Prognostic implications of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer subtypes.

The current study was designed to assess the response to treatment, as well as clinical and survival outcomes, across different breast cancer subtypes in patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). From 2014 to 2019, a total of 139 patients who were histologically confirmed to have breast cancer, underwent NAC, and subsequently received breast and axillary surgery, were retrospectively included in this study. The rates of pathological complete response (pCR) to NAC were significantly higher for HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes than for luminal A and HER2-negative subtypes (p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) revealed that tumour grade and the presence of pCR were independent prognostic factors. The presence or absence of a pCR with NAC was an independent prognostic indicator in the multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS). Lastly, achieving a pCR was independently predicted by 18F-FDG PET/CT findings, the HER2-positive subtype, and the triple-negative subtype. Despite the inherent methodological limitations, our findings underscore the significance of identifying predictive markers to tailor NAC plans, with the aim of improving survival outcomes.

The Feasibility of Hepatic Resections Using a Bipolar Radiofrequency Device (Habib®).

The bipolar radiofrequency device (Habib®) has been recently introduced in order to reduce intraoperative bleeding for a safe hepatic resection as an alternative to the conventional tools. However, indications, perioperative findings, and outcome of the device for hepatic resections remain and deserve to be analyzed. The current study aims to analyze the feasibility of the bipolar radiofrequency device (Habib®) for hepatic resections. Information of the patients that underwent hepatic resection using with the Habib® device between 2007 and 2011 was abstracted. Patient, disease, and operation-related findings and perioperative data were investigated. A total of 71 cases (38 [53.5 %] males, mean age was 56.8 ± 11.9) were analyzed. Metastatic disease (n = 55; 77.5 %) was the leading indication followed by primary liver and biliary malignancies (n = 7; 9.9 %), hemangioma (n = 5; 7 %), hydatid disease (n = 3; 2.8 %), and hepatic gunshot trauma (n = 1; 1.4 %). Metastasectomy was the most commonly performed procedure (n = 31; 56.3 %), but in 24 (77.4 %) cases, it was performed in addition to extended resections. Other procedures in the study patients include segmentectomy in 17, bisegmentectomy in 19, trisegmentectomy in 17, right or left hepatectomy in 8, and extended right/left hepatectomy in 3. The mean (±SD) operation time was 241.7 ± 78.2 min. The median amount of bleeding was 300 cc (range 25-2500), and 23 (32.4 %) cases required perioperative transfusion. The median hospitalization period was 5 days (range 1-47). Lengthened drainage (n = 9, 12.7 %) and intraabdominal abscess (n = 8, 11.23 %) were the most common problems. Hepatic resections using the Habib® device seem to be feasible in cases with primary and metastatic hepatic lesions and benign liver masses and even those with hepatic trauma. It may lessen the amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, although lengthened drainage and intraabdominal abscess were the major postoperative problems in these cases.

A descriptive survey study to evaluate the relationship between socio-demographic factors and quality of life in patients with a permanent colostomy.

The impact of having a stoma on quality of life is increasingly recognized and studied. A descriptive survey study was conducted between January 2006 and December 2011 among 44 patients (18 women, 26 men) with a permanent stoma receiving care at the Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, to evaluate socio-demographic factors that may affect the quality of life in Turkish Muslim patients with an enteral stoma. A socio-demographic questionnaire, a 10- item Religious Orientation Scale (Modified Allport-Ross ROS), and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Quality of Life survey were administered by a stoma therapy nurse at least 6 months after completion of all surgical and oncological treatments. The mean follow-up period was 15.3 ± 9.7 (range 6-44) months since completion of all treatments. Data were collected using paper/pencil instruments and entered for data analysis using Student's t-tests or one-way ANOVA univariate and multivariate analyses. No significant differences were observed for income, education level, surgical history, or religion score. Gender, geographic region, and household status were found independently related to quality of life in stoma patients. Female patients had significantly lower scores than males in general health perception (P = 0.049), role emotion (P = 0.02), mental health perception (P = 0.026), and mental component (P = 0.007). Patients living in a village (four) had significantly lower scores than patients living in a big city (33) in all scales (P <0.05 for all comparisons). Village-dwelling patents also had significantly lower scores than patients living in a town (seven) in physical function (P = 0.001), vitality (P = 0.012), social function (P = 0.003), and mental component scores (P = 0.021). Patients living alone (seven) had significantly lower scores than patients living with a partner (11) in three of eight scales (physical functioning [P <0.001], role-physical [P = 0.047], and bodily pain [P = 0.015]) and physical component scores (P <0.001); they also had significantly lower scores than patients living with their families (26) in four of eight scales (physical functioning [P <0.001], role-physical [P = 0.032], bodily pain [P = 0.02], and general health perception [P=0.036]) and physical component scores (P <0.001). Although these findings provide evidence for the relationship between some socio-demographic factors on quality of life of patients with a stoma, the results of the study should be interpreted with caution; multicenter, prospective, controlled studies are needed to substantiate and clarify the relationships among these variables.

