Cutaneous metastases from solid neoplasms - Literature review

Abstract Cutaneous metastases from solid tumors are uncommon events in clinical practice. Most of the time, the patient already has the diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm when the cutaneous metastasis is detected. However, in up to one-third of cases, cutaneous metastasis is identified before the primary tumor. Therefore, its identification may be essential for starting treatment, although it is usually indicative of poor prognosis. The diagnosis will depend on clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Sometimes the identification of the primary site is difficult; however, a thorough analysis using imaging tests and constant surveillance is important.

Metástase iridociliar presumida de carcinoma mamário: relato de caso / Presumed iridociliary metastasis of breast carcinoma: case report

RESUMO A metástase ocular é uma patologia incomum, principalmente quando se considera a íris como sítio da metástase. Apesar de incomum, a metástase ocular possui o câncer de mama como um de seus principais sítios primários. Ocasionalmente, a manifestação oftalmológica pode ser primária a qualquer outra clínica. Este artigo relata o caso de uma paciente com carcinoma de mama ductal invasivo com presumida metástase em corpo ciliar e íris em olho direito. O diagnóstico precoce interfere de forma significativa na evolução do quadro, sendo necessário o acompanhamento oftalmológico.

ABSTRACT Ocular metastasis is an uncommon pathology, especially when considering the iris as the site of metastasis. Although uncommon, eye metastasis has breast cancer as one of its main primary sites. Occasionally, the ophthalmologic manifestation may be primary to any other clinical manifestation. This article reports the case of a patient with invasive ductal breast carcinoma with presumed metastasis in the ciliary body and iris in the right eye. Early diagnosis significantly affects the evolution of the condition, requiring ophthalmologic follow-up.

Tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes apendicular con metástasis endometrial

El tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes es una neoplasia mixta casi exclusiva del apéndice, con diferenciación neuroendocrina y mucinosa. La afección metastásica endometrial por carcinomas extragenitales, especialmente el tipo de células de anillo de sello, es rara. Se presenta un caso de tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes apendicular con metástasis endometrial. Se trató de paciente femenina de 70 años quien presentó sangrado genital. El examen ginecológico mostró sangrado genital en moderada cantidad de color rojo-marrón y cuello uterino endurecido. En la biopsia endometrial se halló nidos de células de anillo de sello. La impresión diagnóstica provisional fue carcinoma mal diferenciado de probable origen intestinal. Durante la intervención, el útero tenía consistencia pétrea, el apéndice cecal era fibrótico y engrosado y el epiplón engrosado con nódulos tumorales. Las secciones anatómicas del cuello y cuerpo uterino mostraron focos tumorales. En el apéndice cecal se encontró acúmulos de pequeño tamaño compuestos por células caliciformes. La inmunotinción fue positiva a sinaptofisina, CDX-2, EMA, CK20, CD56 focal. Estos hallazgos confirmaron el diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide de células caliciformes, un tumor caracterizado por infiltración de la pared apendicular por pequeños nidos o cordones de células caliciformes con mucina intracitoplasmática y expresión focal de marcadores neuroendocrinos. Estas neoplasias tienen un comportamiento más agresivo que los tumores neuroendocrinos. La metástasis endometrial es rara y puede ser confundida con un carcinoma primario de células de anillo de sello. Se debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial después de excluir otros tumores primarios.

Goblet cell carcinoid tumor is an almost exclusive mixed neoplasm of the appendix with neuroendocrine and mucinous differentiation. Endometrial metastatic involvement by extragenital carcinomas, especially the signet ring cell type, is rare. A case of appendiceal goblet cell carcinoid tumor with endometrial metastasis is presented. This was a 70-year-old female patient who presented with genital bleeding. The gynecological examination showed moderate red-brown genital bleeding and hardened cervix. Endometrial biopsy reported nests of signet ring cells. The provisional diagnostic impression was poorly differentiated carcinoma of probable intestinal origin. During surgery, the uterus had a stony consistency, the cecal appendix was fibrotic and thickened, and the omentum was thickened with tumor nodules. Anatomical sections of the cervix and uterine body showed tumor foci. In the cecal appendix, small clusters composed of goblet cells were found. Immunostaining was positive for synaptophysin, CDX-2, EMA, CK20, focal CD56. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of goblet cell carcinoid tumor, a tumor characterized by infiltration of the appendiceal wall by small nests or cords of goblet cells with intracytoplasmic mucin and focal expression of neuroendocrine markers. These neoplasms have a more aggressive behavior than neuroendocrine tumors. Endometrial metastasis is rare and can be mistaken for a primary signet ring cell carcinoma. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis after other primary tumors have been excluded.

