Prognostic role of PD-L1 and immune-related gene expression profiles in giant cell tumors of bone.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive and rarely metastatic tumor, with a relatively unpredictable clinical course. A retrospective series of 46 GCTB and a control group of 24 aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) were selected with the aim of investigating the PD-L1 expression levels and immune-related gene expression profile, in correlation with clinicopathological features. PD-L1 and Ki67 were immunohistochemically tested in each case. Furthermore, comprehensive molecular analyses were carried out using NanoString technology and nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel, and the gene expression results were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. PD-L1 expression was observed in 13/46 (28.3%) GCTB (and in 1/24, 4.2%, control ABC, only) and associated with a shorter disease free interval according to univariate analysis. Moreover, in PD-L1-positive lesions, three genes (CD27, CD6 and IL10) were significantly upregulated (p < 0.01), while two were downregulated (LCK and TLR8, showing borderline significance, p = 0.06). Interestingly, these genes can be related to maturation and immune tolerance of bone tissue microenvironment, suggesting a more immature/anergic phenotype of giant cell tumors. Our findings suggest that PD-L1 immunoreactivity may help to select GCTB patients with a higher risk of recurrence who could potentially benefit from immune checkpoint blockade.

Validation process of Toronto Exremity Salvage Score in Italian: A quality of life measure for patients with extremity bone and soft tissue tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Limb salvage surgery remains the standard treatment in bone and soft tissue tumors. Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) is the most used quality of life measure. Our objective was to perform cross-cultural adaptation and validation in Italian, testing test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness. METHODS: We interviewed patients already treated for content validity. A total of 124 patients completed TESS and other questionnaires presurgery, at 3 months, 3 months + 2 weeks, and 6 months follow-up. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for reliability, associations with Pearson's r, and change over time with paired T tests. RESULTS: A new item regarding touch-screen devices was added to the upper extremity (UE) questionnaire. ICC resulted of 0.99 for lower extremity (LE) and 0.98 for UE patients, Pearson's r between TESS and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society was .66 and .64, EuroQol-5D-5L r was .62 and .61, and r between TESS and short form-36 physical function subscale was .76 and .71 for LE and UE groups, respectively. Paired T test results were statistically significant to detect change over time (0.03, 0.04, and 0.04 for LE groups and 0.03, 0.01, and 0.04 for UE groups). CONCLUSION: The Italian version of TESS can be used for the bone and soft tissue sarcoma population in clinical trials in Italy and with Italian speaking patients abroad to ensure patients' perspectives for efficacy and efficiency of treatments.

Wrist Arthrodesis and Osteoarticular Reconstruction in Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Radius.

PURPOSE: The aim of this multi-institutional retrospective study was to compare osteoarticular graft reconstruction (OA) and wrist arthrodesis (WA) after distal radius resection for giant cell tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients affected by giant cell tumor of the distal radius underwent resection and reconstruction with OA (47 patients) or WA (20 patients). The mean age was 40 years (range, 13-74 years). Grafts included fresh-frozen allograft or nonvascularized fibular autograft. Complications requiring surgical revision were recorded. Clinical outcome was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: Fifteen patients developed a local recurrence after a median of 12 months (range, 6-137 months). Sixteen patients required revision surgery for complications. Of these, 10 were graft-related complications (7 in the OA group and 3 in the WA group). Among OA, 2 patients with painful instabilities and 4 with severe arthritis required conversion into WA after a mean of 26 months (range, 13-38 months) At a median follow-up of 105 months (range, 12-395 months), similar functional outcome (MSTS and DASH score) was observed between OA and WA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results did not show any advantage of OA or WA over the other technique. A patient-by-patient decision should be taken both regarding the type of reconstruction (OA or WA) and the type of graft (allograft or autograft). The reconstructive choice should also consider the patient's functional expectations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Management of Paprosky type three B acetabular defects by custom-made components: early results.

