Role of Multimodal Monitoring in the Management of Massive Blood Transfusion in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Excision of Choroid Plexus Carcinoma - A Case-Based Review of a Novel Perioperative Protocol.

Choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs) are rare intraventricular lesions encountered in the pediatric population. The dreaded perioperative complication causing high mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing excision of CPC is massive intraoperative hemorrhage, which results in massive blood transfusion, and coagulopathy. Hence, the main crux of perioperative management is to tackle intraoperative hemorrhage and coagulopathy by instituting goal-directed blood transfusion guided by multimodality monitoring. This case series and literature review aims to present our institutional experience wherein the patients had a favorable outcome post-excision of CPC owing to goal-directed blood transfusion protocol guided by multimodality monitoring in the perioperative period.

Secretory Carcinoma of the Breast with Apocrine Differentiation-A Peculiar Entity.

Background and Objectives: Secretory carcinoma of the breast is an uncommon histological subtype of breast cancer. There is little research on this entity and only a few larger studies, which lack consensus. We aim to report a particular apocrine differentiation in this subtype and ponder upon the clinical outcome of this case. Case presentation: We report the case of a 72-year-old female patient who presented to our hospital with a suspicious breast tumor. Core biopsy and mastectomy showed a low-grade breast carcinoma, a secretory subtype with apocrine differentiation. Immunohistochemistry confirmed both the secretory nature and the apocrine nature of the tumor cells. Surgical excision was considered curative and the patient is under long-term surveillance for any recurrences. Conclusions: There is very little research on the clinical behavior of secretory carcinomas with apocrine differentiation. The clinical outcome is unknown and, unfortunately, besides surgery, no other adjuvant treatments have shown efficacy. Further studies on long-term clinical progression are required for this rare entity.

The Role of Palliative Surgery in the Management of Acute Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

Introduction: Acute intestinal obstruction secondary to extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis is an end stage event. The role of palliative surgery in these patients is debatable in view of the anticipated severe complications and its doubtful role in achieving adequate palliation. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and ability of patients to resume oral nutrition after palliative surgery for acute intestinal obstruction due to peritoneal carcinomatosis. Patients and Methods: It is an observational study in which we retrospectively reviewed the data from a prospectively maintained clinical database of 40 patients. The predefined pre- and intraoperative variables were obtained. The immediate outcome variables like postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality were analyzed. The short-term outcomes at 3 months in the form of survival, ability to resume enteral nutrition were analyzed. Results: Among the 40 patients 18 were males and 22 females. Ovarian cancer was the most common primary (27.5%) in the study. Twelve patients had acute intestinal obstruction as their first presentation without any past events and 25 (62.5%) patients had been operated on previously or received adjuvant systemic treatment. The palliative surgical option was technically feasible in 37 (93.5%) patients. The median length of hospitalization for the patients who were discharged was 10 days with a range of 6-18 days. Six (15%) patients died in the postoperative period. Severe post-operative complications were seen in 9 (26.4%) patients. Among the patients (n=34) discharged 26 (76.4%) were alive at 3 months. In those who were alive, 21 (80.7%) of them were on some form of oral nutrition at 3 months. Conclusion: Palliative surgery in patients with acute intestinal obstruction secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis is feasible with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The enteral nutrition can be restored in the majority of these patients.

[Treatment strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma with diameter smaller than 1 cm: immediate surgery vs active surveillance].

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer is increasing rapidly worldwide, with subcentimeter papillary thyroid carcinoma (SPTC) with a diameter of less than 1 cm accounting for more than 50%. Active surveillance (AS) as an alternative to immediate surgery for low-risk SPTC was launched in Japan in the 1990s and has been implemented in several countries, including Japan and the United States. However, the indications and safety of performing AS for low-risk SPTC remain controversial. In this article, the author summarizes the existing literature and explores its limitations of AS implementation, the effectiveness of surgical treatment, and the different attitudes of countries on AS, aiming to provide some references for the treatment options of low-risk SPTC.

