Correlation of PET-CT, MRI and histopathology findings in the follow-up of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer / Correlação dos achados de PET-CT, RM e histopatologia no seguimento de pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo

Abstract Introduction: Surgical treatment options are limited for nasopharyngeal cancer for many reasons including epidemiological and histological properties, proximity to important structures, heavy lymphatic drainage, and the difficulty in ensuring a safe surgical margin; therefore primary treatment is generally radiotherapy and chemotherapy. With current radiotherapy technology, oncological success has been increased and the quality of life of patients during the postradiotherapy period is improved. Objective: The role of magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography in the follow-up of recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were initially treated with radiotherapy was evaluated with respect to histopathological findings. Methods: A total of 110 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who had received radiotherapy were included in the study. Patients who were suspected to have recurrence according to endoscopic nasopharyngeal examination and magnetic resonance imaging findings were requested to undergo positron emission-computed tomography. Biopsies were taken from 40 patients who had suspicious lesions in positron emission-computed tomography images. These patients' age, gender, presence/absence of contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, the SuvMax values of nasopharyngeal and neck lesions, T/N phases at initial diagnosis, histopathological recurrence, and history of neck dissection were assessed. Results: Recurrence was observed in 8 patients (20.0%). Among these, 4 (10.0%) had recurrence at the nasopharynx and 4 (10.0%) at the neck. Patients with recurrence were found to be of older age, male gender, advanced T/N phase, contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, and higher nasopharyngeal and neck SuvMax values in positron emission-computed tomography. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Only the history of neck dissection was significantly more common among those with recurrence (p < 0.001). However, in multivariate analysis, those with a nasopharyngeal SuvMax value higher than 4.58 were found to have 7.667-fold higher risk for recurrence (p = 0.036). Conclusions: Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission-computed tomography should be evaluated together in the follow-up of nasopharyngeal cancer. Patients with minimal SuvMax 4.58 on positron emission-computed tomography after contrast enhancement in the T2 sequence on magnetic resonance imaging may considered appropriate for biopsy. Biopsies in patients with a SuvMax value lower than 4.58 can be avoided. Thus, patients avoid surgical stress and unnecessary costs.

Resumo Introdução: As opções de tratamento cirúrgico são limitadas para o carcinoma nasofaríngeo por várias razões, inclusive aspectos epidemiológicos e histológicos, proximidade de estruturas importantes, drenagem linfática carregada e dificuldade de garantir uma margem cirúrgica segura; portanto, o tratamento primário é geralmente radioterapia e quimioterapia. Com a tecnologia atual de radioterapia, o sucesso oncológico aumentou e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes durante o período pós-radioterapia é garantida. Objetivo: O papel da ressonância magnética e da tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons no seguimento de pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo recorrente, inicialmente tratados com radioterapia, foi avaliado em relação aos achados histopatológicos. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 110 pacientes com carcinoma nasofaríngeo que receberam radioterapia. Pacientes com suspeita de recorrência de acordo com o exame endoscópico nasofaríngeo e com achados de ressonância magnética foram solicitados a fazer tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Foram feitas biópsias de 40 pacientes com lesões suspeitas nas imagens de tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo idade, sexo, presença/ausência de realce por contraste na ressonância magnética, valores SUVmax de lesões nasofaríngeas e cervicais, estágios T/N no diagnóstico inicial, recorrência histopatológica e histórico de esvaziamento cervical. Resultados: A recorrência foi observada em 8 pacientes (20,0%). Entre esses, 4 (10,0%) apresentaram recorrência na nasofaringe e 4 (10,0%) no pescoço. Pacientes com recorrência eram do sexo masculino, apresentavam idade mais avançada, estágio avançado T/N, realce por contraste na ressonância magnética e maiores valores de SuvMax nasofaríngeo e cervical na tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons. Entretanto, essas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significantes. Apenas o histórico de esvaziamento cervical foi significantemente mais comum entre aqueles com recorrência (p < 0,001). No entanto, na análise multivariada, aqueles com um valor de SUVmax nasofaríngeo superior a 4,58 apresentaram um risco 7,667 vezes maior de recorrência (p = 0,036). Conclusão A ressonância magnética e a tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons devem ser avaliadas em conjunto no seguimento da doença. Pacientes com valor de SUVmax mínimo de 4,58 na tomografia computadorizada por emissão de pósitrons após realce com contraste na sequência T2 na ressonância magnética podem ser considerados mais adequados para biópsia. Biópsias em pacientes com um valor de SUVmax menor do que 4,58 podem ser evitadas. Dessa forma, podemos evitar o estresse cirúrgico para o paciente e custos desnecessários.