Soft tissue myoepithelial carcinoma: is it a low-grade cancer? / Carcinoma mioepitelial de partes moles: um tumor de baixo grau de malignidade?

ABSTRACT Myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare neoplasm of very heterogeneous manifestation that represents a major challenge to the adoption of categorical prognostic criteria since, despite being classified as a low-grade cancer, it behaves very aggressively. While several studies have indicated complete surgical resection as the best treatment for myoepithelial carcinoma, adjuvant therapies have proven effective in preventing relapse. This study describes the case of a patient who developed myoepithelial carcinoma in the right thigh, affecting deep tissues, which were conducted as indicated in the current literature, however, presenting an unfavorable outcome. The available information comes from few studies; therefore, we emphasize the importance of gathering data on the subject, which are still scarce.

RESUMEN El carcinoma mioepitelial es una neoplasia rara, de manifestación muy heterogénea, que encierra un gran desafío para la adopción de criterios pronósticos categóricos, puesto que, a pesar de ser clasificado como tumor de bajo grado de malignidad, muestra comportamientos muy agresivos. Mientras varios estudios indican la resección quirúrgica completa como el mejor tratamiento para el carcinoma mioepitelial, terapias adyuvantes se han revelado efectivas para prevenir la recidiva. Este estudio describe el caso de una mujer que presentó carcinoma mioepitelial en muslo derecho, afectando partes profundas, lo cual fue conducido como indica la literatura actual, sin embargo, con un resultado desfavorable. Las informaciones disponibles son producto de pocos estudios, por ello, destacamos la importancia de reunir datos acerca del tema, que aún son escasos.

RESUMO O carcinoma mioepitelial é uma neoplasia rara, de manifestação muito heterogênea, que encerra um grande desafio na adoção de critérios prognósticos categóricos, uma vez que, apesar de ser classificado como tumor de baixo grau de malignidade, apresenta comportamentos muito agressivos. Enquanto vários estudos indicam a ressecção cirúrgica completa como o melhor tratamento para carcinoma mioepitelial, terapias adjuvantes têm-se revelado efetivas na prevenção da recidiva. Este estudo descreve o caso de uma paciente que desenvolveu carcinoma mioepitelial em coxa direita, acometendo partes profundas, o qual foi conduzido como indica a literatura atual, contudo, apresentando desfecho desfavorável. As informações disponíveis provêm de poucos estudos, logo, ressaltamos a importância de reunir dados a respeito do tema, que ainda são escassos.

Metástase hepática colorretal metacrônica tem melhor prognóstico - é verdade? / Metachronous colorectal liver metastases has better prognosis - is it true?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver metastases from colorectal cancer are an important public health problem due to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer worldwide. Synchronous colorectal liver metastasis has been associated with worse survival, but this prognosis is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the recurrence-free survival and overall survival between groups of patients with metachronous and synchronous colorectal hepatic metastasis. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with colorectal liver metastases seen from 2013 to 2016, divided into a metachronous and a synchronous group. The Cox regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test were used to compare survival between groups. RESULTS: The mean recurrence-free survival was 9.75 months and 50% at 1 year in the metachronous group and 19.73 months and 63.3% at 1 year in the synchronous group. The mean overall survival was 20.00 months and 6.2% at 3 years in the metachronous group and 30.39 months and 31.6% at 3 years in the synchronous group. Patients with metachronous hepatic metastasis presented worse overall survival in multivariate analysis. The use of biological drugs combined with chemotherapy was related to the best overall survival prognosis. CONCLUSION: Metachronous colorectal hepatic metastasis was associated with a worse prognosis for overall survival. There was no difference in recurrence-free survival between metachronous and synchronous metastases.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal representam um importante problema de saúde pública devido à incidência crescente de câncer colorretal pelo mundo. A metástase hepática colorretal sincrônica está associada a pior sobrevida, no entanto, o pior prognóstico é assunto controverso. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a sobrevida livre de recorrência e a sobrevida global entre os grupos de pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal metacrônica e sincrônica. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva através de revisão de prontuários de pacientes com metástase hepática colorretal atendidos no período de 2013 a 2016, divididos em grupos metacrônico e sincrônico. Foram utilizados o modelo de regressão de Cox e o método de Kaplan-Meier com teste de Log-rank para comparação de sobrevida entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: A média de sobrevida livre de recorrência no grupo metacrônico foi de 9,75 meses e 50% em 1 ano, e no grupo sincrônico 19,73 meses e 63,3% em 1 ano. A média de sobrevida global no grupo metacrônico foi de 20,00 meses e 6,2% em 3 anos, e no grupo sincrônico 30,39 meses e 31,6% em 3 anos. Os pacientes com metástase hepática metacrônica apresentaram pior sobrevida global em análise multivariada. O uso de drogas biológicas associadas ao tratamento quimioterápico foi relacionado ao melhor prognóstico em sobrevida global. CONCLUSÃO: A metástase hepática colorretal metacrônica foi associada a pior prognóstico na sobrevida global. Não houve diferença na sobrevida livre de recorrência entre as metástases metacrônica e sincrônica.

