Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour with perineurial differentiation and hyaline eosinophilic globules (thanatosomes): A rare tumour

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) with perineurial differentiation is a rare variant of MPNST. The pathological features and clinical significance of this variant remain to be characterised. We reported the clinicoradiological and pathological features of a case of recurrent right arm mass related to the ulnar nerve in a 42-year-old female patient. On pathological examination, the tumour showed dual features of conventional and perineurial MPNST which was proven by positive immunostaining for S-100 and EMA. The pathological diagnosis was MPNST with perineurial differentiation. In addition, a peculiar and rare finding of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic hyaline globules (thanatosomes) within tumour cells is reported. We document a rare tumour with hybrid features between conventional and perineurial MPNSTs. Further studies are needed to establish its biological behaviour.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and chemical neurolysis of thoracic splanchnic nerves for the management of abdominal cancer pain, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the splanchnic nerves has been reported as a predictable and safe technique for abdominal pain management. We compare between RFA and chemical neurolysis of bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves in the management of refractory cancer pain.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥18 years who suffered from abdominal pain (visceral pain, VAS ≥4) due to upper abdominal cancers. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group I (RF): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T10 and T11 levels using RFA. Group II (alcohol): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T11 using alcohol. Pain relief was assessed using VAS (0-10) and total daily oral opioid consumption (primary outcome).

RESULTS

Significant reductions of VAS and global perceived effect satisfaction scores (GPES) were observed in both groups compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001); Group I had the largest reduction. MST consumption and QOL scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption started to reduce at the end of the first post-interventional week for Group I, 0.00 (0-45 mg), and at the end of the second post-interventional week for Group II, 20.00 (0-135 mg). No major complications were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral pain block of splanchnic nerves at the levels of T10 and T11 using RFA is more effective than using alcohol at a single level of T11 in cancer patients presenting with upper abdominal pain. The RFA intervention acted faster, provided longer duration analgesia, worked in a higher proportion of patients and had a better safety profile than the alcohol intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE

Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and chemical neurolysis of thoracic splanchnic nerves for the management of abdominal cancer pain, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the splanchnic nerves has been reported as a predictable and safe technique for abdominal pain management. We compare between RFA and chemical neurolysis of bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves in the management of refractory cancer pain.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥18 years who suffered from abdominal pain (visceral pain, VAS ≥4) due to upper abdominal cancers. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group I (RF): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T10 and T11 levels using RFA. Group II (alcohol): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T11 using alcohol. Pain relief was assessed using VAS (0-10) and total daily oral opioid consumption (primary outcome).

RESULTS

Significant reductions of VAS and global perceived effect satisfaction scores (GPES) were observed in both groups compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001); Group I had the largest reduction. MST consumption and QOL scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption started to reduce at the end of the first post-interventional week for Group I, 0.00 (0-45 mg), and at the end of the second post-interventional week for Group II, 20.00 (0-135 mg). No major complications were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral pain block of splanchnic nerves at the levels of T10 and T11 using RFA is more effective than using alcohol at a single level of T11 in cancer patients presenting with upper abdominal pain. The RFA intervention acted faster, provided longer duration analgesia, worked in a higher proportion of patients and had a better safety profile than the alcohol intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE

Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neuropathic pain secondary to malignancy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Significant analgesic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been found in several studies of patients with chronic pain of various origins, but never for malignancy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of 10 sessions of rTMS over the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients suffering from malignant neuropathic pain.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups to receive real (20 Hz, 10 s, 10 trains with 80% intensity) or sham rTMS daily for 10 consecutive days. Patients were evaluated using a verbal descriptor scale (VDS), a visual analogue scale (VAS), Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) at baseline, after the first, fifth and 10th treatment sessions, and then 15 days and 1 month after treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between real and sham groups in the duration of illness or pain rating scores at the baseline. A significant 'Time × Group' interaction was recorded indicating that real and sham rTMS had different effects on the VDS, VAS, LANSS and HAM-D scales. Post-hoc testing showed that the group of patients treated with real rTMS had greater improvement in all scales that persisted up to 15 days, but were not present 1 month later. Significant positive correlations between the percentage of pain reduction and HAM-D after the 10th session and 15 days later were recorded.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that 10 rTMS sessions over the M1 can induce short-term pain relief in malignant neuropathic pain.