Metastasis of skin squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) as a result of immunosuppression. A worldwide increase in kidney transplantation justifies the determination of prognostic biomarkers by collecting detailed patient data on metastasis development. This study aims to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological profiles of KTRs who developed metastasis of cSCC. We conducted a retrospective single-center study on 18 KTRs and 21 immunocompetent patients (ICs) with metastatic cSCC, using data from 2004 to 2021. ICs were older (median age 70.5 years) than KTRs (median age: 59.5 years). Both groups were predominantly male with Fitzpatrick skin phototype I/II. The primary tumor appeared around 83.5 months post-transplant, usually in sun-exposed areas (61.1%), though some non-exposed areas in ICs (23.8%) contradicted literature findings. KTRs took longer to develop metastasis (median: 11.0 months) compared to ICs (median: 5.5 months). The mean size of the primary tumor was smaller in KTRs (2.50 cm2) compared to ICs (4.55 cm2). The main lymph node chain affected by metastasis was parotid lymph nodes in KTRs (27.8%) and cervical/axillar lymph nodes in ICs (both 19.0%). Both groups exhibited similar primary tumor grades and metastasis evolution, but KTRs had a higher prevalence of lymphovascular invasion. Metastasis of cSCC was more common in males with low skin phototype, in KTRs, particularly on the head and neck. The study suggests a possible link between lymphovascular invasion and metastasis development in KTRs.

Metástasis cutánea metacrónica de carcinoma escamoso de canal anal / Methachronical cutaneous metastasis of squamous carcinoma of the anal canal / Metástase cutânea metacronica de carcinoma escamoso do canal anal

El tratamiento correcto de carcinoma escamoso avanzado requiere de un manejo multidisciplinar entre cirujanos, anatomopatólogos, radioterapeutas y radiólogos. Los protocolos están claros cuando nos hallamos ante una enfermedad localizada, sin embargo, cuando la enfermedad es metastática no existe evidencia científica de los pasos a seguir. Presentamos una paciente con un carcinoma escamoso del ano con una única metástasis cutánea metacrónica que fue tratada con cirugía y radioterapia posterior con buena respuesta.

The right therapy of anal cancer needs a multidisciplinary management of surgeons, pathologists, radiotherapists and radiologist. The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal is well-known when the patient presents a locally disease, nevertheless, there is a lack of information with the advanced anal cancer. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman with a solitary methachronical cutaneous metastasis of anal cancer which responded perfectly to surgery and radiotherapy.

A correta terapêutica do câncer anal necessita de uma gestão multidisciplinar de cirurgiões, patologistas, radio terapeutas e radiologistas.O tratamento do carcinoma espinocelular do canal anal é bem conhecido quando o paciente apresenta uma doença local, porém, há uma falta de informação sobre o câncer anal avançado. Relatamos o caso de uma mulher de 74 anos com metástase cutânea metacrônica solitária de câncer anal que respondeu perfeitamente à cirurgia e à radioterapia.

Aggressive parotid gland and neck metastasis caused by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp: a case report / Metástasis agresiva de glándula parótida y cuello causada por carcinoma cutáneo de células escamosas decuero cabelludo: reporte de un caso

Introduction: The head and neck are frequent sites for the development of cutaneous cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC), one of the more frequent malignant non-melanoma skin neoplasms in Chile (436 per 100,000 inhabitants). Between 5-10% skin SCC progresses aggressively generating metastasis to parotid and cervical lymph nodes. Case Report: A 82 years old male, presents painful increased volume lesion in the mandibular area. He has a history of chronic arterial hypertension, acute renal failure, SCC of the scalp, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic sun exposure and smoking. Extraoral examination showed a 4 cm lesion in the posterior third of the mandibular branch, with undefined edges, a firm consistency and painful on palpation. Intraorally, erythematous mucosa is observed, as well as lack of lubrication, tenderness and cortical bone expansion. Incisional biopsy is performed, imaging and histological exams are requested. The results indicate the presence of SCC, and therefore referral to secondary care. Many risk factors are associated with SCC development, with ultraviolet radiation the most relevant in this case, favoring its appearance on the scalp. The probability of metastasis is low, but when it happens, the majority of cases that started in the scalp, disseminate to the parotid and cervical region. Conclusion: The SCC has a good prognosis. However, there are antecedents, such as size and location, that must alert the professional to perform the monitoring, early screening, control of metastatic nodes in maxillofacial area.