Efficacy of endometrial cancer follow-up protocols: time to change?

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to analyze relapse rates and patterns in patients with endometrial cancer with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of current follow-up procedures in terms of patient survival, as well as the convenience of modifying the surveillance strategy. Methods Retrospective descriptive study including all patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer relapse at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Complejo Hospitalario Insular-Materno Infantil de Canarias, between 2005 and 2014. Results Recurrence was observed in 81 patients (10.04% of the sample); 66.7% of them suffered relapse within 2 years and 80.2% within 3 years after the termination of the primary treatment; 41.9% showed distant metastases while the rest corresponded to local-regional (40.7%) or ganglionar (17.4%) relapse; 42% of these were symptomatic; 14 patients showed more than 1 site of relapse. Relapse was detected mainly through symptoms and physical examination findings (54.3%), followed by elevated serummarker levels (29.6%), computed tomography (CT) images (9.9%) and abnormal vaginal cytology findings (6.2%). No differences in global survival were found between patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic relapse. Conclusion Taking into account that the recurrence rate of endometrial cancer is low, that relapse occurs mainly within the first 3 years post-treatment and that symptom evaluation and physical examination are the most effective follow-up methods, we postulate that a modification of the current model of hospital follow-up should be considered.

Routine follow-up after surgical treatment of lung cancer: is chest CT useful? / Acompanhamento de rotina após tratamento cirúrgico de câncer de pulmão: a TC de tórax é útil?

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the experience of a routine follow-up program based on medical visits and chest CT. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients followed after complete surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer between April of 2007 and December of 2015. The follow-up program consisted of clinical examination and chest CT. Each follow-up visit was classified as a routine or non-routine consultation, and patients were considered symptomatic or asymptomatic. The outcomes of the follow-up program were no evidence of cancer, recurrence, or second primary lung cancer. Results: The sample comprised 148 patients. The median time of follow-up was 40.1 months, and 74.3% of the patients underwent fewer chest CTs than those recommended in our follow-up program. Recurrence and second primary lung cancer were found in 17.6% and 11.5% of the patients, respectively. Recurrence was diagnosed in a routine medical consultation in 69.2% of the cases, 57.7% of the patients being asymptomatic. Second primary lung cancer was diagnosed in a routine medical appointment in 94.1% of the cases, 88.2% of the patients being asymptomatic. Of the 53 patients who presented with abnormalities on chest CT, 41 (77.3%) were diagnosed with cancer. Conclusion: Most of the cases of recurrence, especially those of second primary lung cancer, were confirmed by chest CT in asymptomatic patients, indicating the importance of a strict follow-up program that includes chest CTs after surgical resection of lung cancer.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de um programa de acompanhamento de rotina baseado em consultas médicas e TC de tórax. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvendo pacientes acompanhados após ressecção cirúrgica completa de câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas entre abril de 2007 e dezembro de 2015. O programa de acompanhamento consistiu em exame clínico e TC de tórax. Cada visita de acompanhamento foi classificada como uma consulta de rotina ou fora da rotina, e os pacientes foram considerados sintomáticos ou assintomáticos. Os desfechos do programa de acompanhamento foram ausência de evidência de câncer, recidiva ou segundo câncer de pulmão primário. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 148 pacientes. A mediana do tempo de acompanhamento foi de 40,1 meses, e 74,3% dos pacientes realizaram menos TCs do que as recomendadas em nosso programa de acompanhamento. Recidiva e segundo câncer de pulmão primário foram encontrados em 17,6% e 11,5% dos pacientes, respectivamente. A recidiva foi diagnosticada em uma consulta médica de rotina em 69,2% dos casos, sendo 57,7% dos pacientes assintomáticos. O segundo câncer de pulmão primário foi diagnosticado em consulta médica de rotina em 94,1% dos casos, sendo 88,2% dos pacientes assintomáticos. Dos 53 pacientes que apresentaram anormalidades na TC de tórax, 41 (77,3%) foram diagnosticados com câncer. Conclusões: A maioria dos casos de recidiva, principalmente os de segundo câncer de pulmão primário, foi confirmada por TC de tórax em pacientes assintomáticos, indicando a importância de um programa de acompanhamento rigoroso que inclua TC de tórax após ressecção cirúrgica de câncer de pulmão.

