Impact of age on central lymph nodes involvement in papillary thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy is the main line of treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. Central lymph node dissection (CLND) is still debatable. In this study, we aimed to correlate the central lymph node status with the age of patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who underwent total thyroidectomy and CLND at a tertiary cancer center during the period from January 2012 to September 2022. Patients were subdivided into 3groups: patients younger than 20 years old, patients between 20 and 40 years old, and patients older than 40 years old. Correlation between central lymph node status, lateral lymph node status, and harvest count with each other and between age groups was done. RESULTS: 315 patients were included. The younger the age group the higher the possibility of harboring positive central nodes, however, the positivity of lateral nodes was similar. Neither central nodal harvest nor positive central node count significantly differed between groups. The lateral nodal harvest was significantly higher in the < 20 years group with no affection to the number of positive nodes retrieved. The younger the age group the longer the disease-free survival (DFS). CONCLUSION: We can conclude that patients younger than twenty years had a higher probability of harboring malignancy in central nodes and higher lateral node harvest on dissection. In contrast, they do have a lower incidence of recurrence.

Highly differentiated follicular carcinoma of the ovary with omental and peritoneal spread in a 22-year-old girl; A diagnostic and counseling challenge.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Highly differentiated follicular carcinoma of the ovary (HDFCO) is a rare type of thyroid carcinoma originating from struma ovarii, consisting of benign-appearing thyroid follicles spread outside the ovarian tissue. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 22-year-old girl who underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy, omental, and peritoneal biopsies for a complex left ovarian mass. Microscopic examination and Immunohistochemical staining led to the diagnosis of HDFCO with tumor deposits affecting the omental and peritoneal biopsies. The patient was counseled about the nature of her disease and the recommended treatment. Thyroidectomy was performed later, revealing a normal thyroid gland. The patient received an ablative dose of radioactive iodine (150 mci) and a suppressive dose of levothyroxine. This is one of the youngest reported patients ever. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, the patient presented in this case report is one of the youngest patients ever reported in the literature. In the recent WHO Classification of Female Genital Tumors, the term highly differentiated follicular carcinoma arising from struma ovarii (HDFCO) was introduced, to emphasize its low-grade malignant behavior. Due to its rare incidence, there is no standard treatment strategy, but a plan based on surgical intervention is suggested. CONCLUSION: Malignant struma ovarii should be put in the differential diagnosis in young patients with suspicious ovarian masses. Adequate patient counseling remains a cornerstone in the journey of management.

The significance of concurrent MYC and BCL2 expression in Egyptian patients with diffuse large B-cell NHL.

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of MYC/BCL2 co-expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in Egyptian patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its impact on treatment outcomes, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). A total of 100 adult patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL were included in the study and treated with the R-CHOP regimen. The cases were classified into germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-germinal center B-cell (non-GCB) subtypes based on IHC. Our results showed that a subset of the studied cases didn't achieve complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy (22%). Co-expression of MYC and BCL2 was observed in 20% of the cases, with most of them belonging to the non-GCB subtype. The CR rate was significantly lower in the double-expressor (DE) group (45%), while no significant difference was observed in CR between the GCB and non-GCB cases. The DE group was associated with advanced stage, extra-nodal involvement, and high-risk R-International Prognostic Index (R-IPI). Both the non-DE and GCB groups demonstrated better DFS, while the non-DE group only showed better OS. Both non-DE status and GCB subtype were identified as independent factors affecting DFS. In conclusion, the concurrent expression of MYC and BCL2 in DLBCL indicates an inferior outcome and lower chemotherapy response. The current chemotherapeutic strategy has not effectively improved the outcomes of this aggressive lymphoma subtype. Therefore, the identification of these patients is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment options.

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide in combination with pitavastatin or simvastatin against breast cancer cells.

