[Prognostic factors associated with failure of modular knee arthroplasty in oncologic patients]

INTRODUCTION

reconstruction of large bone defects using modular knee arthroplasty (MKA) presents a significant challenge in terms of functionality. The objective of the present work was to identify the different prognostic factors associated with failure of MKA in cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumor in the distal femur or proximal tibia, who underwent MKA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021.

RESULTS

49 patients were included, of which 25 (51.02%) were women and 24 (48.98%) men, with a mean age of 29.57 years. Of these, 14 (28.57%) patients experienced some type of MKA failure. The most frequent complication that led to failure was periprosthetic infection, observed in seven (14.29%) patients. Variables associated with MKA failure included biopsies performed outside our hospital (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-6.4, p = 0.02), the length of the long axis of the tumor (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-4.6, p = 0.01) and a prolonged surgical time (HR 3.37, 95% CI 1.1-8.6, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

the most significant prognostic factors associated with MKA failure in our cohort were tumor size, prolonged surgical time, and performance of the diagnostic biopsy in a center not specialized in the management of this type of patient. These findings highlight the importance of considering these variables to improve outcomes in patients undergoing MKA.

[Surgical margins as prognostic factor in pelvis chondrosarcoma. Cohort study in a sarcoma unit]

INTRODUCTION

chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignant tumor, constitutes approximately one quarter of all primary bone sarcomas. Surgical margins in pelvic chondrosarcoma have a direct impact as a prognostic factor, both on overall survival and on recurrence-free survival of this disease.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the impact of surgical margins as a prognostic factor in pelvic chondrosarcoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a retrospective database cohort with prospective follow-up of sarcomas in patients diagnosed with primary pelvic chondrosarcoma who underwent surgical treatment. Clinical-demographic variables were obtained, a descriptive analysis of each variable was performed, and these were contrasted with the outcome variables.

RESULTS

seventeen patients were included, of which nine were female. The median age was 41 years, ranging from 23 to 65 years. The average tumor size was 20.9 cm (range 5 to 46 cm). The average surgical margin was 5.3 mm, ranging from 1 to 30 mm, with 58% positive margins. The average overall survival was 64 months (range 7 to 108 months). The distribution of pelvic involvement was as follows: zone I in nine patients (52.9%), zone II in two (11.8%), a combination of zones I-III in two (11.8%), I+II in one (5.9%), II+III in one (5.9%), I-III plus sacrum in one (5.9%) and I plus sacrum in one (5.9%). Tumor grades were classified as low in seven patients (41.2%), intermediate in sven (41.2%), high in two (11.8%), and dedifferentiated in one (5.9%). Regarding the type of resection, 12 patients (70.6%) underwent internal hemipelvectomy and five (29.4%) external hemipelvectomy. Recurrence was recorded in five cases (29.4%), metastasis in three (17.6%), and mortality in four (23.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

this series represents the largest cohort reported in Latin America of primary pelvic chondrosarcomas. A more favorable prognosis was observed in patients with surgical margins greater than 1 mm. The presence of chondrosarcoma in multiple pelvic zones was associated with a worse oncological prognosis. Additionally, a higher incidence of positive surgical margins and local recurrence rates were identified in pelvic chondrosarcomas compared to those located in the extremities.

Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation of Geriatric Oncology Principles in Mexico: A Mixed-Methods Study

There is limited information regarding the use of the geriatric assessment (GA) for older adults with cancer in developing countries. We aimed to describe geriatric oncology practice among Mexican oncology professionals and to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of GA into the routine care of older adults with cancer in Mexico.

Routine use of geriatric oncology principles in Mexico is limited by insufficient personnel and knowledge.

[Current status of chondrosarcoma in a reference center]

INTRODUCTION

Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant bone tumor, is characterized by the formation of a chondroid matrix, is more frequent in advanced ages and its prognosis is directly related to the histological subtype and tumor grade. The objective of this article is to present the demographic and treatment profile in a reference center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive, observational, analytical cohort-type study was conducted in a reference center between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019, the demographic variables were analyzed and contrasted with the outcome variables that were overall survival and disease-free period.

