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Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and... Feb 2024Detecting new pulmonary metastases by comparing serial computed tomography (CT) scans is crucial, but a repetitive and time-consuming task that burdens the radiologists'...
BACKGROUND
Detecting new pulmonary metastases by comparing serial computed tomography (CT) scans is crucial, but a repetitive and time-consuming task that burdens the radiologists' workload. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a nodule-matching algorithm with deep learning-based computer-aided detection (DL-CAD) in diagnosing new pulmonary metastases on cancer surveillance CT scans.
METHODS
Among patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy between 2014 and 2018, 65 new pulmonary metastases missed by interpreting radiologists on cancer surveillance CT (Time 2) were identified after a retrospective comparison with the previous CT (Time 1). First, DL-CAD detected nodules in Time 1 and Time 2 CT images. All nodules detected at Time 2 were initially considered metastasis candidates. Second, the nodule-matching algorithm was used to assess the correlation between the nodules from the two CT scans and to classify the nodules at Time 2 as "new" or "pre-existing". Pre-existing nodules were excluded from metastasis candidates. We evaluated the performance of DL-CAD with the nodule-matching algorithm, based on its sensitivity, false-metastasis candidates per scan, and positive predictive value (PPV).
RESULTS
A total of 475 lesions were detected by DL-CAD at Time 2. Following a radiologist review, the lesions were categorized as metastases (n=54), benign nodules (n=392), and non-nodules (n=29). Upon comparison of nodules at Time 1 and 2 using the nodule-matching algorithm, all metastases were classified as new nodules without any matching errors. Out of 421 benign lesions, 202 (48.0%) were identified as pre-existing and subsequently excluded from the pool of metastasis candidates through the nodule-matching algorithm. As a result, false-metastasis candidates per CT scan decreased by 47.9% (from 7.1 to 3.7, P<0.001) and the PPV increased from 11.4% to 19.8% (P<0.001), while maintaining sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
The nodule-matching algorithm improves the diagnostic performance of DL-CAD for new pulmonary metastases, by lowering the number of false-metastasis candidates without compromising sensitivity.
PubMed: 38415154
DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1174 -
Case Reports in Oncology 2024Rarely solitary sternum metastases are addressed by resection. Two additional cases are presented as they are interesting because of their long-term follow-up.
INTRODUCTION
Rarely solitary sternum metastases are addressed by resection. Two additional cases are presented as they are interesting because of their long-term follow-up.
CASE PRESENTATION
Case 1: A renal cell carcinoma was treated by transabdominal nephrectomy at age 64. Right iliac bone and sternum metastases were diagnosed 7 months later and treated by internal hemipelvectomy followed by sternum metastasectomy 6 weeks after the internal hemipelvectomy. At 12-year follow-up, the patient appears disease free. Case 2: Prostate cancer was treated by prostatectomy at age 67. A subsequent solitary sternum metastasis was resected 10 years later for persistent PSA-activity despite repeated radiotherapy. The patient remains asymptomatic for 3 years now.
CONCLUSION
Resection of sternum metastases may have curative potential and should be considered in tumours known to be rather resistant to chemo- and/or radiotherapy.
PubMed: 38404407
DOI: 10.1159/000536350 -
Cancers Feb 2024Complete metastasectomy (CM) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has demonstrated efficacy in the cytokine era, but its effectiveness in the era of tyrosine kinase...
Impact of Complete Surgical Resection of Metastatic Lesions in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Era of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.
Complete metastasectomy (CM) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has demonstrated efficacy in the cytokine era, but its effectiveness in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains unclear. A multi-institutional database included clinicopathological data of 367 patients with mRCC. Patients were divided into two groups: the CM group and the non-CM group. These two groups were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Cox proportional hazard models were used to detect factors associated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) from mRCC diagnosis. The CM group showed a significant association with longer overall survival compared to the non-CM group in the PSM-unadjusted cohorts ( < 0.001, hazard ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.35-0.69), but no superiority was noted in the adjusted cohorts. The median DFS after CM was 24 months, with no significant differences based on relapse timing. Notably, the international metastatic RCC database consortium risk categories and metastatic burden were associated with DFS. This study supports the potential of CM in mRCC management during the TKI/ICI era, although limitations including sample size and selection bias need to be considered.
PubMed: 38398232
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040841 -
Cancers Feb 2024Adrenalectomy is commonly considered a curative treatment in case of adrenal gland as site of metastasis. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of primary tumor...
