Treatment Of Primary Malignant Tumors Research Articles

NIRDye 812: A molecular platform tailored for multimodal bioimaging applications of targeted fluorescence- and photoacoustic-guided surgery.

The primary treatment for malignant tumors remains to be surgical removal of the diseased tissue. The presence or absence of residual diseased tissue at the tumor margin is the strongest predictor of postoperative prognosis and recurrence. Accordingly, reliance on the ability of surgeons to visually distinguish diseased tissue from healthy tissue unambiguously in real time is crucial. Near infrared-I (NIRI) fluorescence-emitting targeting biomolecular constructs such as anticancer antibody-fluorophore conjugates, namely cetuximab-IRDye® 800CW (CTB-IRDye® 800CW), are FDA-approved for clinical trial usage in the fluorescence-guided resection of diseased tissue due to affording improved direct visualization of tumor tissue when compared to the use of either the unaided eye under standard white light illumination (WLI) surgical techniques or non-targeting fluorophores. Unfortunately, though helpful, CTB-IRDye® 800CW affords limited (i) identification of diseased tissue and (ii) tumor margin delineation, because the immunoconjugate generates suboptimal tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) as a result of its spectral/photophysical profiles poorly aligning with the fixed optical windows of pre-/clinical setups. As such, CTB-IRDye® 800CW is more prone to affording incomplete resection compared to if TBRs were higher due to otherwise. To aid in accurately identifying deep-seated diseased tissue, photoacoustic (PA) tomography has been implemented alongside CTB-IRDye® 800CW to achieve PA signals that could result in higher TBRs. However, in clinical trial practice, using IRDye® 800CW for PA imaging also yields subpar TBRs due to it affording low PA signals. To overcome such limitations, we developed NIRDye 812, a structurally-modified topological equivalent of IRDye® 800CW, to confer it the capability to yield both higher TBRs and superior PA signal than that of the equivalent CTB-conjugate and fluorophore IRDye® 800CW itself, respectively. To do so, we substituted the oxygen atom at its meso-position with a sulfur atom. CTB-NIRDye 812 demonstrated a red-shifted absorption wavelength at 796nm and a peak NIR-I fluorescence emission wavelength at 820nm, which better dovetails with the fixed windows of preinstalled fixed emission filters within commercial pre-/clinical NIR-I fluorescence imaging instruments. Overall, CTB-NIRDye 812 provided a∼2-fold increase in TBRs compared to those of CTB-IRDye® 800CW in vivo. Also, NIRDye 812 displayed an ∼60% higher PA signal than that of IRDye® 800CW. Collectively, we achieved our goal of improving upon the spectral/photophysical and PA properties of IRDye® 800CW via introducing a subtle modification to its electronic core such that its CTB immunoconjugate could potentially allow for fast track or breakthrough designation by the FDA due to its near-identical structure displaying considerably improved efficacy.

A Retrospective, Single-Centre Study on the Learning Curve for Liver Tumor Open Resection in Patients with Hepatocellular Cancers and Intrahepatic Cholagangiocarcinomas.

Background: Liver resections have become the first-line treatment for primary malignant tumors and, therefore, are considered a core aspect of surgical training. This study aims to evaluate the learning curve for the safety of open hemihepatectomy procedures for patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods: This single tertiary center retrospective analysis includes 81 consecutive cases of right or left hemihepatectmy. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart was used to investigate the learning curve. Results: The CUSUM curve for operative time and blood loss level peaked at the 29th and 30th case, respectively. The CUSUM curve for minor adverse effects (mAEs) and severe adverse effects (sAEs) showed a downward slope after the 27th and 36th procedures; the curve, however, remained within the acceptable range throughout the entire study. Conclusion: When performing open hemihepatectomies in patients with HCC and ICC, the stabilization of the operative time and intraoperative blood loss level are gained earlier than sAEs risk reduction.

