Total removal of anaplastic meningioma infiltrating an artery by performing an A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis.

Background: Meningiomas are histologically benign tumors and generally have a good prognosis. However, some are classified as high-grade meningiomas due to their strong invasion of surrounding tissues and high postoperative recurrence rates, resulting in a poor prognosis. Postoperative radiotherapy is often administered for the most malignant anaplastic meningiomas; however, its contribution to improving prognosis and reducing recurrence rates in patients with residual tumors is limited. Case Description: We present here a 48-year-old man with an anaplastic meningioma that recurred repeatedly and had invaded the right anterior cerebral artery (ACA) despite two postoperative radiotherapy sessions. Dissecting the tumor from the blood vessels was extremely difficult and would only have achieved a partial resection. However, we achieved complete resection by performing a pericallosal artery-pericallosal artery (A3-A3) side-to-side anastomosis and excising the infiltrated blood vessels along with the tumor en bloc. No neurological deficits or complications, such as cerebral infarction, were detected postoperatively. Conclusion: Although reports of performing an A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis to enable complete resection of tumors invading the ACA are extremely rare worldwide, this procedure should be recognized as a safe and effective treatment option when complete tumor resection is strongly desired, as in the present patient.

Fat Grafting and Prepectoral Prosthetic Reconstruction with Polyurethane-Covered Implants: Protective Role against Adjuvant Radiotherapy.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer treatment increasingly incorporates immediate prepectoral prosthetic reconstruction after conservative mastectomy, including nipple-sparing (NSMs) and skin-sparing mastectomies (SSMs). Although recent data from the literature show that postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) after prepectoral reconstruction presents good clinical results, with reduction in capsular contracture and implant migration, compared to the traditional submuscular technique, these patients have higher rates of long-term complications when compared with nonradiated patients. This study evaluates the protective effects of autologous fat grafting to reduce long-term radiotherapy-induced complications in breast cancer patients submitted for prepectoral reconstruction with polyurethane-covered (PU) implants. Methods: A pilot study with two parallel cohorts of patients undergoing an NSM or SSM followed by PMRT was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either of the two groups to ensure homogeneity. One cohort underwent autologous fat grafting sessions, individually tailored based on periodic evaluations by the principal investigator (PI), M. Salgarello, at least six months after PMRT. The control group received standard clinical follow-ups without fat grafting. Inclusion criteria ensured participants were disease-free, non-smokers, and had a LENT-SOMA score within 2. Results: Preliminary findings indicate significant differences between the groups, with improved outcomes observed in patients undergoing tailored lipofilling. Specifically, these patients experienced a notable reduction in capsular contracture severity and reported higher satisfaction with the aesthetic results compared to the control group. Conclusions: Autologous fat grafting, customized per patient by the PI based on ongoing evaluations, appears to mitigate some adverse effects of radiotherapy in prepectoral breast reconstruction, suggesting a viable option for enhancing surgical outcomes in irradiated patients. Further research is needed to substantiate these findings and evaluate long-term benefits.

Escalation and De-Escalation of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Early Breast Cancer: Strategies for Risk-Adapted Optimization.

Postoperative radiotherapy (RT) is recommended after breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy (with risk factors). Consideration of pros and cons, including potential side effects, demands the optimization of adjuvant RT and a risk-adapted approach. There is clear de-escalation in fractionation-hypofractionation should be considered standard. For selected low-risk situations, PBI only or even the omission of RT might be appropriate. In contrast, tendencies toward escalating RT are obvious. Preoperative RT seems attractive for patients in whom breast reconstruction is planned or for defining the tumor location more precisely with the potential of giving ablative doses. Dose escalation by a (simultaneous integrated) boost or the combination with new compounds/systemic treatments may increase antitumor efficacy but also toxicity. Despite low evidence, RT for oligometastatic disease is becoming increasingly popular. The omission of axillary dissection in node-positive disease led to an escalation of regional RT. Studies are ongoing to test if any axillary treatment can be omitted and which oligometastatic patients do really benefit from RT. Besides technical improvements, the incorporation of molecular risk profiles and also the response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy have the potential to optimize the decision-making concerning if and how local and/or regional RT should be administered.

Timeline of surgery in localized angiosarcoma of the breast: Improving outcome following multidisciplinary treatment optimization.

