Comparison of clinicopathological and prognostic features of breast cancer patients younger than 40 years and older than 65 years

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the clinicopathological and prognostic features of women aged 40 years and younger and 65 years and older with breast cancer.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and December 2021, 136 female cases aged 40 years and younger and 223 female cases aged 65 and over were identified among all cases (1395 cases) registered as breast cancer in the file archives of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology for the study. A Chi-square (× 2) test was used for categorical variables, and an independent sample t-test for continuous variables. Log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier plots were used for survival analysis. For the statistical evaluation, p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Both overall survival (p < 0.01) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (p = 0.01) were significantly worse in the older group. BCSS were significantly worse in the older group in Luminal B (HER2-) (p = 0.013) and HR- HER2+ (p = 0.015) subtypes detected. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only the presence of metastases at diagnosis or follow-up (p < 0.001) and ECOG PS 2-3 status (p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer-specific death.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, no study directly compares these two groups. In our study, similar to many studies, more aggressive tumor features were found in young patients, but unlike many studies, mortality was found to be significantly higher in older patients. The presence of metastasis and poor ECOG PS were found to be the most influential factors in breast cancer-specific death risk.

Variant-specific effects of GBA1 mutations on dopaminergic neuron proteostasis

Glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) mutations are the most important genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinically, mild (e.g., p.N370S) and severe (e.g., p.L444P and p.D409H) GBA1 mutations have different PD phenotypes, with differences in age at disease onset, progression, and the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms. We hypothesize that GBA1 mutations cause the accumulation of α-synuclein by affecting the cross-talk between cellular protein degradation mechanisms, leading to neurodegeneration. Accordingly, we tested whether mild and severe GBA1 mutations differentially affect the degradation of α-synuclein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and macroautophagy and differentially cause accumulation and/or release of α-synuclein. Our results demonstrate that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and total ubiquitination rates were significantly increased in cells with severe GBA1 mutations. CMA was found to be defective in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons with mild GBA1 mutations, but not in those with severe GBA1 mutations. When examining macroautophagy, we observed reduced formation of autophagosomes in cells with the N370S and D409H GBA1 mutations and impairments in autophagosome-lysosome fusion in cells with the L444P GBA1 mutation. Accordingly, severe GBA1 mutations were found to trigger the accumulation and release of oligomeric α-synuclein in iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, primarily as a result of increased ER stress and defective macroautophagy, while mild GBA1 mutations affected CMA, which is mainly responsible for the degradation of the monomeric form of α-synuclein. Overall, our findings provide new insight into the molecular basis of the clinical variability in PD associated with different GBA1 mutations.

Efficacy of first-line CDK 4-6 inhibitors in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to treatment-related neutropenia on efficacy: a Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) study

The only phase 3 study on the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in first-line treatment in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer is the MONALEESA-7 study, and data on the effectiveness of palbociclib is limited. Data are also limited regarding the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia, the most common side effect of CDK 4-6 inhibitors. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palbociclib and ribociclib in first-line treatment in patients with premenopausal metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to neutropenia on progression-free survival. Our study is a multicenter, retrospective study, and factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) were examined in patients diagnosed with metastatic premenopausal breast cancer from 29 different centers and receiving combination therapy containing palbociclib or ribociclib in the metastatic stage. 319 patients were included in the study. The mPFS for patients treated with palbociclib was 26.83 months, and for those receiving ribociclib, the mPFS was 29.86 months (p = 0.924). mPFS was 32.00 months in patients who received a reduced dose, and mPFS was 25.96 months in patients who could take the initial dose, and there was no statistical difference (p = 0.238). Liver metastasis, using a fulvestrant together with a CDK 4-6 inhibitor, ECOG PS 1 was found to be a negative prognostic factor. No new adverse events were observed. In our study, we found PFS over 27 months in patients diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer with CDK 4-6 inhibitors used in first-line treatment, similar to post-menopausal patients. We did not detect any difference between the effectiveness of the two CDK 4-6 inhibitors, and we showed that there was no decrease in the effectiveness of the CDK 4-6 inhibitor in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia.

Adrenocortical Cancer in the Real World: A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Features and Management from the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG)

INTRODUCTION

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare yet highly malignant tumor associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to delineate the clinical features, survival patterns, and treatment modalities of ACC, providing insights into the disease's prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 157 ACC patients was performed to assess treatment methodologies, demographic patterns, pathological and clinical attributes, and laboratory results. The data were extracted from the hospital's database. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, with univariate and multivariate analyses being performed through the log-rank test and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The median age was 45, and 89.4% had symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The median tumor size was 12 cm. A total of 117 (79.6%) patients underwent surgery. A positive surgical border was detected in 26 (24.1%) patients. Adjuvant therapy was administered to 44.4% of patients. The median overall survival for the entire cohort was 44.3 months. Median OS was found to be 87.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.4-100.2) in stage 2, 25.8 (95% CI 6.5-45.1) months in stage 3, and 13.3 (95% CI 7.0-19.6) months in stage 4 disease. Cox regression analysis identified age, Ki67 value, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and hormonal activity as significant factors associated with survival in patients with nonmetastatic disease. In metastatic disease, only patients who underwent surgery exhibited significantly improved overall survival in univariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

ACC is an uncommon tumor with a generally poor prognosis. Understanding the defining prognostic factors in both localized and metastatic diseases is vital. This study underscores age, Ki67 value, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and hormonal activity as key prognostic determinants for localized disease, offering critical insights into the complexities of ACC management and potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.

