The master role of polarized NIS expression in regulating iodine metabolism in the human body.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how polarized sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression may regulate iodide metabolism in vivo. Materials and methods: Polarized NIS expression was analyzed in tissues that accumulate iodide by the use of immunohistochemistry and polyclonal antibody against the C-terminal end of human NIS (hNIS). Results: Iodide absorption in the human intestine occurs via NIS expressed in the apical membrane. Iodide is secreted into the lumen of the stomach and salivary glands via NIS expressed in the basolateral membrane and then circulates back from the small intestine to the bloodstream via NIS expressed in the apical membrane. Conclusion: Polarized NIS expression in the human body regulates intestinal-bloodstream recirculation of iodide, perhaps prolonging the availability of iodide in the bloodstream. This leads to more efficient iodide trapping by the thyroid gland. Understanding the regulation and manipulating gastrointestinal iodide recirculation could increase radioiodine availability during theranostic NIS applications.

The master role of polarized NIS expression in regulating iodine metabolism in the human body

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how polarized sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression may regulate iodide metabolism in vivo. Materials and methods: Polarized NIS expression was analyzed in tissues that accumulate iodide by the use of immunohistochemistry and polyclonal antibody against the C-terminal end of human NIS (hNIS). Results: Iodide absorption in the human intestine occurs via NIS expressed in the apical membrane. Iodide is secreted into the lumen of the stomach and salivary glands via NIS expressed in the basolateral membrane and then circulates back from the small intestine to the bloodstream via NIS expressed in the apical membrane. Conclusion: Polarized NIS expression in the human body regulates intestinal-bloodstream recirculation of iodide, perhaps prolonging the availability of iodide in the bloodstream. This leads to more efficient iodide trapping by the thyroid gland. Understanding the regulation and manipulating gastrointestinal iodide recirculation could increase radioiodine availability during theranostic NIS applications.

[Retrospective analysis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma cases treated between 2001 and 2010 in the Hungarian National Institute of Oncology]. / Pajzsmirigy-mikrokarcinómás eseteink retrospektív áttekintése a 2001­2010. közötti idõszakban.

The standard treatment of papillary microcarcinomas (mPTC; ≤1 cm) regardless of their size, was similar to the advanced ones till the recent past: immediate surgery ± radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. However, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2015 guidelines accept the active surveillance in selected cases. We performed a retrospective analysis on the clinical data of 103 patients with PTmC in a single (62.1%) or multiple nodes (37.9%), treated with immediate surgery followed in most cases by postoperative RAI between 2001 and 2010. N stage of the neck was pN0 in 81, and pN+ in 22 patients. Survival probability was significantly related to age (p<0.001), TSH level (p=0.0347), N stage (p=0.0402) and need for neck dissection (p=0.0045). Overall survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 95%, 89%, and 86%, while disease-specific mortality at 5 and 10 years was 3% and 5%, respectively. Our data show that immediate radical surgery with or without postoperative RAI yielded long-term survival similar to those published. Nevertheless, progression affecting mostly older men was not prevented by immediate surgery. Our findings do not contradict the acceptability of active surveillance recommended by the 2015 ATA Guidelines.

[Minimally invasive resection of nonpalpable pulmonary nodules after wire- and isotope-guided localization]. / Nem tapintható tüdogócok drót- és izotópjelölés segítségével történo minimálinvazív mutéti eltávolítása.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays ever smaller, sub-centimetre lung nodules are screened and diagnosed. For these, minimally invasive resection is strongly recommended both with diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. AIM: Despite many advantages of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, thorough palpation of the lung lobes and thus the localization of lung nodules are still limited. There are several options to solve this problem. From the possibilities we have chosen and tried wire- and isotope-guided lung nodule localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2017, at the Thoracic Surgery Department of the National Institute of Oncology we performed wire- and isotope-guided minimally invasive pulmonary nodule resection in five patients. The diameter of the lung nodules was between 0.5 and 1.2 cm. The age of the patients was between 44 and 65 years and none of them had severe comorbidities, which meant low risk for complications. RESULTS: We successfully performed the minimally invasive atypical resection in all cases. After the wire and isotope placement we found a 2-3 mm pneumothorax in one patient that did not need urgent drainage. In another patient we found that high amount of intraparenchymal bleeding surrounded the channel of the wire. During the operation, two wires were displaced when the lung collapsed, and in another case the mentioned bleeding got into the thoracic cavity and made it difficult to detect the nodule. In one case we resected the wire-guided lung tissue, but the isotope-guided lung nodule was below the resection line. CONCLUSION: Both techniques could help to localize the non-palpable lung nodules. Based on our initial experiences, the isotope-guided method provides more details to estimate the exact depth of the nodule from the visceral surface of the pleura and we can avoid the unpleasantness of wire displacement. On the other hand, the production of the isotope requires a more developed infrastructure and the exact timing of the operation after the isotope injection is more strict. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(34): 1399-1404.

