Galectin-8 counteracts folic acid-induced acute kidney injury and prevents its transition to fibrosis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI), characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function involving tubular damage and epithelial cell death, can lead to progressive tissue fibrosis and chronic kidney disease due to interstitial fibroblast activation and tissue repair failures that lack direct treatments. After an AKI episode, surviving renal tubular cells undergo cycles of dedifferentiation, proliferation and redifferentiation while fibroblast activity increases and then declines to avoid an exaggerated extracellular matrix deposition. Appropriate tissue recovery versus pathogenic fibrotic progression depends on fine-tuning all these processes. Identifying endogenous factors able to affect any of them may offer new therapeutic opportunities to improve AKI outcomes. Galectin-8 (Gal-8) is an endogenous carbohydrate-binding protein that is secreted through an unconventional mechanism, binds to glycosylated proteins at the cell surface and modifies various cellular activities, including cell proliferation and survival against stress conditions. Here, using a mouse model of AKI induced by folic acid, we show that pre-treatment with Gal-8 protects against cell death, promotes epithelial cell redifferentiation and improves renal function. In addition, Gal-8 decreases fibroblast activation, resulting in less expression of fibrotic genes. Gal-8 added after AKI induction is also effective in maintaining renal function against damage, improving epithelial cell survival. The ability to protect kidneys from injury during both pre- and post-treatments, coupled with its anti-fibrotic effect, highlights Gal-8 as an endogenous factor to be considered in therapeutic strategies aimed at improving renal function and mitigating chronic pathogenic progression.

Breaking the Mucin Barrier: A New Affinity Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach to Unveil Potential Cell Markers and Pathways Altered in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin. RESULTS: This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies.

Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis.

Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.

Fetal Anemia: Determinants and Perinatal Outcomes according to the Method of Intrauterine Blood Transfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal anemia from hemolytic disease treated by intrauterine transfusion (IUT) can be performed by intraperitoneal, intracardiac, and intravascular transfusion (IVT). Objective of our study was to compare different transfusion techniques. METHODS: Retrospective review of IUT secondary to red cell alloimmunization was conducted at eight international centers from 2012 to 2020. Severe anemia suspected if middle cerebral artery peaks systolic velocity ≥1.5 multiples of the median. Demographic, delivery, and postnatal variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Total of 344 procedures, 325 IVT and 19 other techniques (non-IVT) included. No difference in demographics, history of stillbirth (20.5 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.7), prior pregnancy IUT (25.6 vs. 31.6%, p = 0.5) or neonatal transfusion (36.1 vs. 43.8%, p = 0.5). At first IUT, non-IVT had higher hydrops (42.1% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.03), lower starting hematocrit (13.3% [±6] vs. 17.7% [±8.2], p = 0.04), and trend toward lower gestational age (24.6 [20.1-27] vs. 26.4 [23.2-29.6] weeks, p = 0.08). No difference in birthweight, neonatal phototherapy, exchange, or simple transfusion was observed. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest studies comparing techniques to treat fetal anemia. IVT was most performed, other techniques were more likely performed in hydrops, and lower starting hematocrit was seen. Neither technique affected outcomes. This study may suggest that physician's experience may be the strongest contributor of outcomes.

Laparoscopic versus open approach for interval cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a matched comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The use of the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of carcinomatosis from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of both laparoscopic and open approach for interval CRS+HIPEC in a matched cohort of patients with advanced EOC. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database including 254 patients treated with interval CRS-HIPEC between January 2016 and December 2021 was performed. Patients with primary disease and limited carcinomatosis (PCI ≤ 10) were selected. A comparative analysis of patients treated by either open (O-CRS-HIPEC) or the laparoscopic (L-CRS-HIPEC) approach was conducted. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and perioperative outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were finally selected and enrolled into two comparable groups in this study. Of these, 14 patients were treated by interval L-CRS-HIPEC and 39 by interval O-CRS-HIPEC. The L-CRS-HIPEC group had a shorter hospital stay (5.6 ± 1.9 vs. 9.7 ± 9.8 days; p < 0.001) and a shorter time to return to systemic chemotherapy (4.3 ± 1.9 vs. 10.3 ± 16.8 weeks; p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between both groups. The 2-year OS and DFS was 100% and 62% in the L-CRS-HIPEC group versus 92% and 60% in the O-CRS-HIPEC group, respectively (p = 0.96; p = 0.786). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the use of interval L-CRS-HIPEC for primary advanced EOC is associated with shorter hospital stay and return to systemic treatment while obtaining similar oncological results compared to the open approach. Further prospective research is needed to recommend this new approach for these strictly selected patients.

Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis

Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.

Antitumor effect of a small-molecule inhibitor of KRASG12D in xenograft models of mucinous appendicular neoplasms.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by a massive accumulation of mucus in the peritoneal cavity. The only effective treatment is aggressive surgery, aimed at removing all visible tumors. However, a high percentage of patients relapse, with subsequent progression and death. Recently, there has been an increase in therapies that target mutated oncogenic proteins. In this sense, KRAS has been reported to be highly mutated in PMP, with KRASG12D being the most common subtype. Here, we tested the efficacy of a small-molecule KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133, in a high-grade PMP xenograft mouse model carrying a KRASG12D mutation. The results obtained in this work showed a profound inhibition of tumor growth, which was associated with a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in apoptosis, and a reduction in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the high potency and efficacy of MRTX1133 in KRASG12D-PMP tumors and provide a rationale for clinical trials.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Urothelial Origin: a Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Urothelial carcinomas (UC) are the fourth most common tumours. Approximately, 50% of patients with invasive bladder cancer relapse after radical cistectomy (RC). In this report, we present the case of peritoneal carcinomatosis from bladder UC treated with cytoreductive surgery plus the administration of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). Case Presentation: A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer with peritoneal recurrence in 2017. She underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC with mitomycin C. Histopathological results showed metastases from UC in the left ovary and right diaphragmatic peritoneum. In 2021, the patient underwent surgery after treatment with atezolizumab for abdominal wall recurrence. Today, the patient is alive and free of tumor recurrence 12 months after the last surgery. Discussion: Despite advances in surgical technique and patient selection, the risk of relapse remains high among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We face the case of a young female patient with local, peritoneal, and lymphatic recurrence of bladder cancer after RC who had a partial response to chemotherapy. The possibility of CRS + HIPEC is offered by the surgical oncology unit, referent in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Surgery is capable of resecting residual tumor in patients with a partial response or who have been erroneously underdiagnosed. Conclusion: CRS + HIPEC might be a valid option to be considered in well-selected patients and to be performed in reference units. There is a need for more collaborative clinical trials and prospective studies addressing the role of surgery in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

