Prognostic relevance of capsular involvement and collecting system invasion in stage I and II renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To define the prognostic relevance of capsular involvement (invasion with no penetration) and collecting-system invasion in patients with stage I (pT1N0M0) and stage II (pT2N0M0) renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by evaluating the outcome of patients treated with nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 519 patients from a kidney cancer database treated with nephrectomy for stage I and II RCC between 1985 and 2005 were assessed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival time. The prognostic relevance of capsular involvement and collecting-system invasion were examined using univariate and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS: Capsular involvement and collecting-system invasion were evident in 112 (21.6%) and 39 (7.5%) patients, respectively. Capsular involvement was associated with higher Fuhrman grades and larger tumours. The incidence of collecting-system invasion was higher in patients with microvascular invasion. The median follow-up was 49 months. In univariate analysis, patients with capsular involvement and collecting-system invasion had a worse prognosis than patients without (P = 0.007 and <0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, capsular involvement (hazard ratio 1.84, P = 0.036) and collecting-system invasion (3.78, P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors of recurrence-free survival. Interestingly, there was no survival difference between patients with capsular involvement in stage I/II and patients with invasion of perinephric tissue (pT3aN0M0). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that capsular involvement and collecting-system invasion are poor prognostic findings in stage I and II RCC. They should both be considered when planning the follow-up. A revised pT3a stage including patients with capsular involvement could improve its prognostic validity.     

Solid tumors subsequent to arsenic trioxide treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) is highly efficacious for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Environmental arsenic exposure predisposes to malignancies, but the risk for therapeutic arsenic is undefined. Three APL patients (de novo, 2; therapy-related, 1) in a cohort of 59 cases given oral-As(2)O(3) for induction and maintenance treatment developed secondary cancers (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 2; colonic adenocarcinoma, 1) at 16, 36 and 55 months post-As(2)O(3) therapy. Retrospective analysis of biomarkers (Epstein Barr virus serology and quantification, carcinoembryonic antigen) showed the potential presence of cancers before or shortly after As(2)O(3) therapy, suggesting that As(2)O(3) had not initiated these malignancies. Compared against matched background population, there was an increased risk of second cancer (p=0.012, standard incidence ratio=6.5; 95% confidence interval=1.4-19.0).     

Contraceptive use in acne

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous follicle. It is well established that androgen hormones play a major role in sebum production and excretion, and are vital in the pathogenesis of acne. Isotretinoin notwithstanding, hormonal therapies such as combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and spironolactone are the only treatments that can affect sebum production and the androgen component of acne. Contraceptives are also used during isotretinoin therapy for pregnancy prevention. It is important for a dermatologist to be familiar with all the available methods of contraception to provide essential counseling to patients. The aim of this paper is to review the role of hormones in acne pathogenesis, discuss the use of hormonal therapies for acne, and detail various alternative contraceptive methods in relation to isotretinoin treatment and pregnancy prevention.     

Fractures and dislocations of cervical spine

Injuries of the cervical spine account for half of all spinal column injuries and they may have devastating consequences. Cervical spine injuries are sub-divided according to the location (upper or lower cervical spine), each requiring a different treatment approach. The purpose of this article is to review cervical spine injuries and their treatment.     

Minimally legally invasive dentistry

One disadvantage of the rapid advances in modern dentistry is that treatment options have never been more varied or confusing. Compounded by a more educated population greatly assisted by online information in an increasingly litigious society, a major concern in recent times is increased litigation against health practitioners. The manner in which courts handle disputes is ambiguous and what is considered fair or just may not be reflected in the judicial process. Although legal decisions in Australia follow a doctrine of precedent, the law is not static and is often reflected by community sentiment. In medical litigation, this has seen the rejection of the Bolam principle with a preference towards greater patient rights. Recent court decisions may change the practice of dentistry and it is important that the clinician is not caught unaware. The aim of this article is to discuss legal issues that are pertinent to the practice of modern dentistry through an analysis of legal cases that have shaped health law. Through these discussions, the importance of continuing professional development, professional association and informed consent will be realized as a means to limit the legal complications of dental practice.