CT 扫描在食管癌淋巴结转移患者预后评估中的应用价值

目的:探讨CT扫描对食管癌淋巴结转移诊断的准确率及CT扫描对预测淋巴结转移患者预后的价值.方法:选择我院收入的行食管癌根治术患者共146例,患者均行CT及腹部彩超,检查者CT及腹部彩超对食管癌淋巴结转移检测的准确率及漏诊率,检测CT淋巴结转移数、CT三分区转移情况及CT最大病变直径等CT检测与食管癌淋巴结转移相关因素.结果:CT淋巴结总检出率显著高于彩超检出率,两组对比差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05.CT检测中胸上段、胸中段总检出率显著高于彩超检出率,结果对比差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05.所有患者自手术日起计算术后1、3年生存率分别为73.3％(107/146)、47.9％( 70/146),CT 转移数≥2枚、CT三分区转移＜2区、CT最大病变直径≤3cm患者术后生存率较高,结果对比差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05.结论:CT对食管癌淋巴结转移诊断率较高,CT转移数、CT三分区转移及CT最大病变直径检测可用于评估患者术后生存率情况.     

Lymph Node Ratio for Postoperative Staging of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis

Background

Lymph node metastasis has a significant impact on laryngeal cancer prognosis. The role of lymph node ratio (LNR, ratio of metastatic to examined nodes) in the staging of laryngeal cancer was not reported.

Patients and Methods

Records of laryngeal cancer patients with lymph node involvement from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER, training set, N = 1963) and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FDSCC, validating set, N = 27) were analyzed for the prognostic value of LNR. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, the Log-rank χ² test and Cox proportional hazards model were used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Optimal LNR cutoff points were identified by X-tile.

Results

Optimal LNR cutoff points classified patients into three risk groups R1 (≤0.09), R2 (0.09–0.20) and R3 (>0.20), corresponding to 5-year cause-specific survival and overall survival in SEER patients of 55.1%, 40.2%, 28.8% and 43.1%, 31.5%, 21.8%, 2-year disease free survival and disease specific survival in FDSCC patients of 74.1%, 62.5%, 50.0%, and 67.7%, 43.2%, 25.0%, respectively. R3 stratified more high risk patients than N3 with the same survival rate, and R classification clearly separated N2 patients to 3 risk groups and N1 patients to 2 risk groups (R1–2 and R3).

Conclusions

R classification is a significant prognostic factor of laryngeal cancer and should be used as a complementary staging system of N classification.     

直肠癌的淋巴结转移的危险因素

目的:本研究主要目的为确定直肠癌的淋巴结转移的危险因素。方法:通过对1250例于2004年-2008年行直肠癌根治性切除的患者进行单因素和多因素分析,以确定淋巴结转移相关的危险因素,同时对PT分期和肿瘤大小之间的关系进行了相关性分析。结果:直肠癌患者淋巴结转移发生率为41%。在单因素分析中,患者年龄(P=0.008)、肿瘤大小(P=0.003)、PT分期(P<0.0019)以及分化程度(P<0.001)和淋巴结转移相关。在多因素分析中,年龄(P=0.017,OR=0.988,95%可信区间:0.978-0.998)、PT分期(P<0.001,OR=1.952,95%可信区间:1.656-2.302)和分化程度(P<0.001,OR=3.697,95%可信区间:2.112-6.472)是淋巴结转移的独立因素。结论:在直肠癌相关分析中,肿瘤的大小和PT分期呈正相关。年龄、PT分期和肿瘤分化程度是淋巴结转移的独立因素。在直肠癌中,肿瘤的大小和PT分期呈正相关。     

