Lateral Tumors Research Articles

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Neurocognitive development after pediatric brain tumor - a longitudinal, retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors (PBTs) treated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) often experience a decline in neurocognitive test scores. Less is known about the neurocognitive development of non-irradiated survivors of PBTs. The aim of this study was to statistically model neurocognitive development after PBT in both irradiated and non-irradiated survivors and to find clinical variables associated with the rate of decline in neurocognitive scores. A total of 151 survivors were included in the study. Inclusion criteria: Diagnosis of PBT between 2001 and 2013 or earlier diagnosis of PBT and turning 18 years of age between 2006 and 2013. Exclusion criteria: Death within a year from diagnosis, neurocutaneous syndromes, severe intellectual disability. Clinical neurocognitive data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Multilevel linear modeling was used to evaluate the rate of decline in neurocognitive measures and factors associated with the same. A decline was found in most measures for both irradiated and non-irradiated survivors. Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunting and treatment with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) were associated with a faster decline in neurocognitive scores. Male sex and supratentorial lateral tumor were associated with lower scores. Verbal learning measures were either stable or improving. Survivors of PBTs show a pattern of decline in neurocognitive scores irrespective of treatment received, which suggests the need for routine screening for neurocognitive rehabilitation. However, survivors treated with WBRT and/or a VP shunt declined at a faster rate and appear to be at the highest risk of negative neurocognitive outcomes and to have the greatest need for neurocognitive rehabilitation.

Obturator Nerve Block by Inguinal Approach in the Transurethral Resection of Lateral wall Bladder Tumor

Background: Single spinal anesthetic has been shown to be ineffective in preventing obturator nerve activation and adductor muscle contraction, which can lead to problems such as bladder perforation during transurethral resection of lateral wall bladder tumor (TURBT) under SA. To counteract this, numerous additional approaches are still being investigated, with the inguinal approach lately gaining traction. The aim of the study was to observe the incidence of jerk/ muscle spasm after obturator nerve block by Inguinal Approach in TURBT of lateral wall urinary bladder tumor under SA. Material & Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology & ICU of National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study duration was 6 months, from January 2022 to July 2022. During this period, a total of 20 cases of transurethral resection of lateral wall bladder tumor (TURBT) had been included as the study population, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Among the participants, 45% had been from the age group of 60-69 years, 30% had been from the age group of 50-59 years, 15% had been between the ages of 70-79, and 10% had been of 80 years or older. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, observed in 70% of the participants. 45% had diabetes, 15% had chronic kidney disease, another 15% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 10% had heart disease, and 15% had benign enlargement of prostate. During TURBT, majority of the patients had no jerk, while only 10% had minimal jerk and 1 patient had maximum jerk. During the 24-hour follow-up, 20% of patients regarded their outcome condition as excellent, while 60% had regraded their outcome as good. Only 1 patient regarded their outcome as poor, while follow-up data was unavailable for 15% of patients. Conclusion: The study observed very few incidence of muscle spasm or jerk during TURBT after using the inguinal approach. The study also found positive short-term outcome in most of the patients.

Genomic profile of two Brazilian choroid plexus tumors by whole-exome sequencing.

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare intracranial neoplasms, representing <1% of all brain tumors, yet they represent 20% of first-year pediatric brain tumors. Although these tumors have been linked to TP53 germline mutations in the context of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, their somatic driver alterations remain poorly understood. In this study, we report two cases of lateral ventricle tumors: 3-yr-old male diagnosed with an atypical choroid plexus papilloma (aCPP), and a 6-mo-old female diagnosed with a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We performed whole-exome sequencing of paired blood and tumor tissue in both patients, categorized somatic variants, and determined copy-number alterations. Our analysis revealed a tier II variant (Association for Molecular Pathology [AMP] criteria) in BRD1, a H3 and TP53 acetylation agent, in the aCPP. In addition, we detected copy-number gains on Chromosomes 12, 18, and 20 and copy-number losses on Chromosomes 13q and 22q (BRD1 locus) in this tumor. The CPC tumor had only a pathogenic germline TP53 variant, based on American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria, with a clinical and familiar history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The CPC patient presented loss of heterozygosity (LoH) of TP53 loci and hyperdiploid genome. Both tumors were microsatellite-stable. This is the first study performing whole-exome sequencing in Brazilian choroid plexus tumors, and in line with the literature, we corroborate the absence of recurrent somatic mutations in these tumors. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings and better understand the underlying biology of these tumors.

