Efficacy and safety of 0.5% colchicine cream versus 5% 5-fluorouracil cream in the treatment of cutaneous field cancerization: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a first-line drug to treat cutaneous field cancerization (CFC). There are few clinical trials with topical colchicine (COL). Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.5% COL cream versus 5% 5-FU cream in the treatment of CFC. Method This was a randomized, open, self-controlled clinical trial. Forty-five patients (90 forearms), with three to ten actinic keratoses (AK) on each forearm, used 0.5% COL cream 2×/day for seven days on one forearm, and 5% 5-FU cream 2× /day, for 21 days, on the other forearm. The dosages were defined based on previous clinical trials for each drug. Adverse effects were evaluated after 14 days and outcomes after 90 days of inclusion. The primary outcome was complete AK clearance and the secondary outcomes were: partial clearance (≥50%), reduction in AK count, assessment of the Forearm Photoaging Scale (FPS), AK Severity Score (AKSS), and adverse effects. Results After 90 days, there was complete clearance of AK in 37% (95% CI 24%-49%) and partial clearance in 85% (95% CI 76%-93%) of the forearms treated with 5-FU,versus 17% (95% CI 7%-27%) and 78% (95% CI 66%-88%) for COL (p > 0.07). There was a percentage reduction of 75% in the AK count of the forearms treated with 5-FU (95% CI 66%-83%) and 64% in those treated with COL (95% CI 55%-72%). Regarding FPS and AKSS, there was improvement in both groups, with no difference regarding FPS (p = 0.654), and 5-FU superiority for AKSS (p = 0.012). Study limitations Single-center study. Conclusions 5-FU and COL are effective for treating CFC, with neither showing superiority regarding the reduction in AK counts.

Tumores del sistema nervioso central. Clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud 2021. Hacia un cambio de paradigma / Tumors of the central nervous system. Classification of the World Health Organization 2021. Towards a paradigm shift

El estudio de los tumores del sistema nervioso central (SNC) resulta ser un tema de gran consideración y su conocimiento reviste una alta importancia en la práctica médica. Las clasificaciones de las neoplasias del SNC comenzaron a mediados del siglo XIX hasta que en 1979 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) publicó la primera edición de una sistemática útil con el objetivo de establecer un lenguaje común para todas las especialidades médicas. Al día de hoy, 5 ediciones actualizaron la taxonomía neoplásica. La quinta edición del año 2021 consolida el cambio de paradigma dado por los avances moleculares, si bien todavía la transición se encuentra en proceso entre la caracterización morfológica y la biológica molecular. En este artículo, se analizan las nuevas modificaciones incorporadas en las diferentes familias tumorales más frecuentes en pediatría haciendo hincapié en aquella información de utilidad para el médico pediatra en su práctica diaria y la consulta multidisciplinaria.

The study of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is a subject of great interest and such knowledge is of great importance in medical practice. The classifications of CNS neoplasms began in the mid-19 th century, until the World Health Organization (WHO) published, in 1979, the first edition of a useful systematic review for the purpose of establishing a common language for all medical specialties. To date, 5 updated editions of neoplastic taxonomy have been published.The fifth edition, from 2021, consolidates the paradigm shift brought about by molecular advances, although the transition between morphological and molecular biological characterization is still in progress. In this article, the new modifications introduced in the different most frequent families of tumors in pediatrics are analyzed, emphasizing useful information for pediatricians in their daily practice and multidisciplinary consultations.

Efecto de la implementación de las recomendaciones del protocolo de recuperación mejorada después de cirugía (ERAS) en cirugía colorrectal en un hospital de referencia del suroccidente colombiano / Effect of the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol recommendations in colorectal surgery at a reference hospital in Southwestern Colombia

Introducción. La implementación del protocolo de recuperación mejorada después de cirugía (ERAS) ha demostrado mejorar los desenlaces en cirugía colorrectal. En Colombia su implementación es escasa y se tiene poca evidencia de sus beneficios. Por esa razón, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la implementación del protocolo ERAS en los pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal en un hospital de referencia en el suroccidente colombiano. Métodos. Estudio observacional con abordaje de emulación de experimento clínico ideal. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos sometidos a cirugía colorrectal mayor entre los años 2021 y 2023. Se midió días de estancia hospitalaria, ingreso a unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI) y la presencia de complicaciones globales, reintervenciones o reingreso hospitalario a 30 días. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado para medir el efecto de la implementación del protocolo ERAS en los desenlaces. Resultados. En total,132 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 79 pacientes en el período previo a la implementación de ERAS y 53 pacientes con el protocolo ERAS. En el análisis multivariado, se encontró una reducción relativa del 77 % para ingreso a UCI, del 57 % de complicaciones globales, del 67 % en el reingreso hospitalario y del 92 % para reintervenciones quirúrgicas tras el alta en los pacientes ERAS. Conclusiones. La implementación de las recomendaciones ERAS en nuestra institución demostró mejorar los resultados clínicos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal mayor. En Colombia, se necesita de estudios multicéntricos que permitan evidenciar la plausibilidad y beneficios de estas recomendaciones en otras instituciones.