Prognostic factors for metastasis in cutaneous melanoma

Abstract: Background: Melanoma is a malignant neoplasia that shows high mortality when diagnosed in advanced stages. Early identification of high-risk patients for the development of melanoma metastases is the main strategy to reduce mortality. Objective: To assess the influence of eight epidemiological and histopathologic features on the development of metastases in patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma. Methods: Our historical cohort comprised patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma seen between 1995 and 2012 at a public university hospital and a private oncologic surgery institution in Southeastern Brazil. The following variables were analyzed: gender, age, family history of melanoma, site of the primary tumor, clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness, histologic ulceration and the mitotic index. Kaplan-Meier univariate test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to assess factors associated with disease-free survival. Results: Five hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled. The univariate analysis identified the following significant risk factors: gender, age, site of the tumor, clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness, histologic ulceration and mitotic index. Multivariate analysis included 244 patients and detected four significant prognostic factors: male gender, nodular clinical and histologic subtype, Breslow thickness > 4mm, and histologic ulceration. The mitotic index was not included in this analysis. Study limitations: Small number of patients in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The following prognostic factors to the development of melanoma metastasis were identified in the study: male gender, nodular histologic subtype, Breslow thickness > 4mm and ulceration.

Associação entre eventos de vida pós diagnóstico de câncer de mama e metástase / Association between life events after diagnosis of breast cancer and metastasis

Resumo Objetivou-se examinar a associação entre os eventos de vida pós-diagnóstico de câncer de mama e o aparecimento de metástase. Estudo transversal realizado com 300 mulheres atendidas em um hospital de referência em oncologia no Espírito Santo. Utilizou-se o instrumento "Life Events Units- LEU/VAS", para avaliar os eventos de vida relatados pelas mulheres. Os dados foram analisados através dos testes não paramétrico de Wilcoxon e qui-quadrado. Foi realizado cálculo de "odds ratio" para as variáveis associadas à metástase. Identificou-se que 21% da amostra relatou pelo menos um evento de vida após o diagnóstico. Das 46 mulheres que evoluíram para metástase, 20 relataram um ou mais eventos de vida (p = 0,001). O "odds ratio" calculado aponta que ter eventos de vida pós-diagnóstico aumenta em 2,59 (1,37 - 4,91; p = 0,003) vezes a chance de desenvolver metástase. Quando considerado o tempo transcorrido entre o diagnóstico e o surgimento da metástase observou-se uma mediana de 18,0 meses. O estudo mostra uma relação entre eventos de vida e metástase, entretanto, ressalta-se a importância de uma análise mais complexa para compreender melhor os impactos causados por esses eventos no surgimento e na progressão do câncer de mama.

Abstract The objective was to examine the association between life events post diagnosis of breast câncer and metastasis. Cross-sectional study with 300 women attending a reference hospital in oncology in the Espírito Santo. Was used the instrument Life Events Units-LEU/VAS to evaluate life events reported by women. Data were analyzed by using the nonparametric Wilcoxon and chi-square tests. It was performed odds ratio calculation for the variables associated with metastasis. It was found that 21% of the sample reported at least one life event post diagnosis. Of the 46 women who developed metastases, 20 reported one or more life events (p = 0.001). The odds ratio calculated shows that having life events post diagnosis increases by 2.59 (1,37 - 4,91; p = 0,003) times the chance of developing metastasis. When considering the time between diagnosis and the onset of metastasis there was a median of 18.0 months. The study shows a relationship between life events and metastasis, however emphasize the importance of a more complex analysis to better understand the impacts of these events on the onset and progression of breast cancer.

