PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Y Kollender

Publications and source records attributed to Y Kollender.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Liposarcoma in adult limbs treated by limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

Between December 1995 and March 2003, 38 adult patients with intermediate or high-grade liposarcoma in a limb were treated by limb-sparing surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. The ten-year local recurrence-free survival was 83%, the ten-year metastasis-free survival 61%, the ten-year disease-free survival 51% and the ten-year overall survival 67%. Analysis of failure and success showed no association with the age of the patients, gender, the location of the primary tumour, the type of liposarcoma and the quality of resection. Our results indicate that liposarcoma may recur even ten years after the end of definitive therapy and may spread to unexpected sites as for soft-tissue sarcoma.

Adolescent↗

Closed argon-based cryoablation of bone tumours.

We report our experience with a new technique for cryosurgical ablation of bone tumours which allows accurate determination of the temperature and freezing time within a cavity of any geometrical shape. Between 1997 and 2000, 58 patients diagnosed with 13 malignant and 45 aggressive benign bone tumours underwent argon-based cryoablation. This technique includes removal of the tumour by curettage and filling the cavity with a gel medium into which metal probes are inserted. Argon gas is delivered through the metal probes and both time and temperature are computer-controlled. After formal reconstruction, all patients were followed for more than two years. None had skin necrosis, infection, neurapraxia or thromboembolic complication. Fractures occurred in two patients (3.4%) and the tumour recurred in two patients (3.4%).

Adolescent↗

Association between telomerase activity and outcome in patients with nonmetastatic Ewing family of tumors.

PURPOSE: Telomerase is considered a molecular marker for malignancy. The aim of this study was to determine telomerase activity (TA) as a prognostic factor at diagnosis and as a marker for minimal residual disease during therapy and follow-up in nonmetastatic Ewing family of tumors (EFT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Primary tumor specimens and 97 peripheral blood (PBL) samples from 31 EFT patients were analyzed for TA by the Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP assay). The telomerase catalytic subunit (human telomerase reverse transcriptase [hTERT]) gene expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and telomere length was determined by Southern blotting. The presence of the EFT chimeric transcripts was analyzed by RT-PCR. Correlations with progression-free survival were evaluated. RESULTS: At diagnosis, TA in primary tumors did not correlate with outcome. During therapy and follow-up, highly significant correlation was observed between high TA in PBL samples and adverse prognosis (P <.0001). None of the patients harboring low TA progressed, with a long follow-up (median, 60 months) and a progression-free survival (PFS) of 100%. In nine patients, high TA actually could predict relapse, long before overt clinical relapse. The group of patients with high TA and positive RT-PCR had the most adverse outcome; PFS of 20% (P =.0025). TA was found to be a better prognostic factor than RT-PCR and histopathologic response at surgery. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TA is a significant prognostic variable, superior to the established clinical prognostic parameters during therapy and tumor surveillance. It could be used in combination with RT-PCR for a new risk classification.

Adolescent↗

ErbB-4 expression in limb soft-tissue sarcoma: correlation with the results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

ErbB-4 is a recently described growth factor receptor. Relatively little is known about its expression in human tumours. In this study, we assessed the possible role of erbB-4 as a tissue marker for soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) and its correlation with the response to chemotherapy. The histological specimen of 29 patients with STS of a limb who had received preoperative doxorubicin (ADR)-based chemotherapy were studied for the degree of necrosis and the expression of erbB-4 (by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique). ErbB-4 expression in the preoperative tissue samples was compared with the expression in the postchemotherapy resected tumour. The true objective response rate to preoperative chemotherapy was 34%. Wide resection of the tumour was done in 12 patients, marginal in 14, amputation in 2 and no surgery in 1. The tumour necrosis was above 90% in 9 patients, 60-90% in 12, and less than 60% in 7 patients. An increase in erbB-4 expression was more common in cases with no response to chemotherapy, while no change or a decrease in erbB-4 was more common in responsive tumours (P=0.004). No correlation could be found between the degree of necrosis or the chemotherapeutic regimen and the change in expression of erbB-4. The median disease-free survival (DFS) was longer for patients with a decrease or no change in expression of erbB-4 than for patients with increased expression. It is believed that postchemotherapy new expression or no downregulation of the erbB-4 molecule represents tumour aggressiveness and increased capability of growth and spread.

