Predictive value of the Delphian lymph node in cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

IntroductionDelphian lymph node metastasis (DLNM) has proven to be a risk factor for a poor prognosis in head and neck malignancies. This study aimed to reveal the clinical features and evaluate the predictive value of the Delphian lymph node (DLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to guide the extent of surgery.MethodsTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital pathology database was reviewed from 2017 to 2020, and 516 PTC patients with DLN detection were enrolled. Retrospective analysis was performed, while multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for DLNM.ResultsAmong the 516 PTC patients with DLN detection, the DLN metastasis rate was 25.39% (131/516). Tumor size >1 cm, location in the upper 1/3, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM), lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors for DLNM. Patients with DLNM had a higher incidence of ipsilateral CLNM, contralateral CLNM (CCLNM) and LLNM, and larger numbers and size of metastatic CLNs than those without DLNM. The incidence of CLNM among cN0 patients with DLNM was higher than that among those without DLNM. The incidence of CCLNM among unilateral cN + patients with DLNM was similarly higher than that among patients without DLNM.ConclusionsDLNM indicates a high likelihood and large number of cervical lymph nodes metastases in PTC patients. Surgeons are strongly recommended to detect DLN status during operation by means of frozen pathology, so as to evaluate the possibility of cervical nodal metastasis and decide the appropriate extent of surgery.     

High-risk factors for lymph node metastasis in contralateral central compartment in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma（cT1N0）

ObjectiveThe incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) increases yearly. Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is common in PTC. Many studies have addressed ipsilateral CLNM; however, few studies have evaluated contralateral CLNM. The purpose of this study is to investigate the high-risk factors of lymph node metastasis in the contralateral central compartment of cT1 stage in PTC.MethodsIn total, 369 unilateral PTC (cT1N0) patients who underwent total-thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection (CLND) between 2013 and 2016 in our hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified the high-risk factors for contralateral CLNM of PTC.ResultsThe total metastasis rate of the ipsilateral central neck compartment was 31.71% (117/369). The total metastasis rate of the contralateral central neck compartment was 8.13% (30/369). The multivariate analysis showed that multifocality (p = 0.009), ipsilateral CLNM (p＜0.001), number of ipsilateral CLNM ＞2 (p = 0.006), tumor located at the inferior pole (p = 0.032) and tumor diameter ＞ 1 cm (p = 0.029) were independent risk factors for contralateral CLNM at cT1 stage in PTC, with odds ratios (ORs) of,4.132 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.430–11.936) ，8.591 (95% CI: 3.200–23.061) ，0.174 (95% CI: 0.050–0.601) ，0.353 (95% CI: 0.136–0.917)and 0.235 (95% CI: 0.064–0863), respectively.ConclusionThe combinational use of these risk factors will help surgeons devise an appropriate surgical plan preoperatively. This information could provide reference for the readers who are interested and help to determine the optimal extent of CLND in patients with PTC, especially for cT1b patients.     

甲状腺乳头状癌伴桥本甲状腺炎患者中央区淋巴结转移预测模型的构建与验证

目的:评估HT合并PTC患者中央淋巴结转移（central lymph node metastasis,CLNM）的预测因素。建立列线图预测PTC伴HT患者发生CLNM的可能性。方法:回顾性收集了2018年1月至2021年12月在我院接受甲状腺手术的4 171例PTC患者的资料。最后,共纳入671例PTC合并HT患者。其中,468例患者组成训练组,其余203例患者组成了验证组,以验证模型的性能。预测因子选择采用LASSO回归模型,并采用多因素logistic回归分析建立预测模型,建立了预测CLNM的列线图,并进行了内部验证。结果:LASSO回归模型显示,有17个变量可能是影响CLNM发生的因素（P<0.05）。随后,多因素逻辑回归分析显示,年龄较低、结节性高回声、肿瘤大直径、肿瘤多灶性、甲状腺外扩张（extrathyroidal extension,ETE）、颈部淋巴结肿大、癌胚抗原（carcino-embryonic antigen,CEA）是发生中央区淋巴结转移（CLNM）的独立预测因素。基于独立预测因素构建PTC合并HT患者发生CLNM列线图,并进行内部验证。通过建立预测模型,训练组发生CLNM的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）为0.774（95%CI,0.725~0.824）,验证组发生CLNM的ROC曲线下面积（AUC）为0.781（95%CI,0.712~0.850）。列线图对训练队列和验证队列以及合并数据集均显示出良好的校准和鉴别能力。结论:本研究构建的列线图预测模型对甲状腺乳头状癌伴桥本甲状腺炎患者发生中央区淋巴结转移（CLNM）有良好的预测作用。为临床治疗方案提供合理的参考,帮助临床医生为患者制定个性化的治疗方案。     

