The prognostic value of stem cell markers in triple-negative breast cancer

Among the many consecutive theories of cancer, the stem cell theory is currently the most accepted one. Cancer stem cells are located in small niches with specific environment, renew themselves and are believed to be responsible for many recurrences. They can be highlighted with stem cell markers, but often these markers also label tumor cells, and this may represent a phenotypical change associated with prognosis. In this study, we attempted to match tumor outcomes with the expression of the following stem cell markers: ALDH1, AnnexinA1, CD44, CD117, CD166, Nanog and oct-4. Tissue microarray blocks from triple-negative breast cancers were immunostained for the listed markers, and their expression by the majority of tumor cells (diffuse positivity) was correlated with prognosis. Of the 106 tumors investigated, diffuse positivity was seen in 7 (ALDH1), 33 (AnnexinA1), 53 (CD44), 44 (CD117 membranous only), 49 (CD117), 72 (CD166), 19 (Nanog), and 11 (oct-4) cases. With a median follow-up of 83 months, ALDH1 and CD117 expression was associated with DFS, whereas CD44, CD117 and CD166 were associated with OS estimates, based on Kaplan-Meier analyses. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard models (including the examined markers and clinicopathological data which had a statistical impact in the univariate analysis), the pN category and the lack of ALDH1 expression were independent prognosticators for DFS, and the pN category and diffuse CD44 staining were independent prognosticators for OS. In the multivariate analysis including all of the examined clinicopathological data and markers, only CD117 showed a statistical impact on OS. We failed to demonstrate a prognostic impact for most stem cell markers tested in triple-negative breast cancer, but lack of ALDH1 staining and CD44 expression appears as of prognostic value, requiring further examination in independent studies.

Proposal of a grading system for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung - the prognostic importance of tumour budding, single cell invasion, and nuclear diameter

The prognostic markers of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) are less investigated. The aim of our study was to evaluate tumour budding (TB), minimal cell nest size, nuclear diameter (ND), and spread through air spaces (STAS) among patients with resected LSCC, semi-quantitatively. Furthermore, we aimed to identify a grading system for the best prognostic stratification of LSCC. Patients who underwent surgical resection at the Department of Surgery, University of Szeged between 2010 and 2016 were included. Follow-up data were collected from medical charts. Morphological characteristics were recorded from histologic revision of slides. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log rank test and Cox proportional-hazards model, ROC curve analysis, and intraclass correlation were utilised. Altogether 220 patients were included. In univariate analysis, higher degree of TB, infiltrative tumour border, larger ND, the presence of single cell invasion (SCI) and STAS were associated with adverse prognosis. Based on our results, we proposed an easily applicable grading scheme focusing on TB, ND, and SCI. In multivariate analysis, the proposed grading system (pOS < 0.001, pRFS < 0.001) and STAS (pOS = 0.008, pRFS < 0.001) were independent prognosticators. Compared to the previously introduced grading systems, ROC curve analysis revealed that the proposed grade had the highest AUC values (AUCOS: 0.83, AUCRFS: 0.78). Each category of the proposed grading system has good (ICC: 0.79-0.88) reproducibility. We validated the prognostic impact of TB, SCI, ND, and STAS in LSCC. We recommend a reproducible grading system combining TB, SCI, and ND for proper prognostic stratification of LSCC patients. Further research is required for validation of this grading scheme.

[Alectinib and mixed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung.]

The treatment of mixed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is less studied due to its low incidence. However, the presence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene is rare in such tumours, ALK inhibitors may represent a promising therapeutic option instead of cytostatic therapy. Routine chest X-ray and then computed tomography (CT) examination revealed a pulmonary tumour in a 52-year-old asymptomatic woman. The neoplasm was removed by lobectomy. Histological examination confirmed papillary predominant lung adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with postoperative chemotherapy and irradiation. 3 years later, neurologic symptoms were observed, therefore, brain CT was performed. The evaluation confirmed brain metastases which were removed. Histological examination identified metastasis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Revision and molecular examination of the metastasis and lung specimen revealed pulmonary mixed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with ALK-rearrangement. Alectinib (Alecensa) treatment was initiated resulting in regression of the previously observed liver metastases. Progression has not occurred in the last 3 years since the start of treatment. Detection of ALK fusion genes and research of ALK inhibitor therapy focus primarily on lung adenocarcinomas. Our case report would like to draw attention to the evaluation of driver mutations in pulmonary mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma with adenocarcinoma component because targeted treatment may be an effective alternative. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(14): 548-554.

TRPS1 expression in cytokeratin 5 expressing triple negative breast cancers, its value as a marker of breast origin

The lack of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 expression in breast cancer (BC) is the basis for the categorization of the tumour as triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC). The majority of TNBCs are aggressive tumours with common metastases and decreased expression of markers that could help in identifying the metastatic lesion as of mammary origin. Breast markers, such as gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDPF-15), GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3), mammaglobin (MGB) and SOX10, are not uniquely specific to BC. Our aim was to evaluate trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) protein as a breast marker in a series of cytokeratin-5-expressing TNBC, mostly corresponding to basal-like TNBCs, previously characterized for the expression of other breast markers. One hundred seventeen TNBCs in tissue microarrays were immunostained for TRPS1. The cut-off for positivity was ≥ 10%. The reproducibility of this classification was also assessed. TRPS1 positivity was detected in 92/117 (79%) cases, and this exceeded the expression of previously tested markers like SOX10 82 (70%), GATA3 11 (9%), MGB 10 (9%) and GCDFP-15 7 (6%). Of the 25 TRPS1-negative cases, 11 were positive with SOX10, whereas 5 to 6 dual negatives displayed positivity for the other makers. The evaluation showed substantial agreement. Of the five markers compared, TRPS1 seems the most sensitive marker for the mammary origin of CK5-expressing TNBCs. Cases that are negative are most often labelled with SOX10, and the remainder may still demonstrate positivity for any of the 3 other markers. TRPS1 has a place in breast marker panels.

Good practice: The experiences with the utilization of residual cancer burden-A single institution study

INTRODUCTION

The use of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has been showing an incraesing tendency in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. The evaluation of residual cancer could be performed by Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) calculator. The prognostic system takes the two largest diameters of the tumor, the cellularity, the amount of in situ carcinoma, the number of metastatic lymph nodes, and the size of the largest metastatic deposit into account. The aim of our study was to examine the reproducibility of RCB in NAT treated patients.

METHODS

Patients who were treated with NAT and had resection specimens between 2018 and 2021 were selected. Histological examination was performed by five pathologists. After assessment of the examined variables, RCB points and RCB classes were defined. For statistical analysis, interclass correlation was used (SPSS Statistics V.22.0 software).

