Anthracycline-Free Neoadjuvant Treatment in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Real-Life Use of Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab and Taxanes Association with an Exploratory Analysis of PIK3CA Mutational Status.

HER2 is considered one of the most traditional prognostic and predictive biomarkers in breast cancer. Literature data confirmed that the addition of pertuzumab to a standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy backbone (either with or without anthracyclines), in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive early breast cancer (EBC), leads to a higher pathological complete response (pCR) rate, which is known to correlate with a better prognosis. In this retrospective analysis, 47 consecutive patients with HER2-positive EBC received sequential anthracyclines and taxanes plus trastuzumab (ATH) or pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel (THP). Despite the limited sample size, this monocentric experience highlights the efficacy (in terms of pCR) and safety of THP in the neoadjuvant setting of HER2-positive EBC as an anthracycline-free approach. Given the role of PIK3CA as a prognostic and therapeutic target in breast cancer, tumors were also analyzed to assess the PIK3CA mutational status. Thirty-eight out of forty-seven patients were evaluated, and PIK3CA variants were identified in 21% of tumor samples: overall, one mutation was detected in exon 4 (2.6%), two in exon 9 (5.3%) and four in exon 20 (10.5%). Of note, one sample showed concurrent mutations in exons 9 (codon 545) and 20 (codon 1047). Among patients reaching pCR (n = 13), 38.5% were PIK3CA mutants; on the other hand, among those lacking pCR (n = 25), just 12% showed PIK3CA variants. Regarding THP-treated mutant patients (n = 5), 80% reached pCR (three hormone-receptor-negative, one hormone-receptor-positive). Interestingly, the only patient not achieving pCR had a tumor with two co-occurring PIK3CA mutations. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence about the efficacy and good safety profile of THP, compared to the ATH regimen, as an anthracycline-free neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive EBC. Further studies on larger/multicentric cohorts are planned for more in-depth analysis to confirm our molecular and clinical results.

A first stage placental site trophoblastic tumor: a case report and review of literature.

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) is a very rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) that occurs mainly in women who have a history of termination of pregnancy. It has different characteristics from other gestational trophoblastic tumors: it grows slowly, secretes low levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG), with low metastatic potential. We report a case of PSTT of a 32-year-old patient. Seven months after delivery, the patient presented at our Center with persistence of menorrhagia for at least 1 month. A slightly high level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) was observed. TVUS and MRI, an operative hysteroscopy and a laparoscopy were performed. The histological and immunohistochemical findings demonstrated PSTT. Diagnosis of juvenile cystic adenomyoma (JCA) was also added. A total body CT scan was negative for metastases. A total hysterectomy with salpingectomy was performed. We performed a search of relevant studies about PSTT of the last years. A systematic search of Pubmed databases was conducted. Appropriate search terms were constructed by reviewing abstracts, titles and keywords relating to PSTT known to the authors. All articles known to the authors useful to the review were included, comparing with our clinical case. Stages and treatment are related to survival rates, with long term survival expected for stage I low-risk disease after hysterectomy. Our case is a stage I disease with good prognostic factors (patient's age and absence of metastases) and, as described in the literature, a total hysterectomy with salpingectomy was performed.

Haemobilia secondary to a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm as complication of VLC.

INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic approach has become the gold standard for cholecystectomy. However, it could have some major complications. Among them, it can be considered postoperative pseudoaneurysms of the cystic or hepatic arteries. Haemobilia secondary to a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: Here we present a case from our centre of haemobilia in association with a cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, as a late complication of VLC. An 18-year-old girl underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy; during surgery, due to viscero-perietal tight adhesions and due to the close proximity of the cystic duct to the biliary ducts, we suspected a bile duct injury. So, decision was taken to convert to open surgery: a suture was performed to repair the coledocic duct injury and an endoscopic papillotomy was performed with subsequent positioning of an endoscopic plastic biliary endoprothesis at the hepatocholedochus. One month after surgery, the patient showed clinical signs of hypovolemic shock. She underwent Computed Tomography Angiography, showing a possible arterial lesion, just adjacent to surgical clip. Therefore, patient underwent angiographic examination, which confirmed an 8 mm pseudoaneurysm arising from cystic artery, just adjacent to surgical clips. Superselective catheterization of vessel was performed, and two coils were released, until obtaining complete exclusion of the vascular lesion. The patient was discharged five days after procedure, with good general condition. CONCLUSION: Pseudoaneurysms of the cystic artery are uncommon entities, rarely reported in the literature, and often caused by cholecystitis or iatrogenic biliary injury. All conditions that are responsible for vessels' injuries could also cause haemobilia. Even if pseudoaneurysm of cystic artery with haemobilia is a rare event, it has to be considered as a complication of VLC. Angiographic approach should be the treatment of choice.