[Bone-targeted treatment in prostate cancer]. / Csontáttétek célzott kezelése prosztatarákban.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. In case of metastatic disease, bone manifestation is presented in 85-90% of the patients. The new targeted treatments are the denosumab RANK-ligand monoclonal antibody and Ra-223-chloride radioisotope therapy. This paper summarizes the treatment possibilities of bone metastasis and presents the results of phase III trials of denosumab and Ra-223-chloride. The upcoming change in financial support underlines the actuality of this paper.

[Optimal treatment of the axilla after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy in early invasive breast cancer. Early results of the OTOASOR trial]. / Az axilla optimális kezelése pozitív orszemnyirokcsomó esetén korai invazív emlorákban. Az OTOASOR vizsgálat elozetes eredményei.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone has become an acceptable alternative to elective axillary lymph node dissection in patients with clinically node-negative early-stage breast cancer. Approximately 70 percent of the patients undergoing breast surgery develop side effects caused by the axillary lymph node dissection (axillary pain, shoulder stiffness, lymphedema and paresthesias). AIM: The current standard treatment is to perform completion axillary lymph node dissection in patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy. However, randomized clinical trials of axillary dissection versus axillary irradiation failed to show survival differences between the two types of axillary treatment. The National Institute of Oncology, Budapest conducted a single centre randomized clinical study. The OTOASOR (Optimal Treatment of the Axilla - Surgery or Radiotherapy) trial compares completion axillary lymph node dissection to axillary nodal irradiation in patients with sentinel lymph node-positive primary invasive breast cancer. METHOD: Patients with primary invasive breast cancer (clinically lymph node negative and less than or equal to 3 cm in size) were randomized before surgery for completion axillary lymph node dissection (arm A-standard treatment) or axillary nodal irradiation (arm B-investigational treatment). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed by the radio-guided method. The use of blue-dye was optional. Sentinel lymph nodes were investigated with serial sectioning at 0.5 mm levels by haematoxylin and eosin staining. In the investigational treatment arm patients received 50Gy axillary nodal irradiation instead of completion axillary lymph node dissection. Adjuvant treatment was recommended and patients were followed up according to the actual institutional guidelines. RESULTS: Between August 2002 and June 2009, 2106 patients were randomized for completion axillary lymph node dissection (1054 patients) or axillary nodal irradiation (1052 patients). The two arms were well balanced according to the majority of main prognostic factors. Sentinel lymph node was identified in 2073 patients (98.4%) and was positive in 526 patients (25.4%). Fifty-two sentinel lymph node-positive patients were excluded from the study (protocol violation, patient's preference). Out of the remaining 474 patients, 244 underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection and 230 received axillary nodal irradiation according to randomization. The mean length of follow-up to the first event and the mean total length of follow-up were 41.9 and 43.3 months, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two arms. There was no significant difference in axillary recurrence between the two arms (0.82% in arm A and 1.3% in arm B). There was also no significant difference in terms of overall survival between the arms at the early stage follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that after a mean follow-up of more than 40 months axillary nodal irradiation may control the disease in the axilla as effectively as completion axillary lymph node dissection and there was also no difference in terms of overall survival.

[Modern diagnostics in breast cancer: nuclear medicine techniques]. / Az emlorák korszeru képalkotó diagnosztikája: nukleárismedicina-technikák.

The authors discuss the role of nuclear medicine techniques in the modern diagnostics of breast cancer, including the methods currently used in Hungary and the future possibilities.

[Sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer]. / Orszemnyirokcsomó-biopszia neoadjuváns kemoterápiát igénylõ emlõrákoknál.