Correlation between Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and Risk of Tumor Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the association between contrast-enhanced ultrasound and risk of tumor recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods A total of 287 PTCs in 287 patients who underwent surgery,conventional ultrasound,and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)were enrolled in this study.According to 2015 American Thyroid Association(ATA)Modified Initial Risk Stratification System,the patients were categorized into three groups:low risk,intermediate risk,and high risk.The CEUS patterns of PTCs were compared between different risk stratifications. Results Hypo-enhancement was presented in 57.6% of ATA low-risk PTCs,iso-enhancement in 62.3% of ATA intermediate-risk PTCs,and hyper-enhancement in 48.2% of ATA high-risk PTCs(

Diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for distinguishing pseudoprogression from glioma recurrence: a meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#It is crucial to differentiate accurately glioma recurrence and pseudoprogression which have entirely different prognosis and require different treatment strategies. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) as a tool for distinguishing glioma recurrence and pseudoprogression.@*METHODS@#According to particular criteria of inclusion and exclusion, related studies up to May 1, 2019, were thoroughly searched from several databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese biomedical databases. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies was applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies. By using the "mada" package in R, the heterogeneity, overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. Moreover, funnel plots were used to visualize and estimate the publication bias in this study. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was computed to display the diagnostic efficiency of DCE-MRI.@*RESULTS@#In the present meta-analysis, a total of 11 studies covering 616 patients were included. The results showed that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.792 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.707-0.857), 0.779 (95% CI 0.715-0.832), and 16.219 (97.5% CI 9.123-28.833), respectively. The value of the area under the SROC curve was 0.846. In addition, the SROC curve showed high sensitivities (>0.6) and low false positive rates (<0.5) from most of the included studies, which suggest that the results of our study were reliable. Furthermore, the funnel plot suggested the existence of publication bias.@*CONCLUSIONS@#While the DCE-MRI is not the perfect diagnostic tool for distinguishing glioma recurrence and pseudoprogression, it was capable of improving diagnostic accuracy. Hence, further investigations combining DCE-MRI with other imaging modalities are required to establish an efficient diagnostic method for glioma patients.

Retrograde pyelography before radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma is associated with intravesical tumor recurrence

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the association between preoperative retrograde pyelography (RGP), conducted to evaluate upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), and intravesical recurrence (IVR) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Materials and Methods: Of 114 patients that underwent RNU, 72 patients without preoperative ureteroscopy and a history of bladder tumor were selectively enrolled. Variables associated with IVR were identified. Results: RGP was performed at a mean duration of 24.9 days prior to RNU in 41 (56.1%) of study subjects. During the mean follow-up period of 64.5 months, IVRs were identified in 32 (44.4%) patients at 22.3±18.8 (mean±SD) months after RNU. Despite similar tumor characteristics in the RGP and non-RGP groups, the incidence of IVR was considerably higher in the RGP group (63.4%) than in the non-RGP group (19.4%, p <0.001). The following variables differed significantly between the IVR and non-IVR groups: age (64.6±8.51 vs. 59.6±9.65 years), tumor location (lower or upper; 53.1% vs. 20%), tumor invasiveness (> pT2; 53.1% vs. 17.5%), preoperative hemoglobin (12.8±1.36 vs. 13.9±1.65), preoperative creatinine (1.29±0.32 vs. 1.11±0.22), and preoperative RGP (81.3% vs. 37.5%), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that tumor location (p=0.020, HR=2.742), preoperative creatinine level (p=0.004, HR=6.351), and preoperative RGP (p=0.045, HR=3.134) independently predicted IVR. Conclusion: Given the limitations of retrospective single-center series, performance of RGP before RNU was shown to have a negative effect on IVR after surgery.