Experience in the treatment of primary malignant tumors (retinoblastoma and osteosarcoma): analysis of the clinical case

Background. Retinoblastoma is a malignant intraocular tumor developing from the retinal neuroectoderm and diagnosed primarily in young children. This type of cancer is associated with a high risk of multiple primary tumors emerging after treatment completion. Multiple primary tumors are two or more independent tumors developing in one patient. Treatment of this disease is challenging.Objective – to evaluate the impact of risk factors on the efficacy of therapy for multiple primary tumors and to analyze treatment outcomes.Materials and methods. A 2-year-old boy was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma (OD – stage T3bN0M0 and OS – stage T3cN0M0). He received special treatment from September 2005 to November 2006. In 2012, the patient underwent cataract surgery: the lens was removed, then an intraocular lens was installed, and laser dissection of the posterior capsule of the lens was performed. Six years later, in August 2018, the patient was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The boy received combination organ-sparing therapy according to the EURAMOS-1 treatment protocol for osteosarcoma. During therapy, he developed a secondary tumor, namely osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Both the boy and his father were found to have a mutation in the RB1 gene.Results. Currently, patient’s condition is satisfactory; he has no complains. The boy is in remission for 2 years.Conclusion. The development of secondary tumors depends on the genetic factors, type of treatment for primary tumor, and environmental factors. Therefore, it is extremely important to assess risk factors for multiple primary tumors at the moment of primary retinoblastoma detection. The results of such assessment will help to choose an optimal treatment strategy.

Off-Peak Near-Infrared-II (NIR-II) Bioimaging of an Immunoconjugate Having Peak Fluorescence Emission in the NIR-I Spectral Region for Improving Tumor Margin Delineation.

The primary treatment for malignant tumors remains to be resection. The strongest predictor of recurrence and postoperative prognosis is whether diseased tissue/cells remain(s) at the surgical margin. Cancer surgery entails surgeons having the capability to visually distinguish between subtle shades of color in attempts of differentiating between diseased tissue and healthy tissue under standard white-light illumination, as such tissue states appear identical at the meso-/macroscopic level. Accordingly, enhancing the capability of surgeons to do so such that they can accurately delineate the tumor margin is of paramount importance. Fluorescence-guided surgery facilitates in enhancing such capability by color-coding the surgical field with overlaid contrasting pseudo-colors from real-time intraoperative fluorescence emission via utilizing fluorescent constructs in tandem. Constructs undergoing clinical trials or that are FDA-approved provide peak fluorescence emission in the visible (405 - 700 nm) or near-infrared-I (NIR-I) spectral region (700-900 nm), whereby differentiation between tissue states progressively improves in sync with using constructs that emit longer wavelengths of light. Here, we repurpose the usage of such fluorescent constructs by establishing feasibility of a tumor-targeting immunoconjugate (cetuximab-IRDye800) having peak fluorescence emission at the NIR-I spectral region to provide improved tumor margin delineation by affording higher tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) when measuring its off-peak fluorescence emission at the near-infrared-II (NIR-II) spectral region (1000-1700 nm) in in vivo applications. We prepared murine tumor models, administered such immunoconjugate, and imaged such models pre-/post-administration via utilizing imaging systems that separately afforded acquisition of fluorescence emission in the NIR-I or NIR-II spectral region. On doing so, we determined in vivo TBRs, ex vivo TBRs with/-out skin, and ex vivo biodistribution, all via measuring the fluorescence emission of the immunoconjugate at tumor site(s) at both spectral regions. Collectively, we established feasibility of using the immunoconjugate to afford improved tumor margin delineation by providing 2-fold higher TBRs via utilizing the NIR-II spectral region to capture off-peak fluorescence emission from a fluorescent construct having NIR-I peak fluorescence emission.

Rod fracture and related factors after total en bloc spondylectomy

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSeveral studies have reported favorable oncosurgical outcomes after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for treatment of primary malignant tumors or oligometastatic tumors. Considering that TES is indicated for patients with longer life expectancy, long-term instrumentation-related issues such as rod fracture needs to be addressed. PURPOSETo investigate delayed rod fracture and related factors after TES. STUDY DESIGNMulticenter, retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLEThirty-two patients who survived for more than 2 years after TES. OUTCOME MEASURESRod fracture and related factors. METHODSThe relationships between rod fracture and related factors were investigated using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with log-rank test. The analyzed factors were sex, age (<60 or ≥60), tumor histology (primary or metastatic), location of resected tumor (thoracic [above T11], thoracolumbar [cases including T12-L1], or lumbar [below L2]), number of resected vertebrae (1, 2, or 3), anterior support method (expandable cage, mesh cage, or strut bone graft), rod diameter (5.5 mm or 6.0 mm), and history of radiotherapy including preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy. ResultsThe study population consisted of 18 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 49.0 years. Nineteen patients had primary tumors and 13 patients had metastatic tumors. The mean follow-up duration was 49.8 months (range, 24–166 months). Twelve of 32 patients (37.5%) experienced rod fractures at an average of 29.2 months (range, 8–93 months) after TES. Of these 12 patients, 8 underwent revision surgery caused by back pain aggravation (n = 7) or nonunion on computed tomography scan (n = 4). Location of resected tumor and history of radiotherapy were significantly associated with rod fracture (p = .004 and p = .019, respectively). CONCLUSIONRod fracture was not a rare complication after TES surgery. History of radiotherapy and TES at lumbar level were significant risk factors related to rod fracture. A robust strategy to obtain solid osseous fusion should be considered when planning TES.

