Disseminated tumour cells from the bone marrow of early breast cancer patients: Results from an international pooled analysis.

PURPOSE: Presence of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow (BM) has been described as a surrogate of residual disease in patients with early breast cancer (EBC). PADDY (Pooled Analysis of DTC Detection in Early Breast Cancer) is a large international analysis of pooled data that aimed to assess the prognostic impact of DTCs in patients with EBC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Individual patient data were collected from 11 centres. Patients with EBC and available follow-up data in whom BM sampling was performed at the time of primary diagnosis before receiving any anticancer treatment were eligible. DTCs were identified by antibody staining against epithelial cytokeratins. Multivariate Cox regression was used to compare the survival of DTC-positive versus DTC-negative patients. RESULTS: In total, 10,307 patients were included. Of these, 2814 (27.3%) were DTC-positive. DTC detection was associated with higher tumour grade, larger tumour size, nodal positivity, oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor negativity, and HER2 positivity (all p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that DTC detection was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival, disease-free survival and distant disease-free survival with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.06-1.43, p = 0.006), 1.30 (95% CI: 1.12-1.52, p < 0.001) and 1.30 (95% CI: 1.08-1.56, p = 0.006), respectively. There was no association between locoregional relapse-free survival and DTC detection (HR 1.21; 95% CI 0.68-2.16; p = 0.512). CONCLUSIONS: DTCs in the BM represent an independent prognostic marker in patients with EBC. The heterogeneous metastasis-initiating potential of DTCs is consistent with the concept of cancer dormancy.

Púrpura trombocitopénica inmune asociada a enfermedad de Crohn con respuesta completa a infliximab / Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with Crohn's disease with complete response to infliximab

No disponible

Experiencia de un espacio de reflexión en una unidad de cuidados paliativos / Experience of a reflection space in a palliative care unit

OBJETIVO: Valorar la experiencia, después de un año de funcionamiento, de las sesiones mensuales de reflexión y aprendizaje realizadas en la unidad de cuidados paliativos de un hospital sociosanitario de Barcelona. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Mediante un enfoque metodológico cualitativo-fenomenológico se realizaron tres entrevistas individuales y un grupo focal en el que participaron 11 profesionales de la unidad. Se registraron magnetofónicamente las entrevistas y la sesión del grupo focal. Los datos se analizaron con el apoyo del programa Atlas. ti versión 5.0. Posteriormente se procedió a la triangulación de las técnicas empleadas, entrevistas y grupo focal. RESULTADOS: A través del proceso de análisis de las aportaciones recogidas en la presente investigación emergieron dos vectores cualitativos: aspectos favorables y desfavorables de la experiencia. Las categorías correspondientes a los aspectos favorables fueron: espacio necesario e imprescindible; útil para compartir experiencias y ayuda a expresar emociones. En cuanto a los aspectos desfavorables, las categorías resultantes fueron: falta de madurez del grupo y metodología de trabajo inadecuada. CONCLUSIONES: Los profesionales de la unidad de cuidados paliativos que fueron entrevistados y participaron en el grupo focal consideran el espacio de reflexión como un logro que se debe mantener en el funcionamiento de la unidad aunque deben incorporarse cambios más dirigidos a incrementar la madurez del equipo

OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience, after a year of running monthly sessions of reflection and learning in the palliative care unit of a geriatric hospital in Barcelona. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through a qualitative-phenomenological methodological approach, three individual interviews and a focus group involving 11 professionals from the unit were assessed. Interviews and focus group session was audio recorded. Data were analyzed with the support of Atlas. ti software version 5.0. A triangulation was performed on the techniques used, as well as on the interviews and focus group. RESULTS: Through the process of analysis of the contributions collected in this study, two qualitative vectors emerged: positive aspects and unfavourable aspects of the experience. The following categories were positive aspects: necessary and essential space; useful for sharing experiences, and helps to express emotions. As for the unfavourable aspects, the resulting categories were: lack of maturity of group and poor working METHODOLOGY: CONCLUSIONS: The professional of the palliative care units interviewed and participated in the focus group considered the space for reflection as an achievement that must be maintained in the operation of the unit, but new methodology should be incorporated in order to increase the maturity of the team

