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Objective  The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a narrow space situated posterior to the maxillary sinus. While external approaches have been used to treat tumors of the PPF, recent endoscopic approaches have become favored as an alternative; we developed an endoscopic tri-port approach, which provides wide surgical corridor with minimal invasion, for PPF. This report aims to introduce and verify the new approach. Design  Case series. Setting  A tertiary referral hospital. Participants  We reviewed 11 patients with PPF or orbital tumors who were treated with the endoscopic tri-port approach. Main Outcome Measures  Accessing tri-port approach's effects and limitations. Results  When the tumor was located in the PPF or orbit without intracranial invasion, en bloc resection was achieved in six patients. With the exception of one patient, the nasal septum was preserved if not used for skull base reconstruction. If not invaded by a tumor or necessary for reconstruction, the inferior and middle turbinates were preserved. Conclusion  The endoscopic tri-port approach provides an excellent surgical view and wide corridor and not requires an external approach, including a gingival incision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) is resistant to androgen-depletion therapy and is a recalcitrant disease. Docetaxel is the first-line treatment for AIPC, but has limited efficacy and severe side-effects. All cancers are methionine-addicted, which is termed the Hoffman effect. Recombinant methioninase (rMETase) targets methionine addiction. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the combination of docetaxel and rMETase is effective for AIPC., Materials and Methods: The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) of docetaxel and rMETase alone were determined for the human AIPC cell line PC-3 and Hs27 normal human fibroblasts in vitro. The synergistic efficacy for PC-3 and Hs27 using the combination of docetaxel and rMETase at their IC 50 s for PC-3 was determined., Results: The IC 50 of docetaxel for PC-3 and for Hs27 was 0.72 nM and 0.94 nM, respectively. The IC 50 of rMETase for PC-3 and for Hs27 was 0.67 U/ml and 0.76 U/ml, respectively. The combination of docetaxel and rMETase was synergistic for PC-3 but not Hs27 cells., Conclusion: The combination of a relatively low concentration of docetaxel and rMETase was synergistic and effective for AIPC. The present results also suggest that the effective concentration of docetaxel can be reduced by using rMETase, which may reduce toxicity. The present results also suggest the future clinical potential of the combination of docetaxel and rMETase for AIPC., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest, according to the Authors., (Copyright 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research.)

Aim: To improve the extent and safety of resecting these deep-seated tumors, we report a novel procedure of minimally invasive endoscopic resection of deep-seated pilocytic astrocytomas under the guidance of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence undescribed until now., Case Description: A 53-year-old male presented with a gradually progressing mild right hemiparesis. Imaging studies showed a solid tumor with degenerative cystic formation in the left basal ganglia. The tumor was removed endoscopically via right frontal small craniotomy. The tumor was positive for 5-ALA fluorescence and allowed better detection of the dissection margin of the solid tumor from the surrounding brain tissue. The histopathological diagnosis was pilocytic astrocytoma. No recurrence was observed on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2 years after surgery, and the patient was fully independent after rehabilitation., Conclusion: This minimally invasive technique, enhanced by intraoperative fluorescence, might be a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery in the removal of deeply located gliomas.

Extracranial meningiomas of the paranasal sinus are the rare tumors of unclear etiology. We report a case of primary extracranial meningioma arising from the roof of the sphenoid sinus. A 60-year-old female presented with 5-month history of right visual disturbance. Imaging studies showed a mass in the sphenoid sinus extending into posterior ethmoid sinus. The tumor was resected completely including the affected bone of anterior cranial base via the endonasal endoscopic approach. Pathological diagnosis was meningothelial meningioma. On the basis of imaging features and intraoperative findings, the tumor was diagnosed as primary extracranial meningioma of the sphenoethmoid sinus. Recent advancement of skull base surgery technique allows removing this rare tumor completely and safely without complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage. This is the first report of the management of spheno-ethmoid sinus meningioma with the skull base surgery technique.