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Background. Lymphatic spread is the main route of metastasis in early stage endometrial cancer. Considering its significance, three risk factors of lymph node metastasis were identified. At a high risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with stage I endometrial cancer, pelvic and lumbar lymph node dissection is recommended. In low-risk patients, lymph node dissection is not performed. Lymph node dissection in medium-risk patients is considered as a staging procedure. However, in patients with aggravating factors that prevent extended hysterectomy, lymph node biopsy with ICG mapping and subsequent microstaging may be an alternative to lymph node dissection. Purpose of the study: to analyze the effectiveness of surgical approaches for staging endometrial cancer at different risk factors for lymphatic metastasis.Material and Methods. The treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in 565 patients with stage I endometrial cancer treated at the gynecological oncology department of Botkin City Clinical Hospital and at the gynecological oncology department of Kaluga Regional Clinical Oncology Center from 2021 to 2023. All women were divided into three groups according to the risk factors of lymph node metastasis. Patients underwent hysterectomy, hysterectomy combined with pelvic or pelvic and lumbar lymphadenectomy, as well as hysterectomy with ICG mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy.Results. A total of 334 endometrial cancer patients underwent surgery at Botkin City Clinical Hospital. In the medium-risk group patients (n=94), who underwent hysterectomy with pelvic (n=36) and pelvic + lumbar lymphadenectomy (n=31), lymph node metastases were detected in 4 (11.1 %) and 6 (19.4 %) patients, respectively. In the high-risk group (n=50) with similar surgeries, metastatic lymph nodes were identified in 2 (10.5 %, n=19) and 6 (26.1 %, n=23) patients, respectively. At Kaluga Regional Oncology Center, 231 patients underwent hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The low-risk group, the medium-risk group, and the high-risk group showed lymph node metastases in 7 (5.47 %), 6 (10.2 %), and 6 (13.6 %) patients, respectively.Conclusion. In stage I endometrial cancer patients with a low risk of lymph node metastasis, hysterectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended. For medium-and high-risk groups, hysterectomy with systemic lymphadenectomy is recommended. If it is not possible to remove the pelvic and lumbar lymph nodes, their biopsy with ICG mapping and microstaging can be recommended. A combination of systemic lymphadenectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy is a promising technique that could hypothetically demonstrate better results in terms of disease staging.

Rationale: During neoplastic transformation, epithelial cells become mobile, which is one of the main mechanisms of metastatic disease and recurrence. Cell motility is regulated by actin-binding proteins, which ensure the association/dissociation of actin filaments and their interaction with the cell membrane. Previously, we have shown the presence of actin-binding proteins in the serum from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC); however, their association with the development of metastases and relapses in cancer patients has not been sufficiently studied. Aim: To evaluate the serum levels of actin-binding proteins fascin-1 and ezrin in patients with HNSCC depending on the disease recurrence and lymphatic metastasis. Materials and methods: Serum fascin-1 and ezrin levels before combination therapy were measured with ELISA assay in 30 HNSCC (T1-4N0-2M0) patients (mean age 56 7 years). Results: The median fascin-1 level was significantly higher in the patients with lymphatic metastases, compared to those without metastases: 0.64 (0.40; 5.89) vs 6.35 (1.72; 8.35) ng/mL, respectively (p 0.001). At 12 to 36 months after combination therapy, the disease relapsed in 12 (40%) patients. Ezrin levels were significantly higher in the relapsed patients, compared to those without a relapse within 3 years after combination therapy: 2.55 (2.35; 2.75) vs 1.93 (1.87; 2.5) ng/mL (p = 0.02). The ROC analysis showed an association between fascin-1 serum levels with metastatic disease (AUC = 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.570.85) and an association between ezrin levels and the disease relapse (AUC = 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.570.94). Conclusion: These indicators can be used for the development of minimally invasive early detection of metastases in lymphatic nodes and for the prognosis of HNSCC recurrence.

Background. The regional lymph node metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is still very high: 5060%, especially in papillary form. Averagely, after central neck lymph node dissection (CNLD), in 3040% cases hidden metastasis in lymph nodes of VI zone of neck were revealed. But they were not indicated by preoperative diagnostic procedures: ultrasound (US) and computer tomogpraphy (CT). Aims. To define the factors associated with the increased risk of lymph node metastasis for specification of indications to CNLD performance. Materials and methods. The study covers 105 patients with clinical stages of DTC T1-2N0M0, who received a thyroidectomy (TE) with preventive bilateral CNLD in RSCRR since 2012 till 2017. Patients older than 45 y.o. prevailed (66 patients (62.9%)). Data processing was carried out in a Microsoft Access database, a one-factor dispersion analysis was used for the analysis of the quantitative signs, and a c-square criterion was used for the qualitative ones. Results. The hidden metastasizes are founded by 32 (30.5%) patients. Multifocality is registered in 29 (27.6%) cases, lack of the tumor node capsule is registered in 65 (61.9%) and an invasion of the thyroid gland capsule is registered in 38 (36.2%) patients. Background diseases of the thyroid gland (TG) have 69 (65.7%) patients. According to the multifactorial analysis reliable independent predictors of the hidden metastasis of central neck lymph nodes were invasion of the anatomic capsule of TG (р = 0.003), age of patients 45 y.o. (р = 0.005), nonincapsulated form of tumor (р = 0.007). Conclusion. Use of TE in combination with CNLD allowed to restage at 46.7% of patients due to TG capsule invasion (28.6%) and hidden metastasis in VI group lymph nodes (30.5%) identification.

