Effect of Bone Metastasis Cancer Board on Spinal Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Bone metastasis cancer boards (BMCBs) focusing on the management of bone metastases have been gathering much attention. However, the association of BMCBs with spinal surgery in patients with spinal metastases remains unclear. In this retrospective single-center observational study, we aimed to clarify the effect of a BMCB on spinal metastasis treatment. Materials and Methods: We reviewed consecutive cases of posterior decompression and/or instrumentation surgery for metastatic spinal tumors from 2008 to 2019. The BMCB involved a team of specialists in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, radiation oncology, radiology, palliative supportive care, oncology, and hematology. We compared demographics, eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOGPS), Barthel index (BI), number of overall versus emergency surgeries, and primary tumors between patients before (2008-2012) and after (2013-2019) BMCB establishment. Results: A total of 226 patients including 33 patients before BMCB started were enrolled; lung cancer was the most common primary tumor. After BMCB establishment, the mean patient age was 5 years older (p = 0.028), the mean operating time was 34 min shorter (p = 0.025), the mean hospital stay was 34.5 days shorter (p < 0.001), and the mean BI before surgery was 12 points higher (p = 0.049) than before. Moreover, the mean number of surgeries per year increased more than fourfold to 27.6 per year (p < 0.01) and emergency surgery rates decreased from 48.5% to 29.0% (p = 0.041). Patients with an unknown primary tumor before surgery decreased from 24.2% to 9.3% (p = 0.033). Postoperative deterioration rates from 1 to 6 months after surgery of ECOGPS and BI after BMCB started were lower than before (p = 0.045 and p = 0.027, respectively). Conclusion: The BMCB decreased the emergency surgery and unknown primary tumor rate despite an increase in the overall number of spinal surgeries. The BMCB also contributed to shorter operation times, shorter hospital stays, and lower postoperative deterioration rates of ECOGPS and BI.

Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Metastatic Spine Tumors in the Very Elderly: A Prospective Cohort Study in a Super-Aged Society.

The number of advanced-age patients with spinal metastases is rising. This study was performed to clarify the characteristics and surgical outcomes of spinal metastases in advanced-age patients. We prospectively analyzed 216 patients with spinal metastases from 2015 to 2020 and divided them into three age groups: <70 years (n = 119), 70-79 years (n = 73), and ≥80 years (n = 24). Although there were no significant intergroup differences in preoperative characteristics and surgery-related factors except for age, patients aged ≥80 years tended to have a worse performance status (PS), Barthel index, and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) before and after surgery than the other two groups. Although the median PS, mean Barthel index and mean EQ-5D greatly improved postoperatively in each group, the median PS and mean Barthel index at 6 months and the mean EQ-5D at 1 month postoperatively were significantly poorer in the ≥80-year group than the 70-79-year group. The rates of postoperative complications and re-deterioration of the EQ-5D were significantly higher in the oldest group than in the other two groups. Although surgery for spinal metastases improved the PS, Barthel index, and EQ-5D regardless of age, clinicians should be aware of the poorer outcomes and higher complication rates in advanced-age patients.