INTRODUCTION: Primary (PAS) and radiation-associated angiosarcomas (RAAS) of the breast are rare tumors of vascular origin with poor survival. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the impact of multidisciplinary treatment optimization on the prognosis of patients who underwent surgery at a national referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of operable angiosarcoma of the breast evaluated by a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists expert in the field and treated from January 2012 to January 2023 were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. The outcomes of three treatment groups, defined by the timing of surgery in relation to adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies, were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with operable angiosarcomas of the breast (49 RAAS and 10 PAS) were retrospectively identified. The five-year overall survival was 85.2 % (95 % CI 73.9-98.2) and event-free survival was significantly better in patients with grade 1 than those with grade 2 or 3 tumors. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had significantly better outcomes than those treated with primary surgery. Pathological complete response was significantly higher in patients receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and a trend towards better distant-disease-free survival was found for patients with complete response at time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of angiosarcoma treatment based on specialized, multidisciplinary assessment regarding the type and timing of surgery and the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can improve outcomes. The findings of this study support the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiotherapy in clinical practice.

Case report on an extremely rare type of ependymoma arising from the thigh.

INTRODUCTION: Ependymomas are neuroepithelial neoplasms of the central nervous system that arise from the precursor cells lining the ventricular system and the central canal of the spinal cord. Herein, we report a case of an extremely rare type of ependymoma arising from the thigh. Then, a literature review was performed. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 87-year-old female Japanese patient presented with a chief complaint of a mass on the medial aspect of her right thigh. Pathology revealed a grade 2 extra-neural ependymoma. PET-CT and brain MRI showed no neoplastic lesions in the central nervous system, and the tumor was localized only in the right thigh. The tumor was growing and was treated as a low-grade tumor with extensive resection and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The patient has been alive for 3 years, without postoperative recurrence or complications. DISCUSSION: This case presents a rare extra-neural ependymoma of central nervous system origin arising in the thigh. The pathogenesis is unknown, but a search for neoplastic lesions in the cerebrospinal cord is warranted. Extra-neural ependymomas should be treated as low-grade tumors because they are more prone to recurrence and metastasis than ordinary ependymomas. CONCLUSION: We experienced an extremely rare extra-neural ependymoma arising in the thigh. A search for tumors in the central nervous system region of the cerebrospinal cord, previous literature, and clinical, imaging, and pathological findings should be consulted to determine a treatment strategy.

Choice of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Facility in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Undergoing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) at the same facility has been associated with higher overall survival (OS) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Our study investigates whether undergoing surgery and aRT at the same academic facility is associated with higher OS compared with separate facilities in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). METHODS: The 2006 to 2017 National Cancer Database was queried for patients with SNSCC undergoing surgery at an academic facility followed by aRT with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable binary logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were implemented. RESULTS: Of 419 patients satisfying inclusion criteria, 299 (71.4%) underwent surgery and aRT at the same academic facility. Residence in a less populated area (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.99, p = 0.042) and surgical facility case volume (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.21-5.21, p = 0.014) were associated with undergoing surgery and aRT at different facilities on multivariable logistic regression adjusting for patient demographics, clinicopathologic features, and adjuvant therapy (p < 0.05). Five-year OS was higher among patients undergoing surgery and aRT at the same academic facility (64% vs. 55%, p = 0.039). Undergoing surgery and aRT at different facilities remained associated with worse OS on multivariable Cox regression (aHR 1.90, 95% CI 1.09-3.32, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Undergoing surgery and aRT at the same academic facility is associated with higher OS in SNSCC. Academic physicians should carefully consider the recommendation of aRT treatment facility based on the level of benefit that the patient may derive from coordinated multidisciplinary care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