RESULTS

Altogether 100 patients were included in our retrospective, cohort study (average age: 57 years). In two-thirds of the cases, third generation chemotherapy was used, and mastectomy was performed. Significant concordance was found in the two largest diameters of the tumor (coefficients, 0.984 and 0.973), the cellularity (coefficient, 0.970), and the largest metastatic deposit (coefficient, 0.998). Although the amount of in situ carcinoma proved to be the least reproducible factor, it resulted in almost 90% of agreement (coefficient, 0.873). Regarding RCB points and classes, similar results were observed (coefficients, 0.989 and 0.960).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant agreement was observed between examiners based on almost all RCB parameters, points, and classes, reflecting the optimal reproducibility of RCB. Therefore, we recommend the use of the calculator in routine histopathological reports in NAT cases.

Highlighting the immunohistochemical differences of malignant mesothelioma subtypes via case presentations

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumor of mesothelial cells, with an increasing incidence both in developed and developing countries. MM has three major histological subtypes, in order of frequency, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of 2021: epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MM. Distinction may be a challenging task for the pathologist, due to the unspecific morphology. Here, we present two cases of diffuse MM subtypes to emphasize the immunohistochemical (IHC) differences, and to facilitate diagnostic difficulties. In our first case of epithelioid mesothelioma, the neoplastic cells showed cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), calretinin, and Wilms-tumor-1 (WT1) expression, while remaining negative with thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) negativity was seen in the neoplastic cells' nucleus, reflecting loss of the tumor suppressor gene. In the second case of biphasic mesothelioma, expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CKAE1/AE3, and mesothelin was observed, while WT1, BerEP4, CD141, TTF1, p63, CD31, calretinin, and BAP1 expressions were not detected. Due to the absence of specific histological features, the differentiation between MM subtypes could be a challenging task. In routine diagnostic work, IHC may be the proper method in distinction. According to our results and literature data, CK5/6, mesothelin, calretinin, and Ki-67 should be applied in subclassification.

ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) Analysis of Stromal Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (sTILs) in Breast Cancer and Its Limitations

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) reflect antitumour immunity. Their evaluation of histopathology specimens is influenced by several factors and is subject to issues of reproducibility. ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) helps in determining the number of observers that would be sufficient for the reliable estimation of inter-observer agreement of TIL categorisation. This has not been explored previously in relation to TILs. ONEST analyses, using an open-source software developed by the first author, were performed on TIL quantification in breast cancers taken from two previous studies. These were one reproducibility study involving 49 breast cancers, 23 in the first circulation and 14 pathologists in the second circulation, and one study involving 100 cases and 9 pathologists. In addition to the estimates of the number of observers required, other factors influencing the results of ONEST were examined. The analyses reveal that between six and nine observers (range 2-11) are most commonly needed to give a robust estimate of reproducibility. In addition, the number and experience of observers, the distribution of values around or away from the extremes, and outliers in the classification also influence the results. Due to the simplicity and the potentially relevant information it may give, we propose ONEST to be a part of new reproducibility analyses.

[Changes of the T cell composition in the thymus during the COVID-19 pandemic]

INTRODUCTION

In our study, we aimed to investigate whether the COVID-19 infection itself or the vaccination against it affect the differentiation of T cells in the thymus, and whether the reduction in T cell counts observed in the blood of COVID-19-infected individuals is also observed at the tissue level in the thymus.

METHOD

Data from a total of 55 thymectomy patients were processed to create three groups: 1) the pre-COVID-19 (PC) group included 22 patients, 12 women and 10 men, who underwent thymectomy between 2008 and 2013; 2) in the no-COVID-19 (NC) group (patients without verified infection or vaccination), 20 patients, 11 women and 9 men, underwent thymectomy in 2020-2021; 3) the vaccinated or infected COVID-19 (VIC) group included 13 patients, 4 women and 9 men, who underwent thymectomy also in 2020-2021. The pathological samples were immunohistochemically tested for CD4, CD8, CD25 and FOXP3 to verify the helper, cytotoxic and regulatory T cells.

RESULTS

The VIC group had significantly lower values for CD4, compared to the PC and NC groups. The FOXP3 value was significantly lower in the VIC and NC groups compared to the PC group. No significant differences were found for CD8 and CD25 between the groups studied.

DISCUSSION

The COVID-19 infection or vaccination affects the T cell composition of the thymus. Decreased expression of CD4 has been demonstrated in the VIC group, which confirms a decrease in the T cell counts that also occurs in the thymus. The low FOXP3 levels observed in the NC group during the COVID-19 era, compared to the PC group, may be indicative of a high rate of asymptomatic coronavirus infections and a worsening of immunetolerance.

CONCLUSION

First in the world, we have verified that the helper T cell composition of the thymus in COVID-19 infection era is reduced, and in the asymptomatic patients the immune function is decreased as well. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(52): 2062-2066.

The More Extensive the Spread through Air Spaces, the Worse the Prognosis Is: Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Spread through Air Spaces in Pulmonary Adenocarcinomas

INTRODUCTION

The extent of spread through air spaces (STAS) is less investigated among patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent sublobar resection. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the extent of STAS semi-quantitatively, to assess its prognostic impact on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), and to investigate the reproducibility of this assessment.

METHODS

The number of tumour cell clusters and single tumour cells within air spaces was recorded in three different most prominent areas (200x field of view). The extent of STAS was categorized into three groups, and the presence of free tumour cluster (FTC) was recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were included. Recurrence was more frequent with higher grade (p = 0.003), presence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.027), and presence of STAS of any extent (p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, presence of FTC (HR: 5.89; 95% CI: 1.63-21.26; p = 0.005) and more pronounced STAS (HR: 7.46; 95% CI: 1.60-34.6; p = 0.01) had adverse impact on OS and RFS, respectively. Concerning reproducibility, excellent agreement was found among STAS parameters (ICC range: 0.92-0.94).

DISCUSSION

More extensive STAS is an unfavourable prognostic factor in adenocarcinomas treated with sublobar resection. As the evaluation of extent of STAS is reproducible, further investigation is required to gather more evidence.