Lateral ventricle ectopic schwannoma: Case report and literature review.

Cases of lateral ventricular ectopic schwannomas (LVES) are extremely rare, with only 23 cases reported thus far. This study aimed to obtain a better understanding of the disease. We reported a rare case of LVES, in which the patient was admitted to our hospital, and reviewed the relevant literature on LVES to summarize and analyze the clinical manifestations, pathologies, imaging features and progress. Of the 23 patients, LVES was more common in men (74%, 17/23) than in women and was mostly located on the right side (78%, 18/23). The average age at clinical presentation was 28 years, with an age range between 8 and 68 years. Moreover, most cases were histologically benign, except in one case of malignancy. In all the benign cases, there were 2 cases of subtotal resection, but no recurrence was found during follow-up. The origin of LVES could be the tumor transformation of autonomic nerve tissue in the perivascular choroid plexus. For lateral ventricle tumors,which are rare benign lesions with good prognosis after surgical resection, LVES should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, whether LVES could be considered for gamma knife treatment, similar to a small acoustic neuromas,requires further investigation.

Anesthesia management in patients with neurological diseases: an updated systematic review

Prior literature discouraged anesthesiologists from administering regional anesthesia on patients with pre-existing neurologic disorders. Anesthesiologists are occasionally faced with adopting a regional anesthetic method in patients with pre-existing neurological diseases. There is uncertainty about whether secondary variables such as patient characteristics and anesthetic and surgical risk factors might influence the post-operative neurological outcome. To review the current literature on the anesthetic management of patients with neurological diseases. Studies related to our subject were explored using PubMed and Google scholar databases. The keywords included were &amp;quot;Anesthesia, anesthetic management, neurological disease, regional anesthesia,&amp;quot; and were used in various combinations. The inclusion criteria were original studies that reported Anesthesia management in patients with neurological disease and full text- articles. A total of 100 articles were obtained, only 8 articles were eligible for the inclusion criteria were published between 2004 and 2021. The detailed studies were conducted on 156 participants, two of them were case series, and six were case reports. Patients with central nervous system (CNS) problems such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Tuberous sclerosis, and brain tumors were included in our study. General anesthesia has been associated with worsening MS. A bupivacaine-based scalp nerve block and Dexmedetomidine were used as the primary hypnotic-sedative medicine to perform awake craniotomies on 10 patients, allowing safe tumor removal. The study shows that the risks associated with neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia in those with pre-existing CNS illnesses may be less prevalent than previously thought.

Tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain. Possibilities of endoscopic transventricular surgery. Prospects and prognosis

Tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain are uncommon in the general population. Taking into account possible disability, expected duration and quality of life of the patient in the postoperative period, radical removal of these tumors, especially invasive ones, are debatable. Purpose: to determine the possibilities of endoscopic transventricular surgery for tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain. Materials and methods. Between 2015 and 2021, 61 patients with lateral and third ventricle tumors were treated, 9 of which were primary and 52 were invasive.All patients had a preoperative Karnofsky Performance scale score ≥70 points. Preoperative neurological status: non-focal neurological symptoms were observed in all patients, central significant hemiparesis (up to 2 points) - in 5, cognitive-mnestic disorders - in 31, opto-chiasmatic syndrome - in 2. Obstructive hydrocephalus was diagnosed in all patients. All patients underwent full-endoscopic removal by frontal transcortical transventricular approach. Results. Total tumor resection (within healthy tissues) was performed in 34 patients, subtotal (up to 90%) – in 17, partial – in 10 patients. The postoperative condition according to Karnofsky Performance scale in all patients was ≥70 points. Hemiplegia was registered in 8 (13.1%) patients (sustained deficiency, hemiparesis (up to 3 points) - in 2 (1.22%) patients), hemianopsia - in 4 (6.5%) patients, short-term memory impairment - in 9 ( 14.75%), regression was observed 2–4 weeks after surgery. Thirty-seven (60.7%) patients died. The remaining patients (39.3%) are under observation. Median survival was 33 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) 28–40 weeks). Postoperative survival in patients with glioblastoma was 15 weeks, median survival was 9.5 weeks (95% CI, 4–15 weeks). Of the patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, 13 (92.9%) patients died within 38 weeks after surgery, the median survival was 18 weeks (95% CI, 14.5–29.0 weeks), 1 (7.1%) patient was under observation. Patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma had a median survival of 34.5 weeks (95% CI - 28-40 weeks), 15 (65.2%) patients died within 40 weeks, 8 (34.8%) patients are under observation. The difference between groups in survival was statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). Median survival in women was 34.5 weeks (95% CI, 29–40 weeks), in men, 28 weeks (95% CI, 18–39 weeks). There were 12 (42.9%) women and 12 (36.4%) men who survived for more than 60 weeks. No statistically significant difference was found between male and female survival rates (p=0.309). Conclusions. The ability of achieving the optimal resection volume of primary and invasive tumors of the third and lateral ventricles allows recommending the anterior endoscopic transcortical transventricular approach as an effective method of surgical treatment of these tumors. Radical endoscopic resection, as the first stage of combined treatment of patients with malignant tumors of the third and lateral ventricles, increases the patients’ life expectancy with a minimal risk of postoperative neurological complications, comparable to the life expectancy of patients with malignant tumors of supratentorial localization. To eliminate obstructive hydrocephalus and prevent the obstruction of CSF circulation in case of postoperative edema or continued growth in invasive tumors of the lateral and third ventricles, it is advisable to perform triventriculocisternostomy.

