Prognostic impact of blast cell counts in dysplastic bone marrow disorders (MDS and CMML I) with concomitant fibrosis.

In a retrospective study, 43 patients with dysplastic neoplasms of the bone marrow (myelodysplastic syndromes and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative-overlap neoplasms) associated with marked (grades 2-3) fibrosis were examined. Histopathologic and morphologic findings as well as cytogenetic and molecular results were correlated with clinical endpoints. Multilineage dysplasia (34 of 43 patients, 79 %) and hypercellular bone marrow (64 %) were found in most patients. In ten of 35 patients, poor risk karyotypes according to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) were recorded. The JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in four of 30 patients (13 %), and the KIT D816V mutation was found in two of 30 patients (6 %). Patients were mainly treated with palliative drugs and best supportive care. After an observation time of 1-41 (median 21) months, ten of 43 patients (23 %) had developed a secondary acute leukemia. The median survival of all 43 patients was 21.4 months (range 1.8-88.2 months). Of all prognostic parameters examined, the blast cell count at diagnosis was found to be a most reliable and most predictive marker concerning survival and leukemia progression. This confirms previous studies in dysplastic bone marrow neoplasms without fibrosis.

[Sentinel lymph node dissection for localized prostate cancer]. / Papel de la biopsia dinámica del ganglio centinela en el cáncer de próstata organoconfinado.

Proper assessment of lymph node status is of crucial importance in the management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Early stage metastatic disease takes the form of microscopic tumor-cell deposits rather than grossly enlarged nodes. So far there is no imaging technique, however, which allows detecting small metastases in the range of a few millimetres. Therefore pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the only reliable method of staging for clinically localized prostate cancer. The cornerstone of radioguided prostate surgery is a radiopharmaceutical--a carrier molecule labeled by radionuclide. After injection to at the prostate, the radiopharmaceutical crosses the lymphatic pores and migrates into the lymph vessels and from there to the first echelon of lymph nodes. We were the first to show that sentinel PLND can be performed by means of laparoscopy preceding laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Our most recent publication presents data of 140 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer in which laparoscopic sentinel PLND was performed preceding radical prostatectomy from November 2001 to January 2005. On the preoperative scintigraphy SLNs were detected bilaterally,unilaterally, not on the pelvic-walls in 113 (80.7%), 20 (14.2%) and 6 (4.2%) patients and intraoperatively in 96 (68.6%), 36 (25.7%), 8 (5.7%) patients respectively. In 99 out of 140 patients (70.7%) intraoperatively SLN was detected in the same position as on preoperative scan. At least one SLN was detected in 133 patients (95.3%). Whenever PLND is indicated it should not be limited to lymph node sampling as provided by standard limited PLND but has to be performed in the template of extended PLND. There is only limited experience with sentinel PLND, but all the data collected so far indicate that this method has the potential to become an alternative to extended PLND since it allows for reduction of the extent of PLND without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Papel de la biopsia dinámica del ganglio centinela en el cáncer de próstata organoconfinado / Sentinel lymph node dissection for localized prostate cancer

La correcta valoración de la afectación ganglionar es de gran importancia en el manejo de los nuevos casos de cáncer de próstata. El estadio precoz de la enfermedad metastásica se manifiesta como pequeños focos microscópicos más que como ganglios linfáticos engrosados. Sin embargo, hasta ahora no hay ninguna técnica de imagen que permita detectar metástasis cuyo diámetro alcance unos pocos milímetros. Por tanto, la linfadenectomía pélvica (LNDP) es el único método fiable para el estadiaje del cáncer de próstata organoconfinado (CPO). El pilar de la cirugía prostática radioguiada es el uso de un radiofármaco, una molécula transportadora marcada con radionúclido. Tras la inyección en la glándula prostática, el radiofármaco alcanza el territorio linfático y migra al primer escalón linfático, el ganglio centinela (GC). Fuimos los primeros en demostrar que la LDNP del GC se podía llevar a cabo mediante abordaje laparoscópico previo a la prostatectomía radical (PTR) laparoscópica. En nuestra publicación más reciente se presentan los datos de 140 pacientes diagnosticados de CPO entre noviembre de 2001 a enero 2005 en los que se realizó LDNP laparoscópica del GC previa a la PTR, también laparoscópica14. En la gammagrafía preoperatoria, se detectaron GC de forma bilateral en 113 pacientes (80,7%), de forma unilateral en 20 (14,2%) y no se detectaron en 6 (4,2%), mientras que en la realizada durante la cirugía se detectaron en 96 pacientes (68,6%), 36 (25,7%), 8 (5,7%) respectivamente. Los GC se hallaron en la misma localización con ambos procedimientos en 99 de 140 pacientes (70,7%). Al menos se objetivó un GC en 133 pacientes (95,3%). Cuando la LDNP está indicada, ésta no debería restringirse a la exéresis de adenopatías, según la técnica de LDNP limitada o estándar, sino que tiene que realizarse siguiendo el patrón de la LDNP extendida. Hay poca experiencia con la LDNP del GC, pero todos los datos publicados hasta ahora indican que este procedimiento puede ser una alternativa a la LDNP extendida, ya que permite reducir la extensión de la LDNP sin comprometer la exactitud diagnóstica

