Metastatic Disease (metastatic + disease)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Conjunctival Melanoma: The Role of Conservative Surgery and Radiotherapy in Regional Metastatic Disease

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2005
Taran Tatla MRCS
Abstract Objective: To evaluate prognostic factors and determine the role of conservative surgery and radiotherapy in managing metastatic conjunctival malignant melanoma (MM) involving preauricular/submandibular lymph nodes. Method: A retrospective analysis (1990,2003) of clinical and histopathologic data from 12 patients presenting with regional metastases after failed local treatment for conjunctival MM. Patients received a common, multispecialty, conservative management approach: wide local excision, topical cryotherapy or radiotherapy to conjunctival MM (orbital exenteration for more advanced local disease), lumpectomy, and adjuvant "ring" radiotherapy of regional metastases, with chemotherapy for distant metastases. Results: Median age at primary diagnosis was 51 (range 28,86) years with equal sex predilection. Six of the 12 patients had primary tumors of the bulbar conjunctiva; the remainder arose in the palpebral conjunctiva, the caruncle, or the fornix. Of 11 originating in primary acquired melanosis (PAM), 2 were amelanotic. Epithelioid tumor cells were noted histologically in seven of eight specimens in which cell type could be determined. Eight tumors metastasised to preauricular nodes, three to submandibular and one to both, with a median interval of 23 (range 12,108) months after primary diagnosis. After conservative surgery and "ring irradiation," 7 of 12 patients remained free of regional nodal relapse at median interval of 16 (range 3,126) months. Five patients developed regional nodal recurrence at median interval of 11 (range 6,13) months, 3 of whom were within radiotherapy portals. Eight patients developed distant metastasis at median interval of 44 (range 22,138) months. Eleven patients had tumor-related death. The mean Kaplan-Meier adjusted survival time after primary diagnosis was 76 months with death ensuing postregional metastasis within a median 18 (range 4,127) months. The sole survivor's follow-up duration was 56 months. Conclusion: Locoregional metastasis after treatment for conjunctival MM is associated with a poor prognosis. Both epithelioid tumor cells and PAM are associated with disseminating disease and poorer outcome. Literature review has failed to demonstrate advantages of mutilating radical surgery over a conservative approach in this rare disease. [source]


Treatment of an osteoblastic osteosarcoma in an aged gelding

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 4 2010
T. Springer
Summary A 27-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was examined for a right nasal mass visible inside the right nares. Airflow through the right nostril was absent. Endoscopy and radiography revealed the mass to occupy the entire right nasal passage. Nasal biopsies were inconclusive, so en bloc resection was performed. A diagnosis of an incompletely resected osteoblastic osteosarcoma was made. Endoscopic biopsies performed 4 weeks post surgery revealed osteosarcoma cells present in the caudal right nasal cavity. Metastatic disease was not present in mandibular lymph node aspirates or on thoracic radiographs. The right nasal passage was irradiated with 12 treatments over the course of 4 weeks. Comfort and quality of life were excellent during treatment and no adverse side effects were noted. Endoscopy and follow-up biopsies at 1, 2, 4, 12 and 14 months post radiation therapy have not found any evidence of regrowth of the osteosarcoma. [source]


Development of a swine model of secondary liver tumor from a genetically induced swine fibroblast cell line

HPB, Issue 3 2008
R. Abbas
Abstract Aim. Metastatic disease is the most common liver tumor. Although alternative therapies have been developed for non-surgical candidates, those therapies lacked ideal testing prior to clinical application because of a paucity of large animal models. The purpose of the present study was to develop a model for secondary liver tumor in a large animal. Material and methods. Fibroblasts were isolated from swine ear lobules and then transfected with amphotrophic retroviruses encoding human or murine genetic material (hTERT, p53DD, cyclinD-1, CDK4R24C, Myc T58A, RasG12V). Transformed cell lines were finally inoculated subcutaneously (s.c.) into: 1) immunodeficient mice (nude), 2) immunocompetent mice (wild type), 3) immunosuppressed swine (under tacrolimus or corticosteroids), 4) immunocompetent swine, and 5) into the liver and portal circulation of swine under steroid-based immunosuppression. Results. In the murine model, tumor growth was evident in 100% of the nude mice (n=5), with a peak size of 20 mm (15.22±4.5 mm; mean±SD) at the time of sacrifice (3 weeks). Tumor growth was evident in 71% of the wild mice (n=21), with a peak size of 7.8 mm (4.19±1.1 mm) by the third week of growth. In the swine model, tumor growth was evident in 75% (3/4 ears; n=2) of swine under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression versus 50% of swine under steroids-based immunosuppression (n=2). Tumor growth was slow in two animals, while in one animal the tumor was larger with a peak growth of 42 mm at 3 weeks. The tumor pattern in the ear lobules was characterized by slow growth, with a peak size of 6,8 mm in the immunocompetent swine at 3 weeks. All tumors were shown to be malignant by histology. In contrast, inoculums of the transformed fibroblast cell line in swine livers showed no evidence of tumor growth at 3 weeks. Conclusions. Development of a transformed swine fibroblast cell line was successful, resulting in an in vivo malignant tumor. Cell line inoculums had tumorigenic properties in nude mice, wild-type mice, and immunosuppressed swine, as judged by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of surrounding tissue, neoangiogenesis, and invasion of normal vasculature, resulting in the formation of tumor nodules. Such properties were not observed in swine upon inoculation into the liver/portal circulation. [source]


