Largest Metastatic Lymph Node Research Articles

Clinical Impact of Metastatic Lymph Node Size on Therapeutic Effect and Prognosis in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Who Underwent Preoperative Chemotherapy Followed by Esophagectomy.

Pretreatment metastatic lymph node (LN) size has been reported to be associated with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, its relationship with response to preoperative chemotherapy or prognosis has not been clarified. We investigated the relationship between metastatic LN size and response to preoperative treatment, and prognosis in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer who underwent surgery. A total of 212 clinically node-positive patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy for ESCC were enrolled. Patients were stratified into three groups on the basis of the length of the short axis of the largest LN in pretreatment computed tomography images: < 10 mm (group A), 10-19 mm (group B), and ≥ 20 mm (group C). Group A had 90 patients (42%), group B had 103 patients (49%), and group C had 19 patients (9%). Group C had significantly lower percent reduction in total metastatic LN size than groups A and B (22.5% versus 35.7%, P = 0.037). Group C had significantly more metastatic LNs based on histological examination than groups A and B (10.1 versus 2.4, P < 0.001). Group C patients whose LNs responded had significantly fewer metastatic LNs than nonresponders (5.1 versus 11.9, P = 0.042). Group C had significantly poorer overall survival than groups A and B (3-year survival, 25.4% versus 67.3%, P < 0.001). However, group C patients whose LNs responded had better survival than nonresponders (3-year survival, 57.1% versus 0%, P = 0.008). Patients with large metastatic LNs have poor response and poor prognosis. However, if a response is obtained, long-term survival can be expected.

Clinical significance of the largest histopathological metastatic lymph node size for postoperative course of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the largest metastatic lymph node (MLN) size on postoperative outcomes of patients with stage II-III gastric cancer (GC). A total of 163 patients with stage II/III GC who underwent curative surgery were included in this single-center retrospective study. The lymph nodes were counted, each lymph node was analyzed for metastatic involvement by histopathological examination, and the diameter of the largest metastatic lymph node was recorded. The severity of postoperative complications was assessed by Clavien-Dindo classification system. Two groups of 163 patients were defined according to ROC analysis with cut-off value of histopathologically maximum MLN diameter. A comparative analysis of demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and their postoperative outcomes were performed. The median hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with major complications compared to patients without major complications [18 days (IQR: 13-24) vs. 8 days (IQR: 7-11); (p < 0.001)]. The median MLN size was significantly larger in deceased patients compared to survived [1.3 cm (IQR: 0.8-1.6) vs. 0.9 cm (IQR: 0.6-1.2), respectively; (p < 0.001)]. The cut-off value of MLN size predicting mortality was found as 1.05 cm. MLN size ≥1.05 cm had nearly 3.5 times more negative impact on survival. The largest metastatic lymph node size had a significant association with survival outcomes. Particularly, MLN size over 1.05 cm was associated with worse survival outcomes. However, the largest MLN was not shown to have any effect on major complications. Further prospective and large-scale studies are required to draw more precise conclusions.

Long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with other organ invasions after adjuvant radioactive iodine.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with other organ invasions is directly related to patient prognosis and quality of life; however, studies on the clinical outcomes of adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) for PTC with other organ invasions are limited. This study aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with PTC with other organ invasions after adjuvant RAI. Patients with PTC with other organ invasions without distant metastases who underwent surgery and adjuvant RAI were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the initial responses based on the American Thyroid Association guidelines and survival rates. Prognostic factors for locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) were analyzed. Between January 2005 and December 2019, 102 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 55 years. The median follow-up duration was 92 months (range; 30-231 months). The excellent response rate after RAI was 42%. The 7-year overall survival, LRRFS, and recurrence-free survival rates were 100%, 75%, and 75%, respectively. Metastatic lymph node size, resection margin status, and post-RAI suppressed thyroglobulin level were the independent prognostic factors for LRRFS. We demonstrated that 75% of patients with PTC with other organ invasions could achieve long-term survival without recurrence after adjuvant RAI. Future development of effective treatment strategies for large metastatic lymph nodes, gross residual tumors, and high serum thyroglobulin levels is warranted.

