超声造影对桥本氏甲状腺炎背景下良恶性结节的诊断价值

目的:探讨超声造影(CEUS)对桥本氏甲状腺炎(HT)背景下甲状腺结节的诊断价值.方法:对78例(101个)经手术病理证实的桥本氏甲状腺炎背景下甲状腺结节的超声造影,采用 TomTec 软件进行量化分析,获得造影参数:始增时间、达峰时间和最大峰值强度,比较良性组与恶性组之间的差异.结果:HT背景下101个结节中,良性63个,恶性38个.恶性结节的超声造影增强特征以不均匀增强、低增强为主,良性结节以环状增强、均匀增强、等增强多见.超声造影参数恶性组与良性组始增时间(AT)、达峰时间(TTP)差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),峰值强度(IMAX)的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).CEUS诊断HT背景下甲状腺结节的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确性分别为92.1%、95.2%、92.1%、95.2%、94.1%.结论:超声造影可以提高桥本氏甲状腺炎背景下甲状腺结节的诊断准确性.     

Diagnostic Performance of Gray-scale versus Combined Gray-scale with Colour Doppler Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules

Objective: To compare diagnostic performance of gray-scale ultrasound and combined gray-scale ultrasoundwith color Doppler ultrasound in predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules by using tissue diagnosis as thereference standard. Design: Diagnostic test with prospective data collection. Materials and Methods: BetweenNovember 2007 and October 2008, 31 patients (16 with solitary thyroid nodules and 15 with multiple thyroidnodules) were preoperatively evaluated with gray-scale ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound. The noduleswere classified as benign or malignant according to the established ultrasound criteria and were later comparedwith histologic findings obtained from surgical specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of gray-scale US and combined gray-scale with color Doppler USwere evaluated using histology as the reference. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of gray-scaleultrasonography were 80.0%, 84.6%, 50.0% and 95.7%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPVof preoperative combined gray-scale US with color Doppler ultrasonography were 40.0%, 96.2%, 66.7% and89.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Combination of gray-scale US with color Doppler US findings improvesspecificity and PPV in the diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules.     

ADM3, TFF3 and LGALS3 are discriminative molecular markers in fine-needle aspiration biopsies of benign and malignant thyroid tumours

Background:

Previously, we reported a six-marker gene set, which allowed a molecular discrimination of benign and malignant thyroid tumours. Now, we evaluated these markers in fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) in a prospective, independent series of thyroid tumours with proven histological outcome.

Methods:

Quantitative RT–PCR was performed (ADM3, HGD1, LGALS3, PLAB, TFF3, TG) in the needle wash-out of 156 FNAB of follicular adenoma (FA), adenomatous nodules, follicular and papillary thyroid cancers (TC) and normal thyroid tissues (NT).

Results:

Significant expression differences were found for TFF3, HGD1, ADM3 and LGALS3 in FNAB of TC compared with benign thyroid nodules and NT. Using two-marker gene sets, a specific FNAB distinction of benign and malignant tumours was achieved with negative predictive values (NPV) up to 0.78 and positive predictive values (PPV) up to 0.84. Two FNAB marker gene combinations (ADM3/TFF3; ADM3/ACTB) allowed the distinction of FA and malignant follicular neoplasia with NPV up to 0.94 and PPV up to 0.86.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate that molecular FNAB diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid tumours including follicular neoplasia is possible with recently identified marker gene combinations. We propose multi-centre FNAB studies on these markers to bring this promising diagnostic tool closer to clinical practice.     

