Independent Assessment of the Children's Hepatic Tumors International Collaboration Risk Stratification for Hepatoblastoma and the Association of Tumor Histological Characteristics With Prognosis

IMPORTANCE

Hepatoblastoma is the most common pediatric liver malignant neoplasm, and accurate risk stratification is essential for guiding treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Children's Hepatic Tumors International Collaboration-Hepatoblastoma Stratification (CHIC-HS) in an independent cohort of patients with hepatoblastoma and evaluate the association of pretreatment hepatoblastoma histological subtype with prognosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of 96 pediatric patients with hepatoblastoma diagnosed and treated between June 1, 2000, and December 31, 2016, with recent therapy and independent of the CHIC-HS discovery cohort. Each patient was assigned a risk group according to CHIC-HS. The histological characteristics of each tumor were assessed based on the International Pediatric Liver Tumor Consensus Classification. Data were analyzed from May 2018 to May 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis was used to examine the associations of patient characteristics and tumor histological characteristics with survival.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients (median [range] age, 1.9 [0.4-18] years; 36 [38%] girls and 60 [63%] boys) were assessed, including 15 with very low risk, 28 with low risk, 23 with intermediate risk, and 30 with high risk, according to CHIC-HS criteria. There were a total of 13 cancer-related deaths; median (range) follow-up was 3.5 (0.1-17.8) years for those alive at the last follow-up. The estimated 5-year OS rates were 100% in the very low-risk group, 94.7% (95% CI, 68.1%-99.2%) in the low-risk group, 89.2% (95% CI, 63.1%-97.2%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 57.9% (95% CI, 34.6%-75.5%) in the high-risk group. In a multivariable analysis, we confirmed that CHIC-HS significantly estimated EFS (high-risk group vs very low- and low-risk groups: hazard ratio [HR], 45.59; 95% CI, 9.39-209.5; P < .001) and OS (high-risk group vs very low- and low-risk groups: HR, 21.95; 95% CI, 2.76-174.29; P < .001). In the subcohort of 84 patients for whom pretreatment tumor histological data were available, tumor epithelial histological subtypes were found to be significantly associated with both EFS and OS. Patients in the CHIC-HS high-risk group and with embryonal-only histological subtype had the highest risk of relapse or disease progression (high-risk: HR, 42.62; 95% CI, 9.91-203.9; embryonal: HR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.21-8.9) and death (high-risk: HR, 18.78; 95% CI, 2.31-152.84; embryonal: HR, 7.12; 95% CI, 1.51-33.52).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found that CHIC-HS performed as expected in an independent cohort that was more recently treated. Incorporation of pretreatment tumor histological data into CHIC-HS may provide additional prognostic value.

Body Composition, Inflammation, and 5-Year Outcomes in Colon Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Obesity, particularly visceral obesity and sarcopenia, are poor prognostic indicators in colon cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between body composition profiles and 5-year colon cancer outcomes and delineate the associated underlying inflammatory processes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter translational cohort study included patients with nonmetastatic colon cancer who did not have underlying chronic inflammatory disorders and were not receiving anti-inflammatory drugs referred to tertiary cancer centers from 2009 to 2015. Preoperative acute phase proteins (white cell count, C-reactive protein, and albumin), cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1b, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, interferon γ, and tumor necrosis factor α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cell surface receptor expression levels (CD11b and CD14) were measured. All patients underwent follow-up for at least 5 years. Data were analyzed in December 2020.

EXPOSURE

Nonmetastatic colon cancer.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The associations of body composition profiles with 5-year cancer recurrence and disease-specific mortality were analyzed using Mantel Cox log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were included (median [interquartile range] age, 67 [58-72] years; 22 [78.6%] men). Low skeletal muscle area (SMA) and high visceral to total fat ratio were associated with poor clinical and oncological outcomes, including increased 5-year recurrence (low SMA: hazard ratio [HR], 2.30 [95% CI, 1.41-2.89]; P = .04; high visceral to total fat ratio: HR, 5.78 [95% CI, 3.66-7.95]; P = .02). High visceral to total fat ratio was associated with increased 5-year disease-specific mortality (HR, 5.92 [95% CI, 4.04-8.00]; P = .02). Patients with low SMA who developed a cancer recurrence, compared with those who did not, had higher C-reactive protein (mean [SD], 31.24 [6.95] mg/dL vs 8.11 [0.58] mg/dL; P = .003), IL-6 (mean [SD], 1.93 [1.16] ng/mL vs 0.88 [0.14] ng/mL; P = .004), VEGF (mean [SD], 310.03 [122.66] ng/mL vs 176.12 [22.94] ng/mL; P = .007), and CD14 (mean [SD], 521.23 [302.02] ng/mL vs 322.07 [98.35] ng/mL; P = .03) expression and lower albumin (mean [SD], 3.8 [0.6] g/dL vs 43.50 [3.69] g/dL; P = .01), IL-2 (mean [SD], 0.45 [0.25] ng/mL vs 0.94 [0.43] ng/mL; P < .001), IL-10 (mean [SD], 8.15 [1.09] ng/mL vs 16.32 [4.43] ng/mL; P = .004), and interferon γ (mean [SD], 2.61 [1.36] ng/mL vs 14.87 [3.43] ng/mL; P = .02) levels. Patients with high visceral to total fat ratio who developed recurrence had higher levels of IL-6 (mean [SD], 5.26 [7.05] ng/mL vs 2.76 [3.11] ng/mL; P = .03) and tumor necrosis factor α (mean [SD], 5.74 [4.53] ng/mL vs 4.50 [1.99] ng/mL; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that low SMA and high visceral to total fat ratio were associated with worse colon cancer outcomes and with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and VEGF and inhibition of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Mediastinal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Slowly Growing for 8 Years after Surgical Resection of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A 70-year-old woman was referred to our department due to a solitary mediastinal tumor which gradually grew near the site of anastomosis for 8 years after radical surgery of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It was difficult to distinguish the lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer from another tumor of unknown primary origin. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed, and the tumor was diagnosed to be neuroendocrine carcinoma. She received concurrent chemoradiotherapy with etoposide plus cisplatin. After the completion of chemoradiotherapy, the tumor disappeared. A solitary growing tumor which develops after radical resection of cancer would be better to be examined histologically in order to make an accurate diagnosis and select the most appropriate treatment.

Three Cases of Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor Treated by Endoscopic Papillectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review

We herein report three cases of patients with an ampullary neuroendocrine tumor (NET), who underwent endoscopic papillectomy (EP). No tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected in the patients for more than two years after EP. Generally, surgical resection is recommended for ampullary NETs by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society. However, as EP is less invasive than surgical resection, there are some reports of low-grade small ampullary NETs curatively treated by EP with long-term follow-up. We consider that EP may be a curative treatment for small and low-grade ampullary NETs without regional or distant metastasis.

Regional Lymph Node Involvement Among Patients With De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) for node-positive breast cancer reduces distant metastases and improves survival, albeit with limited reduction in regional nodal recurrences. The mechanism by which RNI robustly reduces distant metastases while modestly influencing nodal recurrences (ie, the presumed target of RNI) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether some distant metastases putatively arise from occult regional nodal disease and whether regional recurrences otherwise remain largely undetected until an advanced cancer presentation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study examined patients presenting with de novo stage IV breast cancer to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York, from 2006 to 2018. Medical records were reviewed to ascertain clinicopathological parameters, including estrogen receptor status and survival. Pretreatment positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging was reviewed to ascertain the extent of regional nodal involvement at metastatic diagnosis using standard nodal assessment criteria. A subset underwent regional lymph node biopsy for diagnostic confirmation and served to validate the radiographic nodal assessment. Data analysis was performed from October 2019 to February 2020.

EXPOSURES

Untreated metastatic breast cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the likelihood of regional nodal involvement at the time of metastatic breast cancer presentation and was determined by reviewing pretreatment PET-CT imaging and lymph node biopsy findings.