Surgical management of primary malignant proximal fibular tumors: Functional and clinical outcomes of 23 patients.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with primary malignant tumors located in the proximal fibula. This retrospective study included 23 patients (15 males, 8 females; mean age 22.1 years; range, 9 to 63 years) with primary malignant tumors located in the proximal fibula between May 2007 and May 2017. The anamnesis or medical history, physical examination, plain chest radiography, lung computed tomography, direct radiograph, and magnetic resonance imaging of the affected extremity and routine laboratory tests of all patients were evaluated. Of the patients, 11 were diagnosed with osteosarcoma (47.8%), nine with Ewing's sarcoma (39.1%), two with chondrosarcoma (8.7%), and one was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma (4.3%). Pain and palpable mass were the most common symptoms. Six patients had lung metastases at the time of diagnosis. Of the patients, eight were performed Malawer type 1 resection (34.8%), nine type 2 resection (39.1%), four above knee amputation (17.4%), and two proximal tibia tumor resection prosthesis (8.6%). Mean follow-up duration was 36 months (range, 12 to 119 months). Local recurrence developed in three patients. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score of all patients was 62. Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the proximal fibula is problematic. In appropriate indications, Malawer type 1 resection should be the treatment of choice due to lower local recurrence rates and higher MSTS scores.

Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumours of the distal tibia: clinical outcome and reconstructive strategies.

We retrospectively report our experience of managing 30 patients with a primary malignant tumour of the distal tibia; 25 were treated by limb salvage surgery and five by amputation. We compared the clinical outcomes of following the use of different methods of reconstruction. There were 19 male and 11 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 19 years (6 to 59) and the mean follow-up was 5.1 years (1.25 to 12.58). Massive allograft was used in 11 patients, and autograft was used in 14 patients. The time to union, the survival time of the reconstruction, complication rate, and functional outcomes following the different surgical techniques were compared. The overall patient survival was also recorded. Out of 14 patients treated with an autograft, 12 (86%) achieved union at both the proximal and distal junctions. The time to union at both junctions of the autograft was significantly shorter than in those treated with an allograft (11.1 vs 17.2 months, p = 0.02; 9.5 vs 16.2 months, p = 0.04). The complication rate of allograft reconstruction was 55%. The five patients treated with an amputation did not have a complication. Out of the 25 patients who were treated with limb salvage, three (12%) developed local recurrence and underwent amputation. The mean functional Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score after autograft reconstruction was higher than after allograft reconstruction (81% vs 67%; p = 0.06), and similar to that after amputation (81% vs 82%; p = 0.82). The two- and five-year overall rates of survival were 83% and 70%, respectively. This consecutive case series supports the safety of limb salvage and the effectiveness of biological reconstruction after the resection of a primary tumour of the distal tibia. Autograft might be a preferable option. In some circumstances, below-knee amputation remains a valid option.

Non‑thermal plasma inhibits tumor growth and proliferation and enhances the sensitivity to radiation invitro and invivo.

Cancer is a major disease currently endangering the entire world population. Morbidity and mortality have increased substantially during recent decades. Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for malignant tumors, however side-effects and tumor cell resistance to ionizing radiation reduce the efficacy of radiotherapy. In recent years, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology been used to treat cancer. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of NTP on normal cells and tumor cells. We explored the inhibitory effect of NTP on tumor cell proliferation and evaluated the radiation-sensitizing effects of NTP on tumor cells and its mechanisms. In short, we examined the effect of NTP-combined radiation on proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage in normal and cancer cells. We found that NTP inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. NTP was more lethal to tumor cells than to normal cells. We found promising synergies of NTP with radiotherapy on cancer cells owing to their combined cytotoxic effects by generating ROS, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. NTP may be a new candidate for the treatment of cancer.

Is total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterior-only approach feasible and safe for patients with malignant sacral tumors?

