High-risk Histologic Subtypes Research Articles

Exploring U.S. Hispanic origin groups diagnosed with uterine cancer - Are there disparities?

ObjectiveTo evaluate patterns and trends of uterine cancer among Hispanic subgroups. MethodsThe United States Cancer Statistics (USCS), National Cancer Database (NCDB), and World Population Review were used to obtain data on incidence, demographic characteristics, and cancer histology. Joinpoint regression program was used for statistical analysis. ResultsBased on 2001–2017 USCS data, the overall incidence of uterine cancer was 27.46 vs. 23.29/100,000 in Hispanics vs. non-Hispanic Whites. There was an over 2-fold higher annual increase in the incidence in Hispanics (1.94%; p < 0.001) vs. Whites (0.85%; p < 0.001), particularly in local stage disease. There was an increase in grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma (1.48%; p < 0.001 vs. −0.52%; p = 0.1) and aggressive histologic subtypes (4.04% p = 0.000 vs. 2.53% p = 0.000) in Hispanics vs. Whites.Using the NCDB (2004–2015), we analyzed 17,351 Hispanics by subgroup (Mexican, South/Central American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican). Over the 12 years, there was an increase in the proportion of uterine cancer diagnoses in all Hispanics (5.2% to 11.0%; p < 0.0001). Dominican patients experienced the largest increase in diagnosis (2.6% to 14.9%; p < 0.0001), the highest proportion of advanced disease at 28.0% (p < 0.0001), and the highest incidence of non-endometrioid histologies at 37.1% (p < 0.0001).World Population Review 2023 revealed the highest female obesity rates in Puerto Rico (51.4%), the Dominican Republic (34.1%), and Mexico (32.8%). ConclusionUterine cancer incidence is increased in Hispanics, with the largest increase in Dominican women with more advanced stages and high-risk histologic subtypes. The impact of obesity on cancer risk, especially in Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Mexicans, warrants further investigation.

Clinicopathological features of differentiated thyroid carcinoma as predictors of the effects of radioactive iodine therapy

BackgroundPatients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually have an excellent prognosis; however, 5 %–15 % develop radioactive iodine-refractory (RAIR) DTC (RAIR-DTC), which has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of RAIR-DTC in order to provide clinical evidence for timely prediction of the effects of iodine therapy. MethodsClinicopathological data for 44 patients with RAIR-DTC and 50 patients with radioiodine-avid DTC (RAIA-DTC) were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors for RAIR-DTC were evaluated and a RAIR-DTC prediction model was established. ResultsRAIR-DTC showed unique clinicopathological features that differed from those of RAIA-DTC; these included age >55 years, a high-risk histological subtype, a large tumor size, a late TNM stage, calcification, distant metastasis, and more than six metastatic lymph nodes. Patients with RAIR-DTC also developed earlier tumor progression. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that distant metastasis, a high-risk histological subtype, and a maximum tumor diameter of ≥12.5 mm were independent risk factors for RAIR-DTC, and the specificity and sensitivity of a combination of these three parameters for the prediction of RAIR-DTC were 98.0 % and 56.8 %, respectively. Decision curve analysis and the calibration curve revealed that the combined prediction of these three parameters had good repeatability and accuracy. ConclusionThe clinicopathological features of DTC can effectively predict the effects of iodine therapy. A combination of distant metastasis, a high-risk histological subtype, and a maximum tumor diameter of ≥12.5 mm showed significantly higher prediction accuracy.

Periocular basal cell carcinoma recurrence following surgical treatment: Safe surveillance time.

