Expression of HOXB7 in the Lung of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: The molecular pathways involved in the onset and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) still need to be fully clarified as some are shared with lung cancer development. HOXB7, a member of the homeobox (Hox) gene family, has been found involved in various cancers. METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was run on lung tissue samples from surgical lung biopsy (SLB) of 19 patients with IPF, retrospectively selected from the IPF database of the University Hospital of Modena. HOXB7 expression was analyzed and compared with that of five patients with no evidence of pulmonary fibrosis as controls. RESULTS: The semi-quantitative analysis of IHC showed that HOXB7 protein expression was higher in IPF patients compared to controls (difference between means = 6.2 ± 2.37, p = 0.0157). Further, HOXB7 expression was higher in IPF patients with a higher extent of fibrosis (50-75%)-measured with high-resolution computer tomography-compared to those with a lower extent (0-25%) (difference between means = 25.74 ± 6.72, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of HOXB7 is higher in the lung of IPF patients compared to controls, and was represented in different cellular compartments within the lung niche. Further investigations are needed to clarify its role in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF.

Circulating and Tumor-Associated Neutrophils in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Dynamics, Phenotypes, Metabolism, and Functions.

Neutrophils are the most abundant myeloid cells in the blood and are a considerable immunological component of the tumor microenvironment. However, their functional importance has often been ignored, as they have always been considered a mono-dimensional population of terminally differentiated, short-living cells. During the last decade, the use of cutting-edge, single-cell technologies has revolutionized the classical view of these cells, unmasking their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. In this review, we summarize the emerging concepts in the field of neutrophils in cancer, by reviewing the recent literature on the heterogeneity of both circulating neutrophils and tumor-associated neutrophils, as well as their possible significance in tumor prognosis and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Phospholipase Family Enzymes in Lung Cancer: Looking for Novel Therapeutic Approaches.

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most common neoplasm in men and the third most common in women. In the last decade, LC therapies have undergone significant improvements with the advent of immunotherapy. However, the effectiveness of the available treatments remains insufficient due to the presence of therapy-resistant cancer cells. For decades, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have dominated the treatment strategy for LC; however, relapses occur rapidly and result in poor survival. Malignant lung tumors are classified as either small- or non-small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC and NSCLC). Despite improvements in the treatment of LC in recent decades, the benefits of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are limited, although they have improved the prognosis of LC despite the persistent low survival rate due to distant metastasis in the late stage. The identification of novel prognostic molecular markers is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms of LC initiation and progression. The potential role of phosphatidylinositol in tumor growth and the metastatic process has recently been suggested by some researchers. Phosphatidylinositols are lipid molecules and key players in the inositol signaling pathway that have a pivotal role in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation, membrane trafficking, and gene expression. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase enzymes and their emerging roles in LC.

Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma: Surgical Resection and Multidisciplinary Treatment.

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are the most common tumors of the anterior mediastinum and a relatively rare type of thoracic cancer. The prerequisite for surgery is clinical staging and operative evaluation, both of which are based on medical imaging. The best strategy for treating a thymic epithelial tumor is surgical resection of the organ and surrounding tissue. Thymectomy modalities vary, including open surgery and minimally invasive surgery, and surgeons have used various innovations to better meet the needs of the procedure; therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate procedure based on the patient's characteristics. Evaluation of resectability is the first step of surgical resection for thymic tumors without distant metastasis. The decision regarding unresectability should be made carefully. During subsequent chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, reevaluation of whether an area is resectable or not remains essential. Despite numerous technological advances in the surgical treatment of thymic tumors, several contentious issues remain, including the selection of surgical approaches for difficult cases, the selection of video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches, the evaluation of resectability, minimally invasive surgery for locally advanced thymic tumors, lymphadenectomy in thymic tumors, neoadjuvant therapy for thymic tumors, debulking surgery, and salvage surgery. In solving these problems, the surgeon's judgment, surgical experience, and surgical skills are especially important.

Potential biomarkers for immunotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer.