Fighting breast tumors mandates finding different agents devoid of chemotherapy side effects. Repurposing existing drugs, such as statins, presents a promising avenue for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Based on the different effects of statin members, this study aims to evaluate the effect of two of the most promising lipophilic statins, Simvastatin and Pitavastatin, and their combination with a conventional chemotherapeutic regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines were used to analyze the effects of Pitavastatin and simvastatin in combination with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide. Cell viability and cell cycle were analyzed and certain apoptosis-related genes such as Bax, Bcl2, and caspase-3, besides cyclin D1 were analyzed using qPCR. The viability of breast cancer cells decreased significantly after treatment with a doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide combination in the presence of Pitavastatin or simvastatin compared with dual doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with a higher effect in MDA-MB-231 cells than MCF7. In MDA-MB-231, The triple combination of Pitavastatin or simvastatin with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide resulted in an increase in the expression levels of apoptotic markers than treatment with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide combination (Bax (p-value = 0.09& 0.02, respectively), Bax/Bcl2 ratio (p-value = 0.0002& <0.0001, respectively)). However, the increase in caspase3 wasn't significant (p-value = 0.45& 0.09, respectively). Moreover, the expression of cyclin D1 decreased (p-value = 0.0002& <0.0001, respectively) and the cell cycle was arrested in the G1 phase. Combination of Pitavastatin or simvastatin with doxorubicin/ cyclophosphamide may induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells via upregulation of the Bax/Bcl2 pathway, potentially providing a promising new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.

Effects of L-ascorbic acid on growth, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal and hepatopancreatic histology of red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.

This study investigated the dietary effects of coated L-ascorbic acid (LA) on growth, feed utilization, survival, serum biochemical indices, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal and hepatopancreatic histology of the pre-adult red swamp crayfish. Four isoproteinous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain several LA levels as 0, 1300, 1600, and 1900 mg/kg and designated as control (LA0), LA13, LA16, and LA19, respectively. However, the analyzed LA concentrations in diets were 0.00, 199.57, 360.45, and 487.50 mg/kg in LA0, LA13, LA16, and LA19, respectively. Triplicate treatments of crayfish (21.60 ± 0.14 g) were fed the test diets and reared in fiberglass tanks with a density of 20 individuals per each for eight weeks. Results revealed that all LA treatments had significantly enhanced growth performance compared to the control. Of interest, the LA16 treatment recorded the highest final tank biomass, biomass gain, total feed intake, condition factor, and muscle yield among the other treatments. The tank feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased in LA treatments compared to the control. Moreover, dietary LA16 and LA19 had significantly higher survival rates (93.3%) compared to (85.0%) in the LA0 group. All dietary doses of LA significantly increased serum parameters (total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme activity) and respiratory burst activity compared to the LA0 treatment. Dietary LA16 significantly boosted the hepatopancreatic antioxidant capacity, manifested by decreased malondialdehyde concentrations, increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and reduced glutathione content compared to the LA-free diet. A normal histoarchitecture of the hepatopancreatic tubules was found in all LA treatments except with some minor degenerative changes in the tubular lumen, and hepatopancreatic cells associated with enlarged nuclei were found in the LA19. However, normal intestinal histoarchitecture was found in all treatments with no recorded intestinal lesions. Of interest, the polynomial regression performed on the analyzed LA concentrations suggested that 380 mg/kg would be suitable to provide maximal biomass gain for pre-adult crayfish. In conclusion, results revealed that coated LA could enhance the growth, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of pre-adult red swamp crayfish, suggesting its potential as a functional and necessary micronutrient for crayfish diets.

Shifting Epidemiology Trends in Tongue Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The tongue is the most common site for oral cavity carcinoma. It typically has male predominance. However, several studies have documented an increasing number of incidences among the younger population, with female predominance, which is unusual. In this study, we aimed to determine current trends in tongue cancer regarding age and gender. Data from 197 tongue cancer patients were extracted from The Oncology Center, Mansoura University (OCMU) database from 2006 to 2021. The patients were divided into two time periods: (2006-2013) and (2014-2021). We computed counts and proportions of tongue cancer for demographic and tumor characteristics. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Gender showed no statistically significant difference in both groups, while the percentages of diagnosed females were 52.7% and 52%, respectively. The percentages of males were 47.3% and 48%, p-value = 0.927. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients aged 20 to 39 years old and ≥60 years old in both periods. The p-values were 0.039 and 0.011, respectively. Although tongue cancer is typically more common in males, our results showed no significant difference in the gender of diagnosed patients. In addition, our results showed that the number of younger patients significantly increased in the period from 2014 to 2021. However, we encourage further investigations involving larger populations.

Impact of Imaging Biomarkers and AI on Breast Cancer Management: A Brief Review.