Reproducibility and usability assessment of the novel Fine Birth device for threatened preterm labor diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Preterm delivery is considered the leading cause of mortality worldwide in children under 5 years old. Approximately 45 million pregnant women are hospitalized yearly for threatened preterm labor. However, only 50% of pregnancies complicated by threatened preterm labor end in delivery before the estimated date, classifying the rest as false threatened preterm labor. The ability of current diagnostic methods to predict threatened preterm labor is low (low positive predictive value), ranging between 8% and 30%. This highlights the need for a solution that accurately detects and differentiates between false and real threatened preterm labors in women who attend obstetrical clinics and hospital emergency departments with delivery symptoms. OBJECTIVE: Primarily, this aimed to assess the reproducibility and usability of a novel medical device, the Fine Birth, aimed at accurately diagnosing threatened preterm labor through the objective quantification of pregnant women's cervical consistency. Secondarily, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of training and the incorporation of a lateral microcamera on the device's reliability and usability outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 77 singleton pregnant women were recruited during their follow-up visits to the obstetrical and gynecologic departments at 5 Spanish hospitals. The eligibility criteria included pregnant women aged ≥18 years; women with a normal fetus and uncomplicated pregnancy; women without prolapse of membranes, uterine anomalies, previous cervical surgery, or latex allergy; and women signing the informed written consent. Cervical tissue stiffness was assessed using the Fine Birth device, whose technology is based on the propagation of torsional waves through the studied tissue. Cervical consistency measurements were taken for each woman until obtaining 2 valid measurements by 2 different operators. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibilities of the Fine Birth measurements were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficients with a 95% confidence interval and the Fisher test P value. The usability was evaluated on the basis of the clinicians' and participants' feedback. RESULTS: There was good intraobserver reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95; Fisher test P value<.05). As the results obtained for the interobserver reproducibility did not reach the desired acceptable values (intraclass correlation coefficient of <0.75), a lateral microcamera was added to the Fine Birth intravaginal probe, and the operators involved in the clinical investigation received the corresponding training with the modified device. The analysis of 16 additional subjects demonstrated excellent interobserver reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.97) and an improvement after the intervention (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: The robust reproducibility and usability results obtained after the insertion of a lateral microcamera and the corresponding training make the Fine Birth a promising novel device to objectively quantify the patient's cervical consistency, diagnose threatened preterm labor, and, thus, predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Further research is needed to demonstrate the clinical utility of the device.

Learning curve for minimal invasive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedures.

PURPOSE: The benefits of the minimally invasive approach for performing cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-CRS + HIPEC) have been described previously, associating an early recovery with similar oncologic outcomes in patients with limited peritoneal carcinomatosis. Currently, no studies are focusing on the learning curve for this emerging procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the L-CRS + HIPEC learning curve and its knock-on effect on the perioperative outcomes. METHODS: We identified all consecutive unselected patients who underwent L-CRS + HIPEC by a single surgeon between April 2016 and January 2022 (n = 51). Patients who underwent risk-reducing CRS + HIPEC (PCI = 0) or initial conversion due to an intraoperative PCI > 10 were excluded from the final analysis. To evaluate the learning curve, perioperative data were analysed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Major morbidity occurred in one patient (3.8%). The difficulty of the L-CRS + HIPEC procedures was categorised as low in 23.1% (n = 6), intermediate in 19.2% (n = 5), and advanced in 57.7% (n = 15). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.5 days. No patient had a conversion to open surgery. The learning curve was divided into two distinct phases: the learning phase (1-14) and the consolidation phase (15-26). A significant decrease in the operative time (375 ± 103.1 vs 239.2 ± 63.6 min) was observed with no differences in complexity, the number of peritonectomy procedures, or morbidity. CONCLUSION: L-CRS + HIPEC is a complex procedure that must be performed in a high-volume and experienced oncologic unit, requiring a learning curve to achieve the consolidation condition, which could be established after 14 procedures.

Did COVID-19 lockdown delay actually worsen melanoma prognosis?

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 lockdown possibly meant a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and therefore, worsening its prognosis. This unique situation of diagnosis deferral is an exceptional opportunity to investigate melanoma biology. Objectives: To evaluate the immediate and mid-term impact of diagnosis delay on melanoma. Methods: A retrospective observational study of melanoma diagnosed between March 14th 2019 and March 13th 2021. We compared the characteristics of melanomas diagnosed during the first 6-month period after the lockdown instauration and a second period after recovery of normal activity with the same periods of the previous year, respectively. Results: A total of 119 melanomas were diagnosed. There were no differences in age, sex, incidence, location, presence of ulceration or mitoses, and in situ/invasive melanoma rate (p > 0.05). After the recovery of the normal activity, Breslow thickness increased in comparison with the previous year (2.4 vs 1.9 mm, p < 0.05) resulting in a significant upstaging according to the AJCC 8th ed. (p < 0.05). Study limitations: The main limitation is that this is a single-center study. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown implied a diagnosis delay leading to a mid-term increase in Breslow thickness and an upstaging of invasive melanomas. However, the detection deferral did not result in a higher progression of in situ to invasive melanoma, in our sample.

