Treatment of stage I-III periodontitis-The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline

BACKGROUND

The recently introduced 2017 World Workshop on the classification of periodontitis, incorporating stages and grades of disease, aims to link disease classification with approaches to prevention and treatment, as it describes not only disease severity and extent but also the degree of complexity and an individual's risk. There is, therefore, a need for evidence-based clinical guidelines providing recommendations to treat periodontitis.

AIM

The objective of the current project was to develop a S3 Level Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the treatment of Stage I-III periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This S3 CPG was developed under the auspices of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), following the methodological guidance of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The rigorous and transparent process included synthesis of relevant research in 15 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, the formulation of specific recommendations and consensus, on those recommendations, by leading experts and a broad base of stakeholders.

RESULTS

The S3 CPG approaches the treatment of periodontitis (stages I, II and III) using a pre-established stepwise approach to therapy that, depending on the disease stage, should be incremental, each including different interventions. Consensus was achieved on recommendations covering different interventions, aimed at (a) behavioural changes, supragingival biofilm, gingival inflammation and risk factor control; (b) supra- and sub-gingival instrumentation, with and without adjunctive therapies; (c) different types of periodontal surgical interventions; and (d) the necessary supportive periodontal care to extend benefits over time.

CONCLUSION

This S3 guideline informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers and, indirectly, the public on the available and most effective modalities to treat periodontitis and to maintain a healthy dentition for a lifetime, according to the available evidence at the time of publication.

["I follow lessons in the same way as other students"]

Deaf and a health professional, so what? For 22-year-old Emma, disability is no obstacle to achieving her ambitions. Although far from easy, her experience has so far been positive. The key? Adapted support, enlightened trainers and unwavering motivation. Interview.

Delays in referral from primary care worsen survival for patients with colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Delays in referral for patients with colorectal cancer may occur if the presenting symptom is falsely attributed to a benign condition.

AIM

To investigate whether delays in referral from primary care are associated with a later stage of cancer at diagnosis and worse prognosis.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A national retrospective cohort study in England including adult patients with colorectal cancer identified from the cancer registry with linkage to Clinical Practice Research Datalink, who had been referred following presentation to their GP with a 'red flag' or 'non-specific' symptom.

METHOD

The hazard ratios (HR) of death were calculated for delays in referral of between 2 weeks and 3 months, and >3 months, compared with referrals within 2 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 4527 (63.5%) patients with colon cancer and 2603 (36.5%) patients with rectal cancer were included in the study. The percentage of patients presenting with red-flag symptoms who experienced a delay of >3 months before referral was 16.9% of those with colon cancer and 13.5% of those with rectal cancer, compared with 35.7% of patients with colon cancer and 42.9% of patients with rectal cancer who presented with non-specific symptoms. Patients referred after 3 months with red-flag symptoms demonstrated a significantly worse prognosis than patients who were referred within 2 weeks (colon cancer: HR 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29 to 1.81; rectal cancer: HR 1.30; 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.60). This association was not seen for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms. Delays in referral were associated with a significantly higher proportion of late-stage cancers.

CONCLUSION

The first presentation to the GP provides a referral opportunity to identify the underlying cancer, which, if missed, is associated with a later stage in diagnosis and worse survival.

[The digital portfolio as the cornerstone of clinical learning]

The 2009 training reference frame was designed in accordance with the development of students' learning capacities and the French health context. As part of this necessary development, nurse training is based on a three-party contract between the student, the trainer and the internship tutor. The portfolio, used as an assessment aid and a tool to monitor learning, makes the progress and the acquisition of skills visible during the three years of training. As it is digitised, information concerning the internship can be shared in real time.

