Setting the Dilemma of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Bladder TCC

Objectives: Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC) remains a lethal disease, despite aggressive local and systemic therapies with Radical Cystectomy (RC) ± Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT). The 5-year Overall Survival (OS) in advanced cases was around 32%. So novel treatment modalities are required. Our aim is to study the impact of adding Postoperative Radiotherapy (PORT) to standard chemotherapy on local control, survival outcomes and toxicity pattern. Methods: In this study, 123 MIBC patients’ medical records were reviewed and classified into 3 groups according to their treatment modalities; A (RC Chemotherapy), B (RC Radiotherapy), and C (RC Chemo and Radiotherapy). Results: Over a median follow-up of 18.5 months, the 5-year disease free survival (DFS) of group B was significantly higher (80.4%) compared to groups A and C (41.1% & 29.9% respectively; p= 0.0073). Additionally, the 5-year OS was higher in group B (77%) compared to groups A (33.9%) and C (28.5%), (p=0.041). However, the median Local Recurrence Free Survival (LRFS) for the whole group was 69.03 months (95% CI: 69.03 to 69.03), with no significant difference among the 3 groups (p=0.067). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy improved the Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and OS in MIBC patients. Although NACT remains the standard of care, incorporation of PORT should be considered in the future management of these cases.

Current situation and prospect in the clinical treatment of gallbladder cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Gallbladder carcinoma is a tumor with poor prognosis and lack of effective comprehensive treatment. At present, surgical resection is still the main treatment for gallbladder carcinoma. Precise evaluation and adequate preparation before surgery, and safe, effective, standar-dized resection are the key points to successful treatment of gallbladder carcinoma. In clinic, there has been a growing appreciation of the prevention and reasonable treatment of incidental gallbladder carcinoma. Neoadjuvant and conversion therapy give full play to the effects of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy agents on tumor cells, which can achieve the goal of downstage or conversion of tumors before surgery, increasing the radical resection rate, and improving the prognosis of patients.

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by either continuous hyper-fractionated accelerated radiation therapy week-end less or conventional chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC-A randomised prospective single institute study

Context: Better locoregional control and increased overall survival by continuous hyper fractionated accelerated radiotherapy have been shown in unresectable nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Dose escalation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) along with continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy week end-less (CHARTWEL) were also tried for improved survival. In this present study, we compared the results of NACT followed by CHARTWEL against NACT followed by conventional concurrent chemo-radiation therapy. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the locoregional control and toxicities in NSCLC Stage IIIA and B in both arms. Settings and Design: Randomized, prospective single-institutional study with a study population comprising all locally advanced unresectable NSCLC patients enrolled in 2014 at our institute. Subjects and Methods: All enrolled patients were randomized into two arms-CHARTWEL and concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT), after three weeks of the fourth cycle of NACT. In CHARTWEL arm 30 patients received two-dimensional radiotherapy (RT) 58.5 Gy/39 fr/2.5 weeks while in CCRT arm 30 received 66 Gy/33 fr/6.5 weeks. Disease response was evaluated at 6 months and toxicity assessment during and after treatment completion. Data were analyzed using tools such as percentage, mean, Chi-square test and P value. Chi-square and P value was calculated by statistical online software (http://quantpsy.org). Results: 28% of patients in study arm and 20% in control arm had complete response at 6 months after RT. Locoregional disease control was observed in 44% in study arm and 32% in control arm of patients. There was no statistical difference in grades of toxicities or overall survival (OS)/disease-free survival except persistent esophagitis Grade III seen in two patients of study arm. Conclusions: Study suggests that CHARTWEL in combination with NACT is an effective strategy to treat patients with locally advanced lung cancer with the advantage of a smaller dose and shorter duration. Although large multivariate studies still needed

Role of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in cervical cancer: a review

Incidence of cervical cancer is predominantly found in developing countries. In Indian set up, it is most commonly found in rural locations in younger population. Chemotherapy was initially introduced for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic cervix cancer and has subsequently been explored in primary treatment either as neo-adjuvant prior to radiation or surgery in an attempt to reduce the incidence of loco-regional recurrence. The review study tries to evaluate the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgery in cervical cancer management. Randomized trials and meta-analysis were analysed. Most of them used short course chemotherapy course of 4-6 weeks followed by surgery. patients with high risk pathological features received postoperative RT. The results of trials indicated significant reduction in the risk of death with NACT, but there were few differences between the trials. NACT followed by surgery is found to be associated with an improved response rate and progression-free survival. However, the impact on overall survival remains to be confirmed.