Towards the implementation of OSCE in undergraduate nursing curriculum: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that Objective Structured Clinical Examination is considered to be an efficient assessment method, their implementation in the undergraduate nursing curriculum encounters difficulties. However, the initiative of the European Higher Education Area to promote competency-based assessment may represent an opportunity to introduce this instrument in undergraduate nursing curriculum. OBJECTIVE: To explore the perception of nursing faculty members regarding the implementation of the OSCE as an assessment tool in Catalan Nursing Schools. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: In this qualitative study, fifteen teachers participated in semi-structured interviews in eight Catalan Nursing Schools. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted. A thematic content analysis was used to identify major themes in the interview data and collaborative analysis was undertaken to ensure rigorous results. RESULTS: The relevant aspects that are emphasized by teachers included the consideration of the dual purpose of the OSCE via its formative and evaluative facets by enhancing the feedback received by students about their performance on the OSCE. The OSCE should be administered towards the end of the degree program and should complement other methods of assessment. Despite its high cost, the OSCE was deemed to be efficient as it enables student competencies to be assessed with objective criteria, which is a difficult task with other instruments. OSCE implementation is feasible with the institutional support of and collaborative work between schools. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the OSCE in the Catalan undergraduate nursing degree programs is feasible if the project receives the support of all involved parties and if creative strategies are determined to reduce economic costs and optimize resources. With adequate feedback, the OSCE is an assessment tool that can provide high-impact training to students.

Aproximación a la experiencia del paciente y sus cuidadores en la oxigenoterapia domiciliaria / Defining Patient and Caregivers’ Experience of Home Oxygen Therapy

Introducción: Las terapias respiratorias a domicilio suponen un gran impacto en la vida del paciente y de sus familiares. El objetivo de este estudio reside en conocer las opiniones, percepciones y actitudes de los pacientes y sus cuidadores sobre la oxigenoterapia domiciliaria. Método: Estudio cualitativo-fenomenológico de una muestra de 57 personas: 18 familiares y 39 pacientes que reciben oxigenoterapia domiciliaria en núcleos urbanos relevantes. Se realizaron 5 grupos focales entre marzo y julio de 2014 en centros hospitalarios de Barcelona, Madrid y Alicante. El material de análisis constó de las grabaciones en audio de las entrevistas en los grupos focales, la trascripción de las mismas y las notas de campo registradas. El análisis de los datos se realizó a partir del método de las comparaciones constantes. Resultados: Los datos se analizaron en 2 niveles. En un primer nivel de análisis se obtuvieron 21 categorías que, posteriormente, en un segundo nivel de análisis, se integraron en 6 metacategorías: atención facilitada por los profesionales sanitarios, impacto psicológico, atención facilitada por las casas comerciales, impacto en la vida cotidiana, inconvenientes y satisfacción. Conclusiones: La oxigenoterapia domiciliaria tiene un gran impacto psicológico y en la vida diaria tanto de los pacientes como de sus familiares. Por otro lado, sería conveniente mejorar la coordinación entre los diferentes niveles asistenciales y las empresas suministradoras de oxigenoterapia para facilitar información coherente y estrategias útiles para los pacientes y familiares