Breast cancer stands out as the most frequently identified malignancy, ranking as the fifth leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. The American College of Radiology (ACR) introduced the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) as a standard terminology facilitating communication between radiologists and clinicians; however, an update is now imperative to encompass the latest imaging modalities developed subsequent to the 5th edition of BI-RADS. Within this review article, we provide a concise history of BI-RADS, delve into advanced mammography techniques, ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET/CT images, and microwave breast imaging, and subsequently furnish comprehensive, updated insights into Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), diagnostic imaging biomarkers, and the assessment of treatment responses. This endeavor aims to enhance radiologists' proficiency in catering to the personalized needs of breast cancer patients. Lastly, we explore the augmented benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) applications in segmenting, detecting, and diagnosing breast cancer, as well as the early prediction of the response of tumors to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). By assimilating state-of-the-art computer algorithms capable of deciphering intricate imaging data and aiding radiologists in rendering precise and effective diagnoses, AI has profoundly revolutionized the landscape of breast cancer radiology. Its vast potential holds the promise of bolstering radiologists' capabilities and ameliorating patient outcomes in the realm of breast cancer management.

A Cervical Thymic Cyst in an Adult Female; A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review.

Introduction: Cervical thymic cyst accounts for (0.3-1) % of cervical cysts in children and are usually present during the first decade of life with few reported cases in adults. Herein, we present a 34-year-old female with a cervical thymic cyst. We conducted a review of all the previously reported cases as well. Case presentation: The patient complained of an anterolateral neck swelling that was noticed one year ago. It was a soft, fluctuant, mobile, non-tender swelling in the midline and the right side of the lower neck. Neck ultrasonography revealed a large thin-walled cyst, with no internal septa, echoes, or solid parts. Post-contrast MRI of the neck showed a well-defined, oblong-shaped, lobulated cystic lesion just beneath the strap muscle. The cyst extended caudally to the superior border of the anterior mediastinum at the level of the upper border of the manubrium sterni. The patient underwent excision of the swelling under general anesthesia via Kocher's collar neck incision. Connection with the thymus gland was detected behind the manubrium sterni which was separated. Pathological examination showed prominent thymic tissue confirming the diagnosis of a cervical thymic cyst. Conclusion: Adult cervical thymic cyst is very rare with a few cases reported in the literature. Surgical excision in symptomatic patients is the treatment of choice. Paper's main novel aspects: • A rare presentation of a cervical thymic cyst in an adult. • A comprehensive literature review including all the previously reported cases in one table.

Axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer: An overview.

Standard operative management for breast carcinoma has significantly shifted from extensive procedures to minor interventions.Although axillary dissection was a fundamental component of operative management, sentinel biopsy is an actual process for axillary staging. Axillary dissection may be postponed for cases that have negative SLNs or 1 or 2 infiltrated lymph nodes undergoing breast or axillary radiation. Contrarily, axillary dissection is still the conventional management for patients with clinically positive nodes.Arm lymphedema is a frequent and overwhelming complication of axillary dissection, with a worse impact on the patient's life.Axillary reverse mapping was recently introduced to map and conserve the lymph drain of the upper limb throughout axillary dissection or sentinel biopsy. A technique based on the theory that the breast's lymphatic drainage differs from those that drain the arm, so preserving lymphatic drainage of the upper limb can prevent lymphedema, thereby not raising the risk of axillary recurrence.Therefore, this technique is the reverse of sentinel biopsy, which remove the lymph nodes that drain the breast.

The epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of multifocal/multicentric breast cancer in the Egyptian Delta and its impact on management strategies.

BACKGROUND: Multifocal (MFBC)/multicentric (MCBC) breast cancer is being more recognized due to the improved imaging modalities and the greater orientation with this form of breast cancer, however, optimal surgical treatment, still poses a challenge. The standard surgical treatment is mastectomy, however, breast-conserving surgeries (BCS) may be appropriate in certain situations. METHODS: A total of 464 cases of MF/MCBC out of 4798 cases of breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed from the database of the Oncology Center, Mansoura University (OCMU), between January 2008 and December 2019. RESULTS: Radiologic involvement of multiple quadrants was reported in 27.9% by ultrasonography, 19% by mammography, and 59.1% by magnetic resonance imaging. BCS was performed in 32 cases (6.9%) while 432 cases underwent a mastectomy. Postoperative pathology revealed infiltration of other quadrants grossly in 23.5%, and under the microscope in 63.6% of the examined cases. Mean disease-free and overall survival were 95.5 and 164.6 months, respectively. When compared with MFBC, MCBC showed higher pathologic tumor size (p < 0.001), higher stages (p < 0.001), higher recurrence rates (p = 0.006), and lower DFS (P = 0.009) but with similar OS (P = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Mastectomy is still the primary treatment option for MCBC with higher recurrence rates compared with MFBC. However, BCS for properly selected MFBC is considered oncologically safe, following the same rules of breast conservation for unifocal disease.