Verasense sensor-assisted total knee arthroplasty showed no difference in range of motion, reoperation rate or functional outcomes when compared to manually balanced total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the clinical and functional knee outcomes after Verasense sensor-assisted total knee arthroplasty (VA TKA), and to compare these outcomes, where possible, with those from manually balanced total knee arthroplasty (MB TKA). METHODS: A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Medline and Scopus from the beginning of January 2012 until the end of June 2022, to identify potentially relevant articles for this review. Selection was based on the following inclusion criteria: full text English- or German-language clinical studies, published in peer-reviewed journals, which assessed clinical and functional outcomes following VA TKA. Not original research, preprints, abstract-only papers, protocols, reviews, expert opinion papers, book chapters, surgical technique papers, and studies pertaining only to unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) or patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) were excluded. Several scores (Knee Society Score [KSS], Oxford Knee Score [OKS], Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-4 subscales [KOOS4] and Physical Function-Computerised Adaptive Testing [PF-CAT]), alongside postoperative measurements of range of motion [ROM], reoperation rates and the rate of manipulation under anaesthesia [MUA]) were used to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes. The quality of included papers, except randomised control trials (RCTs), was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS). For the assessment of included RCTs, the Jadad Scale was used. RESULTS: The literature search identified 243 articles. After removing duplicates, 184 papers were included in the initial screening process. Fourteen of them met all the inclusion criteria following the selection process. Mean MINORS for non-comparative studies value was 11.5 (11-12), and for comparative studies 18.2 (13-21). Mean Jadad Scale score was 3.6 (2-5). Outcomes from a total number of 3633 patients were evaluated (mean age at surgery 68.5 years [32-88 years]). In terms of clinical outcomes, the overwhelming majority of studies observed an improvement after VA TKA, but no statistically significant difference in ROM and reoperation rate when compared to MB TKA. On the other hand, lower rates of MUA have been described in the VA TKA group. An increase in postoperative clinical and functional scores values, when compared to the preoperative ones, has been reported in both groups, although no statistically significant difference between them has been observed. CONCLUSION: The use of Verasense pressure sensors in TKA leads to no significant improvement in ROM, reoperation rate or functional outcomes, when compared to the standard manually balancing technique. However, lower rates of MUA have been described in the VA TKA group. These findings highlight the importance of tools being able to measure ligament stresses or joint pressure for achieving an optimally balanced knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on thyroid autoimmunity: A twelve-month follow-up study.

Objectives: Graves' disease (GD) has been highlighted as a possible adverse effect of the respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. However, it is unknown if the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine disrupts thyroid autoimmunity. We aimed to present long-term follow-up of thyroid autoimmunity after the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Methods: Serum samples collected from seventy Japanese healthcare workers at baseline, 32 weeks after the second dose (pre-third dose), and 4 weeks after the third dose of the vaccine were analyzed. The time courses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), and thyroid function were evaluated. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were additionally evaluated in thirty-three participants. Results: The median age was 50 (IQR, 38-54) years and 69% were female. The median anti-spike IgG antibody titer was 17627 (IQR, 10898-24175) U/mL 4 weeks after the third dose. The mean TRAb was significantly increased from 0.81 (SD, 0.05) IU/L at baseline to 0.97 (SD, 0.30) IU/L 4 weeks after the third dose without functional changes. An increase in TRAb was positively associated with female sex (ß = 0.32, P = 0.008) and low basal FT4 (ß = -0.29, P = 0.02) and FT3 (ß = -0.33, P = 0.004). TgAb was increased by the third dose. Increase in TgAb was associated with history of the thyroid diseases (ß = 0.55, P <0.001). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine can disrupt thyroid autoimmunity. Clinicians should consider the possibility that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may disrupt thyroid autoimmunity.

The Identification of Risk Factors for Symptomatic Spinal Metastasis Onset: A Prospective Cohort Study of 128 Asymptomatic Spinal Metastasis Patients.

Background: Symptomatic spinal metastasis (SSM) decreases the activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life of cancer patients. However, the risk factors for SSM onset remain unclear. This prospective cohort study aimed to statistically analyze the significant risk factors. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, 210 consecutive patients with spinal metastases were prospectively registered. Patients with SSM at the first consultation and those who were unable to be followed-up owing to poor general condition were excluded. The demographic factors (age, sex, primary cancer, performance status, and ADL), clinical factors (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, molecularly targeted drugs, and bone-modifying agents (BMAs)), and Spinal Neoplastic Instability Score (SINS) were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for SSM onset. Furthermore, the threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve using the Youden index. Results: Thirty-nine patients who presented with SSM at the first consultation and 43 patients who were unable to be followed-up owing to poor general condition were excluded. Finally, 128 asymptomatic patients were included. Thirty-seven patients (28.9%) developed SSM during the follow-up period. The total SINS (OR: 1.739; 95% CI: 1.345-2.250) was identified as the most significant factor. The cut-off value of the SINS was 9.5 (sensitivity: 67.6%; specificity: 83.5%). Twenty-five (62.5%) of the forty patients with a SINS ≥ 10 developed SSM within a mean of 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.17-9.83). Furthermore, all patients with a SINS ≥ 13 developed SSM (n = 5) within a mean of 1.37 months (95% CI: 0.0-3.01). Conclusions: This study identified the significant risk factors for SSM onset and the threshold of the SINS. If long-term survival is expected, patients with a SINS ≥ 10 should be considered for intervention to prevent SSM.

