The role of the surgeon in treating patients with lung cancer. An updating article.

Lung cancer is a type of neoplasia with one of the highest incidences worldwide and is the largest cause of mortality due to cancer in the world today. It is classified according to its histological and biological characteristics, which will determine its treatment and prognosis. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of the cases, and these are the cases that surgeons mostly deal with. Small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining 15%. Surgery is the main method for treating early stage lung cancer, and lobectomy is the preferred procedure for treating primary lung cancer, while sublobar resection is an alternative for patients with poor reserve or with very small tumors. Surgeons need to be trained to use the resources and techniques available for lung resection, including less invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), and need to be familiar with new oncological approaches, including curative, adjuvant or palliative treatments for patients with lung cancer.

The role of the surgeon in treating patients with lung cancer. An updating article

ABSTRACT Lung cancer is a type of neoplasia with one of the highest incidences worldwide and is the largest cause of mortality due to cancer in the world today. It is classified according to its histological and biological characteristics, which will determine its treatment and prognosis. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of the cases, and these are the cases that surgeons mostly deal with. Small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining 15%. Surgery is the main method for treating early stage lung cancer, and lobectomy is the preferred procedure for treating primary lung cancer, while sublobar resection is an alternative for patients with poor reserve or with very small tumors. Surgeons need to be trained to use the resources and techniques available for lung resection, including less invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), and need to be familiar with new oncological approaches, including curative, adjuvant or palliative treatments for patients with lung cancer.

Factors associated with subcentimeter pulmonary nodule outcomes followed with computed tomography imaging in oncology patients.

