Bone Sarcoma Of The Pelvis: A Multicentric Retrospective Study Of One Hundred-Fourteen Cases

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the oncologic outcome of pelvic bone sarcomas (PBS) and to identify prognosis factors.Methods: We report a multicentric cohort of patients treated for a PBS from 2000 to 2020. Data from 12 hospitals were analysed. Patients treated for primary PBS were included. Alive patients with less than 6 months of follow up were excluded. The primary outcome was survival.Results: One hundred and fourteen patients (67 males and 48 females) were reviewed with a mean follow up of 32±46,5 (1 to 216) months. The mean patient and doctor diagnosis delays were respectively 8,5±10,2 (1 to 60) and 3±4,3 (0 to 24) months. Sixty-eight patients (59,6%) died after a mean time from diagnosis of 15,9±22,8 (1 to 120) months. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were respectively 38,4% and 27,6%. Chondrosarcoma histological type (HR=3,64), metastasis (HR=3,55) and surgery (HR=0,12) were identified as significant survival factors. Surgery was also associated to a decreased risk of metastasis (OR=0,03, 95% CI: 0,01 – 0,1). Among the 76 patients (66,7%) who underwent surgery, local recurrence was observed in 19 patients (25%) with a mean time from surgery to onset of 11,05 (±17,5) months. Conclusions: This nation-wide20-year-cohort study shows that surgery is the most effective treatment option in PBS regardless the histological type of the tumour. Efforts have to be done to decrease the diagnosis delay in order to start treatment when surgery is still feasible.

Case Series of Applications of Resting State Functional MRI in Brain Tumor Surgery: A Novel Technique

Background The extent of resection for brain tumors is a critical factor in determining the oncologic outcome for a patient. However, a balance between preservation of neurological function and maximal resection is essential for true benefit.Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is one of the approaches that augments the neurosurgeon's ability to attain maximal safe resection by providing preoperative mapping. It may not be possible to perform awake craniotomy with intraoperative localization by direct cortical stimulation in all patients, such as children and those with neurocognitive impairment. Task-based fMRI may have limited value in these cases due to low patient cooperability. Methods In this article we present in a case-based format, the various clinical scenarios where resting state fMRI (rs-fMRI) can be helpful in guiding neurosurgical resection. rs-fMRI of the patients has been acquired on Philips 1.5 T system. Seed voxel method has been used for processing and analysis. Conclusion rs-fMRI does not require active patient cooperation to generate useful information and thus can be a promising tool in patients unable to cooperate for task-based studies.

Impact of Lymphadenectomy on the Oncologic Outcome of Patients with Adrenocortical Carcinoma—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Locoregional lymphadenectomy (LND) in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) may impact oncological outcome, but the findings from individual studies are conflicting. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the oncological value of LND in ACC by summarizing the available literature. (2) Methods: A systematic search on studies published until December 2020 was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The primary outcome was the impact of lymphadenectomy on overall survival (OS). Two separate meta-analyses were performed for studies including patients with localized ACC (stage I–III) and those including all tumor stages (I–IV). Secondary endpoints included postoperative mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS). (3) Results: 11 publications were identified for inclusion. All studies were retrospective studies, published between 2001–2020, and 5 were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies (N = 807 patients) reported the impact of LND on disease-specific survival in patients with stage I–III ACC and revealed a survival benefit of LND (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.42, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.26–0.68). Based on results of studies including patients with ACC stage I–IV (2 studies, N = 3934 patients), LND was not associated with a survival benefit (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.70–1.42). None of the included studies showed an association between LND and postoperative mortality or LOS. (4) Conclusion: Locoregional lymphadenectomy seems to offer an oncologic benefit in patients undergoing curative-intended surgery for localized ACC (stage I–III).