Relación de las cinéticas del PSA en la detección de la recurrencia del cáncer de próstata post prostatectomía radical con la 18f-colina tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computada [PET/TC colina (PETC)] / Kinetic Relation Between PSA and 18F-choline PET/ CT in the Detection of Recurrent Prostatic Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la relación de las cinéticas del antígeno prostático específico (PSA por su sigla en inglés) con la positividad de la tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computada [PET/TC colina (PETC)]en pacientes con una recaída de cáncer de próstata (RCP). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un trabajo retrospectivo de 48 pacientes con RCP post prostatectomía radical (PR) evaluados con PETC. Resultados: La PETC negativa tuvo una mediana de 16,3 meses y la PETC positiva de 5,5 meses (p = < 0,001) para el tiempo de doblaje de PSA (PSADT por su sigla en inglés); la PETC fue positiva en el 96% de los pacientes con un PSADT< 12 meses. La PETC negativa tuvo una mediana de 0,03 ng/ml/año y la PETC positiva de 4,1 ng/ml/año (p = < 0,001) para la velocidad del PSA (PSAVpor su sigla en inglés); la PETC fue positiva en el 92% de los pacientes con un PSAV > 0,75 ng/ml/año. Las áreas bajo la curva ROC para PSAV fue de 0,984 con un punto de corte de mayor discriminación de 0.785 ng/ml/año, mostrando razones de verosimilitud (LR por su sigla en inglés) LR + = 25 y LR- = 0,1. Para PSADT el ROC fue de 0,992 con un punto de corte de mayor discriminación de 11 meses, mostrando LR + = 11 y LR- = 0. Discusión: El PSA es un indicador inespecífico de PETC positiva. Un estudio inicial demostró que los pacientes con una RCP con una PETC positiva tenían un menor PSADT y una mayor PSAV que los pacientes con una PETC negativa. Conclusión: La positividad de la PETC se vio influenciada por las cinéticas del PSA, observándose que a menor PSADT y que a mayor PSAV mayor fue la probabilidad de la positividad de la PETC.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) kinetics and the detection of Prostate Cancer Relapse (PCR) with Positron-Emission Tomography (PETC). Material and methods: A retrospective study of 48 patients with a PCR after a radical prostatectomy evaluated with PETC was performed. Results: PSA Doubling Time (PSADT), with negative PETC, had a median of 16.3 months and the positive PETC a median of 5.5 months (p = < 0.001); 96% of patients with a PSADT <12 months had positive PETC. PSA Velocity (PSAV), negative PETC, had a median of 0.03 ng/ml/year and positive PETC a median of 4.1 ng/ml/year (p = < 0.001); 92% of patients who had a PSAV > 0.75 ng/ml/year had positive PETC. The ROC for PSAV was 0.984 with a cut-off value of 0.785 ng/ml/year, Showing Likelihood Ratios (LR) LR + = 25 and LR- = 0.1. The ROC for PSADT was 0.992 with a cut off value of 11 months, showing LR + = 11 and LR- = 0. Discussion: PSA is a nonspecific indicator of positive PETC. An initial study demon-strated that patients with a PCR and positive PETC had lower PSADT and higher PSAV than patients with a negative PETC. Conclusion: The rate of detection of PCR with PETC was influenced by the kinetics of PSA, and it was observed that the lower the PSADT and the higher the PSAV, the greater the probability of the positivity of the PETC.

Cervical cancer - staging and restaging with 18F-FDG PET/CT

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Relapsed ovarian cancer - diagnosis using 18F-FDG PET/CT; 4

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize procedures to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Impact of 68GA-PSMA PET / CT on treatment of patients with recurrent / metastatic high risk prostate cancer - a multicenter study

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT in the setting of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 125 prostate cancer patients submitted to the 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT due to biochemical recurrence. The parameters age, Gleason score, PSA levels, and the highest SUVmax were correlated to potential treatment changes. The highest SUVmax values were correlated with age and Gleason score. The median follow-up time was 24 months. Results: 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT led to a treatment change in 66 / 104 (63.4%) patients (twenty-one patients were lost to follow-up). There was a significant change of treatment plan in patients with a higher Gleason score (P = 0.0233), higher SUVmax (p = 0.0306) and higher PSA levels (P < 0.0001; median PSA = 2.55 ng / mL). Conclusion: 68Ga-PSMA PET / CT in prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence has a high impact in patient management.

