Câncer colorretal: associação entre variáveis sociodemográficas e a adesão a programas de rastreamento / Colorectal cancer: association between sociodemographic variables and the adherence to cancer screening

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide health problem whose control depends on public policy establishment and effective prevention and screening programs. In Brazil, there are few studies related to adherence to screening methods. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between demographic and socioeconomic to adherence to CRC screening with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) among average-risk individuals for CRC. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, conducted between March 2015 and April 2016, 1,254 asymptomatic individuals aged 50-75 years, participating in a hospital screening campaign in Brazil, were invited to participate in the study. RESULTS: The adherence rate to FIT was 55.6% (697/1,254). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients aged 60-75 years (odds ratio (OR)=1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.66; p=0.03), religious belief (OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.34-3.11; p<0.01), previous fecal occult blood test (OR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.55-2.76; p<0.01), and full/part-time working status (OR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.49-0.89; p<0.01) were independently associated with adherence to CRC screening. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study highlight the importance of considering the labor aspects when implementing screening programs, suggesting that campaigns conducted in the workplace and repeated over the years may be more effective.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O câncer colorretal (CCR) é um problema de saúde mundial cujo controle depende do estabelecimento de políticas públicas e programas de prevenção e rastreamento eficazes. No Brasil existem poucos estudos relacionados à adesão métodos de rastreamento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação de características sócio-demográficas à realização de testes de sangue oculto nas fezes do tipo imunoquimicomecanizado (FIM) em população de médio risco para o desenvolvimento de câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal, com coleta prospectiva de dados. Entre março de 2015 e abril de 2016, 1.254 indivíduos assintomáticos, com idade entre 50 e 75 anos, foram consecutivamente selecionados a partir de uma campanha hospitalar de rastreamento para neoplasias. RESULTADOS: As taxas de adesão ao teste FIM foi 55.6% (697/1254). Na análise de regressão logística múltipla os fatores independentes associados à adesão ao rastreamento do CCR foram: Idade entre 60-75 anos (oddsratio (OR)=1.30; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC): 1.02-1.66; p=0.03), crença religiosa (OR=2.04; 95%IC: 1.34-3.11; p<0.01), realização prévia de exame de sangue oculto nas fezes (OR=2.07; 95%IC: 1.55-2.76; p<0.01) e vínculo empregatício em período integral ou parcial (OR=0.66; 95%IC: 0.49-0.89; p<0.01). CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo enfatiza a importância de considerar aspectos laborais ao implementar programas de rastreamento do câncer colorretal e sugere que campanhas de rastreamento implantadas no ambiente de trabalho e de maneira repetida ao longo dos anos podem ser mais efetivas.

Sobrevida de pacientes com câncer colorretal em um Cancer Center / Survival of patients with colorectal cancer in a cancer center

