Metastatic Nodes Research Articles

Efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine therapy for patients with low and intermediate risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) and its impact on recurrence rates and survival benefits in low- to intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This retrospective study involved the examination of 1286 patients diagnosed with low- to intermediate-risk PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection, supplemented with postoperative RAI therapy or not between the years 2000 and 2021. From the patient pool, 589 (45%) were classified as low-risk and 697 (55%) as intermediate-risk according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Among the low-risk group, 375 (63.7%) underwent postoperative RAI, while in the intermediate-risk group, 566 (82.2%) underwent the procedure. The overall survival and disease-free survival rates were not statistically different between the groups that received RAI and those that did not, in both the low- and intermediate-risk categories. In a subgroup analysis, within the intermediate-risk category, postoperative RAI was significantly correlated with decreased recurrence in two subgroups: patients over 55 years with pN1b disease (hazard ratio 0.043, 95% confidence interval 0.004-0.500, p = 0.012) and patients over 55 years with five or more metastatic lymph nodes (hazard ratio 0.060, 95% confidence interval 0.005-0.675, p = 0.023). Our findings suggest that, while post-total thyroidectomy RAI does not substantially influence recurrence or survival rates in most low-risk and intermediate-risk PTC patients, it may be beneficial in specific subgroups, particularly patients over 55 with pN1b disease or those presenting with five or more metastatic lymph nodes.

Optimizing the Sensitivity of a Pelvic Sentinel Node Algorithm Requires a Hybrid Algorithm Combining Indocyanine Green Based Mapping and the Removal of Non-Mapped Nodes at Defined Anatomic Positions.

to investigate the incidence of non-mapped isolated metastatic pelvic lymph nodes at pre-defined anatomical positions. Between June 2019 and January 2024, women with uterine-confined endometrial cancer (EC) deemed suitable for robotic surgery and the detection of pelvic sentinel nodes (SLNs) were included. An anatomically based, published algorithm utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) as a tracer was adhered to. In women where no ICG mapping occurred in either the proximal obturator and/or the interiliac positions, defined as "typical positions", those nodes were removed and designated as "SLN anatomy". Ultrastaging and immunohistochemistry were applied to all SLNs. The proportion of isolated metastatic "SLN anatomy" was evaluated. A non-mapping of either the obturator or interiliac area occurred in 180 of the 620 women (29%). In total, 114 women (18.4%) were node-positive and five of these women (4.3%) had isolated metastases in an "SLN anatomy", suggesting a similar lower sensitivity of the ICG-only algorithm. In an optimized SLN algorithm for endometrial cancer, to avoid undetected nodal metastases in 4.3% of node-positive women, if mapping fails in either the proximal obturator or interiliac area, nodes should be removed from those defined anatomic positions, despite mapping at other positions.

Preoperative identification of small metastatic lymph nodes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using CT radiomics of lymph nodes

Preoperative identification of small metastatic lymph nodes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using CT radiomics of lymph nodes

The Detection of Lymph Node Metastasis Metastases Using a Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe Based on Tumor-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody Antibodies Specific: A Prospective Study in a Nude Mouse Model

Background: To identify the metastatic lymph nodes and remove them accurately, the fluorescent surgical navigation ability of the ovarian cancer-specific fluorescent probe COC183B2-800 was assessed to verify the metastatic lymph nodes in the nude mouse model. Methods: The nude mouse model related to lymph node metastases in human ovarian cancer was established using the SKOV3-ip1 cell line. Besides, the COC183B2-800 probe (IRDye800CW Ester conjugated COC183B2 antibody) was fabricated. Moreover, in vivo fluorescence imaging was performed to determine the ability of the COC183B2-800 fluorescent probe to identify metastatic lymph nodes in the nude mouse model. Results: The nude mouse model related to lymph node metastases in human ovarian cancer was successfully established. In vivo fluorescence imaging was performed 30 hours after the injection of the COC183B2-800 fluorescent probe (25 μg) into the animal model, which can achieve specific imaging of metastatic lymph nodes. All metastatic lymph nodes were detected in vivo and in vitro (8/8), and only 1 negative lymph node with reactive enlargement showed a false positive fluorescent signal. Conclusions: The targeted fluorescent probe COC183B2-800 can be employed to identify metastatic lymph nodes in the nude mouse model related to lymph node metastases in human ovarian cancer with high specificity and sensitivity. Targeted fluorescence imaging using COC183B2-800 is expected to become a method to achieve precise lymphadenectomy.