Stage-specific incidence trends of melanoma in an English region, 1996-2015: longitudinal analyses of population-based data

The aim of this study was to examine temporal trends in overall and stage-specific incidence of melanoma. Using population-based data on patients diagnosed with melanoma in East Anglia, England, 1996-2015, we estimated age-standardized time trends in annual incidence rates for each stage at diagnosis. Negative binomial regression was used to model trends over time adjusted for sex, age group and deprivation, and to subsequently examine variation in stage-specific trends by sex and age group. The age-standardized incidence increased from 14 to 29 cases/100 000 persons (i.e. 4% annually). Increasing incidence was apparent across all stages but was steepest for stage I [adjusted annual increase: 5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5-6%, and more gradual for stage II-IV disease (stage II: 3%, 95% CI: 2-4%; stage III/IV: 2%, 95% CI: 1-3%)]. Stage II-IV increase was apparent in men across age groups and in women aged 50 years or older. Increases in incidence were steeper in those aged 70 years or older, and in men. The findings suggest that both a genuine increase in the incidence of consequential illness and a degree of overdiagnosis may be responsible for the observed increasing incidence trends in melanoma in our population during the study period. They also suggest the potentially lower effectiveness of public health awareness campaigns in men and older people.

Assessing CD 10 Expression Level and Its Prognostic Impact in Egyptian Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma

Background and aim:

CD10 is expressed in urothelial carcinoma cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF). In the current study, CD10 immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and CD10 mRNA expression in urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) were assessed, and its relationship with tumor progression and prognosis was investigated.

Patients and Methods:

In this study, 106 formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue of UCB, obtained through radical cystectomy specimen, and 10 matched normal tissue samples were included.CD10 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real time PCR techniques.

Results:

CD10 expression in tumor cells and associated stromal fibroblasts was significantly associated with high tumor grade and advanced stage. Significant correlation was found between CD10 tumor expression and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (P<0.001) as well as perineural invasion (PNI). CD10 expression in stromal fibroblasts was significantly associated with squamous differentiation of tumor cells, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor necrosis. Positive CD10 expression in both tumor cells and associated stromal fibroblasts was associated with shorter OS . CD10 mRNA was overexpressed in tumors in comparison with the matched normal tissues. CD10 mRNA was significantly higher in invasive tumor, advanced stage tumor, and high grade tumor. There was significant correlation between CD10 mRNA tumor expression and LVI, PNI, and tumor recurrence.

Conclusion:

Increased expression of CD10 in the tumor and CAF was strongly correlated with tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, shorter OS, and RFS in urothelial carcinoma patients. CD10 mRNA showed significantly higher expression in tumor tissue than in matched normal tissue. CD10 mRNA was associated with depth of invasion, TNM stage, tumor grade, vascular tumor invasion, and tumor recurrence.

Shorter survival and later stage at diagnosis among unmarried patients with cutaneous melanoma: A US national and tertiary care center study

BACKGROUND

Addressing risk factors of delayed melanoma detection minimizes disparities in outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the significance of marital status in melanoma outcomes across anatomic sites.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 73,558 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and 2992 patients at Johns Hopkins University. Patients were stratified by marital status, anatomic site, age, and sex. Endpoints were prevalence of advanced melanoma (stages III or IV) and survival.

RESULTS

In the SEER cohort, single patients were more likely than married patients to present in stages III or IV among both men (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-1.53) and women (PR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.39). This trend was consistent across all anatomic sites and in all age groups, particularly in those 18 to 68 years old. Overall and cancer-specific survival times were shorter in unmarried patients. Similarly, at Johns Hopkins, single patients had increased prevalence of advanced melanoma (PR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.21-1.94) and experienced shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.15-1.99).

LIMITATIONS

The anatomic sites were not very specific, and this was a retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Unmarried patients, especially men and those younger than 68 years, are diagnosed at more advanced stages, even in readily visible sites such as the face. They also experience worse survival independent of stage.

Impact of an organised population screening programme for colorectal cancer: Measurement after first and second rounds

OBJECTIVE

The first and second rounds of the Basque programme for organised colorectal cancer screening were implemented between 2009 and 2014. Our objective was to measure the changes in incidence, tumour, node, metastasis staging distribution and tumour, node, metastasis-adjusted survival of patients with colorectal cancer from 2003 to 2014.