Introduction: Home oxygen therapy has a great impact on the lives of patients and their families. The aim of this study is to define the opinions, perceptions and attitudes of patients and their caregivers regarding home oxygen. Method: Qualitative, phenomenological study of a sample of 57 subjects, consisting of 18 family members and/or caregivers and 39 patients receiving home oxygen in urban centers. Five focus groups were formed between March and July 2014 in hospitals in Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante. Prior informed consent was obtained from patients and families. The study material consisted of audio recordings of all focus group interviews, transcription of selected materials and field notes. Data analysis was performed using constant comparison method, establishing 2 levels of analysis. Results: Data from the focus groups were analyzed on 2 levels. A first level of analysis gave 21 categories. In a second level of analysis, these were integrated into 6 meta-categories: care provided by health professionals, psychological impact, care provided by commercial companies, impact on daily life, problems and satisfaction. Conclusions: Home oxygen has a major psychological impact on the daily lives of both patients and their families, and can cause social isolation. Although the results show that healthcare professionals are highly appreciated, better coordination is needed between different levels of care and companies supplying oxygen in order to provide patients and families with consistent information and useful strategies

Defining Patient and Caregivers' Experience of Home Oxygen Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Home oxygen therapy has a great impact on the lives of patients and their families. The aim of this study is to define the opinions, perceptions and attitudes of patients and their caregivers regarding home oxygen. METHOD: Qualitative, phenomenological study of a sample of 57 subjects, consisting of 18 family members and/or caregivers and 39 patients receiving home oxygen in urban centers. Five focus groups were formed between March and July 2014 in hospitals in Barcelona, Madrid and Alicante. Prior informed consent was obtained from patients and families. The study material consisted of audio recordings of all focus group interviews, transcription of selected materials and field notes. Data analysis was performed using constant comparison method, establishing 2 levels of analysis. RESULTS: Data from the focus groups were analyzed on 2 levels. A first level of analysis gave 21 categories. In a second level of analysis, these were integrated into 6 meta-categories: care provided by health professionals, psychological impact, care provided by commercial companies, impact on daily life, problems and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Home oxygen has a major psychological impact on the daily lives of both patients and their families, and can cause social isolation. Although the results show that healthcare professionals are highly appreciated, better coordination is needed between different levels of care and companies supplying oxygen in order to provide patients and families with consistent information and useful strategies.

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Special Histologic Types of Invasive Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in ductal and lobular invasive breast cancer, a group of tumors known as special histologic type (SHT) of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and July 2008, 2253 patients from 6 affiliated hospitals underwent SNB who had early breast cancer and clinically negative axilla. The patients' data were collected in a multicenter database. For lymphatic mapping, all patients received an intralesional dose of radiocolloid Tc-99m (4mCi in 0.4 mL saline), at least two hours before the surgical procedure. SNB was performed by physicians from the same nuclear medicine department in all cases. RESULTS: Of the 2253 patients in the database, the SN identification rate was 94.5% (no radiotracer migration in 123 patients), and positive sentinel node prevalence was 22%. SHT was reported in 144 patients (6.4%) of the whole series. In this subgroup, migration of radiotracer was unsuccessful in 8 patients (identification rate was 94.4%) and SNs were positive in 7.4%. SN positivity prevalence in these tumors was variable across the subtypes. Higher probability of lymphatic spread seemed to be related to tumor invasiveness (20% of positivity in micropapillary, 15% in cribriform subtypes, and 0% in adenoid-cystic). CONCLUSION: Sentinel node biopsy is feasible in special histologic subtypes of breast carcinoma with a good identification rate. Lower migration rates, however, might be associated with special histologic features (colloid subtype). Complete axillary dissection after a positive sentinel node cannot be omitted in patients with SHT breast cancer because they can be associated with further axillary disease; the reported very low incidence of axillary metastases would justify avoiding axillary dissection only in the adenoid-cystic subtype.

ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD MEDICINE CHESTS: A SIGNIFICANT LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR NURSING STUDENTS / ANÁLISE DAS CAIXAS DE PRIMEIROS SOCORROS: ESTUDO REALIZADO EM ESTUDANTES DE ENFERMAGEM / ANALISIS DE LOS BOTIQUINES DOMÉSTICOS: UNA EXPERIENCIA DE APRENDIZAJE SIGNIFICATIVA PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES DE ENFERMERÍA

This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in which 214 nursing students from the University of Barcelona participated, in order to examine and assess the state and management of their household medicine chests. A semi-structured questionnaire specifically prepared for the study was used to collect data. The results showed that only 18.2% of the medicine chests examined contained all the recommended dressing materials and medicines. Inspection frequency was less than 12 months in 66.4% of the cases. A high percentage of the nursing students' homes stored medications in unsuitable locations and held on to them beyond their expiration dates or without their package. In contrast, knowledge about the use of the medications and the habit of recycling was better. Carrying out an analysis of their own medicine chest can help nursing students improve their competences in this area.

Estudo descritivo e transversal, no qual participaram 214 estudantes de enfermagem da Universidade de Barcelona com o objetivo de analisar e avaliar o estado e a gestão das caixas de primeiros socorros de suas casas. Um questionário semi-estruturado foi utilizado para coleta de dados. Os resultados mostram que apenas 18,2% dos kits examinados tinham todos os materiais de curativos e medicamentos recomendados. A frequência de revisão é inferior a doze meses em 66,4 % dos casos. Uma elevada porcentagem de residências familiares de estudantes de enfermagem continuvam mantendo os medicamentos armazenados em locais inadequados e vencidos, e fora de sua embalagem. Entretanto, se observou melhor conhecimento do uso dos medicamentos e do hábito de reciclagem. Realizar esta análise em sua própia caixa de primeiros socorros pode ajudar estudantes de enfermagem a melhorar suas habilidades sobre o tema.

Estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en el que participaron 214 estudiantes de Enfermería de la Universidad de Barcelona con el objetivo de analizar y valorar el estado y la gestión de sus propios botiquines domésticos. Para la recogida de datos se utilizó un cuestionario semiestructurado de elaboración propia. Los resultados mostraron que solo el 18,2% de los botiquines examinados tenían todos los materiales de curas y medicamentos recomendados. La periodicidad de revisión fue inferior a 12 meses en un 66,4% de los casos. Un elevado porcentaje de los hogares de los estudiantes de enfermería seguían guardando los medicamentos en lugares inadecuados y los almacenan caducados y fuera de su envase. En contraste, el conocimiento del uso de los medicamentos y el hábito de reciclaje fue mejor. Realizar un análisis sobre su propio botiquín podría ayudar a los estudiantes de enfermería a mejorar sus competencias sobre el tema.

[A MODEL OF COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR COMPLEX CHRONIC PATIENT. EXPERIENCE OF A TERRITORY]. / Un modelo de atención integral al paciente crónico complejo. EXPERIENCIA DE UN TERRITORIO.

INTRODUCTION: The Increase in life expectancy has brought an increase in chronic diseases. The evolution of chronic disease is the cause of several organic and systemic dysfunctions, leading to physical and mental limitations that determine the need for some aid to perform basic vital tasks. Primary health care has a key role in the monitoring of fragility, chronicity, and complexity of population. However, in order to address properly high complexity diseases it is necessary to know and coordinate the different resources existing inside the territory. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODEL FOR ACTION: THE IMPLEMENTATIONS OF A FUNCTIONAL UNIT. The Primary Health Care must ensure equity, accessibility, longitudinally, and continuity of care, bearing in mind that health outcomes must be optimal. There are several health care providers in the Delta del Llobregat SAP, so it was implemented a strategic plan focused on the coordination and/or the reconciliation of all the devices involved in the assistance in order to provide comprehensive attention to the patient. The patients included in this program were to be identified as CCP (Complex chronic Patient), in an evolved and tributary phase of intensive follow-up. CONCLUSIONS. The identification ofpatients listed as CCP and at clinical risk allows a comprehensive monitoring in order to prevent exacerbations and overuse of unscheduled hospital resources.

A Program of Nurse Management for Unscheduled Consultations of Children With Acute Minor Illnesses in Primary Care.