To report the rate of primary periocular BCC recurrence following surgical excision in low-risk and high-risk BCCs, and to propose long term follow up guidelines. Retrospective case series of primary BCC treated with surgical excision (Mohs micrographic surgery [MMS], wide local excision [WLE] or fast paraffin excision) who have histologically-confirmed BCC subtype and histologically-measured tumour clearance margins. 77 patients (78 eyelids) were included. Mean age was 72.0 ± 12.8 years with a female predominance (42, 54.5%). Most common histological BCC subtype was nodular (39, 50.0%). 44 (56.47.1%) patients underwent MMS. Tumour clearance was achieved in 59 (75.6%) eyelids after one surgery. 9 had further surgery to achieve tumour clearance while 10 were monitored. There was no statistical significance between recurrence rates in patients who had tumour clearance compared with patients with incomplete tumour clearance after initial surgery (p = 0.15). In patients with incomplete tumour clearance, there was no statistical significance between recurrence rates in those who underwent further surgery versus those monitored (p = 0.47). Average follow-up duration was 37.9 ± 17.2 months. Three (3.9%) cases had recurrent BCC. All three cases had high-risk BCC features (infiltrative subtypes and/or incomplete tumour excision after initial surgery). There was no evidence of recurrence of completely excised, low-risk BCCs at three years, regardless of type of surgical excision. We recommend patients with completely excised, primary BCCs without high-risk features be monitored for one year. Patients with any high-risk BCC features, such as incompletely excised tumours or high-risk histological subtypes, should be monitored for five years.

Radiologic Approach for Skin US.

Radiologic Approach for Skin US.

Overall and cancer specific survival following radical or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy in a retrospective cohort of elderly patients with endometrial cancer

To report the overall survival and cancer specific survival outcomes of elderly women aged ≥70 years who received radical or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for endometrial cancer, we conducted a retrospective review of 93 patients from the West of Scotland Cancer Network (WoSCAN) who received pelvic (+/− para-aortic) radiotherapy over a 5-year period (January 2011 to December 2015, inclusive). Association of treatment type and other variables with overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS) were analysed using log rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models. Median age of the study population was 74 years (range 70–90 years); over 50% of patients were aged ≥75 years, and over 25% were ≥80 years. The majority of patients had endometrioid endometrial cancer (75.3%), and 24.7% had a high-risk histological subtype. Stage distribution was as follows: I/II (40.9%); III/IV (41.9%); recurrent disease (17.2%). Radiotherapy was predominantly delivered in the adjuvant setting (61.3%); intent was primary (22.6%) or salvage (16.1%) in the remaining patients. Chemotherapy was administered to almost 50% of the cohort, mainly in conjunction with adjuvant radiotherapy. After median follow up of 96 months, 5-year OS and CSS were 50.5%and CSS 59.3% for the entire series, 57.9% and 62.8% in the adjuvant group, 23.8% and 35.7% in the primary group, and 60.0% and 80.0% in the salvage group, respectively. Age ≥80 years and primary radiotherapy were statistically significant predictors of poorer survival, adjusting for pathology, stage and grade (hazard ratio (HR) 2.06, 95%Confidence Interval (CI) (1.11–3.80), p = 0.021; and HR 2.42 (CI 1.28–4.57), p = 0.006 respectively). In summary, poorer OS was associated with use of (chemo)radiotherapy as primary treatment of endometrial cancer and/or in women aged ≥80 years, suggesting that careful risk/benefit analysis is required in these two groups.

Risk stratification of parotid neoplasms based on intraoperative frozen section and preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology.

This study aims to determine the relationship of frozen section (FS) to final histology and determine how incorporating FS may change preoperative malignancy risk estimates based on preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The secondary aim is to determine if FS is useful in influencing intraoperative decision-making. Retrospective review of 426 intraoperative FS for parotidectomies performed for primary parotid lesions. Risk of malignancy with a benign FS was 2.5%, with indeterminate 36.1%, and with malignant 100%. Incorporating FS to fine needle aspiration for cytology helped to stratify malignancy risk especially in the Milan categories of atypia of undetermined significance, neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential and non-diagnostic categories, where a malignant FS increased malignancy risk significantly. FS was only able to identify 11% of high-risk histological subtypes for which a neck dissection would be recommended. FS may be used to stratify malignancy risk intraoperatively but has limited utility in clinical decision-making to perform a neck dissection and more extensive parotid resection in high-risk histological subtypes.