PROPSEA, safety evaluation of palbociclib and ribociclib in older patients with breast cancer: A prospective real-world TOG study

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the toxicities and management of palbociclib and ribociclib in older patients (≥65 years) with metastatic breast cancer patients were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among older patients receiving palbociclib and ribociclib, Geriatric 8 (G8) and Groningen Frailty Index were used to evaluate frailty status. Dose modifications, drug withdrawal and other serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded and analyzed according to baseline patient characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 160 patients from 28 centers in Turkey were included (palbociclib = 76, ribociclib = 84). Forty-three patients were ≥ 75 years of age. The most common cause of first dose modification was neutropenia for both drugs (97% palbociclib, 69% ribociclib). Liver function tests elevation (10%) and renal function impairment (6%) were also causes for ribociclib dose modification. Drug withdrawal rate was 3.9% for palbociclib and 6% for ribociclib. SAEs were seen in 11.8% of those taking palbociclib and 15.5% of those on riboclib. An ECOG performance status of ≥2 and being older than 75 years were associated with dose reductions. Severe neutropenia was more common in patients with non-bone-only metastatic disease, those receiving treatment third-line therapy or higher, coexistance of non-neutropenic hematological side effects (for ribociclib). Neutropenia was less common among patients with obesity.

DISCUSSION

Our results show that it can be reasonable to start palbociclib and ribociclib at reduced dose in patients aged ≥75 years and/or with an ECOG performance status ≥2.

Relationship between molecular markers and lymphadenectomy and lymphovascular space invasion in endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Relationship between pathologic parameters, surgical parameters, or lymph node status with oncologic outcomes is not fully elucidated in endometrial cancer (EC). We want to investigate the molecular classification of uterine cancer in the Turkish population and its relationship between lymphadenectomy and lymph node metastasis.

METHODS

In this study, 100 patients' clinical and pathologic data diagnosed with EC were analyzed. Pathologic and molecular parameters were investigated and compared them with clinical parameters.

RESULTS

According to the molecular analysis, 16 patients (16%) had p53 mutation, 3 patients (3%) were classified as POLE mutant group, 38 (38%) patients in the MSI group, and the remaining 43 patients (43%) into the no specific mutation profile (NSMP) group. Lymph node metastasis rate was significantly higher in copy number high (CNH) group compared to the others. In the CNH group, 29 of 437 (6.6%) dissected lymph nodes had metastasis. The median OS was the highest in the POLE group (72 months) and lowest in the CNH group (36 months).

CONCLUSION

Endometrial cancer patients showed significantly different overall and disease-free survival according to the molecular subtypes and it was consistent with the literature, Lymph node metastasis risk was the highest in CNH group. MSI status is important for the lymph node metastasis risk but not all abnormalities, especially PMS2 and MLH1 expression changes showed the highest risk.

The effect of high standard uptake value in lung cancer metastatic lesions on survival

AIM

To assess how metastatic lesions with a higher maximum standard uptake value than the primary tumor affect survival in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

The study enrolled 590 stage-IV lung cancer patients treated at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Hospital between January 2013 and January 2020. We retrospectively collected data on histopathological diagnosis, tumor size, metastasis site, and maximum standard involvement values of primary metastatic lesions. Lung cancers with the maximum standard uptake value of the primary tumor higher than that of the metastatic lesion were compared with lung cancers with the maximum standard uptake value of the primary tumor lower than that of the metastatic lesion.

RESULTS

In 87 (14.7%) patients, the maximum standard uptake value was higher in the metastatic lesion than in the primary lesion. These patients experienced significantly higher mortality risk in both univariate and multivariate survival analyses (adjusted hazard ratio 2.25 [1.77-2.86], <0.001) and had shorter median survival (5.0 [4.2-5.8] vs 11.0 [10.2-11.8] months, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The maximum standard uptake value could be a potential new prognostic factor for survival in lung cancer.

Treatment efficacy of ribociclib or palbociclib plus letrozole in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Background: Ribociclib, palbociclib and abemaciclib are currently approved CDK4/6 inhibitors along with aromatase inhibitors as the first-line standard-of-care for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Methods: The authors report retrospective real-life data for 600 patients with estrogen receptor- and/or progesterone receptor-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who were treated with ribociclib and palbociclib in combination with letrozole. Results & conclusion: The results demonstrated that the combination of palbociclib or ribociclib with letrozole has similar progression-free survival and overall survival benefit in real life for the patient group with similar clinical features. Specifically, endocrine sensitivity may be a factor to be considered in the treatment preference.

Survival of Patients With Metastatic Rectum Cancer Who Underwent Metastasectomy Following Conversion Chemotherapy Sans Pelvic Radiotherapy: A Turkish Oncology Group Study

BACKGROUND

The management of early rectal cancer is different from that of colon cancer in terms of radiotherapy (RT) requirements or neoadjuvant treatment. It is not clear how the course of rectal cancer differs from that of the colon in a metastatic setting or how it should be approached differently. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes after combining downsizing chemotherapy (CTx) with rescue surgery.

