Merkel cell carcinoma: a single-centre experience

Background

For patients with merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), the status of regional lymph nodes at presentation is the single most important prognosticating tool, and the procedure is used for managing MCC patients with early stage disease identifying regional nodal micrometastasis.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of MCC patients treated at the University Hospital of Aarhus, Denmark, between 1998 and 2013. Outcomes of interest included the time and type of first recurrence after first treatment. In 2010, our institution began using sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for MCC patients with clinically early stage disease.

Results

Thirty four patients were identified, 61.8 % of the patients presented with stage I disease, 21.5 % with stage II, 11.8 % with stage III and 5.9 % with stage IV. Thirteen patients (38.2 %) had disease recurrence, with local recurrence in three patients, regional recurrence in seven patients and distant recurrence in three patients. Median length of follow-up for all patients was 14.5 months (range 0–86). Since 2010, SLNB has been performed in seven patients; all with negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). Three patients had tumour located to the head and neck, three patients to the extremities and one patient to the truncus. Nodal recurrence developed in one of these patients after 5.9 months.

Conclusions

The majority of patients develop recurrence within the first 2 years after initial treatment, most representing with nodal metastasis. The introduction of SLNB may hopefully detect nodal involvement in an early stage, improving the outcome for patients with MCC. Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study.     

Biomolecular Predictors of Urothelial Cancer Behavior and Treatment Outcomes

Urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCB) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in surgical and medical treatment, there has been no change in mortality in UCB over the past decades. Standard pathological features (stage, grade, nodal status) provide only limited information regarding biological potential and clinical behavior. Molecular biomarkers may shed light on important mechanisms of pathogenesis, provide useful additional prognostic information, and serve as targets for therapy. This review summarizes recent advances and the most promising UCB tissue and blood biomarkers of the past few years. We discuss the predictive and prognostic value of biomarkers at different stages of UCB. There is no doubt that a panel of biomarkers will eventually improve our clinical decision-making with regard to treatment and follow-up.     

Laser treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: basics and physical differences

Context

Laser treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) has become more prevalent in recent years. Although multiple surgical approaches exist, there is confusion about laser-tissue interaction, especially in terms of physical aspects and with respect to the optimal treatment modality.

Objective

To compare available laser systems with respect to physical fundamentals and to discuss the similarities and differences among introduced laser devices.

Evidence acquisition

The paper is based on the second expert meeting on the laser treatment of BPO organised by the European Association of Urology Section of Uro-Technology. A systematic literature search was also carried out to cover the topic of laser treatment of BPO extensively.

Evidence synthesis

The principles of generation of laser radiation, laser fibre construction, the types of energy emission, and laser-tissue interaction are discussed in detail for the laser systems used in the treatment of BPO. The most relevant laser systems are compared and their physical properties discussed in depth.

Conclusions

Laser treatment of BPO is gaining widespread acceptance. Detailed knowledge of the physical principles allows the surgeon to discriminate between available laser systems and their possible pitfalls to guarantee high safety levels for the patient.     

Fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections clinical experience with a 2-stage treatment protocol

Fungal periprosthetic joint infections are a rare entity in orthopedic surgery, and there exist no guidelines according to which these infections can be successfully managed. Between 2004 and 2009, 7 patients with fungal periprosthetic joint infections (4 total hip arthroplasties and 3 total knee arthroplasties) have been treated with a 2-stage protocol and implantation of antibiotic-loaded cement spacers. Most of the infection was caused by Candida species. Systemic antifungal agents were administered for 6 weeks in 6 cases and 6 months in 1 case. The mean spacer implantation time was 12 weeks. At a mean follow-up of 28 months (5-70 months), no persistence of infection or reinfection could be observed. A 2-stage treatment protocol with implantation of an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer is an efficient option in the treatment of fungal periprosthetic infections.