PURPOSE: Our study aims at the evaluation of the recently introduced Lima Promade custom-made acetabular device for the treatment of complex acetabular Paprosky 3B defects. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, eight patients with major acetabular osteolysis and multiple revisions history were treated with a custom-made implant in a single centre and by a single surgeon. We assessed patients' demographics, peri-operative data, and complications and a specific questionnaire was submitted to the surgeon after each procedure. RESULTS: All the devices were correctly positioned. In two over eight cases, a post-operative dislocation occurred, where extensive soft tissue impairment was present. The questionnaire showed a good pre-operative and intra-operative experience of the surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: The Promade custom-made acetabular system showed encouraging results for complex defects and the entire procedure was positively rated. Further analysis with a higher number of cases and a longer follow-up should be performed for a complete clinical and cost-effective evaluation.

Trabectedin and olaparib in patients with advanced and non-resectable bone and soft-tissue sarcomas (TOMAS): an open-label, phase 1b study from the Italian Sarcoma Group.

BACKGROUND: Trabectedin is an alkylating drug with a unique mechanism of action causing single-strand and double-strand DNA breaks that activate DNA damage-response pathways. Based on our preclinical data, we hypothesised that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors might be an ideal partner of trabectedin and aimed to assess the safety, identify the recommended phase 2 dose, and explore preliminary signs of activity of trabectedin and olaparib combination treatment in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcoma. METHODS: We did an open-label, multicentre, phase 1b study, recruiting patients from the national Italian sarcoma network aged 18 years and older with histologically confirmed bone and soft-tissue sarcoma progressing after standard treatments with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1 or less. In a classic 3 + 3 design, patients received a 24 h infusion of trabectedin on day 1 and olaparib orally twice a day in 21-day cycles across six dose levels (trabectedin 0·675-1·3 mg/m2 every 3 weeks; olaparib 100-300 mg twice a day from day 1 to 21). Intermediate dose levels were permitted to improve safety and tolerability. The primary endpoint was determination of the recommended phase 2 dose (the maximum tolerated dose). Safety and antitumour activity were assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of the study drugs. We report the results of the dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts. The trial is still active but closed to enrolment, and follow-up for patients who completed treatment is ongoing. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02398058. FINDINGS: Between Nov 17, 2014, and Jan 30, 2017, of 54 patients assessed for eligibility, we enrolled 50 patients: 28 patients in the dose-escalation cohort and 22 patients in the dose-expansion cohort. Patients received a median of four cycles of treatment (IQR 2-6; range 1-17 [the patients who received the highest number of cycles are still on treatment]) with a median follow-up of 10 months (IQR 5-23). Considering all dose levels, the most common grade 3-4 adverse events were lymphopenia (32 [64%] of 50 patients), neutropenia (31 [62%]), thrombocytopenia (14 [28%]), anaemia (13 [26%]), hypophosphataemia (20 [40%]), and alanine aminotransferase concentration increase (9 [18%]). No treatment-related life-threatening adverse events or deaths occurred. One (2%) patient interrupted treatment without progression without reporting any specific toxicity. Observed dose-limiting toxicities were thrombocytopenia, neutropenia for more than 7 days, and febrile neutropenia. We selected intermediate dose level 4b (trabectedin 1·1 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus olaparib 150 mg twice a day) as the recommended phase 2 dose. Seven (14%; 95% CI 6-27) of 50 patients achieved a partial response according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors 1.1. INTERPRETATION: Trabectedin and olaparib in combination showed manageable toxicities at active dose levels for both drugs. Preliminary data on antitumour activity are encouraging. Two dedicated phase 2 studies are planned to assess activity of this combination in both ovarian cancer (EudraCT2018-000230-35) and soft-tissue sarcomas. FUNDING: Italian Association for Cancer Research, Italian Sarcoma Group, Foundation for Research on Musculoskeletal and Rare Tumors, and Italian Ministry of Health.