宫颈癌组织中c-met的表达与宫颈癌患者淋巴结转移及复发的关系

目的:探讨宫颈癌患者组织中c-met表达与宫颈癌淋巴结转移和复发的关系。方法:选取我院2005年6月至2010年6月间经病理确诊的患者120例。采用SP法检测c-met蛋白在宫颈癌组织中的表达,采用Pearson和Spearman相关性探讨c-met表达与宫颈癌患者临床特征的关系,采用COX回归模型探讨c-met表达与子宫颈癌转移与复发的的关系。结果:120例子宫颈癌患者中转移、复发或死亡者35例,相关性分析提示c-met蛋白水平与宫颈癌患者CA-125值、肿瘤的N分期、肿瘤侵犯深度成正相关,多因素分析提示:肿瘤分化程度(P=0.013)、c-met水平(P=0.02)、肿瘤侵犯深度(P=0.04)是宫颈癌患者转移或复发的独立危险因素。结论:宫颈癌组织中c-met表达阳性是宫颈癌患者转移、复发的独立危险因素。     

宫颈癌淋巴结转移相关基因的表达谱研究

淋巴结转移是影响宫颈癌预后因素的首要因素,但分子机理尚不清楚,探讨宫颈癌淋巴结转移的分子机制,筛选可能用于临床诊断和治疗的新的分子靶标尤其重要.BRB-Array Tools软件对基因表达综合数据库(Gene Expression Ominibus, GEO)中有/无淋巴结转移早期宫颈癌的基因芯片表达谱数据进行统计学分析,找出二者的差异基因,利用GenCLip软件进行文献挖掘研究这些差异表达基因的功能关系.筛选出71个差异表达基因,其中35个在有淋巴转移的宫颈癌中表达上调,36个下调.文献挖掘发现FZD10、PDZK1IP1、SERPINB9、COMP、MAGEA1等几个新的宫颈癌淋巴转移相关基因.结果表明生物信息学方法能有效地分析基因芯片数据并获取生物内在信息,为宫颈癌淋巴转移发生机制及治疗靶位开辟新思路.     

Applicability of Preoperative Nuclear Morphometry to Evaluating Risk for Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

We previously reported the utility of preoperative nuclear morphometry for evaluating risk for cervical lymph node metastases in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The risk for lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma, however, is known to differ depending on the anatomical site of the primary tumor, such as the tongue, gingiva, mouth floor, and buccal mucosa. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of this morphometric technique to evaluating the risk for cervical lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A digital image system was used to measure the mean nuclear area, mean nuclear perimeter, nuclear circular rate, ratio of nuclear length to width (aspect ratio), and nuclear area coefficient of variation (NACV). Relationships between these parameters and nodal status were evaluated by t-test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Eighty-eight cases of squamous cell carcinoma (52 of the tongue, 25 of the gingiva, 4 of the buccal mucosa, and 7 of the mouth floor) were included: 46 with positive node classification and 42 with negative node classification. Nuclear area and perimeter were significantly larger in node-positive cases than in node-negative cases; however, there were no significant differences in circular rate, aspect ratio, or NACV. We derived two risk models based on the results of multivariate analysis: Model 1, which identified age and mean nuclear area and Model 2, which identified age and mean nuclear perimeter. It should be noted that primary tumor site was not associated the pN-positive status. There were no significant differences in pathological nodal status by aspect ratio, NACV, or primary tumor site.

Conclusion

Our method of preoperative nuclear morphometry may contribute valuable information to evaluations of the risk for lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.     