Locoregional recurrence of Frantz' tumor: a case report and review of the literature

SUMMARY Frantz' tumours or solid pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas are rare neoplasms with low malignant potential. Young women in the second to third decades of life are more frequently affected. The treatment of choice is resection of the lesion, which is often curative. The recurrence is uncommon when radical surgical resection is used. Radiological characteristics are important for the correct diagnosis, since the preoperative planning is fundamental to obtain the cure. The objective of this study is to report a rare case of locoregional recurrence and to review the radiological findings of solid pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas in the literature, as well to know the incidence and risk factors of tumor recurrence. This case report is from a 37-year-old female patient evaluated at an Oncologic Hospital, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, who presented an uncommon evolution of the disease, characterized by local recurrence despite the complete resection of the primary lesion with free margins.

RESUMO Os tumores de Frantz ou tumores pseudopapilares sólidos do pâncreas são neoplasias raras, que apresentam baixo potencial maligno. A maioria acomete mulheres jovens na segunda a terceira década de vida. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção da lesão, uma vez que é frequentemente curativa. A recidiva é incomum quando é empregada ressecção cirúrgica completa. As características radiológicas são importantes para a hipótese diagnóstica, uma vez que o planejamento pré-operatório é fundamental para a obtenção da cura. O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar um caso raro de recidiva locorregional e rever na literatura os achados radiológicos dos tumores pseudopapilares sólidos do pâncreas, assim como conhecer a incidência e os fatores de risco da recorrência tumoral. Este relato de caso é de uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 37 anos, avaliada em um hospital de referência oncológica, na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, que apresentou uma evolução incomum da doença, caracterizada pela recorrência locorregional, apesar da ressecção da lesão primária com margens livres.

Prostate cancer recurrence in vas deferens - fusion image guide as an important tool in dignosis

ABSTRACT The biochemical recurrence after local treatment for prostate cancer is an often challenging condition of clinical management. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the importance of the association of various imaging methods in the identification and subsequent accurate percutaneous biopsy in patients with recurrence of prostate cancer, especially in unusual sites. An 86 years old male with biochemical recurrence, during radiological investigation a PET-MRI was noted the presence of an asymmetry of the vas deferens with PSMA-68Ga uptaken, suggesting the recurrence. A percutaneous fusion biopsy with PET-MRI and ultrasound was performed using transrectal access using ultrasound confirming infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the wall of the vas deferens, compatible with neoplastic prostate recurrence. The fusion image technique combines the real-time view of the US to the possibility of higher definition and higher specificity, methods more anatomical detail as tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, simultaneously. High resolution acquired in PET / MR associated with image fusion allows orientation procedures, even in areas of difficult access, with greater accuracy than conventional techniques.

Clinical perspectives of PSMA PET/MRI for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer imaging has become an important diagnostic modality for tumor evaluation. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) has been extensively studied, and the results are robust and promising. The advent of the PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has added morphofunctional information from the standard of reference MRI to highly accurate molecular information from PET. Different PSMA ligands have been used for this purpose including 68gallium and 18fluorine-labeled PET probes, which have particular features including spatial resolution, imaging quality and tracer biodistribution. The use of PSMA PET imaging is well established for evaluating biochemical recurrence, even at low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but has also shown interesting applications for tumor detection, primary staging, assessment of therapeutic responses and treatment planning. This review will outline the potential role of PSMA PET/MRI for the clinical assessment of PCa.

Do the radiological criteria with the use of risk factors impact the forecasting of abdominal neuroblastic tumor resection in children? / Critérios radiológicos impactam a previsão de ressecabilidade em neuroblastomas abdominais na criança com o uso de fatores de risco?