METHOD

Colorectal cancer cases with screening (patients <70 years old) and without screening (patients ≥70 years old) were compared during three four-year periods: 2003-2006, 2007-2010 and 2011-2014 (fully implemented phase). Cox regression, five-year relative survival and cancer probability of death were calculated for each four-year period, age group and tumour, node, metastasis stage. Adjusted incidence rates were analysed by joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

In an analysis of 23,301 cases of colorectal cancer, the incidence in patients younger than 70 years in 2013 showed a 17% annual decrease. The survival hazard ratios for stages I, II and III for 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 were compared to those for 2011-2014. From the first to the third period, diagnosis in the early stages (I and II) rose from 45.1% to 50.9% in the younger patient group and remained stable in the older group (49.6% and 49.4%). Additionally, the five-year relative survival rate increased significantly from 0.67 to 0.82 in those patients younger than 70 years, whereas in patients 70 years or older the rate did not change significantly (0.61 and 0.65).

CONCLUSION

The screening reduced incidence and improved survival by anticipating the diagnosis and by reducing mortality for each tumour, node, metastasis stage in the target population. The effect on survival could also be due to lead-time bias.

Characteristics of Patients with Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung

OBJECTIVES

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lungs are a clearly different group of tumors with definite ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. We reported and analyzed the incidence, clinicopathological features, surgery rates, responses to first-line therapy, and survival outcomes of this rare condition according to our lung cancer patient database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of 62 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of lung (LCNEC) between January 2010 and January 2016.

RESULTS

The patients were predominantly (95%) men (male:female=59:3) with their average age being 60.3±8.6 years. Diagnosis was made by the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (NAB) in 7 patients, bronchoscopic transbronchial biopsy in 13, and surgery in 42. Nearly 43.5% of the patients presented with the tumor in the right upper lobe. Additionally, tumors of 46.8% patients could be observed in peripheral locations. Sixteen patients presented with stage 1, 17 with stage 2, 15 with stage 3, and 14 with stage 4. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 29 months (SE: 12.2) (95% CI, 5.2-52.8 months). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients with low N, M0, early stage, p63 positive, and TTF-1 positive across the entire cohort. Overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients with comparatively lower N, M0, low stage, and peripheral location.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a single-center experience with clinicopathologic factors and survival outcomes of LCNEC patients.

Guest Editorial: Clarifications on the use of the new classification of periodontitis

This editorial provides clarifications on the application of the Stage and Grade classification of periodontitis. In particular it describes: (1) how to apply the extent criterion to the defined Stage of the disease; and (2) how to calculate tooth loss because of periodontitis in Stage III and IV cases presenting with evidently hopeless (irrational to treat) teeth with a clinical definition of such teeth.

Reappraisal of the advantages of laparoscopic liver resection for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma within a stage migration perspective: Propensity score analysis of the differential benefit

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcome of laparoscopic approach specifically in patients with Intermediate-stage disease and to define the differential benefit with Early-stage patients.

METHODS

Six hundred twenty-two resections for HCC were dichotomized according to staging (Early and Intermediate) and to approach and then matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores to obtain four groups (E-MILS and E-Open, including 104 patients respectively; Int-MILS and Int-Open, including 142 patients, respectively). The differential benefit associated with the minimally invasive technique was evaluated between intermediate-stage and early-stage patients taking into account blood loss and morbidity rate as outcome indicators.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic approach resulted in a statistically significant lower blood loss, reduced morbidity, reduced incidence of hepatic decompensation and shorter time for functional recover and length of stay. The evaluation of the differential benefit showed a greater advantage of laparoscopic approach in Intermediate-stage patients compared with Early-stage patients, both in terms of blood loss and morbidity rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable biological scenario associated with laparoscopic approach allows to obtain enhanced benefits in the setting of more advanced liver disease. The push towards minimal invasiveness and the incremental benefit associated with it could potentially promote stage migration in suitable patients.

Racial differences in time to treatment for melanoma

Background

Longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (TTDS) is associated with increased melanoma-specific mortality. Although black patients present with later-stage melanoma and have worse survival than non-Hispanic white patients, the association between race and TTDS is unknown.

Objective

To investigate racial differences in time to melanoma treatment.

Methods

Retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (2004-2015). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of race with TTDS, controlling for sociodemographic/disease characteristics.