Interrater Reliability of Various Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) Classifications for Differentiating Benign from Malignant Thyroid Nodules

Background: Thyroid ultrasound(US) is used as the first diagnostic tool to assess the management of disease butis operator dependent. There have been few reports evaluating interrater variability in US assessment. Therefore, weevaluated interrater reliability in US assessment of thyroid nodules and estimated its diagnostic accuracy for variousTIRADS systems. Methods: This retrospective study included 24 malignant nodules and 84 benign nodules fromJanuary 2015 to October 2017. Two blinded observers independently reviewed stored US images by using TIRADS. Allanalyses followed guidelines proposed by ACR-TR, Siriraj-TR and EU-TR systems. Interrater reliability was calculatedusing Cohen’s Kappa statistics. Diagnostic accuracy were also calculated. Results: Interobserver agreement showedsubstantial agreement for composition (K=0.616); echogenicity and echogenic foci showed fair agreement (K=0.327and 0.288, respectively); margin showed slight agreement (K=0.143). Interrater reliability for the final assessment;moderate agreement for ACR-TIRADS system (K=0.500); fair agreement for EU-TIRADS system (K=0.209) andslight agreement (K=0.114) for Siriraj-TIRADS system. The diagnostic performance from the two observers; ACRTIRADSsystem; sensitivities were 75% and 79.2%, specificities were 58.3% and 56%, positive predictive value (PPV)were 34% and 33.9% and negative predictive value (NPV) were 89.1% and 90.4%. For the Siriraj-TIRADS system,sensitivities were 41.7% and 25%, specificities were 84.5% and 89.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) were 43.5%and 40% and negative predictive value (NPV) were 83.5% and 80.6%. For the EU-TIRADS system, sensitivities were45.8% and 66.7%, specificities were 79.8% and 72.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) were 39.3% and 41% andnegative predictive value (NPV) were 83.8% and 88.4%. Conclusion: The ACR-TIRADS had highest interobserveragreement, a trend to have highest sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules.Siriraj-TIRADS had higher specificity and accuracy, but     

99mTcO4-与99mTc-MIBI显像联合彩色多普勒超声评分法对甲状腺结节良恶性的诊断价值

背景与目的：目前,彩色多普勒超声评分和核素显像是诊断甲状腺结节的两种重要影像学手段,但是二者检查原理不同,对临床诊断价值孰优,抑或二者联合诊断效果会更好,目前尚无定论。该研究旨在评价99mTcO4-与99mTc-甲氧基异丁基异腈(methoxyisobutylisonitrile,MIBI)显像联合彩色多普勒超声评分法对甲状腺结节良恶性的诊断价值。方法：对50例甲状腺结节患者共54个结节作回顾性研究,患者均已行常规彩色多普勒超声检查及99mTcO4-与99mTc-MIBI显像,以手术病理检查结果为“金标准”,比较99mTcO4-与99mTc-MIBI显像联合常规彩色多普勒超声评分法鉴别甲状腺结节良恶性的诊断灵敏度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值及阴性预测值。结果：99mTcO4-与99mTc-MIBI显像诊断甲状腺结节的灵敏度、特异度、准确度、阳性预测值及阴性预测值分别为80.00%(16/20个)、70.59%(24/34个)、74.07%(40/54个)、61.54%(16/26个)、85.71%(24/28个),常规彩色多普勒超声评分法为80.00%(16/20个)、88.24%(30/34个)、85.16%(46/54个)、80.00%(16/20个)、88.24%(30/34个),两种影像学方法结合诊断为100.00%(20/20个)、64.71%(22/34个)、77.78%(42/54个)、62.50%(20/32个)、100.00%(22/22个)。两种影像学方法结合诊断灵敏度高于单独超声评分法或单独核医学检查(100.00%与80.0%、100.00%与80.00%,χ2=4.4444、4.4444,P=0.0350、0.0350),单独超声评分法诊断特异度高于两种影像学方法结合(88.24%与64.71%,χ2=5.2308,P=0.0222),但两种影像学方法结合诊断无一例假阴性。结论：99mTcO4-与99mTc-MIBI显像联合彩色多普勒超声评分法可以从结构和功能两方面更灵敏、更全面地评价甲状腺结节良恶性,以免漏诊。     