Outcomes of palliative surgery for bone metastasis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has revolutionized treatment strategies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and has improved survival rates. The number of patients with bone metastases from RCC requiring surgery will increase as survival rates improve. However, there is insufficient evidence to standardize the treatment of bone metastases after the introduction of targeted therapy for metastatic RCC. We aimed to determine the outcomes of palliative surgical treatment of bone metastases in the extremities of patients with metastatic RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 26 lesions from 17 patients who underwent surgery for extremity and acetabular bone metastases and were treated with targeted therapies for advanced RCC between 2008 and 2020. The median follow-up duration was 19 months (range, 4-76). We assessed the patients' activities of daily living, quality of life, and pain and analyzed their postoperative values relative to preoperative values. Postoperative overall survival (OS), local progression-free survival (LPFS), and the factors affecting them were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: The 5-year OS and LPFS rates were 39.5% and 65.6%, respectively. The factors affecting OS were sex, Katagiri score, visceral metastases, and preoperative targeted therapy, while the factors affecting LPFS were pathologic fractures and surgical technique. CONCLUSION: In this study, the postoperative outcomes of palliative surgery for bone metastases from metastatic RCC were good. We suggest that systemic treatment should be prioritized over local control for advanced bone metastasis in RCC and surgery before pathological fracture should be performed for local control.

Survival Rate after Palliative Surgery Alone for Symptomatic Spinal Metastases: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The effect of spine surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases (SSM) on patient prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the prognosis of patients with SSM after spine surgery. One hundred twenty-two patients with SSM were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The patients who received chemotherapy after enrollment were excluded. The decision of surgery depended on patient's willingness; the final cohort comprised 31 and 24 patients in the surgery and non-surgery groups, respectively. The patients were evaluated by their performance status (PS), activities of daily living (ADL) and ambulatory status. Survival was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The PS, ADL and ambulation were significantly improved in the surgery group compared to non-surgery group. The median survival was significantly longer in the surgery group (5.17 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.27 to 7.07) than in the non-surgery group (2.23 months, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.43; p = 0.003). Furthermore, the patients with a better PS, ADL and ambulatory status had a significantly longer survival. Surgery improved the PS, ADL, ambulation and survival of patients with SSM. In the management of SSM, spine surgery is not only palliative but may also prolong survival.

Identification and characterization of slow­cycling cells in Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive primary malignant bone tumor that predominantly affects children and young adults. Multimodal treatment approaches have markedly improved the survival of patients with localized ES. However, local recurrence and distant metastasis following curative therapies remain a main concern for patients with ES. Recent studies have suggested that slow­cycling cells (SCCs) are associated with tumor progression, local recurrence and distant metastasis in various types of cancers. According to the results of these studies, it was hypothesized that SCCs may play a critical role in tumor progression, chemoresistance and local/distal recurrence in patients with ES. The present study applied a label­retaining system using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) to identify and isolate SCCs in ES cell lines. In addition, the properties of SCCs, including sphere formation ability, cell cycle distribution and chemoresistance, in comparison with non­SCCs were investigated. RNA sequencing also revealed several upregulated genes in SCCs as compared with non­SCCs; the identified genes not only inhibited cell cycle progression, but also promoted the malignant properties of SCCs. On the whole, the present study successfully identified SCCs in ES cells through a label­retaining system using CFSE. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to describe the characteristic properties of SCCs in ES. The findings of this study, if confirmed, may prove to be useful in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and identifying effective therapeutic targets for ES.

Clinical Outcome of Patients with Pelvic and Retroperitoneal Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Japan.

