Validation of prognostic and predictive value of total tumoral load after primary systemic therapy in breast cancer using OSNA assay.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate the classification of breast cancer (BC) patients in progression risk groups based on total tumor load (TTL) value to predict lymph node (LN) affectation after neo-adjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) obtained in the NEOVATTL study. METHODS/PATIENTS: This was an observational, retrospective, international, multicenter study including patients with infiltrating BC who received NAST followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) analyzed with one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) from nine Spanish and two Italian hospitals. Patients were classified into three groups according to the progression risk, measured as disease-free survival (DFS), based on TTL values (> 250, 250-25,000, and > 25,000 copies/µL). The previous (NEOVATTL study) Cox regression model for prognosis was validated using prognostic index (PI) and Log ratio test (LRT) analyses; the value of TTL for axillary non-SLN affectation was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: We included 263 patients with a mean age of 51.4 (± SD 10.5) years. Patients with TTL > 25,000 copies/µL had a shorter DFS (HR 3.561 [95% CI 1.693-7.489], p = 0.0008 vs. TTL ≤ 25,000). PI and LRT analyses showed no differences between the two cohorts (p = 0.2553 and p = 0.226, respectively). ROC analysis showed concordance between TTL and non-SLN involvement (area under the curve 0.828), with 95.7% sensitivity and 92.9% specificity at a TTL cut-off of > 15,000 copies/µL. CONCLUSIONS: In BC patients who had received NAST and underwent SLNB analysis using OSNA, a TTL value of > 25,000 copies/µL was associated with a higher progression risk and > 15,000 copies/µL was predictive of non-SLN involvement.

Recurrence Patterns and Clinical Management after a Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy in Melanoma Patients.

Introduction melanoma patients who become stage III after a positive sentinel node biopsy (SNB) may have several patterns of recurrence patients and methods retrospective analysis of melanoma patients who have undergone SNB in a single institution from 2000 to 2015. Results There were 111 recurrences (45.1%) among 246 (20.3%) SNB positive patients and median DRFS was 77.7 months. After initial treatment, further recurrences occurred in 68 (77.3%) patients, regardless the site of initial recurrence conclusions multimodal strategies are recommended to achieve better results when managing stage III melanoma patients after a positive SNB.

Estadificación quirúrgica del cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas: ¿cuándo deberíamos realizar de rutina la resección de los ganglios supraclaviculares? / Surgical staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma: when should we routinely resect supraclavicular lymph nodes?

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la evaluación precisa del estadio del carcinoma pulmonar luego del diagnóstico es esencial para la selección de una terapia apropiada. Objetivo: describir las características de los pacientes con carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas en los cuales la resección ganglionar supraclavicular permitiría detectar metástasis ganglionares no palpables (N3-supraclavicular). Material y métodos: entre diciembre de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 se registraron los datos de pacientes a quienes se les realizó estadificación quirúrgica mediastinal para cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas mediante mediastinoscopia cervical y resección de los ganglios supraclaviculares. Resultados: fueron incluidos 60 pacientes, (hombres 76,7%). La media tumoral fue de 4,7 cm y la de estaciones ganglionares evaluadas fue de 2,37 ± 1,44 (DS). En todos se realizó la resección ganglionar supraclavicular y el resultado fue positivo para malignidad epitelial en 21 casos (35%). De los 21 casos N3-supraclavicular, 2 pacientes se registraron como skip metástasis; el resto se asoció a enfermedad mediastinal N2 (p=0,0424). Se observó una asociación significativa entre le presencia de tumor central y de N3-supraclavicular (p=0,0148). Conclusión: se sugiere realizar la resección ganglionar supraclavicular en pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de enfermedad ganglionar N2 y tumores centrales, antes de considerar un enfoque terapéutico multimodal que incluya la cirugía.

