Skin Metastasis Occurring 30 Years After Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The skin is an extremely rare site of metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and is linked to underlying disseminated malignancy, which reflects a dismal prognosis. We present the case of a 70-years-old Saudi female who presented at our clinic with an eight-month history of two painful and itchy skin nodules over the scalp and the medial aspect of the right arm. She had a history of total thyroidectomy for PTC 30 years prior. Computed tomography-positron emission tomography showed multiple fluorodeoxyglucose avid lung and skeletal metastases. This case highlights the fact that skin nodules in a patient with a history of PTC should be assessed carefully with a high suspicion of skin metastasis to avoid any delay in treatment.

Radiation Induced Multiple Skin Neoplasms Following Craniospinal Irradiation for Medulloblastoma. A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Following craniospinal irradiation in children with medulloblastoma, secondary neoplasms are among the most serious long-term sequelae that include leukemias and solid tumors of the urinary or digestive tracts, thyroid, skin, and central nervous system. Furthermore, in children with Gorlin syndrome following craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma, there is a rising incidence of skin and non-skin malignancies. CASE REPORT The patient in the present study was a 19-year-old female who was treated with craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy following gross total resection (GTR) for medulloblastoma at the age of 4 years. Fifteen years later, she developed a primary adnexal tumor at the medial aspect of her left thigh, glomangioma at the skin of her upper abdomen, dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans at the skin of her upper back, and Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the upper abdomen. All these tumors were successfully managed with radical resection without further adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS Metachronous of development of 4 histopathologically different skin tumors following craniospinal irradiation for medulloblastoma in long-term survivors has not previously been reported. The present case warrants a detailed dermatological periodic inspection in such patients.

Defining Clinical Indications of Proton Beam Therapy at National Level in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Particle Therapy Centre (SPTC) is establishing proton beam therapy (PBT) services within Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Thus, national guidelines for the pertinent draft, and recommendations of PBT for cancer patients are utmost important. Saudi Particle Therapy Centre invited a panel of expert radiation oncologists practicing within KSA to formulate national clinical practice guidelines for the referral, absolute and relative indications and dose/fractionation for PBT. After identifying the key clinical questions, ample search through PubMed, EMBASE, and various search drives was accomplished for appropriate meta-analyses, clinical trials, case-control, and case series studies, and case reports. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was incorporated to formulate various recommendations. Saudi Particle Therapy Centre expert panel recommended PBT as utter modality for ocular tumors, base of skull/spine tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, all pediatric central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, para-nasal sinuses/nasal cavity tumors and for re-irradiation of all sites aimed for cure. However, PBT may be contemplated, as a relative indication if no other parallel option is available, or when photon therapy plans exceed the dose constraints for critical structures.  Further, panel did not recommend routine PBT for other sites beyond clinical trials. However, individual oncology patients can be considered for PBT after a multidisciplinary approach and expert's opinion.

Outcomes of Early-stage Glottic Carcinoma Treated with Radiation Therapy: A Single Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the outcomes of radical intent radiation therapy in early glottic carcinoma (EGC), including local control rate (LCR), disease-free survival (DFS), death specific free survival (DSFS), and overall survival (OS) rates, in Saudi patients treated at a single institution.  Materials and methods: This is an institutional review board (IRB) approved, retrospective study of 27 patients with T1-2 N0 M0, early glottic carcinoma (EGC) who were treated from 2010 to 2015 at our institution with different radiotherapy (RT) fractionation regimens. The regimens included six different fractionation schedules of radiotherapy (RT): 50 Gy (20 x 2.5 Gy) dose prescribed to 95% isodose line, 52.4 Gy (20 x 2.52 Gy), 63 Gy (28 x 2.25 Gy), 66 Gy (33 x 2 Gy), and 70 Gy (35 x 2 Gy). The cohort was stratified into two groups, ≤ 52.5 Gy (n=15) and > 52.5 Gy (n=12). The median follow-up of all patients was 31.7 months (range 7-82). RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 64.5 years (median 65, range: 41-83). Eleven patients (40.7%) had a history of smoking. The majority of the cohort was with T1a EGC (70.4%, n=19), and anterior commissure invasion was seen in three patients (11.1%). The mean RT doses were 55.6 Gy (range: 50-70). The five-year LCR, DFS, DSFS, and OS rates were 83.1%, 80.0%, 96.2%, and 92.6%, respectively. The LCR rates for those receiving a dose of 52.5 Gy or less were 61.3 months compared to 89.5 months for those who received more than 52.5 Gy (p=0.994). Non-smokers and patients with an unknown smoking history achieved a five-year LCR of 100%, while patients with a positive smoking history achieved a five-year LCR of 60.6% (p=0.044). CONCLUSION:  Radiation therapy for EGC in our patients showed reasonable five-year LCR with larynx preservation at 83.1%, DFS 80.0%, five-year OS rate 92.6%, and DSFS rate 96.2%. We found that smoking had a significant correlation with LCR. However, large prospective trials are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of overall treatment time, dose per fraction of above 2 Gy, and smoking effect.