Effects of the Largest Metastatic Lymph Node Size on the Outcomes of Patients who Underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic importance of metastatic lymph nodes in pancreatic cancer is always garnered attention due to dismal prognosis, with some quantitative factors drawing attention for significantly predicting outcomes. Size is one of the easy approach morphological characteristics of the lymph node, and data for effect of largest metastatic lymph node (LMLN) size on survival outcomes are lacking in pancreatic cancer. We aim to evaluate the effect of LMLN size on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This retrospective study evaluates the effect of LMLN size on survival outcomes by grouping the patients who were surgically treated for PDAC, according to their lymph node stage and calculated cutoff value for LMLN size, between February 2015 and May 2020. In the study cohort of 131 patients, the mean age was 63.9±10.8 years and 77 patients were female. Ninety-nine of the patients had pN1, 32 had pN2 stage disease. The optimal cutoff point of LMLN size for predicting the prognosis was calculated as 7.5 mm (sensitivity = 81% and specificity = 81%). 34 (34.3%) of pN1 and 7 (21.9%) of pN2-staged patients had lymph node smaller than 7.5 mm. Three-year survival was significantly longer for patients whose LMLN size was <7.5 mm (56.2-18.2%, p<0.001). Whereas, the patients with LMLN size <7.5 mm had statistically significant longer median survival rate in the subgroup of patients with pN1 lymph node stage, no significant difference in median survival rates was observed between subgroups of pN2 patients (p=0.237). The present study demonstrated that the LMLN size was one of the potential predictors of survival in patients with PDAC.

Differential and prognostic MRI features of gallbladder neuroendocrine tumors and adenocarcinomas.

To identify MRI features that are helpful for the differentiation of gallbladder neuroendocrine tumors (GB-NETs) from gallbladder adenocarcinomas (GB-ADCs) and to evaluate their prognostic values. Between January 2008 and December 2018, we retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent MRI for GB malignancy. Two radiologists independently assessed the MRI findings and reached a consensus. Significant MRI features, which distinguish GB-NETs from GB-ADCs, were identified. Cox regression analyses were performed to find MRI features that were prognostic for overall survival. There were 63 patients with GB-NETs (n = 21) and GB-ADCs (n = 42). Compared with GB-ADCs, GB-NETs more frequently demonstrated the following MRI features: well-defined margins, intact overlying mucosa, and thick rim contrast enhancement and/or diffusion restriction (ps < 0.001). Liver metastases were more common and demonstrated thick rim contrast enhancement and diffusion restriction in GB-NETs (ps < 0.001). Lymph node (LN) metastasis showed thick rim diffusion restriction more often in GB-NETs than in GB-ADCs (p = 0.009). On quantitative analysis, the sizes of the GB mass and metastatic LNs in GB-NETs were larger than those in GB-ADCs (p = 0.002 and p = 0.010, respectively). The ratio of apparent diffusion coefficient values between the lesion and the spleen was lower in the GB mass, liver metastases, and LN metastases of GB-NETs than those of GB-ADCs (p < 0.001, p = 0.017, and p < 0.001, respectively). Survival analysis revealed that a large metastatic LN (hazard ratio 1.737; 95% confidence interval, 1.112-2.712) was the only poor prognostic factor (p = 0.015). Several MRI features aided in differentiating between GB-NETs and GB-ADCs. A large metastatic LN was associated with poor survival. • Compared with gallbladder adenocarcinomas (GB-ADCs), neuroendocrine tumors (GB-NETs) and their metastases to the liver and lymph nodes more frequently demonstrated a thick rim appearance on contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted images. • The ratio of apparent diffusion coefficient values between the lesion and the spleen was significantly lower for the primary mass, liver metastases, and lymph node metastases of GB-NETs than for those of GB-ADCs. • A large metastatic lymph node was the only poor prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with GB-NETs and GB-ADCs.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Correlation with human papillomavirus Status

