Prostate imaging: Contribution of PET PSMA and MRI

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumour and represents the third cause of cancer-mortality in men. The management of prostate cancer has dramatically changed over the last decades, mainly due to improvement of diagnostic modalities and development of new therapeutic strategies. Imaging plays a key role in all the steps of prostate cancer management. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) – computed tomography (CT) have emerged as two major tools for the detection of prostate cancer, tumour staging and treatment choice. Both MRI and PET-CT – using choline or prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as radiotracer – have become mandatory. This article presents the contribution of the latest advances in these two imaging techniques of prostate cancer and their future developments.     

Benefits of positron emission tomography scans for the evaluation of radiotherapy

The assessment of tumour response during and after radiotherapy determines the subsequent management of patients (adaptation of treatment plan, monitoring, adjuvant treatment, rescue treatment or palliative care). In addition to its role in extension assessment and therapeutic planning, positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography provides useful functional information for the evaluation of tumour response. The objective of this article is to review published data on positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography as a tool for evaluating external radiotherapy for cancers. Data on positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography scans acquired at different times (during, after initial and after definitive [chemo-]radiotherapy, during post-treatment follow-up) in solid tumours (lung, head and neck, cervix, oesophagus, prostate and rectum) were collected and analysed. Recent recommendations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network are also reported. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography with (¹⁸F)-labelled fluorodeoxyglucose has a well-established role in clinical routine after chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancers, particularly to limit the number of neck lymph node dissection. This imaging modality also has a place for the evaluation of initial chemoradiotherapy of oesophageal cancer, including the detection of distant metastases, and for the post-therapeutic evaluation of cervical cancer. Several radiotracers for positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography, such as choline, are also recommended for patients with prostate cancer with biochemical failure. (¹⁸F)-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography is optional in many other circumstances and its clinical benefits, possibly in combination with MRI, to assess response to radiotherapy remain a very active area of research.     

Cost-Effectiveness of Follow-Up for Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules in High-Risk Patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a number of follow-up guidelines and variants for subsolid pulmonary nodules.MethodsWe used a simulation model informed by data from the literature and the National Lung Screening Trial to simulate patients with ground-glass nodules (GGNs) detected at baseline computed tomography undergoing follow-up. The nodules were allowed to grow and develop solid components over time. We tested the guidelines generated by varying follow-up recommendations for low-risk nodules, that is, pure GGNs or those stable over time. For each guideline, we computed average US costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained per patient and identified the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of those on the efficient frontier. In addition, we compared the costs and effects of the most recently released version of the Lung Computed Tomography Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS), version 1.1, with those of the previous version, 1.0. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses of our results by varying several relevant parameters.ResultsRelative to the no follow-up scenario, the follow-up guideline system that was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of $100,000/QALY and had the greatest QALY assigned low-risk nodules a 2-year follow-up interval and stopped follow-up after 2 years for GGNs and after 5 years for part-solid nodules; this strategy yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $99,970. Lung-RADS version 1.1 was found to be less costly but no less effective than Lung-RADS version 1.0. These findings were essentially stable under a range of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsCeasing follow-up for low-risk subsolid nodules after 2 to 5 years of stability is more cost-effective than perpetual follow-up. Lung-RADS version 1.1 was cheaper but similarly effective to version 1.0.     

超声和CT在儿童神经母细胞瘤诊断、临床分期和治疗方案制定中的价值分析

目的:对比分析超声和CT对儿童神经母细胞瘤的诊断价值以及二者在该病临床分期和治疗方案制定中的价值。方法:筛选经病理证实的儿童神经母细胞瘤34例（其中术后证实瘤内钙化者26例），分析其临床及影像资料。结果:本研究的34例患者中，有29例超声显示为大小不等、回声不均匀的实性肿块，其中20例肿块表现为跨中线生长，18例包绕腹部大血管，18例后腹膜淋巴结肿大，且有9例、8例和2例分别为肾脏、肝脏、脾脏受累患者。本研究中有28例患者在术前通过超声进行了确诊，其符合率高达82.4%，特征性瘤内钙化的检出率达88.5%（23/26）；CT示大小不等、密度不均匀的肿块34例，增强可见明显强化，包绕大血管者18例，跨中线生长者20例，侵犯椎管腔者8例，后腹膜淋巴结肿大者15例，肾脏、肝脏、脾脏受累者分别为9例、6例、1例，头颅转移者7例，30例术前做出正确诊断，术前CT诊断符合率为88.2%，瘤内钙化的检出率高达96.2%（25/26）。结论:儿童神经母细胞瘤有其典型的影像学表现，超声和CT对该病的诊断符合率都很高，且各具优势，二者联合应用对儿童神经母细胞瘤的诊断、临床分期和指导治疗有重要价值。     

