Simultaneous Detection of Disseminated and Circulating Tumor Cells in Primary Breast Cancer Patients / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from bone marrow (BM) are a surrogate of minimal residual disease (MRD) in primary breast cancer (PBC) patients and associated with an adverse prognosis. However, BM sampling is an invasive procedure. Although there is growing evidence that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood are also suitable for monitoring MRD, data on the simultaneous detection of DTCs and CTCs are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the presence of DTCs using immunocytochemistry and the pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3. CTCs were determined simultaneously using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based assay (AdnaTest Breast Cancer) and CellSearch (at least one CTC per 7.5 mL blood). We compared the detection of DTCs and CTCs and evaluated their impact on disease-free and overall survival. RESULTS: Of 585 patients, 131 (22%) were positive for DTCs; 19 of 202 (9%) and 18 of 383 (5%) patients were positive for CTCs, as shown by AdnaTest and CellSearch, respectively. No significant association was observed between DTCs and CTCs (p=0.248 and p=0.146 as shown by AdnaTest and CellSearch, respectively). The presence of DTCs (p=0.046) and the presence of CTCs as shown by CellSearch (p=0.007) were predictive of disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the prognostic relevance of DTCs and CTCs in patients with PBC. As we found no significant relationship between DTCs and CTCs, prospective trials should include their simultaneous detection. Within those trials, the question of whether or not DTCs and CTCs are independent subpopulations of malignant cell clones should be determined by molecular characterization.

Retiform hemangioendothelioma in the infratemporal fossa and buccal area: a case report and literature review

We report a case of retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) located in the infratemporal fossa and buccal area in a 13-year-old Korean boy. The tumor originated from the sphenoid bone of the infratemporal fossa area and spread into the cavernous sinus, orbital apex, and retro-nasal area with bone destruction of the pterygoid process. Tumor resection was conducted via Le Fort I osteotomy and partial maxillectomy to approach the infratemporal fossa and retro-nasal area. The diagnosis of RH was confirmed after surgery. In the presented patient, surgical excision was incomplete, and close follow-up was performed. There was no evidence of expansion or metastasis of the residual tumor in the 8 years after surgery. In cases of residual RH with low likelihood of expansion and metastasis, even though RH is an intermediate malignancy, close follow-up can be the appropriate treatment choice over additional aggressive therapy. To date, 29 papers and 48 RH cases have been reported, including this case. This case is the second reported RH case presenting as primary bone tumor and the first case originating in the oromaxillofacial area.

Irradiation of Donor Mononuclear Cells for Treatment of Chemorefractory Metastatic Solid Cancers: A Community-Based Immune Transplant Pilot Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy has demonstrated ability to generate tumor antigens secondary to induction of apoptosis, against which human leukocyte antigen-compatible, irradiated, related donor mononuclear cells may be administered with immune stimulation to activate antigen presenting and cytotoxic T cells, while minimizing risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The present study endeavours to describe feasibility and efficacy of this treatment, specifically in the community setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had rapidly progressive, chemorefractory metastatic solid tumors. Treatment consisted of intravenous etoposide and cyclosporine for three days followed by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor for 5 days. The following week, 5x10(7) haploidentical or more closely matched irradiated donor mononuclear cells were given weekly for 10 weeks along with interleukin-2. RESULTS: Three patients were enrolled, and the regimen was well-tolerated, with no GVHD observed. All patients had clinical response, despite advanced and heavily pretreated disease. CONCLUSION: The above-outlined protocol demonstrates favorable tolerability and efficacy, and appears to be feasible in the community setting. While the optimal chemotherapy, immunostimulation, and irradiation regimens may be further optimized, future investigation appears warranted, and may include community oncology programs.

Pattern of care: epithelial ovarian cancer in case of incomplete previous surgery / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: A significant number of patients with ovarian cancer are referred to tertiary center after inadequate staging operation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pattern of care, including restaging operation or chemotherapy in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (n=29) or borderline tumor (n=15) who were inadequately staged elsewhere at the time of initial surgery between April 1996 and March 2006. RESULTS: In the patients with ovarian cancer, restaging operation was performed in 65.5% (19/29), and primary chemotherapy in 24.1% (7/29). Older age and higher parity was noted in the restaged group, however, it was statistically insignificant. In the restaged group, 26.3% (5/19) were upstaged due to residual tumors. Presence of residual tumor was not associated with histologic type and grade of tumor. Six patients (31.6%) without residual tumor escaped adjuvant chemotherapy. During median 50 months follow up, 13.8% (4/29) of patients with ovarian cancer recurred. There was no difference in recurrence rate according to whether a restaging operation was performed. However, residual tumor status was significantly associated with recurrence rate (60% vs 0%). Restaging operation was undergone in 46.7% (7/15) of patients with borderline tumors and there were no recurrence or residual tumor in patients with borderline tumors. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that restaging operation could reveal residual tumors which are important prognostic factor in predicting recurrence. Nonetheless, Restaging operation seems to have no impact on the prognosis of ovarian cancer.