Assessment Of Tumor Status Research Articles

Purification of Circulating Tumor Cells Based on Multiantibody-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles and Molecular Analysis toward Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Detection.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are valuable circulating biomarkers of cancer, which carry primary tumor information and may provide real-time assessment of tumor status as well as treatment response in cancer patients. Herein, we developed a novel assay for accurate diagnosis and dynamic monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using CTC RNA analysis. Multiantibody-modified magnetic nanoparticles were prepared for purification of EOC CTCs from whole blood samples of clinical patients. Subsequently, nine EOC-specific mRNAs of purified CTCs were quantified using droplet digital PCR. The EOC CTC Score was generated using a multivariate logistic regression model for each sample based on the transcripts of the nine genes. This assay exhibited a distinguishing diagnostic performance for the detection of EOC (n = 17) from benign ovarian tumors (n = 30), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.96 (95% CI = 0.91-1.00). Moreover, dynamic changes of the EOC CTC Score were observed in patients undergoing treatment, demonstrating the potential of the assay for monitoring EOC. In conclusion, we present an accurate assay for the diagnosis and monitoring of EOC via CTC RNA analysis, and the results suggest that it may provide a promising solution for the detection and treatment response assessment of EOC.

O-GlcNAcylation protein disruption by Thiamet G promotes changes on the GBM U87-MG cells secretome molecular signature

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a grade IV glioma highly aggressive and refractory to the therapeutic approaches currently in use. O-GlcNAcylation plays a key role for tumor aggressiveness and progression in different types of cancer; however, experimental evidence of its involvement in GBM are still lacking. Here, we show that O-GlcNAcylation plays a critical role in maintaining the composition of the GBM secretome, whereas inhibition of OGA activity disrupts the intercellular signaling via microvesicles. Using a label-free quantitative proteomics methodology, we identified 51 proteins in the GBM secretome whose abundance was significantly altered by activity inhibition of O-GlcNAcase (iOGA). Among these proteins, we observed that proteins related to proteasome activity and to regulation of immune response in the tumor microenvironment were consistently downregulated in GBM cells upon iOGA. While the proteins IGFBP3, IL-6 and HSPA5 were downregulated in GBM iOGA cells, the protein SQSTM1/p62 was exclusively found in GBM cells under iOGA. These findings were in line with literature evidence on the role of p62/IL-6 signaling axis in suppressing tumor aggressiveness and our experimental evidence showing a decrease in radioresistance potential of these cells. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that OGA activity may regulate the p62 and IL-6 abundance in the GBM secretome. We propose that the assessment of tumor status from the main proteins present in its secretome may contribute to the advancement of diagnostic, prognostic and even therapeutic tools to approach this relevant malignancy.

Safety and Efficacy of BeEAC as a Conditioning Regimen Prior to Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Relapsed/Refractory Lymphomas

Aim. To assess the safety and efficacy of BeEAC as a conditioning regimen prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in relapsed and primary resistant lymphomas (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03315520). Materials & Methods. The trial included 113 patients with Hodgkin’s (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). The patients were included into the protocol during the period from February 2016 to June 2018. Median follow-up was 26 months. Among the patients there were 58 men and 55 women. Median age was 33 years (range 18-65 years). In 72 patients HL and in 41 patients NHL (in 15 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, in 8 primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma, in 10 mantle cell lymphoma, in 4 peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified, and in 4 patients follicular lymphoma) were diagnosed. BeEAC conditioning regimen consisted of administering 160-200 mg/m<sup>2</sup> bendamustine in increasing doses on Day -6 and Day -5 combined with fixed doses of 200 mg/m<sup>2</sup> cytarabine every 12 hours, 200 mg/m<sup>2</sup> etoposide, and 140 mg/kg cyclophosphamide from Day -4 to Day -1. Results. In phase 1, when bendamustine dose was increased from 160 mg/m<sup>2</sup> to 200 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Afterwards patients received 200 mg/m<sup>2</sup> of bendamustine. The assessment of tumor status in 2-3 months after auto-HSCT showed that complete remission was achieved in 62.9 % (n = 71) of patients, partial remission in 16.8 % (n = 19) of patients, stabilization in 0.9 % (n = 1) of patients and progression in 15 % (n = 17) of patients. In 5 patients the treatment effect was not assessed. Early post-transplant mortality (up to Day +30) was 3.6 % (n = 4) and overall mortality within the follow-up period (median 26 months) was 23 % (n = 26). Overall survival in the whole co hort of patients for 12, 18, 24, and 36 months was 88 %, 82 %, 78 %, and 64 %, respectively, and progression-free survival was 61 %, 57 %, 54 %, and 40 %, respectively. Conclusion. BeEAC proved to be relatively safe when applied as a conditioning regimen prior to auto-HSCT in HL and NHL patients. Further data need to be collected to finally assess the efficacy of this regimen and to conduct a retrospective comparative analysis of it and other conditioning regimens in lymphomas.

