A Prospective Randomized Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemohormonal Therapy vs Hormonal Therapy in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated by Radical Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Benefits of docetaxel-based neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy (NCHT) before radical prostatectomy (RP) remain largely unknown. We explored whether docetaxel-based NCHT would bring pathological benefits and improve biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) over neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) in locally advanced prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized trial was designed recruiting 141 locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer patients who were randomly assigned at the ratio of 2:1 to the NCHT group (75 mg/m2 body surface area every 3 weeks plus androgen deprivation therapy for 6 cycles) and the NHT group (androgen deprivation therapy for 24 weeks). The primary end point was 3-year bPFS. Secondary end points were pathological response including pathological downstaging and minimal residual disease rates. RESULTS: The NCHT group showed significant benefits in 3-year bPFS compared to the NHT group (29% vs 9.5%, P = .002). At a median follow-up of 53 months, the NCHT group achieved a significantly longer median bPFS time than the NHT group (17 months vs 14 months). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in pathological downstaging and minimal residual disease rates. CONCLUSIONS: NCHT plus RP achieved significant bPFS benefits when compared with NHT plus RP in high-risk, locally advanced prostate cancer. A larger cohort with longer follow-up duration is essential in further investigation.

Non-navigated 2D intraoperative ultrasound: An unsophisticated surgical tool to achieve high standards of care in glioma surgery.

PURPOSE: In an era characterized by rapid progression in neurosurgical technologies, traditional tools such as the non-navigated two-dimensional intraoperative ultrasound (nn-2D-IOUS) risk being overshadowed. Against this backdrop, this study endeavors to provide a comprehensive assessment of the clinical efficacy and surgical relevance of nn-2D-IOUS, specifically in the context of glioma resections. METHODS: This retrospective study undertaken at a single center evaluated 99 consecutive, non-selected patients diagnosed with both high-grade and low-grade gliomas. The primary objective was to assess the proficiency of nn-2D-IOUS in generating satisfactory image quality, identifying residual tumor tissue, and its influence on the extent of resection. To validate these results, early postoperative MRI data served as the reference standard. RESULTS: The nn-2D-IOUS exhibited a high level of effectiveness, successfully generating good quality images in 79% of the patients evaluated. With a sensitivity rate of 68% and a perfect specificity of 100%, nn-2D-IOUS unequivocally demonstrated its utility in intraoperative residual tumor detection. Notably, when total tumor removal was the surgical objective, a resection exceeding 95% of the initial tumor volume was achieved in 86% of patients. Additionally, patients in whom residual tumor was not detected by nn-2D-IOUS, the mean volume of undetected tumor tissue was remarkably minimal, averaging at 0.29 cm3. CONCLUSION: Our study supports nn-2D-IOUS's invaluable role in glioma surgery. The results highlight the utility of traditional technologies for enhanced surgical outcomes, even when compared to advanced alternatives. This is particularly relevant for resource-constrained settings and emphasizes optimizing existing tools for efficient patient care. NCT05873946 - 24/05/2023 - Retrospectively registered.

Outcomes in Patients With Postchemotherapy Residual Nonretroperitoneal Disease in Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors.

This case-control study assesses the association between teratoma in the primary tumor or postchemotherapy resections and survival outcomes.

Repeat Transurethral Resection for Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in the Contemporary Era.

CONTEXT: Repeat transurethral resection (reTUR) is a guideline-recommended treatment strategy in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT); however, the impact of recent procedural/technological developments on reTUR outcomes has not been assessed yet. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of reTUR for NMIBC in the contemporary era, focusing on whether temporal differences and technical advancement, specifically, photodynamic diagnosis and en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT), affect the outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Multiple databases were queried in February 2023 for studies investigating reTUR outcomes, such as residual tumor and/or upstaging rates, its predictive factors, and oncologic outcomes, including recurrence-free (RFS), progression-free (PFS), cancer-specific (CSS), and overall (OS) survival. We synthesized comparative outcomes adjusting for the effect of possible confounders. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 81 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. In T1 patients initially treated with conventional TURBT (cTURBT) in the 2010s, the pooled rates of any residual tumors and upstaging on reTUR were 31.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.0-37.2%) and 2.8% (95% CI: 2.0-3.8%), respectively. Despite a potential publication bias, these rates were significantly lower than those in patients treated in the 1990-2000s (both p < 0.001). ERBT and visual enhancement-guided cTURBT significantly improved any residual tumor rates on reTUR compared with cTURBT based on both matched-cohort and multivariable analyses. Among studies adjusting for the effect of possible confounders, patients who underwent reTUR had better RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97) and OS (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.81-0.93) than those who did not, while it did not lead to superior PFS (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.47-1.15) and CSS (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.86-1.03). CONCLUSIONS: reTUR is currently recommended for high-risk NMIBC based on the persistent high rates of residual tumors after primary resection. Improvement of resection quality based on checklist applications and recent technical/procedural advancements hold the promise to omit reTUR. PATIENT SUMMARY: Recent endoscopic/procedural developments improve the outcomes of repeat resection for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Further investigations are urgently needed to clarify the potential impact of the use of these techniques on the need for repeat transurethral resection in the contemporary era.