ABSTRACT Background: Accurate staging after the diagnosis of lung carcinoma is essential to select an appropriate therapy. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe the characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma in whom supraclavicular lymph node resection would detect non-palpable (N3 supraclavicular disease) lymph node metastases. Material and methods: Data from patients undergoing mediastinal surgical staging for non-small cell lung cancer using cervical mediastinoscopy and resection of supraclavicular lymph nodes were collected between December 2016 and December 2019. Results: A total of 60 patients were included; 76.6% were men. Mean tumor size was 4.7 cm ad mean lymph node stations evaluated by mediastinoscopy was 2.37 ± 1.44 (SD). All the patients underwent supraclavicular lymph node resection and the result was positive for epithelial carcinoma in 21 cases (35%). Of the 21 cases with N3 supraclavicular disease, 2 patients were recorded as skip metastases and the remaining cases were association with mediastinal N2 disease (p = 0.0424). There was a significant association between central tumor and N3 supraclavicular disease (p = 0.0148). Conclusion: Supraclavicular lymph node resection may be recommended in patients with suspected or confirmed N2 lymph node disease and central tumors, before considering a multimodal therapeutic approach including surgery.

Biopsia ganglionar retroperitoneal por laparoscopia

Introducción: La biopsia ganglionar retroperitoneal es un procedimiento frecuentemente requerido en el estudio de neoplasias; resulta deseable optimizar su rendimiento con baja morbilidad. Este artículo describe la utilidad y complicaciones de biopsias ganglionares retroperitoneales por laparoscopia en una institución oncológica de Latinoamérica. Material y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con biopsia ganglionar retroperitoneal o mesentérica laparoscópica entre 2011 y 2021 en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, en Bogotá, Colombia. Se recogieron datos demográficos, quirúrgicos, complicaciones y mortalidad a 30 días, resultados histopatológicos y su rol en la clínica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 41 pacientes; 73% con diagnóstico de malignidad, principalmente linfoma. La indicación fue mayormente sospecha de recaída, seguida por sospecha de enfermedad hematológica de novo. Siempre se obtuvo tejido adecuado y suficiente para diagnóstico histológico. Requirieron conversión a laparotomía cinco pacientes (12%). No hubo complicaciones Clavien-Dindo III /IV ni mortalidad a 30 días. Se presentó morbilidad grado I o II en 3 casos (7%) y un incidente intraoperatorio grado III. Conclusión: La naturaleza invasiva y el carácter diagnóstico de la biopsia retroperitoneal laparoscópica, constituyen un desafío frecuente en la práctica del cirujano general. La planeación estratégica e individualizada y la técnica quirúrgica depurada son las claves para lograr el máximo rendimiento, con baja morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy is a frequently required procedure in the study of neoplasms; it is desirable to optimize its performance with low morbidity. This paper describes the usefulness and complications of retroperitoneal lymph node biopsies by laparoscopy in a cancer institution in Latin America. Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with laparoscopic retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph node biopsy between 2011 and 2021 at the National Cancer Institute, in Bogotá, Colombia. Demographic and surgical data, complications and 30-day mortality, histopathological results and their clinical role were collected. Results: 41 patients were included; 73% diagnosed with malignancy, mainly lymphoma. The indication was mostly suspected relapse, followed by suspected de novo hematologic disease. Adequate and sufficient tissue was always obtained for histological diagnosis. Five patients (12%) required conversion to laparotomy. There were no Clavien-Dindo III/IV complications or 30-day mortality. Grade I or II morbidity occurred in 3 cases (7%) and a grade III intraoperative incident. Conclusion: The invasive nature and diagnostic character of laparoscopic retroperitoneal biopsy constitute a frequent challenge in the practice of the general surgeon. Strategic and individualized planning and a refined surgical technique are the keys to achieving maximum performance, with low morbidity and mortality.