“Dum spiro spero”: clinicopathologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A kórboncolás hozzájárul a súlyos akut légzőszervi szindrómát okozó koronavírus-2 (SARS-CoV-2-) fertőzés klinikopatológiai vonatkozásainak megismeréséhez. Célkitűzés: A SARS-CoV-2-fertőzöttek boncolása során gyűjtött tapasztalatok bemutatása. Módszer: Egymást követően boncolt, védőoltásban nem részesült, SARS-CoV-2-fertőzött elhunytak klinikai adatait, makro- és mikroszkópos észleleteit összegeztük; a tüdőkimetszéseket SARS-CoV-2-nukleokapszid-immunfestéssel vizsgáltuk. Eredmények: A boncolást a halálok megállapítására (n = 14), tumorgyanú (n = 9), illetve törvényi kötelezettség (n = 3) miatt végeztük. A fertőzést a klinikai észlelés vagy a boncolás során (n = 4) végzett SARS-CoV-2-nukleinsav-teszt igazolta. A tünetes betegség átlagos hossza 12,9 nap volt. 21 betegnél (medián életkor 69 év; 18 férfi) állt fenn COVID-19-pneumonia, mely 16 esetben önmagában, 4 esetben bakteriális pneumoniával vagy álhártyás colitisszel szövődve okozott halált; 1 antikoagulált pneumoniás beteg heveny retroperitonealis vérzésben halt meg. 3 betegnél a halált disszeminálódott malignus tumor, 1 betegnél coronariathrombosis, 1 mentálisan retardált betegnél pedig pulmonalis emboliás szövődmény okozta. A COVID-19-pneumoniás tüdők nehezek, tömöttek és vörösen foltozottak voltak. Szövettanilag a betegség időtartamától függően diffúz alveolaris károsodás korai exsudativ vagy későbbi proliferativ fázisa látszott atípusos pneumocytákkal; gyakori volt a microthrombosis (n = 7), a macrothrombosis (n = 5), illetve a pulmonalis embolia (n = 4). A SARS-CoV-2-immunfestés pozitívnak bizonyult az esetek 38,5%-ában, dominálóan az exsudativ fázisban. Minden elhunyt társbetegség(ek)ben szenvedett, így magasvérnyomás-betegségben (n = 17), érelmeszesedésben (n = 14), 2-es típusú diabetesben (n = 8), rosszindulatú daganatban (n = 6), krónikus obstruktív tüdőbetegségben (n = 4), elhízásban (n = 3), vesetranszplantáció utáni immunszuppresszióban (n = 3). Következtetés: Az irodalmi adatokkal összhangban, halálos COVID-19-pneumonia túlnyomóan idős, társbetegség(ek)től sújtott férfiakban alakult ki. A boncolási gyakorlatban a SARS-CoV-2-nukleokapszid-immunfestéstől a diffúz alveolaris károsodás korai fázisában várható pozitivitás. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(45): 1791-1802.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Autopsy is an important tool for the evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Objectice: The aim of this study was to present our experience with autopsies of patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHOD

Clinical data, macroscopic and microscopic findings of consecutive postmortems of non-vaccinated SARS-CoV-2 patients are summarized. Lung samples were evaluated with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Autopsies were performed to determine the cause of death (n = 14), suspected tumours (n = 9) or due to legal obligation (n = 3). SARS-CoV-2 infection was verified by ante mortem (n = 22) and post mortem (n = 4) polymerase chain reaction. The mean duration of symptomatic disease was 12.9 days. Of 21 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 16 died of respiratory failure, 4 had additional bacterial pneumonia or Clostridioides difficile infection, and 1 developed hemorrhagic complication (n = 1). Other causes of death included disseminated malignancies (n = 3), coronary thrombosis (n = 1) and pulmonary embolism (n = 1). The affected lungs were heavy and had patchy red appearance. Exudative or proliferative phases of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) were detected with atypical pneumocytes. Microthrombosis (n = 7), macrothrombosis (n = 5) and pulmonary embolism (n = 4) were frequent. The SARS-CoV-2 immunohistochemical reaction was positive in 38.5% of cases. All patients had co-morbidities, namely, hypertension (n = 17), atherosclerosis (n = 14), diabetes (n = 8), malignancies (n = 6), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (n = 4), obesity (n = 3) and immunosuppression after kidney transplantation (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

Fatal COVID-19 pneumonia occurred mostly in elderly males with co-morbidities. In the autopsy practice, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid immunohistochemical reaction may confirm the infectious etiology in the early phase of DAD. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(45): 1791-1802.

Pulmonary necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis

Összefoglaló. A nekrotizáló sarcoid granulomatosis a granulomatosus pulmonalis angitisek közé tartozó, ritka kórkép. Egyesek a sarcoidosis variánsának, mások primer pulmonalis vasculitisnek tartják. A kórkép klinikai és patológiai jellegzetességeit két eset bemutatásával ismertetjük. A 20 éves nőbeteg sürgősséggel került pulmonológiai osztályra száraz köhögés, jobb oldali, mély belégzéssel összefüggő mellkasi fájdalom és láz miatt, a 63 éves férfi beteget pedig pneumoniát követő kontroll-mellkasröntgenfelvételen látott elváltozás kivizsgálása során észlelték. Az autoimmun panel vizsgálata, a mikrobiológiai tesztek mindkét betegnél negatívnak bizonyultak, a légzésfunkciós vizsgálat és a bronchoszkópos vizsgálat nem talált eltérést. A mellkas-CT-felvételen lágyrész-denzitású nodulusok látszottak egyoldali dominanciával, a folyamatot nem kísérte a hilusi nyirokcsomók szimmetrikus megnagyobbodása. A nodulusok szövettani vizsgálata vált indokolttá, melyet videoasszisztált torakoszkópos tüdőreszekciós mintavétellel biztosítottak. Mikroszkóposan a tüdőparenchymában gócos nekrózisokat, a környezetükben el nem sajtosodó epitheloid sejtes granulomatosus gócokat, az átfutó artériákban pedig granulomatosus arteritist láttak; a klinikai adatok figyelembevételével a tüdő nekrotizáló sarcoid granulomatosisa diagnózisát állították fel. A tüdőbetegség mindkét betegnél egy év alatt spontán regrediált. Az irodalom adatait és az eseteket összegezve, a tüdő nekrotizáló sarcoid granulomatosisában mikrobiológiai vizsgálatokkal nem igazolható tüdőfertőzés, és az immunológiai kivizsgálás sem tár fel szisztémás autoimmun betegséget; a diagnózis a klinikai kép és a képalkotó vizsgálatok alapján indikált szövettani vizsgálattal állítható fel. A betegség szteroidkezelésre jól reagál, de előfordul spontán regresszió is, az utóbbira láttunk példát. Bár az entitás átmenetet képez a nekrotizáló vasculitisek és a sarcoidosis között, egyre több érv szól amellett, hogy a sarcoidosis spektrumába tartozik. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(38): 1541-1547. Summary. Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis is a rare entity currently classified as a subtype of granulomatous pulmonary angiitis. It is considered to be either a variant of sarcoidosis or a primary pulmonary angiitis. Two cases are demonstrated to present its clinical and pathological features. A 20-year-old female patient was admitted to the department of pulmonology with dry cough, right-sided chest pain during hyperventilation and fever. A 63-year-old male patient was observed with a right-sided lesion on chest X-ray after pneumonia. In both cases, autoimmune panel examination, microbiology tests, spirometry function test and bronchoscopy were unremarkable. Chest CT scans have revealed nodules with soft-tissue density without bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. In order to clarify the diagnosis, video-assisted thoracoscopic resection (biopsy) was performed. Microscopically, parenchymal focal necrosis with adjacent to non-caseating granulomas and granulomatous angiitis were detected. In both cases, spontaneous remission occurred within a year. Histological examination - integrated with clinical data and radiological tests' results - is the gold standard form of evaluation to confirm necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis; furthermore, exclusion of pneumonia and autoimmune diseases are also required. The disease responds well to corticosteroids; moreover, spontaneous remission is often reported, as it happened in both cases. Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis is a transition between necrotizing vasculitides and sarcoidosis; although more and more evidence appears supporting the fact that necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis may belong to the spectrum of sarcoidosis. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(38): 1541-1547.

