Models predicting non-sentinel node involvement also predict for regional recurrence in breast cancer patients without axillary treatment.

BACKGROUND: Non-SN prediction models are frequently used in clinical decision making to identify patients that may not need axillary treatment, but these models still need to be validated by follow-up data. Our purpose was the validation of non-sentinel node (SN) prediction models in predicting regional recurrences in patients without axillary treatment. METHODS: We followed a cohort of 486 women with favorable primary tumor characteristics and pN0(i+)(sn) or pN1mi(sn) for median 4.5 years. None of the patients underwent axillary treatment. Based on four published non-SN prediction models, the threshold allowing separation into low versus high-risk on non-SN involvement was set at 10%. RESULTS: Overall 5-year regional recurrence rate was 3.0% (SE, ±0.1%). Using the Tenon scoring system, 438 low-risk patients had a 5-year regional recurrence rate of 2.3% (±0.8%), and 48 high-risk patients a recurrence rate of 10.1% (±0.4%). The MSKCC nomogram identified 300 low-risk patients with a recurrence rate of 2.8% (±1.1%), versus 166 high-risk patients with a rate of 3.4% (±0.5%) (20 patients not assessable). The Stanford nomogram identified 21 high-risk patients without recurrence, and 465 low-risk patients with a 3.2% (±0.9%) recurrence rate. A Dutch model discriminated between 384 low-risk patients with a recurrence rate of 2.2% (±0.8%) and 102 high-risk patients with a rate of 6.3% (±2.9%). CONCLUSION: The Tenon scoring system outperformed the other models as it identified the largest subgroup of patients with low recurrence rate. In patients resembling our cohort we would recommend axillary treatment if they had a Tenon score above 3.5.

Relevant impact of central pathology review on nodal classification in individual breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: In the MIRROR study, pN0(i + ) and pN1mi were associated with reduced 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) compared with pN0. Nodal status (N-status) was assessed after central pathology review and restaging according to the sixth AJCC classification. We addressed the impact of pathology review. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Early favorable primary breast cancer patients, classified pN0, pN0(i + ), or pN1(mi) by local pathologists after sentinel node procedure, were included. We assessed the impact of pathology review on N-status (n = 2842) and 5-year DFS for those without adjuvant therapy (n = 1712). RESULTS: In all, 22% of the 1082 original pN0 patients was upstaged. Of the 623 original pN0(i + ) patients, 1% was downstaged, 26% was upstaged. Of 1137 patients staged pN1mi, 15% was downstaged, 11% upstaged. Originally, 5-year DFS was 85% for pN0, 74% for pN0(i + ), and 73% for pN1mi; HR 1.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-2.27] and HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.16-2.13), respectively, compared with pN0. By review staging, 5-year DFS was 86% for pN0, 77% for pN0(i + ), 77% for pN1mi, and 74% for pN1 + . CONCLUSION: Pathology review changed the N-classification in 24%, mainly upstaging, with potentially clinical relevance for individual patients. The association of isolated tumor cells and micrometastases with outcome remained unchanged. Quality control should include nodal breast cancer staging.

Blood coagulation and cancer: thrombosis and survival, clinical relevance and impact. An introduction.

There is a strong association between deep venous thrombosis and cancer. In this review, we will discuss the increased incidence of cancer following an idiopathic venous thrombotic event (VTE) and the increased incidence of VTE and its recurrence in cancer patients. Furthermore, we will review the adverse impact VTE has on cancer patients' morbidity and mortality. Finally, the potential influence of anticoagulation on survival of cancer patients is discussed. Although the data are encouraging, anticoagulation is still of limited value for routine clinical practice in anticancer treatment.

A case of abdominal mesothelioma diagnosed by indium-III leucocyte scintigraphy.

We present a case of peritoneal mesothelioma that presented with fever of unknown origin and an elevation in the inflammatory parameters. Radiological imaging did not reveal a diagnosis. Because of tumour-associated inflammatory activity, indium-III leucocyte scintigraphy enabled us to establish a diagnosis. To our knowledge, the use of indium-III leucocyte scintigraphy in peritoneal mesothelioma has not been reported previously.