Introducción: La cabeza y el cuello son sitios frecuentes de desarrollo de cáncer cutáneo y el carcinoma epidermoide de piel (CEC) es una de las neoplasias malignas sin melanoma más frecuentes en Chile (436 por 100.000 habitantes). Entre el 5% y el 10% del CCE cutáneo progresa de forma agresiva y genera metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos parótidos y cervicales. Reporte de Caso: Varón de 82 años, presenta lesión dolorosa de aumento de volumen en zona mandibular. Tiene antecedentes de hipertensión arterial crónica, insuficiencia renal aguda, CCE del cuero cabelludo, tuberculosis extrapulmonar, exposición crónica al sol y tabaquismo. El examen extraoral mostró una lesión de 4 cm en el tercio posterior de la rama mandibular, con bordes indefinidos, consistencia firme y dolorosa a la palpación. Intraoralmente se observa mucosa eritematosa, así como falta de lubricación, dolor a la palpación y expansión del hueso cortical. Se realiza biopsia incisional, se solicitan exámenes de imagen e histológicos. Los resultados indican la presencia de CCE y, por tanto, derivación a atención secundaria. Son muchos los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de CEC, siendo la radiación ultravioleta la más relevante en este caso, favoreciendo su aparición en el cuero cabelludo. La probabilidad de metástasis es baja, pero cuando ocurre, la mayoría de los casos que comenzaron en el cuero cabelludo se diseminan a la región parotídea y cervical. Conclusión: El SCC tiene un buen pronóstico. Sin embargo, existen antecedentes, como tamaño y ubicación, que deben alertar al profesional para realizar el seguimiento, cribado precoz, control de ganglios metastásicos en zona maxilofacial.

An uncommon case of vulvar cancer metastatic to breast.

Vulvar carcinoma corresponds to the fourth gynecological malignancy in incidence, with more than forty thousand new cases being estimated worldwide in 2020. It is a disease characterized by locoregional spread presenting high recurrence rates although distant metastases are an uncommon event. The purpose of this work is to describe the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course of vulvar carcinoma in a patient who presented regional recurrences and late metastasis to the mammary gland. Vulvar cancer is a disease with a well-defined natural history; but with the advancement of therapeutic possibilities in recent years, it has been possible to improve the prognosis, reducing the chance of locoregional recurrence. Thus, the possibility of distance recurrence must be remembered in inpatient follow-up with locally advanced vulvar carcinoma, even if atypically, as in the case reported.

Impact of different patterns of metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and median time for the development of metastases and prognosis by metastatic site after the diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients & methods: This cohort study was conducted with 1096 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2006 and 2014. Results: The most prevalent site of NSCLC metastases was the respiratory system. The nervous and adrenal systems presented the longest median time for the development of metastases. The 6-month survival varied from 68.2% for liver to 79.9% for the nervous system. Bone metastases were associated with a higher risk of death. Conclusion: The respiratory system was the most prevalent site of metastases. OS and risk of death varied according to the metastatic site.

Early Distant Recurrence in Patients With Resected Stage I Lung Cancer: A Case Series of "Blast Metastasis".

