Rectus Abdominis Endometriosis Following Cesarean Section: A Case Report.

Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, with its manifestation in the rectus abdominis muscle being exceptionally rare and primarily observed in women with a history of abdominal surgeries. In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old female with a medical history of two cesarean sections who presented with cyclical abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. An MRI scan of the pelvis revealed a lesion on the right lower quadrant of the abdominal wall, proximate to the previous Pfannenstiel incision. A percutaneous US-guided biopsy of the abdominal lesion was performed, and histopathology demonstrated the presence of endometrial glands and stroma, confirming the diagnosis of rectus abdominis endometriosis. She was submitted to a local wide excision with adequate margins of normal surrounding tissue and has remained free of recurrence for two years.

Identifying Opportunities to Deliver High-Quality Cancer Care Across a Health System: A Clinical Responsibility.

OBJECTIVE: We examined process-related quality metrics for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) depending on treating facility type across a health system and region. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective in accordance with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. SETTING: Single health system and region. METHODS: Patients with OSCC diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 were identified from tumor registries of 6 hospitals (1 academic and 5 community) within a single health system. Patients were categorized into 3 care groups: (1) solely at the academic center, (2) solely at community facilities, and (3) combined care at academic and community facilities. Primary outcome measures were process-related quality metrics: positive surgical margin rate, lymph node yield (LNY), adjuvant treatment initiation ≤6 weeks, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-guideline adherence. RESULTS: A total of 499 patients were included: 307 (61.5%) patients in the academic-only group, 101 (20.2%) in the community-only group, and 91 (18.2%) in the combined group. Surgery at community hospitals was associated with increased odds of positive surgical margins (11.9% vs 2.5%, odds ratio [OR]: 47.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.2-275.86, P < .001) and lower odds of LNY ≥ 18 (52.8% vs 85.9%, OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.33, P < .001) relative to the academic center. Compared with the academic-only group, odds of adjuvant treatment initiation ≤6 weeks were lower for the combined group (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.13-0.64, P = .002) and odds of NCCN guideline-adherent treatment were lower in the community only group (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18-0.70, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Quality of oral cancer care across the health system and region is comparable to or better-than national standards, indicating good baseline quality of care. Differences by facility type and fragmentation of care present an opportunity for bringing best in-class cancer care across an entire region.

Clinical risk prediction model and external validation of positive surgical margin in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy based on MRI lesion location.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the composition of lesions in different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) partitions of positive surgical margins (PSM) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, explore the influence of lesion location on PSM, and construct a clinical prediction model to predict the risk of PSM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 309 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from 2018 to 2021 in our center was performed. 129 patients who met the same criteria from January to September 2022 were external validation cohorts. RESULTS: The incidence of PSM in transition zone (TZ) lesions was higher than that in peripheral zone (PZ) lesions. The incidence of PSM in the middle PZ was lower than that in other regions. Prostate specific antigen (PSA), clinical T-stage, the number of positive cores, international society of urological pathology (ISUP) grade (biopsy), MRI lesion location, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), pseudo-capsule invasion (PCI), long diameter of lesions, lesion volume, lesion volume ratio, PSA density were related to PSM. MRI lesion location and PCI were independent risk factors for PSM. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to construct a clinical prediction model for PSM, including five variables: the number of positive cores, SVI, MRI lesion location, long diameter of lesions, and PSA. CONCLUSION: The positive rate of surgical margin in middle PZ was significantly lower than that in other regions, and MRI lesion location was an independent risk factor for PSM.

Prognostic factors among patients with pathological Grade Group 5 prostate cancer based on robot-associated radical prostatectomy specimens from a large Japanese cohort (MSUG94).