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hospital-based studies recently have shown increases in colorectal cancer survival, and better survival for women, young people, and patients diagnosed at an early disease stage. OBJECTIVE: To describe the overall survival and analyze the prognostic factors of patients treated for colorectal cancer at an oncology center. METHODS: The analysis included patients diagnosed with colon and rectal adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2013 and identified in the Hospital Cancer Registry at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center. Overall 5-year survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were evaluated in a Cox regression model. Hazard ratios (HR) are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Of 2,279 colorectal cancer cases analyzed, 58.4% were in the colon. The 5-year overall survival rate for colorectal cancer patients was 63.5% (65.6% and 60.6% for colonic and rectal malignancies, respectively). The risk of death was elevated for patients in the 50-74-year (HR=1.24, 95%CI =1.02-1.51) and ≥75-year (HR=3.02, 95%CI =2.42-3.78) age groups, for patients with rectal cancer (HR=1.37, 95%CI =1.11-1.69) and for those whose treatment was started >60 days after diagnosis (HR=1.22, 95%CI =1.04-1.43). The risk decreased for patients diagnosed in recent time periods (2005-2009 HR=0.76, 95%CI =0.63-0.91; 2010-2013 HR=0.69, 95%CI =0.57-0.83). CONCLUSION: Better survival of patients with colorectal cancer improves with early stage and started treatment within 60 days of diagnosis. Age over 70 years old was an independent factor predictive of a poor prognosis. The overall survival increased to all patients treated in the period 2000-2004 to 2010-2013.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Estudos hospitalares recentes têm demonstrado aumento da sobrevida do câncer colorretal e melhor sobrevida para mulheres, jovens e pacientes diagnosticados em estágio precoce da doença. OBJETIVO: Descrever a sobrevida global e analisar os fatores prognósticos de pacientes tratados para câncer colorretal em um centro de oncologia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes com diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de cólon e reto entre 2000 e 2013, identificados no Registro Hospitalar de Câncer do A.C.Camargo Cancer Center. A sobrevida global aos 5 anos foi estimada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e os fatores prognósticos foram avaliados pelo modelo de Cox. As razões de risco (HR) são relatadas com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. RESULTADOS: Dos 2.279 casos de câncer colorretal analisados, 58,4% eram de cólon. A taxa de sobrevida global aos 5 anos para pacientes com câncer colorretal foi de 63,5% (65,6% e 60,6% para câncer de cólon e retal, respectivamente). O risco de óbito foi elevado para pacientes na faixa etária de 50-74 anos (HR=1,24; IC95% =1,02-1,51) e ≥75 anos (HR=3,02; IC95% =2,42-3,78), para pacientes com câncer retal (HR=1,37; IC95% =1,11-1,69) e para aqueles cujo tratamento foi iniciado >60 dias após o diagnóstico (HR=1,22; IC95% =1,04-1,43). O risco diminuiu para pacientes diagnosticados em períodos recentes (2005-2009 HR=0,76; IC95% =0,63-0,91; 2010-2013 HR=0,69; IC95% =0,57-0,83). CONCLUSÃO: A sobrevida dos pacientes com câncer colorretal é maior naqueles em estágio inicial e com início do tratamento antes dos 60 dias.. Idade acima de 70 anos foi fator independente preditivo de mau prognóstico. A sobrevida global aumentou para todos os pacientes tratados no período de 2000-2004 a 2010-2013.

Comparison between an immunochemical fecal occult blood test and a Guaiac based fecal occult blood test in detection of adenomas and colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Brazil does not have an official well established program for screening colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare Guaiac Based Fecal Occult Blood Test (G-FOBT) to a kind of an Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test (I-FOBT), in search of cancer or advanced adenoma. Methods: Prospective and cross-sectional study. Asymptomatic and average-risk individuals (n = 1500) aged from 50 to 75 years old were invited to participate in the study. The primary endpoint was positivity rate and the secondary endpoints were adherence rate and significant endoscopic findings. All participants received both tests with follow-up colonoscopy if either test was positive. Results: Adherence rate of G- FOBT was 756/1500 (50.4%) while for I- FOBT it was 960/1500(64%). The positivity ratio in the I- FOBT was 94/960 (9.8%) and in the G-FOBT was 20/771 (2.6%). The Positive Predict Value (PPV) for the I- FOBT counted 16/77 (21.0%) while for the G- FOBT it was 6/18 (33.0%), considering significant lesions. Regarding the colorectal cancer findings, the detection in the colonoscopy guided from the positivity of fecal occult blood tests was 5/77 (6.5%) in I- FOBT and 2/18 (11.1%) on the G- FOBT. Conclusions: The positivity, the adherence rate and the capacity to detect significant lesions were higher in I-FOBT. Considering the findings of the study we could conclude that I-FOBT was superior to G- FOBT. Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil, number: 1877/14

A proposal of Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology (BSSO/SBCO) for standardizing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedures in Brazil: pseudomixoma peritonei, appendiceal tumors and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma / Proposta de padronização da Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Oncológica (BSSO/SBCO) para procedimentos de citorredução cirúrgica (CRS) e quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) no Brasil: pseudomixoma peritoneal, tumores do apêndice cecal e mesotelioma peritoneal maligno