BACKGROUND: The standard of care in the management of stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been anatomic lung resection with multistation lymph node sampling of ≥ 10 lymph nodes. The 5-year survival for NSCLC has ranged from 73% to 93% (for stage IB and stage IA, respectively) and will be more favorable for patients with fewer comorbidities and those with a higher state of premorbid functioning and who undergo surgical resection. Despite the positive prognosis for operable stage I NSCLC, a subset of patients will develop metastatic disease within as few as 12 months after resection. Using an institutional database, we have presented the data from 68 patients who had developed distant metastatic recurrence after resection of pathologic stage I NSCLC within 1 year after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of a prospectively maintained intuitional database. The final cohort included patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC who had undergone anatomic resection but had subsequently presented with multiple sites of distant recurrence within 1 year. The study period extended from 2003 to 2020. Patients with broad local recurrence or recurrence at a single distant site were excluded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate the 5-year survival. RESULTS: A total of 2827 patients had undergone surgical resection for stage I NSCLC during the 17-year period and 68 met the criteria for inclusion. Most of the patients (n = 48) were smokers, and the dominant histologic type was adenocarcinoma (n = 37). After recurrence, 22 patients (33%) had undergone chemoradiotherapy and 19 (28%) had received chemotherapy alone. The mean and median overall survival were 23.7 and 14 months, respectively. The 5-year survival from recurrence and surgery were both 13.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Limited data are available on the risk factors for early metastasis after resected stage I NSCLC. The results from our cohort have demonstrated poor survival after recurrence. These data might be the basis for determining a phenotype for patients prone to early widespread metastasis despite seemingly curative surgical resection.

Squamous cell carcinoma implantation in gastrostomy orifice. Case report.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is used to provide enteral nutritional support for patients with obstructive oropharyngeal or esophageal neoplasms. The placement of the catheter is considered safe, with few complications. Despite this, a specific complication that is considered rare, has been increasingly described in the literature, i.e., metastasis of head and neck cancer in the gastrostomy stoma. In this report, we described a case of metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in the gastrostomy site, and discussed the possible etiologies and alternatives, seeking to reduce the incidence of this complication.

Metástasis cervical con primario desconocido, cambios en los paradigmas: revisión sobre el enfrentamiento clínico, estudio y tratamiento / Cervical metastases from unknown primary tumor, paradigm changes: review on clinical confrontation, study and treatment

Resumen En adultos, una masa cervical detectada mediante examen físico o un estudio de imagen puede ser la única manifestación de un cáncer proveniente de cabeza y cuello. Un retraso en el diagnóstico repercute en el pronóstico de la enfermedad, por lo que debe haber un alto índice de sospecha. Las metástasis cervicales con primario desconocido (MCCPD) son tumores metastásicos en los que el estudio diagnóstico no logró identificar el sitio primario del cáncer, con una histología predominantemente de tipo escamosa. Según algunos estudios, el origen más frecuente resultó ser la orofaringe, incluyendo amígdala palatina y base de lengua. Factores de riesgo conocidos son edades avanzadas, consumo de tabaco y de alcohol. Actualmente, la infección por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) está teniendo un rol cada vez más importante como factor de riesgo, formando parte de entre 20%-25% de los cánceres de cabeza y cuello. Al enfrentarse a un paciente con masa cervical es importante realizar una completa anamnesis y examen físico acucioso para detectar cualquier elemento sugerente de malignidad. Se debe complementar con nasofibroscopía para visualizar estructuras que no alcanzan a evaluarse en el examen habitual. También se puede orientar la búsqueda del primario desconocido en base a los patrones de drenaje linfático. Dentro del estudio complementario se puede comenzar con una tomografía computada (TC) y se puede considerar también el ultrasonido o un PET/TC. Si con esto aún no se logra definir el primario, continuar con una punción aspirativa con aguja fina (PAAF), luego biopsia core que consiste en tomar una muestra del centro de la lesión guiada por ecografía, si fuese necesario, incluyendo inmunohistoquímica para VPH; ambos estudios histológicos son preferibles en vez de una biopsia abierta debido al menor riesgo de diseminación y complicaciones. El siguiente paso incluye estudio endoscópico y biopsias bajo anestesia. El tratamiento de los pacientes con MCCPD, va a depender de factores relacionados con el estadio de la enfermedad: desde cirugía o radioterapia (RT) únicas, cirugía más RT, y en algunos casos quimioterapia. Se recomienda seguimiento clínico frecuente durante los primeros años y con imágenes dentro de los 6 primeros meses postratamiento.