Clinical features of patients with carcinoma soft tissue metastases as surgical indications: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue metastasis of carcinoma is rare. In the present study, we investigated the surgical indications and clinical features of patients with soft tissue metastases of carcinoma. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 26 patients with soft tissue carcinoma metastasis referred to our department for treatment. Sex, age, location, size, depth, pain due to the tumor, primary origin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, MRI examinations, diagnosis by a previous physician, carcinoma markers from blood, history of carcinoma, other metastases, performance status (PS), and surgical procedures were documented. Associations between variables and surgery were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The primary cancer origin was found to be the lung (n = 10), kidney (n = 7), esophagus (n = 2), stomach (n = 1), breast (n = 1), liver (n = 1), ureter (n = 1), anus (n = 1), and unknown (n = 2). The mean CRP level of all patients was 2.3 mg/dL. Seven tumors (26.9%) were originally suspected to be soft tissue metastases of carcinoma, while 19 tumors (73.1%) were considered soft tissue sarcomas or inflammatory lesions by the previous treating physician. Twenty patients (76.9%) had other metastases. The PS of the 12 patients (46.2%) was zero. Eleven patients (42.3%) underwent surgery for soft tissue metastases. Diagnosis of soft tissue metastasis by a previous physician and good PS (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with surgery. CONCLUSION: Overall, the present results show that surgical indications for soft tissue metastasis of carcinoma include diagnosis by the referring physician or good PS of the patients.

Ruptured Ovarian Cystic Teratoma: A Rare Diagnosis, Easily to Be Confused with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

Although ovarian cystic teratoma is the most common ovarian tumor, complications are quite rare. However, it is important to be recognized by the radiologist in order to avoid inaccurately diagnosing them as malignant lesions. This case report describes a 61-year-old postmenopausal woman, who presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain following a minor blunt abdominal trauma. In this context, a CT scan was performed, which showed the presence of round, hypodense masses randomly distributed in the peritoneum, with coexisting ascites in moderate amount; ovarian carcinoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis was suspected. The patient was hospitalized and an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis was recommended for a more detailed lesion characterization. Following this examination, the patient was diagnosed with mature cystic ovarian teratoma complicated by rupture. Surgery was performed, and the outcome was favorable. The cases of ruptured cystic teratomas are rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first occurrence described in literature. Special attention must be paid when confronting with such a case in medical practice, since it can easily misdiagnosed as peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Clinical responses to vemurafenib in postoperative recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma with esophageal fistula: A case report.

BACKGROUND: While papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) generally exhibits a favorable prognosis post-surgery, the poorly differentiated subtype presents elevated rates of postoperative recurrence. Certain aggressive cases demonstrate invasive behavior, compromising adjacent structures and leading to a poor prognosis. This study delineates a unique case of postoperative PTC recurrence, complicated by esophageal fistula, that showed favorable outcomes following brief Vemurafenib treatment. PATIENT DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old female patient underwent surgical resection for PTC, subsequently experiencing rapid tumor recurrence and development of an esophageal fistula. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was confirmed to have locally advanced PTC through intraoperative cytopathology. The cancer recurred postoperatively, culminating in the formation of an esophageal fistula. METHODS: The patient was administered Vemurafenib at a dosage of 960 mg twice daily following tumor recurrence. RESULTS: A 12-month regimen of targeted Vemurafenib therapy led to a substantial reduction in tumor size. Concurrently, the esophageal fistula underwent complete healing, facilitating successful removal of the gastrostomy tube. The tumor response was classified as stable disease. CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS: Vemurafenib demonstrates potential as a targeted therapeutic strategy for recurrent PTC harboring the BRAFV600E mutation. This approach may effectively mitigate tumor dimensions and the associated risk of esophageal and tracheal fistulas.

PLK4 reflects extrathyroidal invasion, high tumor stage and poor prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the value of PLK4 as a biomarker in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: This study reviewed 230 PTC patients receiving surgical resections. PLK4 was detected in tumor tissues and samples of normal thyroid gland tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results: PLK4 was elevated in tumor tissues versus normal thyroid gland tissues (p < 0.001). Tumor PLK4 was linked with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.036), higher pathological tumor stage (p = 0.030), node stage (p = 0.045) and tumor/node/metastasis stage (p = 0.022) in PTC patients. Tumor PLK4 immunohistochemistry score >3 was linked with shortened disease-free survival (p = 0.026) and overall survival (p = 0.028) and independently predicted poorer disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.797; p = 0.040). Conclusion: Tumor PLK4 reflects extrathyroidal invasion, higher tumor stage and shortened survival in PTC.