Phẫu thuật nội soi 3D cắt bán phần xa dạ dày trong điều trị ung thư dạ dày

TÓM TẮT Đặt vấn đề: Những nghiên cứu gần đây cho thấy phẫu thuật nội soi với kỹ thuật 3D (three - dimensional) đã mang lại nhiều thuận lợi trong điều trị ung thư dạ dày khi so sánh với màn hình 2D truyền thống. Vì vậy chúng tôi thực hiện nghiên cứu này với mục đích đánh giá tính an toàn, kết quả ngắn hạn và kết quả ung thư học của phẫu thuật nội soi 3D trong điều trị ung thư phần xa dạ dày. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Thực hiện nghiên cứu tiến cứu trên 37 bệnh nhân cắt phần xa dạ dày kèm nạo vét hạch điều trị ung thư dạ dày bằng phẫu thuật nội soi kỹ thuật 3D tại Khoa Ngoại nhi - cấp cứu bụng, Bệnh viện Trung Ương Huế từ 03/2018 đến 09/2021. Kết quả: Phẫu thuật nội soi 3D được thực hiện ở tất cả 37 bệnh nhân, không có trường hợp nào chuyển mổ mở. Thời gian phẫu thuật trung bình là 69,86 ± 20,46 phút, lượng máu mất trong mổ trung bình là 171,22 ± 15,47 ml, số hạch vét được trung bình là 20,49 ± 4,11 hạch và thời gian nằm viện sau phẫu thuật trung bình là 10 ngày (6 - 26 ngày). Tỷ lệ biến chứng là 8,1 % với 1 trường hợp (2,7%) dò mỏm tá tràng, không có trường hợp nào tử vong sớm sau mổ. Tỉ lệ sống còn sau 1 năm là 87,27% và sau 3 năm là 83,31%. Kết luận: Áp dụng phẫu thuật nội soi 3D trong cắt phần xa dạ dày có thể thực hiện an toàn và khả thi. Giúp giảm đáng kể thời gian mổ, lượng máu mất trong mổ và đảm bảo được nguyên tắc an toàn về ung thư học. ABSTRACT EFFICACY USING THREE - DIMENSIONAL LAPAROSCOPY IN THE TREATMENT OF DISTAL GASTRIC CANCER Background: Recent studies have supported that three - dimensional (3D) laparoscopy has advantages in treating gastric cancer compared with conventional two - dimensional (2D) screens. This study investigated the safety, short - term efficacy, and oncological outcome of three - dimensional (3D) laparoscopic distal gastric cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed the clinical data from 37 patients treated with 3D laparoscopic systemic lymphadenectomy for distal gastric cancer at the Hue Central Hospital from March 2018 to September 2021. The effects on operative time, intraoperative blood loss, the number of lymph nodes removed, postoperative recovery time, complications, and oncologic outcome were analyzed. Results: Three - dimensional (3D) laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was successfully carried out in 37 patients. The mean operative time was 69,86 ± 20,46 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 171,22 ± 15,47 ml, the number of harvested lymph nodes was 20,49 ± 4,11, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 (6 - 26 days). The incidence of postoperative complications was 8,1%, with 1 case of duodenal stump fistula. The one - year overall survival rate was 87,27%, and the three - year overall survival rate was 83,31%. Conclusions: 3D laparoscopy distal gastrectomy could be performed safely and feasibly. They reducethe operative time and intraoperative blood loss in distal gastrectomy with a good oncologic outcome. Keywords: Laparoscopic gastrectomy, D2 lymphadenectomy, 3D laparoscopy

Interstitial High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy of Liver Metastases in Oligometastatic Patients

Local ablative treatments have emerged as a promising treatment strategy for patients with oligometastatic disease. Among others, interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) is an upcoming treatment option for unresectable liver metastases. We report the feasibility and oncologic outcome of iBT of oligometastatic liver metastases performed in patients with limited tumor burdens in a high-volume center. Patients undergoing iBT between August 2017and March 2019 were included. A retrospective analysis of patient outcomes and treatment complications was performed. Patients treated for metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) were compared to other histologies. A total of 141 iBT procedures were performed in 106 patients (male:52; female:54) and 244 liver metastases. Overall, 51% (54/106) of patients had a diagnosis of metastatic CRC. The median follow-up was 9 months, and overall survival (OS) was 92.3% at 6 months and 76.3% at 12 months. Local-relapse-free survival (LRFS) was 88.4% at 6 months and 71.5% at 12 months, with a significant difference between patients with CRC (84.1% and 50.6%) versus other histologies (92.4% and 92.4%, p < 0.001). A sub-group analysis showed a significant advantage in patients with CRC receiving a minimal dose (D100) of 20 Gy to the planning target volume. Treatments of smaller total liver-tumor volumes (<18 ccm) resulted in better LRFS rates. iBT is a safe and effective treatment approach for oligometastatic liver disease. A higher treatment dose is needed for patients with CRC. Moreover, lower metastatic burdens may be favorable for LRFS. Prospective studies are needed to assess the role of iBT in the oligometastatic setting as an alternative to other local ablative treatment approaches in patients with liver metastases.

