Anatomical study of jugular foramen in the neck / Estudo anatômico do forame jugular no pescoço

Abstract Introduction The anatomical complexity of the jugular foramen makes surgical procedures in this region delicate and difficult. Due to the advances in surgical techniques, approaches to the jugular foramen became more frequent, requiring improvement of the knowledge of this region anatomy. Objective To study the anatomy of the jugular foramen, internal jugular vein and glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves, and to identify the anatomical relationships among these structures in the jugular foramen region and lateral-pharyngeal space. Methods A total of 60 sides of 30 non-embalmed cadavers were examined few hours after death. The diameters of the jugular foramen and its anatomical relationships were analyzed. Results The diameters of the jugular foramen and internal jugular vein were greater on the right side in most studied specimens. The inferior petrosal sinus ended in the internal jugular vein up to 40 mm below the jugular foramen; in 5% of cases. The glossopharyngeal nerve exhibited an intimate anatomical relationship with the styloglossus muscle after exiting the skull, and the vagal nerve had a similar relationship with the hypoglossal nerve. The accessory nerve passed around the internal jugular vein via its anterior wall in 71.7% of cadavers. Conclusion Anatomical variations were found in the dimensions of the jugular foramen and the internal jugular vein, which were larger in size on the right side of most studied bodies; variations also occurred in the trajectory and anatomical relationships of the nerves. The petrosal sinus can join the internal jugular vein below the foramen.

Resumo Introdução A complexidade anatômica do forame jugular torna a realização de procedimentos cirúrgicos nessa região delicada e difícil. Devido aos avanços obtidos nas técnicas cirúrgicas, as abordagens do forame jugular têm sido feitas com maior frequência, o que requer uma melhoria correspondente no conhecimento de sua anatomia. Objetivo Estudar a anatomia do forame jugular, da veia jugular interna e dos nervos glossofaríngeo, vago e acessório, assim como as relações anatômicas entre estas estruturas na região do forame jugular e no espaço parafaríngeo. Método Foram examinados 60 lados de 30 cadáveres frescos algumas horas após a morte. Os diâmetros e suas relações anatômicas foram analisados. Resultados Os diâmetros do forame jugular e da veia jugular interna foram maiores no lado direito na maioria dos espécimes estudados. O seio petroso inferior terminava na veia jugular interna até 40 mm abaixo do forame jugular, em 5% dos casos. O nervo glossofaríngeo exibiu uma relação íntima anatômica com o músculo estiloglosso após a sua saída do crânio e o nervo vago exibiu uma relação semelhante com o nervo hipoglosso. O nervo acessório passou em torno da veia jugular interna via sua parede anterior em 71,7% dos cadáveres. Conclusão Foram encontradas variações anatômicas nas dimensões do forame jugular e da veia jugular interna, que apresentaram tamanhos maiores à direita na maioria dos espécimes estudados; variações também ocorreram na trajetória e nas relações anatômicas dos nervos. O seio petroso pode se unir à veia jugular interna abaixo do forame.

Which features of advanced head and neck basal cell carcinoma are associated with perineural invasion? / Quais características dos carcinomas basocelulares estão associados a invasão perineural?

Abstract Introduction Perineural invasion is a unique route for tumor dissemination. In basal cell carcinomas, the incidence is low, but increases in advanced cases. Its importance is recognized but not fully understood. Objective To compare head and neck basal cell carcinomas with and without perineural invasion. Methods A retrospective medical chart review of multidisciplinary surgeries for basal cell carcinomas that required a head and neck surgery specialist in a tertiary referral center was performed. Clinical-demographics and histopathological features were analyzed. Results Of 354 cases, perineural invasion was present in 23.1%. Larger tumors and morpheaform subtype were statistically related to perineural invasion. Nodular and superficial subtypes were less frequent in positive cases. No significant difference was found in gender, age, ulceration, location, and mixed histology. Conclusion In this series of selected patients with basal cell carcinomas submitted to major resections, perineural invasion was clearly related to morpheaform subtype and to larger tumors. Other classically associated features, such as location in high-risk mask zone of the face, male gender and mixed histology, were not so strongly linked to perineural invasion.

