Complete Tumor Removal Research Articles

Long‐term outcomes and survival analysis of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei at a newly established peritoneal malignancy centre in Japan

AbstractBackgroundCytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is established in the management of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), selected cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, and resectable colorectal or ovarian peritoneal metastases in Western countries. However, the efficacy and feasibility of these techniques are not well established in the Asian population, and little has been reported on long‐term survival outcomes for surgically resected PMP patients.Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of a prospective database of short‐ and longer‐term outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PMP in a newly established peritoneal malignancy unit in Japan between 2010 and 2016.ResultsA total of 105 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC and 57 maximal tumor debulking (MTD) for pseudomyxoma peritonei. In the CRS group, the primary tumor was appendiceal in 94 patients (90%) followed by ovarian and colorectal. Major postoperative complications occurred in 22/105 patients (21%) with one in‐hospital mortality (0.9%). The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates for the CRS group were 74.2% and 50.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed unfavorable histology to be the significant predictor of reduced overall and disease‐free survival. Completeness of cytoreduction, CA19‐9, and CA125 were also associated with disease‐free survival.ConclusionsThis is the first report on long‐term outcomes and survival analysis of CRS and HIPEC for PMP in the Asian population. CRS and HIPEC can be conducted with reasonable safety and favorable survival in a new center. Complete tumor removal and histological type are the strongest prognostic factors for both overall and disease‐free survival.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring in surgery of cervical neurogenic tumors

Objective: To investigate the application value of intraoperative motor nerve monitoring in cervical neurogenic tumor surgery. Methods: The efficacy of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was analyzed retrospectively in 18 patients, including 6 males and 12 females, aged from 15 to 74 years, treated in Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University from June 2019 to September 2022 who underwent total cystectomy of cervical neurogenic tumors under intraoperative nerve monitoring. Results: All 18 patients had complete tumor removal, including 8 patients with tumors from the vagus nerve and 10 patients with tumors from the brachial plexus nerve. Postoperative nerve functions were normal in patients with tumors from brachial plexus nerve, and incomplete vocal cord paralysis occurred in 2 patients with tumors from vagus vagus nerve. The total incidence of motor nerve injury was 11.1% (2/18). All patients were followed up for 6 to 45 months, with no tumor recurrence. Conclusion: Intraoperative neuromonitoring has significant values in surgery of cervical neurogenic tumors, which is helpful to remove completely the tumors on the basis of protecting the nerve functions to the maximum extent.

Schwannoma of the Upper Extremity: A Clinical Series

Background: Schwannoma, the most common primary neural tumor of the upper extremity, arises from Schwann cells of the nerve sheet. The tumor is usually painless and slow-growing. Symptomatic masses could be treated through intra- or extra-capsular excision. Herein, we aim to evaluate the long-term results of surgical treatment of 12 cases of upper extremity Schwannoma.
 Methods: Twelve cases of confirmed Schwannoma who were treated in Imam Khomeini University Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2011 to 2022, were included in our case series. All operations were done using loupe magnification or under a microscope. Age, sex, location of the mass, size of the tumor, affected nerve, histological diagnosis, and clinical follow-up, including the neurological status of the patients, were documented.
 Results: Twelve patients with a mean age of 44 years were included. Seven (58.3%) were men and five (41.66%) were women. The mean follow-up period was 45 months (range: 6-135). The hand was the most common location of involvement and the digital nerve was the most frequent origin of Schwannoma. Postoperative evaluation showed no tumor recurrence and pain resolved in all twelve patients (100%). Sensory dysfunction resolved completely in 5 out of 8 patients who reported sensory impairment preoperatively (62.5%) and no motor function improvement was seen in the patient with motor deficit.
 Conclusion: Adequate operative techniques can lead to complete tumor removal without neurological loss or recurrence. Neural function improvement in most cases is achieved. New neurologic impairment after excision of Schwannoma is rare.

Outcomes after Surgical Treatment of Oesophagogastric Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases: A Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study.