Investigation of vertical margin involvement in endoscopic resection for T1 colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The resection of vertical margin-negative submucosally invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) relies on the pathological risk assessment of lymph node metastasis. However, no large-scale study has clarified the endoscopic resection (ER) outcome for submucosally invasive CRC, focusing on the vertical margin status. This retrospective study aimed to examine vertical margin involvement in ER for submucosally invasive CRC and explore the treatment consequences associated with vertical margin status. METHODS: We analyzed 395 submucosally invasive CRC cases in 389 patients who underwent ER at our hospital between 2008 and 2020. The presence of residual tumors and simultaneous lymph node metastasis in patients who underwent additional surgery was assessed and compared between the vertical incomplete ER and the vertical margin-negative groups. RESULTS: Among the patients, 270 were men, with a median age of 69 years. The vertical incomplete ER rate was 21.5%, with positive vertical margins and unclear vertical margins identified in 12.2% and 9.3% of the cases, respectively. Among 154 patients who underwent additional surgery after ER, the vertical incomplete ER group had a significantly higher residual tumor rate than the vertical margin-negative group (P = 0.001). The vertical incomplete ER group had a significantly higher lymph node metastasis rate than the vertical margin-negative group (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: This study clarified the substantial risk of vertical incomplete ER in submucosally invasive CRC and revealed the high risk of residual tumor and lymph node metastasis in vertical incomplete ER for submucosal CRC.

Lugol's Solution Reduces Positive Margins and Residual Disease After the Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether the intraoperative use of Lugol's solution reduces the proportion of positive resection margins (RMs) using the data of women who underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,751 consecutive women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) who underwent LLETZ with or without Lugol's solution were retrospectively retrieved from each database of 3 university hospitals in South Korea. Outcomes included positive RMs and residual disease pathologically confirmed within 6 months after LLETZ. RESULTS: Positive RMs were noted in 345 cases (19.7%). Among 1,507 women followed up, residual disease was diagnosed in 100 cases (6.6%) (69/308 cases with positive RMs; 31/1,199 cases with negative RMs). The Lugol's solution group was less likely to have positive RMs (11.8% vs 25.5%, p < .01), to require additional surgical intervention (5.4% vs 10.2%, p < .01), and to have residual disease (4.9% vs 8.0%, p = .02). On multiple logistic regression analysis, Lugol's solution reduced the proportion of positive RMs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.31). Age (50 years or older; aOR, 1.64), preconization cervical cytology (aOR, 1.53), high-risk human papillomavirus (aOR, 1.75), and CIN 2 or 3 (aOR, 2.65) were independent risk factors for margin positivity ( p < .01 for all except high-risk human papillomavirus of p = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Lugol's solution optimizes CIN treatment by reducing the proportion of positive RMs and residual disease after LLETZ.

