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This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT) in the context of pulmonary metastasectomy. Three databases were assessed. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcomes were recurrence‐free survival, ipsilateral recurrence, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Reconstruction of time‐to‐event data and sensitivity analyses were performed for the primary endpoint. After screening, 11 studies were included encompassing 2159 patients undergoing lung metastasectomy (VATS: 827; OT: 1332). Compared to OT, patients who underwent VATS had higher overall survival rates (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.85; p < 0.01), no significant difference in recurrence‐free survival (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.88–1.29; p = 0.48), shorter hospital LOS (MD −1.99 days; 95% CI −2.59 to −1.39; p < 0.01), and no significant difference in ipsilateral recurrence rates (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.52–1.42; p = 0.56). For patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy, VATS strategy is associated with higher survival rates and reduced hospital LOS when compared with OT. Moreover, metastasis recurrence does not seem to be associated with long‐term mortality in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Patients with relapsed, refractory, or metastatic osteosarcoma have few therapeutic options. Our findings demonstrated the efficacy of a DC vaccine generated using CD103+ cDC1 cells and OS cell lysates against the primary tumor and lung metastases, as well as its ability to induce a systemic immune response. This cDCV therapy elicited an increase in the infiltration of CD8+ T-cells into the primary and metastatic tumors as well as the TdLNs. cDCV efficacy was increased when combined with anti-CTLA-4. The failure of immunotherapies has been linked to their inability to induce infiltration of T-cells into the tumor. Therefore, our data suggest the potential for this novel immunotherapy using innate immune cells (type 1 CD103+ dendritic cells) alone or in combination with checkpoint blockade for patients with relapsed or metastatic OS, a tumor type that is refractory to the majority of current immunotherapies. Background: We generated a CD103+DC vaccine using K7M3 OS cell lysates (cDCV) and investigated its ability to induce regression of primary tumors, established lung metastases, and a systemic immune response. Methods: A bilateral tumor model was used to assess cDCV therapy efficacy and systemic immunity induction. K7M3 cells were injected into mice bilaterally. Right-sided tumors received PBS (control) or cDCV. Left-sided tumors were untreated. Tumor growth was compared between the vaccine-treated and untreated tumor on the contralateral side and compared to the control group. The immune cell profiles of the tumors, and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLNs) and spleen were evaluated. To determine the efficacy of systemic cDCV therapy against established lung metastases, K7M3 cells were injected intratibially. Leg amputation was performed 5 weeks later. Mice were treated intravenously with PBS or cDCV and euthanized 6 weeks later. Lungs, TdLNs and spleen were collected. The number and size of the lung nodules were quantified. The immune cell profile of tumor, and lymph nodes and spleen were also evaluated. Using this same model, we evaluated the effect of cDCV + anti-CTLA-4. Results: cDCV therapy inhibited the treated and untreated tumors and increased the number of T-cells in these tumors and the lymph nodes compared to control-treated mice. Systemic cDCV therapy administered following amputation decreased the size and number of lung metastases, and increased T-cell numbers in the tumor and lymph nodes. Combining anti-CTLA-4 with cDCV therapy increased cDCV efficacy against lung metastases. Conclusions: Intratumor cDCV generated a systemic immune response inhibiting the growth of both the treated and untreated tumors, with increased T-cells in the tumor and lymph nodes. Systemic cDCV was effective against established lung metastases. Efficacy was increased by anti-CTLA4. cDCVs may provide a novel therapeutic approach for relapsed/metastatic OS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The early prediction of local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal cancer (CRC) lung metastases has significant clinical importance. The application of radiomics in the prediction of tumor prognosis has been explored. This study aimed to construct a radiomics-based nomogram for predicting LTPFS after RFA in CRC patients with lung metastases. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 172 CRC patients with 401 lung metastases admitted to Department of Interventional Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from August 2016 to January 2019. This study was reviewed by the medical ethics committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (ethics number: 2402291-24). After augmentation of pre-ablation and immediate post-ablation computed tomography (CT) images, the target metastases and ablation regions were segmented manually to extract the radiomic features. Maximum relevance and minimum redundancy algorithm (MRMRA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models were applied for feature selection. The clinical model, the radiomics model, and the fusion model were constructed based on the selected radiomic features and clinical variables screened by the multivariate analysis. The Harrell concordance index (C-index) and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) were calculated to evaluate the prediction performance. Finally, the corresponding nomogram of the best model was drawn. Results: Among all the lung metastases, 102 (25.4%) had final recurrence, and 299 (74.6%) had complete response (CR). The median follow-up time was 21 months (95% CI: 19.466-22.534), and the LTPFS rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after RFA were 76.5% (95% CI: 72.0-80.4), 72.1% (95% CI: 66.6-76.9) and 69.9% (95% CI: 64.0-75.1). In both the training and test dataset, the fusion model based on the final 12 radiomic features through the LASSO regression and 4 clinical variables screened by multivariate analysis achieved the highest AUC values for LTPFS, with C-index values of 0.890 (95% CI: 0.854-0.927) and 0.843 (95% CI: 0.768-0.916), respectively. Conclusion: The fusion model based on radiomic features and clinical variables is feasible for predicting LTPFS after RFA of CRC patients with lung metastases, whose performance is superior to the single radiomic and clinical model. At the same time, the nomogram of the fusion model can intuitively predict the prognosis of CRC patients with lung metastases after RFA, thus assisting clinicians in developing individualized follow-up review plans for patients and adjusting treatment strategies flexibly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited knowledge exists regarding lung metastases from cancer of unknown primary (CUPL), particularly concerning young patients. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of CUPL patients, with a specific focus on comparing the survival outcomes across different age groups. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with CUPL between 2010 and 2020, utilizing the SEER database. Clinical characteristics among different age groups were compared. Prognostic factors influencing overall survival (OS) in CUPL patients were assessed through Cox regression analysis, while competing risks analysis was employed to evaluate cancer-specific survival (CSS) prognostic factors. A comparison of survival differences between age groups was conducted utilizing the Kaplan–Meier and Cumulative Incidences Function. A total of 2,474 patients with CUPL were included in this study, predominantly in the middle-aged and elderly demographic. The median survival time was a mere 1 month, with a one-year OS rate of 11 % and a one-year CSS rate of 13.8 %. Age, tumor histological typing and grading, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors affecting both OS and CSS. Despite the small representation of young patients (<40 years old) at 3 %, their OS and CSS rates significantly surpassed those of middle-aged (40–70 years old) and elderly patients (>70 years old). This advantage persists among patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. While exceedingly uncommon among young patients, the prognosis for survival is more favorable than in middle-aged and elderly patients. Administration of radiotherapy and chemotherapy emerges as a potential avenue to enhance the survival prognosis for CUPL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to half of patients with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) present with distant metastases, most commonly in the lungs. Despite guidelines around managing metachronous oligometastatic disease, limited evidence exists for synchronous isolated lung metastases (SILMs). Our histology-specific study describes management patterns and outcomes for patients with LMS and SILM across disease sites. We used the National Cancer Database to analyze patients with LMS of the retroperitoneum, extremity, trunk/chest/abdominal wall, and pelvis with SILM. Patients with extra-pulmonary metastases were excluded. We identified factors associated with primary tumor resection and receipt of metastasectomy. Outcomes included median, 1-year, and 5-year overall survival (OS) across treatment approaches using log-rank tests, Kaplan–Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazard models. We identified 629 LMS patients with SILM from 2004 to 2017. Patients were more likely to have resection of their primary tumor or lung metastases if treated at an academic center compared to a community cancer center. Five year OS for patients undergoing both primary tumor resection and metastasectomy was 20.9% versus 9.2% for primary tumor resection alone, and 2.6% for nonsurgical patients. Median OS for all-comers was 15.5 mo. Community treatment site, comorbidity score, and larger primary tumors were associated with worse survival. Chemotherapy, primary resection, and curative intent surgery predicted improved survival on multivariate Cox regression. An aggressive surgical approach to primary LMS with SILM was undertaken for select patients in our population and found to be associated with improved OS. This approach should be considered for suitable patients at high-volume centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This research aimed to construct a clinical model for forecasting the likelihood of lung metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with intermediate- to high-risk. Methods: In this study, 375 DTC patients at intermediate to high risk were included. They were randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%). A nomogram was created using the training group and then validated in the validation set using calibration, decision curve analysis (DCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The calibration curves demonstrated excellent consistency between the predicted and the actual probability. ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve in the training cohort was 0.865 and 0.845 in the validation cohort. Also, the DCA curve indicated that this nomogram had good clinical utility. Conclusion: A user-friendly nomogram was constructed to predict the lung metastases probability with a high net benefit. Article highlights The study aimed to develop a predictive model for lung metastases in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who are at intermediate- to high-risk. Through univariate and multivariate analyses, histological type, multifocality, tumor size, BRAFV600E mutation and ps-Tg levels were identified as independent factors influencing the development of lung metastases. A nomogram was constructed based on these risk factors, with a high C-index of 0.86, indicating strong predictive accuracy for lung metastases. Calibration curves showed excellent consistency between predicted and actual probabilities of lung metastases, further validating the nomogram's reliability. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated high discrimination ability of the nomogram, with an area under the curve of 0.865 in the training cohort and 0.845 in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram had better clinical utility in predicting lung metastases rates compared with other models. The nomogram provides clinicians with a tool to assess the risk of lung metastases in DTC patients, incorporating factors such as histological type, tumor size, genetic mutations and ps-Tg levels to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testicular tumors represent a common form of solid tumor in young men, with choriocarcinoma of the testis being a rare, non-granulomatous germ cell tumor. It accounts for less than 0.3% of all testicular germ cell tumors. Pelvic and pulmonary metastases originating from testicular choriocarcinoma are exceptionally uncommon in men. This study describes a case of a 27-year-old male diagnosed with testicular choriocarcinoma, presenting initially with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, this review encompasses cases of testiclar choriocarcinoma in individuals aged 30 years and below, both in China and internationally, over the past 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with lung metastases from renal cell cancer (RCC), it is necessary to search for new prognostic factors influencing survival rates. Aim: To analyze survival rates and identify prognostic factors in patients with lung metastases from RCC. Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 655 patients with lung metastases from RCC, who were treated at Moscow city oncology Hospital No. 62 (Moscow) and city clinical oncology center (Saint Petersburg) from 2006 to 2022. Of these patients, 241 (36.8 %) were classified into the intermediate prognosis group, and 278 (42.2 %) into the unfavorable prognosis group. The study investigated clinical and morphologic prognostic factors influencing survival rates in patients with lung metastases from RCC. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10.0 software packages (StatSoft, USA) by constructing Kaplan-Meier curves and survival tables, building a mathematical model of survival. Results. The 3- and 5-year OS rates in patients with lung metastases from RCC (N=655) were 48 % [95 % ci 45–53 %] and 27 % [95 % ci 23–31 %], respectively, with a median OS of 34.9 months [95 % ci 30.4–37.4]. in univariate analysis, ECOG status (p

Abstract Background Mesonephric adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare subtype of uterine cervical cancer that is associated with a poor prognosis and for which a standardized treatment protocol has not been established. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is an emerging radiotherapy modality that has been shown to have a favorable anti-tumor effect, even for tumors resistant to conventional photon radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, there is no report on CIRT outcomes for mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Case presentation We treated a 47-year-old Japanese woman with mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (T2bN0M0 and stage IIB according to the 7th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, respectively) with CIRT combined with brachytherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. CIRT consisted of whole pelvic irradiation and boost irradiation to the gross tumor; 36.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 12 fractions and 19.2 Gy (RBE) in 4 fractions, respectively, performed once a day, four times per week. Computed tomography-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy was performed after completion of CIRT, for which the D90 (i.e., the dose prescribed to 90% of the target volume) for the high-risk clinical target volume was 20.4 Gy in a total of 3 sessions in 2 weeks. A weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) dose was administered concomitantly with the radiotherapy for a total of five courses. From 4 months post-CIRT, the patient developed metastasis of the lung, with a total of 10 lung metastases over 70 months; these lesions were treated on each occasion by photon stereotactic body radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy. At 8 years from initial treatment (i.e., 2 years after the last treatment), the patient is alive without any evidence of recurrence and maintains a high quality of life. Conclusions This is the first report of CIRT for treatment of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The present case indicates the potential efficacy of CIRT in combination with brachytherapy for treatment of this disease.

Renal angiomyolipoma has two histological variants: classical and epithelioid. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is considered as a potential malignant tumor, often leading to recurrence and metastasis, with rapid progression in most of the cases. The lung is one of the most commonly reported sites of metastasis, and pulmonary metastasis of renal angiomyolipoma is usually diagnostic by computed tomography (CT) scans. Here, we report for the first time renal angiomyolipoma with lung metastasis by combining CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For patients with thyroid cancer, distant metastasis is a significant predictor of poor outcome. Since distant metastasis occurs in less than 10% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, correlates of survival in this vulnerable patient population remain understudied. This study aimed to identify prognostic groups among patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and distant metastases and to determine the role of, and interactions between, patient and tumor characteristics in determining survival. Methods: We identified adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases from the U.S. SEER-17 cancer registry (2010–2019). Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression, survival trees, and random survival forest. Relative importance of patient and tumor factors important for disease-specific and overall survival was assessed based on the random survival forest analyses. Results: Cohort consisted of 2411 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases followed for a median of 62 months. Most common histopathologic subtype (86.0%) was papillary thyroid cancer, and the most common sites of distant metastasis were the lungs (33.7%) and bone (18.9%). Cox proportional hazards model illustrated significant associations between survival and the following: patient age (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.01), and site of distant metastasis (p < 0.05). Survival tree analyses identified three distinct prognostic groups based on disease-specific survival (DSS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 92%, 64%, and 41%; p < 0.001) and four distinct prognostic groups based on overall survival (OS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 96%, 84%, 57%, and 31%; p < 0.001). The first split in the survival trees for DSS and OS was by age at diagnosis (≤57 years vs. ≥58 years) with subsequent splits based on presence/absence of lung metastases, tumor size (≤4 cm vs. >4 cm), and patient age. A total of 558 patients (23.1%) died from thyroid cancer, and 757 patients (31.4%) died from all causes during the study period. Conclusions: This study identifies distinct prognostic groups for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases and highlights the importance of patient age, lung metastases, and tumor size for determining both disease-specific and overall survival. These findings inform risk stratification and treatment decision-making in this understudied patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) results in high morbidity and mortality. Visceral metastases in particular are associated with a shortened survival. Our aim was to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underly pulmonary spread in mPCa. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of PCa lung metastases, followed by functional validation of candidate genes. Digital gene expression analysis utilizing the NanoString technology was performed on mRNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue from PCa lung metastases. The gene expression data from primary PCa and PCa lung metastases were compared, and several publicly available bioinformatic analysis tools were used to annotate and validate the data. Results: In PCa lung metastases, 234 genes were considerably up-regulated, and 78 genes were significantly down-regulated when compared to primary PCa. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) was identified as suitable candidate gene for further functional validation. CEACAM6 as a cell adhesion molecule has been implicated in promoting metastatic disease in several solid tumors, such as colorectal or gastric cancer. We showed that siRNA knockdown of CEACAM6 in PC-3 and LNCaP cells resulted in decreased cell viability and migration as well as enhanced apoptosis. Comprehensive transcriptomic analyses identified several genes of interest that might promote metastatic spread to the lung. Conclusion: Functional validation revealed that CEACAM6 might play an important role in fostering metastatic spread to the lung of PCa patients via enhancing proliferation, migration and suppressing apoptosis in PC-3 and LNCaP cells. CEACAM6 might pose an attractive therapeutic target to prevent metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The growing incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have been linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The imperative need for developing effective diagnostic imaging tools to predict the non-iodine-avid status of lung metastasis (LMs) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients is underscored to prevent unnecessary radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). Methods: Primary cohort consisted 1962 pretreated LMs of 496 consecutive DTC patients with pretreated initially diagnosed LMs who underwent chest CT and subsequent post-treatment radioiodine SPECT. After automatic lesion segmentation by SE V-Net, SE Net deep learning was trained to predict noniodine-avid status of LMs. External validation cohort contained 123 pretreated LMs of 24 consecutive patients from other two hospitals. Stepwise validation was further performed according to the nodule's largest diameter. Results: The SE-Net deep learning network yielded area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.879 (95% confidence interval: 0.852-0.906) and 0.713 (95% confidence interval: 0.613-0.813) for internal and external validation. With the LM diameter decreasing from =10mm to =4mm, the AUCs remained relatively stable, for smallest nodules (=4mm), the model yielded an AUC of 0.783. Decision curve analysis showed that most patients benefited using deep learning to decide radioactive I131 treatment. Conclusion: This study presents a noninvasive, less radioactive and fully automatic approach that can facilitate suitable DTC patient selection for RAI therapy of LMs. Further prospective multicenter studies with larger study cohorts and related metabolic factors should address the possibility of comprehensive clinical transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary metastasectomy has become a well-established procedure for patients with certain types of solid tumors. Patients are usually scheduled for staged lung metastasectomy in case of primary tumor control, the absence of distant non-lung metastases, and when complete resection is achievable. Nodules are removed with precision resection in order to ensure radical resection with minimal margins; this technique permits good oncological results, preserving the surrounding pulmonary parenchyma and causing minimal distortion compared to staplers. When possible, anatomical resections should be avoided since they are not justified by real oncological advantages and, in the majority of cases, sacrifice too much healthy tissue, possibly leading to inoperability in the case of metachronous relapses. Thus, preserving the maximum amount of pulmonary parenchyma is crucial because repeated metastasectomies are possible and frequent, with no theoretical limits to the number of reinterventions. In our multidisciplinary board team, we support the role of pulmonary metastasectomy as a useful curative therapy, with acceptable morbidity and mortality, with indications to be discussed case-by-case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 expression. Due to the limited number of FDA-approved targeted therapies for TNBC, there is an ongoing need to understand the molecular underpinnings of TNBC for the development of novel combinatorial treatment strategies. This study evaluated the role of the MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase on proliferation and invasion/metastatic potential in TNBC. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated MerTK expression in 58% of patient-derived TNBC xenografts. The stable overexpression of MerTK in human TNBC cell lines induced an increase in proliferation rates, robust in vivo tumor growth, heightened migration/invasion potential, and enhanced lung metastases. NanoString nCounter analysis of MerTK-overexpressing SUM102 cells (SUM102-MerTK) revealed upregulation of several signaling pathways, which ultimately drive cell cycle progression, reduce apoptosis, and enhance cell survival. Proteomic profiling indicated increased endoglin (ENG) production in SUM102-MerTK clones, suggesting that MerTK creates a conducive environment for increased proliferative and metastatic activity via elevated ENG expression. To determine ENG's role in increasing proliferation and/or metastatic potential, we knocked out ENG in a SUM102-MerTK clone with CRISPR technology. Although this ENG knockout clone exhibited similar in vivo growth to the parental SUM102-MerTK clone, lung metastasis numbers were significantly decreased ~4-fold, indicating that MerTK enhances invasion and metastasis through ENG. Our data suggest that MerTK regulates a unique proliferative signature in TNBC, promoting robust tumor growth and increased metastatic potential through ENG upregulation. Targeting MerTK and ENG simultaneously may provide a novel therapeutic approach for TNBC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare subtype of uterine cervical cancer that is associated with a poor prognosis and for which a standardized treatment protocol has not been established. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is an emerging radiotherapy modality that has been shown to have a favorable anti-tumor effect, even for tumors resistant to conventional photon radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, there is no report on CIRT outcomes for mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Case presentation: We treated a 47-year-old Japanese woman with mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (T2bN0M0 and stage IIB according to the 7th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, respectively) with CIRT combined with brachytherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. CIRT consisted of whole pelvic irradiation and boost irradiation to the gross tumor; 36.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 12 fractions and 19.2 Gy (RBE) in 4 fractions, respectively, performed once a day, four times per week. Computed tomography-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy was performed after completion of CIRT, for which the D90 (i.e., the dose prescribed to 90% of the target volume) for the high-risk clinical target volume was 20.4 Gy in a total of 3 sessions in 2 weeks. A weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) dose was administered concomitantly with the radiotherapy for a total of five courses. From 4 months post-CIRT, the patient developed metastasis of the lung, with a total of 10 lung metastases over 70 months; these lesions were treated on each occasion by photon stereotactic body radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy. At 8 years from initial treatment (i.e., 2 years after the last treatment), the patient is alive without any evidence of recurrence and maintains a high quality of life. Conclusions: This is the first report of CIRT for treatment of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The present case indicates the potential efficacy of CIRT in combination with brachytherapy for treatment of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged survival of patients with metastatic disease has furthered interest in metastasis-directed therapy (MDT). There is a paucity of data comparing lung MDT modalities. Do outcomes among sublobar resection (SLR), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and percutaneous ablation (PA) for lung metastases vary in terms of local control and survival? Medical records of patients undergoing lung MDT at a single cancer center between January 2015 and December 2020 were reviewed. Overall survival, local progression, and toxicity outcomes were collected. Patient and lesion characteristics were used to generate multivariable models with propensity weighted analysis. Lung MDT courses (644 total: 243 SLR, 274 SBRT, 127 PA) delivered to 511 patients were included with a median follow-up of 22 months. There were 47 local progression events in 45 patients, and 159 patients died. Two-year overall survival and local progression were 80.3% and 63.3%, 83.8% and 9.6%, and 4.1% and 11.7% for SLR, SBRT, and PA, respectively. Lesion size per 1 cm was associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.24; P =.003) and LP (hazard ratio, 1.50; P <.001). There was no difference in overall survival by modality. Relative to SLR, there was no difference in risk of local progression with PA; however, SBRT was associated with a decreased risk (hazard ratio, 0.26; P =.023). Rates of severe toxicity were low (2.1%-2.6%) and not different among groups. This study performs a propensity weighted analysis of SLR, SBRT, and PA and shows no impact of lung MDT modality on overall survival. Given excellent local control across MDT options, a multidisciplinary approach is beneficial for patient triage and longitudinal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The liver and lungs are the most common sites of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases. Their involvement can take five different clinical scenarios: lung metastases only, liver metastases only, lung metastases before liver metastases, liver metastases before lung metastases and simultaneous lung and liver metastases. Using clinical and morphological data we studied the clonal trajectory of these scenarios. Materials and methods: A total of 465 (CRC) patients with 7952 liver and 6406 lung metastases were evaluated. Metastases clinical route was deciphered from metastases number, timing, and linear/parallel ratio (LPR)- a computerized parameter used for deducing clonal trajectories. LPR of +1 suggest pure linear dissemination and −1 pure parallel. Results: Lung-only metastases: high percentage of metachronous disease with a long lead time and a low LPR suggest parallel dissemination. Liver-only metastases: Rare metachronous disease with a short lead time, and a high LPR suggest linear spread. Lung-before-liver metastases: rare solitary metastasis, a median gap of 21 months between the organs, high lung and low liver LPRs suggest linear progression to the lungs and parallel dissemination to the liver. Liver-before-lung metastases: low liver and high lung LPRs and a median gap of 16.5 months between the organs suggest parallel dissemination to the liver and linear spread from the liver to the lungs. Simultaneous liver and lung metastases: rare solitary metastasis and similar and high LPRs suggest simultaneous linear progression to both organs. Conclusions: CRC metastases have different dissemination trajectories in different clinical scenarios. This information can potentially impact on clinical management.