Boosting the SNR by adding a receive-only endorectal monopole to an external antenna array for high-resolution, T2 -weighted imaging of early-stage cervical cancer with 7-T MRI.

The aim of this study was to investigate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain in early-stage cervical cancer at ultrahigh-field MRI (e.g. 7T) using a combination of multiple external antennas and a single endorectal antenna. In particular, we used an endorectal monopole antenna to increase the SNR in cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This should allow high-resolution, T2 -weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for metabolic staging, which could facilitate the local tumor status assessment. In a prospective feasibility study, five healthy female volunteers and six patients with histologically proven stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer were scanned at 7T. We used seven external fractionated dipole antennas for transmit-receive (transceive) and an endorectally placed monopole antenna for reception only. A region of interest, containing both normal cervix and tumor tissue, was selected for the SNR measurement. Separated signal and noise measurements were obtained in the region of the cervix for each element and in the near field of the monopole antenna (radius<30mm) to calculate the SNR gain of the endorectal antenna in each patient. We obtained high-resolution, T2 -weighted images with a voxel size of 0.7×0.8×3.0mm3 . In four cases with optimal placement of the endorectal antenna (verified on the T2 -weighted images), a mean gain of 2.2 in SNR was obtained at the overall cervix and tumor tissue area. Within a radius of 30mm from the monopole antenna, a mean SNR gain of 3.7 was achieved in the four optimal cases. Overlap between the two different regions of the SNR calculations was around 24%. We have demonstrated that the use of an endorectal monopole antenna substantially increases the SNR of 7-T MRI at the cervical anatomy. Combined with the intrinsically high SNR of ultrahigh-field MRI, this gain may be employed to obtain metabolic information using MRS and to enhance spatial resolutions to assess tumor invasion.

Fulvestrant (F) plus sorafenib (S) as salvage therapy for hormone receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) failing prior aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment.

e11042 Background: Upon MBC progression with AI treatment; F, an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, is often used. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) remains a potential target in MBC. S is a multi-kinase inhibitor of VEGF, Raf, platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta, Flt-3, and c-KIT. Prior studies of S show activity with chemotherapy and as a single agent. Combination therapy with an anti-estrogen and a VEGF inhibitor may be more effective than either agent alone. This pilot study combines F + S for HR+ MBC. Methods: Upon disease progression with an AI, 8 pts were treated with F. Concurrent S was administered starting day 1 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Assessment of tumor status with computed tomography and/or bone scan was performed at baseline and every 2 cycles until disease progression. Results: Median age = 58; 75 % &lt;65. ER and PR + = 6 pts; ER + and PR - = 2 pts. 6 pts were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, with subsequent AI for MBC. 2 pts were metastatic at presentation and treated with prior AI. Median number of days on treatment = 220; median number of cycles = 7. 75% had grade 2/3 HFS; 50% required S dose modification. However, HFS and rash/desquamation were the only grade 3 toxicities (3 pts) with no additional grade 3/4 toxicities or dose modifications for other toxicities. Other grade 2 toxicities: neutropenia, myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue, pruritis. Only 1 pt discontinued the study at investigator’s decision for grade 3 HFS. There were no deaths on study. The remaining 7 pts continued F + S until disease progression with stable disease over a range of 2 to 22 cycles. Median time to progression was 7.3 months. Conclusions: Upon progression with an AI, treatment with F + S may provide advantage for some HR+ MBC pts beyond treatment with F alone. Future studies involving S in MBC should focus on identifying the population that will benefit the most in exchange for toxicities associated with S. [Table: see text]

11 The Rising Incidence of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma is Not Accompanied With an Increase in Mortality: Results of a Population-Based Cohort Study

