Is Immediate Breast Reconstruction With a Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Safe for Starting Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy reduces perceptions of mutilation and femininity issues in oncological patients, but surgical complications should not delay chemotherapy. This study evaluated postsurgical complications in patients who underwent radical breast surgery followed by immediate reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps and silicone implants, along with resulting impacts in delaying chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study utilized a prospectively maintained database. Clinical, surgical, and oncological data from 196 women were collected according to the operated side. Patients were grouped according to the time elapsed between surgery and the first cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy: ≤ 60 days (group 1), 61 to 90 days (group 2), or > 90 days (group 3). RESULTS: A total of 198 immediate reconstructions were performed on 196 patients between August 1, 2010 and March 31, 2020; after surgery, 47.4% had minor complications and 7.1% had major complications. Ninety-six patients (48.5%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean time elapsed between surgery and the first chemotherapy cycle was 65.4 days (median: 59), with 52.7% of the patients assigned to group 1, 37.4% to group 2, and 9.9% to group 3. The occurrence of major postoperative complications significantly affected the start of chemotherapy (64.0 vs. 94.5 days; P = .044). Additionally, patients with 2 or more comorbidities were more likely to experience major complications (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.03-10.95; P = .045) than those with 1 or 0. CONCLUSION: Major postoperative complications significantly delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in oncological patients who underwent radical breast surgery followed by immediate reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and silicone implants.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy impact on outcomes in immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implant.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCH) has demonstrated efficacy in downsizing tumors and facilitating less extensive surgery. However, immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after NCH has raised concerns regarding higher complication rates. This study evaluates the impact of NCH on outcomes following IBR with a latissimus dorsi flap and implant (LDI) after mastectomy. METHODS: Cases from a prospective maintained database were reviewed, and patients classified according to whether or not they received NCH. Risk factors and major and minor complications in both groups were then analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 196 patients who underwent 198 IBR procedures, 38.4% received NCH and 66.1% did not. The overall complication rate was 46.7% in the non-NCH group and 53.3% in the NCH group (p = 0.650). The presence of comorbidities increased the likelihood of any complication (odds ratio [OR]: 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-8.66; p = 0.008) as well as major complications (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.03-10.95; p = 0.045). Although patients in the NCH group experienced more major complications (10.5% vs. 4.9%; p = 0.134) and early loss of breast reconstruction (3.9% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.128), these findings were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study found no statistically significant association between NCH and higher risk of complications or loss of IBR with LDI after mastectomy.

Mamoplastia redutora modificada para otimização de abordagem oncológica: resultados iniciais e revisão da literatura / Modified reduction mammoplasty for optimization of oncological approach: initial results and literature review

Introdução: O câncer de mama é a segunda neoplasia mais comum entre as mulheres. A constante evolução científica tem permitido abordagens cirúrgicas cada vez menos invasivas, diminuindo a morbidade relacionada ao tratamento sem prejuízo oncológico. O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar os resultados cirúrgicos e a versatilidade da mamoplastia redutora com a técnica de Pitanguy modificada, para otimização da reconstrução imediata associada à cirurgia oncológica. Métodos: Apresentamos os casos de três pacientes submetidas à técnica proposta. A marcação da mama com diagnóstico de câncer é planejada seguindo os princípios da mamoplastia redutora descrita por Pitanguy. Porém, o triângulo de ressecção inferolateral é transposto para a área supratumoral. Ele pode ser posicionado da junção dos quadrantes laterais (JQL) até o quadrante superolateral (QSL) da mama oncológica. Resultados: As três pacientes foram submetidas à técnica descrita associada à mamoplastia de simetrização contralateral com a técnica de Pitanguy. Todas realizaram radioterapia adjuvante, associada ou não à quimioterapia. Duas pacientes evoluíram sem intercorrências e uma apresentou pequena necrose de 1x1cm na junção inferior dos retalhos na mama com câncer, que foi tratada de maneira conservadora sem atrasar o tratamento adjuvante. Todas seguem satisfeitas com o resultado estético. Conclusão: A técnica descrita mostrou-se uma boa alternativa para tumores localizados entre a JQL e o QSL da mama oncológica, proporcionando ressecções mais amplas e dessa forma ampliando a indicação de cirurgia conservadora e reduzindo a necessidade de cirurgia radical, com melhores resultados estéticos sem prejuízo do desfecho oncológico.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women. Constant scientific evolution has allowed increasingly less invasive surgical approaches, reducing treatment-related morbidity without cancer damage. The objective of this article is to show the surgical results and the versatility of reduction mammoplasty with the modified Pitanguy technique to optimize the immediate reconstruction associated with cancer surgery. Methods: We present the cases of three patients who underwent the proposed technique. Marking of the breast diagnosed with cancer is planned following the principles of reduction mammoplasty described by Pitanguy. However, the inferolateral resection triangle is transposed into the supratumoral area. It can be placed from the junction of the lateral quadrants (JLQ) to the superolateral quadrant (SLQ) of the oncological breast. Results: the three patients underwent the described technique associated with contralateral symmetrization mammoplasty with the Pitanguy technique. All were submitted to adjuvant radiation therapy, associated or not with chemotherapy. Two patients progressed without incident and one had a small necrosis of 1x1 cm at the flaps lower junction in the breast with cancer, which was treated conservatively without delaying the adjuvant treatment. All were satisfied with the aesthetic result. Conclusion: The described technique proved to be a good alternative for tumors located between the JLQ and the SLQ of the oncological breast. It provides broader resections and thus expands the indication for conservative surgery and reduces the need for radical surgery, with better aesthetic results without impairment of the cancer outcome