Abstract In adults, a cervical mass detected by physical examination or an imaging study may be the only manifestation of cancer from the head and neck. A delay in the diagnosis affects the prognosis of the disease, so there must be a high index of suspicion. Cervical metastases from unknown primary tumor (CUP) are metastatic tumors in which the diagnostic study failed to identify the primary site of cancer, with predominantly squamous histology. According to some studies, the most frequent origin was the oropharynx, including palatine tonsil and tongue base. Known risk factors are advanced ages, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Currently, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is playing an increasingly important role as a risk factor, being the cause of between 20-25% of cancers of the head and neck. When confronting a patient with cervical mass it is important to carry out a complete anamnesis and a thorough physical examination to detect any element suggestive of malignancy. Physical examination could be complemented with a flexible nasal endoscopic to evaluate structures that can not be evaluated in the habitual examination. The search for the unknown primary can also be oriented based on lymphatic drainage patterns. Within the complementary evaluations, one can start with a study of images such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, and also could consider ultrasound or PET/CT. If the primary can not be defined yet, fine needle aspiration (FNAP) can be the next choice and then a core biopsy that consisting of taking a sample from the center of the ultrasound-guided lesion, if necessary, including immunohistochemistry for HPV; both histological studies are preferable to an open biopsy because of the lower risk of complications. The next step searching for the primary includes endoscopic study and biopsies under anesthesia. Regarding to the management of patients with CUP, it will depend on factors related to the stage of the disease: from surgery or radiotherapy (RT) only, surgery and RT, and in some cases chemotherapy. Frequent clinical follow-up is recommended during the first years and images within the first 6 months after treatment.

Squamous cell carcinoma implantation in gastrostomy orifice. Case report / Implantação de carcinoma espinocelular em orifício de gastrostomia. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is used to provide enteral nutritional support for patients with obstructive oropharyngeal or esophageal neoplasms. The placement of the catheter is considered safe, with few complications. Despite this, a specific complication that is considered rare, has been increasingly described in the literature, i.e., metastasis of head and neck cancer in the gastrostomy stoma. In this report, we described a case of metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in the gastrostomy site, and discussed the possible etiologies and alternatives, seeking to reduce the incidence of this complication.

RESUMO A gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea é utilizada para oferecer suporte nutricional enteral para pacientes com neoplasias obstrutivas de orofaringe ou esôfago. A colocação da sonda é considerada segura, com poucas complicações. Apesar disso, uma complicação em particular, considerada rara, está sendo cada vez mais descrita na literatura: a metástase de neoplasia de cabeça e pescoço para o estoma da gastrostomia. Neste relato, descrevemos um caso de metástase de carcinoma espinocelular de laringe para o sítio da gastrostomia, e discutimos as possíveis etiologias e alternativas, buscando diminuir a incidência desta complicação.

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in a dog presenting with bone metastasis.

A 10-year-old female American Pit Bull dog was diagnosed with metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma of the scapula. Immunohistochemistry showed positive immunoexpression for cytokeratins (AE1/AE3, 34BE12, CK7) and vimentin, confirming squamous cell carcinoma. No evidence of nodules was found in the complete physical examination and imaging procedures conducted. The patient was diagnosed with carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and piroxicam were performed, but the patient died of respiratory failure after 737 days of diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed undifferentiated carcinoma infiltrating the lungs and kidneys, and showing the same immunoexpression as the tumor in the scapula. Amputation associated with chemotherapy extended the overall survival time of this patient.

