Aggressive metastasectomy for pulmonic sarcomatous metastases: a follow-up study

Impact of Intraoperative Molecular Imaging after Fluorescent-Guided Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) has been shown to improve lesion detection during pulmonary sarcomatous metastasectomy. Our goal in this study was to evaluate whether data garnered from IMI-guided resection of pulmonary sarcoma metastasis translate to improved patient outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-two of 65 consecutive patients with a previous history of sarcomas found to have pulmonary nodules during screening were enrolled in a nonrandomized clinical trial. Patients underwent TumorGlow the day before surgery. Data on patient demographics, tumor biologic characteristics, preoperative assessment, and survival were included in the study analysis and compared with institutional historical data of patients who underwent metastasectomy without IMI. p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

IMI detected 42 additional lesions in 31 patients (59%) compared with the non-IMI cohort where 25% percent of patients had additional lesions detected using tactile and visual feedback only (p < 0.05). Median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with IMI-guided pulmonary sarcoma metastasectomy was 36 months vs 28.6 months in the historical cohort (p < 0.05). IMI-guided pulmonary sarcoma metastasectomy had recurrence in the lung with a median time of 18 months compared with non-IMI group at 13 months (p < 0.05). Patients with synchronous lesions in the IMI group underwent systemic therapy at a statistically higher rate and tended to undergo routine screening at shorter interval.

CONCLUSIONS

IMI identifies a subset of sarcoma patients during pulmonary metastasectomy who have aggressive disease and informs the medical oncologist to pursue more aggressive systemic therapy. In this setting, IMI can serve both as a diagnostic and prognostic tool without conferring additional risk to the patient.

Results of redo pulmonary metastasectomy

Repeat surgical resection (redo) for pulmonary metastases is a questionable, albeit intriguing topic. We performed an extensive review of the literature, to specifically analyze results of redo pulmonary metastasectomies. We reviewed a total of 3,523 papers. Among these, 2,019 were excluded for redundancy and 1,105 because they were not completely retrievable. Out of 399 eligible papers, 183 had missing information or missing abstract, while 96 lacked data on survival. A total of 120 papers dated from 1991 onwards were finally included. Data regarding mortality, major morbidity, prognostic factors and long-term survivals of the first redo pulmonary metastasectomies were retrieved and analyzed. Homogeneity of data was affected by the lack of guidelines for redo pulmonary metastasectomy and the risks of bias when comparing different studies has to be considered. According to the histology sub-types, redo metastasectomies papers were grouped as: colorectal (n=42), sarcomas (n=36), others (n=20) and all histologies (n=22); the total number of patients was 3,015. Data about chemotherapy were reported in half of the papers, whereas targeted or immunotherapy in 9. None of these associated therapies, except chemotherapy in two records, did significantly modify outcomes. Disease-free interval before the redo procedure was the prevailing prognostic factor and nearly all papers showed a significant correlation between patients’ comorbidities and prognosis. No perioperative mortality was reported, while perioperative major morbidity was overall quite low. Where available, overall survival after the first redo metastasectomy ranged from 10 to 72 months, with a 5-years survival of approximately 50%. The site of first recurrence after the redo procedure was mainly lung. Despite the data retrievable from literature are heterogeneous and confounding, we can state that redo lung metastasectomy is worthwhile when the lesions are resectable and the perioperative risk is low. At present, there are no “non-surgical” therapeutic options to replace redo pulmonary metastasectomies.

Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: An update on the current state of histiotype-specific management in an era of personalized medicine

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors that account for 1% of all adult malignancies, with over 100 different histologic subtypes occurring predominately in the trunk, extremity, and retroperitoneum. This low incidence is further complicated by their variable presentation, behavior, and long-term outcomes, which emphasize the importance of centralized care in specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team approach. In the last decade, there has been an effort to improve the quality of care for patients with STS based on anatomic site and histology, and multiple ongoing clinical trials are focusing on tailoring therapy to histologic subtype. This report summarizes the latest evidence guiding the histiotype-specific management of extremity/truncal and retroperitoneal STS with regard to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Management of metastatic retroperitoneal sarcoma: a consensus approach from the Trans-Atlantic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG)

Introduction

Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is a rare disease accounting for 0.1%-0.2% of all malignancies. Management of RPS is complex and requires multidisciplinary, tailored treatment strategies at all stages, but especially in the context of metastatic or multifocal recurrent disease. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of this family of diseases, the literature to guide management is limited.