Validity time of normal results of preoperative tests for surgical reintervention and the impact on postoperative outcomes / Tempo de validade dos exames pré-operatórios normais para uma reintervenção cirúrgica e o impacto nos desfechos pós-operatórios

Abstract Background and objective: There are few data defining the period of time in which preoperative tests can be considered valid. The purpose of this study was to determine the likelihood of changes in the results of preoperative tests previously normal in relation to time, and the impact of these changes on postoperative outcomes. Methods: A total of 970 patients with normal preoperative tests before the first surgery and who required a new intervention were included. The preoperative tests performed for the first procedure were compared with those performed for the second procedure. The following variables were assessed regarding their potential to induce changes in test results: sex, age, surgical risk, previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and presence of comorbidities. In-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Results: The median time between procedures was 27 months (6-84). The probability of change in at least one of the preoperative exams was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.5-2.9), 3.6% (95% CI: 1.8-5.4), and 6.4% (95% CI: 3.9-8.9) during the 12, 24, and 36-month intervals, respectively, for patients aged <50 years and 2.1% (95% CI: 0.7-3.5), 9.2% (95% CI: 5.9-12.5), and 13.4% (95% CI: 9.3-17.5), respectively, for patients ≥50 years of age. Age (p = 0.009), surgical risk (p < 0.001), chemotherapy (p = 0.001), radiotherapy (p = 0.012), and comorbidities (p < 0.001) were associated with the likelihood of changes in test results. Test changes were not significantly associated with in-hospital adverse outcomes (p = 0.426). Conclusion: For patients undergoing a second surgical procedure, the probability of change in previously normal preoperative tests is low during the first years after the first surgical intervention, and when changes occurred, they did not adversely affect the in-hospital postoperative outcomes.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: Existem poucos dados que delimitam o período de tempo em que os exames pré-operatórios podem ser considerados válidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a probabilidade de mudanças nos resultados de exames pré-operatórios previamente normais em relação ao tempo e o impacto dessas alterações nos desfechos pós-operatórios. Métodos: Foram incluídos 970 pacientes com exames pré-operatórios normais antes da primeira cirurgia e que requereram uma nova intervenção. Os exames pré-operatórios feitos para o primeiro procedimento foram comparados com aqueles feitos para o segundo procedimento. As seguintes variáveis foram analisadas em relação ao seu potencial para induzir alterações nos resultados dos exames: sexo, idade, risco cirúrgico, quimioterapia ou radioterapia prévia e presença de comorbidades. Desfechos intra-hospitalares foram analisados. Resultados: A mediana temporal entre os procedimentos foi de 27 meses (6-84). A probabilidade de alteração em pelo menos um dos exames pré-operatórios foi de 1,7% (IC 95%: 0,5-2,9), 3,6% (IC 95%: 1,8-5,4) e 6,4% (IC 95%: 3,9-8,9) nos intervalos 12, 24 e 36 meses, respectivamente, para pacientes < 50 anos e 2,1% (IC 95%: 0,7-3,5), 9,2% (IC 95%: 5,9-12,5) e 13,4% (IC 95%: 9,3-17,5), respectivamente, para pacientes ≥ 50 anos. Idade (p = 0,009), risco cirúrgico (p < 0,001), quimioterapia (p = 0,001), radioterapia (p = 0,012) e presença de comorbidades (p < 0,001) estavam associadas com a probabilidade de mudanças nos resultados dos exames. Alterações nos exames não se associaram significativamente a desfechos intra-hospitalares adversos (p = 0,426). Conclusão: Para pacientes submetidos a um segundo procedimento cirúrgico, a probabilidade de alteração nos exames pré-operatórios previamente normais é baixa durante os primeiros anos após a primeira intervenção cirúrgica e quando ocorreram mudanças não afetaram adversamente os desfechos pós-operatórios intra-hospitalares.