Introduction. Implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has been shown to improve outcomes in colorectal surgery. In Colombia, its implementation is scarce and there is limited evidence of its benefits. For this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ERAS protocol implementation in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in a reference hospital in Southwestern Colombia. Methods. Observational study with ideal clinical experiment emulation approach. Adult patients undergoing major colorectal surgery between 2021 and 2023 were included. Days of hospital stay, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the presence of overall complications, reinterventions, or hospital readmission within 30 days were measured. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to measure the effect of the implementation of the ERAS protocol on the outcomes. Results. A total of 132 patients met the inclusion criteria, 79 patients in the period prior to ERAS implementation and 53 patients with the ERAS protocol. In the multivariate analysis, a relative reduction of 77% for ICU admissions, 57% for overall complications, 67% for hospital readmission, and 92% for surgical reinterventions after discharge in ERAS patients was found. Conclusions. Implementation of ERAS recommendations at our institution was shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery, In Colombia, multicenter studies are needed to demonstrate the plausibility and benefits of these recommendations in other institutions.

Caracterización epidemiológica de pacientes con síndrome posterior a resección anterior baja de recto y aproximación de su relación con aspectos demográficos, patológicos y quirúrgicos, en un centro de referencia en Medellín, entre 2016-2022 / Epidemiological characterization of patients with post-low anterior rectal resection syndrome and approximation of its relationship with demographic, pathological, and surgical aspects, in a referral center in Medellin, between 2016-2022

Introducción. El cáncer colorrectal es uno de los tipos de cáncer más comunes y mortales a nivel mundial. Aunque los avances médicos han mejorado el manejo, la cirugía sigue siendo fundamental. La resección anterior baja (RAB) de recto ha ganado relevancia, a pesar de que puede llevar al síndrome de resección anterior baja de recto (LARS, por sus siglas en inglés), afectando la calidad de vida. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal con intención analítica en un centro de referencia en Medellín, Colombia. Los pacientes con cáncer de recto sometidos a RAB entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2022 completaron el cuestionario LARS para evaluar disfunción intestinal. Se evaluaron factores relacionados con la presencia de LARS por medio de un análisis bivariado. Resultados. De 234 pacientes elegibles, 110 (47 %) respondieron la encuesta, predominantemente mujeres (58,2 %). La edad promedio fue 62 años. Dos tercios de los pacientes recibieron neoadyuvancia y el 69 % requirieron ileostomía. La prevalencia de LARS fue 47,3 %. El 80,9 % llevaban más de 12 meses desde la cirugía o el cierre del estoma. Factores estadísticamente significativos asociados a LARS fueron edad mayor de 65 años (p=0,03), estadío patológico avanzado (p=0,02) y requerimiento de estoma (p=0,03). Conclusiones. El LARS afecta a casi la mitad de los pacientes en diferentes etapas posquirúrgicas. El LARS scorees una herramienta práctica para evaluar la función intestinal en el seguimiento del paciente. La prevalencia y los factores de riesgo identificados contribuyen a la comprensión del impacto de la cirugía conservadora del esfínter en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer worldwide, with a high incidence of rectal cancer. Although medical advances have improved management, surgery remains crucial. Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) has gained significance, despite its potential to lead to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), affecting quality of life. Methods. A cross-sectional study with analytical intent was conducted at a referral center in Medellín, Colombia. Patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR between January 2016 and December 2022 completed the LARS questionnaire to assess intestinal dysfunction. Factors related to the presence of LARS were analyzed using bivariate analysis. Results. Of 234 eligible patients, 110 (47%) responded, predominantly women (58.2%). The average age was 62 years. Two-thirds of patients received neoadjuvant therapy and 69% required ileostomy. The prevalence of LARS was 47.3%. 80.9% had been more than 12 months post-surgery or stoma closure. Statistically significant factors associated with LARS included age over 65 years (p=0.03), advanced pathological stage (p=0.02), and stoma requirement (p=0.03). Conclusions. LARS affects almost half of the patients in various post-surgical stages. The LARS score is a practical tool for assessing intestinal function in patient follow-up. The prevalence and risk factors identified contribute to the understanding of the impact of sphincter-conserving surgery on patients' quality of life.

Uso de ileostomía derivativa en cáncer de ovario. Revisión de la literatura / Use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer. Literature review

Introducción. La ileostomía derivativa de protección se realiza con el objetivo de proteger la anastomosis intestinal después de una resección colorrectal. Esta resección intestinal es el procedimiento extendido más frecuentemente realizado en pacientes con cáncer de ovario, con el fin de lograr una citorreducción completa. Conocer las indicaciones, el uso, las técnicas y las complicaciones de las ileostomías es importante para los grupos multidisciplinarios que tratan estas pacientes. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed vía Medline y una revisión narrativa actualizada de los principales hallazgos sobre las indicaciones, las técnicas quirúrgicas, complicaciones y el uso de la ileostomía derivativa en el cáncer de ovario. Resultados. El uso de la ileostomía derivativa en cáncer de ovario sigue siendo un tema controvertido. Hasta la fecha, ni la ileostomía de derivación ni la ileostomía fantasma se han asociado con una reducción en la incidencia de la fuga anastomótica, pero ambas técnicas podrían disminuir su gravedad. Conclusión. La ileostomía de derivación en cáncer de ovario se usa para proteger una anastomosis distal tras una resección intestinal, en caso de fuga anastomótica si no se ha realizado una ostomía previa o en caso de obstrucción intestinal.

Introduction. Protective diverting ileostomy is performed with the aim of protecting the intestinal anastomosis after a colorectal resection. This intestinal resection is the most frequently performed extended procedure in patients with ovarian cancer, in order to achieve complete cytoreduction. Knowing the indications, use, techniques and complications of ileostomies is important for multidisciplinary groups that treat these patients. Methods. We conducted a search in PubMed via Medline and an updated narrative review of the main findings on the indications, surgical techniques, complications and use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer. Results. The use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer remains a controversial issue. To date, neither diverting ileostomy nor ghost ileostomy have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of anastomotic leak, but both techniques could decrease its severity. Conclusion. The diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer is used to protect a distal anastomosis after intestinal resection, in case of anastomotic leak if a previous ostomy has not been performed or in case of intestinal obstruction.