Analysis of prognostic factors in ewing sarcoma family of tumors

CANCER, Issue 2 2007
Review of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital studies
Abstract BACKGROUND. Advances in systemic and local therapies have improved outcomes for patients with the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). As new treatments are developed, a critical review of data from past treatment eras is needed to identify clinically relevant risk groups. METHODS. The authors reviewed the records of 220 patients with ESFT who were treated on protocols at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1979 to 2004. Two treatment eras were defined. Factors predictive of outcome were analyzed to identify distinct risk groups. RESULTS. The median age at diagnosis was 13.7 years (range, 1.1,25.2 years). Metastatic disease was associated with tumors measuring >8 cm (P = .002) and axial location (P = .014). The 5-year overall survival (OS) estimate (63.5% ± 3.5%) did not appear to differ by protocol. Tumor stage and size were found to be the only independent predictors of outcome. Treatment era and type of local control therapy were found to influence the outcome of patients with localized disease. Four risk groups were defined: favorable risk (age <14 years with localized, nonpelvic tumors), intermediate risk (localized, age ,14 years, or pelvic tumors), unfavorable-pulmonary (isolated lung metastases), and unfavorable-extrapulmonary (extrapulmonary metastases). The 5-year OS estimates for these groups were 88.1% ± 4.4%, 64.9% ± 5.2%, 53.8% ± 9.4%, and 27.2% ± 7.3%, respectively (P < .001). The incidence of therapy-related leukemia was significantly higher during the second treatment era, when more intensified regimens were used (6.1% ± 2.7% vs 0% ± 0%; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS. Risk stratification schemes such as this should be used to prospectively evaluate novel risk-based therapies. Studies of biologic pathways may help to refine this model. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source]


Metastatic disease in small uveal melanomas : retrospective review of 368 patients

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009
L DESJARDINS
Purpose To determine the metastatic rate and survival curves of small uveal melanomas and find the smallest uveal melanoma associated with metastatic disease. Methods We studied uveal melanomas patients treated with radiotherapy in Curie Institute between 1992 and 2004. We selected the tumors with a diameter inferior or equal to 12 mm and a thickness inferior or equal to 3 mm. All the datas concerning initial tumor findings, radiotherapy treatment and follow up were routinely entered in the data base. Retrospective review and statistical analysis were performed. Results Among 2258 patients treated during this period, 368 had small tumors. Median tumor diameter was 9 mm and median tumor thickness was 2,5 mm. Retinal detachment was present in 32 patients. 282 patients were treated by proton beam therapy, 77 by iodine plaque and 9 by transpupillary thermotherapy. Median follow up is 109 months. 71 patients died and 20 patients developped metastatic disease. Local recurrence was observed in two cases. Overall survival at 5 years was 92%and at 10 years 78% survival without metastasis at 5 years was 96% and at 10 years 93%. According to our data the smallest tumor associated with metastatic death was 5mm in diameter and 1,5 mm in thickness and 14 of the tumors had a diameter of less than 10 mm develloped. Half of the metastatic patients developped metastasis 5 years or more after treatment. Conclusion Very small uveal melanoma can be responsible for metastatic death. [source]


Imaging for staging bladder cancer: a clinical study of intravenous 111indium-labelled anti-MUC1 mucin monoclonal antibody C595

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2001
O.D.M. Hughes
Objective To investigate the clinical application of an 111In-labelled anti-MUC1 mucin monoclonal antibody (mAb) imaging for staging invasive bladder cancer. Patients and methods Indirect immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the expression of the MUC1 target antigen by metastatic tumours. Twelve patients with bladder cancer (two with superficial and 10 with locally invasive/metastatic disease) underwent planar ,-scintigraphy 48 h after an intravenous injection with 111In-labelled anti-MUC1 mucin mAb C595. Results No bladder uptake was detected in the two patients with superficial disease, but scintigraphy showed primary and recurrent bladder tumours and metastases in nine of the remaining 10 patients with invasive disease. In three patients additional staging information was obtained from the mAb imaging which would have altered patient management. There were no reported side-effects. Conclusion This study confirmed the ability of the mAb technique to detect both primary and recurrent invasive bladder tumours and distant metastases. Some lesions shown by mAb imaging were not detected by other methods. The use of mAb imaging has the potential to improve clinical staging and assist in selecting those patients most likely to benefit from radical therapy. [source]