Resumo Introdução A invasão perineural é uma via independente de disseminação tumoral. Em carcinomas basocelulares, a incidência é baixa, mas aumenta em casos avançados. Sua importância é reconhecida, mas não completamente compreendida. Objetivo Comparar os carcinomas basocelulares com e sem invasão perineural. Método Estudo retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a cirurgias de grande porte, conduzido por equipes multidisciplinares em centro terciário de referência de câncer. Características demográficas e histopatológicas foram analisadas. Resultados De 354 casos, 23,1% apresentaram invasão perineural. Tumores com dimensão maior e subtipo esclerodermiforme foram significativamente mais associados a invasão perineural. Os subtipos nodular e superficial foram menos frequentes em casos positivos. Não houve diferença relacionada a sexo, idade, ulceração, localização e histologia mista. Conclusão Nesta série de casos selecionados de carcinomas basocelulares submetidos a grandes ressecções, a invasão perineural foi claramente relacionada ao subtipo esclerodermiforme e tumores de maior dimensão. Outros fatores classicamente associados, como localização em zona de alto risco, sexo masculino e histologia mista, não apresentaram essa associação de modo significativo.

Oncological results of surgical treatment versus organ-function preservation in larynx and hypopharynx câncer / Resultado oncológico de tratamento cirúrgico versus protocolo de preservação de órgão em câncer de laringe e hipofaringe

Summary Introduction: Since the beginning of the 1990s, non-surgical radiochemotherapy treatment has become popular with the prospect of maintaining oncological results and preserving the organ in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. However, subsequent studies demonstrated increased recurrence and mortality after the non-surgical treatment became popular. Objective: To compare the oncological results of surgical and non-surgical treatments of patients with larynx and hypopharynx cancer and to evaluate the variables associated with disease recurrence. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study of 134 patients undergoing surgical (total or partial laryngectomy) or non-surgical (isolated radiotherapy, chemotherapy or induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment, with 62 patients in the surgical group and 72 in the non-surgical group. Results: Disease-free survival rates were higher in the surgical group (81.7% vs. 62.2%; p=0.028), especially in III/IV stages (p=0.018), locally advanced tumors T3 and T4a (p=0.021) and N0/N1 cases (p=0.005). The presence of cervical lymph nodes, especially N2/N3, was considered a risk factor for disease recurrence in both groups (HR=11.82; 95CI 3.42-40.88; p<0.0001). Patients not undergoing surgical treatment were 3.8 times more likely to develop recurrence (HR=3.76; 95CI 1.27-11.14; p=0.039). Conclusion: Patients with larynx or hypopharynx cancer non-surgically treated had a poorer disease-free survival, especially in cases with locally advanced tumors (T3 and T4a) and in which the neck was only slightly affected (N0/N1).

Resumo Introdução: A partir de estudos do início dos anos 1990, popularizou-se o tratamento não cirúrgico com radioquimioterapia, com a perspectiva de manutenção do resultado oncológico e preservação do órgão em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular avançado de laringe e hipofaringe. Entretanto, estudos posteriores demonstraram aumento da recorrência e da mortalidade com a difusão do tratamento não cirúrgico. Objetivo: Comparar o resultado oncológico dos tratamentos cirúrgico e não cirúrgico de pacientes com câncer de laringe e hipofaringe e avaliar as variáveis associadas à recidiva de doença. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico (laringectomia total ou parcial) e não cirúrgico (radioterapia isolada, radioterapia concomitante a quimioterapia ou quimioterapia de indução seguida de radioterapia e quimioterapia) de 134 pacientes, sendo 62 no grupo cirúrgico e 72 no não cirúrgico. Resultados: As taxas de sobrevivência livre de doença foram maiores no grupo cirúrgico (81,7% vs. 62,2%; p=0,028), principalmente em estádios III/IV (p=0,018), tumores localmente avançados T3 e T4a (p=0,021) e casos N0/N1 (p=0,005). A presença de linfonodos cervicais, principalmente N2/N3, foi considerada fator de risco para recidiva de doença nos dois grupos (HR=11,82; IC95% 3,42-40,88; p<0,0001). Pacientes não submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico apresentaram 3,8 vezes mais chance de desenvolvimento de recidiva (HR=3,76; IC95% 1,27-11,14; p=0,017). Conclusão: Pacientes com câncer de laringe ou hipofaringe tratados de forma não cirúrgica tiveram menor sobrevivência livre de doença, especialmente nos tumores localmente avançados (T3 e T4a) e com pescoço pouco comprometido (N0/N1).