Evaluating the multivisceral involvement on adult-onset Still's disease to retrieve imaging-based differences in patients with and without macrophage activation syndrome: results from a single-centre observational study.

In this study, we aimed at describing the multivisceral involvement on adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) to retrieve imaging-based differences in patients with and without macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). From our historical cohort, patients were assessed among those who underwent a total body CT scan. Clinical and CT scan characteristics of AOSD patients with and without MAS were compared. Out of 39 AOSD patients evaluated, 14 were complicated by MAS. These patients showed higher values of ferritin and systemic score. AOSD patients with MAS presented a higher prevalence of lung disease, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, abdominal effusions, and lymph node enlargement than others without this complication. In addition, the presence of these manifestations significantly correlated with the systemic score, furtherly reinforcing its prognostic value. Due to the specific design of our study, our findings could be burdened by a selection bias since assessing those patients underwent a total body CT scan. Thus, these data should be prudently generalised suggesting the need of further studies to fully elucidate this issue. Our findings showed a higher prevalence of multiorgan involvement in AOSD patients with MAS, suggesting imaging-based differences, although other studies are needed to fully assess this issue. Pulmonary disease, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymph node enlargement, and abdominal effusions were associated with a more aggressive subset of AOSD. Key Points •The importance of an accurate assessment AOSD multivisceral involvement is suggested since it is associated with life-threatening complications. •A higher prevalence of multiorgan involvement in AOSD patients with MAS could be recognised, than others without this complication, suggesting imaging-based differences. •AOSD multivisceral involvement may correlate with the systemic score, furtherly reinforcing its prognostic value.

Intracranial ependymomas: The role of advanced neuroimaging in diagnosis and management.

Intracranial ependymomas represent a rare subgroup of glial tumours, showing a wide variety of imaging characteristics, often representing a challenging diagnosis for neuroradiologists. Here, we review the most recent scientific Literature on intracranial ependymomas, highlighting the most characteristic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of these neoplasms, along with epidemiologic data, recent classification aspects, clinical presentation and conventional therapeutic strategies. In addition, we report an illustrative case of an 18-year-old girl presenting with an intracranial supratentorial, anaplastic ependymoma, with the aim of contributing to the existing knowledge and comprehension of this rare tumour.

MR imaging of cerebral involvement of Rosai-Dorfman disease: a single-centre experience with review of the literature.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare, benign, non-Langerhans cells histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy of uncertain aetiology. It is commonly characterized by massive, painless, non-tender, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Extra-nodal involvement is usually seen in 50% of patients, with the brain being affected in only 5% of cases, usually as dural-based lesions. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous and strongly dependent on the localization of the lesions. Although the histopathological findings are essential for the final diagnosis, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) currently represents the first-line strategy for the detection of the lesions across the central nervous system (CNS); moreover, it may provide additional elements for the differential diagnosis versus other more common lesions. We performed a case-based literature review to highlight possible aetiologic and pathogenetic theories of this disease, along with imaging features of RDD, with a particular focus on the MRI characteristics of the CNS involvement (CNS-RDD). Finally, we provided a novel insight on the current therapeutic approaches, either surgical or medical.

Branch Duct - IPMN and PanIN, in IgG4-Autoimmune pancreatitis: A case report.

