Evaluation of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Women with Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Using Ultrasound Elastography

PURPOSE: Ultrasound elastography is a new imaging technique that can be used to assess tissue stiffness. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of ultrasound elastography for monitoring treatment response of locally advanced breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Fifteen women receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had the affected breast scanned before, 1, 4, and 8 weeks following therapy initiation, and then before surgery. Changes in elastographic parameters related to tissue biomechanical properties were then determined and compared to clinical and pathologic tumor response after mastectomy. RESULTS: Patients who responded to therapy demonstrated a significant decrease (P < .05) in strain ratios and strain differences 4 weeks after treatment initiation compared to non-responding patients. Mean strain ratio and mean strain difference for responders was 81 ± 3% and 1 ± 17% for static regions of interest (ROIs) and 81 ± 3% and 6 ± 18% for dynamic ROIs, respectively. In contrast, these parameters were 102±2%, 110±17%, 101±4%, and 109±30% for non-responding patients, respectively. Strain ratio using static ROIs was found to be the best predictor of treatment response, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity obtained 4 weeks after starting treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ultrasound elastography can be potentially used as an early predictor of tumor therapy response in breast cancer patients.     

乳腺肿瘤超声图像形态特征参数分析

乳腺肿瘤超声图像的形态特征对判别肿瘤的良恶性具有重要的价值,在前人工作的基础上本文对形状因子,纵横比,成角分叶等几个形态特征参数进行详细的分析与比较,在一定程度上提高了相应参数的特异性和敏感度,将这些性能较好的参数与其他一些检测手段相结合,对于建立性能较好的乳腺癌计算机辅助识别系统有积极的意义。     

紫杉醇联合卡铂治疗局部晚期乳腺癌的临床研究

目的:探讨紫杉醇联合卡铂治疗局部晚期乳腺癌的临床疗效和安全性。方法:选取2010年3月~2012年8月在我院接受治疗的局部晚期乳腺癌患者80例,以其中采用紫杉醇联合卡铂治疗的40例患者作为实验组,紫杉醇联合表阿霉素治疗的40例患者作为对照组,化疗后患者行乳腺癌改良根治术或保乳术,观察和比较两组患者的治疗有效率、不良反应的发生情况及术后复发和转移情况。结果:两组患者的治疗有效率及不良反应的发生率比较均并无统计学差异(P>0.05),而实验组患者术后复发及转移的发生率明显低于对照组患者(P<0.05)。结论:紫杉醇联合卡铂治疗局部晚期乳腺癌的临床疗效及安全性与紫杉醇联合表阿霉素化疗相当,但是能够明显降低患者的术后复发率及转移率,改善患者的预后。     

Evaluation of Mitotic Activity Index in Breast Cancer Using Whole Slide Digital Images

Introduction

Mitotic Activity Index (MAI) is an important independent prognostic factor and an integral part of the breast cancer grading system. Thus, correct estimation of this prognostically relevant feature is essential for guiding treatment decision and assessing patient prognosis.The aim of this study was to validate the use of high resolution Whole Slide Images (WSI) in estimating MAI in breast cancer specimens.

Methods

MAI was evaluated in 100 consecutive breast cancer specimens by three observers on two occasions, microscopically and on WSI with a wash out period of 4 months. MAI was also translated to mitotic scores as in grading. Inter- and intra-observer agreement between microscopic and digital MAI counts and scores was measured.

Results

Almost perfect inter-observer agreements were obtained from counting MAI using a conventional microscope (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICCC) 0.879) as well as on WSI (ICCC 0.924). K coefficients reflected good inter-observer agreements among observers'' microscopic mitotic scores (average kappa 0.642). Comparable results were also observed among digital mitotic scores (average kappa 0.635). There was strong to perfect intra-observer agreements between MAI counts and mitotic scores for the two diagnostic modalities (ICCC 0.716–0.863, kappa 0.506–0.617). There were no significant differences in mitotic scores using both diagnostic modalities.

Conclusion

Scoring mitoses using WSI in breast cancer seems to be just as reliable and reproducible as when using a microscope. Further development of software and image quality will definitely encourage the use of WSI in routine pathology practice.     