Bleeding in Locally Invasive Pelvic Malignancies: Is Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy a Safe and Effective Non-Invasive Option for Securing Hemostasis? A Single Institution Perspective.

INTRODUCTION:  Control of bleeding due to locally invasive disease is of paramount importance in the management of cancer patients. This study was undertaken to explore the outcomes of palliative intent hypofractionated radiation therapy (HRT) in advanced stage pelvic malignancies that presented with bleeding. METHODS:  This study enrolled patients treated with palliative intent hypofractionated radiation therapy from July 2015 to November 2017. In the inclusion criteria, all these patients had the common presenting complaint of bleeding from the tumor. These patients were not treated with radiation therapy before for the same indication. Patients with known bleeding disorders and those undergoing parallel interventions for bleeding control were excluded from the study. Bleeding was categorized based on the World Health Organization (WHO) scale for the classification of bleeding. Response assessment was classified into a complete response, partial response and no response. A comparison was made for the bleeding scale before and after HRT using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The comparison of mean hemoglobin levels before and after the HRT was calculated by paired t-test. RESULTS:  Forty-two patients with advanced pelvic malignancies qualified for inclusion in the study after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Among those analyzed, the median age was 67 years (range 37 - 95 years). The male and female proportion was 38% and 62% respectively. Different cancers included uterine cancer 31%, cervical cancer 24%, bladder cancer 21%, rectal cancer 17% and vulvar cancer in 7%. The baseline bleeding scale in these cases was found to be grade 1 in 12%, grade 2 in 55% and grade 3 in 33% cases. The median dose in our cohort was 20 Gy in five fractions over one week (range was 8 Gy to 40 Gy). Following HRT, the WHO bleeding score at one month was recorded as grade 0 in 57%, grade 1 in 31%, grade 2 in 7%, grade 3 in 5% and grade 4 in none. Toxicity profile did not show any grade 3 or above acute toxicity in the study. Response rates were 57% complete response, 36% partial response and 7% no response. The mean hemoglobin level post-treatment versus pre-treatment was found to be 9.6 g/dL versus 7.3 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS:  Hypofractionated radiotherapy was found to be a safe and effective non-invasive palliative treatment modality for securing hemostasis in advanced pelvic malignancies that presented with bleeding.

Efficacy of 8 Gy Single Fraction Palliative Radiation Therapy in Painful Bone Metastases: A Single Institution Experience.