Clinical significance of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to the distant metastatic lymph nodes for metastatic cervical cancer

ObjectiveTo retrospectively explore the clinical significance of radiotherapy to the distant metastatic lymph nodes (cervical/ clavicular/ mediastinal et al.) in metastatic cervical cancer. Hereinto, these cervicothoracic lymph nodes were metastasized from IB1-IVA (initial stage at first treatment), and IVB initially had metastatic disease in these areas at diagnosis.MethodsMetastatic cervical cancer only with the distant cervicothoracic metastatic lymph nodes (cervical/ clavicular/ mediastinal et al.), without distant parenchymal organs metastasis such as lung, liver, bone, and peritoneum, were enrolled in the analysis. These patients were classified into IB1-IVA and IVB based on their initial stage of first treatment. All patients received IMRT for the distant metastatic lymph nodes. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsOverall, the median PFS was 9 months, and the median OS was 27 months. The subgroup analysis showed that for IB1-IVA, the median PFS was 11 months, and the median OS was 30.5 months. For IVB, the median PFS was 8 months, and the median OS was 16 months.ConclusionRadiotherapy is beneficial to the distant metastatic lymph nodes (cervical/ clavicular/ mediastinal et al.), and could effectively bring the longer PFS and OS for metastatic cervical cancer.

Prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection in Colo-rectal cancer; pilot study

BackgroundColorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide, representing 10% of all cancer types, and is considered the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It usually metastasizes to the liver or lung. Para-aortic lymph node metastasis is considered a metastatic disease (stage 4) according to the AJCC and is considered a regional disease (stage 3) according to the JSCCR. Para-aortic lymph node metastases occur in about 1% of cases. Neoadjuvant CTH, followed by PALN, is the best option for metastatic para-aortic LNs in colorectal cancer patients. This study addresses the value of prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection among colon-rectal cancer patients (overtreatment protocol).MethodologyThis is a prospective study that included patients attending NCI, Cairo University, from December 2020 to December 2023 who were complaining of left colonic cancer or recto-sigmoid cancer and underwent left hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, or LAR. All patients underwent formal mesenteric LN dissection and prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection.ResultsAmong 60 patients who underwent colorectal surgery with prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection, 21 cases (35%) were in the descending colon, 22 cases (36.7%) were in the sigmoid colon, 11 cases (18.3%) were in the recto-sigmoid, and 6 cases (10%) were in the upper rectum. 55 cases (91.7%) were in grade 2, and 5 cases (8.3%) were in grade 3. Neoadjuvant CTH was given in 3 cases (5%) while neoadjuvant RTH was given in 6 cases (10%). Regarding reported postoperative complications, lymphorrhea was reported in 2 patients (3.3%) and wound infection occurred in 6 patients (10%). A recurrence was reported among 8 cases (13.4%).ConclusionsWe aimed in this study to highlight the value of prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection among colorectal cancer patients (over-treatment protocol) and report its reflection on predicting the behavior of the disease and subsequently selecting the patients who will be suitable to do this procedure.

Differentially expressed microRNA in prognosis of gastric cancer with Lauren classification.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common tumors. There were several classifications of GC recently. The value of Lauren classification in evaluating the prognosis after radical gastrectomy was still unclear and the prognosis of gastric cancer remained relatively poor in the absence of prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to explore microRNA (miRNA) in the prognosis of GC with different Lauren classification. A retrospective study of 1144patients was performed in this study. Quantificational reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of miRNAs. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate prognosis value of Lauren classification. Total 1144 GC patients were recruited in this cohort, including 302 diffuse type (26.4%), 436 intestinal type (38.1%) and 406 mixed type (35.5%) GC. Multivariate analysis showed that Lauren classification, patients' age, tumor size, tumor infiltrating depth, vascular nerve infiltrating and metastatic lymph nodes ration were significantly correlated with GC patients' OS and DFS. The miR-141-3p, miR-200b-3p and miR-133a-5p were significantly down-regulated in diffuse type compared to intestinal type GC tissues, the miR-105-5p had significant lower expression in diffuse type compared with intestinal type and mixed type GC tissues. As a consequence of univariate analysis, low miR-141-3p in diffuse type GC showed significant worse OS and DFS than high miR-141-3p. Lauren classification was an independent prognostic factor in GC. MiR-141-3p was an independent prognostic factor and a promising prognostic biomarker in Lauren classification GC.