Carcinoma sebáceo, 6 años de experiencia en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer

Objetivo: El carcinoma sebáceo (CS) es una neoplasia infrecuente, de la cual no existen reportes nacionales, ni guías de manejo en Chile. El Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) es un centro de referencia nacional en el manejo de patologías oncológicas; el objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia y tratamiento del carcinoma sebáceo en nuestro centro. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva, descriptiva, de fichas clínicas entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2022 en el INC, en las cuales la biopsia definitiva fuese confirmatoria de CS. Resultados: Se reclutaron 10 pacientes, 6 hombres (60%) y 4 mujeres. Edad promedio fue de 62,9 años ± 18,7 DS. En el 80% de los casos el tumor se encontró en cabeza y cuello y solo 2 casos fueron CS ocular (20%). 4 pacientes tenían asociación al Síndrome de Muir-Torre (SMT) (40%), en el 100% de la muestra se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico con resección oncológica y control de márgenes intraoperatorio, utilizándose en solo 3 casos la técnica Cirugía Micrográfica de Mohs (MMS). En 4 pacientes (40%) se realizó biopsia de linfonodo centinela (BLNC), de los cuales ninguno resulto positivo para metástasis. Ningún paciente presento recidiva local, después de la cirugía y no hubo casos de mortalidad a causa de CS. Ningún paciente recibió radioterapia, quimioterapia o inmunoterapia adyuvante, solo 1 paciente recibió braquiterapia (BT) adyuvante. Conclusión: El CS es una patología compleja e infrecuente, que requiere un tratamiento multidisciplinario y cuyo pilar es la cirugía.

Objective: Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an infrequent neoplasm, without national reports nor management guidelines in Chile. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a reference center for this kind of disease. The aim of this research is to describe the experience and treatment of the sebaceous carcinoma in our center. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive review of clinical records was performed, between March 2016 and March 2022 at the INC, in which the definitive biopsy was confirmatory of CS. Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled; 6 male (60%) and 4 women. The mean age was 62.9 years ± 18.7 (SD). 80% of the cases were located at the head or the cervical area and only 2 cases were found in the ocular region (20%). Association with SMT (40%) was found in 4 patients. Surgical treatment with oncological resection and intraoperative assessment of margins was performed in 100% of the cases, using MMS technique. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (BLNC) was performed in 4 patients (40%), of which none had metastasis. No patient presented local recurrence after surgery and there were no cases of mortality due to CS. No patient received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or adjuvant immunotherapy. Just 1 received adjuvant brachytherapy. Conclusion: SC is a complex and infrequent disease, which requires multidisciplinary treatment mainly with surgery.

Current management of patients with cutaneous melanoma with a positive sentinel lymph node / Tratamiento actual de pacientes con melanoma cutáneo y ganglio centinela positivo

Abstract Introduction : Immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) cutaneous melanoma is not associated with improved melanoma specific survival versus active surveillance (AS) using nodal ul trasound. Clinical practice experience and outcomes of AS and adjuvant therapy is now starting to be published in literature. Methods : Retrospective analysis of patients with a positive-SLNB between June/2017-February/2022. Impact of management on any-site recurrence free survival (RFS), isolated nodal recurrence (INR), distant metasta sis-free survival (DMFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was evaluated. Results : From 126 SLNB, 31 (24.6%) were positive: 24 received AS and 7 CLND. Twenty-one (68%) received ad juvant therapy (AS, 67% and CLND, 71%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, 10 patients developed recur rent disease with an estimated 2-yr RFS of 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% in AS group vs. 43% in dissection group; P = 0.65). Four died of melanoma with an estimated 2-yr MSS of 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92) and no differences between AS and CLND groups (P = 0.21). Estimated 2-yr DMFS of the whole cohort was 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88) with no differences between groups (P = 0.33). Conclusion : Active surveillance strategy has been adopted for most positive-SLNB cutaneous melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy without immediate CLND was delivered in nearly 70% of patients. Our results align with outcomes of randomized control trials and previous real-world data.

