Early prediction of endocrine responsiveness in ER+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC): Pilot study with 18F-Fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) CT/PET

BACKGROUND

18F-FES PET/CT is considered an accurate diagnostic tool to determine whole-body endocrine responsiveness. In the ET-FES trial, we evaluated 18F-FES PET/CT as a predictive tool in ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

METHODS

Eligible patients underwent a 18F-FES PET/CT at baseline. Patients with SUV≥2 received single agent ET until PD; patients with SUV<2 were randomized to single agent ET (Arm A) or chemotherapy (CT) (Arm B). Primary objective was to compare the activity of first line ET versus CT in patients with 18F-FES SUV <2.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 patients were enrolled; 117 presented with 18F-FES SUV≥2 and received ET; 30 pts with SUV<2 were randomized to ET or CT. After a median follow up of 62.4 months, 104 patients (73.2%) had disease progression and 53 died (37.3%). Median PFS was 12.4 months (95%CI 3.1-59.6) in patients with SUV <2 randomised to Arm A versus 23.0 months (95%CI 7.7-30.0) in Arm B, (HR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.3 - 1.7); median PFS was 18.0 months (95%CI 11.2-23.1) in patients with SUV≥2 treated with ET. Median OS was 28.2 months (95%CI 14.2-NE) in patients with SUV <2 randomized to ET (Arm A) versus 52.8 months (95%CI 16.2-NE) in Arm B (CT). Median OS was not reached in patients with SUV≥2. 60-month OS rate was 41.6% (95%CI 10.4-71.1%) in Arm A, 42.0% (95%CI 14.0-68.2%) in Arm B and 59.6% (95%CI 48.6-69.0%) in patients with SUV≥2. In patients with SUV≥2, 60-months OS rate was 72.6% if treated with aromatase inhibitors versus 40.6% in case of fulvestrant or tamoxifen (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The ET-FES trial demonstrated that ER+/HER2- MBC patients are a heterogeneous population, with different levels of endocrine responsiveness based on 18F-FES CT/PET SUV.

Development of a pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma registry within the EuRRECa project: rationale and protocol

Background

Although differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most frequent endocrine pediatric cancer, it is rare in childhood and adolescence. While tumor persistence and recurrence are not uncommon, mortality remains extremely low. Complications of treatment are however reported in up to 48% of the survivors. Due to the rarity of the disease, current treatment guidelines are predominantly based on the results of small observational retrospective studies and extrapolations from results in adult patients. In order to develop more personalized treatment and follow-up strategies (aiming to reduce complication rates), there is an unmet need for uniform international prospective data collection and clinical trials.

Methods and analysis

The European pediatric thyroid carcinoma registry aims to collect clinical data for all patients ≤18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of DTC who have been diagnosed, assessed, or treated at a participating site. This registry will be a component of the wider European Registries for Rare Endocrine Conditions project which has close links to Endo-ERN, the European Reference Network for Rare Endocrine Conditions. A multidisciplinary expert working group was formed to develop a minimal dataset comprising information regarding demographic data, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. We constructed an umbrella-type registry, with a detailed basic dataset. In the future, this may provide the opportunity for research teams to integrate clinical research questions.

Ethics and dissemination

Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants and/or their parents/guardians. Summaries and descriptive analyses of the registry will be disseminated via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Giant intracardiac medullary thyroid cancer metastasis

We report an unusual case of giant intracardiac medullary thyroid cancer metastasis. A 76-year-old woman with a 9-year history of medullary thyroid cancer presented an unexpected 7.5 cm mass in the right ventricle. Complete resection and tricuspid valve replacement led to 40 months survival.

Thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a systematic review

PURPOSE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective thyroid surgery is experiencing delays. The problem is that the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. The research purposes were to systematically collect the literature data on the characteristics of those thyroid operations performed and to assess the safety/risks associated with thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We used all the procedures consistent with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus was made using ''Thyroid'' and "coronavirus" as search terms.

RESULTS

Of a total of 293 articles identified, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients undergoing thyroid surgery was 2217. The indication for surgery was malignancy in 1347 cases (60.8%). Screening protocols varied depending on hospital protocol and maximum levels of personal protection equipment were adopted. The hospital length of stay was 2-3 days. Total thyroidectomy was chosen for 1557 patients (1557/1868, 83.4%), of which 596 procedures (596/1558, 38.3%) were combined with lymph node dissections. Cross-infections were registered in 14 cases (14/721, 1.9%), of which three (3/721, 0.4%) with severe pulmonary complications of COVID-19. 377 patients (377/1868, 20.2%) had complications after surgery, of which 285 (285/377, 75.6%) hypoparathyroidism and 71 (71/377, 18.8%) recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

CONCLUSION

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission after thyroid surgery is relatively low. Our study could promote the restart of planned thyroid surgery due to COVID-19. Future studies are warranted to obtain more solid data about the risk of complications after thyroid surgery during the COVID-19 era.

FNA indication according to ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS and K-TIRADS in thyroid incidentalomas at 18F-FDG PET/CT

OBJECTIVE

Focal thyroid incidentaloma (TI) occurs in a 2% of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and about one-third of TIs is cancer. Due to the lack of evidence on the optimal management of TI, current guidelines suggest performing fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA). The study aim was to evaluate the reliability of ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, and K-TIRADS in indicating FNA in TIs.

DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT TIs recorded during the period 2016-2019. Enrolled were TIs with histologic outcome and autonomous nodules. Cases with uncertain matching between ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, US/scintiscan and histology were excluded.

RESULTS

Eighty TIs at ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT (median size 17 mm, median SUVmax 7.85) were included; a 26.2% was cancer. The percentage of nodules classified as high risk according to ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, and K-TIRADS was 20%, 30%, and 29.8%, respectively. The cancer prevalence in high-risk class was 56.2%, 66.7%, and 65.2% in ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, and K-TIRADS, respectively. ACR-TIRADS had the lowest number of cases with FNA indication (48%) and the K-TIRADS, the highest one (75%). Evaluating the reliability of the three systems in indicating FNA, we found a 100% sensitivity and NPV for EU-TIRADS and K-TIRADS; while all the three systems showed poor specificity and PPV.

CONCLUSION

All TIRADSs were reliable to stratify the risk of cancer in focal TI. Comparing their reliability in indicating FNA, we found a good performance of EU-TIRADS and K-TIRADS. Considering the high cancer percentage expected in this setting of patients, those TIRADS with higher propensity to indicate FNA should be preferred.

Metabolic alterations of uterine grafts after extended cold ischemic storage: experimental study in ewes

Uterine transplantation from a deceased donor could become an available option for widely treating uterine infertility. However, this procedure requires more precise knowledge about the graft's tolerance to extended cold ischemia. Here, we sought to assess the uterine metabolic alterations after extended cold ischemic storage in a model of auto-transplantation in ewe. A total of 14 uterine auto-transplantations were performed, divided into 2 groups: 7 after 3 h of cold ischemia time (CIT) and 7 after 24 h. Venous uterine blood was collected before uterus retrieval and during reperfusion (30, 60 and 90 min); thereafter, blood gases, lactate, glucose and amino acids (AAs) were analyzed. Apoptosis analyses were performed before uterus retrieval and following reperfusion in uterus biopsies. A total of 12 uterine auto-transplantations were successfully performed and 7 ewes were alive ≥8 days after transplantation. After reperfusion, a decrease in pH, a rise of lactate and lactate/glucose ratio and a delayed decrease of pO2 were found in the 3 h CIT group. No significant variation of these parameters was observed in the 24 h CIT group. Significant decreases of AAs were observed during reperfusion and these decreases were more pronounced and concerned a larger number of compounds in the 24 h CIT group than in the 3 h CIT group. There was no significant uterine apoptotic signal in either group. Overall, these results suggest that extended CIT storage delayed restoration of aerobic glycolysis and induced an increase in AA requirements of the uterus after reperfusion. However, this biochemical alteration did not reduce success rate for uterine transplantation.

Mid- and long-term prognosis of off- vs. on-pump coronary artery bypass graft in patients with multisite artery disease

BACKGROUND

Among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), around 25% have multisite artery disease (MSAD). Patients with CAD and MSAD are at higher risk of peri-operative and long-term cardiovascular events. Whether off-pump coronary bypass grafting (CABG) can improve their prognosis is unknown. We aimed to assess the benefits of off- vs. on-pump cardiac surgery in patients undergoing CABG, according to coexistence of extra-cardiac artery disease.

METHODS

Between April 1998 and September 2008, 1221 patients undergoing CABG without any other intervention were enrolled. Overall death and major cardiovascular events were recorded at 1-month and during long-term follow-up. A propensity score (PS), derived from all relevant variables (P<0.25) associated with on-pump as compared to off-pump CABG, and representing the likelihood for each individual patient to receive off-pump CABG, was calculated.

RESULTS

MSAD was observed in 279 patients (23%). Off-pump CABG was performed in 208 (17%) patients. The median follow-up was 7.6 years. The 10-year mortality was significantly lower in off- vs. on-pump CABG group (74±4% vs. 68±2%, P=0.024). In patients with MSAD, there was a trend for better survival for off- vs. on-pump CABG (63±8% vs. 50±4%, P=0.078). After adjustment for PS, we found no further difference between on- and off-pump CABG both in the whole cohort (HR=1.30, P=0.10), as well as in MSAD patients (HR=1.51, P=0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MSAD receiving CABG are at worst prognostic than those with isolated CAD. In these patients, we found no significant difference in the long-term mortality and cardiovascular events between on- and off-pump CABG.

First case of sternum replacement with a bioceramic prosthesis after radio-induced sarcoma

Objectives

To date, no "gold standard" technique has been developed for sternum replacement in cases of radioinduced sarcoma, which is a rare and aggressive disease. Current techniques rely on metallic prostheses, meshes, or bone grafts-procedures that that are associated with several complications. We therefore tried a new solution that might simplify and optimize this surgery.

Methods

We used a porous alumina ceramic prosthesis (Ceramil: i.ceram, Limoges, France) that has several interesting characteristics, such as osseointegration, biocompatibility, radiolucency, and high mechanical strength.

Results

We report the first case of sternal replacement surgery involving the implantation of a ceramic prosthesis after radio-induced sternal sarcoma. In 2005, a 54-year-old woman was diagnosed with local breast cancer for which she underwent all appropriate treatment. Ten years later, she developed radio-induced sarcoma of the sternum. A complete sternal replacement was performed on 24 April 2015, with no postoperative complications. Imaging by ¹⁸F-flurodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-computed tomography performed 26 months after the surgery showed no local recurrence. The patient seems to have fully recovered and has resumed normal activity.