Risk factors for early postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients underwent radical surgery for gastric carcinoma: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to analyze the incidence and risk factors for early postoperative morbidity and mortality that occur after gastric carcinoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma resected with curative intent between 2005 and 2011 were included to a retrospective analysis. Patient, disease and operation related parameters were questioned as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (103 [64.8%] male and the average age was 62.4 ± 11.5) were abstracted. Early postoperative morbidity, operation related morbidity and mortality were observed in 46 (28.7%), 31 (19.4%) and 19 (11.9%) cases, respectively. No other factors but ASA score was found to be a risk factor for overall morbidity (p = 0.021 and 0.033 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively). The incidence of anastomotic leak was increasing in patients who received a D2 dissection in univariate analysis (p = 0.039), but not in multivariate calculation. There were no factors effecting surgical site infection risk. Although univariate analysis revealed that age over 70 (p = 0.008), ASA score (p = 0.018), operation time (p = 0.032), D2 dissection (p = 0.026) and type of anastomosis (p = 0.023) were effecting the risk for early mortality, multivariate analysis showed that age was the only risk factor (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Current study has revealed that early morbidity and mortality are not rare after gastric cancer surgery with curative intent. Since multivariate analyses have revealed that ASA score and older age may be only risk factors for postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality, respectively; it may be logical to consider these factors during the preoperative decision making in patients with gastric cancer.

The prognostic value of detecting symptomatic or asymptomatic recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after a curative gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have investigated whether a routine follow-up should be performed after a gastrectomy, no consensus has been reached on the significance of the follow-up or the optimal surveillance protocol. In the present study, we evaluated the significance of the presence or absence of symptoms in the detection of recurrences after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 173 patients with recurrent gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomy. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the presence of cancer-related symptoms at the diagnosis of recurrence, and the relationship between the presence of symptoms and other clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: We detected a symptomatic recurrence in 42.2% of patients. The presence of symptoms were significantly correlated with tumor size, pT stage, pN stage, pathologic stage, and short disease-free interval (<12 mo). The median disease-free survival (DFS), post-recurrence survival (PRS), and overall survival (OS) times for patients with asymptomatic recurrence were significantly longer than those of patients with symptomatic recurrence (disease-free survival was corrected as DFS, 11.1 versus 9.3 mo, P < 0.001; PRS, 4.9 versus 3.1 mo, P = 0.02; OS, 18.3 versus 12.3 mo, P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of cancer-related symptoms (P = 0.033; hazard ratio [HR], 0.81) was an independent prognostic factor for PRS, as were short disease-free intervals (P < 0.001; HR, 2.42), age (P = 0.02; HR, 1.53), and the presence of chemotherapy in recurrence (P = 0.001; HR, 0.49). In addition, multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of symptoms, short disease-free interval, and age were also independent prognostic indicators for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that symptomatic recurrence is an important prognostic factor for PRS of patients with gastric cancer after a curative gastrectomy. The presence of symptomatic recurrence may be a new and beneficial prognostic marker to evaluate biologic aggressiveness, which is an important determinant of survival at the time of recurrence diagnosis during a follow-up for gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic and conventional resections for low rectal cancers: a retrospective analysis on perioperative outcomes, sphincter preservation, and oncological results.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the results of laparoscopic and conventional techniques in patients with low rectal cancers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis was initiated in patients underwent laparoscopic or conventional surgery for cancers located in the low (<6 cm) rectum. Patient and tumor-related information, outcomes of operations, and survival were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Among 142 patietns (91 men [64.1%]; mean±standard deviation age, 57.7±14.6 years) who had tumors located <6 cm from the dentate line, 92 (64.8%) were operated on with the laparoscopic technique. Demographics, tumor stage, and localization (2.9±2.0 versus 2.9±2.1 cm from the dentate line in laparoscopic and conventional arms, respectively; P=.968) were similar. However, there were more patients in the laparoscopic group who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (92.4% versus 80.0%; P=.03), since there were significantly fewer cases with stage I tumors in this group (3.3% versus 14%; P=.33). The conversion rate was 14.1% (n=13). The amount of bleeding and the requirement for transfusion decreased (P<.05 for both), and the possibility of sphincter-saving procedures (66.3% versus 34.0%; P<.001) increased, in the laparoscopy group. Other parameters were identical. In the laparoscopy group, the number of harvested lymph nodes (10.2±5.4 versus 12.4±6.0; P=.025) and the rate of vascular invasion (27.5% versus 47.8%; P=.021) were less, and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an improved survival (P=.042), although the follow-up period was significantly shorter in this group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancers may be technically feasible and oncologically safe. Laparoscopy may increase the possibility of sphincter preservation.