Resumen Introducción : La linfadenectomía inmediata (LI) re alizada en pacientes con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positivo por melanoma cutáneo no está asociada a mejoría en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad vs. vigilancia activa (VA). Resultados oncológicos y experi encia en la práctica clínica con dicha conducta asociados a tratamiento adyuvante comienzan a ser publicados en la literatura. Métodos : Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo paci entes con BGC-positiva por melanoma cutáneo entre junio/2017-febrero/2022. Se evaluó impacto del manejo en: supervivencia libre de recurrencia (SLR), recurren cia ganglionar aislada (RGA), supervivencia libre de metástasis a distancia (SLMD) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Resultados : De 126 pacientes, 31 (24.6%) fueron positi vos: en 24 se realizó VA y en 7 LI. Veintiún pacientes (68%) recibieron tratamiento adyuvante (VA, 67% y LI, 71%). Con una media de seguimiento de 18 meses, 10 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad con una SLR estimada a 2 años del 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% en VA vs. 43% en LI; P = 0.65). Cuatro murieron de melanoma con una SLE a 2 años del 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92); sin diferencia entre ambos grupos (P = 0.21). La SLMD a 2 años de toda la cohorte fue de 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88; P = 0.33). Conclusión : La vigilancia activa se ha adoptado como conducta para la mayoría de los pacientes con BGC-positivo. El tratamiento adyuvante sin linfadenectomía inmediata se realizó en cerca del 70% de nuestra serie. Los resultados de nuestra serie son similares a los re portados en la literatura.

Current management of patients with cutaneous melanoma with a positive sentinel lymph node.

INTRODUCTION: Immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) cutaneous melanoma is not associated with improved melanoma specific survival versus active surveillance (AS) using nodal ultrasound. Clinical practice experience and outcomes of AS and adjuvant therapy is now starting to be published in literature. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with a positive-SLNB between June/2017-February/2022. Impact of management on any-site recurrence free survival (RFS), isolated nodal recurrence (INR), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was evaluated. RESULTS: From 126 SLNB, 31 (24.6%) were positive: 24 received AS and 7 CLND. Twenty-one (68%) received adjuvant therapy (AS, 67% and CLND, 71%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, 10 patients developed recurrent disease with an estimated 2-yr RFS of 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% in AS group vs. 43% in dissection group; P = 0.65). Four died of melanoma with an estimated 2-yr MSS of 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92) and no differences between AS and CLND groups (P = 0.21). Estimated 2-yr DMFS of the whole cohort was 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88) with no differences between groups (P = 0.33). CONCLUSION: Active surveillance strategy has been adopted for most positive-SLNB cutaneous melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy without immediate CLND was delivered in nearly 70% of patients. Our results align with outcomes of randomized control trials and previous real-world data.

Introducción: La linfadenectomía inmediata (LI) realizada en pacientes con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positivo por melanoma cutáneo no está asociada a mejoría en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad vs. vigilancia activa (VA). Resultados oncológicos y experiencia en la práctica clínica con dicha conducta asociados a tratamiento adyuvante comienzan a ser publicados en la literatura. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo pacientes con BGC-positiva por melanoma cutáneo entre junio/2017-febrero/2022. Se evaluó impacto del manejo en: supervivencia libre de recurrencia (SLR), recurrencia ganglionar aislada (RGA), supervivencia libre de metástasis a distancia (SLMD) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Resultados: De 126 pacientes, 31 (24.6%) fueron positivos: en 24 se realizó VA y en 7 LI. Veintiún pacientes (68%) recibieron tratamiento adyuvante (VA, 67% y LI, 71%). Con una media de seguimiento de 18 meses, 10 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad con una SLR estimada a 2 años del 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% en VA vs. 43% en LI; P = 0.65). Cuatro murieron de melanoma con una SLE a 2 años del 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92); sin diferencia entre ambos grupos (P = 0.21). La SLMD a 2 años de toda la cohorte fue de 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88; P = 0.33). Conclusión: La vigilancia activa se ha adoptado como conducta para la mayoría de los pacientes con BGCpositivo. El tratamiento adyuvante sin linfadenectomía inmediata se realizó en cerca del 70% de nuestra serie. Los resultados de nuestra serie son similares a los reportados en la literatura.

Lymph node microcalcifications after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A therapeutic response marker.