Use of in vivo Raman spectroscopy and cryoablation for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is the first-line treatment option for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but residual tumor often remains after TURBT, thereby leading to cancer recurrence. Here, we introduce combined use of in vivo Raman spectroscopy and in vivo cryoablation as a new approach to detect and remove residual bladder tumor during TURBT. Bladder cancer (BCa) patients treated with TURBT at our urological department between Dec 2019 and Jan 2021 were collected. First, Raman signals were collected from 74 BCa patients to build reference spectra of normal bladder tissue and of bladder cancers of different pathological types. Then, another 53 BCa patients were randomly categorized into two groups, 26 patients accepted traditional TURBT, 27 patients accepted TURBT followed by Raman scanning and cryoablation if Raman detected existence of residual tumor. The recurrence rates of the two groups until Oct 2022 were compared. Raman was capable of discriminating normal bladder tissue and BCa with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.5% and 80.8 %; and discriminating invasive (T1, T2) and noninvasive (Ta) BCa with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3 % and 87.3 %. During follow-up, 2 in 27 patients had cancer recurrence in Raman-Cryoablation group, while 8 in 26 patients had cancer recurrence in traditional TURBT group. Combined use of Raman and cryoablation significantly reduced cancer recurrence (p = 0.0394). Raman and cryoablation can serve as an adjuvant therapy to TURBT to improve therapeutic effects and reduce recurrence rate.

[Extent of resection in patients with glioblastoma]. / Stepen' khirurgicheskoi rezektsii pri glioblastome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of resection quality on subsequent survival of patients with glioblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 141 patients with morphologically confirmed glioblastoma (grade 4). Fractionation with the prescribed dose of 2 and 3 Gy was alternately used (pairwise modeling strategy). Total resection was performed in 29.8% of patients (EOR: 100%; n=42), subtotal - 56.7% (EOR: 70-99%; n=80). Extent of resection 1-69% was registered in 19 patients (13.5%). RESULTS: As of December 2022, 124 out of 141 patients (87.9%) were diagnosed with primary progression, 101 (71.6%) ones died. We analyzed the threshold role of EOR. The most informative level was 70% (p=0.002). EOR 100% was followed by median overall survival about 32.2 months (95% Cl: 15.3-49.1), EOR 70-99% - 21.3 months (95% Cl: 15.1-27.5), EOR 1-69% - 10.3 months (95% Cl: 3.8-16.9; p=0.003). Fractionation mode with the prescribed dose of 3 Gy partially eliminated significance of EOR (p=0.148) in contrast to standard fractionation (p=0.015). Tumor growth in the interval between surgery and radiotherapy (REP) reduces significance of EOR (p=0.042). Inclusion of second-line therapy with bevacizumab in multivariate analysis model (OR=0.488; p=0.002) makes EOR less significant (OR=0.749; p=0.085) in contrast to REP (OR=2.482; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: To date, the principle of maximum safe resection remains fundamental in neurosurgery. EOR about 70% is sufficient regarding overall survival, but total resection should be sought if possible.

Prognostic value of circumferential radial margin involvement in esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Residual tumor at the proximal or distal margin after esophagectomy is associated with worse survival outcomes; however, the significance of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) remains controversial. In this study, we sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of the CRM in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who underwent esophagectomy for pathologic T3 esophageal cancer from 2000 to 2019. Patients were divided into three groups: CRM- (residual tumor >1 mm from the CRM), CRM-close (residual tumor >0 to 1 mm from the CRM), and CRM+ (residual tumor at the surgical CRM). CRM was also categorized and analyzed per the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) and College of American Pathologists (CAP) classifications. RESULTS: Of the 519 patients included, 351 (68%) had CRM-, 132 (25%) had CRM-close, and 36 (7%) had CRM+. CRM+ was associated with shorter disease-free survival [DFS; CRM+ vs. CRM-: hazard ratio (HR), 1.53 [95% CI, 1.03-2.28]; P =0.034] and overall survival (OS; CRM+ vs. CRM-: HR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.32-2.95]; P <0.001). Survival was not significantly different between CRM-close and CRM-. After adjustment for potential confounders, CAP+ was associated with poor oncologic outcomes (CAP+ vs. CAP-: DFS: HR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.00-2.17]; P =0.050; OS: HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.30-2.86]; P =0.001); RCP+ was not (RCP+ vs. RCP-: DFS: HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.97-1.52]; P =0.10; OS: HR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.96-1.54]; P =0.11). CONCLUSION: CRM status has critical prognostic significance for patients undergoing esophagectomy: CRM+ was associated with worse outcomes, and outcomes between CRM-close and CRM- were similar.

Analysis of the Extent of Liver Oncological Extended Resection for Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: How Much Is Too Much?