The indication of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been recently extended; it is now applied not only in locally advanced breast cancer but in primarily resecable tumours as well, in order to promote breast conservation. Based on recent clinical results, the reconsideration of traditional lymph node dissection in axillary staging is timely in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Precise axillary staging needs surgical removal of lymph nodes. Based on prospective randomised trials, sentinel lymph node biopsy appears to be appropriate for axillary staging even in tumours requiring neoadjuvant treatment. The extended indication of sentinel lymph node biopsy raises several questions and problems. In the present paper the authors review the results and possible limitations of sentinel lymph node biopsy in relation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[The potential role of SPECT/CT in the preoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer]. / A SPECT/CT szerepe az orszemnyirokcsomó preoperatív meghatározásában, emlorákban.

Regional lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the standard method of axillary staging in early breast cancer patients with clinically negative nodes. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy might support refining biopsy findings by determining the number and location of sentinel lymph nodes. In aged or overweight patients, in the presence of atypical or extra-axillary lymphatic drainage, non-visualized lymph nodes, or sentinel lymph nodes close to the isotope injection site, detection could be aided by a new, hybrid imaging tool: the single-photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (3D SPECT/CT). For the first time in Hungarian language, authors overview the literature: all 14 English-language articles on the implementation of 3D SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer are included. It is concluded that 3D SPECT/CT increases the success rate and quality of preoperative sentinel node identification, and is capable of providing a more accurate staging of breast cancer patients in routine clinical practice.

[The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer non-invading-duct]. / Az orszemnyirokcsomó-biopszia jelentosége nem invazív duktális emlorákban.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The clinical significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging patients with ductal carcinoma in situ has not yet been solved. Determining the role of this method for the treatment of in situ ductal carcinoma has been the aim of this study. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Dual agent guided sentinel lymph node biopsy with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed on 36 patients with breast ductal carcinoma in situ from January 2001 to March 2004 at the Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest. Completion axillary lymph node dissection was not performed routinely. The sentinel lymph nodes were histologically examined at 0.5-1 mm levels with routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: One patient has been excluded from the final analysis because of contralateral invasive breast cancer and simultaneous local recurrence in her medical history. Micro- or submicrometastases were found in 2 patients. If our patient number is completed with the 5 patients operated on for ductal carcinoma in situ during the period of our feasibility study (from December 1997 to March 2000) then the rate of patients with positive sentinel lymph node(s) will be 5% (2/40). All metastases were less than 2 mm in size. Metastases were found only in patients with high risk, extended ductal carcinoma in situ who finally underwent mastectomy. Completion axillary lymphadenectomy has not been performed even for patients with positive sentinel lymph node and no regional recurrence has yet been observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results corresponds well to the international ones. Performing sentinel lymph node biopsy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast is not recommended on the basis of the international and our own experiences. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is essential for patients undergoing mastectomy. In other cases when preoperative diagnostic studies do not verify invasion unequivocally we advise to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy (if necessary) after the final histological result of the excised breast specimen.

[The feasibility and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer]. / Az ôrszemnyirokcsomó-biopszia alkalmazhatósága és jelentôsége neoadjuváns kemoterápia után emlôrákban.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The feasibility, accuracy and clinical significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate these questions. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Dual agent-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed on 17 breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, from April 2004 to August 2005. Patients with clinically lymph node-negative breast cancer less than 3 cm in size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy showed no axillary lymphatic drainage in 7 patients (41%), and no sentinel lymph node could be identified during surgery in these patients. Axillary lymph nodes were histologically positive in 6 (86%) out of these 7 patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was successful in 10 patients (59%), and in 8 (80%) of them the sentinel lymph node proved to be positive pathologically. False negative sentinel lymph node biopsy did not occur. Axillary lymph node status was histologically positive in 14 (82%) out of the 17 patients. The predictable value of the clinical examination of the axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, for the histological nodal status, was very low. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our sentinel lymph node identification rate is lower than the published average in the literature. This difference can be explained by the differences in the indication for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our false negative rate (0%) is, however, significantly better than that of others. On the basis of international experiences sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is technically feasible, but its accuracy is not satisfactory and its clinical significance has not yet been determined. Our success rate is specifically low, which cannot be explained by the lack of practice. Taking the histologically very high axillary positive rate into consideration, sentinel lymph node biopsy has no clinical role in our practice after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Relationship between sentinel lymph node status and regression of primary malignant melanoma.