The presence of pancreatic lesions in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis requires histological diagnosis (percutaneous or endoscopic biopsy) to exclude malignancy. A nonspecific histology after endoscopic or percutaneous biopsy of a pancreatic lesion may require surgical excision and definite histology.

A case of segmental hepatic necrosis complicating oxaliplatin and capecitabine chemotherapy A case report and review of the literature.

Chemotherapy is associated with different patterns of histopathological changes of the non-tumor-bearing liver. Hepatic infarction represents a relatively rare condition; the prevalence in several series of consecutive autopsies is 1.1%. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of liver infarction secondary to chemotherapy have been reported to date. We report a case of segmental hepatic infarction following the adjuvant chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine in a patient who had undergone total gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy for gastric cancer. Liver infarction is usually managed by conservative therapy; interventional procedures such as percutaneous imaging-guided drainage or surgical evacuation should be reserved in cases where septic complications occur, with development of a hepatic abscess from the necrotic area. It is important to avoid misdiagnoses with liver metastases in order to define the most appropriate clinical management strategy. KEY WORDS: Adjuvant chemotherapy, Gastric cancer, Liver infarction, Hepatic necrosis.

A rare case of cardiac tamponade masquerading as acute abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: Acute abdomen is any acute abdominal condition requiring a quick response. The incidence varies according to age and disease aetiology. The abdominal discomfort associated with extra-abdominal pathophysiology and thoracic conditions could mimic acute abdomen. In this case we report a rare case of a young patient with cardiac tamponade masquerading as acute abdomen. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 25-years-old African man presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. An EKG was performed, which revealed sinus tachycardia, with electrical alternans and borderline reduced voltage. At the time of the admission to our unit, he had a clinical worsening and a CT scan of abdomen was performed, which demonstrated hepatomegaly, abundant pericardial effusion and thin right pleural effusion at the lung bases. An echocardiogram confirmed a circumferential pericardial effusion with initial collapse of the right ventricular free wall. It was decided to immediately transport the patient to the Cardiosurgery Unit of another hospital to undergo pericardiocentesis. DISCUSSION: Our experience with this case underlines the important point that patients with a large pericardial effusion may present with the clinical features of acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdominal pain was the primary symptom that prompted this patient to seek medical attention. CONCLUSION: Acute abdomen is any acute abdominal condition requiring a rapid, often surgical, treatment. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency. The differential diagnosis could be kept in mind by any emergency physician, surgeon and anaesthesiologist, because an incorrect diagnosis and therefore an incorrect treatment or a delay in pericardial evacuation can be life-threatening.

Endoscopic Double-Pigtail Catheter (EDPC) Internal Drainage as First-Line Treatment of Gastric Leak: A Case Series during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Learning Curve for Morbid Obesity.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of morbid obesity has dramatically increased over the last several decades worldwide, currently reaching epidemic proportions. Gastric leak (GL) remains the potentially fatal main complication after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for morbid obesity. To our knowledge, there are no standardized guidelines for GL treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) yet. The aim of this study was to represent our institutional preliminary experience using the endoscopic double-pigtail catheter (EDPC) as the method of internal drainage and propose it as first-line treatment in case of GL after LSG. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen patients were admitted to our surgical department and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for morbid obesity from March 2014 to June 2019. In 5 patients (4.3%) of our series, GL occurred as a complication of LSG. EPDC was the stand-alone procedure of internal drainage and GL first-line treatment. The internal pig tail was endoscopically removed from 30th to 40th POD in all cases. RESULTS: Present data (clinical, biochemical, and instrumental tests) showed a complete resolution of GL, with promotion of a pseudodiverticula and complete re-epithelialization of leak. Follow-up was more strict than usual (clinical visit and biochemical test on 7th, 14th, and 21st day after discharge; a CT scan with gastrografin on 30th day from discharge if clinical visit and exams were normal). CONCLUSION: This was a preliminary retrospective observational study, conducted on 5 patients affected by GL as a complication of LSG for morbid obesity. EDPC maintains the safety, efficacy, and nonexpensive characteristic and may be proposed as better first-line treatment in case of GL after bariatric surgery.

Apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging (ADC-MRI) in the axillary breast cancer lymph node metastasis detection: a narrative review.

The presence of axillary lymph nodes metastases in breast cancer is the most significant prognostic factor, with a great impact on morbidity, disease-related survival and management of oncological therapies; for this reason, adequate imaging evaluation is strictly necessary. Physical examination is not enough sensitive to assess breast cancer nodal status; axillary ultrasonography (US) is commonly used to detect suspected or occult nodal metastasis, providing exclusively morphological evaluation, with low sensitivity and positive predictive value. Currently, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and/or axillary dissection are the milestone for the diagnostic assessment of axillary lymph node metastases, although its related morbidity. The impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of nodal metastases has been widely investigated, as it continues to represent the most promising imaging modality in the breast cancer management. In particular, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values represent additional reliable non-contrast sequences, able to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer MRI evaluation. Several studies largely demonstrated the usefulness of implementing DWI/ADC MRI in the characterization of breast lesions. Herein, in the light of our clinical experience, we perform a review of the literature regarding the diagnostic performance and accuracy of ADC value as potential pre-operative tool to define metastatic involvement of nodal structures in breast cancer patients. For the purpose of this review, PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched with different combinations of "axillary lymph node", "breast cancer", "MRI/ADC", "breast MRI" keywords. All original articles, reviews and metanalyses were included.

Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine rectal carcinoma with uncommon immune-histochemical features and clinical presentation with a subcutaneous metastasis, treated with first line intensive triplet chemotherapy plus bevacizumab FIr-B/FOx regimen: an experience of multidisciplinary management in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are heterogeneous, widely distributed tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells. Gastrointestinal (GI)-NETs are the most common and NETs of the rectum represent 15, 2% of gastrointestinal malignancies. Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas of the GI tract are uncommon. We report a rare case of poorly differentiated locally advanced rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma with nodal and a subcutaneous metastasis, with a cytoplasmic staining positive for Synaptophysin and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old male presented to hospital, due to lumbar, abdominal, perineal pain, and severe constipation. A whole-body computed tomography scan showed a mass of the right lateral wall of the rectum, determining significant reduction of lumen caliber. It also showed a subcutaneous metastasis of the posterior abdominal wall. Patient underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation, diagnostic and therapeutic plan was shared and defined. The pathological examination of rectal biopsy and subcutaneous nodule revealed features consistent with small-cell poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. First line medical treatment with triplet chemotherapy and bevacizumab, according to FIr-B/FOx intensive regimen, administered for the first time in this young elderly patient affected by metastatic rectal NEC was highly active and tolerable, as previously reported in metastatic colo-rectal carcinoma (MCRC). A consistent rapid improvement in clinical conditions were observed during treatment. After 6 cycles of treatment, CT scan and endoscopic evaluation showed clinical complete response of rectal mass and lymph nodes; patient underwent curative surgery confirming the pathologic complete response at PFS 9 months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This case report of a locally advanced rectal NEC with an unusual subcutaneous metastasis deserves further investigation of triplet chemotherapy-based intensive regimens in metastatic GEP NEC.

Nerve root metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve root metastasis without extension from an adjacent process has been seldom reported in case of solid tumors. We describe a case of solitary nerve root metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma, likely due to hematogenous spread. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old man presented with radiculopathy refractory to medical treatment. MRI and CT demonstrated a right-sided S1 nerve root mass involving the spinal ganglion in its intra-foraminal region with avid enhancement, initial erosive bone changes on sacral foramina and focal hyperaccumulation on 18F - FDG CT-PET, suspicious for metastasis. The histopathological examination confirmed a metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma. DISCUSSION: A review of the current literature revealed only ten cases of hematogenous metastases to spinal nerve root ganglia; the primary lesions in those cases were an oat cell carcinoma of the lung, two cases of colonic adenocarcinoma, a case of uterine adenocarcinoma, a ductal breast carcinoma, a Ewing's sarcoma, a Renal Cell Carcinoma, a gastro-intestinal stromal tumor, a follicular thyroid carcinoma, a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: In the setting of a known malignancy, a nerve root metastasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a nerve root mass, although it occurs very rarely.