Radicality of lateral ventricular neoplasms removal and risk factors of postoperative hemorrhagic complications

Introduction. Lateral ventricular neoplasms (tumors, vascular neoplasms, cysts) are rare and according to different sources comprise between 0.64 and 3.5 % of all brain tumors. Due to relatively slow growth, tumors can reach significant size before patient develops neurological symptoms. Surgery is the main method of treatment of lateral ventricular neoplasms, and in many cases radical removal can be achieved. The main complications after surgery are hydrocephalus and hemorrhages. The later frequently lead to escalation of neurological symptoms and sometimes require repeat surgical intervention. The success of intraventricular surgery consists of reasonable radicality and absence of complications.Aims. To evaluate the radicality and safety of lateral ventricular tumor removal through traditional approaches–transcallosal and transcortical – using arterial spin labeling (ASL perfusion) and to analyze the risk of hemorrhagic complications in the early postoperative period in the context of tumor location and blood supply.Materials and methods. At the N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery between 2017 and 2019 48 patients with space‑occupying lesions of the lateral ventricles were examined and treated with surgery. All patients were examined using the same MRI protocol before and after surgery: Т1‑weighted, Т1‑weighed contrast‑enhanced, 3D SPGR, Т2‑weighted, Т2‑FLAIR, DWI, T2‑FLAIR CUBE, SWAN, ASL perfusion. In 28 (58 %) cases, transcortical approach was used (through the frontal lobe in 24 cases, through the upper temporal lobe in 2 cases, through the parietal lobe in 2 cases); transcallosal approach was used in 16 (33 %) cases; combination approach (for advanced tumors of the lateral ventricles) was used in 3 (6 %) cases; supracerebellar infratentorial approach was used in 1 (2 %) case. Radicality of lateral ventricular tumor removal and risk factors for postoperative hemorrhagic complications using different approaches were evaluated based on the following parameters: tumor volume and location, sex, blood flow characteristics, presence of hydrocephalus.Results. In the compared groups I and II, similar rates of radical tumor removal were observed: 63 % for transcortical approach and 71 % for transcallosal approach. Hematomas in the tumor bed were more frequently observed in patients operated through transcortical approach (64 % vs. 31 % in transcallosal) without statistical significance. Generally, there were no statistically significant differences between surgical treatment results in groups I and II (p &gt;0.05); this conclusion was confirmed in pseudo‑randomized patient subgroups selected through propensity score matching. Analysis of the association between hematoma in the postoperative period and baseline blood flow level showed that in the group with such hematomas mean tumor blood flow prior to surgery was almost twice as high as in the group without hemorrhagic complications after resection (80.6 vs. 49.4 ml/100 g/min, respectively).The following postoperative parameters are statistically significant for development of hematoma in the tumor bed: presence of hydrocephalus, Evans index in the early postoperative period.Conclusions. Correct and adequate choice of surgical approach considering anatomical location and advancement of the tumor, presence of hydrocephalus and surgeon’s preferences ensures high radicality of removal. Factors affecting the risk of hemorrhagic complications in the early postoperative period should be taken into account: sex, presence of hydrocephalus, neoplasm location and blood flow level.