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is pivotal in treating incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC). However, the adequate volume of liver resection remains controversial. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was performed on resected IGBC patients between 1999 and 2018. Morbidity was evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The theoretical volume of a 2-cm and 1.5-cm wedge liver resection was calculated (105 cm3 and 77.5 cm3, respectively) and used as reference. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 111 patients re-resected for IGBC, 84 provided sufficient data to calculate liver resection volume. Patients with a resection volume ≥ 105 cm3 had a higher rate of overall morbidity (P = 0.001) and length of stay (P = 0.012), with no difference in mortality. There was no significant difference in OS according to residual cancer or T-category. A resection volume ≥ 77.5 cm3 was more frequent in T ≥ 3 than in T1-2 patients (P = 0.026), and residual cancer was higher (P = 0.041) among patients with ≥ 77.5 cm3 resected. Cox multivariate regression showed that residual cancer (HR = 11.47, P < 0.001), perineural/lymphovascular invasion (HR = 2.48, P = 0.021), and Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa morbidity (HR = 5.03, P = 0.003) predict worse OS, but not liver volume resection. CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in OS based on resected liver volume of IGBC, when R0 is achieved. There is a significant difference in morbidity and length of stay when liver wedges are ≥ 105 cm3, which is lost when analyzed by Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa. A 77.5-105 cm3 resection is indicated in ≥ T3 patients, minimizing morbidity risk, while addressing concerns of overall survival.

Does a Positive Appendiceal Resection Margin in Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms, Warrant Additional Surgery? Our Institution Experience and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Management of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) with positive resection margin is controversial. Some guidelines recommend surgical reexcision, whereas others recommend a conservative approach. The purpose of our study was to determine whether involvement of the resection margin by LAMN is a risk factor for local recurrence requiring additional surgery. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study (January 2000-December 2020) of uncomplicated LAMNs with neoplastic epithelium or dissecting mucin at the resection margin. For cases treated with additional surgery, the presence of residual tumor was evaluated. Clinical follow-up was attained in all cases. We also conducted a literature review. RESULTS: The study investigated 98 patients. Eight with median age of 67 (range: 45-91) years had a LAMN involving the resection margin (8.2%). Five of eight LAMNs (62.5%) with neoplastic epithelium at the margin underwent surgery, and no residual neoplasm was identified. The other three cases were followed conservatively, and no patient developed recurrence (follow-up: 18-69 months with a mean of 45 months). In a review of the literature, we identified 52 LAMNs with positive margin. Although three cases had acellular mucin and one residual LAMN in the reexcision specimen (7.7%), neither of these four cases or any of the other 46 followed conservatively had recurrence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that for patients with uncomplicated LAMN confined to the appendix, the involvement of the appendiceal margin does not necessary lead to recurrence of LAMN, and a conservative management is a reasonable alternative.

Optimal cytoreduction: is a CT's picture worth a surgeon's word?

INTRODUCTION: The presence of residual disease after cytoreductive surgery is subjectively determined by the surgeon at the end of the operation. Nevertheless, in up to 21-49% of CT scans, residual disease can be found. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between post-surgical CT findings after optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and oncological outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with advanced ovarian cancer (FIGO II and IV), diagnosed between 2007 and 2019 in Hospital La Fe Valencia, in whom cytoreductive surgery was performed, achieving R0 or R1, were assessed for eligibility (n = 440). A total of 323 patients were excluded because a post-operative CT scan was not performed between the third and eighth post-surgery week and prior to the start of chemotherapy. RESULTS: 117 patients were finally included. The CT findings were classified into three categories: no evidence, suspicious or conclusive of residual tumour/progressive disease. 29.9% of CT scans were "conclusive of residual tumour/progressive disease". No differences were found when the DFS (p = 0.158) and OS (p = 0.215) of the three groups were compared (p = 0.158). CONCLUSION: After cytoreduction in ovarian cancer with no macroscopic disease or residual tumour < 1 cm result, up to 29.9% of post-operative CT scans before chemotherapy found measurable residual or progressive disease. Notwithstanding, a worse DFS or OS was not associated with this group of patients.

The characteristics of the residual disease after cervical conization: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary gynecological cancer center.