Intraoperative oxygen tension and redox homeostasis in Pseudomyxoma peritonei: A short case series.

Introduction: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant disease characterized by a massive multifocal accumulation of mucin within the peritoneal cavity. The current treatment option is based on complete cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. However, the recurrence is frequent with subsequent progression and death. To date, most of the studies published in PMP are related to histological and genomic analyses. Thus, the need for further studies unveiling the underlying PMP molecular mechanisms is urgent. In this regard, hypoxia and oxidative stress have been extensively related to tumoral pathologies, although their contribution to PMP has not been elucidated. Methods: In this manuscript, we have evaluated, for the first time, the intratumoral real-time oxygen microtension (pO2mt) in the tumor (soft and hard mucin) and surrounding healthy tissue from five PMP patients during surgery. In addition, we measured hypoxia (Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1a; HIF-1α) and oxidative stress (catalase; CAT) markers in soft and hard mucin from the same five PMP patient samples and in five control samples. Results: The results showed low intratumoral oxygen levels, which were associated with increased HIF-1α protein levels, suggesting the presence of a hypoxic environment in these tumors. We also found a significant reduction in CAT activity levels in soft and hard mucin compared with healthy tissue samples. Discussion: In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence of low intratumoral oxygen levels in PMP patients associated with hypoxia and oxidative stress markers. However, further investigation is required to understand the potential role of oxidative stress in PMP in order to find new therapeutic strategies.

Intraoperative metabolic changes associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) causes considerable hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic changes during the perioperative period. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate metabolic changes associated with this procedure. Understanding perioperative factors and their association with morbidity may improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing this treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All consecutive unselected patients who underwent CRS plus HIPEC between January 2018 and December 2020 (n = 219) were included. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 ± 11.7 years and 167 (76.3%) were female. The most frequent histology diagnosis was serous ovarian carcinoma 49.3% (n = 108) and colon carcinoma 36.1% (n = 79). Mean peritoneal cancer index was 14.07 ± 10.47. There were significant variations in pH, lactic acid, sodium, potassium, glycemia, bicarbonate, excess bases, and temperature (p < 0.05) between the pre-HIPEC and post-HIPEC periods. The closed HIPEC technique resulted in higher levels of temperature than the open technique (p < 0.05). Age, potassium level post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia were identified as prognostic factors for morbidity in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The administration of HIPEC after CRS causes significant changes in internal homeostasis. Although the closed technique causes a greater increase in temperature, it is not related to higher morbidity rates. The patient's age, post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia are predictive factors for morbidity.

Did COVID-19 lockdown delay actually worsen melanoma prognosis?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 lockdown possibly meant a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and therefore, worsening its prognosis. This unique situation of diagnosis deferral is an exceptional opportunity to investigate melanoma biology. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the immediate and mid-term impact of diagnosis delay on melanoma. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of melanoma diagnosed between March 14th 2019 and March 13th 2021. We compared the characteristics of melanomas diagnosed during the first 6-month period after the lockdown instauration and a second period after recovery of normal activity with the same periods of the previous year, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 119 melanomas were diagnosed. There were no differences in age, sex, incidence, location, presence of ulceration or mitoses, and in situ/invasive melanoma rate (p>0.05). After the recovery of the normal activity, Breslow thickness increased in comparison with the previous year (2.4 vs 1.9mm, p<0.05) resulting in a significant upstaging according to the AJCC 8th ed. (p<0.05). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is that this is a single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 lockdown implied a diagnosis delay leading to a mid-term increase in Breslow thickness and an upstaging of invasive melanomas. However, the detection deferral did not result in a higher progression of in situ to invasive melanoma, in our sample.

Practice patterns amongst fetal centers performing intrauterine transfusions (PACT): An international survey study.