For individuals with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the primary treatment is platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), primarily PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, have been found to be effective in patients with NSCLC who have no EGFR/ALK mutations. Furthermore, ICIs are considered a standard therapy. The quantity of fresh immunogenic antigens discovered by cytotoxic T cells was measured by PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB), which were the first biomarkers assessed in clinical trials. However, immunotherapy did not have response efficacy markers similar to targeted therapy, highlighting the significance of newly developed biomarkers. This investigation aims to review the research on immunotherapy for NSCLC, focusing primarily on the impact of biomarkers on efficacy prediction to determine whether biomarkers may be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

A novel drainage strategy using chest tube plus pleural catheter in uniportal upper lobectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In this study we explored whether one pleural catheter plus single chest tube drainage could achieve a noninferior drainage effect when compared with the traditional two chest tubes in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for an upper pulmonary lobectomy. METHODS: Patients that underwent an upper pulmonary lobectomy from January to November 2020 were enrolled in this single-center, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial. Prior to closure, patients were randomized to an intervention group who received an improved drainage strategy involving one pleural catheter with one chest tube (24 Fr), while traditional double chest tube drainage was applied for the control group. RESULTS: A total of 390 patients entered the study, although 190 were excluded for changing nonuniportal surgical approaches or opting for nonlobectomy resections. Finally, 200 patients were randomized (100 in the intervention group and 100 in the control group). The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the groups. The incidence of pneumothorax in the intervention and control groups was similar on postoperative Day 1 (noninferiority, 10% vs. 13%, p = 0.658). In addition, there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes such as incidence of pneumothorax by Day 30, postoperative chest tube/pleural catheter removal time, amount of drainage on Day 1, total amount of drainage after operation, or postoperative hospitalization. A significantly lower pain score was observed in the intervention group (3.33 ± 0.68 vs. 3.68 ± 0.94, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The new strategy is noninferior to double chest tube drainage after an upper pulmonary lobectomy offers superior pain control, and is recommended for an upper lobectomy by uniportal VATS.

Reconstructive Surgery of Pressure Injuries in Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder Patients: Retrospective Observational Study and Proposal of an Algorithm for the Flap Choice.

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a common complication in patients with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D), and deep PIs require surgical treatment consisting of wide debridement and adequate reconstruction. We conducted a retrospective observational study at a tertiary rehabilitation hospital for SCI/D in Italy with the aim of describing the incidence and associated risk factors of postoperative complications in individuals with SCI/D presenting with chronic deep PIs, treated with a specific flap selection algorithm based on the site of the defect, the presence of scars from previous surgeries, and the need to spare reconstructive options for possible future recurrences. Medical records of surgical procedures performed on SCI/D patients with fourth-degree PIs, according to NPUAP classification (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel), between July 2011 and January 2018 were reviewed. A total of 434 surgical procedures for fourth-degree PIs in 375 SCI/D patients were analyzed. After a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 12-36), 59 PIs (13.6%) had minor complications, and 17 (3.9%) had major complications requiring reoperation. The sacral site and muscular and musculocutaneous flaps were significant risk factors for postoperative complications. Six patients (1.4%) had a recurrence. The choice of flap correlates with the outcome of decubitus reconstruction. Therefore, reconstructive planning should be based on established principles.

Proteomic profiling of formalin-fixed paraffine-embedded tissue reveals key proteins related to lung dysfunction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) severely affects the lung leading to aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix and parenchymal stiffness with progressive functional derangement. The limited availability of fresh tissues represents one of the major limitations to study the molecular profiling of IPF lung tissue. The primary aim of this study was to explore the proteomic profiling yield of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of IPF lung tissues. Methods: We further determined the protein expression according to respiratory functional decline at the time of biopsy. The total proteins isolated from 11 FFPE samples of IPF patients compared to 3 FFPE samples from a non-fibrotic lung defined as controls, were subjected to label-free quantitative proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and resulted in the detection of about 400 proteins. Results: After the pairwise comparison between controls and IPF, functional enrichment analysis identified differentially expressed proteins that were involved in extracellular matrix signaling pathways, focal adhesion and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) signaling pathways strongly associated with IPF onset and progression. Five proteins were significantly over- expressed in the lung of IPF patients with either advanced disease stage (Stage II) or impaired pulmonary function (FVC<75, DLCO<55) compared to controls; these were lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1), peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), transgelin 2 (TAGLN2), lumican (LUM) and mimecan (OGN) that might play a key role in the fibrogenic processes. Discussion: Our work showed that the analysis of FFPE samples was able to identify key proteins that might be crucial for the IPF pathogenesis. These proteins are correlated with lung carcinogenesis or involved in the immune landscape of lung cancer, thus making possible common mechanisms between lung carcinogenesis and fibrosis progression, two pathological conditions at risk for each other in the real life.