INTRODUCTION: Attention to patients with acute minor illnesses represents a major burden for primary care. Although programs of nurse care for children with acute minor illnesses in primary care started a long time ago, there is limited information about the results of these programs in current practice. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a program of nurse management for unscheduled consultations of children with acute minor illnesses. METHODS: Observational study of children seeking unscheduled consultations for 16 acute minor illnesses in 284 primary care practices during a 2-year period. The program of nurse management used predefined management algorithms. FINDINGS: Among 467,160 consultations performed, case resolution was achieved in 65.4%. The remaining 34.6% of cases were not solved by the primary healthcare nurse due to the existence of signs of alarm and were referred to a pediatrician. Return to consultation during a 7-day period for the same reason as the original consultation was only 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: A program that uses management algorithms is effective for nurse care management of children with acute minor illnesses in primary care. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of programs of nurse management for unscheduled consultations for children with acute minor illnesses is feasible and effective.

Un modelo de atención integral al paciente crónico complejo. Experiencia de un territorio / A model of comprehensive care for complex chronic patient. Experience of a territory

Introducción. El aumento de la esperanza de vida ha comportado un incremento de patologías crónicas. La evolución de las enfermedades crónicas es causa de disfunciones orgánicas y sistémicas, las cuales causan limitaciones físicas y psí- quicas que obligan a establecer ayudas para poder realizar las tareas vitales básicas. La Atención Primaria (AP) tiene un papel clave en el seguimiento de la fragilidad, cronicidad y complejidad de la población, pero para atender la alta complejidad de forma adecuada es preciso conocer y coordinar los distintos recursos existentes en el territorio. Desarrollo del modelo de actuación: creación de una unidad funcional. La AP debe garantizar la equidad, la accesibilidad, la longitudinalidad y la continuidad asistencial, sin olvidar que los resultados en salud deben ser óptimos. En el SAP Delta del Llobregat existen varios proveedores de la salud, por lo que se elaboró un plan estratégico centrado en la coordinación i/o conciliación de todos los dispositivos implicados en la asistencia para dar una atención integral a la persona. Los pacientes incluidos en este programa debían estar identificados como PCC, en fase evolucionada y tributaria de seguimiento intensivo. Conclusiones. La identificación de las persones catalogadas como PCC y en situación de riesgo clínico permite un seguimiento exhaustivo a fin de evitar exacerbaciones y la hiperutilización de los recursos hospitalarios no programados (AU)

Introduction. The Increase in life expectancy has brought an increase in chronic diseases. The evolution of chronic disease is the cause of several organic and systemic dysfunctions, leading to physical and mental limitations that determine the need for some aid to perform basic vital tasks. Primary health care has a key role in the monitoring of fragility, chronicity, and complexity of population. However, in order to address properly high complexity diseases it is necessary to know and coordinate the different resources existing inside the territory. The development of the model for action: the implementations of a functional unit. The Primary Health Care must ensure equity, accessibility, longitudinally, and continuity of care, bearing in mind that health outcomes must be optimal. There are several health care providers in the Delta del Llobregat SAP, so it was implemented a strategic plan focused on the coordination and/or the reconciliation of all the devices involved in the assistance in order to provide comprehensive attention to the patient. The patients included in this program were to be identified as CCP (Complex chronic Patient), in an evolved and tributary phase of intensive follow-up. Conclusions. The identification of patients listed as CCP and at clinical risk allows a comprehensive monitoring in order to prevent exacerbations and overuse of unscheduled hospital resources (AU)

Detection of disseminated tumor cells in locally advanced breast cancer patients before primary systemic therapy.