Objective: To evaluate surgical and oncological results of standard and extended lymph node dissection (D2 and D3) in patients with colon cancer., Material and Methods: We analyzed treatment outcomes in 74 patients with colon cancer stage T1-4aN0-2M0 who underwent right- and left-sided hemicolectomy, resection of sigmoid colon with standard and extended lymph node dissection (D2 and D3)., Results: Surgical approach and level of D3 lymph node dissection did not increase intra- and postoperative morbidity. Laparoscopic interventions were followed by significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and earlier gas discharge. Metastatic lesion of apical lymph nodes was observed in 5 out of 36 patients who underwent D3 lymph node dissection (13.8%), and metastases in regional lymph nodes rN1-2 were found in all these patients. Overall 5-year survival was 86%. Disease-free and overall 5-year survival were similar after D2 and D3 lymph node dissection., Conclusion: D3 lymph node dissection is safe for colon cancer. Metastatic lesions of apical lymph nodes during D3 lymph node dissection were detected only in patients with lesions of regional lymph nodes (rN1-2). Disease-free and overall 5-year survival were similar after D2 and D3 lymph node dissection.

Objective: To evaluate the possibility of using the method of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) detection with indocyanine green (ICG) in patients with early breast cancer and its informativeness., Material and Methods: A «Determination of sentinel lymph nodes by fluorescence method intraoperatively with the use of indocyanine green» study, in which 168 patients are currently included, is being conducted in the clinic of the N.N. Petrov NMRC of Oncology from 2017 through the present. All patients who underwent biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (BSLN) were primary with a T1-2N0M0 stage of process., Results: The average number of axillary lymph nodes removed in BSLN was 3 (1-5). Accumulation of ICG was found in 147 (88%) patients, accumulation of labeled radiocolloid - in 137 (82%), in combination of ICG/radiocolloid - in 167 (99%) based on the results of imaging., Conclusion: The obtained results prove that the informativeness and relative simplicity of this method use allow its application in any hospital where breast cancer is surgically treated, as well as in the absence of radioisotopic equipment.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the background of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the most common presentations of oral cancer among Asian population. OSCC arising in the background of OSMF (OSCC with OSMF) has been a topic of interest among researchers recently and a few studies have considered this to be a distinct clinicopathological entity. This systematic review analyses the demographic and clinicopathological variations of OSCC with OSMF from conventional OSCC to evaluate the distinctiveness of OSCC with OSMF. A comprehensive search from PubMed, Google scholar and manual search were carried out and 4 articles were retrieved and analysed systematically. Out of the total 377 OSCC with OSMF cases and 542 conventional OSCC, males were found to be predominantly affected (82.7% and 73.6%). 47% of the OSCC with OSMF cases were well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas as against 33.4% in conventional OSCC. Lymph node metastases were seen predominantly in conventional OSCC (49.1%) than OSCC with OSMF cases (40.7%). OSCC with OSMF were more prevalent in males and showed better tumour differentiation and lesser lymph node metastasis. Even though the present results inculpate OSCC with OSMF as a distinct clinicopathological entity, there is a dire need for thorough investigation.

Objective: To analyze the incidence and risk factors of regional lymph node metastatic lesions, as well as patterns of lymphatic drainage in early gastric cancer using indocyanine green (ICG)., Material and Methods: A prospective single-center non-randomized study included 67 patients with early gastric cancer between 2016 and 2019. All patients underwent endoscopic dissection or surgical resection with sentinel lymph node biopsy., Results: Regional lymph node metastatic lesions were detected in 12 (20.2%) out of 59 patients with examined lymph nodes. Of these, 11 out of 12 patients had sentinel lymph node lesion, and only 1 patient had metastasis outside this lymph node. The proposed technique for sentinel lymph node biopsy demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (93.2%, 100% and 98.3%, respectively). Risk factors for metastasis of early gastric cancer to regional lymph nodes were high grade adenocarcinoma ( p =0.038) and tumor of anterior gastric wall ( p =0.013). All patients with tumors of the upper third of the stomach had sentinel lymph node in the left gastric artery basin. Lymph flow was multidirectional in patients with tumors of the middle third of the stomach. In tumors of the lower third of the stomach, sentinel lymph node was located in the right gastroepiploic artery (50%) and left gastric artery basins (36.84%) ( p =0.002). Sentinel lymph node was located in the left gastric artery basin in 84% of patients with tumors of the lesser curvature ( p <0.001). Lymphatic drainage was multidirectional if tumors were localized on anterior and posterior walls, as well as on the greater curvature., Conclusion: The proposed technique for sentinel lymph node biopsy demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (93.2%, 100% and 98.3%, respectively). ICG is valuable to identify the first lymph node in lymphatic drainage pathway in 83.6% of cases that makes it possible to assess the regional lymphatic collector. In addition, sentinel lymph node biopsy with ICG contributes to analysis of lymphatic drainage in early gastric cancer. The last one has both scientific and practical significance.