Diffusion-weighted imaging for the cellularity assessment and matrix characterization of soft tissue tumour.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is able to investigate the histological features of soft tissue tumours. METHODS: We reviewed MRIs of soft tissue tumours performed from 2012 to 2015 to calculate the average ADCs. We included 46 patients (27 male; mean age: 57 years, range 12-85 years) with histologically proven soft tissue tumours (10 benign, 2 intermediate 34 malignant) grouped into eight tumour type classes. An experienced pathologist assigned a semi-quantitative cellularity score (very high, high, medium and low) and tumour grading. The t test, ANOVA and linear regression were used to correlate ADC with clinicopathological data. Approximate receiver operating characteristic curves were created to predict possible uses of ADC to differentiate benign from malignant tumours. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in ADCs between these three groups excluding myxoid sarcomas. A significant difference was also evident between the tumour type classes (p < 0.001), grade II and III myxoid lesions (p < 0.05), tumour grading classes (p < 0.001) and cellularity scores classes (p < 0.001), with the lowest ADCs in the very high cellularity. While the linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between ADC and tumour cellularity (r = 0.590, p ≤ 0.05) and grading (r = 0.437, p ≤ 0.05), no significant relationship was found with age, gender, tumour size and histological subtype. An optimal cut-off ADC value of 1.45 × 10-3 mm2/s with 76.8% accuracy was found to differentiate benign from malignant tumours. CONCLUSIONS: DWI may offer adjunctive information about soft tissue tumours, but its clinical role is still to be defined.

Accuracy and role of contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosis and surgical planning in 88 soft tissue tumours of extremities.

OBJECTIVES: Soft tissue tumours (STT) require accurate diagnosis in order to identify potential malignancies. Preoperative planning is fundamental to avoid inadequate treatments. The role of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for local staging remains incompletely assessed. Aims of the study were to evaluate CT accuracy in discriminating active from aggressive tumours compared to histology and evaluate the role of CT angiography (CTA) in surgical planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort series of 88 cases from 1200 patients (7 %) was locally studied by contrast-enhanced CT and CTA in a referral centre: 74 malignant tumours, 14 benign lesions. Contrast-enhancement patterns and relationship of the mass with major vessels and bone were compared with histology on surgically excised samples. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were evaluated in discriminating active from aggressive tumours. RESULTS: Sensitivity in differentiating aggressive tumours from active lesions was 89 %, specificity 84 %, PPV 90 %, NPV 82 %. The relationship between mass and major vessels/bone was fundamental for surgical strategy respectively in 40 % and in 58 % of malignant tumours. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced CT and CTA are effective in differentiating aggressive masses from active lesions in soft tissue and in depicting the relationship between tumour and adjacent bones and major vessels. KEY POINTS: • Accurate delineation of vascular and bony involvement preoperatively is fundamental for a correct resection. • CT plays a critical role in differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses. • Contrast-enhanced CT and CT angiography are helpful in depicting tumoral vascular involvement. • CT is optimal for characterization of bone involvement in soft tissue malignancies.

How do we estimate survival? External validation of a tool for survival estimation in patients with metastatic bone disease-decision analysis and comparison of three international patient populations.

BACKGROUND: We recently developed a clinical decision support tool, capable of estimating the likelihood of survival at 3 and 12 months following surgery for patients with operable skeletal metastases. After making it publicly available on www.PATHFx.org , we attempted to externally validate it using independent, international data. METHODS: We collected data from patients treated at 13 Italian orthopaedic oncology referral centers between 2010 and 2013, then applied to PATHFx, which generated a probability of survival at three and 12-months for each patient. We assessed accuracy using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), clinical utility using Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and compared the Italian patient data to the training set (United States) and first external validation set (Scandinavia). RESULTS: The Italian dataset contained 287 records with at least 12 months follow-up information. The AUCs for the three-month and 12-month estimates was 0.80 and 0.77, respectively. There were missing data, including the surgeon's estimate of survival that was missing in the majority of records. Physiologically, Italian patients were similar to patients in the training and first validation sets. However notable differences were observed in the proportion of those surviving three and 12-months, suggesting differences in referral patterns and perhaps indications for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PATHFx was successfully validated in an Italian dataset containing missing data. This study demonstrates its broad applicability to European patients, even in centers with differing treatment philosophies from those previously studied.