细针穿刺活检结合分子检测在甲状腺结节鉴别诊断中的研究进展

近年来,甲状腺乳头状癌(papillary thyroid carcinoma,PTC)的发病率逐年上升,超声影像成为甲状腺癌筛查与诊断的首选检查手段。超声引导下的细针穿刺细胞学检查(ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy,US-FNAB)成为术前鉴别诊断甲状腺结节的有效微创介入方法,并通过Bethesda诊断系统分类。虽然细针穿刺细胞学检查具有较高的灵敏度和特异性,但是仍然出现诊断不明确的非典型滤泡性病变。对于此类非典型病变(Bethesda Ⅲ~Ⅴ类),US-FNAB联合基因突变检测(BRAF、RAS以及RET/PTC重排),以及miRNA分析能够显著提高不确定结节的诊断准确性,有利于临床规范化处理甲状腺良恶性结节。      

Diagnostic performances of the Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in comparison with the Gene Expression Classifier: A meta-analysis

The Afirma microarray-based Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) with its high negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity has been used to rule out cancer from thyroid nodules with an indeterminate cytology but not to rule in cancer because of its low positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity. The Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) has been reported to improve on the weakness of GEC. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical impact and diagnostic performance of GEC and GSC. Relevant data were searched in PubMed and Web of Science. Meta-analyses for proportion and dichotomous outcomes were performed to compare the benign call rates (BCRs), resection rates (RRs), risks of malignancy (ROMs), sensitivities, specificities, PPVs, and NPVs of GSC and GEC. Seven studies were included for the meta-analyses. Compared with GEC, GSC had a higher BCR (65.3% vs 43.8%; P < .001), a lower RR (26.8% vs 50.1%; P < .001), and a higher ROM (60.1% vs 37.6%; P < .001). The BCR of Hürthle cell–predominant nodules was significantly elevated (73.7% vs 21.4%; P < .001). In addition, the specificity (43.0% vs 25.1%; P = .003) and PPV (63.1% vs 41.6%; P = .004) of Afirma GSC were significantly improved while it still maintained a high sensitivity (94.3%) and a high NPV (90.0%). In conclusion, this study confirms and highlighted the clinical and diagnostic significance of GSC. With an increased BCR and improved diagnostic performance, GSC could reduce the rate of unnecessary surgical interventions and better tailor the clinical decisions of patients with indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration results.     

NA cohort study of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases after the Chernobyl accident

BACKGROUND:

The Ukrainian American Cohort Study was established to evaluate the risk of thyroid disorders in a group exposed as children and adolescents to ¹³¹I by the Chernobyl accident (arithmetic mean thyroid dose, 0.79 grays). Individuals are screened by palpation and ultrasound and are referred to surgery according to fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). However, the accuracy of FNA cytology for detecting histopathologically confirmed malignancy after this level of internal exposure to radioiodines is unknown.

METHODS:

During the first screening cycle (1998‐2000), 13,243 individuals were examined, 356 individuals with thyroid nodules were referred for FNA, 288 individuals completed the procedure, 85 individuals were referred to surgery, 82 individuals underwent surgery, and preoperative cytology was available for review in 78 individuals. Cytologic interpretation for the nodule that resulted in surgical referral was correlated with final pathomorphology; discrepancies were reviewed retrospectively; and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNA cytology were calculated.

RESULTS:

All 24 cytologic interpretations that were definite for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were confirmed histopathologically (PPV, 100%); and, of 11 cytologic interpretations that were suspicious for PTC, 10 were confirmed (PPV, 90.9%). Ten of 41 FNAs that were interpreted as either definite or suspect for follicular neoplasm were confirmed as malignant (PPV, 24.4%), including 2 follicular thyroid cancers and 8 PTCs (all but 1 of the follicular or mixed subtypes). Depending on whether a cytologic interpretation of follicular neoplasm was considered “positive” or “negative,” the sensitivity was 100% and 77.3%, respectively; similarly, the respective specificity was 17.6% and 97.1%, the respective PPV was 61.1% and 97.1%, and the respective NPV was 100% and 76.7%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among children and adolescents who were exposed to ¹³¹I after the Chernobyl accident and were evaluated 12 to 14 years later, thyroid cytology had a sensitivity and a predictive value similar to those reported in unexposed populations. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. Published 2009 by the American Cancer Society.     