Nodal FDG-PET/CT uptake influences outcome and relapse location among esophageal cancer patients submitted to chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Our aim was investigate whether lymph node uptake is associated with survival and regional relapses, and relapse patterns with respect to the radiotherapy fields in esophageal cancer (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FDG-PET/CT image datasets of 56 patients were analyzed. All patients underwent definitive or neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy (RCT). All patients suffering from persistent or recurrent local/regional-only disease after RCT were considered for salvage resection. Patients with adenocarcinoma without metastatic disease were considered for planned resection (usually within 3 months of treatment). RESULTS: Patients with PET-positive lymph nodes before treatment had a worse overall survival and a shorter disease-free survival than those without PET-positive nodes. They also had worse node and metastatic relapse-free survival. N2 patients had statistically significant poorer outcomes than N1-N0 patients and a better survival if the involved nodes were closer to the esophageal tumor. Involved node location by PET/CT also affected global, nodal and metastatic relapses. In addition, an increment of SUVmax value increased relative risk of death and increased relative risk of node and metastatic relapses. The first site of relapse was metastatic recurrence and, second, local recurrence. The most frequent were "in-field" loco/regional recurrence. We observed a relationship between patients classified-N1 and out-field nodal recurrence (p = 0.024), and between patients-N2 and in-field nodal recurrence. The number of PET-positive nodes was an independent significant prognostic predictor for relapse (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that only FDG-PET/CT can provide prognostic information in EC. Nodal PET/CT uptake influences outcome and relapse location among EC patients.

[Incisión cervical transversa en disección radical de cuello]. / Transverse incision in radical neck dissection.

ANTECEDENTES: La disección radical de cuello es la única forma de estadificar a pacientes con neoplasias con riesgo de metástasis ganglionares. Se han efectuado diversos tipos de incisiones a lo largo de la historia, con el objetivo de obtener una exposición suficiente que permita la resección completa de los grupos ganglionares en riesgo. Es importante combinar la seguridad oncológica con unas adecuadas estética, funcionalidad y calidad de vida. MÉTODO: Evaluación retrospectiva del resultado obtenido con la incisión transversa en el cuello en pacientes sometidos a disección radical. El parámetro utilizado para saber si esta incisión es adecuada es el número de ganglios disecados. RESULTADOS: Son 35 pacientes, 30 con metástasis de carcinoma epidermoide y 5 con metástasis de melanoma. La media de ganglios disecados fue de 25. Una sola incisión permitió la disección de los cinco niveles ganglionares; no se requirió convertir la incisión ni hacer ampliaciones verticales. El resultado cosmético fue satisfactorio en todos los pacientes, y no hubo complicaciones mayores. CONCLUSIÓN: La incisión cervical única transversa permite el acceso a los cinco niveles cervicales y puede ser ampliada bilateralmente. En la presente serie, la media de ganglios disecados fue de 25, número suficiente para considerar al procedimiento completo. El resultado estético fue satisfactorio. BACKGROUND: Radical neck dissection is the only way to stage patients with neoplasms at risk of lymph node metastases; various types of incisions have been made throughout history, the goal: to obtain sufficient exposure to allow complete resection of the nodal groups at risk. It is important to combine oncological safety with adequate aesthetics, functionality and quality of life. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of the result obtained with the transverse neck incision in patients submitted to radical neck dissection, the parameter used to know if this incision is adequate is the number of dissected lymph nodes. RESULTS: There are 35 patients, 30 with metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma and 5 with melanoma metastasis. The average of dissected lymph nodes was 25. A single incision allowed the dissection of the five nodal levels, it was not necessary to convert the incision or make vertical enlargements; the cosmetic result was satisfactory in all patients, there were no major complications. CONCLUSION: The unique transverse cervical incision allows access to the five cervical levels, it can be enlarged bilaterally; in the present series, the mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 25 enough to consider the procedure as complete. The aesthetic result was satisfactory.