RESULTS

Among 597 women (median [interquartile range] age, 53 [44-65] years) with untreated metastatic breast cancer, 512 (85.8%) exhibited regional lymph node involvement by PET-CT or nodal biopsy, 509 (85%) had involvement of axillary level I, 328 (55%) had involvement in axillary level II, 136 (23%) had involvement in axillary level III, 101 (17%) had involvement in the supraclavicular fossa, and 96 (16%) had involvement in the internal mammary chain. Lymph node involvement was more prevalent among estrogen receptor-negative tumors (92.4%) than estrogen receptor-positive tumors (83.6%). Nodal involvement at the time of metastatic diagnosis was not associated with overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that a majority of patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer harbor regional lymph node disease at presentation, consistent with the hypothesis that regional involvement may precede metastatic dissemination. This is in alignment with the findings of landmark trials suggesting that RNI reduces distant recurrences. It is possible that this distant effect of RNI may act via eradication of occult regional disease prior to systemic seeding. The challenges inherent in detecting isolated nodal disease (which is typically asymptomatic) may account for the more modest observed benefit of RNI on regional recurrences. Alternative explanations of nodal involvement that arises concurrently or after metastatic dissemination remain possible, but do not otherwise explain the association of RNI with distant recurrence.

Erythema of the skin after breast radiotherapy: It is not always recurrence

Recurrence of breast cancer is a predominant fear for patients who were treated for breast cancer. Acute and late dermatologic effects of radiotherapy are not uncommon and could have similar characteristics to breast cancer recurrence. Thus, it is important to highlight key differences between the clinical and histologic presentations of radiation effects and recurrence. Herein, we present two patients who presented with late dermatologic effects of radiotherapy months to years after treatment, neither of whom had workup consistent with cancer recurrence. We provide clinical and microscopic descriptions of each case and provide a review to differentiate various dermatologic conditions. This report aims to outline potential late dermatologic effects of radiation treatment and emphasise that changes in the breast do not always signal breast cancer recurrence.

Effects of Bladder Cancer on UK Healthcare Costs and Patient Health-Related Quality of Life: Evidence From the BOXIT Trial

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists regarding the cost and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We examined these effects using evidence from a recent randomized control trial.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The costs and HRQoL associated with bladder cancer were assessed using data from the BOXIT trial (bladder COX-2 inhibition trial; n = 472). The cost and HRQoL effects from clinical events were estimated using generalized estimating equations. The costs were derived from the recorded resource usage and UK unit costs. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L and reported UK preference tariffs. The events were categorized using the TMN classification.

RESULTS

Cases of grade 3 recurrence and progression were associated with statistically significant HRQoL decrements (-0.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.13 to -0.03; and -0.10; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.03, respectively). The 3-year average cost per NMIBC patient was estimated at £8735 (95% CI, 8325-9145). Cases of grade 1, 2, and 3 recurrence were associated with annual cost effects of £1218 (95% CI, 403-2033), £1677 (95% CI, 920-2433), and £3957 (95% CI, 2332-5583), respectively. Progression to MIBC was associated with an average increase in costs of £5407 (95% CI, 2663-8152).

CONCLUSION

Evidence from the BOXIT trial suggests that patients with NMIBC will both experience decrements in HRQoL and incur significant costs, especially in the event of a grade 3 recurrence or a progression to MIBC.

Composite tumor of the larynx: A Case Report

Composite tumor of larynx, a recently included entity in the current WHO classification, is often a difficult pathological diagnosis, especially in small biopsies. We report a case of laryngeal composite tumor, initially misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, which later turned out to be composite in nature, with associated neuroendocrine (small cell carcinoma) component. This report emphasizes the need for obtaining deeper biopsies and their thorough pathological examination to improve the diagnostic accuracy. 

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: a case report and review of literature

Background

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CA-ex-PA) is extremely unusual in minor salivary glands of oral cavity. CAex-PA is a carcinomatous change as a primary or as a recurrence of pleomorphic adenoma.

Objective

Due to resemblance of clinical symptoms of Ca ex PA and benign pleomorphic adenoma, it is mandatory for surgeons to keep high degree of clinical alertness, considering the peculiarity of this tumor.

Case Report

54-year-old male presented with swelling on left side in the pre-auricular region from the middle of zygomatic arch to mastoid process and from tragus of the ear up to angle of mandible. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed a mixture of benign and malignant components. Total left parotidectomy with left radical neck dissection followed by reconstruction with cervicodeltopectoral flap was performed. Combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given to patient. Histologic examination and pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CA-ex-PA). Two-year follow-up of patient showed no recurrence of the lesion.

Conclusion

Due to the similarity in the clinical symptoms of CA-ex-PA and benign pleomorphic adenoma, it is vital that clinicians maintain a high degree of clinical vigilance, considering the oddity of this malignancy.

Assessment of the efficacy of Chinese patent medicine on treating pain caused by prostate cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis

INTRODUCTION

With the development of economy and the acceleration of population aging, Prostate cancer (PCa) has presented a situation of high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The recent studies have shown that Chinese patent medicine combined with endocrine therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer not only plays a synergistic role in enhancing the efficacy. This review hopes to adopt meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of pain caused by prostate cancer and provides evidence for its application in clinical practice.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search for PubMed, Cochrane Library, AMED, EMbase, WorldSciNet; Nature, Science online and China Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBM), and related randomized controlled trials included in the China Resources Database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to June 2019. We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane 5.1.0 for quality assessment and risk assessment of the included studies, and use the Revman 5.3 and Stata13.0 software for meta-analysis of the effectiveness, recurrence rate, and symptom scores of pain caused by prostate cancer.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine for pain caused by prostate cancer. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis has been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process Trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019131544.

Number of Excised Lymph Nodes Has No Impact on Relapse and Survival in Patients With Stage III Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Even though both the involvement of regional lymph nodes and the number of metastatic lymph nodes are regarded as major determinants of survival in cutaneous melanoma, the extent of node dissection has been analyzed as an independent prognostic indicator in only a few studies. This study aims to determine how the extent of lymph node excision (EN) might predict the disease relapse and survival in melanoma.

METHODS

A total of 317 patients with stage III melanoma were included in the study and reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the number of the excised lymph nodes: EN1 for fewer than 10 and EN2 for 10 or more lymph nodes removed.

RESULTS

The median number of positive nodes was 1 (range, 1-32). The largest group was N1 (52.4%), which was followed by N2 (29.6%) and N3 (18%). The median number of EN was 13 (range, 1-73). The patients were allocated to EN1 and EN2 as follows: 31.9% and 68.1%, respectively. The rates of EN2 patients were 62.2%, 72.2%, and 78.2% in N1, N2, and N3, respectively. For all patients, the estimated 5- and 10-year relapse-free survival rates were 41% and 39%, respectively; and the estimated 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 51% and 42%, respectively. Extension of lymph node excision was found to be not prognostic for relapse and survival (P = 0.55 and P = 0.88, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Extension of lymph node excision has no impact on relapse and survival of stage III cutaneous melanomas.

Late systemic symptoms in head and neck cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation and central sensitization from cancer and its therapy may result in chronic systemic symptoms (CSS) such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, chronic widespread pain, mood disorders, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and temperature dysregulation. We undertook a cross-sectional study of CSS in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors to determine their frequency, severity, and impact.

METHODS

HNC patients without evidence of recurrence who were at least 12 months post-treatment completed a one-time battery of self-report measures including the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom survey plus the General Symptom Subscale, the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory, Neurotoxicity Rating Scale, the Profile of Mood States, and a five-item quality of life measure.

RESULTS

One hundred five patients completed the surveys. Forty-eight point four percent of patients experienced one or more moderate-to-severe systemic symptom. The frequency of individual symptoms was between 20% and 56% with almost half of patients rating symptoms as moderate-to-severe in intensity. Low and high systemic symptom burden populations were identified. Previously undescribed chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms were also found to be frequent and severe. The vigor score on the POMS was low. Body image was not adversely impacted. At least 40% of HNC survivors have diminished quality of life, and up to 15% have a poor quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

CSS are common among HNC survivors and are frequently moderate to severe in intensity. Of note, previously underrecognized neuropsychiatric symptoms were endorsed by a significant cohort of patients warranting further study. Quality of life was diminished in a significant cohort.

