An MRI assessment of prostate cancer local recurrence using the PI-RR system: diagnostic accuracy, inter-observer reliability among readers with variable experience, and correlation with PSA values

OBJECTIVES

The Prostate Imaging for Recurrence Reporting (PI-RR) system has been recently proposed to promote standardisation in the MR assessment of prostate cancer (PCa) local recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT). This study aims to evaluate PI-RR's diagnostic accuracy, assess the inter-observer reliability among readers with variable experience, and correlate imaging results with anatomopathological and laboratory parameters.

METHODS

Patients who underwent a pelvic MRI for suspicion of PCa local recurrence after RP or RT were retrospectively enrolled (October 2017-February 2020). PI-RR scores were independently assessed for each patient by five readers with variable experience in prostate MRI (two senior and three junior radiologists). Biochemical data and histopathological features were collected. The reference standard was determined through biochemical, imaging, or histopathological follow-up data. Reader's diagnostic performance was assessed using contingency tables. Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to measure inter-observer reliability.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 120 patients (median age, 72 years [IQR, 62-82]). Recurrence was confirmed in 106 (88.3%) patients. Considering a PI-RR score ≥ 3 as positive for recurrence, minimum and maximum diagnostic values among the readers were as follows: sensitivity 79-86%; specificity 64-86%; positive predictive value 95-98%; negative predictive value 33-46%; accuracy 79-87%. Regardless of reader's level of experience, the inter-observer reliability resulted good or excellent (κ ranges across all readers: 0.52-0.77), and ICC was 0.8. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity, baseline-PSA, and trigger-PSA resulted predictive of local recurrence at imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The PI-RR system is an effective tool for MRI evaluation of PCa local recurrence and facilitates uniformity among radiologists.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

This study confirmed the PI-RR system's good diagnostic accuracy for the MRI evaluation of PCa local recurrences. It showed high reproducibility among readers with variable experience levels, validating it as a promising standardisation tool for assessing patients with biochemical recurrence.

KEY POINTS

• In this retrospective study, the PI-RR system revealed promising diagnostic performances among five readers with different experience (sensitivity 79-86%; specificity 64-86%; accuracy 79-87%). • The inter-observer reliability among the five readers resulted good or excellent (κ ranges: 0.52-0.77) with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.8. • The PI-RR assessment score may facilitate standardisation and generalizability in the evaluation of prostate cancer local recurrence among radiologists.

Challenges in radiological evaluation of brain metastases, beyond progression

MRI is the cornerstone in the evaluation of brain metastases. The clinical challenges lie in discriminating metastases from mimickers such as infections or primary tumors and in evaluating the response to treatment. The latter sometimes leads to growth, which must be framed as pseudo-progression or radionecrosis, both inflammatory phenomena attributable to treatment, or be considered as recurrence. To meet these needs, imaging techniques are the subject of constant research. However, an exponential growth after radiotherapy must be interpreted with caution, even in the presence of results suspicious of tumor progression by advanced techniques, because it may be due to inflammatory changes. The aim of this paper is to familiarize the reader with inflammatory phenomena of brain metastases treated with radiotherapy and to describe two related radiological signs: "the inflammatory cloud" and "incomplete ring enhancement", in order to adopt a conservative management with close follow-up.

Recurrences of advanced sessile and lateral spreading colorectal adenoma after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) thermal ablation versus no adjuvant therapy (RESPECT): a protocol of an international randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, large benign lateral spreading lesions (LSLs) and sessile polyps in the colorectum are mostly resected by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). A major drawback of EMR is the polyp recurrence rate of up to 20%. Snare tip soft coagulation (STSC) is considered an effective technique to reduce recurrence rates. However, clinical trials on STSC have mainly been conducted in expert referral centers. In these studies, polyp recurrence was assessed optically, and additional adjunctive techniques were excluded. In the current trial, we will evaluate the efficacy and safety of STSC in daily practice, by allowing adjunctive techniques during EMR and the use of both optical and histological polyp recurrence to assess recurrences during follow-up.

METHODS

The RESPECT study is a multicenter, parallel-group, international single blinded randomized controlled superiority trial performed in the Netherlands and Germany. A total of 306 patients undergoing piecemeal EMR for LSLs or sessile colorectal polyps sized 20-60 mm will be randomized during the procedure after endoscopic complete polyp resection to the intervention or control group. Post-EMR defects allocated to the intervention group will be treated with thermal ablation with STSC of the entire resection margin. Primary outcome will be polyp recurrence by optical and histological confirmation at the first surveillance colonoscopy after 6 months. Secondary outcomes include technical success and complication rates.

DISCUSSION

The RESPECT study will evaluate if STSC is effective in reducing recurrence rates after piecemeal EMR of large colorectal lesions in daily clinical practice performed by expert and non-expert endoscopists. Moreover, endoscopists will be allowed to use adjunctive techniques to remove remaining adenomatous tissue during the procedure. Finally, adenomatous polyp recurrence during follow-up will be defined by histologic identification.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05121805. Registered on 16 November 2021. Start recruitment: 17 March 2022. Planned completion of recruitment: 31 April 2025.

Wire-guided localization and surgical resection of non-palpable recurrent of thyroid carcinoma: A STROBE-compliant, retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Information on hook-wire guided (HWG) surgery for non-palpable thyroid carcinoma (TC), locoregional-recurrent disease (LRRD) is scarce. We analyze the results of HWG resection compared with the traditional procedure.

METHODS

Cohort study performed between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients with TC and non-palpable LRRD were included. A "Standard cohort", patients with non-HWG resection and "HWG cohort", with HWG resection of LRRD were defined. Surgical morbidity, re-recurrent/progressive disease (RRD), and re-recurrence-free survival (RRFS) were defined.

RESULTS

43 and 23 patients were assigned to the Standard or HWG cohorts, respectively. Complications occurred in 28 % and 17.3 % of cases, in control or HWG cohorts, respectively. HWG cohort, size of primary TC, 131I dose >150 mCi, and thyroglobulin level >1 ng/ml at detection of LRRD were associated with RRD. HWG cohort, thyroglobulin level at LRRD, 131I treatment, and dose were associated with RRFS.

CONCLUSIONS

HWG surgery of non-palpable TC LRRD had improved results regarding surgical morbidity, RRD, and RRFS.

Long-term locoregional recurrence in patients treated for breast cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Locoregional control in breast cancer is a fundamental part of treatment and determinant for survival outcomes. It has been reported that most locoregional recurrence (LRR) events occur in the first 5 years after treatment. However, LRR continue to occur after this timeline, with unclear risk factors and unknown survival impact.

METHODS

Retrospective singe-centered cohort of patients treated for primary breast cancer, between January 2002 and December 2004. Primary outcome was LRR; secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and predictive factors for LRR.

RESULTS

This analysis included 1001 patients, of which 959 (95%) had invasive carcinoma. A mastectomy was performed in 501 (50%) and 500 (50%) had breast conservative surgery (BCS). Median follow-up time was 197 [Inter-quartile range (IQR) 96-211] months. Global LRR rate was 7.6%, with median time to recurrence of 45 [IQR 21-91] months. There was no difference in LRR rate after mastectomy vs BCS, adjusted to tumor stage (p > 0.05). The 10-year OS and DFS rates were 68.4 and 77.8%, respectively. Factors associated with LRR were metastatic axillary lymph nodes and high histologic grade (p < 0.05). Estrogen-negative (ER) tumors had higher LRR rates than ER-positive tumors in the first 5 years (p < 0.05); but no difference was observed with longer follow-up (p > 0.05). LRR was associated with OS (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Global LRR in this cohort was 7.6% (with over 16 years of follow-up). LRR associates with decreased OS. Time to LRR varies significantly with tumor biology, supporting differentiation of follow-up regimens.

Transoral robotic surgery without adjuvant therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between surgical margins and local recurrence

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is increasingly employed in the management of oropharyngeal cancer without adjuvant treatment. Attaining safe surgical margins is paramount to preventing local recurrence (LR), but the necessary surgical margin dimension remains contentious.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting margin status and LR following TORS without adjuvant therapy for primary OPSCC.