Synergistic effect of multiple predisposing risk factors on the development of bezoars.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with gastric or intestinal bezoars recently treated in our hospital. METHODS: In this study, a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with gastrointestinal bezoars, who were treated at the Samsun Education and Research Hospital between January 2006 and March 2011, was conducted. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, history of risk factors, diagnostic procedures, localization of bezoars, treatment interventions, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients [26 (61.9%) males and 16 (31.1%) females] with a mean ± SD (range) age of 55.8 ± 10.5 (37-74) years were enrolled in this study. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) had one or more predisposing risk factors for gastrointestinal bezoars. The most common predisposing risk factor was a history of previous gastric surgery which was identified in 18 patients (42.8%). Twenty three patients (54.8%) had multiple predisposing risk factors. Phytobezoars were identified in all patients except one who had a trichobezoar in the stomach. Non-operative endoscopic fragmentation was performed either initially or after unsuccessful medical treatment in 14 patients with gastric bezoars and was completely successful in 10 patients (71.5%). Surgery was the most frequent treatment method in our study, which was required in 28 patients (66.7%). Intestinal obstruction secondary to bezoars was the most common complication (n = 18, 42.8%) in our study. CONCLUSION: The presence of multiple predisposing factors may create a synergistic effect in the development of bezoars.

Complete versus partial mobilization of splenic flexure during laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal tumors: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to compare the results after partial and complete splenic flexure mobilization (SFM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The records of laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures for primary rectal tumor patients were abstracted from a prospectively designed database. The phrenicocolic and splenocolic ligaments were divided via a four-trocar technique in the partial SFM group, and dissection was continued with the separation of gastrocolic and pancreaticomesocolic attachments via a five-trocar procedure in the complete SFM group. The following data were compared between the groups: Demographics, intra- and postoperative information, and pathological features. RESULTS: In total, 122 cases (77 [63.1%] male, 58.2±13.2 years old) who underwent a partial (n=36, 29.5%) or a complete (n=86, 70.5%) SFM were included. Reservoir creation (48.8% versus 19.4%, P=.003) was more common and conversion (8.1% versus 22.2%, P=.039) was less frequent in the complete SFM group, but there were significantly more T4 tumors in the partial group (16.7% versus 2.3%, P=.008). Demographics, other intra- and postoperative parameters, and pathological features were identical. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, complete SFM decreased conversion rates, but this finding may be related to the higher rate of T4 tumors in the partial SFM group. Complete SFM assures an increase in reservoir creation in patients receiving a low anterior resection. Because other parameters are identical, the decision for the level of SFM is better left to the surgeon in cases undergoing a low anterior resection, but complete SFM may be preferred in cases who are candidates for a reservoir formation.

Safety and effectiveness of 5-mm and 10-mm electrothermal bipolar vessel sealers (LigaSure) in laparoscopic resections for sigmoid colon and rectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: LigaSure™ (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) has been used in cases undergoing laparoscopic colon and rectal resections. This study aims to analyze the efficacy and safety of the 5-mm and 10-mm devices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients who received a laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic operation for a tumor located in the sigmoid colon or rectum since 2006 were abstracted from a prospectively designed database, and findings were analyzed in two groups based on size of the device used during the procedure. The videotapes of the procedures were watched, and operation reports were read to obtain further information on specific intra- and postoperative complications. Demographics, tumor and operation-related information, and postoperative data were compared. RESULTS: Among 215 (128 [59.5%] males; median age, 59.5±13.8 years) patients, data obtained from the 5-mm (n=32) and 10-mm (n=183) groups were identical regarding demographics and data related to tumor (localization and stage) and operation (number of harvested lymph nodes, conversion rates, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, reoperation rates, complications, 30-day mortality, and length of hospital stay). However, more patients underwent an anterior resection in the 10-mm group than in the 5-mm group (31.7% versus 15.6%, P<.05). Further analyses found device-related bleeding in 8 (3.7%) cases (2 [6.3%] versus 6 [3.3%] in the 5-mm versus 10-mm group, respectively, P>.05), requiring further attempts for hemorrhage control (n=6), conversion to open surgery (n=1), or relaparotomy (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: The 5-mm and 10-mm LigaSure devices are similarly effective and safe during laparoscopic sigmoid colon and rectal resections. Severe bleeding from larger vessels may be observed, requiring conversion to open surgery or relaparotomy.

Results after multivisceral resections of locally advanced colorectal cancers: an analysis on clinical and pathological t4 tumors.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced colorectal cancers are best treated with multivisceral resections. The aim of this study is to evaluate early and late results after multivisceral resections. METHODS: All patients operated for primary colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2010 were -reviewed. These were compared within the patients underwent single organ and multivisceral resections: demographics, tumor and procedure related parameters, perioperative results, early oncological outcomes and 5-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 354 patients (59.6 ± 13.8 years old, 210 [59.3%] males) were abstracted. Ninety (25.4%) patients underwent multivisceral resections for clinical T4 tumors and en-bloc R0 resection was achieved in 82 (91.1%). Only 31 (34.4% and 8.8% of clinical T4 and all cancers, respectively) cases had actual adjacent organ invasions (pT4). Males (20%) had lower risk for locally advanced tumors than females (33.3%) (p < 0.05). PT4 cancers were more common, if the clinical T4 tumor is located in the colon (48.8% vs 21.3%; p < 0.01). Laparoscopy was seldom initiated and the risk of conversion was higher in clinical T4 tumors (p < 0.05). The rates of sphincter-saving procedures were not different. Operation time, bleeding and transfusion requirements increased when multivisceral resections were necessitated (p < 0.05), but hospital stay, complications and 30-day mortality rates were similar. The 5-year survival rates were identical (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical T4 tumors are not rare and more common in women. An actual invasion (pT4) may be observed in one third of all clinical T4 tumors, and more frequent in colon cancers. An en-bloc, R0, multivisceral resection may be achieved in most cases. Multivisceral resections do not alter the rates of sphincter-saving procedures, morbidity and 30-day mortality; do not worsen survival but increase operation time, intraoperative bleeding and perioperative transfusion requirements.

The importance of multifocal/multicentric tumor on the disease-free survival of breast cancer patients: single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Multifocal/multicentric breast cancers have been comprehensively studied and their outcomes have been compared with unifocal tumors. We evaluated the impact of multifocality and multicentricity on the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival of breast cancer patients and tried to analyze the correlation between multifocality/multicentricity (M/M) and other prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 2009, we analyzed retrospectively 697 breast cancer patients. Multicentric and multifocal breast cancer were defined as the presence of 2 or more invasive tumor foci within the different quadrants of the same breast or within a same quadrant of the breast, respectively. M/M and other prognostic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Multifocal/multicentric tumors were seen in 107 (15.4%) of the 697 breast cancer patients. pT and pN stage were related with the presence of multifocal/multicentric tumors. As tumor size increased and the number of axillary lymph nodes metastasis increased, the incidence of M/M increased significantly (P=0.003 vs. P=0.02, respectively). Overall, the median DFS time of patients with multifocal/multicentric tumors was significantly worse than that of the unifocal tumors (55 vs. 137 mo, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of M/M was the most important prognostic factor for DFS (P=0.001, hazard ratio (HR): 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.18-0.58), as were pN stage and extracapsular extension of the tumor (P=0.01, HR: 1.74; 95% CI, 1.13-2.69) (P=0.03, HR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.04-3.47, respectively). M/M were not also statistically significant prognostic factors in breast cancer for overall survival (P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: M/M imparts an unfavorable prognosis on the DFS of breast cancer patients in comparison to unifocal tumors and the presence of multifocal/multicentric tumors were associated with advanced pT and pN stages.

The role of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the development of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the role of IGF-1 in the development of nodular thyroid disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total number of 100 consecutive patients operated for nodular thyroid disease in our institution were included in this prospective study. In addition to classical pathological examinations, nodules and extranodular healthy tissues were sampled and immunochemically stained for IGF-1. The materials were independently evaluated using an Allred Scoring System ranging from 0 to 8. If the score was ≥1, the tissue was accepted as IGF-1 positive. RESULTS: IGF-1 positivity was observed in 88% and 58% of the samples obtained from nodules and extranodular healthy tissues, respectively. Allred 8-unit scores were higher in benign nodules (n=89; 4.1±2.3) and papillary carcinomas (n=7; 6.7±1.3), than in extranodular healthy tissues in the same patients (2.3±2.3 and 3.3±1.9, respectively); and higher in papillary carcinomas than in benign nodules, when the scores were compared to each other (p<0.01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Allred 8-unit scores for IGF-1 increase in the presence of benign thyroid nodules, papillary cancer. The results of our study support the findings of previous studies demonstrating the role of IGF-1 in the development of thyroidal nodules.

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resections for mid or low rectal adenocarcinomas: a retrospective, comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been seldom studied apart from low anterior resections, and deserves to be separately analyzed. This study aims to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and conventional APRs performed for the treatment of mid and low rectal adenocarcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients operated for primary mid or low rectal adenocarcinoma between 2001 and 2009 in our institution were retrospectively investigated. These data were abstracted and compared within conventional and laparoscopic resection groups: demographics, tumor and procedure-related parameters, perioperative results, early oncological outcomes, and survival. RESULTS: Demographics and tumor and procedure-related parameters were similar within the laparoscopic (n=31) and conventional (n=36) groups, except intraoperative bleeding and requirement for transfusion, which were significantly lower after laparoscopic APRs. Perioperative results including complication, reoperation, and 30-day mortality rates were identical. Early oncological results and 3-year survival rates were alike. CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative results and oncological outcomes are similar after laparoscopic and conventional APRs. As current data include limited number of patients in a retrospective design, further studies comparing laparoscopic and conventional APR techniques are required.

Clinical evaluation of a temporary fecal containment device for non-surgical fecal diversion in perineal burns.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of a temporary fecal containment device (Flexi-Seal® FMS) in our burn center. METHODS: All patients in whom temporary fecal containment devices were applied for perineal burns between August 2008 and August 2009 in our institution were reviewed. Demographics, etiology of burns, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, intensive care unit (ICU) need, early mortality, and post-application data were obtained from a prospectively designed database. In addition, some variables were investigated as potential risks factors for fecal leakage. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (n=15) was 43.1±22.1 years, and 66.7% of the patients were male. The mean %TBSA burned was 40.7±16.6. Fecal leakage was seen in 6 patients. Local infection in the perineum was observed in 6 patients, including 4 of the 6 patients with fecal leakage. The mortality rate was 33% (5 deaths). All exitus patients had 50% or more TBSA burned. Electrical burn injury was found as a significant risk factor for fecal leakage in surviving patients (p<0.05). Autologous split-thickness grafting was performed in 8 patients without complication. The mean duration of catheterization was 22.5±5.7 days. Except for superficial mucosal erosion in the distal rectum in 2 cases, no complication was observed. The mean hospitalization time was 46.7±12.7 days. CONCLUSION: If the safety of these devices is proven in further prospective, high-volume studies, they may reduce the necessity of diverting stoma operation in burn patients.

Is subdivision of pT2 tumors superior to lymph node metastasis for predicting survival of patients with gastric cancer? Review of 224 patients from four centers.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of the subclassification of pT2 tumors and the association of these categories with other clinicopathological factors in gastric cancer patients were investigated. METHODS: A total of 224 patients with pT2 gastric cancer who had undergone curative gastrectomy and lymph node dissection were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic role of the subclassification of pT2 tumors was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 224 patients, 75 (33.5%) were classified as having pT2a tumors and 149 (66.5%) as having pT2b tumors. The prevalence of large-sized tumors (P < 0.003), lymph node involvement (P < 0.018), and lymphatic (P = 0.016), blood vessel (P = 0.001), and perineural invasion (P = 0.001) was significantly higher for pT2b tumors than for pT2a tumors. The rate of recurrence for pT2a cancers was significantly lower than that for pT2b cancers (P = 0.001).Median overall survival (OS) times and three-year OS of patients with a pT2b tumor were significantly worse than for patients with a pT2a tumor (P < 0.001).When patients were analyzed according to lymph node involvement, the prognosis of patients with pT2aN(1) cancers was significantly better than that of patients with pT2bN(1) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the pT2 subdivision was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.006), as were pN stage, clinical stage, and recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that subclassification of pT2 tumors into pT2a or pT2b was an important prognostic indicator for patients with pT2 gastric cancers who underwent curative gastrectomy. In the TNM staging system, subdivision of pT2 tumors should be undertaken routinely to detect gastric cancer patients who have a poor prognosis and to define patients more accurately in terms of their mortality after curative resection in accordance with the new 2010 AJCC TNM staging classification. This may also help as a guide to more appropriate therapy for tumors with subserosal invasion (old pT2b or new pT3).

The effect of tumor size on overall survival in patients with pT3 gastric cancer: experiences from 3 centers.

BACKGROUND: Although a number of studies have investigated whether tumor diameter is a prognostic factor in gastric cancer, no consensus was reached on its clinical importance. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of tumor size on survival in patients with pT3 gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 232 patients with pT3 gastric cancer, who underwent curative gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection, were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the cutoff value for tumor size was 8 cm. On the basis of this cutoff point, patients were divided into 2 groups: small-size tumors (SST, ≤8 cm) and large-size tumors (LST, >8 cm). The prognostic significance of tumor size and the relationship between tumor size and other prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: LST was detected in 44% of patients. Resection type, tumor site, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, lymphatic vessel invasion, and blood vessel invasion were correlated with tumor size. The median survival of patients with SST was significantly better than that of patients with LST (107 vs. 18.2 months; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size was an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.001; hazard ratio (HR): 0.43) as were resection type and blood vessel invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that tumor size is an important prognostic indicator in patients with pT3 gastric cancer, who underwent curative gastrectomy, and that the rate of LST increased with aggressiveness and stage of disease. Tumor size may be a useful and reliable prognostic factor for detection and staging in patients with gastric cancer, who have a poor prognosis after curative resection.

Alterations of NIS expression in functioning thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze both the level and the cell site of the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) protein expression in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) and extranodular thyroid tissues. In addition, this study sought to compare the clinical results of patients with the levels of human NIS (hNIS) protein expression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The histological slides consisted of 36 AFTNs and 31 extranodular thyroid tissues from 28 patients (5 males, 23 females; mean age 54.5±11.0 years; range 37 to 72 years) who underwent surgery for toxic multinodular goitre. The expression of NIS protein was investigated by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue sections using anti-hNIS monoclonal antibody by the labeled streptavidin-biotin method. RESULTS: The percentage of hNIS positive follicular cells was significantly higher in the AFTNs (13.33±12.09) than in the extranodular thyroid tissues (1.35±3.03). Staining for hNIS was mostly confined to the cell membrane in the AFTNs (88.9%) and in the extranodular thyroid tissues (54.5%). The clinical parameters and nodule volume did not establish any correlation with hNIS immunoreactivity. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that functioning nodules express higher amounts of NIS protein than the extranodular thyroid tissue, but the level of hNIS immunoreactivity was lower than had been reported in the previous literature. This result may be due to interindividual variability between different populations, and iodine status. Furthermore, the localization of the NIS protein might not give an indication of its functional status.

The association of serum adiponectin levels with histopathological variables in gastric cancer patients.

