Carcinoma escamoso variedad sarcomatoide de lengua. Reporte de caso / Sarcomatoid variant squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Case report

Introducción. El carcinoma de células escamosas es una patología relativamente frecuente en Paraguay, que debe ser diagnosticada y tratada a tiempo. La variedad sarcomatoide es un subtipo poco frecuente, pero mucho más agresivo que la presentación convencional, con altas tasas de recurrencia y metástasis linfática. La exposición previa a radiación es uno de los principales factores desencadenantes. Caso clínico. Paciente de 83 años con antecedente de radioterapia por carcinoma escamocelular del paladar blando, quien consultó por una masa en el borde lateral de la lengua que correspondió a un carcinoma escamocelular del subtipo sarcomatoide. Resultados. El paciente fue sometido a cirugía y quimioterapia, pero presentó recaída tumoral a los cuatro meses, sin aceptar una cirugía de rescate, optando por el tratamiento paliativo y falleciendo a los pocos meses. Conclusión. El examen exhaustivo de la cavidad oral en una primera consulta permite identificar lesiones en estadios tempranos y el tratamiento multidisciplinario temprano puede mejorar la supervivencia global. El pronóstico de estos pacientes en estadios avanzados es desalentador. Actualmente la cirugía microvascular es la mejor opción terapéutica, pero la hemiglosectomía sin reconstrucción sigue siendo una opción aceptable en nuestro medio, conociendo los altos costos de la primera y el requerimiento de un grupo mayor de especialistas, largos tiempos quirúrgicos y estancias hospitalarias.

Introduction. Squamous cell carcinoma is a relatively common pathology in Paraguay, which must be diagnosed and treated on time. The sarcomatoid variety is a rare subtype, but much more aggressive than the conventional presentation, with high rates of recurrence and lymphatic metastasis. Previous exposure to radiation is one of the main triggering factors. Clinical case. An 83-year-old patient with a history of radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate, who consulted for a mass on the lateral edge of the tongue that corresponded to a squamous cell carcinoma of the sarcomatoid subtype. Results. The patient underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but had tumor relapse after four months, without accepting salvage surgery, opting for palliative treatment and dying a few months later. Conclusion. Exhaustive examination of the oral cavity in a first consultation allows lesions to be identified in early stages and early multidisciplinary treatment can improve overall survival. The prognosis of these patients in advanced stages is discouraging. Currently, microvascular surgery is the best therapeutic option, but hemiglossectomy without reconstruction continues to be an acceptable option in our environment, knowing the high costs of the former and the requirement for a larger group of specialists, long surgical times and hospital stays.

Impacto del fenómeno de migración de estadio ganglionar en la supervivencia y la recurrencia de pacientes con cáncer papilar de tiroides sometidos a vaciamiento ganglionar profiláctico / Impact of the node-stage migration phenomenon on survival and recurrence of patients with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent prophylactic lymphnode dissection

Introducción. Dado que un ensayo clínico aleatorio es irrealizable, el rol del vaciamiento ganglionar profiláctico en pacientes con cáncer papilar de tiroides sin comprobación clínica de compromiso ganglionar metastásico (cN0) es controversial. El vaciamiento ganglionar profiláctico acarrea un proceso de reclasificación de pacientes, al hacer evidente la positividad ganglionar micrometastásica antes ignorada, lo que genera una aparente pero falsa mejoría en los desenlaces de los grupos de estadificación, mientras el pronóstico individual y total de la población no cambia, fenómeno conocido como migración de estadio o fenómeno de Will Rogers. Métodos. Se ejecutaron simulaciones de poblaciones con cáncer papilar de tiroides con compromiso ganglionar metastásico clínicamente evidente (cN+) y cN0, para determinar el impacto del fenómeno de migración de estadio en los pacientes sometidos a vaciamiento ganglionar profiláctico. Resultados. Con la simulación de las poblaciones y sus estadios ganglionares, se observa cómo la migración de estadio ganglionar genera una aparente mejoría en los desenlaces de recurrencia loco regional y supervivencia, sin cambiar los desenlaces de la población total ni individuales. Discusión. El fenómeno de migración de estadio es uno de los sesgos más importantes que limitan el uso de grupos históricos de control en ensayos de tratamiento experimental. De acuerdo con nuestros resultados, este fenómeno podría explicar los beneficios observados con el vaciamiento ganglionar profiláctico en algunos de los estudios agregativos publicados hasta el momento, hallazgos que no han sido documentados para el cáncer papilar de tiroides