RESULTS

The search identified 269 articles and 11 were selected for inclusion, with 406 patients included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was noted in the definition of "close" margins. Random-effects pooled rate of positive margins was 7 % (95 % CI 0.04-0.12, I2 = 54 %, p = 0.02) and close margins was 7 % (95 % CI 0.02-0.27, I2 = 86 %, p=<0.01). The random-effects overall rate of LR was 6 % (95 % CI 0.04-0.10, I2 = 11 %, p = 0.35), 13 % (95 % CI 0.02-0.620, I2 = 0 %, p = 1.0) after a positive margin, and 3 % (95 % CI 0.03-0.24, I2 = 23 %, p = 0.26) after a close margin. Odds ratio (OR) for LR indicated higher risk of LR for positive compared to close margins (7.5; 95 % CI 1.31-42.91, I2 = 0 %, p = 0.51), and a slightly lower risk of LR between close and negative margins (2.22; 95 % CI 0.67-7.38, I2 = 0 %, p = 0.8). A lack of frozen-section analysis (OR 2.91, p = 0.36) and HPV-negative disease (OR 1.68, p = 0.03) were associated with an elevated risk of LR.

CONCLUSIONS

TORS as a standalone treatment is associated with low rates of LR; however, the literature is hampered by considerable heterogeneity in margin definitions. Larger multicentre studies are required to determine the precise margin cut-off required for oropharyngeal tumours managed with TORS alone.

Recurrence following transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a monocentric retrospective series of technically difficult cases

PURPOSE

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been proposed to overcome surgical difficulties encountered during rectal resection, especially for patients having high body mass index or low rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate oncologic outcomes following TaTME.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all consecutive patients with rectal cancer who had a TaTME from 2013 to 2019. The main outcome was the incidence of locoregional recurrence by the end of the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Among a total of 81 patients, 96.3% were male, and their mean age was 63±9 years. The mean body mass index was 30.3±5.7 kg/m2, and the median distance from tumor to anal verge was 5.0 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 4.0-6.0 cm). Most patients had a low anterior resection performed (n=80, 98.8%) with a diverting ileostomy (n=64, 79.0%). Distal and circumferential resection margins were positive in 2.5% and 6.2% of patients, respectively. Total mesorectal excision was complete or near complete in 95.1% of patients. A successful resection was achieved in 72 patients (88.9%). After a median follow-up of 27.5 months (IQR, 16.7-48.1 months), 4 patients (4.9%) experienced locoregional recurrence. Anastomotic leaks were observed in 21 patients (25.9%). At the end of the follow-up, 69 patients (85.2%) were stoma-free.

CONCLUSION

TaTME was associated with acceptable oncological outcomes, including low locoregional recurrence rates in selected patients with low rectal cancer. Although associated with a high incidence of postoperative morbidities, the use of TaTME enabled a high rate of successful sphincter-saving procedures in selected patients who posed a technical challenge.

Rectal cancer pelvic recurrence: imaging patterns and key concepts to guide treatment planning

For rectal cancer, MRI plays an important role in assessing extramural tumor spread and informs surgical planning. The contemporary standardized management of rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision guided by imaging-based risk stratification has dramatically improved patient outcomes. Colonoscopy and CT are utilized in surveillance after surgery to detect intraluminal and extramural recurrence, respectively; however, local recurrence of rectal cancer remains a challenge because postoperative changes such as fat necrosis and fibrosis can resemble tumor recurrence; additionally, mucinous adenocarcinoma recurrence may mimic fluid collection or abscess on CT. MRI and ¹⁸F-FDG PET are problem-resolving modalities for equivocal imaging findings on CT. Treatment options for recurrent rectal cancer include pelvic exenteration to achieve radical (R0 resection) resection and intraoperative radiation therapy. After pathologic diagnosis of recurrence, imaging plays an essential role for evaluating the feasibility and approach of salvage surgery. Patterns of recurrence can be divided into axial/central, anterior, lateral, and posterior. Some lateral and posterior recurrence patterns especially in patients with neurogenic pain are associated with perineural invasion. Cross-sectional imaging, especially MRI and ¹⁸F-FDG PET, permit direct visualization of perineural spread, and contribute to determining the extent of resection. Multidisciplinary discussion is essential for treatment planning of locally recurrent rectal cancer. This review article illustrates surveillance strategy after initial surgery, imaging patterns of rectal cancer recurrence based on anatomic classification, highlights imaging findings of perineural spread on each modality, and discusses how resectability and contemporary surgical approaches are determined based on imaging findings.

Somatic genomic imbalances in 'tumour-free' surgical margins of oral cancer

Up to 30% of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients develop local recurrence and distant metastasis. The molecular status of histologically cancer-free tumour margins could be a critical factor in predicting tumour behaviour. The aim of this study was to detect somatic genomic imbalances in OSCC with emphasis on the surgical margins. DNA was isolated from tumour tissues, margin tissues, and blood samples (used as control) obtained from 11 OSCC patients, and genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization was performed. Imbalances were present in both tumours and margins, although, as expected, they were more prevalent in tumours (duplications, P = 0.0002; deletions, P = 0.0001). Duplications were more frequent than deletions in both tumours and margins, but without statistical significance. Fifteen imbalances in tumour tissues were recurrent and all of them were duplications. Four of these were found both in tumours and margins and involved chromosomes 1q, 8p, Xp, Yp, and Yq. Four imbalances were recurrent in margin tissue and all of them were duplications (autosomes 8 and 17 and both sex chromosomes). Histologically 'cancer-free' margins hide genomic alterations consistent with unexplained OSCC recurrences. Establishing the molecular status of the margins could improve outcome prediction.

The impact of multidisciplinary team decision-making in locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Appropriate patient selection within the context of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is key to good clinical outcomes. The current evidence base for factors that guide the decision-making process in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is limited to anatomical factors.

METHODS

A registry-based, prospective cohort study was undertaken of patients referred to our specialist MDT between 2015 and 2019. Data were collected on patients and disease characteristics including performance status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, the English Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles and MDT treatment decision. Curative treatment was defined as neoadjuvant treatment and surgical resection that would achieve a R0 resection, and/or complete treatment of distant metastatic disease. Palliative treatment was defined as non-surgical treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 325 patients were identified; 72.7% of patients with LARC and 63.6% of patients with LRRC were offered treatment with curative intent (p = 0.08). Patients with poor performance status (PS > 2; p < 0.001), severe comorbidity (p < 0.001), socio-economic deprivation (p = 0.004), a positive predictive circumferential resection margin (p = 0.005) and metastatic disease (p < 0.001) were associated with palliative treatment. Overall survival in the curative cohort was 49 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.4-65.5) compared with 12 months (95% CI 9.1-14.9) in the palliative cohort (p < 0.001). The presence of metastatic disease was identified as a prognostic factor for patients undergoing curative treatment (p = 0.05). The only prognostic factor identified in patients treated palliatively was performance status (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies a number of preoperative, prognostic factors that affect MDT decision-making and overall survival.

Oncological outcomes of surgery for isolated retroperitoneal recurrence in renal cancer patients after radical nephrectomy

AIMS

Isolated retroperitoneal recurrence (IRR) in renal cancer patients after radical nephrectomy (RN) is a rare event and poses a therapeutic dilemma. We evaluated oncologic outcomes in surgically treated patients with IRR and established prognostic factors associated with survival. The benefit of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) in those with clinical progression after extirpation of IRR was assessed.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-institutional study in which 60 renal cancer patients after previous RN underwent surgery for suspicion of IRR within the period of 2004-2019; in 55 of them, RCC recurrence was histologically confirmed. No patient had distant metastatic disease at the time of IRR diagnosis. In cases of clinical progression after IRR surgery, MDT (metastasectomy, stereotactic radiotherapy) was selectively used. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate survival outcomes. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between clinicopathological parameters and cancer-specific survival.

RESULTS

Median age at IRR diagnosis was 64 years (range 23-81). IRR was diagnosed at a median of 42 months (IQR 19-99) after RN. Surgical complications of grade 3-5 after IRR extirpation were rare (7%). Median follow-up time was 50 months (IQR 19-80). Five-year recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival rates were 32% and 66%, respectively. Radiographic progression was observed in 34 (62%) patients at a median of 11 months after IRR surgery, out of which 22 patients (40%) underwent MDT. When compared with 12 patients without MDT, the MDT patients had a prolonged median time to systemic treatment of 58 (vs. 16 months), and median cancer-specific survival of 88 (vs. 46 months). Upon multivariable analysis, the interval from nephrectomy ≤12 months (HR 7.77), tumour grade 3-4 (HR 13.24) and female sex (HR 7.42) were determined to be independent prognostic factors of cancer-related mortality.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive surgical therapy of IRR is feasible with relatively low morbidity. More than half of the patients experience long-term survival. The interval from nephrectomy to IRR less than 12 months, tumour grade 3-4 and female sex were negative prognostic predictors. In the case of progression, metastasis-directed therapy may prolong the interval to initiation of systemic treatment.