Conclusions

This new technique is promising. For the first time, we highlight the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of sternal replacement using a porous alumina ceramic prosthesis.

Which echocardiographic parameters improve the risk prediction for peri-operative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters to predict operative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and to assess its incremental prognostic value as compared to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected the clinical and biological data required to calculate the STS score in patients hospitalised for coronary artery bypass grafting. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography was performed for each patient. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality or major morbidity (i.e. stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation) as defined by the STS. The secondary endpoint was prolonged hospitalisation for over 14 days.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients was included (mean age 66.1±10.2 years, 12.2% were women). The primary endpoint occurred in 33 patients (19.2%), and 28 patients (16.3%) had a prolonged hospital stay. Independent predictive factors for the primary endpoint were an increased left atrial volume (>31 mL/m²; odds ratio (OR) 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-9.12; P=0.004) and a decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (<20 mm; OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.47-8.21; P=0.008). The predictive value of the multivariate model increased when the two echocardiographic parameters were added to the STS score (area under the curve 0.598 vs. 0.695, P=0.001; integrated discrimination improvement 7.44%).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, preoperative assessment of left atrial size and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion should be performed systematically, as it provides additional prognostic information to the STS score.

Multicentre clinical evaluation of the new highly sensitive Elecsys® thyroglobulin II assay in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

A highly sensitive thyroglobulin assay (Elecsys® Tg II, Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany) has become available for monitoring patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Here, we evaluated the clinical performance of Elecsys® Tg II assay in a multicentre patients series and compare it with the established Access® Tg assay (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis on prospectively selected patients in four thyroid cancer referral centres with uniform DTC management.

PARTICIPANTS

All DTC cases diagnosed, treated and followed up in four tertiary referral centres for thyroid cancer since January 2005 (n = 1456) were retrieved, and predefined selection criteria were applied to prevent relevant enrolment biases. A series of 204 patients was finally selected for this study.

MEASUREMENTS

Samples had been stored at -80°C. Tg was measured by fully automated immunometric Elecsys® Tg II and Access® Tg assays in a centralized laboratory.

RESULTS

Two hundred and four DTC were finally included. Of these, 10.8% had structural recurrence (sREC), and 81.4% showed no evidence of disease (NED) at the end of follow-up. There was a significant analytical bias between methods that cannot be used interchangeably. Using ROC curve analysis, the best basal and rhTSH-stimulated Tg cut-offs to detect sREC were 0.41 μg/L and 1.82 μg/L for Elecsys® and 0.36 μg/L and 1.62 μg/L for Access® assay, respectively. Using Cox proportional hazard regression, Tg was the only independent predictor of cancer relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Using appropriate assay-specific cut-offs, the clinical performance of the Elecsys® Tg II assay was comparable to that provided by the well-established Access® Tg assay.

Porous alumina ceramic sternum: A reliable option for sternal replacement

CONTEXT:

To date, there is no gold standard technique for sternum replacement. Current techniques rely on metallic prosthesis, meshes and bars, or bone grafts. However, they have several pitfalls.

AIMS:

The aim of this article is to report the results of sternal replacement with a porous alumina ceramic sternum.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

Surgeries were performed in two teaching hospitals in France.

METHODS:

We designed a porous alumina ceramic prosthesis which possesses interesting characteristics for this surgery such as great biocompatibility, a certain level of bacterial resistance, radiolucency, and compatibility with radiotherapy. The implant is stitched to the ribs with suture thread and does not require osteosynthesis material.

RESULTS:

Six patients with a mean age of 60.6 years received this prosthesis. Indication was tumor in five cases and mediastinitis in one case. The mean follow-up is 20 months (3–37 months). No major complication occurred and healing was fine for all patients. Patients did not complain of breathing discomfort or pain related to the prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS:

This new technique is promising even if there are only six patients in this study.

18F-FDG PET/CT is a prognostic biomarker in patients affected by bone metastases from breast cancer in comparison with 18F-NaF PET/CT

Aim: To compare 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-NaF PET/CT with respect to disease prognostication and outcome in patients affected by bone metastases from breast cancer (BC). Patients, methods: We retrospectively investigated 32 women with BC and documented bone metastases. Semi-quantitative parameters were applied to 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-Na PET/CT in order to evaluate disease extent and tumour metabolism. We used time-to-event analyses (Kaplan Meier and COX proportional hazard methods) to estimate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in order to assess the independent prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-Na PET/CT. Results: The sensitivity of 18F-NaF PET/CT (100%) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of 18F-FDG PET/CT (72% and 72%). None of the 18F-FDG PET/CT-negative patients showed disease progression at the end of follow-up. After adjustment for age, Ki-67 levels, presence of visceral metastases, hormone therapy, duration of bone disease and response to first-line therapy, only 18F-FDG SUV mean [HR 15.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-214.5] and 18F-FDG whole-body bone metabolic burden (WB-B-MB) (HR 16.9; 95%CI 1.87-152.2) were independently and significantly associated with OS. None of the 18F-NaF PET/CT parameters were associated with OS. None of the conventional clinical prognostic parameters remained significantly associated with OS after the inclusion of PET/ CT parameters in the model. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT is independently associated with OS in BC patients with bone metastases and its prognostic impact seems to be higher than conventional clinical and biological prognostic factors. Although 18F-NaF PET/CT has a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 18F-FDG PET/ CT, it is not independently associated with OS.