To Compare the Effects of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Outcome of Stage III Carcinoma Breast.

At present, the ideal treatment of patients diagnosed to have carcinoma breast includes multimodal treatment therapy. However, the sequence of various modalities in the treatment of breast cancer varies according to the stage of the tumour at the time of presentation. Early breast cancer cases first undergo surgical treatment modality before systemic therapies, while advanced cases should undergo systemic therapies first followed by surgical interventions if possible. However, treatment of stage IIIA and IIIB patients (locally advanced disease) but having an operable lump poses a dilemma of whether to go for surgery first or systemic therapy first. We wanted to compare the outcome in terms of metastasis/recurrence between adjuvant and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in selected cases of stage IIIA and stage IIIB carcinoma breast for a follow-up period of 1 year at a tertiary care hospital in central India.METHODSThis is a comparative observational study conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH) of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College from October 2017 to Sept 2019, which included patients of TNM stage IIIA and IIIB breast carcinoma, half of whom were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and other half treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy along with standard surgical procedure like MRM/toilet mastectomy.RESULTSDistribution of patients according to presence of lymphovascular Invasion was done which was statistically non-significant. However, when disease recurrence or disease metastasis/mortality was compared with lymphovascular invasion in neo-adjuvant group, it was found to be statistically significant (p value=0.022) In the adjuvant group 90 % of patients belonged to stage IIIA while in neo-adjuvant group only 50 % patients belonged to stage IIIA. Rest patients in both group belonged to stage IIIB. This difference in adjuvant and neo-adjuvant group was statistically significant. (p=0.022) In comparison of outcome in both adjuvant and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, 5% patients of adjuvant group developed metastasis and died succumbing to it while another 5 % developed recurrence during follow up. In the neo-adjuvant group 35% patients developed distant metastasis or died due to disease while another 5 % patient developed local recurrence in axilla for the disease. This difference in the outcome of two groups was statistically significant with p value of 0.013.CONCLUSIONSIn our study we found that for a locally advanced breast cancer patient (stage IIIA &B) with an operable breast lump, adjuvant chemotherapy is superior than neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with a significant p value of 0.013. Superior in terms of lesser distant metastasis/recurrence when we followed up the patient for 1 year after the completion of treatment.

Several issues worthy of attention in clinical research of low rectal cancer / 中国实用外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision(TME) regulates the extent of resection of low rectal cancer surgery and is the gold standard for low rectal cancer. Colorectal surgeons need to comprehensively consider the comprehensive treatment strategy for rectal cancer to reduce the risk of local recurrence,how to protect patients' anal,sexual and urinary function,and improve their quality of life,and consider how to reduce surgical trauma. At present,the research hotspots in the fieldof rectal cancer diagnosis and treatment turn to how to betterprotect the function and further reduce the risk of localrecurrence. Among them,the "watch and wait" strategy of "clinical complete response" after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy,the lateral lymph node dissection and the procedure of transanal total mesorectal excision,is a hot issue in clinical research.

Immunotherapy: Towards on early non-small cell lung cancer / 医学研究生学报

Surgery is the standard treatment for early resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the recurrence rate is high. There is no effective cure for this. Immunological checkpoint inhibitors have altered the therapeutic model of patients with advanced gene therapy for advanced NSCLC, presenting new hope for early immunotherapy of NSCLC. Immunological checkpoint inhibitors have altered the therapeutic model of patients with driving gene-negative NSCLC patients, presenting new hope for early immunotherapy of NSCLC. Based on the analysis of the status of early NSCLC adjuvant therapy, the clinical study of immunological checkpoint inhibitors as a new adjuvant/adjuvant therapy in early operable NSCLC was explored in this paper.