Approximately 10-12% of patients with oesophageal or gastric cancer (OGC) present with oligometastatic disease at diagnosis. It remains unclear if there is a role for radical surgery in these patients. We aimed to assess the outcomes of OGC patients who underwent simultaneous treatment for the primary tumour and synchronous liver metastases. Patients with OGC who underwent surgical treatment between 2008 and 2020 for the primary tumour and up to five synchronous liver metastases aiming for complete tumour removal or ablation (i.e., no residual tumour) were identified from four institutional databases. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival and postoperative outcomes. Thirty-one patients were included, with complete follow-up data for 30 patients. Twenty-six patients (84%) received neoadjuvant therapy followed by response evaluation. Median OS was 21 months [IQR 9-36] with 2- and 5-year survival rates of 43% and 30%, respectively. While disease recurred in 80% of patients (20 of 25 patients) after radical resection, patients with a solitary liver metastasis had a median OS of 34 months. The number of liver metastases was a prognostic factor for OS (solitary metastasis aHR 0.330; p-value = 0.025). Thirty-day mortality was zero and complications occurred in 55% of patients. Long-term survival can be achieved in well-selected patients who undergo surgical resection of the primary tumour and local treatment of synchronous liver metastases. In particular, patients with a solitary liver metastasis seem to have a favourable prognosis.

Surgical Outcome of Torcula Herophili Meningioma: An Institutional Experience

IntroductionResection of meningiomas (THM) at the Torcular Herophili poses challenges to surgeons due to complex regional anatomy. The current study aims to evaluate factors affecting the extent of resections, progression-free survival, and the role of radiation. Material & MethodsWe did a retrospective study of all the THM patients treated at our institute between May 1987 and June 2022. The demographic data, signs & symptoms, surgical notes, postoperative details & radiotherapy were gathered retrospectively. Survival analysis was done with Kaplan Meir tests along with predictors of the extent of resection as well as recurrence. Results39 patients qualified to be included in the study with 10 males(male-to-female ratio::1:2.9) and an average age of 50.8years. The average follow-up duration was 75.9months. Simpson's Grade 2 excision was achieved in maximum number of 19(48.7 %) patients, followed by Simpson's Grade 3 excision in 17 patients(43.6 %). Progression-free survival in Subtotal resection was 60months, while 100months in Gross total resection. Statistically, the extent of the resection was determined by the involvement of sinuses/torcula and the number of quadrants involved around torcula. A total of 16patients received radiosurgery for the residual or small reccurrence of the lesion. Follow-up revealed reccurrence in five cases. ConclusionTorcular meningiomas are relatively uncommon, described in a few reports and represent a therapeutic dilemma. Though some experts recommend complete removal of tumor and reconstruction of the sinus, others suggest maximum safe resection, followed by radiosurgery. The present study reflects reasonable control of the residual lesion with radiosurgery after maximum safe resection.

The efficacy and safety analysis of endoscopic resection for infratemporal fossa benign mass

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection of infratemporal fossa mass and to determine the indications for surgery. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted, including a total of 29 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery to treat infratemporal fossa mass in the Department of Rhinology of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, from April 2008 to December 2021. Ten males and 19 females were included in the study, with age of (46.5±13.7) years. Pre-and post-operative sinus CT, sinus or nasopharyngeal enhanced MRI were evaluated, respectively. The main outcome measurements were the total resection of mass and the incidence of surgery-related complications. Results: Among the 29 cases of infratemporal fossa mass, 22 were schwannomas, 3 were cysts, 2 were neurofibromas, 1 was pleomorphic adenoma and 1 was basal cell adenoma. Preoperative imaging showed well-defined lesion boundaries, and postoperative pathology confirmed the benign nature of all cases. The endoscopic transnasal approach was used in 28 patients, while the combination of the transnasal approach and the transoral approach was used in 1 patient. Complete tumor removal was achieved in all cases with a 100% resection rate. The average follow-up time was 38 months (7-168 months), and no tumor recurrence was observed. Conclusions: The Endoscopic transnasal approach is a safe and effective surgical approach for the treatment of benign tumors or masses in the infratemporal fossa.