Introduction. The role of prophylactic central lymph node dissection at the time of total thyroidectomy remains controversial in clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma. Moreover, a prospective randomized controlled trial of prophylactic central lymph node dissection in cN0 RCT is not readily feasible. Methods. In this study we simulated cN0 and clinically node-positive (cN+) populations, to evaluate impact of nodal stage migration in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients that undergo prophylactic central neck dissection. We use simulations of population and nodal stages .Results. Nodal stage migration phenomenon seems to have an improvement in locoregional recurrence and overall survival of cN0 and cN+ populations, without changes in overall population and individual outcomes.Discussion. Nodal stage migration is recognized as an important bias that precludes the use of historical controls groups in experimental treatment trials. In accordance to our findings, this phenomenon could explain the improvements observed in outcomes in patients that undergo prophylactic central neck dissection

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

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to determine the relationship between the safety margin of an embolized area and local tumor recurrence (LTR) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent superselective transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: The medical records of 77 HCC patients with 109 HCC nodules who underwent superselective TACE were retrospectively analyzed for LTR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for 16 potential factors using Cox proportional hazard regression. Iodized oil deposition on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was divided into three grades: A=complete tumor staining and complete circumferential safety margin, B=complete tumor staining but incomplete safety margin, C=incomplete tumor staining. The effect of a safety margin on LTR was evaluated by comparison between grade A and B group. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that grade A iodized oil deposition and portal vein visualization were the only two independent significant factors of LTR (P<0.001 and P=0.029, respectively). The 12- and 24-month LTR rates of tumors for grade A (n=62), grade B (n=30), and grade C (n=17) were 16% vs. 41% vs. 100% and 16% vs. 61% vs. 100%, respectively (P<0.001). The tumors in the grade A group had a 75% risk reduction in LTR (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.64; P=0.004) compared to the grade B group. CONCLUSIONS: LTR was significantly lower when a greater degree of iodized oil deposition occurred with a complete circumferential safety margin. In superselective TACE, the safety margin of the embolized areas using intraprocedural CBCT affected LTR in HCC patients.

Impact of vaginal brachytherapy in intermediate and high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer: a multicenter study from the FRANCOGYN group / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: According to recent European Society of Medical Oncology, European Society of Gynaecological Oncology and European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology guidelines, adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy (VB) is optional in patients with intermediate risk (IR) and high-intermediate risk (HIR) endometrial cancer (EC). The aim of this French retrospective, multicenter study was to assess the impact of VB in these groups on local recurrence rate, local recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: Data of 191 patients with IR and HIR EC who underwent primary surgery with or without VB and no other adjuvant treatment between 2000 and 2016 were extracted from the FRANCOGYN database. Rate of local recurrence, OS and local RFS in these two groups were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The number of patients with IR and HIR EC were 118 and 73 respectively. VB was used in 92 patients in IR group and 43 in HIR group. Median follow-up was 22 months. In the HIR group, the local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the no adjuvant therapy group in comparison with the VB group (16.7% and 0% respectively, p=0.02). There was also a significant improvement in local RFS (p=0.01) in VB group. In IR EC, there is no significant difference on local recurrence rate (4.2% and 3.2%, respectively, p=1.00) or local RFS (p=0.54) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: VB is an efficient adjuvant treatment for patients with HIR EC. VB is not associated with an improvement of RFS or OS in IR EC patient.