The “Sandwich” Schedule: A Well-Tolerated Adjuvant Treatment Both in Intermediate–High- and High-Risk Endometrial Cancer

(1) Background: In intermediate–high- and high-risk endometrial cancer (EC), radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) play a basic role. However, there is controversy regarding the optimal timing of their combination. The “sandwich” schedule involves adjuvant CT followed by RT and subsequent CT. The aim of this study is to assess the tolerability and efficacy of the “sandwich” schedule. (2) Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in two gynecological oncology units in Torino, Italy, from 1 January 2003 until 31 December 2021. Intermediate–high- and high-risk patients with available clinical data were included. Compliance with treatment, CT and RT toxicities, disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 118 patients were selected: 27.1% FIGO I-II stages and 72.9% III-IV. Most of the patients (75.4%) received a carboplatin–paclitaxel combination, and as much as 94.9% of CT cycles were completed. Chemotherapy-related G3-4 toxicities were detected in 5.3% of the patients, almost half of which were hematological. Grade 2 gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were reported in 8.4% and 4.2% of cases, respectively. With a median follow-up of 46 months, DFS was 77.6%, CSS was 70% and 5-year OS was 54%. (4) Conclusions: The “sandwich” schedule for CT and RT combination is an effective adjuvant treatment with low toxicity both in intermediate–high- and high-risk EC.     

Comparative Evaluation of the Risk of Malignancy Index Scoring Systems (1-4) Used in Differential Diagnosis of Adnexal Masses

Background: To determine the cut-off values of the preoperative risk of malignancy index (RMI) used indifferentiating benign or malignant adnexal masses and to determine their significance in differential diagnosisby comparison of different systems. Materials and Methods: 191 operated women were assessed retrospectively.RMI of 1, 2, 3 and 4; cut-off values for an effective benign or malignant differentiation together with sensitivity,specificity, negative and positive predictive values were calculated. Results: Cut-off value for RMI 1 was foundto be 250; there was significant (p<0.001) compatibility at this level with sensitivity of 60%, positive predictivevalue (PPV) of 75%, specificity of 93%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 88% and an overall compliance rateof 85%. When RMI 2 and 3 was obtained with a cut-off value of 200, there was significant (p<0.001) compatibilityat this level for RMI 2 with sensitivity of 67%, PPV of 67%, specificity of 89%, NPV of 89%, histopathologiccorrelation of 84% while RMI 3 had significant (p<0.001) compatibility at the same level with sensitivity of63%, PPV of 69%, specificity of 91%, NPV of 88% and a histopathologic correlation of 84%. Significant(p<0.001) compatibility for RMI 4 with a sensitivity of 67%, PPV of 73%, specificity of 92%, NPV of 89% anda histopathologic correlation of 86% was obtained at the cut-off level 400. Conclusions: RMI have a significantpredictability in differentiating benign and malignant adnexal masses, thus can effectively be used in clinicalpractice.     