Evaluation of Pre-operative Biopsy, Surgical Procedures and Oncologic Outcomes in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC)

Purpose: Discordance between pre-operative biopsy and final pathology for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is high and optimal management remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of pre-operative biopsy, to identify prognostic factors and to evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival and oncologic outcome in UTUC.Methods: We analyzed records of patients receiving surgical treatment for UTUC. Pathology of pre-operative biopsy was compared to surgical specimen. We used Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survival probabilities and Cox's proportional hazards models to estimate the association between covariates and event times. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). A matched-pair analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy.Results: 151 patients underwent surgical treatment (28% open, 36% laparoscopic, 17% robotic radical nephroureterectomy; 14% segmental ureteral resections and 5% palliative nephrectomy) for UTUC and were included in the analysis. Upstaging from &lt;pT1 in endoscopic biopsy to ≥pT1 in final pathology occurred in 61% of patients and upgrading from low-grade to high-grade occurred in 30% of patients. Five-year OS was 59.5%. In the univariate Cox-regression model pathological stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion and positive surgical margins were associated with OS. Matched pair analysis for stage (&lt;pT3; ≥pT3; pN+) and age revealed a significant survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.40, 0.14–0.77, p &lt; 0.018) in this cohort.Conclusion: UTUC is often underestimated in pre-operative biopsy, and it is associated with significant mortality. Pathological stage and grade, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastases are predictors of oncologic outcome and survival.

Relevance of the time interval between surgery and adjuvant radio (chemo) therapy in HPV-negative and advanced head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP)

Introduction In contrast to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the effect of treatment duration in HNSCC-CUP has not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of the time interval between surgery and adjuvant therapy on the oncologic outcome, in particular the 5-year overall survival rate (OS), in advanced stage, HPV-negative CUPs at a tertiary referral hospital. 5-year disease specific survival rate (DSS) and progression free survival rate (PFS) are defined as secondary objectives. Material and methods Between January 1st, 2007, and March 31st, 2020 a total of 131 patients with CUP were treated. Out of these, 59 patients with a confirmed negative p16 analysis were referred to a so-called CUP-panendoscopy with simultaneous unilateral neck dissection followed by adjuvant therapy. The cut-off between tumor removal and delivery of adjuvant therapy was set at the median, i.e. patients receiving adjuvant therapy below or above the median time interval. Results Depending on the median time interval of 55 days (d) (95% CI 51.42–84.52), 30 patients received adjuvant therapy within 55 d (mean 41.69 d, SD = 9.03) after surgery in contrast to 29 patients at least after 55 d (mean 73.21 d, SD = 19.16). All patients involved in the study were diagnosed in advanced tumor stages UICC III (n = 4; 6.8%), IVA (n = 27; 45.8%) and IVB (n = 28; 47.5%). Every patient was treated with curative neck dissection. Adjuvant chemo (immune) radiation was performed in 55 patients (93.2%), 4 patients (6.8%) underwent adjuvant radiation only. The mean follow-up time was 43.6 months (SD = 36.7 months). The 5-year OS rate for all patients involved was 71% (95% CI 0.55–0.86). For those patients receiving adjuvant therapy within 55 d (77, 95% CI 0.48–1.06) the OS rate was higher, yet not significantly different from those with delayed treatment (64, 95% CI 0.42–0.80; X2(1) = 1.16, p = 0.281). Regarding all patients, the 5-year DSS rate was 86% (95% CI 0.75–0.96). Patients submitted to adjuvant treatment in less than 55 d the DSS rate was 95% (95% CI 0.89–1.01) compared to patients submitted to adjuvant treatment equal or later than 55 d (76% (95% CI 0.57–0.95; X2(1) = 2.32, p = 0.128). The 5-year PFS rate of the entire cohort was 72% (95% CI 0.59–0.85). In the group < 55 d the PFS rate was 78% (95% CI 0.63–0.94) and thus not significantly different from 65% (95% CI 0.45–0.85) of the group ≥55 d; (X2(1) = 0.29, p = 0.589). Conclusions The results presented suggest that the oncologic outcome of patients with advanced, HPV-negative CUP of the head and neck was not significantly affected by a prolonged period between surgery and adjuvant therapy. Nevertheless, oncologic outcome tends to be superior for early adjuvant therapy.