Adrenalectomy is commonly considered a curative treatment in case of adrenal gland as site of metastasis. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of primary tumor histology on survival outcomes after a minimally invasive adrenal mastectomy for a solitary metachronous metastasis. From May 2004 to August 2020, we prospectively collected data on minimally invasive adrenalectomies whose pathological examination showed a metastasis. All patients only received metastasectomies that were performed with curative intent, or to achieve non-evidence of disease status. Adjuvant systemic therapy was not administered in any case. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were applied to identify independent predictors of CSS. Out of 235 laparoscopic and robotic adrenalectomies, the pathologic report showed metastases in 60 cases. The primary histologies included 36 (60%) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 9 (15%) lung cancer, 6 (10%) colon cancer, 4 (6.7%) sarcoma, 3 (5%) melanoma and 2 (3.3%) bladder cancer. RCC displayed significantly longer survival rates with a 5-year CSS of 55.9%, versus 22.8% for other histologies (log-rank = 0.01). At univariable analysis, disease-free interval (defined as the time from adrenalectomy to evidence of disease progression) < 12 months and histology were predictors of CSS ( = 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). At multivariable Cox analysis, the only independent predictor of CSS was primary tumor histology ( = 0.005); patients with adrenal metastasis from colon cancer and bladder cancer showed a 5.3- and 75.5-fold increased risk of cancer death, respectively, compared to patients who had RCC as primary tumor histology. Oncological outcomes of adrenal metastasectomies are strongly influenced by primary tumor histology. A proper discussion of the role of surgery in a multidisciplinary context could provide optimal treatment strategies.
PubMed: 38398154
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040763 -
Cancers Feb 2024Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) commonly metastasizes to the lungs, and pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is utilized due to limited systemic options.
BACKGROUND
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) commonly metastasizes to the lungs, and pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is utilized due to limited systemic options.
METHODS
All ACC patients with initially only lung metastases (LM) from a single institution constituted this observational case series. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses evaluated the association with potential prognostic factors and outcomes. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of the PM or, in those patients who did not undergo surgery, from the development of LM.
RESULTS
A total of 75 ACC patients over a 45-year period met the criteria; 52 underwent PM, and 23 did not. The patients undergoing PM had a median OS of 3.1 years (95% CI: 2.4, 4.7 years) with the 5- and 10-year OS being 35.5% and 32.8%, respectively. The total resected LM did not impact the OS nor the DFS. The patients who developed LM after 11 months from the initial ACC resection had an improved OS (4.2 years; 95% CI: 3.2, NR; = 0.0096) compared to those developing metastases earlier (2.4 years; 95% CI: 1.6, 2.8). Patients who underwent PM within 11 months of adrenalectomy demonstrated a reduced OS (2.2 years; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.7) compared to those after 11 months (3.6 years, 95% CI: 2.6, NR; = 0.0045). PM may provide benefit to those patients with LM at presentation (HR: 0.5; = 0.2827), with the time to first PM as a time-varying covariate.
CONCLUSIONS
PM appears to have a role in ACC patients. The number of nodules should not be an exclusion factor. Patients developing LM within a year of primary tumor resection may benefit from waiting before further surgeries, which may provide additional insight into who may benefit from PM.
PubMed: 38398093
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040702 -
Surgical Innovation Apr 2024Precise preoperative localization of liver tumors facilitates successful surgical procedures, Intraoperative ultrasonography is a sensitive imaging modality. However,...
BACKGROUND
Precise preoperative localization of liver tumors facilitates successful surgical procedures, Intraoperative ultrasonography is a sensitive imaging modality. However, the presence of small non-palpable isoechoic intraparenchymal lesions may be challenging intraoperatively.
METHODOLOGY AND MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
Onyx® is a non-adhesive liquid agent comprised of ethylene-vinyl alcohol usually used dissolved in dimethyl-sulfoxide and suspended micronized tantalum powder to provide contrast for visualization under fluoroscopy and ultrasonography and a macroscopic black shape. This embolization material has been increasingly used for the embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. We present the novel application of Onyx® on liver surgery.
CURRENT STATUS
We present the case of a female, 55 years-old, whose medical history revealed an elective sigmoidectomy (pT3N1a). After 17 months of follow up, by PET-CT scan, the patient was diagnosed of a small intraparenchymal hypo-attenuated 13 mm tumor located at segment V consistent with metachronous colorectal liver metastasis. Open metastasectomy was performed, ultrasonography-guided Onyx® infusion was delivered the day after, intraoperative ultrasonography showed a palpable hyperechoic material with a posterior acoustic shadowing artifact around the lesion. Onyx® is a promising new tool, without any previous application on liver surgery, feasible with advantages in small not palpable intraparenchymal liver lesions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Embolization, Therapeutic; Liver Neoplasms; Polyvinyls; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38387870
DOI: 10.1177/15533506241236732 -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology Apr 2024Over the past decades, the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer has evolved dramatically due to improvements in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, and the... (Review)
Review
Over the past decades, the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer has evolved dramatically due to improvements in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique, and the addition of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Fractionation of neoadjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy remains the subject of discussion and the question multiple recent trials have aimed to answer. In light of recent data and concern for locoregional recurrence, our institution favors long-course chemoradiation in most cases, especially in low-lying primaries, threatened circumferential resection margin, consideration of non-operative management, or if the surgeon has concerns for resectability. Exceptions would include cases of oligometastatic disease planned for metastasectomy in which curative-intent treatment was pursued or if additional factors required a reduction in treatment time.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Rectal Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Chemoradiotherapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38386240
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01185-5 -
Annals of Surgery Feb 2024To critically examine the evidence-base for survival benefit of Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) for Osteosarcoma (OS) in the paediatric population.
