Carcinoma in situ de mama: análisis de los casos y evaluación de las recidivas en nuestro centro, 1999-2012 / Ductal carcinoma in situ: analysis of cases and assessment of recurrences in our center from 1999-2012

Objetivo. Analizar las recidivas de las pacientes diagnosticadas, tratadas y seguidas en nuestro centro por carcinoma ductal in situ de mama, y establecer qué variables se asocian a un mayor riesgo de desarrollarlas. Pacientes y métodos. Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los casos de carcinoma ductal in situ diagnosticados y tratados en nuestro centro desde enero de 1999 hasta enero de 2012. Se excluyeron los casos en que coexistía componente infiltrante y aquellos con antecedente de neoplasia y/o radioterapia previa en la mama afecta. Las variables que se analizaron fueron: la edad de la paciente, el tamaño tumoral, el grado nuclear, el estado de los márgenes quirúrgicos, el tipo de cirugía y el tratamiento complementario (radioterapia y hormonoterapia). Resultados. Se estudiaron 162 casos de carcinomas in situ en el periodo 1999-2012. De estos, 117 (72,2%) fueron tratados con cirugía conservadora y 45 (27,7%) mediante mastectomía. Se produjeron 16 recidivas (9,9%) en el periodo estudiado. No se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la tasa de recidivas en función del tamaño tumoral, la distancia quirúrgica al margen, el grado histológico ni la edad de la paciente. En el subgrupo de pacientes tratadas con tumorectomía, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad fue mayor en las que recibieron de forma complementaria radioterapia y hormonoterapia que en aquellas que solo recibieron uno o ninguno de los tratamientos (p=0,001). Conclusión. En el subgrupo de pacientes con carcinoma in situ tratadas con tumorectomía el riesgo de recidiva es 19 veces superior en los casos que no recibieron ningún tratamiento complementario que en aquellos tratados con tumorectomía, radioterapia y hormonoterapia (p=0,001) (AU)

Objective. To analyse recurrences in patients diagnosed, treated and followed up in our centre for ductal carcinoma in situ and to identify the variables associated with an increased risk of their development. Patients and methods. We performed a retrospective study of cases of ductal carcinoma in situ diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 1999 to January 2012. We excluded cases with coexistence of an infiltrating component, a history of neoplasia, and/or prior radiation to the affected breast. The variables analysed were patient age, tumour size, nuclear grade, surgical margin status, type of surgery, and adjuvant therapy (radiation and hormone therapy). Results. We studied 162 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ occurring between 1999 and 2012. Of these, 117 cases (72.2%) were treated with conservative surgery and 45 (27.7%) by mastectomy. In that period, we found 16 recurrences (9.9%). We found no statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate according to tumour size, surgical distance from the margin, histological grade, or patient age. In the subgroup of patients treated with lumpectomy, disease-free survival was higher in patients receiving radiation therapy and hormone therapy as a complementary treatment than in those who received only one or no treatment at all (P=.001). Conclusion. In the subgroup of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with lumpectomy, the recurrence risk was 19 times higher in patients who received no adjuvant treatment than in those treated with lumpectomy, radiation and hormone therapy (P=.001) (AU)

Effects of a Chinese medical herbs complex on cellular immunity and toxicity-related conditions of breast cancer patients.

Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, Geraniaceae) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes wound healing. Similarly, Ganoderma tsugae (Ganodermataceae), Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) and Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomodulatory functions. In the present study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to examine whether the Chinese medicinal herb complex, RG-CMH, which represents a mixture of rose geranium and extracts of G. tsugae, C. pilosula and A. sinensis, can improve the immune cell count of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to prevent leucopenia and immune impairment that usually occurs during cancer therapy. A total of fifty-eight breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. Immune cell levels in patient serum were determined before, and following, 6 weeks of cancer treatment for patients receiving either an RG-CMH or a placebo. Administration of RG-CMH was associated with a significant reduction in levels of leucocytes from 31·5 % for the placebo group to 13·4 % for the RG-CMH group. Similarly, levels of neutrophils significantly decreased from 35·6 % for the placebo group to 11·0 % for the RG-CMH group. RG-CMH intervention was also associated with a decrease in levels of T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells compared with the placebo group. However, these differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, administration of RG-CMH to patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy may have the capacity to delay, or ease, the reduction in levels of leucocytes and neutrophils that are experienced by patients during cancer treatment.