BRAFV600E基因突变检测在不确定意义（Bethesda Ⅲ和Ⅳ类）细胞学结果的甲状腺结节中的应用价值

目的:探讨BRAFV600E基因突变检测在首次细胞学诊断为Bethesda Ⅲ和Ⅳ类的甲状腺结节中的临床应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2016年1月至 2019年6月我院首次细胞学诊断为Bethesda Ⅲ和Ⅳ类,后于超声科行第二次超声引导下细针穿刺细胞学检查（FNAB）和BRAFV600E基因突变检测的甲状腺结节患者资料,以手术病理结果为甲状腺结节性质诊断的金标准,比较分析FNAB、BRAFV600E基因突变、FNAB联合BRAFV600E基因突变检测在病理诊断为不确定意义细胞学结果的甲状腺结节中的诊断效能。结果:92例首次细胞学结节为Bethesda Ⅲ和Ⅳ类的甲状腺结节均经手术病理证实。术后病理结果为恶性有54例,良性有38例。BRAFV600E 基因突变诊断甲状腺癌的准确率为81.5%,灵敏度为68.5%,特异度为100%,阳性预测值为100%,阴性预测值为69.1%。FNAB诊断甲状腺癌的准确率为72.8%,灵敏度为70.4%,特异度为76.3%,阳性预测值为80.9%,阴性预测值为64.4%。FNAB联合BRAFV600E基因突变检测诊断甲状腺癌的准确率为90.2%,灵敏度为92.6%,特异度为86.8%,阳性预测值为90.9%,阴性预测值为89.2%。FNAB联合BRAFV600E基因突变检测的准确率和灵敏度都较FNAB、BRAFV600E基因突变检测单独使用的诊断指标高,差异有统计学意义。结论:对于伴有可疑超声征象的甲状腺结节,在行首次或重复FNAB检查的同时联合BRAFV600E基因突变检测,有助于减少Bethesda Ⅲ和Ⅳ类细胞学的诊断,提高FNAB检查的诊断效能,为甲状腺结节的诊疗提供更可靠的依据。     

2015ATA指南超声模式在 Bethesda III类甲状腺结节中的应用价值

目的:探讨2015ATA指南超声模式对意义不明确的非典型病变(atypia of undetermined significance,AUS)和滤泡性病变(follicular lesion of undetermined significance,FLUS）的诊断价值。方法:选取最初经细针穿刺细胞学(fine needle aspiration,FNA)诊断为AUS/FLUS的204例甲状腺结节作为研究对象,分析并比较AUS及FLUS良恶性结节的临床资料及二维超声特征,对所有结节的二维超声图像行2015ATA指南超声模式分级标准进行分级,计算得出极低度、低度、中度及高度可疑恶性结节的恶性风险,使用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线计算得出2015ATA超声模型鉴别AUS良恶性的最佳诊断界点,并根据诊断界点得出诊断效能等指标。结果:在AUS/FLUS良恶性结节之间,患者的年龄、性别及结节的大小差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);144例AUS中,恶性甲状腺结节多表现为不规则边界和微钙化且具有统计学意义（P=0.007,P=0.005）;2015ATA指南超声模式对AUS类结节的良恶性评估有统计学意义（P=0.001）,其极低度、低度、中度、高度可疑恶性结节的恶性率依次为0%、7.0%、64.3%、77.1%,恶性率随着分级的增高而增高,而在FLUS类结节良恶性鉴别诊断中差异无统计学意义;2015ATA 对AUS诊断的敏感性、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及曲线下面积分别为87.8%、87.4%、87.5%、94.7%、73.5%、0.90。结论:2015ATA指南有助于鉴别AUS的良恶性,将Bethesda III类甲状腺结节细分为AUS和FLUS两类,在临床工作中,有助于对Bethesda III类甲状腺结节更好的管理及治疗。     

Validation of Identifying Cancer Diagnosis Based on Self-Reported Information in the Japan Nurses’ Health Study