Development and validation of a nomogram for preoperative prediction of level VII nodal spread in papillary thyroid cancer: Radiologic-pathologic correlation

PurposeTo develop and validate a diagnostic nomogram for preoperative prediction of the level VII nodal spread in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) by incorporating CT features.MethodsA dataset of 7896 patients experiencing thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer was collected retrospectively from two hospitals, and 300 patients were finally included in this study. The CT features of metastatic LN were extracted with a one by one match of radiologic-pathologic correlation. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to develop predicting model, and then a nomogram was developed utilizing a primary cohort of 152 patients from hospital #1. The nomogram was validated in external cohort of 62 patients from hospital #2 and an independent cohort of 86 patients from hospital #1. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated with respect to its calibration, discrimination.Results531 LNs from 300 patients were analyzed. 42.6% LNs were > 5 mm in short diameter. A total of 7 selected CT features were significantly associated with LN status (P < 0.05), including nodular enhancement, cystic change, calcification and so on. These features were contained in the prediction nomogram. The model showed good discrimination and good calibration, with a C-index of 0.938 (95% CI, 0.913 to 0.963) and 0. 795 (95% CI, 0. 726 to 0.864) for the primary cohort and the validation cohort, respectively. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically applicable.ConclusionsThis nomogram incorporating pathologically relevant CT features has demonstrated a high diagnostic value for predicting level VII nodal spread in PTC. Our work may help thyroid surgeon to decide whether upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy should be performed, which is associated with thoracotomy or other surgery.     

A prediction model incorporating the BRAFV600E protein status for determining the risk of cervical lateral lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer patients with central lymph node metastasis

Background and objectivesCervical lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) is a predictor of poor prognosis for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. However, the risk factors for LLNM remain unclear. The purpose of the study was to examine the risk factors for LLNM and construct a prediction model.MethodsWith Ethics Committee approval, a total of 1198 PTC patients were retrospectively included in our study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and LLNM. A nomogram for predicting LLNM in PTC patients with central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) was constructed and validated.ResultsThe negative BRAF^V600E protein expression was significantly correlated with positive LLNM status in PTC patients. In PTC patients with CLNM, the number of metastatic central lymph nodes (LNN) ≥ 3 and the ratio of metastatic central lymph nodes (LNR) ≥ 0.565 were found to be significantly associated with positive LLNM status. The nomogram for predicting LLNM risk in PTC patients with CLNM incorporated four risk factors: tumor size, the BRAF^V600E protein expression, LNN and LNR. The prediction model showed excellent discrimination, with a C-index of 0.714.ConclusionsThe negative BRAF^V600E protein expression was more likely to lead to LLNM. LNN ≥3 and LNR ≥0.565 were associated with LLNM risk in PTC patients with CLNM. Our nomogram might assist clinicians in developing individual suitable follow-up strategies for PTC patients with CLNM.     

A new nomogram for recurrence-free survival prediction of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Comparison with current risk classification methods

BackgroundThis study aimed to build a new risk stratification nomogram for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) focused on a popular factor Ki-67 to enable individualized and precise predictions of the most suitable candidates for imatinib therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinicopathologic data of the patients diagnosed with GISTs from January 1998 to December 2015 at Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital as the experiment group. And patients with GISTs at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2007 to December 2012 were included as the validation group. The nomogram was built using Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established to compare the discriminative ability of the new nomogram with other risk stratification systems, including the modified National Institute of Health (modified NIH) criteria, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) criteria, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic nomogram, and contour maps.ResultsIn univariate analysis, the tumor size, site, mitotic count, tumor rupture and Ki-67 labeling index were significant factors (all P < 0.05) and included in the Cox model to build our nomogram. According to the ROC curve, our new nomogram showed the largest AUC value (0.778) compared with that of the other classification methods (contour maps, AUC = 0.743; AFIP, AUC = 0.719; MSKCC, AUC = 0.712; and modified NIH, AUC = 0.719).ConclusionOur new nomogram exhibits an excellent performance and might become a potential risk stratification to support therapeutic decision-making for GISTs.     

