Oral carcinoma cuniculatum: an unacquainted entity with diagnostic challenges—a case report

Background Oral carcinoma cuniculatum (OCC) is an unacquainted well-differentiated subtype of oral squamous cell carcinoma, which displays unique clinic-pathological features. Up to date, OCC remains rare with about 75 reported cases, and is frequently missed or even misdiagnosed. Case presentation The aim of the present work was: to report a case of OCC in mandibular gingiva and to highlight its main clinic-pathological diagnostic features: with an exophytic cobble-stone surface and a characteristic endophytic burrowing architecture, as well as to differentiate between it and other closely similar lesions including verrucous carcinoma, papillary squamous cell carcinoma, and well-differentiated conventional oral squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions An accurate diagnosis of OCC entails awareness of the clinicians and pathologists about its entity, proper knowledge of the diagnostic clinical and histopathological evidence, and the ability to differentiate it from closely similar lesions.

Lateral chest wall perforator flaps in partial breast reconstruction

Background Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has been a standard procedure for the treatment of breast cancer instead of mastectomy whenever possible. Lateral chest wall perforator flaps are one of the volume replacement techniques that participate in increasing the rate of BCS especially in small- to moderate-sized breasts with good cosmetic outcome. In this study, we tried to evaluate the outcome of those flaps as an oncoplastic procedure instead of the conventional flaps. Methods This study included 26 patients who underwent partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using lateral chest wall perforator flaps in the period from October 2019 to November 2020. The operative time, techniques, and complications were recorded. The cosmetic outcome was assessed 3 months post-radiation therapy through a questionnaire and photographic assessment. Results Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP), lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP) and combined flaps were performed in 24, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 129.6 ± 13.2 min. The flap length ranged from 10 to 20 cm and its width from 5 to 9 cm. Overall patients’ satisfaction was observed to be 88.5% as either excellent or good and the photographic assessment was 96.2% as either excellent or good. Conclusions Lateral chest wall perforator flaps are reliable and safe option for partial breast reconstruction with an acceptable aesthetic outcome. In the era of oncoplastic breast surgery, they deserve to gain attention especially with the advantages of some modifications added to the classic technique.

Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula as a rare complication of carcinoma ovary: a case report

Background Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula formation in a case of carcinoma ovary is a very rare occurrence and has never been reported. Case presentation A 55-year-old postmenopausal lady presented with complaints of abdominal distention and mass coming out of the vagina for the last 10 days. On examination, she had tense ascites, uterovaginal prolapse and hard, fixed mass felt anteriorly on per-rectal examination. Biochemical investigations and radiological imaging suggested advanced stage ovarian neoplasm. She was planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. During the second cycle of chemotherapy, she developed spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula which was confirmed on exploratory laparotomy where interval debulking surgery was performed in collaboration with gastro-surgeons on a semi-emergency basis. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion Spontaneous vaginoperitoneal fistula is a rare complication and should be kept in mind while managing advanced ovarian neoplasm.

Patterns of recurrence after low-dose postoperative radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background Postoperative chemoradiotherapy is recommended for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with positive margins or extracapsular extension at high risk of recurrence. However, high-dose radiotherapy in the head and neck region often causes severe acute and late radiation-related adversities. In our institution, the radiation dose has been relatively lower than that used in Western countries to reduce radiation-related toxicities. Therefore, in this study, we examined the treatment outcomes of low-dose postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Methods The outcomes of 90 consecutive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients who received postoperative radiotherapy between June 2009 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with or without concurrent systemic chemotherapy. The median patient age was 65 years. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered at a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions (daily fraction, 1.8 Gy). High-risk patients received 10.8 Gy of boost irradiation in six fractions. For radiotherapy alone, the irradiation dose was up to 54 Gy in 30 fractions and 64.8 Gy in 36 fractions for high-risk patients to increase the treatment intensity. Results The median follow-up period was 40.5 months. The 3-year locoregional control and overall survival rates were 67.5% and 82.7%, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of patients with oral cavity carcinoma experienced locoregional failure (p = 0.004). The acute adverse events were mild, and the only late adverse event was grade 3 dysphagia (n = 3). Conclusion This study suggests that de-escalation of the postoperative radiation dose can potentially reduce the severe adverse events of irradiation in patients while ensuring its effectiveness. In patients with oral cavity carcinoma, it might be necessary to increase the radiation dose.