Lymph node microcalcifications are rare events, and when they are accompanied by neoplasia, they usually seem to be associated with a metastatic condition. We present a case of a patient with breast cancer and lymph node microcalcifications undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). A change in the calcification pattern towards becoming coarse was observed. Calcification represented a marker of axillary disease, and it was resected after NCT. This is the first report of a patient with lymph node microcalcification undergoing NCT. We observed a change in the calcification format, which facilitated lymph node sentinel identification. Pathological evaluation indicated metastatic disease.

Axillary staging and management of cN + breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy: results of a survey among breast cancer surgeons in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Given the high rate of complete nodal response, the role of axillary lymph node dissection on staging the axilla has been questioned. This survey, addressed to breast cancer surgeons in Spain, has the objective of assessing current clinical trends on axillary staging of cN + patients treated with NAC. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among breast surgeons from the Spanish Society of Surgery (AEC), Spanish Surgical Oncology Society (SEOQ), Spanish Breast Cancer Surgeons Society (AECIMA) and Spanish Gynecology and Obstetrics Society (SEGO). It was structured in 5 sections: general information and clinical practice, knowledge of clinical trials, diagnosis work-up and nodal marking, axillary staging, and axillary treatment. RESULTS: 150 breast cancer surgeons completed the full survey (96.7%). 81.8% of respondents performed SLNB or targeted axillary dissection in cN1 patients treated with NAC. Radiological axillary response was the preferred parameter guiding the surgical strategy. The excision of the clipped node (92.0%), use of dual tracer (73.2%), and axillary US (65.9%) after treatment were the most important variables considered by respondents, to increase the accuracy of SLNB in cN + patients. CONCLUSION: This survey confirms a trend toward a less invasive approach for axillary staging in cN + patients treated with NAC among breast cancer surgeons in Spain. While there is widespread agreement in less invasive approaches to axillary staging, there is, however, a lack of consensus around treatment strategy. Further, it shows a wide heterogeneity in their clinical practice. This study highlights the need for clear evidence concerning less invasive staging procedures and their oncological safety, to ensure consistent recommendations in surgical practice.

Ganglio centinela positivo en melanoma: factores predictivos y resultados del vaciamiento ganglionar / Positive sentinel lymph node in melanoma: predictive factors and results of completion lymph node dissection

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la biopsia del ganglio centinela (GC) es la técnica aceptada para determinar el pronóstico en estadios iniciales de melanoma cutáneo. La ventaja del vaciamiento ganglionar (VG) cuando el GC resulta positivo ha sido recientemente cuestionada. Objetivo: describir los porcentajes y factores asociados a metástasis en el GC, y en los ganglios no centinela (GnC) en los VG de pacientes con GC positivo. Material y métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de los registros clínicos y patológicos de 139 pacientes operados por melanoma cutáneo entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: a 96 (69%) pacientes se les realizó biopsia de GC. El promedio de edad fue 61,7 años ± 17,5 (19-93); 53 (55,2%) fueron hombres. La lesión primaria estuvo ubicada en: extremidades 47 (49%), tronco 39 (40,6%), cabeza y cuello 10 (10,4%). El promedio de espesor de Breslow fue 5,01 mm (1,05- 50 mm) y se encontró ulceración en 35 casos (36,4%). El GC fue identificado en todas las oportunidades y en 39 (40,6%) fue positivo. Hubo asociación con el espesor ≥ 3 mm (p = 0,000017) y con la ulceración (p = 0,0011). A los pacientes con GC positivo se les efectuó el VG del territorio afectado: 23 axilar, 10 inguinal y 6 cervical. Veintitrés (59%) presentaron metástasis en GnC. Se asoció con el espesor (p = 0,022) y la ulceración (p = 0,019). Conclusión: existió un alto porcentaje de GnC positivos en la población estudiada, vinculado al espesor y la ulceración. Estas características, así como la dificultad de un estricto seguimiento, inducen a no abandonar el VG en pacientes con GC positivo.