PURPOSE: There are no definitive prognostic factors for patients with pathological Grade Group 5 (pGG 5) prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-associated radical prostatectomy (RARP). This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors among patients with pGG 5 PCa in a large Japanese cohort (MSUG94). METHODS: This retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study was conducted between 2012 and 2021 at ten centers in Japan and included 3195 patients. Patients with clinically metastatic PCa (cN1 or cM1) and those receiving neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy were excluded. Finally, 217 patients with pGG5 PCa were analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 28.0 months. The 3- and 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS) rates of the overall population were 66.1% and 57.7%, respectively. The optimal threshold value (47.2%) for the percentage of positive cancer cores (PPCC) with any GG by systematic biopsy was chosen based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that the prostate-specific antigen level at diagnosis, pT, pN, positive surgical margins (PSMs), lymphovascular invasion, and PPCC were independent prognostic factors for BCRFS. A multivariate analysis revealed that PSMs and PPCC were independent prognostic factors for BCRFS. Using these two predictors, we stratified BCRFS, metastasis-free survival (MFS), and castration-resistant PCa-free survival (CRPC-FS) among patients with pGG 5 PCa. CONCLUSION: The combination of PSMs and PPCC may be an important predictor of BCRFS, MFS, and CRPC-FS in patients with pGG 5 PCa undergoing RARP.

Electrospun nanofibrous mats loaded with gemcitabine and cisplatin suppress bladder tumor growth by improving the tumor immune microenvironment.

The perplexing issues related to positive surgical margins and the considerable negative consequences associated with systemic chemotherapy have posed ongoing challenges for clinicians, especially when it comes to addressing bladder cancer treatment. The current investigation describes the production of nanocomposites loaded with gemcitabine (GEM) and cisplatin (CDDP) through the utilization of electrospinning technology. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence of the strong effectiveness in suppressing tumor advancement while simultaneously reducing the accumulation of chemotherapy drugs within liver and kidney tissues. Mechanically, the GEM and CDDP-loaded electrospun nanocomposites could effectively eliminate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor tissues, and recruit CD8+ T cells and NKp46+ NK cells to kill tumor cells, which can also effectively inhibit tumor microvascular formation. Our investigation into the impact of localized administration of chemotherapy through GEM and CDDP-loaded electrospun nanocomposites on the tumor microenvironment will offer novel insights for tackling tumors.

Imaging classification of prostate cancer with extracapsular extension and its impact on positive surgical margins after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Abstract: To explore the impact of different imaging classifications of prostate cancer (PCa) with extracapsular extension (EPE) on positive surgical margins (PSM) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Methods: Clinical data were collected for 114 patients with stage PT3a PCa admitted to Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital from September 2019 to August 2023. Radiologists classified the EPE imaging of PCa into Type I, Type II, and Type III. A chi-square test or t-test was employed to analyze the factors related to PSM. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with PSM. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to calculate the area under the curve and evaluate the diagnostic performance of our model. Clinical decision curve analysis was performed to assess the clinical net benefit of EPE imaging classification, biopsy grade group (GG), and combined model. Results: Among the 114 patients, 58 had PSM, and 56 had negative surgical margins. Multivariate analysis showed that EPE imaging classification and biopsy GG were risk factors for PSM after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The areas under the curve for EPE imaging classification and biopsy GG were 0.677 and 0.712, respectively. The difference in predicting PSM between EPE imaging classification and biopsy GG was not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, when used in combination, the diagnostic efficiency significantly improved, with an increase in the area under the curve to 0.795 (P<0.05). The clinical decision curve analysis revealed that the clinical net benefit of the combined model was significantly higher than that of EPE imaging classification and biopsy GG. Conclusions: EPE imaging classification and biopsy GG were associated with PSM after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and their combination can significantly improve the accuracy of predicting PSM.

Development of a microultrasound-based nomogram to predict extra-prostatic extension in patients with prostate cancer undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a microultrasound-based nomogram including clinicopathological parameters and microultrasound findings to predict the presence of extra-prostatic extension and guide the grade of nerve-sparing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients underwent microultrasound the day before robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Variables significantly associated with extra-prostatic extension at univariable analysis were used to build the multivariable logistic model, and the regression coefficients were used to develop the nomogram. The model was subjected to 1000 bootstrap resamples for internal validation. The performance of the microultrasound-based model was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Overall, 122/295 (41.4%) patients had a diagnosis of extra-prostatic extension on definitive pathology. Microultrasound correctly identify extra-prostatic extension in 84/122 (68.9%) cases showing a sensitivity and a specificity of 68.9% and 84.4%, with an AUC of 76.6%. After 1000 bootstrap resamples, the predictive accuracy of the microultrasound-based model was 85.9%. The calibration plot showed a satisfactory concordance between predicted probabilities and observed frequencies of extra-prostatic extension. The DCA showed a higher clinical net-benefit compared to the model including only clinical parameters. Considering a 4% cut-off, nerve-sparing was recommended in 173 (58.6%) patients and extra-prostatic extension was detected in 32 (18.5%) of them. CONCLUSION: We developed a microultrasound-based nomogram for the prediction of extra-prostatic extension that could aid in the decision whether to preserve or not neurovascular bundles. External validation and a direct comparison with mpMRI-based nomogram is crucial to corroborate our results.