超声诊断甲状腺乳头状癌颈部淋巴结转移的临床价值及其血流参数与淋巴结转移的相关性分析

目的:研究超声诊断甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)颈部淋巴结转移的临床价值,并分析其血流参数与淋巴结转移的相关性。方法:选取2014年1月～2019年9月于我院接受诊治的78例PTC患者实施研究。按颈部淋巴结的转移情况将其分成转移组(42例)和非转移组(36例)。比较两组超声声像图特征,并分析超声诊断PTC颈部淋巴结转移的灵敏度、特异度、准确度。此外,对比两组彩色多普勒超声相关血流参数,分析彩色多普勒超声血流参数与淋巴结转移的相关性。结果:转移组淋巴门及纵横比≥2人数占比低于非转移组,而钙化、囊性变人数占比高于非转移组(均P0.05)。以病理诊断为金标准,超声诊断PTC颈部淋巴结转移的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为95.24%、97.22%、96.15%。转移组与非转移组的收缩期加速时间(AT)对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05);转移组收缩期峰值血流速度(PSV)、搏动指数(PI)、阻力指数(RI)均高于非转移组(均P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析可得:PSV、PI、RI与淋巴结转移均呈正相关关系(均P0.05)。结论:超声诊断PTC颈部淋巴结转移的临床价值较高,且其血流参数与淋巴结转移存在密切相关,通过检测血流参数有利于判断患者的淋巴结转移。     

口腔癌中肿瘤出芽与VEGF—C表达及淋巴结转移的相关关系

目的：通过检测肿瘤出芽、淋巴结转移以及血管内皮生长因子-C（VEGF—C）表达水平,分析口腔癌中肿瘤出芽与VEGF—C表达及淋巴结转移的相关关系,为临床治疗提供理论参考。方法：选取2009年1月-2013年1月4年间在我院接受诊治且资料完整63例口腔癌患者作为研究对象,观察肿瘤出芽、VEGF-C表达和淋巴结转移情况,分析相互之间的相关关系。结果：本次纳入研究的患者中,检出肿瘤出芽患者40例,所占比例为63．5％,VEGF—C表达阳性患者39例,阳性率率为61．9％,淋巴结转移患者40例,转移率为63．5％;肿瘤出芽与淋巴结转移的符合率为84．1％,肿瘤出芽与VEGF—C的表达符合率为79．4％,VEGF-C的表达与淋巴结转移发生的符合率为76．2％。肿瘤出芽与淋巴结转移呈正相关,经Spear相关分析,r=0．932,P〈0．05,与VEGF-C的表达也呈正相关,经Spear相关分析,r=0．897,P〈0．05。结论：肿瘤出芽与VEGF—C的表达水平和淋巴结转移均呈正相关关系,可用于预测判断口腔癌淋巴结转移情况。     

Nomogram to Assess the Risk of Central Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Clinical N0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

ObjectiveTo develop and validate an individualized risk prediction model for the need for central cervical lymph node dissection in patients with clinical N0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) diagnosed using ultrasound.MethodsUpon retrospective review, derivation and internal validation cohorts comprised 1585 consecutive patients with PTC treated from January 2017 to December 2019 at hospital A. The external validation cohort consisted of 406 consecutive patients treated at hospital B from January 2016 to June 2020. Independent risk factors for central cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) were determined through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. An individualized risk prediction model was constructed and illustrated as a nomogram, which was internally and externally validated.ResultsThe following risk factors of CLNM were established: a solitary primary thyroid nodule’s diameter, shape, calcification, and capsular abutment-to-lesion perimeter ratio. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the risk prediction model for the internal and external validation cohorts were 0.921 and 0.923, respectively. The calibration curve showed good agreement between the nomogram-estimated probability of CLNM and the actual CLNM rates in the 3 cohorts. The decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical usefulness of the nomogram.ConclusionThis study developed and validated a model for predicting the risk of CLNM in individual patients with clinical N0 PTC, which should be an efficient tool for guiding clinical treatment.     

Positive Lymph Node Metastasis Has a Marked Impact on the Long-Term Survival of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Extrahepatic Metastasis

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastasis is extremely poor. However, what is the main risk factor for survival remains unclear for these patients. We aimed to find out the relative frequency, incidence and locations of extrahepatic metastases and the risk factors of long-term survival of the patients.

Methods

132 HCC patients with extrahepatic metastasis diagnosed by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and conventional workup were enrolled into this study. The incidence and locations of extrahepatic metastases were summarized, and the related risk factors of overall survival were analyzed.