PurposeTo investigate the relationships between imaging parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) and HPV status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Materials and Methods73 patients with a new diagnosis of OPSCC were enrolled in the present study. MRI including IVIM-DWI with nine b value (range 0–800 s/mm2) was acquired in all patients. Primary tumor (PT) and the largest metastatic lymph node (LN), if present, were volumetrically contoured and the tissue diffusion coefficient Dt, perfusion fraction f and perfusion-related diffusion coefficient D* were estimated by a bi-exponential fit. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was also estimated by a mono-exponential fit. The predictive power of the most relevant patient/tumor characteristics and image-based features in determining the HPV status was assessed. Results67 PTs and 67 metastatic LNs were analyzed. Significant differences in ADC and Dt values among HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients were found for PTs (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively), while a trend toward significance in Dt was reported for LNs (p = 0.066). The perfusion-related parameters, f, D* and D*× f, were not related to HPV status. The best predictive model for HPV positivity was obtained combining alcohol intake and smoke habits with Dt values of PTs (accuracy = 80.8%, sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 64.7%). ConclusionSignificant correlations were found between IVIM-DWI and HPV status in OPSCCs. The perfusion-free diffusion coefficient, Dt, may better reflect the HPV-related tumor differences compared to ADC, whereas the perfusion-related parameters were not able to reliably discriminate HPV-positive from HPV-negative OPSCC.

Mutational profile of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with extensive lymph node metastasis.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has excellent outcomes, but extensive lymph node (LN) metastasis can be associated with fatal outcomes. We evaluated the mutational profiles of primary tumors and their metastatic LNs of PTMCs with extensive lateral cervical LN metastases. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival samples from 16 sets of normal thyroid tissue, the primary PTMC, and the largest metastatic LN were used for targeted sequencing. A total of seven somatic variants were confirmed in the PTMCs compared to the normal tissue. The BRAFV600E mutation was the most common and seen in 12 primary tumors (75%) and 11 metastatic LNs (69%). A nonsense mutation in AR and an in-frame deletion in ACVR2A were detected in one primary tumor and its metastatic LN (6%). Missense mutations in KMT2A, RAF1, and ROS1 were detected in one primary tumor (3%). A frameshift deletion mutation in JAK2 was detected in a metastatic LN (3%). In PTMCs without the BRAF mutation, an ALK and RET rearrangement (one PTMC and its metastatic LN, 6%) was detected. In one patient, the BRAF mutation was detected in the primary tumor, but only a RET rearrangement was detected in its metastatic LN. No mutations were detected in two patients. The mutational frequency of PTMCs was really low, even in those with extensive LN metastasis. The mutational status of the primary tumor and its metastatic LNs were not significantly different, and this suggests a minor role for genetic alterations in the process of LN metastasis in PTMC.

Long noncoding RNA-JPX predicts the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients and promotes tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

To investigate the clinical functions and the detailed mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) JPX in human ovarian cancer cell lines. The expression of JPX in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The correlation between JPX expression and prognosis was analyzed by follow-up data. The OVCAR-3 cell proliferation, invasion and migration were measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, cloning formation assay and scratch assay. The cell apoptosis was detected by Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 activity. PI3K/mTOR inhibitor treatment and Western blot proved that JPX functions associated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and test the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR. RT-PCR results showed that the expression of JPX was upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cell lines (p < 0.05), and it was significantly increased in large tumor tissues and metastatic lymph nodes (p < 0.05). The survival rate of high JPX expression patients was much lower than low JPX expression patients (p < 0.05), indicating that high expression of JPX predicted poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. MTT assay, colony formation and scratch assay showed the repression of JPX and resulted with significantly decreased in cell proliferation, invasion and migration of OVCAR-3 cells compared with the control (p < 0.05). PI3K/mTOR inhibitor treatment showed overexpression of JPX could activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Western blot assay showed that the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR were significantly increased after overexpression of JPX (p < 0.05), and after the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and overexpression of JPX, the tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration were significantly repressed, compared with the control (p < 0.05). JPX could predict the poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer, which could promote the tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration in human ovarian cancer cell lines and inhibited the cell apoptosis through activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Computed Tomographic Features of Primary Small Cell Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Gallbladder.

