Clinical and histopathological features of follicular thyroid cancer in Chile

ABSTRACT Objective: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is less frequent but has a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma. The available evidence on pre-operative characteristics of FTC is controversial. Our objective was to characterize the clinical, ultrasound and histopathological presentation of FTC patients treated Chile. Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated for FTC in 6 large centers in Chile. We analyzed their ultrasonographic features and classified the nodules according to ATA risk of malignancy and TI-RADS score, as well as the cytological findings according to the Bethesda system. We described their clinical and histopathological findings at diagnosis and classified their risk of recurrence and mortality according to ATA 2015 recurrence risk category and the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system, respectively. Results: Median age was 48 years and 73.2% were females. The median diameter was 38.8 mm; only 9.5% of them were microtumors. According to ATA risk of malignancy, 86% of the nodules were low or intermediate suspicious, while 78% were category 3 or 4A nodules according to the TI-RADS. Regarding the Bethesda system, 65.9% had indeterminate cytology (20.6% category III and 45.3% category IV). At histological examination, most were minimally-invasive and angio-invasive tumors with less than 4 foci (54.7% and 28.4% respectively). More than 90% of FTC were unifocal and there was no lymphovascular or extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node involvement. Four patients (4.1%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. Most patients (95%) had stage I or II disease according to the AJCC/UICC staging system, while the risk of recurrence was low at 51.5% when using the ATA risk of recurrence scale. Conclusions: At diagnosis, most FTCs were nodules of low or intermediate suspicion at ultrasound, nearly two thirds had indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda system, and nearly 50% of them were of low risk of recurrence.

Clinical and histopathological features of follicular thyroid cancer in Chile.

Objective: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is less frequent but has a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma. The available evidence on pre-operative characteristics of FTC is controversial. Our objective was to characterize the clinical, ultrasound and histopathological presentation of FTC patients treated Chile. Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated for FTC in 6 large centers in Chile. We analyzed their ultrasonographic features and classified the nodules according to ATA risk of malignancy and TI-RADS score, as well as the cytological findings according to the Bethesda system. We described their clinical and histopathological findings at diagnosis and classified their risk of recurrence and mortality according to ATA 2015 recurrence risk category and the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system, respectively. Results: Median age was 48 years and 73.2% were females. The median diameter was 38.8 mm; only 9.5% of them were microtumors. According to ATA risk of malignancy, 86% of the nodules were low or intermediate suspicious, while 78% were category 3 or 4A nodules according to the TI-RADS. Regarding the Bethesda system, 65.9% had indeterminate cytology (20.6% category III and 45.3% category IV). At histological examination, most were minimally-invasive and angio-invasive tumors with less than 4 foci (54.7% and 28.4% respectively). More than 90% of FTC were unifocal and there was no lymphovascular or extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node involvement. Four patients (4.1%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. Most patients (95%) had stage I or II disease according to the AJCC/UICC staging system, while the risk of recurrence was low at 51.5% when using the ATA risk of recurrence scale. Conclusion: At diagnosis, most FTCs were nodules of low or intermediate suspicion at ultrasound, nearly two thirds had indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda system, and nearly 50% of them were of low risk of recurrence.

Factors predicting pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients after salvage laryngectomy for laryngeal malignancy - A multicenter collaborative cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major morbidity of salvage total laryngectomy (TL). Understanding the factors predicting PCF is fundamental to managing laryngeal cancer. We aim to assess factors associated with PCF following salvage TL in a multicenter, international retrospective cohort study of academic centers in the US and Canada. RESULTS: In total, 550 patients post-salvage TL were identified (mean [SD; range] age, 64 [10.4; 32-90] years; 465 [85 %] male and 84 [15 %] female) between 2000 and 2014. Rate of PCF was 23 % (n = 127) with median time to PCF of 2.9 weeks. Surgical management of PCF was required in 43 % (n = 54) while 57 % (n = 73) required wound care alone. Rates of PCF differed by primary treatment modality [radiation, 20 % (n = 76); chemoradiation, 27 % (n = 40); not available (n = 6)] and use of vascularized tissue in pharyngeal closure [free/regional flap, 18 % (n = 25); no vascularized tissue/primary closure, 24 % (n = 98); not available (n = 4)]. There was no statistically significant association between PCF and treatment with chemoradiation (HR, 1.32; 95 % CI, 0.91-1.93, p = 0.14) or lack of vascularized tissue reconstruction (HR, 1.41, 95 % CI 0.91-2.18, p = 0.12). Significant association between PCF and advanced stage (T3 or T4), positive margin, close margin (<5mm), lymphovascular invasion and pre-operative tracheostomy were identified on univariable analysis. Positive surgical margin (HR, 1.91; 95 % CI, 1.11 to 3.29) was the only significant association on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: We highlight positive surgical margin as the only variable significantly associated with increased risk of PCF following salvage TL on multivariable analysis in a large cohort across several major head and neck oncology centers.