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is characterized by uncertain biological behavior due to its local aggressiveness and metastasizing potential. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the contemporary literature to evaluate all management strategies for GCTB metastases. A combination of the terms “lung metastases”, “giant cell tumor”, “bone”, “treatment”, and “oncologic outcomes” returned 133 patients meeting our inclusion criteria: 64 males and 69 females, with a median age of 28 years (7–63), at the onset of primary GCTB. Lung metastases typically occur at a mean interval of 26 months (range: 0–143 months) after treatment of the primary site, commonly presenting as multiple and bilateral lesions. Various treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and drug administration, were employed, while 35 patients underwent routine monitoring only. Upon a mean follow-up of about 7 years (range: 1–32 years), 90% of patients were found to be alive, while 10% had died. Death occurred in 25% of patients who had chemotherapy, whereas 96% of those not treated or treated with Denosumab alone were alive at a mean follow-up of 6 years (range: 1–19 years). Given the typically favorable prognosis of lung metastases in patients with GCTB, additional interventions beyond a histological diagnosis confirmation may not be needed. Denosumab, by reducing the progression of the disease, can play a pivotal role in averting or delaying lung failure.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare tumor that typically originates from secretory glands, most commonly found in the salivary glands. However, it can also develop as a primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma, which appears identical under the microscope to adenoid cystic carcinoma originating in other tissues. Distinguishing between primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma and extracutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma with cutaneous metastases is crucial for determining the prognosis and appropriate management of the condition. In this case report, we describe a case of primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma located on the hand with lung metastases. Proper differentiation, treatment planning and regular clinical follow-up to monitor for any signs of recurrence or metastasis are essential to ensure favorable outcomes for patients with this rare neoplasm.

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the clinical value of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary metastases under optical and electromagnetic navigation.Methods Data on CT-guided radiofrequency ablation treatment of 93 metastatic lung lesions in 70 patients were retrospectively analyzed. There were 46 males and 24 females with a median age of 60.0 years (16–85 years). All lesions were ≤3cm in diameter. 57 patients were treated with 17 G radiofrequency ablation needle puncture directly ablated the lesion without biopsy, and 13 patients were treated with 16 G coaxial needle biopsy followed by radiofrequency ablation. There were 25 cases in the optical navigation group, 25 in the electromagnetic navigation group, and 20 in the non-navigation group. The navigation group was performed by primary interventionalists with less than 5 years of experience, and the non-navigation group was performed by interventionalists with more than 5 years of experience.Result All operations were successfully performed. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall distribution of follow-up results among the optical, electromagnetic, and no navigation groups. Complete ablation was achieved in 84 lesions (90.3%). 7 lesions showed incomplete ablation and were completely inactivated after repeat ablation. 2 lesions progressed locally, and one of them still had an increasing trend after repeat ablation. No serious complications occurred after the operation.Conclusions Treatment with optical and electromagnetic navigation systems by less experienced operators has similar outcomes to traditional treatments without navigational systems performed by more experienced operators.

Purpose: The optimal management of colorectal lung metastases (CRLM) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare surgical and non-surgical treatment for CRLM regarding the prognostic outcome. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 418 patients, who were treated from January 2000 to December 2018 at a German University Hospital due to their colorectal carcinoma and had synchronous or metachronous lung metastases. Patients were stratified according the treatment of the CRLM into two groups: surgical resection of CRLM versus no surgical resection of CRLM. The survival from the time of diagnosis of lung metastasis was compared between the groups. Results: Two- and 5-year overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis of lung metastasis was 78.2% and 54.6%, respectively, in our cohort. Patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy showed a significantly better 2- and 5-year survival compared to patients with non-surgical treatment (2-year OS: 98.1% vs. 67.9%; 5-year OS: 81.2% vs. 28.8%; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression revealed the surgical treatment (HR 4.51 (95% CI = 2.33–8.75, p < 0.001) and the absence of other metastases (HR 1.79 (95% CI = 1.05–3.04), p = 0.032) as independent prognostic factors in patients with CRLM. Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients with CRLM, who qualify for surgery, benefit from surgical treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings. Clinical trial registry number: The work has been retrospectively registrated at the German Clinical Trial Registry (DRKS00032938). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is characterized by uncertain biological behavior due to its local aggressiveness and metastasizing potential. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the contemporary literature to evaluate all management strategies for GCTB metastases. A combination of the terms "lung metastases", "giant cell tumor", "bone", "treatment", and "oncologic outcomes" returned 133 patients meeting our inclusion criteria: 64 males and 69 females, with a median age of 28 years (7–63), at the onset of primary GCTB. Lung metastases typically occur at a mean interval of 26 months (range: 0–143 months) after treatment of the primary site, commonly presenting as multiple and bilateral lesions. Various treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and drug administration, were employed, while 35 patients underwent routine monitoring only. Upon a mean follow-up of about 7 years (range: 1–32 years), 90% of patients were found to be alive, while 10% had died. Death occurred in 25% of patients who had chemotherapy, whereas 96% of those not treated or treated with Denosumab alone were alive at a mean follow-up of 6 years (range: 1–19 years). Given the typically favorable prognosis of lung metastases in patients with GCTB, additional interventions beyond a histological diagnosis confirmation may not be needed. Denosumab, by reducing the progression of the disease, can play a pivotal role in averting or delaying lung failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES To assess the current practice of pulmonary metastasectomy at 15 European Centres. Short- and long-term outcomes were analysed. METHODS Retrospective analysis on patients ≥18 years who underwent curative-intent pulmonary metastasectomy (January 2010 to December 2018). Data were collected on a purpose-built database (REDCap). Exclusion criteria were: previous lung/extrapulmonary metastasectomy, pneumonectomy, non-curative intent and evidence of extrapulmonary recurrence at the time of lung surgery. RESULTS A total of 1647 patients [mean age 59.5 (standard deviation; SD = 13.1) years; 56.8% males] were included. The most common primary tumour was colorectal adenocarcinoma. The mean disease-free interval was 3.4 (SD = 3.9) years. Relevant comorbidities were observed in 53.8% patients, with a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders (32.3%). Video-assisted thoracic surgery was the chosen approach in 54.9% cases. Wedge resections were the most common operation (67.1%). Lymph node dissection was carried out in 41.4% cases. The median number of resected lesions was 1 (interquartile range 25–75% = 1–2), ranging from 1 to 57. The mean size of the metastases was 18.2 (SD = 14.1) mm, with a mean negative resection margin of 8.9 (SD = 9.4) mm. A R0 resection of all lung metastases was achieved in 95.7% cases. Thirty-day postoperative morbidity was 14.5%, with the most frequent complication being respiratory failure (5.6%). Thirty-day mortality was 0.4%. Five-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 62.0% and 29.