Critical evaluation of long-term results of malignant hepatic tumors treated by means curative laparoscopic hepatectomy / Avaliação crítica dos resultados em longo prazo de tumores hepáticos malignos tratados por hepatectomia laparoscópica curativa

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has presented great importance for treating malignant hepatic lesions. Aim: To evaluate its impact in relation to overall survival or disease free of the patients operated due different hepatic malignant tumors. Methods: Thirty-four laparoscopic hepatectomies were performed in 31 patients with malignant neoplasm. Patients were distributed as: Group 1 - colorectal metastases (n=14); Group 2 - hepatocellular carcinoma (n=8); and Group 3 - non-colorectal metastases and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=9). The conversion rate, morbidity, mortality and tumor recurrence were also evaluated. Results: Conversion to open surgery was 6%; morbidity 22%; postoperative mortality 3%. There was tumor recurrence in 11 cases. Medians of overall survival and disease free survival were respectively 60 and 46 m; however, there was no difference among studied groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy for treating hepatic malignant tumors are satisfactory. There is no statistical difference in relation of both overall and disease free survival among different groups of hepatic neoplasms.

RESUMO Racional: A hepatectomia laparoscópica tem apresentado grande importância no tratamento das lesões hepáticas malignas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto dela realizada por uma única equipe em relação à sobrevida global e tempo livre de doença nos diferentes tumores malignos hepáticos. Métodos: Foram realizadas 34 hepatectomias laparoscópicas em 31 pacientes com neoplasia maligna. Os doentes foram distribuídos em: Grupo 1 - metástases colorretais (n=14); Grupo 2 - carcinoma hepatocelular (n=8) e Grupo 3 - metástases não-colorretais e colangiocarcinoma intra-hepático (n=9). As curvas de sobrevida e sobrevida livre de doença foram estimadas. Foram avaliadas também a taxa de conversão, morbidade, mortalidade e recorrência tumoral. Resultados: A taxa de conversão foi de 6%; a morbidade de 22%; a mortalidade pós-operatória de 3%; recorrência tumoral em 11 casos. As medianas de sobrevida global e de sobrevida livre de doença foram respectivamente de 60 e 46 m, contudo não houve diferença entre os grupos estudados (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados em longo prazo da hepatectomia laparoscópica para o tratamento de tumores malignos hepáticos são satisfatórios. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante quanto às sobrevidas global e livre de doença nos diferentes grupos de neoplasia tratada.

Cutaneous metastases in a patient with no previous diagnosis of cancer: diagnostic challenge

Abstract: On rare occasions, skin lesions are the first local of metastatic manifestation of internal malignancies. In case of no previous diagnosis of these tumors, the approach of suspicious skin lesions becomes a challenge, especially in differentiating cutaneous metastases and adnexal primary neoplasms. Currently, besides epidemiologic, dermoscopic and histopathologic aspects, the evaluation also integrates immunohistochemical exams and cell markers such as p40 and p63, highly specific for skin metastases. This article describes the case of cutaneous metastases as the sole obvious sign of breast cancer in a previously asymptomatic woman. The diagnosis was made by the finding of neoplastic cells in the dermis and immunohistochemistry compatible with ductal carcinoma.

Single cutaneous metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma - Case report

Abstract: Skin metastases are relatively rare and occur most often when the cancer is already advanced, invading other organs. As to location, they often seem to elect areas located close to the primary tumor, although distant sites, such as the scalp, may be affected with some frequency. We present a case of a 76-year-old woman with colon adenocarcinoma that had a single metastatic lesion on the scalp.