Outcomes in surgical management of sinonasal malignancy-A single comprehensive cancer center experience.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal malignancies are a complex and diverse group of tumors. Over the past five decades, treatment advances have changed the management paradigms for these tumors. Our aim was to analyze the outcomes of patients from a comprehensive cancer center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 400 patients with sinonasal malignancies treated with surgery at our center between 1973 and 2015. Multiple variables were reviewed to assess the influence on 5-year outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 56 years (IQR 46.8-68). Two hundred and fifty-nine (65%) were males and 141 (35%) were females. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) improved in the last analyzed decade. Orbital invasion, advanced pT-classification and pN-classification, and melanoma histology were associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: Treatment outcomes for patients with sinonasal malignancy have improved over time. This is likely multifactorial with advances in surgical technique, adjuvant treatment, and patient selection. pT-classification, pN-classification, orbital invasion, and histology are predictive of survival.

Evaluation of Surgical Margin Status in Patients With Salivary Gland Cancer.

Importance: Salivary gland cancer comprises a diverse group of histologic types with different biological behavior. Owing to this heterogeneity, the association of margin status and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy has been poorly studied. Objective: To examine the association between surgical margin status and oncologic outcomes and the subsequent outcome of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with salivary gland carcinomas. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study analyzed data from institutional records at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 1985 to 2015. Statistical analysis was completed on October 31, 2020. After exclusions, 837 patients with surgically treated salivary gland carcinoma were identified. Surgical margins and histologic characteristics identified from pathology reports were recorded, with margins classified as negative, close, and positive, and individual histologic types classified into 3 risk groups: low, intermediate, and high. Exposures: The outcome of adjuvant radiotherapy was determined in patients with close margins with low- and intermediate-risk histologic type and overall pathologic stage I/II disease. Main Outcomes and Measures: Disease-specific survival (DSS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. A planned subgroup analysis of patients with close margins was conducted. Results: Among the 837 patients identified, 438 were women (52.3%); median age at surgery was 58 years (range, 6-98). A total of 399 tumors (47.7%) originated from major salivary glands, and 438 (52.3%) from minor salivary glands. Margin positivity rates were not different between minor and major salivary gland tumors. Positive surgical margins were identified in 252 patients (30.1%), with nasal cavity/paranasal sinuses and trachea/larynx subsites as the most common sites. Close margins were recorded in 203 patients (24.3%). Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered in 80.5% (103 of 128) of patients with major salivary gland cancer with positive margins, 58.8% (60 of 102) with close margins, and 30.7% (52 of 169) with negative margins and in 70.2% (87 of 124), 36.6% (37 of 101) , and 19.7% (42 of 213) patients with minor salivary gland cancer. With median follow up time of 57 months (range, 1-363 months), patients with positive margins had poorer DSS and LRFS. However, after controlling for overall stage, histologic risk group, and adjuvant radiotherapy, margin status was not a factor associated with poorer DSS or LRFS. In patients with close margins, low-risk and intermediate-risk histologic type, and overall pathologic stage I/II, patients who did not have adjuvant radiotherapy had comparable local control with those who received adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that patients with salivary gland cancer who have either close or positive surgical margins are at increased risk for poorer local control and survival. After controlling for tumor stage, histologic risk group, and the use of adjuvant radiotherapy, margin status was not an independent factor associated with poorer outcome. Subgroup analyses showed that care for patients with close margins with low-risk or intermediate-risk histologic type who have stage I/II cancers might be managed safely without adjuvant radiotherapy.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Evaluating the prognostic impact of primary tumor site.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is one of the most common salivary gland malignancies. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic impact of primary tumor site in patients with MEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cohort identified 308 patients with MEC who underwent primary surgery between 1985 and 2015. Survival outcomes were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios for primary site were determined using the Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: One hundred eighty (58%) patients were diagnosed with minor and 128 (42%) with major salivary gland cancer. Primary site in the minor salivary gland group included 137 (44%) oral cavity, 38 (12%) pharynx, 3 (0.9%) nasal cavity, and 2 (0.6%) trachea and larynx. The major salivary gland group included 118 (38%) parotid, 8 (3%) submandibular, and 2 (0.6%) sublingual. With a median follow-up of 73 months, 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival were 84% and 91%, respectively. Patients with tumors located in the hard palate and retromolar trigone had the best survival, while patients with tumors located in the paranasal sinuses and submandibular gland had the poorest survival. After controlling for tumor grade and stage, MEC primary site was not predictive of survival or recurrence. On multivariate analysis, worse DSS was associated with stage III-IV tumors (HR: 7,11; 95% CI: 1.19-26.43; p = 0.0034) and high-grade tumors (HR: 19.12; 95% CI: 2.26-162.77; p = 0.0068). CONCLUSIONS: While high grade and advanced overall stage were found to be independent predictors of worse survival, primary tumor site was not predictive of poor outcome.