Cáncer de mama metaplásico: a propósito de un caso / Metaplastic breast cancer: A case report

Introducción: El carcinoma metaplásico de mama (CMM) es un tipo raro y agresivo de cáncer de mama que suele diagnosticarse en etapas avanzadas, con tumores de gran tamaño y grado histológico elevado. En este estudio, presentamos un caso de CMM, y realizamos una revisión y discusión de la literatura relacionada. Principales síntomas o hallazgos clínicos: Paciente de 35 años, sin antecedentes personales ni familiares relevantes, que consulta por tumoración mamaria de 2cm, de crecimiento progresivo, que agrega en la evolución umbilicación del pezón y dolor mamario. Se realiza ecografía mamaria que evidencia masa sólida polilobulada con características sospechosas. En suma: masa en mama izquierda BI-RADS 5. Diagnósticos principales, intervenciones terapéuticas y resultados: Se realiza core biopsia y la anatomía patológica evidencia un carcinoma ductal infiltrante, variedad metaplásico, triple negativo y con expresión PDL1>1%. Se realiza mastectomía radical modificada. En la evolución se diagnostica un secundarismo pulmonar, y la paciente recibió tratamiento sistémico de primera y segunda línea. Conclusiones: Dada la naturaleza agresiva de este tipo de tumor, y las limitadas opciones de tratamiento disponibles, la participación en ensayos clínicos puede considerarse para mejorar los resultados en estas pacientes. Un enfoque multidisciplinario, y la revisión en un comité de tumores son fundamentales para guiar las decisiones terapéuticas y proporcionar la mejor atención posible a estas pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that is often diagnosed in advanced stages, with large tumors and a high histological grade. In this study, we present a case of MBC, and conduct a review and discussion of the related literature. Main symptoms or clinical findings: A 35-year-old patient with no relevant personal or family history presents with a progressively growing 2 cm breast mass, which, over time, develops into nipple retraction and breast pain. A breast ultrasound reveals a suspicious-looking polilobulated solid mass. In summary: a BI-RADS 5 mass in the left breast. Main diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes: A core biopsy is performed, and the pathology report reveals an infiltrating ductal carcinoma, metaplastic variety, triple-negative with PDL1 expression > 1%. A modified radical mastectomy is performed. During follow-up, pulmonary metastasis is diagnosed, and the patient receives first and second-line systemic treatment. Conclusions: Given the aggressive nature of this type of tumor and the limited treatment options available, participation in clinical trials may be considered to improve outcomes in these patients. A multidisciplinary approach, and review in a tumor committee are essential to guide therapeutic decisions and provide the best possible care for these patients.(AU)

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of a solitary ovarian carcinoma colorectal metastasis.

A woman in her 70s with a medical history of recurrent ovarian carcinoma was referred to the gastroenterologist because of rectal blood loss. Colonoscopy revealed a spontaneously bleeding lesion, which was not a typical colorectal carcinoma by optical diagnosis. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of recurrence of the former ovarian carcinoma. The patient was not eligible for surgical resection due to former abdominal surgery and she declined chemotherapy due to severe side effects earlier. After a multidisciplinary team consultation, she was treated with endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR). This is a minimally invasive resection technique for removal of challenging colorectal lesions. The patient has recovered well and 2 years after the metastasis resection with eFTR there still have been no signs of recurrent malignancy.

[Technique and Study Results of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer]. / Technik und Studienlage der laparoskopischen Gastrektomie bei Magenkarzinom.

The aim of this paper was to describe the technique of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma and to present a review of current international studies on this topic.The first part describes and documents a standard laparoscopic gastrectomy for carcinoma. In the second part, after an EMBASE and PubMed search, a total of 123 quality-relevant randomised (RCT) and non-randomised (non-RCT) studies on laparoscopic gastrectomy are identified from a primary total of 3,042 hits by systematic narrowing. The study results are then summarised conclusively for the target criteria of feasibility, outcome, oncological quality, morbidity and mortality.Both, laparoscopic subtotal resection for distal gastric carcinomas and laparoscopic gastrectomy can now be performed safely and with few complications. In a recent literature review of a total of 15 RCTs with 5,576 patients (laparoscopic 2,793 vs. open 2,756), there were no significant differences in terms of feasibility, intraoperative outcome and oncological quality (R0 and lymph node harvest). Surgical morbidity and mortality were comparable. Patients after laparoscopic surgery showed a significantly faster early postoperative recovery with a lower overall morbidity. In contrast, the operating time was significantly longer - by a mean of 45 min - compared to the open technique. The advantages of the laparoscopic technique were equally evident in studies on early gastric carcinoma and advanced carcinomas (>T2).Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma is safe to perform and shows better early postoperative recovery. Complication rates, morbidity and mortality as well as long-term oncological results are comparable with open surgery.