Results

The most frequent extrahepatic metastatic sites were lymph nodes in 72 (54.5%), bone in 33 (25.0%) and lung in 28 (21.2%) patients. On univariate analysis, prothrombin time, Child-Pugh grade, portal/hepatic vein invasion and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors of overall survival. On multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis was the only independent risk factor of overall survival. The cumulative survival rates at 1- and 3-years after diagnosis of extrahepatic metastasis of HCC were 34.4% and 9.3%, respectively. The median survival time was 7 months (range 1 ∼38 months). The median survival time for patients with or without lymph node metastasis were 5 months (range 1∼38 months) and 12 months (range 1∼30 months), respectively (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

This study showed lymph nodes to be the most frequent site of extrahepatic metastases for primary HCC. Lymph node metastasis was the main risk factor of overall survival in patients with HCC with extrahepatic metastasis.     

VEGF-C和VEGF-D在肝内胆管癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移的关系及临床意义

目的:探讨胆管癌患者血管内皮生长因子C和D(vascular endothelial growth factor-C and-D,VEGF-C and VEGF-D)在胆管癌组织中的表达及其与肿瘤淋巴结转移的关系。方法:应用免疫组化SABC法及Real-time PCR法检测57例胆管癌组织和正常胆管组织中VEGF-C、VEGF-D蛋白及其mRNA的表达。结果:胆管癌组织VEGF-C和VEGF-D表达明显高于正常胆管组织(P<0.01),其中淋巴结转移组VEGF-C、VEGF-D的表达与淋巴结未转移组间统计学差异显著(P<0.05)。VEGF-C和VEGF-D在胆管癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移有关(P<0.01)。结论:胆管癌细胞非摄入性高表达的VEGF-C和VEGF-D与淋巴结转移密切相关,可作为评估胆管癌患者预后的重要参考指标。     

宫颈癌腹主动脉旁淋巴结转移相关危险因素的研究分析

摘要 目的：分析上海市第一人民医院2015年至2019年期间250例分期为IB～IIA期的宫颈癌患者腹主动脉旁淋巴结（para-aortic lymph node,PALN）转移的危险因素,并探讨在早期宫颈癌手术中PALN清扫的意义。方法：回顾性分析250例宫颈癌患者的临床及病理资料,这些患者均接受了腹腔镜或开腹根治性子宫切除术+双侧盆腔淋巴结（pelvic lymph node,PLN）及PALN清扫术,采用统计学方法,通过单因素分析及多因素分析来讨论影响PALN转移的危险因素。结果：在250例宫颈癌患者中,PLN的转移率为27.60 %（69/250）,PALN的转移率为6.40 %（16/250）,在PLN转移阳性中,有15例PALN转移阳性的患者,转移率为21.74 %（15/69）。单因素分析显示,肿瘤最大直径、分期、淋巴脉管间隙浸润（lymph vascular space invasion,LVSI）、PLN转移以及鳞状上皮细胞癌抗原(SCC-Ag)与PALN转移有关（P＜0.05）,而多因素分析显示,分期为IIA期、PLN转移阳性以及PLN转移的个数≥3个是PALN转移的独立危险因素。将这些危险因素代入回归方程以建立临床预测模型,Y=-5.691+1.497×IIA期+3.627×PLN转移（Y代表PALN转移率）,利用受试者工作特征（receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线评估这些独立危险因素对于判断PALN转移是否具备一定的诊断价值,此时截断值（cut-off value）为0.064,灵敏度为93.80 %,特异度为76.90 %,曲线下面积（AUC）为0.907（P＜0.001,95 % CI：0.859～0.955）,H-L检验（Hosmer-Lemeshow）发现该模型拟合优度效果较好（P＞0.05）。同时通过绘制ROC曲线发现,当PLN转移个数≥3个以及肿瘤最大直径≥3.4 cm时,对判断是否存在PALN转移也具有一定的临床价值。结论：通过分析表明IIA期、PLN转移阳性以及转移个数≥3个是PALN转移的独立危险因素,可以对这些因素展开进行充分的评估与诊断,从而更加优化宫颈癌患者的分期、手术方式、治疗方案,为患者提供个体化临床诊疗,以期提高宫颈癌患者的生存质量,减少术后的并发症,改善患者的预后等。     