4 Audit of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) register in Auckland region

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2006
H. ZARGAR
Aim:, To determine the indications for therapy and disease state of men with prostate cancer on Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) analogue treatment entered in the Auckland regional ADT register. Method:, Patients were identified from ADT register and further information was obtained using hospital electronic databases (Concerto and CRIS) and general practitioner records. Results:, Two hundred and eleven patients were registered from Jan 2000 to June 2005 on ADT register. The median age at diagnosis was 73 (45,91). 151 patients (71%) were alive at the time of audit. 118 of patients (56%)had a bone scan, 60 of which confirmed bony metastases (28% of all patients). Based on PSA score at diagnosis (>20), Gleason score (8,9,10) and stage of clinical disease (T3 or higher), high-risk patients were identified. The most common indication for LHRH analogue therapy as first line therapy was advanced local/metastatic disease (39%). 81 (38%) of patient developed hormone refractory disease while on treatment. The patients in high-risk group were more likely to develop hormone refractory disease (Chi Square test P = 0.009). PSA Doubling Time (PSADT) of less than 10 months was associated with significance risk of developing local/bony complications (Chi Square test P = 0.002) and mortality (Chi Square test P = 0.034). Presence of metastatic disease was associated with increased mortality (Chi Square test P = 0.012). Conclusion:, Patients in high-risk group are more likely to develop hormone refractory disease. PSADT can be used as an indicator for identifying patients with increased risk of developing complications. Presence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis is associated with increased mortality. [source]


Molecular diagnostics of non-small cell lung cancer using mediastinal lymph nodes sampled by endoscopic ultrasound-guided needle aspiration

CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
M. Al-Haddad
Non-small cell lung cancer is a common cancer with significant mortality. Accurate and early staging of this cancer has a significant impact on outcome. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of involved mediastinal lymph nodes is critical for staging. Several molecular markers have been identified recently in association with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung that are promising to make early detection of metastatic disease more reliable. [source]


Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for High-Risk Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2007
RACHEL E. SAHN
BACKGROUND Although the utility of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the staging of melanoma is well established, its usefulness in high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE The objective was to report our experience with patients who underwent SLNB for the staging of a high-risk NMSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified 13 patients with a high-risk NMSC who underwent SLNB between 1998 and 2006 and conducted a retrospective review of their medical records and tumor pathology. Their status as regards tumor recurrence and survival was obtained when possible. RESULTS Of 13 patients, 9 had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 had sebaceous gland carcinoma, 1 had porocarcinoma, and 1 had atypical fibroxanthoma. All SLNB were negative for metastatic disease, but 1 appeared to be a false-negative finding. CONCLUSION Compared to melanoma, SCC of the skin are much less predictable as regards their tendency to metastasize to the regional lymph nodes. Although the SLNB appears to be a reliable staging procedure for NMSC (especially SCC), the yield may be too low to justify its routine use in this patient population. More data are needed to determine when a SLNB is justified in the management of NMSC. [source]


Subungual Metastasis from a Rectal Primary: Case Report and Review of the Literature

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 4 2006
BARRY GALLAGHER MD
BACKGROUND Subungual metastases from colorectal cancer are unusual and have mainly been reported in patients with lung, genitourinary, and breast cancer. OBJECTIVE We present the case of a 72-year-old man with rectal adenocarcinoma and a subungual metastasis to the left thumb 5 years later. METHODS A case report and a brief review of the literature of subungual metastases are given. RESULTS The thumb was amputated and the patient died 6 months later with extensive metastatic disease. CONCLUSION Metastatic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent subungual masses, particularly in patients with a history of cancer. The prognosis with such lesions is generally poor. [source]


Sebaceous Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Trichoadenoma, Trichoblastoma, and Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum Arising within a Nevus Sebaceus

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12p2 2004
Christopher J. Miller MD
Background. Nevus sebaceus has a well-documented potential to develop a wide variety of neoplasms of both epidermal and adnexal origins. It is highly unusual for more than three tumors to arise simultaneously within a single nevus sebaceus. Sebaceous carcinoma arising within a nevus sebaceus is a rare occurrence. Objective. The objective was to report the case of a patient with a nevus sebaceus that simultaneously developed five distinct neoplasms of epidermal and various adnexal origins and to report the fourth case of sebaceous carcinoma arising within a nevus sebaceus. Methods. A 45-year-old woman presented with a nevus sebaceusthat contained five separate neoplasms, including sebaceous carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, trichoadenoma, trichoblastoma, and syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Results. Complete excision of the nevus sebaceus and the five tumors was performed. Systemic work-up showed no evidence of metastatic disease or association with Muir-Torre syndrome. Conclusion. This case report highlights the diverse neoplastic potential of nevus sebaceus and demonstrates the capacity of this hamartoma to develop aggressive tumors, such as sebaceous carcinoma. Prophylactic excision or at least close clinical surveillance for sudden development of new growths is warranted in all cases of nevus sebaceus. [source]