The additional value of ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) in assessing reproducibility of oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Ki67 classification in breast cancer

The reproducibility of assessing potential biomarkers is crucial for their implementation. ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) has been recently introduced as a new additive evaluation method for the assessment of reliability, by demonstrating how the number of observers impact on interobserver agreement. Oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki67 proliferation marker immunohistochemical stainings were assessed on 50 core needle biopsy and 50 excision samples from breast cancers by 9 pathologists according to daily practice. ER and PR statuses based on the percentages of stained nuclei were the most consistently assessed parameters (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC 0.918-0.996), whereas Ki67 with 5 different theoretical or St Gallen Consensus Conference-proposed cut-off values demonstrated moderate to good reproducibility (ICC: 0.625-0.760). ONEST highlighted that consistent tests like ER and PR assessment needed only 2 or 3 observers for optimal evaluation of reproducibility, and the width between plots of the best and worst overall percent agreement values for 100 randomly selected permutations of observers was narrow. In contrast, with less consistently evaluated tests of Ki67 categorization, ONEST suggested at least 5 observers required for more trustful assessment of reliability, and the bandwidth of the best and worst plots was wider (up to 34% difference between two observers). ONEST has additional value to traditional calculations of the interobserver agreement by not only highlighting the number of observers needed to trustfully evaluate reproducibility but also by highlighting the rate of agreement with an increasing number of observers and disagreement between the better and worse ratings.

“Gap in the shield” – imaging of the thyroid gland from the multidisciplinary perspective

Összefoglaló. A pajzsmirigy az első szervek közé tartozik, melyek megjelenítésében, betegségeinek felfedezésében az ultrahang-diagnosztikának fontos szerepe van. A pajzsmirigybetegségek a lakosság jelentős részét érintik, és a technika fejlődésével egyre több pajzsmirigyeltérés, göb kerül felfedezésre. A pajzsmirigy rosszindulatú folyamatainak nincs egy bizonyos specifikus jele, viszont az ultrahangkép alapján meghatározhatók a malignitásra gyanús eltérések. Erre az elmúlt években több összefoglaló rendszer is született. Jelen összefoglaló tanulmányunknak az a célja, hogy bemutassuk a pajzsmirigy ultrahangdiagnosztikájának fejlődését; összehasonlítsuk az egyes leletezési rendszereket, úgymint TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, melyek célja a feltehetőleg rosszindulatú göbök kiszűrése, azonosítása a mindennapi rutinmunka során; vizsgáljuk a különböző rendszerek kapcsolatát a patológia által használt Bethesda-pontrendszerrel. Az ultrahangvizsgálat megfelelő értékelése, a pontrendszerek ismerete segíthet a pajzsmirigygöb differenciáldiagnózisában, a követési frekvencia meghatározásában, csökkentheti az aspirációs citológiák számát, ezzel támogatva a klinikai döntéshozatalt. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541. Summary. The thyroid gland was one of the first organs, the ultrasound (US) examination of which has played an important role. The thyroid diseases affect a large part of the population, and with the development of imaging technology, more and more thyroid abnormalities, nodules and malignant lesions are being discovered. There are no specific signs of thyroid cancer, but the suspicious signs could be determined by US. In recent years, several systems have been developed. The aim of our review is to demonstrate the development of US diagnostics of the thyroid gland; to compare the different reporting systems, such as TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, which should help to identify the questionable lesions in the daily routine work. We examine the relationship between the different US systems and the Bethesda point score used by pathologists. The literature review shows that the US examination supports the clinical decisions, helps to select, who should have a fine-needle biopsy, and allows to determine the frequency of follow-up. The number of unnecessary fine-needle biopsies could be reduced, too. Our paper is part of a bigger research, the ethical license number is 23/2020, University of Szeged. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(14): 530-541.

[The role of interdisciplinary communication in the proper diagnostics of jaw cyst]

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Az állcsonti cysták helytálló diagnosztikája a klinikai, radiológiai és patológiai leletek együttes értékelésével lehetséges. Korábbi munkánk során többször tapasztaltuk a klinikoradiopatológiai kommunikáció és korreláció hiányát, és ez olykor inadekvát diagnózisok felállításához vezetett. Célkitűzés: Célunk ezen kommunikációs probléma mértékének becslése és annak bemutatása, hogy ez a hiányosság hogyan befolyásolhatja a diagnosztikát. Módszer: Korábbi, más célú retrospektív elemzés újraértékelése történt a klinikai (radiológiai) adatközlés, a revízió kapcsán módosuló diagnózisok számszerűsítése céljából, valamint további 3 egyetemi patológiai intézet 10-10 anonimizált leletének vizsgálata az adatközlések vonatkozásában. Eredmények: 2 intézményben 85 odontogen cysta diagnózisakor csupán a betegek életkora, neme volt 100%-osan ismert. A lokalizációra vonatkozó adekvát információ 62%-ban, a méretre vonatkozó csupán 29%-ban fordult elő a szövettani kérőlapokon. Összességében a diagnózist segítő releváns információt csak 52%-ban adtak meg. Az utólagos klinikoradiopatológiai korrelációra törekvő revízió során 38/85 esetben (45%) módosult a végső diagnózis kisebb vagy nagyobb mértékben. A megküldött leletek alapján a klinikai/radiológiai adatok közlése <50% és 100% közöttinek becsülhető más intézetekben is. Az 5 intézmény közül csak az egyikben utalt specializációra az, hogy minden leletet egy patológus véleményezett, általában sok patológus (n = 25) valamelyike véleményezte a kevés tömlőt (n = 105). A diagnózis kommunikáció hiányán alapuló kisiklásának lehetőségét 5 példával illusztráljuk: cysta radicularisként leletezett paradentalis, lobos follicularis és lateralis periodontalis cysta, ductus nasopalatinus cysta és radicularis cysta differenciáldiagnosztikáját példázó tömlő, valamint botryoid odontogen cysta kerül bemutatásra. Következtetés: Az odontogen tömlők precíz diagnosztikája mind a klinikai, mind a patológiai oldalról javítást igényel, amelynek egyik része az ilyen irányú képzés lehet. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 458-467. Summary. Introduction: Proper diagnosis of jaw cysts requires the parallel evaluation of clinical, radiological and histopathological findings. Lack of clinico-radio-pathological correlation can lead to inconsistent diagnoses. Objective: To evaluate the rate of lacking clinico-pathological communication and demonstrate how this may influence diagnostics. Method: Data of a former retrospective analysis were re-evaluated to quantify the lack of clinical data communicated to pathologists and estimate the rate of final diagnoses requiring alteration after review of all available clinical data. 10 anonymized reports on odontogenic cysts from 3 university pathology departments each were analysed for the lack of relevant clinical information. Results: Only the age and gender of patients were documented in 100% for 85 jaw cysts diagnosed in 2 departments of pathology. Adequate information about cyst localization and size were communicated in 62% and 29%, respectively. Overall, information relevant to the diagnosis was given in 52% of the cases. Revision based on clinico-radio-pathological correlation led to alterations of the diagnosis in 38/85 cases (45%). Based on reports from other institutions, the communication of clinical data is estimated to be between <50% and 100%. 25 pathologists were involved in reporting 105 cysts. 5 cases illustrate how diagnosis may fail without good communication: a paradental, an inflamed dentigerous and a lateral periodontal cyst, each misdiagnosed as radicular cyst; a cyst raising the differential diagnosis of nasopalatine duct versus radicular cyst; a botryoid odontogenic cyst. Conclusion: Proper diagnosis of jaw cysts requires improvements from both pathological and clinical sides, and could probably be improved through education. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(12): 458-467.