This study aimed to report the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of primary small cell neuroendocrine tumors of the gallbladder (PSCNETGs). The CT examinations of 9 patients (5 women, 4 men; median age, 57 years) with histopathologically proven PSCNETG were reviewed. Computed tomographic images were analyzed with respect to morphologic features of primary tumors and accompanying lymph nodes. All PSCNETGs were visible on CT, with a median largest axial diameter of 60 mm (Q1, 30 mm; Q3 mm, 82; range, 25-86 mm). These tumors presented with extraluminal growth (8/9; 89%), heterogeneous enhancement (8/9; 89%), gallbladder replacement greater than 50% (5/9; 56%), hepatic metastases (5/9; 56%), and direct liver involvement by tumor (4/9; 44%). Enlarged lymph nodes were present in all patients (9/9; 100%) with a median largest axial diameter of 39 mm (Q1, 23 mm; Q3, 48 mm; range, 12-62 mm). Vessel encasement by lymph nodes was present in 6 (67%) of 9 patients. Primary small cell neuroendocrine tumors of the gallbladder predominantly presents as a large, heterogeneous gallbladder mass with extraluminal growth in association with large metastatic lymph nodes and intrahepatic metastases.

Prognostic Role of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to elucidate the clinicopathological significances, including the prognostic role, of metastatic lymph node ratio (mLNR) and tumor deposit diameter in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) through a retrospective review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe categorized the cases into high (≥ 0.44) and low mLNR (< 0.44) and investigated the correlations with clinicopathological parameters in 64 PTCs with neck level VI lymph node (LN) metastasis. In addition, meta-analysis of seven eligible studies was used to investigate the correlation between mLNR and survival.ResultsAmong 64 PTCs with neck level VI LN metastasis, high mLNR was found in 34 PTCs (53.1%). High mLNR was significantly correlated with macrometastasis (tumor deposit diameter ≥ 0.2 cm), extracapsular spread, and number of metastatic LNs. Based on linear regression test, mLNR was significantly increased by the largest LN size but not the largest metastatic LN (mLN) size. High mLNR was not correlated with nuclear factor κB or cyclin D1 immunohistochemical expression, Ki-67 labeling index, or other pathological parameters of primary tumor. Based on meta-analysis, high mLNR significantly correlated with worse disease-free survival at the 5-year and 10-year follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 4.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.527 to 6.714 and HR, 5.769; 95% CI, 2.951 to 11.275, respectively).ConclusionsOur data showed that high mLNR significantly correlated with worse survival, macrometastasis, and extracapsular spread of mLNs. Further cumulative studies for more detailed criteria of mLNR are needed before application in daily practice.

Is Lymph Node Size a Reliable Factor for Estimating Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer?

PurposePre-operative lymph node (LN) size is a valuable parameter for determining treatment strategy for gastric cancer. However, a correlation between LN size and metastasis has not been established.Materials and MethodsThirty-six LN-positive (LNP) and matched 36 LN-negative (LNN) patients were included, and pathology slides of the LNs of these patients were reviewed. All the LNs were measured along the long-axis (LA) and short-axis (SA), manually.ResultsAverage retrieved LNs were 37.3±19.8 and 40.5±11.6 in the LNN and LNP groups, respectively. In total 2,800 LNs, including 136 metastatic LNs (MLNs) and 2,664 non-metastatic LNs (nMLNs), were evaluated. Mean length was significantly more in MLNs along both, the LA and SA (MLN_LA vs. nMLN_LA: 4.97±3.84 vs. 3.37±2.40 mm, MLN_SA vs. nMLN_SA: 3.86±3.19 vs. 2.43±1.59 mm; P<0.001). However, 92.6% (126/136) and 95.6% (130/136) of MLNs were <10 mm along the LA and SA, respectively. In addition, only 22.2% of the LNP group exhibited an MLN as the largest LN.ConclusionsPre-operative multi-detector computed tomography has limited ability in estimating the presence of metastasis in LNs because most MLNs are less than 10 mm, and only a small proportion of the LNP group exhibits an MLN as the largest MLN.