Methods

The Trans-Atlantic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG) is an international collaboration of sarcoma experts from all disciplines convened in an effort to overcome these limitations. The TARPSWG has compiled the available evidence surrounding metastatic and multifocally recurrent RPS along with expert opinion in an iterative process to generate a consensus document regarding the complex management of this disease. The objective of this document is to guide sarcoma specialists from all disciplines in the diagnosis and treatment of multifocal recurrent or metastatic RPS.

Results

All aspects of patient assessment, diagnostic processes, local and systemic treatments, and palliation are reviewed in this document, and consensus recommendations provided accordingly. Recommendations were guided by available evidence, in conjunction with expert opinion where evidence was lacking.

Conclusions

This consensus document combines the available literature regarding the management of multifocally recurrent or metastastic RPS with the practical expertise of high-volume sarcoma centers from multiple countries. It is designed as a tool for decision making in the complex multidisciplinary management of this condition and is expected to standardize management across centers, thereby ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care.

Lung Surveillance Strategy for High-Grade Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Chest X-Ray or CT Scan?

BACKGROUND

Given the propensity for lung metastases, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend lung surveillance with either chest x-ray (CXR) or CT in high-grade soft tissue sarcoma. Considering survival, diagnostic sensitivity, and cost, the optimal modality is unknown.

METHODS

The US Sarcoma Collaborative database (2000 to 2016) was reviewed for patients who underwent resection of a primary high-grade soft tissue sarcoma. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Cost analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Among 909 patients, 83% had truncal/extremity and 17% had retroperitoneal tumors. Recurrence occurred in 48%, of which 54% were lung metastases. Lung surveillance was performed with CT in 80% and CXR in 20%. Both groups were clinically similar, although CT patients had more retroperitoneal tumors and recurrences. Regardless of modality, 85% to 90% of lung metastases were detected within the first 2 years with a similar re-intervention rate. When considering age, tumor size, location, margin status, and receipt of radiation, lung metastasis was independently associated with worse OS (hazard ratio 4.26; p < 0.01) and imaging modality was not (hazard ratio 1.01; p = 0.97). Chest x-ray patients did not have an inferior 5-year OS rate compared with CT (71% vs 60%; p < 0.01). When analyzing patients in whom no lung metastases were detected, both cohorts had a similar 5-year OS rate (73% vs 74%; p = 0.42), suggesting CXR was not missing clinically relevant lung nodules. When adhering to a guideline-specified protocol for 2018 projected 4,406 cases, surveillance with CXR for 5 years results in savings of $5 million to $8 million/year to the US healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicenter study, lung surveillance with CXR did not result in worse overall survival compared with CT. With considerable savings, a CXR-based protocol can optimize resource use for lung surveillance in high-grade soft tissue sarcoma; prospective trials are needed.

Retroperitoneal Sarcomas

BACKGROUND

The evaluation and treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas are challenging because the tumors are relatively rare and frequently present with advanced disease in an anatomically complex location.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature on experience in the management of retroperitoneal sarcomas, and we present our own experience in the treatment of these tumors.

RESULTS

The identification of prognostic factors other than the adequacy of resection has been inconsistent. Due to a lack of associated symptoms, retroperitoneal sarcomas smaller than 5 cm are rare. Computed tomography is the most useful tool in the evaluation of retroperitoneal tumors. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are treatment options, but the most important factor in the treatment of primary tumors is complete surgical resection. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies is not defined and should be considered within the context of clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Early referral of patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors will help to ensure that they will receive the benefits of multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of their disease and ready access to clinical trials.