Evaluation of Local Recurrence in Giant-Cell Tumor of Bone Treated by Neoadjuvant Denosumab

BACKGROUND: Giant-cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive primary benign tumor presenting as an expansile osteolytic lesion affecting the epiphysis of long bones. Denosumab halts the osteolysis by giant cells thereby downstaging the tumor, helping in performing less morbid procedures to remove the tumor. Our aim was to report the incidence of local recurrence (LR) in patients operated following neoadjuvant denosumab, to investigate factors associated with LR following extended curettage for GCTB, and to compare the postoperative functional and oncological outcome of patients operated with and without neoadjuvant denosumab. METHODS: A total of 123 patients with a mean age of 29.6 years undergoing extended curettage for GCTB were retrospectively divided into group 1 receiving neoadjuvant denosumab and group 2 operated without denosumab. The mean follow-up period was 35 months. The perioperative characteristics and outcome were compared between the two groups and the factors for LR of GCTB were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of LR among patients operated after neoadjuvant denosumab therapy was 42.8% and was significantly high compared to that in patients without denosumab (p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, use of denosumab as a neoadjuvant was the only factor independently associated with LR following surgery (p = 0.002). Patients treated with denosumab had a lower LR-free survival rate (log-rank, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Denosumab was independently associated with increased LR following surgery for GCTB. Denosumab has to be used cautiously in patients in whom the burden of downstaging the disease outweighs the possible chance of LR.

A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy on Hormonal and Her-2 Receptor Status in Carcinoma Breast

Background: The advances in diagnosis and treatment, in the management of breast cancer have led to excellent cure rates for tumors detected in early stage. Even patients with stage III disease have 5 years survival rates in the range of 50-70%. The search for predictive and prognostic factors in breast cancer represents a major challenge. It is important to distinguish prognostic factors from predictive factors. Aim: The aim of the surgery was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen, progesterone and Her-2 receptor status in breast cancer before and after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and methods: In this study, the total of 50 cases of locally advanced breast cancers was included. Cases of carcinoma breast requiring preoperative chemotherapy from January 2015 to January 2017 were recruited in to the study after informed consent. Results: In this study, the total of 50 cases of locally advanced breast cancers was included. Among them most of the cases belonged to the age group of 40 to 60. The extremes of ages (<30 and >60) comprised of only 14 % of the cases. In total of 50 cases 32 patients were pre-menopausal which was accounting for 64% of cases, and remaining patients were post-menopausal. Out of 20 cases of triple negative in this study complete response was seen in 6 cases accounting for about 30%. In our study there were a total of 24 changes in the receptor status post chemotherapy altogether out of which 11 changes were seen in Her2neu group. Changes in the ER and PR group accounted for 8 and 5 cases respectively. Out of 14 cases of ER positive before chemotherapy, conversion was seen in 8 cases accounting for change in ER status of 57%. Similarly 5 changes were seen in PR receptor expression E. Rajesh Goud, M. Muralidhar, M. Srinivasulu. A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy on Hormonal and Her-2 Receptor Status in Carcinoma Breast. IAIM, 2018; 5(9): 83-90. Page 84 accounting for 62% of change. All the changes found were loss of expression of receptor after NACT means receptor positive cases became receptor negative. Conclusion: Breast cancer subtypes are associated with the response to NACT. The response rates for the HE and TN subtypes were significantly higher than for the luminal subtypes. So it is mandatory for a patient with breast cancer who is scheduled for NACT should be assessed for the subtype of breast cancer before NACT, by using IHC, for planning treatment. This study also revealed that change in receptor status did occur after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer / 肿瘤

Objective: To evaluate the clinical response, adverse reactions and prognosis of transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI) chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 81 patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. All patients received 2 cycles of TAI chemotherapy. Surgical treatment was performed for patients with partial response or patients with stable disease and tumor reduction. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) and adverse reactions. Results: The results of response evaluation after 2 cycles of TAI chemotherapy were partial response in 40 patients (49.4%), stable disease in 30 patients (37.0%) and disease progression in 11 patients (13.6%); the DCR was 86.4% (70/81). The main adverse reactions were graded as I-II. In 55 patients undergoing TAI chemotherapy, the surgical resection rate was 94.5% (52/55), and the postoperative complication rate was 32.7% (18/55); the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 78.2%, 52.7% and 34.5%, respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that the OS of the patients with partial response was significantly better than that of the patients with stable disease; the median survival time were 37.0 and 21.0 months, respectively (P = 0.01 9). The median survival time (34.0 months) of the patients diagnosed of squamous cell carcinoma was longer than that of the patients diagnosed of adenocarcinoma (13.5 months), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.101). The results of multivariate analysis showed that the short-term response was an independent prognostic factor, and the prognosis of patients achieving partial response was better than that of the patients achieving stable disease (the hazard ratio was 0.467, the 95% confdence interval was 0.238 to 0.916; P = 0.027). Conclusion: For patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, TAI chemotherapy is an effective and safe neoadjuvant therapy, especially for patients with partial response or preoperative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, and the postoperative survival benefits are more significant.