METHODS

Eighty-nine patients (57 men and 32 women) diagnosed with metastatic rectal cancer with resectable disease after systemic CTx were included in the study. All patients underwent surgery for the primary mass and metastasis, but none received radiation therapy before or after surgery. Survival curves for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test for subgroups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 28.8 (17.6-39.4) months. During the follow-up, 54 (60.7%) patients died and 78 (87.6%) patients had a PFS event. Cancer relapsed in 72 (80.9%) patients. Median OS was 35.2 (95% CI: 28.5-41.8) months, and median PFS was 17.7 (95% CI: 14.4-21) months. The five-year OS and PFS were 19% and 3.5%, respectively. Male sex (p=0.04) and a better Mandard score (p=0.021) were associated with a longer OS, while obesity was associated with a shorter PFS (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to evaluate the effects of metastasectomy after conversion therapy in metastatic rectal cancer independent of colon cancer. As a result of the study, it was seen that the survival after metastasectomy in rectal cancer is worse than the colon cancer data known from previous studies.

Real-world outcomes of pazopanib in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma: a retrospective Turkish oncology group (TOG) study

AIM

Description of patient characteristics, effectiveness and safety in Turkish patients treated with pazopanib for metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter study is based on retrospective review of hospital medical records of patients (≥ 18 years) treated with pazopanib for non-adipocytic metastatic STS at 37 Oncology clinics across Turkey. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated with further analysis of data on the three most common histological subtypes (leiomyosarcoma [LMS], undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma [UPS], synovial sarcoma [SS]) in the cohort.

RESULTS

Data of 552 adults (57.6% women, median age: 52 years) were analyzed. DCR and ORR were 43.1% and 30.8%, respectively. Median PFS was 6.7 months and OS was 13.8 months. For LMS, UPS and SS, median PFSs were 6.1, 5.9 and 7.53 months and median OSs were 15.03, 12.87 and 12.27 months, respectively. ECOG ≥ 2 was associated with poor PFS and OS. Liver metastasis was only a factor for progression. Second-line use of pazopanib (vs. front-line) was associated with better PFS, its use beyond third line predicted worse OS. Adverse events (AE) occurred in 82.7% of patients. Most common AEs were fatigue (58.3%) and anorexia (52.3%) which were graded as ≥ 3 in 8.2% and 7.4% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pazopanib is effective and well-tolerated in treatment of non-adipocytic metastatic STS. Its earlier use (at second-line), good performance status may result in better outcomes. Worldwide scientific collaborations are important to gain knowledge on rarer STS subtypes by conducting studies in larger patient populations.

Efficacy of subsequent treatments in patients with hormone-positive advanced breast cancer who had disease progression under CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND

There is no standard treatment recommended at category 1 level in international guidelines for subsequent therapy after cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6) based therapy. We aimed to evaluate which subsequent treatment oncologists prefer in patients with disease progression under CDKi. In addition, we aimed to show the effectiveness of systemic treatments after CDKi and whether there is a survival difference between hormonal treatments (monotherapy vs. mTOR-based).

METHODS

A total of 609 patients from 53 centers were included in the study. Progression-free-survivals (PFS) of subsequent treatments (chemotherapy (CT, n:434) or endocrine therapy (ET, n:175)) after CDKi were calculated. Patients were evaluated in three groups as those who received CDKi in first-line (group A, n:202), second-line (group B, n: 153) and ≥ 3rd-line (group C, n: 254). PFS was compared according to the use of ET and CT. In addition, ET was compared as monotherapy versus everolimus-based combination therapy.

RESULTS

The median duration of CDKi in the ET arms of Group A, B, and C was 17.0, 11.0, and 8.5 months in respectively; it was 9.0, 7.0, and 5.0 months in the CT arm. Median PFS after CDKi was 9.5 (5.0-14.0) months in the ET arm of group A, and 5.3 (3.9-6.8) months in the CT arm (p = 0.073). It was 6.7 (5.8-7.7) months in the ET arm of group B, and 5.7 (4.6-6.7) months in the CT arm (p = 0.311). It was 5.3 (2.5-8.0) months in the ET arm of group C and 4.0 (3.5-4.6) months in the CT arm (p = 0.434). Patients who received ET after CDKi were compared as those who received everolimus-based combination therapy versus those who received monotherapy ET: the median PFS in group A, B, and C was 11.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.047), 6.7 vs. 5.0 (p = 0.164), 6.7 vs. 3.9 (p = 0.763) months.

CONCLUSION

Physicians preferred CT rather than ET in patients with early progression under CDKi. It has been shown that subsequent ET after CDKi can be as effective as CT. It was also observed that better PFS could be achieved with the subsequent everolimus-based treatments after first-line CDKi compared to monotherapy ET.

The effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant pertuzumab and trastuzumab in women with locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer: Turkish Oncology Group study

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the pathological response rates and side effect profile of adding pertuzumab to the treatment of HER2+ locally advanced, inflammatory, or early-stage breast cancer. This study was conducted by the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) with data collected from 32 centers. Our study was multicentric, and a total of 364 patients were included. The median age of the patients was 49 years (18-85 years). Two hundred fifteen (60%) of the cases were hormone receptor/HER2+ positive(ER+ or PR+, or both), and 149 (40%) of them were HER2-rich (ER and PR negative). The number of complete responses was 124 (54%) in the docetaxel+trastuzumab+pertuzumab arm and 102 (45%) in the paclitaxel+trastuzumab+pertuzumab arm, and there was no difference between the groups in terms of complete response. In 226 (62%) patients with complete response, a significant correlation was found with DCIS, tumor focality, removed lymph node, and ER status P < 0.05. Anemia, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, alopecia, and mucosal inflammation were significantly higher in the docetaxel arm, P < 0.05. In our study, no statistical difference was found between the before-after echocardiography values. DCIS positivity in biopsy before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor focality; the number of lymph nodes removed and ER status were found to be associated with pCR. In conclusion, we think that studies evaluating pCR-related clinicopathological variables and radiological imaging features will play a critical role in the development of nonsurgical treatment approaches.

