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Copyright of Acta Ortopédica Mexicana is the property of Sociedad Mexicana de Ortopedia, AC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acral melanoma, which is not ultraviolet (UV)-associated, is the most common type of melanoma in several low- and middle-income countries including Mexico. Latin American samples are significantly underrepresented in global cancer genomics studies, which directly affects patients in these regions as it is known that cancer risk and incidence may be influenced by ancestry and environmental exposures. To address this, here we characterise the genome and transcriptome of 128 acral melanoma tumours from 96 Mexican patients, a population notable because of its genetic admixture. Compared with other studies of melanoma, we found fewer frequent mutations in classical driver genes such as BRAF , NRAS or NF1 . While most patients had predominantly Amerindian genetic ancestry, those with higher European ancestry had increased frequency of BRAF mutations and a lower number of structural variants. These BRAF -mutated tumours have a transcriptional profile similar to cutaneous non-volar melanocytes, suggesting that acral melanomas in these patients may arise from a distinct cell of origin compared to other tumours arising in these locations. KIT mutations were found in a subset of these tumours, and transcriptional profiling defined three expression clusters; these characteristics were associated with overall survival. We highlight novel low-frequency drivers, such as SPHKAP , which correlate with a distinct genomic profile and clinical characteristics. Our study enhances knowledge of this understudied disease and underscores the importance of including samples from diverse ancestries in cancer genomics studies., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests.

Introduction: reconstruction of large bone defects using modular knee arthroplasty (MKA) presents a significant challenge in terms of functionality. The objective of the present work was to identify the different prognostic factors associated with failure of MKA in cancer patients., Material and Methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients with a diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumor in the distal femur or proximal tibia, who underwent MKA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021., Results: 49 patients were included, of which 25 (51.02%) were women and 24 (48.98%) men, with a mean age of 29.57 years. Of these, 14 (28.57%) patients experienced some type of MKA failure. The most frequent complication that led to failure was periprosthetic infection, observed in seven (14.29%) patients. Variables associated with MKA failure included biopsies performed outside our hospital (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-6.4, p = 0.02), the length of the long axis of the tumor (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-4.6, p = 0.01) and a prolonged surgical time (HR 3.37, 95% CI 1.1-8.6, p = 0.04)., Conclusion: the most significant prognostic factors associated with MKA failure in our cohort were tumor size, prolonged surgical time, and performance of the diagnostic biopsy in a center not specialized in the management of this type of patient. These findings highlight the importance of considering these variables to improve outcomes in patients undergoing MKA.

Introduction: chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignant tumor, constitutes approximately one quarter of all primary bone sarcomas. Surgical margins in pelvic chondrosarcoma have a direct impact as a prognostic factor, both on overall survival and on recurrence-free survival of this disease., Objectives: to analyze the impact of surgical margins as a prognostic factor in pelvic chondrosarcoma., Material and Methods: a retrospective database cohort with prospective follow-up of sarcomas in patients diagnosed with primary pelvic chondrosarcoma who underwent surgical treatment. Clinical-demographic variables were obtained, a descriptive analysis of each variable was performed, and these were contrasted with the outcome variables., Results: seventeen patients were included, of which nine were female. The median age was 41 years, ranging from 23 to 65 years. The average tumor size was 20.9 cm (range 5 to 46 cm). The average surgical margin was 5.3 mm, ranging from 1 to 30 mm, with 58% positive margins. The average overall survival was 64 months (range 7 to 108 months). The distribution of pelvic involvement was as follows: zone I in nine patients (52.9%), zone II in two (11.8%), a combination of zones I-III in two (11.8%), I+II in one (5.9%), II+III in one (5.9%), I-III plus sacrum in one (5.9%) and I plus sacrum in one (5.9%). Tumor grades were classified as low in seven patients (41.2%), intermediate in sven (41.2%), high in two (11.8%), and dedifferentiated in one (5.9%). Regarding the type of resection, 12 patients (70.6%) underwent internal hemipelvectomy and five (29.4%) external hemipelvectomy. Recurrence was recorded in five cases (29.4%), metastasis in three (17.6%), and mortality in four (23.5%)., Conclusions: this series represents the largest cohort reported in Latin America of primary pelvic chondrosarcomas. A more favorable prognosis was observed in patients with surgical margins greater than 1 mm. The presence of chondrosarcoma in multiple pelvic zones was associated with a worse oncological prognosis. Additionally, a higher incidence of positive surgical margins and local recurrence rates were identified in pelvic chondrosarcomas compared to those located in the extremities.