Predictors of distant metastases in sinonasal and skull base cancer patients treated with surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Sinonasal and skull base tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of malignancies with a significant rate of distant recurrence (DR). The aim of this study was to analyze tumor and host factors, including pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), that predict DR in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed sinonasal tumors and/or tumors involving the skull base treated with surgery between 1973 and 2015 (n = 473). We stratified NLR using the top 5 percentile as cutoff. Factors predictive of outcome were determined by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Most tumors were primary (81%) and 67% had skull base resection. The most common site was the nasal cavity (37%) and the most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (34%). Most patients presented with advanced primary tumor stage (pT3/T4; 80%) and most had no regional neck disease (pNx/N0; 93%). A total of 104 patients developed DR. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival for patients who developed DR were 36.4% and 35.8%, compared to 69.0% and 74.9% for patients who did not. Patients with DR had a higher percentage of NLR-high patients compared patients without DR (11% vs 3%, p = .006). In a multivariable analysis, melanoma histology (HR = 5.469, 95% CI 3.171-9.433), pT3/T4 (HR = 2.686, 95% CI 1.150-6.275), pN+ (HR = 6.864, 95% CI 3.450-13.653), and NLR-high (HR = 3.489, 95% CI 1.593-7.639) were independent predictors of DR. CONCLUSION: Melanoma histology, pT, pN, and high NLR predict DR, suggesting that both tumor and host factors need to be considered. NLR may act as a surrogate marker of the host́s immune system.

Predictors of surgical complications in patients with sinonasal malignancy.

OBJECTIVES: Sinonasal and skull base tumors are rare, making it difficult to identify trends in surgical outcome. This study examines complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing surgery for sinonasal malignancy. METHODS: Following IRB approval, an institutional database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent surgery for sinonasal or skull base malignancies from 1973 to 2016 at our institution. Charlson comorbidity index score and Clavien-Dindo grade were calculated. The main study endpoint was subgroup analysis of Clavien-Dindo Grade 0, Grades 1-2, and Grades 3-5 complications. An ordinal logistic regression model was constructed to assess the association between comorbidities, demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical complications. RESULTS: In total, 448 patients met inclusion criteria. Perioperative mortality rate at 30 days was 1.6% (n = 7). The rate of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo 3 or higher) was 13.6% (n = 61). Multivariate analysis using an ordinal logistic regression model showed no association between Charlson comorbidity index score and Clavien-Dindo grade of postoperative complication. Advanced T-stage was significantly associated with complications (p = 0.0014; odds ratio: 3.442 [95% confidence interval: 1.615, 7.338]). CONCLUSION: Surgery for sinonasal and skull base tumors is safe with a low mortality rate. Advanced T-stage is associated with postoperative complications. These findings have implications for preoperative risk stratification. Key Points Surgery for sinonasal malignancy is safe with a 30 mortality of 1.6% and rate of severe complications of 12.8%. There is no association between patient comorbidity and post operative complication. On multivariate analysis, only advanced T stage was associated with increased rate of surgical complication.

