cirrhosis (80% Child-Pugh A). Five pts had extra-hepatic metastases. The maximum CLIP value was 3, in 5 pts. Six-month PFS was 41%. Constipation and somnolence were the most common G2–3 toxicities, occurring in 50% and 18% of pts, respectively. Three pts stopped treatment because of toxicity (one oedema, one neurotoxicity, and one suspect intratumoral bleeding). Baseline BF and BV of HCC were significantly higher (p<.05) for the background liver in 18 evaluable pts. BF and BV remained quite stable at six months in the 7 pts free of progression, whereas they increased at the time of progression in the 9 pts with progression within 6 months. The baseline BV in the 7 pts free of progression at 6 months was significantly lower compared with that of pts progressive within 6 months (p=0.03). Seven out of 9 pts who underwent both perfusional and circulating evaluations are currently evaluable at 2 months (2 too early). BF and BV showed an inverse trend with respect to CECs in the 4 pts with PD. Pharmacokinetics and QoL evaluation is ongoing. Conclusions: thalidomide may prolong PFS in pts with advanced HCC, with manageable toxicity. CTp and CECs detection could be used to assess the antiangiogenic drug activity, but it requires further studies to be confirmed. The BV grade could be studied as a predictive factor

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid: diagnosis and treatment]

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), accounting for 5% to 15% of primary malignant thyroid neoplasm, is one of the most aggressive solid tumors in humans. It is rapidly fatal, with a mean survival of 6 months after diagnosis. Multimodality treatment with surgery and/or external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy are of fundamental importance for local control of disease and to enhance survival. Molecular biology studies have shown that ATC is associated with a p 53 mutation. ATC usually does not concentrate radioiodine or express thyroglobulin. It is essential to verify the diagnosis histologically because insular thyroid cancer, lymphomas, and medullary thyroid cancer are occasionally confused with undifferentiated neoplasms. Immunohistochemical study is helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Multimodal therapy and development of effective systemic chemotherapy agents would provide to result in improvements in survival although no single agent has yet been identified. Aggressive multimodality treatment regimens show promise in improving local control in patients with ATC. Survival rates however remain low. Despite intense applications of such integrated therapy, no standardized successful treatment protocol has yet been established.

[The immediate reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy for carcinoma. Our experience]

The authors surgically treated 281 consecutive women with breast cancer by breast conservation techniques (45.2%) or by mastectomy (38.8%), during a four-year period. Forty-five of these 281 patients (16%) were treated in the same period of time by mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (IR) of the breast. IR of the breast was performed by inserting a submuscular tissue expander at the same time of mastectomy (first stage of reconstruction). A second operation allowed the replacement of the expander with a prosthesis (second stage of reconstruction) and the simultaneous symmetrization of the contralateral breast (not always performed, however). In some cases nipple-areola complex was eventually reconstructed with a delayed surgical procedure (third stage of reconstruction). In the present paper the authors analyze the results and outline the advantages of IR. This easy and safe technique slightly increased the average operative time of a mastectomy, did not interfere with routine oncological follow-up, did definitely reduce patient's psychological trauma following mastectomy. The authors conclude that IR of the breast undoubtedly plays a major role in the so called "onco-plastic"" surgical management of breast cancer.