Background:The Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS) is a large-scale, nationwide prospective cohort study of female nurses. This study aimed to examine the validity of self-reported diagnosis of cancer among the JNHS cohort members (N=15,019). Methods:For women who reported any diagnosis of five cancers (stomach, colorectal, liver, lung and thyroid) in the biennial follow-up surveys, an additional outcome survey, medical facility survey, and confirmation of death certificate (DC) were conducted. The JNHS Validation Study Committee (referred to as “the committee”) made a final decision on the reported outcomes. To examine the validity of self-reported diagnosis of cancer, the positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated using the committee’s decision as the gold standard. To examine the validity of the committee’s decision based on self-reports and DCs, PPV was calculated using physician-reported information as the gold standard. Results:The PPV of self-reported diagnosis in the biennial follow-up surveys was 77.8% for stomach, 66.2% for colorectal, 41.7% for liver, 60.2% for lung, and 64.6% for thyroid cancer. The corresponding PPVs in the additional outcome survey were 96.2%, 80.7%, 62.5%, 82.5%, and 96.9%, respectively. The PPV of the committee’s decision was 100% for stomach, 87.5% for colorectal, 94.7% for lung, and 100% for thyroid cancer (data not available for liver cancer). The proportion of DC-only cases among committee-defined cases was below 10% for all cancers except liver cancer (28.6%). Conclusions:The validity of identifying cancer diagnosis based on self-reported information in the JNHS was favorable for stomach, colorectal, lung and thyroid cancer.Key Words: Cohort studies, neoplasms, validity, women’s health     

The role of [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-positron emission tomography in thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration biopsy: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

Indeterminate results at fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules pose a clinical dilemma, because only 20% to 30% of patients suffer from malignancy. Previous studies suggested that the false-negative ratio of [(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is very low; therefore, it may help identify patients who would benefit from (hemi)thyroidectomy. A systematic literature search was performed in 5 databases. After assessment, the identified studies were analyzed for heterogeneity, and the extracted data of test characteristics were pooled using a random-effects model. Threshold effects were examined, and publication bias was assessed. The query resulted in 239 records, of which 6 studies met predefined inclusion criteria. Data from 225 of the 241 described patients could be extracted. There was mild to moderate heterogeneity in study results (inconsistency index [I(2)] = 0.390-0.867). The pooled prevalence of malignancy was 26%. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 95% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 86%-99%), 48% (95% CI, 40%-56%), 39% (95% CI, 31%-47%), 96% (95% CI, 90%-99%), and 60% (95% CI, 53%-67%), respectively. Sensitivity increased to 100% for the 164 lesions that measured >15 mm in greatest dimension. There was no evidence of threshold effects or publication bias. A negative FDG-PET scan in patients who had thyroid nodules >15 mm with indeterminate FNAB results excluded thyroid cancer in a pooled population of 225 patients. Conversely, a positive FDG-PET result did not identify cancer, because approximately 50% of these patients had benign nodules. The authors concluded that the incorporation of FDG-PET into the initial workup of such patients before surgery deserves further investigation.     

Preoperative comprehensive malignancy risk estimation for thyroid nodules: Development and verification of a network-based prediction model

BackgroundIn order to avoid excessive treatment of thyroid nodules in the clinic, it is necessary to find a simple and practical analysis method to comprehensively and accurately reflect benign or malignant thyroid nodules. This study aimed to construct and validate a comprehensive and reliable network-based predictive model using a variety of imaging and laboratory criteria for thyroid nodules to stratify the risk of malignancy prior to surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for thyroid nodules at the Thyroid and Breast Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2018 and December 2020. Binary logical regression analysis was performed to predict whether nodules were malignant or benign. The developmental dataset included 457 patients (January 2018–December 2020). The validation set included separate data points (n = 225, January 2018–December 2020).ResultsIn this study, criteria that showed significant predictive value for malignant nodules included TI-RADS: 4b (p = 0.065); Bethesda IV, Bethesda V, Bethesda VI (P < 0.0001); BRAF^V600E mutation (P < 0.0001); Calcitonin>5 pg/ml (p = 0.0037); and FNA-Tg>30 ng/ml (p = 0.0003). A 10-grade risk scoring system was developed. The risk of malignancy risk ranged from 2.06% to 100% and was positively associated with increasing risk grade. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the development and validation sets were 0.972 and 0.946, respectively.ConclusionA simple, comprehensive and reliable web-based predictive model was designed using a variety of imaging and laboratory criteria to stratify thyroid nodules by probability of malignancy.     