Purpose: There is limited information regarding the use of the geriatric assessment (GA) for older adults with cancer in developing countries. We aimed to describe geriatric oncology practice among Mexican oncology professionals and to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of GA into the routine care of older adults with cancer in Mexico., Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. We administered an online survey to cancer specialists in Mexico about the routine use of GA and barriers for its use. We then conducted online semistructured interviews with survey respondents selected by their use of GA, expanding on barriers and facilitators for performing GA. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed for quantitative data; qualitative data were analyzed inductively through thematic analysis. We developed joint displays to integrate quantitative/qualitative results., Results: We obtained 196 survey responses: 37 physicians (18.9%) reported routinely performing a GA. Medical oncologists ( P = .002) and physicians seeing ≤ 10 patients/day ( P = .010) were more likely to use GA. The most frequent barriers for GA use were lack of qualified personnel (49%), limited knowledge (43.9%), and insufficient time (37.2%). In the interviews (n = 22), the limited availability of geriatricians was commonly mentioned. Respondents highlighted the lack of geriatric oncology knowledge among cancer specialists and geriatricians. Saturation of oncology services and a lack of effective referral pathways for GA were also common issues. Facilitators included availability of geriatricians, system/administrative facilitators, presence of a multidisciplinary team, and availability of geriatric oncology education., Conclusion: The routine use of geriatric oncology principles in Mexico is limited by the availability of qualified personnel and by insufficient knowledge. An educational intervention could improve the implementation of GA in cancer care., Competing Interests: Haydee C. Verduzco-AguirreTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Bristol Myers Squibb (Mexico) Hector Martínez-SaidConsulting or Advisory Role: MSD Oncology, NovartisSpeakers' Bureau: MSD Oncology, Novartis Gregorio Quintero BeuloEmployment: Bristol Myers SquibbStock and Other Ownership Interests: Bristol Myers SquibbHonoraria: AstraZenecaSpeakers' Bureau: AstraZeneca Supriya G. MohileConsulting or Advisory Role: Seattle GeneticsResearch Funding: Carevive (Inst) Enrique Soto-Perez-De-CelisThis author is a member of the JCO Global Oncology Editorial Board. Journal policy recused the author from having any role in the peer review of this manuscript.Research Funding: RocheNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Oscar Arrieta has received personal fees from Pfizer, grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, grants and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, personal fees from Lilly, grants and personal fees from Merck, grants and personal fees from Bristol Myers Squibb, grants and personal fees from Roche. Yanin Chávarri-Guerra has received research grants from Roche and travel support from Pfizer. All other authors have no conflict of interest to declare related to the publication of this manuscript.

Acral melanoma (AM) is a malignant cutaneous melanocytic tumour specifically located on the palms, soles, and nail apparatus, which are areas of glabrous (hairless) skin. Acral lentiginous melanoma, a subtype of AM, represents a histopathological subtype diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma with unique morphological and structural features. Despite clear definitions, the misuse of these terms and the inconsistency in reporting the histopathological features of AM cases have become a major obstacle to the study of the disease. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, histopathological features, prognosis, and genetic profile of AM, highlighting the differences observed when histopathological subtypes are considered. The increasing global effort to characterise AM cases from ethnically diverse populations would benefit greatly from a more consistent classification of the disease., (© 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research published by The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland & John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