Non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma: surgical outcomes, tumor regrowth, and alterations in pituitary function-3-year experience from the Iranian Pituitary Tumor Registry

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess clinical features and therapeutic outcomes in patients with clinically non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMAs).

METHOD

This is a retrospective cohort study of NFPMA patients treated surgically and followed periodically between 2015 and 2017 in a tertiary care center in Iran. Descriptive analysis was performed applying appropriate tests. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine the predictive factors for subtotal tumor resection (STR) and hormonal recovery. Data were analyzed by Stata software.

RESULT

A total of 71 patients with a mean age of 50.6 ± 1.4 years were studied. The mean diameter of the adenoma was 26.8 ± 1.1 mm. The most frequent symptoms were headache (85.75%), visual field defect (VFD) (78.3%), and hypogonadal symptoms (40.3%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 45.1%. Preoperative hypopituitarism was observed in 50.7% of patients. Recovery of at least one axis occurred in 36.1% of the patients suffering from hypopituitarism preoperatively, while new-onset postoperative hormonal deficiency appeared in 14.3% of patients. Multivariate analyses showing preoperative tumor size (OR = 38.2; P = 0.008) and cavernous sinus extension (OR = 13.4; P = 0.020) were predictors of STR. Moreover, hormonal recovery was observed not to be related to age, gender, tumor size, or the extent of tumor resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size and cavernous sinus extension are the main predictors for STR. Notably, recovery of the gonadal axis in a large proportion of patients supports the surgical resection of NFPAM in patients suffering from gonadal deficiency, even in the absence of VFD.

The link between wound healing and escape from tumor dormancy

Tumor dormancy is considered one of the major unsolved questions in cancer biology. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for maintaining and interrupting dormancy would be a major step towards preventing overt metastatic disease. Increasing evidence points to tissue trauma and subsequent wound healing as contributing events in escape from dormancy. In this review, we outline relevant aspects of the wound healing process, and relate this to mechanisms of tumor dormancy and metastatic progression. In addition to important findings in epidemiological and experimental studies, more direct evidence of such a link has recently been presented. These results can have major implications for treatment and prevention of cancer.

Considering the biology of late recurrences in selecting patients for extended endocrine therapy in breast cancer

Extended endocrine therapy can reduce recurrences occurring more than 5 years after diagnosis (late recurrences) in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. Given the side effects of endocrine therapy, optimal patient selection for extended treatment is crucial. Enhanced understanding of late recurrence biology could optimize patient selection in this setting. We therefore summarized the current knowledge of late recurrence biology, clinical trials on extended endocrine therapy, and tools for predicting late recurrence and benefit from treatment extension. Extending 5 years of tamoxifen therapy with 5 years of tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor (AI) reduces late recurrence risk by 2-5%, but results of extending AI-based therapy are inconsistent. Although several clinicopathological parameters and multigene assays are prognostic for late recurrence, selection tools predicting benefit from extended endocrine therapy are sparse. Therefore, we additionally performed a pooled analysis using 2231 mRNA profiles of patients with ER-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was applied on genes ranked according to their association with early and late recurrence risk. Higher expression of estrogen-responsive genes was associated with a high recurrence risk beyond 5 years after diagnosis when patients had received no systemic therapy. Although 5 years of endocrine therapy reduced this risk, this effect disappeared after treatment cessation. This suggests that late recurrences of tumors with high expression of estrogen-responsive genes are likely ER-driven. Long-term intervention in this pathway by means of extended endocrine therapy might reduce late recurrences in patients with tumors showing high expression of estrogen-responsive genes.

Prognostic factors of microsurgical treatment of intracranial meningiomas - A multivariate analysis

Objective

Peri- and postoperative time course of meningioma patients who had undergone surgical treatment was evaluated to determine prognostic factors of neurological outcome by focusing on preoperative parameters.

Material and methods

A retrospective monocenter analysis was performed including patients who were operated in the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Leipzig, from 2009 to 2015. Data from all patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of intracranial meningioma treated microsurgically were included in the study. The individual characteristics of the patients, meningiomas and Karnofsky Performance scores (KPS) were analyzed by multivariate tests.

Results

Two hundred ninety-four patients with a median age of 61 years (range: 17–89) were included. Preoperative KPS (p < 0.001), skull base as tumor origin and tumor size (p < 0.05) proved to be significantly strong prognostic factors of KPS deterioration one year postoperative by multivariate analysis. According to uni- and bivariate analysis, the following prognostic factors could also be found: preoperative mass displacement, preexisting recurrence and presence of preoperative symptoms. In this study, age had no significant influence on deterioration in patient health state, measured by KPS, one year postoperative.

Conclusion

Patients generally obtained an improvement in KPS score after microsurgical treatment. The knowledge of prognostic factors can be very helpful in the decision-making process for meningioma treatment of the elderly, particularly to estimate the postoperative outcome and quality of life.

Fistula Formation Secondary to Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma May Be Related to a Favorable Prognosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

A 90-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy revealed a lesion with multiple nodules covered with abundant mucus at the hepatic flexure. Computed tomography showed a dilated appendix attached distally to the hepatic flexure. Right hemicolectomy was performed, and the pathological examination revealed a mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma infiltrating the hepatic flexure without pseudomyxoma peritonei. The patient is doing well without recurrence 12 months postoperatively. Extraperitoneal drainage of the malignant ascites caused by the fistula may allow for an early diagnosis, while also making it possible to successfully resect the lesion, thus resulting in a favorable outcome.

Analysis of Survival and of Time Until Recurrence of Disease of Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma-Multivariant Analysis

BACKGROUND

We examined survival and time until recurrence of disease by multivariant analysis in patients treated for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the period from January 2003 to January 2018, we analyzed 102 patients with PTC in Public Health Institution-Hospital "Sveti Vracevi" in Bijeljina. Survival and time until recurrence of the disease were analyzed using patients' general data and factors based on preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative examinations. Many prognostic factors were analyzed together; the AGES prognostic score, consisting of age, grade, extent and size, and the AMES prognostic score, consisting of age, metastases, extent and size.

RESULTS

We analyzed 102 patients with PTC. Out of these 87 patients had AGES p.s ≤ 3.99 and 15 patients had AGES p.s> 4. The survival of patients was affected by the presence of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis p = 0.00109 and age p = 0.0436. Recurrence of the disease was recorded in 14 patients. Most patients had recurrence of the disease in the first 5 years after initial surgery. Analyzing the time until recurrence, we concluded that, statistically speaking, AGES p.s> 4 affect recurrence of the disease p = 0.0355 in a significant way, while distant metastases affect it in a very significant way (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic factors of papillary thyroid carcinoma can be divided into 4 categories, patients' general data and factors based on preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative examinations.

Breast-Conserving Surgery with Immediate Autologous Fat Grafting Reconstruction: Oncologic Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Autologous fat grafting (AFG; lipofilling, lipografting) has been used in delayed breast reconstruction. Recently, it has also been investigated as an alternative for immediate reconstruction in patients submitted to breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Although good aesthetic results have been reported, the oncologic safety of the procedure remains under investigation. This article aims to assess oncologic outcomes of patients submitted to BCS with immediate AFG reconstruction.

METHODS

This study consisted of 65 patients undergoing BCS with AFG between January 2010 and January 2017. They were closely followed after surgery for a median period of 40.8 months. Locoregional and systemic recurrences were the primary endpoints of this study.

RESULTS

Ten patients developed cancer recurrence (15.4%). The median time for recurrence was 58.9 months. Only two patients presented locoregional recurrence (LRR) (3.07%). Five patients had systemic recurrence (7.69%), and three had both systemic and LRR (4.61%). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 42.2 months, and overall survival (OV) was 44.3 months. Recurrences were significantly associated with the number of metastatic axillary lymph nodes detected.