VEGF-C和VEGF-D在肝内胆管癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移的关系及临床意义

目的：探讨胆管癌患者血管内皮生长因子C和D（vascular endothelial growth factor-Cand．D,VEGF．CandVEGF．D）在胆管癌组织中的表达及其与肿瘤淋巴结转移的关系。方法：应用免疫组化SABC法及Real-timePCR法检测57例胆管癌组织和正常胆管组织中VEGF-C、vEGF-D蛋白及其mRNA的表达。结果：胆管癌组织VEGF—C和VEGF．D表达明显高于正常胆管组织（P〈0．叭）,其中淋巴结转移组VEGF-C、VEGF—D的表达与淋巴结未转移组间统计学差异显著（P〈0．05）。VEGF-C和VEGF-D在胆管癌组织中的表达与淋巴结转移有关（P〈0．01）。结论：胆管癌细胞非摄入性高表达的VEGF．C和VEGF．D与淋巴结转移密切相关,可作为评估胆管癌患者预后的重要参考指标。     

口腔鳞癌E钙粘连素表达与颈淋巴结转移相关性的研究

探讨E钙粘连素的表达与口腔鳞癌淋巴结转移的相关性。采用蛋白杂交技术 ,对病理确诊的 68例口腔鳞癌标本进行肿瘤组织总蛋白提取 ,然后行蛋白质免疫印迹检测 (Westernblot)。 68例口腔癌中的E钙粘连素表达显示 ,3 6例淋巴结转移标本与 3 2例未发生淋巴结转移的标本相比 ,E钙粘连素的表达明显降低(P <0 .0 1 )。此结果提示口腔鳞癌淋巴结转移与E钙粘连素的丧失密切相关 ,E钙粘连素的表达可以作为极有价值的判定肿瘤转移发生可能性以及愈后的判断指标。     

Preoperative Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis Using Primary Tumor SUVmax on 18F-FDG PET/CT in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the value of preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG (FDG) PET/CT in predicting cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

One hundred and ninety-three newly diagnosed PTC patients (M: F = 25:168, age = 46.8 ± 12.2) who had undergone pretreatment FDG PET/CT and had neck node dissection were included in this study. The FDG avidity of the primary tumor and the SUVmax of the primary tumor (pSUVmax) were analyzed for prediction of LN metastasis. Detectability by ultrasonography (US) and FDG PET/CT for cervical LN metastasis were also assessed and compared with the pSUVmax.

Results

The FDG avidity of the primary tumor was identified in 118 patients (FDG avid group: 61.0%, M: F = 16:102, age 47.0 ± 12.7 years) and pSUVmax ranged from 1.3 to 35.6 (median 4.6) in the FDG avid group. The tumor size in the FDG avid group was bigger and there was a higher incidence of LN metastasis compared to the FDG non-avid group (0.93 vs. 0.59 cm, p <0.001 and 49.2 vs. 33.3%, p <0.05). In the FDG avid group, patients with LN metastasis had higher pSUVmax than patients without LN metastasis (8.7 ± 8.3 vs. 5.7 ± 5.1, p <0.001). The incidence of central LN metastasis in patients with a pSUVmax >4.6 was 54%; however, the detectability of central LN metastasis by US and FDG PET/CT were 10.3% and 3.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

A high FDG avidity of the primary tumor was related to LN metastasis in PTC patients. Therefore, patients with a high pSUVmax should be cautiously assessed for LN metastasis and might need a more comprehensive surgical approach.     

Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis Prediction in Breast Cancer with Metastatic Sentinel Lymph Node: Impact of Molecular Subtypes Classification

Introduction

To decipher the interaction between the molecular subtype classification and the probability of a non-sentinel node metastasis in breast cancer patients with a metastatic sentinel lymph-node, we applied two validated predictors (Tenon Score and MSKCC Nomogram) on two large independent datasets.