The View of Turkish Oncologists Regarding MSI Status and Tumor Localization in Stage II and III Colon Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Although several clinical factors which show the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in early-stage colon cancer use for evaluating the risk of relapse, there is no consensus on which risk factors are more reliable. In this study, we evaluated both the utility of MSI and the daily practice of the Turkish oncologists in stage II and III colon cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted an online questionnaire which was consisting of twenty questions including the treatment choices and duration about stage II-III colon cancer depending on sidedness and risk factors for relapse.

RESULTS

More than 65% of the oncologists declared the use of MSI testing in stage II colon cancer without considering any risk factors. In stage 3 colon cancer oncologists had an equal decision "to do or not to do" in MSI testing. More than 50% of the oncologists had preferred XELOX protocol in high-risk stage II (T4N0) colon cancer, while three out of four preferred observation in low-risk stage II (T3N0) patients without risk factors. Two-thirds of the oncologists had preferred 6 months of treatment in stage II colon cancer with at least one risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Turkish oncologists participating to this trial had declared conflicting results about adjuvant treatment in early-stage colorectal cancer in their daily practice compared with the updated guidelines, especially, MSI evaluation utility in stage III colon cancers, adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) duration, and oxaliplatin adding to AC in elderly and stage II patients.

Evaluating the effect of tumor size and sidedness on prognosis in stage 2 colon cancer: a retrospective population study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of tumor size and tumor sidedness on prognosis in patients with stage 2 colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of 501 patients diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer were evaluated retrospectively. It was evaluated whether the patients' age, gender, tumor differentiation, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, overall survival rate, and disease-free survival rate had any correlation with horizontal tumor diameter and tumor sidedness. In the ROC analysis performed to determine the cut-off value for the tumor diameter, which we think will predict survival, no significant results were obtained with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the median value of the tumor diameter, which is 5 cm, was accepted as the cut-off value.  Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis and determination of prognostic factors.

RESULTS

When the patients were evaluated in terms of tumor localization, 189 (37.7%) patients had right colon tumors and 312 (62.3%) patients had left colon tumors. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival according to tumor localization. When the patients were analyzed by dividing them into two groups according to the horizontal tumor size (<5 cm and ≥5 cm), no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) p=0.085, p=0.699, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the management of patients with stage 2 colon cancer requires a better understanding of tumor biology rather than features such as tumor size and localization.

A New Prognostic Index in Young Breast Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic role of pan immune-inflammation value (PIV) in young breast cancer patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Department of Medical Oncology, Afyon University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine Hospital, Turkey, between January 2010 and December 2020.

METHODOLOGY

Patients who were under the age of 40 years at the time of diagnosis were included. Patients' characteristics and disease parameters were recorded. PIV was calculated according to (neutrophil x platelet x monocyte/lymphocyte, i.e. NxPxM/L) formula. Since a cut-off value with max sensitivity and specificity could not be obtained with ROC analysis, the median value of PIV was used as cut-off value. The relationship between PIV and pathological parameters was evaluated by ROC curves. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for OS and the log-rank test was used to evaluate the survival differences between the two groups, according to the optimal cut-off point.

RESULTS

Based on the PIV cut-off value of 121 (49.8%) patients were in the low PIV and 122 (50.2%) patients were in the high PIV group. The patients in the high PIV group had a statistically significantly more advanced AJCC stage, and were younger patients. In the survival analysis, it was observed that the survival was worse in the high PIV group but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.112).

CONCLUSION

Higher PIV levels at the time of diagnosis can be another prognostic marker. However, to clarify the PIV prognostic value, it needs to be validated in larger, multi-centre prospective clinical studies. Key Words: Breast cancer, Pan immune-inflammation value (PIV), Prognosis, Young women.

Prognostic role of pre-operative serum ferritin level in stage 2 colon cancer

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative serum ferritin level in patients with stage 2 colon cancer who underwent curative surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 120 patients who were stage 2 after curative surgery and whose ferritin levels were measured at the time of diagnosis without starting any treatment were analyzed. Demographic data such as age and gender, histopathological characteristics such as tumor size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), number of removed lymph nodes, tumor grade, and clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from the hospital medical charts or electronic medical records. In the survival analysis, the cut-off level of ferritin was accepted as 150 ng/ml, which is the upper limit determined by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a prognostic factor.

RESULTS

Fifty (41.7%) of the patients were female, 70 (58.3%) were male, and the median age was 63.5 (range 24-90) years. There was no significant difference between the low and high ferritin groups regarding age, gender, T stage, tumor localization, histological subtype, PNI, LVI, removal of less than 12 lymph nodes, and tumor size. Disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with high ferritin levels were worse than patients with low ferritin levels, but this difference did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ferritin level is an easily monitored, cost-effective, and reproducible marker. İn this study we found that high ferritin level was associated with poor survival, although it was not statistically significant.

Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Emtansine in Her2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: Real-World Experience

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in cases with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in different lines of treatment.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of T-DM1 results of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) positive 414 cases with mBC from 31 centers in Turkey.

FINDINGS

Except 2, all of the cases were female with a median age of 47. T-DM1 had been used as second-line therapy in 37.7% of the cases and the median number of T-DM1 cycles was 9. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were different according to the line of treatment. The median OS was found as 43, 41, 46, 23 and 17 months for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th line, respectively (p = 0.032) while the median PFS was found as 37, 12, 8, 8 and 8 months, respectively (p = 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated by the patients. The most common grade 3-4 adverse effects were thrombocytopenia (2.7%) and increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (2%).

DISCUSSION

The best of our knowledge this is the largest real-life experience about the safety and efficacy of T-DM1 use in cases with mBC after progression of Her2 targeted treatment. This study suggests and supports that T-DM1 is more effective in earlier lines of treatment and is a reliable option for mBC.

Does primary tumor localization has prognostic importance in seminoma patients?: Turkish Oncology Group Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether primary tumor localization may be a risk factor for relapse and survival in seminomatous germ cell tumors (GCT) patients.

METHODS

In our study, 612 seminomatous GCT patients diagnosed in 22 centers between 01.01.1989 and 03.02.2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient interview information, patient files and electronic system data were used for the study.

RESULTS

The primary tumor was localized in the right testis in 305 (49.9%) patients and in 307 (50.1%) in the left testis. Mean age of the patients was 36 years (range 16-85±10.4). The median follow-up period was 47 months (1-298). Recurrence was observed in 78 (12.7%) patients and 29 (4.7%) died during the follow-up period. Four-year overall survival (OS) was 95.4% and 4-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 84.5%. The relationship between localization and relapse was significant in 197 patients with stage 2 and stage 3 (p=0.003). In this patient group, 41 (20.8%) relapses were observed. Thirty (73.2%) of the relapses were in the right testis and 11 (26.8%) in the left testis. Four-year OS was 92.1% in patients with right tumor; and 98.7% in patients with left tumor (p=0.007). When 612 patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 4 years, there was a 6.6% survival advantage in patients with left testicular tumor and this difference was significant (p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

Survival rates of patients with primary right testicular localization were worse compared with left testicular localization, and relapse rates were higher in stage 2 and 3 patients with right testicular localization.

Efficacy of Palbociclib and Endocrine Treatment in Heavily Pretreated Hormone Receptor-positive/HER2-negative Advanced Breast Cancer: Retrospective Multicenter Trial

Background:

The synthesis of CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine treatment in two series of treatment has been widely accepted as the standard for patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. In spite of this, the activity of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have progressed despite receiving multiple lines of treatment is not well understood.

Aims:

To report the activity and safety of a CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib) in patients in whom at least three lines of treatment for ER+ metastatic breast cancer had failed.

Study Design:

Multicenter retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational cohort study, we included 43 patients who received palbociclib after at least three lines of systemic treatment for ER+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer.

Results:

The median progression-free survival in our population was 7 months (25^th-75^th percentile, 4-10), and the median overall survival was 11 months (25^th-75^th percentile, 6-19). Although there were some adverse events, palbociclib was generally well tolerated, so dose reduction was needed for only six patients (14%).

Conclusion:

The efficacy of palbociclib among heavily treated hormone receptor-positive/HER2− patients with advanced breast cancer was acceptable in terms of clinical benefit, and it was generally well tolerated among this population.

Do the trace elements play a role in the etiopathogenesis of developmental dysplasia of hip?

OBJECTIVE

Alterations in the connective tissue of the hip joint capsule and ligaments might account for the increased laxity seen in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. The tensile features of the connective tissue depend on collagen. A number of prior studies have noted the association between the trace elements and collagen biosynthesis. The aim of this research is to determine whether there exists an association between the trace elements and developmental dysplasia of the hip.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This investigation included 27 patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (18 females and nine males; mean age 24.3 ± 6.3 months, range 18–36 months) and 26 healthy controls (15 females and 11 males; mean age 23.8 ± 5.4 months, range 18-36 months). The levels of the serum trace elements in the groups were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The Cu levels of the patients with developmental dysplasia of hip were statistically higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The Zn, Fe, Mg, and Mn levels of the patients with developmental dysplasia of hip were statistically lower than those of the control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between developmental dysplasia of the hip and the serum trace element levels. We, therefore, believe that the trace element levels may shed light on the etiopathogenesis of developmental dysplasia of the hip. This work should be supported by future studies concerning the causes of the alterations in the serum trace element levels seen in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in traumatic spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain: a case-control study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in spinal cord injury (SCI)-related neuropathic pain (NP) using dynamic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted with 22 patients diagnosed with traumatic chronic spinal cord injury (15 with and 7 without neuropathic pain) and ten age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Collected data included socio-demographic variables, SCI characteristics, and level of NP using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs pain scale (LANSS). HPA axis function was measured via low-dose (1 μg) and standard-dose (250 μg) ACTH tests (LDT and SDT, respectively).