ABSTRACT Cytoreductive surgery plus hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has emerged as a major comprehensive treatment of peritoneal malignancies and is currently the standard of care for appendiceal epithelial neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei syndrome as well as malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there are some worldwide variations of the cytoreductive surgery and hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy techniques since no single technique has so far demonstrated its superiority over the others. Therefore, standardization of practices might enhance better comparisons between outcomes. In these settings, the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology considered it important to present a proposal for standardizing cytoreductive surgery plus hypertermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedures in Brazil, with a special focus on producing homogeneous data for the developing Brazilian register for peritoneal surface malignancies.

RESUMO A cirurgia citorredutora com quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica emergiu como um importante tratamento das neoplasias peritoneais e é, atualmente, o padrão de atendimento para neoplasias epiteliais do apêndice associadas à síndrome de pseudomixoma peritoneal, bem como para o mesotelioma peritoneal maligno difuso. No mundo, existem algumas variações reconhecidas das técnicas de cirurgia citorredutora e quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica, entretanto nenhuma técnica até agora demonstrou sua superioridade sobre o outra. Portanto, a padronização destes procedimentos poderia melhorar a prática clínica e permitir a comparação adequada entre os resultados. Neste cenário, a Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Oncológica considera importante a apresentação de uma proposta de padronização de procedimentos de cirurgia citorredutora com quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica no Brasil, com um foco especial na produção de dados homogêneos para o desenvolvimento do registro brasileiro das neoplasias peritoneais.

Prognostic value of factors associated with hypoxia and lipid metabolism in patients with colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a neoplasia with high incidence and mortality rates. It had been suggested that the inflammatory response is an important CRC prognostic factor. The disordered and accelerated proliferation of neoplastic cells decreases the oxygen and nutrient supply, generating a microenvironment characterized by hypoxia, necrosis and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of factors associated with hypoxia, such as HIF1A (hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and with lipid metabolism, including PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma), LXRA (liver X receptor-alpha) and LXRB (liver X receptor-beta), on the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients. Methods: This was a cohort study of 101 patients with high-risk stage II-III (TNM) CRC located above the peritoneal reflection. They were treated between 1990 and 2004 at the AC Camargo Cancer Center. Immunohistochemical analyses of HIF1A, VEGF, PPARG, LXRA and LXRB protein expression were performed using tissue microarrays (TMAs). Results: There was an association between the presence of vascular invasion and the lack of VEGF expression (p = 0. 028) as well as with positive HIF1A expression and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.045). The 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 76.6% and 60.2%, respectively. Patients with PPARG-positive tumors had a higher OS (p = 0.018). There were no correlations between the positive expression of VEGF, HIF1A, LXRA or LXRB and OS. The Cox regression model demonstrated that the risk of death was 2.72-fold higher in patients with PPARG-negative tumors (95% CI = 1.08­6.85). Conclusion: The PPARG expression was an independent prognostic factor for CRC tumors and might be used for risk stratification to stage II and stage III CRC patients (AU)

Surgical complications and metachronous rectal cancer risk in patients with classic familial adenomatous polyposis / Complicações cirúrgicas e risco de câncer retal metacrônico em pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar clássica