Results

Of the 233,982 patients with melanoma identified, 1221 (0.52%) were black. Black patients had longer TTDS for stage I to III melanoma (P < .001) and time to immunotherapy (P = .01), but not for TTDS for stage IV melanoma or time to chemotherapy (P > .05 for both). When sociodemographic characteristics were controlled for, black patients had over twice the odds of having a TTDS between 41 and 60 days, over 3 times the odds of having a TTDS between 61 and 90 days, and over 5 times the odds of having a TTDS over 90 days. Racial differences in TTDS persisted within each insurance type. Patients with Medicaid had the longest TTDS (mean, 60.4 days), and those with private insurance had the shortest TTDS (mean, 44.6 days; P < .001 for both).

Conclusions

Targeted approaches to improve TTDS for black patients are integral in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes.

Stage of chronic kidney disease and cochlear function: A cross-sectional survey

Background

Studies have shown that hearing loss increases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with decreasing glomerular filtration rate. The hearing loss in CKD patients may worsen over time which in turn will negatively affect the patient's ability to effectively communicate with people, resulting in low self-esteem, social isolation, anger and depression. We aimed to assess the relationship between stage of CKD and hearing threshold in patients with CKD in Kaduna.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study of patients with CKD in Kaduna. Individuals were selected consecutively using convenience sampling. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. The patients were grouped based on the stage of the disease. The pure tone audiometry was carried out using a Diagnostic Audiometer (Graphic Digi-IS, USA). The hearing threshold of the patients was then compared based on stage of the disease. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions, version 20.

Results

Sixty CKD patients (120 ears) were assessed. Their mean age was 43.2 ± 13.4 years and 70% were males. Of the 120 ears studied, 51 (42.5%) had normal hearing thresholds and 69 (57.5%) had hearing loss. Of the 69 ears with hearing loss, 11 (15.9%), 22 (31.9%) and 36 (52.2%) were in Stage III, IV and V, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.006). All those with Stage III CKD had mild hearing loss and the hearing loss worsen with advancing stage. Stage III CKD had significantly better hearing than those with stage IV and V (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed a statistically significant relationship between advancing stage of CKD and hearing loss. The hearing loss worsen with advancing stage of CKD.

Stage predictivity of neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the correlations between European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENEST), Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging systems and pre-operative neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLR) in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET).

Material and Methods

Forty-four patients with diagnosed PNET were analyzed retrospectively. Accordingly, the patients' blood and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. The correlations between laboratory parameters and tumor stages were evaluated using Eta correlation analysis. The control group was composed of volunteering healthy participants who had similarities with our study group as regards age and gender.

Results

According to ENETS classification, 34% of the patients were stage I, 25% were stage II, 20.4% were stage III and 20.4% were stage IV. NLR and PLR mean values were 2.4 and 127, respectively. NLR values of the patients in the study group were higher than those of the control group (p= 0.001). NLR and PLR values of stage I, II, III and IV patients tended to increase in parallel to the higher stages according to ENETS system (p= 0.0001 and p= 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, NLR and PLR values increased in parallel to the higher stages according to TNM system (p= 0.0001 and p= 0.0001, respectively). In addition, NLR values were found to be higher in patients with lymph node metastasis than in those without (p= 0.001).

Conclusion

Increased levels of inflammatory mediators such as NLR and PLR are associated with advanced stages of patients with PNET.

Breast cancer survival in sub-Saharan Africa by age, stage at diagnosis and human development index: A population-based registry study

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis and second most common cause of cancer deaths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, there are few population-level survival data from Africa and none on the survival differences by stage at diagnosis. Here, we estimate breast cancer survival within SSA by area, stage and country-level human development index (HDI). We obtained data on a random sample of 2,588 breast cancer incident cases, diagnosed in 2008-2015 from 14 population-based cancer registries in 12 countries (Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe) through the African Cancer Registry Network. Of these, 2,311 were included for survival analyses. The 1-, 3- and 5-year observed and relative survival (RS) were estimated by registry, stage and country-level HDI. We equally estimated the excess hazards adjusting for potential confounders. Among patients with known stage, 64.9% were diagnosed in late stages, with 18.4% being metastatic at diagnosis. The RS varied by registry, ranging from 21.6%(8.2-39.8) at Year 3 in Bulawayo to 84.5% (70.6-93.5) in Namibia. Patients diagnosed at early stages had a 3-year RS of 78% (71.6-83.3) in contrast to 40.3% (34.9-45.7) at advanced stages (III and IV). The overall RS at Year 1 was 86.1% (84.4-87.6), 65.8% (63.5-68.1) at Year 3 and 59.0% (56.3-61.6) at Year 5. Age at diagnosis was not independently associated with increased mortality risk after adjusting for the effect of stage and country-level HDI. In conclusion, downstaging breast cancer at diagnosis and improving access to quality care could be pivotal in improving breast cancer survival outcomes in Africa.