Adult↗

The use of surgery and yttrium 90 in the management of extensive and diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of large joints.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment of extensive diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of large joints alone is unsatisfactory, with high rates of local recurrence. Post-synovectomy adjuvant treatment with external beam radiation therapy or intra-articular injection of yttrium 90 (90Y) yielded better results. We report our experience with 10 cases treated with debulking surgery followed by intra-articular injection of 90Y. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1989 and June 1998, 10 patients (eight males and two females aged 15-49 yr) with extensive diffuse PVNS were treated. In six patients the knee joint, in three patients the ankle joint, and in one patient the hip joint were involved. The 10 patients underwent 15 operations, one patient had three surgical procedures, and three patients underwent two surgeries (the intervals between re-operations for local recurrence were 2-4 yr). All patients had an intra-articular injection of 15-25 mCi (555-925 MBq) 90Y, 6-8 weeks after the last surgery. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 6 yr (range 2.5-12 yr). All patients were followed using repeated computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plain X-ray films and bone scans semi-annually. In nine patients, neither evidence of disease nor progression of bone or articular destruction were noted. In one patient, stabilization of disease was achieved with no further evidence of bony or articular damage. No complications were noticed after surgery or after the intra-articular 90Y injection. CONCLUSION: A combination of debulking surgery with intra-articular injection of 90Y for extensive diffuse PVNS of major joints is a reliable treatment method, with good results.

Adolescent↗

Desmoid tumour of the hand.

A rare case of an extra-abdominal desmoid tumour in the hand is reported. Its treatment and a short survey of the literature is given.

Adult↗

Multiple primary malignancies in association with soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Modern cancer treatment has increased the survival of patients with various malignancies substantially. One of the late sequelae of successful treatment is the development of a second malignant tumor. However, in many cases of second primary tumors, exposure to chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not evident, and it should be postulated that the putative mechanism for the development of the second tumor is different. In the current series, the association between soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in adults and the development of other primary malignancies was studied. METHODS: A retrospective search of the data files of 610 patients with STS or bone sarcomas who were treated at the study institution between January 1995 and December 1999 was performed. All files regarding patients with STS who developed a second malignant tumor were retrieved for analysis. RESULTS: Of 375 patients with STS, 28 (7.5%) developed other malignant neoplasms either before or after the diagnosis of STS. STS as the first tumor occurred in 14 patients (ages 16-72 years). Only three patients were treated with chemotherapy for their sarcoma. Radiation therapy was administered to five patients as an adjuvant to surgery for the first tumor. The second tumor types mainly included STS and renal cell carcinoma. The time interval between the diagnosis of the STS and the second malignancy was 0 (for synchronous tumors) to 21 years. Three patients developed a third primary tumor within 3 years after the diagnosis of the second tumor. The median overall survival was > 78 months. Fourteen patients (ages 35-87 years) had a first primary tumor other than STS (mainly breast carcinoma and genitourinary malignancies). The second tumors (mainly STS) appeared within 0 (for synchronous tumors) to 27 years. The median overall survival for the 14 patients in this group from the time of diagnosis of the first tumor was > 102 months. CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenon of two or three primary neoplasms developing in patients in whom one of the tumors was STS occurs at a rate of 7.5%, a significantly higher rate than that reported for the occurrence of STS among the general cancer population (1%). The majority of cases occur incidentally. The clinical implication includes the need to search for an occult second primary tumor in patients with STS as an integral part of their follow-up. This is especially true in patients with primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma who demonstrate a risk for developing a renal cell carcinoma.

Adolescent↗

Palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma to the shoulder girdle region: indications, preoperative evaluation, surgical technique, and results.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Uncontrolled metastatic carcinoma of the shoulder girdle is a difficult oncologic problem. This study reviews our experience with palliative forequarter amputation with emphasis on patient selection criteria, preoperative radiologic assessment, surgical technique, epineural postoperative analgesia, and clinical outcome. METHODS: Eight patients who underwent palliative forequarter amputation for metastatic carcinoma between 1980 and 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnoses included breast carcinoma (n = 3), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2), hypernephroma (n = 2), and carcinoma of unknown origin (n = 1). All patients presented with severe, intractable pain and a useless extremity. Venography demonstrated obliteration of the axillary vein in each of the patients in whom this procedure was performed. Exploration of the brachial plexus confirmed tumor encasement and unresectability in all patients. Epineural catheters for bupivacaine infusion were placed for postoperative pain control. RESULTS: All patients experienced dramatic pain relief and improved mobility and overall function. Life-threatening hemorrhage and sepsis were alleviated. There were no instances of phantom limb pain or adverse psychological reactions, and no complications related to epineural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative forequarter amputation is relatively safe and reliable and provides effective pain relief for selected patients with unresectable metastatic carcinoma to the axilla and bony shoulder girdle in whom radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy has not been effective. The triad of pain, motor loss, and an obliterated axillary vein is indicative of brachial plexus infiltration and unresectability.