Principles of diagnosis and treatment of vestibular schwannoma: a literature review

Background. Vestibular schwannoma is a formation of Schwann cells in the vestibulocochlear zone. Despite the benign nature of the tumor, it carries risks for life, as its massiveness poses a threat to intracranial structures and their functional capacity. The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis of modern information on the diagnosis and methods of treatment of schwannoma. Materials and methods. A literature search using keywords was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Elsevier, and Springer databases. Results. In most cases, vestibular schwannoma is diagnosed after a number of symptoms are detected such as dizziness, hearing loss, etc. According to modern research, magnetic resonance imaging and audiogram are the most informative and at the same time gold standard for diagnosis, and verification is carried out based on pathohistology. Most schwannomas are clinically stable; however, when analyzing the information, the main approaches in the presence of such a diagnosis were determined. The safest and most non-invasive one is observation, with control of the dynamics of the clinical picture and the size of the formation. However, there are several surgical techniques for complete tumor removal. The most common of them is access through the middle cranial fossa, which, unfortunately, has several limitations. Translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches are also used. The choice of treatment depends on the size, growth and symptoms of the patients. Radiotherapy is one of the relatively new methods of treatment, it is sometimes combined with a surgery. Conclusions. Thus, vestibular schwannoma requires active monitoring and the use of other treatment methods. In the presence of clinical indications, a combination of different types of treatment allows achieving positive therapeutic outcomes. A perspective for future research is the study of targeted gene therapy.

Clinical significance of survivin mRNA expression (<i>BIRC5</i>) in colorectal cancer

Aim. To evaluate the clinical significance of survivin (BIRC5) mRnA expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor material from colorectal cancer (CRC).Materials and methods. The study was organized according to the principle of a continuous prospective non-randomized study. The expression of survivin (BIRC5) mRnA in CTCs and tumor material was determined using RT-pCR.Results. The study included 130 patients (study group – 109 patients with colorectal cancer and observation group – 21 patients with colon adenomas). All patients underwent complete tumor removal (radical surgery – 93.6 %), cytoreductive – 6.4 %).A high level of survivin (BIRC5) mRnA expression was detected in colorectal adenocarcinoma in comparison with adenomas (pMann–whitney < 0.001) M ± SD (1.678 ± 2.45 and 0.023 ± 0.07). In the study and observation group, the expression of survivin mRnA (BIRC5) in CTCs both before surgery M ± SD (1.175 ± 1.33 and 0.052 ± 0.11) and after 3 months M ± SD (1.015 ± 0.93 and 0.018 ± 0.002) was significantly different (pMann–whitney <0.001).During adjuvant chemotherapy, a decrease in the level of survivin expression in CTCs was observed (p 9 months after surgery, CTCs remain in the bloodstream even despite adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.015 and p = 0.012). Overexpression of survivin in CTCs before surgery correlates with damage to regional lymph nodes (p = 0.03, r = 0.21), stage of the tumor process (p = 0.01, r = 0.25), degree of tumor differentiation (p = 0.03, r = 0.21). Overexpression of survivin in CTCs 9 months after surgery significantly affects relapse-free survival HR (95 % CI HR) = 3.1 (95 % CI 1.56–6,08, p = 0.0012) and overall survival of patients HR (95 % CI HR) =6.8 (95 % CI 2.65–17.33, p = 0.0001).Conclusions. Overexpression of survivin mRnA in colorectal cancer is a negative prognosis factor for the disease and directly depends on the tumor involvement of regional lymph nodes, the stage of the disease, degree of tumor differentiation, promoting the development of disease relapse, and can be used to diagnose minimal residual disease (MRD) and assess the prognosis of overall patient survival.