Safety and surgical outcomes of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach for papillary thyroid cancer: A two-centre study

ObjectiveThe transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has been increasingly used to treat patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with improved cosmetic outcomes. This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of TOETVA in patients with PTC.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included TOETVA patients from Yantai Yuhuangding and Xiamen Zhongshan Hospitals. Among the 297 patients studied, 84 had benign nodules (28.3%), 208 had PTC (70.0%), and five had follicular thyroid cancer (1.7%).ResultsThe incidence of transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 1.3%, while that of transient hypoparathyroidism was 1.0%. Mental nerve paraesthesia was observed in 241 cases (81.1%), while permanent mental nerve paraesthesia was noted in seven cases (2.4%). Abnormal motor function of the lower lip and chin was observed in 12 cases (4.0%). Ten of the 208 patients with PTC (4.8%) underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) and bilateral central neck dissection (CND). A mean 6.6 ± 4.1 and 10.9 ± 4.0 lymph nodes were removed in the unilateral and bilateral surgeries, respectively, with a metastasis rate of 49.0%; a mean 2.7 ± 2.3 and 3.2 ± 2.6 lymph nodes were metastatic, respectively. The parathyroid gland was inadvertently removed in 6.6% and auto-transplanted in 10.6% of patients with unilateral PTC. The non-stimulated thyroglobulin level in the TT and bilateral CND patients was below 1 ng/mL at the 6-month follow-up.ConclusionTOETVA is safe in well-selected patients with unilateral PTC. However, its safety remains unclear in patients treated with TT and bilateral CND.     

Development and external validation of a nomogram for predicting the conditional probability of survival after D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: A multicentre study

BackgroundPrevious studies have elucidated that on average, long-term cancer survivors have better prognoses than newly diagnosed individuals. This study aimed to devise a nomogram to predict the conditional probability of cancer-specific survival (CPCS) in gastric cancer (GC) patients after D2 lymphadenectomy.MethodsClinicopathological data for 2,596 GC patients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy in an Eastern institution (the training cohort) were retrospectively analysed. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was predicted using Cox regression models. A nomogram was constructed to predict CPCS at 3 and 5 years post-gastrectomy. Two external validations were performed using a cohort of 2,198 Chinese patients and a cohort of 504 Italian patients.ResultsIn the training cohort, the 5-year CPCS was 59.2% immediately post-gastrectomy and increased to 68.8%, 79.7%, and 88.8% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-gastrectomy, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age; tumour site, size and invasion depth; numbers of examined and metastatic lymph nodes; and surgical margins were independent prognostic factors of CSS (all P < 0.05) and formed the nomogram predictor variables. Internal validation showed that the conditional nomogram exhibited good discrimination ability at 3 and 5 years post-gastrectomy (concordance index, 0.794 and 0.789, respectively). External validation showed a 3- and 5-year concordance index of 0.788 and 0.785, respectively, in the Chinese cohort, and 0.792 and 0.787, respectively, in the Italian cohort. Calibration of the nomogram predicted that survival corresponded closely with actual survival.Conclusions: we developed a robust nomogram to predict CPCS after D2 lymphadenectomy for GC based on survival duration.     

