Subgrading of G2 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors as 2A (Ki67 3% to < 10%) Versus 2B (10% to ≤ 20%) Identifies Behaviorally Distinct Subsets in Keeping with the Evolving Management Protocols.

BACKGROUND: Grade 1/2 PanNETs are mostly managed similarly, typically without any adjunct treatment with the belief that their overall metastasis rate is low. In oncology literature, Ki67-index of 10% is increasingly being used as the cutoff in stratifying patients to different protocols, although there are no systematic pathology-based studies supporting this approach. METHODS: Ki67-index was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters in 190 resected PanNETs. A validation cohort (n = 145) was separately analyzed. RESULTS: In initial cohort, maximally selected rank statistics method revealed 12% to be the discriminatory cutoff (close to 10% rule of thumb). G2b cases had liver/distant metastasis rate of almost threefold higher than that of G2a and showed significantly higher frequency of all histopathologic signs of aggressiveness (tumor size, perineural/vascular invasion, infiltrative growth pattern, lymph node metastasis). In validation cohort, these figures were as striking. When all cases were analyzed together, compared with G1, the G2b category had nine times higher liver/distant metastasis rate (6.1 vs. 58.5%; p < 0.001) and three times higher lymph node metastasis rate (20.5 vs. 65.1%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: G2b PanNETs act very similar to G3, supporting management protocols that regard them as potential therapy candidates. Concerning local management, metastatic behavior in G2b cases indicate they may not be as amenable for conservative approaches, such as watchful waiting or enucleation. This substaging should be considered into diagnostic guidelines, and clinical trials need to be devised to determine the more appropriate management protocols for G2b (10% to ≤ 20%) group, which shows liver/distant metastasis in more than half of the cases, which at minimum warrants closer follow-up.

Intra-ampullary Papillary Tubular Neoplasm (IAPN): Clinicopathologic Analysis of 72 Cases Highlights the Distinctive Characteristics of a Poorly Recognized Entity.

The guidelines recently recognized the intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasm (IAPN) as a distinct tumor entity. However, the data on IAPN and its distinction from other ampullary tumors remain limited. A detailed clinicopathologic analysis of 72 previously unpublished IAPNs was performed. The patients were: male/female=1.8; mean age=67 years (range: 42 to 86 y); mean size=2.3 cm. Gross-microscopic correlation was crucial. From the duodenal perspective, the ampulla was typically raised symmetrically, with a patulous orifice, and was otherwise covered by stretched normal duodenal mucosa. However, in 6 cases, the protrusion of the intra-ampullary tumor to the duodenal surface gave the impression of an "ampullary-duodenal tumor," with the accurate diagnosis of IAPN established only by microscopic correlation illustrating the abrupt ending of the lesion at the edge of the ampulla. Microscopically, the preinvasive component often revealed mixed phenotypes (44.4% predominantly nonintestinal). The invasion was common (94%), typically small (mean=1.2 cm), primarily pancreatobiliary-type (75%), and showed aggressive features (lymphovascular invasion in 66%, perineural invasion in 41%, high budding in 30%). In 6 cases, the preinvasive component was pure intestinal, but the invasive component was pancreatobiliary. LN metastasis was identified in 42% (32% in those with ≤1 cm invasion). The prognosis was significantly better than ampullary-ductal carcinomas (median: 69 vs. 41 months; 3-year: 68% vs. 55%; and 5-year: 51% vs. 35%, P =0.047). In conclusion, unlike ampullary-duodenal carcinomas, IAPNs are often (44.4%) predominantly nonintestinal and commonly (94%) invasive, displaying aggressive features and LN metastasis even when minimally invasive, all of which render them less amenable to ampullectomy. However, their prognosis is still better than that of the "ampullary-ductal" carcinomas, with which IAPNs are currently grouped in CAP protocols (while IAPNs are kindreds of intraductal tumors of the pancreatobiliary tract, the latter represents the ampullary counterpart of pancreatic adenocarcinoma/cholangiocarcinoma).