Successful treatment of solitary bladder plasmacytoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Plasmacytoma is a rare neoplastic disorder that arises from B-lymphocytes. Solitary bladder plasmacytoma, a type of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma, is even rarer. Treatments for solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, there are no clinical trials or guidelines specifying which treatment might represent the gold standard.

CASE SUMMARY

We herein report a case of a 51-year-old woman with solitary bladder plasmacytoma (SBP). There remains no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for SBP. However, we successfully treated her with transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by postoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy/25 F). The patient remained free of tumor recurrence at a 7-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Radiation is the potential main treatment for SBP. However, surgery is also necessary.

Does reduction of the oncologic safety margin for facial basal cell carcinoma result in higher recurrence rates?

Background

Wide surgical excision is the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment. Typically, resection requires a safety margin ≥ 4 mm. We aimed to confirm BCC excisions’ cancer recurrence rate and safety on the facial region with new safety margins.

Methods

We included patients with primary BCC on the facial region who underwent wide excision with 2- or 3-mm safety margins at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018. Medical records were reviewed to confirm the epidemiology and surgical information. Recurrence was confirmed by physical examination through regular 6-month follow-up.

Results

We included 184 out of 233 patients in this study after applying the exclusion criteria. The mean age and follow-up period were 71.2±10.2 years and 29.3±13.5 months, respectively. The predominantly affected area was the nose (95 cases); a V-Y advancement flap was the most commonly used surgical method. There were two cases of recurrence in the 2 mm margin group and one recurrence in the group resected with 3 mm margins.

Conclusion

In this large cohort study, we found 2–3 mm excision margins can yield enough safety in facial BCCs. The recurrence rates were found to be comparable with those reported after wider margins.

Endoscopic techniques to reduce recurrence rates after colorectal EMR: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for large lateral spreading and sessile polyps. The reported high recurrence rate of approximately 20% is however one of the major drawbacks. Several endoscopic interventions have been suggested to reduce recurrence rates. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of endoscopic interventions targeting the EMR margin to reduce recurrence rates.

Methods

We searched in PubMed and Ovid for studies comparing recurrence rates after interventions targeting the EMR margin with standard EMR. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate at the first surveillance colonoscopy (SC1) assessed histologically or macroscopically. For the meta-analysis, risk ratios (RRs) were calculated and pooled using a random effects model. The secondary outcome was post-procedural complication rates.

Results

Six studies with a total of 1335 lesions were included in the meta-analysis. The techniques performed in the intervention group targeting the resection margin were argon plasma coagulation, snare tip soft coagulation, extended EMR, and precutting EMR. The interventions reduced the adenoma recurrence rate with more than 50%, resulting in a pooled RR of 0.37 (95% CI 0.18, 0.76) comparing the intervention group with the control groups. Overall post-procedural complication rates did not increase significantly in the intervention arm (RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.65, 2.58).

Conclusion

Interventions targeting the EMR margin decrease recurrence rates and may not result in more complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-021-08574-z.

Impact of Trastuzumab on Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer after Breast-Conserving Surgery

Purpose

Trastuzumab is effective in early and advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, few studies have reported the effect of trastuzumab on ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), whose incidence is higher in the HER2-positive subtype than in other subtypes.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 959 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS), chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer between 2000 and 2017. IBTR was compared between the patients who received neoadjuvant or adjuvant trastuzumab (Tmab group) for a total duration of 1 year and those who received no trastuzumab (N-Tmab group).

Results

Propensity score matching designated 426 and 142 patients in the Tmab and N-Tmab groups, respectively. The median follow-up period for all patients after matching was 73.79 months. The IBTR-free survival rate was significantly higher in the Tmab group than in the N-Tmab group (10-year IBTR-free survival rate, 92.9% vs. 87.3%; p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the N-Tmab and Tmab group (hazard ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–8.59) and IBTR in addition to close or positive resection margin and hormone receptor (HR) positivity. The subgroup analysis showed that adjuvant treatment with trastuzumab significantly reduced IBTR among the patients with HR-negative or lymph node-negative breast cancer.

Conclusion

Significantly reduced IBTR after BCS was observed in the patients who received 1 year of adjuvant/neoadjuvant trastuzumab treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Prediction of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer recurrence during intravesical BCG immunotherapy by use of peripheral blood eosinophil count and percentage: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether there is an association between blood eosinophil count and percentage with the recurrence of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) during Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) maintenance therapy with our preliminary results.

METHODS

A total of 53 patients with NMIBC underwent BCG immunotherapy between January 2015 and September 2018, and met our inclusion criteria were included in the study. The parameters age, gender, smoking status, comorbidity, blood neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, blood eosinophil percentage, previous single postoperative intravesical chemotherapy instillation, tumor characteristic, and total and maintenance dose numbers of BCG were extracted from our medical records and compared between patients with response and with recurrence.

RESULTS

Blood eosinophil count and percentage were significantly higher in patients with recurrence compared to patients with response (0.263 ± 0.37 vs. 0.0134 ± 0.021, p = 0.01 and 0.31 ± 0.29 vs. 0.17 ± 0.27, p = 0.01). Other parameters were similar in patients with recurrence and response. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis showed a considerable diagnostic value of blood eosinophil count and percentage in the prediction of bladder cancer recurrence during BCG immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Blood eosinophil count and percentage in patients with NMIBC can predict the disease recurrence during the BCG immunotherapy. Our research raised new questions and assumptions about the role of eosinophils during BCG immunotherapy.

Impact of Oncotype DX Recurrence Score on the Patterns of Locoregional Recurrence in Breast Cancer (Korean Radiation Oncology Group 19-06)

The current study evaluated the impact of the Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) on the patterns of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in node-negative, hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. Totally, 339 patients from 4 institutions were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by whole-breast irradiation; only 2 patients received regional nodal irradiation (RNI). The RS was < 11 in 55 patients, 11–25 in 241, and > 25 in 43. Sixty-two patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. All patients except 4 received hormonal therapy. During a 62-month median follow-up, local recurrence was observed in 1 patient; regional recurrence, 3; and distant metastasis, 7. All LRRs were observed among patients with a RS > 25, resulting in a 5-year LRR rate of 7.3% in this subgroup. Regional recurrences developed in patients did not receive RNI initially. Thus, RNI might be effective for patients with a high RS.

Complications and local relapse after intraoperative low-voltage X-ray radiotherapy in breast cancer

Purpose

To study those factors that influence the occurrence of surgical complications and local relapse in patients intervened for breast cancer and receiving intraoperative radiotherapy.

Methods

Observational study on patients intervened for breast cancer with conservative surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy with low-voltage X-ray energy source (INTRABEAM), from 2015 to 2017 with 24 months minimum follow-up. Variables possibly associated to the occurrence of postoperative complications were analyzed with the Student t-test and the Fisher exact test; P < 0.05 considered significant. Subsequently, the construction of multiple multivariate analysis models began, thus building a logistic regression analysis using the IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 23 software. Local relapse was described.

Results

The study included 102 patients, mean age of 61.2 years; mean global size of tumor, 12.2 mm. Complications occurred in 29.4%. Fibrosis was the most frequently observed complication, followed by postoperative seroma. Using a 45 mm or larger applicator were significantly associated with the occurrence of complications. Tumor size 2 cm or larger and reintervention showed borderline significant association. Only one case of local relapse was observed.

Conclusion

Certain factors may increase the risk of complication after the use of intraoperative radiotherapy. Using external complementary radiotherapy does not seem to increase the rate of complications. Select patients and the involvement of a multidisciplinary team are essential for achieving good results.