Association of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula With Cancer Outcomes in Patients After Laryngectomy: A Multicenter Collaborative Cohort Study.

Importance: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) results in an inflammatory reaction, but its association with the rate of locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and overall survival in laryngeal cancer remains uncertain. Objective: To determine if pharyngocutaneous fistula after salvage laryngectomy is associated with locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and/or overall survival. Design, Setting, and Participants: A multicenter collaborative retrospective cohort study conducted at 5 centers in Canada and the US of 550 patients who underwent salvage laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal cancer from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014. The median follow-up time was 5.7 years (range, 0-18 years). Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes examined included locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Fine and Gray competing risk regression and Cox-proportional hazard regression models were used for outcomes. Competing risks and the Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate outcomes at 3 years and 5 years. Results: In all, 550 patients (mean [SD] age, 64 [10.4] years; men, 465 [85%]) met inclusion criteria. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 127 patients (23%). The difference in locoregional control between the group of patients with PCF (75%) and the non-PCF (72%) group was 3% (95% CI, -6% to 12%). The difference in overall survival between the group with PCF (44%) and the non-PCF group (52%) was 8% (95% CI, -2% to 20%). The difference in disease-free survival between PCF and non-PCF groups was 6% (95% CI, -4% to 16%). In the multivariable model, patients with PCF were at a 2-fold higher rate of distant metastases (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.27). Distant control was reduced in those with PCF, a 13% (95% CI, 3% to 21%) difference in 5-year distant control. Conclusions and Relevance: This multicenter retrospective cohort study found that development of PCF after salvage laryngectomy is associated with an increased risk for the development of distant metastases.

Clinical characterization and treatment of head and neck mucosal melanoma: a Chilean experience.

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. The aim of this research was to analyze clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in a Latin American cohort. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of patients with HNMM treated between 2008 and 2019 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, adjuvant therapy, and oncologic outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty HNMMs were identified; 60% were in men. The most frequent primary location was the nasal cavity (10; 50%). Regional disease was uncommon and limited to the oral cavity. The median overall survival was 29 months; the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 37.2% and 26.6%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that predictors of a worse overall survival were paranasal location (hazard ratio [HR], 4.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-18.40; P = .030), positive lymph nodes (HR, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.30-27.7; P = .022), positive margins (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.08-17.2; P = .039), bone invasion (HR, 3.27;95% CI, 1.05-10.1; P = .041), and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 3.82; CI, 1.03-14.2; P = .045). Three-year recurrence-free survival was 17.3%, and most of the recurrences were with distant disease. CONCLUSIONS: HNMM is an infrequent disease with an aggressive behavior. Survival outcomes are related to location of the primary disease, regional spread, lymphovascular invasion, and bone invasion.

Distant metastasis of salivary gland cancer: Incidence, management, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastases (DMs) are the primary cause of treatment failure in patients with salivary gland carcinoma. There is no consensus on the standard treatment. METHODS: Patients with DMs were identified from an institutional database of 884 patients with salivary gland cancer who underwent resection of the primary tumor between 1985 and 2015. Survival outcomes for patients with DMs were determined with the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with DM. RESULTS: Of the 884 patients identified, 137 (15%) developed DMs during follow-up. Most of the primary tumors (n = 77 [56%]) were located in a major salivary gland. At clinical presentation, 53% of the tumors were classified as T3 or T4, and 32% had clinical node metastases. The median time to DM was 20.3 months. The factors associated with shorter distant recurrence-free survival were male sex, high-risk tumor histology, and advanced pathological T and N classifications. Patients with bone metastases had a lower survival rate than patients with lung metastases. The total number of DMs in a patient was inversely associated with survival. Patients who underwent surgical resection of DMs had a significantly higher 5-year rate of metastatic disease-specific survival than patients who underwent observation or nonsurgical treatment (44%, 29%, and 19%, respectively; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DMs of salivary gland carcinoma, survival is negatively associated with high-grade histology, bone DMs, and the total number of DMs. Metastasectomy can help to lengthen disease-free survival.