Background:It has been proved thatH. pylori eradication prevents the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection (ER) of primary early gastric cancer during short-term follow-up. However, it has not been clarified whether preventive effect of H. pylori eradication for gastric cancer continues in the long term. To determine the long-term effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of gastric cancer, a follow-up study of a JGSG trial (Lancet 2008; 372: 392-7) was conducted. Methods: In this multi-center, openlabel, randomized controlled trial, 544 patients who received ER of early gastric cancer were randomly assigned to the H pylori eradication group (n=272) or to the control group (n= 272). Endoscopy was performed every year after randomization to evaluate metachronous cancer. Diagnosis of a new gastric cancer at another site of the stomach was defined as primary endpoint. Metachronous cancers were confirmed through histological examination. The frequency of metachronous cancer in the eradication group was compared to that in the control group. Results: There were no significant differences between eradication and control groups in baseline characteristics. The follow-up period was 10 years at maximum. After three years of follow-up, metachronous gastric cancer was detected in 32 participants. In the end, metachronous gastric carcinoma had developed in 22 patients in the eradication group and 43 in the control group. In the modified intention-to-treat population, including patients with at least one post-randomization assessment of tumor status and adjusting for loss to follow-up (255 patients in the eradication group, 250 in the control group), the hazard ratio for metachronous gastric carcinoma was 0.497 (95% CI 0.2970.831; p=0.008). The eradication group and the control group showed no difference in characteristics of metachronous cancer. Conclusions: This study showed that H. pylori eradication prevented the development of metachronous gastric cancers after ER during long-term follow-up.

9 Long-Term Follow-up Study About Preventive Effect of H. pylori Eradication for the Incidence of Metachronous Gastric Cancer After Endoscopic Resection of Primary Early Gastric Cancer

Background:It has been proved thatH. pylori eradication prevents the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection (ER) of primary early gastric cancer during short-term follow-up. However, it has not been clarified whether preventive effect of H. pylori eradication for gastric cancer continues in the long term. To determine the long-term effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of gastric cancer, a follow-up study of a JGSG trial (Lancet 2008; 372: 392-7) was conducted. Methods: In this multi-center, openlabel, randomized controlled trial, 544 patients who received ER of early gastric cancer were randomly assigned to the H pylori eradication group (n=272) or to the control group (n= 272). Endoscopy was performed every year after randomization to evaluate metachronous cancer. Diagnosis of a new gastric cancer at another site of the stomach was defined as primary endpoint. Metachronous cancers were confirmed through histological examination. The frequency of metachronous cancer in the eradication group was compared to that in the control group. Results: There were no significant differences between eradication and control groups in baseline characteristics. The follow-up period was 10 years at maximum. After three years of follow-up, metachronous gastric cancer was detected in 32 participants. In the end, metachronous gastric carcinoma had developed in 22 patients in the eradication group and 43 in the control group. In the modified intention-to-treat population, including patients with at least one post-randomization assessment of tumor status and adjusting for loss to follow-up (255 patients in the eradication group, 250 in the control group), the hazard ratio for metachronous gastric carcinoma was 0.497 (95% CI 0.2970.831; p=0.008). The eradication group and the control group showed no difference in characteristics of metachronous cancer. Conclusions: This study showed that H. pylori eradication prevented the development of metachronous gastric cancers after ER during long-term follow-up.

10 PA32540, a Tablet Containing Enteric-Coated (EC) Aspirin 325 mg and Unbuffered Immediate-Release Omeprazole 40 mg, Provides Percent Time Gastric pH >4 Significantly Less Than EC Omeprazole 40 mg, but With Faster Onset and Less Exposure to Omeprazole

Background:It has been proved thatH. pylori eradication prevents the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer after endoscopic resection (ER) of primary early gastric cancer during short-term follow-up. However, it has not been clarified whether preventive effect of H. pylori eradication for gastric cancer continues in the long term. To determine the long-term effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of gastric cancer, a follow-up study of a JGSG trial (Lancet 2008; 372: 392-7) was conducted. Methods: In this multi-center, openlabel, randomized controlled trial, 544 patients who received ER of early gastric cancer were randomly assigned to the H pylori eradication group (n=272) or to the control group (n= 272). Endoscopy was performed every year after randomization to evaluate metachronous cancer. Diagnosis of a new gastric cancer at another site of the stomach was defined as primary endpoint. Metachronous cancers were confirmed through histological examination. The frequency of metachronous cancer in the eradication group was compared to that in the control group. Results: There were no significant differences between eradication and control groups in baseline characteristics. The follow-up period was 10 years at maximum. After three years of follow-up, metachronous gastric cancer was detected in 32 participants. In the end, metachronous gastric carcinoma had developed in 22 patients in the eradication group and 43 in the control group. In the modified intention-to-treat population, including patients with at least one post-randomization assessment of tumor status and adjusting for loss to follow-up (255 patients in the eradication group, 250 in the control group), the hazard ratio for metachronous gastric carcinoma was 0.497 (95% CI 0.2970.831; p=0.008). The eradication group and the control group showed no difference in characteristics of metachronous cancer. Conclusions: This study showed that H. pylori eradication prevented the development of metachronous gastric cancers after ER during long-term follow-up.

