Organ-sparing Treatment Research Articles

3538: The surgeon, for organ-sparing treatment approaches

3538: The surgeon, for organ-sparing treatment approaches

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare genetic disease of autosomal dominant inheritance, with an estimated prevalence of 3-20/100 000. Its main feature is neuroendocrine neoplasia in the parathyroid glands, the endocrine pancreas, the duodenum, and the pituitary gland. In this article, we review the diagnostic and therapeutic options for MEN1-associated tumors. We present an analysis and evaluation of retrospective case studies retrieved from PubMed, guidelines from Germany and abroad, and our own experience. The disease is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene. Mutation carriers should participate in a regular, specialized screening program from their twenties onward. The early diagnosis and individualized treatment of MEN1-associated tumors can prevent the development of life-threatening hormonal syndromes and prolong the expected life span of MEN1 patients from 55 to 70 years, as well as improving their quality of life. Surgical treatment is based on the location, size, growth dynamics, and functional activity of the tumors. The evidence for treatment strategies is derived from retrospective studies only (level III evidence) and the optimal treatment is often a matter of debate. This is a further reason for treatment in specialized centers. MEN1 is a rare disease, and, consequently, the evidence base for its treatment is limited. Carriers of disease-causing mutations in the MEN1 gene should be cared for in specialized interdisciplinary centers, so that any appreciable tumor growth or hormonal activity can be detected early and organ-sparing treatment can be provided.

Early Experience with EndoRobotic Submucosal Dissection (ERSD): Pathologic and Short-term Outcomes in the First 28 Patients.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-port endorobotic submucosal dissection (ERSD) using the Da Vinci SP platform for the management of rectal neoplasms. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) offers a potential organ-sparing treatment for advanced colorectal neoplasms but demands high technical skill and a steep learning curve. Advances in semiflexible robotic platforms, such as the Da Vinci SP, promise to simplify this procedure, potentially offering improved outcomes for patients with benign rectal neoplasms. A retrospective analysis of 28 patients who underwent ERSD using the Da Vinci SP platform between 2020 and 2023 was performed. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure details, outcomes, and complications were reviewed. The primary endpoint was successful en-bloc resection. The cohort had a median age of 60.5 years and a median BMI of 28.2kg/m², predominantly male(67.8%) with ASA categories 2 or 3(82%). Lesions had a median size of 38mm and were located a median of 9cm from the anal verge. The median procedure time was 87.5 minutes. En-bloc resection was achieved in all cases(100%), with no intraoperative complications or mortality. One patient experienced urinary retention, and one had late bleeding requiring blood transfusion. Pathology outcomes included 46.4% tubulovillous adenomas, 21.4% adenocarcinomas, and high-grade dysplasia in 53.6% of patients. Single-port ERSD using the Da Vinci SP platform is safe and feasible for the management of colorectal neoplasia, ensuring a high rate of en-bloc resection. It potentially offers advantages over conventional ESD, including shorter dissection times, although further studies are necessary for a definitive comparison.

Early Rectal Cancer and Local Excision: A Narrative Review.

A rise in the incidence of early rectal cancer consequent to bowel-screening programs around the world and an increase in the incidence in young adults has led to a growing interest in organ-sparing treatment options. The rectum, being the most distal portion of the large intestine, is a fertile ground for local excision techniques performed with endoscopic or surgical techniques. Moreover, the advancement in endoscopic optical evaluation and the better definition of imaging techniques allow for a more precise local staging of early rectal cancer. Although the local treatment of early rectal cancer seems promising, in clinical practice, a significant number of patients who could benefit from local excision techniques undergo total mesorectal excision (TME) as the first approach. All relevant prospective clinical trials were identified through a computer-assisted search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline databases until January 2024. This review is dedicated to endoscopic and surgical local excision in the treatment of early rectal cancer and highlights its possible role in current and future clinical practice, taking into account surgical completion techniques and chemoradiotherapy.