[Treatment Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma: a High Volume Academic Institution Experience]

背景与目的

肺是骨与软组织肉瘤最常见的远隔转移脏器，肺转移严重影响患者长期生存。肺转移瘤切除术有助于改善预后，然而对其临床地位、适应证及预后影响因素的认识目前仍存在争议。由于发病率较低难以开展随机对照研究，同时国际单中心大宗病例回顾研究也极为罕见，国内尚无类似报道。本研究旨在回顾本组单中心大样本肺转移性骨与软组织肉瘤的外科治疗结果，并且对预后影响因素进行分析。

方法

2007年1月-2015年12月期间，经病理确诊为骨与软组织肉瘤，已在多学科综合治疗框架下完成原发病灶根治性切除，并且至少经过1次肺转移瘤切除术的所有患者均纳入分析。收集相关临床变量，运用Cox风险比例回归法进行单因素及多因素分析寻找与预后影响因素。

结果

144例骨与软组织肉瘤患者符合纳入标准，总共行155次肺转移瘤切除术。多因素分析结果提示非R0切除、无病间期 < 1年、肺转移灶数目≥3枚、肺转移灶的长径总和≥45 mm均是预后的独立危险因素。

结论

积极行肺转移瘤外科治疗有助于改善转移性骨与软组织肉瘤患者的长期预后。R0切除，无病间期时间较长，转移瘤数目较少及长径总和较小是本组患者良好的预后因素。

Factors predicting survival following complete surgical remission of pulmonary metastasis in osteosarcoma

Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is associated with improved survival of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma; however, the factors affecting survival following achievement of complete surgical remission remain controversial. The main objective of this study was to report the outcomes and prognostic factors of osteosarcoma patients who achieved complete remission (CR) following PM. We analyzed the effect of demographic and disease-related characteristics on the overall survival (OS) of consecutive patients with metastatic osteosarcoma who were treated at a single institution and achieved CR following PM, through univariate and multivariate analyses. Between January, 2000 and August, 2013, 62 patients with metastatic osteosarcoma were treated and followed up at our institution. A total of 25 patients achieved CR following PM and were included in this analysis. The 5-year OS and disease-free survival following PM were 30 and 21%, respectively. The factors correlated with inferior OS in the univariate analysis included chondroblastic subtype, post-chemotherapy necrosis <90% in the primary tumor, metastasis detected during neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and pathological identification of tumor cells reaching the visceral pleural surface of any of the resected nodules. In the multivariate analysis, the chondroblastic subtype was the sole independent adverse prognostic factor (HR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.0-21.3, P=0.044). Therefore, factors associated with tumor biology, including poor tumor necrosis in the primary tumor and detection of metastasis during primary chemotherapy, are associated with poor post-metastasectomy survival. In addition, chondroblastic subtype and visceral pleural involvement predicted poor prognosis in our series.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, a potential alternative treatment for pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), such as body gamma knife, was reported to achieve excellent rates of local disease control with limited toxicity in many cases of primary or secondary pulmonary tumor, except osteosarcoma. To confirm the value of SRS in pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma, we reviewed the experience from our institution (Department of Oncology, Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai) and compared the efficiency of SRS with that of surgical resection. From January 2005 to December 2012, we carried out a retrospective investigation of 58 patients (age, 8-59 years; mean, 25.2 years) who were diagnosed with non-metastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity and later developed pulmonary metastasis during the period of adjuvant chemotherapy or follow-up. Among them, 27 patients were treated by SRS using the body gamma-knife system. A total dose of 50 Gy was delivered at 5 Gy/fraction to the 50% isodose line covering the planning target volume, whereas a total dose of 70 Gy was delivered at 7 Gy/fraction to the gross target volume. The other 31 patients were treated by surgical resection. Two-year progression-free survival rate, two-year survival rate, median time of PRPFS (post-relapse progress-free survival) and PROS (post-relapse overall survival) in SRS group were parallel to that in surgical group. All 27 patients tolerated gamma knife radiosurgery well while only 9 patients had grades 1-2 pneumonitis. We believe SRS, compared with surgical resection, is effective and safe in treating pulmonary metastasis from osteosarcoma, especially for those patients who were medically unfit for a resection or who refused surgery.

Which Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients with Lung Metastases Should not Undergo Pulmonary Resection?

Using the second best method of meta-analysis it is significantly shown that patients with an interval of less than 7 months between diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma and lung surgery for metastases do not benefit.