Does MR Perfusion Imaging Impact Management Decisions for Patients with Brain Tumors? A Prospective Study

MR perfusion imaging can be used to help predict glial tumor grade and disease progression. Our purpose was to evaluate whether perfusion imaging has a diagnostic or therapeutic impact on clinical management planning in patients with glioma. Standard MR imaging protocols were interpreted by a group of 3 NRs in consensus, with each case being interpreted twice: first, including routine sequences; and second, with the addition of perfusion imaging. A multidisciplinary team of treating physicians assessed tumor status and created hypothetical management plans, on the basis of clinical presentation and routine MR imaging and then routine MR imaging plus perfusion MR imaging. Physicians' confidence in the tumor status assessment and management plan was measured by using Likert-type items. Fifty-nine consecutive subjects with glial tumors were evaluated; 50 had known pathologic diagnoses. NRs and the treatment team agreed on tumor status in 45/50 cases (κ = 0.81). With the addition of perfusion, confidence in status assessment increased in 20 (40%) for NRs and in 28 (56%) for the treatment team. Of the 59 patient-care episodes, the addition of perfusion was associated with a change in management plan in 5 (8.5%) and an increase in the treatment team's confidence in their management plan in 34 (57.6%). NRs and the treatment team found perfusion useful in most episodes of care and wanted perfusion included in future MR images for >80% of these subjects. Perfusion imaging appears to have a significant impact on clinical decision-making and subspecialist physicians' confidence in management plans for patients with brain tumor.

Characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation: Perioperative prognostic factors, patterns, and outcome

Liver transplantation (LT) is known to be a promising treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study, however, found that HCC recurrence remains to be a concern. A total of 126 HCC patients who had undergone LT between January 2000 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological features of the patients were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine prognostic factors. Patients who had HCC recurrence were further analyzed in terms of recurrent pattern, management, and outcome. Seventeen patients (13.5%) exhibited HCC recurrence following LT. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified two prognostic factors: tumor number>three [hazard ratio (HR)=3.249] and presence of microvascular invasion (HR=4.336). Among patients with HCC recurrence, 15 out of 17 (88%) patients developed extrahepatic metastasis shortly after recurrence. The survival of patients after HCC recurrence was dismal with 18.3 months of median survival. Multiple tumors (>three) are an important prognostic factor for HCC recurrence following LT, but an accurate assessment of tumor status by pretransplantation radiological examination is required. The outcome of patients with HCC recurrence after LT remains very poor because of a tendency of HCC to recur as extrahepatic metastasis.

Effect of eradication of Helicobacter pylori on incidence of metachronous gastric carcinoma after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer: an open-label, randomised controlled trial

The relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer has been proven in epidemiological studies and animal experiments. Our aim was to investigate the prophylactic effect of H pylori eradication on the development of metachronous gastric carcinoma after endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer. In this multi-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial, 544 patients with early gastric cancer, either newly diagnosed and planning to have endoscopic treatment or in post-resection follow-up after endoscopic treatment, were randomly assigned to receive an H pylori eradication regimen (n=272) or control (n=272). Randomisation was done by a computer-generated randomisation list and was stratified by whether the patient was newly diagnosed or post-resection. Patients in the eradication group received lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 750 mg twice daily, and clarithromycin 200 mg twice daily for a week; those in the control group received standard care, but no treatment for H pylori. Patients were examined endoscopically at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after allocation. The primary endpoint was diagnosis of new carcinoma at another site in the stomach. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, number UMIN000001169. At 3-year follow-up, metachronous gastric carcinoma had developed in nine patients in the eradication group and 24 in the control group. In the full intention-to-treat population, including all patients irrespective of length of follow-up (272 patients in each group), the odds ratio for metachronous gastric carcinoma was 0.353 (95% CI 0.161-0.775; p=0.009); in the modified intention-to-treat population, including patients with at least one post-randomisation assessment of tumour status and adjusting for loss to follow-up (255 patients in the eradication group, 250 in the control group), the hazard ratio for metachronous gastric carcinoma was 0.339 (95% CI 0.157-0.729; p=0.003). In the eradication group, 19 (7%) patients had diarrhoea and 32 (12%) had soft stools. Prophylactic eradication of H pylori after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer should be used to prevent the development of metachronous gastric carcinoma. Hiroshima Cancer Seminar Foundation.

