Intracranial germ cell tumors: a single-institution experience

Intracranial germ cell tumors [GCTs] are not a common disease. We reviewed the experience of a single institution to determine the variables that affect treatment outcome. A retrospective review of patients with the diagnosis of intracranial germ cell tumors treated in a single institution [KFSHRC] during the period from March 1985 to December 2007. Fifty-seven patients with the diagnosis of intracranial GCT were recorded in the KFSHRC Tumor Registry during the period from 1985 to 2007. Seven patients with a pineal region tumor treated as germinomas in the earlier years without a tissue diagnosis were excluded. This retrospective study was restricted to the remaining 50 patients with a tissue or marker diagnosis: 31 germinomas and 19 non-germinomatous germ cell tumors [NGGCTs]. The 10-year overall survival [OS], event-free survival [EFS] and relapse-free survival [RFS] were 87%, 88% and 96% for patients with germinoma, with a median follow-up of 4.5 [range 2-17] years, compared with 26%, 29% and 46% for patients with NGGCT with a median follow-up of 3 [range 1.5-13] years. For NGGCT, variables favorably influencing OS were younger age [< 16 y vs >/= 16 y, P=.01], higher radiation dose [>50 Gy vs 1990 vs <1990 P=.002]. Tissue diagnosis of GCTs is mandatory prior to treatment except for patients with elevated markers. In germinoma, localized radiotherapy [RT] for M0 patients may be adequate. Long-term follow-up is needed to define the benefit of adding chemotherapy. For NGGCT, the use of combined modality treatment and RT dose >50 Gy are important factors that influence the outcome. Second-look surgery and resection of residual/refractory tumors is always recommended

Reliability of MRI in measuring tongue tumour thickness: a 1.5t study

Background: Tongue tumour thickness has been shown to have a correlation with neck nodal metastasis and hence patient survival. Current AJCC guidelines recommend inclusion of tongue tumour thickness measurement in routine radiologic staging. Several studies have attempted to define the accuracy of MRI in measuring tongue tumour thickness. The aim of our study was to compare tongue tumour thickness measured at T2-weighted and STIR sequences with histologic tongue tumour thickness. Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients of tongue cancer who had undergone glossectomy were selected retrospectively. Tumours were measured in both STIR axial and T2- weighted coronal images and compared with histologic tumour thickness on resected specimens. Pearson's analysis was performed to determine the degree of correlation. Paired samples t-test was also used for comparison of mean tumour thicknesses measured on MRI with mean histologic tumour thickness. Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed good correlation of tumour thickness measured on MRI with actual histologic tumour thickness [R=0.876]. Conclusion: MRI provides a satisfactory prediction of tongue tumour thickness which in turn can be used to determine the need for elective neck dissection in these patients. Keywords: Lymphatic Metastasis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods, Tongue Neoplasms

Generalized cutaneous granulocytic sarcoma with joint involvement

Granulocytic sarcoma [GS] is a rare medullary solid tumour composed on immature myeloid cells. These tumours often display a greenish colour due to the enzymatic action of myeloperoxidase in the tumour cells. Hence, the term 'chloroma' was given to this lesion in 1853. GS commonly involves bone, periosteum, soft tissue, lymph node, and skin. Rare occurrences in muscle, meninges, breast, mediastinum, joints and ovary have been reported. Below-knee joint involvement in GS is unusual. We report a case of generalized cutaneous granulocytic sarcoma with ankle joint involvement who subsequently developed AML-M4

Role of neo-adjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancers

To determine the radiologic downstaging and histological response after neo-adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancers. Case series. Radiation Oncology department of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, from December 2004 to November 2005. Thirty patients with histopathologically confirmed locally advanced carcinoma rectum who had not received any treatment [chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery] prior to presentation were enrolled. Radiation therapy was delivered with a three-field technique to a dose of 50.4 Gy over 5 weeks at the rate of 1.8 Gy/day. Two cycles of chemotherapy were given synchronously, which comprised of 5-fluorouracil 350 mg/m[2] and folinic acid 20 mg/m[2] continuous intravenous infusion over first five days and last five days of radiotherapy. Surgery was planned 4-6 weeks later to chemoradiation after radiologic post therapy staging. Viable specimens were identified and toxicity was observed. All patients completed treatment without modification. Radiologic downstaging was found in 56.7%, stable disease was seen in 30.0% and progressive disease was present in 13.3% of the patients. Radiologically complete resolution of tumour was not observed. Pathological complete resolution of tumour was achieved in 3.3% and near complete resolution was observed in 13.3% of the patients. In 86.6% cases, a total gross tumour resection with no macroscopic residual disease was possible. All the patients tolerated the treatment well. Neo-adjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancers is associated with high resectability rate and is relatively safe with acceptable morbidity which favours its use in future