Recurrence-free Rates Research Articles

Expression and prognostic value of CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene clusters in human breast cancer.

ObjectiveCell cycle-associated proteins play important roles in breast cancer (BRCA), based on evidence from cell lines, preclinical murine models, and human tissue samples.MethodsHerein, we used the Onomine, GEPIA, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal databases to examine transcriptional and survival data pertaining to cyclin-associated gene clusters (CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1) in BRCA patients.ResultsCDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene expression levels were higher in BRCA compared with control tissue samples and were correlated with more-advanced tumor stage. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses confirmed that elevated CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 expression levels were associated with overall and post-progression survival and recurrence-free probability rates in patients with BRCA.ConclusionThe results of this study implied that CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene clusters may provide potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in patients with BRCA.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic tumor enucleation is a feasible technique for renal hilar tumors: A retrospective study.

Retrospective data were collected from 173 consecutive patients who underwent RAE for localized renal tumors (cT1-cT2N0M0) at our hospital between September 2014 and November 2019. Seventy-five patients had renal hilar tumors and 98 patients had nonhilar tumors. There were no statistical differences between the hilar and nonhilar groups in operation time (190 [115-390] vs. 190 [110-390] min, p = 0.889), warm ischemia time (26 [12-60] vs. 27 [17-41] min, p = 0.257), hospital stay duration (8 [3-16] vs. 7.5 [4-18] days, p = 0.386), renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 102.5 [29.4-144] vs. 101.3 [64.2-134.7] ml/min/1.73 m2 , p = 0.631); creatinine level, (76 [43-169] vs.78.5 [50-281.3] µmol/L, p = 0.673), perioperative complications rate, or surgical margin status. However,patients with hilar tumors lost significantly more blood than did those with nonhilar tumors (250 [50-1500] vs. 200 [20-1200] ml, p = 0.007). During the follow-up period (median, 30 months), three patients in each group experienced recurrence. The 5-year recurrence-free rates were 93.0% and 95.4% in the hilar and nonhilar tumor groups, respectively (p = 0.640). For experienced robot laparoscopists, RAE is a safe, effective, and feasible procedure for renal hilar tumors, without increased risk of positive surgical margins or worse midterm oncologic outcomes compared with nonhilar tumors.

Impact of diagnosis-to-ablation time on non-pulmonary vein triggers and ablation outcomes in persistent atrial fibrillation.

Non-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers are a major cause of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence after catheter ablation. However, the effect of the diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) on non-PV triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation is unknown. This observational study evaluated 502 consecutive persistent AF patients who underwent initial ablation. We compared 408 patients whose DAT was <3 years with 94 patients whose DAT was≥3 years. Following PV and posterior wall isolation, 193 non-PV triggers, including 50 AFs, 30 atrial tachycardias (ATs), and 113 repetitive atrial premature beats, were elicited and ablated in 137 (27%) patients. Specifically, 80 non-PV AF/AT triggers were provoked in 64 (13%) patients, being identified more frequently in the DAT ≥ 3 years group than in the DAT < 3 years group (20% vs. 11%, p = .025) especially with a higher prevalence of coronary sinus/inferior left atrial triggers. During a median follow-up of 770 days, the ATA recurrence-free rate was higher in the DAT < 3 years group than the DAT ≥ 3 years group (79% vs. 53% at 2 years, p < .001). In a multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio: 2.70, p = .002) and a longer DAT (odds ratio: 1.13/year, p = .008) were predictors of non-PV AF/AT triggers, and a longer DAT (hazard ratio: 1.12/year, p < .001) and non-PV AT/AF triggers (hazard ratio: 1.79, p = .009) were associated with ATA recurrence. Early ablation after the first diagnosis of persistent AF may reduce emerging non-PV AF/AT triggers and ATA recurrence.