Background: Patients with a biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 and 3 have an increased risk of disease progression to invasive cancer and should be treated with an excisional method. However, after treatment with an excisional method, a high-grade residual lesion may remain in patients with positive surgical margins. We aimed to investigate the risk factors for a residual lesion in patients with a positive surgical margin after cervical cold knife conization. Methods: Records of 1008 patients who underwent conization at a tertiary gynecological cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and thirteen patients with a positive surgical margin after cold knife conization were included in the study. We have retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of the patients treated with re-conization or hysterectomy. Results: Residual disease was identified in 57 (50.4%) patients. The mean age of the patients with residual disease was 42.47 ± 8.75 years. Age greater than 35 years (P = 0.002; OR, 4.926; 95%CI [Confidence Interval] - 1.681-14.441), more than one involved quadrant (P = 0.003; OR, 3.200; 95% CI - 1.466-6.987), and glandular involvement (P = 0.002; OR, 3.348; 95% CI - 1.544-7.263) were risk factors for residual disease. The rate of high-grade lesion positivity in post-conization endocervical biopsy at initial conization was similar between patients with and without residual disease (P = 0.16). The final pathology of the residual disease was microinvasive cancer in four patients (3.5%) and invasive cancer in one patient (0.9%). Conclusion: In conclusion, residual disease is found in about half of the patients with a positive surgical margin. In particular, we found that age greater than 35 years, glandular involvement, and more than 1 involved quadrant were associated with the residual disease.

Optimizing Circulating Tumour DNA Use in the Perioperative Setting for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Diagnosis, Screening, Minimal Residual Disease Detection and Treatment Response Monitoring.

In this review, we present the current evidence and future perspectives on the use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the diagnosis, management and understanding the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) undergoing surgery. Liquid biopsies or ctDNA maybe utilized to: (1) determine the molecular profile of the tumour and therefore guide the selection of molecular targeted therapy in the neoadjuvant setting, (2) form a surveillance tool for the detection of minimal residual disease or cancer recurrence after surgery, and (3) diagnose and screen for early iCCA detection in high-risk populations. The potential for ctDNA can be tumour-informed or -uninformed depending on the goals of its use. Future studies will require ctDNA extraction technique validations, with standardizations of both the platforms and the timing of ctDNA collections.

Frameless Hypofractionated Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Residual or Recurrent Craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: The management of craniopharyngiomas is challenging, usually requiring multidisciplinary care. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an essential technique for residual/recurrent craniopharyngiomas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of frameless hypofractionated GKRS (hfGKRS) for craniopharyngioma and factors which affect tumor control and complications. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 24 patients managed with hfGKRS. Clinical and radiological data, tumor characteristics, and procedural details were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 15 (62.5%) female patients. The median age was 38.5 years (range, 3-66 years). The mean tumor volume was 2.4 (1.93) cm 3 , with a mean solid volume of 1.6 (1.75) cm 3 . The median marginal dose was 20 Gy (range, 18-25 Gy) delivered in a median of 5 fractions (range, 3-5). During a median radiological follow-up of 23.5 months (range, 12-50 months), tumor progression was noted in 5 (20.8%) patients. The 2-year and 4-year progression-free survival were 81.8% and 61.4%, respectively. No deaths were identified at a median clinical follow-up of 31.3 months (range, 12-54 months). Visual deficits attributable to progression were noted in 3 (12.5%) patients with pre-GKRS visual field defects. An additional 4 (16.7%) patients with pre-GKRS visual deficit developed new minor visual field defects. Four (16.7%) patients showed improvement of vision after GKRS. There were no new-onset post-GKRS hormonal deficits. CONCLUSION: The management of craniopharyngioma requires a multidisciplinary approach, and irradiation represents effective treatment option for residual/recurrent tumors after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that addresses the efficacy of frameless hfGKRS in managing craniopharyngiomas over sufficient follow-up.

Prospective Clinical Trial on Expanding Indications for Cryosurgery for Early Breast Cancers.

INTRODUCTION: This is a prospective single arm clinical trial on cryosurgery for early breast cancers, to evaluate the expanded criteria to tumors larger than 1.5 cm and non-luminal breast cancers. METHODS: Inclusion criteria include Solitary T1 breast cancers of any immunohistotypes. Cryosurgery was performed using the IceCure ProSense Cryoablation System. Lumpectomy of the cryoablated tumor was then performed 8 weeks after cryosurgery. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent cryosurgery followed by lumpectomy (BCS). Median age was 53 years old 5 (33.3%) patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), while 10 (66.7%) patients had invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), of which 5 (50%) patients had luminal type cancers of which 3 (60%) were luminal A and 2 (40%) luminal B, 3 (30%) patients had HER2 enriched invasive carcinoma and 2 (20%) patients had triple negative IDC. Median tumor size was 13mm (Range 8.6-18mm). Seven (46.7%) patients were found to have residual cancer in the post-cryosurgery lumpectomy specimen. All residual cancers were found at the periphery of the cryoablated breast tissue. All breast cancers were otherwise completely ablated centrally as confirmed by routine histopathology, immunochemistry and TUNEL assay for evaluation of cell viability. None of the tumor factors such as tumor biology, as well as surgical factors such as ablation time and iceball size, were associated with risk of residual cancer. None of the 15 patients developed post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: Residual cancer occurs at the periphery of the cryoablation site, careful pre-operative planning and intra-operative monitoring is crucial to ensure complete cryoablation.

Artificial intelligence to de-escalate loco-regional breast cancer treatment.

In this review, we evaluate the potential and recent advancements in using artificial intelligence techniques to de-escalate loco-regional breast cancer therapy, with a special focus on surgical treatment after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST). The increasing use and efficacy of NAST make the optimal loco-regional management of patients with pathologic complete response (pCR) a clinically relevant knowledge gap. It is hypothesized that patients with pCR do not benefit from therapeutic surgery because all tumor has already been eradicated by NAST. It is unclear, however, how residual cancer after NAST can be reliably excluded prior to surgery to identify patients eligible for omitting breast cancer surgery. Evidence from clinical trials evaluating the potential of imaging and minimally-invasive biopsies to exclude residual cancer suggests that there is a high risk of missing residual cancer. More recently, AI-based algorithms have shown promising results to reliably exclude residual cancer after NAST. This example illustrates the great potential of AI-based algorithms to further de-escalate and individualize loco-regional breast cancer treatment.

[The impact of restaging transurethral resection on recurrence and progression free survival in patients with T1 high grade bladder cancer]. / Résultats et impacts d'une résection de réévaluation dans le traitement des carcinomes urothéliaux de vessie pT1G3 : étude observationnelle.

INTRODUCTION: Restaging transurethral resection (re-TUR) of high grade T1 bladder cancer (HGT1-BC) is recommended but the impact in terms of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) is discussed. The objective of this study was to evaluate our practice of re-TUR for these tumors and its impact on overall survival (OS), RFS and PFS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2020. The inclusion criteria was the presence of newly diagnosed HGT1-BC. Patients with incomplete resection, suspicion of infiltrating tumor, upper tract urothelial cancer, or metastatic disease were ineligible. Two groups were defined : Group 1 with re-TUR and Group 2 without re-TUR. RFS and PFS were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included, including 50 (64,1%) in group 1. There were no significant differences between the two groups. The mean time to re-TUR was 8 weeks and 60% residual tumor was found. Initial under-staging was found in 12% of cases. RFS and PFS were significantly better in Group 1 (P=0.0019; P=0,02). No significant were found between the groups in OS and specific survival (SS). CONCLUSION: Performing a re-TUR for high grade T1 bladder tumors allows detection of residual tumor and decreases the risk of under-evaluation. It is associated with a significant improvement in RFS and PFS with no impact on OS and SS.

Scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised soft tissue sarcomas in dogs.

Objective: Describe clinical features of dogs undergoing scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) in the absence of gross disease and to determine local recurrence rates following scar revision. Animals: Thirty-three dogs with 33 scars. Procedures: Medical records were reviewed to collect data on signalment, tumor details, pre-surgical diagnostic tests, surgical and pathologic findings for both the initial and revision surgeries, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were generated. Results: For the initial excision, cytology was performed before surgery in 45.5% (15/33) of dogs, and information on surgical margins was rarely reported [4.0% (1/25) of circumferential and 12.0% (3/25) of deep margins]. Microscopic evidence of residual STS was identified in 18.2% of scars. Recurrence occurred in 3.0% (1/33) of dogs [median follow-up of 1127 d (1 to 3192 d)]; this dog had had no evidence of residual tumor in the scar revision pathology. Conclusions: Despite the low identification rate of residual tumor, the local tumor recurrence rate was 3.0%, which is lower than what is historically reported for incompletely or narrowly excised STSs. Clinical relevance: Scar revision for incompletely or narrowly excised STSs resulted in durable tumor remission in the dogs of this study. Pre-surgical diagnostic tests were not often performed in this study; these may be considered before the first excision to plan surgical margins for potentially reducing the incidence of incomplete or narrow excision. Surgical reports should include details on circumferential and deep margins to guide pathologic interpretation and future scar revision, if required.