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Although breast conserving surgery is the standard of care for patients with localized breast cancer in high-income countries, little is known about its use in developing countries, where disparities in access to treatment may lead to an increased use of mastectomy. We examined the use of breast conserving surgery at a Mexican cancer center after the implementation of a public insurance program aimed at providing coverage for previously uninsured patients. Between 2006 and 2016, 4519 women received surgical treatment for breast cancer, of which 39% had early-stage disease. The proportion of patients treated with breast conserving surgery increased from 10% in the 2006-2009 period to 33% in the 2013-2016 period, with most of this increase occurring among women with early-stage disease (17-52%). Improving access to care and reducing the financial burden of breast cancer in developing countries may lead to an increased use of breast conserving surgery., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Chondrosarcoma is the second most frequent primary malignant bone tumor, is characterized by the formation of a chondroid matrix, is more frequent in advanced ages and its prognosis is directly related to the histological subtype and tumor grade. The objective of this article is to present the demographic and treatment profile in a reference center., Material and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, observational, analytical cohort-type study was conducted in a reference center between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019, the demographic variables were analyzed and contrasted with the outcome variables that were overall survival and disease-free period., Results: 85 patients were included, the mean age of presentation was 43.3 years, the clinical stage at the time of presentation was mostly IIa and IIb covering 54.1%. 35 patients had metastases with clinical stage IV. The main site of metastasis was the lung in 32 patients (37.6%). Thirty-six patients (42.3%) had specific mortality. 35 patients (41.2%) died as a result of metastatic disease to lung or other organs, one patient died from direct extension of the tumor in the cervical spine., Conclusion: The important prognostic factors found in our series that influence global survival are: the presence of metastases and axial localization.

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumours that represent less than 1% of all malignant, solid tumours in adults. There is limited epidemiological information regarding STS in Latin America. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present an epidemiological profile of these tumours observed at a single reference centre., Methods: A retrospective study was carried out based on hospital records obtained from a registry of 879 patients with STS of the extremities who were treated at the National Cancer Institute of Mexico from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2017. Epidemiological variables and relevant clinical data were collected. Five-year survival rates were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, and a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model measured associations., Results: A total of 879 records were collected. The median age was 45 years (15-95 years), and the ratio of men to women was 1:1, with 433 men (49.3%), and 446 women (50.7%). The median tumour size was 11.4 cm (2-49 cm). The most prevalent histological variants were liposarcomas and synovial sarcomas. The lower limb was the most frequently affected extremity, with the thigh being the most common site followed by the leg. A majority of the patients were diagnosed at clinical stages IIIA-IV., Conclusions: The data collected from the present cohort provides an overview of the epidemiological profile of STS at a single reference centre in Latin America, and allow comparison with global data., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a histological subtype of cutaneous melanoma that occurs in the glabrous skin of the palms, soles and the nail unit. Although in some countries, particularly in Latin America, Africa and Asia, it represents the most frequently diagnosed subtype of the disease, it only represents a small proportion of melanoma cases in European-descent populations, which is partially why it has not been studied to the same extent as other forms of melanoma. As a result, its unique genomic drivers remain comparatively poorly explored, as well as its causes, with current evidence supporting a UV-independent path to tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the aetiology and diagnostic criteria of acral lentiginous melanoma, as well as its epidemiological and histopathological characteristics. We also describe what is known about the genomic landscape of this disease and review the available biological models to explore potential therapeutic targets., (© 2020 The Authors. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in collision between patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and those with cancer on different fronts. Patients with cancer have been impacted by deferral, modification, and even cessation of therapy. Adaptive measures to minimize hospital exposure, following the precautionary principle, have been proposed for cancer care during COVID-19 era. We present here a consensus on prioritizing recommendations across the continuum of sarcoma patient care., Material and Methods: A total of 125 recommendations were proposed in soft-tissue, bone, and visceral sarcoma care. Recommendations were assigned as higher or lower priority if they cannot or can be postponed at least 2-3 months, respectively. The consensus level for each recommendation was classified as "strongly recommended" (SR) if more than 90% of experts agreed, "recommended" (R) if 75%-90% of experts agreed and "no consensus" (NC) if fewer than 75% agreed. Sarcoma experts from 11 countries within the Sarcoma European-Latin American Network (SELNET) consortium participated, including countries in the Americas and Europe. The European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of clinical benefit scale was applied to systemic-treatment recommendations to support prioritization., Results: There were 80 SRs, 35 Rs, and 10 NCs among the 125 recommendations issued and completed by 31 multidisciplinary sarcoma experts. The consensus was higher among the 75 higher-priority recommendations (85%, 12%, and 3% for SR, R, and NC, respectively) than in the 50 lower-priority recommendations (32%, 52%, and 16% for SR, R, and NC, respectively)., Conclusion: The consensus on 115 of 125 recommendations indicates a high-level of convergence among experts. The SELNET consensus provides a tool for sarcoma multidisciplinary treatment committees during the COVID-19 outbreak., Implications for Practice: The Sarcoma European-Latin American Network (SELNET) consensus on sarcoma prioritization care during the COVID-19 era issued 125 pragmatical recommendations distributed as higher or lower priority to protect critical decisions on sarcoma care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multidisciplinary team from 11 countries reached consensus on 115 recommendations. The consensus was lower among lower-priority recommendations, which shows reticence to postpone actions even in indolent tumors. The European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit scale was applied as support for prioritizing systemic treatment. Consensus on 115 of 125 recommendations indicates a high level of convergence among experts. The SELNET consensus provides a practice tool for guidance in the decisions of sarcoma multidisciplinary treatment committees during the COVID-19 outbreak., (© 2020 The Authors. The Oncologist published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of AlphaMed Press.)