Primary Hydatid Cyst of the Gluteal Muscle: A Case Report.

Hydatid disease, also known as cystic echinococcus, is a parasitic infection initiated by Echinococcus granulosus. It primarily affects the lungs and liver, but it can also occur in other organs. Hydatid cysts in the gluteal muscle are an exceedingly rare phenomenon, even in areas with high prevalence. We report the case of a 29-year-old farmer who presented with a painful mass in the gluteal region. The diagnostic findings unveiled the existence of a hydatid cyst within the gluteal muscle managed with complete pericystectomy and chemotherapy with antiparasitic drugs. In regions where hydatid cysts are prevalent, it is essential to include them in the list of potential diagnoses for any cystic mass. Diagnosing such cases can be difficult, and surgery remains the most effective treatment.

Improved intraoperative identification of close margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma resections using a dual aperture fluorescence ratio approach: first in-human results.

Significance: Surgical excision is the main treatment for solid tumors in oral squamous cell carcinomas, where wide local excision (achieving a healthy tissue margin of >5 mm around the excised tumor) is the goal as it results in reduced local recurrence rates and improved overall survival. Aim: No clinical methods are available to assess the complete surgical margin intraoperatively while the patient is still on the operating table; and while recent intraoperative back-bench fluorescence-guided surgery approaches have shown promise for detecting "positive" inadequate margins (<1 mm), they have had limited success in the detection of "close" inadequate margins (1 to 5 mm). Here, a dual aperture fluorescence ratio (dAFR) approach was evaluated as a means of improving detection of close margins. Approach: The approach was evaluated on surgical specimens from patients who were administered a tumor-specific fluorescent imaging agent (cetuximab-800CW) prior to surgery. The dAFR approach was compared directly against standard wide-field fluorescence imaging and pathology measurements of margin thickness in specimens from three patients and a total of 12 margin locations (1 positive, 5 close, and 6 clear margins). Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, representing the ability to detect close compared to clear margins (>5 mm) was found to be 1.0 and 0.57 for dAFR and sAF, respectively. Improvements in dAFR were found to be statistically significant (p<0.02). Conclusions: These results provide evidence that the dAFR approach potentially improves detection of close surgical margins.

Fluorescence imaging for real-time detection of breast cancer tumors using IV injection of indocyanine green with non-conventional imaging: a systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies of perioperative imaging technologies.

BACKGROUND: This review summarizes the available data on the effectiveness of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) for real-time detection of breast cancer (BC) tumors with perioperative imaging technologies. METHODS: PubMed and Scopus databases were exhaustively searched for publications on the use of the real-time ICG-FI evaluation of BC tumors with non-conventional breast imaging technologies. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. ICG-FI has been used for BC tumor identification in 12 orthotopic animal tumor experiences, 4 studies on animal assessment, and for 7 human clinical applications. The BC tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) was 1.1-8.5 in orthotopic tumor models and 1.4-3.9 in animal experiences. The detection of primary human BC tumors varied from 40% to 100%. The mean TBR reported for human BC varied from 2.1 to 3.7. In two studies evaluating BC surgical margins, good sensitivity (93.3% and 100%) and specificity (60% and 96%) have been reported, with a negative predictive value of ICG-FI to predict margin involvement intraoperatively of 100% in one study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ICG-FI as a guiding tool for the real-time identification of BC tumors and for the assessment of tumor boundaries is promising. There is great variability between the studies with regard to timing and dose. Further evidence is needed to assess whether ICG-guided BC surgery may be implemented as a standard of care.