Relationship between the presence of liver metastases with histological grading, depth of invasion and nodal involvement in sporadic adenocarcinoma of the large intestine / Relação entre presença de metástases hepáticas com grau histológico, profundidade de invasão e envolvimento nodal no adenocarcinoma esporádico de intestino grosso

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Large intestine adenocarcinoma (LIA) is the most common cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, and corresponds to the fifth most common malignancy in Brazil. The main prognostic factors related to LIA are depth of tumor invasion and perivisceral lymph nodes status.Objective:To estimate the relationship between pathological findings and the presence of liver metastases (LM) in LIA cases.Method:We evaluated 51 cases of LIA, previously submitted to surgical resection, in order to determine the following variables: topography, tumor size, macroscopic appearance, degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, nodal status, and presence of LM.Results:The average age was 64.8 years, with predominance of men (n = 26/51.0%) and lesions in the sigmoid colon (n = 18/35.3%). The main general characteristics of the sample were ulcerative-vegetative lesions (n = 20/39.2%), no annular tumors (n = 3/64.7%), moderately differentiated tumor (n = 44/86.3%), absence of mucinous areas (n = 40/78.4%), and mesocolon invasion (n = 29/56.9%). LM were found in 14 cases (27.5%), and is associated with presence of nodal metastases (p = 0.005). Tumor size (p = 0.72), macroscopic appearance (p = 0.362), histological grade (p = 0.147), and depth of invasion (p = 0.195) showed no association with LM presence.Conclusion:LIA has a wide anatomical and pathological heterogeneity. In this study, the presence of LM associated with LIA was related to perivisceral lymph nodes status, with no relation to tumor size, degree of differentiation, and depth of invasion, which suggests that identifying neoplastic angiolymphatic invasion is a possible predictor of liver involvement.

RESUMOIntrodução:O adenocarcinoma de intestino grosso (AIG) é o tumor maligno mais frequente do trato digestivo e corresponde à quinta neoplasia maligna mais comum no Brasil. Os principais fatores prognósticos do AIG são profundidade de invasão neoplásica e status dos linfonodos periviscerais.Objetivo:Estimar a relação entre achados anatomopatológicos e presença de metástases hepáticas (MH) em casos de AIG.Método:Foram avaliados 51 casos de AIG, previamente submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica, e determinadas as seguintes variáveis: topografia, tamanho tumoral, conformação macroscópica, grau histológico, profundidade de invasão, status nodal e presença de MH.Resultados:A média de idade correspondeu a 64,8 anos, com predomínio de homens (n= 26/51,0%) e lesões do cólon sigmoide (n = 18/35,3%). Lesões ulcerovegetantes (n = 20/39,2%), tumores não anelares (n = 3/64,7%), neoplasias moderadamente diferenciadas (n = 44/86,3%), ausência de áreas mucoprodutoras (n= 40/78,4%) e invasão do mesocólon (n = 29/56,9%) foram as principais características gerais da amostra. MH foram encontradas em 14 casos (27,5%), estando associadas à presença de metástases nodais (p = 0,005). Tamanho tumoral (p = 0,72), configuração macroscópica (p = 0,362), grau histológico (p = 0,147) e profundidade de invasão (p = 0,195) não apresentaram associação com a presença de MH.Conclusão:O AIG apresenta heterogeneidade anatomopatológica ampla. No presente estudo, a presença de MH associadas ao AIG esteve relacionada com o status dos linfonodos periviscerais, não havendo relação com tamanho tumoral, grau de diferenciação e profundidade de invasão, sugerindo que a identificação de invasão neoplásica angiolinfática é possível fator preditivo do envolvimento hepático.

Cutaneous involvement as the initial presentation of metastatic breast adenocarcinoma - Case report

Cutaneous metastasis is an uncommon manifestation of visceral malignancy. It occurs late in the course of the disease but can be a sign of an unknown neoplasm. A case of local cutaneous metastasis by contiguity with breast adenocarcinoma is reported. It presented as initial manifestation and main complaint of a 68-year-old woman, with no family history and negative screening tests for the disease. Biopsies of ulcers which do not heal, persistent hardened erythema and cutaneous nodules of unknown cause must be performed, since the evidence of cutaneous metastasis can be of extreme importance for the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of an internal cancer. In this scenario, the dermatologist plays a fundamental role and should be always attentive to this diagnostic possibility.

Melanoma developed during pregnancy - A case report

We describe a case of plantar interdigital cutaneous melanoma in a 22-year-old woman who reported changes in a pigmented lesion during pregnancy. Diagnosis was late and evolution unfavourable. The purpose of this report is to draw the attention of dermatologists to the need for careful regular examination of melanocytic lesions in pregnant women, not ignoring possible changes as always physiological.