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor: analysis of 23 consecutive cases in a single institution / Tumor desmoide extra-abdominal: análise de 23 casos consecutivos em uma única instituição

ABSTRACT Objective: Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor (EDT) is a rare condition, caused by proliferation of fibroblasts. Despite being a benign tumor, it is locally aggressive and has unpredictable clinical behavior. The objective of this study is to present the clinical outcomes of patients with EDT treated surgically between 1995 and 2016. Methods: This is a retrospective series of 23 patients with histopathological diagnosis of EDT that underwent surgery at the orthopedic oncology service of our hospital. The information was obtained from the institute's clinical and pathology reports. Results: A total of 223 medical records with histopathological reports were evaluated. Only 23 cases of EDT were included in the present study. The mean age was 22.5 years. Twelve (52.2%) patients had the tumor on the lower limbs, seven (30.4%) on the upper limbs and four (17.4%) cases were reported on the back. Five (21.7%) patients had tumors measuring less than 5 cm, while eighteen (78.3%) patients had tumors measuring more than 5 cm. All patients underwent surgery as the definitive treatment in our institute. Twelve (52.2%) cases presented negative margins (NM) and eleven (47.8%) cases had positive margins (PM). Local recurrence (LR) occurred in eleven (47.8%) patients. Conclusion: Impairment of the surgical margin was the only prognostic factor found for LR of EDT. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: O tumor desmoide extra-abdominal (TDE) é raro, formado por proliferação de fibroblastos. Apesar de ser um tumor benigno, é localmente agressivo e tem comportamento clínico imprevisível. O objetivo desta pesquisa é apresentar os resultados clínicos obtidos nos pacientes com TDE, tratados cirurgicamente entre 1995 e 2016. Métodos: Trata-se de uma série retrospectiva de 23 pacientes com diagnóstico anatomopatológico de TDE, tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de oncologia ortopédica de nosso hospital. A informação foi obtida dos relatos clínicos e patológicos do instituto. Resultados: Um total de 223 prontuários com relato anatomopatológico foi revisado. Apenas 23 casos de TDE foram incluídos no presente estudo. A média de idade foi de 22,5 anos. Doze (52,2%) casos se localizaram nos membros inferiores, sete (30,4%) casos nos membros superiores e quatro (17,4%) casos se localizaram no dorso. Cinco (21,7%) casos tinham tamanho < 5 cm e 18 (78,3%) casos tinham tamanho > 5 cm. Todos os pacientes receberam tratamento cirúrgico como terapia definitiva no instituto. Doze (52,2%) casos apresentaram margens livres (ML) e onze (47,8%) casos tinham margens comprometidas (MC). A recorrência local (RL) ocorreu em onze (47,8%) pacientes. Conclusão: O comprometimento da margem cirúrgica foi o único fator de prognóstico encontrado para a RL do TDE. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

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

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

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

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of positive superficial and/or deep margin status on local recurrence (LR) in invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 3,403 stage 1 and 2 invasive breast cancer patients treated with BCS followed by radiotherapy from January 2000 to December 2008 were included in this study. These patients were divided into three groups according to margin status: clear resection margin status for all sections (group 1, n=3,195); positive margin status in superficial and/or deep sections (group 2, n=121); and positive peripheral parenchymal margin regardless of superficial and/or deep margin involvement (group 3, n=87). The LR-free survival between these three groups was compared and the prognostic role of margin status was analyzed. RESULTS: Across all groups, age, tumor size, nodal status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status did not significantly differ. High grade, positive extensive intraductal component, hormone receptor positivity, hormone therapy received, and chemotherapy not received were more prevalent in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Five-year LR rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 1.9%, 1.7%, and 7.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that group 3 was a significant predictor for LR (hazard ratio [HR], 4.78; p < 0.001), but that positive superficial and/or deep margin was not (HR, 0.66; p=0.57). CONCLUSION: Superficial and/or deep margin involvement following BCS is not an important predictor for LR.

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

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present various clinical etiologies of hypermetabolic pelvic lesions on postoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer. METHODS: Postoperative PET/CT images for patients with rectal and sigmoid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify hypermetabolic pelvic lesions. Positive findings were detected in 70 PET/CT images from 45 patients; 2 patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. All PET findings were analyzed in comparison with contrast-enhanced CT. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were classified into 2 groups: patients with a malignancy including local recurrence (n = 30) and patients with other benign lesions (n = 13). Malignant lesions such as a local recurrent tumor, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and incidental uterine malignancy, as well as various benign lesions such as an anastomotic sinus, fistula, abscess, reactive lymph node, and normal ovary, were observed. CONCLUSION: PET/CT performed during postoperative surveillance of rectal and sigmoid colon cancer showed increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake not only in local recurrence, but also in benign pelvic etiologies. Therefore, physicians need to be cautious about the broad clinical spectrum of hypermetabolic pelvic lesions when interpreting images.