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas. Reporte de caso / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. Case report

Introducción. La neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, también conocida como tumor de Frantz, es una patología poco frecuente, que comprende menos del 3 % de los tumores pancreáticos, y la mayor incidencia se observa en mujeres jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida. Su etiología es desconocida. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica sin linfadenectomía cuando se encuentra bien localizado. Inclusive aún cuando hay evidencia de metástasis o invasión local, el manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Caso clínico. Mujer de 24 años de edad, con masa abdominal palpable, dolorosa, de tres semanas de evolución. La tomografía computarizada mencionó como presunción diagnóstica un tumor de origen pancreático. En la laparotomía se encontró una masa dependiente del cuerpo del páncreas. Se realizó pancreatectomía distal radical con esplenectomía y omentectomía parcial en bloque. Resultados. Durante la cirugía no se presentaron complicaciones y hasta el sexto mes de seguimiento, la evolución fue adecuada y sin recidiva tumoral. Conclusiones. Ante la presencia de masa abdominal, con compromiso pancreático documentado por tomografía computarizada, se debe considerar el diagnóstico de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, o tumor de Frantz. El tumor de Frantz es una entidad poco frecuente que generalmente se diagnostica de forma incidental o por síntomas inespecíficos en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y manejo de esta neoplasia representa un reto y la resección quirúrgica continúa siendo el tratamiento indicado.

Introduction. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, also known as Frantz tumor, is a rare pathology, comprising less than 3% of pancreatic tumors, and the highest incidence is observed in young women between the second and third decades of life. Its etiology is unknown. The treatment of choice is surgical resection without lymphadenectomy when it is well located. Even when there is evidence of metastasis or local invasion, surgical management remains the treatment of choice. Clinical case. A 24-year-old woman presented with a palpable, painful abdominal mass of three weeks' duration. The computed tomography mentioned a tumor of pancreatic origin as a presumptive diagnosis. At laparotomy, a mass dependent on the body of the pancreas was found. Radical distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and en bloc partial omentectomy was performed. Results. During the surgery there were no complications and until the sixth month of follow-up, the evolution was adequate and without tumor recurrence. Conclusions. In the presence of an abdominal mass, with pancreatic involvement documented by computed tomography, the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, or Frantz tumor, should be considered, which must be treated surgically. Frantz tumor is a rare entity that is generally diagnosed incidentally or due to nonspecific symptoms in advanced stages. The diagnosis and management of this neoplasia represents a challenge and surgical resection continues to be the indicated treatment.

Esplenúnculo intrapancreático simulando neoplasia / Intrapancreatic splenunculus simulating neoplasia

Introducción. El esplenúnculo se ha descrito con una incidencia global del 10 al 30 %. Puede ser una entidad de origen congénito o adquirida, frecuentemente está asociada a trauma abdominal o antecedente de esplenectomía por diversas causas. Caso clínico. Mujer en edad media, con antecedente de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía por ruptura traumática, quien 30 años después presenta un cuadro de dolor abdominal. Los estudios imagenológicos identificaron una masa sólida intrapancreática. Resultados. Fue llevada a pancreatectomía distal. Los hallazgos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos confirmaron que la masa pancreática correspondía a un esplenúnculo intrapancreático adquirido, asociado al evento traumático previo. Conclusión. Los esplenúnculos suelen constituir un "incidentaloma". Los estudios imagenológicos se encuentran limitados, pues la tomografía computarizada, la resonancia nuclear magnética y la ultrasonografía presentan características imagenológicas similares con los tumores pancreáticos hipervascularizados, por lo que se debe practicar el estudio histopatológico durante su valoración. Esta entidad se debe incluir dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, con mayor énfasis en aquellos pacientes con historia de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía asociada, un escenario en el que esta lesión puede simular una neoplasia sólida del páncreas, con características malignas.

Introduction. Splenunculus has been described with an overall incidence of 10 to 30%. It can be an entity of congenital or acquired origin, it is frequently associated with abdominal trauma or a history of splenectomy for various reasons. Clinical case. Middle-aged woman, with a history of abdominal trauma and splenectomy due to traumatic rupture, who 30 years later presents with abdominal pain. Imaging studies identified a solid intrapancreatic mass. Results. She was taken to OR for distal pancreatectomy. The histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed that the pancreatic mass corresponded to an acquired intrapancreatic splenunculus, associated with the previous traumatic event. Conclusion. Splenuncles usually constitute an "incidentaloma". Imaging studies are limited, since computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography present similar imaging characteristics with hypervascularized pancreatic tumors, so histopathological study must be included during their evaluation. This entity should be included in the differential diagnoses, with greater emphasis on those patients with a history of abdominal trauma and associated splenectomy, a scenario in which this lesion can simulate a solid neoplasm of the pancreas, with malignant characteristics.