Defining optimal adjuvant treatment for high-risk early-stage endometrial cancer

<h3>Objectives:</h3> There is a paucity of data to determine the optimal adjuvant treatment of early-stage, high-risk endometrial histologies. While many retrospective series focus on uterine serous cancer, the optimal treament for other high risk subtypes, including G3 endometrioid cancer, clear cell carcinoma or carcinosarcoma is not yet clear. We sought to determine patterns and outcomes of adjuvant treatment for early-stage high-risk endometrial cancers of multiple histologic subtypes. <h3>Methods:</h3> After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of patients at Montefiore Medical Center diagnosed with early stage high-risk endometrial cancer between 2006 and 2018 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included: 1) Stage I-II disease 2) Grade 3 endometrioid, carcinosarcoma, clear cell, serous, or mixed histologies. Demographic and clinical information pertaining to cancer treatment was collected. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and a Kaplan-Meier progression free survival curve was created using STATA 14.2. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. <h3>Results:</h3> A total of 1208 patients with endometrial cancer were identified, 249 of which met inclusion criteria. Sixty-percent (149) of patients had serous, clear cell, or mixed histologies, 17% (43) had carcinosarcoma, 23% (57) had Grade 3 endometrioid histology. Most patients received adjuvant combination chemoradiotherapy (52%, N=131) whereas 20% (49) received radiation alone (brachytherapy or external beam), 7% (18) received chemotherapy alone, and 20% (50) received no adjuvant treatment. Of the 48 (19%) disease recurrences, 25 (45%) were distant metastases at the time of recurrence. Combined chemoradiotherapy was associated with increased recurrence-free survival compared with chemotherapy alone (p=0.026) or radiation alone (p=0.004). Compared to G3 endometrioid histology, the hazard ratios for recurrence were: 3.70 (CI 1.31-10.41, p=0.01) for serous histology, 1.37 (CI 0.15-12.21, p=0.78) for clear cell, 9.70 (CI 3.22-29.16, p<0.01) for carcinosarcoma, and 4.59 (CI 1.28-16.46, p=0.02) for mixed histology. Charlson Cormorbidity Index was also associated with cancer recurrence (HR 1.53, CI 1.28-1.82, p<0.01), as was age (HR 0.95, CI 0.92-0.99, p=0.01). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Multimodal treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy is associated with increased recurrence free survival in patients with high-risk early-stage endometrial cancers, in comparison to radiation or chemotherapy alone after surgical staging. Histologic subtype, comorbid conditions, and age all significantly impact survival. Notably, recurrence in clear cell tumors were not significantly impacted by adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Randomized trials are needed to determine the optimal treatment of high-risk histologic subtypes.

Interventions for basal cell carcinoma: abridged Cochrane systematic review and GRADE assessments.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting white-skinned individuals, and the worldwide incidence is increasing. Although rarely fatal, BCC is associated with significant morbidity and costs. To assess the effects of interventions for primary BCC in immunocompetent adults. We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2019: Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and LILACS. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We included 52 randomized controlled trials with 6990 participants (median age 65years; range 20-95). Mean study duration was 13months (range 6weeks-10years). Ninety-two per cent (n=48/52) of studies exclusively included histologically low-risk BCC (nodular and superficial subtypes). The certainty of evidence was predominantly low or moderate for the outcomes of interest. Overall, surgical interventions have the lowest recurrence rates, and there may be slightly fewer recurrences with Mohs micrographic surgery over surgical excision for primary, facial BCC (high-risk histological subtype or located in the 'H-zone' or both) (low-certainty evidence). Nonsurgical treatments, when used for low-risk BCC, are less effective than surgical treatments, but recurrence rates are acceptable and cosmetic outcomes are probably superior. Surgical interventions have lower recurrence rates and remain the gold standard for high-risk BCC. Of the nonsurgical treatments, topical imiquimod has the best evidence to support its efficacy for low-risk BCC. Priorities for future research include agreement on core outcome measures and studies with longer follow-up.