Quantitative Ultrasound Spectroscopic Imaging for Characterization of Disease Extent in Prostate Cancer Patients

Three-dimensional quantitative ultrasound spectroscopic imaging of prostate was investigated clinically for the noninvasive detection and extent characterization of disease in cancer patients and compared to whole-mount, whole-gland histopathology of radical prostatectomy specimens. Fifteen patients with prostate cancer underwent a volumetric transrectal ultrasound scan before radical prostatectomy. Conventional-frequency (~ 5 MHz) ultrasound images and radiofrequency data were collected from patients. Normalized power spectra were used as the basis of quantitative ultrasound spectroscopy. Specifically, color-coded parametric maps of 0-MHz intercept, midband fit, and spectral slope were computed and used to characterize prostate tissue in ultrasound images. Areas of cancer were identified in whole-mount histopathology specimens, and disease extent was correlated to that estimated from quantitative ultrasound parametric images. Midband fit and 0-MHz intercept parameters were found to be best associated with the presence of disease as located on histopathology whole-mount sections. Obtained results indicated a correlation between disease extent estimated noninvasively based on midband fit parametric images and that identified histopathologically on prostatectomy specimens, with an r² value of 0.71 (P < .0001). The 0-MHz intercept parameter demonstrated a lower level of correlation with histopathology. Spectral slope parametric maps offered no discrimination of disease. Multiple regression analysis produced a hybrid disease characterization model (r² = 0.764, P < .05), implying that the midband fit biomarker had the greatest correlation with the histopathologic extent of disease. This work demonstrates that quantitative ultrasound spectroscopic imaging can be used for detecting prostate cancer and characterizing disease extent noninvasively, with corresponding gross three-dimensional histopathologic correlation.     

Feasibility of Tomotherapy-Based Image-Guided Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer

Purpose

The study aims to assess the feasibility of tomotherapy-based image-guided (IGRT) radiotherapy for locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer. A retrospective review of 33 patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced oropharyngeal cancers was conducted. Radiotherapy planning, treatment toxicity and loco-regional control were assessed.

Results

At a median follow-up of 32 months (6–47 months), no patient developed loco-regional recurrence. Two patients (6%) developed distant metastases. Grade 3–4 acute toxicity was respectively 72% and 25% for mucositis and gastrointestinal toxicity. Two patients (6%) had long-term dependence on tube feedings. Dose-volume histogram demonstrated excellent target volume coverage and low radiation dose to the organs at risk for complications.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

IGRT provides excellent loco-regional control but acute toxicity remains significant and needs to be addressed in future prospective trials. The feasibility of Tomotherapy to decrease radiation dose to the normal tissues merits further investigations.     

Patient-Derived Organoids Predict Chemoradiation Responses of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

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新辅助化疗在局部晚期宫颈癌治疗中的疗效观察

目的：探讨新辅助化疗联合手术治疗较传统手术治疗Ib2、IIa2局部晚期宫颈癌的临床疗效。方法：选取2008年6月～2011年12月在黑龙江省哈尔滨医科大学附属第三医院初治宫颈癌患者120例,临床分期为Ib2期、IIa2期,术前均经病理证实为宫颈鳞癌,将其分为两组：研究组（新辅助化疗联合手术治疗组）;对照组（单纯手术治疗组）。研究组给予1～2个疗程的新辅助化疗后评估其化疗疗效,有效者化疗结束后行广泛性子宫切除＋盆腔淋巴结清扫术;对照组直接行手术治疗。结果：新辅助化疗能够使肿瘤体积较化疗前缩小或消失,临床有效率高达81.43%,从而降低了宫颈癌的临床分期,提高手术的切除率,扩大手术适应征,降低术后病理高危因素,同时手术治疗能保留卵巢功能,提高年轻宫颈癌患者生活质量。结论：术前新辅助化疗可以提高手术治疗局部晚期宫颈癌的临床疗效。     

An Elevated Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio Predicts Favorable Response and Prognosis in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Purpose

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is a standard treatment option for locally advanced breast cancer. However, the lack of an efficient method to predict treatment response and patient prognosis hampers the clinical evaluation of patient eligibility for NCT. An elevated lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) has been reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis for certain hematologic malignancies and for nasopharyngeal carcinoma; however, this association has not been investigated in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether pre-NCT LMR analysis could predict the prognosis of patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 542 locally advanced breast cancer patients (T3/T4 and/or N2/N3 disease) receiving NCT followed by radical surgery was recruited between May 2002 and August 2011 at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Counts for pre-NCT peripheral absolute lymphocytes and monocytes were obtained and used to calculate the LMR.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that higher LMR levels (≥4.25) were significantly associated with favorable DFS (P = 0.009 and P = 0.011, respectively). Additionally, univariate analysis revealed that a higher lymphocyte count (≥1.5×10⁹/L) showed borderline significance for improved DFS (P = 0.054), while a lower monocyte count (<0.4×10⁹/L) was associated with a significantly better DFS (P = 0.010).