Early Post-operative Stimulated Serum Thyroglobulin: Role in Preventing Unnecessary Radioactive Iodine Treatment in Low to Intermediate Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

AIM: The aims of the study are to evaluate the predictive value of early post-operative stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) analysis on the recurrence risk, and to define a cut-off value that is related to recurrence risk in low to intermediate risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included individuals who were diagnosed with PTC aged 18 years or older and had been operated by experienced surgeons of a tertiary university hospital between the years 2011 and 2021. The American Thyroid Association thyroid cancer guidelines version 2015 was used as the risk stratification system. Early sTg measurement obtained at 3-4 weeks after surgery when TSH >30 µIU/mL. Data was collected from the hospital database. A total of 328 patients who had post-operative early sTg values with negative anti-Tg antibodies were included. RESULTS: The median age was 44 years. Of the 328 patients, 223 (68%) were women. The median tumor diameter was 11 mm. One hundred ninety-one patients (58.2%) had low risk and 137 (41.8%) had intermediate risk for recurrent disease. Of the 328 patients, 4.0% had recurrent disease. In multivariate Cox regression, post-operative early sTg value [OR: 1.070 (1.038-1.116), P = .000], and the pre-operative malign cytology [OR: 1.483 (1.080-2.245), P = .042] were independent risk factors for recurrence. On the ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value of early sTg was 4.1 ng/mL for those with recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that early sTg could predict recurrent disease in patients with low to intermediate risk PTC. A cut-off of 4.1 ng/mL was identified with a high negative predictive value.

Neuroendocrine Tumor of Tailgut Cyst with Unexpected Metastases.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) originate from the neuroendocrine cells, which are found in various organs. NETs occur frequently in the gastrointestinal tract. NETs arising from tailgut cysts are uncommon. We herein report an interesting case of metastatic tailgut cyst NET, which was firstly diagnosed as plasmacytoma.

Optimizing the Personalized Care for the Management of Rectal Cancer: A Consensus Statement.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Turkey. The current guidelines do not provide sufficient information to cover all aspects of the management of rectal cancer. Although treatment has been standardized in terms of the basic principles of neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy, uncertainties in the management of rectal cancer may lead to significant differences in clinical practice. In order to clarify these uncertainties, a consensus program was constructed with the participation of the physicians from the Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar and Koç Universities. This program included the physicians from the departments of general surgery, gastroenterology, pathology, radiology, nuclear medicine, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and medical genetics. The gray zones in the management of rectal cancer were determined by reviewing the evidence-based data and current guidelines before the meeting. Topics to be discussed consisted of diagnosis, staging, surgical treatment for the primary disease, use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, management of recurrent disease, screening, follow-up, and genetic counseling. All those topics were discussed under supervision of a presenter and a chair with active participation of related physicians. The consensus text was structured by centralizing the decisions based on the existing data.

Infiltration pattern predicts metastasis and progression better than the T-stage and grade in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a proposal for a novel infiltration-based morphologic grading.

The advancing edge profile is a powerful determinant of tumor behavior in many organs. In this study, a grading system assessing the tumor-host interface was developed and tested in 181 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), 63 of which were <=2 cm. Three tumor slides representative of the spectrum (least, medium, and most) of invasiveness at the advancing edge of the tumor were selected, and then each slide was scored as follows. Well-demarcated/encapsulated, 1 point; Mildly irregular borders and/or minimal infiltration into adjacent tissue, 2 points; Infiltrative edges with several clusters beyond the main tumor but still relatively close, and/or satellite demarcated nodules, 3 points; No demarcation, several cellular clusters away from the tumor, 4 points; Exuberantly infiltrative pattern, scirrhous growth, dissecting the normal parenchymal elements, 5 points. The sum of the rankings on the three slides was obtained. Cases with scores of 3-6 were defined as "non/minimally infiltrative" (NI; n = 77), 7-9 as "moderately infiltrative" (MI; n = 68), and 10-15 as "highly infiltrative" (HI; n = 36). In addition to showing a statistically significant correlation with all the established signs of aggressiveness (grade, size, T-stage), this grading system was found to be the most significant predictor of adverse outcomes (metastasis, progression, and death) on multivariate analysis, more strongly than T-stage, while Ki-67 index did not stand the multivariate test. As importantly, cases <=2 cm were also stratified by this grading system rendering it applicable also to this group that is currently placed in "watchful waiting" protocols. In conclusion, the proposed grading system has a strong, independent prognostic value and therefore should be considered for integration into routine pathology practice after being evaluated in validation studies with larger series.