Sporadic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the wall of the jejunum A case report.

BACKGROUND: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. They are considered ubiquitous tumors and have been described in different organs, but gastro-intestinal PEComas are diseases of extreme rarity. METHODS: We report a case of a 51-year-old woman, without a medical history of tuberous sclerosis complex, affected by abdominal PEComa, adhering tightly to the jejunal loop and to the spleen. RESULTS: During the surgical operation, a large abdominal mass was found, and surgical resection was carried out. Definitive histologic and ultrastructural findings were consistent with PEComa. CONCLUSION: Given the rarity of GI-PEComas and the lack of cases reported in the literature, we want to emphasize the importance of conducting further studies in this regard, to better describe their biological behaviour. KEY WORDS: Gastro-intestinal tumor, PEComa, Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors.

Hypovolemic shock after pelvic radiotherapy. A rare combination leading to a devastating complication.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy currently plays a key role in pelvic malignancies' management. Excellent outcomes have been reported on its association with chemotherapy for the treatment of the anal carcinoma. Despite that, the combined use of chemo- and radiotherapy and the high doses administered seem to be strongly associated with early and late onset side effects. METHODS: We reported a case of a 72 years old woman, affected by anal squamous cell carcinoma. She underwent chemotherapy, and then radiotherapy, with good results. RESULTS: During a regular MR control, the patient developed anaphylactic reaction to Gadolinium, and after that a rectosigmoid ischemia with total necrosis of the posterior rectal wall was diagnosed and surgically treated with Hartmann procedure. CONCLUSION: In our case we faced with the rapid and severe degeneration of pelvic anatomy determined by the sum of vascular alterations following hypovolemic shock and pelvic tissues alteration after radiotherapy. It seems essential not to underestimate the exponential outcome of a similar unusual combination of events. KEY WORDS: Anal carcinoma, Hypovolemic shock, Pelvic radiotherapy, Rectal necrosis.

Low Dose versus Standard Single Heartbeat Acquisition Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare image quality and mean radiation dose between two groups of patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) using a 640-slice CT scanner with two protocols with different noise level thresholds expressed as standard deviation (SD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-hundred and sixty-eight patients underwent a CCTA with 640 slice CT scanner. In the experimental group (135 patients), an SD 51 protocol was employed; in the control group (133 patients), an SD 33 protocol was used. Mean effective dose and image quality with both objective and subjective measures were assessed. Image quality was subjectively assessed using a five-point scoring system. Segments scoring 2, 3, and 4 were considered having diagnostic quality, while segments scoring 0 and 1 were considered having nondiagnostic quality. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the two groups as well as the effective radiation dose (ED) was finally assessed. RESULTS: Comparative analysis considering diagnostic quality (2, 3, and 4 score) and nondiagnostic (score 0 and 1) quality demonstrated that image quality of SD 51 group is not significantly lower than that of S33 group. The noise was significantly higher in the SD 51 group than in the SD 33 group (P < 0.0001). The SNR and CNR were higher in the SD 33 group than in SD 51 group (P < 0.0001). Mean effective dose was 49% lower in the SD 51 group than in SD 33 group; indeed mean effective dose was 1.43 mSv ± 0.67 in the SD 51 group while it was 2.8 mSv ± 0.57 in the SD 33 group. CONCLUSION: Comparative analysis shows that using a 640-slice CT with a 51 SD protocol, it is possible to reduce the mean radiation dose while maintaining good diagnostic image quality.

A case of intrasplenic displacement of an endoscopic double-pigtail stent as a treatment for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leak.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent and severe complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is gastric leak. Nowadays, there is no specific standard recommendation for its management, but the endoscopic placement of a double-pigtail drain across the leak has been proven to be effective and minimally invasive. Stent displacement into the abdominal cavity is not common and intrasplenic migration is even more rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 49-year-old woman with intrasplenic displacement of an endoscopic double-pigtail stent as a treatment for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy leak. DISCUSSION: Pigtail drain migration involving the spleen is rare but may potentially expose the patient to the risk of parenchymal abscess or haemorrhage. Often the clinic does not indicate early this complication. CONCLUSION: We underline the need for a close radiologic follow-up, regardless of clinical conditions, in all patients treated with double-pigtail drain and its early removal in case of migration.