[Clinical rationale training and nursing internship]

In the fieldwork setting, students often find it difficult to make connections between the care provided and the reasons for it. A committed and pedagogical tutoring program should make them aware of the knowledge they need to acquire to develop relevant clinical reasoning for an appropriate diagnostic approach and therapeutic project.

Contemporary patterns of labor in nulliparous and multiparous women

BACKGROUND

Controversy surrounds the definition of "normal" and "abnormal" labor.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we used contemporary labor charts to explore labor patterns in large obstetric population (2011-2016).

STUDY DESIGN

Detailed information from electronic medical records of live singleton deliveries at term (≥37 weeks of gestation) was extracted. Cases of elective cesarean deliveries, nonvertex presentation, and cesarean deliveries during the first stage of labor were excluded.

RESULTS

Overall, 35,146 deliveries were included, of whom 15,948 deliveries (45.3%) were of nulliparous women. Median cervical dilation at admission was not significantly different between nulliparous (median, 4 cm; interquartile range, 3-5 cm) and multiparous women (median, 4 cm; interquartile range, 3-6 cm). In all, 99.3% of the women delivered vaginally. For nulliparous women, the median duration of the first stage of labor was 274 minutes (interquartile range, 145-441 minutes; 95th percentile, 747.5 minutes). Likewise, for multiparous women, the corresponding duration was 133 minutes (interquartile range, 56-244 minutes; 95th percentile, 494 minutes). During the latent phase (cervical dilation at admission, ≤4 cm), the time elapsed to the second stage of labor was 120-140 minutes longer in nulliparous women, whereas the gap between the groups decreased dramatically with advanced cervical dilation on admission. Nulliparous and multiparous women appeared to progress at a similar pace during the latent phase; however, after 5 cm, labor accelerated faster in multiparous women. Epidural anesthesia lengthens duration first and second stages of labor in all parities. Partograms according to cervical dilation at presentation are proposed.

CONCLUSION

Cervical dilation rate is relatively constant between nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women during the latent phase. Time interval of the first stage was far slower than previously described, which allowed labor to continue for a longer period during this stage. These findings may reduce the rate of intrapartum iatrogenic interventions.

Computed Tomography as a Predictor of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Origin, Skull Base Involvement, and Stage

Objective  To investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) to determine the origin, skull base involvement, and stage of sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP). Design  This is a retrospective cohort study. Setting  This is set at a tertiary care medical center. Participants  Patients with preoperative CT imaging who underwent extirpative surgery for histologically confirmed sinonasal IP between January 2005 and October 2019. Main Outcome Measures  The likely sites of tumor origin, skull base involvement, and radiographic tumor stage were determined by two board-certified neuroradiologists after re-reviewing preoperative CT imaging. These radiologic findings were then compared with intraoperative and pathologic findings. Results  Of 86 patients, 74% (64/86) had IP lesions with correctly classified sites of origin on CT. CT was not sensitive for diagnosing ethmoid sinus origin (48%, 52%), frontal sinus origin (80%, 40%), and skull base origin (17%, 17%). CT was not sensitive (62%, 57%) but specific (86%, 98%) for identifying any skull base involvement. There was substantial-to-near perfect agreement between radiographic and pathologic Cannady stages (weighted κ = 0.61 for rater 1; weighted κ = 0.81 for rater 2). Interrater agreement was substantial for identifying tumor origin (κ = 0.75) and stage (weighted κ = 0.62) and moderate for identifying skull base involvement (κ = 0.43). Conclusion  Interrater agreement on CT findings was substantial except on skull base involvement. CT correctly predicted site of tumor origin in up to 74% of subjects. CT was not sensitive for diagnosing skull base involvement but had substantial-to-near perfect agreement with pathologic tumor staging. CT is a useful but albeit limited adjunct for tumor localization and surgical planning for sinonasal IP.