RESULTS

No significant differences existed regarding peak cortisol responses or area under the curve (AUC) of cortisol responses between the SCI patients with NP and healthy controls using LDT and SDT. In the SCI patients without pain, cortisol responses were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls for LDT and SDT. Peak cortisol and AUC responses of the LDT and SDT were positively correlated with NRS in SCI patients with NP.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that, in chronic SCI patients with NP, basal cortisol levels are relatively higher compared to healthy controls, and that HPA axis can be activated with low- and standard-dose ACTH stimulation tests. Although NP following SCI was not significantly associated with hypo- or hypercortisolemia, either after low- or standard-dose ACTH stimulation test, the severity of NP during chronic SCI may be positively associated with HPA axis activity.

Oxidative DNA Damage Is Increased in Living Kidney Donors

BACKGROUND

Long-term consequences of donor nephrectomy might be reduced kidney function, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and impaired quality of life. The purpose of the current cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between clinical, laboratory, and donation-specific outcomes of living kidney donors and systemic oxidative DNA damage.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study and assessed retrospectively pre- and postdonation data from 60 donors who donated between 2010 and 2015. Plasma malondialdehyde levels and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio (8-OHdG/dG ratio) were determined as oxidative stress markers. Catalase, carbonic anhydrase, and paraoxonase (PON) activities were measured as antioxidants.

RESULTS

Approximately 3 years after donation, the hypertensive donor ratio was 12%, and 11% of the donors had glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Mean serum urea (P = .001) and serum creatinine levels (P = .001) were increased; creatinine clearance level (126.2 ± 35.5 vs 94.6 ± 26.8, P = .001) was decreased in the postdonation period. There was a significant positive correlation between predonation serum urea and 8-0HdG/dG ratio (r = 0.338, P = .016) and predonation serum creatinine and 8-0HdG/dG ratio (r = 0.442, P = .001), while there was a significant negative correlation between serum creatinine and PON activity (r = -0.545, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our data have demonstrated that kidney donors exhibit increased oxidative DNA damage and decreased antioxidant activity. We propose that predonation serum creatinine is positively correlated with 8-0HdG/dG ratio and negatively correlated with antioxidant PON activity. This is the first study to demonstrate that plasma oxidative DNA damage increases in healthy kidney donors.

Ewing's sarcoma of kidney in a 60-year-old patient with local recurrence: A rare occurrence

Ewing's family of tumors is aggressive tumors and frequently arises from bone and soft tissue. They might also arise from nonosseous structures such as gastrointestinal tract, adrenal glands, or kidney. Primary renal Ewing's sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor is an extremely rare entity which has aggressive clinical course. These high-grade malignant tumors predominantly affect adolescents and young adults. Patients mostly present with nonspecific symptoms such as pain, hematuria, mass, and sensitivity. It is confused with renal cell cancer in imaging techniques. The definitive diagnosis is based on the histopathological examination. Surgical or radiotherapy treatment is used for local control and multiagent chemotherapy used for systemic treatment. Despite all treatment options, prognosis is poor. We aimed to describe the diagnosis and follow-up and treatment of renal ES case that was considered as renal cell carcinoma in imaging but diagnosed as ES via histopathology.

Pertuzumab, trastuzumab and taxane-based treatment for visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naïve breast cancer: real-life practice outcomes

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to describe the real-life practice outcomes of pertuzumab-trastuzumab-taxane (PTT) combination in visceral organ metastatic, trastuzumab-naive breast cancer (BC) patients.

METHODS

This study was conducted by Turkish Oncology Group and included 317 patients' data from 36 centers.

RESULTS

Median age was 51 (22-82). Median PFS was 28.5 months, while median OS was 40.3 months. Patients with brain metastases (n: 13, 4.1%) had worse PFS (16.8 m vs. 28.5 m; p = 0.002) and OS (26.7 m vs. 40.3 m; p = 0.009). Patients older than 65 years of age (n: 42, 13.2%) had significantly lower OS results (19.8 m vs. 40.3 m; p = 0.01). Two hundred sixty-eight patients (86.7%) received docetaxel while 37 patients (11.7%) received paclitaxel. PFS and OS were similar between taxane groups. In eight patients (2.5%), 5-40% ejection fraction decrement from baseline was detected without any clinical sign of heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our RLP trial included only visceral metastatic, trastuzumab-naïve BC patients including cases with brain involvement who received PTT combination in the first-line treatment. Regardless of negative prognostic characteristics, our results are in parallel with pivotal trial. Further strategies for brain metastasis should be developed to improve outcomes despite encouraging results with PTT treatment. Taxane selection can be personalized and endocrine maintenance may further improve outcomes after taxanes were discontinued. To our knowledge, this is the largest scale real-life clinical practice study of pertuzumab-trastuzumab-taxane therapy to date.

Ventricular bigeminal rhythm associated with trastuzumab: A potential cardiac side effect

Cardiac side effects of targeted chemotherapy agents are getting more and more important topic nowadays. However, the studies on this topic are limited. Because multiple agent chemotherapy is not a common treatment option, it is hard to establish controlled study groups (as before chemotherapy and after chemotherapy); further, cancer, itself, may cause cardiac side effects and uncertainty of the symptoms may be associated with previous clinical situation before chemotherapy. For all that, we may get information to a certain degree about the side effects of these agents by analyzing case reports. These side effects have a broad spectrum from asymptomatic rhythm alterations to acute cardiac death. In this case report, we aim to discuss asymptomatic ventricular bigeminal rhythm, which is proved by electrocardiography, of our patient during treated by trastuzumab.