The Added Value of SOX10 Immunohistochemistry to Other Breast Markers in Identifying Cytokeratin 5-Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancers as of Mammary Origin

AIMS

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a specific group that lacks the expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and might also lack the expression other breast markers like GATA3, mammaglobin (MG), GCDFP15 (growth cystic disease fluid protein 15), and NYBR1; when this occurs, proving the breast origin of a metastasis is a challenging task. In the present study, we assessed the added value of SOX10 immunohistochemistry to known GATA3, MG, GCDFP15, and NY-BR-1 statuses in a series of CK5-positive primary TNBCs.

METHODS

Tissue microarrays were made from the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded blocks of 120 TNBCs, and 3-4-mm-thick sections were immunostained for SOX10. The cut-off for a positive reaction was at least 10% of tumor cells staining.

RESULTS

In our cohort, SOX10 positivity was seen in 82/119 cases, 61, 74, 76, and 82 all of which were GATA3, MG, GCDFP15, and NY-BR-1 negative, respectively. Of the SOX10 negative cases, 12 stained with at least another breast marker. Nevertheless, 25/119 (21%) cases remained negative with all markers assessed.

DISCUSSION

SOX10 proved to be the most commonly positive breast marker in our CK5 expressing TNBCs, but the other markers also had some additive value to SOX10.

The panel of syntaxin 1 and insulinoma-associated protein 1 outperforms classic neuroendocrine markers in pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms

Syntaxin-1 (STX1) is a recently described highly sensitive and specific neuroendocrine marker. We evaluated the applicability of STX1 as an immunohistochemical marker in pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). We compared STX1 with established neuroendocrine markers, including insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1). Typical carcinoids (n = 33), atypical carcinoids (n = 7), small cell lung carcinomas ([SCLCs] n = 30), and large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinomas (n = 17) were immunostained using tissue microarray for STX1, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56, and INSM1. Eighty-four of eighty-seven (96.5%) NENs showed STX1 positivity. Carcinoids and LCNECs typically presented a combined strong membranous and weak cytoplasmic staining pattern; cytoplasmic expression was predominately observed in SCLCs. The sensitivity of STX1 was 90% in SCLCs and 100% in typical carcinoids, atypical carcinoids, and large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinomas. The overall sensitivity of STX1 in pulmonary NENs was 96.6%, and the sensitivity of the other markers was as follows: chromogranin A (85.2%), synaptophysin (85.2%), CD56 (92.9%), and INSM1 (97.7%). STX1 was found to be an excellent neuroendocrine marker of pulmonary NENs, with sensitivity and specificity surpassing that of classic markers. We propose a panel of STX1 and INSM1 for the routine immunohistochemical workup of pulmonary NENs.

Examination of Tumor Regression Grading Systems in Breast Cancer Patients Who Received Neoadjuvant Therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy is a common form of treatment in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients. Besides some guidelines for grading regression, a standardized general scheme is not yet available. The aim of our study was to compare the prognostic impact of different regression grading systems, namely the TR/NR, Chevallier, Sataloff, Denkert-Sinn, Miller-Payne, NSABP-B18, Residual Disease in Breast and Nodes and Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Data of 746 breast cancer patients treated in neoadjuvant setting between 1999 and 2019 have been included. The different regression grades and follow-up data were collected from medical charts. Statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression. The average patient age was 55 years. The DFS and OS estimates of patients with complete pathological regression and residual in situ carcinoma have been significantly more favorable than those having partial regression or no signs of regression (pDFS<0.001, pOS < 0.001). Significant differences were found between DFS estimates of classes with partial regression and without regression defined by RCB. Concerning DFS estimates, the RCB classification (p = 0.019), while regarding OS data the y-stage (p = 0.011) and the nodal status (ypN; p = 0.045) were significant prognosticators by multivariate Cox regression. Regression grading systems help the evaluation of regression in LABC patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Of the several grading systems compared, the RCB classification makes the best distinction between the outcomes of the different classes, therefore we recommend the inclusion of RCB into the histopathological findings.

Oncological advantage of nonintubated thoracic surgery: Better compliance of adjuvant treatment after lung lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery contributes to improved survival, adjuvant chemotherapy delivery and less postoperative complications. Nonintubated thoracic surgery (NITS) VATS procedures improves immunological responses in lung cancer patients; however, there is no data regarding adjuvant chemotherapy delivery effectiveness following NITS lobectomies. In this study, we aimed to compare protocol compliance and toxic complications during adjuvant chemotherapy after intubated and nonintubated VATS lobectomies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 66, stage IB-IIIB NSCLC patients who underwent intubated or nonintubated VATS lobectomy and received adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients (17 males, mean age 64 years) underwent conventional VATS and 28 (7 males; mean age 63 years) uniportal VATS NITS. Both groups had comparable demographic data, preoperative pulmonary function, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status. Among the intubated and nonintubated patients, 82% and 75% were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, respectively. The incidence of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cases were similar in both groups; however, the pathological staging showed significant differences, as 5 (18%) nonintubated patients had stage IB lung cancer, compared with the intubated group (P = 0.01). Further distribution of stages was similar between the groups. We observed significant differences in chest tube duration and operation time in the nonintubated group (P < 0.01). Among nonintubated patients, 92% completed the planned chemotherapy protocol, compared to 71% of the intubated group (P = 0.035). Grade 1/2 toxicity occurred significantly more often in the intubated group (16% vs. 0%, P = 0.03) and there was a lower incidence of grade 4 neutropenia in the nonintubated group (0% vs. 16%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the nonintubated procedure resulted in improved adjuvant chemotherapy compliance and lower toxicity rates after lobectomy.

KEY POINTS

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: Oncological advantage of the non-intubated thoracic surgery: better compliance with therapy protocol. What this study adds NITS lobectomies contribute to better administration of adjuvant chemotherapy with the planned cycle number and dosage.

Changes in the surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases during the last 12 years

INTRODUCTION

In our retrospective study, we examined changes in the histological results and types of metastatectomies of pulmonary metastases during the last 12 years, in two 5-year periods.

AIM AND METHOD

There were 55 patients in the first group (2006-2010), 54.5% of the patients were male (n = 30), 45.5% were female (n = 25), the mean age was 57.9 years (24-80). The second group (2014-2018) consisted of 115 patients, with 60% male (n = 69) and 40% female (n = 46), the mean age was 62.2 years (26-82).

