Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma in the Dog and Cat: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arathi Vinayak ◽  
Deanna R. Worley ◽  
Stephen J. Withrow ◽  
Dustin S. Adams ◽  
Barbara E. Powers

ABSTRACT This retrospective case series describes seven dogs and one cat diagnosed with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma, an uncommon, aggressive variant of chondrosarcoma. The purpose of the study is to describe clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings of this tumor. Medical records and the diagnostic laboratory database at Colorado State University from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed and complete medical records were available for the eight animals in this report. Similar to what has been reported in people, poor long-term survival and high metastatic rate, particularly to the lungs, was observed in our case series. A bimorphic pattern on imaging (radiographs, computed tomography, and MRI) consisting of mineralized and nonmineralized areas was seen mirroring the high-grade sarcomatous component adjacent to a low-grade chondroid component seen histopathologically. A review of the human literature including suspected etiology, imaging findings, histopathology, and survival times with various treatment options is presented. This article describes the first reported cases of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma in the veterinary literature. Early accurate recognition could lead to treatment plans tailored to this variant.

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Yukinori Ozaki ◽  
Sakiko Miura ◽  
Ryosuke Oki ◽  
Teppei Morikawa ◽  
Keita Uchino

Breast tumors with neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation comprise an uncommon and heterogeneous group of tumors, including invasive breast cancer of no special type (IBC-NST) with NE features, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). The most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification in 2019 defined neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the breast (Br-NENs) as tumors in which >90% of cells show histological evidence of NE differentiation, including NETs (low-grade tumors) and NEC (high-grade). Due to the low prevalence of these tumors and successive changes in their diagnostic criteria over the years, only limited evidence of these tumors exists, derived mainly from case reports and retrospective case series. Breast tumors with NE differentiation are usually treated like the more commonly occurring IBC-NSTs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of breast tumors with NE differentiation usually shows a hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2)-negative profile, so that hormonal therapy with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 inhibitors or other targeted agents would be reasonable treatment options. Herein, we present a review of the literature on breast tumors with NE differentiation as defined in the latest WHO 2019 classification, and discuss the clinical management of these tumors.


2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822097537
Author(s):  
Miki Katzir ◽  
Tarush Rustagi ◽  
Jeffrey Hatef ◽  
Ehud Mendel

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objective: Patient with metastatic cancer frequently require spinal operations for neural decompression and stabilization, most commonly thoracic vertebrectomy with reconstruction. Objective of the study was to assess economic aspects associated with use of cement versus expandable cage in patients with single level thoracic metastatic disease. We also looked at the differences in the clinical, radiological, complications and survival differences to assess non-inferiority of PMMA over cages. Methods: The electronic medical records of patients undergoing single level thoracic vertebrectomy and reconstruction were reviewed. Two groups were made: PMMA and EC. Totals surgical cost, implant costs was analyzed. We also looked at the clinical/ radiological outcome, complication and survival analysis. Results: 96 patients were identified including 70 one-level resections. For 1-level surgeries, Implant costs for use of cement—$75 compared to $9000 for cages. Overall surgical cost was significantly less for PMMA compared to use of EC. No difference was seen in clinical outcome or complication was seen. We noticed significantly better kyphosis correction in the PMMA group. Conclusions: Polymethylmethacrylate cement offers significant cost advantage for reconstruction after thoracic vertebrectomy. It also allows for better kyphosis correction and comparable clinical outcomes and non-inferior to cages.


Kidney Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Melissa Bersanelli ◽  
Camillo Porta

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still has a huge impact on the management of many chronic diseases such as cancer. Few data are presently available reagarding how the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has changed due to this unprecedented situation. Objective: To discuss the challenges and issues of the diagnosis and treatment of RCC in the COVID-19 era, and to provide recommendations based on the collected literature and our personal experience. Methods: Systematic review of the available Literature regarding the management of RCC during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Results: Our review showed a prevalence of narrative publications, raising the issue of the real relevance of the evidence retrieved. Indeed, the only original data about RCC and COVID-19 found were a small retrospective case series and two surveys, providing either patients’ or physicians’ viewpoints. Conclusions: The expected delayed diagnosis of RCC could lead to an increase of advanced/metastatic cases; thus, proper therapeutic choices for patients with small renal masses should be carefully evaluated case by case, in order to avoid negative effects on long-term survival rates. The controversial interaction between immune checkpoint blockade and COVID-19 pathogenesis is more hypothetical than evidence-based, and thus immunotherapy should not be denied, whenever appropriate. To avoid treatments which won’t have an impact on patients’ survival, a honest and accurate evaluation of the cost/benefit ratio of each treatment option should be always performed. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 swab positivity should not prevent the continuation of ongoing active treatments in asymptomatic cases, or or after symptoms’ resolution.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1453
Author(s):  
Chiara Fabbroni ◽  
Giovanni Fucà ◽  
Francesca Ligorio ◽  
Elena Fumagalli ◽  
Marta Barisella ◽  
...  