A New Nephrometry Score for Predicting Positive Surgical Margin After Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To introduce the KESKIN ratio as a novel predictor of positive surgical margin (PSM) after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) and to evaluate other clinical characteristics and nephrometry scores (including RENAL, PADUA, and C-index) for predicting PSM. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 95 patients who underwent laparoscopic PN between June 2020 and April 2023. The KESKIN ratio was defined for all patients. The KESKIN ratio, tumor and patient-related paramaters, and nephrometry scores were analyzed to predict PSM. RESULTS: Positive surgical margin was found in 12 of 95 patients (12.6%). There was no statistical difference between the PSM and negative surgical margin (NSM) groups in RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores. Only the KESKIN ratio was found to be a statistically significant predictor of PSM in both univariate and multivariate regression analysis (p = 0.007 and p = 0.043, respectively). Mean endophytic diameter and endophytic percentage were found to be statistically significant predictors of PSM in only univariate analysis (p = 0.005 and p = 0.01, respectively). The value of 0.5 was determined as the cut-off value for the KESKIN ratio. Values higher than 0.5 indicate an increase in PSM. CONCLUSIONS: The KESKIN ratio is a novel, easily measurable, and calculable image-based parameter that can be used to predict PSM after laparascopic PN. If externally validated in a larger patient population, the KESKIN ratio may be used in future versions of the current nephrometry scoring systems for predicting the PSM.

Margin status impact on recurrence of phyllodes tumors in high-risk groups: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Phyllodes tumor (PT) is an fibroepithelial tumor with potential for local recurrence. The optimal margin for surgical resection of PT is still debated, particularly in cases of positive margins. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for phyllodes tumor recurrence and the effect of a free margin on tumor recurrence by considering these risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of patients diagnosed with PT who had undergone surgical management. The data were collected from medical records from 2001 to 2020 in the breast clinic of Shahid Motahhari Clinic of Shiraz. Patients were followed up for at least 3 years after the operation to be checked for local recurrence or distant metastasis at regular intervals. RESULTS: This retrospective study included 319 patients with PT who underwent surgical management. Of these patients, 83.9% (n = 267), 7.6% (n = 24), and 8.5% (n = 27) were classified as benign, borderline, and malignant, respectively. 8.8% of all patients and 7.6% of non-malignant cases experienced local recurrence, and risk factors for recurrence included oral contraceptive use, smoking, size > 4 cm, stromal overgrowth, and stromal cell atypia. A negative surgical margin decreased the prevalence of recurrence in tumors > 4 cm and with stromal overgrowth significantly. CONCLUSION: The study found that a negative margin in all patients did not reduce the recurrence rate in benign and borderline phyllodes tumors, suggesting close follow up as a reasonable alternative. However, a negative margin may be effective in reducing recurrence in certain high-risk groups.

Creation of a Novel, Race-Adjusted, and Risk-Adapted Scoring System to Predict Positive Surgical Margins and Prolonged Operative Time During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.

Objectives: To compare racial differences and pelvis dimensions between Caucasians and African Americans (AAs) and to develop a risk calculator and scoring system to predict the risk of prolonged operative time and presence of positive surgical margins (PSM) based on these dimensions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 88 consecutive patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with a preoperative prostate MRI conducted. Data extraction included demographic, perioperative, and postoperative oncologic outcomes. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was obtained within 3 months postsurgery. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively. Single and multivariable regression analysis were used to determine contribution of each factor to the composite outcomes. A risk score was created based on this analysis for predicting the composite outcome. Results: We identified 88 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer that underwent a preoperative prostate MRI. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to age, body mass index, or any postoperative outcome. PSA was lower at diagnosis (6.49 vs 9.72, p = 0.006) and operative times were shorter in Caucasians. Rates of PSM (13 vs 14, p = 0.35), biochemical recurrence (4 vs 2, p = 0.69), and complications did not vary between the groups. Caucasians had wider/shallower pelvis dimensions. Based on these variables, we found that the log (odds of OR time >3 hours or PSM) = -5.333 + 1.158 (if AA) +0.105 × PSA +0.076 × F -0.035 × G with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73. Using the predefined variables, patients can be risk stratified for PSM or prolonged operative times. Conclusions: Several pelvis dimensions were found to be shorter/narrower in AAs and were associated with longer operative times. The presented risk calculator and stratification system may be used to predict prolonged operative time or having PSM.