Photodynamic Therapy as an Alternative Therapeutic Tool in Functionally Inoperable Oral and Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Single Tertiary Center Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background: Head and neck cancer is typically treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemoradiation, or a combination of these treatments. This study aims to retrospectively analyse oncological outcomes, adverse events and toxicity of treatment with temoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy at a single tertiary referral center. More specifically, in a selected group of patients with otherwise (functionally) inoperable oral or oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.Methods: Twenty-six consecutive patients who received photodynamic therapy for oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma from January 2002 until July 2019 at the University Hospitals Leuven were included. These were (1) patients with an accessible recurrent or new primary tumor in an extensively treated area of the head and neck, not suitable for standard treatment, or (2) patients that were judged medically unfit to undergo standard treatment modalities.Results: Complete tumor response immediately after PDT was obtained in 76.9% of cases. During follow-up, a proportion of CR patients did recur, to reach recurrence-free rates at six months, one year and two years of 60.6%, 48.5% and 32.3%. Local control at the PDT treated area was 42.3% with a median recurrence free interval time of 9 months. Recurrence-free interval was statistically more favorable for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (with or without oral cavity extension) in comparison to oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma alone (p < 0.001). During a median follow-up period of 27 months, we report new tumor activity in 80.8% of patients. Median overall and disease-specific survival time was 31 and 34 months, respectively. Most reported adverse events were pain after treatment and facial edema. At the end of follow-up, swallowing and upper airway functionality were preserved in 76.9 and 95.7% of patients, respectively.Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy is a valuable treatment option in highly selected patients with oral and/or oropharyngeal (functionally) inoperable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment with this alternative modality can induce durable local control in an important fraction of treated patients, with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Petroclival Meningioma: Management Strategy and Results in 21st Century.

Background:Petroclival meningioma (PCM) is considered among the most difficult tumors to be treated by microneurosurgery because of its location and its relation to critical structures. The authors report on the outcome in a series of patients with PCM treated in the new millennium with a tailored approach of gross total excision or subtotal removal and adjuvant Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKR) depending on the particular case.Methods:Between 2001 and 2017, 72 consecutive PCMs were operated in a single center by the senior surgeon. Clinical presentation, operative approaches, intraoperative findings, complications, and imaging findings were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative outcome, adjuvant Gamma knife, and follow-up findings were reviewed.Results:The average age was 47.95 years, and female-to-male ratio was 52:20. Cavernous sinus extension was present in 21 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 66.65 months. Gross-total resection, near-total resection (NTR), and subtotal resection (STR) resection was achieved in 30, 24, and 18 (42.8%, 34.28%, and 25%) patients, respectively, with recurrences of 10%, 33%, and 50%, respectively. Twenty-two patients (18 STR and 4 NTR) had received postoperative GKR. Only four patients had recurrences following GKR. New cranial nerve deficits were more common in patients in whom a total resection was performed. There was no mortality.Conclusions:Gross total excision had the best recurrence free rate though with a higher morbidity. Upfront GKR is advisable in patients with residual tumor, if the preoperative temporal course had a rapid symptomatology, to reduce recurrence. Wait and watch for a small intracavernous residue and radiosurgery on growth is also a valid option as long as follow-up is not suspect. A flexible approach of individualizing the treatment protocol for a given patient goes a long way toward optimal outcome.

Antimesenteric cutback end-to-end isoperistaltic anastomosis (Sasaki-Watanabe anastomosis) for Crohn's disease: Novel surgical technique and early results of surgical anastomotic recurrence.

BackgroundAntimesenteric cutback end‐to‐end isoperistaltic anastomosis (Sasaki‐Watanabe anastomosis; Sasaki‐W anastomosis), which was developed in our department, is a novel hand‐sewn anastomotic technique for Crohn's disease intended to prevent anastomotic stenosis and preserve the peripheral circulation.AimThe aim of the present study is to present the surgical technique of Sasaki‐W anastomosis and to assess the safety and the early results of the surgical anastomotic recurrence of Sasaki‐W anastomosis.Patients and MethodsThe present study was a single‐center retrospective cohort study. As an early‐period group, 13 patients with Crohn's disease, who were mainly selected from cases considered to be at high risk of recurrence, underwent 15 Sasaki‐W anastomoses from August 2009 to January 2012. As a late‐period group, 36 patients with Crohn's disease, who were selected regardless of risk factors, underwent 37 Sasaki‐W anastomoses from September 2016 to March 2020. The medical data including patient characteristics, surgical records, postoperative details, and surgical recurrences were assessed.ResultsThere were no intraoperative complications. With a median follow‐up of 107 mo, surgical recurrence occurred in one patient at 106 mo after surgery in the early‐period group. The cumulative surgical recurrence‐free rate in the early‐period group was 100% at 5 y and 86% at 10 y after surgery. No patients required reoperation in the late‐period group.ConclusionSasaki‐W anastomosis is safe and feasible. Although long‐term study is needed, this anastomotic technique can be a reasonable operative option for Crohn's disease.

