Amino-acid PET as a prognostic tool after post Stupp protocol temozolomide therapy in high-grade glioma patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of amino-acid PET in high-grade gliomas (HGG) patients at the time of temozolomide (TMZ) treatment discontinuation, after the Stupp protocol. METHODS: The analysis included consecutive HGG patients with dynamic [18F]FDOPA PET imaging within 3 months of the end of TMZ therapy, post-Stupp protocol. Static and dynamic PET parameters, responses to RANO criteria for MRI and clinical and histo-molecular factors were correlated to progression-free (PFS). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (59.4 [54.0;67.6] years old, 13 (41%) women) were included. Static PET parameters peak tumor-to-background ratio and metabolic tumor volume (respective thresholds of 1.9 and 1.5 mL) showed the best 84% accuracies for predicting PFS at 6 months (p = 0.02). These static PET parameters were also independent predictor of PFS in multivariate analysis (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: In HGG patients having undergone a Stupp protocol, the absence of significant PET uptake after TMZ constitutes a favorable prognostic factor.

Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival of patients with stage III/IV early-onset colorectal cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and develop a nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS) in stage III/IV early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC). Methods: Stage III/IV EO-CRC patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2015. The datasets were randomly divided (2:1) into training and validation sets. A nomogram predicting OS was developed based on the prognostic factors identified by Cox regression analysis in the training cohort. Moreover, the predictive performance of the nomogram was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Subsequently, the internal validation was performed using the validation cohort. Finally, a risk stratification system was established based on the constructed nomogram. Results: Of the 10,387 patients diagnosed with stage III/IV EO-CRC between 2010 and 2015 in the SEER database, 8,130 patients were included. In the training cohort (n=3,071), sex, marital status, race/ethnicity, primary site, histologic subtypes, grade, T stage, and N stage were identified as independent prognostic variables for OS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year area under the curve (AUC) values of the nomogram were robust in both the training (0.751, 0.739, and 0.723) and validation cohorts (0.748, 0.733, and 0.720). ROC, calibration plots, and DCA indicated good predictive performance of the nomogram in both the training and validation sets. Furthermore, patients were categorized into low-, middle-, and high-risk groups based on the nomogram risk score. Kaplan-Meier curve showed significant survival differences between the three groups. Conclusion: We developed a prognostic nomogram and risk stratification system for stage III/IV EO-CRC, which may facilitate clinical decision-making and individual prognosis prediction.

Grupos de apoyo de pares para sobrevivientes de intento de suicidio (SOSA): Revisión sistemática

Antecedentes: el intento de suicidio es el principal factor de riesgo de muerte por suicidio. La Organización Mundial de la Salud sugiere grupos de apoyo como intervención para esta población. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la eficacia de los grupos de apoyo de pares para sobrevivientes de intento de suicidio (SOSA). Método: Revisión sistemática (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022307581). Resultados: En total se identificaron 946 artículos potenciales, se revisaron 81 textos completos y se incluyó un artículo. El artículo informa sobre un estudio piloto abierto con evaluaciones pre y post intervención, sin grupo de control y con alto riesgo de sesgo. Esta es una intervención prometedora, porque los resultados mostraron una disminución de la ideación suicida (d=0,33), y del intento de suicidio (d=0,31). El pequeño número de investigaciones empíricas limita las generalizaciones. Conclusión: El nivel de certeza de la evidencia es bajo (baja certeza), por lo tanto, el grado de recomendación corresponde a evidencia insuficiente (I), para recomendar esta estrategia para las políticas públicas. En este artículo se analizan las razones de estos resultados y los posibles caminos para avanzar en este campo.