INTRODUCTION: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by development of numerous adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum, is caused by germline mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene. METHODS: To determine the surgical morbidity in patients with classical familial adenomatous polyposis and determine the incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) in those undergoing total colectomy (TC) with ileorectal anastomosis or restorative total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch anal anastomosis. We analyzed patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who received treatment and regular follow-up at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center from 1994 to 2013. RESULTS: Operative complications occurred in 22 patients (34.3%), 16 (25%) being early complications and 8 (12.5%) late complications. No mortality occurred as a result of postoperative complications. The incidence of metachronous rectal cancer after total proctocolectomy was 2.3% and after total colectomy 18.18% (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In order to provide better quality of life for individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis, total colectomy is commonly offered, as this simple technique is traditionally associated with lower rates of postoperative complications and better functional outcomes. However, it has become a less attractive technique in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis in its classical or diffuse form, since it has a significantly higher probability of metachronous rectal cancer. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Polipose adenomatosa familiar (PAF), uma doença autossômica dominante caracterizada pela formação de numerosos pólipos adenomatosos no cólon e reto, é causada por mutações da linha germinativa no gene da polipose adenomatosa do cólon (PAC). MÉTODOS: Para determinar a morbidade cirúrgica em pacientes com PAF clássica e determinar a incidência de câncer colorretal (CCR) metacrônico naqueles pacientes submetidos à colectomia total (CT) com anastomose íleo-retal ou submetidos à proctocolectomia restaurativa (PCT) e anastomose bolsa ileal-anal, foram analisados pacientes com PAF que foram tratados e tiveram acompanhamento periódico no A. C. Camargo Cancer Center de 1994 até 2013. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram complicações cirúrgicas em 22 pacientes (34,3%); 16 (25%) tiveram complicações precoces e 8 (12,5%) complicações tardias. Não houve mortes como resultado de complicações pós-operatórias. A incidência de câncer de reto metacrônico após PCT foi de 2,3% e após CT foi de 18,18% (p = 0,044). CONCLUSÕES: A fim de proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida para os pacientes com PAF, CT é comumente oferecida, pois esta técnica simples está tradicionalmente associada com menores percentuais de complicações pós-operatórias e melhores resultados funcionais. No entanto, CT se tornou uma técnica menos atraente em pacientes com PAF em sua forma clássica ou difusa, uma vez que traz consigo uma probabilidade significativamente maior de câncer retal metacrônico. (AU)

Natural history and surgical treatment of chordoma: a retrospective cohort study / História natural e tratamento cirúrgico de cordoma: um estudo retrospectivo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Chordoma is a rare tumor with a high risk of locoregional recurrences. The aim of this study was analyze the long-term results from treating this pathological condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study in a single hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study on 42 patients with chordoma who were treated at Hospital A. C. Camargo between 1980 and 2006. The hospital records were reviewed and a descriptive analysis was performed on the clinical-pathological variables. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and these were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were men and 23 were women. Twenty-five tumors (59.5%) were located in the sacrum, eleven (26.2%) in the skull base and six (14.3%) in the mobile spine. Surgery was performed on 28 patients (66.7%). The resection was considered to have negative margins in 14 cases and positive margins in 14 cases. The five-year overall survival (OS) was 45.4%. For surgical patients, the five-year OS was 64.3% (82.2% for negative margins and 51.9% for positive margins). In the inoperable group, OS was 37.7% at 24 months and 0% at five years. CONCLUSION: Complete resection is related to local control and definitively has a positive impact on long-term survival. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Cordoma é um tumor raro e com alto risco de recidiva locorregional. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os resultados a longo prazo do tratamento dessa doença. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte realizado em um único hospital em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 42 pacientes com cordoma tratados de 1980 e 2006 no Hospital A. C. Camargo. Os prontuários foram revistos e foi realizada a análise descritiva das variáveis clínicas e patológicas. As curvas de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação entre elas, pelo teste de log-rank. RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes eram homens e 23, mulheres. Vinte e cinco tumores (59,5%) estavam localizados no sacro, 11 (26,2%) na base do crânio e 6 (14,3%), na coluna móvel. A cirurgia foi realizada em 28 pacientes (66,7%). A ressecção foi considerada como tendo margens negativas em 14 casos e margens comprometidas em 14 pacientes. A sobrevida global (SG) em 5 anos foi de 45,4%. Para os pacientes cirúrgicos, a SG em 5 anos foi de 64,3% (82,2% para as margens negativas e 51,9% de margens positivas). No grupo inoperável, a SG em 24 meses foi de 37,7% e 0% em 5 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção completa está relacionada com o controle local e, definitivamente, tem impacto positivo na sobrevida a longo prazo. .