Follow-up observation of rectal cancer patients with clinical complete response receiving non-operative and standard operative management after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility of non-operative management (NOM) by comparing the therapeutic effects between NOM and total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Methods A total of 135 patients with stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ rectal cancer who obtained cCR after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2006 to 2016 were recruited and assigned into the NOM (n =43) and standard operative management (SOM) groups (n=92).The local recurrence rate,accumulative local control (LC) rate after salvage therapy,disease-free survival (DFS),overall survival (OS) and sphincter preservation rate were statistically compared between two groups.Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were utilized to calculate the LC,OS and DFS.Chi-square test was performed to calculate the sphincter preservation rate.Results The mean follow-up duration was 39 months (range:10-127 months).Of 135 patients,the local recurrence rate and distant metastasis rate were 3.7％ and 11.1％,and the 3-year DFS and OS were 90.5％ and 97.0％.In the NOM and SOM groups,the 3-year DFS were 87％ and 93％,and the 5-year DFS were 73％ and 87％(P=0.089).The 3-year OS were 98％ and 99％,and the 5-year OS were 98％ and 97％ (P=0.578).In the NOM group,the local recurrence rate was 12％ (n =5),80％ of patients received salvage treatment and the accumulative LC rate was calculated as 98％.In the SOM group,the local recurrence rate was 0,which was significantly lower than that in the NOM group (P=0.O10).In the NOM group,the sphincter preservation rate was 93％,significantly higher compared with 70％ in the SOM group (P=0.030).Conclusions It is feasible for rectal cancer patients with cCR to receive NOM following neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Partial locally recurrent patients can be healed by timely salvage therapy,thereby averting TME and relevant complications and enhancing the quality of life of rectal cancer patients.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with severe heart failure: a prospective multicenter clinical study / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) in the patients with severe heart failure (HF). Methods A prospective multicenter study was conducted. Patients whose age > 18 years old, and with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grade overⅢ - Ⅳ , acute cardiac insufficiency and the acute exacerbation of chronic cardiac insufficiency admitted to intensive care unit/cardiovascular care unit (ICU/CCU) of 58 Hospitals in China were enrolled. On the basis of the conventional treatment, all patients would be given rhBNP (neo adjuvant) with a loading dose of 1.5 μg/kg for 3-5 minutes, and followed by a maintenance dose of 0.010-0.015 μg·kg-1·min-1 for 3-7 days. Before the treatment and 1, 3, 7 days after treatment, researchers detected indexes of cardiac and renal function, the levels of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output (CO), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), central venous pressure (CVP), urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), and urine output; the renal function index was re-evaluated at 30 days after administration, and the time entering ICU again, re-admission, cardiovascular events were recorded. Results 408 patients were enrolled, with 241 males and 167 females. Age range was 28-95 years, the average age was (63.0±15.8) years, and 50-70 years old accounted for 46.8%. Compared with the data before treatment, NT-proBNP, PCWP and CVP significantly decreased at 6 hours after treatment [NT-proBNP (μg·kg-1·min-1): 4378.58±4082.29 vs. 6403.41±5759.48, PCWP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa):12.41±2.21 vs. 14.26±2.85 , CVP (mmHg): 10.63±2.62 vs. 11.45±3.45, all P < 0.05], and with the prolongation of injection, NT-proBNP, PCWP and CVP were gradually declined; CO 1 day after treatment (mL: 4.89±0.81 vs. 4.40±0.92) and LVEF 3 days after treatment (0.465±0.100 vs. 0.431±0.107) were significantly increased (both P < 0.05), and with the prolongation of injection, CO and LVEF were gradually increased. There were no obvious changes in BUN and SCr during the treatment, but 30 days after treatment, SCr was significantly lower than that pre-treatment (μmol/L: 110.98±47.40 vs. 132.62±75.60, P < 0.01). Compared with the data pre-treatment, urine output per hour was significantly increased at 3 hours after treatment (mL: 129.59±82.16 vs. 89.60±53.49, P =0.000); urine output every 24 hours was significantly increased at day 1 and day 2 after administration (mL: 2676.54± 1006.83, 2678.74±975.97 vs. 2150.36±283.76, both P < 0.01). In 7 days, the re-entry ICU rate was 2.7%, and the re-hospitalization rate was 2.88% within 30 days, re-cardiac failure rate was 1.43% in 30 days, and the overall fatality rate was 9.55% in 30 days. Conclusions The rhBNP can significantly improve heart function in patients with HF. And, it has a certain effect on renal function. The rhBNP is effective and safe for the treatment of cardiac insufficiency.

Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, 5-Fluorouracil (Caf Regimen) in Down Staging in Breast Cancer.

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, 5-fluorouracial (CAF regimen) in terms of decrease in breast tumor size (partial or complete clinically).To assess clinically the axillary lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (conversion from palpable to nonpalpable). Methods: Thirty female patients of breast cancer were studied for down staging with two cycles of CAF regimen given at interval of 21 days. After 21 days of second cycle patient’s staging noted for effects. Results: Thirty female patients of breast cancer were studied. Maximum no. of patients between 31-40 years, mean age 46 years and median age 45 years, youngest patients 18 years, oldest patients 70 years, 22 patients responded to chemotherapy, out of 22, 1 (3.3%) showed a complete clinical response, 21 (70%) partial clinical response. Pre-menopausal 9/13 (69.2%) and post menopausal 13/17 (76.4%) showed clinical response, statistically not significant difference (df=1, x2=1.33, p>0.05). Change in tumor size 40.09±25.20 sq, cm mean size to 21.88±27.43 sq. cm after chemotherapy was highly significant change (t=6.242, p<0.001). Overall response to chemotherapy was 73.3%, in stage II-87.5%, stage IIIA-75% and stage IIIB-50%. The overall response to axillary lymph node was 56.6%, statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Main side effects nausea and vomiting (60%) and hair loss, 43.3%, but none necessitated stoppage of chemotherapy. As a consequence to primary chemotherapy, conservation surgery (lumpectomy with axillary clearance) could be done in 43.3% of patients.Conclusion: CAF Preoperative chemotherapy regime is a satisfactory modality of treatment for stage II and III breast cancer with positive response rate of 73.3%. The down staging thus obtained permits breast conservation surgery in 43.3% of patients. The chemotherapy regime is well accepted by patients.

Is neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy a better option for management of cervical cancer patients of rural India.

OBJECTIVES: To explore alternate modality of treatment in patients of advanced cancer cervix by neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by External Beam Radiotherapy (ERT) and Brachytherapy (BT). Short‑ (6 months) and long‑ (12 months) term follow‑up data from these patients were compared with the retrospective data from an urban cancer centre, where standard protocol of concurrent chemo‑radiotherapy is practiced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients of advanced cervical cancer, treated at our rural cancer centre between January 2007 and December 2007, were included in the study arm (Group A). These patients received three cycles of neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy with Cisplatin, Bleomycin, and Vincristine before External‑Beam Radiotherapy (EBT) followed by brachytherapy. Patients in the control arm (Group B) of an urban cancer centre, received EBT with weekly concomitant Cisplatin, followed by brachytherapy. Short‑ (6 months) and long‑ (12 months) term follow‑up data from our patients were compared with the retrospective data from the urban cancer centre. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Complete response rate was comparatively higher among patients of Group A, also correspondingly proportion of patients showing progressive disease and stable disease was lower among them. Local treatment failure was 87.5% among patients from Group A and 94.4% in Group B patients. Concomitant chemoradiation (CRT) was associated with more GI toxicities. CONCLUSION: Our result suggests NACT arm is as effective as CRT arm in respect of complete response with less pelvic failure and G.I toxicities. Further follow‑up data are needed before arriving at a definite conclusion.