Primary retroperitoneal choriocarcinoma with lung and liver metastasis in a male patient: case report

Abstract Objectives Non-gestational primary choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor with atypical clinical symptoms, especially in males. It usually occurs in the midline of the body, such as the mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Pathological diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal choriocarcinoma presents many challenges. More importantly, it is insensitive to therapy and has a poor prognosis. To date, there is still no standard treatment strategy for primary choriocarcinoma. Case presentation This case report presented a 27-year-old male with acute abdominal pain as the main symptom. And then, retroperitoneal choriocarcinoma with lung and liver metastasis was diagnosed. Palliative surgery was performed to alleviate the abdominal pain but complete tumor removal was not achieved. Subsequently, we gave the treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor blockade. The tumor was significantly reduced in size after six cycles of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and also β-hCG level returned to normal. The tumor was not in complete remission, so penpulimab immuno-maintenance therapy was given. So far, the tumor control is stable, and the patient’s quality of life is also very well. Conclusions Pathological diagnosis of primary choriocarcinoma is very necessary, and the related molecular markers can assist. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of primary retroperitoneal choriocarcinoma.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging unravels the pathway of glioma cell death upon hypericin-induced photodynamic therapy

Malignant primary brain tumors are a group of highly aggressive and often infiltrating tumors that lack adequate therapeutic treatments to achieve long time survival. Complete tumor removal is one precondition...

Endoscopic-Assisted Excision of an Extensive Inverted Papilloma (Krouse Stage IV) through Lateral Rhinotomy Approach: A Case Report

Inverted papilloma is a benign epithelial growth arising from the Schneiderian mucosa with a tendency to grow into the underlying stroma. The etiology remains obscure but its tendency for an association with malignancy makes it an important entity important for the surgeon. We present a case report of an extensive inverted papilloma (Krouse stage IV). The tumour involved entire right side nasal cavity extending to the vestibule, extended to the orbit and also intracranially (though extradural) through the frontal and ethmoid sinuses. This extensive tumour was removed by a combined (lateral rhinotomy plus endoscopic) approach and obviated the need for external approach to frontal sinus as well as extended lateral rhinotomy. Thus, even for extensive tumours using the endoscope as an adjunct aids in complete tumour removal and prevents additional morbidity to the patient.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Review of Pathology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity presents a significant global health burden, primarily due to risk factors such as tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing. Common clinical manifestations of oral cavity cancer include visible lesions and sores, often accompanied by pain in advanced stages. Diagnosis relies on a comprehensive assessment involving detailed history, physical examination, and biopsy. Ancillary imaging studies and functional evaluations aid in accurate staging and facilitate treatment planning. Prognostic information is obtained from histopathological factors, such as tumor grade, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. Notably, lymph node metastasis, found in approximately half of the patients, carries significant prognostic implications. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. Surgical resection is the backbone of treatment, aimed at complete tumor removal while preserving functional outcomes. Adjuvant therapies, including radiation and chemotherapy, are tailored according to pathological factors. Further work in risk stratification and treatment is necessary to optimize outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Highly complex liver resections: Exploring the boundaries of feasibility and safety.

In select clinical scenarios, advanced techniques for volume manipulation and vascular reconstruction are needed for complete hepatic tumor removal. These highly complex liver resections (HCLRs) entail a heightened risk of severe complications. Here, we describe the results of HCLR performed in a 3-year time period. We conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing patients who underwent hepatic resections between June 15, 2020, and June 15, 2023. HCLR was defined according to previously established criteria, and included associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy.The outcomes of HCLR were compared to all non-HCLR performed within the same time frame. Among 167 hepatic resections, 26 were considered HCLR, and all were major resections. Five utilized total vascular exclusion, with venovenous bypassin three, and hypothermic liver perfusion in three. Five resections included vascular reconstructions, and one included hypothermic circulatory arrest for extraction of a tumor extending to the right atrium. Of the non-HCLR, 38 (26.9%) were major, and 49 (34.7%) were performed laparoscopically. The rates of overall major postoperative complications were comparable between those who underwent HCLR versus non-HCLR. HCLR was associated with increased rates of biliary complications, readmissions, and reoperation. However, no postoperative 90-day mortality was documented within patients that underwent HCLR compared to two in the non-HCLR group. In expert hands, HCLR can be performed with acceptable complication profile, akin to that of major non-HCLR. Those with questionable resectability should be referred to tertiary hepato-pancreato-biliary centers.