RESULTS

During the first period, the primary tumor was found in the rectum 19.3% (n = 11), colon 17.5% (n = 10), or kidney 14% (n = 8), while during the second period, the primary tumor was in the colon in 23.1% (n = 31), in the rectum in 15.7% (n = 21), or in the kidney in 9% (n = 12). The following types of surgeries were performed: atypical resection: 38.6% (n = 22) and 46.3% (n = 62); lobectomy in 31.6% (n = 18) and 26.9% (n = 36); pulmonectomy in 10.5% (n = 6) and 1.5% (n = 2); segmentectomy in 7% (n = 4) and 9.7% (n = 13); and bilobectomy in 1.8% (n = 1) and 0.7% (n = 1) in the first and second group, respectively. The ratio of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was 5.3% (n = 3) during the first period, and this ratio increased to 64.9% (n = 87) during the second period. The mean disease-free survival between the surgery of the primary tumor and the removal of the pulmonary metastasis was 45.2 months (0-144) during the first period and 33.8 months (0-180) during the second period. The median survival was 39 months in the first period, and it increased to 59 months in the second group. The mean 5-year survival was 41% in both groups.

CONCLUSION

During the last 12 years, there was a more than two-fold increase in the number of patients requiring surgery due to pulmonary metastases, and the ratio of VATS metastasectomy increased significantly as well (5.3% vs. 64.9%). No significant difference was found in the ratio of the types of the primary tumors. The median survival was slightly better in the second group. Orv Hetil; 161(29): 1215-1220.

A Clinicopathological Approach to Odontogenic Cysts: the Role of Cytokeratin 17 and bcl2 Immunohistochemistry in Identifying Odontogenic Keratocysts

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental cysts of the jaws that require proper diagnosis due to their potential for local aggressive growth and recurrences. OKCs have a typical parakeratotic epithelium demonstrating transepithelial cytokeratin 17 (CK17) and basal bcl2 staining on immunohistochemistry (IHC), which distinguishes them from other common jaw cysts. Secondary to inflammation, the epithelial lining may be altered and loses the typical IHC phenotype. The aim of the present study was to analyse a series of consecutive jaw cysts for their expression of CK17 and bcl2 and assess how these IHC stains may help in their diagnosis. All cysts were retrospectively assessed for available clinical, radiological and pathological findings and diagnoses were revised whenever needed. 85 cysts from 72 patients were collected from two departments. The series had 21 OKCs, the remaining non-OKCs included radicular/residual, dentigerous, paradental, lateral periodontal, botryoid odontogenic cysts. OKCs with typical epithelium showed the typical IHC phenotype, which was generally lost in inflammation-associated altered epithelium. Contrarily to earlier descriptions, a wide variety of CK17 positivity was seen in the majority of non-OKCs, including focal transepithelial staining. Basal bcl2 staining was also seen in 16 non-OKCs. These stainings were never as strong in intensity as seen in OKCs. One case was histopathologically identified as OKC due to focally maintained IHC profile. CK17 and bcl2 IHC may help in the diagnosis of OKCs, but must be interpreted with caution and is not a yes or no tool in the diagnostic puzzle.

Architectural Grade Combined With Spread Through Air Spaces (STAS) Predicts Recurrence and is Suitable for Stratifying Patients Who Might Be Eligible for Lung Sparing Surgery for Stage I Adenocarcinomas

The spread through air spaces (STAS) has a main role in local recurrence of stage I lung adenocarcinomas (LAs), therefore its presence might question sublobar resection as a therapeutic option. The aim of our study was to evaluate the distribution of STAS in stage I LAs, to stratify patients according to local recurrence and to identify a group of patients who might be suitable for sublobar surgery. Patients resected with LA were included. The presence of STAS was recorded on hematoxylin eosin stained slides and clinicopathological data were obtained from medical charts. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were registered. Statistical methods included Kruskal-Wallis tests, Kaplan-Meier analyses, log-rank tests and Cox-regressions. 292 patients were included. STAS was identified in 38.7% and 95.7% of micropapillary carcinomas showed STAS. Significant correlation was found between STAS and high-grade patterns. Significant differences were found between OS and DFS estimates of STAS0 and STAS1 cases (5-y-OS: 80.0% vs. 68.4%; 5-y-DFS: 71.1% vs. 57.1%). The presence of STAS was associated with unfavorable prognosis in low and intermediate architectural grades, but not in high-grade. Multivariate analysis revealed that architectural grade (HR_(OS):2.09; HR_(DFS):1.52) and STAS (HR_(OS):1.51; HR_(DFS):1.48) were independent prognostic markers in stage I LA. Architectural grade combined with STAS was superior to other prognostic grades. The combination of architectural grade and STAS proved to be a prognostic factor that is superior to previously introduced grading systems. Patients having low and intermediate grade LAs without STAS might be eligible for sublobar resection.

[Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung - challenges of diagnosis and treatment]

Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and the rare large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma belong to the high grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas. Making the correct diagnosis and selection of treatment modalities require multidisciplinary meetings due to the morphological overlaps, aggressive behaviour and debated therapeutic guidelines of these entities. A 52-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of headache, nausea and tenebrous vision. The CT revealed metastatic tumour mass in the occipital lobe and in the cerebellum. Both tumours were removed and resulted in histological diagnosis of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Chest X-ray established contrast-enhancing lesion in the left lung. Bronchoscopy was performed and histological examination revealed large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Postoperative skull irradiation and small-cell lung cancer chemotherapy protocol were utilized. Due to atelectasis and progression, chest irradiation was initiated, which was interrupted because of novel brain metastases. Further chemotherapy followed the non-small-cell lung cancer protocol. After 3 months, thoracic progression, brain and disseminated bone metastases were diagnosed. After a 14-month-long therapy, the patient deceased. Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma has a poor prognosis, the incidence of brain metastasis is 25-50%. In early stage large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, lobectomy is the standard treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy should also be considered. Although the non-small-cell lung cancer chemotherapy protocol is approved widely in the treatment of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, the utility of SCLC scheme has also been suggested. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(8): 313-319.