Proper assessment of lymph node status is of crucial importance in the management of newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Early stage metastatic disease takes the form of microscopic tumor-cell deposits rather than grossly enlarged nodes. So far there is no imaging technique, however, which allows detecting small metastases in the range of a few millimetres. Therefore pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the only reliable method of staging for clinically localized prostate cancer. The cornerstone of radioguided prostate surgery is a radiopharmaceutical - a carrier molecule labeled by radionuclide. After injection to at the prostate, the radiopharmaceutical crosses the lymphatic pores and migrates into the lymph vessels and from there to the first echelon of lymph nodes. We were the first to show that sentinel PLND can be performed by means of laparoscopy preceding laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Our most recent publication presents data of 140 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer in which laparoscopic sentinel PLND was performed preceding radical prostatectomy from November 2001 to January 200514. On the preoperative scintigraphy SLNs were detected bilaterally, unilaterally, not on the pelvic-walls in 113 (80.7%), 20 (14.2%) and 6 (4.2%) patients and intraoperatively in 96 (68.6%), 36 (25.7%), 8 (5.7%) patients respectively. In 99 out of 140 patients (70.7%) intraoperatively SLN was detected in the same position as on preoperative scan. At least one SLN was detected in 133 patients (95.3%). Whenever PLND is indicated it should not be limited to lymph node sampling as provided by standard limited PLND but has to be performed in the template of extended PLND. There is only limited experience with sentinel PLND, but all the data collected so far indicate that this method has the potential to become an alternative to extended PLND since it allows for reduction of the extent of PLND without compromising diagnostic accuracy

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the liver. A rare diagnosis in the course of intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis]. / Plattenepithelkarzinom der Leber. Ein seltener Zufallsbefund im Rahmen einer intrahepatischen segmentalen Cholangiolithiasis.

We report the rare case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the liver in a 69-year-old female Asian suffering from cholangitis and a liver abscess due to segmental intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis. The patient was an immigrant who had been living for several years in Austria. After pigtail drainage of an abscess in segment II and III, a bisegmentectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed structures of an invasive squamous cell carcinoma close to the resection margin.For that reason we performed a left lobectomy. Seven years thereafter the patient is well and free of local and distant recurrences. The case is discussed based on a review of the literature.

[The value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose in positron emission tomography diagnosis of breast carcinoma]. / Wertigkeit der F-18-Fluorodeoxy-Glukose-Positronenemissionstomographie-Diagnostik beim Mammakarzinom.

Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (F-18-FDG-PET) has become an important issue in the diagnosis of malignant tumors within the last years. In breast cancer PET has been established in the diagnosis of the primary tumor as well as in recurrences with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 75%-100%; additional a sensitivity of more than 90% and a specificity of about 75% is also seen in axillary lymph nodes detection. With our own results we were able to prove sensitivity of positron emission tomography in diagnosing the primary lesion, locoregional lymph nodes and the staging of metastases. Furthermore, positron emission tomography seems to be superior to conventional imaging modalities in staging primary and recurrent breast cancer, distant metastases and lymph nodes outside the axilla.

Is sentinel lymph node biopsy reliable and indicated after preoperative chemotherapy in patients with breast carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Many studies support the concept and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) for staging patients with breast carcinoma, which can be performed with low morbidity in lymph node negative patients. Preoperative chemotherapy (PC) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with operable breast carcinoma and is another approach with which to reduce radical surgery in patients with more advanced disease. It is of interest whether the sentinel lymph node accurately represents the axillary status after PC and, thus, whether the sentinel node concept can be applied to both groups. METHODS: Thirty-three patients underwent SNB after chemotherapy and prior to axillary lymph node dissection. RESULTS: The average greatest tumor dimension before chemotherapy (33 mm +/- 2 mm) was significantly larger (P = 0.000) than after therapy (20 mm +/- 3 mm). Histopathologic complete remission was seen in only three patients. One or two sentinel lymph nodes (average, 1.7 lymph nodes) were identified with certainty in 29 of 33 procedures and accurately predicted axillary lymph node status in all of these patients. Breast-conserving surgery was possible in 21 patients (64%), and axillary lymph nodes were involved in 22 patients (67%). CONCLUSIONS: Even after patients undergo PC, SNB seems to be a reliable method for accurate staging of the axilla in those more advanced breast carcinoma. Thus, axillary dissection may be avoided in certain patients. Lymph node involvement seems to be likely in women with suspicious axillary findings before chemotherapy who have no visible sentinel lymph nodes on preoperative lymphosintigraphy and in patients without recurrent tumors. Further investigation of the SNB concept in this patient group should be evaluated in larger studies.