This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with pelvic and retroperitoneal bone and soft tissue sarcoma (BSTS). Overall, 187 patients with BSTS in the pelvis and retroperitoneal region treated at 19 specialized sarcoma centers in Japan were included. The prognostic factors related to overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. The 3-year OS and LC rates in the 187 patients were 71.7% and 79.1%, respectively. The 3-year PFS in 166 patients without any distant metastases at the time of primary tumor diagnosis was 48.6%. Osteosarcoma showed significantly worse OS and PFS than other sarcomas of the pelvis and retroperitoneum. In the univariate analyses, larger primary tumor size, soft tissue tumor, distant metastasis at the time of primary tumor diagnosis, P2 location, chemotherapy, and osteosarcoma were poor prognostic factors correlated with OS. Larger primary tumor size, higher age, soft tissue tumor, chemotherapy, and osteosarcoma were poor prognostic factors correlated with PFS in patients without any metastasis at the initial presentation. Larger primary tumor size was the only poor prognostic factor correlation with LC. This study has clarified the epidemiology and prognosis of patients with pelvic and retroperitoneal BSTS in Japan.

Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients After Unplanned Excision.

Purpose: Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) constitute a group of rare, heterogeneous tumors representing approximately 1% of all cancers. Owing to the rarity and pathological diversity of the disease, unplanned excision (UE) has often been performed for STS, resulting in an unfavorable prognosis. This study aimed to clarify clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in STS patients who underwent UE. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with STS who underwent surgery at our institution between 1999 and 2015, patients were enrolled to either a UE group or a planned excision (PE) group. An analysis was then conducted to identify factors associated with prognosis after UE. Results: Of 134 patients undergoing surgery for STS, 110 were enrolled to the PE group and 24 to the UE group. The median size of the primary tumor was significantly smaller, and more lesions were located in the superficial layer in the UE group than in the PE group. In addition, plastic reconstruction after additional radical resection was required significantly more often in the UE group than in the PE group. No significant difference in overall survival, local recurrence-free survival, or disease-free survival (DFS) between the UE and PE groups was observed; however, metastasis-free survival was significantly better in the UE group. In the UE group, poorer DFS was associated with older age (≥61 years) and a larger primary tumor (≥2.9 cm). Conclusion: A prognosis similar to that in patients undergoing PE could be achieved by appropriate additional surgeries in patients initially undergoing UE. However, UE for STS should be avoided, especially in older patients and those with a larger primary tumor.

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma in pubic region expressing L-type amino acid transporter 1: A case report.

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma is an aggressive malignant soft-tissue neoplasm, a "proximal" variant of epithelioid sarcoma, resistant to multimodal therapy and involved in early tumor-related death. Pertinent treatments are, therefore, continually being explored. A 24-year-old woman with nonmetastatic proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma, originating subcutaneously on the right side of the vulva, underwent surgical resection; the lesion recurred, however, leading to death 3 months after the second surgery. Here described is a case of proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma expressing L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) that transports essential amino acids and p-borono-L-phenylalanine (BPA)-the chemical compound used in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)-and is highly expressed in many malignant tumors. Recently, LAT1 has drawn attention, and relevant treatments have been studied-LAT1 inhibitor and BNCT. LAT1 expression in proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma may lead to cogent treatments for the disease.

Regulatory roles of miRNAs 16, 133a, and 223 on osteoclastic bone destruction caused by breast cancer metastasis.