Introduction Bone metastasis (BM) is a major complication of many solid tumors like breast, prostate, lung and renal cancers. BM leads to serious sequelae of pain, fractures, spinal cord compression and hypercalcemia. Radiotherapy has an established role in relieving pain caused by BM. Worldwide different radiotherapy schedules are being used for BM. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of single fraction palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases. Methods Between April 2014 and April 2017, single fraction radiotherapy was used to treat 73 patients in our institution. They had pathologically proven breast, prostate, lung or renal cancer with radiological evidence of bone metastases. There were 39 males (53%) and 34 females (47%). The median age was 58 years (range 33-87 years). 39% patients (n = 28) had breast cancer, 35% had prostate cancer (n = 26), 23% had lung cancer (n = 17), and 3% had renal cancer (n = 2). On presentation, all the patients had a pain score of more than five on Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Results Response assessment to pain after three months from single fraction radiotherapy was found to be complete response (CR) in 23% patients (n = 17), partial response (PR) in 38% patients (n = 28), stable disease (SD) in 26% patients (n = 19) and progressive disease (PD) in 12% patients (n = 9). The overall efficacy of treatment was 62%, with CR 23% and PR 38%. Pre-treatment mean pain score was 8.15 compared to 4.68 post-treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions Single fraction palliative radiotherapy of 8 Gy showed significant efficacy in painful bone metastases in our setting and merits further investigation in our population.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / Impacto do índice de massa corporal sobre o desfecho de sobrevida em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25 kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40 kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. Results Median follow up period was 5.2 years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3 kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40 kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30 kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p = 0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Resumo Introdução Sabe-se que o aumento do índice de massa corpórea está associado à alta prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide; entretanto, os dados sobre seu impacto no desfecho de sobrevivência após tireoidectomia e terapia adjuvante são escassos. Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Método Entre 2000 e 2011, 209 pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide (papilar/folicular/de células de Hurthle) foram tratados através de tireoidectomia, seguida de tratamento com iodo radioativo-131 adjuvante e supressão de hormônio estimulante da tireoide. Com base no índice de massa corpórea, os pacientes foram divididos em cinco grupos; (a) < 18,5 kg/m2 (baixo peso); (b) 18,5-25 kg/m2 (peso normal); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (sobrepeso); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obesos) e (e) > 40 kg/m2 (obesos mórbidos). Várias características demográficas, clínicas e de tratamento e toxicidade associada e desfechos (sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença) foram analisadas e comparadas. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 5,2 anos (0,6-10). O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 31,3 kg/m2 (17-72); o índice de massa corpórea de 31-40 kg/m2 foi predominante (89 pacientes, 42,6%), seguido por 26-30 kg/m2, observado em 58 pacientes (27,8%). Observaram-se 18 recidivas locorregionais (8,6%) e 12 metástases distantes (5,7%). As taxas de sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global de 10 anos foram de 83,1% e 58,0%, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado impacto significativo do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global ou sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,081). Da mesma forma, a análise multivariada mostrou que o índice de massa corpórea não foi um fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Conclusão Embora o índice de massa corpórea possa aumentar o risco de câncer de tireoide, ele não tem impacto no resultado do tratamento; contudo, outros estudos são necessários.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Median follow up period was 5.2years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p=0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. CONCLUSION: Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Diet, Physical Activity, Marital Status and Risk of Cancer: A Case Control Study of Adults from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the dietary habits, engagement in various sports, smoking habits, marital status and other demographic characteristics, between cancer patients and healthy adults (control) at our institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 500 participants (237 cancer patients and 263 healthy adults). A well-structured questionnaire was given to these participants regarding the life style, dietary habits, and marital status through interviews. RESULTS: Mean age of whole cohort was 39.3 years (range: 14-85). Among the cancer patients, breast cancer was predominant (45.6%). Compared to controls, higher percentage of married (72.6% vs. 55.5%) and divorced (10.2% vs.4.2%) was noticed in cancer patients (P = 0.002). In cancer patients, majority were unemployed (housewives = 49.3%; retired = 16.0%) as compared to controls (housewives = 14.1%; retired = 2.0%) P = 0.0001. Use of computer laptops/tablets and internet surfing was significantly higher in controls as compared to cancer patients (80.3% vs. 42.2%) P = 0.0001. Similarly, cancer patients started smoking at early age and were relatively heavy smokers with P = 0.03 and P = 0.001 respectively. Cancer patients consumed < 3 cups of coffee/day as compared to control (42.4% vs. 21.5%) P = 0.02. More cancer patients got married at early age between 11-20 years (58.7% vs. 37.7%) P = 0.01. CONCLUSION: Unemployment, marital status, lack of nutritional knowledge through internet, heavy smoking, heavy coffee consumption and early age at marriage were associated with the risk of various cancers in both genders.

Changes in pulmonary function tests in breast carcinoma patients treated with locoregional post-mastectomy radiotherapy: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of present pilot study was to evaluate the changes in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after locoregional post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed breast carcinoma stages T1-T4, N1-N2, who were treated with modified radical mastectomy with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy underwent PFTs, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 50%, and peak expiratory flow rate, maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF25-75), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) before, at 30 days, and at 90 days after locoregional PMRT. A two-tailed paired Student's t-test was used to compare mean values among the variables between the groups. RESULTS: A significant drop in FVC, FEV1, and DLCO was noticed at day 90 after the completion of locoregional PMRT with P-values 0.033, 0.042, and 0.031, respectively, while MMEF25-75 and VO2max were not significantly affected (P-values 0.075 and 0.062, respectively) favoring a restrictive lung injury pattern. However, no patient was found to be symptomatic. CONCLUSION: A significant drop in reduction in PFTs occurred at day 90 after the completion of locoregional PMRT. PFTs shall be performed in all breast cancer patients receiving locoregional PMRT for early detection of radiation-induced lung toxicity as all patients in our cohort were found asymptomatic.