Adult↗

Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after proximal tibia endoprosthetic replacement.

The proximal tibia is a difficult area in which to perform a wide resection of a bone tumor. This difficulty is due to the intimate relationship of tumor in this location to the nerves and blood vessels of the leg, inadequate soft tissue coverage after endoprosthetic reconstruction, and the need to reconstruct the extensor mechanism. Competence of the extensor mechanism is the major determinant of functional outcome of these patients. Between 1980 and 1997, 55 patients underwent proximal tibia resection with endoprosthetic reconstruction for a variety of malignant and benign-aggressive tumors. Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism included reattachment of the patellar tendon to the prosthesis with a Dacron tape, reinforcement with autologous bone-graft, and attachment of an overlying gastrocnemius flap. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years; 6 patients (11%) had a transient peroneal nerve palsy, 4 patients (7.2%) had a fasciocutaneous flap necrosis, and 2 patients (3.6%) had a deep wound infection. Full extension to extension lag of 20 degrees was achieved in 44 patients, and 8 patients required secondary reinforcement of the patellar tendon. Function was estimated to be good to excellent in 48 patients (87%). Reattachment of the patellar tendon to the prosthesis and reinforcement with an autologous bone-graft and a gastrocnemius flap are reliable means to restore extension after proximal tibia endoprosthetic reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

Is forequarter amputation justified for palliation of intractable cancer symptoms?

BACKGROUND: Limb-sparing surgery has replaced the radical surgical approach for treating limb sarcomas in most cases. Amputation has been advocated as a palliative procedure for symptomatic locally advanced disease that has already failed to respond to radiation therapy, chemotherapy and limited surgery. METHODS: Twelve patients with advanced malignant tumors involving the shoulder girdle or the proximal humerus underwent forequarter amputation (FQA) for palliative purposes. The tumor-related local problems were severe pain, limb dysfunction, tumor fungation, bleeding (requiring emergency FQA in one case) and infection. The preoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) in our series ranged from 30 to 70%. RESULTS: No perioperative mortality was observed. The morbidity was well tolerated by the patients. The KPS improved in most of the patients, and was assessed as 90-100% in 9 of the 12 patients. Overall, quality of life was reported to be at least moderately improved by 2 out of 3 patients. Survival was measured in months (3-24 months), but ultimately had no meaning since the procedure was palliative. Lung metastases were the dominant cause of death in our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of FQA in our series point to its feasibility and the gain in quality of life and performance status in severely ill patients with advanced malignancies. Local symptoms and signs were controlled, and quality of life was restored.

Adolescent↗

Continuous intra-articular patient-controlled analgesia in a cancer patient with a pathological hip fracture. A case report.

Pain management is one of the major goals to achieve in treating terminal patients. Managing severe pain with drug therapy by using a combination of narcotics, non-narcotics, and adjuvant drugs provides the best results for most patients. In patients with fractures due to bone metastases there is a relative indication for operative treatment if the patient is expected to survive the operation and to recover in the postoperative period. In this case report a terminal 48 year-old female with a pathological femoral neck fracture is presented. No operative treatment was offered because of her bad general status. Pain control was maintained by continuous administration of local analgesics directly into the intra-articular femoral space, through a system of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The visual-analogue pain scale (VAS), which was maximal before beginning of this treatment, was markedly reduced during the treatment, and was again elevated to maximum after the intra-articular catheter was removed. Although continuous regional analgesia to a fractured bone which involves the joint is not a generally acceptable method and carries some risks it has a role in a selected group of patients.

Analgesia, Patient-Controlled↗

Gemcitabine in soft tissue or bone sarcoma resistant to standard chemotherapy: a phase II study.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of gemcitabine in patients with a variety of sarcomas that have failed to respond or escaped Adriamycin- and ifosfamide-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 18 symptomatic heavily pretreated patients with sarcomas of bone or soft tissue received one induction course of gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m(2) per week for 7 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 week rest. Response to the induction course was assessed by interview and by repeated ancillary tests. If no progression was observed, maintenance by gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) per week for 3 weeks every 28 days was given until failure was clinically or radiologically evident. RESULTS: A total of 51 cycles of gemcitabine were given including 18 cycles of induction. A mean of 3.6 postinduction cycles were given to nine patients. The treatment was well tolerated by the patients. One partial response (leiomyosarcoma) and one minimal response (angiosarcoma) were observed, yielding a true objective response rate of 5.5%. An additional six patients achieved stabilization of disease (chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma), yielding an overall progression-free rate of 44%. The median time to progression was more than 27 weeks. Clinical benefit response was observed only in those who also achieved a progression-free state. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine was found to be effective in achieving stabilization and even a minimal response of soft tissue or bone sarcoma refractory to standard chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor-alpha and melphalan in advanced soft-tissue sarcomas: histopathological considerations.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor-alpha and melphalan was used as induction treatment in locally advanced extremity soft-tissue sarcomas for limb sparing surgery. The typical histopathological changes that occur in these tumoral masses are described in a series of 30 patients. METHODS: Fresh tumor specimens of 27 high grade extensive soft-tissue sarcomas and 3 recurrent desmoid tumors of the extremities were collected 6 to 8 weeks after hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion with tumor necrosis factor-alpha plus melphalan. The specimens were studied for surgical margins, extent and type of tumor necrosis, lymph node involvement, perineural and vascular invasion, and the effects on adjacent normal tissues such as nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. RESULTS: The typical histological changes were central cystic hemorrhagic necrosis with pericystic extensive fibrosis. Some nonspecific changes were noted in the soft tissues around the mass. In eight cases, more than 90% necrosis was found. In 17 cases, the extent of necrosis ranged between 60% and 90% (80%-90% in 4 of 17 cases). In five cases, less than 60% necrosis was noted. The best responses (>90% necrosis) were observed in distally located tumors. The responsive types were malignant fibrous histiocytoma, followed by myxoid liposarcoma and synovial sarcoma. Desmoid tumors showed less necrosis than high grade sarcomas. Vascular invasion was observed in two cases and intralesional venous thrombosis in one case. No perineural invasion or lymph nodes involvement were observed. The soft tissues adjacent to the tumor bed did not show major morphological changes. No correlation was found between the histological changes and each of the following: the anatomical (upper vs. lower limb) or compartmental location of the tumor; whether the tumor was primary or recurrent; and the types of previous treatment (systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy) and tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first serial histological description of the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and melphalan administered via hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion on the tumoral masses of limb soft-tissue sarcomas. The small number of specimens and, especially, the variability of tumors preclude definite conclusions. Larger numbers and more homogeneity are needed in future studies.

Adolescent↗

Internal hemipelvectomy for bone sarcomas in children and young adults: surgical considerations.

AIMS: Pelvic bone sarcomas in children and young adults are rare, and associated with a poor prognosis and a high rate of local recurrence. Primary goals of treatment include prevention of local recurrence and distant metastases. A secondary goal is maintenance of quality of life by avoiding major amputative surgery. This is why internal hemipelvectomy (a limb-sparing surgery) is advocated whenever possible. The focus of our presentation is surgical issues in the context of resection and reconstruction of the pelvis in the first two decades of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1988 and June 1998, 27 patients were treated and operated on (follow-up time 1.5-12 years). There were 17 males and 10 females. Their age ranged between 2 and 22 years. There were 24 patients with Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and three with other bone sarcomas. In 19 patients the tumour involved the entire or part of the iliac bone (in some cases with extension to the sacrum). In five patients the tumour involved the pubis and/or ischium. In three patients the tumour involved the sacrum with some extension to the posterior iliac bone. All patients received neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy with different protocols (related to the origin of referral). RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients underwent internal hemipelvectomy. According to Enneking's classification there were: type I-10; type II-one; type III-six; type IV-five (including one localized sacrectomy); type I+IV-five patients. In 15 patients some kind of reconstruction was needed and in 12 no reconstruction was done. Four wound infections occurred that were managed successfully by surgical debridement, antibiotics and local wound care. In one case removal of the 'implant' was needed. No primary or secondary amputations were performed in the series. The rate of local recurrence was 22%. Functional status at the last follow-up visit or before death, according to the AMSTS functional rating system: excellent-six; good-17; fair-three and poor-one. All patients except the one poor result maintained their walking ability during the follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Internal hemipelvectomy is achievable in most cases and justified for better quality of life in children, adolescents and young adults with sarcomas. Further efforts are needed to improve the reconstructive options in the pelvis.

Adolescent↗

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma of bone: indications and technique of surgical intervention.

PURPOSE: We describe the efficacy of surgical excision of metastatic renal cell carcinoma of bone for achieving local tumor control, pain control and functional outcome with emphasis on the indications and techniques of surgical intervention as well as oncological outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1997 we performed surgery on 45 patients (56 lesions) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of bone. Indications for surgery were solitary bone metastasis, intractable pain, or impending or present pathological fracture. Surgery involved wide excision in 29 cases, marginal excision with adjunctive liquid nitrogen in 25 and amputation in 2. RESULTS: None of the patients had significant bleeding intraoperatively. Mean hospital stay was 9.8 days, during which there was no flap necrosis, deep wound infection, nerve palsy or thromboembolic complication. Postoperatively pain was significantly relieved in 91% of patients, while 89% achieved a good to excellent functional outcome, and 94% with metastatic lesions of the pelvic girdle and lower extremities were ambulatory. Local recurrence developed in only 4 of the 56 lesions (7.1%), including 3 after marginal resection. Survival was more than 2 years in 22 patients (49%) and more than 3 in 17 (38%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision is safe and reliable for restoring mechanical bone stability, relieving pain and providing good function in most patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who meet the criteria for surgical intervention. Relatively prolonged survival in these cases justifies considering surgical intervention when feasible.

Adult↗

Isolated limb perfusion with tumour necrosis factor-alpha and melphalan for unresectable bone sarcomas of the lower extremity.

AIMS: Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with recombinant tumour necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF-alpha) and melphalan has recently been reported to induce major tumour responses and permit limb salvage in over 80% of patients with unresectable soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities. We investigated whether TNF-based ILP could allow limb-sparing surgery in patients with primary, recurrent or metastatic bone sarcoma to the lower extremity who met the criteria for an amputation and had failed or refused chemotherapy. METHODS: From August 1992 to December 1997, we employed ILP with rTNF-alpha and melphalan in 13 patients with unresectable bone sarcoma of the lower extremity, all of whom were candidates for amputation. The aim was to reduce tumour size and allow the performance of a limb-sparing surgery (LSS). RESULTS: Following ILP, none of the patients had severe local toxicity and only one patient experienced significant systemic side-effects. LSS was subsequently performed in nine of the 13 patients. LSS was feasible in an additional three patients but was not performed because of the emergence of diffused metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: ILP with rTNF-alpha and melphalan can allow limb salvage in patients wih locally advanced bone sarcomas who had failed standard treatment options. Its potential role in the treatment of unresectable bone sarcomas of the extremities merits further evaluation.

Adolescent↗

Cryosurgery in the treatment of giant cell tumor. A long-term followup study.

Between 1983 and 1993, 102 patients with giant cell tumor of bone were treated at three institutions. Sixteen patients (15.9%) presented with already having had local recurrence. All patients were treated with thorough curettage of the tumor, burr drilling of the tumor inner walls, and cryotherapy by direct pour technique using liquid nitrogen. The average followup was 6.5 years (range, 4-15 years). The rate of local recurrence in the 86 patients treated primarily with cryosurgery was 2.3% (two patients), and the overall recurrence rate was 7.9% (eight patients). Six of these patients were cured by cryosurgery and two underwent resection. Overall, 100 of 102 patients were cured with cryosurgery. Complications associated with cryosurgery included six (5.9%) pathologic fractures, three (2.9%) cases of partial skin necrosis, and two (1.9%) significant degenerative changes. Overall function was good to excellent in 94 patients (92.2%), moderate in seven patients (6.9%), and poor in one patient (0.9%). Cryosurgery has the advantages of joint preservation, excellent functional outcome, and low recurrence rate when compared with other joint preservation procedures. For these reasons, it is recommended as an adjuvant to curettage for most giant cell tumors of bone.

Adolescent↗