E-cadherin/catenin complex in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.

E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule expressed by melanocytes and responsible for their adhesion to keratinocytes in vitro. In this study, the expression of E-cadherin and its associated cytoplasmic proteins alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenin was evaluated in melanocytic lesions by immunohistochemistry. E-cadherin expression was evaluated in 70 malignant melanomas and the catenins in 35 of these specimens. Twenty benign melanocytic naevi were also evaluated for E-cadherin and catenin expression. In normal epidermis, E-cadherin/catenin immunostaining was localized at the intercellular borders. In melanomas, a differential loss of E-cadherin expression was observed. Membranous E-cadherin staining was absent in dermal nests of melanomas in their radial growth phase and in Clark level II and III lesions, whereas it was present in a high proportion of melanomas in their vertical growth phase, in Clark level IV and V lesions and in metastasizing melanomas. In contrast, superficial compartments of naevi showed membranous E-cadherin immunoreactivity and junctional naevus cell nests displayed heterogeneous or diffuse cytoplasmic staining. Cytoplasmic alpha- and beta-catenin, but not gamma-catenin staining were detected in all benign and malignant lesions. These findings indicate that qualitative changes in the expression and cellular localization of E-cadherin and of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenin occur in melanocytic lesions and may reflect different stages in their progression.

Orbital immunocytoma simulating Hodgkin's disease by mimicking Hodgkin- and Reed-Sternberg-like cells.

PURPOSE: The present case report describes primary orbital immunocytoma (IgM-kappa) mimicking Hodgkin's disease of the diffuse, lymphocyte predominance type by expressing Hodgkin simulating cells as well as Reed-Sternberg simulating cells (both: H-RS cells). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patient (87a; male) was admitted to hospital with increasing left upper eyelid protrusion. Computed tomography revealed an unspecific accumulation of soft tissue within the orbit. A biopsy was taken. Light microscopical sections were stained with PAS, Giemsa and haematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemistry was performed following standard procedures. RESULTS: By means of light microscopy, Hodgkin's disease of the diffuse, lymphocyte predominance type was indicated. This initial diagnosis was mainly based on morphological criteria, e.g. the presence of H-RS-like cells. Since staging work-up produced no evidence of systemic disease, immunohistochemistry was performed. It revealed that the misleading cells were H-RS simulating cells. Finally, the diagnosis made was that of immunocytoma (IgM-kappa); stage I EA. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease of the diffuse, lymphocyte predominance type is normally based on morphological criteria. However, in very rare cases immunocytomas simulate this variant of Hodgkin's disease by expressing misleading H-RS simulating cells. Thus, immunohistochemical investigations should generally be included in the criteria for the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease of the diffuse, lymphocyte predominance type. As far as we are aware, primary immunocytoma mimicking this variant of Hodgkin's disease within the orbit has never been reported.

Predictive value of the anatomical location of ultrasound-guided systematic sextant prostate biopsies for the nodal status of patients with localized prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of the anatomical location of positive prostate biopsies for the nodal status of patients with localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 130 patients were included in this analysis. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis and transrectal ultrasonography with systematic sextant biopsies. Each biopsy core was analyzed separately. Subsequently, all patients underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy. The final pathological stage was correlated with the number of anatomical location of positive prostate biopsies. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (13.8%) had positive lymph nodes. Based on clinical stage, serum PSA and the anatomical location of positive prostate biopsies, a staging model was developed with particular emphasis on the nodal status. In group I (n = 33; 25.4%), defined by negative basal biopsies and clinical stage T2 (irrespective of PSA), all patients had negative lymph nodes. Similarly, all but 1 patient were lymph node negative in group II (n = 36; 27.7%), which included cases of positive basal biopsy, PSA < 10 ng/ml clinical T2. Finally, group III (n = 61; 46.9%), defined by a positive basal biopsy and/or PSA > 10 ng/ml and/or clinical T3 included 17/18 (94.4%) node-positive patients. CONCLUSION: Based on these data we consider it safe not to perform lymphadenectomy in group I and group II patients as only 1/69 patients (1.4%) was node positive. Patients meeting the group III criteria, however, should undergo pelvic lymphadenectomy, as 94.5% of all lymph-node-positive cases were in this group.