Efficacy of Obturator Nerve Block During Transurethral Resection on Non-muscle invasive Intermediate and High Risk Lateral Wall Bladder Tumours: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

We aimed to investigate the effects of obturator nerve block (ONB) on obturator reflex, incomplete resection, perforation, progression and recurrence of tumor, presence of muscle tissue in the specimen, need for a second transurethral resection (TURBT) of bladder tumors, and postoperative complications in patients who underwent TURBT for intermediate-high risk lateral wall non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC). Patients were assigned to one of two groups by drawing lots: ONB or none ONB. Early and late recurrence, tumor progression, obturator reflex beat, incomplete resection, perforation, presence of muscle layer in pathology, second TURBT application, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were compared between the two groups. The median follow-up time of the study was32 (23-41) months. Interquartile range (IQR) was 9. Tumor recurrence at the 3rd month cystoscopy controls was observed in 5 (9.8%) patients in the ONB group, while it was observed in 11 (20.8%) patients in the nONB group (p=0.01). Late tumor recurrence was observed in 10 patients (19.6%) in the ONB group, and in 20 patients (37.7%) in the nONB group (p=0.041). The RFS rate at 12th month was 84% in the ONB group, 69% in the nONB group, 79% in the ONB group at 36th month, and 58% in the nONB group at 36 months, the PFS rate was 94% in the ONB group, while it was 85% in the nONB group (p=0.041). Our study showed that ONB decrease the early and late recurrence and increase recurrence free survival in patients with intermediate-high risk lateral wall bladder cancer.

Can late lymphoscintigraphy be omitted in the sentinel node procedure in early-stage vulvar cancer?

In the Netherlands, the sentinel lymph node procedure protocol consists of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy combined with intraoperative blue dye for identifying sentinel lymph nodes in early vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed at investigating the role of early and late lymphoscintigraphy. From January 2015 to January 2019, early and late lymphoscintigraphies of 52 women were retrospectively analyzed. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed 30 minutes (early) and 2.5-4hours (late) after vulvar injection of 99m Tc-labeled nanocolloid. We calculated the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between number of sentinel lymph nodes detected on both images using the Lins concordance coefficient and correlated with clinicopathological data. Thirty-four women had a midline tumor and 18 had a lateral tumor. Detection rates with early and late scintigraphy were 88.5% and 98.1%, respectively. Median number of detected nodes was 1.0 (0-7) and 2.0 (0-7). Good statistical correlation between number of sentinel lymph nodes detected on early and late imaging was found (CCC=0.76) in most patients. In 18 women (35%) a mismatch occurred: a higher number of nodes was detected on late imaging. In 11 of 18 women re-injection was performed because no sentinel lymph nodes were visualized on early images. Late imaging and intraoperative detection showed a good statistical correlation (CCC=0.61). One woman showed an isolated groin recurrence despite negative sentinel lymph nodes. This study showed good statistical correlations between early and late scintigraphy in most patients. However, in 35% of women late scintigraphy detected more nodes. In case of poor visualization after the first scintigraphy, re-injection should be considered. Late scintigraphy is probably helpful in confirming successful re-injection and in showing deviating lymph flow in women with failed mapping after the first injection and successful re-injection. Because missing metastatic sentinel lymph nodes often leads to a poor prognosis, we prefer optimal correlations between imaging and intraoperative identification. Hence, late scintigraphy cannot be safely omitted.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors analysis of multiple synchronous distinct subtypes of primary thyroid carcinoma.