Lymph node size is not a reliable criterion for predicting nodal metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine tumours.

The study was designed to assess the correlation between lymph node (LN) size and LN metastasis in patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Forty patients who underwent curative resection with lymphadenectomy for a rectal NET between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. The short and long diameters of entire nodes were microscopically measured using a slide gauge. In all, 1052 LNs were collected from the 40 patients, with 49 (4.7%) showing evidence of metastasis. Metastasis-positive LNs had significantly greater long and short diameters (P<0.001) than metastasis-negative LNs. Of the 49 metastatic LNs, 29 (59.2%) were ≤5mm in largest diameter. In five patients, the largest metastatic LN was only 2-3mm in diameter. In clinically node-negative (cN0) patients, 18 (51.4%) patients had metastatic LNs (pN1). The size of LNs containing metastasis varied widely, with some being very small. LN size alone is therefore not a sufficient predictor of tumour metastasis in rectal NETs. Radical surgery with lymphadenectomy should be considered for patients with rectal NETs with high risk factors for LN metastasis, even those without LN enlargement.

Identification of a predictive factor for distant metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive chemoradiotherapy

Distant metastasis (DM) after definitive chemoradiotherapy has not been a focus of research in esophageal carcinoma. At present, local-regional control is improving following advances in salvage treatments after definitive chemoradiotherapy. There is a need to focus on suppressing the development of DM. The aim of this study was to identify pre-treatment factors associated with DM after definitive chemoradiotherapy. This study included 144 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (Stage I/II/III/IV; 35/17/69/23) (TNM 7th) who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy; >50Gy was prescribed to all gross tumors with concurrent administration of 5-fluorouracil±platinum. Pre-treatment factors included age, gender, performance status, tumor location, T/N/M status, tumor length, size of metastatic lymph nodes (LN size), and the presence of intramural metastasis or multiple primary tumors. The effects of pre-treatment factors on overall survival (OS) and DM were evaluated. The median follow-up period was 48months. DM occurred as an initial progression in 21% of patients, and LN size correlated with DM development (hazard ratio [HR]=5.12; p=0.0013) and poor OS (HR=2.20; p=0.0076) in univariate and multivariate analyses. LN size is a quantitative pre-treatment prognostic factor that should be assessed prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy. Patients with large metastatic lymph nodes are at high risk of DM and should be monitored.

Features Predictive of Distant Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas.

The recent increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer has been mainly attributed to papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs), and many studies have suggested conservative strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of PTMC. However, PTMCs may be associated with distant metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features and identify the risk factors for distant metastasis in patients with PTMCs. The medical records of 8808 patients who were diagnosed with PTMC from 1999 to 2012 were reviewed, and 12 (0.1%) patients with distant metastasis were identified. Forty-one PTMC patients who initially had lateral cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis and were cured with no evidence of a distant metastasis were also selected as a control group. Of the 12 patients with distant metastasis, nine had synchronous metastasis and three had metachronous metastasis. All 12 patients had primary tumors >0.5 cm and cervical LN metastasis at initial surgery. Ten patients had clinically apparent lateral cervical LN metastases, while two patients had only microscopic involvement of a central LN. Four patients died of thyroid carcinoma. Disease-specific mortality was associated with old age, large metastatic LNs with extranodal extension, and aggressive pathologic subtype of metastatic LNs. When the clinicopathological features of the patients with distant metastasis were compared with the control patients, the presence of extranodal extension and change to an aggressive pathologic subtype of metastatic LNs were significantly associated with distant metastasis and persistent structural distant PTMC metastasis. Most patients with PTMC demonstrate excellent clinical outcomes, and distant metastases rarely occur. However, distant metastasis of PTMC can be fatal. Performing a meticulous pathologic examination of metastatic LNs to identify the presence of extranodal extension and the pathologic subtype of metastatic LNs helps to assess the risk of a distant metastasis in patients with PTMC.

A Pediatric Case of Spitzoid Melanoma with Subsequent Large Lymph Node Metastasis.