To date, the impact, timeline and duration of COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown and more than ever it is necessary to provide safe pathways for cancer patients. Multiple triage systems for nonemergent surgical procedures have been published, but potentially curative cancer procedures are essential surgery rather than elective surgery. In the present and future scenario of our country, thoracic oncology teams may have the difficult decision of weighing the utility of surgical intervention against the risk for inadvertent COVID-19 exposure for patients and medical staff. In consequence, traditional pathways of surgical care must be adjusted to reduce the risk of infection and the use of resources. It is recommended that all thoracic cancer patients should be offered treatment according to the accepted standard of care until shortage of services require a progressive reduction in surgical cases. Here, we present a consensus of recommendations discussed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts on thoracic oncology and based on the best available evidence, and hope it will provide a modifiable framework of guidance for local strategy planners in thoracic cancer care services in Mexico. KEY POINTS: SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY: This article provides recommendations to guarantee the continuity of surgical care for thoracic oncology cases during COVID-19 pandemic, whilst maintaining the safety of patients and medical staff. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: This guideline is the result of an expert consensus on thoracic surgical oncology with recommendations adapted to medical, economic and social realities of Mexico., (© 2020 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Desmoid tumors represent a rare entity of monoclonal origin characterized by locally aggressive behavior and inability to metastasize. Most cases present in a sporadic pattern and are characterized by a mutation in the CTNNB1 gene; while 5-15% show a hereditary pattern associated with APC gene mutation, both resulting in abnormal β-catenin accumulation within the cell. The most common sites of presentation are the extremities and the thoracic wall, whereas FAP associated cases present intra-abdominally or in the abdominal wall. Histopathological diagnosis is mandatory, and evaluation is guided with imaging studies ranging from ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance. Current approaches advocate for an initial active surveillance period due to the stabilization and even regression capacity of desmoid tumors. For progressive, symptomatic, or disabling cases, systemic treatment, radiotherapy or surgery may be used. This is a narrative review of this uncommon disease; we present current knowledge about molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

Maffucci syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromes and hemangiomas that can affect soft tissues and other organs. The risk of malignant transformation of lesions is 100% during the life of the individual, with chondrosarcoma being the most frequently associated malignant tumor. We present the case of a 44-year-old man diagnosed with Maffucci syndrome who developed a synchronous double primary: chondrosarcoma and high-grade multicenter fusocellular sarcoma of scapular and tricipital region, was treated with disarticulation interscapule-thoracic, presented accelerated progression and lung disease. There are other neoplasms associated with Maffucci syndrome, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, mesenchymal ovarian tumors, gliomas, astrocytomas and pituitary tumors. It is therefore very interesting to report the uncommon association between fusocellular sarcoma and secondary chondrosarcoma in patients with Maffucci syndrome. Follow-up in this group of patients is complex and is based on the intentional search for accelerated growing lesions, paying attention to progressive growth injuries, clinical symptoms or radiological malignancy data.