Midfoot reconstruction with serratus anterior-rib osteomuscular free flap following oncological resection of synovial sarcoma.

During recent decades, the concept of surgical treatment of malignant bone and soft tissue sarcomas has evolved, with the aim of preserving limb function. In this paper we report a case of metatarsal reconstruction by means of serratus and rib free flap after excision of a synovial sarcoma located in the dorsal aspect of the midfoot. Five years after the operation, the patient was free from recurrence and recovered full foot function. Amputation has been widely used in the past and this procedure still remains a valuable option when limb salvage is not possible. Nevertheless, in selected cases, reconstruction by means of composite free flaps may be successfully used for limb preservation in the treatment of malignant foot tumors after surgical excision.

Outcomes of Long Bones Treated With Carbon-Fiber Nails for Oncologic Indications: International Multi-institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nail fixation is commonly used for prophylactic stabilization of impending and fixation of complete pathological fractures of the long bones. However, metallic artifacts complicate imaging evaluation for bone healing or tumor progression and postoperative radiation planning. Carbon-fiber implants have gained popularity as an alternative, given their radiolucency and superior axial bending. This study evaluates incidences of mechanical and nonmechanical complications. METHODS: Adult patients (age 18 years and older) treated with carbon-fiber nails for impending/complete pathological long bone fractures secondary to metastases from 2013 to 2020 were analyzed for incidences and risk factors of mechanical and nonmechanical complications. Mechanical complications included aseptic screw loosening and structural failures of host bone and carbon-fiber implants. Deep infection and tumor progression were considered nonmechanical. Other complications/adverse events were also reported. RESULTS: A total of 239 patients were included; 47% were male, and 53% were female, with a median age of 68 (IQR, 59 to 75) years. Most common secondary metastases were related to breast cancer (19%), lung cancer (19%), multiple myeloma (18%), and sarcoma (13%). In total, 17 of 30 patients with metastatic sarcoma received palliative intramedullary nail fixation for impending/complete pathological fractures, and 13 of 30 received prophylactic nail stabilization of bone radiated preoperatively to manage juxta-osseous soft-tissue sarcomas, where partial resection of the periosteum or bone was necessary for negative margin resection. 33 (14%) patients had complications. Mechanical failures included 4 (1.7%) structural host bone failures, 7 (2.9%) implant structural failures, and 1 (0.4%) aseptic loosening of distal locking screws. Nonmechanical failures included 8 (3.3%) peri-implant infections and 15 (6.3%) tumor progressions with implant contamination. The 90-day and 1-year mortalities were 28% (61/239) and 53% (53/102), respectively. The literature reported comparable failure and mortality rates with conventional titanium treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon-fiber implants might be an alternative for treating impending and sustained pathological fractures secondary to metastatic bone disease. The seemingly comparable complication profile warrants further cohort studies comparing carbon-fiber and titanium nail complications.

The management of soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare and heterogenous group of malignancies that are derived from the mesenchymal cell lines. In the last few decades, the management of these lesions has been improved by the introduction of dedicated Multi Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) where most bone and soft tissue tumours are now treated.(1) Following the recent changes to management outlined by the NICE/IOGs, we believe it is pertinent to review the current thinking on soft tissue tumour management.(2) We also discuss the principles of diagnosis and treatment and the role of adjuvant therapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective review. In the preparation of this paper, we have referred to recent NICE guidelines in this field and have performed a Medline search of the existing literature. RESULTS: The key to the success is early and appropriate patient referral. Whilst the responsibility for performing surgery has shifted away from the generalist and towards the super specialist, improvements in survivability can be achieved by promoting basic knowledge within the medical profession as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: Both excision and biopsy of a soft tissue sarcoma by a non-specialist surgeon have been shown to increase the risk of tumour recurrence and all invasive procedures should now be performed within the MDT setting.