Transoral robotic surgery in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study between da Vinci Single-Port and da Vinci Xi systems.

BACKGROUND: The recently developed da Vinci single-port (SP) system offers potential advantages in maneuverability within narrower surgical spaces. This study aims to compare intra- and post-operative outcomes, technical advantages, and limitations of transoral resections using the da Vinci SP and da Vinci Xi systems for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with OPSCC who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). Data on pre-operative variables, intraoperative data, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients (males: 175; mean age: 59.0 ± 9.3) were included (SP: n = 136; Xi: n = 73). A significantly lower docking time was measured for the SP group (5.7 ± 2.5 min vs. 10.0 ± 4.4 min; p <.001). Similarly, the console time was reduced for the SP group though not reaching statistical significance (76.3 ± 30.7 min vs. 88.1 ± 36.9 min; p =.06). A greater proportion of patients showed wide negative resection margins in the SP group (71 % vs. 56 %; p =.10), although not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in complication rates or postoperative functional outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the da Vinci SP system in oropharyngeal surgery, with potential advantages in terms of reduced docking and console times. The findings suggest that the SP system offers improved maneuverability and instrument placement compared to the da Vinci Xi system.

Evaluating the Oncological and Functional Outcomes in 167 Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Could Laparoscopy Still be a Viable Option in Suitable Patients?

Aim: To evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of 167 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included 167 patients who were treated with LRP due to clinically localized prostate cancer between January 2007 and April 2012. Most of the patients were treated with the extraperitoneal approach. Preoperative evaluations included age, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and biopsy Gleason score. Perioperative evaluations included duration of operative time and anastomosis time, blood loss (milliliter), and complications. Postoperative evaluations included length of hospital stay and catheterization time. Continence and erectile function were evaluated both pre- and postoperatively. The patients who used no pads or no more than one pad daily and the ones who had only a few urine leakages on effort or exertion were accepted as continent. Postoperative potency was defined as the ability to achieve sexual intercourse with or without the use of PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: Mean age and mean operative time were 62.4 ± 6.0 years and 220.5 ± 45.6 minutes, respectively. Mean anastomosis time was 35.6 ± 9.8 minutes. Mean serum PSA level and mean Gleason score were 17.5 ± 9.97 ng/mL and 6.16 ± 0.42, respectively. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 94 patients and nerve-sparing procedures in 61 patients. The pathological analysis revealed positive surgical margin in 35 patients (20.9%). Bilateral and unilateral nerve-sparing LRP procedures were performed in 51 (30.5%) and 10 (6%) patients, respectively. At 12 months after surgery, 3 (1.8%) patients were using 2 or more pads per day, 19 (26.4%) patients were satisfied with erection, hardness, and duration of intercourse, and 9 (12.5%) patients had an erection with insufficient hardness and duration. Conclusion: LRP is an acceptable method in localized prostate cancer due to its perioperative and early postoperative results.

Frozen Section Timeout: Pilot Study to Reconcile Margins Using 3D Resected Specimen and Defect Scans.

OBJECTIVE: Opportunities exist to improve intraoperative communication and documentation of resection margin details. We instituted a "frozen section timeout" that centers around visualization of the paired resection specimen and surgical defect-facilitating effective, bidirectional exchange of information. METHODS: We designed an interactive form for use during the "frozen section timeout" including annotated 3D virtual models of the resected specimen and surgical defect, plus a "line-item" table for primary and supplemental margin results. The "timeout" was conducted over a Zoom call between the operating room and frozen section laboratory. The form was simultaneously projected and discussed while all members of the surgical care team stopped activities. Nurses, co-surgeons, and all other members of the surgical team were encouraged to take part in this process. RESULTS: Twenty-six frozen section timeouts were conducted during head and neck surgeries in the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai West Hospital. These timeouts were facilitated by the lead surgeon, and all other activities were halted to ensure that critical information was shared, documented, and agreed upon. During the timeout, the annotated specimen and defect scans were displayed, clearly demonstrating the at-risk margins and the corresponding location and breadth of supplemental margins harvested. CONCLUSION: Incorporating a frozen section timeout can improve intraoperative communication, increase transparency, and potentially eliminate uncertainty regarding margin status and tumor clearance. Visualization of at-risk margins and the corresponding location and breadth of supplemental margins promises an unprecedented level of documentation and understanding. This novel technique can establish a new and improved standard of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:725-731, 2024.