[Validity time of normal results of preoperative tests for surgical reintervention and the impact on postoperative outcomes]. / Tempo de validade dos exames pré­operatórios normais para uma reintervenção cirúrgica e o impacto nos desfechos pós­operatórios.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are few data defining the period of time in which preoperative tests can be considered valid. The purpose of this study was to determine the likelihood of changes in the results of preoperative tests previously normal in relation to time, and the impact of these changes on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A total of 970 patients with normal preoperative tests before the first surgery and who required a new intervention were included. The preoperative tests performed for the first procedure were compared with those performed for the second procedure. The following variables were assessed regarding their potential to induce changes in test results: sex, age, surgical risk, previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and presence of comorbidities. In-hospital outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The median time between procedures was 27 months (6-84). The probability of change in at least one of the preoperative exams was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.5-2.9), 3.6% (95% CI: 1.8-5.4), and 6.4% (95% CI: 3.9-8.9) during the 12, 24, and 36-month intervals, respectively, for patients aged <50 years and 2.1% (95% CI: 0.7-3.5), 9.2% (95% CI: 5.9-12.5), and 13.4% (95% CI: 9.3-17.5), respectively, for patients ≥ 50 years of age. Age (p=0.009), surgical risk (p <0.001), chemotherapy (p=0.001), radiotherapy (p=0.012), and comorbidities (p <0.001) were associated with the likelihood of changes in test results. Test changes were not significantly associated with in-hospital adverse outcomes (p=0.426). CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing a second surgical procedure, the probability of change in previously normal preoperative tests is low during the first years after the first surgical intervention, and when changes occurred, they did not adversely affect the in-hospital postoperative outcomes.

Reconstrução mamária imediata com retalho do músculo grande dorsal e implante de silicone / Immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap and silicone implant

Introdução: O primeiro tratamento eficaz para o câncer de mama foi descrito em 1894. A partir das décadas de 60 e 70, cirurgias menos agressivas foram desenvolvidas, sem prejuízos oncológicos. Com evolução histórica semelhante, o retalho do músculo grande dorsal (RMGD) foi introduzido em 1906. Contudo, apenas 70 anos após sua primeira descrição, ele ganhou popularidade como uma opção para as reconstruções mamárias. Método: Estudo clínico retrospectivo realizado por meio da coleta de dados de 22 pacientes submetidas à reconstrução mamária imediata com emprego do RMGD associado a implante de silicone durante o período de fevereiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2013. Resultados: Não houve necrose do retalho de grande dorsal ou perda da reconstrução mamária nos casos estudados. Foram observados 10 casos (45%) de seroma em região dorsal, 3 casos (14%) de necrose parcial da pele da mastectomia e 3 casos (14%) de deiscência parcial da ferida operatória. Não foram evidenciados fatores de risco com significância estatística para as complicações apresentadas. Ocorreram 4 casos (18,18%) de alterações de cobertura do implante, com atrofia muscular e cutânea, e 2 casos (9,09%) de contratura capsular. Apenas um caso não foi associado à radioterapia. Contudo, não houve significância estatística em relação à radioterapia adjuvante e às complicações tardias apresentadas (p = 0,635). Conclusão: O RMGD associado ao implante de silicone é uma opção segura e confiável para a reconstrução mamária imediata após mastectomias.