Usefulness of Electrocardiographic Strain to Predict Survival After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis

Electrocardiographic (ECG) strain has been reported as a specific marker of midwall left ventricular (LV) myocardial fibrosis, predictive of adverse clinical outcomes in aortic stenosis (AS), but its prognostic impact after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is unknown. We aimed to assess the impact of ECG strain on long-term mortality after surgical AVR for AS. From January 2005 to January 2014, patients with interpretable preoperative ECG who underwent isolated AVR for AS were included. ECG strain was defined as ≥1-mm concave downslopping ST-segment depression with asymmetrical T-wave inversion in lateral leads. Mortality was assessed over a follow-up period of 4.8 ± 2.7 years. Among the 390 patients included, 110 had ECG strain (28%). They had significantly lower body mass index, higher mean transaortic pressure gradient and Cornell-product ECG LV hypertrophy than in those without ECG strain. There was also a trend for lower LV ejection fraction in patients with ECG strain as compared with those without. Patients with ECG strain had significantly lower 8-year survival than those without. ECG strain remained associated with reduced survival both in patients with and without LV hypertrophy (p <0.0001 for both). After adjustment, ECG strain remained a strong and independent determinant of long-term survival (hazard ratio 4.4, p <0.0001). Similar results were found in patients with LV hypertrophy or without LV hypertrophy. In the multivariate model, the addition of ECG strain provided incremental prognostic value (p <0.0001). In conclusion, in patients with AS, ECG strain is associated with 4-fold increased risk of long-term mortality after isolated AVR, regardless of preoperative LV hypertrophy.

Abstract OT3-03-03: Challenges faced across borders to open European academic multicentre projects: The ET-FES program part of the ERA-Net TRANSCAN JTC 2011

Background

The activation of international non-profit clinical trials funded by the European Commission (EC) is challenging given the cross-borders regulations and the need to follow specific timelines according to EC rules. We report here the logistic procedures and challenges faced by 4 academic centres from 4 different countries from the European Union (EU) for the activation of such program in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Materials and Methods

The primary objective of the ET-FES program is to validate the use of a new radiotracer 18F Fluoroestradiol (FES), targeting estrogen receptors, as a tool to better predict endocrine responsiveness in MBC, with PET/CT. The trial is sponsored by EO Galliera (Genoa, Italy) and brings together Italy, Spain, France and Germany. In 10/2012, ET-FES was approved for funding from EC under the Seventh Framework Programme after the first ERA-NET TRANSCAN Joint Transnational Call (JTC) for Proposals (2011) on validation of new biomarkers for personalized cancer medicine.

Results

The official start of the program was set up on 06/2013 by the Italian Ministry of Health. Time to institutional review board and to competent authority (CA) approvals were 1.5 and 11, 2 and 5, 3 and 16, and 13 and 14+ months in Italy, France, Spain and Germany respectively. Overall, no blocking comment was raised by the ethical committees; only minor clinical and methodological issues were raised in Germany and Spain. Issues from CA were raised in all countries except France (12, 21 and 23 queries in Italy, Spain and Germany respectively), on quality aspects of 18F-FES investigational medicinal product dossier. At the sponsor level, time to final agreement signature with Advanced Accelerator Applications, the 18F-FES manufacturing company, required 13 months. First patient could be enrolled in Italy 14 and 22 months after ethical committee approval and after the official start of the ET-FES project respectively.

Conclusions

As of May 2016, of 310 patients expected, only 28 have been enrolled from Italy. From a regulatory viewpoint and acknowledging that 18F-FES does not have yet any marketing approval in the EU, the ET-FES program approval process was timely completed at the ethical committee level in Italy, France and Spain. Time to CA approval varied across countries and was timely achieved only in France, due to requirements varying from CA to CA, stressing the serious lack of harmonized procedures although intended by the 2001/20/EC directive. Regarding sponsor's responsibilities (i.e. Italy), the administrative procedures needed to activate this type of EU projects remain critical, appealing for more tolerant time span in order to satisfy all the legal aspects on contracts by public bodies, according to national rules and laws. One needs to be very conscious of these timelines when applying to EU/EC calls, especially when the time allowed for the conduction of research is limited (3 years here), unless jeopardizing the entire multicentre and multinational effort.

Citation Format: Brain E, Corradengo D, Oriana N, Piccardo A, Matteucci F, Cortes J, Harbeck N, Würstlein R, Piris A, Alberini J-L, Merlo DF, Degenhardt T, Turbiez I, Madar O, Monti M, Cesaro A, Rivitti E, Rollandi GA, Iacozzi M, Campazzi E, Campora S, Camporese D, Gennari A. Challenges faced across borders to open European academic multicentre projects: The ET-FES program part of the ERA-Net TRANSCAN JTC 2011 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-03-03.

Echocardiography is useful to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing isolated coronary bypass surgery: A prospective study

Objective:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a major complication following coronary artery bypass graft. We hypothesized that, beyond clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) data, transthoracic echocardiography could improve the prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Methods:

We prospectively studied 169 patients in sinus rhythm who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft in our institution. Clinical, biological, ECG and transthoracic echocardiography data were collected within 24 h before surgery. The patients were continuously monitored during the first five days, and then had daily 12-lead ECG afterwards until discharge. Postoperative atrial fibrillation was defined by any episode >10 min.

Results:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation was found in 65 patients (38%). Compared with those without, patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation were significantly older ( p=0.008), had more frequently a history of hypertension ( p=0.009), history of atrial fibrillation ( p<0.001) and New York Heart Association class ⩾III ( p=0.004). They also had longer PR interval ( p=0.005), higher preoperative NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide level ( p=0.006), left ventricle end-diastolic volume ( p=0.002), indexed left ventricle mass ( p<0.0001), indexed maximal left atrial volume ( p<0.0001), maximal right atrial area ( p<0.001) and lower left ventricle ejection fraction ( p=0.04). In multivariate analysis, history of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio =6.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–26.0, p=0.02) and indexed maximal left atrial volume (odds ratio =1.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–1.2, p=0.001) were the only two independent predictive factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. The addition of echocardiographic parameters improved the predictive value (χ2) of the model, from 34 to 57.

Conclusion:

A history of atrial fibrillation and indexed left atrial maximal volume are the best predictors of the occurrence of postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft. The identification of high risk population of postoperative atrial fibrillation using these two factors could lead to the development of targeted strategies to limit this frequent complication in these patients.

Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: prospective comparison between 18F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and histology

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of (18)F-flurodeoxiglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) in predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed 87 patients who have been scheduled to undergo surgery for thyroid nodule with indeterminate cytology. All patients underwent (18)F-FDG-PET/CT, multiparametric neck ultrasonography (MPUS), and (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy ((99m)Tc-MIBI-scan). Histopathology was the standard of reference. We compared the sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), accuracy (AC), positive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT with those of (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan and MPUS in detecting cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluated the association between each diagnostic tool and histopathology.

RESULTS

On histopathology, 69 out of 87 nodules were found to be benign and 18 to be malignant. The SE, SP, AC, PPV and NPV of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were 94, 58, 66, 37 and 98% respectively. The SE, AC and NPV of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were significantly higher than those of MPUS and (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan. The association of both positive (18)F-FDG-PET/CT and MPUS (FDG+/MPUS+) showed significantly lower SE (61% vs 94%) and NPV (88% vs 98%) than (18)F-FDG-PET/CT alone, but significantly higher SP (77% vs 58%). On univariate analysis, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT and the combination of FDG+/MPUS+ and of FDG+/MIBI- were all significantly associated with histopathology. On multivariate analysis, only FDG+/MIBI- was significantly associated with histopathology.

CONCLUSION

The AC of (18)F-FDG-PET /CT in detecting thyroid malignancy is higher than that of (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan and MPUS. A negative (18)F-FDG-PET/CT correctly predicts benign findings on histopathology. The association of FDG+/MPS+ is significantly more specific than (18)F-FDG-PET/CT alone in identifying differentiated thyroid cancer. A positive (18)F-FDG-PET/CT is significantly associated with malignancy when qualitative (99m)Tc-MIBI-scan is rated as negative.

Biological and clinical outcomes in the elderly with left ventricular dysfunction: Are there differences between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting?

AIM

To compair biological and clinical outcomes after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) and conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CCABG) in the elderly with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

MATERIAL OF STUDY

We retrospectively reviewed 90 consecutive patients aged more than 75 years with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at our Institution between January 2000 and July 2009. According to operative technique, patients were categorized in to the OPCABG group (39 patients) or in to the CCABG group (51 patients). We compared postoperative CK, CK-MB, troponin T serum levels and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 2% (2/90) and was similar in both groups (p=0.8336). Mean troponin T levels at 6,24,48 hours after operation were significantly lower in the OPCABG group (p=0.0001; p=0.0021; p=0.0070, respectively). Overall survival was 77.6% at 10 years and no significant difference in MACCE was observed (p=0.3016).

DISCUSSION

Our results show a lower incidence of myocardial injury in OPCABG group, but there aren't differences in term of MACCE in both groups. Recent studies have indicated the advantages of OPCABG in the elderly patients, reporting a reduction of postoperative morbidity and organ dysfunction. However these studies not analyzed the impact of LV dysfunction on early and late postoperative outcomes in high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In the elderly with LV dysfunction, the OPCABG technique showed lower incidence of postoperative myocardial injury. However, at the follow-up, this does not reflect any significant differences in incidence of MACCE.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in the octogenarian. Is complete revascularization always necessary?

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the completeness of revascularization affects the outcomes in the octogenarian.

MATERIAL OF STUDY

We retrospectively reviewed 130 consecutive octogenarians who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between January 2003 and September 2010. According to operative technique, patients were categorized in Complete Revascularization (CRV) Group (96 patients) and in Incomplete Revascularization (IRV) Group (34 patients). Follow-up was 98% complete (mean: 30 ± 25 months).

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 13% and was similar in both groups (p=0.0553). Multivariate regression analysis identified preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% (p= 0.0060; OR= 0.19) and NHYA class > II (p= 0.0042; OR= 0.17) as risk factor for in-hospital death. Cox regression analysis not identified incomplete revascularization as risk factor for early or late death (p= 0.1381 and p= 0.8865). No differences in 5-year survival and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was found between two groups (p=0.8865 and p=0.6283).

DISCUSSION

CRV is important in young patients undergoing CABG, but this principle remains less absolute in elderly patients. In our study, the survival benefit of CRV was less in octogenarians. Probably, the major benefit of CRV was seen in patients less than 80 years of age. This makes sense because these patients have a longer expected survival, and there were more patients available to statistically confirm any difference in outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In octogenarians undergoing CABG, IRV does not affect survival and freedom from MACCE. Patients' preoperative conditions are important in determining short and long term outcomes.

Early experience with the DJUMBODIS system: what did we observed, what can we expect? Part 2

The authors describe their experience with the Djumbodis system, reporting the findings of a comparative study focussing on the outcomes of surgical management of patients presenting with real type I aortic dissection. The most common feature observed in patients receiving a 9 or 14 cm stent into the proximal descending aorta was stabilization of the dissected thoracic segments. Clinical outcomes were, however, comparable between the groups of stented patients and controls. This clinical result is to be shared with other endovascular devices used in acute dissections and which might require a hybrid operating room, since they might compromise blood flow in collateral arteries. Carefully analysing our data and current literature we propose to consider real type I aortic dissections complicated by dynamic malperfusion symptoms or for which the diameter of the proximal descending aorta is already noticeably dilated as justified indications according to the current knowledge about stenting of acute dissections.

Radioguided occult lesion localization of cervical recurrences from differentiated thyroid cancer: technical feasibility and clinical results

AIM

We explored the feasibility of radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) for radioiodine-negative cervical recurrences from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

METHODS

The procedure was performed in 32 patients (3 patients being operated twice); 15/32 patients had had multiple prior lymph node dissections ("hostile" anatomy). 99mTc-albumin macro-aggregates (99mTc-MAA) were injected intra-lesionally under ultrasound guidance; 2 to 18 hours later, a hand-held gamma-probe helped to localize the lesions intraoperatively and to ascertain removal of the radiolabeled lesions. Mini-invasive excision of the radiolabelled lesions was performed in 12 cases (m-ROLL), while a modified radical neck dissection was performed in 23 cases after radioguided lymphadenectomy (d-ROLL). Fifty-nine lesions were radiolabelled (mean size 11±4.5 mm).

RESULTS

Radioguidance allowed to identify/remove 56/59 lesions (95%). Some leakage of 99mTc-MAA in the surrounding tissues hampered detection of 3 lesions, which were removed anyway (100% overall localization). Histopathology confirmed metastatic involvement of the radiolabeled lesions and some additional metastases in other nodes. Neither nerve injury nor hypoparathyroidism occurred. After a median follow-up of 29 months, 19 patients were disease-free, 12 patients developed loco-regional recurrences, 1 patient had distant metastases and 1 patient had both loco-regional and distant metastases. Recurrences rates were 33% for m-ROLL and 40% for d-ROLL.

CONCLUSIONS

The ROLL technique is feasible in selected patients with loco-regional recurrence from DTC, proving to be particularly useful also in patients already submitted to cervical dissections and/or with small lesions located in surgically difficult sites. It can therefore have a clinical role in the management of cervical DTC recurrences.

Octogenarians with uncomplicated acute type a aortic dissection benefit from emergency operation

BACKGROUND

The management of acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) in octogenarian patients is controversial. This study analyzed the surgical outcomes to identify patients who should undergo operations.

METHODS

Beginning in January 2000, we established a registry including all octogenarian patients operated on for type A acute aortic dissection. We evaluated 79 consecutive patients enrolled up to December 2010. Their median age was 81.6 years (range, 80 to 89 years). Sixteen patients (20%) presented a complicated type because of a neurologic deficit, mesenteric ischemia, a requirement for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or some combination of those features. Operations followed the standard procedure recommended for younger patients. Follow-up was 95% complete (mean, 4.6±2.8 years).

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 44.3%. The in-hospital mortality among patients with uncomplicated aTAAD was 33.3%. Multivariate analysis identified complicated aTAAD as the only risk factors for in-hospital mortality (p<0.0001). Postoperative complications occurred in 50 patients (68.5%) and were associated with a higher mortality (p<0.0001). The overall survival was 53% at 1 year and 32% at 5 years. In uncomplicated aTAAD, the overall survival was 63% at 1 year and 38% at 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Octogenarians with uncomplicated aTAAD benefit from emergency surgical repair. In those patients, early and midterm outcomes are good and are similar to those in published series of younger patients. Complicated aTAAD should be medically managed.

PET/CT imaging in neuroblastoma

123Iodine-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy is currently the tracer of choice for neuroblastoma (NB). It has high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value for the assessment of patients after chemotherapy. A positive 123I-MIBG scan is also used for the basis of targeted radionuclide therapy with 131I-MIBG. I-123 MIBG scan however has some limitations which should be taken into account. Moreover the reasons for false negative MIBG results have not been entirely elucidated. Meticulous correlation with radiological examinations and recognition of the normal distribution pattern of 123I-MIBG in children is vital to obtain optimal results. With its technical superiorities, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can be successfully introduced into the diagnostic workup of NB. Different PET tracers have been offered for imaging in patients with NB, and the efficacy of this modality has been compared with that of 123I-MIBG scan. Our review aims to analyze the present role of PET/CT imaging and radiopharmaceuticals in NB.

Early experience with the DJUMBODIS system: what did we observed, what can we expect? Part 1

PURPOSE

In order to remodel or to stabilize the dissected descending aorta following conventional replacement of proximal aorta for real type I acute dissection, the deployment of a bare-metal stent that expand the true lumen and compress the false lumen has been proposed. To date results have been insufficiently assessed through comparative studies. We conducted this study to compare midterm results according to the optional deployment of an antegradely inserted balloon inflated stainless steel stent at the level of the proximal descending aorta during conventional aortic surgery in real type I aortic dissections.

METHODS

Control study including a consecutive series of patients operated on conventionally for real type I aortic dissection involving descending aorta between 2006 and 2011. For stented patients, an optimal inflation volume was determined a priori according to the measured diameter of landing zone and a bare stent 90 or 140mm long was deployed antegradely during circulatory arrest. Endpoints were mid-term aortic event free survival and the evolution of the indexed (body surface area) diameter of descending aorta.

RESULTS

We included 19 and 26 patients in the stented and control group respectively. Aortic event free survival at 4 years was 57% and 43% (p=0.37) in the stented and control group respectively. The proximal descending aorta remained remodeled or stabilized during follow-up for 11 stented and only 9 control patients (p=0.05). After a mean follow up of 2 years, the mean indexed diameter of the upper third aorta was 4 mm wider in the control group due to false lumen enlargement (p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Anatomic evolution is favorable in the stented group. Increment of comparative followup data is mandatory before considering a revision of conventional approach of TAAD to influence mid- term aortic event free survival.

Role of low-cost thyroid follow-up in children treated with radiotherapy for primary tumors at high risk of developing a second thyroid tumor

AIM

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is uncommon in childhood and data on its prevalence as a second malignant neoplasm (SNM) after radiotherapy (RT) for malignancies are limited. We evaluated: 1) the incidence DTC in pediatric-oncologic patients treated with RT; 2) the relationship between DTC, RT and the features of the first malignancy; 3) the usefulness of thyroid follow-up in irradiated oncological patients.

METHODS

We have followed up 252 patients treated with RT out of 966 oncologic pediatric patients. Thyroid follow-up included TSH level evaluation and neck ultrasonography. In the presence of thyroid nodule/s ≥1 cm and/or with ultrasonography suspicious for malignancy, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed. When papillary/follicular lesions were detected by cytology, thyroidectomy was performed. If DTC was confirmed, patients underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment.

RESULTS

At least one thyroid nodule was detected in 106 irradiated patients (42%): 45 patients underwent FNAB and 27 underwent thyroidectomy. Seventeen DTC (6.7%) were found on histology. A higher incidence of DTC was seen in patients with neuroblastoma (38%) or Wilms' tumor (18%). One third of DTC showed capsule invasion, and one fourth node involvement. Eleven patients, treated with a single RAI treatment, showed undetectable thyroglobulin levels after rh-TSH-stimulation. Five patients underwent at least two RAI treatments: four patients showed complete remission and one patient partial remission.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of DTC, often with invasive features, was observed in children treated with RT for primary tumors. This finding underlines the usefulness of thorough low-cost thyroid follow-up in this high-risk population.

Could [18]F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT change the therapeutic management of stage IV thyroid cancer with positive (131)I whole body scan?

AIM

Stage-IV differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients may present elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels associated with positive [(131)I] whole-body-scan (WBS). Nevertheless some patients in whom WBS does not reveal new sites of disease show increased Tg levels. This finding prompts thorough restaging in order to exclude the presence of metastases unable to concentrate iodine. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT in both the assessment of overall extent of the disease and the therapeutic management in a group of stage-IV DTC patients.

METHODS

On suspicious of non-iodine concentrating additional metastases, 20 stage-IV DTC patients with increasing Tg levels and stable positive post-therapy WBS were enrolled. Conventional imaging (CI) procedures, including neck ultrasonography, bone-scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT) were performed before [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT.

RESULTS

[(18)F]FDG-PET/CT was positive in 16 out of 20 patients (80%). In 9 patients (45%) [(18)F]FDG PET/CT detected a larger number of tumour recurrences/metastatic sites than WBS+CI. [(18)F]FDG PET/CT findings prompted modification of the management of 11 patients (55%), in whom surgery or external radiotherapy were eventually considered more appropriate than radioactive iodine therapy. These further therapies improved the quality of life in several patients but did not change their survival rate.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that [18F]FDG-PET/CT can detect new radioiodine-negative metastases in advanced DTC patients with unchanged positive WBS and increasing Tg levels. [(18)F]FDG-PET/CT may constitute a useful tool in the choice of the best therapeutic strategy in such difficult cases.

Medical and economic interest of the use of cryosurgery in the instrumental treatment of atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

In order to definitively integrate cryosurgery for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) into the therapeutic armamentarium, the medical and economic impact of its use on a population of patients with a high risk of recurrence of postoperative AF must be evaluated.

METHOD

An observational study of patients who benefited from cryosurgery between July 2006 and December 2008 was performed. The cost of consumables and hospitalization was determined and compared to that of a control group of 27 patients with preoperative AF that had not benefited from cryosurgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients benefited from cryosurgery during a mitral (65.5%) or aortic intervention (37.9%) to treat a paroxystic (44.8%) or permanent AF (55.2%). More than half of them (58.6%) had a 12-month follow-up; 82.4% of these patients showed a permanent sinus rhythm and 32.6% had stopped their antiarrhythmic medication. There was no significant difference between the duration and cost of hospitalization for the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Cryosurgery provides a clear clinical and economic advantage with no recurrence of AF, and it reduces antiarrhythmic medication treatment.

Abstract P2-05-01: A Comparative Study of 18F-Fluoride PET/CT and Whole-Body High Resolution CT (HRCT) for the Detection of Bone Metastases in Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer

Background: Bone scintigraphy (BS) have been shown to be of value in detecting bone metastases several months before conventional radiography, whereas computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal more metastases in the spine than conventional BS. 18F-Fluoride PET has been shown to be more accurate than BS for the detection bone lesions in different malignancies and has been suggested as an alternative to BS. Recent studies have shown that integrated 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT is both sensitive and specific for detection of lytic and sclerotic lesions and is superior to 18F-Fluoride PET. The aim of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT in comparison to HRCT for the detection of bone metastases in breast cancer patients.

Material and methods: The study involved 39 patients with breast cancer with known bone metastases or at high risk for its presence. All patients presented indications for skeletal surveys. Imaging was performed on an integrated PET/CT system. All PET scans were acquired in 2D mode and were reconstructed using an iterative reconstruction algorithm; diagnostic HRCT data of PET/CT were acquired for detecting bone lesions and were used for attenuation correction. PET acquisition started 60 min after intravenous injection of 370-550 MBq 18F-labelled NaF and included 10-12 bed positions.

The interpretation of PET/CT and High resolution CT studies was made as a consensus reading of two nuclear medicine physicians and a radiologist who had access to clinical, as well as previous radiological imaging information. 12 months follow-up based on previous and/or following imaging studies was considered the gold standard. Results: Overall 671 bone lesions were detected in our analysis including both PET/CT and CT results. Of these lesions 530 malignant, 32 equivocal and 109 benign were classified by consensus reading. 18F-Fluoride PET/CT detected 491 bone metastases, 114 (23%) of which without any clear morphological changes on CT. HRCT detected 416 bone metastases, 39 (9.3%) of which without any 18F-fluoride uptake. The overall sensitivity and specificity was 90% and 91% for 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT and 79 and 93% for HRCT, respectively. In a patients based analysis both 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT and HRCT identified the same number of patients with bone metastases (27 of 39).

Conclusions: Our data show a high agreement (71% of lesions and 100% of the patients) between 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT and HRCT for bone metastases detection. However integrated analysis of 18F-Fluoride-PET/HRCT has the best diagnostic option to evaluate bone involvement in breast cancer, and 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT seems to have the highest sensitivity. Follow-up is ongoing to assess the prognostic/predictive value of 18F-Fluoride-PET/CT.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-05-01.

Low thyroglobulin concentrations after thyroidectomy increase the prognostic value of undetectable thyroglobulin levels on levo-thyroxine suppressive treatment in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer

DESIGN

Recombinant human TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels (rhTSH-Tg) are sufficient for early follow-up of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients after thyroidectomy and radioiodine (131I) remnant ablation (RAI). Serum Tg levels at the time of remnant ablation (ablation-Tg) is thought to be related with rhTSH-Tg and may be predictive of recurrent disease. During long-term follow-up, Tg levels on levo-T4 (L-T4) suppressive treatment (suppressive-Tg) is sufficiently sensitive to avoid further evaluations in patients with undetectable rhTSH-Tg. The aim of our study was to verify whether, in a subgroup of low-risk DTC patients, the association of low ablation-Tg levels (<10 microg/l) with undetectable suppressive-Tg concentrations has a sufficient negative predictive value (NPV) for recurrence of disease, leading to avoid rhTSH testing.

METHODS

We enrolled 169 low-risk DTC patients treated by thyroidectomy + RAI and undetectable suppressive-Tg at 12-month followup. In all patients, we retrospectively evaluated ablation-Tg and rhTSH-Tg. For all patients, 2-yr follow-up was available.

RESULTS

Based on rhTSH-Tg>2 microg/l, relapsing disease was histologically proven in 2 patients. rhTSH-Tg levels between 0.6-2.0 microg/l, with no evidence of disease, was observed in 10 patients (6%). One hundred and fifty-seven patients showed undetectable rhTSH-Tg. The NPV of undetectable suppressive- Tg was 92.8%. The ablation-Tg level was <10 microg/l in 140 patients. In this group, the NPV of undetectable suppressive- Tg was 100%.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that undetectable suppressive-Tg value, combined with ablation- Tg levels <10 microg/l, may avoid a significant number of high-cost rhTSH-Tg test.

Fate of the aortic valve after root reconstruction in type A aortic dissection: a 20-year follow up

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aim was to evaluate the fate of the aortic valve after root reconstruction in acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between 1982 and 2006, a total of 373 consecutive patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection at the authors' institution. Of these patients, 298 (mean age 63 +/- 11 years; range: 22-85 years) underwent replacement of the supracoronary aorta with root reconstruction. The mean follow up period was 6.9 +/- 5.2 years (range: 2 months to 23 years), and was 98% complete. Aortic valve function was assessed by the incidence of aortic valve reoperation and transthoracic echocardiography.

RESULTS

The 30-day mortality was 27% (82/298). Survival was 80%, 57% and 49% at five, 10 and 15 years, respectively. For survivors at the latest follow up, freedom from moderate or severe aortic regurgitation (AR) was 93%, 84% and 72% at five, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Four patients had severe AR but were not reoperated on. Among 200 patients discharged, 13 (6.5%) were reoperated on for severe AR, with an operative mortality of 15% (n = 2). Freedom from aortic valve replacement was 97%, 92% and 84% at five, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified age < or = 59 years (p = 0.0201) and 'low-volume surgeon' (p = 0.0004) as risk factors for recurrent moderate or severe AR.

CONCLUSION

The study results showed that, when the aortic dissection involves the aortic root, supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta with a root reconstruction allows preservation of the aortic valve in the majority of patients, with a satisfactory long-term outcome.