[Intimal sarcoma of pulmonary arteries]

Pulmonary arterial intimal sarcoma is a rare tumour with high mortality. Due to its localisation, the symptoms can mimic pulmonary thromboembolism and pneumonia, therefore assessing the diagnosis and choosing the adequate therapy is never easy. Its therapy mainly consists of surgery combined with radiochemotherapy. A 46-year-old male patient with testicular seminoma, pulmonary embolism, bronchial asthma and pollen allergy in his history had a follow-up thoracic CT. On the left side of the lung, a pleura-infiltrating 7-8 cm lesion, which occluded the pulmonary artery, was described. The first biopsy specimen showed fragments of spindle cell tumour. The primary diagnosis was leiomyoma, leiomyomatous hyperplasia, yet the presence of leiomyosarcoma could not have been ruled out. Due to the arterial obstruction, the patient underwent left sided pulmonectomy. Histological examination showed a tumour mostly composed of spindle cells that were diffusely positive with SMA, focally diffuse with MDM2 immunohistochemistry together with high proliferation activity. h-Caldesmon, S-100, ERG and pancytokeratin expressions were not detected. With fluorescent in situ hybridization 10% of tumour cells showed polysomy and MDM2 amplification. According to the results, high-grade pulmonary arterial intimal sarcoma diagnosis has been made. The precise incidence of pulmonary arterial intimal sarcoma is unknown. Some literature data suggest it can be the cause of chronic pulmonary hypertension in 1-4% of the cases. Weight loss can draw attention to the malignant nature of the disease. Imaging techniques and histology are the gold standard in setting the diagnosis. The prognosis is poor. Early recognition and surgery combined with chemotherapy can prolong survival. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(6): 232-236.

[Successful multidisciplinary management of tetraplegia with a thoracic operation. Unicentric, mediastinal Castleman disease]

Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disease the exact cause of which is not known. The diagnosis is based on the adequate histological examination. While in the unifocal form, the disease most commonly affects the chest, and symptoms may resolve as a result of intact excision of the tumour; other treatment methods may be performed in addition to or instead of surgical incision in the case of the multifocal form. We present the case of a patient with Castleman disease who received multidisciplinary treatment. Speech difficulty, dysphagia, and progressive paresis occurred in the upper and lower extremities of the 56-year-old male patient 18 weeks before his check-up examinations. Although the complaints temporarily resolved with plasmapheresis, surgical sampling could not confirm the origin of the mediastinal lymphadenomegaly detected with thoracic CT. The patient was admitted to our department to remove the 5 cm large subcarinal lymph node or to gain a tissue sample from it. On admission, significant atrophy, hypotonia and tetraplegia were seen in the four extremities, and areflexia was detected all over the body. The 5.5 × 3.5 cm large subcarinal lymph node conglomerate was removed from posterolateral thoracotomy. Histology was performed, Castleman disease was confirmed. 3 days after the surgery, the patient was able to move the extremities, and then on the 9th postoperative day, the patient could walk using a walking frame, and he was transferred back to the Department of Neurorehabilitation. At transfer, the muscle strength of the upper extremities was almost intact, and 4/5 muscle strength was detected in the lower extremities. After this, methylprednisolone, vitamin B₁, calcium citrate, famotidine therapy was administered, and 2 weeks after his transfer, he was discharged home; at that time, the patient was able to walk safely without a walking frame. The symptoms resolved almost completely 3 months after the surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of Castleman disease are multidisciplinary tasks. If the patient is suitable for surgery, surgical removal has to play a key role in the treatment of unifocal Castleman disease. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(1): 33-38.

Breast cancer brain metastases show increased levels of genomic aberration-based homologous recombination deficiency scores relative to their corresponding primary tumors

Background

Based on its mechanism of action, PARP inhibitor therapy is expected to benefit mainly tumor cases with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Therefore, identification of tumor types with increased HRD is important for the optimal use of this class of therapeutic agents. HRD levels can be estimated using various mutational signatures from next generation sequencing data and we used this approach to determine whether breast cancer brain metastases show altered levels of HRD scores relative to their corresponding primary tumor.

Patients and methods

We used a previously published next generation sequencing dataset of 21 matched primary breast cancer/brain metastasis pairs to derive the various mutational signatures/HRD scores strongly associated with HRD. We also carried out the myChoice HRD analysis on an independent cohort of 17 breast cancer patients with matched primary/brain metastasis pairs.

Results

All of the mutational signatures indicative of HRD showed a significant increase in the brain metastases relative to their matched primary tumor in the previously published whole exome sequencing dataset. In the independent validation cohort, the myChoice HRD assay showed an increased level in 87.5% of the brain metastases relative to the primary tumor, with 56% of brain metastases being HRD positive according to the myChoice criteria.

Conclusions

The consistent observation that brain metastases of breast cancer tend to have higher HRD measures may raise the possibility that brain metastases may be more sensitive to PARP inhibitor treatment. This observation warrants further investigation to assess whether this increase is common to other metastatic sites as well, and whether clinical trials should adjust their strategy in the application of HRD measures for the prioritization of patients for PARP inhibitor therapy.

[Evaluation of resection margins following breast conserving surgery for breast cancer. A multicentric retrospective study]

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery for breast cancer requires the analysis of surgical margins. If the tumor is not removed completely, additional treatments (reoperation, boost irradiation) are generally recommended. Aim: To analyze the information content of histopathology reports on surgical margins in consecutive cases of breast conservation for invasive female breast cancer, to evaluate the frequency of incompletely removed tumors and to estimate the rate of further treatments after incomplete removal. Method: Analysis of margin related data of consecutive histopathology reports from 8 Hungarian pathology units with locoregional treatment related data in case of unsafe margins. Results: 386 reports were analyzed after exclusions. 200 and 32 cases were identified as having unsafe margins according to the previous (<5 mm) and the new (0 mm) definition of unclear margin, respectively. Unsafe margins were more common with lobular carcinomas. Specimens with clear margins weighed more. Reoperations for unsafe margins were performed in 43/180 and 12/22 cases according to the previous and the new definitions, respectively. Only 75/137 patients without reoperation received boost irradiation of the tumor bed; information on boost radiotherapy was often missing. Residual cancer was identified in 15/43 reoperated patients, of whom 9 had >0 mm margin distance. Conclusions: Some pathology reports lack information on surgical margins. Unsafe margin rates decreased with the new definition. Residual cancer may be left behind in case of clear margins with no ink on tumor. Neither reoperation, nor boost radiotherapy is given to some patients with unclear surgical margins. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(26): 1036-1044.

Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Expression of Breast Markers in Basal-like Breast Carcinomas Defined as Triple Negative Cancers Expressing Keratin 5

Estrogen and progesterone receptors are possible markers for suggesting a mammary origin of metastatic carcinoma, but are useless in cases of triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). Five other potential markers of breast origin were investigated on tissue microarrays in a series of TNBCs showing keratin 5 expression, consistent with a basal-like phenotype. GATA-3 staining was observed in 82 of 115 triple negative cases (71.3%) including 23 cases with >5% staining. Mammaglobin staining was detected in 30 cases (26.0%) including 12 with >5% staining. GCDFP-15 was seen in 23 cases (20.0%) including 9 with >5% staining. NY-BR-1 positivity was present in 7 cases (6.0%) including 3 patients with >5% staining. BCA-225 staining was observed in 74 cases (64.3%); however this latter marker lacks also specificity owing to the reported widespread staining in other malignancies. GATA-3, mammaglobin and GCDFP-15 coexpression was seen in one case (0.9%), whereas GATA-3 and mammaglobin or mammaglobin and GCDFP-15 coexpression was present in 2 and 2 cases (1.7%), respectively. Using at least 5% staining as cut-off, the expression of any of the last 4 markers was 34.7%. The expression of GATA-3, mammaglobin, GCDFP-15 and NY-BR-1 is lower in TNBC-s than in breast carcinomas in general, and this may be even lower in basal-like carcinomas. Although these markers are not fully specific, by using them, a subset of basal-like TNBC-s can be identified as of mammary origin. However, a substantial proportion will not show any staining with any of these markers.