To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of multiple synchronous distinct subtypes of primary thyroid carcinomas. The clinical data of 68 cases of synchronous carcinomas of the thyroid (STC) admitted to the Department of Thyroid Surgery in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2021 were reviewed. According to the pathological type, they were divided into the Synchronous differentiated and differentiated thyroid Carcinoma (SDDTC) group (42 cases), the Synchronous medullary and differentiated thyroid Carcinoma (SMDTC) group (18 cases), and the Synchronous Anaplastic and differentiated thyroid Carcinoma (SADTC)group (8 cases). The diagnosis, treatment, and survival of patients in each group were analyzed. Women with coexisting thyroid cancer were predominant (59 cases). Most of the symptoms were found on physical examination (47.1%) and neck mass (45.6%). The median age of patients in the SDDTC group, SADTC group, and SMDTC group was 47.5 (28-74) years old, 68.5 (26-75) years old, and 56.5 (39-74) years old. The age of the SADTC group and SMDTC group was older than that of the SDDTC group (P = 0.04, P = 0.03), and the rate of lymph node metastasis in groups SADTC (62.5%) and SMDTC (55.6%) was higher than in group SDDTC (21.4%). The disease course time, tumor location, clinical stage, and mortality of the SADTC group were significantly different from those of the SDDTC group and SMDTC group (P < 0.05). The overall survival of patients with synchronous carcinomas of the thyroid was 6-105 months, and the median overall survival was 38.5 months. The tumor-free survival was 0-90 months, 19.1% of patients developed distant metastasis, 11.8% of patients had postoperative recurrence, as well as the survival rate was estimated 91.18%. Cox model multivariate analysis showed that cervical lateral lymph node metastasis and tumor stage III/IV were independent risk factors for progression-free survival(PFS). The comparison results of the survival curves showed that the overall survival (OS)of the patients in the SADTC group was significantly worse (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the PFS of different pathological types (χ2 = 5.024, P = 0.081).The OS of different treatment methods was significantly different (P = 0.002), but there was no significant difference in OS between local recurrence and distant metastases with or without surgery (χ2 = 0.954, P = 0.329). The STC has relatively unique clinical characteristics, and most patients can get a better prognosis after radical surgery. Pathological type, lateral cervical lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, and treatment are important factors which affect the prognosis of the disease. Since there are two distinct tumors with different aggressiveness, treatment options, and prognosis, individualized management is required.

Comparison of efficiency and safety between dual-clip and rubber band-assisted ESD and conventional ESD for colonic lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) with different levels of technical difficulty: a retrospective case–control study

BackgroundDual-clip and rubber band-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (DCRB-ESD) is a useful technique in the management of lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) of the colon and is suggested by researchers compared with conventional ESD (C-ESD). The aim of this retrospective study is to further analyze the efficiency and safety of DCRB-ESD in a setting with varying technical difficulties.MethodsPatients who underwent endoscopic treatment (DCRB-ESD or C-ESD) due to LSTs between Jan 1st, 2019 and Jan 1st, 2022, were retrospectively collected. Patients were classified into the following two groups: the DCRB-ESD group (n = 46) and the C-ESD group (n = 81). Baselines were compared and propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to manage the heterogeneity. The technical difficulty and outcomes of the two groups were evaluated based on a semiquantitative model (CS-CRESD) previously described.ResultsThe baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced except sex and LST classification before PSM and were corrected after PSM. The median ESD operation time of DCRB-ESD was shorter than that of C-ESD (32 vs 41 and 30 vs 44 before and after PSM respectively, P < 0.05). The operation durations of cases with different CS-CRESD scores were different (P < 0.05). In the subgroup with a score of 0, DCRB-ESD showed no advantage than C-ESD in terms of operation duration before and after PSM. In subgroups with a score of 1–3, DCRB-ESD was faster than C-ESD. In subgroups with a score of 4–5, the between-group operation duration was not significantly different due to the limited number of cases, although the median time of DCRB-ESD was shorter. The R0 resection rates, curative resection, complications, and additional surgery in both groups were not significantly different. No adverse events, such as a clip falling off or rubber band rupturing occurred during this study.ConclusionDCRB-ESD was an efficient and safe procedure in the management of colonic LSTs. With DCRB-ESD, the operation duration of difficult cases can be shortened without sacrificing complication risk. However, not all cases would benefit from DCRB-ESD. For easy cases (CS-CRESD score = 0), DCRB-ESD may not be prior to C-ESD by experienced endoscopists. A pre-ESD technical difficulty evaluation was recommended to decide whether to perform DCRB-ESD or not.

