Resolução espontânea de osteocondroma de fêmur distal: relato de caso / Spontaneous resolution of osteochondroma of the distal femur: case report

Introdução: o osteocondroma é o tumor ósseo benigno mais comum. Normalmente são assintomáticos e diagnosticados incidentalmente. Sua localização mais comum é no fêmur distal e raramente sofrem resolução espontânea. Objetivo: relatar um caso de osteocondroma do ambulatório de especialidades do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal que foi acompanhado por três anos e evoluiu com resolução espontânea. Ainda, buscar na literatura casos que sejam semelhantes a procura de justificativas para esta evolução que não é comum. Método: relato de caso de paciente do Ambulatório de Especialidade do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal, de 12 anos de idade, que foi acompanhado por três anos apresentando um tumor ósseo no fêmur distal compatível com diagnóstico de osteocondroma, que ao longo dos três anos evoluiu com resolução espontânea. Conclusão: osteocondromas raramente evoluem com resolução espontânea, quando isso ocorre geralmente são pacientes que ainda não atingiram a maturidade esquelética, apesar de algumas teorias sobre os mecanismos dessa evolução ainda são necessários mais estudos para conclusões mais definitivas. Palavras-chave: Resolução espontânea de tumor ósseo. Osteocondroma. Tumor Ósseo.

Tumor esternal autolimitado de la infancia (SELSTOC) con hallazgos atípicos en ecografía y manejo conservador / Self-limiting sternal tumours of childhood (SELSTOC) with atypical ultrasound features and conservative

Los SELSTOC (del inglés, self-limiting sternal tumors of childhood) son lesiones benignas de rápido crecimiento, palpables y no dolorosas, que afectan a pacientes en edad pediátrica y tienen un curso autolimitado. Aunque su etiología es desconocida, se ha descrito que está relacionada con una reacción inflamatoria aséptica. La mayoría de los casos publicados presentan un patrón típico en ecografía, que consiste en una masa de partes blandas no vascularizada con forma de reloj de arena, situada anterior y posterior al esternón. A diferencia de los anteriores, el caso que describimos en un paciente de 9 meses presentó una morfología irregular atípica en ecografía, así como una afectación limitada al tejido subcutáneo paraesternal derecho, sin extensión en profundidad a la zona retroesternal ni intercostal. Se decidió una actitud expectante y seguimiento con ecografía mensual, mediante el cual se demostró la resolución completa de la lesión a los 3 meses. Por tanto, resulta crucial conocer la historia natural de los SELSTOC y sus apariencias radiológicas típicas y atípicas, para no causar alarma, optar por un manejo conservador y evitar los posibles daños iatrogénicos derivados de actuaciones médicas agresivas (biopsia percutánea o extirpación quirúrgica). Asimismo, un enfoque diagnóstico adecuado, incluso cuando existen hallazgos ecográficos poco frecuentes, permite prescindir de pruebas de imagen con altas dosis de radiación ionizante (tomografía computarizada) y de derivaciones innecesarias a centros hospitalarios de mayor complejidad (AU)

“SELSTOC” (Self-Limiting Sternal Tumours of Childhood) are fast growing benign lesions, palpable and not painful, that affect patients in paediatric age. Although its aetiology is unknown, it has been reported to be related to an aseptic inflammatory reaction. Most of the cases already published show a typical pattern in echography, that consists of a non-vascularized dumbbell-shaped growing lump in soft tissues which does not affect bone structures, located in the anterior and posterior part of the sternum. Unlike most cases, the case we are describing in a 9-months-old patient presents an irregular morphology that is atypical in echography, as well as limited affectation of the right subcutaneous parasternal tissue, without a depth extension of the retrosternal or intercostal areas. Wait-and-see approach was decided as well as monthly echography monitoring, whereby it was evidenced the complete resolution of the lesion within three months.So, it is crucial to know the natural history of SELSTOC, and its typical and atypical radiological appearance, so as not to cause alarm, to choose a conservative approach and to avoid possible iatrogenic harm derived from aggressive medical actions (percutaneous biopsy or surgical removal). So, an adequate diagnostic approach, even when there are infrequent ultrasound findings, can avoid high dose ionizing radiation tests (Computed Tomography) and unnecessary referrals to more specialised hospitals. (AU)