Background: Suicide attempt is the main risk factor for death by suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests support groups as an intervention for this population. Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of peer-support groups for survivors of suicide attempt (SOSA). Method: Systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022307581). Results: In total, 946 potential articles were identified, 81 full texts were reviewed, and one article was included. The article reported an open-label pilot study with pre- and post-intervention evaluations, without a control group, and with a high risk of bias. This is a promising intervention because the results showed decreased suicidal ideation (d=0.33) and suicide attempt (d=0.31). The small number of empirical investigations limit generalizations. Conclusion: The level of certainty of evidence is low (low certainty); therefore, the grade of recommendation corresponds to insufficient evidence (I) to recommend this strategy for public policies. The reasons for these results and possible paths to advance the field are discussed in this article.

Clinical profiles in multiple myeloma patients with extreme survivals: a study from a National Medical Center in China.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) patients are highly variable in the real-world setting. Some MM patients may have clinical endings that do not abide by the book. We aim to describe features of MM patients with extreme survivals in real-world practice. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 941 patients consecutively visited a national medical center, China, between July 1995 and December 2021. Among patients, we identified two groups of MM patients with extreme survivals, 56 were in the long-term remission (LR) group with progression-free survival (PFS) ≥ 60 months, and 82 were in the rapid progression (RP) group with PFS ≤ 6 months. RESULTS: CRAB features, of which hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, and anemia were more common in the RP group, except for bone disease, with a comparable incidence at diagnosis in both groups (88.8 vs 85.7%, P = 0.52). High-risk cytogenetics was detected in 45.7% of patients in the RP group. Of note, 14.3% of MM patients in the LR group harbored del (17p). According to the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS), 9% of patients belonged to stage I in the RP group, and 19% of patients in the LR group were found in stage III. There were 8 (15.7%) patients in the LR group only achieved partial response (PR) as the best response. Median time to best response (TBR) for LR and RP group patients was 4.6 and 1.4 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The disparities in the survivals of MM patients indicated that some unexpected factors have influenced the outcomes in the real-world setting.

Assessment of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressive cells (M-MDSC) before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute leukemia patients.

In this monocentric prospective study, the influence on long-term outcomes of peripheral blood levels of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressive cells (M-MDSC) was investigated in 56 patients with acute leukemia (myeloid n = 47; lymphoid n = 9) before and after (Days+60/+90) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT). A risk of relapse was found to be associated with a level of pregraft M-MDSC above 1.4% by ROC curve analysis. In multivariate analysis, this threshold retained a strong statistical significance (HR: 5.94 [2.09-16.87], p = 0.001). Considering only the group of patients who were in complete remission prior to Allo-HSCT (n = 44), a significant prediction of relapse was found to be associated, in multivariate analysis, with a level of pregraft M-MDSC above 1.4% (HR: 55.01 [14.95-202.37], p < 0.001) together with pregraft-positive measurable -residual disease (MRD) (HR: 11.04 [1.89-64.67], p = 0.008). A poorer OS (HR: 6.05 [1.24-29.59], p = 0.026) and disease-free survival (HR: 6.52 [1.41-30.19], p = 0.016) were also associated with higher levels of pregraft M-MDSC. Remarkably, no relapse occurred in patients with pregraft-negative MRD and ≤1.4% of M-MDSC (vs. a 3-year relapse rate of 60% for others, p = 0.004). Patients developing grade 3-4 acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD, median occurrence: day+30 posttransplant) showed significantly higher levels of M-MDSC% at days +60 and +90, suggesting a possible amplification of these immunosuppressive cells as a reaction to GVHD. In conclusion, this prospective study demonstrates a negative impact of higher proportions of peripheral M-MDSC before Allo-HSCT in leukemic patients. This paves the way to potential therapeutic intervention to decrease M-MDSC levels before Allo-HSCT and thus perhaps the incidence of relapse in such patients.

Occult lymph node metastasis is not a favorable factor for resected NSCLC patients.