Comparison of aggressiveness in central versus peripheral T1a clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

PurposeThis study aimed to estimate the difference between peripheral and central small renal lesions in terms of their oncologic potential. MethodsCross-sectional retrospective analysis of patients with small renal masses (T1a) who underwent surgical treatment between January 2008 and July 2019 at the affiliated hospital. Only patients with ccRCC pathology were included. Cases were divided into 2 groups depending on tumor location (central or peripheral) based on the R.E.N.A.L and local nephrometry scoring. Presence of nodal involvement, distant metastases, ISUP grade and endophytic growth were defined as aggressiveness predictors. Statistical analyses was performed using a standard statistical software (IBM SPPS Statistics Ver. 22), with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Associations between tumor location and Fuhrman grade, exo-/endophytic growth, TNM classification, and type of operation were tested using the Pearson χ² test and 1-way ANOVA test. ResultsPatients with centrally located tumors had a higher incidence of clinical and pathological lymph node involvement (P = 0.02, χ2 = 5.1). Patients in both groups had an equal number of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis (P = 0.3, χ2 = 0.8). The operation time was significantly longer in patients with central lesions, which obviously showed higher tumor complexity in this group (P < 0.005). Pathological evaluation revealed differences between ISUP grades in both groups (P < 0.005, χ2 = 29.9). Central masses were characterized by higher aggressiveness, indicating a worse prognosis. Furthermore, the cases in the first group were more often endophytic (P = 0.03, χ2 = 0.9). Nevertheless, this did not affect the surgical strategy in most cases with a tendency toward partial nephrectomy. Eventually, organ-sparing treatment was preferable in both groups (P = 0.13, χ2 = 2.29). ConclusionCentrally located kidney cancer has showed in present study a higher incidence of high ISUP grade, regional nodal involvement and endophytic growth type. Endophytic growth type was associated with worse ISUP grading. Distribution of ISUP grade was not age depended, thus showing no difference by this criterion, when comparing different age groups. Higher ISUP grade was strongly associated with presence of distant metastases in T1a kidney tumors. Further analysis is needed to investigate aggressiveness of centrally located T1a RCC, as it may influence current conservative management options.

Sexual Outcomes after Conservative Management for Patients with Localized Penile Cancer.

Men with localized invasive penile cancer (PC) can be treated with organ-sparing treatments with different functional and aesthetical outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate sexual outcomes in patients with PC confined to the glans that underwent wide local excision (WLE) vs. glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty. Complete data from 60 patients with PC were analyzed at our institution from 2017 to 2022. Patients were asked for personal habits and clinical features. PC was assessed with a clinical visit and imaging techniques. At the outpatient follow-up visit or phone call, all patients compiled the Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ) and the International Index of Erectile Function in its short 5-item form (IIEF-5). Erectile function (EF) impairment was categorized using Cappelleri's criteria. Overall, 34 patients with PC confined to the glans (c ≤ T2N0) were included. Of those, 12 underwent WLE and 22 underwent glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty. Using multivariable logistic regression, glansectomy (OR: 3.49) and diabetes (OR: 2.33) were associated with erectile disfunction (IEEF < 22). Meanwhile, using multivariable linear regression analysis, younger patients (Coeff: -2.41) and those that underwent glansectomy (Coeff: -7.5) had a higher risk of sexual function impairment, according to the CSFQ. Patients with PC ≤ T2N0 that underwent WLE have better outcomes in terms of sexual functioning than the patients who underwent glansectomy and uretheral gladuloplasty. Further research is needed to clarify the outcomes of penile-sparing surgery, to inform patients in pre-surgical counseling more comprehensively, and to meet their post-operative expectations more effectively.

Split scar sign to predict complete response in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for rectal cancer initial staging and restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of the split scar sign (SSS) on rectal MRI in predicting complete response after neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant published studies through June 2023. Primary studies met eligibility criteria if they evaluated the diagnostic performance of the SSS to predict complete response on pathology or clinical follow-up in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled sensitivity and specificity, area under the curve (AUC), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of the SSS.ResultsA total of 4 studies comprising 377 patients met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of complete response in the studies was 21.7–52.5%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the SSS to predict complete response were 62.0% (95% CI, 43.5–78.5%) and 91.9% (95% CI, 78.9–97.2%), respectively. The estimated AUC for SSS was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.56–0.94) with a DOR of 18.8 (95% CI, 3.65–96.5).ConclusionThe presence of SSS on rectal MRI demonstrated high specificity for complete response in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. This imaging pattern can be a valuable tool to identify potential candidates for organ-sparing treatment and surveillance.Clinical relevance statementSSS presents high specificity for complete response post-neoadjuvant. This MRI finding enhances rectal cancer treatment assessment and aids clinicians and patients in choosing watch-and-wait over immediate surgery, which can potentially reduce costs and associated morbidity.Key Points•Fifteen to 50% of rectal cancer patients achieve complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and may be eligible for a watch-and-wait strategy.•The split scar sign has high specificity for a complete response.•This imaging finding is valuable to select candidates for organ-sparing management.