Plexiform Schwannoma of the Oral Cavity: Report of Eight Cases and a Review of the Literature

Plexiform schwannoma represents an unusual schwannoma variant, characterized by multinodular growth grossly and/or microscopically. A review of the English-language literature reveals only 28 previously reported cases involving the oral cavity, and herein we present 8 additional cases. Among these 36 patients, the average age at diagnosis was 28 years (range 5 to 62 years), with a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1. The most frequently involved sites were the tongue (n = 13) and lip (n = 11). Lesion duration prior to presentation averaged 5.3 years (range, 6 weeks to 26 years). The average lesion size was 2.1 cm (range, 0.3 to 16 cm). The typical clinical presentation was a painless mass, although infrequent findings included pain/discomfort, paresthesia, difficulty chewing, and limited buccal mobility. All cases clinically appeared as a solitary mass or localized cluster of tumor nodules, with the exception of one patient who had neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and exhibited two distinct nodules on the tongue and buccal mucosa. In addition, extraoral neural neoplasms were evident in four patients, including three with NF2. Typical microscopic findings included multiple well-circumscribed tumor nodules, each surrounded by a perineurium-derived capsule with immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen. The nodules contained characteristically bland and diffusely S-100-positive spindle cells arranged in Antoni A and B patterns; however, modest nuclear pleomorphism was evident in three cases. Most patients (n = 23) were treated by excision or enucleation and curettage, and three patients experienced recurrence. Unlike plexiform neurofibromas, plexiform schwannomas exhibit only a weak association with neurofibromatosis and have no known malignant potential.

Vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer: MRI characteristics and correlation with patient outcome after salvage radiation therapy

Purpose

To evaluate MRI characteristics in vaginal recurrence of endometrial cancer (EC) including tumor volume shrinkage during salvage radiotherapy, and to identify imaging features associated with survival.

Methods

Patients with vaginal recurrence of EC treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by brachytherapy (BT), and with available pelvic MRI at two time points: baseline and/or before BT were retrospectively identified from 2004 to 2017. MRI features including recurrence location and tissue characteristics on T2- and T1-weighted images were evaluated at baseline only. Tumor volumes were measured both at baseline and pre-BT. Survival rates and associations were evaluated by Cox regression and Fisher’s exact test, respectively.

Results

Sixty-two patients with 36 baseline and 50 pre-BT pelvic MRIs were included (24/62 with both MRIs). Vaginal recurrence of EC was most commonly located in the vaginal apex (27/36, 75%). Tumors with a post-contrast enhancing peripheral rim or low T2 signal rim at baseline showed longer recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.9, P < 0.05 adjusted for histology; HR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P < 0.05, respectively). The median tumor shrinkage at pre-BT was 69% (range 1–99%). Neither absolute tumor volumes nor volume regression at pre-BT were associated with RFS. Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) at hysterectomy and adjuvant RT were associated with recurrence involving the distal vagina (both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Vaginal recurrences with rim enhancement at baseline MRI predicted improved RFS, while tumor volume shrinkage at pre-BT did not. Distal vaginal recurrence was more common in patients with LVSI and adjuvant RT at EC diagnosis.

Treatment outcome of anaplastic ependymoma under the age of 3 treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Purpose

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) allows for more precise treatment, reducing unwanted radiation to nearby structures. We investigated the safety and feasibility of IMRT for anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age.

Materials and Methods

A total of 9 anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age, who received IMRT between October 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The median equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions was 52.0 Gy (range, 48.0 to 60.0 Gy). Treatment outcomes and neurologic morbidities were reviewed in detail.

Results

The median patient age was 20.9 months (range, 12.1 to 31.2 months). All patients underwent surgery. The rates of 5-year overall survival, freedom from local recurrence, and progression-free survival were 40.6%, 53.3%, and 26.7%, respectively. Of the 9 patients, 5 experienced recurrences (3 had local recurrence, 1 had both local recurrence and cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] seeding, and 1 had CSF seeding alone). Five patients died because of disease progression. Assessment of neurologic morbidity revealed motor dysfunction in 3 patients, all of whom presented with hydrocephalus at initial diagnosis because of the location of the tumor and already had neurologic deficits before radiotherapy (RT).

Conclusion

Neurologic morbidity is not caused by RT alone but may result from mass effects of the tumor and surgical sequelae. Administration of IMRT to anaplastic ependymoma patients below 3 years of age yielded encouraging local control and tolerable morbidities. High-precision modern RT such as IMRT can be considered for very young patients with anaplastic ependymoma.

[Intraoperative and late complications after spinal tumour resection and dorsoventral reconstruction]

BACKGROUND

Spinal tumors are a continuously growing pathology group among the spinal diseases. The often-difficult circumstances increase vulnerability to a wide range of intervention-related complications, which can occur at different times in the course of the disease and must be included in the consideration of the indication.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the work is to present the wide spectrum of complications in the surgical treatment of spinal tumors, as well as their treatment and prophylaxis through optimal therapy management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The article summarizes the current literature.

RESULTS

The literature describes complication rates of 10-67% after metastatic surgery of the spinal column. The most common complications are infections and internal, especially pulmonary, complications. Other relevant complications include surgical positioning/surgical access/instrumentation/mechanical failure, and anesthesiological, neurological, vascular and oncological complications. The socio-economic costs for patients with complications compared to those for patients without complications are twice as high. A special risk situation exists with radical spinal tumor resections. Negative predictors are previous operations, previous irradiation and local recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

An early, interdisciplinary concept can reduce complications significantly. Due to the planning intensity, surgical expertise and comprehensive structural requirements, treatment in an interdisciplinary tumour centre is necessary.

[Complication profile and revision concepts for megaprosthetic reconstruction following tumour resection at the hip]

BACKGROUND

Tumourous destruction of the periacetabular region and the proximal femur is a typical consequence of either primary malignant bone tumour manifestation or skeletal metastatic diseases. Pathological fractures of the proximal femur and periacetabular regions due to primary manifestation or metastatic disorders are frequent.

OBJECTIVES

Presentation of the most common complications of tumour endoprostheses at the hip and a description of management strategies, including therapeutic recommendations and concepts for complication avoidance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current knowledge and our own experience of complication management with the use of megaprostheses around the hip are presented.

RESULTS

Compared to elective/primary total hip arthroplasty, megaprosthetic reconstructions following tumour resections have an increased rate of postoperative deep infections, dislocations, incidence of pathological and periprosthetic fractures and of deep vein thrombosis. The postoperative mortality and local tumour recurrence along with deep infections represent the most serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to primary arthroplasty, the risk of failure and complications following tumour-endoprosthetic replacement is increased. Precise surgical planning and careful selection and preoperative preparation of suitable patients should be performed in close interdisciplinary cooperation with final decision-making on an interdisciplinary tumour board. Wide resection and advanced reconstruction, as well as complicated palliative stabilization due to malignant bone tumour growth around the hip joint should be performed in musculoskeletal tumour centres with profound expertise in osteosynthetic and endoprosthetic reconstruction and consecutive complication management of the pelvis and the proximal femur.

Leading edge or tumor core: Intratumor cancer stem cell niches in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and their association with stem cell function

OBJECTIVES

To describe differences in cancer stem cell (CSC) presence and behavior associated with their intratumor compartment of origin using a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four HPV-negative OCSCC PDX cases were selected (CUHN004, CUHN013, CUHN096, CUHN111) and the percentage of CSCs (ALDH⁺CD44^high) was measured in the tumor Leading Edge (LE) and Core compartments of each PDX tumor case via fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). The fraction of cells in the proliferative phase was measured by Ki-67 labelling index of paraffin embedded tissue. The proliferation and invasion of LE versus Core CSCs were compared using sphere and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively.

RESULTS

Both CUHN111 and CUHN004 demonstrate CSC enrichment in their LE compartments while CUHN013 and CUHN096 show no intratumor difference. Cases with LE CSC enrichment demonstrate greater Ki-67 labelling at the LE. CSC proliferative potential, assessed by sphere formation, reveals greater sphere formation in CUHN111 LE CSCs, but no difference between CUHN013 LE and Core CSCs. CUHN111 CSCs do not demonstrate an intratumor difference in invasiveness while CUHN013 LE CSCs are more invasive than Core CSCs.

CONCLUSION

A discrete intratumor CSC niche is present in a subset of OCSCC PDX tumors. The CSC functional phenotype with regard to proliferation and invasion is associated with the intratumor compartment of origin of the CSC: LE or Core. These individual functional characteristics appear to be modulated independently of one another and independently of the presence of an intratumor CSC niche.

Individual participant data pooled-analysis of risk factors for recurrence after neoadjuvant radiotherapy and transanal local excision of rectal cancer: the PARTTLE study

BACKGROUND

An organ-preserving strategy may be a valid alternative in the treatment of selected patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Preoperative assessment of the risk for tumor recurrence is a key component of surgical planning. The aim of the present study was to increase the current knowledge on the risk factors for tumor recurrence.