BACKGROUND: This study was to compare the clinical presentations and survivals between the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) and those with evident lymph node metastasis (ELNM). We also intended to analyze the predictive factors for OLNM. METHODS: Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to compare survivals between groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-penalized Cox multivariable analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors. Random forest was used to determine the predictive factors for OLNM. RESULTS: A total of 2,067 eligible cases (N0: 1,497 cases; occult N1: 165 cases; evident N1: 54 cases; occult N2: 243 cases; evident N2: 108 cases) were included. The rate of OLNM was 21.4%. Patients with OLNM were tend to be female, non-smoker, adenocarcinoma and had smaller-sized tumors when compared with the patients with ELNM. Survival curves showed that the survivals of the patients with OLNM were similar to those of the patients with ELNM both before and after PSM. Multivariable Cox analysis suggested that positive lymph nodes (PLN) was the only prognostic factor for the patients with OLNM. Random forest showed that clinical tumor size was an important predictive factor for OLNM. CONCLUSIONS: OLNM was not rare. OLNM was not a favorable sign for resected NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis. PLN determined the survivals of the patients with OLNM. Clinical tumor size was a strong predictive factor for OLNM.

Clinical efficacy and safety of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs for resected stage IB lung adenocarcinoma: A real-world study based on propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant therapy for stage IB non-small cell lung cancer remains debatable. In this real-world study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for resected stage IB lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: This real-world study recruited 249 patients diagnosed with stage IB disease after surgical resection between January 2013 and September 2021. Sixty-six (26.5%) patients received adjuvant targeted therapy (TKIs group), and 183 (73.5%) were enrolled in the clinical observation (CO) group. Propensity scores were matched to minimize the observed confounder effects between the two groups, and 59 patient pairs were matched. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: In the TKI group, 38 (64.4%) patients chose to receive icotinib, 27.1% (16/59) received gefitinib, and 5 patients (8.5%) chose osimertinib. The median follow-up time was 30.8 months (range: 7-107 months). Two (3.4%) patients in the TKI group and 10 (16.9%) in the CO group experienced disease relapse. The 3-year DFS rates were 98.3% in the TKI group and 83.0% in the CO group (HR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01-0.78; p = 0.008). DFS differences were found in the entire cohort (p = 0.005) and the matched cohort (p = 0.024) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant EGFR-TKIs was an independent factor for DFS (HR: 0.211; 95% CI: 0.045-0.979; p = 0.047), along with poor cell differentiation (HR: 5.256; 95% CI: 1.648-16.769; p = 0.005), and spread through air spaces (HR: 5.612; 95% CI: 1.137-27.700; p = 0.034). None of the patients discontinued EGFR-TKIs owing to the low occurrence rate of treatment-related serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs could significantly improve DFS among patients with stage IB lung adenocarcinoma compared with CO, with a safe and tolerable profile.

Profiles of Independent-Comorbidity Groups in Senior COVID-19 Patients Reveal Low Fatality Associated with Standard Care and Low-Dose Hydroxychloroquine over Antivirals.

Introduction: The lack of feasible therapies and comorbidities aggravate the COVID-19 case-fatality rate (CFR). However, reports examining CFR associations with diabetes, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and chronic liver disease (CLD) are limited. More studies assessing hydroxychloroquine (Hcq) and antivirals are needed. Purpose: To examine associations of COVID-19 CFR in comorbid patient groups each with single comorbidities and after treatment with Hcq, favipiravir, and dexamethasone (Dex), either alone or in combination versus standard care. Methods: Using statistical analysis, we descriptively determined these associations among 750 COVID-19 patient groups during the last quarter of 2021. Results: A diabetes comorbidity (40%, n=299) showed twice the fatality (CFR 14%) of the others (CFR 7%; P=0.001). Hypertension (Htn) was the second-commonest comorbidity (29.5%, n=221), with similar CFR to diabetes (15% and 7% for Htn and non-Htn, respectively), but with higher significance (P=0.0006167). Although only 4% (n=30) heart failure (HF) was reported, the CFR (40%) was much higher than in those without it (8%). A similar rate (4%) for chronic kidney disease was reported, with CFRs of 33% and 9% among those with and without it, respectively (P=0.00048). Ischemic heart disease was 11% (n=74), followed by chronic liver disease (0.4%) and history of smoking (1%); however, these were not significant due to the sample sizes. Treatment indicated standard care and Hcq alone or in combination were superior (CFR of 4% and 0.5%, respectively) compared to favipiravir (25%) or Dex (38.5%) independently or in combination (35.4%). Furthermore, Hcq performed well (CFR 9%) when combined with Dex (9%; P=4.28-26). Conclusion: The dominance of diabetes and other comorbidities with significant association with CFR implied existence of a common virulence mechanism. The superiority of low-dose Hcq and standard care over antivirals warrants further studies.