[Evaluation of anatomic and prognostic stages of breast cancer according to the 8th edition of the TNM staging system - Retrospective analysis based on data from deceased patients once diagnosed with breast cancer]

INTRODUCTION

The 8th edition of the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) based staging of breast cancer introduces a prognostic stage influenced by biomarkers along the traditional T, N and M categories.

AIM

To retrospectively assess stage influencing prognostic variables; and the anatomic and prognostic stages on the basis of the overall survival (OS) of a cohort of deceased patients once diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHOD

We included patients with known causes of death certified at the Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital and having a history of breast cancer diagnosed on a resection specimen at the same institution. Prognostic factors were obtained from the histopathological reports. Statistics included one-way ANOVA, Dunn's post hoc test and Kaplan-Meier curve analyses.

RESULTS

The 303 patients grouped as breast cancer related death (n = 168) or unrelated (n = 135) showed significant differences in most stage defining prognostic factors and the anatomic and prognostic stages. Significant differences in 5-year OS were observed between pT and pN categories, histological grades and estrogen receptor statuses. Except for stages I and II, significant differences were found between both different anatomic and prognostic stages (p<0.001). Stage IV is by definition uniform, but we identified survival differences between biomarker based subgroups: triple negative carcinomas had worse OS than estrogen receptor positive and HER2 negative carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis based on real survival data suggests that the prognostic stages separate patients according to OS similarly to the anatomic stages. The results validate the prognostic stages, but also suggest that separating stage IV disease according to biomarkers makes sense. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(35): 1373-1381.

Evaluation of grading systems in stage I lung adenocarcinomas: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS

There is no internationally accepted grading system for lung adenocarcinoma despite the new WHO classification. The architectural grade, the Kadota grade and the Sica score were evaluated and compared with overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

METHODS

Comprehensive histological subtyping was used in a series of resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma to identify subtypes of adenocarcinomas, the architectural grade, the Kadota grade, the Sica grade, the mitotic count, nuclear atypia, the presence of lymphovascular, vascular and airway propagation, necrosis, and micropapillary or solid growth pattern in any percentage. Statistical models fitted included Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard regression models.

RESULTS

261 stage I adenocarcinomas were included. The 5-year survivals of different subtypes were as follows: lepidic (n=40, OS: 92.5%; DFS 91.6%), acinar (n=54, OS: 81.8%; DFS: 68.6%), papillary (n=49, OS: 73.6%; DFS: 61.0%), solid (n=95, OS: 64.7%; DFS: 57.8%) and micropapillary (n=23, OS: 34.8%; DFS: 33.5%). Concerning the architectural grade, there were significant differences between OS and DFS of low and intermediate (pOS=0.005, pDFS<0.001), low and high (pOS<0.001, pDFS<0.001) and intermediate and high grades (pOS=0.002, pDFS<0.001). Low-grade and intermediate grade tumours did not differ in survival according to Kadota grade and Sica grade. In the multivariable model, architectural grade was found to be an independent prognostic marker. In another model, architectural pattern proved to be superior to architectural grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the three grading systems compared, the architectural grade makes the best distinction between the outcome of low-grade, intermediate-grade and high-grade stage I adenocarcinomas.

Is Regression after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Different in Sentinel and Non-sentinel Nodes?

Tumor draining sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are the sites of selective changes as compared to non-SLNs. They show features of tumor-reactive lymphadenopathy, including increased total number of functional blood vessels, but a relative immunosuppressed status has also been described in them. We explored the hypothesis of a selective regression or non-regression in SLNs versus non-SLNs in 142 patients with 110 estrogen receptor-positive and 32 estrogen receptor-negative tumors undergoing both SLN biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant therapy by assessing the tumoral (metastatic) and regression statuses of SLNs and non-SLNs separately. Of the 89 cases with signs of nodal regression, 22 cases (25%) were in favor of a selective non-regression in SLNs, 18 cases (20%) were supportive of a selective and more pronounced regression in the SLNs and the remaining showed equal degrees of regression or non-regression in SLNs and non-SLNs. The results indicate that there is no obvious difference in the degree of regressive histological changes shown by SLNs and NSLNs. Therefore, this phenomenon may not be a major contributor to the higher false negative rate of SLN biopsy after neoadjuvant treatment.

[Tumor of posterior mediastinum - rare case of extramedullar myelolipoma]

CASE REPORT

A 71-year-old male with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis was treated in summer of 2015. The CT scan has revealed a mass on the right side of 11th thoracic vertebra in the adipose tissue with a sharp edge towards the lung and containing a small amount of contrast agent. The radiologist recommended histological sampling of the mass. The tumor was removed by Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) in August of 2015. The patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day without complication. Myelolipoma was diagnosed by histological examination. Recurrence was not detected during the one-year-follow-up period.

DISCUSSION

Myelolipoma is a benign tumor consisting of mature lobulated adipose tissue and hemopoetic bone marrow. It arises mainly from the adrenal gland. Surgical resection is recommended due to the potential of progressive enlargement. Although the extraadrenal myelolipoma is an uncommon entity, in case of mediastinal, encapsulated, slow-growing tumor, myelolipoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Periosteal microcirculatory reactions in a zoledronate-induced osteonecrosis model of the jaw in rats

OBJECTIVES

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates induce osteonecrosis mostly in the jaw and less frequently in other bones. Because of the crucial role of periosteal perfusion in bone repair, we investigated zoledronate-induced microcirculatory reactions in the mandibular periosteum in comparison with those in the tibia in a clinically relevant model of bisphosphonate-induced medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with zoledronate (ZOL; 80 i.v. μg/kg/week over 8 weeks) or saline vehicle. The first two right mandibular molar teeth were extracted after 3 weeks. Various systemic and local (periosteal) microcirculatory inflammatory parameters were examined by intravital videomicroscopy after 9 weeks.

RESULTS

Gingival healing disorders (∼100%) and MRONJ developed in 70% of ZOL-treated cases but not after saline (shown by micro-CT). ZOL induced significantly higher degrees of periosteal leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the mandibular postcapillary venules (at both extraction and intact sites) than at the tibia. Leukocyte NADPH-oxidase activity was reduced; leukocyte CD11b and plasma TNF-alpha levels were unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Chronic ZOL treatment causes a distinct microcirculatory inflammatory reaction in the mandibular periosteum but not in the tibia. The local reaction in the absence of augmented systemic leukocyte inflammatory activity suggests that topically different, endothelium-specific changes may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MRONJ.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This model permits for the first time to explore the microvascular processes in the mandibular periosteum after chronic ZOL treatment. This approach may contribute to a better understanding of the pathomechanism and the development of strategies to counteract bisphosphonate-induced side effects.