Introduction: The first effective breast cancer treatment was described in 1894. Less aggressive surgeries were developed in the 1960s and 70s, without increased mortality due to cancer. With similar historical evolution, the latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF) procedure was introduced in 1906. Seventy years after its first description, LDMF gained popularity as an option for breast reconstruction. Method: A retrospective clinical study was conducted using data obtained from 22 patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with LDMF and silicone implants between February 2012 and December 2013. Results: No latissimus dorsi flap necrosis or breast reconstruction losses were observed in this study. Ten cases (45%) of seroma were detected in the dorsal region, three cases (14%) of partial necrosis of the mastectomized skin, and three cases (14%) of partial surgical wound dehiscence. Statistical significant risk factors for the complications observed have not been emphasized. There were four cases (18.18%) of muscle and skin atrophy associated with implants, and two cases (9.09%) of capsular contracture. Only one case was not associated with radiotherapy. However, there were no statistically significant differences in adjuvant radiotherapy and late complications (p = 0.635). Conclusion: LDMF associated with silicone implants is a safe and reliable option for immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomies.

Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas: a possible association with favorable prognosis.

Lymphatic vessels serve as major routes for regional dissemination, and therefore, lymph node status is a key indicator of prognosis. To predict lymph node metastasis, tumor lymphatic density and lymphangiogenesis-related molecules have been studied in various tumor types. To our knowledge, no previous studies have evaluated the role of intratumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the behavior of vulvar carcinomas. The aim of this study was to analyze intratumoral LVD in relation to patient survival and well-characterized prognostic factors for cancer. Thirty-five patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma underwent vulvectomy and dissection of regional lymph nodes. Clinical records were reviewed, in addition to histological grade, peritumoral lymphatic invasion, and depth of infiltration for each case. Tissue microarray paraffin blocks were created, and lymphatic vessels were detected using immunohistochemical staining of podoplanin (D2-40 antibody). Intratumoral LVD was quantified by counting the number of stained vessels. Higher values for intratumoral LVD were associated with low-grade and low-stage tumors, and with tumors without lymphatic invasion and reduced stromal infiltration. In a univariate analysis, high intratumoral LVD was associated with a higher rate of overall survival and a lower rate of lymph node metastasis. Our results suggest that increased intratumoral LVD is associated with favorable prognosis in vulvar squamous carcinomas.

Influence of the interaction between nodal fibroblast and breast cancer cells on gene expression.

Our aim was to evaluate the interaction between breast cancer cells and nodal fibroblasts, by means of their gene expression profile. Fibroblast primary cultures were established from negative and positive lymph nodes from breast cancer patients and a similar gene expression pattern was identified, following cell culture. Fibroblasts and breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231, MDA-MB435, and MCF7) were cultured alone or co-cultured separated by a porous membrane (which allows passage of soluble factors) for comparison. Each breast cancer lineage exerted a particular effect on fibroblasts viability and transcriptional profile. However, fibroblasts from positive and negative nodes had a parallel transcriptional behavior when co-cultured with a specific breast cancer cell line. The effects of nodal fibroblasts on breast cancer cells were also investigated. MDA MB-231 cells viability and migration were enhanced by the presence of fibroblasts and accordingly, MDA-MB435 and MCF7 cells viability followed a similar pattern. MDA-MB231 gene expression profile, as evaluated by cDNA microarray, was influenced by the fibroblasts presence, and HNMT, COMT, FN3K, and SOD2 were confirmed downregulated in MDA-MB231 co-cultured cells with fibroblasts from both negative and positive nodes, in a new series of RT-PCR assays. In summary, transcriptional changes induced in breast cancer cells by fibroblasts from positive as well as negative nodes are very much alike in a specific lineage. However, fibroblasts effects are distinct in each one of the breast cancer lineages, suggesting that the inter-relationships between stromal and malignant cells are dependent on the intrinsic subtype of the tumor.