A new sonomorphologic scoring system (Mainz Score) for the assessment of ovarian tumors using transvaginal ultrasonography. Part I: A comparison between the scoring-system and the assessment by an experienced sonographer.

The problem of an accurate sonographic assessment of ovarian tumor status has not yet been solved. To what extent can the preoperative assessment of adnexal tumors be improved on the basis of a maximum number of sonographic tumor parameters included in the newly developed sonomorphologic Mainz Score? In a prospective study 314 premenopausal patients with adnexal tumor underwent a transvaginal sonographic examination performed by an experienced sonographer. In parallel to the sonographic examination a new score including 10 different sonographic parameters was used to predict adnexal tumor status: 1. Total tumor structure, 2. tumor border, 3. wall thickness, 4. inner echos in cystic component, 5. septa, 6. shape of echo complex or of the completely solid tumor, 7. echogenicity of the echo complex or of the completely solid tumor, 8. acuostic phenomena behind tumor, 9. ascites, 10. detection of liver metastases/peritoneal carcinosis Depending on the respective degree of expression, the individual characteristics were rated on a scale from 0 to 2. The total score obtained following addition of the points recorded for each parameters served to confirm the validity of the sonographic tumor status assessment. The first sonographer assessed the tumor status based on his experience and in the knowledge of all clinical parameters. The second sonographer evaluated the tumor status based on the score. All preoperative ultrasonographic findings were compared with the postoperative histologic analysis. A maximum number of 20 points may be obtained using the Mainz Score. Tumors with a total score of below 9 were rated as benign and those with a score of above 9 as malignant. This resulted in a sensitivity of 96.4%, a specificity of 80.7%, a positive predictive value of 47.4%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6%. The predictive value of the scoring-system was diminished by the presence of 30 false-positive cases, which were identified as inflammatory conglomerate tumors, teratomas, endometrial cysts, cystadenomas and hemorrhagic cysts. The experienced sonographer assessed 233 cases as benign and 24 cases as malignant. The findings were confirmed by the histological examination in 252 of 257 cases. No conclusive prediction of tumor status could be made in 57 tumors. However, the application of the Mainz Score enabled an accurate prediction of the tumor status in 44 of the 57 cases. With the exception of septal thickness all assessment criteria of the score showed a statistically significant correlation between the assigned score and the histologic findings, (p < 0.05). The use of the Mainz Score enables even less experienced sonographers to assess the status of premenopausal adnexal tumors with a high degree of accuracy. The score provides the experienced sonographer with a refined and improved method for the prediction of tumor status, especially in the presence of not readily assessable findings.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TUMOUR VOLUME MEASUREMENTS IN TONGUE CANCER: A NOVEL ROLE IN STAGING

Tongue cancers are staged by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Union Internationale Contre le Cancer TNM staging systems. Cancer, however, evolves in a 3-D plane. Hence, using the largest tumour diameter will not reflect total cancer volume. We aim to evaluate the use of tongue cancer tumour volume (Tv) as a prognostic predictor of disease recurrence and survival. The study is a retrospective analysis of patients in Singapore General Hospital who underwent complete resection for histologically proven tongue carcinoma from 2000 to 2002. The Tv was measured on staging T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging datasets by semiautomated methods. Seventeen patients with a median follow-up duration of 57.9 months were studied. A wide range of volumes was noted in each T stage. The median time to relapse was 8.6 months for those with Tv > or = 13 cc but was not achieved for those with Tv < 13 cc. The hazard ratio comparing Tv > or = 13 cc versus <13 cc is 9.02 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70-47.94, P = 0.014). Of the seven deaths reported, five patients had Tv > or = 13 cc. The median overall survival was 15.8 months for those with Tv > or = 13 cc but was not achieved for those with Tv < 13 cc. The hazards of death for Tv > or = 13 cc was 3.91 times that of Tv < 13 cc (95% CI 0.86-17.86, P = 0.078). Tongue cancer Tv measurement allows a more refined and accurate assessment of tumour status. This can be a possible prognostic indicator and be used in a novel staging method for the future.

Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Oncology:Theory, Data Acquisition,Analysis, and Examples

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) enables the quantitative assessment of tumor status and has found application in both pre-clinical tumor models as well as clinical oncology. DCE-MRI requires the serial acquisition of images before and after the injection of a paramagnetic contrast agent so that the variation of MR signal intensity with time can be recorded for each image voxel. As the agent enters into a tissue, it changes the MR signal intensity from the tissue to a degree that depends on the local concentration. After the agent is transported out of the tissue, the MR signal intensity returns to its' baseline value. By analyzing the associated signal intensity time course using an appropriate mathematical model, physiological parameters related to blood flow, vessel permeability, and tissue volume fractions can be extracted for each voxel or region of interest.In this review we first discuss the basic physics of this methodology, and then present technical aspects of how DCE-MRI data are acquired and analyzed. We also discuss appropriate models of contrast agent kinetics and how these can be used to elucidate tissue characteristics of importance in cancer biology. We conclude by briefly summarizing some future goals and demands of DCE-MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for tumor localization and therapy planning in malignant hilar obstructions

To assess image quality and overall accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including two magnetic cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) techniques, for the diagnostics and preoperative work-up of malignant hilar obstructions. Thirty-one patients with malignant hilar obstructions (hilar cholangiocarcinoma, n=30; hepatocellular carcinoma, n=1) received MRCP by two techniques (single-shot thick-slab and multisection thin-slice MRCP) and unenhanced and contrast material-enhanced MRI. MR assessment included the evaluation of image quality and visualization of bile ducts (5-point scale), and the classification of tumor status. MR results were subsequently correlated with the results from surgery and pathology. The maximum intensity projections of multisection thin-slice MRCP had significantly more artifacts compared to MRCP in the single-shot thick-slab technique, and overall image quality of single-shot thick-slab MRCP was rated significantly superior compared to multisection thin-slice MRCP (4.4 +/- 0.7 and 4.1 +/- 0.9, respectively). Moreover, ductal visualization of different parts of the biliary system was rated superior with single-shot thick-slab MRCP. In contrast, the original data from multisection thin slice MRCP facilitated visualization of periductal lesions and adjacent structures. Overall MR accuracy for the assessment of tumor status, periductal infiltration, and lymph node metastases was 90%, 87%, and 66%, respectively. For evaluation of malignant hilar obstructions, MRCP by the single-shot thick-slab technique had superior image quality and fewer artifacts; in contrast, besides sole biliary visualization, multisection MRCP depicted complementary adjacent parenchymal and periductal structures. We therefore recommend MRI, with a combination of both MRCP techniques, for the diagnostic work-up and therapy planning of malignant hilar obstructions.

Verbessert die Dopplersonographie die präoperative Beurteilung von Adnextumoren?

agnosis of Adnexal Tumours? - A Critical Review -: The data presented here show that recent results of Doppler sonography remain far behind the first expectations associated with this method. The preoperative assessment of tumour status via Doppler sonography is based on structural differences of the vessel wall in benign and malignant tumours. A comparison of results from different centres is rendered difficult due to the extreme variation of technical and methodical factors. Discrimination between pre- and postmenopausal patients yields more precise results and it must be added that the results of Doppler measurements are better in the postmenopause. To date there is no advantage in taking the menstrual cycle into account. The parameters PI and RI lead to the highest accuracy and so far both parameters show equal results. When compared with conventional transvaginal sonography the predictive values cannot be improved by Doppler sonography in general as there is a great overlap between benign and malignant adnexal masses with both methods. One of the advantages of Doppler sonography is that suspicious findings in respect of vascularization can be detected in normal size ovaries without any sonomorphological abnormalities. In addition sonomorphological scoring systems can be improved with regard to some details, especially close to the border between benignity and malignancy. In spite of all technical and methodical problems in Doppler sonography, which make standardisation of this method a matter of urgency, we think that a combination of conventional transvaginal sonography and coloured Doppler sonography improves preoperative diagnosis and promotes optimum surgical treatment. Since Doppler measurements are very time-consuming, indications for Doppler sonography should by determined individually.