Establishing and validating predictive nomograms for lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with rectal cancer based on radiologic factors and clinicopathologic characteristics

IntroductionIt is critical to accurately predict the occurrence of lateral pelvic lymph node (LPN) metastasis. Currently, verified predictive tools are unavailable. This study aims to establish nomograms for predicting LPN metastasis in patients with rectal cancer who received or did not receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).Materials and methodsWe carried out a retrospective study of patients with rectal cancer and clinical LPN metastasis who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) and LPN dissection (LPND) from January 2012 to December 2019 at 3 institutions. We collected and evaluated their clinicopathologic and radiologic features, and constructed nomograms based on the multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 472 eligible patients were enrolled into the non-nCRT cohort (n = 312) and the nCRT cohort (n = 160). We established nomograms using variables from the multivariable logistic regression models in both cohorts. In the non-nCRT cohort, the variables included LPN short diameter, cT stage, cN stage, histologic grade, and malignant features, and the C-index was 0.930 in the training cohort and 0.913 in the validation cohort. In the nCRT cohort, the variables included post-nCRT LPN short diameter, ycT stage, ycN stage, histologic grade, and post-nCRT malignant features, and the C-index was 0.836 in the training dataset and 0.827 in the validation dataset. The nomograms in both cohorts were moderately calibrated and well-validated.ConclusionsWe established nomograms for patients with rectal cancer that accurately predict LPN metastasis. The performance of the nomograms in both cohorts was high and well-validated.     

Development and validation of a new clinical staging system to predict survival for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: Application of the nomogram

IntroductionSurvival of patients with the same clinical stage varies widely and effective tools to evaluate the prognosis utilizing clinical staging information is lacking. This study aimed to develop a clinical nomogram for predicting survival of patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC).Materials and methodsOn the basis of data extracted from the SEER database (training cohort, n = 3375), we identified and integrated significant prognostic factors for nomogram development and internal validation. The model was then subjected to external validation with a separate dataset obtained from Jinling Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (validation cohort, n = 1187). The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by concordance index (C-index), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and calibration curves. And risk group stratification was performed basing on the nomogram scores.ResultsOn multivariable analysis of the training cohort, seven independent prognostic factors were identified and included into the nomogram. Calibration curves presented good consistency between the nomogram prediction and actual observation for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS. The AIC value of the nomogram was lower than that of the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM (AJCC) staging system, whereas the C-index of the nomogram was significantly higher than that of the AJCC staging system. The risk groups stratified by CART allowed significant distinction between survival curves within respective clinical TNM categories.ConclusionsThe risk stratification system presented better discriminative ability for survival prediction than current clinical staging system and might help clinicians in decision making.     

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis protects against recurrence in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid cancer

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) frequently coexists with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that exhibits normal thyroid function. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between CLT and clinically lymph node (LN)-negative PTC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical central LN metastasis and CLT, and to assess the impact of CLT on the recurrence of clinically LN-negative PTC.MethodsWe investigated the medical records of 850 patients with PTC who underwent prophylactic bilateral central neck dissection as well as total thyroidectomy between 2004 and 2010; the median follow-up time was 95.5 months (range, 12–158 months).ResultsCLT was observed in 480 patients (56.5%). Female sex, a preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone level >2.5 mU/L, a primary tumor ≤1 cm, no gross extrathyroidal extension, high number of harvested LNs, low number of metastatic LNs, and positive anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody at 1 year post-initial treatment were significantly associated with the presence of CLT. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with N1a stage (vs. N0 stage; hazard ratio [HR], 3.255; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.290–8.213; p = 0.012) and positive anti-Tg antibody at 1 year post-initial treatment (vs. negative anti-Tg antibody; HR, 5.118; 95% CI, 2.130–12.296; p < 0.001) had poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS), while those with CLT (vs. no CLT; HR, 0.357; 95% CI, 0.157–0.812; p = 0.014) had favorable RFS outcomes.ConclusionsCLT is associated with less aggressive tumor characteristics and LN metastasis. Clinically LN-negative PTC patients with CLT experience longer RFS intervals than those without CLT.     

Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundTumor recurrence after curative resection is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but large-scale long-term prediction on an individual basis has seldom been reported. We aimed to construct an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with HCC undergoing surgical resection.MethodsA total 1038 patients with newly diagnosed HCC undergoing curative resection between 2002 and 2016 were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, tumor status and severity of liver functional reserve were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict tumor recurrence and construct the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the discrimination and calibration tests.ResultsAfter a mean follow up time of 30 months, 510 (49%) patients developed tumor recurrence. The cumulative recurrence-free survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 79%, 51%, 38% and 26%, respectively. In the Cox multivariate model, ALBI grade 2–3, multiple tumors, tumor size equal or large than 2 cm, serum ɑ-fetoprotein level equal or greater than 20 ng/ml and total tumor volume equal or larger than 227 cm³ were independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. A nomogram was constructed based on these five variables. Internal validation with 10,380 bootstrapped sample sets had a good concordance of 0.607 (95% of confidence interval: 0.587–0.627). The calibration plots for 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival well matched the idealized 45-degree line.ConclusionsALBI is a feasible marker for tumor recurrence. This easy-to-use ALBI grade-based nomogram may predict tumor recurrence for individual HCC patient undergoing surgical resection.     