Intratumoral lymphatic vessel density and clinicopathologic features of patients with early-stage cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, yet few studies have investigated lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in cases of cervical cancer. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate intratumoral LVD, in addition to other histologic variables, in relation to lymph node metastases and survival of patients with stage IB to IIA cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2008, 144 patients had a diagnosis of cervical uterine cancer and underwent radical hysterectomy. Tumor stages for these patients were identified according to the criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and included 84 stage IB1, 44 stage IB2, and 16 stage IIA cases. With an antibody directed against human podoplanin (D2-40), immunohistochemical staining was used to measure LVD. The correlation between LVD and clinicopathologic features of the resected tumors was analyzed. RESULTS: Lymphatic vessel density was significantly higher in tumors less than 2 cm in diameter (P = 0.001) and in tumors with 1.0-cm-or-less depth of invasion (P = 0.007), with early stage (P = 0.001), and with negative lymph nodes (P = 0.05). After multivariate analysis, the predictive factors associated with lymph node metastases were depth of infiltration (P = 0.027), lymphovascular space invasion (P < 0.001), and parametrial involvement (P = 0.01). For patient death, the predictive factors were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P = 0.017), histologic type (P = 0.010), lymph node status (P = 0.031), and histologic grade (P = 0.041). Lymphatic vessel density was not a predictive variable for lymph node metastasis or death. CONCLUSIONS: Intratumoral LVD was greater in early cervical cancer (ie, smaller tumors, early clinical stage, and negative lymph nodes), and no relationship between LVD and lymph node metastases or survival was observed.

Association between intratumoral lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and clinicopathologic features in endometrial cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer significantly decreases survival rate. Few data on the influence of intratumoral lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) on survival in endometrial cancer are available. Our aim was to assess the intratumoral LMVD of endometrial carcinomas and to investigate its association with classical pathological factors, lymph node metastasis and survival. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with endometrial carcinoma diagnosed between 2000 and 2008 underwent complete surgical staging and evaluation of intratumoral LMVD and other histologic variables. Lymphatic microvessels were identified by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody against human podoplanin (clone D2-40) and evaluated by counting the number of immunostained lymphatic vessels in 10 hot spot areas at 400× magnification. The LMVD was expressed by the mean number of vessels in these 10 hot spot microscopic fields. We next investigated the association of LMVD with the clinicopathologic findings and prognosis. RESULTS: The mean number of lymphatic vessels counted in all cases ranged between 0 and 4.7. The median value of mean LMVD was 0.5, and defined the cut-off for low and high LMVD. We identified low intratumoral LMVD in 27 (47.4%) patients and high LMVD in 30 (52.6%) patients. High intratumoral LMVD was associated with lesser miometrial and adnaexal infiltration, lesser cervical and peritoneal involvement, and fewer fatal cases. Although there was lower lymph node involvement among cases with high LMVD, the difference did not reach significance. No association was seen between LMVD and FIGO staging, histological type, or vascular invasion. On the other hand, low intratumoral LMVD was associated with poor outcome. Seventy-five percent of deaths occurred in patients with low intratumoral LMVD. CONCLUSION: Our results show association of high intratumoral LMVD with features related to more localized disease and better outcome. We discuss the role of lymphangiogenesis as an early event in the endometrial carcinogenesis.

[Clinicopathological predictor factors of axillary involvement in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the sentinel lymph node]. / Fatores clínico-patológicos de predição do acometimento axilar em pacientes com metástases de câncer de mama no linfonodo sentinela.

PURPOSE: To evaluate which clinical, pathological or immunohistochemical factors may be predictive of metastatic involvement of other lymph nodes in patients with breast carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). METHODS: A retrospective study carried out with 1,000 successive patients with SLNB from 1998 to 2008. Age, tumor size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, hormone receptor status and HER-2, size of metastasis and number of positive SLN were evaluated. The associations between the characteristics of the tumors and the types of metastases were evaluated through chi(2) corrected likelihood ratio tests for insufficient samples. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.6 years and mean tumor size was 1.85 cm. A total of 72.2% SLN were negative and 27.8% were positive, but in 61.9% of the cases, the SLN was the only positive one, with 78.4% having macrometastases, 17.3% micrometastases and 4.3% isolated tumor cells (CTI). Tumor size was predictive of metastases in non-sentinel lymph nodes. After 54 months of follow-up, there were no recurrences in patients with CTI, but one local recurrence and two systemic recurrences were observed in the micrometastasis group, as well as four local and 30 distant metastases in the macrometastasis group. CONCLUSIONS: Among the clinical parameters studied, only tumor size was correlated with metastatic involvement in axillary lymph nodes. The size of the metastases and the number of positive SLN also directly increased the possibility of systemic recurrence. The different rates of recurrence indicate that the biological significance of these types of metastases is different and that patients with SLN metastases may also have different risks of metastatic involvement of other axillary lymph nodes.