Deaths related to differentiated thyroid cancer: a rare but real event

ABSTRACT Objective The present study describes the clinical and tumor characteristics of patients that died from differentiated thyroid cancer and reports on the cause and circumstances of death in these cases. Subjects and methods Retrospective analysis of all the differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) related deaths at a single institution over a 5-year period, with a total of 33 patients. Results Most of the patients were female (63.6%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 58.2 years. The most common histologic type was papillary (66.7%) and 30.3% were follicular. The distribution according to the TNM classification was: 15.4% of T1; 7.7% T2; 38.4% T3; 19.2% of T4a and 19.2% of T4b. Forty-four percent of cases were N0; 20% N1a and 36.6% of N1b. Twelve patients were considered non-responsive to radioiodine. Only one of the patients did not have distant metastases. The most common metastatic site was the lung in 69.7%. The majority of deaths were due to pulmonary complications related to lung metastases (17 patients, 51.5%), followed by post-operative complications in 5 cases, neurological disease progression in 3 cases, local invasion and airway obstruction in one patient. Median survival between diagnosis and death was reached in 49 months while between disease progression and death it was at 22 months. Conclusion Mortality from DTC is extremely rare but persists, and the main causes of death derive from distant metastasis, especially respiratory failure due to lung metastasis. Once disease progression is established, median survival was only 22 months.

Substernal goiter and laryngopharyngeal reflux

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to compare the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux signs between two groups of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for voluminous goiter: substernal goiters and voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Subjects and methods A retrospective case-control study was performed with data retrieved of the charts of the patients submitted to thyroidectomies occurred at a tertiary care center (Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School) between 2010 and 2014. The selected thyroidectomies were allocated in two groups for study: patients with substernal goiters and patients with voluminous cervical goiter without thoracic extension. Cervical goiters were selected by ultrasonography mensuration. Clinical criterion was used to define substernal goiter. Results The average thyroid volume in patients with substernal goiter was significantly greater than the average volume in patients with only cervical goiter (p < 0.001). The prevalence of signs of reflux laryngitis at laryngoscopy was significantly greater in substernal goiter patients (p = 0.036). Moreover, substernal goiter was considered as the unique independent variable for high reflux laryngitis signs at laryngoscopy (OR = 2.75; CI95%: 1.05-7.20; p = 0.039) when compared to only cervical goiter patients. Conclusion This study shows a significant association between substernal goiters and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux at preoperative laryngoscopy. Therefore, when compared with voluminous cervical goiters, the substernal goiters increase the chance of reflux laryngitis signs in patients.

Surgical treatment for thyroid carcinoma: retrospective study with 811 patients in a Brazilian tertiary hospital

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of the present study was to describe the epidemiologic data, histological type, treatment and follow-up of the 811 patients treated for thyroid cancer in Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP) over 5 years. Materials and methods Retrospective analyses of electronic chart information. Results There were 679 cases (83.7%) of papillary thyroid cancer, 61 (7.5%) of follicular carcinoma, 54 (6.7%) of medullary carcinoma, 11 (1.4%) of poorly differentiated carcinoma and 6 of anaplastic carcinoma (0.7%). The majority of patients were female (82.2%), and the mean age was 50.5 ± 15 years. Two hundred forty-two patients had disease persistence or recurrence. At the last follow-up, 629 (77.6%) patients were alive and disease free, 141 (17.4%) were alive with disease, and 41 (5.1%) were deceased, with 37 deaths related to thyroid cancer. Conclusion This study was able to outline the profile, disease type and evolution of patients treated for thyroid cancer at a single tertiary hospital.