In silico evaluation of the gene expression profile of syndecan-4 in different breast tumor subtypes

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. Luminal tumors A and B show good response with hormonal treatments, tumors that overexpress HER-2 can be treated with monoclonal antibodies, whereas triple negative tumors have few treatments available because they present low or absent expression of hormone receptors and HER-2, in addition, they present worse tumor progression. Syndecans are heparan sulfate proteoglycans that have the function of interacting with growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix, thus modulating important processes in tumor progression. Objective: Analyze the expression of syndecan-4 in different subtypes of breast tumors. Methods: Bioinformatics is a useful tool for the study of new biomarkers. In the present study, the TCGA database (514 patients) and Metabric (1,898 patients) were analyzed using the cBioportal software. Gene expression data were analyzed by RNA-Seq and Microarray from biopsies of breast tumors. Results: An alteration in syndecan-4 gene expression was observed among the different subtypes of breast tumors. Patients with a triple-negative tumor had decreased expression for syndecan-4 in both databases. Conclusion: Syndecan-4 is a potential biomarker for breast tumor prognosis since decreased expression of syndecan-4 is related to triple-negative breast cancer.

Evaluación de la expresión de PD-L1 e infiltración linfocitaria intratumoral en carcinoma de mama invasivo triple negativo / Evaluation of PD-L1 expression and intratumoral lym phocytic infiltration in triple-negative invasive breast car cinoma

Resumen Introducción : El endofenotipo de cáncer de mama triple negativo (TNBC) es uno de los menos frecuentes y sin diana terapéutica, por tanto, se plantea estudiar la correlación del punto de control inmunológico PD-L1 con el establecimiento de microambiente tumoral evaluado por la infiltración linfocitaria intratumoral estromal (TILs) y su importancia en la práctica clínica. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles, con 31 casos de carcinoma infiltrante de la mama triple negativo y 57 controles no pareados de endofenotipo Luminal A, Luminal B y HER-2 atendidos en un año. Se evaluaron las variables: tipo y grado his tológico, expresión PD-L1 con el clon 22C3, TILs, invasión linfovascular, tamaño tumoral, compromiso de ganglios linfáticos y metástasis. El análisis estadístico se ejecutó con la prueba de chi cuadrado y prueba de coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. Resultados : Se encontró una correlación negativa estadísticamente significativa entre TILs y PD-L1 (rho - 0.106, p 0.025), indicando que a mayor expresión de PD-L1, es menor la infiltración linfocitaria intratumo ral. En los grupos de TILs B (10-40% TILs) y C (40-90% TILs) donde se presenta marcado infiltrado inflamatorio intratumoral se evidenció mayor número de pacientes negativos para PD-L1 (CPS <10) con 16 y 10 casos res pectivamente. Para los casos TNBC se logró identificar un coeficiente de asociación negativa (rho -0.378) y con significancia estadística (p 0.01). Discusión : Se estableció la asociación de TNBC, TILs y expresión de PDL1, lo cual es importante para la instau ración de terapias diana y el desarrollo de la medicina de precisión.

Abstract Introduction : Triple negative breast cancer endophe notype (TNBC) is one of the least frequent and without therapeutic target; therefore we propose to study the correlation of PD-L1 immune checkpoint with the es tablishment of tumor microenvironment assessed by intratumoral stromal lymphocyte infiltration (TILS) and its importance in clinical practice. Methods : A retrospective case-control study was performed, with 31 cases of triple-negative infiltrat ing breast carcinoma and 57 unmatched controls of Luminal A, Luminal B and HER-2 endophenotype seen in one year. The following variables were evaluated: histologic type and grade, PD-L1 expression with clone 22C3, TILS, lymphovascular invasion, tumor size, lymph node involvement and metastasis. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient test. Results : a statistically significant negative correlation was found between TILS and PD-L1 (rho - 0.106, p 0.025), indicating that the higher the expression of PD-L1, the lower the intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration. In the TILS B (10-40% TILS) and C (40-90% TILS) groups where there was a marked intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate, a greater number of patients were negative for PD-L1 (CPS <10) with 16 and 10 cases, respectively. For TNBC cases a negative association coefficient was identified (rho -0.378) with statistical significance (p 0.01). Discussion : The association between TNBC, TILS and PDL1 expression was established, which is important for the establishment of target therapies and the develop ment of precision medicine.

Efecto de COVID-19 en el tratamiento del cáncer cervicouterino: estudio antes/después / Effect of COVID-19 pandemics in treatment of cervical cancer: pre/post study

Resumen Introducción : Hay escasa evidencia sobre el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el cumplimiento del tratamiento de cáncer cervicouterino. Métodos : Se llevó a cabo un estudio poblacional de cohorte retrospectivo. -antes/después- de las pacientes con cáncer cervicouterino diagnosticadas en estable cimientos públicos de la provincia de Jujuy (n = 140), entre 2017 y 2020. Las pacientes diagnosticadas en 2020 se consideraron expuestas a la pandemia (n = 21). Utili zamos la regresión logística multivariada para analizar la asociación entre pandemia y cumplimiento del tra tamiento de cáncer. Además, se midió la duración del tratamiento en aquellas con indicación de braquiterapia y el tiempo hasta el inicio al tratamiento según estadio. Resultados : Comparadas con las mujeres diagnosti cadas en 2017-2019 el odds ratio de incumplimiento del tratamiento fue de 1.77 (IC95% 0.59-5.81; p = 0.32) para las diagnosticadas durante 2020. Se encontró un mayor riesgo de incumplimiento en pacientes con indicación de braquiterapia (OR 4.14; IC 95%:1.95-9.11; p < 0.001). La mediana de duración del tratamiento para aquellas con indicación de braquiterapia fue de 12.8 y 15.7 sema nas en 2017-2019 y 2020 respectivamente (p = 0.33). La mediana de tiempo hasta el inicio del tratamiento para pacientes con enfermedad en estadio temprano fue de 9 y 5 semanas durante 2017-2019 y 2020 respectivamente (p = 0.06), versus una mediana de 7.2 y 9 semanas en 2017-2019 y 2020 respectivamente (p=0.36) para las pa cientes con enfermedad en estadio IIB+. Conclusiones : El bajo acceso a la braquiterapia fue un factor determinante de incumplimiento de tratamiento de cáncer cervicouterino, independientemente del efecto de la pandemia.