Rugby athletes' awareness and compliance in the use of mouthguards in the North West of Italy.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of dental injuries during full-contact sports such as rugby is extremely important. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of orofacial injuries, but it is not always used as athletes find it difficult to tolerate. The purpose of the present study was to determine the awareness and the extent of mouthguard use in a sample of young rugby athletes in the North West of Italy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The athletes of four amateurs rugby teams based in the Province of Turin, Italy completed a questionnaire about playing history, current use and type of mouthguards, disturbs associated with mouthguard use, and general attitudes towards mouthguards. RESULTS: Only 53.85% of the subjects reported wearing their mouthguard all the time both during training and games. The most commonly reported problem associated with using a mouthguard was the discomfort on speech, followed by difficulty in closing lips, adversely affected breathing, adversely affected swallowing and slipping sensation. A statistically significant association between patients <22 years and non-use of mouthguards was observed. CONCLUSION: Limited knowledge about oral injury prevention and limited use of mouthguards were observed. The present study suggests that educational courses for rugby players and coaches to promote the use of mouthguards would be extremely important to reduce common complaints about these devices and increase their usage.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the buttock: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcomas of the buttock (BSTS) are historically associated with a poor prognosis. The literature includes retrospective studies with small sample size. It is difficult to estimate the rate of local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM) and overall survival (OS). A systematic review and meta-analysis was deployed to summarize the available information on BSTS patients that underwent surgical treatment. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were reviewed for eligible studies following PRISMA guidelines. INCLUSION CRITERIA: (1) primary BSTS confirmed by pathological biopsy (2) indication for surgical treatment (3) reporting either the rate of LR, DM, or OS at 5-year (4) articles published up to December 2021 (5) english language. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was applied for the quality appraisal. RESULTS: Six eligible studies with 216 BSTS patients were identified. Most patients underwent surgical resection, associated with radiation therapy. The most represented histological types were liposarcoma (n = 43, 19,9%), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 27, 12.5%), and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 23, 10.6%). High-grade tumor rates ranged from 37% to 88.2%, marginal resection rates from 20.3% to 50%, LR rates from 0% to 62.5%, DM rates from 37.5% to 62.5%. The pooled 5-year OS from 1941 to 2002 was 41% (IC95%: 33%-49%). The average MINORS score was 9.3 (range: 6 to 11). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of BSTS had on average dissatisfactory outcomes, and the 5-year overall survival was poor, with high rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. An effort to collect new data with a higher level of evidence is warranted.

Rugby players' awareness of concussion.

PURPOSE: Concussion is a common issue in most contact sports, such as rugby, being one of the most troublesome injuries facing the sports medicine physician. The aim of this article was to survey the knowledge and beliefs concerning concussion in a sample of young rugby athletes in the northwest of Italy. METHODS: The athletes of 4 amateur rugby teams completed a questionnaire about their knowledge about the signs and symptoms of concussion and of return-to-play strategies and protocols. RESULTS: Twenty-five athletes reported that they had not been informed by anyone about symptoms of concussion and its consequences. Among these, 7 players thought they could return to play immediately after a concussion during the very same match. CONCLUSIONS: The surveyed group in this study presented a general lack of knowledge of concussion. Rugby athletes and coaches must be made aware about signs and symptoms of concussion to suspect this injury. It would be desirable that rugby players are educated regarding the potential risks of playing while symptomatic.

Body Schema Self-Awareness and Related Dream Content Modifications in Amputees Due to Cancer.