Effect of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features (NIFTP) terminology on surgical management concepts.

BACKGROUND: Despite the strict diagnostic criteria recently proposed for non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features (NIFTP), its incidence is still unknown. Employing a retrospective analysis of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC), we investigated the diagnosis, prevalence and postoperative course of NIFTP. METHODS: We examined retrospectively the records of 112 patients who had undergone thyroid surgery and had a postoperative diagnosis of FVPTC at our hospital from 2010 to 2021. All clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 34 (27.9%) patients met the strict pathologic criteria for NIFTP; 11 cases having been diagnosed as NIFTP initially and 23 after re-evaluation of histopathologic slides. None of the 11 NIFTP patients underwent a 2-stage operation, in contrast to 10 (29.4%) patients initially diagnosed as FVPTC who had a completion thyroidectomy after the initial hemithyroidectomy. The median follow-up was 14.5 (ranging from 0 to 78) months. None of the cases developed a recurrence. CONCLUSION: To avoid unnecessary treatment or the follow-up advised for papillary thyroid carcinoma, clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with the terminology and the corresponding diagnostic criteria for NIFTP and their impact on management.

Fungating and Ulcerating Breast Cancer: Wound Closure Algorithm, Complications, and Survival Trends.

Fungating breast cancer severely affects patients' daily lives, and patient management poses major oncology challenges. To present 10-year outcomes of unique tumor presentation, suggesting a focused algorithm for surgical management and providing deep analysis for factors affecting survival and surgical outcomes. Eighty-two patients with fungating breast cancer were enrolled in the period from January 2010 to February 2020 in the Mansoura University Oncology Center database. Epidemiological and pathological characteristics, risk factors, different surgical treatment techniques, and surgical and oncological outcomes were reviewed. Preoperative systemic therapy was used in 41 patients, with the majority (77.8%) showing progressive response. Mastectomy was performed in 81 (98.8%) patients, with primary wound closure in 71 (86.6%), and wide local excision in a single patient (1.2%). Different reconstructive techniques in non-primary closure operations were used. Complications were reported in 33 (40.7%) patients, of which 16 (48.5%) were of Clavien-Dindo grade II category. Loco-regional recurrence occurred in 20.7% of patients. The mortality rate during follow-up was 31.7% (n = 26). Estimated mean overall survival (with 95% CI) was 55.96 (41.98-69.9) months; estimated mean loco-regional recurrence-free survival (with 95% CI) was 38.01 (24.6-51.4) months. Surgery is a cornerstone fungating breast cancer treatment option, but at the expense of high morbidity. Sophisticated reconstructive procedures may be indicated for wound closure. A suggested algorithm based on the center's experience of wound management in difficult mastectomy cases is displayed.