Conclusions

An elevated pre-NCT peripheral LMR level was a significantly favorable factor for locally advanced breast cancer patient prognosis. This easily obtained variable may serve as a valuable marker to predict the outcomes of locally advanced breast cancer.     

年轻和中老年乳腺癌彩色多谱勒超声图像特征的对比分析

目的:分析年轻和中老年乳腺癌彩色多谱勒超声图像特征的差异.方法:对手术病理证实的253例乳腺癌患者的彩色多谱勒超声图像进行回顾性分析,其按病理改变分为直接征象及间接征象,分析年轻组(≤35岁)和中老年组(>35岁)乳腺癌超声图像特征的差异.结果:年轻组和中老年组在直接征象中肿块形态、边缘毛刺、内部回声、微钙化、后方回声、纵横比、收缩期峰值血流速(Vmax)以及间接征象中肿块周边高回声晕、浅筋膜连续线改变、深筋膜连续线改变、Cooper韧带改变上均没有统计学差异(P>0.05);而在直接征象中的血流分级、穿支血管、阻力指数(RI)和间接征象中的腋窝淋巴结肿大均具有统计学差异(P<0.05).结论:在彩色多普勒超声图像特征上,年轻乳腺癌和中老年乳腺癌在血流分级、穿支血管、阻力指数和腋窝淋巴结肿大方面有差异,在实际应用中重视这些特征能提高年轻乳腺癌超声诊断的灵敏性和准确性.     

Identification of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with Low Risk of Local Recurrence

Background

The routine application of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for T3N0 rectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to use clinical, Magnetic resonance imaging, and pathological parameters to identify a subgroup of patients with low risk of local recurrence who might be precluded from neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent curative resection. 166 pathologic confirmed T3N0 rectal cancer patients with tumor located 5–12cm above the anal verge and preoperative circumferential resection margin>1mm were included in analysis. The primary outcomes measured were3- and 5-year local recurrence rates.

Results

Local recurrence was demonstrated during follow-up in 5 patients; the actuarial overall 3- and 5-year local recurrence rates were 2.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Inadequate sampling of lymph nodes (≤12) was associated with higher local recurrence (P = 0.03) in this group of patients.

Conclusion

For upper and middle T3N0 rectal cancer with preoperative circumferential resection margin>1mm, local recurrence rate after total mesorectal excision is low and surgery alone may be enough for this group of patients.     

Feasibility of Image-Guided Radiotherapy for Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Purpose

The study aims to assess the tolerance of elderly patients (70 years or older) with locally advanced rectal cancers to image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). A retrospective review of 13 elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemoradiation using IGRT was performed. Grade 3–4 acute toxicities, survival, and long-term complications were compared to 17 younger patients (<70 years) with the same disease stage.

Results

Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities occurred in 7.6% and 0% (p = 0.4) and gastrointestinal toxicities, and, in 15.2% and 5% (p = 0.5), of elderly and younger patients, respectively. Surgery was aborted in three patients, two in the elderly group and one in the younger group. One patient in the elderly group died after surgery from cardiac arrhythmia. After a median follow-up of 34 months, five patients had died, two in the elderly and three in the younger group. The 3-year survival was 90.9% and 87.5% (p = 0.7) for the elderly and younger group respectively. Two patients in the younger group developed ischemic colitis and fecal incontinence. There was no statistically significant difference in acute and late toxicities as well as survival between the two groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancers may tolerate preoperative chemoradiation with IGRT as well as younger patients. Further prospective studies should be performed to investigate the potential of IGRT for possible cure in elderly patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.     