Análise comparativa da sobrevida entre pacientes submetidos à cirurgia exclusiva ou associada à quimioterapia para o tratamento de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Chemotherapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases who underwent curative resection improves long-term outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introdução: A ressecão hepática é considerada um tratamento potencialmente curativo para metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal (MHCCR), mas os benefícios a longo prazo oferecidos pela complementação do tratamento com quimioterapia sistêmica não foram completamente comprovados. Existe ganho já bem estabelecido para sobrevida livre de doença com o uso de quimioterapia perioperatória, mas não existe ganho de sobrevida global demonstrado em ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR). Objetivo: Comparar sobrevida global e livre de doença em pacientes com MHCCR submetidos apenas ao tratamento cirúrgico com intenção curativa com aqueles que além da cirurgia também receberam tratamento complementar com quimioterapia sistêmica, independentemente do regime utilizado. Métodos: Construção de revisão sistemática com meta-análise avaliando estudos publicados entre 1991 e 2013 e que compararam o tratamento cirúrgico isolado ao associado à quimioterapia sistêmica para o tratamento de MHCCR ressecáveis. Os ECR foram avaliados através da ferramenta Cochrane para detecção de viéses, e os estudos observacionais comparativos (EOC) de boa qualidade foram incluídos no processo meta-analítico após terem sido selecionados seguindo a metodologia MINORS (índice metodológico para análise de ensaios clinicos não randomizados). Sobrevidas global e livre de doença foram comparadas utilizando modelos fixos e randômicos de efeitos de tratamento e razão de riscos (RR). Resultados: Na avaliação de sobrevida global foram incluídos 5 estudos (3 ECR e 2 EOC), compreendendo 2475 pacientes, com 1024 pacientes recebendo quimioterapia complementar e apresentando ganho relativo de sobrevida global de 23 % quando comparados com cirurgia isolada (RR 0.77, 95% IC. 0.67 - 0.88, p < 0.001). Quatro estudos reportaram sobrevida livre de doença e foram incluídos nesta análise (3 ECR e 1 EOC) totalizando 1592 pacientes e nestes, o uso de quimioterapia (702 pacientes) também reduziu o risco de recidiva em 29% (RR...

Introduction: Hepatic resection is considered a potentially curative treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The benefits of the use systemic chemotherapy in these patients have not been proven. It is likely to improve recurrence free-survival (RFS); however, no differences in overall survival (OS) have been demonstrated yet. Objective: Comparison between surgery plus systemic chemotherapy, regardless of the timing of administration, with surgery alone looking for long term outcomes in patients with CRLM who underwent curative-intent liver resection. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from January 1991 to December 2013 that compared surgery alone and surgery plus chemotherapy for patients with CRLM who underwent curative-intent liver resection. Randomized clinical trials (RCT's) were evaluated by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Selection of high-quality observational comparative studies (OCS) was based on a validated tool (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies - MINORS). RFS and OS were compared using fixed and random effects model and Hazard Ratio (HR). Results: Concerning OS, 5 studies (3 RCT and 2 OCS), comprising 2475 patients were analyzed and chemotherapy (750 patients) relatively improved OS rates in 23% when compared to surgery alone (HR of 0.77, 95% C.I. 0.67 - 0.88, p < 0.001). Four studies described RFS (3 RCT and 1 OCS), totalizing 1592 patients, and chemotherapy (702 patients) also decreased the risk of recurrence in 29% (HR 0.71, 95% C.I 0.61 - 0.83, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis has demonstrated that the use of chemotherapy for patients with CRLM who underwent curative-intent resection is a worthwhile strategy to improve both RFS and OS.

Brain metastasis as initial presentation of papillary adenocarcinoma of the lung: case report / Metástase cerebral como apresentação inicial de adenocarcinoma papilífero de pulmão: relato de caso

The authors describe the case of a 33-year-old patient with history of seizures alone without any previous symptom, being diagnosed with brain metastases from primary papillary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Emphasis is given to the diagnostic investigation for brain metastasis and prognostic evaluation of papillary adenocarcinoma of the lung, and a brief literature review on such diseases is performed.

Os autores descrevem um caso de paciente de 33 anos de idade com história de crises convulsivas isoladas sem qualquer antecedente, sendo diagnosticadas metástases cerebrais tendo como sítio primário um adenocarcinoma papilífero de pulmão. É enfatizada a investigação diagnóstica para metástase cerebral e avaliação prognóstica do adenocarcinoma papilífero de pulmão, além de realizar breve revisão sobre essas doenças.