Postoperative calcium levels as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to identify a fast, efficient and low-cost method to diagnose hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.Materials and methodsOne hundred and forty medical records, which contained patients’ clinical and laboratory data, were retrospectively analyzed. Patient parathyroid hormone values, which were obtained immediately following operation, were compared with their ionized calcium levels the morning after surgery. This comparison was used to examine the correlation between the two variables in predicting hypoparathyroidism because measuring calcium levels is low-cost and more available in the hospitals compared to measuring parathormone (PTH) levels.ResultsThere was a positive and statistically significant correlation between PTH and ionized calcium values (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.456; p < 0.0001). The values of first postoperative day ionized calcium levels (stratified by the 1.10 mmol/l cut-off value) were tested as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism, and a PTH < 15 pg/mL obtained immediately following operation served as a reference. This analysis showed that ionized calcium levels measured on the first postoperative day had a sensitivity of 45.6% (95% CI 30.9-61.0%), a specificity of 88.9% (95% CI 80.5-94.5%) and an accuracy of 76.7% (95% CI 68.7-83.5%) as a diagnostic measure for hypoparathyroidism.ConclusionIn conclusion, we demonstrated that patients who had high ionized calcium levels on the first postoperative day also had high PTH levels immediately following operation and, therefore, they had lower rates of hypoparathyroidism.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: factors related to occult lymph node metastasis / Carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral: fatores relacionados à presença de metástases linfonodais ocultas

INTRODUCTION: Elective neck dissection is recommended in cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma without lymph node metastasis because of the risk of occult metastasis. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate predictive factors for occult lymph node metastasis in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma treated with elective neck dissection and their impact on overall and disease-free survival. METHODS: Forty surgically treated patients were retrospectively included. RESULTS: Ten cases (25%) had lymphatic metastasis. Of the studied variables, perineural and angiolymphatic invasion in addition to tumor thickness were statistically associated with lymph node metastasis. Only angiolymphatic invasion was identified as an independent risk factor for occult metastasis in the logistic regression (OR = 39.3; p = 0.002). There was no association between overall and disease-free survival with the presence of occult lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Metastatic disease rate was similar to that found in the literature. Perineural and angiolymphatic invasion and tumor thickness were associated with occult metastasis, but only angiolymphatic invasion showed to be an independent risk factor .

INTRODUÇÃO: O esvaziamento cervical eletivo é realizado de maneira sistemática nos casos de carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral sem linfonodos clinicamente comprometidos devido à alta incidência de metástases ocultas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral tratados com esvaziamento cervical eletivo quanto a fatores preditivos para ocorrência de metástases ocultas e o impacto das mesmas na sobrevivência global e livre de progressão destes pacientes. MÉTODO: Quarenta pacientes cirurgicamente tratados foram avaliados em estudo retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: Dez casos (25%) apresentaram metástases ocultas. Das variáveis analisadas, invasão perineural e angiolinfática e também a espessura tumoral foram estatisticamente significantes à análise univariada. Apenas a invasão angiolinfática foi fator independente de risco de metástases ocultas pela regressão logística (OR = 39,3; p = 0,002). A presença de metástase oculta não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante em relação às taxas de sobrevivência global e livre de progressão. CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de metástase oculta foi semelhante à literatura. A invasão perineural, angiolinfática e a espessura tumoral foram fatores associados à presença de metástase oculta, porém apenas a invasão angiolinfática apresentou-se como um fator de risco independente para ocorrência do fenômeno. .

Delayed postoperative radiation therapy in local control of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth / Retardo da radioterapia pós-operatória no controle local do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho de boca

Objective To evaluate the effect of time between surgery and postoperative radiation therapy on local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Methods A total of 154 patients treated between 1996 and 2007 were selected considering local recurrence rate and time of the adjuvant radiotherapy. Results Local recurrence was diagnosed in 54 (35%) patients. Radiation therapy reduced the rate of local recurrences, although with no statistical significance. The time between surgery and initiation of postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly influence the risk of local recurrence in patients referred to adjuvant treatment (p=0.49). Conclusion In the presence of risk factors for local recurrence, a short delay in starting the adjuvant radiation therapy does not contraindicate its performance. .

Objetivo Avaliar o efeito do tempo entre o tratamento cirúrgico e a radioterapia pós-operatória nas recidivas locais do carcinoma epidermoide de língua e soalho da boca. Métodos Foram selecionados 154 pacientes tratados entre 1996 e 2007, considerando a frequência das recidivas locais e o tempo para início da radioterapia adjuvante. Resultados As recidivas locais foram diagnosticadas em 54 (35%) pacientes. A radioterapia reduziu a frequência de recidivas locais, embora sem significância estatística. O tempo entre a cirurgia e o início da radioterapia pós-operatória não influenciaram, de forma significante, no risco de recidivas locais entre o pacientes que tinham indicação de tratamento adjuvante (p=0,49). Conclusão Na presença de fatores de risco para recidiva local, um pequeno atraso no início da radioterapia adjuvante não contra-indica sua realização. .