Oral Cancer Treatment: Still an Indication for Elective Neck Dissection?

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a high incidence and, although elective neck dissection is recommended, the removed nodes frequently present without metastasis. This surgical approach causes disabilities and increases possible surgical complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possibility of a watchful waiting approach in oral cancer. METHODS: We compared 78 patients with clinical and pathological node metastases and their counterparts with pathological node metastases but without evident clinical neck disease. Therefore, we provided a theoretical comparison between the patients who had an elective neck dissection and those who waited until a clinically positive node was evident. RESULTS: The prognostic factor rates were similar between the groups. Their regional recurrence and mortality rates had no statistical differences. CONCLUSION: A watchful waiting policy could be applied to selected oral cancer patients who can undergo a very close follow-up. This option would be more cost-effective and less harmful than elective neck dissection.

Clinicopathological significance of miR-26, miR-107, miR-125b, and miR-203 in head and neck carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: MicroRNAs play a role in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Our aim was to study the expression of miR-26, miR-107, miR-125b, and miR-203 in primary HNSCC with and without lymph node metastasis and their clinicopathological significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of microRNAs in primary HNSCC with lymph node metastasis (n = 16) and their matched lymph node, as well as primary tumors without metastasis (n = 16), were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and analyzed with clinicopathological features and survival. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-26 (p < .05) and miR-125b (p < .01) were higher in metastatic primary HNSCC, while levels of miR-203 (p < .01) were lower. The expression of the microRNAs was associated with clinicopathological features, including miR-26 high expression and N stage (p = .04), poor differentiation (p = .005) and recurrence (p = .007), miR-125b high expression and N stage (p = .0005) and death (p = .02), and low levels of miR-203 and N stage (p = .04). The high expression of miR-26 was associated with shortened disease-free survival, and high miR-125b expression was an independent risk factor for poor disease-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that miR-26 and miR-125b may be associated with the progression and metastasis of HNSCC and that miR-203 is associated with a more favorable prognosis.

JMJD1A, H3K9me1, H3K9me2 and ADM expression as prognostic markers in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

AIMS: Jumonji Domain-Containing 1A (JMJD1A) protein promotes demethylation of histones, especially at lysin-9 of di-methylated histone H3 (H3K9me2) or mono-methylated (H3K9me1). Increased levels of H3 histone methylation at lysin-9 (H3K9) is related to tumor suppressor gene silencing. JMJD1A gene target Adrenomeduline (ADM) has shown to promote cell growth and tumorigenesis. JMJD1A and ADM expression, as well as H3K9 methylation level have been related with development risk and prognosis of several tumor types. METHODS AND RESULTS: We aimed to evaluate JMJD1A, ADM, H3K9me1 and H3K9me2expression in paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays from 84 oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma samples through immunohistochemistry analysis. Our results showed that nuclear JMJD1A expression was related to lymph node metastasis risk. In addition, JMJD1A cytoplasmic expression was an independent risk marker for advanced tumor stages. H3K9me1 cytoplasmic expression was associated with reduced disease-specific death risk. Furthermore, high H3K9me2 nuclear expression was associated with worse specific-disease and disease-free survival. Finally, high ADM cytoplasmic expression was an independent marker of lymph node metastasis risk. CONCLUSION: JMJD1A, H3K9me1/2 and ADM expression may be predictor markers of progression and prognosis in oral and oropharynx cancer patients, as well as putative therapeutic targets.