AB081. Experience using CFR-PEEK implants in metastatic and primary spine tumour surgery: a single centre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Titanium has been the conventional implant material of choice for fixation in both primary and metastatic spine tumour surgeries (MSTS). However, these implants result in artefact generation during post-operative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resulting in poor planning of radiotherapy (RT) and suboptimal tumour surveillance. Carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) implants have gained momentum for instrumentation in MSTS due to their radiolucent properties. This in turn does not sacrifice the biomechanical strength of the implants. In this study, we compared the peri-operative outcomes, post operative imaging artefacts and dosimetricdata of CFR-PEEK implants to titanium implants to asses for potential benefits in post-operative RT planning in patients who underwent MSTS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 42 patients operated for MSTS. Patient-related data including demographics, tumour pathology, intra-operative data, functional outcome, and RT-related data were collected for both groups. All patients were followed-up post-operatively for a minimum of 2 years or until demise, whichever was earlier. RESULTS: In our study, 20 (47.6%) patients had CFR-PEEK implants, while 22 (52.4%) of patients had titanium implants used for MSTS. Both groups of patients had similar clinical outcomes for pain and overall survival predictability pre-operatively (P>0.05). Mean number of levels instrumented by titanium screws were 6.8±2.93, while for the CFR-PEEK screws were 4.07±1.05. Mean volume of artefact generated during post operative CT was 75.1±43.4 mm3 in titanium group and 13.3±14.2 mm3 in CFR-PEEK group (P=0.005). The mean time taken to contour the artefacts was 17.3±5.84 minutes in the titanium group, while the CFR-PEEK group took 9.60±7.17 minutes (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that carbon fibre reinforced PEEK screws significantly reduce artefact generation and the time taken to contour them during post-operative RT planning, while delivering equivalent clinical and functional outcomes as compared to standard titanium implants.

Impact of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy on Management of Older Women With Clinically Node-Negative, Early-Stage, ER+/HER2-, Invasive Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In 2016 the Choosing Wisely guidelines advised against routine performance of a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in women ≥ 70 years of age with clinically node negative (cN0), early-stage, oestrogen receptor positive/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (ER+/HER2-), invasive breast cancer. The argument in favour of its continued performance is that it may serve as a useful guide for subsequent management. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy and performance of completion axillary lymph node dissection (cALND) post SLNB in women aged ≥ 65 years with cN0, early-stage, ER+/HER2-, invasive breast cancer were included. A random effects meta-analysis was performed with summary estimates made using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Ten retrospective studies across 4 countries. Of 105,514 patients, 15,509 had a positive SLNB and 90,005 had a negative SLNB. On meta-analysis, a positive SLNB was significantly associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 4.64 (95% CI 3.18, 6.77), P < .00001), adjuvant radiotherapy (1.71 (95% CI 1.18, 2.47), P = .005) and undergoing completion axillary lymph node dissection (OR 68.97 (95% CI, 7.47, 636.88), P = .0002). Adjuvant treatment decisions continue to be influenced by SLNB positivity in the era of the Choosing Wisely guidelines. The effects of a positive SLNB and subsequent treatments on outcomes remain inconclusive. However, it is likely clinicians are continuing to over-investigate and over-treat this cohort.

The Impact of Molecular and Genetic Analysis on the Treatment of Patients with Atypical Meningiomas.

Meningiomas represent approximately 40% of all primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and, based on the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, are classified into three grades and fifteen subtypes. The optimal treatment comprises gross total tumor resection. The WHO grade and the extent of tumor resection assessed by the Simpson grading system are the most important predictors of recurrence. Atypical meningiomas, a grade 2 meningioma, which represent almost a fifth of all meningiomas, have a recurrence rate of around 50%. Currently, different histopathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic alterations have been associated with different meningioma phenotypes; however, the data are insufficient to enable the development of specific treatment plans. The optimal treatment, in terms of adjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative systemic therapy in atypical meningiomas, remains controversial, with inconclusive evidence in the literature and existing studies. We review the recent literature to identify studies investigating relevant atypical meningioma biomarkers and their clinical application and effects on treatment options.

Clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas in Denmark-Outcomes in 33 patients following the national centralization of treatment in 2010.

PURPOSE: This 13-year consecutive case series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all patients operated for clival chordomas and clival chondrosarcomas in Denmark since the centralization of treatment in 2010, comparing outcomes to international series. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 33 patients with clival tumors, comprising 22 chordomas and 11 chondrosarcomas, who were treated at Copenhagen University Hospital between years 2010 and 2023. Data were collected from digital patient records and pathology reports. RESULTS: The symptoms leading to diagnosis primarily included double vision, headaches, and dizziness. In general, patients were in good health, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 1.6. The complication rate of the index surgery was 51.5%. Adjuvant radiotherapy was applied in 51.5% of the cases. In patients with clival chordomas, the mean age was 51.1 years, ranging from 16 to 83 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 20.9 cm3 and the five-year overall survival rates were 79.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 62.4-100). In patients with chondrosarcomas, the mean age was 48.2 years, ranging from 15 to 76 years. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor volume was 22.3 cm3 and the five-year overall survival 90% (95% CI: 73.2-100). CONCLUSION: The centralized treatment of clival tumors in Denmark demonstrates incidence, survival, and complication rates comparable to those found in other international series. Given the variations in treatment strategies, tumor localizations across series, and small sample sizes, the further analysis of larger compiled multicenter datasets for clival tumors could provide more solid evidence regarding the management of these rare tumors.