INTRODUCTION: Technological advancements in computed tomography (CT) have enabled the frequent detection of small pulmonary nodules (PNs), especially in patients with an oncologic history. It is important the malignant versus benign etiology of PNs be determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavior and clinical/radiological characteristics of subcentimeter PNs detected by CT in oncologic patients. METHODS: An observational, longitudinal, retrospective and single-center study was conducted with a sample of 100 patients with a diagnosis of a primary malignant solid tumor outside of the lungs who developed indeterminate subcentimeter PNs (n = 251) detected on consecutive thoracic CT scans from 2015 to 2017. Follow-up CTs for each patients were examined in each of three periods (0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6 months to 1 year). RESULTS: In our study sample, 28 patients (28 %) showed one or more signs suspicious of pulmonary metastasis, including ≥50 % PN growth, nodule growth followed by size reduction in patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the appearance of multiple nodules. The majority (56 %) of the PNs were detected during the 3-6-month follow-up CT scan. PNs with irregular, lobuled, or spiculated margins exhibited faster growth than PNs with regular, smooth margins. Malignancy of PNs was found to be significantly associated with being male, a primary colorectal cancer diagnosis, and advanced stage disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings reinforce the necessity of an individualized CT follow-up strategy for patients with an oncologic history, as well as the importance of early nodule screening, with the inter-scan interval being dependent on the primary neoplasm.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors: second primary neoplasms and outcomes of surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze determinants of prognosis in patients with bronchial carcinoid tumors treated surgically and the potential concomitance of such tumors with second primary neoplasms. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 51 bronchial carcinoid tumors treated surgically between 2007 and 2016. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and determinants of prognosis were evaluated. Primary neoplasms that were concomitant with the bronchial carcinoid tumors were identified by reviewing patient charts. RESULTS: The median age was 51.2 years, 58.8% of the patients were female, and 52.9% were asymptomatic. The most common histology was typical carcinoid (in 80.4%). Five-year DFS was 89.8%. Ki-67 expression was determined in 27 patients, and five-year DFS was better among the patients in whom Ki-67 expression was ≤ 5% than among those in whom it was > 5% (100% vs. 47.6%; p = 0.01). Concomitant primary neoplasms were observed in 14 (27.4%) of the 51 cases. Among the concomitant primary neoplasms that were malignant, the most common was lung adenocarcinoma, which was observed in 3 cases. Concomitant primary neoplasms were more common in patients who were asymptomatic and in those with small tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment of bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors and confers a good prognosis. Bronchial carcinoid tumors are likely to be accompanied by second primary neoplasms.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors: second primary neoplasms and outcomes of surgical treatment / Tumores carcinoides brônquicos: segunda neoplasia primária e desfechos do tratamento cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze determinants of prognosis in patients with bronchial carcinoid tumors treated surgically and the potential concomitance of such tumors with second primary neoplasms. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 51 bronchial carcinoid tumors treated surgically between 2007 and 2016. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and determinants of prognosis were evaluated. Primary neoplasms that were concomitant with the bronchial carcinoid tumors were identified by reviewing patient charts. Results: The median age was 51.2 years, 58.8% of the patients were female, and 52.9% were asymptomatic. The most common histology was typical carcinoid (in 80.4%). Five-year DFS was 89.8%. Ki-67 expression was determined in 27 patients, and five-year DFS was better among the patients in whom Ki-67 expression was ≤ 5% than among those in whom it was > 5% (100% vs. 47.6%; p = 0.01). Concomitant primary neoplasms were observed in 14 (27.4%) of the 51 cases. Among the concomitant primary neoplasms that were malignant, the most common was lung adenocarcinoma, which was observed in 3 cases. Concomitant primary neoplasms were more common in patients who were asymptomatic and in those with small tumors. Conclusions: Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment of bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors and confers a good prognosis. Bronchial carcinoid tumors are likely to be accompanied by second primary neoplasms.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os determinantes do prognóstico em pacientes com tumores carcinoides brônquicos tratados cirurgicamente e possível segunda neoplasia primária concomitante. Métodos: Trata-se de uma análise retrospectiva de 51 tumores carcinoides brônquicos tratados cirurgicamente entre 2007 e 2016. A sobrevida livre de doença (SLD) foi calculada pelo método de Kaplan-Meier, e os determinantes do prognóstico foram avaliados. As neoplasias primárias concomitantes aos tumores carcinoides brônquicos foram identificadas por meio da análise dos prontuários dos pacientes. Resultados: A mediana de idade foi de 51,2 anos, 58,8% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 52,9% eram assintomáticos. A classificação histológica mais comum foi carcinoide típico (em 80,4%). A SLD em cinco anos foi de 89,8%. A expressão de Ki-67 foi determinada em 27 pacientes, e a SLD em cinco anos foi melhor nos pacientes nos quais a expressão de Ki-67 foi ≤ 5% do que naqueles nos quais a expressão de Ki-67 foi > 5% (100% vs. 47,6%; p = 0,01). Neoplasias primárias concomitantes foram observadas em 14 (27,4%) dos 51 casos. Entre as neoplasias primárias malignas concomitantes, a mais comum foi o adenocarcinoma pulmonar, observado em 3 casos. Neoplasias primárias concomitantes foram mais comuns em pacientes assintomáticos e naqueles com tumores pequenos. Conclusões: A resseção cirúrgica é o principal tratamento de tumores carcinoides broncopulmonares e propicia um bom prognóstico. É provável que tumores carcinoides brônquicos se relacionem com segunda neoplasia primária.

Immune-mediated Pericarditis With Pericardial Tamponade During Nivolumab Therapy.

A 69-year-old man with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma presented with pericarditis and pericardial tamponade during nivolumab treatment, despite near-complete response on images performed during response evaluation. Further investigation found no evidence of pericardial or pleural cancer involvement, and pathologic evaluation showed immune-related adverse effect. Surgical and steroid treatments were used, with excellent results, and no disease progression on follow-up despite drug discontinuation because of toxicity. Although life-threatening immune-related adverse effects are not frequent when using checkpoint inhibitors, and cardiotoxicity is very rare, different clinical manifestations may occur, and some of them can be fatal in case of inadequate management. It may be challenging to make an etiological diagnosis; however, favorable outcomes can be achieved when prompt directed treatment is promoted.

Pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas occur in 20-50% of these(the issue is about metastases, not lung cancer )patients, and 70% of these patients will present disease limited only to the lungs. Surgical resection is well accepted as a standard approach to treat metastases from soft tissue sarcomas isolated in the lungs, and many studies investigating this technique have reported an overall 5-year survival ranging from 30-40%. The most consistent predictor of survival in these patients is complete resection. The aim of the present study was to determine the demographics and clinical treatment-related variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted in the Thoracic Surgery Department with lung metastases who underwent thoracotomy for resection following treatment of the primary tumor. Data regarding primary tumor features, demographics, treatment, and outcome were collected. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two thoracotomies and 273 nodules were resected from 77 patients with previously treated soft tissue sarcomas. The median follow-up time of all patients was 36.7 months (range: 10-138 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.1%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The 90-month overall survival rate for all patients was 34.7%. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors for overall survival: the number of metastases resected, the disease-free interval, and the number of complete resections. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after lung resection.