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia: population-based study of epidemiology and outcome with ATRA and oral-ATO from 1991 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) are changing. We have incorporated oral arsenic trioxide (oral-ATO) into induction/maintenance. METHODS: Newly-diagnosed APL from 1991 to 2021 divided into three 10-year periods were studied to define its epidemiology and how oral-ATO impacted on its outcome. Primary endpoints included APL incidence, early deaths (ED, first 30 days), and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included post-30-day OS, relapse-free survival (RFS), and incidence of second cancers. RESULTS: APL occurred in 374 males and 387 females at a median age of 44 (1-97) years. Annual incidences increased progressively, averaging 0.32 per 100,000 people. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-based and oral-ATO-based regimens were used in 469 and 282 patients. There were 144 EDs, occurring almost exclusively in ATRA-based inductions (N = 139), being more with males, age > 50 years, leucocyte > 10 × 109/L, diagnosis during 1991-2009 and fewer with oral-ATO-based regimens. After a median of 75 (interquartile range: 14-161) months, 5-year and 10-year OS were 68.1% and 63.3%, inferior with males, age > 50 years, leucocyte > 10 × 109/L, high-risk Sanz score and superior with oral-ATO-based regimens. Factoring out EDs, 5-year and 10-year post-30-day OS were 84.0% and 78.1%, inferior with males and superior with oral-ATO-based regimens. In 607 CR1 patients, the 5-year RFS was 83.8%, superior with diagnosis in 2010-2021 and oral-ATO-based regimens. Second cancers developed in 21 patients, unrelated to oral-ATO-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increasing incidence of APL, and all survivals were superior with the use of oral-ATO-based regimens. This study formed part of the Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia Asian Consortium Project (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04251754).

A retrospective single-centered, comprehensive targeted genetic sequencing analysis of prognostic survival using tissues from Korean patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma after targeted therapy.

PURPOSE: To identify candidate gene mutations to significantly predict the risk of survival prognosis after treatment with systemic first-line targeted therapy (TT) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2017, 168 triplet-tissue block samples from 56 mRCC patients were selected for targeted gene sequencing (TGS). Fifty-six patients' medical records including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) at the time of mRCC diagnosis were evaluated. The patients were grouped into favorable (>12 months/>3 years), intermediate (3-12/12-36 months), and poor groups according to their PFS/OS (<3 months/<12 months). We identified any significant therapeutic targeted genes relating to the survival with a significance at p<0.050. RESULTS: The first line therapeutic response showed 1.8% complete remission, 14.2% partial response, 42.9% stable disease, and 41.1% progressive disease. Among the overall TGS results, the cumulative effect of CDH1, and/or PTK2 genes significantly reflected the therapeutic responses in terms of PFS/OS; CDH1 and PTK2 mutations were associated with poor prognostic outcomes (p<0.050). Among only triplet-quality check passed tissues, the SGO2, BRAF, URB1, and NEDD1 mutated genes significantly correlated with OS. Regarding metastasis, patients with liver metastasis had the worst OS (p=0.050). The combinational mutation number from these two candidate genes in the liver metastatic samples with mutated EGFR2 and FABP7 also showed a significantly worse OS than those with other metastatic lesions (p<0.050). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports several significant mutated genes related to the survival prognosis in mRCC patients treated with first-line TT.