Machine learning to predict distant metastasis and prognostic analysis of moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma patients: a novel focus on lymph node indicators.

Moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma (MDGA) has a high risk of metastasis and individual variation, which strongly affects patient prognosis. Using large-scale datasets and machine learning algorithms for prediction can improve individualized treatment. The specific efficacy of several lymph node indicators in predicting distant metastasis (DM) and patient prognosis in MDGA remains obscure. We collected data from MDGA patients from the SEER database from 2010 to 2019. Additionally, we collected data from MDGA patients in China. We used nine machine learning algorithms to predict DM. Subsequently, we used Cox regression analysis to determine the risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in DM patients and constructed nomograms. Furthermore, we used logistic regression and Cox regression analyses to assess the specific impact of six lymph node indicators on DM incidence and patient prognosis. We collected data from 5,377 MDGA patients from the SEER database and 109 MDGC patients from hospitals. T stage, N stage, tumor size, primary site, number of positive lymph nodes, and chemotherapy were identified as independent risk factors for DM. The random forest prediction model had the best overall predictive performance (AUC = 0.919). T stage, primary site, chemotherapy, and the number of regional lymph nodes were identified as prognostic factors for OS. Moreover, T stage, number of regional lymph nodes, primary site, and chemotherapy were also influential factors for CSS. The nomograms showed good predictive value and stability in predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and CSS in DM patients. Additionally, the log odds of a metastatic lymph node and the number of negative lymph nodes may be risk factors for DM, while the regional lymph node ratio and the number of regional lymph nodes are prognostic factors for OS. The random forest prediction model accurately identified high-risk populations, and we established OS and CSS survival prediction models for MDGA patients with DM. Our hospital samples demonstrated different characteristics of lymph node indicators in terms of distant metastasis and prognosis.

Incorporation of pre- and intra-operative sentinel lymph node mapping techniques in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma

The high incidence of nodal metastasis, variable lymphatic drainage patterns, and prognostic significance of nodal metastasis in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) highlight the need for development of standardized techniques for lymph node staging in canine AGASACA. The aim of this study was to develop and describe the utility of pre- and intra-operative sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping techniques for subsequent nodal extirpation and histologic assessment in dogs with AGASACA. A prospective clinical trial was performed as a pilot study. Eight client-owned dogs with unilateral AGASACA were enrolled. Preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) via transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and CT-lymphography (CTL) was followed by intraoperative SLN mapping within 7 days utilizing a visible dye (methylene blue [MB]) and a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye (indocyanine green [ICG]) with subsequent nodal extirpation and routine anal sacculectomy. In all dogs, preoperative CTL and intraoperative SLN mapping identified at least one SLN. Pre- and intra-operative findings differed in 4/8 dogs. Preoperative CEUS identified a SLN in 7/8 dogs, but the exact location of the SLN was indeterminate. Extirpated lymph nodes were metastatic in 2/8 dogs. Preoperative CTL and intraoperative MB and ICG were an effective combination of SLN mapping techniques in dogs with AGASACA. These techniques each provided unique advantages. Combined, they identified and guided extirpation of early metastatic lymph nodes. Large-scale, prospective studies utilizing the techniques described are needed to accurately determine the incidence and significance of early/occult nodal metastasis in canine AGASACA.

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Biliary Tract Cancer.