Ocular Melanoma Metastatic to Skin: The Value of HMB-45 Staining

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 6 2004
Robert A. Schwartz MD
Background: Cutaneous metastatic disease is an important finding that may represent the first sign of systemic cancer, or, if already known, that may change tumor staging and thus dramatically altered therapeutic plans. Although cutaneous metastases are relatively frequent in patients with cutaneous melanoma, they are less so from ocular melanoma. Objective: To demonstrate the value of HMB-45, staining in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin. Methods: The immunohistochemical stain HMB-45 a monoclonal antibody directed against intact human melanoma cells, was employed on a skin biopsy specimen from a cutaneous tumor. Results: HMB-45 staining was positive in the atypical hyperchromatic cells of the deep dermis. Conclusion: HMB-45 may be of value in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin. Cutaneous metastatic disease is a somewhat common and extremely important diagnosis. Although cutaneous metastases from cutaneous melanoma are relatively frequent, those from ocular melanomas are less so. Use of histochemical staining, especially the HMB-45 stain, allows confirmation of the diagnosis. [source]


Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Originating as a Marjolin's Ulcer

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2004
Shawn R. Sabin MD
Background. Marjolin's ulcer is an epidermoid carcinoma arising in a scar or chronic wound and can have an aggressive course. Objective. To present a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a burn scar with resulting metastases and to discuss Marjolin's ulcer. Results. The patient continued to have further metastatic disease despite aggressive surgical treatment. Conclusion. In following patients with chronic ulcers and wounds, it is important to evaluate any changes immediately with biopsies and further imaging studies if indicated in order to treat effectively. Even aggressive surgical intervention will sometimes be inadequate in treating these tumors. [source]


Cutaneous melanoma: available therapy for metastatic disease

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2006
Ahmad A. Tarhini
ABSTRACT:, Survival of melanoma varies widely by stage, from a potentially highly curable disease when detected in early stages, to a disease with dismal prognosis when it reaches advanced inoperable stages. Stage IV melanoma defines distant metastasis and continues to comprise an ominous prognosis, with a median survival of 6,9 months. Currently, there is no therapeutic agent known to prolong survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Therapeutic approaches studied in metastatic melanoma include chemotherapy, biochemotherapy, nonspecific immune adjuvants, cancer-specific vaccines, cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and specific immunostimulants. Chemotherapy with single-agent dacarbazine is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA)-approved chemotherapy agent for metastatic melanoma. Immunological approaches have yielded the only newly US-FDA-approved agent for metastatic disease in 30 years, high-dose bolus IL-2, based on durable responses in some patients with metastatic melanoma, but with associated high toxicity rate and cost. A number of novel therapeutic agents are undergoing active clinical investigation. [source]


Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of recurrent oncocytic carcinoma of parotid gland

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
Megan L. Katz-Selbst M.D.
Abstract A 65-year-old man presented with a right cheek mass. His past history was significant for resection of primary oncoctyic carcinoma of the right parotid gland 5 years ago. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the right cheek mass was performed and demonstrated oncocytic cells without significant cytologic atypia. On the basis of the past history and comparison of the histology of previously resected specimen, the cytologic impression was consistent with recurrent oncocytic carcinoma of the salivary gland. The cytologic differential diagnosis should include other primary salivary gland neoplasms and metastatic disease. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Cytologic diagnosis of osseous lesions: A review with emphasis on the diagnosis of primary neoplasms of bone

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Lester J. Layfield M.D.
Abstract Fine-needle aspiration has been utilized as the initial diagnostic technique at a large number of body sites for over three quarters of a century. As early as the 1930s, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was used to investigate lesions of the musculoskeletal system. In many early reports, FNA was most frequently and successfully used for the diagnosis of metastatic disease to bone. Less emphasis was placed on its utility for the investigation of primary neoplasms of bone and soft tissue. Current utilization of FNA continues to de-emphasize its application to the diagnosis of primary lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Recent advances in imaging techniques, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics along with an increasing familiarity among pathologists with the cytologic appearance of primary osseous tumors has led to reevaluation of the technique for investigation of these tumors. The diagnostic accuracy of FNA along with its relatively low cost and high degree of safety makes it a desirable technique for the investigation of primary lesions of the musculoskeletal system. This article reviews issues of diagnostic accuracy, optimal practice procedures, and benefits of the technique including cost reduction. The article will review criteria for selection of appropriate tissue targets for FNA to reduce the number of unsatisfactory specimens. Cytomorphologic features of the more common primary neoplasms of bone will be summarized along with recommendations for the utilization of immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics in the work-up of primary neoplasms of bone. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma of the heart in peritoneal fluid

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
Anjali Saqi M.D.
Abstract Angiosarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the heart. Recurrent pericardial effusions are a common manifestation of cardiac angiosarcomas. The diagnosis of metastatic disease in effusions is often established histologically; few cases have been described in exfoliative cytology. We report a case of metastatic cardiac epithelioid angiosarcoma in peritoneal fluid. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:350,352. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