Comprehensive lymphadenectomy and survival prediction in uterine serous cancer patients after surgery: A population-based analysis

ObjectiveEvidence on uterine serous cancer (USC) prognosis has been limited and inconclusive. We aim to explore the survival benefits of comprehensive lymphadenectomy in USC patients after surgery and develop a prognostic nomogram to predict survival.MethodsUSC patients who had undergone hysterectomy between 2010 and 2015 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The relationship between the extent of lymphadenectomy and survival, including overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), was estimated with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to determine the independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was then developed, calibrated and internally validated.ResultsA total of 2853 patients were identified. K-M survival analysis revealed that patients with ≥12 pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) removed had significantly better OS and CSS than those without (both P < 0.001). However, patients with ≥6 para-aortic lymph nodes removed was not associated with similar survival benefits than patients without (P > 0.1). Multivariate analyses for OS and CSS revealed that age, T-stage, N-stage, tumor size, adjuvant therapy and ≥12 PLNs removed were independent prognostic factors (all P < 0.05) and were subsequently incorporated into the nomogram. The Harrell's C-index of the nomogram was significantly higher than that of the FIGO staging system (OS: 0.739 vs 0.671, P < 0.001; CSS: 0.752 vs 0.695, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the nomogram was well calibrated with satisfactory consistency.ConclusionsComprehensive pelvic lymphadenectomy should be recommended to USC patients for its survival benefits. And a nomogram has been developed to predict the survivals of USC patients after surgery.     

Nomogram for predicting gastric cancer recurrence using biomarker gene expression

BackgroundRecently, researchers have tried to predict patient prognosis using biomarker expression in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram predicting the 5-year recurrence-free probability (RFP) of gastric cancer patients using prognostic biomarker gene expression.MethodsWe enrolled 360 patients in the training data set to develop the predictive model and nomogram. We analyzed the patients’ general variables and the gene expression levels of 10 prognostic biomarker candidates between the nonrecurrence and recurrence groups. We also performed external validation using 420 patients from the validation data set.ResultsThe final nomogram was composed of age, sex, and the expression levels of CAPZA, PPase, OCT-1, PRDX4, gamma-enolase, and c-Myc. The five-year RFPs were 89%, 75%, 54% and 32% for the patients in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, high-risk and very-high-risk groups in the development cohort, respectively. In the external validation cohort, the 5-year RFPs were 89%, 75%, 63% and 60%, respectively. The areas under the curve were 0.718 (95% CI, 0.65–0.78) and 0.640 (95% CI, 0.57–0.70) for the training and validation data sets, respectively. The RFP Kaplan-Meier curves were significantly different among the 4 groups in the training and validation data sets (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThis newly developed nomogram using gene expression can predict the 5-year RFP for gastric cancer patients after surgical treatment. We hope that this nomogram will help in the therapeutic decision between endoscopic treatment and gastrectomy.     

A nomogram to predict early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombus after R0 liver resection: A large-scale,multicenter study

BackgroundPortal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) is a significant poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch or above of the main portal vein (MPV) could benefit from R0 liver resection (LR). A nomogram is needed to predict early postoperative recurrence (ER) in HCC patients with PVTT and to guide selection of these patients for adjuvant therapy to reduce postoperative recurrence risks.MethodsHCC patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch or above of the MPV after R0 LR as an initial therapy were included. A nomogram using data from a retrospective training cohort was developed with the Cox regression model. The model was tested in a prospective internal validation cohort and three external validation cohorts.ResultsOf 979 patients, 657 developed postoperative ER (67.1%). ER occurred in 165 of 264 patients (62.5%) in the training cohort, 146 of 218 patients (70.0%) in the internal validation cohort, and 204 of 284 patients (71.8%), 77 of 113 patients (68.1%), and 65 of 100 patients (65%) in the three external validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram included the following variables: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), PVTT, HBV DNA, satellite nodules, α-fetoprotein, and tumour diameter. The ROC were 0.836, 0.763, 0.802, 0.837, and 0.846 in predicting ER in the five respective cohorts.ConclusionA nomogram was developed and validated to predict postoperative ER in patients with HCC with PVTT after R0 LR. This nomogram could select appropriate patients with high ER risks for postoperative adjuvant therapy.     

Combined use of magnetic seed and tracer in breast conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions: A pilot study describing pitfalls and solutions

BackgroundsTraditionally, breast conserving surgery for non-palpable breast cancer is guided by wire or radioactive seed and radioactive tracer for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Alternatively, a stain-less magnetic seed and superparamagnetic iron oxide tracer (SPIO) can be combined as a radioactive-free technique. The aim of this study was to define the pitfalls we encountered during implementation of this combined technique and provide solutions resulting in an instruction manual for a radio-active free procedure.MethodsBetween January and March 2021, seventeen consecutive patients with cN0 non-palpable breast cancer were included. The magnetic seed was placed to localize the lesion and SPIO was used to identify the sentinel lymph node (SLN). A lymphoscintigraphy with Technetium-99m nano colloid was performed concomitantly in all patients as a control procedure for SPIO. Surgical outcomes are reported, including problems with placing and retrieval of the seed and SPIO and corresponding solutions.ResultsSurgical excision was successful with invasive tumor-free margins in all patients. SLN detection was successful in 82% patients when compared to Technetium-99m. The most challenging issue was an overlapping magnetic signal of the seed and SPIO. Solutions are provided in detail.ConclusionsCombined use of magnetic seed and SPIO for wide local excision and SLNB patients with non-palpable breast lesions appeared challenging due to overlapping magnetic signals. After multiple adaptations, the protocol proved to be feasible with an added advantage of eliminating the use of radioisotopes. We described the pitfalls and solutions resulting in an instruction manual for a totally radioactive-free procedure.     

A retrospective study of papillary thyroid carcinoma: Hashimoto's thyroiditis as a protective biomarker for lymph node metastasis

PurposeThere is approximately 10%–50% of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). In this research, we sought to better understand the role of HT in PTC progression as well as lymph node metastasis.MethodsIt is a retrospective and cross-sectional study, and 4131 PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy were finally enrolled. Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate both the risk factors and the critical roles of HT during PTC metastasis.ResultIn this cohort, 1555 patients (37.6%) were diagnosed with HT. According to multivariate analysis, male sex, high levels of TG and TPOAb, tumor extrathyroidal extension, maximum diameter >1 cm, and multifocality were independent risk factors for both central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM). In addition, age <55 years and smoking were risk factors for CLNM, while CLNM was one of the risk factors for LLNM. Furthermore, HT was suggested a valuable protective factor for both CLNM and LLNM. In patients with HT, the total number of central lymph nodes was higher, while the positive rate was lower. Compared with those without HT, age and sex did not predict CLNM and LLNM in patients with HT.ConclusionHT is considered a protective factor for both CLNM and LLNM in PTC. For patients with HT, surgeons should pay more attention to the preservation of parathyroid gland and the protection of recurrent laryngeal nerve due to less lymph node metastasis. Otherwise, radical operation is highly recommended.     

Independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in 2623 patients with Non–Small cell lung cancer

Purposethis study attempts to identify the independent risk factors that can predict lymph node metastasis for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and guide doctor adoption of individualized treatment for such patients.Materials and methodsThis study was approved by the Hospital's Ethics Committee and all patients had signed informed consent forms. We retrospectively reviewed NSCLC patients who had undergone surgical resection from December 2008 to December 2013.The statistical significance of evaluation variables and lymph node metastasis was determined with Pearson's Chi-square test. The risk factors of lymph node metastasis were determined through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. And for the age and tumor diameter factors, optimal cutoff points were determined with a receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsIn the present study, a total of 2623 patients were included in the study, and 779 patients with lymph node metastasis. Three independent risk factors were identified: age, tumor diameter and Ki-67 index. We found that <65 years of age (Adjusted-OR:1.921), ≥2.85 cm of tumor diameter (Adjusted-OR:3.141), and 5%~25% in Ki-67 group (Adjusted-OR:2.137),≥25% (Adjusted-OR:3.341) were significant. Also we found that 307 patients with lymph node metastasis and the lymph node metastasis rate was 51.0%, when the age<65 years, Ki-67 index≥25%, and the tumor diameter≥2.85 cm. On the contrary, there were only 2 patients with lymph node metastasis, and the rate of lymph node metastasis was 5.1%.ConclusionIdentifying three independent risk factors that predict lymph node metastasis in non-small cell patients, Among NSCLC patients in whom all three predictors were identified, and over a half of the patients showed lymph node metastasis.     

Correlation between outcome and extent of residual disease in the sentinel node after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in clinically fine-needle proven node-positive breast cancer patients

BackgroundWhether the extent of residual disease in the sentinel lymph node (SLN) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) influences the prognosis in clinically node-positive breast cancer (BC) patients remains to be ascertained.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-four consecutive cN+/BC-patients received NAC followed by SLN biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection. Cumulative incidence of overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival, BC-related recurrences and death from BC were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method both in the whole patient population and according to the SLN status. The log rank test was used for comparisons between groups.ResultsThe SLN was identified in 123/134 (91.8%) patients and was positive in 98/123 (79.7%) patients. Sixty-five of them (66.3%) had other axillary nodes involved. SLN sensitivity and false-negative rate were 88.0% and 2.0%, Median follow-up was 10.2 years. Ten-year cumulative incidence of axillary, breast and distant recurrences, and death from BC were 6.5%, 11.9%, 33.4% and 31.3%, respectively. Ten-year OS and DFS were 67.3% and 55.9%. When stratified by SLN status, 10-year cumulative incidence of BC-related and loco-regional events, and death from BC were similar between disease-free SLN and micrometastatic SLN subgroups (28.9% vs 30.2%, p = 0.954; 21.6% vs 13.4%, p = 0.840; 12.9 vs 24.5%, p=0.494). Likewise, 10-year OS and DFS were comparable (80.0% vs 75.5%, p=0.975 and 68.0% vs 69.8, p=0.836). Both OS and DFS were lower in patients presenting a macrometastatic SLN (60.2% and 47.5%).ConclusionOutcome of patients with micrometastatic SLN was similar to that of patients with disease-free SLN, which was more favorable as compared to that of patients with macrometastatic SLN.     

Ultrasound staging in breast cancer: A decision-making oriented approach to axillary metastatic burden prediction

PurposeThe possibility of avoiding axillary lymphadenectomy (AL) in patients with breast cancer (BC) after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and low metastatic burden (< ó = 2 positive lymph nodes) has put into question the role of axillary ultrasound due to the risk of overtreatment after positive axillary lymph node biopsy with low metastatic burden. Our aim was to identify clinical and ultrasound features to detect low and high metastatic burden.MethodsA retrospective study of 405 BC patients with primary surgical treatment with axillary ultrasound examination and subsequent AL after positive fine needle aspiration (FNA) or SLNB. The low and high tumor burdens after AL were correlated with clinical and ultrasound variables: lymph node morphology (UN1 to UN5), number of suspicious lymph nodes, and Berg level.ResultsPositive FNA, lymph node morphology UN4 (focal thickening with displacement of the fatty hilum) or UN5 (complete replacement of the fatty hilum) and >2 suspicious lymph nodes were significantly associated with "high metastatic burden". Lymph node morphology UN2 and UN3, even after FNA+, lymph node morphology UN4 after FNA-, and suspicious lymph nodes at Berg level I were low metastatic burden criteria. Lymph node morphology UN5, lymph node morphology UN4 after FNA+, two nodes or more with UN4/UN5 morphology, and suspicious lymph nodes at Berg levels II and III with FNA+ were associated with high metastatic burden.ConclusionsAxillary lymph node ultrasound data for patients with early BC allows predicting the axillary metastatic burden, guiding the optimal clinical management of the axilla.