The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) in Diagnosis of Ovarian Malignancy

Objective : To evaluate the ability of two risk of malignancy indices (RMI) based on serum levels of CA 125,ultrasonographic score, and menopausal status to discriminate between benign and borderline or malignantovarian tumor. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 209 women with pelvic massesadmitted for laparotomy at Srinagarind Hospital, between January 2002 and December 2007. The sensitivity,specificity and positive predictive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values of two RMI were calculated.Results: Using a cut-off level of 200 to indicate malignancy, the RMI 1 gave sensitivity of 70.6%, specificity of83.9%, PPV of 75%, and NPV of 80.6%. The RMI 2 gave sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 78.2%, PPV of71.6%, and NPV of 85.1%. The RMI 2 was significantly better in predicting malignancy than RMI 1. Conclusion:The RMI is able to discriminate between benign and borderline or malignant ovarian tumor.     

Factors Associated with “Survivor Identity” in Men with Breast Cancer

Cancer patients vary in their comfort with the label “survivor”. Here, we explore how comfortable males with breast cancer (BC) are about accepting the label cancer “survivor”. Separate univariate logistic regressions were performed to assess whether time since diagnosis, age, treatment status, and cancer stage were associated with comfort with the “survivor” label. Of the 70 males treated for BC who participated in the study, 58% moderately-to-strongly liked the term “survivor”, 26% were neutral, and 16% moderately-to-strongly disliked the term. Of the factors we explored, only a longer time since diagnosis was significantly associated with the men endorsing a survivor identity (OR = 1.02, p = 0.05). We discuss how our findings compare with literature reports on the comfort with the label “survivor” for women with BC and men with prostate cancer. Unlike males with prostate cancer, males with BC identify as “survivors” in line with women with BC. This suggests that survivor identity is more influenced by disease type and treatments received than with sex/gender identities.     

Diagnosis of “cribriform” prostatic adenocarcinoma: an interobserver reproducibility study among urologic pathologists with recommendations

Accurate diagnosis of cribriform Gleason pattern 4 (CrP4) prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) is important due to its independent association with adverse clinical outcomes and as a growing body of evidence suggests that it impacts clinical decision making in PCa management. To identify reproducible features for diagnosis of CrP4, we assessed interobserver agreement among 27 experienced urologic pathologists of 60 digital images from 44 radical prostatectomies (RP) that represented a broad spectrum of potential CrP4. The following morphologic features were correlated with the consensus diagnosis (defined as 75% agreement) for each image: partial vs. transluminal glandular bridging, intraglandular stroma, <12 vs. ≥12 lumina, well vs. poorly formed lumina, mucin (mucinous fibroplasia, extravasation, or extracellular pool), size (compared to benign glands and number of lumina), number of attachments with gland border by tumor cells forming a “glomeruloid-like” pattern, a clear luminal space along the periphery of gland occupying <50% of glandular circumference, central nerve, dense (cell mass occupying >50% of luminal space) vs. loose, and regular vs. irregular contour. Interobserver reproducibility for the overall diagnostic agreement was fair (k=0.40). Large CrP4 had better agreement (k=0.49) compared to small CrP4 (k=0.40). Transluminal bridging, dense cellular proliferation, a clear luminal space along the periphery of gland occupying <50% of gland circumference, lack of intraglandular mucin, and lack of contact between the majority of intraglandular cells with stroma were significantly associated with consensus for CrP4. In contrast, partial bridging, majority of intraglandular cells in contact with stroma, mucinous fibroplasia, only one attachment to the gland border by tumor cells forming a “glomeruloid-like” pattern, and a clear luminal space along the periphery of gland accounting for >50% of the glandular circumference were associated with consensus against CrP4. In summary, we identified reproducible morphological features for and against CrP4 diagnosis, which could be used to refine and standardize the diagnostic criteria for CrP4.