Expression of the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) as a potential independent prognostic marker in prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Investigation of Microtubuli-associated Protein 2 (MAP2) expression and its clinical relevance in prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MAP2 expression was immunohistochemically analysed on radical prostatectomy specimens using whole block sections (n = 107) and tissue microarrays (TMA; n = 310). The staining intensity was evaluated for carcinoma, benign tissue and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Expression data were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and biochemical recurrence-free survival. Additionally, MAP2 protein expression was quantitatively analysed in the serum of histologically confirmed prostate carcinoma patients and the control group using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: MAP2 staining was significantly stronger in neoplastic tissue than in non-neoplastic prostatic glands, both in whole block sections (p < 0.01) and in TMA sections (p < 0.05). TMA data revealed significantly stronger MAP2 staining in high-grade tumors. Survival analysis showed a significant correlation between strong MAP2 staining in carcinoma and shortened biochemical recurrence-free survival after prostatectomy (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed MAP2 as an independent predictor for an unfavourable course. Mean MAP2 serum levels for non-PCA vs. PCA patients differed significantly (non-PCA = 164.7 pg/ml vs. PCA = 242.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present data support MAP2 as a novel biomarker in PCA specimens. MAP2 is correlated with tumor grade and MAP2 high-expressing PCA is associated with an increased risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Future studies are necessary to evaluate MAP2 as a valuable immunohistochemical biomarker in preoperative PCA diagnostic procedures, in particular with regard to treatment modalities.

Vulvar Carcinoma: Standard of Care and Perspectives.

PURPOSE: Treatment of vulvar carcinoma (VC) is challenging. The objectives of this review were to describe for clinicians the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of VC, the standard of care in terms of primary local treatment and systemic therapies, and the recent innovations and perspectives emerging from translational research in immuno-oncology. DESIGN: We conducted a comprehensive review outlying the clinical aspects and biologic background of vulvar cancer, highlighting modern treatment strategies on the basis of a personalized approach. RESULTS: Epidemiologic data showed a recent rise in incidence of VC, attributed to human papillomavirus. Surgery is the mainstay of primary treatment, but multimodal approaches are frequently required in the presence of adverse prognosis histopathologic factors. Chemoradiation is indicated when organ-sparing surgery is not feasible. However, inability to achieve high locoregional control rates in advanced cases and the morbidity associated with local treatments are still key issues. Recent clinical data showed the benefit of individualized strategies combining organ-sparing surgical strategies, less invasive lymph node staging procedures, and refinement in radiotherapy modalities. Among the most important research area, there is a sound rationale for testing modern systemic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected patients with recurrent and/or metastatic tumors. Although no specific data exist for VC, the role of supportive care and post-treatment rehabilitation strategies is also crucial. CONCLUSION: There are still insufficient studies dedicated to patients with VC. Public health programs for prevention, screening, and early diagnosis are required, and clinical research should be strengthened to provide high-quality clinical evidence and improve patients' oncologic and functional outcomes.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Sporadic Neoplasias Detected in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) develop not only UC-associated neoplasias but also sporadic neoplasias (SNs). However, few studies have described the characteristics of SNs in patients with UC. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of SNs in patients with UC. METHODS: A total of 141 SNs in 59 patients with UC, detected by surveillance colonoscopy at Hiroshima University Hospital between January 1999 and December 2021, were included. SNs were diagnosed based on their location, endoscopic features, and histopathologic findings along with immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 and p53. RESULTS: Of the SNs, 91.5% were diagnosed as adenoma and 8.5% were diagnosed as carcinoma (Tis carcinoma, 3.5%; T1 carcinoma, 5.0%). 61.0% of the SNs were located in the right colon, 31.2% were located in the left colon, and 7.8% were located in the rectum. When classified based on the site of the lesion, 70.9% of SNs occurred outside and 29.1% within the affected area. Of all SNs included, 95.7% were endoscopically resected and 4.3% were surgically resected. Among the 59 patients included, synchronous SNs occurred in 23.7% and metachronous multiple SNs occurred in 40.7% during surveillance. The 5-year cumulative incidence of metachronous multiple SNs was higher in patients with synchronous multiple SNs (54.2%) than in those without synchronous multiple SNs (46.4%). CONCLUSION: Patients with UC with synchronous multiple SNs are at a higher risk of developing metachronous multiple SNs and may require a closer follow-up by total colonoscopy than patients without synchronous SNs.