Current treatment strategies for ovarian cancer in the East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial Group (EAGOT).

Ovarian cancer, notable for its severe prognosis among gynecologic cancers, has seen substantial progress in treatment approaches recently. Enhanced protocols in chemotherapy and the introduction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for maintenance therapy have markedly improved outcomes for patients with specific genetic profiles, such as those positive for BRCA mutations or exhibiting homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Additionally, the method of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administration has emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional transvenous routes, showing promise for wider clinical adoption. The field of surgery has also evolved, with increasing exploration into the benefits and feasibility of laparoscopic methods over more invasive traditional surgeries, aiming for complete tumor removal but with reduced patient impact. The hereditary nature of ovarian cancer underscores the importance of genetic testing, which has become integral in tailoring treatment strategies, particularly in determining suitability for PARP inhibitors. The formation of the East Asian Gynecologic Oncology Trial Group (EAGOT) aims to optimize treatment across Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. The ovarian cancer committee of EAGOT shared the current policies, focusing on 5 topics: 1) strategies for maintenance therapy after initial surgery and chemotherapy, 2) drug regimens for platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant recurrence, 3) intraperitoneal chemotherapy, 4) laparoscopic surgery as an alternative to laparotomy, and 5) current status of genetic testing (BRCA, HRD, and panel tests) for ovarian cancer and its prospects. EAGOT's multi-national trials aim to harmonize these evolving treatment strategies, ensuring that the latest and most effective protocols are accessible across the region, thereby significantly impacting patient outcomes in East Asia.

Bronchospasm Complicating A Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumor Resection: A Case Report

Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are rare neoplasms with increasing incidence, known for their diverse clinical presentations and potential hormonal complications. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a history of chronic smoking and alcoholism, who presented with right iliac fossa pain, liquid diarrhea, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine, and the patient underwent surgical resection. However, postoperatively, he developed respiratory distress suggestive of bronchospasm, requiring intensive care management. Histopathological analysis confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, Grade 2. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of hemodynamic complications following surgical resection of SI-NETs. Preoperative assessment for carcinoid syndrome and optimization of cardiac function are crucial to minimize perioperative risks. Surgical resection with meticulous attention to complete tumor removal and mesenteric dissection remains the mainstay of treatment for SI-NETs. Further research is needed to refine perioperative management strategies and improve long-term outcomes for patients with SI-NETs.

D3 Lymphadenectomy for Right Colon Cancer: Feasibility, Safety, and Early Outcomes from a District General Hospital in London.

Observational studies suggest a link between D3 lymphadenectomy and improved disease-free survival in some colon cancer patients. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its advantage over D2 lymphadenectomy. Concerns about potential complications with D3 have limited its use outside of Japan. This study examines short-term outcomes following D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer compared to the established D2 procedure. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort single center study analyzed data on patients with right-sided colon cancer who underwent curative surgery within our healthcare trust between January 2019 and November 2022. Only patients treated by surgeons who routinely perform D3 lymphadenectomy were included for a homogenous study population. The decision to perform D3 was at the discretion of the operating surgeon. Data were collected from both paper charts and electronic medical records. Non-parametric statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 214 patients met the criteria, with 170 undergoing D2 lymphadenectomy and 44 undergoing D3 lymphadenectomy. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery duration, blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin levels, or transfusion needs. Interestingly, the D3 group had a lower complication rate (25%) compared to the D2 group (41.2%). However, the D3 group also had a higher rate of lymph node spread (45.5% vs. 30.6% for D2) and more lymph nodes removed (19 [16, 25] vs. 23 [18, 28]). Importantly, both groups achieved similar complete tumour removal rates. Conclusions: This study suggests D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer might be safe with potential benefits, especially for younger patients with suspected lymph node involvement. However, the limited sample size necessitates larger, randomized trials to confirm these findings and potentially establish D3 lymphadenectomy as standard care.