CONCLUSION

Oncologic outcomes of immediate AFG are similar to the results previously reported in BCS without AFG. Locoregional and systemic recurrences are associated with the presence of axillary metastases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Hypothalamic relapse of a cardiac large B-cell lymphoma presenting with memory loss, confabulation, alexia-agraphia, apathy, hypersomnia, appetite disturbances and diabetes insipidus

A 37-year-old Hispanic man with a right atrial intracardiac mass diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy. During 4 years, several total-body positron emission tomography and MRI scans showed no extracardiac lymphoma. On year 5 after the cardiac surgery, patient presented with sleepiness, hyperphagia, memory loss, confabulation, dementia and diabetes insipidus. Brain MRI showed a single hypothalamic recurrence of the original lymphoma that responded to high-dose methotrexate treatment. Correction of diabetes insipidus improved alertness but amnesia and cognitive deficits persisted, including incapacity to read and write. This case illustrates two unusual locations of DLBCL: primary cardiac lymphoma and hypothalamus. We emphasise the importance of third ventricle tumours as causing amnesia, confabulation, behavioural changes, alexia-agraphia, endocrine disorders and alterations of the circadian rhythm of wakefulness-sleep secondary to lesions of specific hypothalamic nuclei and disruption of hypothalamic-thalamic circuits.

High Expression of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 8 (USP8) Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignancies in the world. The ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) functions by removing ubiquitin from protein substrates, and its potential role in cancer development was recently uncovered in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of USP8 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative PCR were performed to explore the expression of USP8 in both CSCC tissues and adjacent normal cervical tissues. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the clinical significance of USP8 in CSCC. Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of 2 CSCC cell lines were assessed after overexpression or silencing USP8, respectively. RESULTS Both the RNA and protein levels of USP8 were upregulated in CSCC tissues compared to normal cervical tissues. High expression of USP8 was correlated with advanced tumor stage and high recurrence risk. Moreover, USP8 was identified as a novel independent prognostic factor for CSCC patients. Cellular studies showed that USP8 can enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of CSCC cells, thereby promoting tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS High expression of USP8 is frequent in CSCC tissues, which promotes tumor proliferation and invasion, and is correlated with a poor overall survival. Targeting USP8 may be a novel direction for drug development for CSCC therapy.

Refined estimates of local recurrence risks by DCIS score adjusting for clinicopathological features: a combined analysis of ECOG-ACRIN E5194 and Ontario DCIS cohort studies

PURPOSE

Better tools are needed to estimate local recurrence (LR) risk after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for DCIS. The DCIS score (DS) was validated as a predictor of LR in E5194 and Ontario DCIS cohort (ODC) after BCS. We combined data from E5194 and ODC adjusting for clinicopathological factors to provide refined estimates of the 10-year risk of LR after treatment by BCS alone.

METHODS

Data from E5194 and ODC were combined. Patients with positive margins or multifocality were excluded. Identical Cox regression models were fit for each study. Patient-specific meta-analysis was used to calculate precision-weighted estimates of 10-year LR risk by DS, age, tumor size and year of diagnosis.

RESULTS

The combined cohort includes 773 patients. The DS and age at diagnosis, tumor size and year of diagnosis provided independent prognostic information on the 10-year LR risk (p ≤ 0.009). Hazard ratios from E5194 and ODC cohorts were similar for the DS (2.48, 1.95 per 50 units), tumor size ≤ 1 versus  > 1-2.5 cm (1.45, 1.47), age ≥ 50 versus < 50 year (0.61, 0.84) and year ≥ 2000 (0.67, 0.49). Utilization of DS combined with tumor size and age at diagnosis predicted more women with very low (≤ 8%) or higher (> 15%) 10-year LR risk after BCS alone compared to utilization of DS alone or clinicopathological factors alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined analysis provides refined estimates of 10-year LR risk after BCS for DCIS. Adding information on tumor size and age at diagnosis to the DS adjusting for year of diagnosis provides improved LR risk estimates to guide treatment decision making.

A giant lumbar chordoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Chordomas are malignant neoplasms derived from incomplete regression of notochordal tissue along the craniococcygeal axis.It is rare for Chordoma arising from the lumbar spine and the traditional long-term prognosis is typically poor.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The persistent pain in the left side of the waist about 2 years.

DIAGNOSES

Chordoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with surgical resection of the total tumor, followed by the spinal internal fixation of L1 to L2 with pedicle screws.

OUTCOMES

After 5 month follow-up,we find the recurrence in the original lesion.At the 15 month follow-up,the patient was dead after a lot of times revisit by various doctor.

LESSONS

So It is suggest that the diagnosis should be carried out accurately at the early stage, the lesions and source of lesions should be cut away as broadly as possible, also the radiation and chemotherapy should be carried out after the operation as necessary.

Cardiac Function Evaluation in Amsa-Treated Patients

Cardiac function was monitored by means of ECG and systolic time intervals in 13 patients submitted to treatment with 4′-(9-acridinylamino) methanesulfon-m-aniside (AMSA) without the classical reconstitution vehicle N1N-dimethylacetamide. ECG changes were represented by flattening of T waves (100%), sporadic atrial extrasystoles (23 %), and sporadic or coupled ventricular premature beats (7.6 %). These alterations were transient and not dose related. The systolic time interval ratio, recorded at the end of infusion and 2 h after drug administration, did not change significantly from pretreatment values. Systolic time intervals recorded in 6 patients after the mean cumulative dose of 550 mg/m2, and in 3 patients after the mean cumulative dose of 1000 mg/m2, did not change from mean basal values. Present data failed to confirm the occurrence of a significantly cardiotoxic activity of AMSA.

Prognostic significance of standardized uptake value on F18-FDG PET/CT in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma: A multicenter, retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of parameters assessed with F18-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in predicting relapse free survival and overall survival in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma, and who underwent PET/CT prior to curative treatment, were enrolled at five institutions. Volumes of interest covering the entire tumor volume were delineated on PET/CT images, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured using thresholds of 40% of SUVmax. Furthermore, we compared the difference in F18-FDG avidity according to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection status.

RESULTS

The SUVmax (p=0.041) and SUVmean (p=0.049) in patients who died were higher than the respective values of those who survived. A higher TLG (>45.8) was associated with relapse free survival (HR 7.856, p=0.034). Ann Arbor stage (III-IV, HR 14.12, p=0.004), and a higher SUVmax (>12.6, p=0.024) and SUVmean (>6.4, p=0.024) were associated with poor survival. However, neither the MTV nor the TLG (volumetric parameters) were significant predictors of death. The PET parameters SUVmax (p=0.181), SUVmean (p=0.237), MTV (p=0.636), and TLG (p=0.469) did not differ significantly between patients with and without EBV infections.

CONCLUSIONS

High TLG was the only significant predictive factor on relapse free survival. The SUVmax and SUVmean measured by F18-FDG PET/CT could be significant prognostic factors in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma.

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy for odontogenic cysts and tumours

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic maxillary cysts and tumours originate from the tooth root and have traditionally been treated through an intraoral approach. Here, we report the efficacy and utility of endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM) for the treatment of odontogenic maxillary cysts and a tumour.

METHODOLOGY

We undertook EMMM under general anaesthesia in six patients: four had radicular cysts, one had a dentigerous cyst, and one had a keratocystic odontogenic tumour.

RESULTS

The cysts and tumours were completely excised and the inferior turbinate and nasolacrimal duct were preserved in all patients. There were no peri- or postoperative complications, and no incidences of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy appears to be an effective and safe technique for treating odontogenic cysts and tumours.