RESULTS

85 patients were included, the mean age of presentation was 43.3 years, the clinical stage at the time of presentation was mostly IIa and IIb covering 54.1%. 35 patients had metastases with clinical stage IV. The main site of metastasis was the lung in 32 patients (37.6%). Thirty-six patients (42.3%) had specific mortality. 35 patients (41.2%) died as a result of metastatic disease to lung or other organs, one patient died from direct extension of the tumor in the cervical spine.

CONCLUSION

The important prognostic factors found in our series that influence global survival are: the presence of metastases and axial localization.

Use of the geriatric assessment in clinical practice in Mexico: A survey of cancer providers

e24013

Background: Despite the growing burden of cancer in older adults in Mexico, it is unknown how many cancer care providers in Mexico use information obtained through a geriatric assessment (GA) and/or geriatric oncology principles in their everyday clinical practice. Methods: We administered a cross-sectional survey to oncology providers in Mexico via the Mexican Society of Oncology mailing list (n = 1240). The survey included questions on demographics, awareness about geriatric oncology principles, and the use of the GA and other geriatric clinical tools. The primary outcome was to estimate the proportion of providers using GA tools through the question: “For your patients ≥65 years, do you perform a multidimensional geriatric assessment using validated tools?”. We hypothesized that ≤10% of respondents would give a positive answer. We used descriptive statistics and X2 tests to compare groups of respondents. Results: We obtained 196 answers (response rate 15.8%). 121 (62%) respondents were male; median age 42. 98 (50%) were surgical oncologists, 59 (30%) medical oncologists, and 38 (19%) radiation oncologists. Median time in practice was 8 years, with 39% practicing in Mexico City. A third had their practice at a public institution, 26% at a private institution, and 38% in both. The proportion of patients aged 65-79 and ≥80 seen on an average clinic day by the respondents was 30% and 10%, respectively. 121 (62%) reported having a geriatrician available at their practice site. 37 respondents (19%) reported using validated GA tools to evaluate older adults with cancer in their practice. The proportion of respondents who evaluated each GA domain is shown in Table 1. Male respondents (p=0.03), medical oncologists (p<0.01), and those with a less busy practice (≤10 patients/day) (p=0.01) were more likely to use validated tools to perform a GA. Regarding barriers for implementing GA, 37% reported lack of time, 49% lack of qualified personnel, 44% lack of knowledge of geriatric tools, 6% patient unwillingness to undergo a GA, and 8% prohibitive cost. Only 17 (9%) thought that information obtained through a GA would not lead to practice changes. Conclusions: According to our survey, the proportion of Mexican oncology providers using validated tools to perform a GA is 19%, which is higher than expected. Some GA domains, such as comorbidity and functional status, were commonly assessed, while others, such as fall history, were seldom evaluated. Common barriers for GA implementation were lack of qualified personnel and of knowledge about geriatric tools. We plan to further explore these barriers and potential facilitators through focused interviews in order to guide future interventions.[Table: see text]

Epidemiological profile of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities: Incidence, histological subtypes, and primary sites

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumours that represent less than 1% of all malignant, solid tumours in adults. There is limited epidemiological information regarding STS in Latin America. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present an epidemiological profile of these tumours observed at a single reference centre.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out based on hospital records obtained from a registry of 879 patients with STS of the extremities who were treated at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2017. Epidemiological variables and relevant clinical data were collected. Five-year survival rates were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model measured associations.

Results

A total of 879 records were collected. The median age was 45 years (15-95 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1:1, with 433 men (49.3%), and 446 women (50.7%). The median tumour size was 11.4 cm (2-49 cm). The most prevalent histological variants were liposarcomas and synovial sarcomas. The lower limb was the most frequently affected extremity, with the thigh being the most common site followed by the leg. A majority of the patients were diagnosed at clinical stages IIIA-IV.

Conclusions

The data collected from the present cohort provides an overview of the epidemiological profile of STS at a single reference centre in Latin America, and allow comparison with global data.

[Synchronous primary double: condrosarcoma and sarcoma high grade fusocelular associated with Maffucci syndrome]

Maffucci syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromes and hemangiomas that can affect soft tissues and other organs. The risk of malignant transformation of lesions is 100% during the life of the individual, with chondrosarcoma being the most frequently associated malignant tumor. We present the case of a 44-year-old man diagnosed with Maffucci syndrome who developed a synchronous double primary: chondrosarcoma and high-grade multicenter fusocellular sarcoma of scapular and tricipital region, was treated with disarticulation interscapule-thoracic, presented accelerated progression and lung disease. There are other neoplasms associated with Maffucci syndrome, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, mesenchymal ovarian tumors, gliomas, astrocytomas and pituitary tumors. It is therefore very interesting to report the uncommon association between fusocellular sarcoma and secondary chondrosarcoma in patients with Maffucci syndrome. Follow-up in this group of patients is complex and is based on the intentional search for accelerated growing lesions, paying attention to progressive growth injuries, clinical symptoms or radiological malignancy data.

