Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of histological grade in soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with significant heterogeneity. The importance of classifying histological grades is fundamental to defining the treatment approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: A retrospective observational study included patients over 18 years undergoing MRI and primary tumor surgery at AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2015 to June 2022. Two radiologists evaluated MRI criteria (size, margin definition, heterogeneity of the T2 signal, high-intensity peritumoral signal on T2, and postperitumoral contrast), and a grading prediction score was calculated. χ2 and logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included (38 men; median: 48 years). Moreover, 52 high-grade and 16 low-grade tumors were observed. The MRI criteria associated with histological grade were peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signals (p < 0.001) and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement (p = 0.006). Logistic regression confirmed their significance (odds ratio [OR]: 11.8 and 8.8, respectively). Each score point increment doubled the chance of high-grade tumors (OR: 2.0; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: MRI effectively predicts histological grades of soft tissue sarcomas. Peritumoral high-intensity T2-weighted signals and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement are valuable indicators of high-grade tumors. This highlights MRI's importance in treatment decision-making for sarcoma patients.

A Case Study of a Rare Undifferentiated Spindle Cell Sarcoma of the Penis: Establishment and Characterization of Patient-Derived Models.

Rare sarcomas present significant treatment challenges compared to more prevalent soft tissue sarcomas due to limited treatment options and a poor understanding of their biology. This study investigates a unique case of penile sarcoma, providing a comprehensive morphological and molecular analysis. Through the creation of experimental patient-derived models-including patient-derived xenograft (PDX), 3D, and monolayer primary cultures-we successfully replicated crucial molecular traits observed in the patient's tumor, such as smooth muscle actin and CD99 expression, along with specific mutations in genes like TSC2 and FGFR4. These models are helpful in assessing the potential for an in-depth exploration of this tumor's biology. This comprehensive approach holds promise in identifying potential therapeutic avenues for managing this exceedingly rare soft tissue sarcoma.

Comparison between an immunochemical fecal occult blood test and a Guaiac based fecal occult blood test in detection of adenomas and colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Brazil does not have an official well established program for screening colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare Guaiac Based Fecal Occult Blood Test (G-FOBT) to a kind of an Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test (I-FOBT), in search of cancer or advanced adenoma. Methods: Prospective and cross-sectional study. Asymptomatic and average-risk individuals (n = 1500) aged from 50 to 75 years old were invited to participate in the study. The primary endpoint was positivity rate and the secondary endpoints were adherence rate and significant endoscopic findings. All participants received both tests with follow-up colonoscopy if either test was positive. Results: Adherence rate of G- FOBT was 756/1500 (50.4%) while for I- FOBT it was 960/1500(64%). The positivity ratio in the I- FOBT was 94/960 (9.8%) and in the G-FOBT was 20/771 (2.6%). The Positive Predict Value (PPV) for the I- FOBT counted 16/77 (21.0%) while for the G- FOBT it was 6/18 (33.0%), considering significant lesions. Regarding the colorectal cancer findings, the detection in the colonoscopy guided from the positivity of fecal occult blood tests was 5/77 (6.5%) in I- FOBT and 2/18 (11.1%) on the G- FOBT. Conclusions: The positivity, the adherence rate and the capacity to detect significant lesions were higher in I-FOBT. Considering the findings of the study we could conclude that I-FOBT was superior to G- FOBT. Trial registration: This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil, number: 1877/14

Estrogen Receptor ß as a Prognostic Marker of Tumor Progression in Colorectal Cancer with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Sporadic Polyps.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is lower in women than in men, and sex steroids can be considered contributing factors because oral contraception usage and estrogen replacement therapy are associated with decreased risk. Conversely, colorectal polyp development in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) begins during puberty. The objectives were to evaluate the relationship between the expression of these hormone receptors and adenoma-carcinoma progression, CRC stage and overall survival. We studied 120 A.C. Camargo Cancer Center patients diagnosed with either FAP-associated or spontaneous adenomatous polyps or CRC to determine the immunohistochemical expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ER-ß and the progesterone and androgen receptors (480 analyses). The ER-ß expression levels differed between the groups: the group with FAP polyps had lower ER-ß expression than that of the sporadic polyp group. With transformation of the sporadic polyps to cancer, there was a considerable decrease in ER-ß expression (from 90% with strong expression to 80% with absent or weak expression) (p < 0.001). The ER-ß expression was lower in T3/T4 tumors than in T1/T2 tumors (p = 0.015). The 5-year overall survival of CRC patients positively expressing ER-ß exceeded that of patients without detectable expression levels (74.8% vs. 44.3%, respectively; p = 0.035). There was no significant expression of the androgen or progesterone receptor or ER-α among the groups. Differences in ER-ß expression represent a potential mechanism through which estrogen might alter the susceptibility to colon cancer, thereby confirming the possibility of a protective role of estrogen against colorectal carcinogenesis.