Prognostic significance of urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation in upper urinary tract after radical nephroureterectomy without metastatic diseases: A retrospective cohort study

To evaluate the impact of urothelial carcinoma with divergent differentiation (UCDD) on the prognosis of patients for primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with pN0/x status treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and to evaluate the prognostic value of UCDD in different tumor locations (renal pelvis and ureter).Data from a total of 346 patients with UTUC who received RNU between January 2012 and March 2016 in the institution were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors age, sex, complaint, height, weight, blood pressure, tumor grade, stage, smoking status, history of adjuvant chemotherapy, tumor location, history of bladder cancer, tumor necrosis, degree of hydronephrosis, tumor size, tumor focality, and preoperative anemia were compared between patients with pure UTUC and patients with UCDD. The endpoints were cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and intraluminal recurrence-free survival (IRFS).Overall, divergent differentiation was present in 50 patients (14.5%). UCDD was related to different tumor location (P = .01), smoking (P = .04), higher body mass index (P = .02), and advanced tumor grade (P = .01). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, UCDD was found to be significantly correlated with worse IRFS, CSS, and OS (all P < .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that UCDD was an independent predictor of IRFS (P < .01), CSS (P = .01), and OS (P = .01). However, 40 patients died for various reasons and the 5-year OS rates were 91.9% in UCDD- group and 68.0% in UCDD+ group, respectively. In patients with ureteral tumors, UCDD was the significant predictor for IRFS, CSS, and OS. However, the prognostic value of UCDD was not observed in pyelocaliceal tumors.The presence of divergent differentiation is associated with inferior survival. UCDD may identify patients at high risks for poor prognosis especially in patients with ureteral tumors. As a result, more attention and follow-up should be given to patients with ureteric urothelial carcinoma.

[Predictive value of combination detection of tissue Pgp1 expression and preoperative serum CEA level for colorectal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive value of combination detection of Pgp1 expression in cancer tissue and serum CEA level for the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data, complete 5-year follow-up data and CRC tissue samples of 153 CRC patients with stage I( to II( tumor undergoing radical operation in our department from January 2004 to August 2006 were retrospectively collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression level of Pgp1. The combined evaluation of staining intensity and positive cell percentage was performed to determine the expression level of Pgp1. Pgp1 staining (-) and (+) was defined as low expression; and staining (++) and (+++) as high expression. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the level of serum CEA. CEA > 5 μg/L was defined as positive. χ² and Fisher's exact test were performed to analyze the association of Pgp1 expression with CEA level and clinicopathological variables. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the roles of Pgp1 expression combined with serum CEA level in prognosis prediction.

RESULTS

Of 153 patients, 105 were males and 48 females with mean age of 59 (27 to 90) years; 41 cases were rectal cancer, and 112 cases colon cancer; 23 patients were TNM stage I( tumor, and 130 patients stage II( tumor; median follow-up time was 64 months; 30 cases were dead. Positive rate of Pgp1 expression in colorectal cancer tissues was 66.0%(101/153). The expression of Pgp1 was associated with gender, tumor location, and survival during the follow-up (all P<0.05). The preoperative positive rate of serum CEA was 28.1% (43/153). The preoperative serum CEA level was associated with tumor recurrence and survival (all P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the overall 5-year survival rate was 81.7%. The 5-year survival rate of patients with high expression of Pgp1 was 88.1%, which was significantly higher than 69.2% of those with low expression of Pgp1(P=0.003). The 5-year survival rate of patients with preoperative positive serum CEA was 72.1%, which was significantly lower than 86.1% of those with preoperative negative serum CEA(P=0.023). Furthermore, the 5-year survival rate of patients with negative Pgp1 plus positive CEA was 66.7%, which was significantly lower than 91.0% of those with positive Pgp1 plus negative CEA(P=0.002). Univariate analysis showed that gender, Pgp1 expression level, preoperative serum CEA level, and Pgp1 combined with CEA were significantly associated with the prognosis of patients(all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that Pgp1 expression was an independent prognostic factor of CRC [HR(95%CI:1.261 to 64.224), P=0.028].

CONCLUSIONS

Low expression of Pgp1 in cancer tissue indicates poor prognosis in patients with stage I( and II( tumor. Combination detection of Pgp1 expression and serum CEA can be applied to predict the prognosis of patients with stage I( and II( colorectal cancer.

Sleep and survival among women with breast cancer: 30 years of follow-up within the Nurses' Health Study

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women. Sleep has been linked with mortality among cancer-free population; however, its association with survival among women with breast cancer is understudied.

METHODS

Breast cancer patients (N=3682) reported their average sleep duration post diagnosis. Subsamples also provided their pre-diagnosis sleep duration (n=1949) and post-diagnosis sleep difficulties (n=1353). Multivariate Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) of all-cause, breast cancer, and non-breast cancer mortality.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, the mean age was 64.9 years and 91.7% were stage I or II. Women sleeping ⩾9 h per night post diagnosis had a strong higher risk of all-cause (multivariate HRs: MV-HR=1.37, CI=1.10-1.71), breast cancer (MV-HR=1.46, CI=1.02-2.07), and non-breast cancer mortality (MV-HR=1.34, CI=1.01-1.79), compared to women sleeping 8 h per night. Increased sleep duration post diagnosis (vs unchanged) and regular sleep difficulties (vs rare/none) were associated with a strong elevated risk of all-cause mortality (MV-HRincreased duration=1.35, CI=1.04-1.74; MV-HRregular difficulties=1.49, CI=1.02-2.19) and a moderate greater risk of breast cancer and non-breast cancer mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Various facets of sleep were associated with higher all-cause mortality risk. If replicated, these findings support evaluation of breast cancer patients' sleep duration and difficulties to identify those at risk for poorer outcomes.

Systemic therapy in the curative treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review the available evidence and make recommendations regarding use of systemically administered drugs in combination or in sequence with radiation (RT) and/or surgery for cure and/or organ preservation in patients with locally advanced nonmetastatic (Stage III to IVB) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LASCCHN).

METHOD

Recognizing the Meta-analysis of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer (MACH-NC) group reports have de facto guided practice since 2000, we searched for systematic reviews in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published from January 2000 to February 2015 in reference to 4 research questions. A search was also conducted for randomized trials (RCTs) up to February 2015 not included in the meta-analyses.

RESULT

The MACH-NC reports, 5 additional meta-analyses, and 30 RCTs not included by MACH-NC were identified. For chemotherapy, MACH-NC findings showing improved overall survival with concomitant chemoRT did not require modification. High-dose cisplatin was most commonly studied. We confirmed this benefit with cisplatin monotherapy in patients treated with with postoperative concurrent chemoRT. Other than cetuximab, no targeted agents and radiosensitizers studied in RCTs were shown effective. TPF induction chemotherapy was superior to PF for tumor response and larynx preservation but not survival. Larynx preservation was reported with both CRT and induction chemotherapy approaches.

CONCLUSION

ChemoRT with cisplatin at least 40 mg/m2 per week given as radical or postoperative adjuvant remains a standard treatment approach for LASCCHN that improves overall survival but increases toxicity. 5-FU plus platinum is supported by less data but may be a reasonable alternative for patients unsuitable for cisplatin. Of note, stratification of outcomes by HPV-status was not available but outcomes for oropharynx cancer appeared similar to other subsites in chemoRT RCTs. No RCTs have yet demonstrated superiority or non-inferiority of cetuximab-RT to CRT. In view of this, cetuximab-RT is suggested only for patients not candidates for CRT. Taxane-based triplet induction chemotherapy is superior to doublets for rapid tumour downsizing and for larynx preservation, but does not improve overall survival and should be used with primary G-CSF prophylaxis. Further investigation of induction approaches for larynx preservation may be warranted.

Cutaneous Radiation-associated Breast Angiosarcoma: Radicality of Surgery Impacts Survival

OBJECTIVE

Cutaneous radiation therapy (RT)-associated breast angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare consequence of breast RT associated with poor outcomes. Previous small case series have documented high recurrence rates and poor survival. We reviewed our experience and focused on the impact of conservative versus radical resections.