METHODS

The present study included individual participant data of published studies on rectal cancer surgery. The literature was reviewed according to according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Individual Participant Data checklist (PRISMA-IPD) guidelines. Series of patients, whose data were collected prospectively, having neoadjuvant radiotherapy followed by transanal local excision for rectal cancer were reviewed. Three independent series of univariate/multivariate binary logistic regression models were estimated for the risk of local, systemic and overall recurrence, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified 15 studies, and 7 centers provided individual data on 517 patients. The multivariate analysis showed higher local and overall recurrences for ypT3 stage (OR 4.79; 95% CI 2.25-10.16 and OR 6.43 95% CI 3.33-12.42), tumor size after radiotherapy > 10 mm (OR 5.86 95% CI 2.33-14.74 and OR 3.14 95% CI 1.68-5.87), and lack of combined chemotherapy (OR 3.68 95% CI 1.78-7.62 and OR 2.09 95% CI 1.10-3.97), while ypT3 was the only factor correlated with systemic recurrence (OR 5.93). The analysis of survival curves shows that the overall survival is associated with ypT and not with cT.

CONCLUSIONS

Local excision should be offered with caution after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to selected patients with rectal cancers, who achieved a good response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Primary Angiosarcoma of the Kidney: Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review

Purpose

Angiosarcoma (AS) is an aggressive malignant tumour of endothelial origin, most frequently compelling the skin. The kidney is a rare site of primary occurrence of AS with a quite challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis, mainly due to its raw metastasising power. We described our first case of AS treatment. A comprehensive literature review in this field is also carried out.

Patients and methods

We report the case of a 56-years-old man with radiological appearance of an 11 cm poor vascularised left renal mass. The pre-operative imaging ruled out distant metastases and inferior vena cava thrombosis. Thus, after radioembolization, we performed a transperitoneal open radical nephrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy with the removal of the middle portion of the ileo-psoas muscle, followed by two lines of adjuvant chemotherapy. We analysed all the papers concerning primary kidney AS until December 2018.

Results

Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 200 mL with an operative time of 100 minutes. No postoperative complications were recorded, with the patient discharge in the 8th postoperative day. The pathological assessment showed a pT3a N0, M0 tumour compatible with AS of the kidney. An immune-histochemical study showed a vascular positive for CD31, CD34, Fli-1 with a Ki-67/Mib 1 of 50%. One month after surgery the patient began adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. After 45 days from surgery, a Computed Tomography scan showed lung and liver metastases with disease relapse in the left kidney lodge. The response to the first-line treatment was excellent, unlike the second-line, encountering a chemo-refractory disease. The cancer-specific survival was of 15 months. We included 66 cases in our review.

Conclusion

This is the first case of treatment of kidney AS performed at our Institute. Our findings added new information about the unclear biology and progression of this subset of tumours, demonstrating an abysmal prognosis.

Margin status revisited in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of local recurrence of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in relation to tumor- and/or precursor lesion free pathologic margins.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with primary vulvar squamous cell carcinoma surgically treated in two Dutch expert centers between 2000 and 2010 were included. All pathology slides were independently reviewed by two expert gynecopathologists, and local recurrence was defined as any recurrent disease located on the vulva. Time to first local recurrence was compared for different subgroups using univariable and multivariable Cox-regression analyses.

RESULTS

In total 287 patients with a median follow-up of 80months (range 0-204) were analyzed. The actuarial local recurrence rate ten years after treatment was 42.5%. Pathologic tumor free margin distance did not influence the risk on local recurrence (HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.99-1.06)), neither using a cutoff of eight, five, or three millimeters. Multivariable analyses showed a higher local recurrence rate in patients with dVIN and LS in the margin (HR 2.76 (95% CI 1.62-4.71)), in patients with dVIN in the margin (HR 2.14 (95% CI 1.11-4.12)), and a FIGO stage II or higher (HR 1.62 (95% CI 1.05-2.48)).

CONCLUSIONS

Local recurrences frequently occur in patients with primary vulvar carcinoma and are associated with dVIN (with or without LS) in the pathologic margin rather than any tumor free margin distance. Our results should lead to increased awareness among physicians of an ongoing risk for local recurrence and need for life-long follow-up. Intensified follow-up and treatment protocols for patients with dVIN in the margin should be evaluated in future research.

Safety margin of embolized area can reduce local recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after superselective transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We aimed to determine the relationship between the safety margin of an embolized area and local tumor recurrence (LTR) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent superselective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

METHODS

The medical records of 77 HCC patients with 109 HCC nodules who underwent superselective TACE were retrospectively analyzed for LTR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 16 potential factors using Cox proportional hazard regression. Iodized oil deposition on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was divided into three grades: A=complete tumor staining and complete circumferential safety margin, B=complete tumor staining but incomplete safety margin, C=incomplete tumor staining. The effect of a safety margin on LTR was evaluated by comparison between grade A and B group.

RESULTS

Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that grade A iodized oil deposition and portal vein visualization were the only two independent significant factors of LTR (P<0.001 and P=0.029, respectively). The 12- and 24-month LTR rates of tumors for grade A (n=62), grade B (n=30), and grade C (n=17) were 16% vs. 41% vs. 100% and 16% vs. 61% vs. 100%, respectively (P<0.001). The tumors in the grade A group had a 75% risk reduction in LTR (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.64; P=0.004) compared to the grade B group.

CONCLUSION

LTR was significantly lower when a greater degree of iodized oil deposition occurred with a complete circumferential safety margin. In superselective TACE, the safety margin of the embolized areas using intraprocedural CBCT affected LTR in HCC patients.

Computed tomography features of local pleural recurrence in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated with intensity-modulated pleural radiation therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted in order to describe the computed tomography (CT) features of local pleural recurrence in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing intensity-modulated pleural radiation therapy (IMPRINT) as part of multimodality treatment.

METHODS

In this observational study, 58 patients treated with IMPRINT between September 21, 2004, and December 1, 2014 were included. Baseline and follow-up CT scans were qualitatively assessed. On follow-up scans, pleural thickening was categorized as unchanged, decreased, or new/increased. New/increased pleural abnormality was subcategorized as diffuse smooth pleural thickening, diffuse nodular pleural thickening, focal pleural nodule, or multiple pleural nodules. To identify features more frequently present at the time of local recurrence, follow-up scans with local recurrence were matched to four control scans; exact conditional logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one (36%) patients had local pleural recurrence and 20 (34%) patients had nonpleural recurrence; 3 patients had both types of recurrence. The 1-year cumulative incidence rate of local recurrence was 27% (95% confidence interval 15, 39). On follow-up scans, three patterns of pleural abnormality were significantly associated with local recurrence: new/increased multiple pleural nodules (10 (48%) positive scans vs 0 control scans), new/increased diffuse nodular pleural thickening (7 (33%) positive scans vs 1 (1%) control scans), and new/increased focal pleural nodule (3 (14%) positive scans vs 1 (1%) control scan) (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple new/increased pleural nodules are the feature most commonly present at local recurrence following IMPRINT; however, any pattern of increased nodular pleural thickening is suspicious.

KEY POINTS

• In patients with mesothelioma receiving intensity-modulated pleural radiation as part of multimodality therapy, increasing multiple pleural nodules is the computed tomography feature most commonly present at local recurrence. • In these patients, any CT pattern of increased nodular pleural thickening should be considered suspicious for local recurrence. • The most common sites of nonpleural recurrence were lung parenchyma, thoracic lymph nodes, and peritoneum.

Quantitative 3-T multi-parametric MRI and step-section pathology of recurrent prostate cancer patients after radiation therapy

Objectives

Diagnosis of radio-recurrent prostate cancer using multi-parametric MRI (mp-MRI) can be challenging due to the presence of radiation effects. We aim to characterize imaging of prostate tissue after radiation therapy (RT), using histopathology as ground truth, and to investigate the visibility of tumor lesions on mp-MRI.

Methods

Tumor delineated histopathology slides from salvage radical prostatectomy patients, primarily treated with RT, were registered to MRI. Median T2-weighted, ADC, K^trans, and k_ep values in tumor and other regions were calculated. Two radiologists independently performed mp-MRI-based tumor delineations which were compared with the true pathological extent. General linear mixed-effect modeling was used to establish the contribution of each imaging modality and combinations thereof in distinguishing tumor and benign voxels.

Results

Nineteen of the 21 included patients had tumor in the available histopathology slides. Recurrence was predominantly multifocal with large tumor foci seen after external beam radiotherapy, whereas these were small and sparse after low-dose-rate brachytherapy. MRI-based delineations missed small foci and slightly underestimated tumor extent. The combination of T2-weighted, ADC, K^trans, and k_ep had the best performance in distinguishing tumor and benign voxels.