Pulmonary metastases in children with osteosarcoma: characteristics and impact on patient survival

BACKGROUND

Approximately 15-20% of patients with osteosarcoma present with detectable metastatic disease and the majority of whom (85%) have pulmonary lesions as the sole site of metastasis. Previous studies have shown that the overall survival rate among patients with localized osteosarcoma without metastatic disease is approximately 60-70% whereas survival rate reduces to 10-30% in patients with metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and characteristic features of pulmonary metastases in a group of osteosarcoma patients and correlate the findings with the prognostic outcome/survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-seven cases of histologically confirmed osteosarcoma were reviewed (47 male, 30 female, mean age 10.9). The site and size of the primary tumour and degrees of chemonecrosis were recorded. Lung metastases were analyzed according to their size, number, distribution and interval from diagnosis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival probability curve. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were evaluated with the log-rank test for univariate analyses.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had synchronous and 11 had metachronous lung metastases. Sixteen (57%) underwent pulmonary metastasectomy. Nine of sixteen (56%) patients with metastasectomy and 10/12 (83%) patients without metastasectomy died. Poor chemonecrosis was associated with a worse outcome. Number, distribution and timing of lung metastases, but not the size of lung metastases, were of prognostic value for survival.

CONCLUSION

Radiological detection of lung metastases is clinically important as it indicates a worse prognosis.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications in patients with sarcoma after the resection of pulmonary nodules by thoracotomy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors for pulmonary complications after thoracotomy for the resection of pulmonary nodules in patients with sarcoma.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving 68 consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoma and submitted to a total of 174 thoracotomies for the resection of pulmonary nodules. The dependent variable was defined as the occurrence of any postoperative pulmonary complications. The independent variables were related to the patient, underlying diagnosis, and type of surgical procedure. We analyzed the data using a multivariate generalized estimating equations model with logistic link function and a symmetric correlation structure.

RESULTS

Complications were observed in 24 patients (13.8%, 95% CI: 9.0-19.8), and there was one death. The mean length of hospital stay was twice as long in the patients with postoperative complications as in those without (18.8 ± 10.0 days vs. 8.6 ± 6.0 days; p < 0.05). The variables that correlated with the outcome measure were the type of resection (wedge vs. anatomic; OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.5-8.8), the need for blood transfusion (OR = 9.8; 95% CI: 1.6-60.1), and the number of nodules resected (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.1). The multivariate model showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.65-0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative pulmonary complications were common after pulmonary nodule resection in patients with sarcoma, occurring in approximately 10% of the procedures. The occurrence of such complications can be expected when techniques other than wedge resection are employed, when blood transfusion is required, and when a great number of nodules are resected. Therefore, it is possible to identify patients at risk for pulmonary complications, who should be closely monitored in the immediate postoperative period. In such patients, all preventive measures should be taken.

Prognostic factors and outcome in Askin-Rosai tumor: a review of 104 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prognostic factors and treatment outcome of patients with Askin-Rosai tumor of the chest wall treated at a single institution.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Treatment comprised multiagent chemotherapy and local therapy, which was either in the form of surgery alone, radical external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) alone, or a combination of surgery and EBRT. Thirty-two patients (40%) were treated with all three modalities, 21 (27%) received chemotherapy and radical EBRT, and 19 (24%) underwent chemotherapy followed by surgery only.

RESULTS

One hundred four consecutive patients aged 3-60 years were treated at the Tata Memorial Hospital from January 1995 to October 2003. Most (70%) were male (male/female ratio, 2.3:1). Asymptomatic swelling (43%) was the most common presenting symptom, and 25% of patients presented with distant metastasis. After a median follow-up of 28 months, local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 67%, 36%, and 45%, respectively. Median time to relapse was 25 months, and the median survival was 76 months. Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥18 years, poor response to induction chemotherapy, and presence of pleural effusion as indicators of inferior survival. Fifty-six percent of patients with metastatic disease at presentation died within 1 month of diagnosis, with 6-month and 5-year actuarial survival of 14% and 4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Primary tumor size, pleural effusion, response to chemotherapy, and optimal radiotherapy were important prognostic factors influencing outcome. The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy resulted in optimal outcome.

Sarcoma

Sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal neoplasms. They can be grouped into 2 general categories, soft tissue sarcoma and primary bone sarcoma, which have different staging and treatment approaches. This review includes a discussion of both soft tissue sarcomas (malignant fibrous histiocytoma, liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and primary alveolar soft-part sarcoma) and primary bone sarcomas (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, giant cell tumor, and chondrosarcoma). The 3 most important prognostic variables are grade, size, and location of the primary tumor. The approach to a patient with a sarcoma begins with a biopsy that obtains adequate tissue for diagnosis without interfering with subsequent optimal definitive surgery. Subsequent treatment depends on the specific type of sarcoma. Because sarcomas are relatively uncommon yet comprise a wide variety of different entities, evaluation by oncology teams who have expertise in the field is recommended. Treatment and follow-up guidelines have been published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.nccn.org).