Gemcitabine and cisplatin plus nivolumab as organ-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a phase 2 trial

Cystectomy is a standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), but it is life-altering. We initiated a phase 2 study in which patients with MIBC received four cycles of gemcitabine, cisplatin, plus nivolumab followed by clinical restaging. Patients achieving a clinical complete response (cCR) could proceed without cystectomy. The co-primary objectives were to assess the cCR rate and the positive predictive value of cCR for a composite outcome: 2-year metastasis-free survival in patients forgoing immediate cystectomy or <ypT1N0 in patients electing immediate cystectomy. Seventy-six patients were enrolled; of these, 33 achieved a cCR (43%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 32%, 55%), and 32 of 33 who achieved a cCR opted to forgo immediate cystectomy. The positive predictive value of cCR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.91, 1), meeting the co-primary objective. The most common adverse events were fatigue, anemia, neutropenia and nausea. Somatic alterations in pre-specified genes (ATM, RB1, FANCC and ERCC2) or increased tumor mutational burden did not improve the positive predictive value of cCR. Exploratory analyses of peripheral blood mass cytometry and soluble protein analytes demonstrated an association between the baseline and on-treatment immune contexture with clinical outcomes. Stringently defined cCR after gemcitabine, cisplatin, plus nivolumab facilitated bladder sparing and warrants further study. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03451331.

VMAT TBI Technique Using Autoplanning Scripts

Evident by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) survey of pediatric total body irradiation (TBI) practice, 100% of physicians were open to refining the conventional TBI technique to lower the lung dose and 75% of respondents were interested in implementing VMAT or a 3-D CRT and IMRT system TBI. Unfortunately, only a handful of COG institutions have implemented VMAT or Tomo TBI. We created the autoplanning scripts and shared them with the public to make the VMAT TBI more wide-spread. Here, we report on our initial experience of treating Stanford VMAT TBI technique using the scripts. From October 2019 to February 2023, 75 patients were treated with VMAT TBI at our institution. Organ sparing depended on the regimen: myeloablative (lungs, kidneys, and lenses); non-myeloablative (lungs, kidneys, lenses, gonads, brain, and thyroid). Treatment planning was performed using Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface (ESAPI) auto-planning scripts. Data on patient, treatment details, and dosimetric indices were collected. Treatment was delivered using IGRT for every isocenter and every fraction. In-vivo measurements were performed on the matchline between the VMAT and AP/PA fields and on the testes for the first fraction. Median patient age was 13 years (range, 1 - 64). The patient height and width range were 83.6-197.3 cm and 24.9-60.3 cm, respectively. Forty-eight percent of patients were treated using myeloablative and 52% nonmyeloablative regimens. For all patients the lungs, lungs-1cm, and kidneys Dmean were consistently spared to 59.8±4.7%, 43.0±6.5%, and 70.9±7.7% of the prescription dose, respectively. Gonadal sparing (Dmean = 31.5±5.9%) was achieved for all patients with benign disease. In addition, brain and thyroid was spared for these patients. For nine patients, VMAT TBI offered additional organ sparing (liver, heart, and previously irradiated areas) and possibility to perform the simultaneously integrated boost. The average PTV D1cc was 120.3±6.6% for all patients. PTV D1cc correlated with patient height and width (R2 = 0.62 and 0.53). Sixteen patients (21.3%) with height <116cm were treated with 3-isocenter VMAT only plans, 59 patients (78.6%) were treated with 3-4 isocenter VMAT plans in head-first-supine position and 1-3 AP/PA plan in feet-first-supine position. Rotational platform was used to change the patient orientation. The average matchline dose measurement indicated patient setup was reproducible (96.1±4.5% relative to planned dose). For the first 35 patients, treatment time, including patient setup and beam-on, was 47.5±9.5 min. VMAT TBI is a modern alternative to conventional 2D TBI treatment offering the possibility of organ sparing, dose painting, and accurate treatment using IGRT. The automated scripts enable streamline planning with consistent plan quality.

Induction therapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab followed by consolidative chemoradiation as organ-sparing treatment in urothelial bladder cancer: study protocol of the INDIBLADE trial.