Critical reappraisal of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy for treatment of locally advanced colon cancer

Background Locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) is associated with surgical challenges during R0 resection, increased postoperative complications, and unfavorable treatment outcomes. Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is an effective treatment strategy that can increase the complete surgical resection rate and improve the patient survival rate. This study investigated the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with LACC as well as the prognosis and long-term clinical outcomes of these patients. Materials From January 2012 to July 2020, we retrospectively reviewed the real-world data of 75 patients with LACC who received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). The following data were obtained from medical records: patients’ characteristics, pathologic results, toxicity, and long-term oncologic outcome. Results Of the 75 patients, 13 (17.3%) had pathologic complete responses. Hematologic adverse effects were the most common (grade 1 anemia: 80.0% and leukopenia: 82.7%). Conversely, grade 2 or 3 adverse effects were relatively uncommon (<10%). Pathologic N downstaging, ypT0, and pathologic complete responses were significant prognostic factors for patient survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that pathologic N downstaging was an independent predictor of patients’ overall survival (P = 0.019). The estimated 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 68.6% and 50.6%, and the medians of overall and disease-free survival periods were 72.3 and 58.7 months, respectively. Moreover, patients with pathologic complete responses had improved overall survival (P = 0.039) and an improved local recurrence control rate (P = 0.042) but an unfavorable distant metastasis control rate (P = 0.666) in the long-term follow-up. Conclusion The long-term oncologic outcome of patients with LACC following concurrent chemoradiotherapy is acceptable, and the adverse effects seem to be tolerable. Pathologic N downstaging was an independent prognostic factor for patients’ overall survival. However, a large prospective, randomized control study is required to confirm the current results.

Phase II Randomized Trial of Transoral Surgery and Low-Dose Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Resectable p16+ Locally Advanced Oropharynx Cancer: An ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Trial (E3311)

PURPOSE Definitive or postoperative chemoradiation (CRT) is curative for human papillomavirus–associated (HPV+) oropharynx cancer (OPC) but induces significant toxicity. As a deintensification strategy, we studied primary transoral surgery (TOS) and reduced postoperative radiation therapy (RT) in intermediate-risk HPV+ OPC. METHODS E3311 is a phase II randomized trial of reduced- or standard-dose postoperative RT for resected stage III-IVa (American Joint Committee on Cancer-seventh edition) HPV+ OPC, determined by pathologic parameters. Primary goals were feasibility of prospective multi-institutional study of TOS for HPV+ OPC, and oncologic efficacy (2-year progression-free survival) of TOS and adjuvant therapy in intermediate-risk patients after resection. TOS plus 50 Gy was considered promising if the lower limit of the exact 90% binomial confidence intervals exceeded 85%. Quality of life and swallowing were measured by functional assessment of cancer therapy-head and neck and MD Anderson Dysphagia Index. RESULTS Credentialed surgeons performed TOS for 495 patients. Eligible and treated patients were assigned as follows: arm A (low risk, n = 38) enrolled 11%, intermediate risk arms B (50 Gy, n = 100) or C (60 Gy, n = 108) randomly allocated 58%, and arm D (high risk, n = 113) enrolled 31%. With a median 35.2-month follow-up for 359 evaluable (eligible and treated) patients, 2-year progression-free survival Kaplan-Meier estimate is 96.9% (90% CI, 91.9 to 100) for arm A (observation), 94.9% (90% CI, 91.3 to 98.6]) for arm B (50 Gy), 96.0% (90% CI, 92.8 to 99.3) for arm C (60 Gy), and 90.7% (90% CI, 86.2 to 95.4) for arm D (66 Gy plus weekly cisplatin). Treatment arm distribution and oncologic outcome for ineligible or step 2 untreated patients (n = 136) mirrored the 359 evaluable patients. Exploratory comparison of functional assessment of cancer therapy-head and neck total scores between arms B and C is presented. CONCLUSION Primary TOS and reduced postoperative RT result in outstanding oncologic outcome and favorable functional outcomes in intermediate-risk HPV+ OPC.