METHODS

Data for patients with RT-associated breast AS evaluated at our institution from 1993 to 2015 who underwent surgery were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventy-six women were diagnosed with RT-associated breast AS at a median 85 months from surgery for invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ. Thirty-eight underwent mastectomy/wide excision with partial skin resection ("conservative") and 38 underwent resection of all or nearly all previously irradiated skin plus mastectomy ("radical"). The radical group (vs the conservative group) more often had multifocal disease (80% vs 56%, P = 0.04), chemotherapy for AS (58% vs 22%, P < 0.01), margin-negative resection (100% vs 73%, P < 0.01), reconstructive surgery (100% vs 13%, P < 0.01), and re-operation (16% vs 3%, P = 0.04). Five-year crude cumulative incidences of local recurrence and distant metastasis for radical versus conservative groups were 23% versus 76% (P < 0.01) and 18% versus 47% (P = 0.02), respectively. Five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for radical versus conservative groups was 86% versus 46% (P < 0.01), respectively. On multivariable analysis, age, radicality of surgery, and margin were predictive of DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with RT-associated breast AS, radical resection was associated with reduced recurrence rates and improved DSS. Although margin was predictive of DSS, multifocality calls into question the reliability of negative margin assessment.

Management of a pregnant woman with thyrotropinoma: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Pituitary disorders during pregnancy are uncommon. The approach should include a close follow-up in order to reduce maternal and fetal risks associated with physiological changes during pregnancy or treatment side effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report a 21-year-old woman with a thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary macroadenoma and positive antithyroid antibodies. She was initially treated using transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. The patient relapsed 17-month post-surgery. Somatostatin analog therapy was started which rapidly controlled the hyperthyroidism. Eleven months later, while receiving octreotide, the patient reported to be pregnant and the medication was stopped. Gestation and delivery went well with a healthy full-term newborn. The patient developed a postpartum thyroiditis 15 weeks after giving birth. Twenty-eight months postpartum the patient remains euthyroid without medication.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall positive outcomes of the four cases reported in literature, including this new case, suggest that pregnancy should not be absolutely contraindicated in women with thyrotropinomas. We emphasize the effectiveness of octreotide to control hyperthyroidism, as well as stopping medication when a patient is found to be pregnant. In our case, close observation following octreotide cessation had a positive outcome.

[The clinical observation of NK/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type]

The objective of the present work was to present the results of the clinical analysis of the patient presenting with natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type. We undertook the analysis of the medical documentation concerning the case of interest. It was shown that the development of progressive perforation of the nasal septum and the pronounced destructive changes in the intranasal and adjacent structures following the endonasal surgical interventions made necessary differential diagnostics between the condition under consideration and certain latent disorders (such as Wegener's granulomatosis, leprosy, syphilis, leishmaniasis, dirofilariasis tuberculosis, etc.). The study has demonstrated that the negative results of the analysis imply the necessity of special attention to the possibility of development of oncological diseases including hematological disorders (e.g. NK/T-cell lymphoma) and the repeat careful follow-up examination of the patients by the experienced experts.

Aspects of Health-Related Factors and Nutritional Care Needs by Survival Stage among Female Cancer Patients in South Korea

PURPOSE

This study examined diet-related problems and needs associated with nutritional care according to survival stage in Korean female cancer survivors.

METHODS

186 outpatients (breast or gynecologic cancer survivors) recruited. Subjects were classified as (1) extended stage (ES, 2-5 years from diagnosis) and (2) long-term stage (LS, ≥5 years from diagnosis). Eating habits, changes in health related factors, nutritional needs, and quality of life were investigated.

RESULTS

43% of ES survivors had diet-related problems (p = .031); ES group reported dyspepsia and LS group reported anorexia/nausea as the major problem. Half of ES survivors had taste change, decreasing amount of intake, and reduced quality of life (p < .05). The LS group had a greater preference for sweet tastes than the ES group. According to their diagnosis, ES survivors with breast cancer gained weight (27.1%), whereas ES survivors with gynecologic cancer lost their body weight (34.5%) significantly. LS breast cancer patients showed great food preference for vegetables, whereas those with gynecologic cancer showed an increased preference for fish, meat and grain. Approximately 90% of survivors demanded nutritional care regarding restricted foods, preventing recurrence, particularly in ES survivors (p < .01). Moreover, main factors for nutritional care needs were body weight control for breast cancer and food environment for gynecologic cancer.

CONCLUSION

Survivors have different aspects of diet-related problems by survival stage as dyspepsia in ES and anorexia in LS. ES stage had changes in dietary patterns and their food consumption have decreased. Most of survivors have demanded nutritional care regardless of survival stage. These features of each stage should be considered to improve their health.

Cancer stem cells: Role in tumor growth, recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a class of pluripotent cells that have been observed in most types of solid and hematologic cancers. CSCs have been shown in numerous cancer models to be involved in tumor development, cell proliferation, and metastatic dissemination, while possessing a capacity for sustained self-renewal. CSCs, which typically represent a small proportion of total cells of a given tumor, also exhibit resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Indeed, exposure to these treatments may promote "stemness" in nonstem cancer cells, which may explain why successful therapeutic reduction of tumor bulk will often fail to produce clinical improvement. Acquisition of stemness involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in which epithelial cells are transformed into a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by increased capacities for migration, invasiveness, and resistance to apoptosis. EMT may also contribute to metastasis by driving dissemination of mesenchymal CSCs to distant locations, whereupon the CSCs revert to an epithelial phenotype to support metastatic tumor growth. Several different approaches to treatment aimed at overcoming the intrinsic resistance of CSCs to conventional therapies are currently being developed. These include agents targeting tumorigenic pathways, such as JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/mTOR, and immunotherapies, including vaccines and natural killer cells employed to induce a T cell response.

Preoperative Statin Use at the Time of Radical Prostatectomy Is Not Associated With Biochemical Recurrence or Pathologic Upgrading

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of statin use with oncological outcomes and risk of pathologic upgrading following radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a prospectively populated database of 3042 men who underwent open radical prostatectomy, patients were grouped according to reported statin use at the time of surgery. The primary outcome was time to biochemical recurrence. The secondary outcome was risk of pathologic upgrading among a subset of 1256 patients with Gleason pattern 3 + 3 = 6 on biopsy. A multivariable Cox model was used to assess risk of biochemical recurrence, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk of pathologic upgrading.

RESULTS

Eight hundred twenty-four men (27%) reported statin use at the time of radical prostatectomy. Statin users were older and had higher body mass index, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and lower pretreatment prostate-specific antigen values than statin nonusers. Over a median follow-up of 70 months (interquartile range: 36-107), a total of 455 men (15%) experienced biochemical recurrence. Statin use was not associated with biochemical recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-1.31). Of those men with biopsy Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 disease, 647 (52%) were upgraded to higher grade disease following radical prostatectomy; however, statin use was not associated with pathologic upgrading (adjusted odds ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.58-1.04).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative statin use at the time of radical prostatectomy was not associated with biochemical recurrence or risk of pathologic upgrading in this cohort. These data add to the existing body of literature suggesting that statin use is not associated with more favorable clinical outcomes following radical prostatectomy.

Transoral laser microsurgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A paradigm shift in therapeutic approach

BACKGROUND

The contemporary treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an area of debate. We report outcomes of a minimally invasive approach involving transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients (n = 153) undergoing primary TLM for oropharyngeal SCC from 2006 to 2013 was studied. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was determined by p16 immunohistochemistry and high-risk HPV DNA in situ hybridization. Survival analyses were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier statistics.

RESULTS

Tumor subsites included tonsil (n = 94; 61.5%), tongue base (n = 38; 24.8%), and soft palate (n = 21; 13.7%), with the majority being American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III/IVa (n = 124; 81.0%) and HPV-positive (n = 101; 66.0%). Three-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were 84.5%, 91.7%, and 78.2%, respectively. HPV-positivity portended favorable oncologic outcomes. One-year gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependency was 1.3%.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest single-center TLM oropharyngeal SCC series to date. Our data suggest that TLM +/- postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) results in at least as good oncologic outcomes as chemoradiotherapy (CRT), while conferring swallowing function advantages. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck , 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1263-1270, 2016.