Spontaneous Volumetric Tumor Regression During Wait-and-Scan Management of 952 Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous tumor shrinkage during wait-and-scan management of sporadic vestibular schwannoma is generally considered an uncommon phenomenon. However, most data informing this understanding stem from single-slice linear tumor measurements taken in the axial imaging plane. The objective of the current work was to characterize the regression capacity of sporadic vestibular schwannomas using volumetric tumor measurements. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using slice-by-slice, three-dimensional volumetric tumor measurements. SETTING: Three tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma. INTERVENTIONS: Wait-and-scan. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Regression-free survival rates with regression defined as a decrease of at least 20% of the tumor volume. RESULTS: Among 952 patients undergoing a total of 3,505 magnetic resonance imaging studies during observation, 123 experienced volumetric tumor regression after diagnosis at a median of 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.6-2.9 yr). Volumetric regression-free survival rates (95% confidence interval; number still at risk) at 1, 3, and 5 years after diagnosis were 94% (92-95%; 662), 86% (83-89%; 275), and 78% (73-82%; 132), respectively. Among 405 patients who demonstrated an initial period of tumor growth but continued wait-and-scan management, 48 experienced volumetric regression at a median of 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.8-2.6 yr) after initial growth. Volumetric regression-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after initial growth were 94% (92-97%; 260), 84% (79-89%; 99), and 75% (67-83%; 43), respectively. Ultimately, only 82 of the 952 patients studied showed exclusively volumetric tumor regression (i.e., without any periods of tumor growth) by the time of last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous volumetric tumor shrinkage during wait-and-scan management occurs more frequently than suggested by previous studies using linear tumor measurements and can even occur after previous episodes of documented tumor growth. These data further highlight the dynamic nature of vestibular schwannoma growth. To this end, the application of natural history data to patient management requires a nuanced approach that parallels the complex tumor behavior of vestibular schwannoma.

Tumoración esternal benigna autolimitada, un diagnóstico para tener en cuenta / Self-limiting benign sternal tumor, a diagnosis to consider

La aparición de tumoraciones en Pediatría es una causa de gran angustia familiar. En concreto, las masas esternales son entidades poco frecuentes pero que se deben conocer. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con aparición súbita de una tumoración a nivel esternal. Tras realizar anamnesis y exploración física se llevaron a cabo las siguientes exploraciones complementarias: análisis sanguíneo, radiografía de tórax y ecografía de la lesión. Mediante estos procedimientos, se diagnosticó al paciente de una entidad denominada tumor esternal autolimitado de la infancia o SELSTOC (self limiting sternal tumors of childhood) por sus siglas en inglés. Es aconsejable reconocer esta entidad dado que se trata de un proceso benigno que no requiere de la realización de pruebas cruentas y que permite transmitir tranquilidad a los familiares por su buen pronóstico (AU)

The appearance of tumors in pediatric patients is a cause of great family distress. Specifically, sternal masses are infrequent entities, but they should be known. We present the case of a patient with sudden onset of a sternal tumor. After anamnesis and physical examination, the following complementary examinations were performed: blood analysis, chest X-ray and ultrasound of the lesion. By means of these procedures, the patient was diagnosed with an entity called self-limiting sternal tumor of childhood or SELSTOC (self-limiting sternal tumors of childhood). It is advisable to recognize this tumor since it is a benign process that does not require invasive tests and that allows us to reassure family members of its good prognosis. (AU)

Role of FoxP3-positive regulatory T-cells in regressive and progressive cervical dysplasia.

PURPOSE: Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) is known as a key mediator in the immunosuppressive function of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). The aim of our study was to investigate whether FoxP3-positive Tregs have the potential to act as an independent predictor in progression as well as in regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, especially in patients with intermediate cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN II). METHODS: Nuclear FoxP3 expression was immunohistochemically analysed in 169 patient samples (CIN I, CIN II with regressive course, CIN II with progressive course, CIN III). The median numbers were calculated for each slide and correlated with the histological CIN grade. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 26 (Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation). RESULTS: An increased FoxP3 expression in CIN II with progression could be detected in comparison to CIN II with regression (p = 0.003). Total FoxP3 expression (epithelium and dysplasia-connected stroma) was higher in more advanced CIN grades (p < 0.001 for CIN I vs. CIN II; p = 0.227 for CIN II vs. CIN III). A positive correlation could be detected between FoxP3-positive cells in epithelium and total FoxP3 expression (Spearman's Rho: 0,565; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Expression of FoxP3 could be a helpful predictive factor to assess the risks of CIN II progression. As a prognosticator for regression and progression in cervical intraepithelial lesions it might thereby help in the decision process regarding surgical treatment vs. watchful waiting strategy to prevent conisation-associated risks for patients in child-bearing age. In addition, the findings support the potential of Tregs as a target for immune therapy in cervical cancer patients.