633 Surveillance for Head and Neck Cancer Recurrences: Is There Scope for A Tailored Approach?

Abstract Introduction Detection of cancer recurrence after treatment of head and neck cancer (HaNC) is vital. Current guidelines stipulate that following primary treatment HaNC patients are followed up for five years with a total of 18-24 appointments. This forms a bulk of the HaNC surgeon’s workload. Asymptomatic recurrences are rare. Patients educated regarding worrying symptoms may institute their own follow up. Such open appointment systems may be as effective at detecting recurrences Method At a moderate volume HaNC centre we reviewed 98 patients that had completed their five year follow up. We investigated cancer recurrences and whether these were symptomatic or asymptomatic at time of detection. We analysed each recurrence regarding the time since primary treatment. Results 23 patients had HaNC recurrences. These recurrences were symptomatic in 17 patients and asymptomatic in 6 patients. Five of the six patients from the asymptomatic group had recurrences within two years of primary treatment. The final patient was of a high-risk histological subtype. Conclusions Asymptomatic cancer recurrences are uncommon especially after two years of regular follow up. After two years the frequency of appointments may be tailored on a patient-by-patient basis. Patients educated regarding symptoms of cancer recurrences may institute their own follow up.

Racial disparities in high-risk uterine cancer histologic subtypes: A United States Cancer Statistics study

ObjectiveBlack women with uterine cancer on average have worse survival outcomes compared to White women, in part due to higher rates of aggressive, non-endometrioid subtypes. However, analyses of incidence trends by specific high-risk subtypes are lacking, including those with hysterectomy and active pregnancy correction. The objective of our study was to evaluate racial disparities in age-adjusted incidence of non-endometrioid uterine cancer in 720,984 patients. MethodsData were obtained from United States Cancer Statistics using SEER*Stat. We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to correct for hysterectomy and active pregnancy. Age-adjusted, corrected incidence of uterine cancer from 2001 to 2016 and annual percent change (APC) were calculated using Joinpoint regression. ResultsOf 720,984 patients, 560,131 (77.7%) were White, 72,328 (10.0%) were Black, 56,239 (7.8%) were Hispanic, and 22,963 (3.2%) were Asian/Pacific Islander. Age-adjusted incidence of uterine cancer increased from 40.8 (per 100,000) in 2001 to 42.9 in 2016 (APC = 0.5, p < 0.001). Black women had the highest overall incidence at 49.5 (APC = 2.3, p < 0.001). The incidence of non-endometrioid subtypes was higher in Black compared to White women, with the most pronounced differences seen in serous carcinoma (9.1 vs. 3.0), carcinosarcoma (6.1 vs. 1.8), and leiomyosarcoma (1.3 vs. 0.6). In particular, Black women aged 70–74 with serous carcinoma had the highest incidence (61.3) and the highest APC (7.3, p < 0.001). ConclusionsBlack women have a two to four-fold higher incidence of high-risk uterine cancer subtypes, particularly serous carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma, compared to White women after correcting for hysterectomy and active pregnancy.

Interventions for basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

Interventions for basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

Tumour texture features from preoperative CT predict high-risk disease in endometrial cancer