Surgical therapy of lung metastases

Almost 125 years after the first documented case, pulmonary metastasectomy is still poorly understood. No other organ is subject to the wide histologic variety of metastatic insults, and this fact has complicated a complete exposition of when pulmonary metastasectomy may be beneficial. Many physicians still consider pulmonary metastatic disease to be always incurable, and they may underestimate existing surgical options including the benefits of pulmonary metastasectomy. In addition, technological improvements in radiological screening of pulmonary metastases and thoracoscopic resection are fundamentally altering the management of these patients and their surgery. This article reviews the history, form, and future of pulmonary metastasectomy, the literature that supports or refutes its application in various tumor types, and the screening and surgical evaluation that is needed prior to its performance.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Therapy for Lung Metastasis: Indications and Outcomes

The management of pulmonary metastasis is a broad and multifaceted topic. Because of the filtration function and the favorable microenvironment of the lung, most malignancies cause pulmonary metastases. This article focuses on recent experience with secondary lung malignancies and their newer treatment options, indications, and technical aspects.

Hepatic metastasectomy in children

BACKGROUND

There are little data regarding the safety and efficacy of hepatic metastasectomy for solid tumors in childhood. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess operative mortality and morbidity, technique of resection, local control, and survival in pediatric patients undergoing liver resection for metastases.

METHODS

All pediatric patients who underwent hepatic resection for metastatic disease from August 1988 to July 2005 were retrospectively identified and clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified during this period and primary malignancies included neuroblastoma (7), Wilms tumor (3), osteogenic sarcoma (2), malignant gastric epithelial tumor (1), and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (2). Twelve patients underwent anatomical hepatic resections and 3 had wedge resections. There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. The 2 postoperative complications included 1 wound infection and 1 bile collection. The median follow-up after hepatic resection was 1.6 years (0.2-7 years). Three patients remain alive. Eleven patients died of progressive disease; 4 patients suffered local recurrence. One patient died from enterocolitis and sepsis and was without evidence of malignancy at the time of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic metastasectomy in children is feasible and is associated with a low operative mortality and morbidity. In this small group of patients anatomic hepatectomy was associated with better local control compared with wedge resection. Overall prognosis in these patients remains poor and the decision to perform hepatic metastasectomy should be highly selective.

Surgical management and outcome of osteosarcoma patients with unilateral pulmonary metastases

PURPOSE

The surgical management of osteosarcoma patients with unilateral pulmonary nodules is controversial. The authors reviewed their institutional experience to evaluate the incidence of occult contralateral metastases.

METHODS

Data were obtained retrospectively on all consecutive osteosarcoma patients from 1980 to 2002. Eighty-four patients with pulmonary nodules were identified. Forty-one had bilateral disease, and 43 had unilateral involvement by computed tomography (CT) scan.

RESULTS

All 43 patients with unilateral nodules underwent ipsilateral thoracotomies. Fifteen patients had negative exploration findings, and only 1 had pulmonary relapse. Of the 28 patients with metastases confirmed at initial thoracotomies, 14 had extensive pleural or extrapulmonary disease at initial thoracotomy followed by disease progression. The other 14 are separated into early versus late metastases, using 2 years from diagnosis as the cutoff point. Seven of the 9 (78%) patients with early metastases had or subsequently had contralateral disease; 6 were identified at staged contralateral thoracotomy and 1 had relapsed in the unexplored lung a year later. Only 1 of the 5 patients with late unilateral metastases had relapse in the contralateral side.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that there is a high rate of contralateral involvement in osteosarcoma patients with unilateral nodules diagnosed by CT scan. Staged bilateral thoracotomies should be considered in osteosarcoma patients presenting with unilateral pulmonary disease on imaging studies within 2 years of diagnosis.