OBJECT In this study the authors' aim was to describe their experience with total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterioronly approach and to assess the outcome of patients with malignant sacral tumors who underwent this procedure at their center. METHODS The authors identified and retrospectively reviewed the records of 10 patients with malignant sacral tumors who underwent a total en bloc sacrectomy via a single posterior approach at their center. The pathological diagnosis was chordoma in 4 patients, chondrosarcoma in 1, osteosarcoma in 1, malignant schwannoma in 1, malignant giant cell tumor in 1, and Ewing's sarcoma in 2. Radiological examination revealed that the tumor involved S1-5 in 7 patients, S1-4 in 1, S1-3 in 1, and S1-2 in 1. RESULTS All 10 patients were stable during the perioperative period. The mean surgery duration was 282 minutes (range 250-310 minutes). The median estimated blood loss was 2595 ml (range 1500-3200 ml). All patients were followed up for 13-29 months (mean 22 months). Two patients had a local recurrence. Two patients died of disease, 1 patient was alive with disease, and 7 patients were alive without evidence of disease. Among the 8 surviving patients, 6 were able to walk without assistive devices, and 2 were able to walk with crutches. The total complication rate was 40% (4 of 10). Wound complications (deep infection and wound healing problems) occurred in 3 patients, and a distal deep vein thrombosis occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS Total en bloc sacrectomy using a posterior-only approach is feasible and safe in selected patients and is an important procedure for the treatment of primary malignant tumor involving the entire sacrum or only the top portion.

Advances in tumor chemo-resistance regulated by MicroRNA

化学药物治疗（简称化疗）是目前治疗恶性肿瘤的主要手段之一，但肿瘤的多药耐药（multidurg resistance, MDR）是临床化疗失败的主要原因之一，然而肿瘤的耐药机制至今尚未被完全阐明。microRNA是近年来生命科学新的研究热点之一，microRNA通过在转录后水平调控基因表达而参与调控一系列的生命活动，包括细胞增殖、凋亡、脂肪代谢、神经元发育、激素分泌、肿瘤血管生成、干细胞分化、肿瘤细胞浸润及转移等多种生理和病理过程。最近的研究表明，microRNA对多基因表达的调控具有高效性和特异性，对靶基因的异常调控可能构成肿瘤耐药机制，是肿瘤耐药复杂性调控的重要构成部分。因此，对microRNA与肿瘤耐药性的研究具有现实意义。本文对近年来肿瘤耐药性的研究，microRNA调控肿瘤耐药机制及microRNA作为肿瘤耐药治疗潜在靶点作一综述。

P0087 Pathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of Iranian patients with malignant brain tumours: A single institutional experience

Background The incidence of brain tumour cases has been reported as 3.67% of all malignancies and 4% of all cancer deaths in Iran. The five most common histological types of brain tumour in Iran are meningioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, pituitary adenoma, and ependymoma. The aim of this study was to determine the histopathological pattern and characteristics of patients with brain tumours who have referred to the Mahdieh Radiotherapy Department, Hamadan, Iran. Methods This descriptive, retrospective study was performed at the Mahdieh Radiotherapy Department. We included 220 patients who referred to the Radiotherapy Department between 2005 and 2012 with diagnoses of primary brain tumour. Findings Mean age at diagnosis was 39.95 ± 15.48 years with a median age of 39 years. Patients’ ages ranged from 4 to 75 years. Among the 220 patients, 138 were male and 82 were female, with a male to female ratio of 1.68. For most tumours there was a male predominance, with the exception of meningioma (M/F: 0.23), ependymoma (M/F: 1), and pituitary adenoma (M/F: 0.6). Astrocytomas, glioblastomas, high grade meningiomas, and oligodendrogliomas were the four most common pathologies. The best treatment results were achieved in patients with astrocytomas. Interpretation These data provide a baseline for further epidemiological studies. Our encouraging results in radiotherapy treatment of primary malignant tumours highlight the benefits of definitive or postoperative radiation.

Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the sacrum

Objectives:The objective of the authors was to provide an up-to-date review about the epidemiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of the malignant primary sacral tumors.Methods:A PubMed search was conducted using a combination of the following items: ((‘Spinal Neoplasms’[Mesh]) AND ‘Sacrum’[Mesh]) NOT (‘Metastasis’ OR ‘Metastases’ OR ‘Benign’). The literature review and the author's own surgical experiences were used to assess the current treatment strategies of the malignant sacral tumors.Results:Twenty case series were identified, which studies discuss in detail the surgical strategies, the postoperative complications, the functional and oncologic outcome, and the recurrence-free and disease-specific survival of this rare patient category.Discussion:Sacral tumors are rare pathologies. Their management generates a complex medical problem, as they usually are diagnosed in advanced stages with extended dimensions involving the sacral nerves and surrounding organs. The evaluation and complex treatment of these rare tumors require a multidisciplinary approach, optimally at institutions with comprehensive care and experience. Although conventional oncologic therapeutic methods should be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies in certain histological types, en bloc resection with wide surgical margins is essential for long-term local oncologic control. This is often technically difficult to achieve, as just a few centers in the world perform sacral tumor surgeries on a regular basis, and have enough wide experience. Therefore international cooperation and organization of multicenter tumor registries are essential to develop evidence based treatment protocols.

One-Stage Total En Bloc Sacrectomy

Nine patients with malignant sacral tumor underwent 1-stage total sacrectomy. The oncological and functional results are analyzed. To describe the surgical technique and evaluate the clinical outcome of the surgery. Very few reports specifically address total sacrectomy, and the 2-stage procedure combining the anterior and posterior approach is the most common method used for treatment. Between July 2007 and July 2010, 9 patients (7 males, 2 females; mean age, 33 yr; range, 13-59 yr) with malignant sacral tumor underwent 1-stage total sacrectomy the Peking University People's Hospital. The pathological diagnosis was chordoma in 3 patients, osteosarcoma in 2, chondrosarcoma in 2, malignant schwannoma in 1, and Ewing sarcoma in 1. Oncological results: All 9 patients were followed-up for 11 to 35 months (mean follow-up time, 19.7 mo). Local recurrence was detected in the right ilium in the patient with Ewing sarcoma at 7 months after surgery, and locally in another patient with osteosarcoma at 3 months after surgery. The recurrent lesion in the right ilium was widely resected in the patient with Ewing sarcoma and no new lesion was found at the last follow-up, but this patient died of the lung metastases. The local recurrent lesion in the patient with osteosarcoma was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and local radiation. Functional result: The S1 nerve root was cut bilaterally in 8 patients during surgery, resulting in the loss of foot plantar flexion. The 5 lumbar vertebrae were also resected with the sacrum in 1 patient, but the bilateral L5 nerve roots were preserved, and dorsiflexion was maintained in this patient. Total sacrectomy can be performed successfully using a 1-stage combined anterior and posterior approach and is an important procedure for the treatment of primary malignant tumor involving the top portion of or the whole sacrum.

Diagnosis and therapy of primary malignant tumors of the heart and pericardium

To summarize and analyze the experience in diagnosis and treatment of primary malignant tumors of the heart and pericardium. The clinical data of 24 patients with malignant tumors of the heart and pericardium treated in our hospital between Jun. 1980 and Mar. 2008 were retrospectively analyzed and the related literature was reviewed. All 24 patients received surgical treatment. Radical resection in 10 cases and partial resection in 6 cases were performed, and the remaining 8 patients received only surgical exploration due to unresectable tumors. One patient died of cardiopulmonary failure in early postoperative stage and all the other patients died within 4 years after operation due to recurrence or metastases. Echocardiography, CT, MRI, 3D-CT, CT of coronary artery and cardiac angiography are helpful for the diagnosis and selection of operation mode. Histological examination is necessary for the final diagnosis. Early diagnosis and surgical resection of the tumor as complete as possible, and combination with post-operative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy may improve the survival of the patients.

Surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the trachea and main bronchus

To explore the clinical experience of surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the trachea and main bronchus. The clinicopathological data of 18 patients with primary malignant tumors of the trachea and main bronchus surgically treated from February 1994 to August 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical management included sleeve tracheal resection in 8 cases, lower trachea and carina resection with carina reconstruction in 4 cases, local enucleation of the tumor in 4 cases, left or right carino-pneumonectomy and carina reconstruction in 2 cases, and resection of the tracheal or bronchial tumor and reconstruction of the airway under cardiopulmonary bypass in 6 cases. Among the 18 cases, there were 7 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 9 squamous cell carcinomas, 1 lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma and 1 follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. All the cases recovered well except one who died of endotracheal bleeding and asphyxia at the 10(th) postoperative day. Surgical resection is the most effective treatment for primary malignant tumors of the trachea and main bronchus. The selection of operation modes should be individualized according to patients' condition. Both complete resection and safety should be taken into consideration simultaneously.