Oestrogen receptor beta isoform expression in sporadic colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis and progressive stages of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among the sex hormones, oestrogen may play a role in colorectal cancer, particularly in conjunction with oestrogen receptor-ß (ERß). The expression of ERß isoform variants and their correlations with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome and sporadic colorectal carcinomas are poorly described. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of the ERß1, ERß2, ERß4 and ERß5 isoform variants using quantitative RT-PCR (921 analyses) in FAP, normal mucosa, adenomatous polyps and sporadic colorectal carcinomas. RESULTS: Decreased expression of ERß isoforms was identified in sporadic polyps and in sporadic colorectal cancer as well as in polyps from FAP syndrome patients compared with normal tissues (p < 0.001). In FAP patients, ERß1 and ERß5 isoforms showed significant down-expression in polyps (p < 0.001) compared with matched normal tissues. However, no differences were observed when sporadic colorectal carcinomas were compared to normal mucosa tissues. These findings suggest an association of the ERß isoform variants in individuals affected by germline mutations of the APC gene. Progressively decreased expression of ERß was found in polyps at early stages of low-grade dysplasia, followed by T1-T2 and T3-T4 tumours (p < 0.05). In sporadic colorectal cancer, the loss of expression was an independent predictor of recurrence, and ERß1 and ERß5 expression levels were associated with better disease-free survival (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: These findings may provide a better understanding of oestrogens and their potential preventive and therapeutic effects on sporadic colorectal cancer and cancers associated with FAP syndrome.

Prognostic value of factors associated with hypoxia and lipid metabolism in patients with colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a neoplasia with high incidence and mortality rates. It had been suggested that the inflammatory response is an important CRC prognostic factor. The disordered and accelerated proliferation of neoplastic cells decreases the oxygen and nutrient supply, generating a microenvironment characterized by hypoxia, necrosis and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of factors associated with hypoxia, such as HIF1A (hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and with lipid metabolism, including PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma), LXRA (liver X receptor-alpha) and LXRB (liver X receptor-beta), on the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients. Methods: This was a cohort study of 101 patients with high-risk stage II-III (TNM) CRC located above the peritoneal reflection. They were treated between 1990 and 2004 at the AC Camargo Cancer Center. Immunohistochemical analyses of HIF1A, VEGF, PPARG, LXRA and LXRB protein expression were performed using tissue microarrays (TMAs). Results: There was an association between the presence of vascular invasion and the lack of VEGF expression (p = 0. 028) as well as with positive HIF1A expression and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.045). The 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 76.6% and 60.2%, respectively. Patients with PPARG-positive tumors had a higher OS (p = 0.018). There were no correlations between the positive expression of VEGF, HIF1A, LXRA or LXRB and OS. The Cox regression model demonstrated that the risk of death was 2.72-fold higher in patients with PPARG-negative tumors (95% CI = 1.08­6.85). Conclusion: The PPARG expression was an independent prognostic factor for CRC tumors and might be used for risk stratification to stage II and stage III CRC patients (AU)

Surgical complications and metachronous rectal cancer risk in patients with classic familial adenomatous polyposis / Complicações cirúrgicas e risco de câncer retal metacrônico em pacientes com polipose adenomatosa familiar clássica