Introduction:: Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is an aggressive variant of melanoma; the incidence, prevalence, and prognosis differ among populations. We analyzed clinicopathological features and survival in Hispanics, a population with high ALM prevalence., Material and Methods:: From 1144 patients with melanoma, we analyzed 715 ALMs and 429 non-ALMs from the National Referral Cancer Centre and compared survival., Results:: Of the ALM group, 62.8% were female; the median age was 58 years. The mean Breslow thickness was 3.56 ± 7.16 mm. ALM patients showed an estimated 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of 53.3%, 52.7%, and 40.8% for stage I, II, and III, respectively. For non-ALM patients, the DSS rates were 66%, 60.8%, and 48.4% for stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. Overall, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year DSS rates for patients with ALM were 85.1%, 59.4%, and 46.3%, respectively; for non-ALM patients, they were 81.3%, 64.8%, and 55.7%, respectively ( P = .168). In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with decreased DSS were high Breslow thickness, recurrence, ulceration, male sex, and advanced stage., Conclusions:: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DSS rates of patients with ALM were not statistically different from those of non-ALM patients. In addition to known adverse prognostic factors, male sex was also associated with worse survival.

Introduction: Primary sacral tumors are rare, treatment in most cases is surgical with or without adjuvant radiotherapy; oncology and functional results are usually adverse with a high rate of complications., Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, analytical and observational studies that includes 22 cases treated between 2000 and 2017, analyzed their characteristics demographic, the type of treatment received, and the oncological, functional results and the rate of complications were analized., Results: 22 patients were subjected to sacrectomy with posterior approah because of cordoma (13 patients), giant cell tumour (three patients) and other (six patients). Three total sacrectomies, 13 partial sacrectomies, two hemisacrectomies and four sacrectomies enlarged were performed. The mean surgical time was 229 minutes, with an average bleeding of 2,100 cm3, the average tumour size was 13.8 cm (6-30cm); 10 patients were presented with complications, eight by surgical site infection, one sacral hernia and one osteomyelitis. Overall survival was 44.4 months., Conclusions: Treatment of sacral tumors is complex, requires a multidisciplinary team; the oncological result is adequate when you get free margins of neoplasia, the functional results will be determined by the type of resection, and the rate of complications is high however is the best alternative healing in our hospital.

Background: Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor, more common in adolescents and young adults and entails a poor prognosis. Several good prognostic factors have been well established such as age less than 25, size less than 5 cm and absence of a poorly differentiated component. Inflammation has a well-established role in tumor proliferation and survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in a large cohort of synovial sarcoma patients., Methods: Retrospective study of 169 consecutive patients. We analyzed the relation of preoperative NLR on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional models., Results: Of the 169 patients included, there were 90(53.3%) females and 79(46.7%) males. Median age was 32yo (11-73). Median survival was 34.1 and mean disease-free survival was 21.4 months. Mean tumor size was 12.5 cm (1.2-77 cm). Applying receiver operating curve analysis, we determined a cut-off value of 3.5. In univariate and multivariate analysis, increased NLR was significantly associated with poor OS. A <3.5 NLR was an independent prognostic factor in all stages (p = 0.002)., Conclusions: NLR >3.5 was found to be a reliable prognostic factor in this cohort. Given its widespread availability, we believe it's use in clinical practice and further clinical trials should be considered., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a variant in which a high grade osteosarcoma coexists with a parosteal osteosarcoma. We report the case of a 20-year-old female patient who presented with six months of evolution of pain and functional limitation of the right forearm, with no apparent cause; radiographs were performed, observing a tumoral lesion in the diaphysis of the right ulna. Physical examination showed pain upon palpation in the diaphysis of the ulna and limitation of prone-supination. Axial computed tomography of the thorax revealed metastatic disease in the upper lobe of the left lung. An incisional biopsy was performed on the right ulna, with a report of dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma. Therefore, the patient was managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin until completing three cycles. Surgical treatment consisted of intercalary resection of the diaphysis of the right ulna, plus reconstruction of the microvascularized autologous graft of the right fibular diaphysis and graft stabilization with 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and one-third tubular plate. In the same procedure, pulmonary metastasectomy was performed by thoracoscopy. Post-surgical histopathological report with 100% necrosis. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic, with no evidence of tumor activity. Dedifferentiated parosteal osteosarcoma is a rare pathology, but should be suspected as a differential diagnosis in the presence of a parosteal osteosarcoma; it should be taken into account that this disease can metastasize due to its dedifferentiated pattern. It is important to plan a surgical treatment that allows an adequate functional reconstruction, always taking into account the oncological principle.