Abstract Introduction : Little evidence exists on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemics on the compliance with cervi cal cancer treatment. Methods : We carried out a population-based, be fore-and-after retrospective cohort study of all cervical cancer patients diagnosed in the Jujuy province public health sector (n=140), Argentina, between 2017 and 2020. Patients diagnosed in 2020 were considered exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic (n=21). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between the pandemics and compliance with treatment. We also measured treatment duration for women who were indicated brachytherapy and time to treatment initia tion by stage. Results : Compared with women diagnosed in 2017- 2019 the odds ratio of non-complying with treatment was 1.77 (95%CI 0.59-5.81; p = 0.32) for women diagnosed during 2020. An increased risk of non-compliance was found in patients with prescribed brachytherapy (OR 4.14. 95%CI 1.95-9.11; p < 0.001). Median treatment dura tion for women with prescribed brachytherapy was 12.8 and 15.7 weeks in 2017-2019 vs. 2020 (p = 0.33); median time to treatment initiation for women with early-stage disease was 9 and 5 weeks during 2017-2019 and 2020 respectively (p = 0.06), vs 7.2 and 9 weeks in 2017-2019 and 2020 respectively (p = 0.36) for patients with stages IIB+ disease. Conclusions : Low access to brachytherapy was a major determinant of non-compliance. irrespective of the effect of the pandemics.

Use of sodium dichloroacetate for cancer treatment: a scoping review / Uso de dicloroacetato de sodio para el tratamiento del cáncer en pacientes adultos: una revisión

Abstract In recent years, drug repurposing (DR) has gained significant attention as a promising strategy for iden tifying new therapeutic uses of existing drugs. One po tential candidate for DR in cancer treatment is sodium dichloroacetate (DCA), which has been shown to alter tumor metabolism and decrease apoptosis resistance in cancer cells. In this paper, we present a scoping review of the use of DCA for cancer treatment in adult patients, aiming to identify key research gaps in this area. This scoping review aims to explore the existing scientific literature to provide an overview of the use of DCA (any dose, frequency, or route of administration) in adults with cancer. A comprehensive literature search of the medical databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, EPISTEMONI KOS, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials was performed. We included publications reporting on adult patients diagnosed with any type of cancer treated with sodium dichloroacetate in combination or not with other drugs. All types of study design were included. A total of 12 articles were included, most of them were case reports. We found a high degree of heteroge neity between them. The most frequent adverse events in the evaluated studies were asthenia, reversible toxic ity, and an increase in liver enzymes. Effectiveness was difficult to evaluate. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to affirm that treatment with DCA in cancer patients is effective or is safe.

Resumen El reposicionamiento de fármacos (RF) es un enfo que terapéutico reciente que se presenta como una estrategia prometedora para identificar nuevos usos terapéuticos de fármacos existentes. Un candidato potencial para RF en el tratamiento del cáncer es el dicloroacetato de sodio (DCA), el cual ha mostrado la capacidad de alterar el metabolismo tumoral y dismi nuir la resistencia a la apoptosis de células tumorales. La presente es una revisión (scoping review) del uso del DCA para el tratamiento del cáncer en pacientes adultos, que tiene como objetivo identificar brechas de investigación claves en esta área. Esta revisión pretende explorar la literatura científica existente, para propor cionar una visión general del uso del DCA (cualquier dosis, frecuencia o vía de administración) en individuos adultos con cáncer. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda exhaustiva de la lite ratura en las bases médicas de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, EPISTEMONIKOS, the Cochrane Library y Clini calTrials. Se incluyeron publicaciones que informaban sobre pacientes adultos diagnosticados con cualquier tipo de cáncer, tratados con DCA, en combinación o no con otros fármacos. Dichos estudios presentaban distintos tipos de diseño. Se incluyó un total de 12 artículos, la mayoría de los cuales fueron reportes de casos. Se encontró un alto grado de heterogeneidad entre los mismos. Los even tos adversos más frecuentes fueron astenia, toxicidad reversible y aumento de las enzimas hepáticas, siendo la efectividad terapéutica difícil de evaluar. Concluimos que existe evidencia insuficiente para afirmar que el tratamiento con DCA en pacientes con cáncer es efectivo y/o seguro.

Marcadores de cáncer stem cells y transición epitelio mesenquimal como factores de agresividad y progresión en pacientes jóvenes con cáncer de tiroides