Association of Anterior and Lateral Extraprostatic Extensions with Base-Positive Resection Margins in Prostate Cancer

Introduction

Positive surgical margins (PSM) detected in the radical prostatectomy specimen increase the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). Still, with formidable number of patients never experiencing BCR in their life, the reason for this inconsistency has been attributed to the artifacts and to the spontaneous regression of micrometastatic site. To investigate the origin of margin positive cancers, we have looked into the influence of extraprostatic extension location on the resection margin positive site and its implications on BCR risk.

Materials & Methods

The clinical information and follow-up data of 612 patients who had extraprostatic extension and positive surgical margin at the time of robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in the single center between 2005 and 2014 were modeled using Fine and Gray’s competing risk regression analysis for BCR. Extraprostatic extensions were divided into categories according to location as apex, base, anterior, posterior, lateral, and posterolateral. Extraprostatic extensions were defined as presence of tumor beyond the borders of the gland in the posterior and posterolateral regions. Tumor admixed with periprostatic fat was additionally considered as having extraprostatic extension if capsule was vague in the anterior, apex, and base regions. Positive surgical margins were defined as the presence of tumor cells at the inked margin on the inspection under microscopy. Association of these classifications with the site of PSM was evaluated by Cohen’s Kappa analysis for concordance and logistic regression for the odds of apical and base PSMs.

Results

Median follow-up duration was 36.5 months (interquartile range[IQR] 20.1–36.5). Apex involvement was found in 158 (25.8%) patients and base in 110 (18.0%) patients. PSMs generally were found to be associated with increased risk of BCR regardless of location, with BCR risk highest for base PSM (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.40–2.68, p<0.001) after adjusting for age, initial prostate-specific antigen, pathologic Gleason score, and pathologic T stage in the multivariate model. Logistic regression for PSM site revealed no significant correlation of apex PSM with extraprostatic extension location, while base PSM was associated with increased odds of anterior (OR 2.513, 95% CI 1.425–4.430, p = 0.001) and lateral (OR 2.715, 95% CI 1.735–4.250, p<0.001) extraprostatic extension.

Conclusion

Extension into the extraprostatic tissue on some specific locations do not share the same recur risk due to the different anatomical structures surrounding the organ. Anterior and lateral EPEs are prone to leave PSM on the base of the prostate, probably because of the lack of anatomical barricades slowing down the direct invasion process. More study on the pattern of spread of the tumors found to have extraprostatic extension is suggested for optimal planning of the operation extent and of the adjuvant radiotherapy.

Recurrent giant cell fibroblastoma: Malignancy predisposition in Kabuki syndrome revisited

Kabuki syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by distinctive facial phenotype, mental retardation, and internal organ malformations. Mutations of the epigenetic genes KMT2D and KDM6A cause dysregulation of certain developmental genes and account for the multiple congenital anomalies of the syndrome. Eight cases of malignancies have been reported in young patients with Kabuki syndrome although a causative association to the syndrome has not been established. We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with Kabuki syndrome who developed a tumor on the right side of her neck. A relapsing tumor 19 months after initial excision, proved to be giant cell fibroblastoma. Τhis is the first report of giant cell fibroblastoma -a rare tumor of childhood- in a patient with Kabuki syndrome.

Lifetime Physical Activity and Breast Cancer: a Case-Control Study in Kelantan, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is associated with increased breast cancer diagnosis and recurrence.

PURPOSE

To examine the association between adult lifetime physical activity and breast cancer risk in a case-control analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study involved 122 cases of breast cancer and 121 controls in the state of Kelantan in Malaysia. A comprehensive measure of lifetime physical activity was used to assess occupational, household, and recreational/sports activity. For every type of activity, a metabolic equivalent (MET) score was assigned using the compendium of physical activities. MET-hours/week per year for all types of activities at different levels of intensities for different age groups were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios between various measures of physical activity and breast cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The mean MET-hours/week per year for all activities were 120.0 and 132.9 of MET-hours/week per year for cases and controls respectively. Household activities accounted for about 70% of the total lifetime physical activities. Only about 2.5% of the total lifetime physical activities were in the form of recreational/sports. This study found no association between lifetime occupational and recreational/sports physical activities with breast cancer risk among Kelantanese women. However, higher intensity lifetime household activities seemed to significantly reduce risk of breast cancer.

Widespread Implications of ACOSOG Z0011: Effect on Total Mastectomy Patients

The ACOSOG Z0011 trial demonstrated that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is not necessary for all breast cancer patients. Patients who underwent breast conservation surgery (BCS) or total mastectomy (TM) and met Z0011 criteria were identified and sorted into pre- and post- Z0011 cohorts. Four hundred ninety four patients had breast cancer surgery from July 2008 to February 2013. Of these, 255 were pre-Z0011 and 239 were post. Pre-Z0011, 14 patients met Z0011 inclusion criteria in BCS subgroup. ALND was performed in 10 of these patients (71%). Post-Z0011, 14 patients met inclusion criteria, only 1 received ALND (7%). The decrease in ALND rate was significant (p=0.001). Pre-Z0011, 28 patients in TM subgroup met extrapolated inclusion criteria, twenty-three of which received ALND (82%). Post-Z0011, 14 patients in TM subgroup met extrapolated criteria, five of which underwent ALND (36%). The decrease in rate of ALND was significant (p=0.005). This study demonstrates that the Z0011 trial significantly altered management of the axilla in all breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, not just those receiving BCS.

Analysis of Geometric Shifts and Proper Setup-Margin in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Pelvic Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Using Endorectal Ballooning and Daily Enema for Prostate Immobilization

We evaluate geometric shifts of daily setup for evaluating the appropriateness of treatment and determining proper margins for the planning target volume (PTV) in prostate cancer patients.We analyzed 1200 sets of pretreatment megavoltage-CT scans that were acquired from 40 patients with intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. They received whole pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). They underwent daily endorectal ballooning and enema to limit intrapelvic organ movement. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of daily translational shifts in right-to-left (X), anterior-to-posterior (Y), and superior-to-inferior (Z) were evaluated for systemic and random error.The mean ± SD of systemic error (Σ) in X, Y, Z, and roll was 2.21 ± 3.42 mm, -0.67 ± 2.27 mm, 1.05 ± 2.87 mm, and -0.43 ± 0.89°, respectively. The mean ± SD of random error (δ) was 1.95 ± 1.60 mm in X, 1.02 ± 0.50 mm in Y, 1.01 ± 0.48 mm in Z, and 0.37 ± 0.15° in roll. The calculated proper PTV margins that cover >95% of the target on average were 8.20 (X), 5.25 (Y), and 6.45 (Z) mm. Mean systemic geometrical shifts of IMRT were not statistically different in all transitional and three-dimensional shifts from early to late weeks. There was no grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal or genitourianry toxicity.The whole pelvic IMRT technique is a feasible and effective modality that limits intrapelvic organ motion and reduces setup uncertainties. Proper margins for the PTV can be determined by using geometric shifts data.

Lymphatic flow is mostly preserved after sentinel lymph node biopsy in primary cutaneous malignant melanoma

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of changes in lymphatic flow after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is important for the development of strategies for postoperative adjuvant therapy in malignant melanoma.

OBJECTIVES

41 patients (22 males and 19 females; average age: 67.0 ± 24.0 years) with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (PCMM) participated in the present study. The primary tumor sites were the upper extremities (9 patients), the lower extremities (20 patients), the trunk (11 patients) and the scalp (1 patient). The tumor thicknesses of the PCMM lesions were from 0.5mm to 9.0mm (average: 3.3 ± 2.5mm). All the participants underwent wide local excision and SLNB.

METHODS

We studied lymphatic flow before and after SLNB by near-infrared (NIR) imaging in all 41 cases. In addition, we performed NIR imaging of lymphatic flow after the lymph node dissection in one case with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis.