Concomittant occurence of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma metastasis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the same lymph node along with internal jugular vein thrombus: a case report.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is the most common adult leukemia. The coexistence of CLL and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is extremely rare. PTC sometimes shows microscopic vascular invasion but rarely cause a tumor thrombus in the internal jugular vein (IJV). It is also rare to find both differentiated and poorly differentiated types of thyroid cancer in the same metastatic location. We report a case of 63-year-old Turkish man with history of CLL who had CLL/SLL involvement and PTC metastasis in the same lymph node. Additionally, there was macroscopic metastasis to the IJV with poorly differentiated areas in the removed tumor thrombus. Patient was treated with total thyroidectomy, left radical neck dissection, resection of the left IJV segment that contained the tumor thrombus and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Furthermore, metastatic lesions were found in the brain, lung and bone. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed. However, our patient died approximately 12 months after thyroidectomy. To our knowledge, our present report is the first description with its current features.

Tumor border pattern and size help predict lymph node status in papillary microcarcinoma: A clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: Lymph node metastasis occurs in a subset of papillary microcarcinoma patients. We aimed to analyze the differences between metastatic and non-metastatic papillary microcarcinomas in order to identify a high-risk subgroup that is likely to require more aggressive treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 thyroidectomies with lymph node dissections (central ±â€¯lateral), diagnosed as papillary microcarcinoma, were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age of 126 patients (F/M = 3.3) was 42 years. Mean size of the largest tumor was 7 mm. Classical was the most frequently (89%) encountered subtype. Multiple histologic subtypes co-occurred in 19%. Lymphovascular invasion was present in 16% (n = 20). 55 (44%) and 71 (56%) cases were unifocal and multifocal, respectively. 90 cases (71%) were non-encapsulated with overall infiltrative tumor borders, whereas in 36 cases (29%), the tumor had a well-defined capsule. Among those, 23 (64%) had tumor capsule invasion. 47 (37%) cases had metastasis in lymph nodes. In univariate analysis, metastasis was associated with tumor size of >5 mm (p = 0.02), tumor burden of >5 mm (p = 0.03), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.02) and non-encapsulation (p = 0.01). No associations were found regarding sex, age, histologic subtype, lymphocytic thyroiditis, tumor capsule invasion (in capsulated tumors), laterality and multifocality (p > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.01, OR = 3.97, 95% CI 1.35-11.67), tumor size >0.5 cm (p = 0.031, OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.10-7.71) and non-encapsulation (p = 0.033, OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.08-7.51) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Size (largest tumor or sum of all foci) of >5 mm, non-encapsulation and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictors of LNM in PMs. Unifocal tumors metastasize the same as multifocal tumors, suggestive of the contribution of other factors. Patients with sporadically resected microcarcinomas should be carefully followed-up, especially those that harbor risk factors in histology.

Impact of Prolonged Neoadjuvant Treatment-surgery Interval on Histopathologic and Operative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Mesorectal Excision for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study primarily aimed to assess the impact of prolonged neoadjuvant treatment-surgery interval (PNSI) on histopathologic and postoperative outcomes. Impacts of the mode of neoadjuvant treatment (NT) and surgery on the outcomes were also evaluated in the same patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2011 and December 2017, patients who underwent NT and total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer were included. PNSI was defined as >4 and >8 weeks after short-course and long-course NT modalities, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 44 (27%) patients received short-course NT (standard interval: n=28; PNSI: n=16) and 122 (73%) patients received long-course NT (standard interval: n=39; PNSI: n=83). Postoperative morbidity was similar between the standard interval and PNSI in patients undergoing short-course [n=3 (11%) vs. n=3 (19%), P=0.455] and long-course [n=6 (15%) vs. n=16 (19%), P=0.602] NT. PNSI was associated with increased complete pathologic response in patients receiving short-course NT [0 vs. n=5 (31%), P=0.002]. Compared with short-course NT, long-course NT was superior in terms of tumor response based on the Mandard [Mandard 1 to 2: n=6 (21%) vs. 6 (38%), P=0.012] and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) [CAP 0 to 1: n=13 (46%) vs. n=8 (50%), P=0.009] scores. Postoperative morbidity was similar after open, laparoscopic, and robotic total mesorectal excision [n=1 (14.2%) vs. n=21 (21%) vs. n=6 (12.5%), P=0.455] irrespective of the interval time to surgery and the type of NT. CONCLUSIONS: PNSI can be considered in patients undergoing short-course NT due to its potential oncological benefits. The mode of surgery performed at tertiary centers has no impact on postoperative morbidity after both NT modalities.

Pathologic Evaluation of Large Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissections: An Analysis of 279 Cases With Emphasis on the Importance of Multidisciplinary Work and Establishing Examination Protocols.