Predictive and prognostic clinical and pathological factors of nivolumab efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy increases overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Prognostic and predictive factors are a high need. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of NSCLC patients treated with nivolumab was performed. Analyzed variables included age, sex, stage, performance status (PS), location of metastases, presence of tumour-related symptoms and comorbidities, number of metastasis locations, previous chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic and radiotherapy treatments, and analytical data from the standard blood count and biochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included. Median age was 61.5 years, 73.1% were men, 77.7% were ECOG-PS 0-1, and 86.7% were included with stage IV disease. Histology was non-squamous in 77.1%. Sixty-five received nivolumab in second line (37.1%). Thirty-eight patients had brain metastasis (22%), and 39 (22.3%) liver metastasis and 126 (72%) had more than one metastatic location. The ORR was 15.7% with median Progression free survival (PFS) 2.8 months and median OS 5.81 months. Stage III vs IV and time since the beginning of the previous line of treatment ≥ 6 vs < 6 months were associated with better response. PS 2, time since the previous line of treatment < 6 vs ≥ 6 months, and more than one metastatic location were independently associated with shorter OS in multivariable analysis (7.8 vs 2.7 months, 11.2 vs 4.6 months, and 9.4 vs 5.1 month). Finally, time since the previous treatment < 6 vs ≥ 6 months and more than one metastatic location were independently associated with shorter PFS in multivariable analysis (4.3 vs 2.3 months and 4.7 vs 2.3 months). CONCLUSION: Poor PS, short period of time since the previous treatment, and more than one metastatic location were associated with poorer prognostic.

Circulating levels of autoantibodies against L1-cell adhesion molecule as a potential diagnostic biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant disease worldwide, especially in China. We aimed to determine the level of autoantibodies against L1CAM in patients with ESCC. METHODS: Levels of circulating autoantibodies against L1CAM antigens were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cohort 1 (191 patients with ESCC and 94 normal controls) and validated in cohort 2 (47 patients with ESCC and 47 normal controls). Receiver-operating characteristics were employed to calculate diagnostic accuracy. Cumulative survival time was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by the log-rank test. RESULTS: In cohorts 1 and 2, levels of autoantibodies against L1CAM were all significantly higher in sera of patients with ESCC compared to normal controls (P < 0.05). Detection of autoantibodies against L1CAM provided a sensitivity of 26.2%, a specificity of 90.4%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.603 (95% CI 0.535-0.672) in diagnosing ESCC in cohort 1, and a sensitivity of 27.7%, a specificity of 91.5%, and an AUC of 0.628 (95% CI 0.516-0.741). Similar results were observed in the diagnosis of early stage ESCC (25.2% sensitivity, 90.4% specificity, and an AUC of 0.611 (95% CI 0.533-0.689) in cohort 1, and 33.3% sensitivity, 91.5% specificity, and an AUC of 0.636 (95% CI 0.439-0.832) in cohort 2). Moreover, positive rates of autoantibodies against L1CAM had no statistical correlation with clinical outcome of ESCC (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that circulating autoantibodies against L1CAM is a potential biomarker for the early detection of ESCC.

Topography of the sentinel node according to the affected lobe in lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to describe the anatomic location of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) of patients with lung carcinoma and to analyze its relationship with the characteristics of the tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 98 Stage I lung cancer patients were included in the study. SLN was marked just after performing the thoracotomy by injecting peritumorally 0.25 mCi of nanocolloid of albumin (Nanocol1) labeled with Tc-99 m in 0.3 ml, and later, it was resected. For SLN micrometastasis analysis, CEACAM5, BPIFA1, and CK7 gene expression at mRNA level was studied. Possible relation between tumor characteristics and SLN location was analyzed. RESULTS: While most of the SLN were located in hilar area, we find a significantly higher number of SLN located in mediastinal stations when the lesion is in the left upper lobe (LUL). This difference disappears in the group of SLN with a positive result in the micrometastasis study. Regarding tumor size, squamous tumors and tumors located in the left lower lobe (LLL) were found significantly larger. CONCLUSION: The location of the SLN in patients with stage I lung cancer is predominantly hilar, being less consistent in the left hemithorax. The tumor size or histological type is not variables that affect this distribution. The distribution of SLNs with a positive result in the analysis of micrometastasis suggests further spread to the hilar areas when the lesion is in the LUL and to the mediastinal zones when it is in the LLL.