Preoperative PET imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery of human glioblastoma using dual-labeled antibody targeting ETA receptors in a preclinical mouse model: A theranostic approach.

Rationale: Glioblastoma (GBM) poses significant challenges regarding complete tumor removal due to its heterogeneity and invasiveness, emphasizing the need for effective therapeutic options. In the last two decades, fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), employing fluorophores such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to enhance tumor delineation, has gained attraction among neurosurgeons. However, some low-grade tumors do not show any accumulation of the tracers, and the lack of patient stratification represents an important limitation. Since 2000, endothelin axis has been extensively investigated for its role in cancer progression. More specifically, our team has identified endothelin A receptors (ETA), overexpressed in glioblastoma cancer stem cells, as a target of interest for GBM imaging. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel preclinical bimodal imaging agent, [89Zr]Zr-axiRA63-MOMIP, as a theranostic approach to: i) detect ETA + cells in an orthotopic model of human GBM, ii) achieve complete tumoral resection. Methods: Monomolecular multimodal imaging platform (MOMIP) - containing both a fluorophore (IRDye800CW) and a chelator for a positron-emitting radiometal (desferroxamine B, DFO) - was conjugated to the axiRA63 antibody targeting ETA receptors, overexpressed on the surface of GBM stem cells. Mice bearing orthotopic human GBM were imaged 48 h post injection of [89Zr]Zr-axiRA63-MOMIP via positron emission tomography (PET) and optical imaging. Subsequently, post-mortem proof-of-concept FGS was implemented as well as ex vivo analyses (H&E staining, autoradiography, serial block face imaging) on brains with resected or unresected tumor to assess the correlation between PET and fluorescence signals. Results: PET imaging of [89Zr]Zr-axiRA63-MOMIP enabled a clear detection of ETA + cells in an orthotopic model of human GBM. Intraoperative optical imaging allowed a near-complete tumor resection together with the visualization of a weak fluorescence signal, after a prolonged exposure time, that was attributed to residual tumor cells via H&E staining. Besides, a qualitative correlation between the signals of both modalities was observed. Conclusions: The use of [89Zr]Zr-axiRA63-MOMIP provides an effective theranostic approach to detect and treat GBM by surgery in a preclinical mouse model. Thanks to the high correlation between PET and fluorescence signal allowing patients stratification, this bimodal agent should have a great potential for clinical translation and should present a significant advantage over non-targeted fluorophores already used in the clinic.

Elective Revision Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Analysis at an Oncology Centre in Porto, Portugal.

Introduction Elective revision surgery in head and neck cancer is crucial for refining and optimizing outcomes, ensuring complete tumor removal, and enhancing both functional and aesthetic aspects, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for patients. The aim of this study is toanalyze the overall survival (OS) of head and neck cancer patients who underwent elective revision surgery with or without adjuvant treatment between 2019 and 2022, reflecting on thepractice between those years in IPO-Porto, Porto, Portugal. Methods This study included 58 patients who underwent 116 major neck surgeries. Multidisciplinary head and neck follow-up records were obtained for every patient. Overall survival and disease-specific survival (DSS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and statistical significance was determined by the Log-Rank test. We did a retrospective study with an anterograde direction, evaluating the treatments that were previously done by the patients. Results The sample comprised 51 males (87.9%) and seven females (12.1%), with a mean age of 59.02±11.014 years. Head and neck pathology was mostly in the larynx (36.2%). The type of the first surgery was mainly directed to the primary tumor in 62.1% (n=36). In the other 37.9% (n=22), surgery was directed to the primary tumor in association with neck dissection. The type of the second surgery was mainly revision surgery. We found that T4 tumors (HR (hazard ratio)= 10.219, p = 0.006) and hypopharynx tumors(HR = 5.306, p =0.035)were significantly associated with inferior OS. Conclusion In our sample, we found that a T4 and a tumor located in the hypopharynxwere significantly associated with inferior OS in elective head and neck oncologic revision surgery. Disease-free survival in patients undergoing revision surgery in our sample is generally poor. In our sample, there was a statistically significant difference in overall survival between the group who underwent surgery for microscopic evidence of persistent tumor (R1) versus clinical and imagiological tumoral persistency. In our sample, the time between the first and second surgeries wasn't linked with an inferior OS. Further studies with larger populations and prospective design, with longer follow-ups can be the road to a better understanding of this issue.