Clinical perspectives of PSMA PET/MRI for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer imaging has become an important diagnostic modality for tumor evaluation. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) has been extensively studied, and the results are robust and promising. The advent of the PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has added morphofunctional information from the standard of reference MRI to highly accurate molecular information from PET. Different PSMA ligands have been used for this purpose including 68gallium and 18fluorine-labeled PET probes, which have particular features including spatial resolution, imaging quality and tracer biodistribution. The use of PSMA PET imaging is well established for evaluating biochemical recurrence, even at low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but has also shown interesting applications for tumor detection, primary staging, assessment of therapeutic responses and treatment planning. This review will outline the potential role of PSMA PET/MRI for the clinical assessment of PCa.

Young Age Is Associated with Increased Locoregional Recurrence in Node-Positive Breast Cancer with Luminal Subtypes / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The effects of biological subtypes within breast cancer on prognosis are influenced by age at diagnosis. We investigated the association of young age with locoregional recurrence (LRR) between patients with luminal subtypes versus those with nonluminal subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 524 breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes between 1999 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy based on contemporary guidelines. Radiation was delivered for patients who underwent breast conserving surgery or those who had four or more positive lymph nodes after mastectomy. Adjuvant hormone therapy was administered to 413 patients with positive hormone receptors according to their menstrual status. RESULTS: During median follow-up of 84 months, the 10-year locoregional recurrence-free survival rate (LRRFS) was 84.3% for all patients. Patients < 40 years showed significantly worse 10-year LRRFS than those ≥ 40 years (73.2% vs. 89.0%, respectively; p=0.01). The negative effect of young age on LRRFS was only observed in luminal subtypes (69.7% for < 40 years vs. 90.8% for ≥ 40 years; p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis using luminal subtypes ≥ 40 years as a reference revealed luminal subtypes < 40 years were significantly associated with increased risk of LRR (hazard ratio, 2.33; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Young breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes had a higher risk of LRR than those aged ≥ 40 years. This detrimental effect of young age on LRR was confined in luminal subtypes.

Factors associated with survival after relapse in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer treated with surgery alone / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors influencing overall survival following recurrence (OSFR) in women with low-risk endometrial cancer (EC) treated with surgery alone. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective department database review was performed to identify patients with recurrent “low-risk EC” (patients having less than 50% myometrial invasion [MMI] with grade 1 or 2 endometrioid EC) at 10 gynecologic oncology centers in Turkey. Demographic, clinicopathological, and survival data were collected. RESULTS: We identified 67 patients who developed recurrence of their EC after initially being diagnosed and treated for low-risk EC. For the entire study cohort, the median time to recurrence (TTR) was 23 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=11.5–34.5; standard error [SE]=5.8) and the median OSFR was 59 months (95% CI=12.7–105.2; SE=23.5). We observed 32 (47.8%) isolated vaginal recurrences, 6 (9%) nodal failures, 19 (28.4%) peritoneal failures, and 10 (14.9%) hematogenous disseminations. Overall, 45 relapses (67.2%) were loco-regional whereas 22 (32.8%) were extrapelvic. According to the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Trial-99, 7 (10.4%) out of 67 women with recurrent low-risk EC were qualified as high-intermediate risk (HIR). The 5-year OSFR rate was significantly higher for patients with TTR ≥36 months compared to those with TTR <36 months (74.3% compared to 33%, p=0.001). On multivariate analysis for OSFR, TTR <36 months (hazard ratio [HR]=8.46; 95% CI=1.65–43.36; p=0.010) and presence of HIR criteria (HR=4.62; 95% CI=1.69–12.58; p=0.003) were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Low-risk EC patients recurring earlier than 36 months and those carrying HIR criteria seem more likely to succumb to their tumors after recurrence.