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of neuroblastoma is dependent on exquisite staging; is performed postoperatively and is dependent on the surgeon's expertise. The use of risk factors through imaging on diagnosis appears as predictive of resectability, complications and homogeneity in staging. Aim: To evaluate the traditional resectability criteria with the risk factors for resectability, through the radiological images, in two moments: on diagnosis and in pre-surgical phase. Were analyzed the resectability, surgical complications and relapse rate. Methods: Retrospective study of 27 children with abdominal and pelvic neuroblastoma stage 3 and 4, with tomography and/or resonance on the diagnosis and pre-surgical, identifying the presence of risk factors. Results: The mean age of the children was 2.5 years at diagnosis, where 55.6% were older than 18 months, 51.9% were girls and 66.7% were in stage 4. There was concordance on resectability of the tumor by both methods (INSS and IDRFs) at both moments of the evaluation, at diagnosis (p=0.007) and post-chemotherapy (p=0.019); In this way, all resectable patients by IDRFs in the post-chemotherapy had complete resection, and the unresectable ones, 87.5% incomplete. There was remission in 77.8%, 18.5% relapsed and 33.3% died. Conclusions: Resectability was similar in both methods at both pre-surgical and preoperative chemotherapy; preoperative chemotherapy increased resectability and decreased number of risk factors, where the presence of at least one IDRF was associated with incomplete resections and surgical complications; relapses were irrelevant.

RESUMO Racional: O tratamento do neuroblastoma é dependente de estadiamento primoroso, realizado no pós-cirúrgico e dependente da expertise do cirurgião. O uso de fatores de risco através da imagem ao diagnóstico surge como preditivo de ressecabilidade, complicações e homogeneidade no estadiamento. Objetivos: Avaliar o critério de ressecabilidade tradicional com os fatores de risco para ressecabilidade, através das imagens radiológicas, em dois momentos no diagnóstico e no pré-cirúrgico analisando a ressecabilidade, complicações cirúrgicas e índice de recidiva. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo em 27 crianças com neuroblastoma estádios 3 e 4 em abdome e pelve, e com tomografia e/ou ressonância no diagnóstico e pré-cirúrgico, identificando-se a presença de fatores de risco. Resultados: A idade média das crianças foi de 2,5 anos ao diagnóstico, onde 55,6% estavam acima dos 18 meses, 51,9% eram meninas e 66,7% tinham estádio 4. Houve concordância da ressecabilidade do tumor pelos dois métodos avaliados (INSS e IDRFs) e em ambos os momentos da avaliação, ao diagnóstico (p=0,007) e pós-quimioterapia (p=0,019). Desta forma todos pacientes ressecáveis por IDRFs no pós-quimioterapia tiveram ressecção completa; já nos irressecáveis, 87,5% tiveram ressecção incompleta. Houve remissão em 77,8%, 18,5% recaíram e 33,3% morreram. Conclusões: Aressecabilidade foi semelhante em ambos os métodos tanto no diagnóstico como no pré-cirúrgico. A quimioterapia pré-operatória aumentou a ressecabilidade e diminuição do número de fatores de risco, onde a presença de ao menos um IDRF associou-se às ressecções incompletas e complicações cirúrgicas. As recidivas foram irrelevantes.

Feasibility of laparoscopic cytoreduction in patients with localized recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of laparoscopic cytoreduction in patients with localized recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) by comparing its outcomes to those of laparotomy. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis in 79 EOC patients who had a localized single recurrent site, as demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography/CT scan; had no ascites; were disease-free for 12 or more months prior; and who had undergone secondary cytoreduction (laparoscopy in 31 patients, laparotomy in 48 patients) at Samsung Medical Center between 2002 and 2013. By reviewing the electronic medical records, we investigated the patients' baseline characteristics, surgical characteristics, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between laparoscopy and laparotomy patients in terms of age, body mass index, cancer antigen 125 level, tumor type, initial stage, grade, recurrence site, type of procedures used in the secondary cytoreduction, adjuvant chemotherapy, and disease-free interval from the previous treatment. With regards to surgical outcomes, reduced operating time, shorter hospital stay, and less estimated blood loss were achieved in the laparoscopy group. Complete debulking was achieved in all cases in the laparoscopy group. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach is feasible without compromising morbidity and survival in selected groups of patients with recurrent EOC. The laparoscopic approach can be a possible treatment option for recurrent EOC.