Role of Bypass with Preoperatively Diagnosed Small Caliber Veins in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

In chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), although recent studies suggested that limbs classified as a higher Wound, Ischemia, foot Infection (WIfI) stage would benefit more from bypass surgery than endovascular therapy (EVT), graft unavailability is a major limitation for bypass. However, such graft unavailability is not clearly defined. This study aimed to assess whether bypass with veins judged as small by preoperative ultrasound is acceptable to achieve wound healing. Ninety-five limbs classified as WIfI stage 3/4 that underwent infrainguinal bypass with veins were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the preoperative inner diameter of veins. Those with a diameter <2.5 mm were classified as small caliber grafts (SMGs, n=28) and those with a diameter ≥2.5 mm as sufficient caliber grafts (SUGs, n=67), and wound-related outcomes were evaluated. Wound healing rate (WHR) was analyzed in all cohort, and wound recurrence-free rate (WRF) and wound recurrence-free amputation-free survival rate (WRAFS) were calculated for limbs that achieved wound healing. A propensity score matched analysis was also performed to minimize the background difference, and 21 matched pairs were included for the analysis. Although the primary patency rate was significantly worse in SMGs (1-year patency, Crude model: 82.1% in SUGs and 51.0% in SMGs, P=0.0003; matched model: 77.7% in SUGs and 41.6% in SMGs, P = 0.005), the secondary patency rate was maintained in the equivalent level (1-year patency, Crude model: 81.8% in SUGs and 83.1% in SMGs, P=0.26; matched model: 77.7% in SUGs and 78.4% in SMGs, P = 0.24). One-year WHR was equivalent between the groups in both crude and matched models (Crude model: 87.0% in SUGs and 83.8% in SMGs, P=0.13; matched model: 66.3% in SUGs and 61.4% in SMGs, P = 0.65). One-year WRF and WRAFS were also equivalent (Crude model: WRF, 95.9% in SUGs and 100% in SMGs, P = 0.71; WRAFS, 87.2% in SUGs and 88.0% in SMGs, P = 0.78. Matched model: WRF, 100% in SUGs and 100% in SMGs, P = 0.85; WRAFS, 92.9% in SUGs and 78.6% in SMGs, P = 0.38). Although bypass with small caliber veins showed an inferior primary patency rate, WHR and WRF were equally good if grafts are maintained patent. Bypass with small caliber vein grafts would be an important option to achieve wound healing.

Recurrence factors in patients with Keratinizing squamous metaplasia of the bladder after surgical management: a single-center retrospective study.

BackgroundKeratinizing squamous metaplasia (KSM) is a clinically heterogeneous disease that lacks research that provide definitive recurrent risk factors. Therefore, we identified the recurrence factors in patients with KSM of the bladder after transurethral resection (TUR). We also attempted to investigate the association between KSM and bladder cancer.MethodsClinical information of 257 patients diagnosed with KSM who underwent TUR in Xiangya Hospital from January 2010 to November 2018 were retrospectively collected. Clinical information was available for follow-up of 223 patients. To determine the risk factors for recurrence, we conducted univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis respectively. To explore the association between KSM and bladder cancer, we used clinical follow-up data.ResultsThe median follow-up time is 49 (IQR, 12–121) months. Five-year recurrence-free rate (RFR) and 1-year RFR were 86.1% and 91.9%, respectively. Thirty-one patients (13.9%) relapsed of KSM after a median follow-up of 49 months (range, 12–121 months), and none of them developed subsequent bladder cancer. Univariate Cox analysis indicated that urinary tract infection [hazard ratio (HR) =2.111; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.043–4.271; P=0.038], and atypical urothelial hyperplasia of the bladder (HR =4.191; 95% CI: 2.006–8.756; P<0.001) were significant recurrence factors. Multivariate Cox analysis suggested that atypical urothelial hyperplasia of the bladder (HR =3.506; 95% CI: 1.663–7.392; P=0.001) was the independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence of KSM.ConclusionsThe recurrence rate in patients with KSM was about 13.9%, and atypical urothelial hyperplasia of the bladder was the independent risk factor in patients with KSM recurrence. In cases with bladder atypical urothelial hyperplasia, close follow-ups are necessary. Also, we demonstrated that KSM did not increase the subsequent risk of bladder cancer.