Révision des cicatrice pour les sarcomes des tissus mous incomplètement ou étroitement excisés chez le chien. Objectif: Décrire les caractéristiques cliniques des chiens subissant une révision de cicatrice pour des sarcomes des tissus mous (STSs) incomplètement ou étroitement excisés en l'absence de maladie macroscopique et pour déterminer les taux de récidive locale après la révision de cicatrice. Animaux: Trente-trois chiens avec 33 cicatrices. Procédures: Les dossiers médicaux ont été examinés pour recueillir des données sur le signalement, les détails de la tumeur, les tests de diagnostic pré-chirurgicaux, les résultats chirurgicaux et pathologiques pour les chirurgies initiales et de révision, et les résultats cliniques. Des statistiques descriptives ont été générées. Résultats: Pour l'excision initiale, une cytologie a été réalisée avant la chirurgie chez 45,5 % (15/33) des chiens, et les informations sur les marges chirurgicales ont été rarement rapportées [4,0 % (1/25) des marges circonférentielles et 12,0 % (3/25) des marges profondes]. Des preuves microscopiques de STS résiduel ont été identifiées dans 18,2 % des cicatrices. Une récidive est survenue chez 3,0 % (1/33) des chiens [suivi médian de 1127 jours (1 à 3192 jours)]; ce chien n'avait eu aucun signe de tumeur résiduelle dans la pathologie de révision de la cicatrice. Conclusions: Malgré le faible taux d'identification de tumeur résiduelle, le taux de récidive tumorale locale était de 3,0 %, ce qui est inférieur à ce qui est historiquement rapporté pour les STS incomplètement ou étroitement excisés. Pertinence clinique: La révision des cicatrices pour les STS incomplètement ou étroitement excisés a entraîné une rémission tumorale durable chez les chiens de cette étude. Les tests diagnostiques pré-chirurgicaux n'ont pas souvent été effectués dans cette étude; ceux-ci peuvent être envisagés avant la première excision pour planifier les marges chirurgicales afin de réduire potentiellement l'incidence de l'excision incomplète ou étroite. Les rapports chirurgicaux doivent inclure des détails sur les marges circonférentielles et profondes pour guider l'interprétation pathologique et la révision future de la cicatrice, si nécessaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Radiological Evolution of Fat Graft Used for Optic Neuropexy During Surgery for Parasellar Meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective adjuvant therapy for residual tumor after subtotal resection of parasellar meningiomas. Fat graft placement between the optic nerve/chiasm and residual tumor (optic neuropexy [OPN]) allows for safe SRS therapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological temporal profile of the fat graft after OPN, immediately after surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months intervals, to elucidate the optimal time point of adjuvant SRS. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study of 23 patients after surgery for parasellar meningioma was conducted. Fat graft volume and MRI signal ratios were calculated. SRS dosimetric parameters (tumor/optic nerve) were measured at the time of SRS and compared with a hypothetical dosimetric plan based on an early postoperative MRI. RESULTS: Of 23 patients, 6 (26%) had gross total resection and 17 (74%) had subtotal resection. Fat grafts showed a progressive loss of volume and signal ratio over time. Radiosurgery was performed in 14 (82.3%; 8 hypofractionated radiosurgery and 6 single fraction). At 3 months, there is a loss of 46% of the fat volume and degradation of its tissue intensity, decreasing differentiation from tumor and nerve. The hypothetical treatment plan (performed on an early postoperative MRI) showed that single-fraction SRS would have been possible in 6 of the 8 hypofractionated cases. CONCLUSION: OPN is a technique that can be safely performed after resection of parasellar meningiomas. Because of the reduction of the fat volume and tissue differentiation between fat and tumor/nerves, adjuvant radiosurgery is better performed within the first 3 months after surgery.