Consequence of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy on morphology of breast carcinoma: A systematic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in locally advanced breast cancer is the present trend. Following NAC, a considerable alteration of morphology occurs in the tumor. AIMS: To study effects of NAC on morphology of breast carcinoma and to evaluate the pathologic response (PR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 surgically resected mastectomy specimens of patients of invasive locally advanced breast carcinoma who received NAC were evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic (by routine stains and immunohistochemistry) alteration of morphology. RESULTS: Macroscopically well‑defined tumor noted in 25 cases (64.1%) and in the rest (14 cases, 35.9%), only fibrotic areas identified. Microscopic examination identified malignant cells in 29 (74.4%), significant chronic inflammation in 24 (61.5%), hyalinized fibrosed stroma in 25 (64.1%) and necrosis in 11 (28.2%) cases. Immunohistochemistry assisted in differentiating malignant cells from histiocytes. In 15 cases (38.5%), axillary lymph nodes isolated where fibrosis seen in 12 (30.8%) and malignant cell in 8 (20.5%) cases. In 34 cases where the pre‑treatment biopsy were available, complete pathologic response (pCR) and partial pathologic response (pPR) were achieved in 7 (20.6%) and 23 (67.4%) cases respectively. DISCUSSION: Protocol of systematic evaluation of morphological changes is different in cases of a patient treated by NAC. Nature of malignancy was difficult to categorize as morphology of typical breast carcinomas were altered. Sometimes, immunohistochemistry is advantageous as routine H and E stains are not sufficient to isolate malignant cells in fibrotic and necrotic areas. Appropriate morphological evaluation of the mastectomy specimen is absolutely crucial for assessment of PR and subsequent management.

Role of neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is common in developing countries. The advancement of disease leads to decreased probability of radical cure and increase in treatment cost. The study evaluated neo adjuvant chemotherapy with MRM and MRM followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and also the effectiveness of neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy in down staging advanced disease and offering radical cure. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A rural hospital‑based prospective comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All histologically proven and investigated LABC (T3 N0, T3N1, Any T4, Any N2/N3, M0) were selected as subjects and divided into two groups. One group received neo adjuvant chemotherapy (5 fluorouracil, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide) followed by modified radical mastectomy and other group received adjuvant chemotherapy after modified radical mastectomy. Both groups were compared for disease free survival, overall survival and post‑operative complications. Tumor response to chemotherapy in neo adjuvant group was also studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All continuous variables were analyzed using student’s’ test and categorical variable by Fischer exact test. RESULTS: Thirty one patients were enrolled, of these 16 patients received neo adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical complete response was observed in two patients (12.5%). Clinical partial response was found in 12 patients (75%) and no response was seen in two patients (12.5%). Disease free survival and overall survival was 82% in neo adjuvant group while in adjuvant group disease free survival was 75% and overall survival was 83%. Post operative complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Neo adjuvant chemotherapy helps in down staging LABC and offers opportunity in vivo to assess the effect of chemotherapy on individual basis. There was no significant difference in disease free survival, overall survival and post operative complication in between two groups.

Quimioterapia neoadyuvante como tratamiento para la preservación de la fertilidad en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy as treatment for fertility preservation in patients with stage IB cervical cancer: Case presentation and review of the literature

Presentar el caso de una paciente con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB1 mayor de dos centímetros, a quien se le administró quimioterapia neoadyuvante seguida de traquelectomía radical con linfadenectomía pélvica por laparoscopia, con el fin de preservar su fertilidad; hacer una revisión de los casos reportados en la literatura con énfasis en los resultados obstétricos y oncológicos.Materiales y métodos: presentación del caso y bésqueda en Medline vía PubMed de los artículos publicados en inglés, francés y español desde enero de 2000 hasta agosto de 2014, sobre la administración de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y cirugía conservadora de la fertilidad en pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB.Resultados: se seleccionaron 12 artículos pertinentes, para un total de 55 pacientes. Con un seguimiento entre 14 y 69 meses, se reportaron 4 recaídas y solo una muerte por enfermedad. Resultados obstétricos: 30 embarazos, 24 nacimientos, 3 abortos, 1 embarazo ectópico y 2 embarazos en curso.Conclusión: la quimioterapia neoadyuvante, seguida de cirugía conservadora de la fertilidad, puede considerarse como una alternativa de manejo en pacientes seleccionadas con cáncer de cérvix en estadio IB, con tumores voluminosos, que deseen preservar su fertilidad...

To present the case of a patient with stage IB1 cervical cancer larger than 2 centimetres who received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by laparoscopic radical cervicectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for fertility preservation; and to review the literature for case reports emphasizing obstetric and oncologic outcomes.Materials and methods: Case presentation and search of the literature in Medline through PubMed of articles published in English, French and Spanish between January 2000 and August 2014 on the topic of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and fertility preservation surgery in patients with stage IB cervical cancer.Results: Overall, 12 relevant articles were selected totalling 55 patients. Over follow-up period ranging between 14 and 69 months there were 4 relapses and only one death attributable to the disease. Obstetric outcomes included 30 pregnancies, 24 births, 3 miscarriages, 1 ectopic pregnancy, and 2 on going pregnancies.Conclusion: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by conservative, fertility preservation surgery may be an option for the management of selected patients with stage IB cervical cancer involving large tumours sizes, who wish to preserve their fertility...