Neuroendocrine tumors detected in appendectomy specimens: ten-year single-center experience

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) detected in appendectomy specimens and the incidence and clinicopathologic characteristics of these tumors in our center. Materials and methods: A total of 13,863 patients were evaluated retrospectively. All underwent appendectomy operation in the Kayseri Training and Research Hospital and had a histopathological examination at the Pathology Clinic between January 2007 and March 2017. Age, sex, preoperative clinical findings, operation procedure, and histopathological examination results of the cases reported to be NET are presented. Results: NET was detected in 29 cases (0.2%) in the histopathological examination of 13,863 appendectomy specimens. Of these, 26 were classical carcinoid tumors and 3 were goblet cell carcinoid tumors (GCCTs). For the NET cases, the mean age was 37 years and the male to female ratio was 1.07. Only 68.9% of the patients underwent an appendectomy, and 31% of the patients underwent a secondary right hemicolectomy. Recurrences were not detected in any of the cases. In the present study, coincidence was determined in all of the cases with NET in the appendix. Conclusion: Contrary to many studies, both NETs of the appendix and GCCT cases were slightly higher among males and advanced age groups in this study. The long-term life expectancy in cases of classical carcinoid tumors of the appendix is quite good.

Efficacy and safety of cetuximab plus FOLFOX in second-line and third-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events with cetuximab plus FOLFOX administered as second- and third-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.

METHODS

IPatients were administered cetuximab plus FOLFOX as second- and third-line therapy from January 2010 through October 2015. mCRC patients with wild type KRAS were alsï given irinïtecan and/ïr ïxaliplatin cïmbined with fluorïpyrimidine±bevacizumab. Tumor respïnse and survival were evaluated using RECIST and Kaplan-Meier methïd respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included this study. Cetuximab plus FOLFOX was administered to 40 (66.7%) patients as second-line and to 20 (33.3%) as third-line therapy. The majority of the patients had a good ECOG performance status (PS) (0 or 1). Clinical benefit was partial plus stable disease and it was 75.0% for both of these two lines. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 7.1 months (95% CI=3.2-10.9) and 6.0 months (95% CI=2.4-9.6), in the second-and third-line (p=0.484). The median ïverall survival (ÏS) was 14.3 and 9.2 mïnths in secïnd-and third-line therapy respectively (p=0.071). The common toxicities were haematologic and gastrointestinal, mostly grade 1 and 2.

CONCLUSION

The addition of cetuximab to FOLFOX was well-tolerated and had antitumor activity both in second- and third-line therapy in patients with mCRC.

EGFR-targeted treatments in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Experience of panitumumab

e15028

Background: Overall survival times have been exceeded three years by the targeted treatments in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) . The sequence of these agents and the possible side effects constitute our discussions. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of panitumumab use in this study. Methods: In this study 168 MCC patients from 15 different centers that were treated with panitumumab in first or second line settings were evaluated respectively. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival(OS) time were calculated in case of the patients treated with targeted treatments in first line setting. Results: The median follow-up time was 12(3-82) months. The median age was 60 (24-86) years and 36 % of the patients were female. Panitumumab as a component of first line treatment was used in 66 % of the patients. Median 6 (1-18) cycles treatment were given to the patients as first line chemotherapy. The median PFS was 11 (SE:2; 95% CI: 7-15) months in patients treated with panitumumab while 12 (SE:1; 95% CI: 10-14) months in patients treated with bevacizumab containing regimens as first line treatment (p:0.836). The median OS was 32 (SE:12; 95% CI: 7-56) months in patients treated with panitumumab containing regimen and the median OS has not been reached in bevacizumab group (p: NS). In univariate analysis, female gender and left-sided colon tumors have favorable PFS (p:0.030 and p:0.023 respectively). No difference between bevacizumab or panitumumab containing regimen in right- sided tumors have observed (p:0.812). But in left-sided tumors, the panitumumab containing regimens have favorable PFS (8 vs 13 months. p:0.023). Grade 2 or higher skin rash was observed in 49% . Diarrhea in 38%, neuropathy in 30%, different hematologic toxicity in 14% and infusion reaction in 2.2% of the patients were detected. The skin rash was associated to panitumumab containing regimen (p:0.000). Other toxicity frequencies were not statistically significant in both groups. Conclusions: Compilation of current life data in MCC treatment will reveal the efficacy and tolerability in our daily practice beyond as data in clinical trials. These data together with more experience will guide the optimization of the treatments.

Serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative stress levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax

INTRODUCTION

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the aerobic sporeforming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of B. anthracis. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with cutaneous anthrax and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The serum MDA levels, SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were measured using a spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The serum SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were significantly lower in patients with cutaneous anthrax than in controls (for all, p < 0.001), whereas MDA levels were significantly higher ( p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between serum paraoxonase activity, arylesterase activity, SOD levels, and MDA levels (all, p > 0.05) in patients with cutaneous anthrax.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study was the first to show decreased antioxidant levels and increased oxidant levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax. Therefore, decreased PON1 activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous anthrax.

Acute intestinal obstruction due to a non-involuted uterus after cesarean section: case report

The involution of the uterus is influenced by a number of factors such as advanced childbearing age, electrolyte disturbances, multiparity, repeated cesarean sections, and vaginal infections. The authors report the management of a clinical case of a 41-year-old female who presented with acute intestinal obstruction due to a non-involuted uterus after cesarean section.