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary metastasectomy is a low-risk procedure that provides satisfactory oncological outcomes and patient survival. Further research should aim at clarifying the many controversial aspects of its daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The phase 3 CLEAR study demonstrated that lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved efficacy versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Prognostic features including presence and/or site of baseline metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features have been associated with disease and treatment success. This subsequent analysis explores outcomes in patients with or without specific prognostic features. Methods: In CLEAR, patients with clear cell RCC were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive either lenvatinib (20 mg/day) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks), lenvatinib (18 mg/day) plus everolimus (5 mg/day), or sunitinib alone (50 mg/day, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). In this report, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were all assessed in the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab and the sunitinib arms, based on baseline features: lung metastases, bone metastases, liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid histology. Results: In all the assessed subgroups, median PFS was longer with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab than with sunitinib treatment, notably among patients with baseline bone metastases (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.52) and patients with sarcomatoid features (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.84). Median OS favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib irrespective of metastatic lesions at baseline, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features. Of interest, among patients with baseline bone metastases the HR for survival was 0.50 (95% CI 0.30–0.83) and among patients with sarcomatoid features the HR for survival was 0.91 (95% CI 0.32–2.58); though for many groups, median OS was not reached. ORR also favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib across all subgroups; similarly, complete responses also followed this pattern. Conclusion: Efficacy outcomes improved following treatment with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab versus sunitinib in patients with RCC—irrespective of the presence or absence of baseline lung metastases, baseline bone metastases, baseline liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, or sarcomatoid features. These findings corroborate those of the primary CLEAR study analysis in the overall population and support lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a standard of care in 1L treatment for patients with advanced RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Renal angiomyolipoma has two histological variants: classical and epithelioid. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is considered as a potential malignant tumor, often leading to recurrence and metastasis, with rapid progression in most of the cases. The lung is one of the most commonly reported sites of metastasis, and pulmonary metastasis of renal angiomyolipoma is usually diagnostic by computed tomography (CT) scans. Here, we report for the first time renal angiomyolipoma with lung metastasis by combining CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract A 68‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for rectal surgery after a pathological diagnosis of rectal carcinoid with venous invasion following endoscopic submucosal dissection of a 5 mm‐sized submucosal tumor in the lower rectum. Chest CT showed nodules in the left upper lobe and right lower lobe, but positron emission tomography and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed no hyperaccumulation in the lung nodules. CT‐guided needle biopsy was performed on the nodular lesion in the left upper lobe, which showed focal growth of tumor cells with a high N/C ratio and positive synaptophysin, leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis of rectal carcinoid. Since the patient was asymptomatic and did not wish to undergo surgery or chemotherapy, she was followed up strictly with sufficient informed consent. Three years have passed since the diagnosis, and there is no tendency for the lung metastasis to increase, and no other new lesions have been observed. The disease had not progressed and remained stable. Therefore, immunohistological analysis of the lung biopsy specimen was performed again, which was positive for TTF‐1 and negative for CDX2. Consequently, the diagnosis was changed to primary lung carcinoid tumors, and the patient remains under follow‐up with no disease progression.

ObjectivesThe growing incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have been linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The imperative need for developing effective diagnostic imaging tools to predict the non-iodine-avid status of lung metastasis (LMs) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients is underscored to prevent unnecessary radioactive iodine treatment (RAI).MethodsPrimary cohort consisted 1962 pretreated LMs of 496 consecutive DTC patients with pretreated initially diagnosed LMs who underwent chest CT and subsequent post-treatment radioiodine SPECT. After automatic lesion segmentation by SE V-Net, SE Net deep learning was trained to predict non-iodine-avid status of LMs. External validation cohort contained 123 pretreated LMs of 24 consecutive patients from other two hospitals. Stepwise validation was further performed according to the nodule’s largest diameter.ResultsThe SE-Net deep learning network yielded area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.879 (95% confidence interval: 0.852–0.906) and 0.713 (95% confidence interval: 0.613–0.813) for internal and external validation. With the LM diameter decreasing from ≥10mm to ≤4mm, the AUCs remained relatively stable, for smallest nodules (≤4mm), the model yielded an AUC of 0.783. Decision curve analysis showed that most patients benefited using deep learning to decide radioactive I131 treatment.ConclusionThis study presents a noninvasive, less radioactive and fully automatic approach that can facilitate suitable DTC patient selection for RAI therapy of LMs. Further prospective multicenter studies with larger study cohorts and related metabolic factors should address the possibility of comprehensive clinical transformation.

Abstract Background Lung metastasis is a significant adverse predictor of prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Accurate estimation for the prognosis of patients with lung metastasis and population-based validation for the models are lacking. In the present study, we aimed to establish the nomogram to identify prognostic factors correlated with lung metastases and evaluate individualized survival in patients with lung metastasis based on SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database. Methods We selected 1197 patients diagnosed with breast cancer with lung metastasis (BCLM) from the SEER database and randomly assigned them to the training group (n = 837) and the testing group (n = 360). Based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we evaluated the effects of multiple variables on survival in the training group and constructed a nomogram to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival probability of patients. The nomogram were verified internally and externally by Concordance index (C-index), Net Reclassification (NRI), Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI), Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and calibration plots. Results According to the results of multi-factor Cox regression analysis, age, histopathology, grade, marital status, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), surgery, neoadjuvant therapy and chemotherapy were considered as independent prognostic factors for patients with BCLM. The C-index in the training group was 0.719 and the testing group was 0.695, respectively. The AUC values of the 1-, 2-, and 3-year prognostic nomogram in the training group were 0.798, 0.790 and 0.793, and the corresponding AUC values in the testing group were 0.765, 0.761 and 0.722. The calculation results of IDI and NRI were shown. The nomograms significantly improved the risk reclassification for 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall mortality prediction compared with the AJCC 7th staging system. According to the calibration plot, nomograms showed good consistency between predicted and actual overall survival (OS) values for the patients with BCLM. DCA showed that nomograms had better net benefits at different threshold probabilities at different time points compared with the AJCC 7th staging system. Conclusions Nomograms that predicted 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS for patients with BCLM were successfully constructed and validated to help physicians in evaluating the high risk of mortality in breast cancer patients.

Abstract Background Metastatic tumors account for 80% of all lung tumors in children. Wilms tumour and osteosarcoma are the most tumors of childhood that produce lung metastases. The aim of the current study is to assess the prognostic factors of pulmonary metastatectomy in pediatric solid tumours as age, number, size, site,laterality, resectability of pulmonary nodules, and number of Thoracotomies. Calculate overall survival among patients who underwent pulmonary metastatectomy. Methods It is a retrospective study including all pediatric patients with metastatic solid tumors to lungs treated at pediatric oncology department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University from 2008 to 2014. Fifty-five patients were included, 43 (78.2℅) patients of them had Osteosarcoma. Results Thirty (54.5℅)patients were male. The mean age was 15 years ranging from (4.5- 23) years. The site of primary disease was at lower limbs in 43 (78.2%) patients. All patients underwent complete surgical resection of the primary disease with negative margin, 22(51.1%) of the osteosarcoma patients did amputation with tumor necrosis less than 90%. All patients received chemotherapy and only 9 received radiation therapy. The patients were classified into four groups according to time of diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis: at time of diagnosis in 13 (21.8%) patients, within treatment in 16 (30.9%) patients, within first year follow up in 18 (32.7%) patients and detected late in 8 (14.5%) patients. Bilateral lung metastasis diagnosed by CT chest were detected in 42 (76.4%) patients. Size of metastatic nodules was ranging from (0.5 to 10 cm) with mean 3.4 cm. Number of metastatic nodules was ranging from (1 to 28) median 4.Metastatic complications were detected in 19 patients. 5-year OS was 74.8% in the study group, and 68% in osteosarcoma patients. Effect of prognostic factors as sex, time of respectability, laterality, tumor necrosis of the 1ry disease, Timing of lung metastasis, size and site of the primary, Surgical approach of metastatectomy, postoperative complications on overall survival of the studied patients was done with significant P-value of tumor necrosis of the 1ry disease and Timing of lung metastasis 0.017, 0.001 respectively. Conclusion Resection of pulmonary metastases of pediatric solid tumours is a safe and effective treatment that offers better survival.