Dear Editor: The lack of reliable pathological criteria for distinguishing between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions makes it very difficult for clinicians and pathologists to diagnosis melanoma. Here, we describe a rare case of a young patient affected by Spitzoid melanoma of the left leg with left superficial inguinal lymph node metastasis. A 13-year-old boy was referred to our hospital for a 19×9-mm cutaneous dome-shaped pigmented nodule on his left lower leg (Fig. 1A). The nodule appeared 3 months prior and was asymptomatic. No lymphadenopathy was found on physical examination. Under the suspicion of Spitz nevus, the tumor was excised with a 2-mm free margin. Histological analysis demonstrated that it was a symmetrical melanocytic tumor; it exhibited prominent pleomorphism and definitely showed changes of maturation (Fig. 1B~D). We detected hemorrhage crusts on the horny layer, but these were caused by the patient's scratching. There was no bleeding in his clinical course. Atypical epithelioid and spindle-shaped melanocytes with large hyperchromatic pleomorphic nuclei were observed. No ulceration was present. These findings were discordant with pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma1. His immunologic profile was consistent with a melanocytic tumor: S-100, Melan-A, and HMB-45 positivity, and CD34 negativity. The presence of diffuse HMB-45 positivity, even deeper in a nest, was considered unusual in a Spitz nevus. The extremely controversial nature of the lesion led to a diagnosis of atypical Spitz neoplasm of indeterminate biologic potential or Spitzoid-type minimal deviation melanoma. After receiving informed consent from the patient's parents, we performed careful observation, considering the possibility of malignant tumor. He had a huge palpable inguinal lymph node on physical examination 4 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans showed a large metastatic superficial inguinal lymph node (Fig. 2). Under a diagnosis of Spitzoid melanoma with subsequent lymph node metastasis, we performed wide local excision (2-cm margin including the periosteum) of the lower leg and resurfaced the defect with a local flap procedure. Left inguinal lymph nodes including the superficial and deep node groups were completely dissected. Three of the nine harvested lymph nodes including the large lymph node exhibited metastasis. Atypical melanocytes similar to those in the leg lesion were found within the lymph node parenchyma. The patient was treated with adjuvant dacarbazine, nimustine, and vincristine chemotherapy 5 times over 6 months. At a recent follow-up 2 years later, he did not have any evidence of recurrence or metastasis. The 5-year survival rate of children between 11 and 17 years old with metastatic Spitzoid melanoma is 49%2. Recent studies suggest the prognosis of children with Spitzoid melanoma is better than that in adults even local metastases or positive sentinel lymph nodes are present3,4,5. However, some cases of incomplete excision of Spitzoid melanoma leading to systemic metastasis and death have been reported5. Therefore, in cases in which the diagnosis is uncertain despite further evaluations, it is necessary perform careful observation to prevent recurrence and metastasis as early as possible. Fig. 1 (A) A 10-mm dome-shaped pigmented nodule on the left lower leg. (B) Histopathology of the skin lesion; Breslow's thickness clearly exceeded 4 mm. No ulceration was present (H&E, ×10). (C) Abundant irregular nests of varying size and shape, ... Fig. 2 Magnetic resonance imaging (left panel) and anterior projection images from the positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan (right panel). Note the extensive left inguinal lymph node uptake (arrows). This sentinel lymph node was larger than ...