Outcome of transurethral resection of bladder tumour under spinal anaesthesia combined with obturator nerve block in Sri Lanka.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is done under general anaesthesia (GA) with muscle relaxation to prevent obturator jerk and bladder perforation. TURBT under spinal anaesthesia (SA) with obturator nerve block (ONB) may prevent the obturator jerk while eliminating the disadvantages of GA. To assess the outcome of TURBT under SA and ONB. Patients undergoing TURBT for lateral wall tumours from 01.11.2017 to 30.10.2020 were prospectively studied. Anterior branch of obturator nerve with plain Bupivacaine was blocked with the guidance of an ultrasound scan and a nerve stimulator. Significant obturator jerk which necessitated conversion to GA was defined as failed ONB. Out of 72 patients with mean age of 66.7 years underwent ONB, 61 (84.7%) were men. Fifty two (72.2%) had unilateral and 20 (27.8%) had bilateral blocks. Sixty one (84.7%) patients had no obturator jerk whereas 5 (7%) had a mild jerk which did not preclude safe resection. Six patients (8.3%) had a failed ONB requiring conversion to GA. None had a bladder perforation requiring laparotomy, developed neurovascular injury or anaesthetic toxicity and only one patient required intensive care monitoring. SA with anterior branch of ONB is an effective and safe alternative to GA with muscle relaxation for TURBT although a randomized trial is necessary to determine the true efficacy and safety over the other.

GSOR4 Presentation Time: 9:15 AM: Predicting the Benefit of Hybrid Intracavitary + Interstitial Needle Applicators in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

<h3>Purpose</h3> The purpose of this study is to determine whether pre-treatment and brachytherapy (BRT) characteristics are associated with benefit from hybrid intracavitary + interstitial needle (IC/IS) applicator, as opposed to IC applicator, use in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). <h3>Methods</h3> 53 LACC patients treated with IC/IS BRT from August 2014 to March 2020 using HDR were included. Patient variables included pre-treatment characteristics (age, histology, grade, T Stage, N Stage, max lateral, A-P, S-I, and overall tumor dimensions, tumor symmetry, max distance from endometrial canal, tumor volume, tumor max SUV on PET) and BRT characteristics (max lateral, A-P, S-I, and overall tumor dimensions, tumor symmetry, max distance from tandem, GTV and high-risk CTV (CTV HR) volumes). For each patient, an IC plan prescribed to match the IC/IS plan (CTV HR) coverage and optimized based on volumes was created. In addition, a standard loading IC plan prescribed to point A was also created. These plans were compared to the IC/IS plan. Benefit for IC/IS was defined by organ at risk (OAR) D2cc's transitioning from unacceptable to acceptable based on American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines. Patients were then placed into 3 categories: those having 0, 1, or 2 or more organs that benefited from IC/IS. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests, proportional odds models, and linear regression models were used to determine which characteristics were associated with benefit from IC/IS. <h3>Results</h3> Analysis showed that 33 (62%) patients showed benefit from IC/IS compared to optimized IC plans. IC/IS resulted in an average decrease in EQD2 to normal structures of 11.4 Gy (bladder), 6.2 Gy (rectum), 5.7 Gy (sigmoid), and 4.4 Gy (small bowel). No pre-treatment characteristics were associated with an increase in the number of organs benefiting from IC/IS. Increasing BRT max S-I and overall dimension as well as GTV and CTV HR volumes were associated with increased organ sparing with IC/IS. The bladder had the greatest reduction in dose from IC/IS with greater than 10 Gy benefit with S-I extension or max tumor dimension greater than 5 cm, GTV greater than 27 cc, and CTV HR greater than 35 cc. Standard IC plans prescribed to point A had inferior coverage of the CTV HR compared to IC/IS plans above 2.9 cm max distance from tandem, 5.3 cm max lateral dimension, 4.1 cm max A-P dimension, 5.4 cm max S-I dimension, and 5.6 cm overall dimension. Standard IC plans prescribed to point A also began to treat the CTV HR inferiorly to IC/IS plans above a GTV and CTV HR of 37.4 and 43.1 cc, respectively. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Various BRT characteristics are significantly associated with benefit from IC/IS, and our data suggests patients having tumors with max overall dimensions > 5 cm, CTV HR > 35 cc and GTVs > 27 cc at the time of BRT would benefit from IC/IS. However, further analysis using independent data is needed to confirm these thresholds.