Oncologic safety of breast-conserving surgery in breast cancer patients under the age of 35

PURPOSE: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) shows no difference in survival rates compared with total mastectomy. So, BCS is considered standard breast surgery with modified radical mastectomy. But in patients who received BCS, there is a risk of local recurrence in their long term follow up periods. Especially, BCS of young age is controversial regarding oncologic safety because of local recurrence. In this study, we struggle to confirm the oncologic safety of BCS compared with total mastectomy under the age of 35 in South Korea.METHODS: All patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer were 5,366 at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, from January 1981 to April 2008. Of them, patients younger than 35 years old were 547. We excluded patients who received chemotherapy before surgery and included only stage 1 and 2 patients who identified through the pathology after surgery. Finally, we got 367 patients; total mastectomy was performed in 245 and BCS, in 122. We compared clinicopathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes between two groups using SPSS program.RESULTS: In patients received BCS, a local recurrence rate was 7.7% at 5 years and up to 20.3% at 10 years. In patients received total mastectomy, a local recurrence rate was 1.9% over 10 years (P<0.001). However, there was no difference in 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates between two groups (P=0.689). Adjuvant chemotherapy decreased local recurrence rate in BCS patients (P=0.019).CONCLUSION: So, we concluded that BCS under the age of 35 has oncologic safety with undergoing chemotherapy.

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

PURPOSE: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has some limitations such as poor sonic window and injury to adjacent organs. The laparoscopic approach has been suggested as an alternative option. The aim of this study was to show the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA for single, small (≤3 cm), and primary or recurrent HCC that is not suitable for percutaneous RFA or surgical resection. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 37 patients (32 men and 5 women, mean age 61 ± 8.1 years) who underwent laparoscopic RFA for single, small HCC (≤3 cm) that was unsuitable for percutaneous RFA or surgical resection. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 94.6% and 34 patients (95%) had no complications. There were no conversions to open RFA and no operative mortality. The primary effectiveness rate 1 month after the procedure was 100%. The overall recurrence rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the laparoscopic RFA were 8.1%, 14.4%, 25%, and 35.7%, respectively. The local tumor progression rate was 4.2% at 6 months and 8.7% at 9 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic RFA is a safe and effective treatment for HCC cases that are unsuitable for percutaneous RFA.

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

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

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

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy can detect precancerous lesions, which can subsequently be removed and reduce incidences of and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, recently published data have highlighted a significant rate of CRC in patients who previously underwent colonoscopy. Among many reasons, incomplete resection has been considered as a significant contributor. However, to date, there have only been a few studies regarding incompletely resected polyps, especially advanced colorectal adenoma (ACA). Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prognosis of incompletely resected ACA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ACA who had underwent endoscopic treatment with incomplete resection. The primary outcomes were (1) the incomplete resection rate of ACA, as determined by a histopathologic examination and (2) the recurrence rate of incompletely resected ACA. We also investigated the probable contributing factors that may have led to a relapse of incompletely resected ACA. RESULTS: A total of 7,105 patients had their colorectal polyps resected by endoscopic treatment, and 2,233 of these were considered as ACA. Of these, 354 polyps (15.8%) were resected incompletely, and only 163 patients were followed-up. Of those followed-up, 31 patients (19.0%) experienced local recurrence. The risk factors for recurrence after incomplete resection were evaluated; age, morphology of adenoma, and use of rescue therapy, such as argon plasma coagulation, were found to be associated with adenoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Incompletely resected ACA in older patients or in patients with sessile-type adenomas should be monitored strictly, and if incomplete resection is suspected, rescue therapy must be considered.