A 68‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital for rectal surgery after a pathological diagnosis of rectal carcinoid with venous invasion following endoscopic submucosal dissection of a 5 mm‐sized submucosal tumor in the lower rectum. Chest CT showed nodules in the left upper lobe and right lower lobe, but positron emission tomography and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed no hyperaccumulation in the lung nodules. CT‐guided needle biopsy was performed on the nodular lesion in the left upper lobe, which showed focal growth of tumor cells with a high N/C ratio and positive synaptophysin, leading to a diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis of rectal carcinoid. Since the patient was asymptomatic and did not wish to undergo surgery or chemotherapy, she was followed up strictly with sufficient informed consent. Three years have passed since the diagnosis, and there is no tendency for the lung metastasis to increase, and no other new lesions have been observed. The disease had not progressed and remained stable. Therefore, immunohistological analysis of the lung biopsy specimen was performed again, which was positive for TTF‐1 and negative for CDX2. Consequently, the diagnosis was changed to primary lung carcinoid tumors, and the patient remains under follow‐up with no disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The patient was a 52-year-old woman. She had a history of left breast cancer at age 32 years, with no recurrences. She was examined for a feeling of oral dryness and nocturia, and central diabetes insipidus was diagnosed. A mass was seen in the posterior pituitary on magnetic resonance imaging, and multiple pulmonary nodules were seen on computed tomography. Breast cancer metastases were diagnosed in both tissues. Since this patient had no cancer other than the breast cancer treated 20 years earlier, it was difficult to reach a diagnosis of pituitary metastasis with pituitary gland imaging alone. In estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, there may be recurrences after a long period of time. It may be that recommending a full body examination could be useful in the differential diagnosis of metastasis even in patients who have had a long disease-free period, if they had undergone surgery for breast cancer.

Background: Metastatic tumors account for 80% of all lung tumors in children. Wilms tumour and osteosarcoma are the most tumors of childhood that produce lung metastases. The aim of the current study is to assess the prognostic factors of pulmonary metastatectomy in pediatric solid tumours as age, number, size, site,laterality, resectability of pulmonary nodules, and number of Thoracotomies. Calculate overall survival among patients who underwent pulmonary metastatectomy. Methods: It is a retrospective study including all pediatric patients with metastatic solid tumors to lungs treated at pediatric oncology department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University from 2008 to 2014. Fifty-five patients were included, 43 (78.2℅) patients of them had Osteosarcoma. Results: Thirty (54.5℅)patients were male. The mean age was 15 years ranging from (4.5- 23) years. The site of primary disease was at lower limbs in 43 (78.2%) patients. All patients underwent complete surgical resection of the primary disease with negative margin, 22(51.1%) of the osteosarcoma patients did amputation with tumor necrosis less than 90%. All patients received chemotherapy and only 9 received radiation therapy. The patients were classified into four groups according to time of diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis: at time of diagnosis in 13 (21.8%) patients, within treatment in 16 (30.9%) patients, within first year follow up in 18 (32.7%) patients and detected late in 8 (14.5%) patients. Bilateral lung metastasis diagnosed by CT chest were detected in 42 (76.4%) patients. Size of metastatic nodules was ranging from (0.5 to 10 cm) with mean 3.4 cm. Number of metastatic nodules was ranging from (1 to 28) median 4.Metastatic complications were detected in 19 patients. 5-year OS was 74.8% in the study group, and 68% in osteosarcoma patients. Effect of prognostic factors as sex, time of respectability, laterality, tumor necrosis of the 1ry disease, Timing of lung metastasis, size and site of the primary, Surgical approach of metastatectomy, postoperative complications on overall survival of the studied patients was done with significant P-value of tumor necrosis of the 1ry disease and Timing of lung metastasis 0.017, 0.001 respectively. Conclusion: Resection of pulmonary metastases of pediatric solid tumours is a safe and effective treatment that offers better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung metastasis is a significant adverse predictor of prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Accurate estimation for the prognosis of patients with lung metastasis and population-based validation for the models are lacking. In the present study, we aimed to establish the nomogram to identify prognostic factors correlated with lung metastases and evaluate individualized survival in patients with lung metastasis based on SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database. Methods: We selected 1197 patients diagnosed with breast cancer with lung metastasis (BCLM) from the SEER database and randomly assigned them to the training group (n = 837) and the testing group (n = 360). Based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we evaluated the effects of multiple variables on survival in the training group and constructed a nomogram to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival probability of patients. The nomogram were verified internally and externally by Concordance index (C-index), Net Reclassification (NRI), Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI), Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and calibration plots. Results: According to the results of multi-factor Cox regression analysis, age, histopathology, grade, marital status, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), surgery, neoadjuvant therapy and chemotherapy were considered as independent prognostic factors for patients with BCLM. The C-index in the training group was 0.719 and the testing group was 0.695, respectively. The AUC values of the 1-, 2-, and 3-year prognostic nomogram in the training group were 0.798, 0.790 and 0.793, and the corresponding AUC values in the testing group were 0.765, 0.761 and 0.722. The calculation results of IDI and NRI were shown. The nomograms significantly improved the risk reclassification for 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall mortality prediction compared with the AJCC 7th staging system. According to the calibration plot, nomograms showed good consistency between predicted and actual overall survival (OS) values for the patients with BCLM. DCA showed that nomograms had better net benefits at different threshold probabilities at different time points compared with the AJCC 7th staging system. Conclusions: Nomograms that predicted 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS for patients with BCLM were successfully constructed and validated to help physicians in evaluating the high risk of mortality in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Systemic chemotherapy is generally used for metastatic pancreatic cancer; however, pulmonary resection may be a treatment option for lung oligometastases from pancreatic cancer. The current study aimed to clarify the oncological outcomes and clinical benefits of pulmonary resection for lung metastases. Methods: Of 510 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for pancreatic cancer, 44 patients with recurrence of isolated lung metastases and one patient with simultaneous lung metastases were evaluated. Results: Of the 45 patients, 20 patients were selected as candidates for pulmonary resection based on clinical factors such as recurrence-free interval (RFI) from pancreatectomy to lung metastases, number of lung metastases, and serum CA19-9 level. The post-recurrent survival of patients with pulmonary resection was significantly better than that of patients without pulmonary resection. Fourteen of the 20 patients with pulmonary resection developed tumor recurrence with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 15 months. Univariate analyses revealed that an RFI from pancreatectomy to lung metastases of ≥28 months was associated with better DFS after pulmonary resection. Of the 14 patients with an RFI of ≥28 months, pulmonary resection resulted in prolonged chemotherapy-free interval in 12 patients. Furthermore, repeat pulmonary resection for recurrent tumors after pulmonary resection led to further cancer-free interval in some cases. Conclusions: Although many patients had tumor recurrence after pulmonary resection, pulmonary resection for lung metastases from pancreatic cancer may provide prolonged cancer-free interval without the need for chemotherapy. Pulmonary resection should be performed for the patients with a long RFI from pancreatectomy to lung metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Metastases from endometrial carcinoma to the lungs are uncommon and cavitating metastases are even rarer. In some cases, lung cavitating metastases may resemble diffuse “Cheerios in the lung.” Case presentation A 58-year-old woman, smoker, with a history of hysteroannessiectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for a low stage endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma, came under our attention for dry cough without fever that persisted for over three months, and computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse cavitating lung metastases resembling "Cheerios in the lung". After standard chemotherapy proved ineffective, Lenvatinib plus Pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) was administrated, leading to the disappearance of all lung nodules, leaving behind a diffuse emphysematous-like pattern. Conclusions This case is a rare example of metastatic endometrioid adenocarcinoma, manifested with chronic dry cough, with “Cheerios in the lung” appearence. The metastases responded well to immunotherapy, resulting in the regression of nodules into areas of diffuse emphysematous-like changes.