AIM: To assess the prevalence and prognostic power of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) before primary systemic therapy (PST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: LABC patients attending our Breast Unit were studied between 2002 and 2012, all of them being considered for PST. To determine the presence of DTC, posterior iliac crest aspirates were obtained and marrow samples were processed by gradient separation with Ficoll (Lymphoprep(®)) and immunohistochemical staining using the antiCK A45-B/B3 (EPIMET) antibody. Clinicopathologic variables were recorded before and after PST to assess response. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined after follow-up. The presence of DTC as a predictor of response to PST and as a prognostic tool for OS and DSF was evaluated. RESULTS: DTC were observed in 26% of 47 patients included in the study. PST consisted of chemotherapy in 94% and hormone therapy in 6%. Breast-conserving therapy was attained in 33%. Mean follow-up was 68 months. Complete clinical response (CR) after PST was seen in 26%, disease recurrence in 38%, and cancer-related death in 8%; tumor size and negative estrogen receptors were significant predictors of CR and mastectomy was associated with DFS. Persistent axillary disease after PST and previous recurrence were predictive of OS. DTC were detected more often in patients who did not achieve CR and those who presented recurrence. DTC detection was a significant prognostic factor for a worse OS (OR = 7.62; CI95%: 1.46-39.61; p = 0.009) and a decreased survival time (62 versus 82 months, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Presence of DTC before PST was found in a significant number of patients with LABC. DTC were found to be a significant prognostic factor for cancer-related death. DTC could be a surrogate predictor of response to PST and also of disease recurrence in LABC patients.

Complete axillary lymph node dissection versus clinical follow-up in breast cancer patients with sentinel node micrometastasis: final results from the multicenter clinical trial AATRM 048/13/2000.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that selective sentinel node (SN) biopsy alone can be used to manage early breast cancer, but definite evidence to support this notion is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether refraining from completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) suffices to produce the same prognostic information and disease control as proceeding with completion ALND in early breast cancer patients showing micrometastasis at SN biopsy. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included patients with newly diagnosed early-stage breast cancer (T<3.5 cm, clinical N0, M0) who underwent surgical excision as primary treatment. All had micrometastatic SN. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two study arms: complete ALND (control arm) or clinical follow-up (experimental arm). Median follow-up was 5 years, recurrence was assessed, and the primary end point was disease-free survival. RESULTS: From a total sample of 247 patients, 14 withdrew, leaving 112 in the control arm and 121 in the experimental arm. In 15 control subjects (13%), completion ALND was positive, with a low tumor burden. Four patients experienced disease recurrence: 1 (1%) of 108 control subjects and 3 (2.5%) of 119 experimental patients. There were no differences in disease-free survival (p=0.325) between arms and no cancer-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that in early breast cancer patients with SN micrometastasis, selective SN lymphadenectomy suffices to control locoregional and distant disease, with no significant effects on survival.

Prognostic value of hematogenous dissemination and biological profile of the tumor in early breast cancer patients: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and prognostic value of disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow of breast carcinoma patients with early disease, and to analyze this finding in relation to lymph node involvement, determined by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy analysis, and to prognostic factors of interest. METHODS: 104 patients with operable (T<3 cm) breast cancer and clinically- and sonographically-negative axillary lymph nodes were scheduled for SLN biopsy. Bone marrow aspirates were collected before the start of surgery from both iliac crests, and mononuclear cell layers were separated by density centrifugation (Lymphoprep). Slide preparations were then examined for the presence of disseminated tumor cells by immunocytochemistry with anti-cytokeratin antibodies (A45-B/B3). Lymphoscintigraphy was performed 2 hours after intratumor administration of 2 mCi (74 MBq) of 99mTc colloidal albumin. The SLN was evaluated for the presence of tumor cells by hematoxylin-eosin staining and, when negative, by immunocytochemistry using anti-cytokeratin antibody (CAM 5.2). Survival analyses and comparative analyses were performed on the results of bone marrow determinations, SLN biopsy, and known prognostic factors, including breast cancer subtypes according to the simplified classification based on ER, PR and HER2. RESULTS: Lymph node and hematogenous dissemination occur in one-third of patients with early-stage breast cancer, although not necessarily simultaneously. In our study, disseminated tumor cells were identified in 22% of bone marrow aspirates, whereas 28% of patients had axillary lymph node involvement. Simultaneous lymph node and bone marrow involvement was found in only 5 patients (nonsignificant). In the survival study (60 months), a higher, although nonsignificant rate of disease-related events (13%) was seen in patients with disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow, and a significant association of events was documented with the known, more aggressive tumor subtypes: triple negative receptor status (21%) and positive ERBB2 status (29%). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor cell detection in bone marrow can be considered a valid prognostic parameter in patients with early disease. However, the classic prognostic factors remain highly relevant, and the newer breast cancer subtypes are also useful for this purpose.

