Monitoring with circulating tumor cells in the perioperative setting of patients with surgically treated stages I-IIIA NSCLC.

Background: Surgery is regarded as the treatment's cornerstone for early stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whenever the tumor is considered resectable. Liquid biopsy is one of the most promising research areas in oncology in the last 10 years, providing a useful non-invasive tool to detect and monitor cancer. The prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been studied in different cancer types and had been related with a higher risk of relapse and worse prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of CTC detection in patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC treated with surgery. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center study of 180 consecutive patients with resected and pathological confirmed stage I to IIIA (TNM AJCC/UICC 8th edition) NSCLC. Patients' blood samples were processed and CTCs were characterized before and after the surgery. A cohort of patients had CTC determination after chemotherapy and surgery. Cut-off points were established in 1 and 5 CTCs for statistical analysis. Results: A proportion of 76.7% had at least 1 CTC before the surgery, and 30.6% had 5 or more, while 55.9% had at least 1 CTC after surgery, and 8.3% had 5 or more. We found no correlation between preoperative CTC detection for a cut-off of 5 with neither overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR): 0.99, P=0.887], disease-free survival (DFS) (HR: 0.95, P=0.39) nor relapse (32.7% vs. 28.8%, P=0.596). We also did not find a correlation between postoperative CTCs detection for a cut-off of 5 with either OS (HR: 1.01, P=0.808), DFS (HR: 0.95, P=0.952) or relapse (26.7% vs. 29.5%, P=0.83). The mean change in the number of CTCs over time between preoperative and postoperative samples was 2.13, with a standard deviation of 6.78. Conclusions: Despite the large cohort of patients included in this study, CTC monitoring in the perioperative setting was not correlated with relapse, DFS or OS in our study, and therefore cannot be recommended as a reliable biomarker for minimal residual disease (MRD) after surgery.

Functional Chest Wall Reconstruction With a Biomechanical Three-Dimensionally Printed Implant.

Chest wall resection and reconstruction for neoplastic diseases has unique oncologic, structural, and functional challenges. In a young and fit patient with a mediastinal mass and extensive anterior chest wall invasion, purely structural solutions were deemed insufficient. We hereby present a novel three-dimensionally printed patient-specific titanium implant of sternum and ribs. This osteointegrable implant was designed with biomechanical capabilities using a unique "Greek wave" folding pattern. Postoperative dynamic computed tomography showed that the implant allowed for controlled flexing during the respiratory cycle. Three-dimensional printing with biocompatible materials could enable a new generation of chest wall implants strongly focused on functional reconstruction.

Cisplatin plus vinorelbine as induction treatment in stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer.

Survival rates in patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain low despite curative treatment. This is due to tumor recurrence at distant sites. The aim of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA-CT) is to eradicate occult micrometastatic disease and improve survival in patients that are not candidates for surgery following induction therapy. A total of 21 patients with ipsilateral mediastinal node involvement (N2) with potentially resectable disease, who had been diagnosed with stage IIIA (T1-3 N1-2 and T4N0) NSCLC and who had received cisplatin and vinorelbine as induction treatment were included in this retrospective study. Patients who responded to the treatment underwent surgery, and those who were unresponsive received radical radiotherapy. Follow-up was conducted between March 2008 and April 2014. The median age of patients was 61 years, and all patients exhibited a good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. The majority of patients were histologically diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (48%) or squamous cell carcinoma (38%), which was a poor prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). A total of 7 patients underwent surgery (of which 6 were down-staged), with a 3-year survival rate of 42.8%. The most significant factor associated with response to induction treatment was multistation nodal involvement. The complete resection rate for surgical patients was 85.7%. Unresectable patients had a 3-year survival rate of 25.8%. OS time for the whole cohort was 28.5 months, and the 3- and 5-year OS rates were 28.5% and 4.7%, respectively. CT-induced toxicity did not affect any treatment regime or surgical procedures. In conclusion, the use of cisplatin plus vinorelbine is feasible in a neoadjuvant setting, with good response rates and acceptable toxicity. Multistation N2 involvement is the main prognostic factor for a poor response to induction treatment.

Clinical lung transplantation from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors revisited.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to review and update the long-term results from our previously published series of lung transplantation in uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). METHODS: A prospective collection of data was undertaken from all lung transplants performed among uncontrolled NHBDs between 2002 and December 2009. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-nine lung transplants were performed. Mean total ischemic times for the first and second lung were 575 minutes (SD 115.6) and 701 minutes (SD 111.3), respectively. Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) G1, G2 and G3 occurred in 5 cases (17%), 5 cases (17%) and 11 cases (38%), respectively. Overall hospital mortality rate was 17% (5 patients). Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant association of mortality with ischemic times and with PGD. In terms of overall survival, 3-month, 1-year, 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 78%, 68%, 57% and 51%, respectively, and the conditional survival rates in those who survived the first 3 months were 86%, 72% and 65%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) was 11%, 35% and 45% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lung transplantation from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors shows acceptable results for both mid- and long-term survival and BOS; however, the higher rates of PGD and its impact on early mortality must make us more demanding with respect to the acceptance criteria and methods of evaluation used with these donors.

Relationship between family history of breast cancer and health-related behavior.

This article explores the relationship between family history of breast cancer (FHBC) and health-related behavior and medical management, using a cross-sectional analysis of 685 women, based on self-report. The influence of FHBC on lifestyle (alcohol use, physical activity, weight and diet) and medical management decisions (screening for chronic diseases) was assessed using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjustment for confounders was performed using unconditional logistic regression. Sixty five women (9.5%) reported relatives with breast cancer. Women with FHBC are more likely to have had a mammography and colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These women have about twice the probability of performing more intense physical exercise, contrasting with high-risk women whose consumption of fibre is lower and sweets is higher. No significant association was found between alcohol consumption or Body Mass Index and family history. Spontaneous behavioral change to a more preventive lifestyle in relatives of cancer patients is very low.

Factores asociados a la técnica correcta en la higiene de manos / Factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene

Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la higienización de manos con técnica correcta en el contexto de una campaña de mejora. Material y método: Se realizaron 2 estudios transversales en 15 unidades asistenciales. La variable dependiente fue la técnica de higienización y las de exposición fueron aspectos asistenciales (grupo profesional, etc.) y relacionados con la campaña (formación en higiene de manos). Análisis estadístico: como medida de asociación se utilizó la odds ratio (OR) y su intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). El análisis ajustado se realizó mediante regresión logística.Resultados: El 12% de las higienizaciones se realizaron con técnica correcta. Entre los factores asociados destacan las unidades de cuidados intensivos (OR 4,07, IC 95% 1,95–8,51) y servicios quirúrgicos (OR 3,24, IC 95% 1,52–6,92), actividades de alto riesgo de transmisión de infección (OR 2,56, IC 95% 1,34–4,70) y el grupo de médicos (OR 2,52, IC 95% 0,93–6,85). La formación aumentó un 21% la probabilidad de higienización correcta por cada incremento de un 10% de profesionales formados (OR 1,21, IC 95% 1,01–1,45). Conclusiones: La formación incide positivamente en la técnica de higienización de manos especialmente en servicios quirúrgicos y profesionales médicos (AU)

Objetive: To identify factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene technique in a hand hygiene campaign. Methods: We developed two cross-sectional studies on 15 hospital units. The outcome variable was complied HH with proper technique and the exposures variables were care factors (unit, professional group, etc) and other factors related with the HH campaign (training on hand washing). Statistical analysis: The strength of association was measured using odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjusting for confounders was performed using multiple logistic regression. Results: 12% of the observed 1241 hand hygiene were performed with proper technique. The strongest associated factors were ICUS (OR: 4.07 (CI 95% (1.95–8.51)), surgical wards (OR: 3.24 (CI 95% (1.52–6.92), procedures with high risk of contamination (OR: 2,56 CI 95% (1.34–4.70)), and physicians (OR: 2.52 CI 95% (0.93–6.85)). Training increased by 21% the probability of hand hygiene with proper technique for every 10% increase in trained health care workers (OR: 1.21 CI 95% (1.01–1.45). Conclusions: Hand Washing Training was associated with proper technique especially in surgical services and physicians (AU)

[Factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene]. / Factores asociados a la técnica correcta en la higiene de manos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related with the performance of a proper hand hygiene technique in a hand hygiene campaign. METHODS: We developed two cross-sectional studies on 15 hospital units. The outcome variable was complied HH with proper technique and the exposures variables were care factors (unit, professional group, etc) and other factors related with the HH campaign (training on hand washing). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The strength of association was measured using odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjusting for confounders was performed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 12% of the observed 1241 hand hygiene were performed with proper technique. The strongest associated factors were ICUS (OR: 4.07 (CI 95% (1.95-8.51)), surgical wards (OR: 3.24 (CI 95% (1.52-6.92), procedures with high risk of contamination (OR: 2,56 CI 95% (1.34-4.70)), and physicians (OR: 2.52 CI 95% (0.93-6.85)). Training increased by 21% the probability of hand hygiene with proper technique for every 10% increase in trained health care workers (OR: 1.21 CI 95% (1.01-1.45). CONCLUSIONS: Hand Washing Training was associated with proper technique especially in surgical services and physicians.

Impacto de una campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos sobre el consumo de soluciones hidroalcohólicas en un hospital de tercer nivel / Impact of a hand hygiene campaign on alcoholic hand rub consumption in a tertiary hospital

ObjetivoValorar la influencia sobre el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica de una campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos, y más concretamente del desarrollo de talleres prácticos sobre higienización de manos en un hospital de tercer nivel del Servicio Cántabro de Salud.MétodosSe realizó un estudio ecológico con datos de enero de 2005 a diciembre de 2008. La variable dependiente fue el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica (ml/día). Como variable independiente se utilizó la campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos desarrollada en el Servicio Cántabro de Salud. Para valorar la relación del consumo con la campaña se utilizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple.Resultados y conclusionesDestaca la asociación entre la formación recibida sobre higiene de manos en las unidades de hospitalización y el consumo de preparados de base alcohólica, que mejora al consolidarse la campaña (año 2008) y demuestra un efecto positivo de ésta, en especial de sus aspectos formativos (AU)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of a hand hygiene program on consumption of alcoholic hand rub, and specifically the impact of the development of hand washing training in a tertiary hospital belonging to the Cantabrian Health Service in Spain.MethodsWe performed an ecological study from January 2005 to December 2008. The dependent variable was consumption of alcoholic hand rub (ml/day). As the independent variable, we used the hand hygiene campaign developed by the Cantabrian Health Service. The relationship between alcoholic hand rub consumption and the campaign was evaluated using multiple linear regression.Results and conclusionsThe training received in hand hygiene in hospital wards was associated with consumption of alcoholic hand rub, which improved as the campaign became consolidated (in 2008) and showed a positive effect, particularly its training aspects (AU)

[Impact of a hand hygiene campaign on alcoholic hand rub consumption in a tertiary hospital]. / Impacto de una campaña de mejora de la higiene de manos sobre el consumo de soluciones hidroalcohólicas en un hospital de tercer nivel.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of a hand hygiene program on consumption of alcoholic hand rub, and specifically the impact of the development of hand washing training in a tertiary hospital belonging to the Cantabrian Health Service in Spain. METHODS: We performed an ecological study from January 2005 to December 2008. The dependent variable was consumption of alcoholic hand rub (ml/day). As the independent variable, we used the hand hygiene campaign developed by the Cantabrian Health Service. The relationship between alcoholic hand rub consumption and the campaign was evaluated using multiple linear regression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The training received in hand hygiene in hospital wards was associated with consumption of alcoholic hand rub, which improved as the campaign became consolidated (in 2008) and showed a positive effect, particularly its training aspects.

Reintervenciones quirúrgicas y trasplante de órganos torácicos / No disponible

Actualmente, más del 85% de los pacientes que nacen con una cardiopatía congénita alcanzan la vida adulta, muchos de ellos gracias a procedimientos quirúrgicos o hemodinámicos realizados durante la infancia. De los pacientes mayores de 18 años con cardiopatías congénitas, se estima que casi un 20% necesitan en algún momento de su evolución un procedimiento intervencionista, la mayor parte de las veces quirúrgico, debido bien a diagnósticos fuera de la edad infantil en el caso de las cardiopatías más benignas, bien a la existencia de lesiones residuales, secuelas y/o complicaciones en el caso de las formas más complejas intervenidas en etapas precoces de la vida. La intervención o la reintervención de estos pacientes durante la edad adulta, excluido el grupo más sencillo de las comunicaciones interauriculares con o sin drenaje venoso pulmonar anómalo asociado, constituyen una nueva subespecialidad de la cirugía cardiovascular, con tendencia general a que las realicen cirujanos cardiacos que habitualmente operan cardiopatías congénitas. Cuando estas afecciones alcanzan un estadio final debido a la disfunción severa de uno o ambos ventrículos, problemas técnicos quirúrgicos que impliquen alto riesgo para una cirugía convencional o la presencia de hipertensión pulmonar secundaria a enfermedad vascular pulmonar, todavía restan como armas terapéuticas los trasplantes de órganos intratorácicos: corazón y pulmones, sea en bloque o por separado. El objeto de este artículo es la revisión retrospectiva del subgrupo más complejo de congénitos adultos intervenidos en la Unidad de Cardiopatías Congénitas del Adulto del Hospital La Paz, aquellos que habían sufrido operaciones previas, bien para reparar una cardiopatía sólo paliada, bien para tratar lesiones residuales o secuelas de una cardiopatía previamente corregida, así como reflejar la experiencia del Hospital Puerta de Hierro en el trasplante de órganos intratorácicos en adultos con cardiopatías congénitas (AU)

No disponible

Results of clinical lung transplant from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of grafts for lung transplant and the growing number of candidates expecting an organ has led to an increase of deaths in patients waiting for lung transplantation. Non-heart-beating donors (NHBD) represent a promising source of grafts for those who are involved in clinical lung transplantation. We present the results of our series of 17 out-of-hospital NHBD lung transplantations performed since 2002. METHODS: We have collected data from 17 donors and recipients involved in NHBD lung transplants since 2002, as well as data referring to the type of procedure and peri-operative events. We describe the incidence of post-operative complications with special attention to primary graft disfunction (PGD), bronchial healing, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and survival. We used Kaplan-Meier method to obtain the survival curve. RESULTS: G2-G3 PGD was reported in 9 patients (53%), with a complete restoration of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio in 170 hours for G2 and 168 hours for G3. There were no deaths directly related to PGD. Acute rejection was detected in 7 patients (41%), 4 of which exceeded grade 1. The incidence of BOS after transplantation was 1 (7%) of 14 patients during the first year, 2 (11%) of 9 in the second year, and 2 (50%) of 4 in the third year. Hospital mortality rate was 17%. The survival rates were 82% at 3 months, 69%, at 1 year, and 58% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term results confirm the adequacy of uncontrolled NHBD as a promising complementary source of lung donors for clinical transplant.

Graft pneumonectomy and delayed contralateral lung transplantation.

We believe that contralateral single lung transplantation after graft pneumonectomy has not been reported yet in the literature. We present the case of an emphysematous patient who received a unilateral left lung transplant and had severe stenosis in bronchial anastomosis and bronchiectasis develop. Four years after transplantation we decided to perform a left pneumonectomy and a delayed right lung transplantation. Nine months after the procedure the patient is ambulatory and is not dependent on oxygen support.

[Is endoscopic treatment of bronchopleural fistula useful?]. / 'Es útil el tratamiento endoscópico de las fístulas bronquiales?

OBJECTIVE: New endoscopic techniques have been developed as an alternative to surgical treatment of bronchopleural fistula. The objective of this study was to analyze our experience with endoscopic treatment of such fistulas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with bronchopleural fistula diagnosed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Patient characteristics, underlying disease, fistula size, and outcome of endoscopic treatment were analyzed. The endoscopic technique consisted of injection of fibrin sealants (Histoacryl and/or Tissucol) through the catheter of the fiberoptic bronchoscope. RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2004, 18 patients were diagnosed with bronchopleural fistula by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. All were men with a mean (SD) age of 62 (12) years. Bronchopleural fistula was diagnosed after neoplastic surgery in 16 patients, in the bronchial suture after lung transplantation in 1 patient, and concurrently with pleural effusion due to hydatidosis in the remaining patient. The size of the fistula ranged from 1 mm to 10 mm (mean 3.6 [2.7] mm). Fibrin sealants were applied in 14 patients, 2 underwent direct surgery after diagnosis, and the bronchopleural fistula closed spontaneously in the remaining 2. The fibrin sealant used was Histoacryl in 12 patients and Tissucol in 2. Pleural drainage was employed simultaneously and antibiotic therapy was administered at the discretion of the surgeon. The 4 patients whose bronchopleural fistula was associated with empyema also underwent pleural lavage. In 12 patients the fistulas closed as a result of the endoscopic technique (85.7%), and no complications were observed. For 85.7%, fewer than 3 applications of fibrin sealant were necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of closure of bronchopleural fistula with fibrin sealants injected under guidance with fiberoptic bronchoscopy is high and there are no complications. This technique can render surgery unnecessary.

Results of surgery in small cell carcinoma of the lung.

OBJECTIVE: The experiences published by various groups have re-opened the debate on the role of surgery in the management of patients with small cell lung cancer, especially in those with early stage disease (T1-T2 N0). Our study reports the survival rate of 47 patients with small cell lung cancer treated surgically. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ours is a prospective study that selected patients with lung cancer recommended for surgery (n=2994) between 1993 and 1997 based on operability criteria accepted by the Bronchogenic Carcinoma Cooperative Group of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery. We report the clinical as well as pathological stages of the patients with small cell lung cancer (n=47), later analysing the 5-year survival rate after surgery using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In 31 patients (66%), resection was complete; 3 patients (6%) received induction treatment and 30 (64%) adjuvant treatment. Five years later, 26% (95% CI 12-40%) of the patients that received surgical treatment were still alive. When we analysed the patients that underwent complete resection, 31% (95% CI 13-49%) survived 5 years or more. In patients at stage Ip (n=15), 36% (95% CI 11-61%) were still living after 5 years. CONCLUSION: Until future studies compare surgery plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it seems reasonable to offer surgical treatment to those patients with early stage small cell lung cancer (T1-T2-N0).

Lung transplantation from out-of-hospital non-heart-beating lung donors. one-year experience and results.

There is currently no method for preservation and functional evaluation of clinical out-of-hospital non-heart-beating lung donors (NHBLD) that can be applied practically and systematically in clinical lung transplantation programs. A new method of preservation and functional evaluation of the lung has been developed in NHBLD that is based on the knowledge of various experimental studies. Initially, the viability of lungs harvested this way was proved from preliminary functional and histologic tests. In November 2002, we started using lung allografts from non-heart-beating donors. Five lung transplantations (4 bipulmonary and 1 unipulmonary) were performed successfully. The short and mid-term results have been excellent and all recipients are alive. We report our initial experience, which we hope will be of help to those involved in clinical lung transplantation programs worldwide.