Spinal cord stimulators and radiotherapy: first case report and practice guidelines.

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are a well-recognised treatment modality in the management of a number of chronic neuropathic pain conditions, particularly failed back syndrome and radiculopathies. The implantable pulse generator (IPG) component of the SCS is designed and operates in a similar fashion to that of a cardiac pacemaker. The IPG consists of an electrical generator, lithium battery, transmitter/receiver and a minicomputer. When stimulated, it generates pulsed electrical signals which stimulate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, thus alleviating pain. Analogous to a cardiac pacemaker, it can be potentially damaged by ionising radiation from a linear accelerator, in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Herein we report our clinical management of the first reported case of a patient requiring adjuvant breast radiotherapy who had a SCS in situ. We also provide useful practical recommendations on the management of this scenario within a radiation oncology department.

Photodynamic therapy outcome for oral dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive surgical intervention used in the management of tissue disorders. It can be applied before, or after, any of the conventional modalities, without compromising these treatments or being compromised itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 147 consecutive patients with oral potentially malignant disorders were treated with surface illumination PDT, using 5-ALA or mTHPC as the photosensitizer. The average age was 53 ± 8.9 years. The patients' recovery was uneventful and no complications reported. Comparisons with the clinical and histopathological features and rate of recurrence as well as malignant transformation were made. The patients were followed-up for a mean of 7.3 years. ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: Homogenous leukoplakias were identified in 55 patients, non-homogenous leukoplakias in 73 patients, whereas 19 patients had erythroplakias. Ex- and current lifelong smokers formed 84.4% of the recruited patients. While people who currently smoke and drink formed 38.1% (56 patients) of the cohort. Erythroplakias were mainly identified in heavy lifelong smokers. The most common identified primary anatomical locations were the lateral border of tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Moderate dysplasia was identified in 33 patients while 63 patients had severe dysplasias; and 32 patients had a histopathological diagnosis of carcinoma in situ. The rate of recurrence in laser surgery was approximately 11.6%. Malignant transformation was observed in 11 patients (7.5%), in the tongue, floor of mouth and retromolar area. Recurrence and malignant transformation was mainly identified in erythroplakias and non-homogenous leukoplakias. The final outcome of the cohort showed that 11 (7.5%) suffered from progressive disease, 5 (3.4%) had stable disease, 12 (8.2%) were considered partially responsive to the therapy. Complete response was identified in 119/147 patients (81%). CONCLUSION: 5-ALA-PDT and/or mTHPC-PDT offer an effective alternative treatment for oral potentially malignant disorders.

Intraoperative radiotherapy given as a boost for early breast cancer: long-term clinical and cosmetic results.

PURPOSE: The standard radiotherapy (RT) of breast cancer consists of 50 Gy external beam RT (EBRT) to the whole breast followed by an electron boost of 10-16 Gy to the tumor bed, but this has several cosmetic disadvantages. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) could be an alternative to overcome these. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated 50 women with early breast cancer operated on in a dedicated IORT facility. Median dose of 10 Gy was delivered using 9-MeV electron beams. All patients received postoperative EBRT (50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions). Late toxicity and cosmetic results were assessed independently by two physicians according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event v3.0 grading system and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 9.1 years (range, 5-15 years), two local recurrences were observed within the primary tumor bed. At the time of analysis, 45 patients are alive with (n = 1) or without disease. Among the 42 disease-free remaining patients, 6 experienced Grade 2 late subcutaneous fibrosis within the boost area. Overall, the scores indicated a very good quality of life and cosmesis was good to excellent in the evaluated patients. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that IORT given as a boost after breast-conserving surgery is a reliable alternative to conventional postoperative fractionated boost radiation.

