Is it time to move from the Unidimensional RECIST 1.1 Response Assessment Criteria to a Volumetric Evaluation in the Present Era of Image-based Oncology? An Evaluation in Locally Advanced Head Neck Cancers Undergoing Treatment.

AIMS: Tumour response assessments, as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST 1.1), are based on the sum of diameters (SODs) of the primary tumour (longest diameter) and/or short axis diameter of lymph nodes. This study evaluates the response categorisation as per RECIST 1.1 vs Computed tomography (CT) based volumetric assessment of RECIST (proposed as vRECIST) in locally advanced head and neck cancers (LAHNCs) undergoing treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pre-treatment SODs and CT estimated tumour volumes were recorded in 45 LAHNCs treated with radiotherapy (RT), chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) or thermochemoradiotherapy (HTCTRT). Tumour responses were assessed independently as per RECIST 1.1 and vRECIST by two radiation oncologists and grouped into complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD). These response groups were evaluated for the likely congruence of the two approaches, as categorised independently by these two observers. RESULTS: All patients in stages III (n = 7), IVA (n = 16) and IVB (n = 22) were inoperable and had received either RT alone (n = 1), CTRT (n = 12) or HTCTRT (n = 32). Based on SODs criteria of RECIST 1.1, of the 45 patients, 5 and 40 were grouped as PR and SD by the first observer, while this changed to 34 and 10, respectively and 1 PD, with vRECIST (p < 0.001). Similarly, for the second observer, the 4 PR and 41 SD grouped using RECIST 1.1 were recategorised to 34 PR, 10 SD, and 1 PD by vRECIST (p < 0.001). Thus, a mismatch of 66.6% and 68.8%, respectively, was evident by observers first and second in categorising SD based on SODs of RECIST 1.1 vs PR on vRECIST. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment responses in LAHNCs assessed using SODs resulted in significant uncertainties and failed to reflect actual volumetric changes in tumours during treatment. It is perhaps time to consider replacing the SODs of RECIST 1.1 with vRECIST for unequivocal tumour response categorisation in the present era of image-based oncology practice.

Making an accurate diagnosis of anterior mediastinal lesions: a proposal for a new diagnostic algorithm from the BTOG Thymic Malignancies Special Interest Group.

Due to the rising demand in cross-sectional thoracic imaging, anterior mediastinal lesions are being identified with increasing frequency. Following iterative and multidisciplinary discussions, the BTOG Thymic Malignancies Special Interest Group have developed an algorithm to standardise the diagnostic approach for these relatively uncommon but important conditions which span from benign (thymic remnant, thymic hyperplasia and thymic cysts) to suspected localised thymomas to suspected more aggressive malignancy (thymic carcinoma, lymphoma and germ cell tumours). For each condition, we provide a brief description, an overview of the key radiological findings and a description of the proposed algorithm including the rationale behind the recommendations. We also highlight the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the characterisation of anterior mediastinal masses in specific indications when the necessary local resources and expertise exist. In addition, we hope this provides the rationale for service development in MR of the anterior mediastinum where current resource and expertise requires development. Through this standardised pathway, we hope to drive improvements in patient care by rationalising surveillance schedules, avoiding unnecessary resections of benign entities with their associated morbidity and optimising the diagnostic work-up prior to the appropriate treatment of anterior mediastinal malignancies.

The exocyst complex and intracellular vesicles mediate soluble protein trafficking to the primary cilium.

The efficient transport of proteins into the primary cilium is a crucial step for many signaling pathways. Dysfunction of this process can lead to the disruption of signaling cascades or cilium assembly, resulting in developmental disorders and cancer. Previous studies on the protein delivery to the cilium were mostly focused on the membrane-embedded receptors. In contrast, how soluble proteins are delivered into the cilium is poorly understood. In our work, we identify the exocyst complex as a key player in the ciliary trafficking of soluble Gli transcription factors. In line with the known function of the exocyst in intracellular vesicle transport, we demonstrate that soluble proteins, including Gli2/3 and Lkb1, can use the endosome recycling machinery for their delivery to the primary cilium. Finally, we identify GTPases: Rab14, Rab18, Rab23, and Arf4 that are involved in vesicle-mediated Gli protein ciliary trafficking. Our data pave the way for a better understanding of ciliary transport and uncover transport mechanisms inside the cell.

Intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Review of 49 cases

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) is a rare pathologic entity that was first described in 1973. This lesion is most commonly found in the lungs, but other organs' involvement has also been reported. Intracranial location of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor is rare, and the first case was reported in 1980. An intriguing fact about the intracranial IMT is its resemblance with meningioma on clinical presentation and neuroimaging. We came across a case of intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IIMT) in a 27-year-old male who presented with recurrent episodes of seizures and was diagnosed as meningioma on neuroimaging. The lesion did not subside with medical management and kept on progressing in size. The patient had to undergo surgery, and diagnosis of Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor was ascertained on histopathology. This 'surprise' diagnosis prompted us to review the literature on all cases of IIMTs reported to date to better understand the entity and its implications. In this review article, we present our observations regarding various studied parameters, including patient profile, clinical presentation, site of involvement, focality of the lesion, special associations, and lines of management of the 49 published cases of IIMTs.