Prognostic significance of microRNA 17–92 cluster expression in Egyptian chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

Background Abnormal expression patterns of microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the development and progression of malignancy. Identification of the clinical significance and prognostic value of these small molecules in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); a disease of heterogeneous biological landscape and clinical course, has always been of tremendous translational value. Aim To evaluate the prognostic value of microRNA17-92 cluster members in Egyptian CLL patients. Methods The expression levels of miR17-92 cluster members were evaluated by qRT-PCR, including miR17, miR18a, miR19a, miR19b-1, miR20a, and miR92a-1. Other investigations included serum LDH, serum β2 microglobulin (β2M), CD38 and ZAP70 expression by flow cytometry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for 17p deletion, and imaging studies (computerized tomography (CT) scans of neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis or PET-CT scans). Results Overexpression of all members of the miRNA17-92 cluster was detected in CLL patients compared to controls (p = < 0.001 for all miRs while p = 0.01 for miR19b-1). A significant positive correlation between Hb and miR17 and a significant negative correlation between Hb and miR19b-1 were observed (p = 0.041, 0.017 respectively). A statistically significant positive correlation between miR19b-1 expression and each of the WBCs and absolute lymphocytic count (ALC) was detected (p = 0.023, 0.022 respectively). Moreover, a statistically significant relation between miR19b-1 expression and advanced Binet stages was also found (p = 0.05). Regarding miR18a, a statistically significant positive correlation with LDH level was found (p = 0.003). We also found a significant positive correlation between miR92a-1 and β2M level (p = 0.005), as well as a significant relation between miR17 and negative CD38 expression (p = 0.034). However, no significant relationships between any of studied miRNA expression levels and 17p deletion or response to treatment were observed. Patients who expressed miR19b-1 were significantly indicated to start therapy at diagnosis (p = 0.05). The overall survival of CLL patients included in our study was 90.2% after 1 year from the time of diagnosis. Patients with high expression of miR19a had better OS than those with low expression (p = 0.04). Conclusions Overexpression of all members of the miR17-92 cluster was detected in Egyptian CLL patients. MiR18a, miR19b-1, and miR92a-1 also have an adverse prognostic value while miR17 can be considered a good prognostic marker. High expression of miR19a is associated with better OS.

Leiomyosarcoma of urinary bladder with unusual recurrence in intestinal mucosa and peritoneum: a case report

Background Leiomyosarcomas of urinary bladder constitute rare malignant sarcomas with very few cases reported in literature. Case presentation Here, we present a case of bladder leiomyosarcoma in a well-preserved female. She failed to respond to standard chemotherapy and had a rapidly downhill course with unusual metastases in anastomotic site and peritoneum soon after surgery. Despite multimodality management including resection of primary and metastatic site, systemic therapy and pelvic radiotherapy, our patient had dismal prognosis with an overall survival of 1.7 years. Conclusion Leiomyosarcomas of bladder are aggressive tumors and have a very poor prognosis; thus, future research should focus on optimizing more effective treatment regimes.

Pathological responses and survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a single-institute experience

Background Pathological complete response (pCR) is a surrogate for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). We analyzed the predictive clinical factors for pathological responses and survival outcomes in a cohort of Egyptian patients. Methods We evaluated the medical records of patients with breast cancer who received NCT in our academic institute. Survival curves were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional models were used for multiple regression analysis. Results Our cohort included 368 patients with a median age of 48 years (range 21–70). The median follow-up time was 3 years. The clinical tumor stage (T3–4) represented 58%, with 80% having positive axillary nodes. The luminal subgroup prevailed by 68%. The objective response rate (ORR) reached 78%, and 16% of patients achieved pCR. The clinical node stage and optimal chemotherapy were associated with higher ORR (p = 0.035 and p = 0.001, respectively). Predictors of pCR were clinical T-stage (p = 0.026), high Ki-67 index > 20 (p = 0.05), and receiving optimal chemotherapy (p = 0.014). The estimated 3-year disease free-survival (DFS) was 53%. Receptor status, achieving ORR, and pCR were associated with better DFS with hazard ratios of 0.56, p = 0.008; 0.38, p = 0.04; and 0.28, p = 0.007, respectively. Conclusions Luminal tumors still draw benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy in terms of clinical response and breast conservative surgery. Treatment escalation to those who did not achieve pCR requires more investigation, given a higher recurrence rate in real-world experience.