To enable more individualised treatment of endometrial cancer, improved methods for preoperative tumour characterization are warranted. Texture analysis is a method for quantification of heterogeneity in images, increasingly reported as a promising diagnostic tool in oncological imaging, but largely unexplored in endometrial cancer AIM: To explore whether tumour texture features from preoperative computed tomography (CT) are related to known prognostic histopathological features and to outcome in endometrial cancer patients. Preoperative pelvic contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 155 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer. Tumour ROIs were manually drawn on the section displaying the largest cross-sectional tumour area, using dedicated texture analysis software. Using the filtration-histogram technique, the following texture features were calculated: mean, standard deviation, entropy, mean of positive pixels (MPP), skewness, and kurtosis. These imaging markers were evaluated as predictors of histopathological high-risk features and recurrence- and progression-free survival using multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, including models adjusting for high-risk status based on preoperative biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and age. High tumour entropy independently predicted deep myometrial invasion (odds ratio [OR] 3.7, p=0.008) and cervical stroma invasion (OR 3.9, p=0.02). High value of MPP (MPP5 >24.2) independently predicted high-risk histological subtype (OR 3.7, p=0.01). Furthermore, high tumour kurtosis tended to independently predict reduced recurrence- and progression-free survival (HR 1.1, p=0.06). CT texture analysis yields promising imaging markers in endometrial cancer and may supplement other imaging techniques in providing a more refined preoperative risk assessment that may ultimately enable better tailored treatment strategies.

Predicting incomplete basal cell carcinoma excisions – a large multidisciplinary retrospective analysis in a tertiary center

Introduction: Surgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas is often performed by physicians with different surgical backgrounds. Collecting data from different surgical departments would better reflect their real-life surgical management.Objectives: To identify the rate, recurrence risk, and predictive factors accordingly to their relative contribution for an incomplete basal cell carcinoma excision in a large multidisciplinary real-life settingMethods: Retrospective cohort study of 2305 surgically treated lesions in different departments of a tertiary center.Results: There was a rate of incomplete excisions (15%) and a recurrence rate (35.5% vs. 6.8% in incomplete vs. complete excisions (p < .001)). A third of incompletely excised basal cell carcinoma (BCC) will recur over time. Stratified by relevancy, high-risk histological subtypes (micronodular (OR 5.10 – p < .001) and morpheaform (OR 5.42 – p < .001), smaller specimen sizes ( <0.5 cm or 0.5–1 cm, OR 3.99 and 2.49, respectively, p < .001) high-risk locations (OR 3.06 on the nose, OR 2.77 on the eyelids, p < .001), and recurrent BCCs (OR 1.72, p < .001). are the best predictors of an incomplete excision.Conclusions: Acknowledging the rate, recurrence risk and predictive factors for incomplete excisions may be beneficial for optimal preoperative planning and to prevent unwarranted re-interventions, morbidity, and healthcare costs.

High-risk basal cell carcinoma excision in primary care: a retrospective observational study of compliance with NICE guidance

ObjectivesTo assess compliance with 2010 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on cancer services relating to the management of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) in the community, where...

Preoperative tumor texture analysis on MRI predicts high-risk disease and reduced survival in endometrial cancer.

Improved methods for preoperative risk stratification in endometrial cancer are highly requested by gynecologists. Texture analysis is a method for quantification of heterogeneity in images, increasingly reported as a promising diagnostic tool in various cancer types, but largely unexplored in endometrial cancer. To explore whether tumor texture parameters from preoperative MRI are related to known prognostic features (deep myometrial invasion, cervical stroma invasion, lymph node metastases, and high-risk histological subtype) and to outcome in endometrial cancer patients. Prospective cohort study. In all, 180 patients with endometrial carcinoma were included from April 2009 to November 2013 and studied until January 2017. Preoperative pelvic MRI including contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted (T1 c), T2 -weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging at 1.5T. Tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn on the slice displaying the largest cross-sectional tumor area, using the proprietary research software TexRAD for analysis. With a filtration-histogram technique, the texture parameters standard deviation, entropy, mean of positive pixels (MPP), skewness, and kurtosis were calculated. Associations between texture parameters and histological features were assessed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression, including models adjusting for preoperative biopsy status and conventional MRI findings. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used for survival analysis. High tumor entropy in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps independently predicted deep myometrial invasion (odds ratio [OR] 3.2, P lt 0.001), and high MPP in T1 c images independently predicted high-risk histological subtype (OR 1.01, P = 0.004). High kurtosis in T1 c images predicted reduced recurrence- and progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5, P lt 0.001) after adjusting for MRI-measured tumor volume and histological risk at biopsy. MRI-derived tumor texture parameters independently predicted deep myometrial invasion, high-risk histological subtype, and reduced survival in endometrial carcinomas, and thus, represent promising imaging biomarkers providing a more refined preoperative risk assessment that may ultimately enable better tailored treatment strategies in endometrial cancer. 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1637-1647.