Studies that assessed the efficacy of pre-operative immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in locally advanced urothelial cancer of the bladder showed encouraging pathological complete response rates, suggesting that a bladder-sparing approach may be a viable option in a subset of patients. Chemoradiation is an alternative for radical cystectomy with similar oncological outcomes, but is still mainly used in selected patients with organ-confined tumors or patients ineligible to undergo radical cystectomy. We propose to sequentially administer ICB and chemoradiation to patients with (locally advanced) muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The INDIBLADE trial is an investigator-initiated, single-arm, multicenter phase 2 trial. Fifty patients with cT2-4aN0-2M0 urothelial bladder cancer will be treated with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on day 1, ipilimumab 3 mg/kg plus nivolumab 1 mg/kg on day 22, and nivolumab 3 mg/kg on day 43 followed by chemoradiation. The primary endpoint is the bladder-intact event-free survival (BI-EFS). Events include: local or distant recurrence, salvage cystectomy, death and switch to platinum-based chemotherapy. We will also evaluate the potential of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the bladder to identify non-responders, and we will assess the clearance of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for ICB treatment response. This is the first trial in which the efficacy of induction combination ICB followed by chemoradiation is being evaluated to provide bladder-preservation in patients with (locally advanced) urothelial bladder cancer. The INDIBLADE trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov on January 21, 2022 (NCT05200988).

Basal Cell Carcinoma After High Dose Rate Brachytherapy: Medium-term Dermoscopic Evaluation of Cancer's Response.

Basal cell carcinoma of the facial region remains a challenge for contemporary oncology due to the presence of aesthetic regions and critical organs. Surgery is not always the optimal solution, and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy has emerged as an organ-sparing treatment method whose effectiveness has been proven by a growing number of publications. Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool that bridges clinical and pathological examination of skin lesions. It is routinely used for diagnosis, monitoring of treatment, and post-treatment evaluation; however, the literature lacks data concerning changes in dermoscopic patterns of skin cancers during and after irradiation. Our team conducted a prospective non-randomized trial of 39 patients with high-risk basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), mostly localized within the high-risk zone (H-zone) of the facial region, and who qualified for HDR brachytherapy. HDR contact brachytherapy with custom-made surface molds was introduced, delivering a dose of 45Gy in 9 fractions prescribed to the tumor. Every patient was observed clinically and dermoscopically at three observational points: before treatment, at the end of treatment (3rd week), and 24weeks after the end of therapy. The evolution of clinical and dermoscopic patterns was observed by two independent dermoscopists using current diagnostic criteria. A database of 12,088 photographic observations was evaluated. Univariate logistic regression proved that brachytherapy decreases the number of clinical and dermoscopic patterns typical for basal cell carcinoma, as well as dermoscopic features not related to BCC, presumably due to the formation of scar tissue. In addition, univariate logistic regression with random effects proved a positive correlation between tumor size and presence of various dermoscopic patterns typical for BCC. Dermoscopy is proven to be easy to perform and an adequate monitoring tool for patients with BCCs undergoing HDR brachytherapy.

Consultation on UTUC II Stockholm 2022: diagnostics, prognostication, and follow-up—where are we today?

PurposeTo summarise the current knowledge regarding diagnostics, prognostication and follow-up in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).MethodsA scoping review combined with expert opinion was applied to provide an overview of the current research field. Based on the published literature and the experts’ own experience and opinions, consensus was reached through presentations and discussions at the meeting Consultation on UTUC II in Stockholm 2022.ResultsThe strongest prognostic factors in UTUC are tumour grade and stage. They are correlated, and grade is used for indirect staging. The diagnostic examinations should include multiphase computed tomography urography (CTU) with corticomedullary phase, and urethrocystoscopy with cytology. If there is no clear diagnosis for clinical decision-making, ureterorenoscopy (URS) with focal cytology and biopsies should be performed. Both WHO classification systems (1973/1999 and 2004/2016) should be used. Novel biomarker tests are not yet widespread nor recommended for the detection of UTUC. Long-term, regular follow-up, including URS in patients who have had organ-sparing treatment, is important to check for tumour recurrences, intravesical recurrences, metastases and progression of the tumour.ConclusionProper diagnostics with correct grading of UTUC are necessary for appropriate treatment decisions. The diagnostics should include CTU with corticomedullary phase, urine or bladder cytology, URS with focal barbotage cytology, and biopsies when needed for proper diagnosis and risk stratification. Regular, long-term follow-ups are fundamental, due to the high rate of recurrence and risk of progression.