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome with deforming lipomatous hamartomas in infant - Case report / Sindrome de Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba com hamartomas lipomatosos deformantes em lactente - Relato de caso

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome is a rare condition caused by mutations in the PTEN gene. It displays association of multiple lipomas, macrocephaly, hemangiomas, hamartomatous intestinal polyposis, developmental delay and speckled pigmented maculae on the male genitalia. We report the case of a nine-month-old boy who had fast growing and progressive tumors for three months, macrocephaly and lentigines on the penis. Imaging tests showed extensive lipomatosis with invasion of paraspinal muscles, enlargement of the spinal canal and spinal cord compression; after surgical excision of the mass, the pathology was consistent with lipoma. Adipocyte culture karyotype demonstrated PTEN mutation. We present this case for its rarity and exuberance.

A síndrome de Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba é afecção rara, causada por mutações no gene PTEN. Apresenta associação de múltiplos lipomas, macrocefalia, hemangiomas, polipose hamartomatosa intestinal, atraso do desenvolvimento e máculas salpicadas na genitália masculina. Relatamos o caso de um menino de nove meses com lesões tumorais de crescimento rápido e progressivo em três meses de evolução, macrocefalia e lentigos no pênis. Exames de imagem demonstraram extensa lipomatose com invasão da musculatura paraespinhal, alargamento do canal vertebral e compressão medular. Depois da excisão cirúrgica da massa, o anatomopatológico foi compatível com lipoma. A análise do cariótipo em cultura de adipócitos demonstrou mutação do PTEN. Apresentamos este caso por sua exuberância e raridade.

Biópsia percutânea por agulha grossa de tumores de partes moles guiada por tomografia computadorizada: resultados e correlação com análise da peça cirúrgica / Percutaneous computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy of soft tissue tumors: results and correlation with surgical specimen analysis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da biópsia percutânea por agulha grossa (BPAG) de tumores de partes moles guiada por tomografia computadorizada (TC), em relação ao sucesso na obtenção de amostra para análise, e comparar o diagnóstico da BPAG com o resultado anatomopatológico da peça cirúrgica, quando disponível. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram revisados os prontuários e laudos diagnósticos de 262 pacientes com tumores de partes moles submetidos a BPAG guiada por TC em um centro de referência oncológico entre 2003 e 2009. RESULTADOS: Das 262 biópsias realizadas, foi possível a obtenção de amostra adequada em 215 (82,1%). Os tumores mais prevalentes foram os sarcomas (38,6%), carcinomas metastáticos (28,8%), tumores mesenquimais benignos (20,5%) e linfomas (9,3%). Foi possível realizar graduação histológica em 92,8% dos pacientes com sarcoma, sendo a maioria (77,9%) classificada como alto grau. Do total de pacientes, 116 (44,3%) realizaram cirurgia para exérese e confirmação diagnóstica. A BPAG mostrou acurácia de 94,6% na identificação de sarcomas, com sensibilidade de 96,4% e especificidade de 89,5%. A graduação histológica teve concordância significativa entre a BPAG e a peça cirúrgica (p < 0,001; kappa = 0,75). CONCLUSÃO: A BPAG guiada por TC demonstrou elevada acurácia diagnóstica na avaliação de tumores de partes moles e na graduação histológica dos sarcomas, permitindo um adequado planejamento terapêutico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy of soft-tissue tumors in obtaining appropriate samples for histological analysis, and compare its diagnosis with the results of the surgical pathology as available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed medical records, imaging and histological reports of 262 patients with soft-tissue tumors submitted to CT-guided core needle biopsy in an oncologic reference center between 2003 and 2009. RESULTS: Appropriate samples were obtained in 215 (82.1%) out of the 262 patients. The most prevalent tumors were sarcomas (38.6%), metastatic carcinomas (28.8%), benign mesenchymal tumors (20.5%) and lymphomas (9.3%). Histological grading was feasible in 92.8% of sarcoma patients, with the majority of them (77.9%) being classified as high grade tumors. Out of the total sample, 116 patients (44.3%) underwent surgical excision and diagnosis confirmation. Core biopsy demonstrated 94.6% accuracy in the identification of sarcomas, with 96.4% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. A significant intermethod agreement about histological grading was observed between core biopsy and surgical resection (p < 0.001; kappa = 0.75). CONCLUSION: CT-guided core needle biopsy demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of soft tissue tumors as well as in the histological grading of sarcomas, allowing an appropriate therapeutic planning.

Câncer colorretal / Colorectal cancer

O câncer colorretal se destaca entre as neoplasias malignas mais incidentes no Brasil e no mundo. Estratégias de rastreamento incluem a pesquisa de sangue oculto nas fezes ou a colonoscopia, aplicadas às populações sob maior risco. A sintomatologia é pouco específica e a colonoscopia é o método ideal para diagnóstico, sendo indicada sempre que houver sinais e sintomas intestinais. O estadiamento define as modalidades de tratamento e é direcionado para as vias mais comuns da disseminação da doença: linfática, hematogênica, contiguidade e implantes. Quando o diagnóstico se faz em estádios iniciais, o tratamento do câncer colorretal proporciona elevadas taxas de cura. Este artigo resume de forma esquemática as modalidades atuais de tratamento, estratificadas em função do estadiamento.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of a protocol of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for extremity sarcomas. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out in a consecutive series of 49 adult patients with advanced extremity soft tissue sarcomas that could not be resected with adequate margins during the primary resection. All patients were treated with a protocol of preoperative radiation therapy at a total dose of 30 Gy, concomitant with doxorubicin (60 mg/m²) chemotherapy. The main endpoints assessed were local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival. The median follow-up time was 32.1 months. RESULTS: The five-year local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 81.5 percent, 46.7 percent and 58.3 percent, respectively. For high-grade tumors, the five-year metastasis-free and overall survival rates were only 36.3 percent and 41.2 percent, respectively. Severe wound complications were observed in 41.8 percent of the patients who underwent surgery. These complications precluded adjuvant chemotherapy in 73.7 percent (14/19) of the patients eligible to receive it. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was associated with a good local control rate, but the distant relapse-free rate and overall survival rate were still poor. The high rate of wound complications modified the planning of adjuvant treatment in most patients.

Stewart-Treves syndrome: case report

In 1948 Stewart and Treves described a syndrome related to the association between lymphangiosarcoma and chronic lymphedema due to radical mastectomy and radiotherapy. Currently, literature data reveals around 400 published cases. However, this pathology is becoming each time rarer due to the growing indication of conservative breast surgery and sentinel lymphonode research, thus reducing the need of axillary lymph node dissection with subsequent lymphedema. Described will be the case of a woman that developed angiosarcoma in shoulder 17 years after mastectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy. Stewart-Treves syndrome is related to the rise of angiosarcoma in patients with chronic lymphedema. It is currently treated as a rare disease. We describe the case of a woman who developed angiosarcoma in shoulder 17 years after mastectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy.

Familial adenomatous polyposis: data from the Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry (HCCR)

Family adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a dominant autossomic disease responsible for nearly 1% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases caused by mutations in gene APC and nearly complete penetrance. The identification of germinative mutations can be useful in the definition of the therapeutic conduct by means of the correlation genotype-phenotype. Objective: To describe clinical and molecular characteristics of families with FAP or attenuated FAP. Method: The study included families registered in the Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Registry of A.C.Camargo Hospital. Cancer records were registered and heredograms were created. Data were collected and stored in a database. Results: From 1992 to 2007 22 families were registered that had FAP, 16 with classic FAP, nine with Gardner Syndrome, and 6 with attenuated FAP. From 604 individuals, 120 had polyposis, 62 CRC, 10 desmoid tumors, three breast tumors, two tumors of the stomach, two thyroid tumors and one with prostate tumor. From 22 families, three were submitted to molecular analysis and mutations were identified in gene APC. Discussion: Half of the individuals presented CRC concomitant to polyposis, which can indicate a late diagnostic of the disease; three identified mutations presented correlations genotype-phenotype as predicted by the literature. Follow-up of patients with FAP, although they account for less than 1% of CRC cases, is vital for early cancer diagnosis.

P16 and p27 Immunohistochemical Expression in Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of 128 Patients

P16 and p27 are inhibiting proteins of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKIs) that act in the restriction points of the cellular cycle, and it avoids its progression to DNA verification and repair by the cellular apparatus. This way, there should be, physiologically, an inverse relation between the expression of these proteins and cellular proliferation. However, what is really observed are changeable amounts of p27 in normal and tumor tissues. P16 participation in tumorigenesis is controversial. The expression of p16 and p27 as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is controversial. Objetive: To establish a correlation between p16 and p27 immunohistochemical expressions with clinical and anatomopathological variable from patients with CRC. Material and methods: descriptive and retrospective study, with 128 CRC patients, treated surgically between 2000 and 2004, with available material for immunohistochemical analysis through standardized methods. The association between categorical variables was done using Chi-square, Pearson or Fisher?s Exact tests, and the continuous variables were analyzed by t-Student. Global survival and disease-free period were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method and the associations through log-rank test. Results: The average follow-up time of patients was 35 months. Positivity of p16 was detected in 100% of cases. Negativity of p27 in 6.3% (n=8) of cases, with a significant association (p30.05) between p27 negative and tumors located in right colon (62.5%, n=5) and mucinous (62.5%, n=5). The average global survival was 54.8 months, and the significant clinical and pathological variables associated to survival were: better for curative surgeries; better for early stages; better for well-differentiated tumors; worse for cases with sanguineous or vascular lymphatic invasion; worse for perineural invasion. Conclusions: p27 negative is more frequent in right colon...

Análise do perfil de expressão gênica de sarcomas de partes moles de extremidades de adultos submetidos a quimioterapia neoadjuvante com doxorrubicina e ifosfamida / Gene expression profile of adult extremity soft tissue sarcomas submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosphamide

A identificação de fatores moleculares preditivos de resposta em sarcomas de partes moles pode selecionar pacientes que se beneficiem ou não de determinada modalidade terapêutica. OBJETIVO: identificar perfis de expressão gênica capazes de diferenciar tumores respondedores e não respondedores a quimioterapia neoadjuvante. MÉTODOS: amostras coletadas a partir de um ensaio clínico fase II não controlado que testa um esquema de quimioterapia neoadjuvante com doxorrubicina e ifosfamida em sarcomas de alto grau de adultos. O perfil de expressão gênica foi determinado por análise de cDNA microarrays. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo clínico e 6 amostras foram utilizadas para análise molecular. 222 genes diferentemente expressos entre respondedores e não respondedores foram identificados. A via de sinalização de TGFβ foi a que apresentou maior representatividade de diferença de expressão. Também foram identificados genes envolvidos com angiogênese e com degradação de matriz extracelular. CONCLUSÕES: tumores respondedores a quimioterapia neoadjuvante com doxorrubicina e ifosfamida apresentaram perfil de expressão gênica diferente dos não respondedores, particularmente em genes envolvidos na via de sinalização de TGFβ...

Identification of molecular predictive factors of response in soft tissue sarcomas could select patients who benefit or not from neoadjuvant treatments. OBJECTIVE: identify differences in gene expression profiles between tumors responders than non responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: samples were collected from a single-arm prospective trial of neoadjuvant doxorubicin and ifosfamide in high grade soft tissue sarcomas in adults. The gene expression profiles were determined by cDNA microarray analysis. RESULTS: 14 patients were included in the clinical trial and 6 samples were used for molecular analysis. 222 genes differentially expressed between responders and non responders were identified. The TGFβ signaling pathway has showed the most representative difference in expression. Genes involved in angiogenesis and extracelular matrix degradation were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: tumors which had response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide have showed different gene expression profile, particularly in the TGFβ signaling pathway...

p53 and p21 Immunohistochemistry in Colorectal Cancer: Clinical and Pathological Correlation in 128 Cases

Mutations of tumoral suppressor TP53 gene are present in 75% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. Immunohistochemistry isa method capable of demonstrating the abnormal accumulation of p53 protein in the cell. Some studies associate p53immunohistochemical positivity and a worse prognosis, while others do not confirm this finding. There are controversiesregarding the prognostic value of p53 in CRC. The same doubts apply to p21 protein, activated by p53, which is the mainresponsible for stopping the cell cycle (checkpoints), both for repair or apoptosis purposes. Objective: The objective of thisstudy is to correlate p53 and p21 immunohistochemical expression both with clinical and anatomopathological variables andwith survival rates of patients with CRC. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study having asresearch subjects 128 patients affected by CRC and treated surgically from 2000 to 2004, with available surgical specimensfor immunohistochemical analysis using standardized methods. The association among categorical variables was done byPearson chi-square or Fisher exact tests, and the continuous variables were analyzed by t-Student test. Overall survival anddisease-free period rates had been calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method and the associations by log-rank test. Results:Follow-up average time was 35 months. p53 and p21 alterations had been detected, respectively, in 67.2% and 27. 3% ofcases, with a significant association (p<0.05) between p53 and tumors located in rectum (76.0%) and left colon (70.7%), andbetween p21 and right colon (43.2%). p21 positive expression was related to CRC diagnostic at an older median age. Overallsurvival was 54 months, and the significant clinical and pathological related variables were the following: better for curativesurgeries; better for precocious stages; better for well-differentiated tumors; worse for cases with sanguineous or lymphatic...

Number of Disected Lymph Nodes In Colorectal Cancer Patients SubmittedTo Radical Surgery: The Quality of Oncology Treatment

Introduction: the correct evaluation of lymph node disease influences the therapeutical decisions of colon and rectal cancer(CRC) patients. The number of dissected lymph nodes is a variable that have prognostic value and serves as an indicator of thequality of oncology treatment. For a correct evaluation of N stage to be accepted, the minimum number of dissected lymphnodes considered must be 12. In rectal cancer patients submitted to neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, the interpretation of thenumber of dissected lymph nodes remains inconclusive. Objective: is to evaluate the number of dissected lymph nodes in CRCpatients submitted to curative surgery and determine this latter impact in oncologic treatment results. In cases of rectalcancer, to study the effect of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy in dissected lymph nodes count. Method: in the period 1991-2004, 852 CRC patients were treated in Hospital A. C. Camargo . Patients with metastases at the time of diagnosis,synchronous and metachronic tumors, total colectomy or total proctocolectomy and hereditary colorectal cancer were excluded.The sample was constituted by 423 patients with sporadic colorectal adenocarcinoma who undergone curative radical surgery(168 colon primary tumors and 255 rectal tumors). Colon cancer patients, treated primarily by surgery, had also receivedadjuvant chemotherapy (5-FU) according to risk criteria. Rectal cancer patients with fixed or half-fixed injuries or clinicallycompromised lymph nodes (T3, T4 or N+) had received neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, followed by surgery and chemotherapy(5-FU). Results: the median of the number of dissected lymph nodes in colon cancer patients was 17. In the case of rectalcancer patients, the median of dissected lymph nodes in the groups with and without neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy had beenrespectively 9 and 15 (p<0.001). 5-year specific survival rates for colon and rectal cancer patients were respectively...