The sternum reconstruction: Present and future perspectives.

Sternectomy is a procedure mainly used for removing tumor masses infiltrating the sternum or treating infections. Moreover, the removal of the sternum involves the additional challenge of performing a functional reconstruction. Fortunately, various approaches have been proposed for improving the operation and outcome of reconstruction, including allograft transplantation, using novel materials, and developing innovative surgical approaches, which promise to enhance the quality of life for the patient. This review will highlight the surgical approaches to sternum reconstruction and the new perspectives in the current literature.

Biological effects of COVID-19 on lung cancer: Can we drive our decisions.

COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is considered catastrophic because it affects multiple organs, particularly those of the respiratory tract. Although the consequences of this infection are not fully clear, it causes damage to the lungs, the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and other organs, subsequently inducing organ failure. In particular, the effects of SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment need to be investigated. COVID-19 may alter the tumor microenvironment, promoting cancer cell proliferation and dormant cancer cell (DCC) reawakening. DCCs reawakened upon infection with SARS-CoV-2 can populate the premetastatic niche in the lungs and other organs, leading to tumor dissemination. DCC reawakening and consequent neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage activation with an uncontrolled cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines are the most severe clinical effects of COVID-19. Moreover, neutrophil extracellular traps have been demonstrated to activate the dissemination of premetastatic cells into the lungs. Further studies are warranted to better define the roles of COVID-19 in inflammation as well as in tumor development and tumor cell metastasis; the results of these studies will aid in the development of further targeted therapies, both for cancer prevention and the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), a Mediterranean Diet Component, in the Management of Muscle Mass and Function Preservation.

Aging results in a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function, a condition known as sarcopenia. This pathological condition is due to multifactorial processes including physical inactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal changes, and nutritional intake. Physical therapy remains the standard approach to treat sarcopenia, although some interventions based on dietary supplementation are in clinical development. In this context, thanks to its known anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, there is great interest in using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) supplementation to promote muscle mass and health in sarcopenic patients. To date, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathological changes associated with sarcopenia remain undefined; however, a complete understanding of the signaling pathways that regulate skeletal muscle protein synthesis and their behavior during sarcopenia appears vital for defining how EVOO might attenuate muscle wasting during aging. This review highlights the main molecular players that control skeletal muscle mass, with particular regard to sarcopenia, and discusses, based on the more recent findings, the potential of EVOO in delaying/preventing loss of muscle mass and function, with the aim of stimulating further research to assess dietary supplementation with EVOO as an approach to prevent or delay sarcopenia in aging individuals.

Phenotypic, functional, and metabolic heterogeneity of immune cells infiltrating non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer in the world, accounting for 1.2 million of new cases annually, being responsible for 17.8% of all cancer deaths. In particular, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is involved in approximately 85% of all lung cancers with a high lethality probably due to the asymptomatic evolution, leading patients to be diagnosed when the tumor has already spread to other organs. Despite the introduction of new therapies, which have improved the long-term survival of these patients, this disease is still not well cured and under controlled. Over the past two decades, single-cell technologies allowed to deeply profile both the phenotypic and metabolic aspects of the immune cells infiltrating the TME, thus fostering the identification of predictive biomarkers of prognosis and supporting the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss phenotypic and functional characteristics of the main subsets of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) that contribute to promote or suppress NSCLC development and progression. We also address two emerging aspects of TIL and TIM biology, i.e., their metabolism, which affects their effector functions, proliferation, and differentiation, and their capacity to interact with cancer stem cells.

Cancer Stem Cells and Cell Cycle Genes as Independent Predictors of Relapse in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are described as resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It has been shown that CSCs influence disease-free survival in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer (NCT04634630). We recently described an overexpression of CSCs recurrence-related genes (RG) in lung cancer. This study aims to investigate CSC frequency and RG expression as predictors of disease-free survival in lung cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study involved 22 surgical tumor specimens from 22 patients harboring early (I-II) and locally advanced (IIIA) stages ACL and SCCL. Cell population frequency analysis of ALDHhigh (CSCs) and ALDHlow (cancer cells) was performed on each tumor specimen. In addition, RG expression was assessed for 31 target genes separately in ALDHhigh and ALDHlow populations. CSCs frequency and RG expression were assessed as predictors of disease-free survival by Cox analysis. RESULTS: CSCs frequency and RG expression were independent predictors of disease-free survival. CSC frequency was not related to disease-free survival in early-stage patients (HR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.53-1.33, P = .454), whereas it was a risk factor for locally advanced-stage patients (HR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.09-1.35, P = .000). RG expression-if measured in CSCs-was related to a higher risk of recurrence (HR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.03-1.39, P = .021). The effect of RG expression measured in cancer cells on disease-free survival was lower and was not statistically significant (HR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.94-1.33, P = .196). CONCLUSIONS: CSCs frequency and RG expression are independent predictors of relapse in lung cancer. Considering these results, CSCs and RG may be considered for both target therapy and prognosis.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Their Interplay with Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs): A New World of Targets and Treatments.