Background. We previously showed that grading can prognosticate the outcome of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (LPS). In the present study, we aimed to explore the impact of pathological stratification using grading on the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced well-differentiated LPS (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated LPS (DDLPS) treated with trabectedin. Patients: We included patients with advanced WDLPS and DDLPS treated with trabectedin at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori between April 2003 and November 2019. Tumors were categorized in WDLPS, low-grade DDLPS, and high-grade DDLPS according to the 2020 WHO classification. Patients were divided in two cohorts: Low-grade (WDLPS/low-grade DDLPS) and high-grade (high-grade DDLPS). Results: A total of 49 patients were included: 17 (35%) in the low-grade cohort and 32 (65%) in the high-grade cohort. Response rate was 47% in the low-grade cohort versus 9.4% in the high-grade cohort (logistic regression p = 0.006). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.7 months in the low-grade cohort and 3.2 months in the high-grade cohort. Grading was confirmed as an independent predictor of PFS in the Cox proportional-hazards regression multivariable model (adjusted hazard ratio low-grade vs. high-grade: 0.45, 95% confidence interval: 0.22–0.94; adjusted p = 0.035). Conclusions: In this retrospective case series, sensitivity to trabectedin was higher in WDLPS/low-grade DDLPS than in high-grade DDLPS. If confirmed in larger series, grading could represent an effective tool to personalize the treatment with trabectedin in patients with advanced LPS.


2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Dignan Mark ◽  
Dignan Mark ◽  
Kitzman Patrick ◽  
S Gutti Subhash ◽  
N Gutti Swathi ◽  
...  

This project used a retrospective case series design to investigate factors associated with stroke in a rural area in Appalachian Kentucky. The south-eastern region of the U.S. is often referred to as the ‘stroke belt,’ and includes the Appalachian region of the state of Kentucky. Data were collected from medical records of patients from a neurology practice and regional hospital with a diagnosis of stroke from March 2012 through November 2015. Data were collected without personal identifiers and included demographic characteristics, stroke type, treatments received, and referrals for additional care including rehabilitation. Data from a total of 84 stroke cases diagnosed between March 2012 and November 2015 were included. Of the 84 cases, 46 (54.8%) were female and all but one was Caucasian. The distribution by race is consistent with the population of the region. The stroke cases ranged in age from 41 to 92 (M=66.3) and the age at stroke diagnosis ranged from 40 to 90 (M=65.7). Fourteen (16.7%) had evidence of a previous stroke at diagnosis. For smokers, the mean age at diagnosis was 62.7 for smokers while for non-smokers it was 67.5. The study reported smoking rates that were nearly three-times the national average, and the smokers in this study were found to have stroke onset approximately five-years earlier than non-smokers. The results from this case series support the need for further investigation on stroke prevalence and factors contributing to continued risk for stroke in Appalachia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bradley ◽  
Michael Wilson ◽  
Christopher Shearer ◽  
Timothy Heron ◽  
Katie Robertson ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Gallbladder polyps are typically an incidental finding on sonographic or pathological examination with an estimated prevalence of 0.3 – 9.5%. Their role as a precursor to gallbladder malignancy is disputed. The 2017 European Joint Society Guidelines (ESGAR/EAES/EFISDS/ESGE) aim to standardise management of gallbladder polyps detected prior to cholecystectomy. We aim to describe our experience in the management of gallbladder polyps in a district general hospital. Methods This single centre retrospective case series included consecutive cholecystectomies over an 8-year period, identified through pathology records. Medical records were interrogated to identify the presence of gallbladder polyps identified pre-operatively and at subsequent histopathological analysis. Results 3835 cases were included. Four cases (0.1%) had an adenocarcinoma identified; none of these had pre-operatively identified polyps. Two cases (0.05%) were found to have lesions with high-grade dysplasia, 1 of which had a 17mm polyp preoperatively. One case (0.03%) had cellular atypia, without a pre-operative polyp. Forty six cases (1.2%) were found to have low-grade dysplasia; 1 (2.2%) of these had adenomyomatosis pre-operatively but none had pre-operative polyps. Overall, 53 patients (1.4%) had abnormal pathology with only 1 (1.9%) of these having a pre-operative polyp identified. Conclusions Our results suggest that in the real-world setting, intensive surveillance of gallbladder polyps has limited utility in identifying cases of gallbladder malignancy. The burden on services produced by adherence to strict surveillance guidelines is difficult to justify and a less arduous approach is unlikely to significantly influence the management or outcome in patients with gallbladder malignancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 809-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M Basa ◽  
Kenneth A Johnson