"Unraveling the Tapestry": A Retrospective Exploration of Recurrent Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma Cases.

The standard surgical procedure for treating the parotid gland's recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (RPA) is parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation (FN). Treatment of RPA remains challenging since controversies occur regarding recurrence, degree of revision surgery, postoperative radiation, and difficulty in conserving the FN. A retrospective review of patient's medical records treated for benign parotid neoplasms was conducted between 2017 and 2022 to identify individuals who underwent surgery for RPA. Demographic information, surgical intervention details, pre-and postoperative facial nerve function, histopathological analysis, and recurrence rates were collected. These variables were compared in patients with single recurrent tumors versus patients with multiple recurrent tumors. Twenty-one patients met the criteria, including 13 with a first recurrence, 7 with a second recurrence, and 1 with a third recurrence. Following surgery for multiple RPA, long-term FN outcomes were significantly worse (P = 0.005). There were no observable risk factors for tumor recurrence. The interval between the initial revision surgery and subsequent ones was drastically shortened. Our study suggests that the risk of permanent facial paralysis is greater with subsequent surgical procedures. Early detection of recurrence can aid in early re-operation.

Impact of proton versus photon adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in the management of skull base and spinal chordomas: a National Cancer Database analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Chordomas are rare tumors that originate from undifferentiated remnants of the notochord. Currently, there are no established guidelines regarding the choice of adjuvant radiation modality for patients surgically treated for chordomas. Using a nationwide, multicenter database, the authors aimed to compare long-term survival outcomes associated with the use of proton or photon adjuvant therapy for the management of chordomas of skull base and spine. METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for chordoma cases from 2004 to 2017. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were extracted from the database. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted to investigate differences in outcome on propensity score-matched cohorts of patients treated with proton or photon adjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 3490 patients available, 424 met the inclusion criteria for this study. In the prematching analysis, patients receiving adjuvant photon therapy were significantly older (median age 57.0 vs 45.0 years, p < 0.001) and were more commonly male (61% vs 43%, p < 0.001) compared with those receiving proton therapy. Races were equally distributed among radiotherapy modalities (p = 0.64). Patients with chordomas of the mobile spine or sacrum were less likely to receive proton compared with photon therapy (37% vs 58%). Patients receiving proton therapy were more often represented among private insurance holders (69% vs 52%, p < 0.001) as well as in the highest income quartile (52% vs 40%, p = 0.008). Patients traveled farther to receive proton, as opposed to photon, therapy (median 59.0 vs 34.9 miles, p < 0.001). On postmatching Kaplan-Meier analysis encompassing all chordoma cases, no difference in OS between photon and proton therapy was revealed (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.39-1.44; p = 0.39). A Kaplan-Meier analysis only including patients with skull base chordomas reached similar results (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.31-2.22; p = 0.71). In patients with spine chordomas, however, a significant difference was found, as proton therapy exhibited a superior OS over photon therapy (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.81; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this nationwide analysis, patients with private insurance and higher income were more likely to receive proton adjuvant radiotherapy, while those with spinal or sacral chordomas were less likely to receive this modality. Despite this disparity, an OS benefit was observed in patients with chordomas of the spine and sacrum who received adjuvant proton therapy, in comparison with a matched cohort of patients treated with photon therapy. Conversely, this advantageous outcome was not evident in cases of chordomas located at the skull base.