Osteolytic bone metastasis leads to skeletal­related events, resulting in a decline in the patient activities and survival; therefore, it is important to understand the mechanism underlying bone metastasis. Recent studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in osteoclast differentiation and/or osteolytic bone metastasis; however, the roles of miRNAs have not been elucidated. In the present study, the roles of miRNAs in bone destruction caused by breast cancer metastasis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. miR­16, miR­133a and miR­223 were transfected into a human breast cancer cell line, MDA­MB­231. The expression of osteolytic factors in conditioned medium (miR­CM) collected from the culture of transfected cells was assessed. To evaluate the effects of miRNAs on osteoclast differentiation and activities, tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone resorptive assays were performed in osteoclasts following miR­CM treatment. To create in vivo bone metastasis models for histological and morphometric evaluation, miRNA­transfected MDA­MB­231 cells were transplanted into the proximal tibia of nude mice. Expression of osteolytic factors, including receptor activator for nuclear factor­κB ligand (RANKL), interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6, parathyroid hormone­related protein (PTHrP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), was increased in miR­16­CM, whereas it was decreased in both miR­133a­CM and miR­223­CM. TRAP staining and bone resorptive assays revealed that osteoclast function and activities were promoted by miR­16­CM treatment, whereas they were suppressed by miR­133a­CM and miR­223­CM. Consistent with in vitro findings, in vivo experiments revealed that the overexpression of miR­16 increased osteoclast activities and bone destruction in MDA­MB­231 cells, whereas the opposite results were observed in both miR­133a­ and miR­223­transfected MDA­MB­231 cells. Our results indicated that miR­16 promoted osteoclast activities and bone destruction caused by breast cancer metastasis in the bone microenvironment, whereas miR­133a and miR­223 suppressed them. These miRNAs could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer bone metastasis.

Surgical outcomes of metastatic bone tumors in the extremities (Surgical outcomes of bone metastases).

BACKGROUND: Skeletal related events due to metastatic bone tumors markedly affect the activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. We focused on multidisciplinary therapy for metastatic bone tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for metastatic bone tumors in the extremities. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 114 patients who underwent surgical treatment for metastatic bone tumors of the extremities between 2008 and 2019 and 69 patients were reassessed for more than 6 months after surgery. The most common primary tumor was renal, followed by lung, thyroid, and breast cancers. We assessed 69 patients' performance status (PS), Barthel Index (BI) for ADL, EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) for QOL, and numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and analyzed these postoperative values relative to preoperative values using Friedman's test. The postoperative overall survival and the prognostic factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: The 1-year overall survival rate was 59%, and the median survival time after surgery was 20 months. Primary tumor, visceral metastasis, and surgical procedure were risk factors correlated with overall survival. PS, BI, EQ-5D, and NRS improved at 3 months after surgery and these improvements were maintained for 6 months after surgery regardless of the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The significant factors affecting survival after surgical treatment for bone metastases included the primary tumor, presence of visceral metastases, and internal fixation without tumor resection or curettage. Surgical treatment for metastatic bone tumors effectively reduced pain and improved PS, ADL, and QOL postoperatively after 3 months.

Secondary CIC-rearranged sarcoma responsive to chemotherapy regimens for Ewing sarcoma: A case report.

Capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC)-rearranged sarcoma is an Ewing-like sarcoma with an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. No standard treatment has been established. The present study describes a case of CIC-rearranged sarcoma with lung metastases developing in a 24-year-old woman as a therapy-associated malignancy following chemotherapy for anaplastic large cell lymphoma at nine years old. This was treated with palliative regimens used for Ewing sarcoma. The patient achieved disease control for one year. Of note, ifosfamide and etoposide (IE), which were used as a second line treatment lead to a partial response. The case described in the present study indicated that treatment with Ewing regimens is a reasonable option for patients with metastatic CIC-rearranged sarcoma, including those with a second malignant case.

BNCT for primary synovial sarcoma.

Synovial sarcoma is a rare tumor requiring new treatment methods. A 46-year-old woman with primary monophasic synovial sarcoma in the left thigh involving the sciatic nerve, declining surgery because of potential dysfunction of the affected limbs, received two courses of BNCT. The tumor thus reduced was completely resected with no subsequent recurrence. The patient is now able to walk unassisted, and no local recurrence has been observed, demonstrating the applicability of BNCT as adjuvant therapy for synovial sarcoma. Further study and analysis with more experience accumulation are needed to confirm the real impact of BNCT efficacy for its application to synovial sarcoma.