Materials and Methods

Our datasets consisted of 656 and 574 early-stage breast cancer patients with a metastatic sentinel lymph-node biopsy treated at first by surgery. We applied both predictors on the whole dataset and on each molecular immune-phenotype subgroups. The performances of the two predictors were analyzed in terms of discrimination and calibration. Probability of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis was detailed for each molecular subtype.

Results

Similar results were obtained with both predictors. We showed that the performance in terms of discrimination was as expected in ER Positive HER2 negative subgroup in both datasets (MSKCC AUC Dataset 1 = 0.73 [0.69–0.78], MSKCC AUC Dataset 2 = 0.71 (0.65–0.76), Tenon Score AUC Dataset 1 = 0.7 (0.65–0.75), Tenon Score AUC Dataset 2 = 0.72 (0.66–0.76)). Probability of non-sentinel node metastatic involvement was slightly under-estimated. Contradictory results were obtained in other subgroups (ER negative HER2 negative, HER2 positive subgroups) in both datasets probably due to a small sample size issue. We showed that merging the two datasets shifted the performance close to the ER positive HER2 negative subgroup.

Discussion

We showed that validated predictors like the Tenon Score or the MSKCC nomogram built on heterogeneous population of breast cancer performed equally on the different subgroups analyzed. Our present study re-enforce the idea that performing subgroup analysis of such predictors within less than 200 samples subgroup is at major risk of misleading conclusions.     

胸段食管癌术后淋巴结转移情况及其对患者5 年生存期的影响研究

目的:探讨胸段食管癌术后淋巴结转移情况及其对患者5年生存期的影响。方法:对125例胸段食管癌患者的病例资料进行回顾性研究,统计其淋巴结转移情况以及转移度、转移数、转移域数等相关数据资料,并分析各种淋巴结转移情况对患者5年生存期的影响,再对基于不同淋巴结转移情况"手术组"与"手术+放疗组"的5年生存率进行比较。结果:有无淋巴结转移、淋巴结转移度、淋巴结转移数以及淋巴结转移域数均对胸段食管癌患者的5年生存率有显著影响(P0.01);有淋巴结转移患者手术组的5年生存率显著低于手术+放疗组(P0.01),同时术后加行放疗治疗对转移度0、≤20%及转移数≥2枚的患者的5年生存率有显著影响(P0.01)。结论:淋巴结转移是胸段食管癌患者术后效果的重要影响因素,淋巴结转移数0、1、及≥2枚的三级别分类或可更准确地反应胸段食管癌患者淋巴结转移数与5年生存率的关系;术后预防性放疗能提高有淋巴结转移、转移0、≤20%及转移数≥2枚的患者的5年生存率。     

Lymph Node Metastases and Prognosis in Left Upper Division Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers: The Impact of Interlobar Lymph Node Metastasis

Background

Left upper division segmentectomy is one of the major pulmonary procedures; however, it is sometimes difficult to completely dissect interlobar lymph nodes. We attempted to clarify the prognostic importance of hilar and mediastinal nodes, especially of interlobar lymph nodes, in patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) located in the left upper division.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients with primary left upper lobe NSCLC undergoing surgical pulmonary resection (at least lobectomy) with radical lymphadenectomy. The representative evaluation of therapeutic value from the lymph node dissection was determined using Sasako’s method. This analysis was calculated by multiplying the frequency of metastasis to the station and the 5-year survival rate of the patients with metastasis to the station.

Results

We enrolled 417 patients (237 men, 180 women). Tumors were located in the lingular lobe and at the upper division of left upper lobe in 69 and 348 patients, respectively. The pathological nodal statuses were pN0 in 263 patients, pN1 in 70 patients, and pN2 in 84 patients. Lymph nodes #11 and #7 were significantly correlated with differences in node involvement in patients with left upper lobe NSCLC. Among those with left upper division NSCLC, the 5-year overall survival in pN1 was 31.5% for #10, 39.3% for #11, and 50.4% for #12U. The involvement of node #11 was 1.89-fold higher in the anterior segment than that in the apicoposterior segment. The therapeutic index of estimated benefit from lymph node dissection for #11 was 3.38, #4L was 1.93, and the aortopulmonary window was 4.86 in primary left upper division NSCLC.