OBJECTIVES: Fetal anemia secondary to incompatibility between maternal-fetal blood types can result in hydrops and demise. Intrauterine transfusions have improved survival in experience centers. Our objective was to determine the practice patterns amongst fetal centers. STUDY DESIGN: Thirteen fetal centers across the world were surveyed. Results from all participating centers were recorded, analyzed, and presented as ratios. Questions on the survey were related to experience of the physician, preferred methods of transfusion, fetal surveillance, and timing of delivery. RESULTS: Differences amongst centers were as follows: 54% of the centers performed transfusions in operating room, the remaining did them in a clinic room or close to the operating room; 31% did not use maternal anesthesia, 31% used oral or intravenous sedation and 38% used a combination of local with oral or intravenous sedation. The similarities include: 84% performed intravenous transfusions, while 2 centers reported intraperitoneal and intracardiac transfusions were performed for very early cases; 85% of centers performed the last transfusion at 34-35 weeks and 77% electively delivered their patients at 37 weeks. CONCLUSION: Method of transfusion and delivery timing was similar in most centers; however, differences were seen in location of procedure, anesthetic coverage, and surveillance. Further assessment is needed to determine if these differences in practice have any potential neonatal effects.

Surgical treatment of vena cava leiomyosarcomas: Series of cases in a referral center and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary tumors of the inferior vena cava are rare tumors of mesenchymal origin. They arise from the smooth muscles of the vena cava wall. Due to its low prevalence, there are few definitive data on its treatment and prognosis. Its treatment is based on general oncological principles. METHODS: A series of 6 cases operated from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed. Different parameters related to the demographic characteristics, the tumor, the treatment received, and the results obtained in survival and morbidity were analyzed. In addition, a bibliographical review of the currently available evidence was carried out. RESULTS: Optimal surgical resection was accomplished in all patients with R0 in 4/6 and R1 in 2/6. The greatest morbidity occurred in a patient who died in the intraoperative period. Cavorraphy was performed in one patient and cavoplasty in 5/6 using cryopreserved graft in 3/6 and prothesis in 2/6. The 50% were still alive at the end of the follow-up (with a mean follow-up of 10.7 months). The mean survival was 11.3 ± 9.07 months. 3/6 patients presented hematogenous recurrences with a disease-free interval of 9 ± 2 months. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma is still a challenge. Due to its low prevalence, it will be difficult to establish a totally standardized treatment and its approach is recommended in specialized centers. On the other hand, a multicentric study should be made to collect the most cases as possible in order to advance in the understanding of the approach to this disease.

A Proposal for Modification of the PSOGI Classification According to the Ki-67 Proliferation Index in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignancy, classified according to the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) classification, whose response to treatment remains highly heterogeneous within the high-grade (HG) category. Molecular profiling of PMP cases might help to better categorize patients and predict treatment responses. METHODS: We studied the Ki-67 proliferation rate and P53 overexpression in tissue samples from our historical cohort of HG-PMP patients. We established as cut-off levels the third quartile of each marker to perform univariate and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses. According to these results, the HG-PMP category was divided into subcategories and a new survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 90/117 patients with PMP undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were selected for secondary analysis. The survival analysis of the HG-PMP category for preoperative variables showed that a proliferation index defined by Ki-67 >15% is a bad prognostic factor, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-8.25). Accordingly, the HG-PMP group was divided using the Ki-67 15% cut-off. The new PSOGI/Ki-67 variable was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS), with an HR of 3.74 (95% CI 1.88-7.47), and disease-free survival (DFS), with an HR of 4.184 (95% CI 1.79-9.75). The estimated 5-year OS rate was 100%, 70% and 24% for the LG-PMP, HG-PMP ≤15% and HG-PMP >15% groups, respectively (p = 0.0001), while the 5-year DFS rate was 90%, 44% and 0%, respectively (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Division of the HG-PMP category of the PSOGI classification, according to the Ki-67 proliferation index, provides two well-defined subcategories, with significant differences in terms of OS and DFS, and hence high prognostic value.