Is perioperative brachytherapy effective in carcinoma of the tongue?

Purpose: To analyze the results of patients treated with perioperative interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) in tongue carcinoma (TC). Material and methods: From April 2009 to May 2015, 43 squamous cell carcinoma consecutive patients diagnosed with TC were treated with limited partial glossectomy and perioperative ISBT, using high-dose-rate (HDR). Twenty- seven patients were treated by brachytherapy (BT), and sixteen received BT as a complement to subsequent external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) after results of lymph node dissection. Median age was 66 years. Distribution by stage, included 10 patients stage I, 14 stage II, 10 stage III, and 9 stage IV. Eighteen patients had negative margins, nineteen margin involvement, and in six cases, the margin was < 5 mm. Results: With a median follow-up of 54 months, LC at 3 and 5 years was 87% and 84%, respectively. LC was 95% at five years in patients with clear margins, and 75% with involved margins. LC in N0 patients treated with BT was 83% at 5 years, and in patients N+ with posterior EBRT treatment, LC was 86%. By tumor size, we found one local relapse in 13 cases T1, in 5 of 27 patients T2 was found, and no local relapse T3 with LC of 87%, 70%, and 100% respectively at five years. Regional control (RC) was 81% at 3 and 5 years. We found a metastasis-free survival of 91% at 3- and 5-year. Twenty-three patients have died, 11 of them due to other causes, with overall survival of 56% at three years and 53% at five years. Conclusions: Combined treatment with conservative surgery and ISBT shows similar results to radical surgery or RT alone, allowing a more patient-tailored approach, with good organ function preservation and cosmetic outcomes.

Braquiterapia de alta tasa en el carcinoma escamoso de labio en estadios iniciales / High dose rate brachytherapy in early stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the lip

Introducción y objetivos: Analizar los resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento del carcinoma escamoso de labio en estadios iniciales (T1-T2) con braquiterapia de alta tasa y evaluar la eficacia para el control local y regional de dicho tratamiento. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de los tratamientos realizados entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2013 con braquiterapia de alta tasa de dosis con agujas rígidas, a 68 pacientes, 63 varones y 5 mujeres. Treinta y siete pacientes (54,4%) presentaban un tumor igual o menor de 2cm (T1), y 31 (45,6%) de 2-4cm (T2). En todos se indicó braquiterapia radical con una dosis total mediana de 45Gy, con una dosis por fracción de 5Gy x 9 fracciones, dos veces al día, en un ingreso de cinco días. Resultados: Con 56,4 meses de seguimiento medio el control local fue 96,9%. En pacientes con tumores T1 el control local fue del 100%, mientras en T2 fue 93,2% (2 recidivas locales). El control regional a 5 años, en T1 fue 93,8% y en T2 80,8%. En once casos con profilaxis cervical no hubo recaídas. En cuanto a toxicidad, ningún paciente presentó necrosis de tejidos blandos ni ósea y en todos ellos se consiguieron resultados cosméticos y funcionales buenos o excelentes. Conclusiones: La braquiterapia de alta tasa permite realizar métodos seguros y efectivos para tratamiento del carcinoma escamoso de labio, con buenos resultados estéticos y funcionales y mínimas complicaciones y puede considerarse una alternativa válida al tratamiento quirúrgico en estadios iniciales (AU)

Introduction and goals: To analyze the results obtained after treatment of early stage (T1-T2) squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with high dose rate brachytherapy and evaluate the efficacy of this treatment in both local and regional control. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of the treatments performed at our department from March 1999 to March 2013 with high dose rate brachytherapy with rigid needles. We included 68 patients, 63 men and 5 women; 37 patients (54.4%) presented a T1 tumour, less than or equal to 2cm, while the other 31 (45.6%) were classified as T2. Median total dose was 45Gy, with a median dose per fraction of 5Gy x 9 fractions twice a day for 5 days. Results: With a mean follow-up of 56.4 months, local control was 96.9%. Stratifying by tumour size, local control of T1 cases was 100%, while T2 achieved 93.2% (2 local recurrences). Regional control at 5 years was 93.8% for T1, and 80.8% for T2. In 11 cases with elective cervical treatment, no regional failure happened. As for toxicity, no patient presented soft tissue, or bone, necrosis. All patients achieved good or excellent cosmetic and functional results. Conclusions: High dose rate brachytherapy allows effective, safe treatments for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, with good aesthetic and functional results. It can be considered a valid alternative for surgery in early stage tumours (AU)

High dose rate brachytherapy in early stage squamous-cell carcinoma of the lip. / Braquiterapia de alta tasa en el carcinoma escamoso de labio en estadios iniciales.