Conclusions

Interlobar node involvement is not rare in left upper division NSCLC, occurring in >20% cases. Furthermore, dissection of interlobar nodes was found to be beneficial in patients with left upper division NSCLC.     

Prognostic Value and Staging Classification of Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated with Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy

Background

The development of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has revolutionized the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value and classification of TNM stage system for retropharyngeal lymph node (RLN) metastasis in NPC in the IMRT era.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 749 patients with biopsy-proven, non-metastatic NPC. All patients received IMRT as the primary treatment. Chemotherapy was administered to 86.2% (424/492) of the patients with stage III or IV disease.

Results

The incidence of RLN metastasis was 64.2% (481/749). Significant differences were observed in the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS; 70.6% vs. 85.4%, P<0.001) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS; 79.2% vs. 90.1%, P<0.001) rates of patients with and without RLN metastasis. In multivariate analysis, RLN metastasis was an independent prognostic factor for disease failure and distant failure (P = 0.005 and P = 0.026, respectively), but not for locoregional recurrence. Necrotic RLN metastases have a negative effect on disease failure, distant failure and locoregional recurrence in NPC with RLN metastasis (P = 0.003, P = 0.018 and P = 0.005, respectively). Survival curves demonstrated a significant difference in DFS between patients with N0 disease and N1 disease with only RLN metastasis (P = 0.020), and marginally statistically significant differences in DMFS and DFS between N1 disease with only RLN metastasis and other N1 disease (P = 0.058 and P = 0.091, respectively). In N1 disease, no significant differences in DFS were observed between unilateral and bilateral RLN metastasis (P = 0.994).

Conclusions

In the IMRT era, RLN metastasis remains an independent prognostic factor for DFS and DMFS in NPC. It is still reasonable for RLN metastasis to be classified in the N1 disease, regardless of laterality. However, there is a need to investigate the feasibility of classifying RLN metastasis as N1a disease in future by a larger cohort study.     

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Metastasis Identified by FDG PET/CT

Purpose

Retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastasis is an uncommon finding in patients with oral cavity squamous carcinoma (OSCC). We sought to investigate the clinical outcomes, clinicopathological characteristics, and the priority of treatment with curative intent in OSCC patients with RPLN involvement.

Methods and Materials

Between January 2007 and January 2011, we identified 36 patients with primary RPLN metastases (n = 10) or RPLN relapse (n = 26). The follow-up continued until June 2013. Disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and the potential benefits of salvage therapy served as the main outcome measures.

Results

The 2-year DSS and DFS rates of untreated patients with RPLN involvement were 20% and 24%, respectively. Level IV/V neck lymph node involvement was an adverse prognostic factor for DSS (P = 0.048) and DFS (P = 0.018). All of the patients presenting with neck lymph node involvement at level IV/V died within 6 months. Among patients who were treated for RPLN relapse, the 2-year DSS and DFS rates from the relapse day were 12.8% and 9.6%, respectively. Concomitant contralateral neck lymph node metastases (N2c) were associated with lower 2-year DSS (P = 0.005) and DFS (P = 0.011) rates. Moreover, five (55%) of the nine patients with recurrent disease in the contralateral RPLN had distant metastases within 6 months. Salvage therapy yielded the maximum survival benefit in patients without N2c disease and ipsilateral RPLN involvement alone (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

OSCC patients with RPLN involvement have poor outcomes. The risk factor for definitive treatment in OSCC patients with FDG PET/CT defined RPLN disease in primary disease was neck lymph node involvement at level IV/V and N2c and/or contralateral RPLN disease in recurrent disease. Treatment efforts with curative intent should be tailored according to individual risk factors.