Atención de los pacientes con trauma grave durante los primeros días: evolución entre la urgencia, el pabellón y la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Features of patients with trauma admitted to an emergency room of a general hospital

Background: Trauma is the main cause of death among people aged 5 to 44 years. Aim: To describe features, treatment and evolution of trauma patients admitted to an emergency room. Material and Methods: Adult patients admitted in the emergency department of a public hospital due to severe trauma were studied and followed during their hospital stay. Results: We included 114 patients aged 40 ± 17 years (78%men) with an injury severity score of 21 ± 11. Trauma was penetrating in 43%. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common diagnosis in 46%. In the emergency room, 8% had hypotension, 5% required vasopressors and 23% required mechanical ventilation. The initial lactate was 3.6 ± 2.9 mmol/L. Sixty-five patients (57%) required emergency surgery. The intraoperative lactate was 3 ± 1.7 mmol/L and 20% required vasopressors. Sixty-four patients (56%) were admitted to the ICU, with APACHEII and SOFA scores of 16 ± 8 and 5 ± 3, respectively. ICU lactate was 3.2±1.5 mmol/L. In the ICU 40% required vasopressors and 63% mechanical ventilation. Thirty two percent had coagulopathy, 43% received transfusions and 10% required massive transfusions. The hospital stay was 13 (6-32) days, being significantly longer in patients with TBI. ICU and hospital mortalities were 12.5 and 18.4% respectively. The only predictor for mortality was the APACHEII score (Hazard Ratio 1.18, 95% confidence intervals 1.03-1.36). Conclusions: APACHE score was a predictor of mortality in this group of patients.

Salvage surgery for recurrent larynx cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatment, the recurrence rates for laryngeal cancer range from 16% to 40%. METHODS: Patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) from 1999 to 2016 were reviewed. Survival outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 241 patients, 88% were male; the median age was 67 years; 71% had primary glottic tumors. At initial treatment, 72% of patients were seen with early stage disease; primary treatment was radiation (68%), chemoradiation (29%), and surgery (3%). The most common salvage surgery was total laryngectomy (74%). Forty-seven percentage were upstaged at salvage surgery. The 2- and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 74% and 57%, respectively. Patients with cT4 disease treated with nonsurgical primary management had a 0% 5-year DSS. Independent predictors of DSS were tumor location, perineural invasion, margin, and stage. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage surgery results in acceptable oncologic outcomes. Stage, disease site, perineural invasion, and margins are associated with inferior DSS.

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of salivary glands.

OBJECTIVE: Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of salivary gland (PAC) is rare. Despite being described as a low risk histology, some patients develop regional and distant metastasis. More aggressive behavior has been attributed to a PAC subcategory called cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG). We examined oncological outcomes of PAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with PAC were identified from an institutional database of 884 patients surgically treated for salivary gland malignancies from 1985 to 2015. Detailed histopathological analysis was performed. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors predictive of recurrence were identified using the Cox proportional hazard method. RESULTS: Fifty-four (95%) had tumors of minor salivary gland origin; the most frequent location was the oral cavity in 41 (76%), specifically the hard palate in 32 (55%). Forty-six patients (81%) were clinical T1-T2; 3 (5%) had a clinically positive neck. Thirty-two patients (56%) were classified as PAC and 14 (25%) as CAMSG. Forty-four patients (77%) had surgery alone; 13 (23%) had surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The 5- and 10-year overall survival and disease-specific survival were 88% and 79% and 98% and 94%, respectively (median follow up 84 [1-159] months); 5- and 10-year recurrence-free survival were 93% and 88%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed male sex, III/IV stage, and CASMG variant had increased incidence of recurrence but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: PAC of the salivary glands is an indolent disease with good survival outcomes. Recurrence is uncommon and tends to occur late. Long-term follow-up is indicated in patients with this disease.

Sex disparities in salivary malignancies: Does female sex impact oncological outcome?

OBJECTIVE: Previous population-based studies in salivary gland carcinomas have described a relationship between female sex and superior oncological outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our institutional database of 884 surgically treated patients with salivary gland malignancies from 1985 to 2015 was analyzed for the impact of sex on oncological outcomes. Histologies were classified in three risk groups, low, intermediate and high. Survival outcomes were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios for male sex were determined using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty-seven patients were identified; median age was 59 years, and 51% had a minor salivary gland malignancy. Female patients were younger (58 versus 60 years; p = 0.040) and had a lower incidence of high-risk histologies (25% versus 40%, p < 0.001) and T3-T4 tumors compared to men (23% versus 31%, p < 0.001). With a median follow-up of 57 months, female patients had a superior 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) (90% versus 79%; p < 0.001). The unadjusted hazard ratio showed male patients had a 2.15-fold increased risk of death (HR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.50-3.06, p < 0.001). After adjusting for Charlson comorbidity index, tobacco use, histological risk group, and overall pathological stage, males still had a statistically significant increased risk of death (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.05-2.17; p = 0.047). Subgroup analysis showed DSS for females was significantly better in the high-risk histological group (5-year 68% versus 49%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that sex has an impact on cancer-specific survival and that female sex favors improved survival.