PURPOSE: the evaluation of body image perception, pain coping strategies, and dream content, together with phantom limb and telescoping phenomena in patients with sarcoma who underwent surgery for limb amputation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: consecutive outpatients were evaluated at T0 (within 3 weeks after surgery) and T1 (4-6 months after surgery) as follows: demographic and clinical data collection; the Groningen Questionnaire Problems after Arm Amputation; the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory; the Body Image Concern Inventory, a clinical trial to identify telescoping; and a weekly diary of dreams. Dream contents were coded according to the Hall and Van de Castle coding system. RESULTS: Twenty patients completed the study (15 males and 5 females, mean age: 53.9 ± 24.6, education: 7.8 ± 3.4). All subjects experienced phantom limb and 35% of them experienced telescoping soon after surgery, and 25% still after 4-6 months. Both at T0 and T1, that half of the subjects reported dreams about still having their missing limbs. At T1 the patients' perceptions of being able to deal with problems were lower, and pain and its interference in everyday life were higher yet associated with significant engagement in everyday activities and an overall good mood. The dream content analysis highlighted that males were less worried about health problems soon after amputation, and women showed more initial difficulties that seemed to be resolved after 4-6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The dream content analysis may improve clinicians' ability to support their patients during their therapeutic course.

Operating procedures for electrochemotherapy in bone metastases: Results from a multicenter prospective study on 102 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Bone metastases are frequent in patients with cancer. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies supported the use of ECT in patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD). The purposes of this multicentre study are to confirm the safety and efficacy of ECT, and to identify appropriate operating procedures in different MBD conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 patients were treated in 11 Centres and recorded in the REINBONE registry (a shared database protected by security passwords): clinical and radiological information, ECT session, adverse events, response, quality of life indicators and duration of follow-up were registered. RESULTS: 105 ECT sessions were performed (one ECT session in 99 patients, two ECT sessions in 3 patients). 24 patients (23.5%) received a programmed intramedullary nail after ECT, during the same surgical procedure. Mean follow-up was 5.9 ± 5.1 months (range 1.5-52). The response to treatment by RECIST criteria was 40.4% objective responses, 50.6% stable disease and 9% progressive disease. According to PERCIST criteria the response was: 31.4% OR; 51.7% SD, 16.9% PD with no significant differences between the 2 criteria. Diagnosis of breast cancer and ECOG values 0-1 were significantly associated to objective response. A significant decrease in pain intensity and significant better quality of life was observed after ECT session at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results are encouraging on pain and tumour local control. ECT proved to be an effective and safe treatment for MBD and it should be considered as an alternative treatment as well as in combination with radiation therapy.

Accuracy of core-needle biopsy after contrast-enhanced ultrasound in soft-tissue tumours.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous biopsies are gaining acceptance in the diagnosis of soft-tissue tumours. Sampling in the most representative area is not easy in sarcomas of huge dimension. We hypothesised that ultrasound (US) contrast medium could identify the representative area for focus core-needle biopsy (CNB) METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort series of 115 soft-tissue masses treated from January 2007 to November 2008. Accuracy of US-guided CNB after contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) was determined by comparing the histology of the biopsy with the definitive diagnosis in 105 surgically excised samples (42 benign, 63 malignant) and with the expected outcome in the remaining ten malignant cases not surgically treated. A myxoid component was present in 21 sarcomas (34.4%). RESULTS: Of samples, 94.8% were adequate for diagnosis with 97.1% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity. Sensitivity and specificity in specific histopathological subgroupings were 100%, and in grading definition they were 100% and 96.8%. DISCUSSION: US-guided CNB is safe and effective. US contrast medium depicts tumour vascular supply and identifies the representative area(s) for sampling. Sensitivity and specificity are also high in subgrouping and grading, including myxoid types. Discussion about biopsy is part of the essential multidisciplinary strategy for these tumours.

End-of-Life in Oncologic Patients' Dream Content.