Sp616 EUS-Guided Ethanol Ablation for Management of Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A 77 year old man with a history of hemochromatosis is found to have a new hepatocellular carcinoma approximately 3 years ago. His initial treatment included percutaneous RFA, partial hepatectomy, and retroperitoneal lymph node resection. At 6 months post-op, a metastatic lymph node is discovered in the right retrocrural space. This was successfully treated by external radiation therapy (XRT). At 19 months post-op, a large metastatic lymph node is found in the aorto-caval region. This initially responded to XRT. However, 1 year later the lesion has increased in size and serum AFP is 93.4 ng/ml. Multidisciplinary evaluation pursued. Patient was not a candidate for further XRT. Surgery not an option. And percutaneous ablation was not felt to be feasible. EUS-guided ethanol ablation was thus offered as an a potential alternative. A linear echoendoscope was advanced to the duodenal bulb, where the metastatic lymph node was able to be visualized. A 22-gauge needle was advanced into the periphery of the lesion in a trans-duodenal approach. 98% ethanol was then slowly injected through the needle directly into the mass. A “blush” was seen at the site of ethanol injection. The needle was slowly withdrawn as the ethanol was injected, with care taken to avoid extravasation of the injectate. Ablation was performed at various sites throughout the tumor until an ablation effect was seen throughout the lesion. A total of 21 cc of ethanol was injected. Follow-up at 10 weeks demonstrated near-normalization of serum AFP (13.9 ng/ml) as well as non-enhancing low attenuation on CT, consistent with complete treatment effect. Follow-up at 5 months demonstrates serum AFP of 19.1 ng/ml, suggestive of continued local tumor control. EUS-guided ethanol ablation of metastatic HCC is a potential treatment option in select patients where traditional therapies are not feasible or are considered suboptimal.

Dosimetric Evaluation of Two-step Method as Adaptive Replanning Strategies for Head and Neck IMRT

To avoid the risk of changes in the dose distribution during IMRT, we adopted a two-step IMRT method for head and neck cancers. The aim of this study was to show the benefit of this method by examining the geometric and dosimetric changes along the treatment course. We retrospectively selected 20 patients (10 nasopharynx ; 6 oropharynx ; 4 hypopharynx) treated with the two-step IMRT combined with cisplatin (80 mg/m2,q3w). In an initial step, a dose of 46-50 Gy was delivered to the whole neck, followed by a boost to the high-risk clinical target volume to a total of 70 Gy/2Gy. First, the geometric changes were evaluated in the primary tumors (GTV-p), the largest metastatic lymph node (GTV-n), and the parotid glands between CT-1 for the initial and CT-2 for the boost plans. Second, initial plans were applied to CT-2, and dose distributions were recalculated. These transferred plans were compared with the corresponding initial plans for the dosimetric parameters to targets and risk organs. The mean volumes of GTV-p and GTV-n on CT-2 were decreased by 62.9% and 52.4% of those on CT-1, respectively (p = 0.002 and p = 0.081), whereas those of parotid glands was also decreased by 18.1% with significant difference (p < 0.0001). In addition, the lateral faces of parotid glands shifted medially with an average of 4.2 mm (p < 0.0001) on CT-2. Despite of anatomical changes of GTV-p and GTV-n , D98 was unchanged. The mean dose of parotid glands in initial, transferred and boost plans were 25.2Gy, 30.5Gy and 20.0Gy per 70Gy, respectively. D2 of the spinal cord were 37.1Gy, 39.2Gy and 36.8Gy per 70Gy, respectively. The mean dose of parotid glands significantly reduced in boost plans compared with transferred plans. D2 of the spinal cord reduced in boost plans compared with transferred plans. Grade of xerostomia 1-2 years after the start of IMRT could be evaluated for 15 patients, and 10 patients were grade 0 and 5 patients were grade 1. The two-step method can provide preservation of both target coverage and dose constrains for risk organs. Especially the benefit of replanning is improved sparing of the parotid glands.

Prediction of Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging

Patients with HNSCC have a poor prognosis and development of imaging biomarkers that predict long-term outcome might aid in planning optimal treatment strategies. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to predict disease-free survival in patients with HNSCC by using pretreatment K(trans) measured from dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Sixty-six patients with HNSCC were recruited from January 2005 to October 2008. Three patients were excluded because they underwent upfront neck dissection, and 6 patients were excluded due to suboptimal MR imaging data or being lost to follow-up. Disease-free survival was measured in the remaining 57 patients from the end date of chemoradiation therapy. In patients who died, the end point was the date of death, while in surviving patients the date of last clinical follow-up was used as the end point. Pretreatment K(trans) and nodal volume were computed from the largest metastatic node, and median pretreatment K(trans) and volume were used to divide patients into 2 groups (at or above the threshold value [group I] and below the threshold value [group II]. Disease-free survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the results were compared by using a logrank test with K(trans) and nodal volume as predictors. A P value <.05 was considered significant. Thirteen of 57 patients had died of HNSCC by the last follow-up period (March 31, 2009). Patients with higher pretreatment K(trans) values had prolonged disease-free survival compared with patients with lower K(trans) values (P=.029). However, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival when nodal volume was used as a predictor (P=.599). Pretreatment K(trans) may be a useful prognostic marker in HNSCC.