Synovial Sarcoma of the Extremities / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon malignant soft tissue tumor mostly prevalent in young adults. Previous studies analyzing the prognostic factors have been limited due to the inclusion of heterogenous cohorts of patients with nonextremity and recurrent tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent prognostic factors for the treatment methods associated with local recurrence and metastasis of primary synovial sarcoma localized to the extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1999 and June 2014, a total of 79 patients were diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, of which 73 underwent wide excision at Kosin University Gospel Hospital and were followed-up for 60 months (24-72 months). The analyzed prognostic factors were treatment methods for local recurrence and metastasis during the postoperative follow-up period. The Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: For local recurrence according to the treatment methods, 9 recurrences occurred in 9 surgical treatments, 8 in 20 chemotherapy added surgical treatments, 13 in 20 radiotherapy added surgical treatments, and 4 in 24 chemotherapy with radiotherapy added surgical treatments. For metastasis according to the treatment methods, 9, 5, 12, and 2 metastases occurred respectively. Chemotherapy had statistical significance in multivariate analysis (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy can be useful for the treatment of synovial sarcoma.

Locoregional Recurrence by Tumor Biology in Breast Cancer Patients after Preoperative Chemotherapy and Breast Conservation Treatment / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether breast cancer subtype can affect locoregional recurrence (LRR) and ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and breast-conserving therapy (BCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 335 consecutive patients with clinical stage II-III breast cancer who received NAC plus BCT from 2002 to 2009. Patients were classified according to six molecular subtypes: luminal A (hormone receptor [HR]+/HER2–/Ki-67 < 15%, n=113), luminal B1 (HR+/HER2–/Ki-67 ≥ 15%, n=33), luminal B2 (HR+/HER2+, n=83), HER2 with trastuzumab (HER2[T+]) (HR–/HER2+/use of trastuzumab, n=14), HER2 without trastuzumab (HER2[T–]) (HR–/HER2+, n=31), and triple negative (TN) (HR–/HER2–, n=61). RESULTS: After a median follow-up period of 7.2 years, 26 IBTRs and 37 LRRs occurred. The 5-year LRR-free survival rates were luminal A, 96.4%; B1, 93.9%; B2, 90.3%; HER2(T+), 92.9%; HER2(T–), 78.3%; and TN, 79.6%. The 5-year IBTR-free survival rates were luminal A, 97.2%; B1, 93.9%; B2, 92.8%; HER2(T+), 92.9%; HER2(T–), 89.1%; and TN, 84.6%. In multivariate analysis, HER2(T–) (IBTR: hazard ratio, 4.2; p=0.04 and LRR: hazard ratio, 7.6; p < 0.01) and TN subtypes (IBTR: hazard ratio, 6.9; p=0.01 and LRR: hazard ratio, 8.1; p < 0.01) were associated with higher IBTR and LRR rates. A pathologic complete response (pCR) was found to show correlation with better LRR and a tendency toward improved IBTR controls in TN patients (IBTR, p=0.07; LRR, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The TN and HER2(T–) subtypes predict higher rates of IBTR and LRR after NAC and BCT. A pCR is predictive of improved IBTR or LRR in TN subtype.

Predictive Value of Molecular Subtyping for Locoregional Recurrence in Early-Stage Breast Cancer with N1 without Postmastectomy Radiotherapy / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between molecular subtype and locoregional recurrence (LRR) in patients with early-stage breast cancer with 1-3 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) and improve the individualized indications for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). METHODS: The records of 701 patients with pT1-2N1M0 breast cancer who did not undergo PMRT were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were subclassified as follows: luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched, and basal-like subtypes. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to determine the risk of LRR associated with the different subtypes and to adjust for clinicopathologic factors. RESULTS: Luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and basal-like subtypes accounted for 51.2%, 28.0%, 8.1%, and 12.7% of cases, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 67 months (range, 9-156 months). Univariate analysis revealed that, compared with the luminal A subtype, the HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes were associated with significantly higher 5-year LRR rates (5.6% vs. 21.6% and vs.15.7% respectively; p=0.002 each), lower 5-year LRR-free survival (LRFS) rates (90.6% vs. 73.8% and 78.5%, respectively; p=0.001 each), and poorer 5-year breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rates (93.7% vs. 82.2% [p=0.002] and 84.9% [p=0.001], respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the HER2-enriched and basal-like subtypes, age ≤35 years, a medial tumor, and pT2 stage were poor prognostic factors for LRR and LRFS; furthermore, 2 to 3 positive ALNs represented an independent prognostic factor affecting LRR. The 10-year LRR rates of patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 risk factors were 1.0%, 6.9%, 14.3%, 30.4%, and 54.3%, respectively (p<0.001); the 10-year BCSS rates were 86.6%, 88.5%, 84.4%, 79.7%, and 38.8%, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Molecular subtyping allows for individualized evaluation of LRR risk in patients with pT1-2N1M0 breast cancer. PMRT should be recommended for patients with ≥3 LRR risk factors.

Cancer stem cells: a new approach to tumor development / Células-tronco de câncer: um nova abordagem do desenvolvimento tumoral

Many theories have been proposed to explain the origins of cancer. Currently, evidences show that not every tumor cell is capable of initiating a tumor. Only a small part of the cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), can generate a tumor identical to the original one, when removed from human tumors and transplanted into immunosuppressed mice. The name given to these cells comes from the resemblance to normal stem cells, except for the fact that their ability to divide is infinite. These cells are also affected by their microenvironment. Many of the signaling pathways, such as Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, are altered in this tumoral subpopulation, which also contributes to abnormal proliferation. Researchers have found several markers for CSCs; however, much remains to be studied, or perhaps a universal marker does not even exist, since they vary among tumor types and even from patient to patient. It was also found that cancer stem cells are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This may explain the re-emergence of the disease, since they are not completely eliminated and minimal amounts of CSCs can repopulate a tumor. Once the diagnosis in the early stages greatly increases the chances of curing cancer, identifying CSCs in tumors is a goal for the development of more effective treatments. The objective of this article is to discuss the origin of cancer according to the theory of stem cell cancer, as well as its markers and therapies used for treatment.

Diversas teorias buscam explicar a origem do câncer. Atualmente, há evidências de que nem todas as células tumorais têm poder de iniciar um tumor. Apenas uma pequena parte das células cancerígenas, chamadas de células-tronco de câncer (do inglês cancer stem cells - CSC), é capaz de iniciar um tumor idêntico ao original quando retirada de tumores humanos e enxertada em camundongos imunossuprimidos. Essas células foram assim denominadas por suas semelhanças com células-tronco normais, exceto pelo fato de que sua capacidade de dividir-se é infinita. Essas células também recebem influência de seu microambiente. Várias vias de sinalização, como WNT, NOTCH e Hedgehog, estão alteradas nessa subpopulação tumoral, contribuindo também para a desregulação de sua proliferação. Pesquisadores descobriram vários marcadores para as CSC, porém ainda há muito a ser pesquisado, ou talvez nem exista um marcador universal, já que eles variam entre cada tipo de tumor e até de paciente para paciente. Foi constatado também que as CSC são resistentes à radioterapia e à quimioterapia, podendo explicar o reaparecimento da doença, visto que, além de não eliminá-la completamente, quantidades mínimas das CSC podem repovoar um tumor. Como o diagnóstico em estágios iniciais aumenta muito as chances de cura do câncer, a identificação das CSC em meio a um tumor é alvo para o desenvolvimento de tratamentos mais eficazes. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a origem do câncer segundo a teoria das CSC, bem como seus marcadores e as terapias utilizadas em seu tratamento.

Oncologic outcomes in rectal cancer with close distal resection margins: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: The assurance of a negative resection margin is significant in rectal cancer as it indicates a reduced risk of local recurrence; thus, sufficient length of the resection margin is strongly required. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the length of the distal resection margin (DRM) and local recurrence or survival rate and to evaluate the possibility of performing sphincter-conserving surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 218 rectal cancer patients were analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the length of the DRM as follows: group 1, DRM 2 cm. RESULTS: Of 218 patients enrolled, 81 were in group 1, 66 in group 2, and 71 in group 3. The 5-year survival rates were 78.2%, 78.2%, and 76.8% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences in survival (P = 0.913). Local recurrence was found in 2 patients in group 1, 1 patient in group 2, and 1 patient in group 3; there were no statistically significant differences in local recurrence (P = 0.908). CONCLUSION: A DRM of < 1 cm did not impair the oncologic outcomes of rectal cancer patients. Our results indicated that surgeons should keep in mind to consider the option of sphincter-conserving surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy even in very low rectal cancer.