Results of treatment for metastatic osteosarcoma with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery

The purpose of the current study was to define the survival outcome variables for the 85 patients with Stage IIB osteosarcoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the authors' institution from 1982 to 1997. A minimum 4-year followup or death was a requisite for inclusion. Forty-three patients were relapse-free survivors and 14 had no evidence of disease at followup for an overall survival of 67%. Twenty-nine patients had thoracotomy and nine have no evidence of disease with a minimum 4-year followup from last thoracotomy. The mean time to metastasis after diagnosis for patients presenting with Stage IIB disease was 12.8 months. There was no difference in the survival for any of the three chemotherapy protocols, used during the 15 years included in this analysis. There was a significant relation between length of time to relapse and survival. For each additional year without relapse, there is an 18% increase in chance of survival. In patients who were treated with thoracotomy, the number of metastatic nodules was a significant predictor of survival; specifically, each nodule increased the risk of death by 43%. A favorable outcome in this cohort of patients is related to the length of time between initiation of therapy and diagnosis of metastasis, and the number of metastatic foci.

The role of pulmonary metastasectomy in soft tissue sarcoma

Pulmonary metastases are common in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. The majority of patients who develop pulmonary metastases are asymptomatic and are diagnosed during routine follow-up visits. There is evidence to suggest that pulmonary metastasectomy is associated with improved overall survival but only in patients with complete surgical resection. There are several criterion to identify patients for resection. The majority of resectable patients have peripheral lesions that are amenable to wedge resection. There is little evidence to suggest that chemotherapy improves survival. Future research is needed to better identify patients for metastasectomy, to determine the role of minimally invasive procedures, and to develop better adjuvant therapy.

Surgical treatment for pancreatic metastasis from soft-tissue sarcoma: report of two cases

We present two cases in which a soft-tissue sarcoma metastasized to the pancreas, but both patients survived as a result of repetitive surgical treatment during a 6- to 10-year period. The first case was a 29-year-old man who had a history of removal of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the left thigh in 1986 and who underwent distal pancreatectomy and the enucleation of a tumor in the head of the pancreas because of the development of three metastatic lesions in 1989. Afterward, although metastases were found in other organs, they were resected each time (for a total of five times) and the patient has survived over 10 years. The second case was a 40-year-old woman who had a history of the removal of synovial sarcoma in the right thigh and had 6 surgical resections of local or pulmonary recurrent tumors. She underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in 1993 because of the development of a solitary metastatic lesion in the pancreas and survived more than 6 years after the pancreatectomy. Our report suggests, in selected cases, that long-term survival from pancreatic metastasis of soft-tissue sarcoma is expected as a result of curative resection. However, because pancreatic metastasis has a potential to recur in other organs, it is necessary to take aggressive surgical procedures repeatedly for the treatment of recurrences to improve prognosis after pancreatectomy.

Secondary pulmonary malignancy

Patients with pulmonary metastases were previously relegated to palliative medical management. Since the first metastasectomies in the nineteenth century, general acceptance of this technique has occurred. Although, initially, indications for resection of pulmonary metastases were limited to patients with solitary nodules, over time, indications have broadened to include multiple lesions, recurrent disease, and nearly all histologies. With appropriate patient selection and the absence of extrathoracic disease, survival may be improved. For patients with disseminated and symptomatic disease, surgical therapy may also provide some relief.

Surgical treatment of lung metastases: prognostic factors for long-term survival

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Surgical resection of lung metastases is an established therapy for a large number of primary tumors, but there is some controversy about prognostic factors for long-term survival.

METHODS

From 1968 to 1996, we performed a retrospective review of a series of 85 patients (100 operations) that have been operated for resection of lung metastases. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probabilities of survival, the log-rank test for the univariate analysis of prognostic factors for survival, and the Cox model in the subsequent multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The operative mortality was 4% and the morbidity 18%. The mean follow-up after lung resection was 22.13 months (1-146). The actuarial 5-year survival rate was 29.2%. By univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with survival after resection: location and histology of the primary tumor, greatest dimension of the largest metastasis, radicality of the resection, involvement of the resection margins, and use of adjuvant therapy (P < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, only the dimension of the metastases and involvement of surgical margins have been found to be independently associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical excision is a safe and effective therapy for lung metastases from a large number of primary tumors, provided a complete resection is feasible.

Pulmonary metastasis

OBJECTIVES

To provide a review of pulmonary-specific pathophysiology and pulmonary metastasis-related information regarding diagnostic tests, differential diagnoses, signs and symptoms, treatment, and nursing implications.