Successful parathyroid tissue autograft after 3 years of cryopreservation: a case report / Implante bem-sucedido de paratireoide criopreservada por 3 anos: relato de caso

After a total parathyroidectomy, well-established protocols for the cryopreservation of parathyroid tissue and for the delayed autograft of this tissue exist, especially in cases of secondary hiperparathyroidism (HPT) or familial or sporadic parathyroid hyperplasia. Although delayed autografts are effective, the published success rates vary from 10% to 83%. There are numerous factors that influence the viability, and therefore the success, of an autograft, including cryopreservation time. Certain authors believe that the tissue is only viable for 24 months, but there is no consensus on how long the parathyroid tissue can be preserved. A 63-year-old male who was diagnosed with sporadic multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and primary hyperparathyroidism, and was submitted to a total parathyroidectomy and an autograft in the forearm. The implant failed, and the patient developed severe hypoparathyroidism in the months following the surgery. Thirty-six months after the total parathyroidectomy, the cryopreserved autograft was successfully transplanted, and hypoparathyroidism was reversed (most recent systemic parathyroid hormone, PTH, of 36 pg/mL, and total calcium of 9.1 mg/dL; no oral calcium supplementation). The case presented here indicates that cryopreserved parathyroid tissue may remain viable after 24 months in storage, and may retain the capacity to reverse permanent postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. These data provide reasonable evidence that the time limit for cryopreservation remains undetermined and that additional research would be valuable. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):313-6.

O implante de tecido paratireoideano criopreservado após paratireoidectomia total é um procedimento bem estabelecido e, embora tenha sua eficácia comprovada, as taxas de sucesso variam de 10% a 83% na literatura. O tempo de criopreservação é um dos diversos fatores relacionados ao sucesso do implante. Alguns autores defendem que o tecido permanece viável até 24 meses de criopreservação, no entanto, não há consenso. Homem de 63 anos diagnosticado com neoplasia endócrina múltipla tipo I e hiperparatireoidismo primário foi submetido a paratireoidectomia total e autoimplante em membro superior. O implante falhou e o paciente desenvolveu hipoparatireoidismo. Após 36 meses da paratireoidectomia total, foi realizado o implante de paratireoide criopreservada, com sucesso. O hipoparatireoidismo foi revertido e o paciente permanece sem suplementação de cálcio e PTH sistêmico de 36 pg/mL e cálcio total de 9,1 mg/dL. O caso apresentado mostra que o tecido paratireoideano criopreservado pode permanecer viável após 24 meses e há possibilidade de reverter o hipoparatireoidismo pós-cirúrgico. Isso traz evidência de que o tempo limite de criopreservação permanece incerto e que novas pesquisas seriam de grande valia. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(3):313-6.

Malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the thyroid: a case-report and review of the literature / Tumor fibroso solitário maligno da tiroide: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle-cell neoplasm that most often involves the pleura, rarely occurring in extra-thoracic locations. Twenty-six cases of SFT arising in the thyroid gland have been described. We report a case of a 60-year-old woman presenting an 8-month history of enlargement of the neck associated with dysphagia. The patient underwent a right hemithyroidectomy and SFT of the thyroid was diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for CD34 marker, and the high number of mitoses and the presence of cellular atypia suggested that the tumor was malignant. To our knowledge, this is the second case of malignant SFT of the thyroid gland ever reported. Due to the rarity of these tumors, the indication of adjuvant therapy and prognosis are uncertain. Long-term follow-up after surgical resection seems to be advisable.

O tumor fibroso solitário (SFT) é uma neoplasia rara de células fusiformes que mais frequentemente envolve a pleura, raramente ocorrendo em áreas extratorácicas. Já foram descritos 26 casos de SFT da tiroide. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 60 anos de idade com um histórico de 8 meses de aumento do pescoço associado à disfagia. A paciente foi submetida a uma hemitiroidectomia direita e foi diagnosticado um SFT de tiroide. A imuno-histoquímica mostrou resultados positivos para o marcador CD34, e o grande número de mitoses e a presença de atipia celular sugerem que o tumor era maligno. Em nosso conhecimento, este é o segundo caso de STF da tiroide maligno já relatado. Dada a rara ocorrência desses tumores, a indicação de tratamento adjuvante e o prognóstico são incertos. Recomenda-se o acompanhamento de longo prazo depois da ressecção cirúrgica.