Real life triplet FIr/FOx chemotherapy in first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients: recommended schedule for expected activity and safety and phase II study.

BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX demonstrated significantly increased survival compared with gemcitabine in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): objective response rate (ORR) 23 and 31.6%, progression-free survival (PFS) 5.5 and 6.4 months, overall survival (OS) 8.7 and 11.1 months. Present phase II study evaluated recommended first-line triplet FIr/FOx schedule. METHODS: Simon two-step design: p010%, p130%, power 80%, α5%, ß20%. Projected ORR: I step, 1/10; II 5/29. Schedule: 12h-timed-flat-infusion/5-fluorouracil 750-800-900 mg/m2 d1-2,8-9,15-16,22-23; irinotecan 120-140-160 mg/m2 d1,15; oxaliplatin 70-80 mg/m2 d8,22; every 4 weeks, according to clinical parameters (age, comorbidities, performance status (PS), liver function). Activity and efficacy were evaluated, and compared using log-rank; limiting toxicity syndromes (LTS), using chi-square. RESULTS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients were enrolled, according to primary/intermediate/secondary Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Median age 62; elderly 13 (44.7%); PS2 3 (10.4%), secondary CIRS 5 (17.2%). Primary endpoint was met: ORR 53% (7/13 patients) as-treated, 50% intent-to-treat. Cumulative G3-4 toxicities: diarrhea 17%, asthenia 14%, hypertransaminasemy 7%, mucositis 7%, vomiting 3%, anemia 3%, thrombocytopenia 3%. LTS were 27.5% overall, 38.4% in elderly. At 3 months median follow-up, PFS 4 months, OS 11 months. PS2 patients showed significantly worse OS (P 0.022). CONCLUSION: Intensive first-line triplet FIr/FOx is tolerable at modulated doses, and confirms high activity/efficacy in metastatic PDAC. Patients' careful selection, and exclusion of PS2, can maintain safety profile and efficient dose intensity.

Diagnostic accuracy of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and perfusion-weighted imaging in brain gliomas follow-up: a single institutional experience.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate whether proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are able to increase diagnostic accuracy in the follow-up of brain gliomas, identifying the progression of disease before it becomes evident in the standard MRI; also to evaluate which of the two techniques has the best diagnostic accuracy. Methods Eighty-three patients with cerebral glioma (50 high-grade gliomas (HGGs), 33 low-grade gliomas (LGGs)) were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent standard MRI, H spectroscopic and perfusion echo-planar imaging MRI. For spectroscopy variations of choline/creatine, choline/N-acetyl-aspartate ratio, and lipids and lactates peak were considered. For perfusion 2.0 was considered the cerebral blood volume cut-off for progression. The combination of functional parameters gave a multiparametric score (0-2) to predict outcome. Diagnostic performance was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values. Results In patients with LGGs a combined score of at least 1 was the best predictor for progression (odds ratio (OR) 3.91) with 8.4 months median anticipation of diagnosis compared to standard MRI. The individual advanced magnetic resonance technique did not show a diagnostic accuracy comparable to the combination of the two. Overall diagnostic accuracy area under the curve (AUC) was 0.881. In patients with HGGs the multiparametric score did not improve diagnostic accuracy significantly. Perfusion MRI was the best predictor of progression (OR 3.65), with 6.7 months median anticipation of diagnosis. Overall diagnostic accuracy AUC was 0.897. Then spectroscopy and perfusion MRI are able to identify tumour progression during follow-up earlier than standard MRI. Conclusion In patients with LGGs the combination of the functional parameters seems to be the best method for diagnosis of progression. In patients with HGGs perfusion is the best diagnostic method.