International survey on esophageal cancer: part II staging and neoadjuvant therapy

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2009
J. Boone
SUMMARY The outcome of esophagectomy could be improved by optimal diagnostic strategies leading to adequate preoperative patient selection. Neoadjuvant therapy could improve outcome by increasing the number of radical resections and by controlling metastatic disease. The purposes of this study were to gain insight into the current worldwide practice of staging modalities and neoadjuvant therapy in esophageal cancer, and to detect intercontinental differences. Surgeons with particular interest in esophageal surgery, including members of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, the European Society of Esophagology , Group d'Etude Européen des Maladies de l'Oesophage, and the OESO, were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. Questions were asked regarding staging modalities, neoadjuvant therapy, and response evaluation applied in esophageal cancer patients. Of 567 invited surgeons, 269 participated resulting in a response rate of 47%. The responders currently performing esophagectomies (n= 250; 44%) represented 41 countries across the six continents. Esophagogastroscopy with biopsy and computed tomography (CT) scanning were routinely performed by 98% of responders for diagnosing and staging esophageal cancer, while endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and barium esophagography were routinely applied by 58% and 51%, respectively. Neoadjuvant therapy is routinely administered by 33% and occasionally by 63% of responders. Of the responders that administer identical neoadjuvant regimens to esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma, 54% favor chemoradiotherapy. For AC, chemotherapy is preferred by 31% of the responders that administer neoadjuvant therapy, whereas for squamous cell carcinoma, the majority of responders (38%) prefer chemoradiotherapy. Response to neoadjuvant therapy is predominantly assessed by CT scanning of the chest and abdomen (86%). Barium esophagography, EUS, and combined CT/PET scan are requested for response monitoring in equal frequency (25%). Substantial differences in applied staging modalities and neoadjuvant regimens were detected between surgeons from different continents. In conclusion, currently the most commonly applied diagnostic modalities for staging and restaging esophageal cancer are CT scanning of the chest and abdomen, gastroscopy, barium esophagography and EUS. Neoadjuvant therapy is routinely applied by one third of the responders. Intercontinental differences have been detected in the diagnostic modalities applied in esophageal cancer staging and in the administration of neoadjuvant therapy. The results of this survey provide baseline data for future research and for the development of international guidelines. [source]


Live/Real Time Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Pericardial Disease

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2009
Carlos Martinez Hernandez M.D.
We studied 19 patients with pericardial disease using two-dimensional and three-dimensional transthorathic echocardiography (2DTTE and 3DTTE, respectively) in order to determine whether 3DTTE provides incremental value on top of 2DTTE in the evaluation of these patients. With 3DTTE a more comprehensive assessment of pericardial effusion can be made and both the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium can be visualized en face and examined for pathologies and fibrin deposits. In our series of patients, 3DTTE was superior to 2DTTE in uncovering mass lesions involving the pericardium such as tuberculous granulomas and metastatic disease. Furthermore, it provided a better assessment of the nature of pericardial lesions, such as pericardial and mediastinal hematomas, pericardial cysts, and metastatic disease to the pericardium by sequential cropping of the 3D data sets and visualizing the interior of the lesions in a manner not possible with 2DTTE. It was also valuable in determining the extent of pericardial calcification in pericardial constriction and in measuring the size of pericardial masses. These preliminary results suggest the superiority of 3DTTE over 2DTTE in the evaluation of pericardial diseases and that it provides incremental knowledge to the echocardiographer. [source]


Salivary duct carcinoma: A clinical and histologic review with implications for trastuzumab therapy

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2007
Vishad Nabili MD
Abstract Background Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive tumor of the head and neck with a poor prognosis. The objective was to study SDC and recommend the use of trastuzumab as adjuvant therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients seen between 1993 and 2006 was performed. Tumor specimens were examined for HER-2 protein overexpression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods. Results Of the 7 patients with SDC, 57% had tumors arising in the parotid gland, the majority having facial nerve paralysis, 71% with nodal disease, and 43% having recurrence. All samples were HER-2 positive on IHC. Three patients had FISH-positive tumors, recurrent disease, and recieved trastuzumab therapy; 1 of the 3 died after 20 months and a second has shown disappearance of metastatic disease. Conclusions Trastuzumab is effective in treating HER-2-positive breast cancer. Given immunohistochemical similarities between SDC and ductal carcinoma of the breast, patients with FISH-positive HER-2/neu SDC should be considered for trastuzumab therapy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007 [source]


CT of the chest and abdomen in patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 10 2005
Harri T. Keski-Säntti MD
Abstract Background. The benefits of CT scanning of the chest and abdomen as a routine screening method for patients with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unclear. Methods. Consecutive patients with a primary HNSCC (T classification, T2,T4) and or regionally metastatic disease (ie, N+) were eligible for inclusion. Patients who were considered incurable and patients with recurrent disease were excluded. CT scans of the chest and abdomen were performed. Results. We examined 100 patients. Two patients had pulmonary metastases at presentation. An occult aortic aneurysm required surgical repair before anticancer therapy in one patient. In many patients, nonspecific CT findings warranted further examinations or close follow-up. The abdominal CT was negative for metastatic HNSCC in all patients. Conclusions. Routine CT screening of the chest and abdomen resulted in upstaging of disease in two patients (2%) and altered the treatment approach in three patients (3%). Abdominal CT does not seem beneficial in patients with previously untreated HNSCC. Chest CT is not indicated routinely. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source]