Introduction: Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare clinical entity with higher incidence in women (3:1) and an age of presentation between 20 and 40 years. The hip is a rare site of appearance, being involved in only 15% of all cases., Case Report: 47-year-old male with 10 years of evolution characterized by a limited range of motion, pain associated with an increase in volume and shortening of the pelvic limb. Imaging studies showed destruction of the hip joint and extension to the pelvis. The histopathology report described pigmented villonodular synovitis. His final treatment was left hemipelvectomy., Discussion: The presentation of the diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of the hip has a lower incidence and a locally aggressive behavior. It is necessary to consider differential diagnoses that include malignant neoplasms. The standard treatment is surgical.

Most of our current knowledge of melanoma is derived from the study of patients from populations of European descent, for whom public health, sun protection initiatives and screening measures have appreciably decreased disease mortality. Notably, some melanoma subtypes that most commonly develop in other populations are not associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, suggesting a different disease aetiology. Further study of these subtypes is necessary to understand their risk factors and genomic architecture, and to tailor therapies and public health campaigns to benefit patients of all ethnic groups.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathologic features of melanoma in México as the demographics of melanoma are not well known in Mexican and Latin American people., Materials and Methods: A total of 1219 patients with cutaneous melanoma were analyzed through a retrospective database collected from a cancer referral institute, and the results were compared with developed countries., Results: Median age was 57 years, and 713 (58.5 %) were females. The most common melanoma subtype was acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), which was observed in 538 (44.1 %) patients. Median Breslow thickness was 5.2 mm. Among 837 patients with complete data, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 52.3 %. Factors associated with worse DSS on univariate analysis were Breslow thickness (p < 0.001), recurrence (p < 0.001), ulceration (p < 0.001), positive margin (p < 0.001), ALM (p = 0.001), and male sex (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated Breslow thickness [hazard ratio (HR) 1.45, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.27-1.65; p < 0.001], positive margin (HR 1.25, 95 % CI 1.03-1.57; p = 0.018), recurrence (HR 9.56, 95 % CI 6.89-9.87; p = 0.002), ALM (HR 8.07, 95 % CI 6.77-8.95; p = 0.004), and male sex (HR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.06-1.68; p = 0.013) as independent risk factors for DSS., Conclusion: Our patients had worse prognosis compared with data from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We found male sex and ALM as independent risk factors for worse survival, in addition to known risk factors.

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant bone tumor. It is characterized by osteoid production by tumor cells. Its most frequent location is in the metaphyses of long bones, but a purely diaphyseal presentation is reported in 10% of cases. We report the case of a female 25 year-old patient whose symptoms of pain and swelling of the right mid thigh started four months before, without an apparent cause. Femur X-rays showed a tumor in the femoral shaft. The MRI showed extension to soft tissues with no compromise of the neurovascular bundle. The histopathologic report of the incisional biopsy was osteoblastic and chondroblastic osteosarcoma, classified as Enneking IIB, AJCC IIB. Treatment consisted of three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Then intercalary femur resection plus reconstruction with centromedullary nailing and a diaphyseal spacer were performed. The histopathologic report was 95% necrosis (Huvos grade III). Three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy were given and now, 18 months after completing the latter, the patient has no signs of local or distant tumor activity, and she can walk unassisted. Despite the fact that osteosarcoma does not occur usually in the mid shaft of long bones, we should always bear it in mind as part of the differential diagnosis for other conditions that occur more frequently in that region. Such location allows for a broad gamut of surgical approaches that spare the adjacent joints.

