An aggressive case of Warthin-like variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)

Introduction/Objective Warthin-like variant of PTC is a rare subtype of PTC, characterized by papillary growth lined with oncocytic neoplastic cells and lymphocytic rich stroma in the stalks of the papillae. It is frequently associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis and has good prognosis due to lower risk of metastasis. An association with BRAF V600E mutation has been reported. Here we report an aggressive case of Warthin-like variant of PTC. Methods/Case Report A 33-year-old Hispanic female presented with a progressively expanding neck mass, difficulty swallowing, voice hoarseness, and neck pain. Ultrasound showed a 3.8 cm left thyroid nodule which on biopsy was positive for PTC. Laboratory tests were positive for anti-peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Grossly, the left thyroid lobe nodule was well-circumscribed, unencapsulated, and firm with solid homogenous gray-tan cut surface. Microscopically, the nodule consisted of large eosinophilic cells demonstrating characteristic PTC nuclear features, arranged in papillary structures with the cores packed with prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate consistent with Warthin-like variant of PTC (figure). Separate sub-centimeter foci of PTC with similar features were identified in a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Central and left neck dissection showed extensive lymph node metastasis which had features similar to the primary tumor but with less pronounced lymphoplasmacytic cores. The patient is currently 6-month post operation and is receiving iodine ablative therapy. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Molecular analysis of the tumor may aid in identifying molecular aberrations responsible for the aggressive nature in this case and potentially guide treatment.

A rare scenario of perforated gastrointestinal stromal tumours of ileum

Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are among the common mesenchymal tumours of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. It varies in location and presentation. GIST are reported in the stomach frequently (60-70%), followed by small intestine (20-25%). Mainly GIST manifest typically with bleeding or vague abdominal pain and discomfort. The spontaneous perforation of GIST is very rare. We report case of a middle-age male patient who presented in emergency with pain in right lower abdomen associated with features of peritonism. After clinical evaluation and preliminary radiological investigations, a working diagnosis of perforated appendix was made. Patient was undertaken for emergency surgery. A diagnostic laparoscopy followed by midline laparotomy was done. Intra-operatively, a perforated and necrotic outpouching at antimesenteric border of terminal ileum was found. Histopathological examination of the resected part of ileum revealed compatibility with GIST. It was strongly positive for cluster of differentiation 117 (CD117) and smooth muscle actin. Patient received adjuvant therapy with Imatinib. A complete surgical resection without extensive lymph node sampling is the primary treatment option. As GIST are rare, a high index of suspicion is warranted for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Resection of the irradiated esophagus: the impact of lymph node yield on survival

SUMMARY There is debate surrounding the appropriate threshold for lymph node harvest during esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer, specifically for those receiving preoperative radiation. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of lymph node yield on survival in patients receiving preoperative chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized to identify patients with esophageal cancer that received preoperative radiation. The cohort was divided into patients undergoing minimal (<9) or extensive (≥9) lymph node yield. Demographic, operative, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log rank test was used to compare survival between the yield groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association between lymph node yield and survival. In total, 886 cases were included: 349 (39%) belonging to the minimal node group and 537 (61%) to the extensive group. Unadjusted 5-year survival was similar between the minimal and extensive groups, respectively (37.3% vs. 38.8%; P > 0.05). After adjustment using Cox regression, extensive lymph node yield was associated with survival (hazard ratio 0.80, confidence interval 0.66–0.98, P = 0.03). This study suggests that extensive lymph node yield is advantageous for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy following induction therapy. This most likely reflects improved diagnosis and staging with extensive yield.

A Phase II study of preoperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, oxaliplatin and S-1 in gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis (JCOG1704)

Background: Although surgical resection is necessary to cure the locally advanced gastric cancer, it is sometimes difficult for extensive nodal metastasis such as para-aortic nodal disease or bulky nodal metastasis around the major gastric branched arteries. We had conducted several Phase II studies and clarified preoperative chemotherapy with doublet regimen followed by surgery markedly improved the survival for this disease. Recently, preoperative chemotherapy with docetaxel, oxaliplatin and S-1 (DOS) showed promising efficacy and acceptable feasibility for resectable advanced gastric cancer. Aim: To describe the design and rationale for the multi-institutional, single-arm, Phase II trial of systemic chemotherapy with DOS followed by surgery in advanced gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis (JCOG1704). If efficacy and safety of DOS can be shown, we will conduct a Phase III trial comparing preoperative DOS and current standard cisplatin and S-1. Trial registration: jRCTs031180028.

P46 TRANSTHORACIC VERSUS TRANSHIATAL ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A NATION-WIDE PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHED COHORT ANALYSIS

Aim The current study aims to compare transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomy in a propensity score matched nation-wide cohort study. Background & Methods Chemoradiotherapy followed by resection is the standard therapy for resectable esophageal carcinoma in the Netherlands. The optimal surgical approach remains a matter of debate. Data was acquired from the Dutch Upper-GI Cancer Audit. Patients who underwent esophagectomy with curative intent and gastric tube reconstruction for mid/distal esophageal or esophagogastric junction carcinoma from 2011-2016 were included. Patients with missing baseline data and patients undergoing emergency or hybrid surgery were excluded. Patients who underwent a transthoracic (TTE) or transhiatal (THE) esophagectomy were compared after propensity score matching. Results After propensity score matching, 1532 patients were included for analysis. The transthoracic approach yielded more lymph nodes (median 19 vs 14; p<0.001). There was no difference in the number of positive lymph nodes, however, the median (y)pN-stage was higher after TTE (p=0.044). The TTE group experienced more chyle leakage (9.7% vs 2.7%, p<0.001) and more pulmonary (35.5% vs 26.1%, p<0.001) and cardiac complications (15.4% vs 10.3%, p=0.003). The TTE group required a longer hospital stay (median 14 vs 11 days, p<0.001), ICU stay (median 3 vs 1 day, p<0.001) and had a higher early mortality rate (4.0% vs 1.7%, p=0.009). Subgroup analysis on anastomotic level showed that TTE with intrathoracic anastomosis (TTEi) had a significantly lower recurrent nerve lesion incidence (0.5%) compared to TTE with cervical anastomosis (TTEc) (7.4%, p=<0.001) and THE (5.9%, p=<0.001). There was no statistical difference in anastomotic leakage rates on anastomotic level, however incidence was lowest after TTEi (TTEc 21.5%, TTEi 15.1%, THE 19.5%). The higher early mortality rate after TTE was mainly caused by TTEc (4.6%), however, only the difference of early mortality between TTEc and THE (1.7%) reached statistical significance (p=0.006). Conclusion TTE provided a more extensive lymph node dissection which resulted in a higher N-stage, at the cost of increased morbidity and short-term mortality. Although results in high-volume centers are often superior, these data reflect nationwide results. Future research should investigate if a more extensive lymph node dissection leads to an improved long-term survival.