Organ preservation for patients with anterior mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity: Rhinectomy-free survival in those refusing surgery.

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anterior nasal mucosa is surgical resection with or without postoperative radiation. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with SCC of the nasal cavity between January 2000 and July 2018 who refused total rhinectomy and who were treated with radiation with or without chemotherapy with curative intent. RESULTS: Eleven patients were identified, 73% had stage III or stage IV disease. Four patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy and seven with intensity-modulated proton radiotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was used in nine patients (82%). With a median follow-up of 15 months (3-124 months), two patients experienced recurrence and one developed distant metastasis and died from disease. The 2-year rhinectomy-free survival rate was 88%. Two-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 100% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A radiation-based approach for SCC of the nasal cavity mucosa is a valid option for selected patients who refuse up-front surgery.

[Features of patients with trauma admitted to an emergency room of a general hospital]. / Atención de los pacientes con trauma grave durante los primeros días: evolución entre la urgencia, el pabellón y la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the main cause of death among people aged 5 to 44 years. AIM: To describe features, treatment and evolution of trauma patients admitted to an emergency room. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients admitted in the emergency department of a public hospital due to severe trauma were studied and followed during their hospital stay. RESULTS: We included 114 patients aged 40 ± 17 years (78%men) with an injury severity score of 21 ± 11. Trauma was penetrating in 43%. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common diagnosis in 46%. In the emergency room, 8% had hypotension, 5% required vasopressors and 23% required mechanical ventilation. The initial lactate was 3.6 ± 2.9 mmol/L. Sixty-five patients (57%) required emergency surgery. The intraoperative lactate was 3 ± 1.7 mmol/L and 20% required vasopressors. Sixty-four patients (56%) were admitted to the ICU, with APACHEII and SOFA scores of 16 ± 8 and 5 ± 3, respectively. ICU lactate was 3.2±1.5 mmol/L. In the ICU 40% required vasopressors and 63% mechanical ventilation. Thirty two percent had coagulopathy, 43% received transfusions and 10% required massive transfusions. The hospital stay was 13 (6-32) days, being significantly longer in patients with TBI. ICU and hospital mortalities were 12.5 and 18.4% respectively. The only predictor for mortality was the APACHEII score (Hazard Ratio 1.18, 95% confidence intervals 1.03-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: APACHE score was a predictor of mortality in this group of patients.

[Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in complete blood count as a mortality predictor in breast cancer]. / Evaluación del valor pronóstico de la relación neutrófilos/linfocitos en cáncer de mama de subtipos agresivos.

UNLABELLED: The white blood cell count is one of the most sensitive markers associated with inflammation. The neutrophil/lymphocyte count ratio may be an independent factor for breast cancer mortality. AIM: To assess the predictive value of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio for mortality in breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of the database of a cancer center of a University hospital. Patients with infiltrating breast cancer treated between 1997 and 2012 were selected. The pathology type and lymph node involvement were obtained from the pathology report. The expression of estrogen, progesterone and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) was determined by immunohistochemistry or in situ fluorescent hybridization (FISH). The absolute peripheral neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were obtained from a complete blood count obtained at least three months before treatment. Patients were followed for a median of 61 months (range 1-171). RESULTS: From 323 eligible patients, after excluding those in stage IV and those without an available complete blood count, 131 patients were analyzed (81 with negative receptors and 117 HER2 enriched). The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was similar in both types of tumors (2.1 and 1.91 respectively). Twenty two patients died during follow-up. Surviving patients with HER2 enriched tumors had a lower neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio than those who died (1.79 and 3.21 respectively, p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, including age, tumor stage and lymph node involvement as confounding factors, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was still significantly associated with a risk of death with a hazard ratio of 2.56. CONCLUSIONS: A high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in the complete blood count can be a predictor of death in breast cancer.