Objective: The diagnostic efficacy of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for lymph node metastasis in biliary tract cancer was investigated in the present study. Methods: In total, 112 surgically resected lymph nodes from 35 biliary tract cancer patients were examined in this study. The mean and minimum ADC values of the lymph nodes as well as the long-axis and short-axis diameters of the lymph nodes were assessed by computed tomography (CT). The relationship between these parameters and the presence of histological lymph node metastasis was evaluated. Results: Histological lymph node metastasis was detected in 31 (27.7%) out of 112 lymph nodes. Metastatic lymph nodes had a significantly larger short-axis diameter compared with non-metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.002), but the long-axis diameter was not significantly different between metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes. The mean and minimum ADC values for metastatic lymph nodes were significantly reduced compared with those for non-metastatic lymph nodes (p < 0.001 for both). However, the minimum ADC value showed the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of histological lymph node metastasis, with an area under the curve of 0.877, sensitivity of 87.1%, specificity of 82.7%, and accuracy of 83.9%. Conclusions: The minimum ADC value in DW-MRI is highly effective for the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in biliary tract cancer. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in biliary tract cancer should enable the establishment of more appropriate treatment strategies.

To PE or Not to PE: Perfusion SPECT/CT Avoids Overdiagnosis.

A 41-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer presented with dyspnea, hypoxia, and elevated d -dimer. Perfusion planar imaging followed by SPECT/CT of the chest was performed due to the patient's iodinated contrast allergy. Planar images showed multiple pleural-based wedge-shaped defects concerning for bilateral pulmonary embolism (PE). Perfusion SPECT/CT of the chest confirmed multiple areas of perfusion defects but was considered negative for PE and attributed the perfusion defects to the compressing of pulmonary vasculature from metastatic lymph nodes and pulmonary masses. Given the high pretest probability of PE, a CT pulmonary angiogram was performed after premedication for contrast allergy confirming absence of PE.

Observational cohort study on safety and efficacy of robotic thyroidectomy with super-meticulous capsular dissection versus open surgery for thyroid cancer: Postoperative dynamic risk assessment of radioactive iodine therapy.

To assess the efficacy and safety of robotic thyroidectomy (RT) with super-meticulous capsular dissection (SMCD) versus open thyroidectomy (OT) we used a dynamic risk assessment system incorporating 131I-WBS along with radioactive iodine (RAI) efficacy evaluation. Currently, the therapeutic efficacy of robotic surgery remains controversial. The 131I whole-body scan (131I-WBS) dynamic risk assessment system can detect small residual thyroid tissues and lesions, which may be used as indicators for the surgical efficacy of RT or OT thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This retrospective cohort study included 2,349 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by RAI therapy in our department between August 2017 and June 2023. Propensity score matching was performed at a ratio of 1:3 based on surgical type and mean follow-up duration to minimize selection bias after excluding those lost to follow-up. The primary outcome was surgical completeness, assessed using a dynamic risk system incorporating 131I-WBS along with RAI efficacy evaluation. There was no significant difference in the number of metastatic lymph nodes removed between the two groups (P=0.45). The incidence rate of parathyroid gland transplantation was 395 (68.7%) in the OT group and 8 (3.8%) in the RT group (P<0.001). There were no differences in the thyroidectomy completeness based on the 3-hour iodine uptake rate and 99mTcO4- thyroid imaging between the two groups. The dynamic risk assessment with and without 131I-WBS showed significant differences (P<0.001). The postoperative and post-RAI dynamic risk scores, evaluated at the time of RAI and 6 months after RAI, did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). The rates of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were higher in the OT group than in the RT group (P<0.05). The local recurrence rates showed no significant difference between the groups. This study demonstrates that RT with SMCD can achieve outcomes equivalent to those of traditional open surgery when integrating the 131I-WBS dynamic evaluation system and the therapeutic effects of RAI. Additionally, robot surgery demonstrated a notable advantage in protecting parathyroid function.