Periareolar mastopexy with FortaPerm.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent ptosis is a common sequel of mastopexy. The use of mesh as an adjunct to the double-skin technique was developed to reduce the incidence of recurrent ptosis. The optimal mesh needs to strike the right balance between persistence, inflammation, biocompatibility, and incorporation without interfering with mammography or presenting a long-term infection risk. This study investigated the ability of a biologic tissue matrix, FortaPerm, to achieve these goals. METHODS: Women undergoing mastopexy were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The study participants were evaluated at multiple time points for 5 years. Efficacy was assessed primarily by photographic evaluation and secondarily by mammography, patient and physician global assessments, and patient pain assessments. RESULTS: Five women ages 17-41 years were enrolled in this study. At 12 months, 80% of the patients (4/5), and at 5 years, 66% of the patients (2/3) had no asymmetry or ptosis. Mammographic evaluation of the breasts was not affected by the presence of the FortaPerm, and there were no abnormal findings. In two patients, FortaPerm was associated with bilateral seromas associated with extrusion of small amounts of the FortaPerm material in the absence of surrounding inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: FortaPerm achieved excellent initial aesthetic outcomes and long-term maintenance of the breast position with no evidence of ptosis 5 years postoperatively for a majority of the patients. FortaPerm did not interfere with mammography, presented no long-term safety concerns, and produced satisfactory results for all patients relative to appearance of the scar as well as shape and firmness of the breasts.

Fatores clínico-patológicos de predição do acometimento axilar em pacientes com metástases de câncer de mama no linfonodo sentinela / Clinicopathological predictor factors of axillary involvement in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the sentinel lymph node

Objetivos: avaliar os fatores clínicos, patológicos e imunoistoquímicos podem ser indicativos de comprometimento metastático de outros linfonodos em pacientes com carcinoma de mama submetidas à biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (BLNS). Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 1.000 pacientes sucessivas com biópsia do LS, de 1998 a 2008. Foram avaliados: idade, tamanho do tumor, grau histológico, invasão angiolinfática, o status de receptores hormonais e HER-2, o tamanho da metástase e número de LS positivos. As associações entre as características dos tumores e os tipos de metástases foram avaliadas com testes de razão de verossimilhança corrigida com χ2 para amostras insuficientes. Resultados: a idade média foi 57,6 anos, e o tamanho médio do tumor foi de 1,85 cm. Um total de 72,2 por cento LS foram negativos e 27,8 por cento foram positivos, mas em 61,9 por cento dos casos, o LS foi o único positivo; com 78,4 por cento de macrometástases, 17,3 por cento de micrometástases e 4,3 por cento de células tumorais isoladas (CTI). O tamanho do tumor foi fator preditivo de metástases em linfonodos não-sentinela. Após 54 meses de acompanhamento, não houve recidivas em pacientes com CTI, no grupo de micrometástases houve uma recorrência local e duas sistêmicas, e no grupo de macrometástases ocorreram quatro locais e 30 a distância. Conclusões: dos parâmetros clínicos estudados, apenas o tamanho do tumor foi correlacionado com comprometimento metastático de linfonodos axilares. O tamanho das metástases e do número de LS positivos também aumenta diretamente a possibilidade de recidiva sistêmica. As diferentes taxas de recidiva indicam que o significado biológico desses tipos de metástases é diferente e que os pacientes com metástases nos LS também podem ter diferentes riscos de comprometimento metastático de outros linfonodos axilares.