Minimally Invasive Approach in Type II Endometrial Cancer: Is It Wise and Safe?

Study ObjectiveTo compare perioperative and survival outcomes in patients with type II endometrial cancer surgically staged by a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach and those surgically staged by laparotomy. DesignRetrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SettingCatholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome, University of Insubria, Varese and “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute of Rome. PatientsA total of 283 patients with type II endometrial cancer in clinical International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I-II and pathological stage III with apparent early-stage disease detected on preoperative instrumental examination. InterventionsBaseline features and perioperative data were evaluated in 142 patients who underwent hysterectomy via open surgery (laparotomy [LPT] group) and 141 patients who did so via a minimally invasive approach (MIS group). Measurements and Main ResultsThe 2 groups were comparable in terms of baseline features and perioperative data except for operative time, which was longer in the LPT group (p < .001) and hospital stay, which was shorter in the MIS group. There were no between-group differences in pathological features, except for myometrial invasion and the rate of positive pelvic lymph nodes. Therefore, we obtained a higher number of early stages in the MIS group (p < .001). In the overall population, significant differences were observed in the recurrence rate, number, and site of relapses, with a higher recurrence rate and number in the LPT group (p < .001). Progression-free and overall survival were not significantly different in the 2 groups. ConclusionWomen with type II endometrial cancer submitted to MIS for hysterectomy experienced fewer complications and similar survival outcomes compared with those who underwent open surgery. When managed by an expert surgeon, a high-risk histological subtype should not be considered a contraindication for MIS. Further prospectively randomized studies are needed to definitively evaluate the safety and feasibility of MIS in early-stage type II endometrial cancer.

Intraoperative lymph node evaluation using 18F-FDG and a hand-held gamma probe in endometrial cancer surgery--a pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess feasibility, safety, and accuracy of detection of metastatic nodes intraoperatively with a hand-held gamma (PET) probe after administration of 18F-FDG in patients with high risk endometrial cancer (EC). This is a prospective, cohort study. Twenty-two patients with clinical Stage I or II EC with high-risk histologic subtypes who were candidates for open surgical intervention were screened for the study. After screening, there were seven study patients (mean age: 64; range: 53-77) who were eligible for the study. In the entire cohort, there were 61 nodal stations that were assessed with a gamma counter intraoperatively, in vivo and again after removal of the node. All adverse events were recorded and operating room staff was monitored for radiation exposure. Resected nodes underwent histological assessment as per routine clinical practice. Range of maximal counts per second recorded in vivo and ex vivo were 0-86 and 0-17, respectively. Of all the nodes examined, one node was positive for metastatic disease; however, intraoperatively the lymph node readings were not higher than other lymph node basins assessed in same patient. No adverse events were recorded. The surgeons recorded the maximum average radiation exposure of all healthcare personnel with an average exposure of 0.08 mSV per case (range, 0.06-0.15). Use of hand-held gamma probe for intraoperative staging of patients with high risk EC is feasible, safe, and radiation exposure levels for all members of the healthcare team were within radiation safety guidelines. However, its use for detection of lymph node metastases needs further evaluation.

Marking sutures to orientate specimens of basal cell carcinoma: do they really make a difference?