The activities of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase and lipid profile in acute myeloid leukemia: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the activities of serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE), and the lipid profile in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two persons (16 of AML and 16 of healthy control) were included to the study. PON1 and ARE activities were measured as spectrophotometrically in serum samples. High density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) were analyzed in autoanalyzer.

RESULTS

PON1 activities were respectively 16.04 U/L and 18.6 U/L in AML and healthy controls. There was no statistical significance between groups (p > 0.05). The mean ARE activities were respectively 0.21 U/L and 0.36 U/L in AML and healthy controls. Serum ARE activity significantly decreased in AML group (p < 0.001). Serum HDL values were significantly decreased (181.8 ± 76.2 mg/dl; p = 0.002) in AML. There was no difference in total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride values (respectively; 181.8 ± 76.2 mg/dl, 120.6 ± 64.6 mg/dl, 157.3 ± 87.2 mg/dl; p > 0.05) between AML and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first documented study about serum PON1 activity in AML patients. Although serum PON1 activities were not changed in both groups, our data suggest that the decreased serum ARE activity and HDL levels may be related the pathogenesis of AML.

Staging and evaluation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response with ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in NUT-midline carcinoma in a child: a case report and review of the literature

NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a newly defined and lethal cancer with aggressive course. It mostly affects children and young adults. Diagnosis is confirmed with the evidence of BRD4-NUT mutation on the chromosome 15q14 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Use of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in NMC patients is very limited in the literature. In this report, we describe a 7-year-old boy with the diagnosis of NMC who was scanned with (18)F-FDG PET/CT for staging and treatment response evaluation after the chemotherapy. It was disseminated and had moderate FDG avidity in the initial scan and showed progression after 4 cycles of chemotherapy. We also reviewed the literature related to (18)F-FDG PET/CT in staging and assessment of chemotherapy response of NMC.

Acetaminophen intoxication is associated with decreased serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities and increased lipid hydroperoxide levels

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen is at present one of the most commonly used analgesics and antipyretics. Recent evidence has suggested that oxidative stress is involved in the mechanism of acetaminophen intoxication. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) plays an important role as an endogenous free-radical scavenging molecule. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of serum PON1 activity and oxidative stress in patients with acetaminophen intoxication.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients with acetaminophen intoxication and 25 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels, and paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

The serum TAC levels and the paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in patients with acetaminophen intoxication compared with controls (all, p < 0.001), while the serum LOOH levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that decreased PON1 activity seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress in patients with acetaminophen intoxication. Measuring serum PON1 activity may be useful in assessing the development of toxicity risk in acetaminophen toxicity. It would be useful to recommend vitamins with antioxidant effects such as vitamins C and E along with medical treatments.

Effects of 900 MHz electromagnetic field emitted by cellular phones on electrocardiograms of guinea pigs

This study was carried out to determine the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by cellular phones (CPs) on electrocardiograms (ECGs) of guinea pigs. A total of 30 healthy guinea pigs weighing 500-800 g were used. After 1 week of adaptation period, animals were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 10) and EMF-exposed group (n = 20). Control guinea pigs were housed in a separate room without exposing them to EMFs of CPs. Animals in second group were exposed to 890-915 MHz EMF (217 Hz of pulse rate, 2 W of maximum peak power and 0.95 wt kg(-1) of specific absorption rate) for 12 h day(-1) (11 h 45 min stand-by and 15 min speaking mode) for 30 days. ECGs of guinea pigs in both the groups were recorded by a direct writing electrocardiograph at the beginning and 10th, 20th and 30th days of the experiment. All ECGs were standardized at 1 mV = 10 mm and with a chart speed of 50 mm sec(-1). Leads I, II, III, lead augmented vector right (aVR), lead augmented vector left (aVL) and lead augmented vector foot (aVF) were recorded. The durations and amplitudes of waves on the trace were measured in lead II. The data were expressed as mean with SEM. It was found that 12 h day(-1) EMF exposure for 30 days did not have any significant effects on ECG findings of guinea pigs. However, this issue needed to be further investigated in a variety of perspectives, such as longer duration of exposure to be able to elucidate the effects of mobile phone-induced EMFs on cardiovascular functions.

Gamma probe guided surgery for osteoid osteoma: is there any additive value of quantitative bone scintigraphy?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of gamma probe guided osteoid osteoma surgery and the applicability of quantitative analyses obtained from preoperative bone scan images.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study involved 12 osteoid osteoma patients who were treated with gamma probe guided surgery after preoperative bone scan. The calculated contrast ratios between nidus and adjacent healthy bone from preoperative bone scan and the calculated percentages of count reduction after resection of nidus during intraoperative gamma probe application were compared. Patients were followed up for any recurrence or complications.

RESULTS

The mean contrast ratio between nidus and adjacent healthy bone calculated from preoperative bone scan was 43.6% (range 33-53%). Following the nidus excision, an average of 55.8% (range 28-73%) count reduction was estimated with gamma probe in the tumor area. There was no correlation between preoperative scintigraphic contrast ratio and intraoperative gamma probe count reduction ratio (r = 0.46, p = 0.13). Complete cure was achieved in 11 (92%) patients with single operation, during the postoperative follow up period. None of the patients had any major or minor complications during or after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to high clinical success and low complication rate in osteoid osteoma surgery, gamma probe application is an effective and safe method that should be used more extensively in daily practice.