Surgical therapy of pelvis and spine in primary malignant bone tumors

Despite standardization of surgical treatment of primary malignant tumors of the pelvis and spine, prognosis in these centrally located tumors still is inferior compared to those located in the extremities. This fact may be attributed to delayed diagnosis in many cases and the resulting increase in tumor volume as well as to difficulties of resection due to the anatomical situation. The frequency of local recurrence after resection of primary malignant tumors is reported to be between 4 and 41% and the 5-year survival rate below 40%. Whereas the latter has remained almost unchanged during the past 20 years, amputation has been replaced by limb-salvage surgery except for a minimal amount of less than 10%. For reconstruction, biological techniques are increasingly preferred to endoprosthetic replacement or use of bulk allografts because of the high complication rate. Even in the spine wide resections are feasible provided at least one lamina is healthy in order to prepare and save the neural structures without touching the tumor. Compared to the widely used technique of curettage, en bloc resection may provide a significantly better oncologic result with respect to local tumor control. Failure of the dorsoventral stabilization with delayed union is the most frequent complication of these challenging procedures. In order to improve the long-term prognosis of these groups of patients in the future, early diagnosis and immediate admission to a specialized tumor service has to be attempted.

Management and outcome of surgical treatment of primary malignant tumours of the foot

Malignant tumours of the foot are rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all malignant bone and soft tissue tumours. Hence, diagnosis is difficult, with likelihood of delayed and inappropriate treatment. We have studied 60 patients presenting to a supra-regional orthopaedic oncology centre to determine the clinical presentation, treatment, clinical and oncological outcome and prognostic factors of patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumours of the foot. Histological diagnosis was confirmed in all patients. We discuss the treatment methods available. We conclude that a high level of clinical suspicion is required if badly sited biopsies are not to limit definitive surgical procedures and that aggressive surgical excision remains the treatment of choice.

Resection-replantation for primary malignant tumours of the arm. An alternative to fore-quarter amputation

We describe a method of partial limb salvage for the treatment of large primary malignant tumours of the arm. The tumour-bearing area is resected as a cylindrical segment and the distal arm is then replanted with the necessary shortening. The method is suitable for stage-IIB tumours with or without neurovascular involvement which, because of their extent, could otherwise be adequately treated only by amputation. From 1987 to 1992 we used this method in 12 patients with primary malignant bone or soft-tissue sarcomas. Wide resection margins were achieved in all, but six patients died from their disease at a mean of 21.5 months (6 to 48), none with any local recurrence. Five patients have no evidence of disease at a mean follow-up period of 52.2 months (22 to 78), and one was lost to follow-up at 48 months postoperatively when there was no evidence of disease. The results of the functional evaluation of ten patients with a follow-up of over ten months were excellent in one, good in six and fair in three, by the criteria of Enneking (1987). Recovery after nerve reconstruction was satisfactory in all cases with sensation S3 or higher and motor function M2+ or higher. Detailed evaluation of hand function on the Millesi score rated only 22% (9.6% to 33.7%) as compared with the contralateral side, but the patients were satisfied and refused further operations for the improvement of function. These oncological and functional results allow us to recommend resection-replantation as a valuable alternative to amputation for the treatment of primary malignant tumours of the arm.

Recent progress in chemotherapy and immunotherapy of sarcomas of bony origin, both as primary and adjunctive therapy

Treatment for primary malignant tumors of bone, in the past several decades, has yielded uniformly poor results. Recent progress in chemotherapy and immunotherapy are detailed. An important advance in treating osteogenic sarcoma has been the application of adjuvant chemotherapy after initial amputation. CONPADRI-I and COMPADRI-II chemotherapy (a multiple drug approach) is discussed. Adriamycin in combination or alone has proved effective in treating osteogenic sarcoma. Ewing's tumor is showing increased survival rates from radiation therapy alone, as well as by use of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy combined with local radiation. Adjuvant triple chemotherapy with radiotherapy has resulted in pronounced improvement in survival. Chondrosarcomas are largely chemotherapy-resistant. Immunotherapy in bone tumors still is in the experimental stage and investigations with immunotherapy are preliminary. It appears, however, that the immunological status of a patient definitely relates to prognosis. Through increased sophistication in specific chemotherapy and magnitude of treatment, further advances in treatment of primary malignant bone tumors may be expected.

14 Scapulectomy for the Treatment of Primary Malignant Tumors of the Scapula

‡ From the Bone Service of the Department of Surgery, Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases, New York, New York and The James Ewing Hospital of the City of New York, New York. N. Y.