Peripheral levels of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressive cells before and after first induction predict relapse and survivals in AML patients.

Myeloid Derived Suppressive Cells (MDSC) are capable to suppress innate and adaptive immune responses, thus favouring solid cancer progression. However, little is known about the role of MDSC in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this monocentric prospective study, 73 adult AML patients, eligible for first-line intensive chemotherapy, were included with the aim to study the influence on long-term outcomes of peripheral blood (PB) levels of monocytic (M) MDSC (M-MDSC) assessed by flow cytometry. A percentage of peripheral M-MDSC higher than 0.55% of leukocytes at diagnosis and a decrease of M-MDSC% after induction came out both as independent negative prognostic factors for leukaemia-free and overall survival.

IgD multiple myeloma: biology, diagnosis, and treatment.

IgD multiple myeloma is uncommon. Patients generally present at a younger age and have shorter progression free and overall survivals (OSs). Its rarity has inhibited development of a specific risk stratification system or informed best treatment protocols. We present interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization results from a group of 29 cases. These showed evidence of a decreased male to female ratio, decreased OS in patients aged 70 and over, better outcomes in those with kappa light chain restriction, and CD56 positive patients had longer survivals than those lacking CD56. We discuss the biology of IgD multiple myeloma, the need for prospective studies, and challenges for improvements in diagnosis and treatment. We suggest an International Register to accelerate development of best practice guidelines for diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment.

Outcomes and prognostic factors of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in high-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of patients with extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma is controversial. Our aims were to analyze overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and independent prognostic factors associated with high peritoneal cancer index (PCI) status in patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC). METHODS: A prospectively-maintained database for patients with appendiceal neoplasms and mesothelioma undergoing CRS/PIC from year 1996 to 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients who achieved complete cytoreduction were stratified into limited (PCI < 30) and extensive (PCI ≥ 30) disease groups. RESULTS: 260 female and 235 male patients were identified. The 5-year survival for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) was significantly higher in the low PCI group (96.2% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the OS across both groups in high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (HAMN) (63 vs. 69 months; p = 0.942) and mesothelioma (72 vs. 42 months; p = 0.058). Overall mortality was 2%. Grade III/IV complications were significantly higher in extensive disease (68% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, use of EPIC and blood transfusion (>8 units) were independent positive and negative prognostic factors, respectively, associated with OS. Meanwhile, use of EPIC conferred benefit in DFS while increased blood transfusion (>8 units) and elevated preoperative CA125 were predictive of a poor DFS. CONCLUSION: Long-term survivals following CRS/PIC are achievable with acceptable mortality and higher morbidity rates in extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma. High PCI status does not preclude treatment with CRS/PIC.

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs acts as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for glioma patients.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs are regulatory non-coding RNAs, with their outstanding regulatory mechanism, that make them potential biomarker for disease detection and therapeutics. They play an important role in pathological state, such as cancer by acting as oncogenic microRNAs and tumor suppressor microRNAs. The expression of microRNA-206, microRNA-4477a, microRNA-4795-5p, microR-4796-3p, microRNA-451b, and microRNA-4311 has proven to be deregulated in different cancer studies. However, no comprehensive study has been reported yet regarding their role in glioma patients. AIM: The present study is designed to examine the expression profiling of microRNAs, such as microRNA-206, microRNA-4477a, microRNA-4795-5p, microR-4796-3p, microRNA-451b, and microRNA-4311 in glioma patients. Furthermore, the expression deregulation of selected microRNAs was correlated with oxidative stress and proliferation rate in glioma patients. METHODS: For this purpose, 153 glioma tissue samples and 200 brain tissues from epilepsy patients (taken as controls) were collected in the present study. Expression analysis of selected microRNAs was carried out on collected samples using real-time PCR (qPCR). Oxidative stress and proliferation rate were measured by estimation of 8OXOG level and Ki-67 using the ELISA and IHC. RESULTS: Our results showed significant deregulation of microRNA-206 (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4477a (p < 0.01), microRNA-4311 (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4795-5p (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4796-3p (p < 0.0001), and microRNA-451b (p < 0.0001) in glioma patients compared to controls. However, significant upregulation of 8OXOG level (p < 0.0001) and Ki-67 (p < 0.0001) was observed in glioma patients compared to controls. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that deregulated expression of selected microRNAs was associated with significant decrease in survival of glioma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated significant deregulation of selected microRNAs in glioma patients. This deregulated expression was found associated with significant increased risk of glioma and could be further developed as effective prognostic biomarker and therapeutic tool in said disease.