CdTe quantum dots as fluorescent nanotools for in vivo glioblastoma imaging

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and infiltrating primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), showing a variety of mutations and a high degree of vascularity, cell polymorphism, and nuclear atypia. GBM treatment often recurs to surgical resection, but such protocol lacks efficacy since complete tumor removal is not entirely successful due to invasive cells that cannot be detected at the moment of the surgery. Here, we describe a new in vivo targeting and imaging method for GBM detection in an orthotropic mouse model using fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) conjugated to anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (anti-GFAP). We conjugated and optimized red-emitting CdTe QDs to anti-GFAP to label GBM (U87 cell line) in vivo. The in vivo tumor growth was visualized by the hematoxylin and eosin staining and showed the successful delivery of GBM cells into the mouse brain parenchyma. CdTe/anti-GFAP QDs were injected into the tumor region, and their uptake by tumor cells was visualized by fluorescence microscopy, showing a specific dual labeling with vimentin-immunoreactive GBM. The results reported here provide new perspectives for using CdTe QDs in GBM detection, suggesting their potential application in imaging-guided surgery and a potential fluorescent tool to be applied in the monitoring of 3D tumor glial cultures.

What have we learned in fluorescein-guided resection of brain metastases? An update after 79 consecutive cases.

Cerebral metastasis (CM) is the most common malignancy affecting the brain. Individualized treatment of CM still represents a challenge for neuro-oncological teams: in patient eligible for surgery, complete tumor removal is the most relevant predictor of overall survival (OS) and neurological outcome. The development of surgical microscopes harboring specific filter able to elicit the fluorescent response from sodium fluorescein (SF) has facilitated fluorescein-guided microsurgery and the identification of pathological tumor tissue, especially at the tumor margins. In this study, we analyzed the effect of SF on the visualization and resection of a large monoinstitutional cohort of CM. Surgical database of FLUOCERTUM study (Besta Institute, Milan, Italy) was retrospectively reviewed to find CM surgically removed with a fluorescein-guided technique from March 2016 to December 2022. SF was intravenously injected (5 mg/kg) immediately after induction of general anesthesia. Tumors were removed using a microsurgical technique with the YELLOW560 filter (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Oberkochen, Germany). In the most recent cases, biopsies at the tumor margins were performed to evaluate the ability of fluorescein to discriminate between fluorescent and nonfluorescent tissue at the lesion borders. Seventy-nine patients were included; most of them showed a bright, diffuse fluorescent staining that markedly enhanced tumor visibility; 11 melanomas presented a specific faint enhancement of the black pigmented central nodule with high fluorescence at tumor boundaries. Only in a minimal percentage of cases (N.=4-5.1%), fluorescein enhancement was tenuous, thus not providing a significant help during tumor resection. Altogether, in more than 90% of cases, SF was considered useful in the identification of tumoral tissue and in achieving a high rate of CM resection; thus, gross total resection was achieved in 96.2% (N.=76) of patients and in no case the detection of tumor remnants was an unexpected event. The resulted sensitivity and specificity of fluorescein in identifying tumor tissue at the tumor margin was 88.9% with a predictive positive value of 88.9%. No adverse event was registered during the postoperative course. The use of SF is a valuable method for safe fluorescence-guided tumor resection. Our data showed a positive effect of fluorescein-guided surgery on intraoperative visualization during resection of CM, suggesting a role in improving the extent of resection of these lesions.