锥形束CT对儿童上颌前部埋伏多生牙定位的研究

目的评价锥形束CT(cone beam computed tomography,CBCT)及三维重建技术对儿童上颌前部埋伏多生牙定位的价值,为临床提供准确的治疗措施。方法选择2017年6月-2018年9月来本院就诊上颌骨内埋伏牙儿童患者263例行锥形束CT扫描,获取牙体表面三维立体图像及任意平面图像和任意曲面体层图像,从多个角度显示埋伏牙的形态、大小、萌出方向、唇腭侧位置及与邻牙位置的关系。结果263例患儿312颗上颌前部埋伏多生牙252颗位于腭侧,50颗位于唇侧,10颗位于牙槽骨中部;牙冠正向生长77颗,牙冠倒置生长154颗,牙冠横向生长81颗。所有患者顺利完成手术,术前诊断与术中结果完全一致,准确率为100%。结论锥形束CT是精确定位儿童上颌前部埋伏多生牙有效方法,可直接、准确地反映埋伏多生牙的位置,为临床诊断和治疗提供可靠信息。     

New evidence supporting lung cancer screening with low dose CT & surgical implications

IntroductionLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-death worldwide. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPTSF) approved screening for current or former smokers aged 55–80 based on the results of the National Lung Screening trial (NLST). Following the NLST, new evidence has emerged from clinical trials and updates to previous trials prior to the anticipated update to the USPSTF guideline. We review the new evidence on lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) and the surgical implications.MethodsA review of new literature was performed pertaining to lung cancer screening since implementation of UPSTF guidelines. Articles for inclusion were identified by both authors’, then search of the Pubmed and Cochrane database was performed from January 1st, 2013 through February 4th, 2020 using the MeSH search terms: “lung cancer”; “screening”; “low dose CT”. The results of these studies are summarized.ResultsWe identified multiple prospective randomized control trials and meta-analysis since the NLST supporting lung cancer-specific mortality with screening. We identified new nodule classification systems and the development of risk-models which may reduce false positive rates and identify high risk patients not currently eligible for screening. Finally, we discussed the surgical implications of screening.ConclusionNew data supports NLST findings and show ongoing benefit to LDCT for lung cancer screening. Standardized LDCT screening classification has been shown to reduce harm and lower false positive rates. Further study is needed regarding use of risk-modeling. Screening will require an increase in the thoracic workforce to accommodate the amount of surgically operable cancers.     