[Primary sacral tumors: analysis of results and complications]

INTRODUCTION

Primary sacral tumors are rare, treatment in most cases is surgical with or without adjuvant radiotherapy; oncology and functional results are usually adverse with a high rate of complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, analytical and observational studies that includes 22 cases treated between 2000 and 2017, analyzed their characteristics demographic, the type of treatment received, and the oncological, functional results and the rate of complications were analized.

RESULTS

22 patients were subjected to sacrectomy with posterior approah because of cordoma (13 patients), giant cell tumour (three patients) and other (six patients). Three total sacrectomies, 13 partial sacrectomies, two hemisacrectomies and four sacrectomies enlarged were performed. The mean surgical time was 229 minutes, with an average bleeding of 2,100 cm3, the average tumour size was 13.8 cm (6-30cm); 10 patients were presented with complications, eight by surgical site infection, one sacral hernia and one osteomyelitis. Overall survival was 44.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of sacral tumors is complex, requires a multidisciplinary team; the oncological result is adequate when you get free margins of neoplasia, the functional results will be determined by the type of resection, and the rate of complications is high however is the best alternative healing in our hospital.

[Dedifferentiated diaphyseal juxtacortical osteosarcoma of ulna with metastasis to the lung]

Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a variant in which a high grade osteosarcoma coexists with a parosteal osteosarcoma. We report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who presented with six months of evolution of pain and functional limitation of the right forearm, with no apparent cause; radiographs were performed, observing a tumoral lesion in the diaphysis of the right ulna. Physical examination showed pain upon palpation in the diaphysis of the ulna and limitation of prone-supination. Axial computed tomography of the thorax revealed metastatic disease in the upper lobe of the left lung. An incisional biopsy was performed on the right ulna, with a report of dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma. Therefore, the patient was managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin until completing three cycles. Surgical treatment consisted of intercalary resection of the diaphysis of the right ulna, plus reconstruction of the microvascularized autologous graft of the right fibular diaphysis and graft stabilization with 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and one-third tubular plate. In the same procedure, pulmonary metastasectomy was performed by thoracoscopy. Post-surgical histopathological report with 100% necrosis. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic, with no evidence of tumor activity. Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a rare pathology, but should be suspected as a differential diagnosis in the presence of a parosteal osteosarcoma; it should be taken into account that this disease can metastasize due to its dedifferentiated pattern. It is important to plan a surgical treatment that allows an adequate functional reconstruction, always taking into account the oncological principle.

[Unusual presentation of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip joint: case report and review of the literature]

INTRODUCTION

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare clinical entity with higher incidence in women (3:1) and an age of presentation between 20 and 40 years. The hip is a rare site of appearance, being involved in only 15% of all cases.

CASE REPORT

47-year-old male with 10 years of evolution characterized by a limited range of motion, pain associated with an increase in volume and shortening of the pelvic limb. Imaging studies showed destruction of the hip joint and extension to the pelvis. The histopathology report described pigmented villonodular synovitis. His final treatment was left hemipelvectomy.

DISCUSSION

The presentation of the diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip has a lower incidence and a locally aggressive behavior. It is necessary to consider differential diagnoses that include malignant neoplasms. The standard treatment is surgical.

[Atipic osteosarcoma in the femoral shaft case report and review of the literature]

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor. It is characterized by osteoid production by tumor cells. Its most frequent location is in the metaphyses of long bones, but a purely diaphyseal presentation is reported in 10% of cases. We report the case of a female 25 year-old patient whose symptoms of pain and swelling of the right mid thigh started four months before, without an apparent cause. Femur X-rays showed a tumor in the femoral shaft. The MRI showed extension to soft tissues with no compromise of the neurovascular bundle. The histopathologic report of the incisional biopsy was osteoblastic and chondroblastic osteosarcoma, classified as Enneking IIB, AJCC IIB. Treatment consisted of three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Then intercalary femur resection plus reconstruction with centromedullary nailing and a diaphyseal spacer were performed. The histopathologic report was 95% necrosis (Huvos grade III). Three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy were given and now, 18 months after completing the latter, the patient has no signs of local or distant tumor activity, and she can walk unassisted. Despite the fact that osteosarcoma does not occur usually in the mid shaft of long bones, we should always bear it in mind as part of the differential diagnosis for other conditions that occur more frequently in that region. Such location allows for a broad gamut of surgical approaches that spare the adjacent joints.