Cutaneous metastases of signet-ring cell colorectal adenocarcinoma

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy in our clinical practice and it often evolves to a metastatic stage. Cutaneous dissemination, however, is a rare form of presentation of this disease. This study reports the case of a 38-year-old female patient that, even after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, presented cutaneous metastases of signet-ring cell colorectal adenocarcinoma. The malignancy proved to be extremely aggressive, without response to clinical therapy nor allowing surgical management, leading the patient to death about six months after the diagnosis. (AU)

O câncer colorretal é uma neoplasia comum em nossa prática clínica e frequentemente evolui ao estágio metastático. Disseminação cutânea, entretanto, é uma forma rara de manifestação da doença. Apresentaremos aqui o caso de uma paciente de 38 anos que, mesmo após a realização de quimioterapia neoadjuvante, apresentou metástases cutâneas de um adenocarcinoma colorretal com células em anel de sinete. A neoplasia demonstrou-se extremamente agressiva, não respondendo ao tratamento medicamentoso nem permitindo o tratamento cirúrgico, levando a paciente ao óbito cerca de seis meses após o diagnóstico. (AU)

Avaliação imuno-histoquímica de 100 casos de metástases encefálicas e correlação com o sítio primário do tumor / Immunohistochemical evaluation of 100 cases of encephalic metastases and correlation with primary site of the tumor

INTRODUÇÃO: As metástases encefálicas correspondem a massas intracranianas avaliadas tanto em procedimentos cirúrgicos quanto em necropsias. Em geral, as metástases comprometem os hemisférios cerebrais de adultos com o diagnóstico prévio de um carcinoma. Usualmente são encontradas como lesões sólidas de crescimento expansivo, sendo o pulmão e a mama os sítios primários mais frequentes. OBJETIVO: Determinar o sítio primário, a topografia, o tipo histológico e o perfil imuno-histoquímico de metástases encefálicas. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 100 casos distintos de metástases intraparenquimatosas do encéfalo, previamente analisadas entre 1995 e 2009 no Hospital Conceição de Porto Alegre, sendo determinados os tipos histológicos envolvidos e a topografia. Os casos selecionados foram submetidos à técnica imuno-histoquímica a fim de estimar o sítio primário destas lesões. RESULTADOS: A idade média correspondeu a 58,7 anos, sendo encontrados 61 casos (61 por cento) no sexo masculino. O tipo histológico mais comum foi o adenocarcinoma (56 casos [56 por cento]), sendo os hemisférios cerebrais (78 casos [78 por cento]) as topografias mais acometidas. O pulmão (29 por cento), a mama (16 por cento), o tecido hematopoiético (14 por cento) e o rim (12 por cento) corresponderam aos principais sítios primários. A análise estatística não determinou associação entre o tipo histológico ou o sítio primário e a topografia (p = 0,125). Foi encontrada uma concordância de 95 por cento entre o perfil imuno-histoquímico e a informação clínica do sítio primário. CONCLUSÃO: O conjunto dos achados morfológicos associado ao estudo imuno-histoquímico de uma lesão metastática do encéfalo pode sugerir o sítio primário em vários casos, sendo necessária, para isso, a correta escolha do painel de anticorpos.

INTRODUCTION: Encephalic metastases correspond to intracranial masses evaluated in both surgical procedures and autopsies. Overall, metastases involve the cerebral hemispheres of adults with a previous diagnosis of carcinoma. They are commonly found as solid lesions with an expansive growth, whose most frequent primary sites are lungs and breasts. OBJECTIVE: To determine the primary site, topography, histology and immunohistochemical profile of encephalic metastases. METHOD: 100 cases of intraparenchymal brain metastases, which had been previously analyzed between 1995 and 2009 at Hospital Conceição from Porto Alegre, were evaluated. The topography and the histological types involved were determined. The selected cases were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis to assess the primary site of these lesions. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.7 years old and 61 cases (59.89 percent) were found in males. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma (56 cases-56 percent) and the most affected topography was the cerebral hemispheres (78 cases, 78 percent). The main primary sites were lungs (29 percent), breasts (16 percent), hematopoietic tissue (14 percent) and kidneys (12 percent). Statistical analysis did not determine association between histological type or primary site in relation to topography (p= 0.125). There was a concordance of 95 percent between the immunohistochemical profile and clinical information from the primary site. CONCLUSION: The set of morphological findings associated with immunohistochemical study of an encephalic metastatic lesion may suggest the primary site in several cases, which, therefore, requires the appropriate choice of antibody panel.