The quality of life of men one year after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: The fine details of experience matter.

INTRODUCTION: Radiographers and radiation therapists (RTT) meet cancer patients at the diagnosis, radiation treatment and late check-ups. This study aims to gain insight into men's experience concerning the quality of life one year after completing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer to contribute to radiographers' and RTT's understanding of patients' experiences during treatment. METHODS: Six male head and neck cancer survivors were enrolled and interviewed one year after radiation therapy. Semi-structured interview transcriptions were coded to include statements about their experience of quality of life. Siri Næss' definition of quality of life is used as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: This study generated four categories related to the personal experience concerned with the quality of life one year after radiotherapy treatment: Overwhelmed by information, Talking about mental well-being, Transitions - Cured but not healed, and The Fine Details to Quality of Life. There is a tendency that the patients do not express their emotions but express their assessments. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to a nuanced understanding concerning the possibility of high quality of life despite many late effects among men with head and neck cancer. The informants are overwhelmed by information before and after the course of treatment. The fine details in quality of life have a significant influence on the everyday life of head and neck cancer survivors. The findings have implications for radiographers' and RTT's communication, which requires knowledge of the patient's overall course of treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study indicates that it is vital for informants to be seen. Radiographers and RTT's must know of the patients' course of treatment and apply this in the dialogue with the patients.

The Minimal Subcortical Electronic Threshold Predicts the Motor Deficit and Survivals in Non-Awake Surgery for Gliomas Involving the Motor Pathway.

Purpose: Direct subcortical motor mapping is the golden criterion to detect and monitor the motor pathway during glioma surgery. Minimal subcortical monopolar threshold (MSCMT) means the minimal distance away from the motor pathway and is critical to decide to continue or interrupt glioma resection. However, the optimal cutoff value of MSCMT for glioma resection in non-awake patients has not been reported discreetly. In this study, we try to establish the safe cutoff value of MSCMT for glioma resection and analyzed its relationship with postoperative motor deficit and long-term survivals. Methods: We designed this prospective study with high-frequency electronic stimulus method. The cutoff MSCMT of postoperative motor deficits was statistically calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and its relationship with motor deficit and survivals was analyzed by logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Results: The cutoff MSCMT to predict motor deficit after surgery was 3.9 mA on day 1, 3.7 mA on day 7, 5.2 mA at 3 months, and 5.2 mA at 6 months. MSCMT ≤3.9 mA and MSCMT ≤5.2 mA independently predicted postoperative motor deficits at four times after surgery (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the removal degree of tumor (P > 0.05). In high-grade gliomas, MSCMT ≤3.9 mA independently predicted shorter progression-free survival [odds ratio (OR) = 3.381 (1.416-8.076), P = 0.006] and overall survival [OR = 3.651 (1.336-9.977), P = 0.012]. Power model has the best fitness for paired monopolar and bipolar high-frequency thresholds. Conclusions: This study showed strong cause-effect relation between MSCMT and postoperative motor deficit and prognoses. The cutoff MSCMT was dug out to avoid postoperative motor deficit. Further studies are needed to establish the results above.