Both non-rapid eye movements and rapid eye movements sleep facilitate the strengthening of newly encoded memory traces, and dream content reflects this process. Numerous studies evaluated the impact of diseases on dream content, with particular reference to cancer, and reported the presence of issues related to death, negative emotions, pain and illness. This study investigates death and illness experiences in 13 consecutive patients with sarcoma compared to paired controls, early after diagnosis, evaluating dream contents, fear of death, mood and anxiety, distress, and severity of disease perception (perceived and communicated). Ten patients and 10 controls completed the study. Dream contents were significantly different between patients and normative data (DreamSat) and patients and controls (higher presence of negative emotions, low familiar settings and characters and no success involving the dreamer). Illness and death were present in 57% of patients' dreams (0% among controls), but no differences emerged between patients and controls in regard to anxiety and depression, distress and fear of death, even if the severity of illness was correctly perceived. The appearance of emotional elements in dreams and the absence of conscious verbalization of distress and/or depressive or anxious symptoms by patients could be ascribed to the time required for mnestic elaboration (construction/elaboration phase) during sleep.

Electrochemotherapy and Simultaneous Photodynamic Bone Stabilization of Upper Limbs in Metastatic Renal Cancer Disease: Case Report and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic bone disease represents a systemic pathology that heavily affects the quality of life of oncologic patients causing pain and functional disability. Methodology. We present the case of a patient with a history of renal cell cancer presenting pathologic fractures of both humeri and proximal right radius. RESULTS: After a careful multidisciplinary approach, an adjuvant anticancer therapy and a photodynamic bone stabilization procedure were performed with a minimally invasive technique aiming to minimize pain and local disease progression, while restoring functional autonomy and improving the patient's quality of life. Electrochemotherapy was delivered on the lytic bone lesions with extraskeletal involvement of the proximal left humerus and the proximal right radius, and then polymeric bone stabilization was performed on both humeri. At two months of follow-up, the patient presented satisfactory functional scores (MSTS score: 12/30 bilaterally; DASH scores: 46.7/100 for the right side and 48.3/100 for the left one), and pain was well controlled with opioid analgesics. Radiographs showed good results in terms of ossification of lytic bone lesions and durability of polymeric stabilization. At four months of follow-up, the patient reported a stable clinical scenario. Six months after surgery, due to extremely poor prognosis after the progression of primary disease, the patient was referred to palliative care and died shortly thereafter. CONCLUSION: Over the last decade, the management of metastatic bone disease has changed. Low-toxicity and minimally invasive procedures such as electrochemotherapy and polymeric bone stabilization might be performed concomitantly in selected patients, as an alternative to radiation therapy and to more demanding surgical procedures such as plating and adjuvant cementing.

A Preliminary Study on the Mechanical Reliability and Regeneration Capability of Artificial Bone Grafts in Oncologic Cases, With and Without Osteosynthesis.

Several bone grafts are available for clinical use, each with their own peculiar biological and mechanical properties. A new bone graft was obtained by combining mineral structures from natural bovine bones with bioresorbable polymers and cellular nutrients. The study aims to evaluate the clinical, biological and structural properties of this bone graft and its reliability in orthopedic oncology. 23 adult patients (age range 18-85 years) were treated between October 2016 and December 2018; the oncologicdiagnoses were heterogeneous. After surgical curettage and bone grafting, a clinical-radiological follow up was conducted. Radiographs were used to evaluate graft integration according to the usual bone healing and oncologic follow up. Local complications (infection, local recurrence, wound dehiscence, fracture or early reabsorption) were evaluated. The mean followup was of 18.34 ± 4.83 months. No fracture or infection occurred. One case of patellar Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) and one of proximal tibia low-grade chondrosarcoma recurred after about one year. Two wound dehiscences occurred (one required a local flap). Follow-up X-rays showed good to excellent graft integration in most patients (20 out of 21). The investigated graft has a mechanical and structural function that can allow early weight-bearing and avoid a preventive bone fixation (only needed in four patients in this series). The graft blocks are different for shapes and dimensions, but they can be customized by the producer or sawcut by the surgeon in the operating theatre to fit the residual bone cavity. The complication rate was low, and a rapid integration was observed with no inflammatory reaction in the surrounding tissues. Further studies are mandatory to confirm these promising results.