超声造影联合超声弹性成像组织弥散定量分析在乳腺癌诊断中的应用

摘要 目的：探讨超声造影联合超声弹性成像组织弥散定量分析在乳腺癌诊断中的应用价值。方法：2019年1月至2020年5月选择在本院诊治的乳腺肿瘤患者148例,所有患者都给予超声造影联合超声弹性成像组织弥散定量分析,记录影像学特征。结果：在148例患者中,病理诊断为乳腺癌32例(恶性组),良性乳腺肿瘤116例(良性组)。良性组与恶性组的超声病灶形状、边缘、回声、微钙化等特征对比差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。恶性组的超声造影增强模式、强度与良性组对比差异都有统计学意义(P<0.05)。恶性组的造影灌注参数曲线下面积(Area under the curve,AUC)、峰值强度(Peak intensity,PI)、上升支斜率(Wash in slope,WIS)值都高于良性组,达峰时间(Time To Peak,TTP)值低于良性组,对比差异都有统计学意义(P<0.05)。恶性组的组织弥散定量参数蓝色区域面积百分比(area ratio,%AREA)低于良性组,标准差(standard deviation,SD)、应变均值(mean,MEAN)值高于良性组,对比差异都有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：超声造影联合超声弹性成像组织弥散定量分析在乳腺癌诊断中的应用作为一种经济快捷、实时无创、重复性好的检查方法,能够定量评估乳腺癌的影像学特征,可为乳腺癌的临床治疗提供更多有价值的信息。     

Image Registration for Quantitative Parametric Response Mapping of Cancer Treatment Response

Imaging biomarkers capable of early quantification of tumor response to therapy would provide an opportunity to individualize patient care. Image registration of longitudinal scans provides a method of detecting treatment-associated changes within heterogeneous tumors by monitoring alterations in the quantitative value of individual voxels over time, which is unattainable by traditional volumetric-based histogram methods. The concepts involved in the use of image registration for tracking and quantifying breast cancer treatment response using parametric response mapping (PRM), a voxel-based analysis of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) scans, are presented. Application of PRM to breast tumor response detection is described, wherein robust registration solutions for tracking small changes in water diffusivity in breast tumors during therapy are required. Methodologies that employ simulations are presented for measuring expected statistical accuracy of PRM for response assessment. Test-retest clinical scans are used to yield estimates of system noise to indicate significant changes in voxel-based changes in water diffusivity. Overall, registration-based PRM image analysis provides significant opportunities for voxel-based image analysis to provide the required accuracy for early assessment of response to treatment in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.     

乳腺癌HER2表达与乳腺X线及超声影像表现的相关性分析(英文)

目的:对比分析乳腺癌人类表皮生长因子受体2(human epidermal growth factor receptor 2,HER2)表达阳性和阴性与乳腺癌的X线及超声影像表现的相关性。方法:对139例雌激素受体(oestrogen receptor ER)、孕激素受体(progesterone receptor PR)表达均阴性的乳腺癌患者术前行X线及超声形态学分析,术后标本测定癌细胞的人类表皮生长因子受体2(HER2)表达情况,比较并分析HER2+/ER-/PR-乳腺癌和HER2-/ER-/PR-乳腺癌影像学的特征性表现,在X线上主要分析:腺体致密度、及病变类型(肿块、钙化、结构紊乱)。其中肿块主要分析形状、边缘、大小;钙化主要分析形态、分布,在超声上主要分析:肿块边缘、有无强回声点、有无腋淋巴结转移,血流情况。结果:HER2+/ER-/PR-乳腺癌在X线上的特征性表现为单纯肿块(x2=8.067,P=0.005)或肿块伴钙化(x2=4.384,P=0.036),棒状、分枝状钙化(x2=5.723,P=0.017),簇状分布(x2=12.110,P=0.007),肿块直径多2cm(x2=4.933,P=0.026),而在腺体致密度、肿块边缘方面差异无统计学意义。超声的特征性表现为肿块伴钙化(x2=16.134,P0.001)、边界不清(x2=9.188,P=0.010)、伴腋下淋巴结转移(x2=5.210,P=0.022),血流方面差异无统计学意义。结论:HER2+/ER-/PR-乳腺癌影像学有特征性表现,X线常表现为单纯肿块或肿块伴钙化,棒状、分枝状钙化,簇状分布,肿块直径多2cm;超声常表现为低回声肿块、边界不清、其内可见点状强回声、常伴腋下淋巴结转移。     

Recent Trends in Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD) System for Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Histopathological Images

Breast cancer is one of the common type of cancer in females across the world. An early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer may reduce the mortality rate to a great extent. To diagnose breast cancer, different types of imaging modalities are used to collect samples like mammography, Computerized Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound and Biopsy. Histopathological images obtained from biopsy may influence how and at which stage the cancer is being diagnosed. The Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD) system helps the pathologists in early diagnosis of breast cancer. In this survey, the recently reported techniques for breast cancer diagnosis using histopathological images have been summarized. This study could be beneficial for: (i) Clinicians to receive second opinion from the CAD system for early diagnosis, and (ii) Researchers to analyze and enhance the existing state-of-art techniques used in CAD system, which may further reduce the gap of variability between intra and inter observer.