The effect of complicated febrile convulsion on hippocampal function and its antiepileptic treatment significance.

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the effects of complex febrile seizures on hippocampal function and the significance of antiepileptic therapy.MethodsA total of 150 children with complex febrile seizures admitted to our hospital from July 2017 to July 2020 were included in the study. The VPA group was given sodium valproate treatment; the LEV group was given levetiracetam treatment; and the observation group was given basic treatment. The efficacy of the patients was evaluated after medication. A complex febrile seizure young mouse model was constructed, and the hippocampal cell morphology and BCL-2 expression of the mice pups were analyzed. A Morris water maze was used to detect the changes in cognitive function of the young mice with complex febrile seizures.ResultsAfter treatment, the recurrence-free rate of the VPA group was significantly higher than that of the observation group (P=0.0045). After 1 month and 6 months, the improvement rate of EEG in VPA group was significantly higher than that in observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of BCL-2 in the VPA group and the LEV group decreased and were significantly lower than the observation group during the same period (P<0.05), and the M/C of the two groups was significantly higher than the observation group (P<0.05). The neuronal cells in the hippocampus of the young rats in the VPA group and the LEV group were regular, the matrix was more uniform, and nuclear pyknotic cells were occasionally seen. The pathological changes were less obvious than the model group, followed by the degree of pathological changes (0.92±1.31, 0.94±1.24). The incubation period of pups in the model group was significantly higher than that of the normal group, VPA group, and LEV group (P<0.05), and the number of crossing the station area was significantly less than that of the normal group, VPA group, and LEV group (P<0.05).ConclusionsAntiepileptic drugs are effective in preventing the recurrence of complicated febrile seizures (CFS), and the main mechanism may be related to the targeted regulation of BCL-2 on the apoptosis of the hippocampus in the nervous system.

The Immunoscore in Localized Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Clinical Significance for Pathologic Responses and Overall Survival.

Simple SummaryThe prognosis of localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer is poor and the prognostic and predictive biomarkers of the response to treatment are lacking. We retrospectively investigated the role of the Immunoscore in the neoadjuvant setting, where the Immunoscore is a standardized quantitative assay of lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment. We found it allowed for the stratification of patient prognoses and the prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.(1) Background—The five-year overall survival (OS) of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy is around 50%. There is no validated biomarker to guide the treatment decision. We investigated whether the Immunoscore (IS) could predict the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcomes. (2) Methods—This retrospective study evaluated the IS in 117 patients treated using neoadjuvant chemotherapy for localized MIBC from six centers (France and Greece). Pre-treatment tumor samples were immunostained for CD3+ and CD8+ T cells and quantified to determine the IS. The results were associated with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, time to recurrence (TTR), and OS. (3) Results—Low (IS-0), intermediate (IS-1–2), and high (IS-3–4) ISs were observed in 36.5, 43.7, and 19.8% of the cohort, respectively. IS was positively associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR; p-value = 0.0096). A high IS was found in 35.7% of patients with a pCR, whereas it was found in 11.3% of patients without a pCR. A low IS was observed in 48.4% of patients with no pCR and in 21.4% of patients with a pCR. Low-, intermediate-, and high-IS patients had five-year recurrence-free rates of 37.2%, 36.5%, and 72.6%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, a high IS was associated with a prolonged TTR (high vs. low: p = 0.0134) and OS (high vs. low: p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions—This study showed the significant prognostic and predictive roles of IS regarding localized MIBC.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma

Clinical features of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) associated with vestibular schwannoma (VS) are not fully understood. Determining a treatment plan and explaining it to patients requires clinicians to clearly understand the clinical features related to the tumor, including SSNHL. To identify the full range of clinical features of VS-associated SSNHL, especially recovery of hearing following multiple episodes of SSNHL and what factors predict recovery and recurrence. A multicenter retrospective chart review was conducted in seven tertiary care hospitals between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2020. We collected and analyzed dose of administered steroid, pure-tone audiometry results, and brain MRIs of patients diagnosed with VS-associated SSNHL. Seventy-seven patients were included. They experienced 109 episodes of audiogram-confirmed SSNHL. The highest proportion of complete recoveries occurred in patients with U-shaped audiograms. The recovery rates for the first, second, and third and subsequent episodes of SSNHL were 53.5%, 28.0%, and 9.1%, respectively. Recovery rate decreased significantly with increasing number of SSNHL episodes (P =0 .0011; Cochran-Armitage test). After the first episode of SSNHL, the recurrence-free rate was 69.9% over 1 year and 57.7% over 2 years; the median recurrence time was 32 months. Logarithmic approximation revealed that there is a 25% probability that SSNHL would recur within a year. SSNHL in patients with VS is likely to recur within one year in 25% of cases. Also, recovery rate decreases as a patient experiences increasing episodes of SSNHL.

Responsiveness to bepridil predicts atrial substrate in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

BackgroundThe low voltage zone (LVZ) detected with three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping is a surrogate marker of atrial scar in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes after catheter ablation. However, fewer studies have reported the relationship between responsiveness to antiarrhythmic drugs and the LVZ.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 76 patients who underwent catheter ablation for PeAF at our center. Rhythm control with bepridil was initiated before ablation in all patients, and electrical cardioversion was performed in cases of failure to restore sinus rhythm with bepridil alone. Patients with successful sinus restoration with bepridil alone (≤200 mg/d) were defined as “responders”, while those who required electrical cardioversion as well were defined as “non‐responders”. We compared the LVZ ratio (ratio of the LVZ surface area to the left atrium surface area on three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping) and the recurrence‐free rate after ablation between the two groups.ResultsOf the 76 patients, 48 (63.2%) were responders to bepridil. The median LVZ ratio was significantly lower in the responder group than in the nonresponder group (7.5% vs 14.0%, P = .009). Multivariate analysis revealed that response to bepridil was an independent predictor of normal voltage (P = .02, odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.04‐0.76). The recurrence‐free rate at 1 year after catheter ablation was significantly higher in the responder group than in the nonresponder group (87.1% vs 62.3%, P = .03).ConclusionsResponse to bepridil is a marker of normal voltage in electroanatomical mapping and is significantly associated with better clinical outcomes after catheter ablation.

Prospective study of recurrence at the surgical margin after wedge resection of pulmonary metastases

Pulmonary metastasectomy is a common treatment for selected patients with pulmonary metastases. Among pulmonary resections, wedge resection is considered sufficient for pulmonary metastases. However, a major problem with wedge resection is the risk of local recurrence, especially at the surgical margin. The aim of this prospective study was to explore the frequency of and the risk factors for recurrence at the surgical margin in patients who underwent wedge resection for pulmonary metastases. Between September 2013 and March 2018, 177 patients (220 lesions) with pulmonary metastases from 15 institutions were enrolled. We studied 130 cases (169 lesions) to determine the frequency of and risk factors associated with recurrence at the surgical margin in patients who underwent wedge resection. Moreover, we evaluated the recurrence-free rate and disease-free survival after wedge resection. A total of 81 (62.3%) patients developed recurrence. Recurrence at the surgical margin was observed in 11 of 130 (8.5%) cases. The 5-year recurrence-free rate was 89.1%. Per patient, multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of multiple pulmonary metastases was a significant risk factor for recurrence. Per tumor, distance from the surgical margin and tumor/margin ratio were risk factors for local recurrence. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 34.7%, and the presence of multiple pulmonary metastases and small surgical margin were risk factors for disease-free survival by univariable analysis. Among patients who undergo wedge resection for pulmonary metastasis, patients with multiple pulmonary metastases tend to develop recurrence at the surgical margin.

Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has spread worldwide with the development of various medical devices. We analyzed the use of laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma at our institution. Materials and procedure: We analyzed 186 patients who underwent surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma from 2010 to 2019 at our institution. We divided these patients into two groups: the open hepatectomy group (OH) and the laparoscopic hepatectomy group (LH). We evaluated the clinicopathological findings, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival. In the LH group, there were more early-stage patients than in the OH group. We further analyzed the two groups by limiting groups to patients with Stage I and II cancer. Results: In our study, 75 patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy (40.3%). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, duration of hospital stay after surgery, and tumor diameter were significantly less in the LH group. Between the two groups, mortality rate, morbidity rate, overall survival rate, and recurrence-free rate did not significantly differ. We limited the patients to those in stages I and II. Intraoperative bleeding, duration of hospital stay after surgery, tumor diameter, and morbidity rate were significantly less in the LH group. Between the two groups, mortality rate, overall survival rate, and recurrence-free rate did not significantly differ. Conclusion: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible surgical method that results in less intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stay than open hepatectomy for both advanced and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.

Prognostic factors on survival in hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a potentially recurrent tumor determining the predictive factors effective on recurrence and mortality. Methods: In Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 478 patients were operated for hepatocellular carcinoma between 2004 and 2015.Among them, data of 216 patients was obtained from prospectively collected data repository for determining the oncological outcomes. The exclusion criteria were the patients with R1 resection, history of preoperative tumor rupture and causes of mortality unrelated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Results: Among 216 patients, 124 patients had recurrences and 54 patients died during follow-up period. The BMI (<24kg/m2), number of postoperative TACE, were also significant in OS; but the male gender and presence of portal vein invasion were only significant in DFS. Finally in multiple Cox regression analyses; independent factors were BMI (p:0.001, HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.93), presence of satellite lesions (p: 0.000, HR: 4.56, 95% CI: 2.43-8.56) and number of lesions (<2) (p:0.001, HR:2.9, 95% CI: 1.56-5.51) in OS and male gender (p:0.013, HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.16-3.63), presence of satellite lesions (p: 0.001, HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.39-3.96) and grosstype of tumor (p:0.008, HR:5.95, 95% CI: 1.58- 22.3) in DFS.1.-3.-5.y. survival rates were 93%-85.7%-79.2%; with the recurrence free rates of 78.1% - 54.9% - 41.6% respectively. Conclusion: In this study, tumor size, number of tumors and male gender was also a strong indicator for recurrence. Interestingly, low BMI was a strong indicator for worrisome survival outcomes.

Clinical Outcome of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberance. Report From the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor (BSTT) Registry in Japan.

Owing to its rarity, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberance (DFSP) is often inappropriately excised. After unplanned excision (UE), additional excision is commonly performed. We aimed to elucidate the effect of additional excision after UE. We examined 306 patients with primary DFSP. We analyzed surgical outcomes in 291 patients who received planned excision (PE) or additional excision after UE. Of 306 patients, 194 received PE and the remaining 112 received UE. Of 112 patients, 97 received additional excision after UE. Additional surgery due to complications was more frequent in patients with UE than in those with PE. The 5-year local recurrence-free rate in patients without additional excision after UE was significantly worse than that in those with additional excision after UE. If UE is performed, we recommend additional excision for preventing local recurrence; however, the surgical wound should be carefully observed.

Programmed Death-Ligand 1 and Programmed Death-Ligand 2 Expression Can Affect Prognosis in Extramammary Paget's Disease.

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a type of carcinoma that usually progresses slowly but may cause metastasis and subsequent death of patients. We investigated the relationship between the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) and stromal CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in EMPD and clinicopathological findings, including prognosis. We examined 47 cases of EMPD and performed immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded full-face sections. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells was observed in 13 cases (27.7%) while PD-L2 expression was observed in 21 cases (44.7%). The cumulative postoperative recurrence-free rate in the group with positivity for PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a low CD8+ TIL count was significantly lower than that of the corresponding group with a high CD8+ TIL count and of the PD-L1- and PD-L2-negative group (p=0.026). The expression of PD-L1/PD-L2 in tumor cells was shown to be a factor for poor prognosis.