Purpose: to evaluate which clinical, pathological or immunohistochemical factors may be predictive of metastatic involvement of other lymph nodes in patients with breast carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Methods: a retrospective study carried out with 1,000 successive patients with SLNB from 1998 to 2008. Age, tumor size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, hormone receptor status and HER-2, size of metastasis and number of positive SLN were evaluated. The associations between the characteristics of the tumors and the types of metastases were evaluated through χ2 corrected likelihood ratio tests for insufficient samples. Results: mean age was 57.6 years and mean tumor size was 1.85 cm. A total of 72.2 percent SLN were negative and 27.8 percent were positive, but in 61.9 percent of the cases, the SLN was the only positive one, with 78.4 percent having macrometastases, 17.3 percent micrometastases and 4.3 percent isolated tumor cells (CTI). Tumor size was predictive of metastases in non-sentinel lymph nodes. After 54 months of follow-up, there were no recurrences in patients with CTI, but one local recurrence and two systemic recurrences were observed in the micrometastasis group, as well as four local and 30 distant metastases in the macrometastasis group. Conclusion: among the clinical parameters studied, only tumor size was correlated with metastatic involvement in axillary lymph nodes. The size of the metastases and the number of positive SLN also directly increased the possibility of systemic recurrence. The different rates of recurrence indicate that the biological significance of these types of metastases is different and that patients with SLN metastases may also have different risks of metastatic involvement of other axillary lymph nodes.

Prognostic value of podoplanin expression in intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of uterine cervical carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological significance of podoplanin expression in the intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of early stage uterine cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients with clinical stage I and IIA uterine cervical carcinomas underwent surgery between 2000 and 2007. Clinicopathological data and slides associated with these cases were retrospectively reviewed. Immunodetection of podoplanin expression in histologic sections of tissue microarray blocks was performed using the monoclonal antibody D2-40. RESULTS: Expression of podoplanin was detected in neoplastic cells in 31/143 (21.6%) cases, with 29/31 (93.5%) of these cases diagnosed as squamous carcinoma. For all of the cases examined, the strongest signal for podoplanin expression was observed at the proliferating edge of the tumor nests. The rate of positive podoplanin expression for node-positive cases was lower than that of node-negative (18.9% vs. 22.6%, respectively). Furthermore, the rate of positive podoplanin expression in fatal cases was 10.5% vs. 21.6%, respectively. In 27/143 (18.8%) cases, podoplanin expression was detected in fibroblasts of the intratumoral stroma, and this expression did not correlate with patient age, clinical stage, tumor size, histologic type, depth of infiltration, or vascular involvement. Moreover, expression of podoplanin in intratumoral stroma fibroblasts was only negatively associated with nodal metastasis. A greater number of fatal cases was observed among negative intratumoral stroma fibroblasts (15.5% vs. 3.7%, respectively), although this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that podoplanin may have a role in host-tumor interactions and, as a result, may represent a favorable prognostic factor for squamous cervical carcinomas.

Prognostic value of podoplanin expression in intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of uterine cervical carcinomas

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological significance of podoplanin expression in the intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of early stage uterine cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients with clinical stage I and IIA uterine cervical carcinomas underwent surgery between 2000 and 2007. Clinicopathological data and slides associated with these cases were retrospectively reviewed. Immunodetection of podoplanin expression in histologic sections of tissue microarray blocks was performed using the monoclonal antibody D2-40. RESULTS: Expression of podoplanin was detected in neoplastic cells in 31/143 (21.6 percent) cases, with 29/31 (93.5 percent) of these cases diagnosed as squamous carcinoma. For all of the cases examined, the strongest signal for podoplanin expression was observed at the proliferating edge of the tumor nests. The rate of positive podoplanin expression for node-positive cases was lower than that of node-negative (18.9 percent vs. 22.6 percent, respectively). Furthermore, the rate of positive podoplanin expression in fatal cases was 10.5 percent vs. 21.6 percent, respectively. In 27/143 (18.8 percent) cases, podoplanin expression was detected in fibroblasts of the intratumoral stroma, and this expression did not correlate with patient age, clinical stage, tumor size, histologic type, depth of infiltration, or vascular involvement. Moreover, expression of podoplanin in intratumoral stroma fibroblasts was only negatively associated with nodal metastasis. A greater number of fatal cases was observed among negative intratumoral stroma fibroblasts (15.5 percent vs. 3.7 percent, respectively), although this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that podoplanin may have a role in host-tumor interactions and, as a result, may represent a favorable prognostic factor for squamous cervical carcinomas.

Carcinoma mucinoso da mama masculina- relato de caso / Mucinous breast cancer in men - case report

O câncer de mama no homem é pouco frequente entre 0,5% e 1% dos carcinomas mamários. O tipo histológico que predomina é o carcinoma ductal; outros tipos são raros. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente com nódulo em mama esquerda de lenta evolução, com exames de imagem suspeitos e confirmação histológica de carcinoma mucinoso. Foi submetido à mastectomia com pesquisa de linfonodo sentinela e radioterapia adjuvante. O paciente está em uso de tamoxifeno e livre de doença há vinte e nove meses. A literatura demonstra que o homem pode apresentar quase todos os tipos histológicos de câncer de mama encontrados no sexo feminino, considerando-se a excepcionalidade do tipo histológico lobular. Com base nos artigos pesquisados, foram encontrados relatos de outros cinco casos de carcinoma mucinoso em mama masculina.

Serum zinc levels and breast intraductal neoplasm

Objective: To verify whether patients with microcalcifications in mammography (BI-RADS 3 or 4) and diagnosis of breast intraductal neoplasm had serum zinc levels lower than those patients with benign diagnosis. Methodology: Analyzed were patients with first-time attendance in the IBCC clinic who presented microcalcifications and submitted to biopsy investigation. Before the biopsy was performed, patients responded to a questionnaire with questions that included age, menarche age, age at first childbirth, total time of breast-feeding and breast cancer antecedents. Patients were also submitted to preoperative examinations, including serum zinc level assessment by atomic absorption method. Statistical analysis between the two groups (control group with benign results; study group with breast intraductal neoplasm) was done through Student's t-test and chi-square test, with an admitted 5% level of significance. Results: Forty-seven patients met the study adopted criteria. The control group enrolled 28 subjects and the study group included 19 patients. The authors did not find significant differences between the two groups in the studied parameters. The serum zinc levels did not show significant differences. However, of all studied parameters of both groups, the serum zinc levels were of higher significance. Conclusion: In spite of the tendency of lower levels of serum zinc in the study group (patients with intraductal breast cancer), no statistically significant differences (p=0.25) were found in the present study. Therefore, this parameter could not be used as a conclusive predictive marker for risk assessment. Since the number of studied cases was small, a larger number of cases should be studied in order to clarify this tendency of slightly lower levels of serum zinc in patients.

Linfonodo sentinela na axila contralateral em recidiva de câncer da mama / Contralateral sentinel lymph node in recurrent breast cancer

A drenagem linfática da mama se faz preferencialmente para a região axilar, resultando no local preferencial da ocorrência de metástase no câncer da mama. O comprometimento metastático axilar corresponde ao fator prognóstico de maior importância para as pacientes portadoras de carcinoma da mama. A biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (LS) tornou-se procedimento padrão no manuseamento cirúrgico dessas pacientes, por permitir a predição da ocorrência de metástases em outros linfonodos axilares. Em aproximadamente 94% das vezes, o LS está localizado na região axilar. Situações especiais como: técnica de injeção do contraste radioativo e cicatrizes mamárias ou axilares prévias, nas quais as vias linfáticas de preferência foram interrompidas, pode-se ativar outras vias de drenagem linfática extra-axilares. Nesse caso, a linfocintilografia mamária pode ser útil para identificá-las. Os autores relatam caso no qual a linfocintilografia realizada após detecção de recidiva mamária de câncer indicou a necessidade da biópsia de LS localizado na axila contralateral.

Breast lymphatic drainage is done preferably to axillary region, resulting in the first place where metástases occur from breast carcinoma. Metastatic axillary commitment is the most important factor to people with breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopy has turned int standard procedure in these patients’ surgery, because allows predicting metastasis in other lymph nodes. In about 94% of cases, the sentinel lymph node is at axillary region. Special situations like the radioactive contrast injection’s technique, previous scars where the preferable drainage was interrupted; other extra-axillary ways can be observed. The lymphoscintigraphy can be useful to identify these cases. The authors report a case where the lymphoscintigraphy performed after breast cancer recurrence indicated the sentinel lymph node biopy at contralateral axilla.