The prognostic significance of spontaneous regression of primary melanoma is a controversial issue. Studies on sentinel lymph node status and circulating tumour cells may represent a step towards a better understanding. The clinical details of 269 melanoma patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy were analysed. Correlation was sought between the parameters of the primary tumour, particularly tumours showing a partial intermediate level of regression, and sentinel lymph node status. The presence of circulating tumour cells was studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for tyrosinase messenger RNA preoperatively in 94 patients. Of the examined tumours, 27.8% showed histological features of a partial intermediate level of regression. Regressive tumours were localized predominantly on the trunk (P=0.006), were significantly thinner (P<0.0000) and were less frequently ulcerated (P=0.003) than tumours without regression. Moreover, the majority of regressive melanomas were of the superficial spreading type (P<0.0000) and their sentinel node status was more favourable (P=0.026). We demonstrated the presence of circulating tumour cells in five of 26 (19.2%) regressive and 19 of 68 (29.4%) non-regressive tumours. The difference was not significant (P=0.32). By multivariate analysis, however, the Breslow thickness and ulceration of the primary tumour were predictors of the sentinel lymph node status, in agreement with literature data. A partial intermediate level of regression of the primary tumour did not affect unfavourably the sentinel lymph node status in our study. We failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between the presence of circulating tumour cells and either primary tumour regression or the sentinel lymph node status.

Subareolar injection of radioactive colloid for sentinel lymph node identification in breast cancer patients.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is becoming the standard for staging the axilla in breast cancer patients in many institutions. The best method of injection is still questionable. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of SLNB using the peritumoral or the subareolar injection site. Between December 1997 and March 2000, we performed 100 SLNBs. Technecium-labeled colloidal human serum albumin was injected peritumorally (Group A, 31 patients; Group B, 31 patients) or subareolarly (Group C, 38 patients). Patent blue dye was given periareolarly (Group A) or peritumorally (Groups B and C). Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed in all patients. SLNB was successful in 94 patients (94%). The identification rate improved from 80 per cent (first 25 patients) to 99 per cent (last 75). The subareolar injection of the colloid did not adversely influence the results of SLNB compared with the peritumoral injection (identification rate, 100% vs 97%; false negative rate, 6% vs 14%). The subareolar injection of colloid is a simple and at least as accurate technique as the peritumoral one. This technique can also improve the identification rate of SLNB for breast cancer patients.

[Clinical significance of serum thyroglobulin and antithyroglobulin antibody in differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroid ablation]. / Szérum thyreoglobulin és thyreoglobulinellenes antitest meghatározásának klinikai jelentôsége pajzsmirigyrákkal mûtött betegek vizsgálata során.

Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a suitable marker for differentiated thyroid carcinoma following total thyroid ablation. Between 1998 and 2003, serum samples from 715 papillary and 179 follicular tumor patients treated with total/nearly total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation therapy were collected. According to the "Guidelines for Oncotherapy in Hungary", serum Tg, antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), TSH and FT4 levels were measured in periods of 3 months following the first treatment and of 6 months after 2 years. In the present work the prognostic value of Tg and TgAb data of cancer patients with hormone substitution therapy were evaluated individually and retrospectively. Serum Tg and TgAb concentrations were measured with a highly sensitive immunoradiometric (IRMA) method, and with a second generation, broad epitope specificity competitive radioimmunoassay, respectively. TSH levels determined by fourth generation LIAISON kit were in a range of 0.05-0.10 mIU/L. Accuracy of measuring of Tg <1 ng/ml made it possible to select the low cut-off level (Tg <2 ng/ml) following total thyroidectomy. In the predominant part of TSH-suppressed patients (746/774, 96%) the serum Tg concentration was below the cut-off level of 2 ng/ml. The sensitivity of Tg determination in 59 TSH-suppressed thyroid cancer patients with lung and bone metastases was as high as 86 to 100%. On the contrary, the number of false negative data was high in cases with lymph node metastases of papillary cancer, and sensitivity did not exceed 62%. Specificity and sensitivity of Tg in TgAb negative patients were 91 to 100%. Based on our results it could be concluded that measuring of Tg and TgAb, using a current IRMA method and a second generation RIA kit, proved to be effective tools for the postoperative monitoring of differentiated thyroid tumours. It has to be noted that determination of TgAb is highly recommended for the adequate interpretation of serum Tg levels. Persistently high and/or increasing serum TgAb concentration with low Tg result had a diagnostic value during the follow-up and can be connected with the recurrence or persistence of the differentiated thyroid cancer.