Utility of diffusion tensor imaging in differentiating benign from malignant hepatic focal lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the characterization of hepatic focal lesions (HFLs) and compare it to diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). METHODS: Prospective analysis was done for 49 patients (23 male and 26 female) with 74 HFLs who underwent dynamic MRI, DWI, and DTI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values from DWI, fractional anisotropy (FA) values, and mean diffusivity (MD) values from DTI were measured by two independent radiologists. HFLs were classified into benign and malignant HFLs; the latter were subdivided into HCC and non-HCC lesions. Binary logistic regression was performed to analyze the associations between the DTI parameters and the distinction of malignant lesions. RESULTS: The ADC, MD, and FA at cutoff values of ≤ 1.17 × 10-3 mm2/s, ≤ 1.71 × 10-3 mm2/s, and > 0.29, respectively, are excellent discriminators for differentiating malignant and benign HFLs. The mean ADC and MD values of hemangiomas were significantly higher than HCC and non-HCC malignant lesions. In contrast, the mean FA values of hemangiomas were significantly lower than those of non-HCC malignant lesions and HCCs. The ADC and MD were very good discriminators at cutoff values of > 1.03 × 10-3 mm2/s and > 1.12 × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. The FA at a cutoff value > 0.38 is an excellent discriminator for HCC versus non-HCC malignant lesions. Only FA value > 0.38 was a statistically significant independent predictor of HCC versus non-HCC lesions among the three parameters. There was an excellent inter-observer agreement with ICC > 0.9. CONCLUSION: MD and FA of DTI are non-invasive, very good, and excellent discriminators superior to ADC measured by DWI for the differentiation of HFLs. KEY POINTS: • The ADC, MD, and FA at cutoff values of ≤ 1.17 × 10-3 mm2/s, ≤ 1.71 × 10-3 mm2/s, and > 0.29, respectively, are excellent discriminators for differentiating malignant and benign HFLs. • The mean ADC and MD values of hemangiomas were significantly higher than those of HCC and non-HCC malignant lesions. In contrast, the mean FA values of hemangiomas were significantly lower than those of non-HCC malignant lesions and HCCs, respectively. • Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only FA value > 0.38 was a statistically significant independent predictor of HCC vs. non-HCC lesions. A lesion with FA > 0.38 has 34 times higher odds of being HCC rather than non-HCC lesions.

Fibroadenoma of the breast; incidence of malignancy and indicators for surgical intervention: An analysis of 1392 patients.

BACKGROUND: Fibroadenomas are common among young females. The size of the lesion used to be an indication for further assessment or excision. With arising of the watch and see proponents, criteria for selecting patients are important to establish. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database where all patients having the clinical/radiological provisional diagnosis of fibroadenoma and attending our center - from January 2008 to March 2020 - were enrolled. The primary outcome was the incidence of malignancy and the secondary outcomes were the correlation of malignancy-risk with epidemiologic and radiologic criteria. RESULTS: The study enrolled 1392 patients. The mean age of the patients was 35.7 + ∕- 13.1 years. The median of the longest diameter of the detected breast lesions was 25 mm. The incidence of malignancy was 188 (13.5%). The size of the lesion measured by largest diameter was insignificant (p = 0.99), while the patients' age, marital status, and imaging criteria as measured by BIRADS score were significant (<0.001). CONCLUSION: Approaching patients with the age above 35 or with BIRADS 4 provisionally diagnosed with fibroadenomas should be cautious with biopsy and short-term follow-ups The size of the tumor alone should not be used as an indication for surgical intervention.

The Pattern of Antimicrobial Prescription at a Tertiary Health Center in Egypt: A Point Survey and Implications.

Background: The misuse of antimicrobials has major consequences, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobials' related adverse effects. So, the WHO proposed antimicrobial surveillance to improve antimicrobials use. This point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted to illustrate the prevalence of antimicrobial use at Mansoura University hospitals (MUH), Egypt. Methods: The survey process used was adapted from the European survey of antimicrobial resistance with modifications. The survey was conducted from 8 AM to 8 PM daily within 2 weeks. Results: A total of 300 patients received antimicrobials and the prevalence rate of antimicrobial prescription was 79.15%. The major indications of antimicrobials were surgical prophylaxis followed by the treatment of community-acquired infection. The most commonly prescribed initial antimicrobial group was Aminopenicillin ± ß-lactamase inhibitors. Although the purpose for antimicrobial administration was recorded in all cases, the stop/review history was recorded only in 19.6% and local guidelines were not available for 77.6% of antimicrobial prescriptions. The use of combined antimicrobials was common (46.6%), particularly in orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Conclusion: The prevalence of antimicrobial prescription at MUH was high which requires serious actions including reviewing the antimicrobial indication, implementing local prescription guidelines, initiating an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP), and optimizing infection control measures.