EP362 - Small Cell Ca of the Gall Bladder: A rare tumour of the gall bladder

Abstract Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the gallbladder is an extremely rare tumour. Despite aggressive and varied treatments, its prognosis is poor. A 53/F presented with complaints of pain in abdomen and fever since 3 days. Patient was vitally stable and tenderness present over the epigastric, Right hypochondrium and Right lumbar region. Except leucocytosis, all labs were WNL. CECT Abdomen pelvis was suggestive of suspicious Gall bladder perforation with necrotic lymph nodes in the peri-pancreatic region. The patient was taken for exploratory laparotomy and a perforated gall bladder was seen intra op and cholecystectomy was performed. Histopathology findings were suggestive of small cell carcinoma - gall bladder and IHC markers (Synaptophysin, CD56, Ki67, EMA, CK19) sent for confirmatory findings were raised. Post op PET CT shows periportal, paracaval and aortocaval metastatic lymph nodes. Chemotherapy regimen (cisplatin + itoposide) was started post op and patient is under follow up. The incidence of SCC of the GB is approximately 0.5% of all GB cancers. Among NETs of the gastrointestinal tract, SCC of the GB compromises 0.2%. Less than 100 cases of this tumour have been documented in the English literature. Surgery is the mainstay of GB cancer treatment. Due to poor prognosis of SCC of the GB, even when curative surgery is possible, additional treatment methods such as chemoradiation should be considered.

Ultra-radical surgery versus standard-radical surgery for the primary cytoreduction of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer; long-term tertiary center experiences

ObjectiveTo compare overall survival (OS) and morbidity outcomes in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian/tubal/peritoneal cancer undergoing standard-radical (SR) and ultra-radical (UR) surgical procedures based on NICE classification. Study DesignThis retrospective study analyzed data from 282 patients with 2014 FIGO stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer operated on between January 2006 and January 2019. The study compared OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and morbidity between SR and UR surgeries. Parameters influencing OS, including preoperative, postoperative, and post-adjuvant chemotherapy CA-125 values, surgical procedures, post-surgical residual tumor, histopathological grade, and FIGO surgical stage, were assessed. ResultsOut of 282 patients, 256 met the inclusion criteria. SR surgery was performed in 48 %, and UR surgery in 52 %. The mean preoperative CA-125 value was 1200 ± 1914.83, decreasing to 240.32 ± 373.87 postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 63.01 ± 47.56 months. UR surgery correlated with significantly higher postoperative complications (p < 0.001), histopathological grade (p = 0.023), FIGO stage (p < 0.001), three-year death rates, and overall mortality rates (p = 0.035). FIGO stage and total metastatic lymph nodes emerged as independent prognostic factors for overall and PFS. ConclusionIn the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer, evaluating the extent of the tumor before the surgery and showing maximal effort to minimize the residual tumor volume instead of applying UR procedures as the first choice seems to be the most important factor that can affect survival.

Reference gene evaluation for normalization of gene expression studies with lymph tissue and node‑derived stromal cells of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Profiling studies using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) require reliable normalization to reference genes to accurately interpret the results. A stable reference gene panel was established to profile metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The stability of 18S ribosomal RNA (18SrRNA), ribosomal Protein Lateral Stalk Subunit P0 (RPLP0), ribosomal Protein L27 (RPL27), TATA-box binding protein (TBP), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl-transferase 1 (HPRT1), beta-actin (ACTB), glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and vimentin (VIM) was evaluated, as reference genes for profiling patient-derived lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs; N=8; N0:6, N+:2) and lymph node tissues (Patients:14, Nodes=20; N0:7; N+:13). The genes were initially assessed based on their expression levels, specificity, and stability rankings to identify the best combination of reference genes. VIM was excluded from the final analysis because of its low expression (high quantification cycle >32) and multiple peaks in the melting curve. The stability analysis was performed using Reffinder, which utilizes four tools; geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and Comparative ∆Ct methods, thereby enabling the computing of a comprehensive ranking. Evaluation of the gene profiles indicated that while RPLP0 and 18SrRNA were stable in both lymph node tissues and LNSCs, HPRT1, RPL27 were uniquely stable in these tissues whereas ACTB and TBP were most stable in LNSCs. The present study identified the most stable reference gene panel for the RT-qPCR profiling of lymph node tissues and patient-derived LNSCs. The observation that the gene panel differed between the two model systems further emphasized the need to evaluate the reference gene subset based on the disease and cellular context.