Research of cancer progression mechanisms and their impact on metabolism of tumor cells and tumor microenvironment cells is an important element in drug development for cancer target therapy. In this study, changes in tumor tissue and margin tissue lipid profiles, were associated with the following clinical and morphological characteristics: tumor size, cancer stage, multifocalite, tumor grade, number of lymph node metastasis, Nottingham prognostic index, total malignancy score, level of Ki67 protein. Lipid profiling was performed by reverse-phase chromato-mass spectrometry analysis of lipid tissue extract with lipid identification by characteristic fragments. In the lipid profile of tumor tissue 13 characteristic lipids were selected. Their levels significantly correlated with at least 5 clinical and morphological features. Eight of 13 belonged to phosphatidylcholines. In lipid profile of tumor microenviroment tissue 13 lipid features were selected. Their levels significantly correlated with at least 5 clinical and morphological features. Four of 13 belonged to oxidized lipids, 4 lipid features belonged to sphingomyelins, four of 13 belonged to phosphatidylethanolamines. The tumor microenvironment tissue lipid profile correlated with tumor size, cancer stage, tumor grade, number of axillary metastases, Nottingham prognostic index. The tumor tissue lipid profile correlated with tumor size, tumor grade, total malignant score, and number of axillary metastases.

Objective: To analyze surgical treatment of lung cancer in patients over 75 years old., Material and Methods: The study enrolled 73 patients. Lobectomy was performed in 50 (68.5%) patients, segmentectomy - 14 (19.2%), pneumonectomy - 4 (5.5%), bilobectomy - 3 (4.1%), wedge resection - 2 (2.7%) patients. The most common clinical scenario was lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma stage I. Metastases in lymph nodes were noted in 32.9% of cases. Among 9 patients with pN2 (12.9%), lesion of mediastinal lymph nodes was preoperatively diagnosed in 4 (44%) cases. Mean tumor size was 3 (1-14) cm., Results: Overall morbidity was 16.4%, mortality 5.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed the most significant risk factors such as stage IIIb (OR 9.3, 95% CI 1.365-63.816, p =0.023), pN1 (OR 3.889, 95% CI 1.008-14.999, p =0.049), pN2 (OR 5.300, 95% CI 1.170-23.999, p =0.030), central cancer (OR 7.572, 95% CI 1.742-32.884, p =0.007)., Conclusion: Surgical treatment of lung cancer patients over 75 years old may be completed safely and effectively in careful preoperative selection of patients. The most important risk factors of postoperative complications are cancer stage IIIb stage, lymph node lesion and central cancer.

Objective: To determine the indications for lymph node dissection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma., Material and Methods: The study included 105 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent dissection of 8, 9, 12, 13 and 16a2 groups of lymph nodes. Concomitant liver diseases were not a contraindication for lymph node dissection. Immediate and long-term treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Lymph node dissection did not affect the number of postoperative complications ( p =0.83) and mortality ( p =0.34). The number of tumors ( p =0.02) and concomitant liver diseases ( p =0.05) significantly affected lymph node metastatic lesions. Metastases were found only in lymph nodes >1 cm. Metastatic lesions of lymph nodes in hepatoduodenal ligament and retropancreatic zone were the most common. However, 5 patients had metastatic lesions of aortocaval and celiac lymph nodes without metastases in hepatoduodenal ligament. Overall 5-year survival of patients with lymph node metastases after total resection was 32.4%. It is a better result compared to other treatments., Conclusion: There was no significant effect of lymph node dissection on immediate postoperative results regardless concomitant pathology. Lymph node dissection is recommended for patients with a high risk of metastasis or lymph nodes metastases.

Aberrant methylation is strongly associated with development of cancer, but limited data exist on correlation between methylation and regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM). The aim of this research was to study using of methylation levels of WIF1, RASSF1A, CDO1 and MEST aberrant methylated genes in a primary breast cancer for prediction of regional lymph node metastases. We used MS-HRM (Methylation Sensitive High Resolution Melting) to assess methylation levels. The results were confirmed by pyrosequencing. The study included 66 women with LumA and 46 women with HER2- (LumB-), 22 and 26 of them had metastasis in at least one lymph node respectively. It was found that methylation levels between LumA and LumB subtypes differed significantly in genes: WIF1 (p<0.001), CDO1 (p=0.002) and MEST (p=0.033). In the Lum A subtype statistically significant differences in level of methylation of WIF1 gene between patients with metastases in RLNM and patients without metastases were found (p=0.03). Analysis of tumors longer than 2 cm in the LumA subtype, revealed an increase of statistical significance of WIF1 gene - p=0.009 (AUC (95%CI) = 0.76 (0.59-0.93)). In LumB- subtype RASSF1A, CDO1 and MEST had statistically significant differences in methylation level between groups (p=0.03, p=0.048 and p=0.045 respectively). ROC analysis showed that combining of three genes by logistic regression, AUC (95%CI) was 0.74 (0.6-0.88). Analysis of tumors longer than 2 cm, did not increase statistical significance for these genes (p=0.046; p=0.089 and p=0.076, respectively). Thus, the study of methylation in primary tumors may be useful for prediction of lymph node metastasis, as well as for better understanding of biological process inside breast cancer.

Metastases of the right colon cancer to extra-regional lymph nodes are rarely observed. Available literature data cannot be a reliable guide to choose the optimal treatment strategy. Indeed, excision of extra-regional lymph nodes is a rare experience and its results are poorly represented. According to our clinical experience, surgical intervention following comprehensive examination may be radical in patients with right colon cancer if distant metastases are absent. Resection of extra-regional lymph nodes can be safely performed in these cases. We report a patient with the right colon cancer and lesion of extra-regional lymph nodes behind the pancreatic head, paracaval and paraaortic space, hepatoduodenal ligament. Standard laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy with D-3 lymph node dissection was accompanied by resection of a conglomerate of nodal metastases behind the pancreatic head and superficial resection of the pancreas. Extra-regional lymph node excision is a reasonable option for colon mucinous adenocarcinoma stage I-III. However, comprehensive preoperative examination is required. Technical difficulty of extra-regional lymph node excision it is not the reason for limitation of surgical intervention. However, safe and total resection requires an adequate surgical approach.