Background. Endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) allow removal of large gastrointestinal tumors and help patients avoid major oncologic surgery. In this study, the challenges and development of approaches toward successfully handling ESDs were analyzed in 279 colorectal specimens (114 rectal, 47 left, 118 right colonic; 90% adenoma with/without carcinoma). Methods. Each specimen was processed according to an established protocol including gross photography, mapping, and total submission for histopathologic examination. Results. Mean lesion size was 4.2 cm (range: 0.5-22 cm; 28% ≥5 cm; 6% ≥10 cm). Invasive carcinoma was present in 38 cases (14%), which had a mean overall tumor size of 3.8 cm (range: 1.1-17.5 cm), and mean largest size of the invasive component was 0.93 cm (range: 0.04-3 cm). Fifteen cases were staged as pT1a (submucosal invasion of <1000 µm) and 13 cases as pT1b (submucosal invasion of ≥1000 µm). En-bloc and R0 resection rates were 99.3% and 90.6%, respectively. Conclusion. Various histopathologic challenges were encountered, which were carefully evaluated by dedicated pathologists with familiarity to the subtleties in handling and reporting these specimens. We recommend these specimens to be prepared in the endoscopy suite, submitted to the Pathology Department oriented, pinned, and placed into copious amount of fixative. Total sampling, gross photography, mapping, and proper fixation are crucial components in the histopathologic evaluation. Micromeasurement of invasion depth and substaging per European/Japanese guidelines as well as accurate measurement of the distance from the resection margins are highly recommended. In conclusion, ESD is an adequate method that can be successfully implemented in a tertiary care center to perform en-bloc and margin-free resections of clinically selected large colorectal superficial lesions.

Effect of prophylactic central neck dissection on the surgical outcomes in papillary thyroid cancer: experience in a single center.

PURPOSE: Morbidity due to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increased mostly due to lymph node (LN) metastases, which lead to reoperations and complications associated with these operations. The aim is to compare the outcomes of PTC having total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection (TT + PCND) with patients having total thyroidectomy (TT) alone. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of 358 PTC patients that were operated by a single surgeon in a single center. Data about the patients were extracted from the medical records. RESULTS: Of the patient cohort, 258 patients had TT + PCND (42.5 ± 11.3 years) and 100 patients (41.2 ± 11.9 years) had only TT. Total number of LN extracted in the TT + PCND group was 8.1 ± 6.9. The mean number of metastatic LN were 2.2 ± 1.9. Percentage of patients that had RAI were less in the TT + PCND group compared to the TT group. Seven patients (2.7%) in the TT + PCND group and 19 (19.0%) in TT group had recurrent disease (p < 0.0001). Of the complications, only transient hypoparathyroidism was increased in TT + PCND group compared to TT group (26.7% vs 10%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: TT + PCND performed by an experienced surgeon seems to decrease the number of LN recurrences, and the need for reoperations.

Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of upper gastrointestinal leiomyomas harboring interstitial cells of Cajal: A potential mimicker of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinicopathologic characteristics of upper gastrointestinal leiomyomas and to determine the distribution and immunohistochemical features of interstitial cells of Cajal, in order to designate whether they can cause diagnostic challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four upper gastrointestinal leiomyomas (14 esophagus, 10 stomach) were retrieved. CD117, DOG-1 and muscle markers were performed. The staining was analyzed based on the distribution and percentage. Interstitial cells of Cajal were distinguished based on their positivity for both CD117 and DOG-1 immunohistochemistry, along with their morphological features. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 49 years, M/F ratio was 2.4. Patients with gastric leiomyomas were significantly younger than those with esophageal leiomyomas (41.5 vs. 54.3, p = 0.012). Histologically, leiomyomas were similar to their endometrial counterpart. Immunohistochemically, all tumors had strong/diffuse positivity for muscle markers. CD117 highlighted mast cells in all cases. Three cases had prominently increased mast cells. Both CD117 and DOG-1 also highlighted interstitial cells of Cajal in 24/24 (100%) of cases. Interstitial cells of Cajal were distributed in variable proportions, from focal to homogenous. In one case, they constituted 50% of tumor cells. In 16 cases, the distribution was homogenous. Superficial leiomyomas (n = 3) had only focal CD117 and DOG-1 positivity. CONCLUSION: Upper gastrointestinal leiomyomas harbor expression of CD117 and DOG-1 in entrapped/colonized interstitial cells of Cajal, which can cause a potential pitfall in the differential diagnosis, especially in cases that show prominent immunohistochemical positivity. Evaluation of the immunohistochemistry can be exceptionally challenging in small biopsy/cytology specimens. Careful histologic evaluation of the tumor as well as the recognition of interstitial cells of Cajal will help the pathologist render the accurate diagnosis.