Locally advanced rectal cancer in a young adult affected with dyskeratosis congenita (Zinsser–Cole–Engman syndrome): a case report

BackgroundDyskeratosis congenita (DKC), also known as Zinsser–Cole–Engman syndrome, is a progressive genetic disease with a triad of reticulate skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia. Approximately 8–10% of patients with DKC develop malignancies, and cases of colorectal cancer with DKC in young people have been reported previously.Case presentationA 25-year-old man with DKC since approximately 10 years of age developed fever and lower abdominal discomfort. Diagnostic imaging revealed locally advanced rectal cancer with lymph node metastasis, direct invasion of the prostate, and pelvic abscess due to tumor microperforation (cT4bN2M0 cStage IIIC). Biopsy showed well to moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma. Genetic testing was negative for RAS and BRAF gene mutations, and microsatellite instability (MSI) testing was also negative. After sigmoid colostomy, the patient was treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) with systemic chemotherapy (six courses of FOLFOX + panitumumab) followed by chemoradiation therapy (50.4 Gy with capecitabine). After TNT, the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes shrank. According to the findings of colonoscopy and magnetic resonance image (MRI), we diagnosed near complete response (near-CR) and decided to follow the patient without surgery by every 3 months re-evaluation. However, 5 months after TNT, tumor regrowth was detected on colonoscopy and imaging, and the patient underwent total pelvic exenteration. He developed paralytic ileus as a postoperative complication, and was discharged on the 38th postoperative day. Pathological examination revealed a residual tumor with invasion of the periprostatic tissue. There was no metastasis in the pararectal and lateral pelvic lymph nodes, but one extramural non-contiguous cancerous extension (tumor deposit) was observed (ypT4bN1cM0 ypStage IIIC). The patient has been free of recurrence for one year after surgery.ConclusionsDKC often develops into various tumors in the digestive system at an early age; therefore, appropriate surveillance may be required. In addition, considering that cancers in patients with DKC occur at a young age, fertility preservation and survivorship are also important, and adequate explanations and care should be provided to patients before and after treatment.

The Relationship Between DNA Mismatch Repair Status and Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Colon Cancer.

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins are essential for repairing genetic mutations that occur during DNA replication. Deficiency of MMR proteins results in a phenotype called microsatellite instability (MSI), which occurs in Lynch syndrome as well as sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC), and it is associated with several clinicopathological features. We aimed to investigate the association of the loss of MMR proteins with clinicopathologic considerations in our CRC series. In this retrospective study, DNA MMR protein status in CRC is evaluated in a total of 200 colorectal resection specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 protein expression. The BRAF mutation was investigated by the real-time PCR in cases with loss of MLH1 protein expression. The relationship between MMR status and clinicopathological parameters was investigated statistically. Loss of MMR protein expression was detected in 26 of 200 CRC cases. The BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 2 of the cases with MLH1 loss and accepted as sporadic. The remaining 24 cases (12%) were identified as Lynch syndrome candidates. There were statistical differences observed regarding the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (P < .001), Crohn's-like reaction (P = .001), expansile growth (P < .001), tumor heterogeneity (P < .001), mucinous differentiation (P < .001), and presence of metastatic lymph nodes (P = .045) between sporadic cases with preserved MMR and Lynch candidates. However, difference in the survival rates between sporadic cases and Lynch candidates was not significant. Immunohistochemical staining for MMR is a practical method for predicting MSI phenotype as well as Lynch candidates. MMR expression status was found to be associated with certain clinicopathological features some of which also have prognostic significance.