Introduction: The 21-gene breast cancer assay (Oncotype DX(®); Genomic Health, Inc.) is a validated diagnostic test that predicts the likelihood of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit and 10-year risk of distant recurrence in patients with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative, early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the assay to inform adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in Mexico., Methods: A Markov model was developed to make long-term projections of distant recurrence, survival, and direct costs in scenarios using conventional diagnostic procedures or the 21-gene assay to inform adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations. Transition probabilities and risk adjustment were taken from published landmark trials. Costs [2011 Mexican Pesos (MXN)] were estimated from an Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social perspective. Costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 5% annually., Results: Following assay testing, approximately 66% of patients previously receiving chemotherapy were recommended to receive hormone therapy only after consideration of assay results. Furthermore, approximately 10% of those previously allocated hormone therapy alone had their recommendation changed to add chemotherapy. This optimized therapy allocation led to improved mean life expectancy by 0.068 years per patient and increased direct costs by MXN 1707 [2011 United States Dollars (USD) 129] per patient versus usual care. This is equated to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of MXN 25,244 (USD 1914) per life-year gained., Conclusion: In early-stage breast cancer patients in Mexico, guiding decision making on adjuvant therapy using the 21-gene assay was projected to improve life expectancy in comparison with the current standard of care, with an ICER of MXN 25,244 (USD 1914) per life-year gained, which is within the range generally considered cost-effective.

In order to adequately stage patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas (ESTS), it is mandatory to include all adverse prognostic factors and create an integral staging system. We were able to evaluate a nomogram based on a score (STSSS), to improve ESTS staging. We retrospectively evaluated 596 patients with ESTS in stages I-III, of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), who had a complete resection. We analyzed the influence of clinicopathological factors on metastasis, recurrence, and disease-specific survival. The STSSS was based on histologic grade (HG), profundity, tumor size (TS), and surgical margins; we also compared STSSS versus AJCC systems in their ability to stage ESTS. The mean TS was 11.8 cm, with 50%>10 cm. Large TS and high HG were independent but adverse prognostic factors for metastasis. In addition, large TS, high grade, and R1 resection were independent adverse prognostic factors for decreased survival. There was a progressive decline in survival as TS increased, although AJCC staging did not correlate well between stages (IA vs. IB p=0.233, IA vs. IIA p=0.123, IA vs. IIB p=0.075, IB vs. IIA p=0.472, IB vs. IIB p=0.211). STSSS showed differences between these categories for 5-year survival (I vs. II p=0.003, II vs. III p=0.002, III vs. IV p<0.001). Surgical margins, HG, and TS are important determinants for metastases and survival. We also found a strong correlation between survival and prognosis with the use of STSSS in the immediate postoperative setting.

Lung metastasectomy is an area of interest and controversy in surgical oncology. Most of the available evidence derives from small cohorts with short follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes in an 18-year cohort from a single center. We retrospectively reviewed 398 patients with several malignancies who underwent lung metastasectomy between January 1990 and December 2008. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables were evaluated. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall survival (OS). Mean follow-up was 20 months. Wedge resection was performed in 297 cases and 101 required anatomic resections. In 303 patients the disease-free interval (DFI) was >6 months meanwhile 95 patients had a DFI ≤6 months. Complete resection was achieved in 351 patients (88.2%). Median OS for all patients was 81.9 months (95% CI, 36.9-126.9). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with a poor overall survival were DFI <6 months (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.24-2.4; p=0.001) and incomplete resection (HR, 1.58 95% CI, 1.01-2.5; p=0.0047). Independent prognostic factors associated with better survival were DFI >6 months and complete resection. Size and number of metastases as well as re-do metastasectomy were not associated with worse survival., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Enchondromatoses include a heterogeneous group of congenital syndromes characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromas associated with musculo-skeletal malformations secondary to limb shortening, scoliosis, pathological fractures and pseudoarthrosis. The main complication of enchondromas is their malignant transformation to secondary chondrosarcomas, which may occur in up to 25% of cases. The multiple enchondromatosis syndromes have many clinical similarities and the differential diagnosis is therefore difficult to make. We present the clinical case of a 38-year-old patient with a diagnosis of multiple familial enchondromatosis who developed a pelvic chondrosarcoma that was treated with external hemipelvectomy. We reviewed the literature concerning the specific aspects of Mafucci, Oilier and multiple familial enchondromatosis syndromes.