Abstract Background Although the number of patients with bladder cancer and lung metastasis is increasing there is no accurate model for predicting survival in these patients. Methods Patients enrolled in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2010 and 2015 were selected for the study. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to determine independent prognostic factors, followed by development of a nomogram based on the multivariate Cox regression models. The consistency index, receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration curve were used to validate the prognostic nomogram. Results 506 eligible bladder cancer patients with lung metastasis were enrolled in the study and then divided randomly into training and validation sets (n = 356 vs. n = 150). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age at diagnosis, primary site, histological type, surgery of the primary site, chemotherapy, bone metastasis, and liver metastasis were prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) in patients with lung metastasis in the training set. The C-index of the nomogram OS was 0.699 and 0.747 in the training and validation sets, respectively. ROC curve estimation of the nomogram in the training and validation sets showed acceptable accuracy for classifying 1-year survival, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.766 and 0.717, respectively. More importantly, the calibration plot showed the nomogram had favorable predictive accuracy in both the training and validation sets. Conclusions The prognostic nomogram created in our study provides an individualized diagnosis, remedy, and risk evaluation for survival in patients with bladder cancer and lung metastasis. The nomogram would therefore enable clinicians to make more precise treatment decisions for patients with bladder cancer and lung metastasis.

Pulmonary metastasectomy has become a well-established procedure for patients with certain types of solid tumors. Patients are usually scheduled for staged lung metastasectomy in case of primary tumor control, the absence of distant non-lung metastases, and when complete resection is achievable. Nodules are removed with precision resection in order to ensure radical resection with minimal margins; this technique permits good oncological results, preserving the surrounding pulmonary parenchyma and causing minimal distortion compared to staplers. When possible, anatomical resections should be avoided since they are not justified by real oncological advantages and, in the majority of cases, sacrifice too much healthy tissue, possibly leading to inoperability in the case of metachronous relapses. Thus, preserving the maximum amount of pulmonary parenchyma is crucial because repeated metastasectomies are possible and frequent, with no theoretical limits to the number of reinterventions. In our multidisciplinary board team, we support the role of pulmonary metastasectomy as a useful curative therapy, with acceptable morbidity and mortality, with indications to be discussed case-by-case.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and receptor tyrosine kinase HER2 expression. Due to the limited number of FDA-approved targeted therapies for TNBC, there is an ongoing need to understand the molecular underpinnings of TNBC for the development of novel combinatorial treatment strategies. This study evaluated the role of the MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase on proliferation and invasion/metastatic potential in TNBC. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated MerTK expression in 58% of patient-derived TNBC xenografts. The stable overexpression of MerTK in human TNBC cell lines induced an increase in proliferation rates, robust in vivo tumor growth, heightened migration/invasion potential, and enhanced lung metastases. NanoString nCounter analysis of MerTK-overexpressing SUM102 cells (SUM102-MerTK) revealed upregulation of several signaling pathways, which ultimately drive cell cycle progression, reduce apoptosis, and enhance cell survival. Proteomic profiling indicated increased endoglin (ENG) production in SUM102-MerTK clones, suggesting that MerTK creates a conducive environment for increased proliferative and metastatic activity via elevated ENG expression. To determine ENG’s role in increasing proliferation and/or metastatic potential, we knocked out ENG in a SUM102-MerTK clone with CRISPR technology. Although this ENG knockout clone exhibited similar in vivo growth to the parental SUM102-MerTK clone, lung metastasis numbers were significantly decreased ~4-fold, indicating that MerTK enhances invasion and metastasis through ENG. Our data suggest that MerTK regulates a unique proliferative signature in TNBC, promoting robust tumor growth and increased metastatic potential through ENG upregulation. Targeting MerTK and ENG simultaneously may provide a novel therapeutic approach for TNBC patients.

Abstract Objectives In patients with suitable conditions, complete resection is a potential curative treatment for lung metastases of colorectal cancers (CRC). Various prognostic factors affecting survival have been reported in these patients. In our study, the prognostic significance of CEA and CA19‐9 tumor markers in patients who underwent lung resection for CRC metastasis was researched. Methods Fifty‐three patients who underwent lung resection for CRC metastasis between January 2015 and July 2021 were included in the study. The relationship between preoperative and postoperative CEA and CA19‐9 values, survival times, tumor size, and preoperative CEA and CA19‐9 levels were investigated. Results Patients with high preoperative and postoperative CEA had shorter survival (OS) compared with patients with lower values (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Disease‐free survival (DFS) was also shorter in patients with higher preoperative CEA values (p = 0.008). For patients with higher preoperative and postoperative CA 19–9 values, OS and DFS were shorter (p = 0.013 and p ≤ 0.001) and (p = 0.042 and p ≤ 0.001), respectively. There was a weak positive correlation between preoperative CEA value and tumor size (p = 0.008, Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.360). However, a strong positive correlation between preoperative CA19‐9 value and tumor size was discovered (p ≤ 0.001, Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.603). Conclusion In our study, it was shown that preoperative‐postoperative CEA and CA19‐9 levels in patients with metastatic colon carcinoma are associated with overall survival.

Aim: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been increasingly used for the treatment of pulmonary metastases in various malignancies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to establish the safety and efficacy of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐guided RFA in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer between 2016 and 2019, and the prognostic factors of local tumor control were assessed. Results: A total of 31 patients with colorectal cancer underwent 48 sessions of lung RFA. The mean diameter of metastases targeted for RFA was 11 mm (range: 4–32), and the RFA was technically successful in 43 sessions (90%). There were 14 complications (29%), the majority of which required no intervention, with no cases of mortality. The median follow‐up duration from RFA in the surviving 29 patients was 18.0 months. Only two patients (6%) died of disease progression, and the 3‐year overall survival rate was 91% (95% CI: 83–99). Local tumor progression (LTP) of the RFA site was observed in 27%, and the LTP‐free survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 81% (95% CI: 70–82) and 64% (95% CI: 50–77), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the progression of extra‐RFA sites and the presence of extrapulmonary metastasis were independent prognostic factors significantly associated with LTP at RFA site. Conclusion: Lung RFA using CBCT guidance is a comparatively safe and effective option for the treatment of lung metastases from colorectal cancer. However, the control of extrapulmonary metastases should be accompanied by combined or sequential systemic treatment and local treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the detection rate and performance of 18F-FDG PET alone (PET), the combination of PET and low-dose thick-slice CT (PET/lCT), PET and diagnostic thin-slice CT (PET/dCT), and additional computer-aided detection (PET/dCT/CAD) for lung nodules (LN)/metastases in tumor patients. Along with this, assessment of inter-reader agreement and time requirement for different techniques were evaluated as well. Methods: In 100 tumor patients (56 male, 44 female; age range: 22–93 years, mean age: 60 years) 18F-FDG PET images, low-dose CT with shallow breathing (5 mm slice thickness), and diagnostic thin-slice CT (1 mm slice thickness) in full inspiration were retrospectively evaluated by three readers with variable experience (junior, mid-level, and senior) for the presence of lung nodules/metastases and additionally analyzed with CAD. Time taken for each analysis and number of the nodules detected were assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, accuracy, and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of each technique was calculated. Histopathology and/or imaging follow-up served as reference standard for the diagnosis of metastases. Results: Three readers, on an average, detected 40 LN in 17 patients with PET only, 121 LN in 37 patients using ICT, 283 LN in 60 patients with dCT, and 282 LN in 53 patients with CAD. On average, CAD detected 49 extra LN, missed by the three readers without CAD, whereas CAD overall missed 53 LN. There was very good inter-reader agreement regarding the diagnosis of metastases for all four techniques (kappa: 0.84–0.93). The average time required for the evaluation of LN in PET, lCT, dCT, and CAD was 25, 31, 60, and 40 s, respectively; the assistance of CAD lead to average 33% reduction in time requirement for evaluation of lung nodules compared to dCT. The time-saving effect was highest in the less experienced reader. Regarding the diagnosis of metastases, sensitivity and specificity combined of all readers were 47.8%/96.2% for PET, 80.0%/81.9% for PET/lCT, 100%/56.7% for PET/dCT, and 95.6%/64.3% for PET/CAD. No significant difference was observed regarding the ROC AUC (area under the curve) between the imaging methods. Conclusion: Implementation of CAD for the detection of lung nodules/metastases in routine 18F-FDG PET/CT read-out is feasible. The combination of diagnostic thin-slice CT and CAD significantly increases