[The use of SPECT-CT for visualization of sentinel lymph nodes and lymph drainage pathways in prostate cancer patients].

There was studied the use of SPECT-CT for visualization of sentinel lymph nodes and lymph drainage pathways in 35 patients with localized prostate cancer (cT1-T2 N0 M0). Sentinel lymph nodes were imaged in 31 (89%) patients. There were advantageously detected drainage pathways to exterior (77%) and internal iliac (58%) lymph nodes. Visceral (29%) lymph nodes (paraprostatic, paravesical and mesorectal) were less determined. There was established high informative value of SPECT-CT for imaging sentinel lymph nodes, determining their location as well as identification of lymph drainage pathways in patients with prostate cancer.

[Use of SPECT-CT for visualization of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients].

This study was performed in order to determine individual variability of axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) localization in patient with breast cancer (BC). Individual topography of axillary SLN was determined in 182 patients with early BC. All women were candidates for conservative surgical treatment with postoperative radiotherapy. SPECT-CT visualization of SLN started 120-240 min after intratumoral injection of 74-150MBq of 99mTc-radiocolloids. Distribution of axillary SLN was allocated to following subregions: central (C), pectoral (P), apical (AP), lateral (L), subscapular (SSc). SLN visualization by SPECT-CT was successful in 153 cases (84%). AP nodes were detected in 7 patients (5%). SLN were localized on thoracic wall in 34 cases (22%), in the intrapectoral region--in 3 (2%) women. According to axillary levels they were detected on level I--in 149 (97%), level II--15 (10%), level III-- (7.5%) cases.

[METHODOLOGIC PROBLEMS OF SENTINEL LYMPH NODE BIOPSY IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER].

The study included data on 168 patients with breast cancer, surgical treatment of whom was supplemented by axillary dissection (133 patients or 79.2%) or biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (35 patients or 20.8%). The examination included ultrasound, planar scintigraphy of the breast and zones of regional lymph drainage. In 122 patients with primary breast cancer stage cT1-2N0M0 retrospective analysis of radionuclide imaging sentinel lymph node was performed. In 89 patients the introduction of colloidal radiopharmaceutical was carried out using a particle diameter of not more than 80-100 nm, in 33 patients study was conducted after administration of radiocolloid with a particle diameter of 200 to 1000 nm. Based on the data obtained by scintigraphy and ultrasonography of zones of regional lymph drainage there were offered two diagnostics models: the first, in which the presence of metastatic axillary lymph nodes was established when there were changes according to at least one of the diagnostic methods--scintigraphy or ultrasound; the second, in which the defeat of lymph nodes was determined only in the case of simultaneous detection of ultrasound and scintigraphic evidence of axillary lymph nodes. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of the combination of ultrasound and planar scintigraphy axillary lymph nodes using the first model accounted for 82.7%, 67.7% and 74.4%, respectively. In the second model, the specificity was 94.6%, sensitivity--56%. Rapid transport of radiopharmaceuticals from the injection site, a high gradient of radiopharmaceuticals accumulation in sentinel lymph nodes, effective their visualization, approaching to 100%, were undoubted advantages of radiocolloids having a particle diameter up to 100 nm.

[Treatment of patients with disseminated testicular germ cell tumors].

Testicular germ cell tumors are rare diseases of young age with high sensitive to cytostatic therapy. Their complex treatment should be based on prognostic factors and individual properties of disease. It includes chemotherapy followed by cytoreductive surgery of residual lesions according to international standards and guidelines. This approach is highly effective and allows curing the majority of patients with advanced disease.

[Role of single-photon emission-computed tomography and x-ray computed tomography in diagnosing lymphatic metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer].

Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) with 99mTc-MIBI was performed after conventional staging in 83 operated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Diagnostic results of SPECT and conventional computerized tomography (CT) staging were validated by histological examinations of operation material. According to histological verification 35 of 83 evaluated patients had lymph node (LN) invasion by NSCLC. SPECT detected LN involvement in 28 of these 35 patients and was false positive in additional 16 patients. Pneumonia or atelectasis were detected in 12 of 16 patients with false positive SPECT results. Sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Sp), accuracy (Ac), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of SPECT in diagnosis of LN invasion by NSCLC was as follows: 80%, 66%, 72%, 65%, 82%. Diagnostic accuracy of CT for detection of LN involvement was inferior to SPECT: Sen--71%, Sp--62%, Ac--66%, PPV--58%, NPV--75%. Combination of SPECT and CT data offer promising solutions with Sen reached 94% or high Sp which in patients without atelectasis or pneumonia can reach 96%.

[The role of spiral computed tomography in planning the surgical interventions for non-organ retroperitoneal tumors].

The surgical operation is a principal and in most cases a solitary treatment for non-organ retroperitoneal tumors. High risk of recurrence, aptitude to large local extension dictates necessity of individual surgical plan. An equality of approach is excluded. Pre-operative specified diagnostics of tumor extension is extremely important. We present an experience of determination of such characteristics of non-organ retroperitoneal tumors, which influence the extent of surgery (multiple lesions, invasion of adjacent vessels and organs).

[Combined use of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of axillary lymphatic metastasis in patients with breast cancer].

We aimed to evaluate different imaging strategies for diagnosis of axillary LNMs in patients with primary breast cancer (BC). 168 consecutive patients with primary BC were included in the study. Functional imaging by scintigraphy (AxSc) with 99mTc-MIBI was performed in static and tomography modes 15 min after i/v injection. Focal areas of tracer accumulation in axial region were considered as sings of LNMs. Ultrasound (US) examination of axillary region was performed on 7.5 kH scanner. Nodes with diameter more than 1 cm were considered abnormal. All patients were operated with axial LN dissection and subsequent histological evaluation. Scintigraphic signs of LNMs revealed in 65 patients: 48--true positive, 17--false positive. Among 103 women with normal AxSc results 27 had LNMs and 76--uninvolved nodes. Sensitivity (Sen), Specificity (Sp) and Accuracy (Ac) of AxSc were as follows: 64%, 82% and 74%. Sonography diagnosed LNMs in 74 women: 56 were metastatic on histology while other 18--uninvolved. On the contrary, 19 of 94 US normal sized nodes were metastatic on histology. US had following values when used for diagnosis of axillary LNMs: Sen--75%, Sp--81%, Ac--78%. When LNMs were diagnosed as the combination of concordantly abnormal US and AxSc examinations Sp reached 95%, Sen dropped down to 56% and Ac--to 77%. Another model was based on the assumption that LNMs must be diagnosed in all patients with abnormal US or AxSc examinations. According to this strategy Sen reached 83%, Sp--68% and Ac--74%. Thus, we found comparative accuracy of US and AxSc in diagnosis of axillary LNMs in patients with primary BC. Combination of both modalities can significantly improve sensitivity (83%) or specificity (95%) of final conclusion which is determined by established diagnostic strategy and criteria's that are used for BC diagnosis.

[Use of simultaneous double-tracer SPECT with 99m-Tc-technetril and 67-Ga-citrate for follow-up of patients with non-small cell lung cancer].

In 20 primary patients with focal abnormalities on conventional CT we evaluated diagnostic properties of simultaneous double-tracer SPECT. Scintigraphy was performed as a single examination with simultaneous registration of 67Ga and 99mTc-MIBI. Image acquisition was started 48-74 hours after IV injection of 130-175 MBq 67Ga-citrate and immediately after IV injection of 500-740 MBq of 99mTc-MIBI. All images for each agent were classified as positive and negative for primary tumor, N1 and N2 lymph-nodes (LN). According to histology 18 of 20 evaluated patients had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the other two patients had tuberculosis and nonspecific inflammation. SPECT with 99mTc-MIBI correctly visualized tumor in 18, 67Ga allowed correct visualization in 16 cases. Both tracers were truly negative in a patient with tuberculosis and false positive in a patient with nonspecific inflammation. Double-tracer SPECT was slightly more specific than CT in primary lesions. In 18 patients histological verification of LN status was obtained: NO was revealed in 9 cases, N1 in 4 and N2 in 5 cases. Both tracers correctly discriminated LN-positive and LN-negative cases with 94% specificity. On the contrary, CT was false-positive in 3 and false-negative in another 5 patients. Differentiation between N1 and N2 LN involvement is crucial for therapy planning. 99mTc MIBI and 67Ga revealed N1 in 2 cases and N2 in 4 cases, the diagnosis was later verified by postoperative morphology. In 2 patients SPECT overestimated extent of LN involvement and LN status was changed after surgery from N2 to N1. In 18 patients results of 99mTc-MIBI and 67Ga augmented each other. Accuracy of LN staging by SPECT with 99mTc-MIBI and 67Ga was 83%. CT accurately determined LN stage only in 7 patients, it was overestimated in 7 and underestimated in 4 cases. SPECT with 99mTc-MIBI and 67Ga demonstrated high overall accuracy in diagnostics of regional LN invasion for patients with NSCLC. Diagnostic value of conventional CT was significantly lower. Correct level of LN involvement was determined by SPECT in 83% of cases.

[Pharmacoeconomic analysis of gefitinib therapy in patients with non-cell cell lung cancer].

We performed a treatment efficacy analysis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients' population with EGFR mutation aimed at optimization of pharmacoeconomic factors. The employment of gefitinib leads to an increase in patients' life expectancy for a median of 1.05 years. The average cost-effectiveness of this therapy is 934.8 thousand rubles per additional year (903.9-1100.5 thousand rubles for each year). If gefitinib therapy is given only to patients with proved EGFR mutation it can decrease the average expenses by 211.6-251.8 thousand rubles per patient in comparison to undiagnosed patients's population receiving gefitinib without a decrease in clinical effect. Comparison of selective gefitinib administration with isolated chemotherapy (CT) yields an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 960.7 to 1010.0 thousand rubles per additional year. Therefore, the strategy of EGFR gene mutations testing in patients with inoperable NSCLC with consequent gefitinib therapy administration in patients positive for mutation lead to an increase in life expectancy and is characterized by acceptable cost-effectiveness.

[Sonoelastography in the diagnosis of breast tumors smaller than 2 cm].

This is an analysis of the use of sonoelastography as part of complex instrumental diagnostic procedure (mammography, gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography) for small breast tumors. A total of 126 patients with breast lesions below 20 mm in diameter were divided into two groups depending on lesion size. The first group consisted of women with 5-10 mm lesions (21 patients with carcinoma and 20 patients with benign tumors), the second group was characterized by 11-20 mm lesions (69 carcinoma patients and 16 patients with benign lesions). According to analysis results the diagnostic complex of gray-scale ultrasonography and sonoelastography is most sensitive, the sensitivity is higher in the second group (89.1% and 97.7% respectively). The complex ultrasonography procedure yielded better overall results than mammography in both patients' groups.

[Sonographic imaging of soft tissue tumors].

In the course of this study 651 patients with morphologically confirmed soft tissue tumors of different localizations underwent gray-scale sonography, Doppler sonography and energetic Doppler carting. Hitachi HI Vision 900, Logiq-400, Aloka-650, Aloka-2000 scanners wih 5-13 MHz sensors were used. Lipomas, fibrolipomas, benign angioneoplasms and some of the desmoids were shown to have a characteristic sonographical picture. The potential sonographic symptom complexes were determined. Among the malignant tumors the distinct sonographic features were observed in liposarcoma and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The other soft tissue sarcomas have no characteristic sonographic pattern. In this cases the differential diagnosis could be assisted by clinical signs and medical history analysis.

[Elastographic visualization of soft tissue tumors and its role in the diagnostic process].

A total of 110 patients with malignant (n=54, 49,1%), intermediate (n=24, 21.8%) or benign (n=31, 28.2%) soft tissue tumors were included in the study aimed to determine the soft tissue tumor elastographic picture and the overall role of elastographic visualization in soft-tissue tumor diagnostics. All the patients underwent grey-scale real-time elastography, colored Doppler mapping, energy Doppler mapping and ultrasonic elastography. The ultrasonic elastography included the quality assay of tissue color mapping and tissue stiffness index assay. All the tests were performed with Hitachi HI Vision 900 US scanner with 5-13 MHz US-sensors. In soft tissue tumors the elastography had 97% sensitivity equal to grey-scale US-scan sensitivity. Based on the results of the study, the elastography doesn't lead to any benefits as a stand-alone diagnostic technique. In most cases it doesn't lend any additional value compared to grey-scale US-scan. The only exceptions are the low-grade lyposarcomas, diffuse lypomas and fibrolypomas and desmoids. Nevertheless, elastography is still a useful method in surgical treatment planning as it allows to pinpoint the exact amount of involved tissues more effective than grey-scale US-scan techniques.

[Role of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors].

In this study we present an analysis of our own data on computerized tomography (CT) employment in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and the review of the literature. The CT data for 21 patients with GIST was compared with operation and morphology data. Difficulties of GIST timely diagnostic are described.

[Effectiveness of gefitinib (Iressa) as first-line therapy for inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer with mutated EGFR gene (phase II study)].

Tumor regression was reported in 20-30% of patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSLC) following standard first-line chemotherapy. Clinical trials with second-line gefitinib (Iressa) showed a strikingly high response in patients with mutated EGFR. However, clinical experience with gefitinib as first-line therapy had been limited to small-scale trials mostly among subjects of Asian origin. Our study was not associated with the drug manufacturer and included 25 chemotherapy-naive patients with mutated EGFR inoperable lung adenocarcinoma. Standard dose was 250 mg/day. Complete response was observed in 1 patient (4%), partial--11 (44%), sustained stabilization--13 (52%); median time until tumor progression--186 days. Median overall survival failed to be registered within the duration of the study. Among most frequent side-effects were skin rash (19; 76%) and diarrhea (14; 56%): marked side-effect -toxicity grade III (4; 16%). Gefitinib appeared highly efficient and tolerable and may be recommended as first-line treatment of mutated EGFR inoperable NSLC.

[Comparative characteristics of quality of life and physical status of patients with ischemic heart disease and aortic valve disease].

For comparison of physical status and quality of life of patients we analyzed 2 clinical groups: patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and aortic valve disease. Using original methodology of bringing results of questionnaire " Nottingham Health Profile " to functional classification we had a possibility to compare quality of life of patients with functional classes of physical working capacity and NYHA classification. Subjective component inserted into NYHA classification and quality of life questionnaire leads to substantial discrepancy with objective data on physical working capacity. In most cases patients of both clinical groups subjectively overestimate functional capacity of their organism. In patients with IHD most significant limitations manifest in psychic sphere of life, while in patients with aortic valve disease - in physical sphere of life, what demonstrates great effect of psychosomatic factor in development of IHD.

[Properties of mammary fat in breast cancer patients: topographic, systemic and environmental factors].

Breast cancer course may be influenced by a profile of steroids and peptides produced by mammary fat. The study was concerned with assessment of hormonal (leptin and adiponectin production, adipocyte diameter and aromatase level) and progenotoxic factors which characterize DNA damage (8-OHdG) and such cancer promoters as tumor necrosis (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), thiobarbiturate reactive products (TRP), macrophage/histiocyte infiltration, estrogen 4-hydroxylase expression (CYP1B1) in mammary fat located 1.5-2 cm or not less than 5 cm away from tumor edge. Thirty-three pairs of mammary fat samples from 23 menopausal and 10 cycling patients were used. Closer proximity of mammary fat involved intensified biosynthesis of estrogens (as shown by aromatase level) and their conversion to catechol derivatives (as shown by CYP1B1 concentration) as well as accumulation of 8-OH-dG. Smoking and hyperglycemic patients and those with considerable mammary fat volume revealed accumulations of anti-inflammatory and progenotoxic cytokines (IL-6 or TNF-alpha). Hence, hormonal/progenotoxic ratio in mammary fat can be identified both by topographic, systemic and environmental factors.

[Features of ultrasound diagnosis of non-epithelial ovarian carcinoma].

Ultrasound examination using color Doppler imaging was used in 70 patients with non-epithelial ovarian carcinoma and 23 patients with subserous nodes of uterine myoma. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological assay of resected material. The procedure can be used for differentiated diagnosis between non-epithelial ovarian carcinoma and subserous nodes of uterine myoma, as well as for appraisal of individual features of tumor so that adequate treatment might be selected.

[Stages of compensation of circulation in acquired aortic valve disease according to data of physical working capacity].

We examined 194 men (mean age 40 +/- 1.4 years) with acquired aortic valve disease. Basing on the data of estimation of physical working capacity and reserve of cardiorespiratory system we assessed staging of development of compensatory mechanisms of circulation in patients with acquired aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency. According to working capacity all patients were divided into 4 groups with different hemodynamic response of the organism to physical work. Staged development of mechanisms of compensation of the circulation was found to be related to pronounced left ventricular remodeling: concentric myocardial hypertrophy developed in aortic stenosis while aortic insufficiency was associated with eccentric hypertrophy of the myocardium. These differences in geometry were observed already at stage II. Parameters of systemic hemodynamics and energy expenditures of the heart during exercise practically did not differ between aortic stenosis and insufficiency of aortic valve and were characterized by progressive lowering of efficacy of circulation from stage II to stage IV despite pronounced tension of myocardial reserve. As a result significant lowering of tolerance to physical effort took place in patients of the given group.

[Investigation of the drug "Mamoclam" for the treatment of patients with fibroadenomatosis of the breast].

The clinical trial of a new drug "mamoclam" was carried out in patients with benign breast disease. The drug contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, iodine and chlorophyll derivatives and is produced from the brown sea alga laminaria. The study involved 33 patients (mean age 42.5 +/- 1.1 yrs). Two tablets were administered thrice a day for three months. Examination included clinical evaluation of symptoms of mastopathy and dysalgomenorrhea, breast sonography and mammography. Therapeutic response presented as reduced mastalgia, premenopausal syndrome, dysmenorrhea and algomenorrhea, breast cyst regression as well as attenuated pain associated with benign breast disease and palpation. Positive response was reported in 94%. The drug should be recommended for benign breast disease treatment.