Significance of clinical stage, extent of surgery, and pathologic findings in metastatic cutaneous squamous carcinoma of the parotid gland,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2002
Christopher J. O'Brien MS, FRACS
Abstract Background Metastatic cutaneous cancer is the most common parotid malignancy in Australia, with metastatic squamous carcinoma (SCC) occurring most frequently. There are limitations in the current TNM staging system for metastatic cutaneous malignancy, because all patients with nodal metastases are simply designated N1, irrespective of the extent of disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of clinical stage, extent of surgery, and pathologic findings on outcome after parotidectomy for metastatic SCC by applying a new staging system that separates metastatic disease in the parotid from metastatic disease in the neck. Methods A prospectively documented series of 87 patients treated by one of the authors (COB) over 12 years for clinical metastatic cutaneous SCC involving the parotid gland and a minimum of 2 years follow-up was analyzed. These patients were all previously untreated and were restaged according to the clinical extent of disease in the parotid gland in the following manner. P1, metastatic SCC of the parotid up to 3 cm in diameter; P2, tumor greater than 3 cm up to 6 cm in diameter or multiple metastatic parotid nodes; P3, tumor greater than 6 cm in diameter, VII nerve palsy, or skull base invasion. Neck disease was staged in the following manner: N0, no clinical metastatic disease in the neck; N1, a single ipsilateral metastatic neck node less than 3 cm in diameter; N2, multiple metastatic nodes or any node greater than 3 cm in diameter. Results Clinical P stages were P1, 43 patients; P2, 35 patients; and P3, 9 patients. A total of 21 patients (24%) had clinically positive neck nodes. Among these, 11 were N1, and 10 were N2. Conservative parotidectomies were carried out in 71 of 87 patients (82%), and 8 of these had involved surgical margins (11%). Radical parotidectomy sacrificing the facial nerve was performed in 16 patients, and 6 (38%) had positive margins, (p < .01 compared with conservative resections). Margins were positive in 12% of patients staged P1, 14% of those staged P2, and 44% of those staged P3 (p < .05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing P stage, positive margins, and a failure to have postoperative radiotherapy independently predicted for decreased control in the parotid region. Survival did not correlate with P stage; however, many patients staged P1 and P2 also had metastatic disease in the neck. Clinical and pathologic N stage both significantly influenced survival, and patients with N2 disease had a much worse prognosis than patients with negative necks or only a single positive node. Independent risk factors for survival by multivariate analysis were positive surgical margins and the presence of advanced (N2) clinical and pathologic neck disease. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate that patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC in both the parotid gland and neck have a significantly worse prognosis than those with disease in the parotid gland alone. Furthermore, patients with cervical nodes larger than 3 cm in diameter or with multiple positive neck nodes have a significantly worse prognosis than those with only a single positive node. Also, the extent of metastatic disease in the parotid gland correlated with the local control rate. The authors recommend that the clinical staging system for cutaneous SCC of the head and neck should separate parotid (P) and neck disease (N) and that the proposed staging system should be tested in a larger study population. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Response to paclitaxel and carboplatin in metastatic salivary gland cancer: A case report,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 4 2002
Janet C. Ruzich DO
Abstract Background Malignant tumors of the salivary gland are rare entities that are treated primarily by surgical resection. For patients with recurrent or unresectable disease, options include radiation therapy or chemotherapy; however, responses are few and of short duration. Patients with metastatic disease have been treated with chemotherapy, but, again, response rates have been low and of short duration. Methods A 52-year-old man was seen with a mass on his tongue. A biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma of a minor salivary gland. Ten months after surgical resection, neck dissection, and radiation therapy, the patient was found to have metastatic disease to the lung. Chemotherapy was initiated with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Results The patient obtained a complete response after six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Conclusions The use of carboplatin and paclitaxel in the setting of metastatic salivary gland cancer is a viable option. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 406,410, 2002 [source]


Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of murine liver tumor cells promotes invasion,,