Effect of concomitant use of pitavastatin with neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols in breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Introduction: Preclinical studies have demonstrated the possible anticancer effects of statins, but the synergistic effect of concomitant statin use with standard chemotherapy protocols in patients with breast cancer has not yet been investigated. Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of concomitant pitavastatin use with neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols in patients with breast cancer. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 70 adult female patients with pathologically-proven invasive breast cancer were randomized to receive or not receive pitavastatin (2 mg) oral tablets once daily concomitantly with standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols for 6 months. The primary outcomes of this study were changes in tumor size and changes to the Ki67 index. In addition, secondary outcomes were changes in cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 serum levels. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04705909). Results: Patients in the pitavastatin group showed significantly higher median (IQR) reductions in tumor size [-19.8 (-41.5, 9.5)] compared to those in the control group [-5.0 (-15.5, 0.0), p = 0.0009]. The change in Ki67 from baseline to the end of therapy was similar between the two groups (p = 0.12). By the end of therapy, the cyclin D1 levels in the pitavastatin group were significantly decreased [median (IQR) change of - 10.0 (-20.2, -2.9) from baseline], whereas the control group showed an increase in cyclin D1 levels [14.8 (4.1, 56.4)]. The median (IQR) caspase-3 was elevated in the pitavastatin group 1.6 (0.2, 2.2), and decreased in the control group (-0.2 (-1.1, 0.0), p = 0.0002).Subgroup analysis of the pitavastatin group revealed that patients with positive human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) had higher median (IQR) reductions in Ki67 [-35.0 (-70.0, -12.5)] than those with negative HER2 [2.5 (-15.0, 10.0), p = 0.04]. All patients who achieved a complete pathological response (n = 9) exhibited an HER2-neu positive receptor at baseline. Conclusion: Concomitant use of pitavastatin with standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols may improve neoadjuvant chemotherapy responses in patients with breast cancer.

Primary thyroid chondrosarcoma: a case report of an extremely rare malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: There are different types of malignant tumors that can affect the thyroid gland where differentiated thyroid carcinomas (papillary and follicular) are the most common representing nearly 90% of cases. Non-epithelial malignancies were also reported to affect the thyroid gland particularly lymphomas and sarcomas that were reported in literature to range from 0.01 to 1.5% of thyroid carcinoma. Herein, we present a case with primary thyroid chondrosarcoma, an extremely rare malignancy of the thyroid gland. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 79-year-old female patient complaining of hard thyroid swelling that was proved to be primary thyroid chondrosarcoma after histopathological assessment. CONCLUSION: Chondrosarcoma of the thyroid gland is extremely rare either in the primary or metastatic setting. Although the prognosis is bad, surgery is the main line of treatment after early prompt diagnosis.

Circulating Cell Free DNA and DNA Integrity Index as Discriminating Tools between Breast Cancer and Benign Breast Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of cancer remains a great challenge in the field of laboratory medicine. We investigated the ability of ccf DNA and DNA integrity index (DNA II) in differentiating benign from malignant breast diseases. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 50 patients with benign breast disease (BBD) and 50 newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) patients, in addition to 50 control women. VEGF was measured by ELISA, while Real-time q-PCR was used to measure ccf DNA concentrations and to assess the concentrations of ALU repeats, both short fragments (115 bp) and long fragments (247 bp), then DNA II was calculated (all were done before and after radical mastectomy). RESULTS: BC group showed significantly higher ccf DNA concentrations and DNA II compared to BBD and control groups, meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were found between BBD and control groups. Ccf DNA concentrations decreased significantly after surgery (P <0.001). Good AUC was found for ccf DNA (AUC=0.860), fair AUC was found for DNA II (AUC=0.727), while VEGF AUC failed to discriminate between BBD and BC cases. CONCLUSION: ccf DNA and DNA II could be used as excellent molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis of BC and for monitoring the efficiency of therapy in such patients. Utilizing these molecular markers would improve both the healthcare and economic burden of malignancy.

Is it essential to remove the submandibular gland in neck dissection in tongue cancer patients?

INTRODUCTION: Submandibular sialadenectomy is a part of the classic technique of neck dissection for oral cavity cancers. However, its removal is associated with a reduction in the salivary outflow in many patients, as well as, some uncommon complications such as lingual and hypoglossal nerve injuries. Assessment of the necessity of such maneuvers should be addressed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 105 patients with tongue cancer who underwent neck dissection in the Oncology Center, Mansoura University from January 2008 to March 2019 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In all the included patients, whether showing pathologic positive or negative lymph nodes, none showed capsular or parenchymal submandibular gland metastasis except for one patient who showed direct infiltration of the gland by the primary tumor. CONCLUSION: Submandibular sialadenectomy may not be indicated as a part of neck dissection in tongue cancer patients. Further research should be conducted to focus on the effect of its preservation on disease-free and overall survival.