DATA SOURCES

Research studies, review papers, and case reports pertaining to pulmonary metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Several site-specific mechanisms of metastasis may begin to explain why the lungs are a common metastatic site. There are circumstances when pulmonary metastases can be either surgically removed or treated with combined modalities, resulting in prolonged survival.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Metastatic disease may be treated aggressively; for some patients, this can result in prolonged survival while maintaining reasonable quality of life. A useful basic resource for obtaining a pulmonary history is provided. Key points regarding symptom management and patient education also are discussed.

Evaluation of follow-up investigations in osteosarcoma patients: suggestions for an effective follow-up program

BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE

Follow-up programs for cancer patients aim at improving the overall prognosis by early detection of relapse. In this study, follow-up data from 72 osteosarcoma patients were received in order to determine the value of clinical examination (CE), lung CT-scan (CTL), chest X-ray (CXR), local X-ray (LXR), and bone scintigraphy (BS) in the detection of tumor recurrence.

PROCEDURE

Twenty-eight of 72 osteosarcoma patients presented with a total of 61 relapse sites. A continuous remission after relapse treatment could be achieved in 2/16 patients with first lung metastases, in 2/6 patients with local relapse, and in 3/19 patients with more than one lung metastasis. More than 90% of all relapses occurred within 3 years off primary therapy, respectively, within 3 years after detection of relapse. Local relapse and lung metastases were primarily diagnosed by CXR, CTL and CE. BS was the most important investigation to detect distant metastases. No relapse was found by routine X-ray of the primary tumor site.

CONCLUSIONS

To improve efficacy of follow-up programs and to reduce radiation load of nonrelapsed patients, the prognosis of patients with lung metastases or local recurrences and the time of high risk for a relapse should be taken into consideration. Since the number of patients who benefit from relapse therapy is still low, it remains to be shown whether an increased frequency of lung CT-scans or MRIs of the primary tumor site will improve early detection of relapse; and if so, whether that will enhance the chance for successful relapse treatment. CXR, CTL and CE should be performed routinely for at least 3 years after completion of therapy or relapse diagnosis. In contrast, BS and LXR appear not to be useful as routine investigations.

Osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastases: 15-year experience from a single institution

BACKGROUND

The outcome of management in patients with osteosarcoma and pulmonary metastases at a Sydney teaching hospital was reviewed.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma and treated by the Bone and Soft Tissue Unit and the Medical Oncology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 1979 and January 1995. Information was collected on demographics, tumour site, tumour histology, primary management including surgery and adjuvant therapy, and the subsequent development and management of pulmonary metastases.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients with localized osteosarcoma was seen. Overall survival and survival following pulmonary metastases was assessed. There were 33 (59%) males and 23 (41%) females, with a median age of 27 years. Survival at 5 years, for patients with non-axial osteosarcoma was 60% (95% CI, 44-77%). Pulmonary metastases without other metastatic disease being apparent, developed in 22 patients, of whom 12 underwent surgical resection. The median disease-free interval of these latter patients was 20 months (95% CI, 8-32 months). Median survival among patients not undergoing surgical resection was 5 months from detection of metastases. Patients undergoing resection of pulmonary metastases had a median survival of 17 months following detection of pulmonary metastases (95% CI, 7-27 months). Actuarial 5-year survival was 16% (95% CI, 0-42%).

CONCLUSIONS

A small proportion of patients with resectable pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma achieve long-term disease-free survival following surgical resection. It is not possible to accurately identify these patients prospectively.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for children with pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may complement open thoracotomy in children with osteosarcoma requiring pulmonary metastasectomy.

METHODS

The records of children with metastatic pulmonary osteosarcoma considered for initial VATS intervention (n = 9) were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two children did not have VATS exploration: one child with multiple bilateral nodules and another child with a deep parenchymal nodule. VATS provided diagnostic biopsy material in all cases when used (n = 7). Two children had benign inflammatory lesions; four children had VATS-directed wedge resections of solitary malignant lesions; and one child had VATS biopsy of diffuse parenchymal and pleural pulmonary disease not amenable to resection. The mean operative time and hospital length of stay were 1.78 +/- 0.54 h and 3.5 +/- 1.8 days, respectively. There were two complications of VATS: bleeding in a child, requiring a transfusion, and a latent pneumothorax in a patient after removal of the chest tube.