Snare Tip Is an Alternative Tool for Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection is typically performed by specialized knife, such as a dual knife. However, it is not covered by Taiwan's National Health Insurance. In the literature review, using a traditional snare tip for endoscopic submucosal dissection has been reported for stomach lesions only. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection using a snare tip. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical using of a snare tip compared with a dual knife for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. Postoperative short- and long-term outcomes were investigated after the procedure. This study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution. Patients who could not afford the expense of a specialized knife were included. Dissection time, dissection speed, and perioperative complications were used for short-term outcome measurement. Recurrence-free rate was used for long-term outcome measurement. Twenty-one lesions were in the snare tip group and 57 lesions in the dual knife group. The outcomes, including rate of en bloc resection, complication, local recurrence, and recurrence-free interval, between the 2 groups were similar. The mean resected specimen diameter in the dual knife group is larger than the snare tip group (p = 0.041). The dissection time of the snare tip group was shorter than the dual knife group (p = 0.025). However, the dissection speed was significantly slower in the snare tip group than in the dual knife group (p = 0.008). This study was a retrospective and single doctor chart review in nature with a limited patient number. The snare tip is an alternative tool for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in a selected population without the support of specialized knives, such as the dual knife. Although the dissection speed is slower using a snare tip, it is still a recommended technique for developing country or low-income patients.

Single surgeon experience with minimally invasive supraorbital craniotomy versus bifrontal craniotomy for anterior skull base meningiomas.

Background: Anterior skull base meningiomas (ASBMs) account for about 10% of meningiomas. Bifrontal craniotomy (BFC) represents the traditional transcranial approach to accessing meningiomas in these locations. Supraorbital craniotomy (SOC) provides a minimally invasive subfrontal corridor in select patients. Here, we present our series of ASBM accessed by SOC and BFC by a single surgeon to review decision-making and compare outcomes in both techniques.Methods: Thirty-three patients were identified with ASBM. Age, tumor characteristics, presenting symptoms, postoperative complications, and outcomes were analyzed.Results: Bifrontal and SOC were performed in 13 and 20 patients, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 98.4 months. Patients undergoing SOC had smaller tumor size, located farther from the posterior table of frontal sinus, had less peritumoral edema, and decreased length of stay compared to patients undergoing BFC. Extent of resection was slightly better with BFC (99.8%) compared to SOC (91.8%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Recurrence-free survival and rate of re-do surgeries were not different between two groups. BFC was associated with higher rates of postoperative encephalomalacia.Conclusion: SOC provides an excellent surgical option for ASBMs providing comparable extent of resection, minimal manipulation of brain, and excellent cosmetic outcomes for patients. The patient selection is key to maximize the benefits from this approach.

Factors Predicting Urethral Stricture Recurrence after Dorsal Onlay Augmented, Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty

Introduction: This study was carried out to identify the predictors of urethral stricture recurrence after dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients with anterior urethral stricture who underwent dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty at a single tertiary medical center during the period from March 2010 to January 2018 were reviewed. Only patients with ≥2-year follow-up were included. Data regarding patient demographics, clinical characteristics, stricture characteristics, postoperative course, and adverse events were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the recurrence-free survival and likelihood of stricture recurrence. Cox regression analysis was used to identify potential independent predictors of stricture recurrence. Results: This study included 266 patients with a mean age of 37.71 years and a mean follow-up period of 49.77 months. From the overall study cohort, 34 (12.8%) reported stricture recurrence and 232 (87.2%) were not. The mean recurrence-free time was 79.93 months and mean time to recurrence was 21.59 months. On multivariate analysis, obesity (hazard ratio (HR): 6.02; 95% conference interval (CI): 1.91, 19.03: p = 0.002), inflammatory aetiology (HR: 9.13; 95% CI: 3.50, 23.81; p < 0.001), prior urethroplasty (HR: 8.81; 95% CI: 3.26, 23.86; p < 0.001), penile stricture location (HR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.10, 8.71; p = 0.033), and stricture length >4.5 cm (HR: 6.83; 95% CI: 1.69, 27.62; p = 0.007) were the significant independent predictors of stricture recurrence. Conclusions: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty has a reasonable recurrence-free rate with acceptable postoperative complications. Obesity, inflammatory etiology, prior urethroplasty, penile stricture location, and longer stricture were the factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence.