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Anthony P Tufaro

Publications and source records attributed to Anthony P Tufaro.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Detection of serum deoxyribonucleic acid methylation markers: a novel diagnostic tool for thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT: Serum DNA methylation markers may potentially be useful in diagnosing thyroid cancer and monitoring its recurrence. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the utility of serum DNA methylation as a diagnostic test for patients with thyroid nodules and a monitoring test to detect thyroid cancer recurrence in previously treated patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Using real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR, we analyzed the methylation status of five genes (CALCA, CDH1, TIMP3, DAPK, and RARbeta2) on 96 bisulfite-treated serum DNA samples isolated preoperatively from either solid thyroid nodule patients or patients in follow-up for history of treated thyroid cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of serum DNA methylation marker for thyroid cancer were measured. RESULTS: For the patients with thyroid nodules, when a positive result was defined by a serum methylation level above the appropriately chosen cutoff value for any one of the five genes, the preoperative diagnostic sensitivity for thyroid cancer was 68% (26 of 38), the specificity was 95% (18 of 19), and the overall preoperative diagnostic accuracy was 77%, with positive and negative predictive values of 96 and 60%, respectively. In a subset of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, serum DNA methylation testing could correctly diagnose eight of 11 (73%) cancers and four of four (100%) benign tumors, with a diagnostic accuracy of 80%. We also analyzed these serum DNA methylation markers in 39 previously treated thyroid cancer patients. Among the 10 patients proved to have recurrent disease by conventional measures, seven (70%) were positive on methylation testing. Among the 29 patients who had no corroboration of residual or recurrent disease by conventional studies, six (21%) were positive for serum DNA methylation markers. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the potential usefulness of serum DNA methylation markers as a novel tool for differential diagnosis of solid thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer recurrence monitoring.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2005

BRAF mutation predicts a poorer clinical prognosis for papillary thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT: Use of BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has the potential to improve risk stratification of this cancer. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of BRAF mutation in patients with PTC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: In a multicenter study of 219 PTC patients, data on their clinicopathological characteristics and clinical courses between 1990 and 2004 were retrospectively collected, and their tumor BRAF mutation status was determined. Associations of BRAF mutation with initial tumor characteristics and subsequent recurrence were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Relationships between the BRAF mutation status and clinicopathological outcomes, including recurrence, were measured. RESULTS: We found a significant association between BRAF mutation and extrathyroidal invasion (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), and advanced tumor stage III/IV (P = 0.007) at initial surgery. This association remained significant on multivariate analysis, adjusting for conventional clinicopathological predictors of recurrence excluding the histological PTC subtype, but was lost when the tumor subtype was included in the model. BRAF mutation was also significantly associated with tumor recurrence, 25 vs. 9% with and without mutation, respectively (P = 0.004), during a median of 15 (interquartile range, 3-29) months of follow-up. This association remained significant on multivariate analysis adjusting for conventional clinicopathological predictors of recurrence, even including the PTC subtype (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-14.1; P = 0.03). BRAF mutation was even an independent predictor of recurrence in patients with stage I/II disease, 22 vs. 5% with and without BRAF mutation, respectively (P = 0.002). BRAF mutation was also more frequently associated with absence of tumor I-131 avidity and treatment failure of recurrent disease. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PTC, BRAF mutation is associated with poorer clinicopathological outcomes and independently predicts recurrence. Therefore, BRAF mutation may be a useful molecular marker to assist in risk stratification for patients with PTC.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Desmoid tumors of the head and neck: a review.

Desmoid tumors of the head and neck are locally invasive neoplasms with a high propensity for inadequate resection and recurrence. The rarity of these neoplasms accounts for the fact that there are no prospective randomized data to evaluate the influence of adjuvant therapies, including radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, or cytotoxic chemotherapy. Several comprehensive retrospective series in the literature suggest that the margin status following resection does not necessarily correlate with local disease recurrence. As a result, we do not advocate the sacrifice of major neurovascular structures in an attempt to obtain negative margins. We present a review of desmoid tumors, emphasizing those occurring in the head and neck, and describe 3 cases that highlight the challenges that the anatomy of the head and neck presents in the management of this difficult disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Synovial sarcoma of the frontal sinus. Case report.

Synovial sarcoma is a soft-tissue lesion occurring predominantly in the extremities of young adults. Although the head and neck region is the second most common site of involvement, synovial sarcoma has rarely been reported in the paranasal sinus. The authors present a case of synovial sarcoma arising from the frontal sinus and review the literature of synovial sarcomas arising from the paranasal sinuses.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Recipient vessel analysis for microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck.

The selection of recipient vessels that are suitable for microvascular anastomosis in the head and neck region is one of many components that is essential for successful free tissue transfer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of factors that are related to the recipient artery and vein and to determine how these factors influence flap survival. A retrospective review of 102 patients over a 5-year consecutive period was completed. Indications for microvascular reconstruction included tumor ablation (n = 76), trauma (n = 13), and chronic wounds or facial paralysis (n = 13). The most frequently used recipient artery and vein included the facial, superficial temporal, superior thyroid, carotid, and jugular. Various factors that were related to the recipient vessels were analyzed and included patient age, recipient artery and vein, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, the timing of reconstruction, the method of anastomosis, previous radiation therapy, creation of an arteriovenous loop, and use of an interposition vein graft. Successful free tissue transfer was obtained in 97 of 102 flaps (95%). Flap failure was the result of venous thrombosis in 4 and arterial thrombosis in 1. Statistical analysis demonstrated that anastomotic failure was associated with an arteriovenous loop (2 of 5, P = 0.03) and tobacco use (3 of 5, P = 0.03). Flap failure was not related to patient age, choice of recipient vessel, diabetes mellitus, previous irradiation, the method of arterial or venous anastomosis, use of an interposition vein graft, or the timing of reconstruction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Detection of BRAF mutation on fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens: a new diagnostic tool for papillary thyroid cancer.

Numerous biomolecular markers have been studied to improve the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of thyroid tumors, but none of them has yet become clinically useful. The recently discovered BRAF mutation, which occurs specifically in papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) with a high prevalence and is associated with poor clinicopathological outcomes, has the potential to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for PTC. In the present study, we investigated whether detection of BRAF mutation on FNAB specimens was technically possible and could be used as an adjunct diagnostic tool with routine FNAB. Evaluation of a new colorimetric mutation detection method demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in comparison with conventional DNA sequencing as the "gold standard" in a large pool of DNA samples from various primary thyroid tumor specimens and cell lines. We found this novel technique even more sensitive in detecting BRAF mutation on FNAB specimens than conventional sequencing. In a series of 48 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, mostly for thyroid cancer or for suspicion of cancer, we performed preoperative FNAB and, using the colorimetric mutation detection method, identified BRAF mutation on the cytological specimens. Prospective analysis showed that 50% of the nodules that proved to be PTC on surgical histopathology were correctly diagnosed by BRAF mutation analysis on FNAB specimens; there were no false positive findings. Thus, we have demonstrated the usefulness of BRAF mutation detection on FNAB specimens that can help diagnose and identify those PTC patients who may need more aggressive surgical treatment and vigilant clinical monitoring.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2004

Vertebral synovial chondromatosis. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules within the synovium, most commonly affecting large joints. Its involvement with the spine is rare; only six cases have been reported. The authors describe two patients with synovial chondromatosis involving the cervical spine. In the first case, synovial chondromatosis arose from the left C1-2 facet joint. This patient underwent a two-stage procedure including a posterior approach for tumor resection and occipitocervical fusion as well as a transmandibular circumglossal approach to the anterior craniocervical junction to complete the tumor removal. Interestingly, on histopathological examination, scattered foci of low-grade chondrosarcoma were intermixed within the synovial chondromatosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of secondary low-grade chondrosarcoma arising in vertebral synovial chondromatosis. In the second case, synovial chondromatosis involved the left C4-5 facet joint. Tumor resection and cervical fusion were performed via a posterior approach. In this report, the authors describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, operative details, histopathological features, and clinicoradiological follow-up data obtained in these two patients and review the literature pertaining to this rare entity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Clinical implications of the innervation of the temporomandibular joint.

The successful management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain remains elusive. Often, the initial relief of pain is complicated by recurrence of the symptoms. This time frame suggests that the pain may be related to neuromas of the nerves that innervate the TMJ. The current study attempted to define the innervation pattern of the TMJ as identified in 16 embalmed and 8 fresh-frozen specimens. In each specimen, the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular portion (V3) of the trigeminal nerve, was found to innervate the lateral capsule of the TMJ. In 75% of the specimens, the masseteric nerve, a branch of the maxillary portion (V2) of the trigeminal nerve, was found to innervate the anteromedial capsule of the TMJ. In 33% of the specimens, there was a branch coming through the mandibular notch to innervate the anteromedial capsule that was not from the masseteric nerve; this nerve is believed to have passed through the lateral pterygoid muscle after leaving V2. These consistent patterns of innervation of the TMJ suggest that diagnostic nerve blocks can be done to determine the pain pathway in these patients. It is suggested that if the nerve blocks are successful, TMJ denervation may be a future method of pain relief in patients with recalcitrant or recurrent TMJ pain.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2003