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Wei Ding
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is predicted to play a critical role in metastatic disease in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we used a novel murine model of EMT to elucidate a mechanism of tumor progression and metastasis. A total of 2 × 106 liver cells isolated from Ptenloxp/loxp/Alb-Cre+ mice, expanded from a single CD133+CD45, cell clone, passage 0 (P0), were sequentially transplanted to obtain two passages of tumor cells, P1 and P2. Cells were analyzed for gene expression using microarray and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Functional analysis included cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and orthotopic tumor metastasis assays in vivo. Although P0, P1, and P2 each formed tumors consistent with mixed liver epithelium, within the P2 cells, two distinct cell types were clearly visible: cells with epithelial morphology similar to P0 cells and cells with fibroblastoid morphology. These P2 mesenchymal cells demonstrated increased locomotion on wound healing; increased cell invasion on Matrigel basement membrane; increased EMT-associated gene expression of Snail1, Zeb1, and Zeb2; and down-regulated E-cadherin. P2 mesenchymal cells demonstrated significantly faster tumor growth in vivo compared with P2 epithelial counterparts, with invasion of intestine, pancreas, spleen, and lymph nodes. Furthermore, P2 mesenchymal cells secreted high levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which we propose acts in a paracrine fashion to drive epithelial cells to undergo EMT. In addition, a second murine liver cancer stem cell line with methionine adenosyltransferase 1a deficiency acquired EMT after sequential transplantations, indicating that EMT was not restricted to Pten-deleted tumors. Conclusion: EMT is associated with a high rate of liver tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vivo, which is driven by HGF secreted from mesenchymal tumor cells in a feed-forward mechanism. (HEPATOLOGY 2010) [source]


Metastatic melanoma volume in sentinel nodes: objective stereology-based measurement predicts disease recurrence and survival

HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
Rikke Riber-Hansen
Aims:, Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is the most important prognostic factor in intermediate thickness melanoma. The amount of metastatic disease in positive SLNs varies greatly between patients, and this tumour burden appears to influence the prognosis of node-positive patients. The aim was to use objective stereological techniques to correlate accurately total SLN tumour burden with recurrence and patient survival. Methods and results:, SLNs from 327 patients were examined by complete step sectioning and immunohistochemistry. The total metastasis volume (TMV) of 156 positive SLNs from 99 patients (30.3%) was measured using stereological methods based on the 2D-nucleator and Cavalieri's principle. The maximum metastasis diameter was also measured. These two measurements were correlated with disease recurrence and patient survival. The mean TMV for SLN+ patients was 10.5 mm3 (median 0.05 mm3; range 0.0001,623.7 mm3). Median follow-up was 26.3 months. On multivariate analysis, TMV was an independent predictor of recurrence when corrected for primary tumour thickness (P = 0.001) and was a stronger prognosticator compared with the maximum metastasis diameter (P < 0.0001 versus P = 0.01). Conclusions:, Combining total step sectioning of SLNs with stereological assessment of metastases, we found metastasis volume to be a highly significant predictor of disease recurrence and survival. [source]


The prognostic value of two different histopathological scoring systems for adrenocortical carcinomas

HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
H P Van't Sant
Aims:, To compare two different multiparameter histopathological scoring indices and determine their prognostic value in patients presenting with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Methods and results:, Seventy-nine adrenal cortical tumours were divided into adenomas (n = 17), non-metastatic carcinomas (n = 24) and carcinomas with metastatic disease and/or local recurrence during follow-up (n = 19) or at time of presentation (n = 19). All cases were scored according to the Weiss revisited index (WRI) and the Van Slooten index (VSI). Both scoring indices yielded a significantly different score (P < 0.005) between adenomas and carcinomas. Non-metastasized carcinomas had a lower score with both indices compared with carcinomas with metastases at the time of presentation (VSI, P = 0.017; WRI, P = 0.019). The VSI also distinguished ACC that had metastasized at any time from those that had not (P = 0.015). Cancer-specific survival in patients with metastasized ACC correlated with the scores for both indices (VSI, P = 0.0078; WRI, P = 0.0025). Time from diagnosis of ACC to development of metastatic disease was correlated with the WRI (P = 0.036, r = ,0.350). Conclusions:, The VSI and the WRI have equal validity in the correct categorization of ACC and adenomas. Furthermore, both indices show a correlation with survival for metastasizing ACC. [source]