The optimum number of retrieved lymph nodes for locally advanced rectal cancer following short-course preoperative radiotherapy: A study by fat clearance.

449 Background: The optimum number of retrieved lymph nodes following preoperative radiotherapy and surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer is still controversial. This study is designed to confirm the least number of retrieved lymph nodes for locally advanced rectal cancer following 30Gy/10f short-course preoperative radiotherapy. Methods: From Aug 2002 to Mar 2010, two hundred and twelve patients with locally advanced rectal cancer received 30Gy/10f preoperative radiotherapy (BED: 36Gy), standardized total mesorectal excision and fat-clearance based pathological evaluation in Beijing Cancer Hospital. The size of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) was recorded. The sequence of LNs was arranged by a descending sort by retrieved nodes' size and the serial number of the largest metastatic lymph node (mLN) was recorded. The serial number of the first largest mLN is regarded as the least number of LNs to distinguish ypN+ status. The cumulative accuracy of ypN stage by variable numbers of LNs was calculated and analyzed. Results: There were total 4,669 retrieved LNs and 354 mLNs. The median retrieved LNs number was 21 (range 4-61). The ypN positive rate was 40.6%. The peak-value of quantitive distribution of LNs and mLNs was observed in 1-2mm and 3-4mm level. The incidence of retrieving mLNs shows an intensifying tendency for increasing size of LNs. The analysis for sequence of LNs sorting suggested that 85.4% of cases could confirm their ypN stage by the first largest LN. The cumulative accuracy ascended to 95.1% or 98.1% when the first 5 or 9 largest LNs were retrieved. Conclusions: For rectal cancer following 30Gy/10f preoperative radiotherapy, retrieving 12 or more lymph nodes seems not to be mandatory for confirming ypN stage. The accuracy in confirming negative ypN stage when retrieving 5 or 9 largest nodes is sufficient for majority of patients. In those cases that could not retrieve 5 or more nodes by routine fixation, fat clearance is indispensable. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Large Metastatic Lymph Node Size, Especially More Than 2 cm: Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Node‐Positive Gastric Carcinoma

The presence of metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) is the most important prognostic factor for gastric carcinoma, with the number of MLNs thought to be predictive of the prognosis. However, there have been long-standing debates on how to classify node-positive patients into prognostic groups appropriately. Recent findings in patients with colon and esophageal cancer have suggested that MLN size, more than MLN number, is an important prognostic factor; but less is known about the impact of MLN size on the prognosis of patients with gastric carcinoma. We therefore assessed the prognostic impact of large MLNs, especially those>or=2 cm, in patients with gastric carcinoma. A total of 1190 patients who underwent curative resection for gastric carcinoma between 2001 and 2003 and had lymph node metastases were divided into two groups according to the size of the largest MLN:>or=2 cm (n=51) vs. <2 cm (n=1139). Clinicopathologic data, including tumor recurrence and survival, were reviewed retrospectively. The median follow-up for living patients was 47 months (range 30-80 months). Age, sex ratio, type of surgery, and histologic classification did not correlate with MLN size. The depth of invasion did correlate with MLN size (T1-2 vs. T3-4, p=0.045) but not with the number of MLNs (N stage, p=0.311). The two groups showed similar distribution of stage according to the UICC/AJCC TNM staging system. Disease-free survival (34% vs. 53%, p<0.001) and overall survival (40% vs. 63%, p=0.011) were significantly worse in the large MLN group. Univariate analysis with the log-rank test showed that MLN>or=2 cm, type of surgery, T stage, N stage, and histologic classification had a significant impact on overall survival. Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazard model showed that MLN>or=2 cm was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 1.76, p=0.006), along with T stage and N stage. MLN>or=2 cm is an independent additional predictor of poor prognosis in patients with node-positive gastric carcinoma.