Spring-mediated mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Successful performance of distraction osteogenesis requires rigorous patient compliance with a daily activation regimen of a percutaneous screw. Previous clinical studies have found that failure of patient compliance with this regimen is the most common complication leading to technical failure of the distraction process. The authors have developed an internalized spring-mediated device for mandibular distraction osteogenesis that can potentially abrogate the risks associated with patient compliance by allowing for automated distraction across an osteotomy. Twenty adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent unilateral mandibular osteotomy. A segment of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy reinforced at both ends with a pinball was fashioned into an inferiorly based arc and secured to the mandible with stainless steel wire. On postoperative day 12, spring activation commenced by cutting a wire binding the two pinballs to one another. Animals were observed for 6 weeks before they were killed. Radiographic studies and decalcified histologic analysis were performed on extracted mandibles. Temperature- and displacement-dependent properties of the shape memory alloy were also examined. Five animals were excluded from the study due to infection, nonunion, or device failure. A mean distraction of 1.2 mm in the distracted hemimandible relative to the nonoperated hemimandible was found (P <.001, two-tailed paired t test). The maximum distraction achieved in an experimental specimen using the spring distractor was 3.7 mm. There were no other histologic or radiographic differences found between study specimens and specimens subjected to traditional distraction methods. Biomechanical testing of the shape memory alloy revealed a temperature-dependent increase in force at body temperature compared with room temperature and a reduction in force with increased displacement of the spring. This study demonstrates the feasibility of spring-mediated distraction osteogenesis across an osteotomy. As the field of distraction osteogenesis matures, the next level of sophistication in the clinical development of devices will incorporate technology that permits fully internalized and automated distraction to occur.

Alloys↗
PubMed2003

Recalcitrant abdominal wall hernias: long-term superiority of autologous tissue repair.

Secondary repair of recurrent ventral hernia is difficult, and success depends on re-establishing the functional integrity of the abdominal wall. Current techniques used for closure of these defects have documented recurrence rates as high as 54 percent. The authors' 8-year experience utilizing variations of the components separation technique for autologous tissue repair of recalcitrant hernias emphasizes that recurrent or recalcitrant hernias benefit from the creation of a dynamic abdominal wall. A total of 389 patients were retrospectively identified as having abdominal wall defects, and 284 of these patients met the selection criteria. Study patients were grouped according to the type of surgical repair used. The recurrence rate was 20.7 percent over all study groups and was directly related to the extent of repair required. Group 1 patients (wide tissue undermining) had a recurrence rate of only 15 percent, while in group 2 (complete components separation), the recurrence rate was 22 percent. Group 3 patients (interpositional fascia lata graft) had a 29 percent recurrence rate. Time to recurrence was also significantly different across treatment groups, with study group 3 experiencing earlier hernia recurrence. The most frequent postoperative complication was wound infection, which was directly related to the repair performed. The relative odds of recurrence versus the risk factors of age, sex, perioperative steroid use, wound infection, defect size, and the presence of enterocutaneous fistula were studied with a logistic regression analysis. These factors did not possess statistical significance for predicting hernia recurrence. The preoperative presence of mesh was independently significant for hernia recurrence, increasing the relative odds 2.2 times (p = 0.01). Similarly, when other risk factors were controlled for, increasing the complexity of the treatment group, from study group 1 (wide tissue undermining) to study group 3 (interpositional fascia lata graft), also increased the odds of hernia recurrence 1.5-fold per group (p = 0.04). Average inpatient cost was $24,488. The length of inpatient stay ranged from 2 to 172 days (average, 12.8 days). The length of inpatient stay and costs were directly related to the extent of repair required. Using the analysis of variance test for multiple factors, the presence of an enterocutaneous fistula (p = 0.0014) or a postoperative wound infection (p = 0.008) independently increased the length of inpatient stay and hospital costs. A total of 108 successfully repaired patients were contacted by telephone and agreed to participate in a self-reported satisfaction survey. The patients noticed improvements in the appearance of their abdomen, in their postoperative emotional state, and in their ability to lift objects, arise from a chair or a bed, and exercise. These results suggest that recalcitrant hernia defects should be solved, when possible, by reconstructing a dynamic abdominal wall.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed2003

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for the T1 (thin) melanoma: is it necessary?

The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for the T1 melanoma is controversial. Recent reports have demonstrated that certain T1 melanomas are at increased risk for early regional metastases and late recurrence when compared with all thin melanomas. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience with wide excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy for certain patients with T1 melanoma. A retrospective analysis of 34 patients with T1 melanoma was completed over a 3-year period. Indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy included a Breslow thickness of less than or equal to 1 mm a Clark level of III or IV tumor ulceration, or tumor regression. Twenty-four patients met these criteria (13 men and 11 women). Mean age was 47.6 years (range, 23-88 years). Mean tumor thickness for all patients was 0.69 mm (range, 0.3-1.0 mm), 0.61 mm for the Clark level III patients (N = 15), and 0.72 mm for the Clark level IV patients (N = 9). Tumor ulceration was present in 1 patient and histological regression was present in 2 patients. Regional lymph node metastases were confirmed histologically in 2 of 24 patients (8.3%) in whom the thickness of the melanoma was 0.9 mm and 1 mm. Both patients have died of metastatic melanoma. No recurrence has been demonstrated in the remaining 22 patients at the 2 to 5-year follow-up. Current indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with T1 melanoma include tumors associated with Clark level IV or V invasion, ulceration, regression, a positive deep margin on initial biopsy, or previous melanoma. Acral lentiginous melanoma associated with at least a Clark level III invasion warrant sentinel lymph node biopsy. Superficial spreading or nodular melanoma larger than 0.9 mm should include sentinel lymph node biopsy regardless of other associated histological factors.

Adult↗