Primary monophasic synovial sarcoma of the pleura: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by complete resection.

We describe a rare case of primary pleural synovial sarcoma in a 27-year-old man with a 4-month history of dry cough and left-sided chest pain. A CT scan showed a large cystic mass in the left pleural cavity. The patient underwent two video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsies and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the pleura was established. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which resulted in a partial response, the tumor was completely resected with extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pathological findings showed less than 5% of viable cancer and free surgical margins. The patient is clinically well 24 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrent disease.

Evaluation of therapeutic response with 18-FDG PET-CT for non-small cell lung cancer case report and literature review

Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography (PET-CT) is increasingly being used as to complement conventional imaging methods and improve the management of patients with non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this work is to report on a case in which PET-CT was used as a complementary method to evaluate the therapeutic response in a patient with NSCLC, and to carry out a literature review of the theme. Female patient, 65 years-old, with NSCLC, stage IIIA (T2N2M0), was submitted to exclusive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and presented good response to the treatment, classified by the morphological criteria of the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) as a partial response (reduction equal to or greater than 30 percent in the sum of the widest diameter of all the target lesions in the computed tomography). The metabolic evaluation by PET-CT showed a complete response (reduction equal to or higher than 80 percent at maximum SUV of the lesions), which was confirmed in the histopathological analysis of the surgical samples. In the case presented, and through the literature review, we show that the evaluation of response with metabolic criteria, associated with morphological criteria, may be more accurate than the use of morphological criteria alone.

Pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas occur in 20-50 percent of these(the issue is about metastases, not lung cancer )patients, and 70 percent of these patients will present disease limited only to the lungs. Surgical resection is well accepted as a standard approach to treat metastases from soft tissue sarcomas isolated in the lungs, and many studies investigating this technique have reported an overall 5-year survival ranging from 30-40 percent. The most consistent predictor of survival in these patients is complete resection. The aim of the present study was to determine the demographics and clinical treatment-related variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted in the Thoracic Surgery Department with lung metastases who underwent thoracotomy for resection following treatment of the primary tumor. Data regarding primary tumor features, demographics, treatment, and outcome were collected. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two thoracotomies and 273 nodules were resected from 77 patients with previously treated soft tissue sarcomas. The median follow-up time of all patients was 36.7 months (range: 10-138 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.1 percent, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0 percent. The 90-month overall survival rate for all patients was 34.7 percent. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors for overall survival: the number of metastases resected, the disease-free interval, and the number of complete resections. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after lung resection.

Characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, 42 patients with primary malignant mediastinal tumors were submitted to surgery with curative intent at a single facility. Patient charts were reviewed in order to collect data related to demographics, clinical manifestation, characteristics of mediastinal tumors and imaging aspects of invasiveness. RESULTS: The surgical resection was considered complete in 69.1% of the patients. Cases of incomplete resection were attributed to invasion of the following structures: large blood vessels (4 cases); the superior vena cava (3 cases); the heart (2 cases); the lung and chest wall (3 cases); and the trachea (1 case). Overall survival was significantly better among the patients submitted to complete surgical resection than among those submitted to incomplete resection. The frequency of incomplete resection was significantly higher in cases in which the tumor had invaded organs other than the lung (as identified through imaging studies) than in those in which it was restricted to the lung (47.6% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.04). None of the other preoperative characteristics analyzed were found to be associated with complete resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiological evidence of invasion of organs other than the lung is associated with the incomplete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors.

Characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors / Características associadas à ressecção cirúrgica completa de tumores malignos primários do mediastino

OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, 42 patients with primary malignant mediastinal tumors were submitted to surgery with curative intent at a single facility. Patient charts were reviewed in order to collect data related to demographics, clinical manifestation, characteristics of mediastinal tumors and imaging aspects of invasiveness. RESULTS: The surgical resection was considered complete in 69.1 percent of the patients. Cases of incomplete resection were attributed to invasion of the following structures: large blood vessels (4 cases); the superior vena cava (3 cases); the heart (2 cases); the lung and chest wall (3cases); and the trachea (1 case). Overall survival was significantly better among the patients submitted to complete surgical resection than among those submitted to incomplete resection. The frequency of incomplete resection was significantly higher in cases in which the tumor had invaded organs other than the lung (as identified through imaging studies) than in those in which it was restricted to the lung (47.6 percent vs. 14.3 percent; p = 0.04). None of the other preoperative characteristics analyzed were found to be associated with complete resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiological evidence of invasion of organs other than the lung is associated with the incomplete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors.

OBJETIVO: Identificar características pré-operatórias associadas à ressecção cirúrgica completa de tumores malignos primários do mediastino. MÉTODOS: Entre os anos de 1996 e 2006, 42 pacientes com tumores malignos primários do mediastino foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com intenção curativa em uma única instituição. Dados demográficos, manifestações clínicas, características do tumor mediastinal e aspectos de invasão por métodos de imagem foram identificados através da análise de prontuários. RESULTADOS: A ressecção cirúrgica foi considerada completa em 69,1 por cento dos pacientes. As causas de ressecção incompleta foram atribuídas à invasão das seguintes estruturas: grandes vasos (4 casos); veia cava superior (3 casos); coração (2 casos); pulmão e parede torácica (3 casos); e traqueia (1 caso). Os pacientes que foram submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica completa tiveram sobrevida global significativamente melhor que os pacientes submetidos à ressecção incompleta. A frequência de ressecção incompleta foi significativamente maior nos casos nos quais foram identificadas características radiológicas de invasão de outros órgãos além do pulmão do que nos casos cujas características eram restritas ao pulmão (47,6 por cento vs. 14,3 por cento; p = 0,04). Nenhuma das outras características pré-operatórias analisadas foi associada com a ressecção cirúrgica completa. CONCLUSÕES: Evidências radiológicas de invasão de órgãos além do pulmão no pré-operatório estão associadas à ressecção cirúrgica incompleta de tumores primários malignos do mediastino.

Do concomitant ascites influence the effectiveness of palliative surgical management of pleural effusion in patients with malignancies?

BACKGROUND: Both pleural and peritoneal effusions are associated with dismal prognosis for patients with malignancies. Pleural effusion often requires surgical palliative management to relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was assess the influence of concomitancy of ascites on the success rate of surgical management of pleural effusion in patients with solid malignancies. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 33 patients with different primary malignancies, who underwent palliative surgical treatment for pleural effusion with concomitant ascites. The success rate of pleural effusion management was compared to that of a control group of patients with pleural effusion without ascites. RESULTS: Ovarian and breast cancer were the most common primary sites in the group of patients with pleural and peritoneal effusions. Thoracocentesis was performed in 30 patients with concomitant ascites and in 29 patients without ascites. The median number of thoracocentesis procedures was two in both groups of patients. Talc pleurodesis was performed in 57.6 and 63.3% of patients with and without ascites, respectively. The success rate of pleurodesis was 68.4 and 71.9% for patients with and without concomitant ascites (P = 0.92), respectively. There was no significant difference in the median length of time of the chest tube placement between the two groups (with ascites, 6 days; without ascites, 5 days, P = 0.38). The overall survival was 5.6 months for patients with ascites and 7.8 months for patients without ascites (P = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that concomitant ascites did not influence the effectiveness of palliative surgical management of pleural effusion in patients with malignancies.