Brown tumor of the cervical spine: a case report and review of the literature.

Brown tumors (BT) are benign focal bone lesions that may appear in the context of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Involvement of the spine is exceedingly rare. We present a case of brown tumor involving the cervical spine, the third reported in the literature. In the literature review (until August 2010), we found nine cases of spinal BT in primary HPT and 14 cases in secondary HPT. Fifteen patients (65%) had evidence of spinal cord compression. A 34-year-old woman on long-term hemodialysis, with secondary HPT, presented with a 9-month history of persistent neck pain. Radiographs of the cervical spine revealed an expansive osteolytic lesion in the posterior arch of the second cervical vertebra. MR imaging revealed an expansive mass on C2 affecting the vertebral body, odontoid process, right pedicle, laminas, and spinous process; there were no signs of spinal edema. A CT-guided needle biopsy of the lesion showed destruction of trabecular bone, infiltration of the fibroblastic cells, and abundant osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells with hemorrhage and hemosiderin pigment, and the diagnosis of brown tumor was made. Cervical pain disappeared within a few days of parathyroidectomy, and rapid remineralization of C2 was evident within a few months. BT must always be considered in the context of hyperparathyroidism and osteolytic lesions. Vertebral BT can be particularly devastating due to medullar compression symptoms. Regression or complete disappearance of these lesions after parathyroidectomy is common, but prompt surgical decompression is necessary in case of medullar compression symptoms.

Value of bone SPECT-CT to predict chronic pain relief after percutaneous vertebroplasty in vertebral fractures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Longer life span has resulted in increased risk of vertebral osteoporotic fractures. Among minimally invasive procedures, percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) has shown excellent results in the treatment of chronic vertebral pain. The role of preintervention bone single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) has not been clearly established for the management of these patients. PURPOSE: To determine the value of bone SPECT-CT in patient selection, treatment planning, and prediction of response to PV. A comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also aimed. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective consecutive series. PATIENT SAMPLE: We studied the performance of bone SPECT-CT on 33 consecutive patients with chronic pain because of vertebral fracture intended for PV. OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvement of clinical status was based on comparison of preprocedure and postprocedure outcome measurements of pain, mobility, and analgesic use. METHODS: Bone SPECT was done using a dual-detector variable-angle gamma camera coupled with a two-slice CT scanner (Symbia T2 System; Siemens, Munich, Germany). Magnetic resonance imaging was done using a magnet of 1.5 T (Giroscan System ACS NT Intera; Philips, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, 24 finally underwent PV. Positive SPECT-CT images predicted clinical improvement in 91% (21 of 23) of them. Agreement between SPECT-CT and MRI was 80% (20 of 25). Single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography images showed an alternative cause of pain in some cases, such as new fractures or multiple coexisting fractures, persisting bone remodeling in a previous cemented vertebra, and facet or discal degenerative disease. Single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography was mandatory in eight patients that could no receive MRI, all of whom improved after PV. CONCLUSIONS: Positive bone SPECT-CT seems a good predictor of postprocedural response. It also adds valuable information as to the cause of back pain and facilitates complete patient evaluation in patients that can not receive MRI.