Practical relevance: Feline carpal injuries are usually caused by falls from a height that result in hyperextension injury or antebrachiocarpal luxation or subluxation. Isolated ligamentous damage or fracture of the carpus is unusual; it is more common to have a combination of both in the cat. These injuries can be debilitating since cats climb and jump from great heights, and have a greater range of antebrachial pronation and supination than dogs. Anatomy: There are differences in the anatomy of the feline and canine carpus. In particular, cats only have a single short radial collateral ligament, also known as the medial collateral ligament. This means that, in the cat, antebrachiocarpal subluxation is possible with rupture of the dorsal joint capsule and short radial collateral ligament alone. Clinical challenges: Many feline carpal injuries can be treated without performing pancarpal arthrodesis. However, determining which ligaments and joint levels are affected requires careful examination and often stress radiography. When pancarpal arthrodesis is performed in the cat, it has been reported to reduce the height of jumping and to increase reluctance to climb. This is speculated to be due to reduced pronation and supination movement of the carpus. Evidence base: The current evidence base for management of feline carpal injuries is grade III or IV, with most of the studies being retrospective case series involving cadaveric dissection or direct extrapolation from published information about the dog. There are few guidelines regarding the optimal treatment options for carpal injuries in the cat.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ser Yee Lee ◽  
Peng Chung Cheow ◽  
Jin Yao Teo ◽  
London L. P. J. Ooi

Management of Neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) is challenging. The presence of NELM worsens survival outcome and almost 10% of all liver metastases are neuroendocrine in origin. There is no firm consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for NELM. A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed from 1995–2010, to collate the current evidence and formulate a sound management algorithm. There are 22 case series with a total of 793 patients who had undergone surgery for NELM. The overall survival ranges from 46–86% at 5 years, 35–79% at 10 years, and the median survival ranges from 52–123 months. After successful cytoreductive surgery, the mean duration of symptom reduction is between 16–26 months, and the 5-year recurrence/progression rate ranges from 59–76%. Five studies evaluated the efficacy of a combination cytoreductive strategy reporting survival rate of ranging from 83% at 3 years to 50% at 10 years. To date, there is no level 1 evidence comparing surgery versus other liver-directed treatment options for NELM. An aggressive surgical approach, including combination with additional liver-directed procedures is recommended as it leads to long-term survival, significant long-term palliation, and a good quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach should be established as the platform for decision making.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace M. Thiong’o ◽  
Susan S. Ferson ◽  
A. Leland Albright

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to review treatment options for infants with hydranencephaly and to consider the pros and cons of each treatment modality.METHODSThis paper is a review of hydranencephaly as well as a retrospective analysis evaluating the outcomes of 52 infants with hydranencephaly who were treated at the Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya, in one of four ways: ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion, endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation (CPC), open choroid plexectomy (CPlx), and palliative care. The primary outcome measure was control of head size, with the aim of improving patient care. One-year mortality was a secondary outcome.RESULTSOf the 52 patients analyzed, 11 underwent VPS insertion, 17 CPC, 14 CPlx, and 10 were treated palliatively. Head size was controlled at the 3-month evaluation interval in 5 of 7 infants treated with VPS, 10 of 16 of those treated with CPC, 6 of 9 of those treated with CPlx, and 1 of 4 treated palliatively. The number of infants in each category with complete follow-up data that were needed to analyze change in head size was lower than the total number of patients included in each category. Mortality at 1 year of age was 9 of 11 in the VPS group, 14 of 17 in the CPC group, 6 of 14 in the CPlx group, and 7 of 10 in the palliative group.CONCLUSIONSHead size decreased by 1 cm or more in similar proportions (62%–71%) of infants with hydranencephaly who were treated by VPS insertion, CPC, and CPlx, and progressed in those who received palliative care. Mortality at 1 year of age was similar in infants treated by a VPS, CPC, and palliative care (70%–82%), but lower (43%) in those treated with CPlx.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document