Surgical management of symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with solid malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with cancer may lead to a life-threatening event that requires diligent treatment, but the best surgical treatment is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of survival for patients with solid malignancies and symptomatic pericardial effusion, which might help to select the best surgical treatment for each patient. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 47 patients with solid malignancies concomitant with symptomatic pericardial effusion who underwent surgery between 1994 and 2004. Overall survival was calculated from date of surgery, and prognostic importance of clinical and pathological variables was assessed. RESULTS: The most common primary sites of disease were breast (46.8%) and lung (25.6%). Initial pericardiocentesis were performed in 29 patients; median volume of fluid drained was 480 mL. Median interval from the diagnosis of primary cancer to the development of pericardial effusion (pericardial effusion-free interval) was 34.8 months. Definitive surgical treatment was performed in 43 patients, as follows: subxiphoid pericardial window (n = 21); thoracotomy and pleuropericardial window (n = 10); pericardiodesis (n = 8); and videothoracoscopic pleuropericardial window (n = 4). Pericardiocentesis was the only procedure in four patients. Median follow-up was 2.9 months. Median overall survival was 3.7 months. Pericardial effusion-free interval longer than 35 months and more than 480 mL of fluid drained at initial pericardiocentesis were determinants of better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Pericardial window and pericardiodesis seem to be safe and efficacious in treating effusion of the pericardium. Pericardial effusion-free interval and volume drained at initial pericardiocentesis are determinants of outcome.

Bócio de tireóide intratorácico e timoma invasivo: apresentação simultânea incomum / Intrathoracic goiter and invasive thymoma: rare concomitant presentation

Apresentamos uma rara situação de ocorrência simultânea de dois tumores de mediastino com diferentes topografias e histologias, encontrados durante a ressecção de volumosa massa mediastinal em paciente assintomático. A possibilidade de diferentes tumores contidos numa mesma massa tumoral está relatada; entretanto, não encontramos na literatura médica relato de diferentes tumores em localizações distintas. Os bócios de tiróide intratorácicos e os timomas representam uma grande parcela dos tumores encontrados no mediastino. O tratamento cirúrgico, sempre que possível, desempenha papel fundamental na perspectiva de cura. A exploração cirúrgica minuciosa é fundamental para uma ressecção completa e possível achado de lesões concomitantes.

We present a rare situation in which two mediastinal tumors of different topology and histology were found during the resection of an extensive mediastinal tumor in an asymptomatic patient. Different histologies within the same mass have been reported, although, to our knowledge, there have been no reports of different tumors at distinct locations. Thymomas and intrathoracic goiters account for a large proportion of the tumors found in the mediastinum. When feasible, surgical resection plays a fundamental role in effecting a cure. In order to identify concomitant lesions and perform a complete resection, detailed surgical exploration is required.

Cost-effectiveness of routine mediastinoscopy in computed tomography- and positron emission tomography-screened patients with stage I lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate preoperative staging is essential for the optimal management of patients with lung cancer. An important goal of preoperative staging is to identify mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography may identify mediastinal lymph node metastasis with sufficient sensitivity to allow omission of mediastinoscopy. This study utilizes our experience with patients with clinical stage I lung cancer to perform a decision analysis addressing whether mediastinoscopy should be performed in clinical stage I lung cancer patients staged by computed tomography and positron emission tomography. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our thoracic surgery database for cases between May 1999 and May 2004. Patients deemed clinical stage I by computed tomography and positron emission tomography were chosen for further study. Individual computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and operative and pathology reports were reviewed. The postresection pathologic staging and long-term survival were recorded. A decision model was created using TreeAgePro software and our observed data for the prevalence of mediastinal lymph node metastases and for the rate of benign nodules. Data reported in the literature were also utilized to complete the decision analysis model. A sensitivity analysis of key variables was performed. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients with clinical stage I lung tumors were identified. One hundred seventy-eight patients (72%) underwent mediastinoscopy before resection, and 5/178 (3%) showed N2 disease. An additional 9 patients were found to have N2 metastasis in the final resected specimen, resulting in a total of 14/248 patients (5.6%) with occult mediastinal lymph node metastases. Benign nodules were found in 19/248 (8%) of patients. Decision analysis determined that mediastinoscopy added 0.008 years of life expectancy at a cost of 250,989 dollars per life-year gained. The outcome was sensitive to the prevalence of N2 disease in the population and the benefit of induction versus adjuvant therapy for N2 lung cancer. If the prevalence of N2 disease exceeds 10%, the sensitivity analysis predicts that mediastinoscopy would lengthen life at a cost of less than 100,000 dollars per life-year gained. CONCLUSION: Patients with clinical stage I lung cancer staged by computed tomography and positron emission tomography benefit little from mediastinoscopy. The survival advantage it confers is very small and is dependent on the prevalence of N2 metastasis and the unproven superiority of induction therapy over adjuvant therapy.