[Repairing partial suprahyoid epiglottis-preserved circumferential defect in near total laryngectomy with anterior medial thigh flap in advanced laryngeal cancer].

Objective: To explore the feasibility to restore pronunciation function by repairing partial suprahyoid epiglottis-preserved circumferential defect in near total laryngectomy with anterior medial thigh flap in advanced laryngeal cancer. Methods: A retrospective study of 5 male patients with advanced laryngeal cancer between August 2019 and October 2022, aged 56-73 years, with an average age of 65 years were reviewed. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 24 months, with an average of 8 months. Tumor classification by location: 2 cases of glottic type, 2 cases of supraglottic type, and 1 case of subglottic type; TNM staging: 3 cases of T 4N 0M 0 stage, 1 case of T 4N 1M 0 stage, and 1 case of T 4N 2M 0 stage; American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging (2017): stage Ⅳ. Near total laryngectomy with partial suprahyoid epiglottis-preserved and selective bilateral neck dissection were performed before the anterior medial thigh flap was used to repair the circumferential defects. The flap size ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 8 cm×6 cm. Four patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy after operation, while 1 patient did not receive any other adjuvant treatment such as radiochemotherapy. Results: The flaps of all 5 patients survived without obvious neck infection. One patient developed a slight pharyngeal fistula after oral feeding at 1 month after operation, which healed after another week of gastric feeding. Primary healing also achieved in the thigh donor area. One patient had bilateral cervical lymph node metastasis, and 1 patient had lymph node metastasis on one side. The remaining 3 patients had no cervical nodes metastasis on both sides. All 5 patients were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 27.6 months. Four patients had clear, audible, and hoarse voice while 1 patient (case 3) had pronunciation similar to whispering. Laryngoscopy showed that the reconstructed laryngeal inlet was fissure-shape and the reconstructed laryngo-trachea canal below the laryngeal inlet was gradually enlarged. At 1 month after operation, the gastric tube was withdrawn and the food was taken orally. There was no obvious aspiration pneumonia. The tracheostomy tube could be blocked in 4 patients for from 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Among them, 3 patients were able to make a noticeable pronunciation even when the tube was not blocked, and they were able to engage in barrier-free language communication; the tracheostomy tube could not be blocked in 1 patient who had a pronunciation similar to whispering. Preliminary voice analysis showed that the patients have a relaxed and natural pronunciation, without obvious breath-holding or air-swallowing movement, compared to patients with esophageal pronunciation. Decannulation did not achieved until the last follow-up in all 5 patients. Conclusion: The anterior medial thigh flap can repair circumferential defects after near total laryngectomy in advanced laryngeal cancer patients and achieve satisfactory pronunciation, thus can serve as an effective pronunciation rehabilitation method. The preserved part of epiglottis may play a role to prevent postoperative aspiration.

A successful endovascular aortic repair of aortoesophageal fistula following esophagectomy: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare and highly fatal complication leading to a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Successful management of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma has rarely been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a rare case of a 44-year-old female with complications of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma, mainly presented as vomiting of blood. Both computed tomographic and computed tomography angiography of the chest showed bilateral pleural effusion and atelectasis, while gastroscopy showed large gastrointestinal bleeding. Emergency surgery was performed that included the removal of the mediastinal abscess, left lower pulmonary wedge resection, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), followed by supportive treatment. The surgery went successful, and the patient was followed up for 1 year after discharge and showed good recovery. We also reviewed previous literature on the history, causes, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: In our case, thoracotomy combined with TEVAR was effective in treating AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. This case provides successful experiences for clinical diagnosis and treatment of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma.