Simplified minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: a series of 100 cases and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Conventional practice of parathyroidectomy has been collar incision with bilateral neck exploration and a four-gland evaluation. Our local practice involves simplified parathyroidectomy via mini-incision without routine use of intraoperative adjuncts. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that a good success rate can be achieved, which will hopefully encourage more to undertake minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective case series of the first 100 patients undergoing minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) by a single surgeon at a single institution were included. Preoperatively, patients underwent ultrasonography (US) and/or a sestamibi (MIBI) scan for localisation. Parathyroidectomy was performed following an algorithm of intraoperative decisions. Serum calcium and/or parathyroid hormone levels were checked at follow-up. Postoperative normocalcaemia was considered success independent of serum parathyroid hormone levels

RESULTS

The patients had a median age of 63 years. Of the 100 patients, 83 were female and 17 male. Seven patients had a conversion to bilateral exploration. The mean operative time for unilateral and bilateral exploration was 42.38 minutes and 76.43 minutes respectively. Separately, a MIBI scan and US lateralised the side of the lesion in 82.8% and 79.5% of cases respectively. When US and the MIBI scan agreed, the predictive accuracy of the side of the lesion was 87.5%. The majority of patients (96%) had a successful return to normocalcaemia. No complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent results are achievable with simplified MIP even without intraoperative adjuncts. Preoperative localisation is helpful in determining the side of incision. Our technique demonstrates a key principle of surgery: to keep things simple.

Coexpression of donor peptide/recipient MHC complex and intact donor MHC: evidence for a link between the direct and indirect pathways

T lymphocytes recognize foreign antigens presented by donor or recipient cells through the direct and indirect pathways respectively. This raises the question of how directly and indirectly activated T cells interact. A 4-cell model involving the interaction of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells recognizing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on recipient antigen presenting cell (APC), and MHC class I on donor APC, has been proposed. However, this would require complex co-ordination between all the participating cell types. The semidirect pathway of alloantigen presentation suggests a simpler mechanism. Although exchange of MHC class II molecules between donor and recipient cells has been described, coexpression of recipient MHC molecules presenting donor derived allopeptides (indirect presentation) and donor MHC (direct presentation) on the same cell, a key requirement for the semidirect alloantigen presentation pathway, has not been demonstrated. We have used a mouse transplantation model to demonstrate the presence of cells expressing both donor MHC class I/II molecules, and a donor MHC class II peptide in the context of a recipient MHC class II molecule. This would allow indirectly activated CD4(+) T cells to regulate directly activated CD4(+) T cells, or to help directly activated CD8(+) T cells, thus providing physical evidence for the semidirect pathway.

SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy of heterotopic cardiac grafts reveals novel sites of lymphatic drainage and T cell priming

The normal function of lymphatic vessels is to facilitate the trafficking of antigen presenting cells to draining lymph nodes where they evoke an immune response. Donor lymphatic vessels are not connected to that of recipients' during organ transplantation. The pathophysiology of this disruption has received little attention. Murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation has been used extensively in transplantation research. Following vascularized organ transplantation, the main site of allosensitization is thought to be in the spleen of the recipient as a result of migration of donor passenger leukocytes via blood. Here, using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computerized Tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy, we studied the pattern of lymphatic flow from mouse heterotopic abdominal cardiac grafts and identified mediastinal lymph nodes as the draining nodes for the donor graft. Staining with HY tetramer after transplantation of HY mismatched heart grafts and ELISPOT following allogeneic grafts to detect donor specific T cells revealed them as important sites for allosensitization. Our data indicates that mediastinal lymph nodes play a crucial role in the alloimmune response in this model, and should be used for ex vivo and adoptive transfer studies after transplantation in addition to the spleen.

Chronic humoral rejection of human kidney allografts is associated with MMP-2 accumulation in podocytes and its release in the urine

Chronic humoral rejection (CHR) is an important cause of late graft failures following kidney transplantation. Overall, the pathophysiology of CHR is poorly understood. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a type IV collagenase, has been implicated in chronic kidney disease and allograft rejection in previous studies. We examined the presence of MMP-2 in allograft biopsies and in the urine of kidney transplant recipients with CHR. MMP-2 staining was detected by immunohistochemistry in podocytes for all CHR patients but less frequently in patients with other renal complications. Urinary MMP-2 levels were also significantly higher in CHR patients (median 4942 pg/mL, N = 27) compared to non-CHR patients (median 598 pg/mL, N = 65; p < 0.001). Elevated urinary MMP-2 correlated with higher levels of proteinuria in both CHR and non-CHR patients. Longitudinal analysis indicated that increase in urine MMP-2 coincided with initial diagnosis of CHR as documented by the biopsies. Using an enzymatic assay, we demonstrated that MMP-2 was present in its active form in the urine of patients with CHR. Overall, our findings associate MMP-2 with glomerular injury as well as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy observed in patients with CHR.

Comparison of a Commonwealth-initiated regional radiation oncology facility in Toowoomba with a Queensland Health facility

The aim was to compare a private Commonwealth-initiated regional radiation oncology facility in Toowoomba with a Queensland Health facility (QHF) in Brisbane. The comparison concentrated on staffing, case mix and operational budgets, but was not able to look at changes in access to services. Data were collected from the two facilities from January 2008 to June 2008 inclusive. A number of factors were compared, including case mix, staffing levels, delay times for treatment, research, training and treatment costs. The case mix between the two areas was similar with curative treatments making up just over half the work load in both centres and two-thirds the work being made up of cancers of breast and prostate. Staffing levels were leaner in Toowoomba, especially in the areas of nursing, administration and trial coordinators. Research activity was slightly higher in Toowoomba. The average medicare cost per treatment course was similar in both centres ($5000 per course). Total costs of an average treatment including patient, State and Commonwealth costs, showed a 30% difference in costing favouring Toowoomba. This regional radiation oncology centre has provided state-of-the-art cancer care that is close to home for patients living in the Darling Downs region. Both public and private patients have been treated with modest costs to the patient and significant savings to QH. The case mix is similar to the QHF, and there has been significant activity in clinical research. A paperless working environment is one factor that has allowed staffing levels to be reduced. Ongoing support from Governments are required if private facilities are to participate in important ongoing staff training.

Total ear replantation using the distal radial artery perforator

We present a case of total ear replantation where the ear was initially perfused on a perforator vessel from the radial artery prior to replantation using the radial artery as a donor vessel.

Use of low-dose pregabalin in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of low-dose pregabalin on the analgesic efficacy, side-effects, and recovery profile in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-two patients aged 18-65 yr, of ASA physical status I-III, undergoing elective outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recruited and randomized in this prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to receive one of the following study medications orally: pregabalin 50 mg, pregabalin 75 mg, or placebo, 1 h before surgery and then every 12 h after operation for a total of three doses. Postoperative numeric pain scores, analgesic consumption, recovery score (QoR-40), and side-effects (opioid-related symptom distress scale) were assessed in the early postoperative period (every 15 min during the first hour, at 90, 120 min, 6, and 12 h) and at days 1, 2, and 7. Data were analysed using an intention-to-treat method.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group, the pain scores were lower in the pregabalin 75 mg group in the first 90 min after surgery (P<0.05). Pregabalin 50 mg resulted in pain reduction at 30 and 45 min (P<0.05) relative to placebo. The analgesic consumption, side-effects, and recovery scores were similar among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative administration of pregabalin 75 mg provided limited analgesic benefit in the postoperative period. An updated meta-analysis confirms this finding (see Supplementary material).

Feasibility and Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Clinically Node Negative Patients after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer – A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

BackgroundThe sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become an accepted alternative to the axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for pathologic evaluation of the axillary lymph node status in patients with early breast cancer and a clinically negative axilla. Patients with a negative sentinel lymph node are spared the ALND and its associated morbidities.Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of SLNB in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and treatment of the axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an ALND.The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasing, and NAC has been shown to downstage both the primary tumour and axillary lymph nodes. Potentially, an additional proportion of patients who are node negative after NAC may be spared a full ALND and its attendant morbidities.AimsTo determine the feasibility and accuracy of SLNB in patients who have a clinically negative axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.MethodsA systematic review of the English literature of SLNB in patients who have had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was conducted and meta analyses performed. Studies selected had an identifiable group of patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and were clinically node negative. These patients had a SLNB prior to the standard ALND regardless of outcome of the SLNB.ResultsTen studies that met the eligibility criteria were identified. A total of 449 patients were studied. Pooled analysis using the fixed effects model was used to calculate successful identification rate and accuracy parameters. The summary rate of identification of SLN was 94% [95% CI: 91.6% – 96.7%]. The pooled sensitivity of SLNB after NAC was 93% [95% CI: 88.5% – 96.8%] and the false negative rate 7.0% [95% CI: 3.2% – 11.5%].ConclusionSLNB in patients with a clinically node negative axilla after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and accurate.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1013.

The FGFR4 Y367C mutant is a dominant oncogene in MDA-MB453 breast cancer cells

Mutational analysis of oncogenes is critical for our understanding of cancer development. Oncogenome screening has identified a fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) Y367C mutation in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB453. Here, we investigate the consequence of this missense mutation in cancer cells. We show that MDA-MB453 cells harbouring the mutation are insensitive to FGFR4-specific ligand stimulation or inhibition with an antagonistic antibody. Furthermore, the FGFR4 mutant elicits constitutive phosphorylation leading to an activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade as shown by an enhanced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Cloning and ectopic expression of the FGFR4 Y367C mutant in HEK293 cells revealed high pErk levels and enhanced cell proliferation. Based on these findings, we propose that FGFR4 may be a driver of tumour growth, particularly when highly expressed or stabilized and constitutively activated through genetic alterations. As such, FGFR4 presents an option for further mutational screening in tumours and is an attractive cancer target with the therapeutic potential.

B-cell immunity in the context of T-cell tolerance after combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation in humans

Five patients with end-stage kidney disease received combined kidney and bone marrow transplants from HLA haploidentical donors following nonmyeloablative conditioning to induce renal allograft tolerance. Immunosuppressive therapy was successfully discontinued in four patients with subsequent follow-up of 3 to more than 6 years. This allograft acceptance was accompanied by specific T-cell unresponsiveness to donor antigens. However, two of these four patients showed evidence of de novo antibodies reactive to donor antigens between 1 and 2 years posttransplant. These humoral responses were characterized by the presence of donor HLA-specific antibodies in the serum with or without the deposition of the complement molecule C4d in the graft. Immunofluorescence staining, ELISA assays and antibody profiling using protein microarrays demonstrated the co-development of auto- and alloantibodies in these two patients. These responses were preceded by elevated serum BAFF levels and coincided with B-cell reconstitution as revealed by a high frequency of transitional B cells in the periphery. To date, these B cell responses have not been associated with evidence of humoral rejection and their clinical significance is still unclear. Overall, our findings showed the development of B-cell allo- and autoimmunity in patients with T-cell tolerance to the donor graft.

Outcome of primary tumor in patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer receiving combination chemotherapy without surgery as initial treatment

CRA4030

Background: In the absence of symptoms (bleeding, perforation, obstruction) or resectable metastatic disease, primary tumor resection in patients who present with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is of uncertain benefit. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of intervention necessary to palliate the intact primary tumor in patients who present with synchronous stage IV CRC and receive up-front modern combination chemotherapy without prophylactic surgery. Methods: Using a prospective institutional database, we identified 233 consecutive patients from 2000 through 2006 with synchronous metastatic CRC and an unresected primary tumor who received oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based, triple-drug chemotherapy (FOLFOX, IFL, or FOLFIRI) with or without bevacizumab as their initial treatment. The incidence of subsequent use of surgery, radiotherapy, and/or endoluminal stenting to manage primary tumor complications was recorded. Results: Of 233 patients, 217 (93%) never required surgical palliation of their primary tumor. Sixteen patients (7%) required emergent surgery for primary tumor obstruction or perforation, 10 patients (4%) required nonoperative intervention (stent or radiotherapy), whereas 213 (89%) never required any direct symptomatic management for their intact primary. Of those, 47 (20%) ultimately underwent elective colon resection at the time of metastasectomy and 8 (3%) during laparotomy for hepatic artery infusion pump placement. Neither use of bevacizumab, location of the primary tumor in the rectum, or metastatic disease burden were associated with increased intervention rate. In addition, when included as a time-varying covariate in a Cox regression model, the need for emergent intervention did not correlate with overall survival. Conclusions: Most patients with synchronous stage IV CRC who receive up-front modern combination chemotherapy never require palliative surgery for their intact primary. These data support the use of chemotherapy, without routine prophylactic resection, as the appropriate standard practice for patients with neither obstructed nor hemorrhaging primary colorectal tumors in the setting of metastatic disease.

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Outcome of primary tumor in patients with synchronous stage IV colorectal cancer receiving combination chemotherapy without surgery as initial treatment

CRA4030

The full, final text of this abstract will be available in Part II of the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings, distributed onsite at the Meeting on May 30, 2009, and as a supplement to the June 20, 2009, issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

[Table: see text]

Estimation and presentation of blood flow and velocity from angiographic scans in the human cerebral arterial system

This paper provides an overview of blood flow in the arterial system and aims to estimate the blood velocity from cerebral angiography scans without having acquired data on velocity by using Murray's Law. The estimation technique post-processes the scan and provides crucial 3D visual data for the development of a visualization program of the blood flow in the human brain.

Analysis of ERCC2/XPD functional polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus

Sunlight/ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has been recognized as an important risk factor for developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the interpretation of genetic variations involved in UV-light sensitivity is largely unknown. Recent studies indicated that two genetic variations of ERCC2/XPD gene (rs1799793 in exon 10 and rs13181 in exon 23) have been found to exert negative influences on nucleotide excision repair system. To analyse the possible contribution of the ERCC2/XPD functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in genetic susceptibility to SLE, the rs13181 and rs1799793 SNPs in ERCC2/XPD were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Association was studied by case-control analyses using samples from 172 SLE patients and 160 healthy controls. Haplotype analysis was performed to detect the association with genetic predisposition to SLE and the clinical features. Although these two functional genetic variations are linked to several immune dysfunction-induced diseases, no statistically significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies were observed between SLE patients and controls. Haplotype analysis showed that none of ERCC2/XPD haplotypes was associated with the incidence of SLE disease, nor the preference of clinical features. In conclusion, the ERCC2/XPD functional polymorphisms analysed in this study showed no association in genetic susceptibility to SLE.