INTRODUCTION: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by development of numerous adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum, is caused by germline mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene. METHODS: To determine the surgical morbidity in patients with classical familial adenomatous polyposis and determine the incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) in those undergoing total colectomy (TC) with ileorectal anastomosis or restorative total proctocolectomy (TPC) and ileal pouch anal anastomosis. We analyzed patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who received treatment and regular follow-up at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center from 1994 to 2013. RESULTS: Operative complications occurred in 22 patients (34.3%), 16 (25%) being early complications and 8 (12.5%) late complications. No mortality occurred as a result of postoperative complications. The incidence of metachronous rectal cancer after total proctocolectomy was 2.3% and after total colectomy 18.18% (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: In order to provide better quality of life for individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis, total colectomy is commonly offered, as this simple technique is traditionally associated with lower rates of postoperative complications and better functional outcomes. However, it has become a less attractive technique in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis in its classical or diffuse form, since it has a significantly higher probability of metachronous rectal cancer. (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Polipose adenomatosa familiar (PAF), uma doença autossômica dominante caracterizada pela formação de numerosos pólipos adenomatosos no cólon e reto, é causada por mutações da linha germinativa no gene da polipose adenomatosa do cólon (PAC). MÉTODOS: Para determinar a morbidade cirúrgica em pacientes com PAF clássica e determinar a incidência de câncer colorretal (CCR) metacrônico naqueles pacientes submetidos à colectomia total (CT) com anastomose íleo-retal ou submetidos à proctocolectomia restaurativa (PCT) e anastomose bolsa ileal-anal, foram analisados pacientes com PAF que foram tratados e tiveram acompanhamento periódico no A. C. Camargo Cancer Center de 1994 até 2013. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram complicações cirúrgicas em 22 pacientes (34,3%); 16 (25%) tiveram complicações precoces e 8 (12,5%) complicações tardias. Não houve mortes como resultado de complicações pós-operatórias. A incidência de câncer de reto metacrônico após PCT foi de 2,3% e após CT foi de 18,18% (p = 0,044). CONCLUSÕES: A fim de proporcionar melhor qualidade de vida para os pacientes com PAF, CT é comumente oferecida, pois esta técnica simples está tradicionalmente associada com menores percentuais de complicações pós-operatórias e melhores resultados funcionais. No entanto, CT se tornou uma técnica menos atraente em pacientes com PAF em sua forma clássica ou difusa, uma vez que traz consigo uma probabilidade significativamente maior de câncer retal metacrônico. (AU)

Prognostic factors for survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases: experience of a single brazilian cancer center / Fatores prognósticos de sobrevida em pacientes com metástases hepáticas colorretais

CONTEXT: Liver metastases are a common event in the clinical outcome of patients with colorectal cancer and account for 2/3 of deaths from this disease. There is considerable controversy among the data in the literature regarding the results of surgical treatment and prognostic factors of survival, and no analysis have been done in a large cohort of patients in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the results of surgical treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases, and to establish prognostic factors of survival in a Brazilian population. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastases in a tertiary cancer hospital from 1998 to 2009. We analyzed epidemiologic variables and the clinical characteristics of primary tumors, metastatic disease and its treatment, surgical procedures and follow-up, and survival results. Survival analyzes were done by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was applied to determine the influence of variables on overall and disease-free survival. All variables associated with survival with P<0.20 in univariate analysis, were included in multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: During the period analyzed, 209 procedures were performed on 170 patients. Postope-rative mortality in 90 days was 2.9% and 5-year overall survival was 64.9%. Its independent prognostic factors were the presence of extrahepatic disease at diagnosis of liver metastases, bilateral nodules and the occurrence of major complications after liver surgery. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival was 39.1% and its prognostic factors included R1 resection, extrahepatic disease, bilateral nodules, lymph node involvement in the primary tumor and primary tumors located in the rectum. CONCLUSION: Liver resection for colorectal metastases is safe and effective and the analysis of prognostic factors of survival in a large cohort of Brazilian patients showed similar results to those pointed in international series. The occurrence of major postoperative complications appears to be able to compromise overall survival and further investigation in needed in this topic.

CONTEXTO: As metástases hepáticas são evento comum na evolução clínica de pacientes com câncer colorretal e são responsáveis por 2/3 dos óbitos por esta doença. Há grande controvérsia entre os dados publicados na literatura quanto a resultados de tratamento cirúrgico e seus fatores prognósticos e não há análise, em casuísticas maiores, destes aspectos em uma grande coorte de pacientes no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes com metástases hepáticas de tumores colorretais e estabelecer os fatores prognósticos de sobrevida em uma população. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a ressecção hepática de metástases colorretais em hospital oncológico terciário, de 1998 a 2009. Foram analisadas variáveis epidemiológicas e dos tumores primários da doença metastática e seu tratamento, dos procedimentos cirúrgicos e do seguimento e os resultados de sobrevidas. Para as análises de sobrevida foram utilizadas as curvas de Kaplan-Meyer e o teste de log-rank foi aplicado para determinar a influência das variáveis estudadas nas sobrevidas global e livre de doença. Aquelas variáveis em que este teste apresentou P<0,20 em análise univariada, foram incluídas em análise multivariada pelo modelo de regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: No período analisado, 209 procedimentos foram realizados em 170 pacientes. A mortalidade em 90 foi de 2,9%. A sobrevida global em 5 anos foi de 64,9%. Os fatores prognósticos independentes de sobrevida global foram a presença de doença extra-hepática no momento do diagnóstico das metástases hepáticas, de nódulos em ambos os lobos hepáticos e a ocorrência de complicações maiores após a cirurgia. A sobrevida livre de doença estimada em 5 anos foi de 39,1% e seus fatores prognósticos incluíram a ressecção R1, a presença de doença extra-hepática, doença bilobar, a presença de acometimento linfonodal no tumor primário e tumores primários localizados no reto. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção de metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal se demonstrou segura e eficaz em nosso meio, com resultados semelhantes aos apresentados por outras grandes séries internacionais. A ocorrência de complicações pós-operatórias parece poder comprometer os resultados de sobrevida global obtidos e investigação mais aprofundada se faz necessária neste sentido.

Prognostic factors for survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases: experience of a single brazilian cancer center.

CONTEXT: Liver metastases are a common event in the clinical outcome of patients with colorectal cancer and account for 2/3 of deaths from this disease. There is considerable controversy among the data in the literature regarding the results of surgical treatment and prognostic factors of survival, and no analysis have been done in a large cohort of patients in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the results of surgical treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases, and to establish prognostic factors of survival in a Brazilian population. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal metastases in a tertiary cancer hospital from 1998 to 2009. We analyzed epidemiologic variables and the clinical characteristics of primary tumors, metastatic disease and its treatment, surgical procedures and follow-up, and survival results. Survival analyzes were done by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was applied to determine the influence of variables on overall and disease-free survival. All variables associated with survival with P<0.20 in univariate analysis, were included in multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: During the period analyzed, 209 procedures were performed on 170 patients. Postope-rative mortality in 90 days was 2.9% and 5-year overall survival was 64.9%. Its independent prognostic factors were the presence of extrahepatic disease at diagnosis of liver metastases, bilateral nodules and the occurrence of major complications after liver surgery. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival was 39.1% and its prognostic factors included R1 resection, extrahepatic disease, bilateral nodules, lymph node involvement in the primary tumor and primary tumors located in the rectum. CONCLUSION: Liver resection for colorectal metastases is safe and effective and the analysis of prognostic factors of survival in a large cohort of Brazilian patients showed similar results to those pointed in international series. The occurrence of major postoperative complications appears to be able to compromise overall survival and further investigation in needed in this topic.

A study on systemic arterial hypertension in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To detect the actual prevalence of systemic hypertension in the city of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, and frequent factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a randomized sample of the adult population of the city of Campo Grande, MS, in a total of 892 individuals. A questionnaire on age, gender, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and aspects of the treatment was applied. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were collected. According to the WHO, a BMI<25 kg/m2 was considered normal weight; 25>BMI<30 overweight; and BMI> 30 obesity. Criteria for hypertension were based on the JNC VII report, with blood pressure cut-off values of 140 x 90 mmHg. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, varying with age (up to 29 years: 11.8%; 30-39: 24.8%; 40-49: 43.3%; 50-59: 42.4%; 60-69: 48.6% and > 70: 62.3%). A higher prevalence was observed among men (51.8%), whereas among women the prevalence was 33.1%. Individuals with basic level of education tended to present higher rates. Among overweight and obese individuals, a higher prevalence of hypertension was observed: normal BMI (27.9%), overweight (45.6%) and obesity (58.6%). Above 60 years of age, a higher percentage of isolated systolic hypertension was observed, with 16.4% (60-69 years) and 24.6% (>70 years). Daily or weekly alcohol consumption was also related to a higher incidence, of 63.2% and 47.2%, respectively. Only 59.7% were known to be hypertensive. Of the hypertensive individuals, 57.3% were undergoing some type of treatment. Of those undergoing regular treatment, 60.5% presented hypertension. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, therefore higher than the average verified in some studies. This calls the attention for worsened epidemiologic conditions and cardiovascular repercussions, thus showing the need for higher public investment on education and orientation of these population groups as regards prevention.

Um estudo sobre hipertensão arterial sistêmica na cidade de Campo Grande, MS / A study on systemic arterial hypertension in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Detectar a real prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica em Campo Grande, MS, e fatores freqüentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra randomizada da população adulta da cidade de Campo Grande, MS, num total de 892 pessoas. Foi aplicado questionário sobre idade, sexo, escolaridade, tabagismo, etilismo, aspectos sobre o tratamento. Foram colhidos dados antropométricos (peso e altura). Segundo a OMS, foi considerado peso normal: IMC<25 kg/m²; sobrepeso: 25>IMC<30; obeso: IMC> 30. Os critérios para hipertensão foram baseados no VII Joint, com valores de corte de Pressão Arterial de 140 x 90 mmHg. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 41,4 por cento, variando conforme idade (até 29 anos: 11,8 por cento; 30-39: 24,8 por cento; 40-49: 43,3 por cento; 50-59: 42,4 por cento; 60-69: 48,6 por cento e > 70: 62,3 por cento). Houve maior prevalência nos homens (51,8 por cento), enquanto nas mulheres foi de 33,1 por cento. As pessoas com formação escolar de 1° grau primário tendem a apresentar maiores índices pressóricos. Nos indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade, observou-se maior prevalência de pressão elevada: IMC normal (27,9 por cento), sobrepeso (45,6 por cento) e obesidade (58,6 por cento). A partir dos 60 anos existe um maior porcentual de hipertensão sistólica isolada, representado por 16,4 por cento (60-69 anos) e de 24,6 por cento (>70 anos). Etilismo diário ou semanal também está relacionado a maior incidência, respectivamente, de 63,2 por cento e 47,2 por cento. Apenas 59,7 por cento eram sabidamente hipertensos. Das pessoas que apresentaram hipertensão, 57,3 por cento fazem algum tratamento. Dos que fazem tratamento regularmente, 60,5 por cento apresentaram hipertensão. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 41,4 por cento, ultrapassando a média detectada em alguns trabalhos, alertando para piora epidemiológica e repercussões cardiovasculares, o que evidencia necessidade de maior investimento...

OBJECTIVES: To detect the actual prevalence of systemic hypertension in the city of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, and frequent factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a randomized sample of the adult population of the city of Campo Grande, MS, in a total of 892 individuals. A questionnaire on age, gender, level of education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and aspects of the treatment was applied. Anthropometric data (weight and height) were collected. According to the WHO, a BMI<25 kg/m² was considered normal weight; 25>BMI<30 overweight; and BMI> 30 obesity. Criteria for hypertension were based on the JNC VII report, with blood pressure cut-off values of 140 x 90 mmHg. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4 percent, varying with age (up to 29 years: 11.8 percent; 30-39: 24.8 percent; 40-49: 43.3 percent; 50-59: 42.4 percent; 60-69: 48.6 percent and > 70: 62.3 percent). A higher prevalence was observed among men (51.8 percent), whereas among women the prevalence was 33.1 percent.Individuals with basic level of education tended to present higher rates. Among overweight and obese individuals, a higher prevalence of hypertension was observed: normal BMI (27.9 percent), overweight (45.6 percent) and obesity (58.6 percent). Above 60 years of age, a higher percentage of isolated systolic hypertension was observed, with 16.4 percent (60-69 years) and 24.6 percent (>70 years). Daily or weekly alcohol consumption was also related to a higher incidence, of 63.2 percent and 47.2 percent, respectively. Only 59.7 percent were known to be hypertensive. Of the hypertensive individuals, 57.3 percent were undergoing some type of treatment. Of those undergoing regular treatment, 60.5 percent presented hypertension. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension was 41.4 percent, therefore higher than the average verified in some studies. This calls the attention for worsened epidemiologic conditions and cardiovascular repercussions, thus showing...