CONCLUSION

VATS is safe, serves as an excellent diagnostic modality, complements the open thoracotomy, and may enable the surgeon to avoid more extensive procedures in selected cases.

Isolated lung perfusion with platinum in the treatment of pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas

A multimodality approach including operation and isolated lung perfusion with platinum was used in six patients with lung metastases from soft tissue sarcomas. Staged thoracotomies were used in two patients with bilateral lesions. The inclusion criteria generally applied for surgical excision were adopted in this study. The pulmonary artery and a portion of the left atrium were isolated from systemic circulation and cannulated. The cannulas were then connected to a perfusion circuit and normothermic isolated lung perfusion was done for 60 minutes. The lung was then flushed and metastasectomy was done. Serial blood (systemic and pulmonary), tissue (normal lung and tumor), and urine samples were obtained for platinum content measurement by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Lung damage was assessed by light and electron microscopy examination and by serial respiratory tests. Isolated lung perfusion was accomplished in all patients without any death, operative complication, or systemic toxicity. After operation, interstitial and alveolar edema developed in two patients (48 hours after treatment), necessitating respiratory support in one case. Total platinum concentrations in pulmonary plasma were about 43 times greater than those in systemic plasma. No differences in platinum concentrations between normal lung and metastatic tissue were found. Thus the proposed isolated lung perfusion technique is feasible and safe enough to be offered as a valid model to study combined chemosurgical approaches in the treatment of lung metastases.

Metastasectomy for sarcomatous pediatric histologies: results and prognostic factors

We reviewed our experience of pediatric metastasectomy to define (1) morbidity/mortality in this population and (2) any preoperative or intraoperative prognostic predictors of survival. One hundred fifty-two patients with median age 19 years (range, 5 to 33 years) had 258 thoracic explorations (Ewing's sarcoma, 28; rhabdomyosarcoma, 6; nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma, 42; and osteosarcoma, 76). Resections were accomplished by 218 wedge resections, 19 anatomic resections, 14 wedge and anatomic resections, 4 wedge and chest wall resections, and 3 wedge resections/other procedures. An initial complete resection was accomplished in 121/152 patients (80%). With a median potential follow-up of 10.6 years, median survival from initial thoracotomy is 2.2 years. By the Cox proportional hazards model, three or more positive nodules (p = 0.021), histology other than osteosarcoma (p = 0.0054), and incomplete resection (p < 0.0001) were unfavorable prognostic factors for survival. Two or more positive nodules (p = 0.0049), left location (p = 0.0031), age 14 years or greater at diagnosis (p = 0.0052), or rhabdomyosarcoma (p = 0.0066) predicted shorter pulmonary progression-free survivals after resection. Nonrhabdomyosarcoma pediatric metastasectomy can yield selected long-term survival. Morbidity/mortality is low, and a complete resection, if possible, is paramount. Prognostic factors can be defined that can be used to define the limits of this therapy to the patient and family.

Pulmonary metastasectomy for soft tissue sarcomas: is it justified?

The role of pulmonary metastasectomy for metastatic soft tissue sarcomas is examined by reviewing the recent (1978-1994) English language literature. There are no prospective studies that contain an appropriate control group, and only one retrospective study contains a matched control group. In those few studies that provide greater than 5-year survival data, the survival curve still has a steep slope and few patients are alive at 7 years. In most studies only one or two patients are at risk at 5 years or more. Projected survival is therefore statistically questionable. It is currently impossible to know what is the impact of the surgical procedure over and above the natural history (biology) of the tumor. A randomized, prospective study, as suggested a decade ago, is still needed. While there may be some merit to pulmonary metastasectomy in highly selected patients, aggressive pulmonary metastasectomy does not seem justified by the available data.

A new approach for performing a one-stage operation through the mediastinum to resect bilateral lung metastases: report of a case

We describe herein a new operative technique for reaching the opposite lung from the thoracotomy site through the mediastinum. This procedure was successfully performed on a 76-year-old woman with bilateral lung metastases whose case is presented. After resection of the right lower lobe which contained two metastases, the anterior mediastinum was opened, and contralateral metastasis located in the lingular segment was resected using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. A chest drainage tube was inserted through the mediastinal window. This transmediastinal approach seems to be a feasible technique for preserving the respiratory function of the chest wall in patients with imbalanced bilateral metastases.