Introduction: Tumor budding was declared as independent prognostic factor for early cancer in 2016. Tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the main components of tumor microenvironment. Plenty of different markers are used for detection of CAFs, including podoplanin (POD)., Objective: The aim of this study is to identify correlation between tumor budding, that indicates tumor invasive potential and is considered to be a negative prognostic factor, and CAFs near tumor buds using POD., Material and Methods: 43 cases of colon adenocarcinoma are included in the study. Double staining immunohistochemical technology with PCK and POD was used for detection of tumor budding and evaluation of POD expression near tumor buds., Results: Significant correlations are revealed between tumor budding and depth of tumor invasion ( p =0.023)/regional lymph node metastasis ( p =0.068), but between POD expression and depth of tumor invasion ( p =0.088) only a tendency of correlation is identified. These facts demonstrate critical prognostic value of tumor budding instead POD expression near tumor buds. It was found that intensity of POD expression near tumor buds is statistically analogous to POD expression in the invasive margin ( p =0.0016). That means it is not necessary to evaluate POD expression exactly near tumor buds. For the first time stronger POD expression near mucin complexes is reported. That, probably, will allow to use mucin complexes as alternative prognostic factor instead tumor budding, as tumor buds are absent in mucinous adenocarcinoma.

The authors report simultaneous surgical treatment of papillary cancer of the left thyroid lobe with lymph nodes metastases and left common carotid artery stenosis over 70%. Carotid endarterectomy at the first stage made it possible to reduce the risk of perioperative stroke, restore adequate blood flow through the carotid arteries and simultaneously perform total resection for thyroid carcinoma.

The goal of research is to optimize the results of surgical treatment of the regional metastases of the maxillofacial area cancer by improving the technique of supragioid and supraomogioid neck dissection with its variants and substantiate the possibility of their application to the patients with malignant tumors of the maxillofacial area. 104 patients aged 7 to 86 years with malignant tumors of the maxillofacial area were examined, including cancer of the lower lip, oral mucosa, and salivary glands. The patients revealed 187 enlarged regional lymph nodes, which were removed in the course of surgery using advanced methods of supragioid and supraomogioid neck dissection. The proposed advanced neck dissection demonstrated high efficiency against regional metastases. In patients who have undergone surgery, the connection of the risk of regional recurrences with the presence of regional metastases has not been established.

Based on the specificity of the subglottic cancer, the basic method of treatment is surgical, because many years of experience have shown the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy and the low effectiveness of radiation therapy. We have developed and introduced in practice the method of extended-combined laryngectomy is effective not only in terms of treating the underlying disease, but also for preventive purposes, reducing the risk of metastases in pre- and paratracheal lymphatic zones. The method of extended-combined laryngectomy includes mobilization of the larynx and its removal at level V or VI of the tracheal rings, lymph node dissection at level VI, both on the affected side and prophylactically from the opposite side, as well as removal of either the thyroid gland on the side of the lesion subglottic cancer, or at its circulatory location total removal of the gland. Despite the ongoing controversy over such a scale of operations, the effectiveness of extended-combined laryngectomy remains irrelevant, as indicated by a decrease in the frequency of metastasis recurrence from 65.5% to 15.3% with cancer of the subglottic localization and from 63.2% to 25.8% in the case of the spread of the tumor to the subglottic section.

The aim of this research was to study cytokine production by blood immune cells, tumor, and its microenvironment, and characterize extracellular matrix of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type and lymphatic metastases. Spontaneous and polyclonal activators stimulated production of cytokines by blood immune cells, tumor and its microenvironment were studied in 95 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type. The concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, TNF-α, IFN-γ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1 was determined by the solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The condition of fibrous component and presence of neutral glycoproteins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans were evaluated during the research of extracellular matrix. Regional lymphatic metastases were detected in 35 of 95 patients. It was shown that in the presence or absence of lymphatic metastases index of polyclonal activators influence on the production of cytokines by blood immune cells was different for IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β; while in the case of cytokine production by tumor and its microenvironment the index of influence was different for IL-2 and IL-17. The presence of lymphatic metastases corresponded with the rise of cytokines spontaneous production, while the absence of lymphatic metastases corresponded with the rise of cytokines production stimulated by polyclonal activators. The value of indices of polyclonal activators influence on the production of cytokines by blood immune cells pointed to the highly stimulating effect of polyclonal activators while the value of indices of polyclonal activators influence on cytokines production by tumor and its microenvironments pointed to the low and sometimes even absent effect of polyclonal activators. Basing on these data we propose a ratio of indices of polyclonal activators influence for the better evaluation of the probability of lymphatic metastases during preoperative period. After characterizing extracellular matrix we found out a point threshold, which, in 100% of cases, predicted the presence of lymphatic metastases basing on the condition of extracellular matrix. Using the data acquired, we are proposing a risk group for metastasis among women with no lymphatic metastases in the moment of check-up.

This review paper describes the possibilities of visualization of regional lymph nodes using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Discussed is the experience of contrast-enhanced ultrasound implication for differential diagnosis of regional metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa. The basics of the technique of contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination of the neck lymphatic basin are described.