RESULTS

Almost no changes in lymphatic flow were seen in 38 of the 41 patients (92.7%) after SLNB. Only in 3 patients (7.3%), one with SLN metastasis and the other two without SLN metastasis, was apparent alteration in the lymphatic flow observed after SLNB. Of the 16 patients without SLN metastasis, only 3 patients showed recurrence of the tumors. Interestingly, 1 of the 2 patients without SLN metastasis but with lymphatic flow alteration had recurrence (regional lymph node metastasis) of the melanoma, whereas only 2 of the 14 patients without SLN metastasis or lymphatic flow alteration had recurrence, 1 with regional lymph node metastasis and the other with distant lymph node metastasis. In 1 case, we re-examined the lymphatic flow after regional lymph node dissection and the lymphatic flow was found to be dramatically changed.

CONCLUSION

We clearly demonstrated that SLNB has only a minimal effect on lymphatic flow. The present results suggest that SLNB does not increase the risk of local recurrence/in-transit metastasis and may support the efficacy of post-SLNB local adjuvant injection to prevent local recurrence and in-transit metastasis.

Potential role of the donor in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation

A subset of liver transplantation (LT) recipients who undergo transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will develop postoperative recurrence. There has yet to be a thorough investigation of donor factors influencing recurrence. Data regarding adult, primary LT recipients with HCC (n = 5002) who underwent transplantation between January 1, 2006 and September 30, 2010 were extracted from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, and the cumulative incidence of post-LT recurrence by donor factors was subsequently estimated. Among the HCC LT recipients, 324 (6.5%) developed recurrence. An analysis of donor characteristics demonstrated a higher cumulative incidence of recurrence within 4 years of transplantation among recipients with donors ≥ 60 years old (11.8% versus 7.3% with donors < 60 years old, P < 0.001) and with donors from a nonlocal share distribution (10.6% versus 7.4% with donors with a local share distribution, P = 0.004). The latter 2 findings held true in a multivariate analysis: the risk of HCC recurrence increased by 70% for recipients of livers from donors ≥ 60 years old [subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-2.20, P < 0.001] and by 42% for recipients of nonlocal share distribution livers (SHR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09-1.84, P = 0.009) after adjustments for clinical characteristics. In conclusion, the consideration of certain donor factors may reduce the cumulative incidence of posttransplant HCC recurrence and thus improve long-term survival after LT.

The effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on whole-body physical fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in vivo in locally advanced rectal cancer patients--an observational pilot study

Background

In the United Kingdom, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer routinely receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. However, the effects of this on physical fitness are unclear. This pilot study is aimed to investigate the effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on objectively measured in vivo muscle mitochondrial function and whole-body physical fitness.

Methods

We prospectively studied 12 patients with rectal cancer who completed standardized neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, recruited from a large tertiary cancer centre, between October 2012 and July 2013. All patients underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and a phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy quadriceps muscle exercise-recovery study before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Data were analysed and reported blind to patient identity and clinical course. Primary variables of interest were the two physical fitness measures; oxygen uptake at estimated anaerobic threshold and oxygen uptake at Peak exercise (ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹), and the post-exercise phosphocreatine recovery rate constant (min⁻¹), a measure of muscle mitochondrial capacity in vivo.

Results

Median age was 67 years (IQR 64–75). Differences (95%CI) in all three primary variables were significantly negative post-NACRT: Oxygen uptake at estimated anaerobic threshold −2.4 ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹ (−3.8, −0.9), p = 0.004; Oxygen uptake at Peak −4.0 ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹ (−6.8, −1.1), p = 0.011; and post-exercise phosphocreatine recovery rate constant −0.34 min⁻¹ (−0.51, −0.17), p<0.001.

Conclusion

The significant decrease in both whole-body physical fitness and in vivo muscle mitochondrial function raises the possibility that muscle mitochondrial mechanisms, no doubt multifactorial, may be important in deterioration of physical fitness following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. This may have implications for targeted interventions to improve physical fitness pre-surgery.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT01859442

Optimal systemic therapy for premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Although systemic therapy is one of the cornerstones of therapy for premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer, there remain many unknowns regarding its optimal use. By accident of clinical trial design, much clinical investigation in premenopausal women has focused on chemotherapy. More recently the value of endocrine therapy (tamoxifen and ovarian suppression/ablation via surgery, LHRH agonists, or chemotherapy-induced menopause) has become apparent, and some form of endocrine therapy is viewed as standard for virtually all premenopausal women with early stage invasive breast cancer that expresses estrogen and/or progesterone receptor. Critical open questions include type and duration of endocrine therapy and the development of prognostic/predictive markers to help identify patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy in addition to endocrine therapy. For some years, five years of tamoxifen has been viewed as the standard endocrine therapy for premenopausal hormone-responsive breast cancer, although the ATLAS trial suggests that an additional five years of tamoxifen can be considered. The MA17 trial also suggests that an additional five years of an aromatase inhibitor can be considered for women who become postmenopausal during tamoxifen therapy. Information about the value of ovarian suppression continues to emerge, most recently with the demonstration of excellent outcome with goserelin plus tamoxifen in the ABCSG12 trial. The SOFT and TEXT trials, whose accrual is now complete, should help to define optimal endocrine therapy. In addition, use of the 21-gene recurrence score assay may help to delineate the additional value of chemotherapy for patients with node-negative breast cancer, and its utility in the setting of women with 1-3 positive lymph nodes is under study in the RxPONDER trial. Nonetheless, the need for other predictive biomarkers to select appropriate therapy remains real. Finally, attention to long term benefits and side effects of therapy will continue to be vital for these young women.

(106)Ru plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: factors associated with local tumor recurrence

PURPOSE

Plaque brachytherapy is a common form of treatment for uveal melanoma, and the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) used (125)I. Recently, (106)Ru has been reintroduced for plaque brachytherapy in the United States. We reviewed our experience treating uveal melanoma with (106)Ru plaque brachytherapy using COMS planning techniques, hypothesizing that we would observe similar outcomes to those in the COMS.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Medical records of patients undergoing (106)Ru plaque brachytherapy were reviewed retrospectively. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded. Outcomes including visual acuity, local tumor recurrence, salvage treatment, metastasis, and survival were recorded. Cox regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with local tumor recurrence and enucleation.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were studied. Median age was 60 years, and 50% were men. Median tumor base diameter and height were 9.4 and 2.6 mm, respectively. Ophthalmic complications were rare. Local tumor recurrence and enucleation occurred in 13 and 4 patients, respectively. Local tumor recurrence was associated with low visual acuity in the tumor-bearing eye, posterior tumors, small plaque size, and difference in plaque-tumor diameter of <6 mm. Enucleation was associated with low visual acuity and posteriorly located tumor. Estimated 5-year rate of death and metastasis was 18.5% and 11.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients treated with (106)Ru plaque brachytherapy using COMS planning techniques, we found a greater than expected rate of local tumor recurrence. Planning (106)Ru plaque brachytherapy should be done carefully at centers that have previously used COMS protocols and (125)I.

Using natural language processing to improve efficiency of manual chart abstraction in research: the case of breast cancer recurrence

The increasing availability of electronic health records (EHRs) creates opportunities for automated extraction of information from clinical text. We hypothesized that natural language processing (NLP) could substantially reduce the burden of manual abstraction in studies examining outcomes, like cancer recurrence, that are documented in unstructured clinical text, such as progress notes, radiology reports, and pathology reports. We developed an NLP-based system using open-source software to process electronic clinical notes from 1995 to 2012 for women with early-stage incident breast cancers to identify whether and when recurrences were diagnosed. We developed and evaluated the system using clinical notes from 1,472 patients receiving EHR-documented care in an integrated health care system in the Pacific Northwest. A separate study provided the patient-level reference standard for recurrence status and date. The NLP-based system correctly identified 92% of recurrences and estimated diagnosis dates within 30 days for 88% of these. Specificity was 96%. The NLP-based system overlooked 5 of 65 recurrences, 4 because electronic documents were unavailable. The NLP-based system identified 5 other recurrences incorrectly classified as nonrecurrent in the reference standard. If used in similar cohorts, NLP could reduce by 90% the number of EHR charts abstracted to identify confirmed breast cancer recurrence cases at a rate comparable to traditional abstraction.