Treatment of Internal Mammary Nodes Associated with Improved Overall Survival in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The role of internal mammary nodal irradiation (IMNI) as a component of regional nodal radiotherapy is a controversial issue in breast radiation oncology with conflicting results presented in recent landmark trials. We thus created a meta-analysis of available data to better ascertain the potential benefit of IMNI. We hypothesize that with the increased power available within a meta-analysis, IMNI will prove to improve overall survival in breast cancer. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Four studies (DBCG-IMN 2015, Hennequin <i>et al</i> 2013, KROG 2022, and Stemmer <i>et al</i> 2003) with a total of 5,258 patients (IMNI = 2698, No IMNI = 2560) were meta-analyzed with a primary end point of overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were disease free survival (DFS), breast cancer mortality (BCM), and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS). Subgroup analyses were performed for medial/central tumor location, and pN+ versus pN0 status. Fixed-effect model was used if there was no heterogeneity, random-effects model otherwise. <h3>Results</h3> Pooled results showed IMNI significantly improved OS for all comers (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.97, <i>p</i>=0.01), as well as subgroups of pN+ with medial/central tumor location (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.94, <i>p</i>=0.005) and pN+ with lateral tumor location (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.745-0.995, <i>p</i>=0.04). There was no significant difference in OS for subgroups of pN0 and medial/central tumor location. Secondary endpoints of DFS (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, <i>p</i>=0.03), BCM (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.96, <i>p</i>=0.01), and DMFS (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.99, <i>p</i>=0.04) were all similarly improved with IMNI. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Inclusion of IMNI to regional nodes improves OS in breast cancer, with the strongest effect noted in pN+ patients with medial/central tumor location.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasms: A single-center experience in Southern Taiwan.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as an advanced endoscopic procedure can be considered for the removal of colorectal lesions with high suspicion of limited submucosal invasion or cannot be optimally removed by snare-based techniques. We aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of ESD for colorectal neoplasms in our hospital. We retrospectively enrolled 230 patients with 244 colorectal neoplasms who received ESD procedures from April 2012 to October 2020 at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Clinicopathological data were collected by chart review. We also recorded ESD-related complications and clinical outcomes. The average age was 64 years old, with a mean follow-up time of 22.59 months. There was a loss of follow-up in 34 lesions. Most lesions were lateral spreading tumors of the non-granular type. The average ESD time was 51.9 minutes. Nine cases (3.7%) had procedure-related complications, including two intra-procedure perforations (0.8%) and seven delayed bleeding (2.9%) without procedure-related mortality. 241 lesions (98.8%) achieved en-bloc resection, while 207 lesions (84.8%) achieved R0 resection. Most lesions were tubulo-(villous) adenoma. Malignancy included 35 adenocarcinomas and 5 neuroendocrine tumors. No local recurrence was developed during follow-up. Multivariate analysis for long ESD time revealed significance in size ≥ 10 cm2 and endoscopist's experience < 3 years. Pre-ESD endoscopic ultrasound revealed good prediction in discrimination of mucosal (sensitivity: 0.90) and submucosal lesion (specificity: 0.67). ESD for colorectal neoplasms is an effective and safe technique. Size ≥ 10 cm2 and endoscopist's experience < 3 years were significantly associated with long procedure time. Pre-ESD EUS provided a good prediction for colorectal neoplasms in invasion depth.

Machine Learning in the Management of Lateral Skull Base Tumors: A Systematic Review

The application of machine learning (ML) techniques to otolaryngology remains a topic of interest and prevalence in the literature, though no previous articles have summarized the current state of ML application to management and the diagnosis of lateral skull base (LSB) tumors. Subsequently, we present a systematic overview of previous applications of ML techniques to the management of LSB tumors. Independent searches were conducted on PubMed and Web of Science between August 2020 and February 2021 to identify the literature pertaining to the use of ML techniques in LSB tumor surgery written in the English language. All articles were assessed in regard to their application task, ML methodology, and their outcomes. A total of 32 articles were examined. The number of articles involving applications of ML techniques to LSB tumor surgeries has significantly increased since the first article relevant to this field was published in 1994. The most commonly employed ML category was tree-based algorithms. Most articles were included in the category of surgical management (13; 40.6%), followed by those in disease classification (8; 25%). Overall, the application of ML techniques to the management of LSB tumor has evolved rapidly over the past two decades, and the anticipated growth in the future could significantly augment the surgical outcomes and management of LSB tumors.

Open Partial Laryngectomies: History of Laryngeal Cancer Surgery.