Traditionally, marking sutures have been used to orientate specimens of non-melanomatous skin cancers, and they provide an identifiable point as a reference for monitoring and further treatment. For histopathological purposes, the orientated specimen is marked with different inks, which enables measurement to the nearest lateral and deep margins, and if invaded, guides further excision. We retrospectively analysed 688 specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from the head and neck from two separate years: 2010 and 2012. Marking sutures were used in 663 (96%) cases. There were 21 invaded margins (3%), 17 (81%) at the lateral margin and 4 (19%) at the deep margin. Of the 17 with invaded lateral margins, 10 were from the nose, and the remaining 7 from other sites including the ear (n=2), and neck, forehead, temple, eyelid, and cheek (n=1 each). Of the 663 marked specimens, the marking stitch was useful in only one patient who needed another operation (0.2%). We suggest that routine orientation of BCC, even from high risk areas, is not necessary. If the operating surgeon questions the size of the margin when a lesion is ill-defined or of a high-risk histological subtype, then excision with monitored en-face margins should be considered with traditional Mohs surgery or a reliable modified version.

Ultrasound as predictor of histologic subtypes linked to recurrence in basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrences, especially in the facial region, represent a complex cosmetic problem. To date the possibility of predicting recurrence is supported solely by the histologic subtype. To evaluate the relationship between BCC histologic subtypes linked to high and low risk of recurrence and the presence of hyperechoic spots on sonography. Retrospective analysis of the pre-surgical ultrasound examinations of primary BCC tumours with visualization and counting of intra-tumoural hyperechoic spots. The data were then correlated with the corresponding histologic subtype. Thirty one patients with histologically proven BCC were included in the study. Hyperechoic spots were detected in all cases and there was a positive, statistically significant association between hyperechoic spots count and high recurrence risk histologic subtypes. Higher hyperechoic spots count was found in the recurrence-prone micronodular, sclerosing variant and morpheiform BCC subtypes. Low risk and high risk of recurrence showed a significant difference on the mean hyperechoic spots count of 5.5 (range: 3-25) and 8 (4-81). A cut-off point ≥7 hyperechoic spots presented a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 53% for predicting the high risk of recurrence subtypes. The presence and count of hyperechoic spots within BCC lesions may help predicting the high risk of recurrence histologic subtypes.

Cytogenetics, Donor Type, and Use of Hypomethylating Agents in Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

We investigated the impact of patient and disease characteristics, including cytogenetics, previous therapy, and depth of response, on the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We analyzed 256 MDS patients who underwent transplantation from a matched related (n = 133) or matched unrelated (n = 123) donor after 2001. Of the 256, 78 (30.5%) did not receive cytoreductive therapy before HSCT; 40 (15.6%) received chemotherapy, 122 (47.7%) received hypomethylating agents (HMA), and 16 (6.2%) received both (chemo+HMA). Disease status at HSCT defined by International Working Criteria was complete remission in 46 (18%) patients. There were significant differences between therapy groups: there were more therapy-related MDS and higher use of matched related donor in the untreated group. The chemotherapy group had higher serum ferritin levels at HSCT. Patients were older and had more high-risk disease by revised International Prognostic Scoring in the HMA group. Despite those differences, transplantation outcomes were similar in patients who were untreated and who received cytoreductive therapy before HSCT. Three-year event-free survival (EFS) was 44.2%, 30.6%, 34.2%, and 32.8% for untreated, chemotherapy, HMA, and chemo+HMA groups, respectively (P = .50). Multivariate analyses revealed that older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; P = .001); high-risk histologic subtypes, including refractory anemia with excess blasts (HR, 1.5; P = .05) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (HR, 2.1; P = .03), high-risk cytogenetics with monosomal karyotype (MK) (HR, 4.0; P < .0001) and high serum ferritin level at HSCT (HR, 1.8; P = .002) were poor prognostic factors for EFS. Bone marrow blast count 5% or higher at HSCT (HR, 1.6; P = .01) and MK (HR, 4.2; P < .0001) were the only prognostic factors for increased relapse incidence after HSCT. Patients with MK represented a poor prognostic group, with 3-year EFS of 11.4% and relapse incidence of 60.9%. In this analysis, various therapy approaches before HSCT did not lead to different transplantation outcomes. Cytogenetics defined by MK was able to identify a very poor prognostic groups that innovative transplantation approaches to improve outcomes are urgently needed.