the detection rate of lung nodules in tumor patients compared to the standard PET/CT read-out. PET combined with low-dose CT showed the best balance between sensitivity and specificity regarding the diagnosis of metastases per patient. CAD reduces the time required for lung nodule/metastasis detection, especially for less experienced readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metastases from endometrial carcinoma to the lungs are uncommon and cavitating metastases are even rarer. In some cases, lung cavitating metastases may resemble diffuse "Cheerios in the lung." Case presentation: A 58-year-old woman, smoker, with a history of hysteroannessiectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for a low stage endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma, came under our attention for dry cough without fever that persisted for over three months, and computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse cavitating lung metastases resembling "Cheerios in the lung". After standard chemotherapy proved ineffective, Lenvatinib plus Pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) was administrated, leading to the disappearance of all lung nodules, leaving behind a diffuse emphysematous-like pattern. Conclusions: This case is a rare example of metastatic endometrioid adenocarcinoma, manifested with chronic dry cough, with "Cheerios in the lung" appearence. The metastases responded well to immunotherapy, resulting in the regression of nodules into areas of diffuse emphysematous-like changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of lung metastases in patients with primary malignancies is an important criterion for treatment management and prognostication. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is the preferred method to detect lung metastasis. However, CT has limited efficacy in differentiating metastatic nodules from benign nodules (e.g., granulomas due to tuberculosis) especially at early stages (<5 mm). There is also a significant subjectivity associated in making this distinction, leading to frequent CT follow-ups and additional radiation exposure along with financial and emotional burden to the patients and family. Even 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission technology-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) is not always confirmatory for this clinical problem. While pathological biopsy is the gold standard to demonstrate malignancy, invasive sampling of small lung nodules is often not clinically feasible. Currently, there is no non-invasive imaging technique that can reliably characterize lung metastases. The lung is one of the favored sites of metastasis in sarcomas. Hence, patients with sarcomas, especially from tuberculosis prevalent developing countries, can provide an ideal platform to develop a model to differentiate lung metastases from benign nodules. To overcome the lack of optimal specificity of CT scan in detecting pulmonary metastasis, a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based protocol is proposed utilizing a combination of radiological and clinical biomarkers to identify lung nodules and characterize it as benign or metastasis. This protocol includes a retrospective cohort of nearly 2,000–2,250 sample nodules (from at least 450 patients) for training and testing and an ambispective cohort of nearly 500 nodules (from 100 patients; 50 patients each from the retrospective and prospective cohort) for validation. Ground-truth annotation of lung nodules will be performed using an inhouse- built segmentation tool. Ground-truth labeling of lung nodules (metastatic/benign) will be performed based on histopathological results or baseline and/or follow-up radiological findings along with clinical outcome of the patient. Optimal methods for data handling and statistical analysis are included to develop a robust protocol for early detection and classification of pulmonary metastasis at baseline and at follow-up and identification of associated potential clinical and radiological markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pulmonary metastases from different primary tumors are a common issue in the everyday clinical praxis. The resection of lung metastases in patients selected by a multidisciplinary tumor board is a widely accepted surgical procedure that can prolong survival. The aim of the current retrospective study is to investigate postoperative morbidity and mortality after pulmonary metastasectomy, identify risk factors and develop a prognostic score to identify high-risk patients. We identified 1284 patients with lung metastases that were resected with curative intent. For increased postoperative morbidity, we identified cardiovascular comorbidities, major lung resections, repeated pulmonary metastasectomy and open thoracotomy. Based on these factors, the Essen score was developed. We believe that the Essen score is a useful tool to predict postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy with curative intent. Background: Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is a widely accepted surgical procedure. This study aims to investigate postoperative morbidity and mortality after PM and develop a score to predict high-risk patients. Methods: We retrospectively investigated all patients undergoing a PM in our institution from November 2012 to January 2023. Complications were defined as the diagnosis of any new disease after the PM up to 30 days after the operation. Results: 1284 patients were identified. At least one complication occurred in 145 patients (11.29%). Only one patient died during the hospital stay. Preoperative cardiovascular comorbidities (OR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.412–3.744, p = 0.01), major lung resections (OR: 2.727, 95% CI: 1.678–4.431, p < 0.01), repeated pulmonary metastasectomy (OR: 1.759, 95% CI: 1.040–2.976, p = 0.03) and open thoracotomy (OR: 0.621, 95% CI: 0.415–0.930, p = 0.02) were identified as independent factors for postoperative complications. Based on the above independent factors for postoperative morbidity, the Essen score was developed (overall correct classification: 94.6%, ROC-Analysis: 0.828, 95% CI: 0.795–0.903). Conclusion: PM is a safe surgical procedure with acceptable morbidity and low mortality. The aim of the Essen score is to identify patients that are associated with risk for postoperative complications after PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple bilateral lung metastases secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are mainly treated with molecular therapy. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab can provide excellent long-term survival for patients with a good response. Case Report: A 67-year-old woman underwent right hepatectomy for a primary solitary HCC, 11 cm in diameter, after portal embolization. After 2 years, she developed bilateral lung metastases with >100 nodules, <1 cm in size. She had no viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, and the Child–Pugh Grade was A (5 points). Lenvatinib (12 mg daily) was administered as a first-line treatment and continued for 18 months. The best response was stable disease (SD). Subsequently, intravenous atezolizumab (1,200 mg) plus bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) was administered once every three weeks. The best response was SD, which continued for 26 months. After that, cabozantinib treatment was initiated and discontinued after one cycle. Subsequently, dual immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment (durvalumab + tremelimumab) was administered. She has had multiple, but lung-only, metastases over four years. She has been well as an outpatient with the Child–Pugh Grade of A and a performance status of 0. Conclusion: Even if atezolizumab plus bevacizumab does not induce a good response, a durable SD could prolong survival in patients with metastatic HCC while maintaining liver function and a good quality-of-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The phase 3 CLEAR study demonstrated that lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved efficacy versus sunitinib as first-line treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Prognostic features including presence and/or site of baseline metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features have been associated with disease and treatment success. This subsequent analysis explores outcomes in patients with or without specific prognostic features. Methods: In CLEAR, patients with clear cell RCC were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive either lenvatinib (20 mg/day) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks), lenvatinib (18 mg/day) plus everolimus (5 mg/day), or sunitinib alone (50 mg/day, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off). In this report, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were all assessed in the lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab and the sunitinib arms, based on baseline features: lung metastases, bone metastases, liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid histology. Results: In all the assessed subgroups, median PFS was longer with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab than with sunitinib treatment, notably among patients with baseline bone metastases (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.52) and patients with sarcomatoid features (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.84). Median OS favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib irrespective of metastatic lesions at baseline, prior nephrectomy, and sarcomatoid features. Of interest, among patients with baseline bone metastases the HR for survival was 0.50 (95% CI 0.30–0.83) and among patients with sarcomatoid features the HR for survival was 0.91 (95% CI 0.32–2.58); though for many groups, median OS was not reached. ORR also favored lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab over sunitinib across all subgroups; similarly, complete responses also followed this pattern. Conclusion: Efficacy outcomes improved following treatment with lenvatinib-plus-pembrolizumab versus sunitinib in patients with RCC—irrespective of the presence or absence of baseline lung metastases, baseline bone metastases, baseline liver metastases, prior nephrectomy, or sarcomatoid features. These findings corroborate those of the primary CLEAR study analysis in the overall population and support lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab as a standard of care in 1L treatment for patients with advanced RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]