Clinical significance of PET/CT uptake for peripheral clinical N0 non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

In this cohort study, we determined the clinical value of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumors in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Study Design

A retrospective review of NSCLC patients was performed from January 2011 to December 2017. Peripheral cN0 NSCLC patients with tumor size ≤2 cm were included. SUVmax was calculated as a continuous variable for semiquantitative analyses. A receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to assess the cutoff threshold of SUVmax on pathological (p) nodal metastasis. We further evaluated the clinical relevance of SUVmax in peripheral cN0 NSCLC patients.

Results

A total of 670 peripheral NSCLC patients with tumor size ≤2 cm were deemed cN0 by preoperative PET/CT scan. Statistical analyses suggested significant correlations of SUVmax with smoking status (P = .026), tumor volume (P = .001), pathology type (P = .008), tumor differentiation (P < .001), vessel invasion (P = .001), plural invasion (P < .001), pT stage (P < .001), nodal involvement (P < .001), and pathological tumor node metastasis stage (P < .001). A cutoff point of SUVmax of 3.8 (P < .001) could be used to predict pathological nodal metastasis. Multivariable analyses indicated that preoperative SUVmax >3.8 (odds ratio, 12.149; P < .001) was an independent predictor of nodal metastasis. Overall survival analyses further suggested that SUVmax was an independent prognostic indicator (hazard ratio, 2.050; P = .017).

Conclusion

Preoperative SUVmax is a predictor of pathological nodal metastasis and prognosis for peripheral cN0 NSCLC patients with tumor size ≤2 cm. Our results indicate that assessment of PET SUVmax could improve stratification of these patients.

Socioeconomic Status and Ovarian Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: A Study Nested Within UKCTOCS

Background: Tubo-ovarian cancer (OC) continues to be the most lethal of all gynaecological cancers. Over half of women are diagnosed with late stage (III/IV) disease, which has a five-year survival rate of 11%. Socioeconomic status (SES) has been shown to have an impact on outcomes of several cancer types, including OC. This study aims to investigate any potential association between SES and stage at diagnosis of OC. Methods: Women from the non-screening arm of the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) with a confirmed diagnosis of OC prior to 01 January 2015 and an English index of multiple deprivation (IMD) score were eligible for the study. The association between IMD and OC stage (FIGO) was analysed using an ordinal logistic regression model adjusted for age at diagnosis and BMI. Results: Four-hundred and fifty seven women were eligible for inclusion in the primary analysis. The odds of being diagnosed with the higher dichotomization of stage (I vs. II/III/IV; I/II vs. III/IV; I/II/III vs. IV) was 1.29 (p = 0.017; 95% CI: 1.048–1.592) per unit SD (standard deviation) increase in IMD. This translates to a 29% increase in odds of being diagnosed at the higher stage per each unit SD increase in IMD. Conclusion: Increased deprivation is consistently associated with a higher probability of being diagnosed with later stage OC.

Disease-Specific Survival of Type I and Type II Epithelial Ovarian Cancers-Stage Challenges Categorical Assignments of Indolence & Aggressiveness

Epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) consist of several sub-types based on histology, clinical, molecular and epidemiological features that are termed “histo-types”, which can be categorized into less aggressive Type I and more aggressive Type II malignancies. This investigation evaluated the disease-specific survival (DSS) of women with Type I and II EOC using histo-type, grade, and stage. A total of 47,789 EOC cases were identified in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Survival analysis and log rank test were performed to identify a 2-tiered classification (grade 1 vs. grade 2 & 3) for serous EOC. DSS of early stage serous EOC for grade 2 was significantly different from grade 3 indicating that a 2-tier classification for serous EOC applied only to late stage. DSS of Type I EOC was much better than Type II. However, DSS was 33–52% lower with late stage Type I than with early stage Type I indicating that Type I ovarian cancers should not be considered indolent. Early stage Type II EOC had much better DSS than late stage Type II stressing that stage has a large role in survival of both Type I and II EOC.