Conclusions

Using high-resolution histopathology delineations, the real tumor extent and size were found to be underestimated on MRI. mp-MRI obtained the best performance in identifying tumor voxels. Appropriate margins around the visible tumor-suspected region should be included when designing focal salvage strategies. Recurrent tumor delineation guidelines are warranted.

Key Points

• Compared to the use of individual sequences, multi-parametric MRI obtained the best performance in distinguishing recurrent tumor from benign voxels.

• Delineations based on mp-MRI miss smaller foci and slightly underestimate tumor volume of local recurrent prostate cancer.

• Focal salvage strategies should include appropriate margins around the visible tumor.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-018-5819-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma recurrences and distant metastases : Highlights of the 2018 ASCO meeting]

This year, the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC) was mainly dominated by immunotherapy. The corresponding studies are presented in another article. Beside this, results of phase II studies in particular were presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting, in which-as in recent years-new drugs (monoclonal antibodies, small molecules) played a major role. Furthermore, a clinical scoring system for prognosis evaluation in R/M-HNSCC patients was presented and the influence of HPV status on survival in this patient cohort was investigated. The studies presented herein reflect the different drug-based treatment concepts in R/M-HNSCC and represent the variety of therapeutic approaches in the recurrent and metastatic setting.

No-touch multibipolar radiofrequency ablation vs. surgical resection for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma ranging from 2 to 5 cm

BACKGROUND & AIMS

No-touch multibipolar radiofrequency ablation (NTM-RFA) represents a novel therapy that surpasses standard RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it has not been compared to surgical resection (SR). We aimed to compare the outcomes of NTM-RFA and SR for intermediate-sized HCC.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2016, 141 patients with solitary HCC ranging from 2 to 5 cm were treated by NTM-RFA or SR at a single-center. The outcomes of 128 patients were compared after using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients had NTM-RFA and 62 had SR. After IPTW, the two groups were well-balanced for most baseline characteristics including tumor size, location, etiology, severity of underlying liver disease and alpha-fetoprotein level. Morbidity was higher (67.9% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.042) and hospital stay was longer (12 [IQR 8-13] vs. 7 [IQR 5-9] days, p <0.001) after SR. Local recurrence rates at one and three years were 5.5% and 10.0% after NTM-RFA and 1.9% and 1.9% after SR, respectively (p = 0.065). The rates of systematized recurrence (within the treated segment or in an adjacent segment within a 2 cm distance from treatment site) were higher after NTM-RFA (7.4% vs. 1.9% at one year, 27.8% vs. 3.3% at three years, p = 0.008). Most patients with recurrence were eligible for rescue treatment, resulting in similar overall survival (86.7% after NTM-RFA, 91.4% after SR at three years, p = 0.954) and disease-free survival (40.8% after NTM-RFA, 56.4% after SR at three years, p = 0.119).

CONCLUSION

Compared to SR, NTM-RFA for solitary intermediate-sized HCC was associated with less morbidity and more systematized recurrence, while the rate of local recurrence was not significantly different. Most patients with intrahepatic recurrence remained eligible for rescue therapies, resulting in equivalent long-term oncological results after both treatments.

LAY SUMMARY

Outcomes of patients treated for intermediate-sized hepatocellular carcinoma by surgical resection or no-touch multibipolar radiofrequency ablation were compared. No-touch multibipolar radiofrequency ablation was associated with a lower overall morbidity and a higher rate of systematized recurrence within the treated segment or in an adjacent segment within a 2 cm distance from the initial tumor site. Most patients with intrahepatic recurrence remained eligible for rescue curative therapy, enabling them to achieve similar long-term oncological results after both treatments.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia: analysis based on the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer classification

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) based on American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), 8th edition classification.

METHODS

Retrospective, non-randomized interventional case series of 127 patients (136 eyes) with OSSN.

RESULTS

On the basis of the AJCC (eighth edition), OSSN was classified as per T category as Tis (n = 14, 10%), T1 (n = 0), T2 (n = 4, 3%), T3 (n = 113, 83%), and T4 (n = 5, 4%). The following parameters increased with increasing T category: mean age at presentation at 37 years for Tis, 43 years for T2, 46 years for T3, and 55 years for T4 (p = 0.04); mean tumor basal diameter of 4 mm for Tis, not applicable (na) for T1, 6 mm for T2, 7 mm for T3, 20 mm for T4 (p = 0.001); extent of clock hours of corneal involvement (0, na, 0, 4, 8; p = 0.02), and conjunctival involvement (1, na, 2, 3, 9; p = 0.0005); involvement of adjacent structures including fornix (0%, na, 0, 9, 80%; p < 0.001), and caruncle (0%, na, 0, 3, 60%; p < 0.001) for Tis, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Overall, of the 136 eyes, 19 (14%) had tumor recurrence, and all tumor recurrences were seen in T3. Regional lymph node metastasis was noted in 4 (3%) patients. No systemic metastasis or death occurred in any patient during the mean follow-up period of 15 months (median, 11 months; range 6-55 months).

CONCLUSION

Increasing T category based on AJCC 8th edition classification is associated with increasing severity of disease, tumor recurrence rate, and the rate of regional lymph node metastasis.

Clinical Etiology of Hypermetabolic Pelvic Lesions in Postoperative Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Patients With Rectal and Sigmoid Cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to present various clinical etiologies of hypermetabolic pelvic lesions on postoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer.

Methods

Postoperative PET/CT images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify hypermetabolic pelvic lesions. Positive findings were detected in 70 PET/CT images from 45 patients; 2 patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. All PET findings were analyzed in comparison with contrast-enhanced CT.

Results

A total of 43 patients were classified into 2 groups: patients with a malignancy including local recurrence (n = 30) and patients with other benign lesions (n = 13). Malignant lesions such as a local recurrent tumor, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and incidental uterine malignancy, as well as various benign lesions such as an anastomotic sinus, fistula, abscess, reactive lymph node, and normal ovary, were observed.

Conclusion

PET/CT performed during postoperative surveillance of rectal and sigmoid colon cancer showed increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake not only in local recurrence, but also in benign pelvic etiologies. Therefore, physicians need to be cautious about the broad clinical spectrum of hypermetabolic pelvic lesions when interpreting images.

[Local treatment of penile cancer]

In recent decades, the local treatment of penile cancer has focused primary on the removal of the primary tumor. Due to the significant psycho-oncological effects of treating the primary tumor, the guidelines on penile cancer now contain a clear recommendation for preserving the target organ and prior to each surgical procedure histological examination should be performed to confirm the penile cancer. For more advanced tumors, reconstructive plastic surgery should also be considered. The treatment of the primary tumor should be based on the stage and the local extent and size of the tumor. The aim of this article is to highlight current standards in the local treatment of penile cancer.

Small bowel obstruction from distant metastasis of primary breast cancer: a case report

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract metastasis of primary breast cancer is very rare. We present a patient with small bowel obstruction from distant metastasis of primary breast cancer. Each characteristic features of concern of GI tract distant metastasis from many pervious studies has been reported differently. We should remember that GI tract metastasis may coexist when patients with breast cancer have intermittent or recurrent abdominal pain with or without obstructive symptoms.

EXTRA-ABDOMINAL DESMOID TUMOR: ANALYSIS OF 23 CONSECUTIVE CASES IN A SINGLE INSTITUTION

OBJECTIVE

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor (EDT) is a rare condition, caused by proliferation of fibroblasts. Despite being a benign tumor, it is locally aggressive and has unpredictable clinical behavior. The objective of this study is to present the clinical outcomes of patients with EDT treated surgically between 1995 and 2016.

METHODS

This is a retrospective series of 23 patients with histopathological diagnosis of EDT that underwent surgery at the orthopedic oncology service of our hospital. The information was obtained from the institute's clinical and pathology reports.

RESULTS

A total of 223 medical records with histopathological reports were evaluated. Only 23 cases of EDT were included in the present study. The mean age was 22.5 years. Twelve (52.2%) patients had the tumor on the lower limbs, seven (30.4%) on the upper limbs and four (17.4%) cases were reported on the back. Five (21.7%) patients had tumors measuring less than 5 cm, while eighteen (78.3%) patients had tumors measuring more than 5 cm. All patients underwent surgery as the definitive treatment in our institute. Twelve (52.2%) cases presented negative margins (NM) and eleven (47.8%) cases had positive margins (PM). Local recurrence (LR) occurred in eleven (47.8%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Impairment of the surgical margin was the only prognostic factor found for LR of EDT. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Short course hypofractionated whole breast irradiation after conservative surgery: a single institution phase II study

Background

To assess the oncologic outcomes of hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (Hypo-WBI).

Methods

Eligible patients had undergone breast conservative surgery for early breast cancer (pTis-2) and none/limited nodal involvement. Hypo-WBI consisted of 34 Gy in 10 daily fractions over 2 weeks to the whole breast three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), followed by a single fraction of 8 Gy to the tumor bed after 1 week (electrons). Primary endpoint is freedom from ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR). Minimum follow up for living & event-free patients is 3 yrs.; median follow up time of the whole analyzed patient population is 5.4 yrs. (range: 1.8–11.4 yrs).

Results

Two hundred fifty-one patients were accrued from 2004 to 2013. All patients underwent local excision of the primary tumor to negative margins. Four patients failed in the ipsilateral breast after a median time of 3.2 years (range: 1.7–5.7 yrs) for a 5-year IBTR-free survival of 98.7% (95%CI: 97.3%–100%). IBTR-free survival was significantly higher for patients with invasive cancer than for patients with intraductal carcinoma (p = 0.036). Within patients with invasive tumors, no clear trends or associations were detected between IBTR and age, grading, molecular subtype, pT or pN stage. At 5 years, the actuarial rates of GR2 fibrosis and GR2+ teleangectasia are 2.4% (95%CI: 0–6.5%) and 7.1% (95%CI: 0.4–13.7%), respectively. Cosmesis was scored as excellent/good by ≈95% of patients and ≈60% of clinicians.

Conclusions

Hypo-WBI in 3 weeks allows excellent oncologic outcomes for invasive breast cancer after conservative surgery. Patients with intraductal carcinoma should be treated with Hypo-WBI only within a controlled study.

Trial registration

IRE-IFO Ethical and Scientific Committee (cod. RS61/04).

Prognostic factors for local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

In patients treated for early-stage squamous cell vulvar carcinoma local recurrence is reported in up to 40% after ten years. Knowledge on prognostic factors related to local recurrences should be helpful to select high risk patients and/or to develop strategies to prevent local recurrences.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate the current knowledge on the incidence of local recurrences in vulvar carcinoma related to clinicopathologic and cell biologic variables.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant studies were identified by an extensive online electronic search in July 2017.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies reporting prognostic factors specific for local recurrences of vulvar carcinoma were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Two review authors independently performed data selection, extraction and assessment of study quality. The risk difference was calculated for each prognostic factor when described in two or more studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included; most of all were retrospective and mainly reported pathologic prognostic factors. Our review indicates an estimated annual local recurrence rate of 4% without plateauing. The prognostic relevance for local recurrence of vulvar carcinoma of all analyzed variables remains equivocal, including pathologic tumor free margin distance <8mm, presence of lichen sclerosus, groin lymph node metastases and a variety of primary tumor characteristics (grade of differentiation, tumor size, tumor focality, depth of invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, tumor localization and presence of human papillomavirus).

CONCLUSIONS

Current quality of data on prognostic factors for local recurrences in vulvar carcinoma patients does not allow evidence-based clinical decision making. Further research on prognostic factors, applying state of the art methodology is needed to identify high-risk patients and to develop alternative primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Perioperative chemotherapy vs. neoadjuvant chemoradiation in gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma : A population-based evaluation of the Munich Cancer Registry

BACKGROUND

To date, it remains unclear whether locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AEG) should be treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT), analogous to esophageal cancer, or with perioperative chemotherapy (pCT), analogous to gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the data of the Munich Cancer Registry (MCR) and to compare pCT and nCRT in AEG patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 2,992 AEG patients, treated between 1998 and 2014, were included in the study. Baseline and tumor parameters as well as overall survival (OS) and tumor recurrence were compared between 56 patients undergoing nCRT and 64 patients undergoing pCT with UICC stage II/III cancer. In addition, uni- and multivariate analyses using Cox regression models were performed to evaluate the effect of tumor characteristics and treatment regimens on OS.

RESULTS

In patients with UICC stage II/III AEG treated with either nCRT or pCT, no significant differences were seen for baseline and tumor characteristics. While there was a significantly higher cumulative incidence of locoregional treatment failure after pCT (32.8%; 95% CI: 18.0-48.4%) compared with nCRT (7.4%; 95% CI: 2.3-16.5%; p = 0.007), there was no significant difference for distant treatment failure (52.9%; 95% CI: 35.4-67.7% and 38.4%; 95% CI: 23.7-52.9%; p = 0.347). When analyzing the whole cohort, patients who received pCT were younger (58.3 years vs. 63.0 years; p = 0.016), had a higher chance of complete tumor resection (81% vs. 67%; p = 0.033), more resected lymph nodes (p = 0.036), and fewer lymph node metastases (p = 0.038) compared with patients who received nCRT. Nevertheless, there was still a strong trend toward a higher incidence of local treatment failure after pCT (25.8%; 95% CI: 14.7-38.3% vs. 12.6%; 95% CI: 5.5-22.8%; p = 0.053). Comparable to the results for patients with UICC stage II/III, no difference was seen for the incidence of distant treatment failure. When excluding patients with UICC stage IV cancer, no significant difference was found for OS.

CONCLUSION

For UICC stage II/III carcinoma, nCRT was associated with an improved locoregional tumor control compared with pCT, while no further significant differences were seen between nCRT and pCT for UICC stage II/III AEG. Moreover, there was a strong trend toward improved locoregional tumor control after nCRT when analyzing all patients treated with nCRT or pCT, despite these patients having higher risk factors.

Local Recurrence and Its Risk Factor after Incomplete Resection of Colorectal Advanced Adenomas: A Single Center, Retrospective Study

Background/Aims

Colonoscopy can detect precancerous lesions, which can subsequently be removed and reduce incidences of and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, recently published data have highlighted a significant rate of CRC in patients who previously underwent colonoscopy. Among many reasons, incomplete resection has been considered as a significant contributor. However, to date, there have only been a few studies regarding incompletely resected polyps, especially advanced colorectal adenoma (ACA). Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prognosis of incompletely resected ACA.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ACA who had underwent endoscopic treatment with incomplete resection. The primary outcomes were (1) the incomplete resection rate of ACA, as determined by a histopathologic examination and (2) the recurrence rate of incompletely resected ACA. We also investigated the probable contributing factors that may have led to a relapse of incompletely resected ACA.

Results

A total of 7,105 patients had their colorectal polyps resected by endoscopic treatment, and 2,233 of these were considered as ACA. Of these, 354 polyps (15.8%) were resected incompletely, and only 163 patients were followed-up. Of those followed-up, 31 patients (19.0%) experienced local recurrence. The risk factors for recurrence after incomplete resection were evaluated; age, morphology of adenoma, and use of rescue therapy, such as argon plasma coagulation, were found to be associated with adenoma recurrence.

Conclusions

Incompletely resected ACA in older patients or in patients with sessile-type adenomas should be monitored strictly, and if incomplete resection is suspected, rescue therapy must be considered.

A Case of Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis with a 16-Year Time Interval without Evidence of Cancer Recurrence

The median time of brain metastasis from the diagnosis of breast cancer is approximately 3 years. In this case report, a 69-year-old woman demonstrated cerebellar ataxia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhanced lesions in bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. She had undergone surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for uterine and breast cancer 24 years prior and 16 years prior, respectively. Although she had not received any anticancer treatment for 10 years, no recurrences were identified using whole body scans. A partial tumor resection was performed and the histological diagnosis was an adenocarcinoma from breast cancer. As no extracranial lesions were found, gamma-knife irradiation was performed, without additional systemic chemotherapy. One month posttreatment, the tumors dramatically reduced in size and the patient completely recovered from cerebellar ataxia. Systemic chemotherapy is not always required for brain metastasis from breast cancer with a long interval period, as long as no evidence of extracranial recurrence is detected.

Comparison of residual cancer burden, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging and pathologic complete response in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: results from the I-SPY 1 TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012; ACRIN 6657)

PURPOSE

Several pathologic staging systems characterize residual tumor in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Pathologic complete response (pCR) is now accepted by the Food and Drug Administration as an endpoint for granting accelerated drug approval. Two other systems of post-neoadjuvant pathologic tumor staging-residual cancer burden (RCB) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer post-neoadjuvant therapy staging system (yAJCC)-have been developed to characterize residual tumors when patients do not achieve pCR. The optimal system and the ways in which these systems complement each other have not been fully determined.

METHODS

Using data from the I-SPY 1 TRIAL, we compared pCR, RCB, and yAJCC as predictors of early recurrence-free survival (RFS) to identify ways to improve post-neoadjuvant pathologic evaluation.

RESULTS

Among 162 patients assessed, pCR identified patients at lowest risk of recurrence, while RCB and yAJCC identified patients at highest risk. Hormone-receptor (HR) and HER2 subtypes further improved risk prediction. Recursive partitioning indicated that triple-negative or HER2+ patients with yAJCC III or RCB 3 have the highest recurrence risk, with an RFS of 27%. Our analysis also highlighted discrepancies between RCB and yAJCC stratification: 31% of patients had discrepant RCB and yAJCC scores. We identified differential treatment of lymph node involvement and tumor cellularity as drivers of these discrepancies.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that there is benefit to reporting both RCB and yAJCC for patients in order to identify those at highest risk of relapse.

Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of single primary or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (≤3 cm)

Purpose

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has some limitations such as poor sonic window and injury to adjacent organs. The laparoscopic approach has been suggested as an alternative option. The aim of this study was to show the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA for single, small (≤3 cm), and primary or recurrent HCC that is not suitable for percutaneous RFA or surgical resection.

Methods

We reviewed the cases of 37 patients (32 men and 5 women, mean age 61 ± 8.1 years) who underwent laparoscopic RFA for single, small HCC (≤3 cm) that was unsuitable for percutaneous RFA or surgical resection.

Results

The technical success rate was 94.6% and 34 patients (95%) had no complications. There were no conversions to open RFA and no operative mortality. The primary effectiveness rate 1 month after the procedure was 100%. The overall recurrence rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the laparoscopic RFA were 8.1%, 14.4%, 25%, and 35.7%, respectively. The local tumor progression rate was 4.2% at 6 months and 8.7% at 9 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic RFA is a safe and effective treatment for HCC cases that are unsuitable for percutaneous RFA.

No Association of Positive Superficial and/or Deep Margins with Local Recurrence in Invasive Breast Cancer Treated with Breast-Conserving Surgery

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effect of positive superficial and/or deep margin status on local recurrence (LR) in invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 3,403 stage 1 and 2 invasive breast cancer patients treated with BCS followed by radiotherapy from January 2000 to December 2008 were included in this study. These patients were divided into three groups according to margin status: clear resection margin status for all sections (group 1, n=3,195); positive margin status in superficial and/or deep sections (group 2, n=121); and positive peripheral parenchymal margin regardless of superficial and/or deep margin involvement (group 3, n=87). The LR-free survival between these three groups was compared and the prognostic role of margin status was analyzed.

RESULTS

Across all groups, age, tumor size, nodal status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status did not significantly differ. High grade, positive extensive intraductal component, hormone receptor positivity, hormone therapy received, and chemotherapy not received were more prevalent in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Five-year LR rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.9%, 1.7%, and 7.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that group 3 was a significant predictor for LR (hazard ratio [HR], 4.78; p < 0.001), but that positive superficial and/or deep margin was not (HR, 0.66; p=0.57).

CONCLUSION

Superficial and/or deep margin involvement following BCS is not an important predictor for LR.

Radiotherapy Versus Cordectomy in the Management of Early Glottic Cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of definitive radiotherapy (RT) with cordectomy in patients with early glottic cancer.

Materials and Methods

A total of 165 patients who were diagnosedwith T1/2 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx between January 2006 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 112 patients received RT and 53 patients received cordectomy. Local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and larynx preservation rates after RT and cordectomy were investigated.

Results

The median follow-up period was 77.7 months (range, 10.7 to 127.0 months). The 3- and 5-year LC rates were 91.9% and 89.9%, respectively, for the RT group, and 82.8% and 73.2%, respectively, for the cordectomy group (p=0.006). The 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 87.5% and 83.7%, respectively, for the RT group and 79.2% and 68.0%, respectively, for the cordectomy group (p=0.046). No significant differences were identified in the 5-year OS (92.8% vs. 90.6%, p=0.713) or larynx preservation rates (98.2% vs. 97.2%, p=0.831) between groups. The major failure pattern was local failure (n=26), followed by regional (n=3) and distant failure (n=2). Multivariate analysis of LC showed that T2 stage (p=0.012) and receiving cordectomy as initial treatment (p=0.001) were significantly associated with poorer LC.

Conclusion

RT resulted in higher rates of LC and DFS compared to cordectomy for early glottic cancer. Treatment with radiotherapy is feasible and should be encouraged for both T1 and T2 glottic cancer.

Superior Treatment Response and In-field Tumor Control in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-mutant Genotype of Stage III Nonsquamous Non-Small cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Although previous in vitro data have suggested a more radio-sensitive nature of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, the clinical behavior according to the EGFR mutational status has not been well-established. In this study, we performed a comparative outcome analysis of EGFR-mutant and wild-type locally advanced NSCLC with chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 102 patients with stage III nonsquamous NSCLC undergoing primary CRT were identified. Clinicopathologic characteristics, including the degree of glucose uptake, were evaluated. Failure patterns considering the radiation field and survival outcomes were compared according to the EGFR mutational status.

RESULTS

Pre- and post-CRT maximum standardized uptake values were significantly lower in EGFR-mutant tumors (P = .010 and .018, respectively). The overall response rate was higher in the EGFR-mutant group compared with the wild-type (89% vs. 64%, respectively; P = .023). The 3-year overall survival rate was better with the genetic alteration (68.0% vs. 47.4%, P = .046), but the statistical significance did not remain in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-1.55). Considering the tumor progression inside or outside the radiation field, the EGFR-mutant group showed longer in-field time to progression (P = .002), even after adjusting for other related baseline variables (hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.71).

CONCLUSION

The differential metabolic activity, failure patterns, and prognosis suggest the distinct nature of the EGFR-mutant tumors. EGFR mutational status needs to be considered for more precise curative-intent treatment strategies of locally advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.

Updates of prostate cancer staging: Prostate-specific membrane antigen

The ability to accurately stage prostate cancer in both the primary and secondary staging setting can have a major impact on management. Until recently radiological staging has relied on computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear bone scans to evaluate the extent of disease. However, the utility of these imaging technologies has been limited by their sensitivity and specificity especially in detecting early recurrence. Functional imaging using positron-emission tomography with a radiolabeled ligand targeted to prostate-specific membrane antigen has transformed the prostate cancer imaging landscape. Initial results suggest that it is a substantial improvement over conventional imaging in the setting of recurrence following primary therapy by having a superior ability to detect disease and to do so at an earlier stage. Additionally, it appears that the benefits seen in the secondary staging setting may also exist in the primary staging setting.

Chemotherapy for Endometrial Cancer in Adjuvant and Advanced Disease Settings

: Level I evidence exists for use of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IIIC endometrial cancer (positive lymph nodes), although results of randomized trials have varied. Chemotherapy is also often recommended for high-risk subsets of stage I disease, such as serous carcinomas, although prospective trial data to validate this practice are lacking. Carboplatin plus paclitaxel is the current standard regimen, based on extrapolation of data from the metastatic setting. Several clinical trials have compared adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy alone to a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with mixed results. One of the largest of these trials, Postoperative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Carcinoma 3 (PORTEC-3), has completed accrual and is awaiting data maturation. Metastatic disease is not curable. For tumors of low-grade endometrioid histology with a prolonged time to recurrence, endocrine therapy with a progestin-based regimen is appropriate. Chemotherapy will be used in most other cases, and the standard first-line regimen is carboplatin and paclitaxel. Few chemotherapy agents have been shown to produce meaningful response rates in the second-line setting. Molecularly targeted therapies such as mTOR inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents including bevacizumab have been studied but their role in the armamentarium remains uncertain.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Following surgical resection and staging for endometrial cancer, adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel can be administered to patients with a high risk for recurrence. This includes patients with stage IIIC disease with positive lymph nodes, and high-risk subsets of stage I disease such as serous carcinomas. In the metastatic setting, endocrine therapy can be considered, particularly for patients with lower-grade disease and a prolonged time to recurrence. Combined therapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel is the standard of care used for front-line chemotherapy. Antiangiogenic agents are clearly active, but how they should be integrated into treatment is not yet determined. Immunotherapy is a promising direction for patients with mismatch repair-deficient or polymerase ε-mutated tumors.