Inguinal lymph node presenting as the delayed site of metastasis in early stage endometrial carcinoma: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal lymph nodes are the frequent sites of metastasis for malignant lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal, vulva and penis, malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of skin over lower extremities or trunk. Anatomically, endometrial carcinoma is less likely to spread to the superficial or deep inguinal lymph nodes, thus metastatic involvement of these lymph nodes can easily be overlooked. CASE PRESENTATION: Here-in we report a case of a 65-year old Saudi morbid obese female, who presented with left inguinal lymphadenopathy as initial delayed site of metastasis almost 19 months after the initial treatment for FIGO IA endometrial carcinoma. Patient underwent left inguinal lymph node dissection. Histopathology confirmed metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma, positive for cytokeratin (CK-7), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), negative for CK-20 and CDX2. Following the post-surgery recovery, she was given extended field radiation therapy to para-aortic, pelvis and bilateral inguinal lymph nodes with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy followed by high dose rate brachytherapy. CONCLUSION: Inguinal lymph nodes as delayed site of metastasis in early endometrial carcinoma is extremely rare entity. Incorporation of FDG-PET during the preoperative screening of inguinal nodes may be helpful. The impact of lymph node dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy on survival needs to be established.

Patterns of failure and survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the patterns of failure (locoregional and distant metastasis), associated factors, and treatment outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2006 to December 2011, 68 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were treated with IMRT and chemotherapy at our hospital. Median radiation doses delivered to gross tumor volume and positive neck nodes were 66-70 Gy, 63 Gy to clinical target volume, and 50.4-56 Gy to clinically negative neck. The clinical toxicities, patterns of failures, locoregional control, distant metastasis control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were observed. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 52.2 months (range: 11-87 months). Epstein-Barr virus infection was positive in 63.2% of patients. Overall disease failure developed in 21 patients, of whom 85.8% belonged to stage III/IV disease. Among these, there were seven locoregional recurrences, three regional recurrences with distant metastases, and eleven distant metastases. The median interval from the date of diagnosis to failure was 26.5 months (range: 16-50 months). Six of ten (60%) locoregional recurrences were treated with reirradiation ± concurrent chemotherapy. The 5-year locoregional control, distant metastasis control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates of whole cohort were 81.1%, 74.3%, 60.1%, and 73.4%, respectively. Cox regression analyses revealed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, and Epstein-Barr virus were independent predictors for disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without chemotherapy improves the long-term survival of Saudi patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Distant metastasis was the main pattern of treatment failure. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, and Epstein-Barr virus status before IMRT were important independent prognostic factors.

Tall Cell Variant Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Saudi Patients: A clinicopathological and Outcomes Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of papillary thyroid carcinoma tall cell variant (PTC-TCV) in Saudi population. Methods: This retrospective study were medical records of 776 treated PTC patients between December 2007 and 2015, at King Fahad Medical City and King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was probed for PTC-TCV. Total 42 (5.4%) patients were found to have PTC-TCV, which were investigated for demographic, symptoms, histopathological features, and treatment outcomes locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis control (DMC), disease free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates. Results: Mean age of cohort was 52.3 years (range: 46-80), with female predominance (73.8%). Mean tumor size was 3.62 cm (range: 0.4-10). Rates of LVSI (59.5%), positive pathological lymph nodes (66.7%), multifocality (42.9%) and extrathyroidal extension, (45.3%). Median follow-up was 37.4 months (range: 6-60). Local recurrence rate were seen in 6/42 (14.2%) patients and 8/42 (19%) developed distant metastasis. The 5 year rates of LRC (82.3%), DMC (77.8%), DFS (69.2%), and OS (86.7%) multivariate analysis showed PTC-TVC as an important independent prognosticator (odds ratio: 4.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.79-7.3; p=0.03)  Conclusion: Papillary thyroid carcinoma tall cell variant is associated with aggressive biological behavior.

Papillary Squamotransitional Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction. Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma (PSTCC) is an uncommon histopathological variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix, which occurs in postmenopausal women. Presentation of Case. Herein, we describe a case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with 4-month history of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal examination revealed a fragile lesion of size 1 × 1 cm invading left posterior vaginal fornice and parametrium. Biopsy showed the presence of papillae containing fibrovascular cores lined by multilayered atypical epithelial cells resembling squamous and transitional cell epithelium, confirming the diagnosis of PSTCC of the uterine cervix. After staging work-up she was staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system 2009 as FIGO IIB, and she was started on extended field concurrent chemoradiation. Discussion. PSTCC of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare and aggressive entity. PSTCC is often characterized by the presence of papillary structures with prominent fibrovascular cores. PSTCC of the uterine cervix should be differentiated from transitional cell carcinoma, squamous papilloma, papillary adenocarcinoma, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with papillary features. Conclusion. PSTCC of the uterine cervix is a diagnostic challenge; further studies regarding the mechanism underlying the development of PSCC are warranted.

Comparative clinicopathological and outcome analysis of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi patients aged below 60 years and above 60 years.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi patients aged above 60 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative analysis was performed in 252 patients aged 46-60 years (Group A) and 118 patients aged above 60 years (Group B), who had thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine-131, and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy between July 2000 and December 2012. Different clinicopathological features, treatment, complications, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were compared. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in Group A was 51.9 years (range: 46-60), and mean age of those in Group B was 68.6 years (range: 62-97). Group B patients had higher positive lymph nodes (43.2%), P=0.011. The frequency of extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and lymphovascular space invasion was seen more in Group B than in Group A. Postsurgical complications (permanent hypoparathyroidism, bleeding, and wound infections) were also seen more in Group B (P=0.043, P=0.011, and P=0.021, respectively). Group B patients experienced more locoregional recurrences (11.0%, P=0.025); similarly, more distant metastases were observed in Group B (15.3%, P=0.003). The 10-year disease-free survival rates were 87.6% in Group A and 70.8% in Group B (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Differentiated thyroid cancer in patients aged above 60 years are more aggressive biologically and associated with a worse prognosis, and the morbidity is significantly high as compared to patients aged below 60 years.

Is radiation-induced ovarian ablation in breast cancer an obsolete procedure? Results of a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of radiation-induced ovarian ablation (RT-OA) on amenorrhea cessation rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival in pre/perimenopausal women with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Medline, CANCERLIT, and Cochrane Library databases and search engines were searched to identify randomized controlled studies comparing RT-OA with control for early or metastatic breast cancer. Further, radiotherapy doses, techniques, and associated side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: Six controlled trials with a total patient population of 3,317 were identified. Pooled results from these trials showed significant amenorrhea rates (P<0.00001) and increase in progression-free survival in patients treated with RT-OA (P<0.00001). However, there was no difference in overall survival (P=0.37). The majority of patients were treated with larger field sizes with parallel-opposed anteroposterior and posteroanterior pelvic fields. RT-OA was generally well tolerated. Radiotherapy doses of 1,500 cGy in five fractions, 1,500 cGy in four fractions, 1,600 cGy in four fractions, and 2,000 cGy in ten fractions were associated with excellent amenorrhea rates. The resultant funnel plot showed no publication bias (Egger test P=0.16). CONCLUSION: RT-OA is cost-effective and can safely be used in pre/perimenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer, or if luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs are contraindicated, or in patients in whom fertility preservation is not an issue. Radiation dose of 1,500 cGy in five fractions, 1,500 cGy in four fractions, 1,600 cGy in four fractions, and 2,000 cGy in ten fractions showed more efficacies. However, further studies incorporating three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are warranted.

Clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of the rare, salivary duct carcinoma of parotid gland.