OBJECTIVE
To critically examine the evidence-base for survival benefit of Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) for Osteosarcoma (OS) in the paediatric population.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
PM for OS is recommended as standard of care in both paediatric and adult treatment protocols. Recent results from the PulMiCC trial demonstrate no survival benefit from Pulmonary Metastasectomy (PM) in Colorectal Cancer in adults.
METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase and 2 clinical trials registers were searched for ALL STUDIES detailing paediatric OS patients (<18 y) undergoing PM with a comparison cohort group that did not receive PM.
RESULTS
Eleven studies met inclusion criteria dating from 1984 - 2017. All studies were retrospective and none directly compared PM versus No PM in paediatric patients as its main objective(s). Three-year survival rates ranged from 0-54% for PM and 0-16% for no PM. No PM patients were usually those with unresectable disease and/or considered to have a poor prognosis. All studies were at high risk of bias and there was marked heterogeneity in the patient selection.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a weak evidence-base (Level IV) for a survival benefit of PM for OS in paediatric patients likely due to selection bias of 'favourable cases'. The included studies many of which detailed outdated treatment protocols were not designed in their reporting to specifically address the questions directly. A randomised controlled trial - whilst ethically challenging in a paediatric population - incorporating modern OS chemotherapy protocols is needed to crucially address any 'survival benefit'.
PubMed: 38375639
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006239 -
The Journal of Surgical Research Apr 2024Intraoperative cryoablation of intercostal thoracic nerves is gaining popularity as a technique that decreases postoperative pain in thoracic surgery. Our study... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Intraoperative cryoablation of intercostal thoracic nerves is gaining popularity as a technique that decreases postoperative pain in thoracic surgery. Our study evaluates the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in pain management of pediatric cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy.
METHODS
We reviewed cancer patients undergoing thoracotomies for pulmonary metastasis resection at our children's hospital from 2017 to 2023. Patients who received cryoablation were compared to those who did not. Our primary outcomes were self-reported postoperative pain scores (from 0 to 10) and opioid consumption, measured as oral morphine equivalent per kilogram.
RESULTS
Thirty eight procedures were performed in 17 patients, of which 11 (64.7%) were males. Cryoablation was used in 14 (32.4%) procedures, while it was not in 24 (67.6%). Median age (17 y in both groups, P = 0.84) and length of surgery (300 cryoablation versus 282 no cryoablation, P = 0.65) were similar between the groups. Patients treated with cryoablation had a shorter hospital stay compared to those who did not (3.0 versus 4.5 d, respectively, P = 0.04) and received a lower total dose of opioids (2.2 oral morphine equivalent per kilogram versus 14.4, P = 0.004). No significant difference was noted in daily pain scores between the two groups (3.8 cryoablation versus 3.9 no cryoablation, P = 0.93). There was no difference in rates of readmissions between the cryoablation and no-cryoablation groups (14.3% versus 8.3%, P = 0.55).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that cryoablation of the thoracic nerves during a thoracotomy is associated with reduced opiate consumption and shorter hospital stay. Cryoablation appears to be a promising technique for pain management in this patient population.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Female; Analgesics, Opioid; Cryosurgery; Metastasectomy; Length of Stay; Retrospective Studies; Pain, Postoperative; Morphine; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38364698
DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.01.044 -
ESMO Open Feb 2024Treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is rapidly evolving for patients with solid tumors. Following metastasectomy, TILs (autologous, intratumoral CD4+...
BACKGROUND
Treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is rapidly evolving for patients with solid tumors. Following metastasectomy, TILs (autologous, intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with the potential to recognize tumor-associated antigens) are isolated and non-specifically expanded ex vivo in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Subsequently, the TILs are adoptively transferred to the patients after a preconditioning non-myeloablative, lymphodepleting chemotherapy regimen, followed by administration of high-dose (HD) IL-2. Here, we provide an overview of known cardiac risks associated with TIL treatment and report on seven patients presenting with cardiac symptoms, all with different clinical course and diagnostic findings during treatment with lymphodepleting chemotherapy, TIL, and HD IL-2, and propose a set of clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management of these symptoms.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This single-center, retrospective study included selected patients who experienced TIL treatment-related cardiac symptoms at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. In addition, 12 patients were included who received TIL in the clinical trial setting without experiencing cardiac symptoms, from whom complete cardiac biomarker follow-up during treatment was available [creatine kinase (CK), CK-myocardial band, troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide].
RESULTS
Within our TIL patient population, seven illustrative cases were chosen from the patients who developed symptoms suspected of severe cardiotoxicity: myocarditis, myocardial infarction, peri-myocarditis, atrial fibrillation, acute dyspnea, and two cases of heart failure. An overview of their clinical course, diagnostics carried out, and management of the symptoms is provided.
CONCLUSIONS
In the absence of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of TIL therapy-associated cardiotoxicity, we provided an overview of literature, case descriptions, and recommendations for diagnosis and management to help physicians in daily practice, as the number of patients qualifying for TIL treatment is rapidly increasing.
Topics: Humans; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating; Interleukin-2; Myocarditis; Retrospective Studies; Disease Progression
PubMed: 38364453
DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102383