Palpation und Sonographie in der Nachsorge von Kopf-Hals-Tumorpatienten: Vergleich sonographischer Dignitätsparameter

The ranking of postoperative palpation and sonography is examined in respect of imaging of neck lymph node enlargement and neck lymph node metastases or lymphomas, using a prospective study involving 127 patients whose head and neck tumours had already undergone treatment. These patients had been subjected to tumour aftercare for an average period of 26 months. Sonography is well suited for detecting the presence of enlarged neck lymph nodes, the accuracy being 97.5%. In this study palpation was clearly less safely defined, the accuracy being only 85%. The following results were obtained in respect of the specific imaging of metastases: sensitivity of palpation (75%) is below that of sonography (M/Q ratio) (93%). In respect of specificity palpation also yielded poorer results than sonography (M/Q ratio 94%) because of the relatively high proportion of false positive palpations (17%). The reason for this is non-differentiation between reactively enlarged lymph nodes and lymph nodes metastases. The advantage of sonography vs palpation by using the M/Q ratio is therefore the accuracy of the findings (94% sonography, 81% palpation) and hence the clear reduction in false positive and false negative findings. Furthermore, sonography can image the exact relationship to surrounding tissue and especially the vessels. The drawback of sonography is that lymph nodes < 9 mm maximal diameter cannot be assessed with the safety and accuracy mentioned above. Sonomorphological criteria such as the central marrow reflex and a widened lymphatic node cortex enhance diagnostic safety of the sonographic expansion parameters to yield an assessment of tumour status.

Intestinal obstruction in patients with ovarian cancer. Variables associated with surgical complications and survival.

Intestinal obstruction is frequently encountered in patients with ovarian cancer. Surgical correction of intestinal obstruction may allow the prolonged survival of some patients. We identified prognostic factors associated with operative complications and postoperative survival. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were considered. In addition, a previously published prognostic index was evaluated. Statistical assessment developed a model that demonstrated that the clinical assessment of tumor status, the serum albumin level, and the nutrition score were variables significantly associated with postoperative survival. The amount of residual ovarian cancer at the completion of bowel obstruction surgery was also significantly associated with postoperative survival. This information may aid in the preoperative selection of patients who might benefit from surgical correction of intestinal obstruction.

Puncture biopsy of the lung. A retrospective evaluation of 127 observations

On the grounds of a suspected localised tumorous lesion of the lung core biopsy (Tru-cut-needle) was performed in 127 patients to obtain a histologic diagnosis. This was successful on an average in 71.6% of the cases. The smaller lung lesions (less than 2.5 cm) showed a lower accuracy (65.2%) than the larger tumours (73.1%). Correct judgement of tumour status was effected in 88.2%. But in these cases also correct assessment of tumour status was less successful with the smaller tumours (69.6%) than with the larger ones (92.3%). In our case material core biopsy had a high complication rate: pneumothorax resulted in 54.3%, requiring special treatment in 9.4%. Haemoptisis was observed in 22.9% of which 2.4% had a severe and life-threatening clinical course. A correlation between these complications and the patient's age, the depth of the tumour in the lung and the frequency of the punctures was established. Pleural fluid was seen in 16.5% but in all cases it was negligible and no treatment was required. The pleural reaction showed no correlation to the age, to the tumorous lesion and to the frequency of puncture. The diagnostic advantage and the high accuracy of the core biopsy are evident. Nevertheless, we gave up this method in routine application in our lung tumour patients in favour of needle biopsy techniques. Core biopsy is still being used in examining special problems only.

Results of real-time sonography and raster mammography of 200 breast cancers

The article reports on 200 patients with histologically verified carcinomas of the breast in whom both real time mammasonography and grid mammography were performed. The indications for additional use of real time sonography in the diagnosis of malignant diseases of the female breast were a palpable node or a suspicious finding in mammography. All patients were examined with a high resolution realtime scanner with a 7.5 MHz transducer. The diagnostic criteria of sound deep to the mass (type I-IV), the regularity of the conteur of the mass, and the presence or absence of internal echoes. The typical sonographic features of histologically different types of carcinoma of the female breast are demonstrated by means of case examples. Mammasonography offers a high degree of accuracy in preoperative differential diagnostic assessment of tumour status in malignant processes of the breast. The combined mammographic-sonographic evaluation is the method of choice in clinical evaluation of masses of the female breast.