INTRODUCTION AND GOALS: To analyze the results obtained after treatment of early stage (T1-T2) squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with high dose rate brachytherapy and evaluate the efficacy of this treatment in both local and regional control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the treatments performed at our department from March 1999 to March 2013 with high dose rate brachytherapy with rigid needles. We included 68 patients, 63 men and 5 women; 37 patients (54.4%) presented a T1 tumour, less than or equal to 2cm, while the other 31 (45.6%) were classified as T2. Median total dose was 45Gy, with a median dose per fraction of 5Gy x 9 fractions twice a day for 5 days. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 56.4 months, local control was 96.9%. Stratifying by tumour size, local control of T1 cases was 100%, while T2 achieved 93.2% (2 local recurrences). Regional control at 5 years was 93.8% for T1, and 80.8% for T2. In 11 cases with elective cervical treatment, no regional failure happened. As for toxicity, no patient presented soft tissue, or bone, necrosis. All patients achieved good or excellent cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSIONS: High dose rate brachytherapy allows effective, safe treatments for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, with good aesthetic and functional results. It can be considered a valid alternative for surgery in early stage tumours.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor With Osseous Heterologous Differentiation in Uncommon Locations (Heart and Retropharynx).

We report two cases of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in an uncommon location (heart and retropharynx) both with divergent osseous heterologous differentiation. We present the pathological and immunohistochemical studies that confirmed the neurogenic origin. The histopathology of the tumor arising in the retropharynx showed a transition from a neurofibroma to MPNST, making this a new report of an MPNST arising from a plexiform neurofibroma without neurofibromatosis. Primary cardiac MPNST with osseous differentiation has never been reported before. In conclusion, the histology of MPNSTs is very heterogeneous, showing no specific diagnostic immunoprofile or genetic alteration. Thus, it is important to rule out other histologically similar tumors, particularly in cases arising in uncommon locations or tumors with divergent heterologous differentiation.

Tratamiento no quirúrgico del schwannoma vestibular / Non surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma

Introducción y objetivos: Valorar los resultados de control local y complicaciones en el tratamiento del schwannoma vestibular tratado con radiaciones. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 194 pacientes diagnosticados de schwannoma vestibular, tratados de manera consecutiva bien con observación o bien con radiaciones (bien radiocirugía o radioterapia esterotáctica fraccionada) de 1997 a 2012. Analizamos el control local de los tumores, así como de las complicaciones secundarias al tratamiento con radiocirugía. Resultados: El 68% (132 tumores) son inferiores a 2 cm es decir grado I-II de la clasificación de Koos, 22 pacientes (13%) con tumores grandes grado IV, el resto (40 pacientes) son grado III. Los tumores relacionados con la neurofibromatosis (NF2) representan el 3,6% (6 tumores en 4 pacientes). El control tumoral para los pacientes tratados con radiaciones es del 97% a 5 años, con un seguimiento mediano de 80,4 meses. Para los tumores grandes el control local es del 91% a 5 años. La supervivencia libre de complicaciones crónicas es del 89% a 5 años. De los 50 tumores a los que se realizó seguimiento, 28 (58%) continúan en seguimiento al no haberse objetivado crecimiento alguno. Conclusiones: La radiación y el seguimiento con RM, dentro de un enfoque multidisciplinar, es una alternativa a la cirugía en el tratamiento del schwannoma vestibular, con un bajo nivel de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction and objectives: To evaluate the results of local control and complications in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma treated with radiation. Methods: A retrospective study of 194 patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, treated consecutively with radiation (either stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy) from 1997 to 2012. We analyze the local control of tumors, as well as secondary complications to treatment with radiation. Results: A total of 132 (68%) tumors 68% are grade I-II tumors of the Koos classification, 40 (19%) are grade III, and 22 (13%) are grade IV. The tumors associated with neurofibromatosis (NF2), are 3.6% (6 tumors in 4 patients). The tumor control for the overall serie is 97% at 5 years, with a median follow-up of 80.4 months. For large tumors the local control is 91% at 5 years. Free survival of chronic complications is 89% at 5 years. Aditionally, 50 tumors were subjected to regular follow-up with MRI without treatment, and 28 (58%) did not experienced tumor growth. Conclusions: Radiation and follow up with MRI, are an alternative to surgery in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma, with a low level of complications inside of multidisciplinary approach (AU)

Non surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of local control and complications in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma treated with radiation. METHODS: A retrospective study of 194 patients diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma, treated consecutively with radiation (either stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy) from 1997 to 2012. We analyze the local control of tumors, as well as secondary complications to treatment with radiation. RESULTS: A total of 132 (68%) tumors 68% are grade I-II tumors of the Koos classification, 40 (19%) are grade III, and 22 (13%) are grade IV. The tumors associated with neurofibromatosis (NF2), are 3.6% (6 tumors in 4 patients). The tumor control for the overall serie is 97% at 5 years, with a median follow-up of 80.4 months. For large tumors the local control is 91% at 5 years. Free survival of chronic complications is 89% at 5 years. Additionally, 50 tumors were subjected to regular follow-up with MRI without treatment, and 28 (58%) did not experienced tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation and follow up with MRI, are an alternative to surgery in the treatment of vestibular schwannoma, with a low level of complications inside of multidisciplinary approach.

Prognostic factors in squamous cell lip carcinoma treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was for us to present our analysis of the results and prognostic factors in squamous lip carcinoma treated with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. METHODS: From 1999 to 2010, 102 patients were treated with HDR-brachytherapy, 54 with T1, 33 with T2, and 15 with T4. Eight cases were N+. Twenty-one patients were treated with surgery plus brachytherapy because of close/positive margins. Nine fractions of 5 Gy were given over 5 days in 67% of the patients. Elective neck treatment was performed in 23 cases. RESULTS: The 10-year actuarial local control was 94.6%, nodal regional control was 88.6%, disease-free survival was 84.6%, and cause-specific survival was 93.2%. In the univariate analysis, T4 tumors had higher risk of local failure and T2 of regional relapse. In the multivariate analysis, skin involvement was the only significant factor for tumor progression. CONCLUSION: HDR-brachytherapy yields excellent local control rates. Skin involvement increases the risk of local and cervical recurrence. Elective neck treatment should be done in T2 to T4 tumors or with skin or commissure involvement.

From low-dose-rate to high-dose-rate brachytherapy in lip carcinoma: Equivalent results but fewer complications.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) in patients with lip carcinoma with a former series previously treated with low-dose-rate (LDR) BT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-nine patients treated with LDR-BT were compared with 104 patients treated with HDR-BT. Distribution by stage was 53.5% T1, 15.1% T2, 3.1% T3, and 28.3% T4 for LDR and 52.9% T1, 32.7% T2, 0% T3, and 14.4% T4 for HDR. Some cases with positive or close margins received BT after surgery (34.3% with LDR vs. 16.3% with HDR). Parallel metallic needles were used in 100% of HDR cases and in 76% of LDR cases. Most HDR patients were treated with HDR-BT to a dose of 4.5-5 Gy per fraction prescribed to a 90% isodose, in nine fractions delivered twice daily for 5 days. RESULTS: Median followup was 63 months for LDR-BT and 51 months for HDR-BT. Overall local control for LDR- vs. HDR-BT was 94.9% vs. 95.2%; and 100% vs. 100%, 86.6% vs. 94.1%, and 89.3% vs. 80%, for T1, T2, and T4 stage tumors, respectively. Disease-free survival for LDR vs. HDR was 95.9% vs. 94.2%. Soft tissue necrosis, bone necrosis, and fair-bad cosmesis for LDR vs. HDR was 15.1% vs. 0%, 1% vs. 0%, and 11.1% vs. 0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with HDR-BT using rigid needles is a simple technique that provides good long-term results with minimal complications. LDR- and HDR-BT are regarded as equally effective in local control and disease-free survival, but fewer complications arise when using HDR-BT.

Carcinoma ductal salival: claves diagnósticas, histología y tratamiento / Salivary duct carcinoma: diagnostic clues, histology and treatment

El carcinoma ductal salival es un tumor epitelial de alto grado, muy poco frecuente. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 75 años con carcinoma ductal salival de rápido crecimiento, en la glándula parótida, de un mes de evolución. Histopatológicamente se caracteriza por su gran similitud con el carcinoma ductal de mama. Suele tener un comportamiento muy agresivo, con recurrencia local y metástasis a distancia tempranas, por lo que hay que realizar parotidectomía total con vaciamiento cervical ipsilateral y radioterapia adyuvante. En casos avanzados se recomienda tratamiento con anticuerpo monoclonal selectivo para el HER-2/neu como trastuzumab (AU)

Salivary duct carcinoma is a very rare, highly-malignant epithelial tumour. We present a case of a 75-year-old man with a rapidly- growing salivary duct carcinoma in the parotid gland, of one month's evolution. Histopathologically, salivary duct carcinoma is characterised by its resemblance to ductal carcinoma of the breast. It usually develops aggressively with possibilities of early distant metastasis and local recurrence. The tumour is managed with total parotidectomy, ipsilateral neck dissection and adjunctive radiation. In advanced cases, we recommend treatment with anti-Her-2 monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab (AU)

Salivary duct carcinoma: diagnostic clues, histology and treatment.

Salivary duct carcinoma is a very rare, highly-malignant epithelial tumour. We present a case of a 75-year-old man with a rapidly- growing salivary duct carcinoma in the parotid gland, of one month's evolution. Histopathologically, salivary duct carcinoma is characterised by its resemblance to ductal carcinoma of the breast. It usually develops aggressively with possibilities of early distant metastasis and local recurrence. The tumour is managed with total parotidectomy, ipsilateral neck dissection and adjunctive radiation. In advanced cases, we recommend treatment with anti-Her-2 monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab.

Efficacy of high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy in patients with oral tongue carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of high-dose-rate (HDR)-interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) in oral tongue carcinomas. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between September 1999 and August 2007, 50 patients were treated for oral tongue carcinoma with HDR-ISBT. The patient's mean age was 58 years. Forty-two patients were in T1-2 stage and 8 patients were in T3 stage; 16 patients were in N+ stage and 34 patients in N0 stage. Exclusive ISBT was given to 17 patients (34%) in T1-2 N0 stage and complementary to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to 33 patients (66%). A perioperative technique was performed on 14 patients. The median total dose was 44 Gy when HDR was used alone (4 Gy per fraction) and 18 Gy when complementary to 50 Gy EBRT (3 Gy per fraction). RESULTS: The median followup was 44 months. Actuarial disease-free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 81% and 74%, respectively. Local failure developed in 7 patients. Actuarial local control (LC) rates were 87% and 79% at 3 and 5 years in T1-2 stage 94.5% and 91% and T3 stage 43% and 43% (with salvage surgery). Exclusive HDR cases showed LC in 100% of the cases, and the combined group (EBRT+HDR) showed LC in 80% and 69% of the cases at 3 and 5 years (p=0.044). Soft-tissue necrosis developed in 16% and bone necrosis in 4% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: HDR brachytherapy is an effective method for the treatment of oral tongue carcinoma in low-risk cases. Doses per fraction between 3 and 4 Gy yield LC and complication rates similar to low-dose rate. The perioperative technique promises encouraging results.

Reconstruction of the upper lip, columella and premaxilla with an extended Abbé flap: report of a case.

The resection of malignant tumours affecting the upper lip, columella, premaxilla and/or caudal septum requires reconstructive surgery, which does not always produce satisfactory results-either aesthetic or functional. We have designed a modification of the Abbé flap consisting of the extension of the distal portion of the latter over the chin, and the inclusion of a fragment of rib cartilage in this portion of the flap. The columella is reconstructed in this way, and the cartilage serves to buttress the pyramid tip and prevent its collapse. A case is reported, with good aesthetic and functional results. Other surgical procedures are discussed, analysing their advantages and inconveniences.

Paraoxonase Gln-Arg(192) and Leu-Met(55) gene polymorphisms and enzyme activity in a population with a low rate of coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether paraoxonase (PON1) polymorphisms at positions 55 and 192 and/or their phenotypic expressions influence the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in Spanish population. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen male survivors of a MI and their age-matched controls were included in the study. Lipids, apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and B, PON1 activity on paraoxon and phenylacetate and PON1 polymorphisms were determined. RESULTS: Genotype distribution was similar in patients and controls. Enzyme activities were lower in patients, but multiple logistic regression analysis did not show any independent association with a higher risk of MI. CONCLUSION: None of the PON1 polymorphisms or their corresponding measured activities are independent risk factors for MI in our population.