El cáncer de tiroides (CT) es el primer tumor maligno en glándulas endocrinas, y se estima que al 2030 estará en el top cinco de cáncer a nivel mundial. En Chile, el CT fue incluido, recientemente, como la patología N° 82 con Garantías Explícitas de Salud, lo que implica destinar importantes recursos públicos y privados al tratamiento de pacientes con un cáncer que va en aumento en el mundo. Existen grupos de pacientes jóvenes con tumores pequeños que presentan un comportamiento clínico más agresivo desde el inicio, donde se podría adelantar la toma de decisiones. Específicamente, destaca un grupo de pacientes menores de 55 años con tumores pequeños menores de 2 cm, pero con metástasis regionales, que quedan fuera de la indicación de radioyodoterapia y podrían requerir tratamiento complementario o presentar peor evolución. Las herramientas clínicas y moleculares para guiar el tratamiento adecuado en pacientes con metástasis linfonodales son limitadas y no han sido actualizadas hasta el momento. Existen factores de tumorigenicidad y pronóstico, tales como los marcadores de Transición Epitelio-Mesenquimal (TEM) y Cáncer Stem Cells (CSC) que se han incorporado al estudio de otros tumores y recientemente en cáncer de tiroides. Actualmente estudios que relacionan TEM y CSC con CT apuntan a la descripción molecular y genética, con escasos reportes que correlacionen, clínicamente, estos hallazgos, (particularmente en subgrupos con características particulares de agresividad) y que los propongan como marcadores de tumorigenicidad y pronóstico. La descripción de estos biomarcadores en la población descrita podría facilitar la toma de decisiones en cuanto a seguimiento, terapia quirúrgica y radioyodoterapia.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the first malignant tumor in endocrine glands, and it is estimated that by 2030 it will be in the top five cancers worldwide. In Chile, TC was recently included as pathology No. 82 with Explicit Health Guarantees, which implies allocating significant public and private resources to the treatment of patients with a cancer that is on the rise. There are groups of young patients with small tumors that present a more aggressive clinical behavior, where decision-making could be advanced. Specifically, a group of patients under 55 years of age with tumors less than 2 cm in size but with regional metastases, that lack indication for radioiodine therapy and could require complementary treatment or present a worse evolution. Clinical and molecular tools to guide appropriate treatment in patients with lymph node metastases are limited and have not been updated. There are tumorigenicity and prognostic factors, such as EpithelialMesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) markers that have been incorporated into the study of other tumors and recently in thyroid cancer. Studies linking EMT and CSC with TC currently point to molecular and genetic description, with few reports clinically correlating these findings (particularly in subgroups with particular characteristics of aggressiveness) and proposing them as tumorigenicity and prognosis markers. The description of these biomarkers in the described population could facilitate decision-making regarding follow-up, surgical therapy, and radioiodine therapy.

Condrossarcoma gigante de corpo esternal: relato de caso / Giant chondrosarcoma of the sternal body: case report

Os tumores de parede torácicas são relativamente inusitados, representando 1 a 2% de todas as neoplasias, e cerca de 5% das neoplasias torácicas. Sarcomas são tumores raros e com apresentação heterogênea. São divididos em dois grandes grupos: tumores ósseos e de partes moles. A ocorrência na parede torácica é rara, representando 8% de todos os sarcomas. O tratamento de escolha é a ressecção com margens ampliadas e, quando ocorre a invasão de estruturas profundas, a toracectomia é indicada. A reconstrução do arcabouço ósseo é realizada com materiais de síntese, proporcionando estabilidade, e é seguida da reconstrução de partes moles com retalhos musculares, musculocutâneos ou locais ao acaso. Os tumores malignos primários da parede torácica correspondem a menos de 1% de todas as neoplasias e incluem grande variedade de lesões ósseas e de tecidos moles. Os condrossarcomas representam 20% dos tumores primários da parede torácica, sendo que 80% têm origem nas costelas e 20% no esterno.

Chest wall tumors are relatively uncommon, representing 1 to 2% of all neoplasms, and approximately 5% of thoracic neoplasms. Sarcomas are rare tumors with heterogeneous presentation. They are divided into two large groups: bone and soft tissue tumors. Occurrence in the chest wall is rare, representing 8% of all sarcomas. The treatment of choice is resection with wide margins and, when invasion of deep structures occurs, thoracotomy is indicated. The reconstruction of the bone framework is carried out with synthetic materials, providing stability, and is followed by the reconstruction of soft tissues with muscular, musculocutaneous, or random local flaps. Primary malignant tumors of the chest wall account for less than 1% of all neoplasms and include a wide variety of bone and soft tissue lesions. Chondrosarcomas represent 20% of primary tumors of the chest wall, with 80% originating in the ribs and 20% in the sternum.

Environmental and occupational exposure to pesticides according to sociodemographic factors that affect cancer patients in Mato Grosso, Brazil / Exposição ambiental e ocupacional a agrotóxicos segundo fatores sociodemográficos em pacientes com câncer em Mato Grosso, Brasil

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of environmental and occupational exposure to pesticides according to sociodemographic factors among cancer patients. It is a cross-sectional study with cancer patients in the state of Mato Grosso. The prevalence of environmental and occupational exposure to pesticides was calculated as to the variables gender, age, macro-region, and education. Pesticide use per agricultural crops in liters was estimated, and a thematic map was constructed following the macro-region of the agricultural economy. Of the 998 patients, most were female (54.9%), aged between 50 and 69 years old (50.1%), had less than eight years of schooling (60.7%), and resided in the South-Central macro-region (55.4%). Regarding environmental and occupational exposure, 53.1% of the patients live or have lived in a municipality with agricultural plantations; 17.4% lived near crops; 43.4% worked in agriculture, livestock, or extractivism; and 22.9% worked or work directly with pesticides. Environmental and occupational exposure was higher in males, in the older age groups, schooling from 0 to 4 years, and in the macro-regions with higher pesticide use. The study concluded that environmental and occupational exposure among cancer patients is associated to sociodemographic characteristics and macro-regions of the agricultural economy.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de exposição ambiental e ocupacional aos agrotóxicos conforme fatores sociodemográficos entre pacientes com câncer. Trata-se de um estudo observacional de delineamento transversal com pacientes com câncer do estado de Mato Grosso. Foi calculada a prevalência de exposição ambiental e ocupacional aos agrotóxicos conforme as variáveis sexo, faixa etária, região e escolaridade. Foram estimados o uso de agrotóxicos por culturas agrícolas em litros e construído mapa temático segundo a macrorregião de economia agropecuária. Dos 998 pacientes, a maioria era do sexo feminino (54,9%), tinha entre 50 e 69 anos (50,1%), possuía menos de oito anos de escolaridade (60,7%) e residiam na macrorregião Centro-Sul (55,4%). Em relação à exposição ambiental e ocupacional, 53,1% dos pacientes moram ou moraram em município com plantação agrícola, 17,4% residiam próximo à lavoura, 43,4% trabalharam na agricultura, pecuária ou extrativismo e 22,9% trabalharam ou trabalham diretamente com agrotóxicos. A exposição ambiental e ocupacional foi maior no sexo masculino, nas faixas etárias mais elevadas, escolaridade de 0 a 4 anos e nas macrorregiões de maior uso de agrotóxicos. Conclui-se que a exposição ambiental e ocupacional entre pacientes com câncer se associou as características sociodemográficas e macrorregiões de economia agropecuária.