ABSTRACT Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the technique accepted to determine the prognosis of early cutaneous melanomas. The advantage of lymph node dissection (LND) when SLN biopsy is positive has recently been questioned. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the percentages and factors associated with SLN and non-sentinel node (NSN) metastases in LNDs of SLN-positive patients. Material and methods: The clinical records and pathology reports of 139 patients undergoing surgery for cutaneous melanoma between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Ninety-six (69%) patients underwent SLN biopsy. Mean age was 61.7 ± 17.5 years (19-93) and 53 (55.2%) were men. The primary lesion was located in the extremities in 47 (49%) cases, in the trunk in 39 (40.6%), and in the head and neck in 10 (10.4%). Mean Breslow thickness was 5.01 mm (1.05-50 mm) and ulceration was found in 35 cases (36.4%). The SLN was identified in all the cases and was positive in 39 (40.6%). There was an association with thickness ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.000017) and ulceration (p = 0.0011). Those patients with positive SLN biopsy underwent LND of the territory involved: axillary in 23, inguinal in 10 and cervical in 6. Twenty-three (59%) presented NSLN metastases and were associated with thickness (p = 0.022) and ulceration (p = 0.019). Conclusion: There was a high percentage of positive NSLN in the population studied which was associated with thickness and ulceration. These characteristics and the difficulty to achieve strict follow-up are the reasons for completion LND in SLN-positive patients.

Predictive factors of melanoma thickness

Abstract Background: Melanoma thickness is a relevant prognostic marker that is crucial for staging and its calculation relies on the histopathological examination. There is a risk of thickness underestimation with an incisional biopsy if the latter is not performed on a tumor area where the thickness is maximal. This occurrence may have an impact on a therapeutic decision, particularly regarding the excision margins and the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Objective: To assess the association between melanoma thickness and dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological and clinical variables, aiming to identify predictive factors of thickness >1 mm. Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study, carried out on patients diagnosed with melanoma, from a single center over a time span of four years. Anatomopathological (thickness), dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables were collected. The associations between the variables with melanoma thickness were assessed. Results: A total of 119 patients were included. The presence of atypical vessels on the dermoscopic examination was an independent predictive factor of thickness >1 mm. Conversely, an atypical reticular pattern predicted melanoma thickness <1 mm. The presence of ephelides and a previous history of sunburn were also associated with melanomas thinner than 1 mm in the univariate analysis. Study limitations: The lack of data related to some variables and the absence of an optimal correlation between the dermoscopic and the anatomopathological examination constituted study limitations. Conclusion: An atypical vascular pattern on dermoscopy is associated with thickness >1 mm, helping with the choice of the optimal site to perform an incisional biopsy when an excisional biopsy is not feasible.

Predictive factors of melanoma thickness.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma thickness is a relevant prognostic marker that is crucial for staging and its calculation relies on the histopathological examination. There is a risk of thickness underestimation with an incisional biopsy if the latter is not performed on a tumor area where the thickness is maximal. This occurrence may have an impact on a therapeutic decision, particularly regarding the excision margins and the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between melanoma thickness and dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological and clinical variables, aiming to identify predictive factors of thickness >1mm. METHODS: This was an observational and cross-sectional study, carried out on patients diagnosed with melanoma, from a single center over a time span of four years. Anatomopathological (thickness), dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables were collected. The associations between the variables with melanoma thickness were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included. The presence of atypical vessels on the dermoscopic examination was an independent predictive factor of thickness >1mm. Conversely, an atypical reticular pattern predicted melanoma thickness <1mm. The presence of ephelides and a previous history of sunburn were also associated with melanomas thinner than 1mm in the univariate analysis. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The lack of data related to some variables and the absence of an optimal correlation between the dermoscopic and the anatomopathological examination constituted study limitations. CONCLUSION: An atypical vascular pattern on dermoscopy is associated with thickness >1mm, helping with the choice of the optimal site to perform an incisional biopsy when an excisional biopsy is not feasible.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma / Impacto da biópsia do linfonodo sentinela na qualidade de vida em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral

Abstract Introduction Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. Methods Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. Results The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p = 0.035) and chewing (p = 0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p = 0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Resumo Introdução A biópsia de linfonodo sentinela é um método comprovado para estadiamento cervical em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular inicial da cavidade oral, porque apresenta menor taxa de morbidade do que o método tradicional de esvaziamento cervical seletivo, com os mesmos resultados oncológicos. Porém, o verdadeiro efeito desse método na qualidade de vida desses pacientes permanece desconhecido. Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral T1/T2N0 submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos pacientes nos quais o esvaziamento cervical seletivo foi feito. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu 24 pacientes, após 36 meses de seguimento, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela e nove a esvaziamento cervical seletivo. Todos os pacientes responderam ao questionário de qualidade de vida da University of Washington. Resultados A avaliação dos questionários evidenciou pioria tardia dos domínios aparência (p = 0,035) e mastigação (p = 0,041), bem como diminuição de cerca de 10% da qualidade de vida geral (p = 0,025) nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo em comparação com aqueles submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela. Conclusão Pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral em estágio inicial submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela apresentaram melhores resultados tardios de qualidade de vida geral, principalmente quanto à aparência e à mastigação, quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo.

Management of the positive sentinel lymph node following neoadjuvant chemotherapy: results of a survey conducted with breast surgeons.

Introduction: Despite the lack of randomised evidence, there is a current trend towards omitting axillary surgery in cases of positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). This study evaluated practice patterns of Brazilian breast surgeons when managing positive SLN following NACT. Methods: This was a nationwide electronic survey of breast surgeons affiliated with the Brazilian Society of Mastology. Management approaches for positive SLN after NACT (axillary dissection (AD), regional nodal irradiation (RNI) or no additional treatment) were evaluated as a function of residual disease volume in the SLN (macro-metastasis, micro-metastasis or isolated tumour cells (ITC)). Results: Survey response rate was 49%, with 799/1,627 questionnaires returned. Most respondents were <50 years old (61%), lived in south-eastern Brazil (50%), in a major city (67%), worked in an academic institute (80%) and were board-certified (80%). AD recommendation rate decreased according to residual nodal disease volume: 91% of respondents recommended AD for cases of macro-metastasis, 64% for micro-metastasis and 38% for ITC (p < 0.00001). Furthermore, 35% would recommend no additional surgery for micro-metastasis, while 27% would recommend no treatment at all for ITC (p < 0.00001). Not working in an academic institute was associated with RNI for micro-metastasis (p = 0.02), but not for macro-metastasis or ITC. Being board-certified did not affect axillary management. Conclusion: Most respondents would recommend AD and/or RNI in residual nodal disease following NACT irrespective of disease volume. Nevertheless, a trend towards surgical de-escalation was found with low-volume disease (micro-metastasis and ITC). Ongoing randomised trials will clarify the impact of this trend.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for early squamous cell carcinoma of the lip and oral cavity: Real-world experience in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and oncological results of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a real-world scenario. METHODS: Retrospective study including seven Brazilian centers. RESULTS: Four-hundred and seven cN0 patients were accrued for 20 years. The rate of occult metastasis was 23.1% and 22 patients (5.4%) had regional failure. We found, for 5 years of follow-up, 85.3% of regional recurrence-free survival; 77.1% of disease-free survival; 73.7% of overall survival; and 86.7% of disease-specific survival. The rate of false-negative cases was 5.4%. CONCLUSION: In a real-world scenario, sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with SCC of the lip and oral cavity proved feasible in different settings and to be oncologically safe, with similar rates of occult lymph node metastasis and false-negative cases, when compared to elective neck dissection, and with similar long-term survival to that reported historically.