Nomograms predictive for oncological outcomes in malignant parotid tumours: recurrence and mortality rates of 228 patients from a single institution.

PURPOSE: Malignant parotid tumours are rare and multiple prognostic factors exist. METHODS: Through a retrospective study we aimed to identify nomograms predicting recurrence and mortality rates in 228 primary parotid cancers. Patients clinical, treatment and tumour characteristics were retrospectively collected between 1980 and 2005 at our Institution. Factors predictive of disease-free-specific-survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Nomograms were then constructed. RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year DSS rates were 73% and 71.4%, and nomogram was drawn based on five parameters where perineural invasion showed the most significant predicting influence (p < 0.001). The median follow-up was of 95 months and the 5- and 10-year OS rates were 68.7% and 53.1%; six predictive variables (age, histological grade, perineural invasion, pathological lymph node status, resection margins and distant metastasis) were used to create nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: Our nomograms provide a tailored outcome to a patient affected by malignant parotid tumour and give him/her a risk assessment for recurrence and mortality based on individual factors by a concordance index > 0.8.

CyberKnife Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Recurrent or Oligometastatic Gynecological Cancers.

Purpose Use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic lesions from a primary gynecologic cancer is a relatively new concept. The present study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and possible toxicity profile of CyberKnife SABR, recurrent or metastatic disease. Materials/Methods CyberKnife VSI-based SABR was offered to 20 oligometastatic/recurrent gynecological cancer patients between 2013 and 2019. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics including radiotherapy details, clinical outcome in terms of local control rates, and toxicities are reported in this study. Results Twenty-five recurrent or oligometastatic lesions for 20 primary gynecologic cancer patients including cervical ( n = 8), ovarian ( n = 6), endometrial ( n = 5), and vulvar ( n = 1) cancers were analyzed. Of these, 4 (16%) were intracranial lesions and remaining 21 (84%) were extracranial, consisting of 14 (67%) extrapelvic and 7 (33%) pelvic lesions. The median SABR dose delivered was 60 Gy biologically effective dose (range 42-133 Gy) in an average of four fractions (range 1-6). The mean follow-up was 18 (range 2-70) months. Local tumor control was achieved in 82% of patients. There was no grade ≥ 3 toxicity recorded. Conclusion Our study results suggest that CyberKnife SABR is an effective treatment modality with no major morbidity in patients with recurrent or oligometastatic gynecological cancers.

Outcomes of salvage treatment in patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The survival outcomes of different salvage treatments for patients with recurrent oral cancer remain unclear. METHODS: A total of 556 patients with recurrent oral cancer between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Clinical/pathological risk factors and different salvage treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: The 2-year disease-free survival rates after recurrence in patients not receiving salvage operation (305 patients), receiving salvage operation with (121 patients), and without (130 patients) major pathological risk factors (margin or extranodal extension) were 5.3%, 32.4%, and 77.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). The 2-year overall survival rates were 20.3%, 58.4%, and 89.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). A late-onset recurrence, salvage radiation, and salvage operation were independent factors for good disease-free and overall survival. Salvage radiation showed survival benefits among patients not indicated for salvage operations. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage operation was the first choice for recurrent oral cancer. Patients who received the salvage operation without major risk factors had the best survival.

Role of primary tumor resection in patients with metastatic medullary thyroid cancer who have unresectable distant metastases.

BACKGROUND: Whether patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) who have unresectable synchronous distant metastases should undergo primary surgical resection (PTR) remains controversial. This study aimed to identify predictive factors associated with the survival of such patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with MTC who were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. The overall and cancer-specific mortality rates were assessed using risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression modeling and stratified propensity score matching. RESULTS: One hundred and eight matched patients were assessed. Patients in the PTR group had lower overall mortality than did those in the non-PTR group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates in the PTR group were significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: PTR appears to be the most appropriate intervention for patients with good performance status. Such patients are likely to benefit from surgery and to experience long-term stable disease.