Radiolocalización de lesiones mamarias no palpables combinada con la biopsia del ganglio centinela en mujeres con cáncer de mama / Radio-guided occult lesion localization combined with sentinel node biopsy in women with breast cancer

Introducción. La modalidad intralesional de inyección de los radiocoloides en la biopsia del ganglio centinela (BGC) permite la localización de tumores mamarios primitivos no palpables, en un mismo acto quirúrgico, mediante la técnica conocida como ROLL. Pacientes y método. Presentamos nuestra experiencia con la combinación de ambas técnicas (BGC y ROLL). Se analizó retrospectivamente a 233 pacientes: en 65 pacientes se practicó ROLL y en 168 la lesión fue localizada mediante la inserción de guías metálicas (grupo control). Ambos grupos eran comparables en cuanto a sus variables anatomorradiológicas. Resultados. La resección de la lesión se llevó a cabo en un solo tiempo en 169 pacientes. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en cuanto a la afección de los márgenes quirúrgicos (márgenes correctos del 80% con ROLL frente al 69,9% sin ROLL) ni en el diámetro máximo de la pieza (6,85 frente a 6,52 cm, respectivamente). Conclusión. En pacientes sometidas a la BGC con lesiones mamarias no palpables, la técnica ROLL es una alternativa a las guías metálicas que ofrece una mayor facilidad para la exéresis y más comodidad para la paciente (AU)

Introduction. The practice of intratumoral radiocolloid injection for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) allows localization of nonpalpable breast tumors in the same surgical intervention, using the technique known as radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL). Patients and method. We present our experience with the combined use of both techniques (SNB and ROLL). A total of 233 patients were retrospectively analyzed: 65 patients underwent ROLL and 168 patients underwent wire-guided localization (control group) as the excision modality. Both groups had comparable pathologic and radiologic features. Results. Complete excision of the lesion was achieved at the first attempt in only 169 patients. There were no significant differences among groups in surgical margin status (margins were adequate in 80% of ROLL patients vs 69.9% of non-ROLL patients) or in maximum specimen diameter (6.85 cm vs 6.52 cm, respectively). Conclusion. We conclude that ROLL is an acceptable alternative to wire-guided localization in patients with nonpalpable breast tumors undergoing SNB, leading to easier lesion excision and greater patient comfort (AU)

[Radio-guided occult lesion localization combined with sentinel node biopsy in women with breast cancer]. / Radiolocalización de lesiones mamarias no palpables combinada con la biopsia del ganglio centinela en mujeres con cáncer de mama.

INTRODUCTION: The practice of intratumoral radiocolloid injection for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) allows localization of nonpalpable breast tumors in the same surgical intervention, using the technique known as radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We present our experience with the combined use of both techniques (SNB and ROLL). A total of 233 patients were retrospectively analyzed: 65 patients underwent ROLL and 168 patients underwent wire-guided localization (control group) as the excision modality. Both groups had comparable pathologic and radiologic features. RESULTS: Complete excision of the lesion was achieved at the first attempt in only 169 patients. There were no significant differences among groups in surgical margin status (margins were adequate in 80% of ROLL patients vs 69.9% of non-ROLL patients) or in maximum specimen diameter (6.85 cm vs 6.52 cm, respectively). CONCLUSION: We conclude that ROLL is an acceptable alternative to wire-guided localization in patients with nonpalpable breast tumors undergoing SNB, leading to easier lesion excision and greater patient comfort.

[Sentinel node biopsy in patients with oral cancer: a pilot study]. / Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en pacientes con carcinoma oral: estudio piloto.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sentinel node (SN) biopsy represents an alternative to full lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of several malignant tumors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of 32 consecutive patients with clinically node-negative oral cancer comparing SN biopsy results with standard neck dissection. RESULTS: An effective SN localization was achieved in 31 patients (97%) and a complete agreement with neck dissection was observed: 16 were true negative and 15 were true positive. In 11 out of the 15 positive cases, the SN was the only node containing metastasis (73%). CONCLUSION: SN biopsy predicts the subclinical lymph node status in oral cancer patients.