Virtual 3D Specimen Mapping in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Virtual 3D specimen mapping of oncologic surgical specimens provides a visual record of the specimen and margin sampling sites which can be utilized in a variety of cancer care settings. Our objective was to perform a retrospective review of head and neck surgical oncology cases where the specimen was mapped post-operatively and to evaluate the utility of these 3D specimen maps amongst the multidisciplinary cancer care team. METHODS: A retrospective review of our 3D specimen model biorepository was performed. Surgical specimens were 3D scanned and then graphically annotated (or "mapped") during routine pathologic processing. The resulting 3D specimen maps were distributed to the multidisciplinary oncologic care team. Final margin status and any use of the 3D specimen maps were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 28 cases were included. Virtual 3D specimen maps were utilized by the cancer care team in 8 cases (29%), including 2 positive margin cases, 2 close margin cases, and 4 indeterminate margin cases. 3D specimen maps were used to visualize positive margin sites for pathologist-surgeon communication as a visual reference during tumor board discussions and to inform radiation treatment planning. CONCLUSION: Post-operative virtual 3D specimen mapping of oncologic specimens creates a permanent visual record of the specimen and the margins sampled and may serve as a beneficial tool for communication amongst the multidisciplinary cancer care team. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:191-197, 2024.

3D Specimen Scanning and Mapping in Musculoskeletal Oncology: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the primary treatment for bone and soft tissue tumors. Negative margin status is a key factor in prognosis. Given the three-dimensional (3D) anatomic complexity of musculoskeletal tumor specimens, communication of margin results between surgeons and pathologists is challenging. We sought to perform ex vivo 3D scanning of musculoskeletal oncology specimens to enhance communication between surgeons and pathologists. METHODS: Immediately after surgical resection, 3D scanning of the fresh specimen is performed prior to frozen section analysis. During pathologic grossing, whether frozen or permanent, margin sampling sites are annotated on the virtual 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. RESULTS: 3D scanning was performed in seven cases (six soft tissue, one bone), with specimen mapping on six cases. Intraoperative 3D scanning and mapping was performed in one case in which the location of margin sampling was shown virtually in real-time to the operating surgeon to help achieve a negative margin. In six cases, the 3D model was used to communicate final permanent section analysis. Soft tissue, cartilage, and bone (including lytic lesions within bone) showed acceptable resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual 3D scanning and specimen mapping is feasible and may allow for enhanced documentation and communication. This protocol provides useful information for anatomically complex musculoskeletal tumor specimens. Future studies will evaluate the effect of the protocol on positive margin rates, likelihood that a re-resection contains additional malignancy, and exploration of targeted adjuvant radiation protocols using a patient-specific 3D specimen map.

Controversies in the treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The treatment of early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still a controversial issue. Thanks to the 8th edition of TNM by AJCC there is a better distinction between the stages of OSCC. However, Stages I and II still share the same treatment protocol, even if the prognosis is radically different. A retrospective study has been conducted including 70 previously untreated patients with Stage I or II OSCC, treated with tumorectomy and selective neck dissection. The study focuses on the link between pT1/2 and various other factors, particularly histological grading, vascular and perineural invasion, local and cervical recurrence, surgical margins and overall survival. These data reveal significant differences between pT1 and pT2 in histological grade, perineural invasion, cervical recurrence, surgical margins, and overall survival, emphasizing the necessity of different treatment protocols for T1 and T2 OSCC. Distinct strategies should be proposed to treat Stage I and II OSCC, with Stage II patients possibly benefitting from more aggressive treatments: following these data, a wait-and-see strategy should only be considered in Stage I, while certain treatments at the cervical level - such as prophylactic neck dissection and sentinel node biopsy - should always be considered for Stage II tumors.