Extrahepatic metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma on 18F FDG PET CT

Background To determine locations, relative frequencies, imaging features, and pattern of distribution of extrahepatic metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) PET CT. Methods FDG PET CT scans of 224 consecutive patients of HCC acquired between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Fifty-six patients detected with extrahepatic metastasis on FDG PET CT were retrospectively analyzed. Findings were correlated with prior/follow-up imaging studies, clinical findings, FNAC, or biopsy findings whenever available. Descriptive analysis of location, relative frequencies, imaging features, and pattern of distribution of extrahepatic metastasis was done. Results Commonest were metastatic pulmonary nodules (55.3% patients), most of them being well-defined solid lesions (53.5%) with bilateral involvement in 44.6% patients and lower lobes of lungs along with other lobes being more frequently involved (41.0% patients). While in 7.14% patients lung nodules were FDG avid, 23.2% patients had both FDG avid and non-avid pulmonary nodules. Second most common were regional metastatic lymph nodes in 44.65% of patients seen at aortocaval (25%), paraaortic (23.21%), portocaval (21.4%), and left gastric nodal (17.8% of patients) stations. Twenty-five percent of patients had FDG avid lymph nodes and 5.36% patients had both FDG avid and FDG non-avid lymph nodes. Distant metastatic lymph nodes were third most common in 39.2% of patients seen at paratracheal (2.5%), juxtaphrenic (8.9%), and mesenteric lymphnodal (7.1%) stations. Twenty-five percent of patients had FDG avid lymph nodes while 5.36% patients had both FDG avid and FDG non-avid lymph nodes. Skeletal involvement was seen in 32.1% of patients. Commonest sites are vertebrae (16.7%), pelvis (14.2%), and ribs (10.7% patients). Six out of 7 patients had unilateral adrenal gland involvement. Bilateral adrenal gland involvement was seen in 1 patient. FDG non-avid peritoneal/omental metastases was seen in 2 patients. Brain, spleen, and muscle metastatic lesions were seen in 1 patient each out of 56 patients (1.79%). Conclusions Lungs, regional and distant lymph nodes and skeleton are the most frequently involved sites of extrahepatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Adrenal glands, muscles, brain and peritoneum are also involved but to a lesser extent.

Implications of photodynamic cancer therapy: an overview of PDT mechanisms basically and practically

Background Tumor eradication is one of the most important challengeable categories in oncological studies. In this account, besides the molecular genetics methods including cell therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and general cancer therapy procedures like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, photodynamic adjuvant therapy is of great importance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a relatively noninvasive therapeutic method utilizes the irradiation of an appropriate wavelength which is absorbed by a photosensitizing agent in the presence of oxygen. Main body of the abstract In this procedure, a series of events lead to the direct death of malignant cells such as damage to the microvasculature and also the induction of a local inflammatory function. PDT has participated with other treatment modalities especially in the early stage of malignant tumors and has resulted in decreasing morbidity besides improving survival rate and quality of life. High spatial resolution of PDT has attracted considerable attention in the field of image-guided photodynamic therapy combined with chemotherapy of multidrug resistance cancers. Although PDT outcomes vary across the different tumor types, minimal natural tissue toxicity, minor systemic effects, significant reduction in long-term disease, lack of innate or acquired resistance mechanisms, and excellent cosmetic effects, as well as limb function, make it a valuable treatment option for combination therapies. Short conclusion In this review article, we tried to discuss the potential of PDT in the treatment of some dermatologic and solid tumors, particularly all its important mechanisms.

Non-cancer to anti-cancer: investigation of human ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channel inhibitors as potential therapeutics

Background The expression of hERG K+ channels is observed in various cancer cells including epithelial, neuronal, leukemic, and connective tissue. The role of hERG potassium channels in regulating the growth and death of cancer cells include cell proliferation, survival, secretion of proangiogenic factors, invasiveness, and metastasis. Methods In the reported study, an attempt has been made to investigate some non-cancer hERG blockers as potential cancer therapeutics using a computational drug repurposing strategy. Preliminary investigation for hERG blockers/non-blockers has identified 26 potential clinically approved compounds for further studies using molecular modeling. Results The interactions at the binding pockets have been investigated along with the prioritization based on the binding score. Some of the identified potential hERG inhibitors, i.e., Bromocriptine, Darglitazone, and Troglitazone, have been investigated to derive the mechanism of cancer inhibition. Conclusions The proposed mechanism for anti-cancer properties via hERG blocking for some of the potential compounds is required to be explored using other experimental methodologies. The drug repurposing approach applied to investigate anti-cancer therapeutics may direct to provide a therapeutic solution to late-stage cancer and benefit a significant population of patients.