Early-stage Mycosis Fungoides: Epidemiology and Prognosis

Most patients with mycosis fungoides are diagnosed with early-stage disease. However, prevalence of early-stage disease is unknown, and evidence of its burden is scarce. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of early-stage mycosis fungoides, how long patients live with early-stage disease and to characterise these patients. Data were obtained from 4 key publications and from US cancer registries (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program; SEER). The derived incidence of early-stage mycosis fungoides was 0.26/100,000 (UK), 0.29/100,000 (US) and 0.38/100,000 (US-SEER) and the prevalence was 4.8/100,000 (UK), 5.2/100,000 (US) and 6.6/100,000 (US-SEER). Early-stage disease may last for 18 years. From SEER registries, 3,132 were diagnosed at early stage (mostly stage IA). Median age at diagnosis was 58 years. Compared with stage IA, the relative risk of death was 1.3 for stage IB and 3.5 for stage IIA. We confirm the rarity of early-stage mycosis fungoides, a differential prognosis and the potential for elevated burden of disease.

La continuité de l’enseignement en maïeutique, un enjeu majeur en période de confinement

Au plus fort de la crise sanitaire et alors que les Français étaient pour la plupart confinés, les équipes pédagogiques, les professionnels cliniciens et les étudiants ont été confrontés à une problématique inédite. Dans le but d’assurer la sécurité de tous et la continuité pédagogique, les structures de formation en sciences maïeutiques ont dû relever de nombreux défis : poursuite ou report des stages, dispensation des enseignements et organisation des examens.

Tumor and nodal staging of colon cancer: accuracy of preoperative computed tomography at a Swedish high-volume center

Background

When deciding treatment options for patients with colon cancer, accurate staging is required. In Sweden, the main preoperative evaluation modality to determine tumor and nodal stage is computed tomography (CT).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate how well the preoperative (CT-determined) clinical tumor and nodal stage (cTN) correlated with the postoperative histopathological stage (pTN). Another aim was to validate the tumor and nodal stage data in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR).

Material and Methods

The SCRCR was used to identify patients with colon cancer, treated at a Swedish high-volume center during 2013-2016 (n = 974). Data were gathered from medical records regarding cTN and pTN stage, and predefined patient and tumor variables. The agreement between cTN and pTN was analyzed using kappa statistics.

Results

After excluding patients with either pre- or postoperative TN stage missing, 383 patients remained for further analyses. The analyses showed an agreement between cT and pT of κ: 0.27 and between cN and pN of κ: 0.21 (fair agreement). When comparing tumors with low (T1-3; N0) versus high risk (T4; N1-2), the kappa value was 0.19 (slight agreement). When comparing the SCRCR to medical records, 78% of completely staged tumors had been correctly reported.

Conclusion

The agreement between cTN and pTN was low in this study population, indicating a need for enhanced precision of the preoperative staging process. A high frequency of erroneous preoperative staging data in the SCRCR shows the need for further efforts of ensuring correct data transfers into the registry.

Identification of several plasma proteins whose levels in colorectal cancer patients differ depending on outcome

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands for 10% of the worldwide cancer burden and has recently become the second most common cause of cancer death. The 5-year survival rate depends mainly on stage at diagnosis. Mass spectrometric proteomic analysis is widely used to study the plasma proteome, which is complex and contains multitudes of proteins. In this study, we have used Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultra Definition Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-UDMSE)-based proteomics to analyze plasma samples from 76 CRC patients. We identified several plasma proteins, such as CP, TVP23C, FETUB, and IGFBP3, of which altered levels led to significant differences in survival, as seen by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Additionally, during Cox regression analysis, samples were adjusted for age and/or tumor stage, enabling stringent analysis. These proteins, although in need of further validation, could be of use during patient follow-up, as their levels can non-invasively be measured from blood samples, and could be of use in predicting patient outcome. Several of these proteins additionally have roles in metabolism and inflammation, two processes central to the development and progression of cancer, further indicating their importance in cancer.