The importance of defining new molecules to fight cancer is of significant interest to the scientific community. In particular, it has been shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity; on the other side, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) seem to split away from the primary tumor and appear in the circulatory system as singular units or clusters. It is becoming more and more important to discover new biomarkers related to these populations of cells in combination to define the network among them and the tumor microenvironment. In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumor microenvironment with different functions, including matrix deposition and remodeling, extensive reciprocal signaling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with immunity. The settings of new markers and the definition of the molecular connections may present new avenues, not only for fighting cancer but also for the definition of more tailored therapies.

The role of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in the treatment of achalasia with megaesophagus: A case report.

Introduction: Achalasia with megaesophagus is a pathology characterized by widespread and irregular dilation of the esophageal lumen. In most cases, this dilation is caused by contraction and subsequent failed relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It may be associated with a partial or complete slowing of the esophageal peristalsis. Case overview: We present the case of a 58-year-old woman who developed dysphagia, regurgitation, and substantial weight loss (11 kg) over a span of 1 year. Symptomatic achalasia with megaesophagus was diagnosed following chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) with contrast and transit RX with gastrografin and esophageal manometry. The patient refuse all minimally endoscopic treatments and opted straightly for the treatment with esophagectomy sec. Ivor-Lewis. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient appeared in excellent general clinical condition and oral gastrografin radiography (OGR) showed good channeling. Discussion: Patients require medical attention when presenting with achalasia that has eroded the esophageal wall enough to form a megaesophagus. Early and minimally invasive treatments (i.e., medical therapy, endoscopic dilation, and myotomy) are insufficient at this stage, and thus esophageal surgery is required. Among the most common surgical approaches, we must mention esophagectomy sec. McKeown and esophagectomy with interposition of a colic loop sec. Wilkins; however, based on our experience, esophagectomy sec. Ivor-Lewis with intrathoracic anastomosis leads to excellent results and can therefore be considered a valid alternative for treating complex cases. Conclusions: Subtotal esophagectomy sec. Ivor-Lewis with intrathoracic anastomosis is effective in treating achalasia with megaesophagus.

The Influence of Cancer Stem Cells on the Risk of Relapse in Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer relapse may be associated with the presence of a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with unlimited proliferative potential. Our study assessed the relationship between CSCs and the relapse rate in patients harboring adenocarcinoma (ADL) and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This is an observational prospective cohort study (NCT04634630) assessing the influence of CSC frequency on relapse rate after major lung resection in 35 patients harboring early (I-II) (n = 21) and locally advanced (IIIA) (n = 14) ADL and SCCL. There was a 2-year enrollment period followed by a 1-year follow-up period. Surgical tumor specimens were processed, and CSCs were quantified by cytofluorimetric analysis. RESULTS: Cancer stem cells were expressed in all patients with a median of 3.1% of the primary cell culture. Primary analysis showed no influence of CSC frequency on the risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85-1.30). At secondary analysis, patients with locally advanced disease with higher CSC frequency had an increased risk of relapse (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.14-1.39), whereas this was not observed in early-stage patients (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.65-1.25). CONCLUSION: No association was found between CSC and relapse rates after major lung resection in patients harboring ACL and SCCL. However, in locally advanced-stage patients, a positive correlation was observed between CSC frequency and risk of relapse. These results indicate a need for further molecular investigations into the prognostic role of CSCs at different lung cancer stages. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04634630.

Dissecting Tumor Growth: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance and Recurrence.