Clinical Outcome of the Patients With Brain Metastasis from Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association of clinical characteristics with treatment outcomes to ascertain the appropriate treatment options for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) patients with brain metastasis (BM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of STS patients with BM who were treated in our institutions were retrospectively reviewed, and analyzed to identify the factors associated with post-BM survival. RESULTS: Among the 509 STS patients, BM occurred in five patients (0.98%). The median survival after BM was 1.5 months. Histological subtypes of the primary lesions in the five BM patients were: two synovial sarcomas, one myxoid liposarcoma, one alveolar soft part sarcoma, and one rhabdomyosarcoma. Among the five BM patients, the post-BM survival of two patients, who underwent surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, was longer than that of the other patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy effectively managed symptoms and prolonged survival in STS patients with BM.

Chondrolipoma of the finger in a child: A case study.

Chondrolipoma is, based on the limited case reports available, an extremely rare histological variant of lipoma with the proliferation of mature adipocytes containing an area of true hyaline cartilage. Chondrolipoma is characterized by adult onset and is often identified in the breast, pharynx and tongue. The current study presents a case of chondrolipoma of the finger in an 11 year-old girl. Physical examination indicated a well-defined elastic soft mass, measuring 2.5x2 cm, on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx of the left middle finger. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-circumscribed lesion with heterogeneous signal intensity. On T1- and T2-weighted images, the lesion indicated a predominantly marked hyperintense signal containing linear hypointense regions, and on fat-suppressed short-tau inversion recovery sequences, the lesion indicated a predominant hypointensity, with linear regions displaying hyperintensity. Marginal excision of the tumor was performed. Histologically, the major component of the tumor was mature adipose tissue containing a limited area of mature hyaline cartilage matrix, without lipoblasts or malignancy. The postoperative course of the patient was excellent, with no local recurrence three years after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, the current study outlines the first pediatric case of chondrolipoma arising in the finger.

Acquisition of cancer stem cell properties in osteosarcoma cells by defined factors.

BACKGROUND: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be responsible for tumor initiation, formation, and poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the rarity of CSCs in clinical samples makes it difficult to elucidate characteristics of CSCs, especially in osteosarcoma (OS). The aim of this study is to verify whether it is possible to generate CSC-like cells by transducing defined factors into an OS cell line. METHODS: We retrovirally transduced the Octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4), Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) genes into the MG-63 human OS cell line (MG-OKS). Parental and GFP-transduced MG-63 cells were used as negative control. We assessed the properties of the generated cells in vitro and in vivo. Multiple comparisons among groups were made using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc testing with Tukey's procedure. RESULTS: MG-OKS cells in vitro exhibited the significantly increased mRNA expression levels of CSC markers (CD24, CD26, and CD133), decreased cell growth, increased chemoresistance and cell migration, and enhanced sphere formation. Notably, MG-OKS cells cultured under osteogenic differentiation conditions showed strongly positive staining for both Alizarin Red S and alkaline phosphatase, indicating osteogenesis of the cells. Gene ontology analysis of microarray data revealed significant upregulation of epidermal-related genes. Tumors derived from MG-OKS cells in vivo were significantly larger than those from other cells in µCT analysis, and immunohistochemical staining showed that Ki-67, osteocalcin, and HIF-1α-positive cells were more frequently detected in the MG-OKS-derived tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we successfully generated OS CSC-like cells with significantly enhanced CSC properties following transduction of defined factors.

Boron neutron capture therapy for clear cell sarcoma.

Clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses (CCS) is a rare, malignant tumor arising in lower extremities with no effective treatment other than wide surgical resection. Here described is a case of primary CCS in the peroneal tendon of the right foot of a 54-year-old woman enrolled to undergo BNCT. The tumor mass post-BNCT disappeared totally without damage to other normal tissue, demonstrating, for the first time, the potential efficacy of BNCT in complete local control of CCS.

Extraskeletal Para-articular Osteochondroma of the Ankle Joint in a Child: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a rare case of extraskeletal para-articular osteochondroma (ESPAOC) in the ankle of a 9-year-old boy, which was causing pain and limiting the range of motion of the ankle joint. The lesion might have also contributed to the deformity of the medial aspect of the talus. Total resection resolved all of the symptoms, with no recurrence at 1-year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Operative excision should be considered when ESPAOC directly restricts ankle motion because it can lead to chronic pain and joint degeneration if left untreated.