Drug-eluting bead therapy in primary and metastatic disease of the liver

HPB, Issue 7 2009
Stewart Carter
Abstract Background:, Drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) is a novel therapy for the treatment of hypervascuarized tumours. Through the intra-arterial delivery of microspheres, DEB-TACE allows for embolization as well as local release of chemotherapy in the treatment of hepatic malignancy, providing an alternative therapeutic option in unresectable tumours. Its role as an adjunct to surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is less clear. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies investigating DEB-TACE in order to better define safety, efficacy and outcomes associated with its use. Methods:, A systematic review of all published articles and trials identified nine clinical trials and 23 abstracts. These were reviewed for tumour histology, stage of treatment, delivery technique, outcome at follow-up, complications and mortality rates. Results:, Publications involved treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), metastatic colorectal carcinoma (MCRC), metastatic neuroendocrine (MNE) disease and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) or European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria, studies treating HCC reported complete response (CR) rates of 5% (5/101) at 1 month, 9% (8/91) at 4 months, 14% (19/138) at 6 months and 25% (2/8) at 10 months. Partial response (PR) was reported as 58% (76/131) at 1 month, 50% (67/119) at 4 months, 57% (62/108) at 6,7 months and 63% (5/8) at 10 months. Studies involving MCRC, CCA and MNE disease were less valuable in terms of response rate because there is a lack of comparative data. The most common procedure-associated complications included fever (46,72%), nausea and vomiting (42,47%), abdominal pain (44,80%) and liver abscess (2,3%). Rather than reporting individual symptoms, two studies reported rates of post-embolic syndrome (PES), consisting of fever, abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting, at 82% (75/91). Six of eight studies reported length of hospital stay, which averaged 2.3 days per procedure. Mortality was reported as occurring in 10 of 456 (2%) procedures, or 10 of 214 (5%) patients. Conclusions:, Drug-eluting bead TACE is becoming more widely utilized in primary and liver-dominant metastatic disease of the liver. Outcomes of success must be expanded beyond response rates because these are not a reliable surrogate for progression-free survival or overall survival. Ongoing clinical trials will further clarify the optimal timing and strategy of this technology. [source]


Refining indications for contemporary surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas

HPB, Issue 2 2009
Aram N. Demirjian
Abstract Background:, The pancreas is a rare location for metastatic disease, with only 2,11% of all pancreatic tumours being of non-primary origin. It is also uncommon for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to metastasize to the pancreas (1,3% of cases) and, when it does, it typically occurs substantially after index nephrectomy. It is not known whether all pancreatic metastases need be resected because today's chemo- and biological therapies are increasingly effective in controlling advanced disease. Methods:, Six patients with a variety of symptoms are discussed. Four patients presented with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, ranging from occult to life-threatening in severity. Results:, The four patients with gastrointestinal bleeding had RCC metastases that had eroded into the duodenum and were successfully controlled by palliative pancreaticoduodenectomy or completion pancreatectomy. The other two patients were treated using different chemotherapeutic or biological agents. Conclusions:, Renal cell carcinoma metastases to the pancreas typically occur long after index nephrectomy. Although clinical presentation is variable, palliative resection should be reserved for those who develop complications, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and, in other series, obstructive jaundice. Routine debulking resections do not appear to be indicated because current biological therapies effectively and reliably control disease over long periods. [source]


Carcinoid tumors are 15 times more common in patients with Crohn's disease

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 9 2007
N.E. West
Abstract Background: The coexistence of intestinal neoplasms with Crohn's disease (CD) has been reported, but the evidence of an increased risk of carcinoid tumor with Crohn's disease has been mixed. We present 4 patients with CD with associated carcinoid tumor. Methods: The charts of 111 patients with CD who had undergone resection between June 2001 and March 2005 were reviewed. The number of incidental carcinoid tumors in patients who underwent an appendectomy was used as a control. Results: Four cases of carcinoid tumor discovered in patients at resection for CD were identified. None had metastatic disease or carcinoid syndrome. These included 1 cecal (1 mm), 2 appendiceal (3 and 7mm), and 1 transverse colon (7 mm) carcinoid tumors. None of the carcinoid tumors were identified in regions of active Crohn's disease. The incidence of carcinoid tumor in patients with Crohn's disease was 4 of 111 (3.6%). In comparison, 3 of 1199 patients (0.25%) who had appendectomies were identified as having appendiceal carcinoid tumor. Crohn's disease was associated with an increased incidence of carcinoid tumor; OR 14.9 (95% CI 2.5,102.5), P < 0.0001. Conclusions: There was a significantly increased incidence of carcinoid tumor in our Crohn's patients compared to the control patients. None of the carcinoid tumors developed in areas of Crohn's disease. This suggests that the development of carcinoid tumors may be secondary to distant proinflammatory mediators, rather than a local inflammatory effect from adjacent Crohn's disease. Patients with CD may be at increased risk of developing a carcinoid tumor. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007) [source]


The effects of telomerase inhibition on prostate tumor-initiating cells

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2010
Calin O. Marian
Abstract Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men, and patients with metastatic disease have poor outcome even with the most advanced therapeutic approaches. Most cancer therapies target the bulk tumor cells, but may leave intact a small population of tumor-initiating cells (TICs), which are believed to be responsible for the subsequent relapse and metastasis. Using specific surface markers (CD44, integrin ,2,1 and CD133), Hoechst 33342 dye exclusion, and holoclone formation, we isolated TICs from a panel of prostate cancer cell lines (DU145, C4-2 and LNCaP). We have found that prostate TICs have significant telomerase activity which is inhibited by imetelstat sodium (GRN163L), a new telomerase antagonist that is currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for several hematological and solid tumor malignancies. Prostate TICs telomeres were of similar average length to the telomeres of the main population of cells and significant telomere shortening was detected in prostate TICs as a result of imetelstat treatment. These findings suggest that telomerase inhibition therapy may be able to efficiently target the prostate TICs in addition to the bulk tumor cells, providing new opportunities for combination therapies. [source]