The clinicopathologic characteristics of familial and sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma in Turkish patients

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to investigate clinicopathologic features of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (fPTC) and compare them with sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma (sPTC) in Turkish patients. A retrospective analysis of the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases, with or without family history with a follow-up around 10 years was performed. Materials and methods: A series of patients with fPTC (82 fPTC families with 146 affected individuals) were compared with patients with sPTC (n = 112). The clinicopathologic features [(age, gender, histologic subtype, tumour size, bilaterality, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM)] and treatment procedures (lymph node dissection, radioactive iodine ablation), and the outcomes like recurrences in the neck region, distant metastasis, and the need for reoperation were compared between the groups. Results: When the groups were compared, there was no significant difference in age (P = 0.449), and tumour size (P = 0.898) between familial and sporadic PTC patients. fPTC group had a significantly higher risk of male gender (P=0.001), bilaterality (P = 0.004), multifocality (P = 0.011), LNM (P = 0.013), ETE (P = 0.040), and distant metastasis (P ≤ 0.0001) than the sPTC group. However, recurrence rate was similar between the 2 groups (P = 0.436). Conclusion: The results of this study confirms a more aggressive nature in fPTC patients, in terms of bilaterality, multifocality, ETE, LNM, and distant metastasis, compared to sPTC patients in Turkish population.

Pathologic Evaluation of Endoscopically Resected Non-Ampullary Duodenal Lesions: A Single Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic resections are increasingly being used for superficial gastrointestinal lesions. However, application of these techniques in the duodenum remains challenging, due to the technical difficulties and high complication rates. This study projects a western tertiary center's experience in the endoscopic treatment and diagnostic workup of 19 cases of non-ampullary duodenal lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Specimens (12 endoscopic mucosal resections, 6 endoscopic submucosal dissections, and one endoscopic full-thickness resection) were processed following a strict protocol (photographed, mapped digitally and submitted totally) for histopathologic examination. Clinicopathologic characteristics, margin status and follow-up information were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 16 patients was 52 years (range: 22-81). Mean lesion size was 1.4 cm (range: 0.3-3.6 cm) for all cases, 2 cm for endoscopic submucosal dissections and 1.1 cm for endoscopic mucosal resections. Mean number of blocks submitted was 4/case. Seven neuroendocrine tumors, 3 tubulovillous adenomas were diagnosed along with nine benign lesions. For endoscopic submucosal dissections, en-bloc and R0 resection rates were 100% (n=6/6) and 83% (n=5/6); for endoscopic mucosal resections, they were 92% (n=11/12) and 83% (n=10/12), respectively. Only one patient had procedure-related late perforation that was managed endoscopically. No mortality was encountered. CONCLUSION: Duodenal endoscopic resections proved successful, safe and feasible methods in a tertiary center. The pathologist's role is to designate the accurate diagnosis, related histopathologic parameters and margin status. The gross protocol was found to be essential in evaluating specimen margins and orientation, as well as in size measurement. We recommend following a standardized approach including gross photography and digital mapping when handling these specimens, for both diagnostic and data collection purposes.

Non-neoplastic Polyps of the Gallbladder: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 447 Cases.

There is no systematic histopathologic analysis of non-neoplastic polyps in the gallbladder. In this study, in addition to a computer search for cases designated as "polyp," a systematic review of 2533 consecutive routinely sampled archival and 203 totally submitted prospective cholecystectomies were analyzed for >2 mm polyps (cut-off was based on radiologic sensitivity). A total of 447 non-neoplastic polyps were identified. The frequency was 3% in archival cases and 5% in totally submitted cases. Only 21 (5%) were ≥1 cm. The average age was 52 years, and the female to male ratio was 3.1. Two distinct categories were delineated: (1) injury-related polyps (n=273): (a) Fibro(myo)glandular polyps (n=214) were small (mean=0.4 cm), broad-based, often multiple (45%), almost always (98%) gallstone-associated, and were composed of a mixture of (myo)fibroblastic tissue/lobular glandular units with chronic cholecystitis. Dysplasia seen in 9% seemed to be secondary involvement. (b) Metaplastic pyloric glands forming polypoid collections (n=42). (c) Inflammatory-type polyps associated with acute/subacute injury (11 granulation tissue, 3 xanthogranulomatous, 3 lymphoid). (2) Cholesterol polyps (n=174) occurred in uninjured gallbladders, revealing a very thin stalk, edematous cores devoid of glands but with cholesterol-laden macrophages in 85%, and cholesterolosis in the uninvolved mucosa in 60%. Focal low-grade dysplasia was seen in 3%, always confined to the polyp, unaccompanied by carcinoma. In conclusion, non-neoplastic polyps are seen in 3% of cholecystectomies and are often small. Injury-related fibromyoglandular polyps are the most common. Cholesterol polyps have distinctive cauliflower architecture, often in a background of uninjured gallbladders with cholesterolosis and may lack the cholesterol-laden macrophages in the polyp itself. Although dysplastic changes can involve non-neoplastic polyps, they do not seem to be the cause of invasive carcinoma by themselves.