[Preoperative radiation with chemotherapy for rectal cancer: its impact on downstaging of disease and the role of endorectal ultrasound]. / Tiesiosios zarnos vezio stadijos sumazejimo nustatymas endorektaliniu ultragarsu iki operacijos skiriant chemoterapija ir spindulini gydyma.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative adjuvant radiation combined with chemotherapy is a recent development in the management of patients with rectal cancer invading perirectal tissue and regional lymph nodes. This study was performed to assess the impact of preoperative adjuvant therapy in patients judged by endorectal ultrasound to have extramural invasion of rectal cancer and/or regional lymph node involvement on tumor regression in bowel wall T and lymph nodes N. The predictive value of ultrasound in staging wall penetration and lymph node involvement after preoperative adjuvant therapy was also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients were selected by ultrasound to have preoperative irradiation (40-50 Gy over 5-6 weeks). In 29 patients this was combined with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Assessments of ultrasound were compared with pathologic findings in the resected specimen in all patients. RESULTS: Partial downstaging was seen in 37 (72.5%) patients with wall invasion T and in five (9.8%) of 51 patients with lymph node involvement N. Complete downstaging was achieved in one (2.0%) patient with wall invasion T and in 20 (39.2%) of 51 patients with lymph node involvement N. Positive predictive values of ultrasound after irradiation were 47 (92.2%) and 45 (82.2%) for wall penetration and lymph node status, respectively. Negative predictive values of ultrasound after irradiation were rare 3.9% and 5.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of patients with rectal cancer invading perirectal tissues or lymph nodes, lesions downstages by preoperative chemo radiotherapy. Endorectal ultrasound examination before and after chemo radiotherapy for rectal cancer is one of the most recommended in staging rectal cancer.

[The modern organ- and function-sparing surgical treatment in oncology]. / Sovremennoe organosokhraniaiushchee i funktsional'no shchadiashchee khirurgicheskoe lechenie v onkologii.

The results of organ-sparing treatment of patients with cancers of the breast, uterine cervix, endometrium and ovary are described in the paper. A prospective randomized clinical study launched in 1995 at Petrov's Research Institute of Oncology comprised cases of above 700 patients with breast cancer, around 300 women with cancer in situ and with microinvasive cancer of the uterine cervix and 83 patients with initial endometrial cancer. The results of the above treatment (segment resection + axillar dissection + radiotherapy) were shown to be similar to those obtained after Petey-Dyson mastectomy (5-year survival of 86.7% versus 88.8%, p = 0.81). The risk of local recurrence was increasing in patients with the tumors' diameter of more than 1 cm who were not treated by radiotherapy. The total regression of tumors was registered in 70% of patients with initial endometrial cancer after hormone therapy by progestagens and antiestrogens; 20% of them maintained the reproductive function.

The presence of proliferative breast disease with atypia does not significantly influence outcome in early-stage invasive breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the benign background breast-tissue change of atypical hyperplasia (AH) on outcome in patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and sixty women with Stage I--II breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation from 1982-1994 had pathologic assessment of their background adjacent benign breast tissue. The median follow-up was 5.6 years (range 0.1-15). The median age was 55 years (range 24-88). Of these, 23% had positive axillary nodes; 25% received adjuvant chemotherapy (CMF or CAF) with (9%) or without (17%) tamoxifen. Of the total, 24% received adjuvant tamoxifen alone. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 131 patients with atypical hyperplasia (ductal, 99 patients; lobular, 20 pts; and type not specified, 12 pts), and 329 patients with no proliferative changes or proliferative changes without atypia. RESULT: A statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups for method of detection, primary tumor size, presence of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), pathologic nodal status, region(s) treated with radiation, and type of adjuvant therapy. Patients with atypical hyperplasia (AH) had smaller primary tumors (T1 80% vs. 70%) more often detected solely by mammography (51% vs. 36%) with negative axillary nodes (87% vs. 73%) and radiation treatment to the breast only (93% vs. 78%). LCIS was observed in 9% of the patients with AH and 3% of those without AH. Patients with AH more often received tamoxifen alone (32% vs. 21%), rather than chemotherapy (15% vs. 29%). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for race, age, menopausal status, family history, histology, histologic subtype DCIS when present, the presence or absence of an extensive intraductal component, final margin status, estrogen or progesterone receptor status, use of re-excision, or total radiation dose to the primary. The 5- and 10-year actuarial ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rates were 2% and 12% for patients with AH and 4% and 8% for those without AH (p=0.44). Younger women or those with a positive family history of breast cancer with AH did not have an increased rate of breast failure when compared to similar patients without AH. There were no significant differences in the 5- and 10-year actuarial rates of distant metastases (AH 5- and 10-year 7% and 7%, no AH 5- and 10-year 8% and 16%,p=0.31), regional node recurrence (AH 1% and 1%, no AH 1% and 1%,p=0.71), contralateral breast cancer (AH 3% and 3%, no AH 3% and 8%,p=0.71), overall survival (AH 95% and 86%, no AH 95% and 89%, p=0.79), or cause-specific survival (AH 98% and 95%, no AH 96% and 91%,p=0.27). Subset analysis for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, distant metastases, overall, and cause-specific survival for T1 vs. T2 tumors and path node-negative vs. path node-positive patients revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: AH was not associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence or contralateral breast cancer in this study of patients with invasive breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiation. Therefore, the presence of proliferative changes with atypia in background benign breast tissue should not be a contraindication to breast-conservation therapy.

Treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) with interferon alpha-2a, CO2 laser (vaporization) and 5-fluorouracil 5% (5-FU).

This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of CO2 laser (vaporization), 5-FU topical application and Interferon (IFN alpha-2a) parenterally in the therapy of penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). From March 1986 to September 1991, 1,372 men, sexual partners of women with condylomata accuminata or flat or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), were submitted to peoscopy, of 1,019 men who presented with various lesions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)-confirmed histologically-208 were treated for PIN. The best treatment modalities irrespective of grade of lesion were found to be the combination of 5-FU plus CO2 laser vaporisation plus IFN alpha-2a (high dose) (96.15%), the combination of 5-FU plus CO2 laser vaporization (87.09%) and the combination of CO2 laser vaporization plus IFN alpha-2a (high dose) (80%). It is concluded that IFN alpha-2a (low dose) can be used as first line treatment in combination with 5-FU in patients with PIN II and as an adjuvant treatment (high dose) in patients with recurrent PIN I and PIN III.

Radiation therapy in the management of cancer of the cervix.

Patients with stage IB or IIA carcinoma of the uterine cervix can be treated with comparable results using either radical surgery or definitive radiotherapy. The treatment of choice for stage IIB and III tumors is radiotherapy alone. Although the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy has not been documented, several trials are evaluating the potential use of combined chemotherapy and irradiation in bulky or extensive lesions. In most patients, radiotherapy consists of a combination of external-beam irradiation of the pelvis and two intracavitary radioactive source insertions. This article reviews the basic principles of management of patients with cervical cancer and describes the radiotherapy techniques employed.

Radiotherapy in breast cancer.

This review focuses on four aspects of radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. The most controversial area is the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ. Recent studies exploring breast-conserving surgery with and without radiation are outlined. Although no consensus exists on the recent studies, the emergence of ductal carcinoma in situ as a cancer with both significant pathologic subtypes and significant differences in clinical presentation is clear. Concerning the role of radiation in invasive breast cancer, all reports indicate continuation of the earlier observed success. Predictors for recurrence, the diagnosis of recurrence, and the relationship of an apparent isolated local recurrence with the eventual development of distant metastatic disease are reviewed. The outcome of treatment with breast-conserving surgery in radiation in unusual situations is also presented, including patients with silicone prostheses, those presenting with an axillary mass and occult breast disease, and those with multiple primary tumors in the same breast. The clinical evidence continues to support radiation delivered after mastectomy in patients who are at high risk for locoregional recurrence. Systemic adjuvant chemotherapy alone does not appear to prevent many of these recurrences. With the improved local control following treatment with both adjuvant systemic therapy and comprehensive postoperative radiation, preliminary reports are also documenting advantages in terms of disease-free survival.

A profile of treatment approaches used at comprehensive cancer centers.

The Centralized Cancer Patient Data System is the system which the 21 comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. have established in order to report and to analyze demographic, diagnostic, treatment and survival data on all new patients. We propose that this closely monitored standardized 36 item dataset can be used to profile the categories of initial treatment that are given to patients having all types and stages of cancer: the data may be displayed for all centers or used to compare the approaches used at different centers. Differences in the frequency with which surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and no specific treatment are used for patients having any of three common histologic types of lung cancer serve to illustrate the method. Opportunities now exist to utilize this new resource to study trends in the use of treatment modalities and their relationship to survival, which in turn should enhance the accessibility of treatment information about all patients at cancer centers, rather than only those which are reported from selected treatment protocols. This approach may also be uniquely useful in obtaining treatment and survival information about patients with rare sites or types of cancer.