Advantages of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography in Early-Stage Malignant Head-and-Neck Skin Tumors.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the advantages of preoperative sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) by single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT / CT) in patients with early-stage cutaneous head-and-neck malignancies. Materials and Methods: We conduct a 7-year and 6 months retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with early-stage malignant head-and-neck skin tumors and cutaneous adnexa who underwent SLNM by SPECT/CT from March 2012 and December 2019, were included in the study. Results: We retrospectively analyzed 28 patients: Melanoma was the most frequent tumor (64.2%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (25%). The anterior cheek was the most common functional subsite (25%). Twenty-seven patients (96.4%) had a successful SLN detection with SPECT/CT. Neck lymph node dissection was performed in 23 patients (82.1%). According to the pathological specimen, lymph nodes were found in all of them; hence, the efficacy of the SPECT/CT for SLNM was 100%. At 7-year follow-up, systemic recurrence was found in one patient (3.6%), another had locoregional recurrence (3.6%), and the mortality rate was 3.6%. Conclusions: In early-stage malignant head-and-neck skin tumors, there is a high concordance between SLN found by SPECT/CT and the histopathological results. Preoperative SPECT/CT accurately detects the SLN, assesses unexpected lymph nodes and their drainage pathways, and facilitates their location by reliably showing the relationships between sentinel nodes and important anatomic structures. This allows to perform a clear preoperative evaluation, an accurate staging for all patients and to avoid excessive dissections that could result in cosmetic and functional deformities.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy after Previous Radical Lymphadenectomy of the Same Lymph Node Basin.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative radio-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients previously submitted to complete lymphadenectomy (CL) in the same region. There is no current proposal to stage patients diagnosed with a new melanoma after SLNB if the regional lymph node (LN) was removed, preventing this specific population from adjuvant treatments due to understaging.Methods: We assessed six cases of patients with a previous cancer diagnosis (melanoma, breast, or thyroid cancer) who had undergone CL and later developed a new cutaneous melanoma in the same extremity submitted to CL. They underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy to locate the sentinel lymph node (SLN), followed by a radio-guided SLNB with the assistance of patent blue dye. A pathologist then evaluated the excised SLN.Results: We had 100% feasibility, all six patients had their SLN located, and three (50%) patients tested positive for metastasis in the excised LNs.Conclusions: All these patients met the criteria to undergo SLNB, but no previous reports demonstrated and corroborated the performance of this procedure in this situation. SLNB with expected drainage for regions previously submitted to a radical lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective procedure. A lymphoscintigraphy allows locating the SLN that is likely to be resected in surgery. In this scenario, we had a 50% positivity, providing how relevant and essential this information is for the prognosis and practical therapeutical approaches for this rare but relevant melanoma population.

Omitting axillary dissection: could we offer a more tailored management to elderly patients with breast cancer?

We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients ≥ 70 years old treated between January 2012 and January 2017. Axillary staging was scarcely used in the therapeutic algorithm but arm lymphedema was significantly associated to axillar dissection (p=0.04) and regional nodal irradiation (p = 0.02). Aggressive management of axilla did not provide relevant information for deciding chemotherapy but added morbidity.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p=0.035) and chewing (p=0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p=0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. CONCLUSION: Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Axillary surgical approach in T1-T2N0M0 clinical breast cancer staging: Survival in a women's hospital cohort in Rio de Janeiro

The concerns regarding the prognosis and quality of life of patients with early breast cancer staging without lymph node involvement have increased, especially with regard to the axillary surgical approach. The aim of the present study was to determine overall survival and disease-free survival according to the axillary surgical approach. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 827 women with clinical T1-T2N0M0 diagnosis attended at the Cancer Hospital III of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, from January 2007 to December 2009, with a follow-up period of 60 months. Data were obtained from the Hospital Registry of Cancer through the medical records. Results: 683 women underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy and 144 underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by axillary lymphadenectomy. After 5 years of follow-up, considering adjustment, it was observed overall survival (96.2% vs 93.6%; HR 0.98; 95%CI 0.42­2.29) and disease-free survival (93.7% vs 91.2%; HR 0.78; 95%CI 0.39­1.48) similar among patients undergoing either one or the other approach. In patients with micrometastasis, both overall (93.3%) and diseasefree survival (100%) were higher in women who underwent only sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those who underwent this procedure followed by axillary lymphadenectomy (OS: 87.5%; DFS: 90,7%), albeit not statistically significant.