Partial breast irradiation with interstitial 60CO brachytherapy results in frequent grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Evidence based on a 12-year follow-up of 70 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the radiation-induced toxicity and cosmesis of brachytherapy (BT) alone in early stage breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 70 women diagnosed with Stage I or II breast carcinoma participated in a BT study at the Municipal Oncoradiological Center, Uzsoki Hospital, Budapest, Hungary, between November 1987 and June 1992. They had undergone breast-conserving surgery with an unknown surgical margin. The postoperative tumor bed irradiation was performed with interstitial (60)Co sources with an active length of 4 cm, with 10-mm center-to-center spacing arranged in a single plane. The median number of inserted sources was 5 (range, 2-8), with a linear activity of 133-137 MBq/cm at the beginning of the study. The 50 Gy delivered dose at 5 mm from the surface of the (60)Co sources was administered during 10-22 h to the virtual postoperative lumpectomy cavity (i.e., plane). For radiobiologic considerations, the clinical target volume (CTV) was calculated retrospectively with a 10-mm safety margin, resulting in a 72-cm(3) median CTV (range, 36-108 cm(3)) irradiated with a reference dose of 28 Gy. In the assessment of the skin and subcutaneous toxicity, the RTOG late radiation morbidity scoring system was applied. The radiosensitivity of the cultured fibroblasts was determined by clonogenic assay to check whether individual radiosensitivity played a role in the development and course of radiation-induced side-effects. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 12 years (range, 10-15 years). The population of the final study (34 cases) comprised all survivors with tumor-free breasts (27 cases) and patients with breasts erroneously ablated/excised for misinterpreted radiation-induced sequelae (7 patients). A total of 97% of the cohort (33/34) had grade > or =2, and 59% (20/34) had grade > or =3 radiation-induced toxicity. By the end of the follow-up, 85% of the patients experienced Grade > or =2 telangiectasis and 41% had Grade 3 telangiectasis. Eighty-eight percent had fibrosis of some form, and 35% had grade > or =3 fibrosis. Forty-one percent of the cohort displayed fat necrosis, which was always accompanied by Grade > or =3 fibrosis or telangiectasis. The cosmetic results were poor in 50% (17/34) of the patients. The radiosensitivity of the fibroblasts was increased in only 2/24 patients (8% of the investigated cases, in agreement with data published for the general population). Comparisons of our fibrosis prevalence data with those of others allowed an estimate of 0.47 h(-1) for the rate of recovery of DNA damage in the fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Interstitial (60)Co BT of the breast tumor bed alone with a limited CTV (median, 72 cm(3)) and a total dose of 28 Gy is associated with a high rate (59%) of grade > or =3 radiation-induced toxicity and a high rate (50%) of poor cosmetic outcome at the end of a median follow-up of 12 years. A relatively high BT dose rate (1.3-2.8 Gy/h) applied during a short overall treatment time (10-22 h) and a possible geographic miss (close to skin implantation) might have contributed to the development of these sequelae.

Clinical significance of sentinel lymph node involvement in malignant melanoma.

In the period 1997-2002, sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery was performed on 179 primary skin melanoma patients, one to two months after the removal of the primary. Staining with patent blue was combined with an isotope technique. Histological evaluation of the sentinel lymph nodes was performed in serial sections. Immunohistochemical detection of S100, HMB-45, or Melan-A was used in the case of suspected micrometastases. Demonstration of positive sentinel lymph node was followed, preferably within 2-3 weeks, by regional block dissection. In these cases interferon-a2 in low doses or BCG immune therapy were applied as adjuvant therapy. Bimonthly follow-up of the patients included physical examination and the use of imaging techniques as specified in the melanoma protocol. Sentinel lymph node surgery was successful in 177/179 cases (98%). Positive sentinel lymph node was identified in 26/177 patients (14.7%). In node positive patients the thickness of the primary tumour was significantly greater than that of node negative ones (p<0.00001). Patients with micrometastases had significantly poorer symptom-free and overall survival by the Mantel-Cox test than those of the other group (p=0.0001 and p=0.0007 respectively). Comparison of the tumor thickness and positive SLN by discriminance analysis, yielded 81.7% and 79.9%, respectively for correct classification rates. Based on our study and data from the literature, we suggest SLN-positivity as equally strong poor prognosis factor for skin melanoma as the tumor thickness.

[Radioguided excision of non-palpable breast lesions with simultaneous sentinel lymph node biopsy]. / Nem tapintható emlóelváltozások radioizotópos jelöléses eltávolítása egyidejú órszem nyirokcsomó-biopsziával.

As a result of mammographic screening nonpalpable breast lesions are found with increasing frequency. The surgical management of these lesions presents two main problems: (1) How to localize the lesion pre- and intraoperatively; (2) What should be the extension of the axillary dissection for malignant lesions. This study is aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of radioguided excision of nonpalpable breast lesions and the possibility of performing simultaneous sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant lesions. Radioguided breast excisions have been performed in our Department since November 2000. The basis of this method is that radioisotope labelled colloid is injected into the lesion under stereo tactic or sonographic guidance. A gamma-probe is used intraoperatively to locate the lesion and guide its excision. Dual agent guided technique is used for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Radioguided breast excision was performed on 85 patients (93 lesion) till February 2002. The localization and excision were successful in 84 patients (92 lesions) (99%). Multifocal lesions were successfully localized and excised in 7 patients. There were 61 parenchyma lesions (66%) and 31 microcalcifications (34%). Localization was performed under sonographic guidance in 44 patients (52%) and under stereotactic guidance in 40 patients (48%). There were 25 benign (27%) and 67 malignant (73%) lesions. Second surgical procedure (mastectomy) was needed in 4 patients (6.5%) because of histologically incomplete excision. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 50 patients. The biopsy was successful in 45 patients (90%). The sentinel lymph node was histologically positive in 2 patients (4.4%). Radioguided localization with the intraoperative use of a gamma-probe is an easy, rapid and highly accurate technique for removing nonpalpable breast lesions and allows simultaneous sentinel lymph node biopsy for malignant lesions.

[Report on clinical observations obtained with sentinel lymph node surgery in malignant melanoma and during their follow-up at the Department of Dermatology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest]. / Sentinel nyirokcsomó-biopszia melanomában. Klinikai tapasztalatok az Országos Onkológiai Intézetben.

OBJECTIVES: Report on clinical observations obtained with sentinel lymph node surgery for malignant melanoma and during follow-up at the Department of Dermatology, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In the period from November, 1997 to September, 2002, the above surgical intervention was made with 179 patients having primary tumour, one to two months after primary tumour removal. Staining with patent blue was combined with isotope technique. The primary melanoma and the pertaining sentinel lymph node(s) were removed. Histological evaluation of the sentinel lymph nodes was performed in serial sections. Immunohistochemical detection of S100, HMB-45, or Melan-A was used in the case of suspected micrometastases. Demonstration of positive sentinel lymph nodes was followed, preferably within 2-3 weeks, by regional block dissection. Interferon in low doses or BCG immune therapy were applied as adjuvant therapy. Bimonthly follow-up of the patients included physical examination and the use of imaging techniques as specified in the melanoma protocol. RESULTS: Sentinel lymph node surgery was successful in 177/179 cases (98%). Positive sentinel lymph node was identified in 26/177 patients (14%). In node positive patients the thickness of the primary tumour was significantly greater than that of node negative ones (p<0.0000). Patients with micrometastases had significantly poorer symptom-free and overall survival by the Mantel-Cox test than those of the other group (p=0.0001 and p=0.0007, respectively). In the discriminance analysis of our data, the discriminant function established from tumour thickness yielded 81.7% and the positivity of sentinel lymph nodes 79.9% correct classification rates. CONCLUSION: In good harmony with literature data, positive sentinel lymph node(s) were found in the case of thicker tumours. The involvement of sentinel lymph node indicated a significantly poorer prognosis.

[FDG PET scan of metastases in recurrent medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland]. / Recidív medullaris pajzsmirigydaganat metastasisainak FDG-PET-vizsgálata.

Searching for metastases of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), FDG PET was applied. PET results were compared with those of conventional diagnostic imaging procedures. After primary treatment, 52 MTC patients with elevated serum tumor marker levels and/or general symptoms (diarrhoea/flush) underwent radiological (CT/MRI), 131-iodine labeled metaiodo-benzylguanidine (MIBG) whole-body scintigraphy and FDG PET investigations. At least one pathological lesion was detected in 49 patients by PET, 35 by CT, 32 by MRI and 3 by MIBG. FDG PET was far superior to the other methods in identifying metastases in the supradiaphragmatic lymphatic regions. In the follow-up of MTC patients, FDG PET was more sensitive in localizing tumorous LN involvement, especially in the cervical, supraclavicular and mediastinal lymphatic regions, compared to other imaging modalities.