Spontaneous Regression of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Biopsy.

Approximately 7 cases of spontaneous regression of adult laryngeal carcinoma have been published in the literature since 1900. This case presents a 62-year-old male with a 6-month history of hoarseness who was subsequently diagnosed with a T1aN0M0 left true vocal fold squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after biopsy. One month following the initial biopsy, histopathological findings on repeat biopsy revealed absence of malignancy and regression of the tumor without radiation. There has been no evidence of tumor recurrence. This case exemplifies how innate immune modulation may play a role in the spontaneous regression of laryngeal SCC, although the mechanism remains unknown.

Predicting regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years.

BACKGROUND: A number of retrospective and prospective studies have documented substantial rates of regression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 lesions in young women. Initial observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 is increasingly accepted as appropriate for women under 25 years of age with screen-detected abnormalities and is included in a number of clinical guidelines. However, there has been a paucity of large prospective studies on observational management with strict inclusion criteria. A number of important questions remain, specifically regarding the clinical variables that are associated with the risk of progression or persistence of disease. To investigate these factors and to ensure that young women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 undergoing observational management were being managed in a well-monitored and an appropriately informed fashion, we conducted a large, multicenter prospective study on observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the regression rates and clinical, cytologic, and pathologic predictors of regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 in women under 25 years undergoing observational management over 24 months. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a multicenter prospective study on observational management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (ie, repeat colposcopy, cytology, and cervical biopsy every 6 months) for up to 24 months. A total of 615 consenting women under 25 years with newly-diagnosed, biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 were recruited (from 2010 to 2016) through 16 hospital-based colposcopy units in New Zealand and Australia. RESULTS: At completion, 326 women had confirmed regression, 156 had persistent high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 or adenocarcinoma in situ, and 24 had unconfirmed regression (ie, first regression at the 24-month follow-up). A total of 109 women did not complete the protocol (41 because of delayed follow-up, 41 lost to follow-up, 22 elected treatment, 4 refused a biopsy, and 1 died of an unrelated cause). Confirmed regression was observed in 53% (326 of 615) of all women enrolled in the study and, when missing data were imputed, it was estimated that 64% of women (95% confidence interval, 60%-68%) would have experienced regression. Similarly, lesions regressed in 64% (326 of 506) of women who completed the observational protocol. Based on a multivariable analysis, detection of human papillomavirus 16 in a liquid-based cytology sample at the time of initial colposcopy decreased the chance of regression by 31% (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.86; P<.001). In addition, at initial colposcopy, low-grade or normal colposcopic impression, later year of diagnosis, low-grade or normal cytology, and being a nonsmoker were all independently associated with an increased chance of regression. CONCLUSION: More than half of women under 25 years with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 will regress to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or normal within 24 months without destructive treatment. The absence of human papillomavirus 16 is the most important predictor of regression.

Involución espontánea de meningioma. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Spontaneus involution of meningioma. Case report and literature review

Los meningiomas son tumores de las meninges cerebrales, de crecimiento lento y generalmente benignos, cuyo tratamiento es esencialmente quirúrgico. Presentan receptores de progesterona, y en menor medida de estrógeno, lo que les hace a veces tener crecimiento o disminución ligada a tratamiento hormonal. Es extremadamente raro que presenten involución espontánea. Presentamos el caso de un varón con un meningioma del planum esfenoidal. Como antecedentes tenía diabetes mellitus, miastenia gravis y un cáncer de próstata. Como tratamiento médico recibía, entre otros, análogos de la gonadotropina (leuprorelina), antiandrogénico (bicalutamida), agonistas β3 y bloqueantes α1. A los 15 meses del bloqueo hormonal se objetivó una reducción del tumor del 90% de su volumen. Los casos publicados previamente muestran que el tratamiento con análogos de la GnRH produce un crecimiento en algunos meningiomas. Existen otros casos publicados sobre reducción en pacientes diabéticos y en tratamiento con bloqueantes α1. Se revisa la literatura sobre meningiomas con involución espontánea (AU)

Meningiomas are tumors of the cerebral meninges, with slow growth and usually benign, whose treatment is essentially surgery. They have progesterone receptors, and to a lesser extent estrogen, which sometimes causes them to have growth or involution linked to hormonal treatment. Its spontaneous involution is extremely rare. We present the case of a male with a meningioma of the sphenoid planum. He had a history of diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis and prostate cancer. He was in treatment with analogs of GnRH (leuprorelin), antiandrogen (bicalutamide), β3 agonists and α1 blockers. 15 months after the hormonal blockade, a reduction of the tumor of approximately 90% of its volume was detected. Previous reports show that treatment with gonadotropin analogues produces growth in some meningiomas. Other reports of spontaneous involution affect diabetic patients and patients in treatment with α1 blockers. Literature focus on meningiomas with spontaneous involution is reviewed (AU)

Spontaneous regression of solitary osteochondromas in children: An option to consider in clinical practice.

Osteochondromas are neoplasm that belong to the family of cartilaginous histogenesis tumors and represent 90% of all forms of exostoses. As most osteochondromas are asymptomatic, underdiagnosis is frequent. Symptomatic forms usually manifest before the age of 20 years, and the most common symptoms are pain and the detection of a bony mass. Herein, we report four cases of spontaneous regression of solitary osteochondromas in the light of literature. We consider that orthopedic surgeons should take into account the possibility of spontaneous regression of these tumors, before recommending surgery. Symptoms are usually mild and we recommend following these patients with X-ray and physical examination annually.

Regression is significantly associated with outcomes for patients with melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of regression in melanoma is debated. We present a large multicenter study correlating regression with sentinel lymph node metastasis and melanoma-specific survival. METHODS: The Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group database was reviewed from 1993 to 2018. Patients with known regression and sentinel lymph node status were included. Clinicopathologic factors were correlated with regression, sentinel lymph node status, and melanoma-specific survival. RESULTS: There were 4,790 patients; median follow-up was 39.6 months. Regression was present in 1,081 (22.6%) cases, and 798 (16.7%) patients had sentinel lymph node metastases. On multivariable analysis, male sex, truncal tumors, and decreasing thickness were significantly associated with regression (P < .05), whereas head/neck or leg tumors had lower rates of regression (P < .05). Regression was significantly correlated with a decreased risk of sentinel lymph node disease on multivariable analysis (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.54-0.85; P = .0008). Multivariable analysis also showed that increasing age, male sex, increasing thickness, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion, microsatellitosis, and sentinel lymph node metastasis were significantly (P < .05) associated with worse melanoma-specific survival, while regression was significantly associated with better melanoma-specific survival (hazard ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.57-0.99; P = .043). CONCLUSION: This large study shows that regression is significantly associated with better outcomes in patients with melanoma and is correlated with a lower risk of sentinel lymph node metastasis and a better melanoma-specific survival.

Five-year follow-up and clinical outcome in euthyroid patients with thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid nodule diagnosis has become increasingly frequent. Defining optimum surveillance intervals for patients with unsuspicious thyroid nodules remains a challenge. This was a single centre cohort study in which patients diagnosed with unsuspicious thyroid nodules in whom no treatment was indicated were invited for re-evaluation 5 years after the diagnosis. The primary end point of the study was to estimate the change in nodule size with thyroid ultrasound (US) and the secondary end point was to assess the need for clinical management 5 years after the diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Baseline patient parameters and ultrasound characteristics of the nodules were retrospectively collected. At follow-up, thyroid ultrasound was performed. RESULTS: A hundred and eighteen (107 women / 11 men, aged 56.8 ± 13.4 years) patients were included in the study having 203 nodules at baseline, with mean largest nodule diameter 10.5 ± 7.4 mm. After 5 years, 58 (28.6%) nodules significantly increased in size, 27 (13.3%) decreased, and for 104 (51.2%) of nodules, no change in size was noted. Fourteen (6.9%) nodules disappeared. Additional 26 new nodules (mean largest diameter 7.7 ± 5.0 mm) in 16 patients were identified at follow-up. Regarding the clinical outcome, no new thyroid cancers were found. For 107 (90.7%) patients no further management was indicated. Five (4.2%) patients were referred to thyroidectomy because of the growth of the nodules. Two (1.7%) patients were treated for hyperthyroidism. Four (3.4%) patients did not complete the study. CONCLUSIONS: We report a single centre experience of the natural history of unsuspicious thyroid nodules. Our results showed that 71.4% of such nodules remained stable in size, decreased or even disappeared and that the vast majority of the patients remained clinically stable with no need for treatment 5 years after the diagnosis.

When to Stop TKIs in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and How to Follow Them Subsequently.

OPINION STATEMENT: ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have dramatically improved the outcome for CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) patients. When TKI therapy is addressed appropriately, it can lead to an optimal molecular response in the majority of CML patients and a life expectancy that approaches that of the general population. However, lifelong TKI therapy may have consequences, including chronic, mostly low-grade, adverse events that can substantially impact patients' quality of life, adherence to therapy and, consequently, success of treatment. In the last few years, several groups have demonstrated that approximately 50% of chronic phase CML patients (CP-CML) who have achieved a stable deep molecular response (DMR) can stop therapy without suffering molecular relapse. Nowadays, treatment-free remission (TFR) has a significant role in the management of CML and should be considered in selected motivated patients that fulfill well-defined requirements to maximize the probability of successful discontinuation of TKI therapy.

Spontaneous Regression of a Pulmonary Metastasis Secondary to Contralateral Metastasectomy.

Spontaneous regression is defined as the partial or complete resolution of a malignant neoplasm either with treatment that is perceived to be inadequate or in the absence of therapy. This report describes a case of spontaneous regression of a pulmonary metastasis of renal cell carcinoma secondary to metastasectomy in the contralateral lung.

Mathematical simulation of tumour angiogenesis: angiopoietin balance is a key factor in vessel growth and regression.

Excessive tumour growth results in a hypoxic environment around cancer cells, thus inducing tumour angiogenesis, which refers to the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. This mechanism is biologically and physically complex, with various mathematical simulation models proposing to reproduce its formation. However, although temporary vessel regression is clinically known, few models succeed in reproducing this phenomenon. Here, we developed a three-dimensional simulation model encompassing both angiogenesis and tumour growth, specifically including angiopoietin. Angiopoietin regulates both adhesion and migration between vascular endothelial cells and wall cells, thus inhibiting the cell-to-cell adhesion required for angiogenesis initiation. Simulation results showed a regression, i.e. transient decrease, in the overall length of new vessels during vascular network formation. Using our model, we also evaluated the efficacy of administering the drug bevacizumab. The results highlighted differences in treatment efficacy: (1) earlier administration showed higher efficacy in inhibiting tumour growth, and (2) efficacy depended on the treatment interval even with the administration of the same dose. After thorough validation in the future, these results will contribute to the design of angiogenesis treatment protocols.

Bevacizumab-associated glomerular microangiopathy that occurred after postoperative chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that is used to treat patients with various cancers. However, it is known to be associated with adverse events, such as hypertension and proteinuria. The histology of bevacizumab-induced nephropathy is known as thrombotic microangiopathy or minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Recently, however, the terms "bevacizumab-associated glomerular microangiopathy" and "anti-VEGF therapy-induced glomerular microangiopathy" have been proposed. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman who was administered postoperative chemotherapy (carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab) for stage IV ovarian cancer. Proteinuria and hypertension appeared after three courses; however, six courses were completed. Then, gemcitabine and carboplatin were administered for recurrence of her cancer. She was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome after eight courses. Renal biopsy showed accumulation of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive substances in the capillary walls and para-mesangial areas. Double contouring of basement membranes was also observed. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed positive staining for IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, and C1q. Immunosuppressive therapy was administered, but was ineffective. Further examination by electron microscopy and immunostaining led to a diagnosis of bevacizumab-associated glomerular microangiopathy.