Adiponectin is a peptide hormone secreted from the adipose tissue, affecting the proliferation and insulin sensitivity in different cell types. The levels of adiponectin have been found to be decreased in hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistant states, such as obesity. The previous studies have suggested that plasma adiponectin levels are decreased in patients with endometrial and breast cancer. In our study, the relationship among serum adiponectin levels, demographic features and histopathological variables was evaluated in gastric cancer patients. Forty consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with standard lymph node dissection were included and 43 healthy controls were included in this study. The serum levels of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c and adiponectin were measured in both groups. We analyzed the correlation among these parameters and patients' demographic features, such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and histopathological variables such as tumor localization, stage, nodal status, histological grade, vascular and lymphatic invasion. The mean age was 60.05+9.72 in patients, while it was 38.6+12.73 in controls. The mean serum adiponectin levels were 12.62+7.9 and 10.07+6.72 ng/ml, respectively, in groups. There was no different in terms of adiponectin, C-peptide, HOMA-R level in both groups. On the other hand, BMI, glucose and insulin levels were significantly different in gastric cancer patients in comparison with the controls. There was no correlation among the levels of adiponectin, BMI, insulin and c-peptide levels in patient group (P>0.05). The adiponectin levels of woman were significantly lower than male patients (P=0.002). No relations were detected among tumor stage, tumor localization, nodal status, lymphatic and vascular invasion, and the levels of serum adiponectin (P>0.05). Interestingly, a positive correlation was found between tumor grade and plasma adiponectin levels (r=0.372; P=0.018). Our results suggest that plasma adiponectin levels were similar in both patients with gastric cancer and the controls. In addition, no correlation was found between adiponectin levels and demographic features and histopathological variables of patients. But, in undifferentiated tumors, plasma adiponectin level was significantly higher than well-differentiated grade tumors.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer: a single center experience.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is one of the treatment options for patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Preoperative chemotherapy potentially may reduce the extent of the surgery and offers the opportunity to assess the chemosensitivity of the tumor in vivo. Herein, we evaluated the results of NAC in Turkish LABC patients. We retrospectively analyzed 73 LABC patients. Anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy regimens were administered. Patients were stratified according to age, menopausal status, type of surgery, response to the treatment, histopathological properties, and survival. After 3-6 cycles of chemotherapy, patients were re-staged radiologically and surgery was performed in operable patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered as needed. The median age was 45 (29-93) at the time of diagnosis. Sixteen percentage of patients were younger than 35 years of age and 45.2% were premenopausal. Median follow-up time was 20.2 months. Sixty-seven out of 73 patients responded to therapy (89%). Breast conserving surgery was possible in the 15% of the patients. In histopathological analysis, lymph node invasion was detected in 85%. The estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor were positive in 78.1% and c-erb-B2 was positive in 17.5% of patients. The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 44 months (SE: 9; %95 CI: 27.1-60.8), overall survival (OS) was not reached at the time of analysis. Three-year DFS and OS were 58% and 91.9%, respectively. In a multivariate Cox regression analyses; no demographic or pathologic prognostic parameter predicted overall survival. In recent years, NAC in breast cancer has become a viable treatment option for patients with LABC. NAC is not commonly applied in Turkey. The response rate to NAC in Turkish breast cancer patients is encouragingly high. Broader efforts should be made to evaluate breast cancer patients preoperatively at tumor boards for proper treatment sequence.

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the colon: a case report.

A 65-year-old man had suffered from rectal bleeding during defecation for a few weeks, admitted to our department. Laboratory findings were normal except a slight elevation in the level of alkaline phosphatase. Multiple polypoid lesions were observed in colonoscopic examination. The histological and immunochemical evaluation showed atypical lymphoid cell proliferation and lymphoepithelial lesions on the colonic mucosa, staining with CD20 (CD20 x 100). After the diagnosis had been confirmed as low grade mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Abdominal computed tomography revealed polypoid lesions throughout the colon and multiple milimetrics lymphadenopathies in the mesentery. The patient was treated with a chemotherapy regimen. During the follow-up, colonoscopic examination and blind biopsies were repeated in every 6 months, revealed endoscopically and pathologically normal mucosa each time. The patient is still alive without any recurrence of the disease 36 months after the diagnosis.