Prognostic Significance of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Patients with pN3 Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Curative Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node involvement is an important prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of metastatic lymph node ratio (MLNR) and compare it to the number of lymph node metastasis in pN3 gastric cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 207 patients with pN3 gastric cancer who had undergone radical gastrectomy. Prognostic factors and MLNR were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: An MLNR of 0.75 was found to be the best cut-off value to determine the prognosis of patients with pN3 gastric cancer (p = 0.001). The MLNR was significantly higher in patients with large-sized and undifferentiated tumors, vascular, lymphatic and perineural invasion, and total gastrectomy. In multivariate analysis, MLNR (p = 0.041), tumor differentiation (p = 0.046), and vascular invasion (p = 0.012) were found to be independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival, while both MLNR (p < 0.001) and pN stage (p = 0.002) were independent prognostic indicators, as was tumor size, for overall survival. There was significant difference with respect to the recurrence patterns between MLNR groups. Lymph node and peritoneal recurrences were significantly higher in patients with MLNR > 0.75 compared to the MLNR < 0.75 group (p < 0.05). However, recurrence patterns were similar between pN3a and pN3b. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that MLNR was a useful indicator to determine the prognosis and recurrence patterns of patients with radically resected gastric cancer. Moreover, MLNR is a beneficial and reliable technique for evaluating lymph node metastasis.

Association of Pro-apoptotic Bad Gene Expression Changes with Benign Thyroid Nodules.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to investigate the role of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in benign thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paired samples of nodular and normal tissues were collected from 26 patients with nodular goiters undergoing thyroidectomy. Variable expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Bad genes were evaluated by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Expression level of Bad gene in nodules was found to be significantly decreased compared to normal tissues (p=0.049). A positive correlation was observed between nodule size and Bad expression levels (correlation coefficient=0.563, p=0.004); and this correlation was stronger in hot nodules (n=18, correlation coefficient=0.689, p=0.003). No significant difference was observed between nodular and normal tissue expressions of Bax and Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Bad expression correlates with the size of benign thyroid nodules and also its relatively lower expression in nodules, warrant further investigation.

Imatinib response of gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients with germline mutation on KIT exon 13: A family report.

Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with mutations in the KIT gene in the majority of cases. Although, exon 11 appears to be the hot spot region for approximately 95% of germline mutations, pathogenic variations have also been identified in exon 8, 13 and 17. Exon 13 germline mutations are extremely rare amongst familial GISTs and seven families with a germline mutation have been reported to date. Moreover, the role of imatinib mesylate in this rare familiar settings is not completely known so far. We describe here clinical, imaging, pathological and genetic findings of a family with four affected members; grandmother, his son and two grand-sons having a germline gain-of-function mutation of KIT in exon 13 and discuss the imatinib mesylate treatment surveillance outcomes towards disease management.

False-Positive Pancreatic Uptake Detected on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT: A Priority Changing Incidental Finding While Assessing the Need for a Prostate Biopsy.

A 72-year-old man underwent Ga-PSMA PET/CT because of an elevated prostate-specific antigen level despite prior prostatectomy. Besides low-intensity prostatic PSMA reactivities, a faintly PSMA-positive lesion in the pancreatic corpus drew attention, which seemed suggestive of a primary pancreatic cancer on the subsequent MRI and therefore had to be excised. The final diagnosis was pT3 low-grade neuroendocrine tumor. PSMA-positive incidentalomas, detected on Ga-PSMA PET/CT, can reveal more clinically significant extraprostatic disorders.