Postoperative Radiotherapy in Advanced Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma Requiring Maxillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) improves survival among patients who received maxillectomy for pT4aN0 maxillary gingival or hard palate squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with respect to tumor size. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2019. METHODS: Included adult patients who received maxillectomy (partial, subtotal, or total) and neck dissection for treatment-naive margin negative pT4aN0 SCC of the maxillary gingiva or hard palate. Adjusted for age, gender, race, insurance status, income, education, urban/rural, facility type, region, comorbidity index, tumor grade, and tumor extension. Inverse probability weights were incorporated into a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. A priori post hoc subgroup analysis was performed according to tumor size. RESULTS: We included 416 patients who underwent maxillectomy for pT4aN0 SCC of the maxillary gingiva or hard palate (mean [standard deviation] age, 71.5 [11.3] years; male, 190 [45.7%]; tumor size 2 cm, 362 [87%]). Overall, 49.3% of patients received PORT (205 patients). PORT was associated with a 50% improvement in survival compared to surgery alone (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.32-0.81). On subgroup analysis, PORT was associated with improved survival for tumors 2 cm (aHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29-0.77), but not for tumors < 2 cm (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.33-4.08). CONCLUSION: The vast majority of patients with pT4aN0 bone-invading SCC of the maxillary gingiva and hard palate benefit from PORT. Patients with tumors < 2 cm did not demonstrate a survival benefit from adjuvant treatment, suggesting that bony invasion alone may not be sufficient criteria for treatment escalation.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of cervical clear cell carcinoma in patients not exposed to diethylstilbestrol: a comprehensive analysis of 49 cases.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and prognosis of cervical clear cell carcinoma (CCCC) in patients not exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Methods: The patients diagnosed with CCCC at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2011 and Jun 2023 were enrolled for this retrospective study. The clinical characteristics and information on treatment and follow-up were collected. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify the relative variables for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Of the 49 patients included, the Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) (2018) stage distribution was 37 (75.5%) stage I, 6 (12.2%) stage II, and 6 (12.2%) stage III. The median follow-up interval was 24.1 months. Six (12.2%) patients had a recurrence, and five (10.2%) patients died. The 5-year PFS rate was 86.8%, and the 5-year OS rate was 88.2%. No recurrence or death was detected in two patients who successfully completed fertility-preserving treatment and seven patients who underwent surgery to preserve ovaries. Two patients became pregnant, giving birth to two babies. The univariate analysis showed that FIGO stage, Pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis, lymph vascular space invasion, and depth of stromal invasion (P < 0.05) were significantly associated with PFS and OS. However, no significant prognostic factors were identified in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Ovary-preserving treatment and fertility-preserving surgery are safe and feasible in early-stage CCCC. Surveillance other than adjuvant treatment may be a better choice for early-stage CCCC without any pathological risk factors. More targeted therapies and immunotherapy should be pursued in future studies.

A systematic review and meta-analysis informing the role of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in Grade 2 and 3 oligodendroglioma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence and clinical guidelines support the use of adjuvant RT in high-risk low-grade gliomas. However, patients with oligodendroglioma have a more indolent disease course and delaying or avoiding RT is often considered to reduce treatment-related toxicities. As the optimal adjuvant management for oligodendroglioma is unclear, we aimed to assess the effect of adjuvant RT on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL were searched from January 1990 to February 2023 for studies comparing adjuvant RT versus no adjuvant RT for patients with oligodendroglioma. RESULTS: This review found 17 eligible studies including 14 comparative retrospective studies and 3 randomized controlled trials. Using random-effects model, the results suggested that adjuvant RT improved OS by 28 % (HR 0.72, 95 % CI (0.56-0.93), I2 = 86 %), and PFS by 48 % (HR 0.52, (95 % CI 0.40-0.66), I2 = 48 %) compared to patients without adjuvant RT. Subgroup analysis showed that upfront adjuvant RT improved OS and PFS compared to salvage RT. There were no significant differences in OS and PFS between adjuvant RT versus adjuvant chemotherapy. There was improvement in PFS but not OS for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy alone. Adjuvant RT improved OS in WHO Grade 3 but not WHO Grade 2 oligodendroglioma. CONCLUSION: Overall, adjuvant RT improved OS and PFS in patients with oligodendroglioma. In patients with low-risk features (e.g. Grade 2, gross total resection), alternative approaches and individualization of management such as adjuvant chemotherapy alone may be reasonable considering the lack of survival benefit. Future efforts should prospectively investigate these treatment regimens on molecularly-classified oligodendroglioma patients (defined by presence of IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion), balancing between maximizing survival outcomes and reducing RT-related toxicities.