BACKGROUND: Salivary ductal carcinoma (SDC) of parotid gland is a rare and aggressive entity; accounting for 1-3 % of all malignant salivary gland tumors, 0.2 % of epithelial salivary gland neoplasms, 0.5 % of salivary gland carcinomas, and 1.1 % of parotid gland carcinomas. Here in we aimed to evaluate the clinico-pathological features and treatment outcomes of parotid gland SDC in Saudi population. METHODS: Among 38 patients with parotid malignancies, who were treated in two major tertiary care referral cancer centers between December 2007 and December 2014, seven cases (18.4 %) were found to have SDC, which were investigated for clinicopathological features, locoregional recurrences (LRRs), distant metastasis (DM) and survival rates. RESULTS: Mean age of cohort was 62.3 years (range: 41-83) and female predominant (71.4 %). All patients underwent total parotidectomy and ipsilateral neck dissection. Mean tumor size was 3.4 cm (range: 2.1-5.3); perineural invasion (85.8 %); lymph node involvement (42.9 %); and HER-2 neu overexpression (28.6 %). Postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) was given to six patients (dose: 50-66 Gy). Median follow-up was 20.2 months (range: 11-48). LRRs were seen in five (71.4 %) patients (base of skull, 3 patients; cervical nodes, one patient; parotid bed, one patient). LRRs were salvaged with resection (two patients) and re-irradiation (one patient with base of skull). DM in lungs was seen in three patients (42.8 %); one treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel based chemotherapy. The 4-year disease free and overall survival rates were 16.7 % and 40 % respectively. CONCLUSION: SDC of parotid gland is a rare and aggressive entity, and most of LRRs were seen in the base of skull, which warrants inclusion of base of skull in clinical target volume in PORT planning. Role of anti HER-2 targeted therapy in SDC with HER-2 neu overexpression needs further investigations.

Adjuvant Radioactive iodine 131 ablation in papillary microcarcinoma of thyroid: Saudi Arabian experience [corrected].

BACKGROUND: Papillary Microcarcinoma (PMC) of thyroid is a rare type of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which according to the World Health Organization measures 1.0 cm or less. The gold standard of treatment of PMC is still controversy. Our aim was to contribute in resolving the debate on the therapeutic choices of the surgical and adjuvant I-131 (RAI) treatment in PMC. METHODS: From 2000 to 2012, 326 patients were found to have PMC and were retrospectively reviewed for clinicopathological characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognostic factors. RESULTS: Mean age of cohort was 42.6 years (range: 18-76) and the mean tumor size was 0.61 cm ± 0.24; lymph node involvement was seen in 12.9 % of cases. Median follow up period was 8.05 years (1.62-11.4). Total 23 all site recurrences (7.13 %) were observed; more observed in patients without I-131 ablation (p <0.0001). Ten year DFS rates were 89.6 %. Cox regression Model analysis revealed size, histopathologic variants, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular space invasion, nodal status, and adjuvant RAI ablation the important prognostic factors affecting DFS. DISCUSSION: Despite excellent DFS rates, a small proportion of patients with PMC develop recurrences after treatment. Adjuvant RAI therapy improves DFS in PMC patients with aggressive histopathologic variants, multifocality, ETE, LVSI, tumor size (> 0.5 cm) and lymph node involvement. Failure of RAI ablation to decrease risk in N1a/b supports prophylactic central neck dissection during thyroidectomy, however more trials are warranted. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant I-131 ablation following thyroidectomy in PMC patients, particularly with poor prognostic factors improves DFS rates.

"Clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer in Saudi children and adults".

INTRODUCTION: Age is an important prognostic factor in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Our aim was to evaluate differences in clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes among children and adult patients with DTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 27 children (below 18 years) with DTC treated during the period 2000-2012 and were compared with (a) 78 adults aged 19-25 years and (b) 52 adults aged 26-30 years treated during the same period in terms of their clinicopathological features and long term treatment outcomes. Locoregional recurrence (LRR), locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis (DM), distant metastasis control (DMC), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of children was 13.5 years (range: 5-18), while mean age of adults was 24.6 years (range: 19-30). In children, female: male ratio was 2.85:1, and in adults female: male ratio was 7.1:1 (P = 0.041). No significant difference in tumor size was seen between the two groups (P = 0.653). According to American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification classification, the children (85.2 %) were found to have at high risk as compared to adults P = 0.001. Post-thyroidectomy complications and RAI induced toxicities were observed more in children than adults (P = 0.043 and P = 0.041 respectively). LRR occurred in 6 (22.2 %), 9 (11.5 %) and 3 (5.8 %) in age groups of <18 years, 19-25 years and 26-30 years respectively (P = 0.032); while DM was seen in 10 (37.0 %), 9 (10.3 %) and 5 (9.6 %) in age groups of <18 years, 19-25 years and 26-30 years respectively (P = 0.002). Ten year DFS rates were 67.3 % in age group below 18 years, 82.4 % in age group of 19-25 years and 90.1 % in age group of 26-30 years (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: At the time of diagnosis, children with DTC were found to have more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. Comparatively lower LRC, DMC and DFS rates in children warrants further multi-institutional studies.