Emerging evidence suggests that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for initiation, progression, and metastasis cascade in tumors. CSCs share characteristics with normal stem cells, i.e., self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting that they can drive cancer progression. Consequently, targeting CSCs to prevent tumor growth or regrowth might offer a chance to lead the fight against cancer. CSCs create their niche, a specific area within tissue with a unique microenvironment that sustains their vital functions. Interactions between CSCs and their niches play a critical role in regulating CSCs' self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Differences observed in the frequency of CSCs, due to the phenotypic plasticity of many cancer cells, remain a challenge in cancer therapeutics, since CSCs can modulate their transcriptional activities into a more stem-like state to protect themselves from destruction. This plasticity represents an essential step for future therapeutic approaches. Regarding self-renewal, CSCs are modulated by the same molecular pathways found in normal stem cells, such as Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Another key characteristic of CSCs is their resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, due to their capacity to rest in a quiescent state. This review will analyze the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the roles of CSCs in tumor progression in benign and malignant diseases; and will examine future perspectives on the identification of new markers to better control tumorigenesis, as well as dissecting the metastasis process.

Double sternal elevation subxiphoid versus uniportal thoracoscopic thymectomy associated with superior clearance for stage I-II thymic epithelial tumors: Subxiphoid thymectomy compared with VATS.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of thymectomy through a subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach with double elevation of the sternum compared with traditional intercostal uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for stage I-II thymic epithelial tumors (using the Masaoka-Koga staging system). METHOD: Patients with thymic tumors underwent resection through intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery or subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach. Only those with pathologically confirmed thymic epithelial tumors were enrolled. Perioperative short-term/long-term outcomes were compared between 2 groups after propensity-score matching. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients diagnosed with thymic epithelial tumors and scheduled for minimally invasive surgery were included. In the intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery group, the prevalence for conversion to open surgery was higher than in the subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach group for stage III thymic tumors (P = .019). After propensity-score matching for 122 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery, significantly larger resected specimens were found in the subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach group compared to the intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery group (11.7 ± 3.8 vs 7.1 ± 2.7 cm, P < .001). The pain score on the first postoperative day (1.6 ± 0.6 vs 2.0 ± 0.7, P = .011) and the day of hospital discharge (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.6 ± 0.6, P = .017) in the subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach group were significantly lower. The operation time (168.4 ± 59.3 vs 92.5 ± 46.0 min, P < .001), chest tube drainage time (3.6 ± 1.2 vs 2.9 ± 0.9 days, P = .001), and hospital stay (3.7 ± 1.3 vs 2.9 ± 0.9 days, P = .004) were longer in the subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach group, with higher intraoperative blood loss (69.3 ± 61.0 vs 45.6 ± 42.5 mL, P = .045). No significant differences were found in the hospitalization cost, incidence of complications, or 3-year disease-free survival (96% vs 92%, P = .473) between the 2 groups. Four patients with stage III disease in the subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach group reached a 3-year disease-free survival of 75%. CONCLUSION: The subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach with double elevation of the sternum shows the potential for more extensive clearance of thymic tissue for thymic epithelial tumors compared to intercostal video-assisted thoracic surgery. Its inferior operation time and blood loss could be a trade-off for improved pain control and equivalent hospitalization cost, complications, and 3-year disease-free survival. The subxiphoid video-thoracoscopic approach may offer an advantage treatment for early-stage thymic epithelial tumors and may also be suitable for unexpected advanced thymic tumors identified intraoperatively.

A large and late mediastinal metastasis from a uterine smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) are mesenchymal uterine tumours with a malignant potential found somewhere between that of benign leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. Only three cases of STUMP pulmonary metastasis exist in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 63 year-old female patient presenting with dysphonia secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis due to an enormous mediastinal STUMP metastasis, 14 years after having undergone a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A successful left pneumonectomy was performed and the mass weighing 1570 g was histologically confirmed as a STUMP metastasis. DISCUSSION: Only three cases of pulmonary metastasis from STUMP have been reported in the recent literature and no robust information exists about the metastatic nature of STUMP. No cases exist in the literature of a successful pneumonectomy performed for a STUMP metastasis of such large dimensions presenting after many years from the diagnosis of the primary uterine lesion. Physicians should keep in mind that the finding of a smooth muscle tumour in the lung of a woman should promptly raise the suspicion of a metastatic uterine malignancy, even several years after diagnosis of the primary lesion. CONCLUSION: Despite the size, invasiveness and late presentation of the STUMP metastasis, the surgery was successful and the patient no longer requires oxygen therapy.