Objective: To study the relationship of LMP-1 expression with the clinical and morphological characteristics of gastric cancer and to study LMP-1 expression in the glandular epithelium of the peritumoral tissue., Material and Methods: Samples of gastric cancer surgical material from 67 patients were included in this study. Primary mouse monoclonal antibodies to LMP-1 protein were used. LMP-1 expression was considered as positive if at least in one of the selected 10 fields of view (lens magn. ×40) ratio of the number of cells with LMP-1 expression to the total number of cells exceeded 10%., Results: Nine cases of LMP-1 positive tumors, 32 cases of LMP-1 negative tumors and 26 cases of LMP-1-negative tumors with LMP-1-expression in the epithelium of the peritumoral tissue were detected. Last group was described for the first time; 4 of these were intestinal type tumors, 19 tumors were 'intermediate' type and 3 tumors were diffuse type, the prevalence of 'intermediate' type tumors was statistically significant., Conclusion: LMP-1-negative tumors with LMP-1-expression in the epithelium of the peritumoral tissue were identified and described for the first time. This group was predominantly represented by tumors of an 'intermediate' histological type of gastric cancer. EBV antigens may have any direct oncogenic effects, or play the role of the background or the concomitant processes. No significant relationship was found between the LMP-1 expression and depth of invasion (T), lymph nodes metastasis (N), distant metastasis (M), clinical stages. This fact can be explained by the high heterogeneity of molecular and genetic properties of gastric cancer.

Introduction: The reasons of late diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are the long asymptomatic course of the pathological process, the anatomical structure of the nasopharynx, often small, visually and endoscopically undetectable tumor and other factors. It is proved that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an etiological agent in the most common undifferentiated non-keratinizing histological type of NPC (uNPC)., Objectives: The aim of the work was to assess the significance of diagnostic markers of EBV (titers of humoral antibodies to the virus and the concentration of viral DNA in plasma) for the diagnosis of uNPC in a group of patients with metastatic lesions of the cervical lymph nodes without an identified localization of the primary tumor focus., Material and Methods: The material for the study was blood plasma of 83 patients with metastatic lesions of the cervical lymph nodes and not established localization of the primary tumor. Plasma samples were tested for the anti-EBV IgG and IgA antibody content and titers and the concentration of viral DNA., Results and Discussion: The data obtained indicate that the parallel testing of blood plasma for EBV-specific antibodies and viral load is a useful tool for preliminary screening of uNPC patients. The final diagnosis is confirmed by the data of subsequent morphological and instrumental studies. Several examples also show that the concentration of viral DNA in the blood plasma of patients with uNPC reflects the effect of the therapy and the prognosis of the disease: remission, stabilization of the tumor process, relapse or metastasis., Conclusion: Although the titers of virus-specific antibodies are found to reflect clinical manifestations of the disease less accurately than the plasma concentrations of viral DNA, serological markers are extremely important for the preliminary diagnostics of uNPC in cases of undetected primary tumor location. They are also useful for primary screening of this neoplasm among individuals at risk., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Endoscopic surgery is being actively developed in China due to scientific and technological progress and state support. Video-endoscopic surgery as one of these directions is actively used for lymph node dissection during mastectomy and breast reconstruction. This method results not only good functional and aesthetic results, but also positive outcomes of cancer treatment.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the methods of treatment of thoracic part of esophageal cancer and to predict the results of treatment depending on the factors of the prognosis. The results of treatment of 366 patients with cancer of the thoracic part of esophagus for 10 years (2007-2016) on the basis of the department of thoracic oncology of the Karaganda oncological dispensary were studied. The overall five-year survival rate, regardless of the method of treatment, was only 8.72% (28 of 321), and in the 6-10 year period 8.41% (27 of 321) lived, p <0.05. Analysis of the overall survival of patients with cancer of the thoracic part of esophagus showed that the method of treatment does not have a significant effect on life expectancy. A multivariate analysis of 19 grades that affect the prognosis of the disease was carried out. Radical type of treatment of the middle and lower thoracic esophagus is surgical, in which the median of cumulative survival is 19 months. Traditional radiotherapy should be used in a limited way, as it is palliative, with a median survival of no more than 9 months. The leading factor in the prognosis for thoracic part of esophageal cancer is the presence of regional metastases, on which the choice of method of treatment depends.

Laminins are a family of extracellular heterotrimeric glycoproteins that are the main structural component of basement membranes (BMs), perform a barrier function, and are important for adhesion, differentiation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis of various cells, including cancer cells. The review summarizes the current knowledge of how laminins produced by cancer and normal cells influence the key stages of carcinogenesis. Laminin 332 (LN-332) and LN-111 enhance proliferation of certain cancer cells and increase the tumour growth. LN-111 increases resistance to apoptosis, induces differentiation, and inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. LN-332 is associated with higher adhesion and higher migration potential of cancer cells. LN-411 and LN-421 significantly increase motility of cancer cells. LN-332 and LN-511 facilitate cell-cell adhesion and affect the efficacy of cell-cell interactions. The laminin chains α4 and α5 are important for the development and function of blood and lymphatic vessels. The expression ratio of the α4 and α5 laminin chains defines the BM permeability to leukocytes and, presumably, cancer cells in blood and lymphatic vessels. Interactions between LN-511 and α2-containing laminins enhance self-renewal and survival of circulating cancer stem cells. Moreover, laminins are involved in the formation of premetastatic niches and new colonies. Endogenous expression of the α4 laminin chain stimulates proliferation of individualised circulating cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and facilitates micrometastasis.

The paper describes a case of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma growing into the muscular layer of the descending colon and with metastases in 4 lymph nodes of paranephral tissue in a 66-year-old woman. The tumor had a zonal structure with an alternation of epithelioid and sarcomatoid structural sites and with the signs of grades I, II and III according to the grading system by Paner and et al. (2010). The sarcomatoid renal component occupied about 70.0% of the tumor. There was a pronounced immunohistochemical reaction with VEGF-A (5 scores), a high Ki-67 proliferation index (70%), and a large number of tumor cells with nuclear p53 expression (85%) in the areas with minimal differentiation and sarcomatoid elements (Grade III). These signs can serve as criteria for the aggressive behavior of the tumor. A large volume of the sarcomatoid carcinoma component and a strong reaction with VEGF-A are indications for targeted therapy with anti-VEGF drugs.

Liver resection remains the method of choice for treatment of colorectal liver metastases with good long-term results. Regional lymph nodes involvement is significant negative prognostic factor. Moreover, it has been considered as a contraindication for liver resection for a long time. The role of lymphadenectomy remains controversial. Current state of this problem is reviewed in the article. Liver regional lymph nodes involvement takes place in 10-20% of cases. PET/CT is the most sensitive method of preoperative diagnosis. Involvement of liver regional lymph nodes is currently not absolute contraindication for liver resection. Routine lymphadenectomy does not make sense, and, perhaps, is justified only within scientific trials for more accurate disease staging. Indications for lymphadenectomy are suspicious changes of lymph nodes revealed by preoperative visualization methods or by intraoperative exploration. Modern chemotherapy regimens allow to reconsider the prognostic importance of liver regional lymph node metastases and to extend indications for liver resections.

Aim: To develop new criteria of radical surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCC)., Material and Methods: There were 165 HCC patients who underwent surgery in 1986-2016 at the Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery. TNM stage distribution: stage I - 4 (2.4%), II - 45 (27.3%) (29 of them are referred to the 1 st period of work), IIIA - 23 (13.9%), IIIB - 41 (24.8%), IVA - 35 (21.2%), IVB - 17 (10.3%). 80 (48%) patients underwent hemihepatectomy, 17 (10%) - advanced hemihepatectomy, 16 (10%) - minor liver resection with common bile duct repair, 52 (32%) - common bile duct repair resection. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to access relationship between survival and prognostic factors. Log-rank test was used to compare both survival curves., Results: R0-resection as followed by 5-year survival rate near 32%. Microvascular invasion was observed in 42.9%, lymphovascular invasion - in 88.2%, positive resection margin - in 59.2%, perineural invasion - in 83.3%, cells in surrounding fatty tissue were revealed in 92.3%. Resection may be considered radical (R0) if all variables are absent, 5-7 negative factors are followed by conditionally radical procedure (R+number of positive factors). Long-term outcomes and significance of new criteria were accessed (p=0.004)., Conclusion: New criteria of radical procedure are presented. The last reflects the concept of dependence of 'pure' surgical edge from not only presence or absence of tumor cells in cut-off plane but also from important morphological features of tumor.

Aim: To identify risk factors of lymph node metastases in patients with pT1 rectal cancer., Material and Methods: There were 43 patients aged 62.3±11.3 years with pT1 rectal cancer who underwent mesorectal excision in 2012 - 2018. There were 34 (64%) females and 19 (36%) males., Results: Histological examination revealed SM1-2 in 22/43 (51%) cases, SM3 - in 21/43 (49%) cases. Lymph node metastases were identified in specimens with submucosal invasion: SM3 - in 8/21 (38.1%) cases and SM1-2 - in 3/22 (13.6%) cases (p=0.08). Logistic regression confirmed lymphovascular invasion (p=0.005) and mucosal and/or poorly differentiated carcinoma (p=0.014) as independent predictors of lymph node metastases., Conclusion: Lymphovascular invasion and poorly differentiated carcinoma are indications for transabdominal mesorectal excision.

Purpose: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) appears to be a relatively new concept for colon cancer. The purpose is to evaluate the results of CME with high vascular ligation (D3 lymph node dissection) for right colon cancer. The presented study identifies possible risks and advantages of the proposed method, as well as the role of the laparoscopic approach., Material and Methods: The article included data from 39 patients with right colon cancer, TNM stage I-III, operated on between November 2015 and December 2016 in the oncoproctology Department of the Blokhin Cancer Research Center. The analysis of main intraoperative parameters, morbidity and mortality was carried out., Results: There was no postoperative mortality. 17 (43.6%) of operations were performed by open and 22 - by laparoscopic approach. The conversion for laparoscopic approach was 1 (4.5%) in 22. The median duration of the operation was 180 (130-260) minutes for laparoscopic approach and 120 (90-280) minutes for open approach, р=0.0056. Median intraoperative blood loss was 30 (30-300) ml for laparoscopic approach, and 300 (30-500) ml for open approach (р=0.0001). The duration of lymphorrhoea, time to first bowel movement, time to start liquid and solid food intake were 5.1±2.4, 1.3±0.5, 1.26±0.4 and 3.2±0.7 days, respectively. The median number of removed lymph nodes was 35.7 (6-68), the median number of metastatic lymph nodes was 1.9 (0-16). The median number of removed apical lymph nodes was 10.3 (0-24). Metastases did not affect any of the lymph nodes of the apical group., Conclusion: Right mesocolic excision with D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer is technically safe, and the laparoscopic approach provides all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and excellent early treatment outcomes. Preliminary data shows no metastasis in apical lymphnodes for right colon cancer. Nonetheless, it is necessary to study the long-term results for the evaluation of oncological outcomes.

Aim: to investigate the morphological and immunohistochemical features of severe gastric dysplasia (SGD) and early gastric cancer (EGC)., Material and Methods: The fragments of gastric tumor tissue with adjacent mucosal portions from 50 patients aged from 34 to 79 years (mean age 63.8 years), which had been removed during organ-sparing endoscopic surgery, were histologically, histochemical, and immunohistochemically (IHC) examined., Results: In EGC, there was a preponderance of intestinal-type cancer; the adjacent mucosal areas showed foci of SGD and colonic metaplasia in 100%. Cancer emboli were absent in the lumen of blood and lymphatic vessels in EGC at a рТ1а stage. Relapse of cancer occurred in 10% of the patients with EGC within 6-24 months after endoscopic dissection., Conclusion: Complex morphological and IHC examination allows timely diagnosis of SGD and EGC, namely: the ability to assess the histologic type and depth of invasion of EGC, the presence or absence of cancer emboli in the blood and lymphatic vessels, which is crucial in determining treatment policy and prognosis. The immunophenotype of SGD and EGC with a number of antibodies (Abs) (cytokeratins 7, 8/18, mucins 1, 2 and 5AC, and p53) was assessed, the most significant ones of which were, in our opinion, Abs to p53 and mucin 5AC.

The rate of the highly differentiated thyroid microcarcinoma methastasizing in central (6th) group of cervical lymph nodes was studied. In the clinic in 2013 - 2015 yrs 62 patients were operated for primary thyroid microcarcinoma. In accordance to TNM (UICC, AJCC, 2009) classification, papillary cancer in stage TlaNOMO was diagnosed in 35 (56.5%) patients, T1aN1MO - in 22 (35.5%); follicular cancer stage T1aNOMO - in 2 (3.2%); papillary cancer, follicular variant in stage T1aN1 MO - in 2 (3.2%); follicu- lar cancer, papillary variant in stage T1aNOMO - in 1 (1.6%). In 8 (12.9%) patients intraorgan multifocal metastasizing into contralateral thyroid lobe was revealed. In accordance to morphological investigation date of the excised samples, in 24 (38.7%) patients the metastases into the 6th group lymph nodes were revealed. In 4 (16.7%) patients, to whom lateral cervical lymphodissection was done, metastases in 2 - 5th groups of lymph nodes on the thyroid affection side were revealed.

Lymph node metastasis of osteosarcomas is a rather rare phenomenon; according to different authors, the incidence of lymph node metastasis is 4 to 11%. The detection of lymph node metastases in osteosarcoma is associated with a significant reduction in the 5-year survival of patients and allows its classification as clinical stage IV tumor. The risk factors for lymph node metastases in patients with bone sarcomas are age (≥64 years), gender (female), nosological entity (undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma), tumor depth (muscle, bone), and the size of primary tumor (>5 сm). The mechanism of lymph node metastasis of osteosarcomas seems to be related to mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition.

The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) is being significantly increased. A significant percentage consists of metastatic cancer (MCP) in particular in the anterior-superior mediastinal lymph nodes (Group 7)., Material and Methods: 153 out of 324 patients with metastatic TC underwent video-assisted lymphadenectomy of group 7 of lymph nodes. The operations were combined with interventions on the primary tumor or on cervical lymph nodes in case of recurrence., Results: The possibility of long-term survival (over 10 years) was studied in more than 80% of cases. Sternotomy is advisable in case of impossible video-assisted procedure.

The paper evaluates results of randomized study of treatment of 135 patients for II-IIIB stage resectable gastric cancer (Borrmann type III and IV); of them 70 underwent intraoperative hyperthermic chemotherapy based on a technique adopted in the clinic. It has been noted the improvement of long-term results in particular the increase of dissemination-free survival (plog-rank=0,004) especially in patients with absence of metastases in regional lymph nodes (pN0) - (plog-rank=0,03). Application of an integrated technique appears to improve remote results thereby necessitating the need for further studies.

The article analyzed the methods of suprapancretic lymph node dissection in laparoscopic gastrectomy which were devel- oped and applied in Japan. The authors described the details of operation technique. There were noted the advantages of medial approach for suprapancreatic lymph node dissection.

The aim of the study was to investigate the serum adipokine levels and expression of adipokine receptors (AdipoR1, AdipoR2) in patients with endometrial and colon cancer in relation with the main clinical morphological parameters (tumor invasion, lymph node involvement). The study included 60 endometrial cancer patients with I-II Stage and 31 patients with colon cancer (T2-4N0-2M0). Serum adipokine levels, the level of soluble form of the leptin receptor (sOb-R) and AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression were evaluated with ELISA. In endometrial cancer serum leptin and adiponectin levels were associated not only with metabolic disorders but also with cervical invasion. In colon cancer serum leptin level was associated with lymph node involvement. The data obtained showed the potential implication of serum adipokines into tumor invasion and metastasis. In both sites intratumoral levels of AdipoR1 H AdipoR2 were not associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. The AdipoR1 level was related with myometrial invasion. In colon cancer patients, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expressions were associated with lymph node involvement, and AdipoR1 expression was correlated with tumor size. The obtained results demonstrated involvement of adipose tissue hormones (leptin and adiponectin) and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in tumor growth, invasion and lymphogenic metastasis.

Despite the modern achievements of different methods of treatment, primarily surgical, with recognized need of standardization of lymphadenectomy D2, gastric cancer still remains one of the most difficult malignant tumors characterized by high rates of one-year mortality and low rates of survival that are far from satisfactory. According to experts such unsatisfactory results are determined by a combination of factors: the characteristics of ill people, their functional status, age characteristics, the prevalence of the disease at diagnosis with the presence of systemic micrometastases, resistance to treatment, etc. Moreover, a factor of resistance to treatment i.e. to existing schemes and methods is mostly a key one that determines low levels of long-term survival.

Compared with surgical treatment the combined treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer accompanied by post-operative radiotherapy in the mode of hypofractionation from 3 Gy to SOD-36-39 Gy (EQD2 = 43,2-46,8 Gy) allowed statistically significant increasing a 5- and 10-year overall and disease-specific survival in patients with metastases to regional lymph nodes (pN1-2). The increase of overall and disease-specific survival was also observed in patients older than 60 years with the worst initial status (70-80 by the Karnofsky scale), II stage of disease, peripheral cancer and adenocarcinoma however for these groups survival differences did not reach a statistically significant level. The presented method of postoperative irradiation did not have severe toxicity and did not lead to a decrease in survival of elderly and functionally debilitated patients.

An analysis of the scientific data was made. It was used the literature devoted to the intraoperative visualization of the sentinel lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer. Correct detection of such lymph nodes with following pathologic investigation allowed limiting the volume of lympho-dissection in a number of patients. There is the possibility of maximal in-depth study of the sentinel lymph nodes by purposeful application of most sensible pathologic and molecular methods for detection their micrometastatic lesions. At the same time the treatment strategy and prognosis could be determined. The authors present the results of an application of dye techniques, radioactive preparation and fluorescence imaging for sentinel lymph node detection. Advantages and disadvantages of the methods are shown in the article. There are validated the prospects of technical development, study of information value of new applications and the most perspective method of fluorescence indocyanine green visualization by lymph outflow.

In recent years a large number of thoracic clinics in the world recommend the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures in the early stages of lung cancer arguing that this technique reduces a number of postoperative complications, shortens the period of social rehabilitation of patients and does not significantly affect the long-term results of treatment. This work is devoted to the study of immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment of patients who have had surgery in the volume of thoracoscopic lobectomy at the early stages of non-small cell lung cancer.

The article presents the results of the first domestic experience of intraoperative fluorescence mapping of sentinel lymph nodes in lung cancer. The research included 10 patients, who underwent surgery over the period of time from September 2013 to May 2014. After performing thoracotomy, the solution of indocyanine green (ICG) was injected using subpleural position above the tumor in 3-4 points. Fluorescence (ICG) image guided surgery was carried out by using infrared radiation (wave length 808 nm) on lung surface, root of lung, mediastinum in real time. Fluorescence lymph nodes were mapped. In case that metastatic lesions weren't revealed in sentinel lymph nodes, they weren't noted in other nodes. Method specificity consisted of 100%. Biopsy and histological study of sentinel lymph nodes mapped during fluorescence (ICG) image guided surgery could be useful for prevention of lymphodissection in patients with non-small cell carcinoma of lung.

Neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) remains important approach for the assessment of biological and clinical effects of new methods of treatments in clinical trials. Recent trials failed to support that pathological complete response (pCR) after NST is an early surrogate end point of treatment efficacy. This may limit the use of NST in operable breast cancer in clinical routine. Pathological complete response (pCR) is a relatively "late" end point, and therefore new early predictors of treatment efficacy are needed in order to timely change for futile therapy. After NST an accurate management of post-treatment residual disease is mandatory. Sentinel lymph-node (SLN) surgery is an acceptable option to spare axillary dissection in case of SLN negative disease. No data support the modulation of the extent of loco-regional radiation therapy on the basis of the response attained after NST.

The article is devoted to one of the most controversial issues of modern oncogynecology--the volume of surgery for endometrial cancer of early stages. There are discussed the indications for lymphadenectomy and its volume as well as how correlate performing lymphadenectomy and conducting postoperative radiotherapy.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system up to 20% of malignant tumors of the female genital organs. Surgery is the main method in treatment for local cervical cancer but postoperative complications often are associated with dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Some researchers focus their attention on the preservation of the pelvic innervation without loss of surgery's radicalism, which is represented in this survey. The paper presents the results of comparative analysis of 54 cases of surgical treatment for invasive cervical cancer.

Oncological advisability of spleen removal during surgical treatment of gastric cancer is arguable at present time. It is presented technique of spleen-preserving D2-lymphodissection used for gastric body and proximal part cancer which was applied in 155 patients. Control group included 197 patients who underwent gastrectomy with splenectomy. Spleen-preserving D2-lymphodissection increased duration of surgery but decreased frequency of subdiaphragmatic abscess and pancreatic fistulas and duration of hospital stay. 5-years survival (Kaplan-Meier) was 59% in main group, in control group - 55% (p>0.05). We consider that spleen-preserving D2-lymphodissection is radical and safe surgical method for locally advanced cancer of gastric body and proximal part.

The authors developed and described an algorithm and technical aspects of lymphadenectomy performance in radical surgery based on structural variations of visceral vessels in 91 patients with stomach cancer. Preoperative helical computer tomography in regimen of angiography was carried out on 91 patients. Variant anatomy of visceral vessels was detected in 31 patients and that required change of surgical technique in order to minimize intraoperative risks of great vessel damage and allowed perforrming lymphadenectomy successfully.