Organ sparing treatment for penile cancer using a 3D-printed high-dose-rate brachytherapy applicator

PURPOSEWe present a case study of the treatment of localized squamous cell carcinoma on the glans penis with a custom-fabricated high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy applicator. METHODS AND MATERIALSA cylindrically shaped applicator was fabricated with eight embedded channels suitable for standard plastic brachytherapy catheters. An additional custom silicone bolus/sleeve was designed to be used with the 3D-printed applicator to provide an additional offset from the source to skin to reduce the surface dose and for patient comfort. RESULTSThe patient (recurrent cT1a penile cancer) underwent CT simulation, and the brachytherapy plan was created with a nominal prescription dose of 40 Gy in 10 fractions given bidaily to the surface, and 35 Gy at 5 mm depth. Dose coverage to the clinical target volume was 94% (D90). Most fractions were treated with only 5-10 min of setup time. Follow up visits up to 1 year showed no evidence of disease with no significant changes in urinary and sexual function and limited cosmetic detriment to the patient. CONCLUSIONSPatient-specific organ-sparing HDR plesiotherapy using 3D printing technology can provide reliable and reproducible patient setup and may be effective in achieving disease control for superficial penile cancer, although preserving patient quality of life.

Органосохраняющее лечение стромальной опухоли предстательной железы неопределенного потенциала злокачественности

Органосохраняющее лечение стромальной опухоли предстательной железы неопределенного потенциала злокачественности

Киста белочной оболочки яичка больших размеров.

Introduction. A cyst of the tunica albuginea of the testis is a rare benign formation, the prevalence in the male population varies from 0.3 to 0.76%. Cysts of the tunica albuginea are usually small in size from 2 to 5 mm. Clinical case. A case of a large cyst of the tunica albuginea (3.5×2.5×2.9 cm) of the left testicle in a 44-year-old man is presented. In the case presented, the cyst was probably of post-traumatic origin, since the patient had suffered a blunt trauma to the scrotum about 10 years ago. The patient complained of pain in the left half of the scrotum. An operation was performed – microsurgical excision of the cyst of the albuginea of the left testicle. Postoperative period without complications. The pain syndrome was relieved 14 days after the operation. Histological examination – a cystic formation with a connective tissue wall lined with cubic, in places ciliated epithelium. Ultrasound control after 3 months – the size of the left testicle is 4.2 * 2.7 * 1.9 (volume 11.2 cm3), the parenchyma is homogeneous. Conclusion. The presented observation demonstrates that cysts of the albuginea of the testis can reach a significant size, spreading into the testicular parenchyma. Organ-sparing treatment in symptomatic patients with large cysts of the albuginea with intraparenchymal growth allows to eliminate pain symptoms and preserve the residual testicular parenchyma. The use of microsurgical techniques may be useful in minimizing circulatory disturbance and reducing the risk of atrophic changes in the testicular parenchyma.

Surgeon's steering behaviour towards patients to participate in a cluster randomised trial on active surveillance for oesophageal cancer: A qualitative study

IntroductionFew studies have been conducted into how physicians use steering behaviour that may persuade patients to choose for a particular treatment, let alone to participate in a randomised trial. The aim of this study is to assess if and how surgeons use steering behaviour in their information provision to patients in their choice to participate in a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial investigating an organ sparing treatment in (curable) oesophageal cancer (SANO trial). Materials and methodsA qualitative study was performed. Thematic content analysis was applied to audiotaped and transcribed consultations of twenty patients with eight different oncological surgeons in three Dutch hospitals. Patients could choose to participate in a clinical trial in which an experimental treatment of ‘active surveillance’ (AS) was offered. Patients who did not want to participate underwent standard treatment: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by oesophagectomy. ResultsSurgeons used various techniques to steer patients towards one of the two options, mostly towards AS. The presentation of pros and cons of treatment options was imbalanced: positive framing of AS was used to steer patients towards the choice for AS, and negative framing of AS to make the choice for surgery more attractive. Further, steering language, i.e. suggestive language, was used, and surgeons seemed to use the timing of the introduction of the different treatment options, to put more focus on one of the treatment options. ConclusionAwareness of steering behaviour can help to guide physicians in more objectively informing patients on participation in future clinical trials.