Cryoablation of a Small Pulmonary Nodule with Pure Ground-Glass Opacity: A Case Report

Treatments for pure ground-glass nodules (GGNs) include limited resection; however, surgery is not always possible in patients with limited pulmonary functional reserve. In such patients, cryoablation may be a suitable alternative to treat a pure GGN. Here, we report our initial experience with cryoablation of a pure GGN that remained after repeated surgical resection in a patient with multiple GGNs. A 5-mm-sized pure GGN in the left lower lobe was cryoablated successfully without recurrence at the 6-month follow-up.

Does Establishing a Safety Margin Reduce Local Recurrence in Subsegmental Transarterial Chemoembolization for Small Nodular Hepatocellular Carcinomas?

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a safety margin may affect local tumor recurrence (LTR) in subsegmental chemoembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 101 patients with 128 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules (1-3 cm in size and < or = 3 in number), cone-beam CT-assisted subsegmental lipiodol chemoembolization was performed. Immediately thereafter, a non-contrast thin-section CT image was obtained to evaluate the presence or absence of intra-tumoral lipiodol uptake defect and safety margin. The effect of lipiodol uptake defect and safety margin on LTR was evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to indentify determinant factors of LTR. RESULTS: Of the 128 HCC nodules in 101 patients, 49 (38.3%) nodules in 40 patients showed LTR during follow-up period (median, 34.1 months). Cumulative 1- and 2-year LTR rates of nodules with lipiodol uptake defect (n = 27) and those without defect (n = 101) were 58.1% vs. 10.1% and 72.1% vs. 19.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Among the 101 nodules without a defect, the 1- and 2-year cumulative LTR rates for nodules with complete safety margin (n = 52) and those with incomplete safety margin (n = 49) were 9.8% vs. 12.8% and 18.9% vs. 19.0% (p = 0.912). In multivariate analyses, ascites (p = 0.035), indistinct tumor margin on cone-beam CT (p = 0.039), heterogeneous lipiodol uptake (p = 0.023), and intra-tumoral lipiodol uptake defect (p < 0.001) were determinant factors of higher LTR. CONCLUSION: In lipiodol chemoembolization, the safety margin in completely lipiodolized nodule without defect will not affect LTR in small nodular HCCs.

Bevacizumab in combination with gemcitabine and carboplatin in recurrent ovarian cancer: a critical consideration / 부인종양

No abstract available.

Computed Tomographic-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Recurrent or Residual Hepatocellular Carcinomas around Retained Iodized Oil after Transarterial Chemoembolization

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety, and risk factors influencing local tumor progression, following CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of recurrent or residual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), around iodized oil retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients (M : F = 51 : 13, 65.0 +/- 8.2 years old) with recurrent or residual HCC (75 index tumors, size = 14.0 +/- 4.6 mm) had been treated by CT-guided RFA, using retained iodized oil as markers for targeting. The technical success, technique effectiveness rate and complications of RFA were then assessed. On pre-ablative and immediate follow-up CT after RFA, we evaluated the size of enhancing index tumors and iodized oil retention, presence of abutting vessels, completeness of ablation of iodized oil retention, and the presence of ablative margins greater than 5 mm. Also, the time interval between transarterial chemoembolization and RFA was assessed. The cumulative local tumor progression rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards model was adopted, to clarify the independent factors affecting local tumor progression. RESULTS: The technical success and technique effectiveness rate was 100% and 98.7%, respectively. Major complications were observed in 5.6%. The cumulative rates of local tumor progression at 1 and 2 years were 17.5% and 37.5%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, partial ablation of the targeted iodized oil retention was the sole independent predictor of a higher local tumor progression rate. CONCLUSION: CT-guided RFA of HCC around iodized oil retention was effective and safe. Local tumor progression can be minimized by complete ablation of not only index tumors, but targeted iodized oil deposits as well.