Historically, surgery was the first-choice therapy for early, intermediate and advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Partial laryngeal surgery has evolved in recent decades and was influenced by many historic events and the development of new technologies. Partial laryngectomies may be performed by open, endoscopic or transoral robotic approaches. In this historic paper, we describe the evolution of open partial laryngectomy techniques, indications and surgical outcomes. Since the first partial laryngectomy in 1788, many U.S., U.K. and European surgeons, including Henry Sands, Jacob da Silva Solis-Cohen and Theodor Billroth, performed this surgical procedure under local anesthesia for tuberculosis, cancer or syphilis. Partial laryngectomy gained reputation in the medical community in 1888 due to the laryngeal cancer and death of the prince of Prussia, Frederick III. Frederick III’s death represented the turning point in the history of partial laryngectomies, calling attention to the importance of semiotics, biopsy and early diagnosis in laryngeal cancers. Hemi-laryngectomy was indicated/proposed for lateral laryngeal tumors, while thyrotomy was indicated for cancers of the middle part of the vocal fold. The second landmark in the history of partial laryngectomies was the discovery of cocaine, novocaine and adrenaline and the related development of local anesthetic techniques, which, together with the epidemiological and hygienic advances of the 19th century, allowed for better perioperative outcomes. General anesthesia was introduced in the second part of the 20th century and further improved the surgical outcomes. The diagnosis of laryngeal cancer was improved with the development of X-rays and direct laryngoscopies. The 20th century was characterized by the development and improvement of vertical partial laryngectomy procedures and the development of horizontal partial laryngectomies for both supraglottic and glottic regions. The history and the evolution of these techniques are discussed in the present historical paper.

Surgical approaches to intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas in the age of genomics.

Intramedullary astrocytomas represent approximately 30%–40% of all intramedullary tumors and are the most common intramedullary tumor in children. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment in symptomatic patients with neurological deficits. Gross total resection (GTR) can be difficult to achieve as astrocytomas frequently present as diffuse lesions that infiltrate the cord. Therefore, GTR carries a substantial risk of new post-operative deficits. Consequently, subtotal resection and biopsy are often the only surgical options attempted. A midline or paramedian sulcal myelotomy is frequently used for surgical resection, although a dorsal root entry zone myelotomy can be used for lateral tumors. Intra-operative neuromonitoring using D-wave integrity, somatosensory, and motor evoked potentials is critical to facilitating a safe resection. Adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, are often administered for high-grade recurrent or progressive lesions; however, consensus is lacking on their efficacy. Biopsied tumors can be analyzed for molecular markers that inform clinicians about the tumor’s prognosis and response to conventional as well as targeted therapeutic treatments. Stratification of intramedullary tumors is increasingly based on molecular features and mutational status. The landscape of genetic and epigenetic mutations in intramedullary astrocytomas is not equivalent to their intracranial counterparts, with important difference in frequency and type of mutations. Therefore, dedicated attention is needed to cohorts of patients with intramedullary tumors. Targeted therapeutic agents can be designed and administered to patients based on their mutational status, which may be used in coordination with traditional surgical resection to improve overall survival and functional status.

Preoperative 3D volume reconstruction of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus with Horos: A free, simple and reliable tool in endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to create computer-aided design models of the sphenoid sinus with a free-source software in order to perform a preoperative planning during trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery (TES) and clarify the three-dimensional anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures. MethodsFor each patient a 3D volume rendering of the sphenoid sinus was obtained from a thin slice head and maxilla-facial CT scan using a free-source DICOM viewer. The 3D models obtained preoperatively were examined preoperatively by six neurosurgeons in order to identify the boundaries of the sella. ResultsFor the main anatomical landmark, all of the observers were able to recognize the anatomical structure at a rate ranging from 80 to 98%, 28 to 60% and 25 to 58% for expert (n=3), inexpert (n=3) and the entire group of observers (n=6), respectively. The analysis of the data shows that both observation groups presented a lower recognition rate of the following parameters: right and left medial and lateral optocarotid recesses and tumor prominence, however, the sellar prominence, clival recess, planum sphenoidalis, right and left ICA prominence, right and left optic prominences represent the main anatomical landmarks to be recognized during TES immediately before the opening of the sellar floor. ConclusionsThe use of a preoperative 3D imaging is not in itself a novelty in the literature, however the fact that a simple tool obtained with a free-source software like Horos can represent a considerable help in surgical practice without resorting to the use of more complex software and expensive represents the real utility of this work.