The role of central neck dissection and adjuvant treatment in pT4aN0 laryngeal carcinoma treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to identify parameters that could predict oncological and functional outcomes in patients with pT4aN0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) who underwent open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL). The role of paratracheal neck dissection (PTND) was analyzed as the primary outcome. Additionally, the study compared the outcomes of patients who underwent postoperative radio/chemotherapy (PORT/PORCT) with those who refused or did not adhere to adjuvant treatments. METHODS: Twenty-nine OPHL patients whose pathological exam was consistent with pT4aN0-x disease were enrolled and their clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed. The study analyzed oncological outcomes, such as local, regional, and distant recurrence rates (RR), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS). Additionally, functional results were analyzed, including decannulation rate, hospitalization time, and postoperative complication rate. RESULTS: The study revealed and overall recurrence rate of 27%. The final rates for OS and DSS were 68% and 79%, respectively. Based on the univariate analysis the PTND was significantly associated with longer DFS. No significant differences inoncological outcomes were observed between pT4a patients who underwent adjuvant radio/radiochemotherapy and those who did not, in terms of RR, DFS, DSS or OS. However, adjuvant treatment was found to significantly increase decannulation time. CONCLUSIONS: In a properly super-selected subgroup of patients with pT4aN0 LSCC, OPHL may beconsidered as a conservative surgical option even without adjuvant treatment. However, for optimal oncological outcomes, it is strongly recommended to consider a central compartment dissection in cases of hypoglottic and anterior extra-laryngeal tumor extension.

Evaluation of Tumor Control and Normal Tissue Complication Probabilities in Patients Receiving Comprehensive Nodal Irradiation for Left-Sided Breast Cancer.

Women with left-sided breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy have increased incidence of cardiac mortality due to ischemic heart disease; to date, no threshold dose for late cardiac/pulmonary morbidity or mortality has been established. We investigated the likelihood of cardiac death and radiation pneumonitis in women with left-sided breast cancer who received comprehensive lymph node irradiation. The differences in dosimetric parameters between free-breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) techniques were also addressed. Based on NTCP calculations, the probability of cardiac death was significantly reduced with the DIBH compared to the FB technique (p < 0.001). The risk of radiation pneumonitis was not clinically significant. There was no difference in coverage between FB and DIBH plans. Doses to healthy structures were significantly lower in DIBH plan than in FB plan for V20, V30, and ipsilateral total lung volume. Inspiratory gating reduces the dose absorbed by the heart without compromising the target range, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiac death.

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma of the maxilla arising in an old woman, a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor, commonly occurring in young adults and typically affecting the mandibular region. We report an exceptionally rare and highly atypical case of AFS in an elderly female patient originating from the maxillary bone. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman was admitted with a two-week history of a lump in her left upper molar. CT scans suggested a cyst in the maxillary bone. An incisional biopsy revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. MRI showed abnormalities in the left maxilla, indicating a possible tumorous lesion. The patient underwent a subtotal maxillectomy, wide tumor excision, intraoral epithelial flap transplantation, and dental extraction. Histology identified atypical tumor cells with visible mitotic figures. Immunohistochemistry showed negative for PCK and CD34 expression, but positive for Vimentin and SMA expression. The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 30 to 50%. These findings suggested a potentially malignant soft tissue tumor in the left maxilla, leaning towards a diagnosis of AFS. The patient received postoperative radiotherapy. There was no recurrence during the six-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Based on repeated pathological evidence, we report a rare case of an elderly female with AFS originating from the maxillary bone. Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy resulted in a favorable outcome.

Endolymphatic sac tumor: An urgent case presenting acute intracranial hypertension successfully treated with suboccipital decompressive craniectomy - 8 years of follow-up.

Background: Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare lesion. It may be sporadically or associated with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Progressive audiovestibular symptoms characterize the typical clinical presentation. Here, we report a unique case of ELST with acute intracranial hypertension (IH) due to tumor compression, successfully treated with an urgent suboccipital decompressive craniectomy (SDC). Case Description: A 33-year-old woman previously underwent a biopsy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The histopathological finding revealed an ELST. One year later, she developed headache, vomiting, and somnolence due to brainstem compression. An urgent SDC was performed. One month later, preoperative endovascular embolization and partial tumor resection were carried out. After 6 months adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) therapy was administered. She has been under follow-up for 8 years since the last surgical procedure, and the tumor remains stable. Conclusion: ELST generally has a progressive clinical course. This is a unique case with acute IH due to tumor compression. The tumor's high vascularity and the unavailability of endovascular embolization precluded its resection. SDC was an alternative approach. The final treatment included tumor embolization, surgical resection, and RT. No progression was observed for 8 years after the last procedure, and long-term follow-up is warranted.