Organ-sparing treatment for breast cancer

This article reviews literature on organ-sparing and oncoplastic surgeries for breast cancer. Initially, we performed organ-sparing surgeries in patients with stage I—IIA breast cancer and then compared outcomes with those in patients after radical mastectomy. Since there were no differences in both overall and relapse-free survival between the groups, we started to perform organ-sparing surgeries in women with locally advanced breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy who achieved complete or partial response. Oncoplastic resections were used to achieve good aesthetic results and also for patients in whom classical organ-sparing resection would inevitably result in a poor cosmetic outcome due to the tumor location. In recent years, the technique of extreme oncoplastic breast resection has emerged as a promising option that extended the scope of indications to organ-sparing treatment. In particular, it allows breast conservation for patients with multicentric, multifocal tumors, and tumors &gt;50 mm. All organ-sparing and oncoplastic operations first of all improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

What can the Interventional Endoscopist Offer in the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancies?

The therapeutic possibilities of endoscopy have rapidly increased in the last decades and now allow organ-sparing treatment of early upper gastrointestinal malignancy as well as an increasing number of options for symptom palliation. This review contains an overview of the interventional endoscopic procedures in upper gastrointestinal malignancies. It describes endoscopic treatment of early oesophageal and gastric cancers, and the palliative options in managing dysphagia and gastric outlet obstruction. It also provides an overview of the therapeutic possibilities of biliary endoscopy, such as retrograde stenting and radiofrequency biliary ablation. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided therapeutic options are discussed, including biliary drainage, gastrojejunostomy and coeliac axis block. To aid in clinical decision making, the procedures are described in the context of their indication, efficacy, risks and limitations.

Quality of life in breast cancer patients over the age of 65 years after organ-sparing treatment with or without radiation therapy

Objective. To study the impact of radiation therapy (RT) after organ-sparing surgery (OSS) for breast cancer (BC) on quality of life (QoL) in patients over the age of 65 years. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 133 patients with Stage IA BC who underwent OSS. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1) patients who had received RT after surgical treatment; 2) those who had not. All the patients included in the investigation received adjuvant hormone therapy for ≥5 years. The mean follow-up period was 61.77±20.10 months. QoL was comparatively assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 Version 3 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Results. The scores on functional and symptom scales and those on the EORTC QLQ-C30 V.3 Global health status/QoL were statistically comparable in the examined groups (p &gt; 0.05). Statistically significant differences between the groups were obtained in assessing the EORTC QLQ-BR23 Body image (BRBI). Arm symptoms (BRAS), and Breast symptoms (BRBS) (p0.05). Conclusion. After CCA with and without RT, the patients older than 65 years showed no significant differences in the assessment of QoL using the Global health status/QoL symptom, functional, and BRFU scales. QoL assessment using BRBI, BRBS, and BRAS demonstrated lower scores in the RT group. Thus, it may be concluded that RT does not worsen the overall QoL in patients, whereas it exerts local side effects in the area of irradiated tissues.

Clinical consequences of diagnostic variability in the histopathological evaluation of early rectal cancer

IntroductionIn early rectal cancer, organ sparing treatment strategies such as local excision have gained popularity. The necessity of radical surgery is based on the histopathological evaluation of the local excision specimen. This study aimed to describe diagnostic variability between pathologists, and its impact on treatment allocation in patients with locally excised early rectal cancer. Materials and methodsPatients with locally excised pT1-2 rectal cancer were included in this prospective cohort study. Both quantitative measures and histopathological risk factors (i.e. poor differentiation, deep submucosal invasion, and lymphatic- or venous invasion) were evaluated. Interobserver variability was reported by both percentages and Fleiss’ Kappa- (ĸ) or intra-class correlation coefficients. ResultsA total of 126 patients were included. Ninety-four percent of the original histopathological reports contained all required parameters. In 73 of the 126 (57.9%) patients, at least one discordant parameter was observed, which regarded histopathological risk factors for lymph node metastases in 36 patients (28.6%). Interobserver agreement among different variables varied between 74% and 95% or ĸ 0.530–0.962. The assessment of lymphovascular invasion showed discordances in 26% (ĸ = 0.530, 95% CI 0.375–0.684) of the cases. In fourteen (11%) patients, discordances led to a change in treatment strategy. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that there is substantial interobserver variability between pathologists, especially in the assessment of lymphovascular invasion. Pathologists play a key role in treatment allocation after local excision of early rectal cancer, therefore interobserver variability needs to be reduced to decrease the number of patients that are over- or undertreated.