Assessment of Immunoreactivity Patterns in the Excised Cervical Lymph Nodes of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Epidermoid carcinoma (oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC]) comprises approximately 80% of the malignancies of the oral cavity, which is also responsible for the morbidity and mortality due to the distant spread of the neoplastic cells. The regional draining lymph node has been considered an anatomic barrier to the systemic dissemination of malignant cells. It has been postulated that the microscopic architectural pattern of a regional lymph node (RLn) represents the immunologic reactivity in that node and the host response. Morphological assessment of the regional nodes aids in a better understanding of the immune response and its correlation with the stage of the tumour. Materials and Methods: A total of 51 head-and-neck dissection cases were assessed for immunomorphological patterns and the degree of tumour involvement in positive lymph nodes. 49 lymph nodes were in the early stage (TNM Stage l and ll) and 71 lymph nodes were in the advanced stage(TNM stage lll and lV). A total of 595 lymph nodes were histologically evaluated and were categorised into metastatic and non-metastatic nodes showing four different patterns: lymphocyte predominance (LP) pattern, germinal centre predominance (GCP) pattern, sinus histiocytosis (SH) pattern and lymphocyte-depleted pattern. Results: The most frequently encountered pattern of lymph nodes was of LP (436 nodes), followed by GCP (61 nodes), SH (36 nodes) and lymphocyte depleted (18 nodes), respectively. Out of 595, 120 nodes were positive for metastasis, indicating that as the stage advances, the GCP type predominates (the predominant immunomorphological pattern shifts from LP to GCP), facilitating metastasis. Conclusion: Immunomorphological changes in the RLns of OSCCs seem to be pivotal factors that serve as an important prognostic indicator. Whereas the cell-mediated immune response represented by LP and SH appears to resist the metastasis process, the humoral response reflected by GCP favours metastasis.

Risk factors and impact of occult and skip metastasis in early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

To investigate risk factors associated with occult lymph node metastases (ONM) and skip metastasis in early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients. Meanwhile, to analyze the contribution of metastatic nodes to survival outcomes. 544 OTSCC patients who were clinically staged T1-T2N0 with pathologic results from May 2018 to January 2024 were enrolled. Those with ONM were divided into subgroups with or without skip metastasis. Clinical, laboratorial, radiological and pathological factors between groups were analyzed by using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic analysis. The association of tumor growth behavior with the metastatic pattern of lymph nodes was summarized. Additionally, disease free survival (DFS) among different groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Tumor growth behavior was associated with ONM. Tumor thickness with a threshold of 6.4mm was not inferior to histological depth of invasion in predicting ONM. Only 1.3% of patients had nodal involvement of neck level IV or V. The DFS of patients with ONM were significantly reduced than those without ONM (P<0.001). The DFS between patients with and without skip metastasis exhibited no statistical significance(P = 0.246). The 1-year, 2-year recurrence rates of patients with or without ONM were 31.9%, 37.5%, 10.1% and 14.0%, correspondingly. Tumor thickness with a threshold of 6.4mm could be used as a preoperative predictor for ONM. Elective neck dissection of level I - III might be sufficient for early stage OTSCC patients. OTSCC patients with ONM should be closely observed during the first 2 years after surgery. The risk of ONM in early stage OTSCC patients might be predicted by tumor thickness calculated on MR imaging. Elective neck dissection of level I - III could remove micrometastases timely and effectively.

Automatic segmentation of esophageal cancer, metastatic lymph nodes and their adjacent structures in CTA images based on the UperNet Swin network.

To create a deep-learning automatic segmentation model for esophageal cancer (EC), metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) and their adjacent structures using the UperNet Swin network and computed tomography angiography (CTA) images and to improve the effectiveness and precision of EC automatic segmentation and TN stage diagnosis. Attention U-Net, UperNet Swin, UNet++ and UNet were used to train the EC segmentation model to automatically segment the EC, esophagus, pericardium, aorta and MLN from CTA images of 182 patients with postoperative pathologically proven EC. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV) were used to assess their segmentation effectiveness. The volume of EC was calculated using the segmentation results, and the outcomes and times of automatic and human segmentation were compared. All statistical analyses were completed using SPSS 25.0 software. Among the four EC autosegmentation models, the UperNet Swin had the best autosegmentation results with a DSC of 0.7820 and the highest values of EC sensitivity and PPV. The esophagus, pericardium, aorta and MLN had DSCs of 0.7298, 0.9664, 0.9496 and 0.5091. The DSCs of the UperNet Swin were 0.6164, 0.7842, 0.8190, and 0.7259 for T1-4 EC. The volume of EC and its adjacent structures between the ground truth and UperNet Swin model were not significantly different. The UperNet Swin showed excellent efficiency in autosegmentation and volume measurement of EC, MLN and its adjacent structures in different T stage, which can help to T and N stage diagnose EC and will save clinicians time and energy.