Papel da imuno-histoquimica no diagnostico de adenopatias cervicais malignas / Value of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of malignant cervical lymph nodes

As adenopatias cervicais constituem importante condição clínica, devido à grande variedade de diagnósticos diferenciais que englobam. O uso da imuno-histoquímica tornou-se importante método auxiliar na avaliação diagnóstica de lesões linfonodais, tanto primárias como secundárias. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso da imuno-histoquímica no diagnóstico de malignidade nas biópsias de linfonodos. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado de 2009 a 2011, com base nos resultados anatomopatológicos arquivados de biópsias de linfonodos. RESULTADOS: A casuística constituiu-se de 32 casos de biópsias de linfonodos, com uso de imuno-histoquímica em 50% (16) casos, dos quais 68,75% foram de linhagem hematogênica e 31,25%, de carcinomas. O método foi utilizado em todos os casos de linfoma. CONCLUSÃO: A imuno-histoquímica foi utilizada em 50% dos casos de biópsias de linfonodos suspeitos de malignidade, sendo em lesões de linhagem epitelial em 31,25% e, para linhagem hematopoiética, em 68,75% dos casos. .

The cervical lymph nodes are relevant due to the diversity of clinical entities. The use of immunohistochemistry is a real method to elucidate the diagnosis of adenopathy, both primary and metastatic neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of cervical lymph nodes malignancies. METHOD: Retrospective study of the database histopathological specimens from 2009 to 2011. RESULTS: Out of 32 biopsies of cervical lymph nodes, in 16 (50%) the immunohistochemistry was employed, being 68.75% (11) in hematological neoplasms and 31.25% (5) in carcinomas. It was used in all cases of lymphoma. CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemistry was used in 50% of the biopsies of lymph nodes under suspicion of malignancy, being 31.25% in epithelial lesions and 68.75% in lymphoproliferative lesions. .

Conflitos de interesses na pesquisa médico-farmacológica / Conflicts of interest in the medical pharmacological research

A pesquisa médico-farmacológica clínica corresponde à aplicação experimental de determinada droga em seres humanos. Seu controle visa proteger os sujeitos de efeitos adversos inaceitáveis e de ineficiência do medicamento testado diante de outras possibilidades mais eficientes. Parcerias entre a indústria farmacêutica e pesquisadores externos estabelecem potenciais conflitos de interesses. Consulta bibliográfica realizada neste estudo indica que pesquisas com financiamento da indústria farmacêutica têm proporção mais alta de resultados favoráveis e que os conflitos de interesses representam vieses, podendo alterar resultados. Há estudos que comparam a eficácia de diferentes drogas e outros que comparam seus custos. Mesmo resultados negativos devem ser publicados. Conclui que o setor privado deve financiar a ciência para beneficiar o ser humano, especialmente no combate à doença; no entanto, deve manter empenho em financiar as pesquisas sem influenciar seus desenhos, resultados e destinações, caminhando em direção ao respeito à dignidade da pessoa.

The clinical medical pharmacological research corresponds to the experimental application of specific drug in human beings. Such application aims to protect them from unacceptable adverse effects and its inefficiencywhen comparing with other possibilities, more efficient. Partnerships between the pharmaceutical industryand external researchers establish potential conflict of interest. Literature use for this work indicates that researches performed under the sponsorship of pharmaceutical industry have a high rate of favorable results,and the conflicts of interest represent gaps which may interfere the result. There are studies that compare theefficiency of different drugs, whereas others compare their costs. All results should be published, even whennegative. The present work concludes that the private sector must sponsor the science in order to improve human beings, especially to avoid diseases. However, it must keep its engagement in sponsoring the research withany influence on its methods, results and application, for a respectful understanding of the dignity of a person.

Valor prognostico da metastase regional no carcinoma epidermoide de lingua e soalho bucal / Prognostic value of regional metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of mouth

A presença da metástase linfonodal é um fator limitante da sobrevida no câncer da boca. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as causas de falha no tratamento dos carcinomas de língua e soalho de boca em função do estadiamento. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 365 casos de carcinoma epidermoide de boca, tratados de 1978 a 2007, sendo 48 T1, 156 T2, 98 T3 e 63 T4, dos quais 193 foram pNo e 172 pN+. RESULTADOS: Entre os casos pN+, foram observados 17/46 recidivas (36,9%) nos casos não irradiados e 46/126 (36,5%) nos casos irradiados. Quanto aos resgates, nos casos pN0, obtivemos 16/51 (31,3%) e, nos pacientes pN+, de 3/77 (3,9%). CONCLUSÃO: O sucesso dos resgates é menor em pacientes com pN+, com maior recidiva local e menor sobrevida. .

The presence of metastatic nodes is a survival-limiting factor for patients with mouth tumors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes of treatment failure in carcinomas of the tongue and floor of the mouth due to staging. METHOD: This study included 365 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth treated from 1978 to 2007; 48 were staged as T1, 156 as T2, 98 as T3, and 63 as T4, of which 193 were pNo and 172 pN+. RESULTS: Among the pN+ cases, 17/46 (36.9%) of the patients not treated with radiation therapy had relapsing tumors, against 46/126 (36.5 %) of the patients who underwent radiation therapy. Success rates in the group of subjects submitted to salvage procedures were 16/51 (31.3%) for pN0 patients and 3/77 (3.9%) for pN+ patients. CONCLUSION: Salvage procedure success and survival rates are lower for pN+ patients; pN+ individuals also have more relapsing local disease. .

Indicações e limites da imunoistoquímica no câncer de cabeça e pescoço / Indications and pitfalls of immunohistochemistry in head and neck cancer

O estudo imunoistoquímico tem sido empregado para a avaliação do diagnóstico diferencial de neoplasia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o uso do método nos casos de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de casos do Registro Hospitalar de Câncer da instituição. RESULTADOS: De 704 resultados anatomopatológicos, a imunoistoquímica foi realizada em 76 (11%). A maioria correspondeu a carcinomas - 85,80% e, destes, 83,66% eram epidermoides. Todos os exames foram para fins diagnósticos. Houve maior frequência para o uso de 34BE12 (37,18%), AE1/AE3 (35,90%), 35BH11 (28,21%), CD45 (25,64%), CD20 (24,36%), CD30 (24,36%), CK7 (23,08%) e CD3 (23,08%). CONCLUSÃO: A imunoistoquímica foi usada em 10,67% dos casos de câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos a exame anatomopatológico, sendo maior para os carcinomas -- 5,26%. Na determinação do carcinoma epidermoide, seu uso foi de 18,42% do total de neoplasias.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been employed in the differential diagnosis of tumors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of IHC in cases of head and neck tumor. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of the cases included in the Cancer Registry of the institution. RESULTS: IHC was used in 76 (11%) of 704 pathology tests. Most cases were carcinomas (85.80%), and 83.66% of them were squamous cell carcinomas. All tests were done with diagnostic purposes. The most frequently used antibodies were 34BE12 (37.18%), AE1/AE3 (35.9%), 35BH11 (28.21%), CD45 (25.64%), CD20 (24.36%), CD30 (24.36%), CK7 (23.08%) and CD3 (23.08%). CONCLUSIONS: IHC was used in 10.67% of the head and neck tumor cases submitted to pathology testing, mostly for carcinoma (5.26%). In the determination of squamous cell carcinoma, IHC accounted for 18.42% of all tumors.

Avaliação epidemiológica e da resposta terapêutica no câncer da hipofaringe / Epidemiological assessment and therapeutic response in hypopharyngeal cancer

Apesar da baixa incidência, avanços diagnóstico e terapêutico, o câncer de hipofaringe ainda possui elevada mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente o perfil epidemiológico e a resposta bà cirurgia e rádio/quimioterapia de pacientes portadores de câncer de hipofaringe. MÉTODO: Foram analisados prontuários de 114 pacientes atendidos entre 2002 e 2009 em um hospital terciário com o diagnóstico histopatológico de carcinoma epidermoide. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi 57 anos; 94,7% eram do sexo masculino e 5,3%, do feminino; 98,2% eram tabagistas e 92% etilistas; 72% analfabetos ou com 1º grau incompleto. As queixas principais foram: nódulo cervical (28%), dor e disfagia (22%), odinofagia (12,2%), disfonia (7,8%). O estádio clínico foi: I (1,7%), II (3,5%), III (18,4%), IV (76,3%). O tratamento foi realizado com rádio e quimioterapia exclusivas em 35%, com sobrevida média em 2 anos de 20% e 5 anos de 18%, cirurgia seguida de rádio e quimioterapia em 22,8% com sobrevida em 2 anos de 60,0% e 5 anos 55,0%, quimioterapia exclusiva em 2,6%, e 39,4% sem tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes já apresentava estádios clínicos avançados e, independentemente da opção terapêutica, apresentam baixa sobrevida, confirmando mau prognóstico desta neoplasia.

Despite the low incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic advances, hypopharyngeal cancer still has high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the epidemiological profile and response to surgery and radiation/chemotherapy of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 114 patients treated between 2002 and 2009 in a tertiary hospital with histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 years, 94.7% were males and 5.3% females, 98.2% were smokers and 92% consumed alcohol; 72% are illiterate or did not complete first grade schooling. The main complaints were: neck node (28%), pain and dysphagia (22%), odynophagia (12.2%), dysphonia (7.8%). The clinical staging was: I (1.7%), II (3.5%), III (18.4%), IV (76.3%). The treatment was carried out with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone in 35%, with mean 2-year survival of 20% and 5-year survival of 18%; surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 22.8% with 2-year survival of 60.0% and 5 years of 55.0%; chemotherapy alone in 2.6%, and 39.4% without treatment. CONCLUSION: Most patients already had advanced clinical stages and independent of the treatment option, had a low survival rate, confirming the poor prognosis of this neoplasm.

A densidade do linfonodo metastático como fator prognóstico no carcinoma espinocelular da língua e soalho bucal / The density of metastatic lymph node as prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth

A presença de linfonodos metastáticos é aspecto relevante no prognóstico do câncer bucal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a densidade do linfonodo metastático (pN+) em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de língua e soalho bucal e sua relação com a sobrevida livre de doença (SLD). MÉTODOS: De 1985 a 2007, 182 pacientes foram avaliados, dos quais 169 eram homens, sendo cinco estádio I, 35 estádio II, 56 estádio III e 85 estádio IV. A densidade do linfonodo foi mensurada por meio de sua mediana e a SLD pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a diferença de grupo pelo teste log-rank. RESULTADOS:Após média de dissecção de 3,2 linfonodos metastáticos com pacientes, a densidade variou de 0,009 a 0,4, com média 0,09. A SLD a 5 anos foi de 44% e 28% para grupos com densidade linfonodal abaixo e acima da mediana (p = 0,006). O controle loco-regional a 2 anos foi de 71% e 49% para os casos com densidade abaixo e acima da mediana (p = 0,01). Quanto ao estádio pN, o controle loco-regional foi de 70% e 54% para os casos pN1 e pN2, sem significância estatística (0,20%). CONCLUSÃO: A densidade linfonodal pode ser utilizada como indicador prognóstico no CEC de língua e soalho bucal.

The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant prognostic factor in oral cancer. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assess metastatic lymph node density (pN+) in patients with tongue and floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the association of this parameter with disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 182 patients seen between 1985 and 2007 was included, 169 of which were males. Five were on stage I, 35 on stage II, 56 on stage III, and 85 on stage IV. Median values were considered in lymph node density assessment, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate DFS; survival differences within the group were elicited through the log-rank test. RESULTS: An average 3.2 metastatic lymph nodes were excised from the patients in the group. Density ranged from 0.009 to 0.4, with a mean value of 0.09. Five-year DFS rates were of 44% and 28% for the groups with lymph node densities below and above the median respectively (p = 0.006). Two-year local/regional control was achieved for 71% and 49% for the patients below and above the median density respectively (p = 0.01). In terms of pN staging, local/regional control was achieved in 70% and 54% of pN1 and pN2 patients respectively, albeit without statistical significance (0.20%). CONCLUSION: Lymph node density may be used as a prognostic indicator for tongue and floor-of-mouth SCC.