Cost-effectiveness of the 21-gene breast cancer assay in Mexico

INTRODUCTION

The 21-gene breast cancer assay (Oncotype DX(®); Genomic Health, Inc.) is a validated diagnostic test that predicts the likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit and 10-year risk of distant recurrence in patients with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative, early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the assay to inform adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in Mexico.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed to make long-term projections of distant recurrence, survival, and direct costs in scenarios using conventional diagnostic procedures or the 21-gene assay to inform adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations. Transition probabilities and risk adjustment were taken from published landmark trials. Costs [2011 Mexican Pesos (MXN)] were estimated from an Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social perspective. Costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 5% annually.

RESULTS

Following assay testing, approximately 66% of patients previously receiving chemotherapy were recommended to receive hormone therapy only after consideration of assay results. Furthermore, approximately 10% of those previously allocated hormone therapy alone had their recommendation changed to add chemotherapy. This optimized therapy allocation led to improved mean life expectancy by 0.068 years per patient and increased direct costs by MXN 1707 [2011 United States Dollars (USD) 129] per patient versus usual care. This is equated to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of MXN 25,244 (USD 1914) per life-year gained.

CONCLUSION

In early-stage breast cancer patients in Mexico, guiding decision making on adjuvant therapy using the 21-gene assay was projected to improve life expectancy in comparison with the current standard of care, with an ICER of MXN 25,244 (USD 1914) per life-year gained, which is within the range generally considered cost-effective.

[Differential diagnosis of multiple hereditary exostosis: presentation of a clinical case with secondary chondrosarcoma and literature review]

Enchondromatoses include a heterogeneous group of congenital syndromes characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromas associated with musculo-skeletal malformations secondary to limb shortening, scoliosis, pathological fractures and pseudoarthrosis. The main complication of enchondromas is their malignant transformation to secondary chondrosarcomas, which may occur in up to 25% of cases. The multiple enchondromatosis syndromes have many clinical similarities and the differential diagnosis is therefore difficult to make. We present the clinical case of a 38-year-old patient with a diagnosis of multiple familial enchondromatosis who developed a pelvic chondrosarcoma that was treated with external hemipelvectomy. We reviewed the literature concerning the specific aspects of Mafucci, Oilier and multiple familial enchondromatosis syndromes.

Phase II trial of gemcitabine concurrent with radiation for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiation is the current standard of treatment for patients with advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Due to the potent radiosensitizing properties of gemcitabine, we decided to assess its efficacy and toxicity with concurrent radiation in patients with advanced HNSCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1997 to December 2001, 27 patients with locally advanced HNSCC (stage III, 37%; stage IV, 63%) were enrolled. All received a course of radiotherapy (70 Gy over 7 weeks) concurrent with weekly infusions of gemcitabine at 100 mg/m2 or 50 mg/m2.

RESULTS

All patients were assessable for toxicity and 26 for response. Severe mucositis (grade 3-4) was observed in 74% of patients (grade 4, 41%). Severe hematological toxicity was uncommon. Mild and moderate xerostomy was the most common late toxicity in 23 patients (85%). The median radiation dose delivered was 70 Gy (40-80 Gy), 25 patients (93%) received > or = 80% of the intended dose. Gemcitabine dose intensity was > or = 80% in only 13 (48%) patients. The rate of complete and partial responses were 61% and 27%, respectively, for an overall response rate of 88%. At a median follow-up of 13 months (range 6-62), the actuarial 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 37% and 33%, respectively. The only variable associated with prolonged survival (P = 0.0001) was the degree of response. No difference was observed in response or toxicity with either gemcitabine 50 or 100 mg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

The concurrent use of radiotherapy and gemcitabine is effective but produces manageable severe mucositis in a high percentage of patients.