Reconstrução mamária: Experiência de 10 anos / Breast reconstruction: 10 years experience

Introdução: A reconstrução mamária pós-tratamento cirúrgico do câncer de mama (um dos principais cânceres que acometem as mulheres) tem sido progressivamente mais indicada, haja vista o benefício da recuperação psicológica e da qualidade de vida, seja utilizando implantes e/ou tecidos autólogos. O presente trabalho visa demonstrar a experiência da equipe, discutir técnicas operatórias e complicações em relação aos dados da literatura mundial, além de verificar a aplicabilidade da técnica na prática clínica da equipe. Método: Estudo observacional retrospectivo desenvolvido em hospital universitário em Juiz de Fora a partir da revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidas a mastectomia com reconstrução mamária entre 2010 e 2020. Resultados: Das 860 mamas abordadas, 84% foram imediatas à cirurgia oncológica e 16% foram tardias; o principal acesso ao tecido mamário foi a incisão de Stewart, seguido de incisões inframamárias estendidas, periareolares e T invertido; quanto às técnicas reconstrutoras, destaca-se 35% dos casos com retalho com músculo grande dorsal, 25% com prótese pré-peitoral, 20% com retalho miocutâneo transverso do músculo reto abdominal e 10% com retalho muscular local. As complicações mais incidentes foram deiscência de sítio cirúrgico, seguida de necrose cutânea, seroma, infecção de sítio cirúrgico e hematoma, além de outros menos comuns como dor crônica e ruptura de prótese após mamografia. Conclusão: A reconstrução mamária pós-mastectomia é indispensável para a recuperação física e emocional da mulher, sendo as técnicas utilizadas nos últimos dez anos consistentes, confiáveis, de baixa morbidade e com ótimos resultados estéticos quando bem indicadas.

Introduction: Breast reconstruction after surgical treatment for breast cancer (one of the main cancers that affect women) has been progressively more recommended, given the benefits of psychological recovery and quality of life, whether using implants and/or autologous tissues. The present work aims to demonstrate the team's experience, and discuss operative techniques and complications concerning data from the world literature, in addition to verifying the applicability of the technique in the team's clinical practice. Method: Retrospective observational study developed at a university hospital in Juiz de Fora based on a review of medical records of patients who underwent mastectomy with breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2020. Results: Of the 860 breasts treated, 84% underwent immediate oncological surgery and 16% were late; the main access to the breast tissue was the Stewart incision, followed by extended inframammary, periareolar, and inverted T incisions; regarding reconstructive techniques, 35% of cases used a latissimus dorsi muscle flap, 25% used a prepectoral prosthesis, 20% used a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap and 10% used a local muscle flap. The most common complications were surgical site dehiscence, followed by skin necrosis, seroma, surgical site infection, and hematoma, in addition to other less common complications such as chronic pain and prosthesis rupture after mammography. Conclusion: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction is essential for a woman's physical and emotional recovery, with the techniques used in the last ten years being consistent, reliable, with low morbidity, and with excellent aesthetic results when correctly indicated.

The effectiveness of mapping-targeted biopsies on the index lesion in transperineal prostate biopsies

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of mapping-targeted biopsies (MTB) on the index lesion for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in transperineal fusion-image prostate biopsies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 men with suspected PCa who underwent prostate biopsies at the Creu Blanca reference center in Barcelona, Spain. The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS v.2.1) of the magnetic resonance images (MRI) were reclassified by an expert radiologist reading of pre-biopsy biparametric MRI used for segmentation of suspected lesions. Transperineal MTB of suspicious lesions and 12-core systematic biopsies were performed using the Artemis™ platform. CsPCa was defined as International Society of Urological Pathology grade group ≥ 2. Results: CsPCa was detected in 192 men (62.1%), with detection rates of 6.3% for PI-RADS 2, 26.8% for PI-RADS 3, 87.3% for PI-RADS 4, and 93.1% for PI-RADS 5. MTB of the index lesion identified 185 csPCa (96.3%). CsPCa was detected solely in systematic biopsies in three cases (1.6%), while an additional four cases (2.1%) were identified only in the second suspected lesion. A predictive model for csPCa detection in MTB of the index lesion was developed, with an AUC of 0.918 (95% CI 0.887-0.950). Conclusions: This model had the potential to avoid 23.3% of prostate biopsies without missing additional csPCa cases. MTB of the index lesion was highly effective for identifying csPCa in fusion transperineal prostate biopsies. A developed predictive model successfully reduced the need for almost one quarter of biopsies without missing csPCa cases.

Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). Material and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). Results: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD −0.13; 95%CI, −0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD −0.45; 95%CI −0.84, −0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). Conclusion: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

A nomogram to predict the absence of clinically significant prostate cancer in males with negative MRI

ABSTRACT Purpose: To create a nomogram to predict the absence of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) in males with non-suspicion multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) undergoing prostate biopsy (PBx). Materials and Methods: We identified consecutive patients who underwent 3T mpMRI followed by PBx for suspicion of PCa or surveillance follow-up. All patients had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 1-2 (negative mpMRI). CSPCa was defined as Grade Group ≥2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed via backward elimination. Discrimination was evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). Internal validation with 1,000x bootstrapping for estimating the optimism corrected AUROC. Results: Total 327 patients met inclusion criteria. The median (IQR) age and PSA density (PSAD) were 64 years (58-70) and 0.10 ng/mL2 (0.07-0.15), respectively. Biopsy history was as follows: 117 (36%) males were PBx-naive, 130 (40%) had previous negative PBx and 80 (24%) had previous positive PBx. The majority were White (65%); 6% of males self-reported Black. Overall, 44 (13%) patients were diagnosed with CSPCa on PBx. Black race, history of previous negative PBx and PSAD ≥0.15ng/mL2 were independent predictors for CSPCa on PBx and were included in the nomogram. The AUROC of the nomogram was 0.78 and the optimism corrected AUROC was 0.75. Conclusions: Our nomogram facilitates evaluating individual probability of CSPCa on PBx in males with PIRADS 1-2 mpMRI and may be used to identify those in whom PBx may be safely avoided. Black males have increased risk of CSPCa on PBx, even in the setting of PIRADS 1-2 mpMRI

Is the learning curve of the urology resident for conventional radical prostatectomy similar to that of staff initiating robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The superiority of the functional results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomyis still controversial. Despite this, it is known that minimally invasive surgery obtains better results when analyzing blood loss, blood transfusion and length of stay, for example. Several studies have analyzed the impact of the resident physician's involvement on the results of urological surgeries. The simple learning curve for robot-assisted radical prostate surgery is estimated to be around 10 to 12 cases. Learning curve data for robotic surgeons is heterogeneous, making it difficult to analyze. Rare studies compare the results of a radical prostatectomy of an inexperienced surgeon starting his training in open surgery, with the results of the same surgeon, a few years later, starting training in robotic surgery. Objective: to analyze the results of open radical prostatectomy surgeries (ORP) performed by urology residents, comparing them to the results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), performed by these same surgeons, after completing their training in urology. Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of the cases of only 3 surgeons was performed. 50 patients underwent ORP (group A). The surgeons who operated on the ORP patients were in the 3rd and final year of the urology residency program and beginners in ORP surgery, but with at least 4 years of experience in open surgery. The same surgeons, already trained urologists, began their training in robotic surgery and performed 56 RARP surgeries (group B). For the comparative analysis, data were collected on age, number of lymph nodes removed, surgery time, hospitalization time, drain volume, drain permanence time, indwelling bladdercateter (IBC) permanence time, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification (ISUP), intra and postoperative complications, urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The console used was the Da Vinci Si, from Intuitive®. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test verified that the data did not follow normality, the Levene test guaranteed homogeneity, and the Mann-Whitney test performed the comparative analysis of the quantitative data. For the analysis of qualitative data, the Chi-square test was used for nominal variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables. Additionally, the Friedman test analyzed whether there was an improvement in the perception of UI or ED over the months, for each group individually (without comparing them), and the post-hoc Durbin-Conover test, for the results with statistically significant difference. We used a p-value < 0.05, and the Jamovi® program (Version 2.0). Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, number of lymph nodes removed, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification and urinary incontinence. Additionally, we observed that the surgical time was longer in group B. On the other hand, the length of stay, drain volume, drain time, IBC time, complication rate and levels of erectile dysfunction in the third and sixth months were higher in group A, when compared to group B. We also observed that there was no evolutionary improvement in ED over the months in both groups, and that there was a perception of improvement in UI from the 1st to the 3rd month in group A, and from the 1st to the 6th month, and from the 3rd to the 12th month, in group B. Conclusion: the learning curve of RARP is equivalent to the curve of ORP. In general, the results for the robotic group were better, however, the functional results were similar between the groups, with a slight tendency of advantage for the robotic arm.

Clinical safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for small renal masses

ABSTRACT Purpose: CT-guided MWA is a safe and effective tool that should be utilized in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). We aim to clarify the utility of CT-guided MWA by examining patient outcomes such as recurrence, treatment success, changes in renal function, and complications. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with SRMs who underwent same day renal mass biopsy (RMB) and CT-guided MWA between 2015 and 2022 was performed. Treatment safety was assessed by 30-day complications according to the Clavien-Dindo system and change in eGFR >30 days post-procedure. Treatment efficacy was defined by local recurrence and incomplete treatment rates and calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 108 renal masses were found in 104 patients. The overall complication rate was 7.4% (8/108), of which 4 were major complications (3.7%). For those with renal function available >30 days post ablation, the median eGFR was 47.2 (IQR: 36.0, 57), compared to 52.3 (IQR: 43.7, 61.5) pre-ablation, p<0.0001. 5-year local recurrence free survival was 86%. Among those with biopsy proven malignancy (n= 66), there were five local recurrences (7.54%) occurring at a median of 25.1 months (IQR 19.9, 36.2) and one case (1.5%) of incomplete treatment. Conclusions: As the medical field continues to evolve towards less invasive interventions, MWA offers a valuable tool in the management of renal masses. With low major complication and recurrence rates, our findings support the utility of CT-guided MWA as a tool for treatment of SRMs.