前节OCT评估V4c型后房型有晶体眼人工晶体植入术安全性的临床研究

目的探讨前节光学相干断层扫描(OCT)评估V4c型后房型有晶体眼人工晶体(ICL)植入术治疗超高度近视长期安全性的价值。方法 41例(78眼)>-9.0D的超高度近视进行V4c型ICL植入手术患者,测量术前及术后1、3、6、12个月的角膜内皮细胞计数,应用前节OCT及超声生物显微镜(UBM)检测患者术前睫状沟沟到沟距离(WTW)、中央前房深度(ACD)、小梁于虹膜夹角(TIA)及术后各时段拱高、ACD、TIA。分析手术安全性;比较患者术前及术后各时段角膜内皮细胞计数、前节OCT测量指标,术前不同测量方法各参数测量结果 , UBM与前节OCT各参数测量结果。结果所有患者手术顺利,术后4 h内13只眼(12例患者)一过性眼压升高,降眼压处理后至随访结束眼压均平稳,其余患者无其他手术并发症发生。术后1、3、6、12个月,患者角膜内皮细胞计数低于术前,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1、3、6、12个月,患者前节OCT测量指标ACD低于术前、TIA小于术前,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1、3、6、12个月,患者角膜内皮细胞计数及前节OCT测量指标ACD、TIA、拱高比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前WTW应用卡尺手测、角膜地形图(ObscanⅡ)前节分析系统测量、Master、UBM及前节OCT测量结果分别为(11.80±0.36)、(11.75±0.37)、(12.26±1.17)、(11.94±0.41)、(11.91±0.38)mm, Master测量WTW与其他方式比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术前ACD应用ObscanⅡ前节分析系统测量、Master、UBM及前节OCT测量结果分别为(3.1±0.20)、(3.30±0.17)、(3.11±0.13)、(3.10±0.15)mm, Master测量结果与其他方式比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术前TIA应用UBM、前节OCT测量结果分别为(40.98±5.82)°、(40.92±5.65)°,比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前及术后各时段,前节OCT及UBM测量ACD、TIA及拱高的测量结果比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 V4c型ICL植入术治疗超高度近视无论视力、ICL位置或是眼内情况稳定性均良好,无严重并发症,手术方式安全稳定。应用前节OCT观察术后ICL位置、前房深度及房角情况简易方便,准确无创。测量简单方便且精准,可作为术后常规随访的测量方式。     

Abdominal lymph node recurrence from colorectal cancer: Resection should be considered as a curative treatment in patients with controlled disease

BackgroundLymph node recurrences (LNR) from colorectal cancer (CRC) still represent a therapeutic challenge, as standardized recommendations have yet to be established. The aim of this study was to analyze short- and long-term oncological outcomes following resection of LNR from CRC.MethodsAll patients with previously resected CRC who underwent histopathologically confirmed LNR resection in 3 tertiary referral centers between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed, mainly recurrence-free and overall survival. Further recurrences following LNR resection were also analyzed.ResultsOverall, 18 patients were included. Primary CRC was left-sided in 16 (89%) patients, staged T3-4 in 15 (83%), N+ in 14 (78%) and presented with synchronous metastases in 8 (43%). Median time interval between primary CRC and LNR resections was 31 months. Performed lymphadenectomies were aortocaval (n = 10), pelvic (n = 7), in hepatic pedicle (n = 3) and mesenteric (n = 1). Four patients had associated liver metastases resection. Three (17%) presented with postoperative complications, of which one Clavien-Dindo 3. Fourteen (78%) patients presented with further recurrences after a mean delay of 9 months, with 36% of patients presenting with early (<6 months) recurrence. Five (36%) patients could undergo secondary recurrence resection and 3 (21%) patients radiotherapy. Median overall survival following LNR resection reached 44 months.ConclusionsCurrent results suggest that LNR resection is feasible and associated with improved survival, in selected patients. Longer time interval between primary CRC resection and LNR occurrence appeared to be a favorable prognostic factor whereas multisite recurrence appeared to be associated with impaired long-term survival.     

Canal Transportation and Centering Ability in Long Oval Canals: A Multidimentional Analysis

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the centering ability and canal transportation of the ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Self-adjusting File (SAF; ReDent-Nova, Ra'anana, Israel) systems in long oval root canals using cone-beam computed tomography imaging.MethodsFifty-six fully formed single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected with a buccolingual canal size 2 to 2.5 times the mesiodistal size at 5 mm from the apex, ranging from a 0°–10° canal curvature with a 5- to 6-mm radius. The teeth were divided into 2 groups (n = 28) and prepared with PTN or SAF according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Cone-beam computed tomographic images were taken in the same position before and after instrumentation using modeling wax. The centering ability and canal transportation were calculated at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions. The mean and standard deviation were calculated, and the Student t test was used for comparative analysis.Resultssignificant difference for canal transportation was observed mesiodistally at 9 mm from the apex (P < .05) where the PTN shaved more dentin in 1 direction. A significant difference for the centering ability was observed at 6 mm buccolingually from the apex (P < .05) where the PTN was less centered in the canal compared with the SAF.ConclusionsBoth SAF and PTN were shown to be safe for being used in long oval canals. SAF resulted in less transportation at the coronal third in the mesiodistal direction and more centered at the middle third in the buccolingual direction compared with PTN.