Clinical outcomes of neo-adjuvant therapy followed by surgical re-section in 84 patients withⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:This work presents the therapeutic advantage of induction therapy in patients withⅢA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (ⅢA-N2 NSCLC). Methods:ⅢA-N2 NSCLC patients with ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node metastasis (>1 cm as shown by CT scan) who were admitted in our hospital between January 2008 and July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. The response rates and survival outcomes of patients were presented and the prognostic factors were analyzed. Results:The 3-and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 57.7%and 34.2%, respectively, and the 3-and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 37.9%and 30.5%, respec-tively. No significant differences in OS and DFS were observed between R0 and R1 resections (P=0.118; P=0.369), between groups who received neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and chemotherapy (P=0.771; P=0.953), between cases with and without clinical re-sponse (P=0.865;P=0.862), and among groups of different histological subtypes (P=0.685;P=0.208). However, patients with standard lobectomy or pathological nodal downstaging exhibited better OS (P=0.023 and P=0.024, respectively) and DFS (P=0.036 and P=0.025, respectively) than those who had extensive resections or persistent N2. Univariate analysis predicted better OS and DFS for both standard lobectomy and pathological nodal donwstaging. In addition, Cox multivariate analysis revealed that only pathological nodal downstaging could be considered as a favorable prognostic factor for DFS, while non-smoking and standard lobectomy are the corre-sponding variables for OS. Conclusion:Neo-adjuvant therapy with platinum-based doublet is feasible and useful in tumor and patho-logical nodal downstaging, which potentially improved resectability and survival rates in patients withⅢA-N2 NSCLC. Performing lo-bectomy or pathological nodal downstaging following induction therapy improved the patients' survival rate.

Survival analysis of 256 patients with oral cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To analyze survival in patients with advanced oral cancer from prospective clinical trials. Methods:From 2008 to 2010, 256 patients with oral cancer at clinical stage III/IVA were randomly categorized into two groups. Patients in the experi-mental group received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative radiation, and patients in the control group underwent surgery and post-operative radiation. All patients were routinely followed-up after treatments. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test, and differences were considered statistically significant at P value lower than 0.05. Results: Each group was composed of 128 patients. With the median follow-up period of 60 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 61.7%and the disease-free survival rate was 53.9%. The overall survival rate (P=0.350) and the disease-free survival rate (P=0.160) were not sig-nificantly different between the experimental and control groups. Patients with positive pathological response to neo-adjuvant chemo-therapy exhibited significantly improved overall survival (P＜0.05). Conclusion:Radical surgery should be emphasized to improve the prognosis of oral cancer. Functional reconstruction could also improve the quality of life and survival of patients. Despite that neo-adju-vant chemotherapy could not improve the survival of patients with advanced oral cancer in entirety, it could benefit patients exhibiting positive treatment responses.

An analysis of response to neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer with emphasis on pathological complete response.

CONTEXT: In India, most breast cancer women present at a locally advanced stage. Routine practice in majority of the cancer centers is to administer neo‑adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by loco‑regional treatment. Surgery is scheduled after 3 or 4 cycles. The patients who achieve pathological complete response (pCR) are expected do well. AIMS: The present study was conducted to analyze our results with NACT, to know pCR rate, to compare pCR rates among various subgroups and to determine the factors which predict pCR. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in a tertiary care university affiliated cancer hospital in South India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients with non‑metastatic locally advanced breast cancer and agreed by the hospital tumor board to receive NACT were included. At each visit, response was assessed according to RECIST criteria. Re‑staging work up and mammography was done prior to surgery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square test was used to analyze categorical variables and uni and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the factors predicting pCR rates. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients received NACT. Median age was 46 years (ranged from 28 to 66), 46 patients were premenopausal. Totally 72 patients completed the full course before surgery. Clinical response was complete in 26, partial in 52 and 3 had local progression, one stable and two patient developed distant metastasis. Forty‑eight patients underwent modified radical mastectomy and breast could be conserved in 34 patients, pCR rate was 36%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with historical controls particularly from India, we could achieve higher pCR rates.