951. Does tumor rupture during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy have an impact on mid-term tumor recurrences?Simon Hawlina, Kosta Cerović, Andraž Kondža, Peter Popović, Jure Bizjak, Tomaž Smrkolj, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Intraoperative kidney tumor rupture (TR) can occur during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in daily clinical practice, but there are no solid guidelines on the management and implications of it. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of TR on tumor recurrences, what a surgeon should do if this adverse event occurs, and how to avoid it. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the first 100 patients who underwent RAPN at University Medical Centre Ljubljana, between 2018 and 2021. Patients were stratified into 2 groups (TR and no-TR) and were compared according to patient, tumor, pathologic, perioperative and postoperative characteristics and tumor recurrences, using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test. Results: Of the 100 patients, 14 had TR (14%); this occurred in tumors with higher RENAL nephrometry scores (P = 0.028) and mostly with papillary renal cell carcinomas (P = 0.043). Median warm ischemia time was longer for the TR group (22 vs. 15 min, P = 0.026). In terms of studied outcomes, there were no cases of local or distant recurrence after a median observation time of 39 months (interquartile range, 31-47 months) in both groups. We observed positive surgical margins on the final oncologic report in one case in the no-TR group. Conclusions: Tumor rupture during RAPN seems to be of no mid-term oncologic importance. According to presented results, we would recommend surgeons to proceed with tumor resection if this event occurs and abstain from conversion to radical nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy. However, more similar cases should be studied to make more solid conclusions.
Keywords: enucleation, renal cell carcinoma, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, tumor recurrence, tumor rupture, warm ischemia time
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 260; Downloads: 183
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952. Radiological assessment of skeletal muscle index and myosteatosis and their impact postoperative outcomes after liver transplantationMiha Petrič, Taja Jordan, Karteek Popuri, Sabina Ličen, Blaž Trotovšek, Aleš Tomažič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Liver transplantation offers curative treatment to patients with acute and chronic end-stage liver disease. The impact of nutritional status on postoperative outcomes after liver transplantation remains poorly under-stood. The present study investigated the predictive value of radiologically assessed skeletal muscle index (SMI) and myosteatosis (MI) on postoperative outcomes.Patients and methods. Data of 138 adult patients who underwent their first orthotopic liver transplantation were retrospectively analysed. SMI and MI in computer tomography (CT) scan at the third lumbar vertebra level were cal-culated. Results were analyzed for the length of hospitalisation and postoperative outcomes.Results. In 63% of male and 28.9% of female recipients, low SMI was found. High MI was found in 45(32.6%) patients. Male patients with high SMI had longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (P < 0.025). Low SMI had no influence on ICU stay in female patients (P = 0.544), length of hospitalisation (male, P > 0.05; female, P = 0.843), postoperative complication rates (males, P = 0.883; females, P = 0.113), infection rate (males, P = 0.293, females, P = 0.285) and graft rejection (males, P = 0.875; females, P = 0.135). The presence of MI did not influence ICU stay (P = 0.161), hospitalization (P = 0.771), postoperative complication rates (P = 0.467), infection rate (P = 0.173) or graft rejection rate (P = 0.173).Conclusions. In our study, changes in body composition of liver transplant recipients observed with SMI and MI had no impact on postoperative course after liver transplantation. CT body composition analysis of recipients and uni-formly accepted cut-off points are crucial to producing reliable data in the future.
Keywords: muscle mass, liver transplantation, myosteatosis, skeletal muscle index, GLIM score
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 261; Downloads: 270
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953. Association between PIK3CA activating mutations and outcomes in early-stage invasive lobular breast carcinoma treated with adjuvant systemic therapyDomen Ribnikar, Valentina Jerič Horvat, Ivica Ratoša, Zachary Veitch, Biljana Grčar-Kuzmanov, Srdjan Novaković, Erik Langerholc, Eitan Amir, Boštjan Šeruga, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the independent prognostic role of PIK3CA activating mutationsand an association between PIK3CA activating mutations and efficacy of adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) in patientswith operable invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).Patients and methods.A single institution study of patients with early-stage ILC treated between 2003 and 2008 wasperformed. Clinicopathological parameters, systemic therapy exposure and outcomes (distant metastasis-free sur-vival [DMFS] and overall survival [OS]) were collected based on presence or absence of PIK3CA activating mutationin the primary tumor determined using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. An associationbetween PIK3CA mutation status and prognosis in all patient cohort was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis,whereas an association between PIK3CA mutation and ET was analyzed in estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progester-one receptors (PR)-positive group of our patients by the Cox proportional hazards model.Results. Median age at diagnosis of all patients was 62.8 years and median follow-up time was 10.8 years. Among365 patients, PIK3CA activating mutations were identified in 45%. PIK3CA activating mutations were not associatedwith differential DMFS and OS (p = 0.36 and p = 0.42, respectively). In patients with PIK3CA mutation each year oftamoxifen (TAM) or aromatase inhibitor (AI) decreased the risk of death by 27% and 21% in comparison to no ET, re-spectively. The type and duration of ET did not have significant impact on DMFS, however longer duration of ET hada favourable impact on OS.Conclusions. PIK3CA activating mutations are not associated with an impact on DMFS and OS in early-stage ILC.Patients with PIK3CA mutation had a statistically significantly decreased risk of death irrespective of whether theyreceived TAM or an AI.
Keywords: invasive lobular carcinoma, PIK3CA mutation, endocrine therapy
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 310; Downloads: 101
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954. Changes in the quality of life of early breast cancer patients and comparison with the normative Slovenian populationCvetka Grašič-Kuhar, Tjaša Gortnar Cepeda, Christian Kurzeder, Marcus Vetter, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: We aimed to identify changes in quality of life after breast cancer treatment and compare them withthe normative population data for the Slovenian population.Patients and methods. A prospective, single-group, cohort design was used. A total of 102 early breast cancerpatients treated with chemotherapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana were included. Of those, 71% returned thequestionnaires after one-year post-chemotherapy. The Slovenian versions of the European Organisation for Researchand Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30 and BR23 questionnaires were used. Primary outcomes were a com-parison of global health status/quality of life (GHS) and C30 Summary Score (C30-SumSc) at baseline and one-yearpost-chemotherapy with the normative Slovenian population. The exploratory analysis evaluated the differences insymptoms and functional scales of QLQ C-30 and QLQ BR-23 between baseline and one-year post-chemotherapy.Results. At baseline and one-year post-chemotherapy, C30-SumSc of patients was lower than the predictedC30-SumSc from the normative Slovenian population by 2.6 points (p = 0.04) and 6.5 points (p < 0.001), resp. On thecontrary, GHS was not statistically different from predicted either at baseline or after one year. Exploratory analysisrevealed that one-year post-chemotherapy compared to the beginning of chemotherapy, patients had statisticallysignificantly and clinically meaningful lower scores in body image and cognitive functioning, and increased symptomscores for pain, fatigue, and arm symptoms.Conclusions. The C30-SumSc is reduced one- year post-chemotherapy. Early interventions should be directed to-ward the prevention of the decline of cognitive functioning and body image, and to alleviate fatigue, pain, and armsymptoms.
Keywords: breast cancer, chemotherapy, quality of life
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 236; Downloads: 96
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955. Cognitive functioning in a cohort of high-grade glioma patientsAndreja Cirila Škufca Smrdel, Anja Podlesek, Marija Skoblar Vidmar, Jana Markovič, Jana Jereb, Manja Kuzma, Uroš Smrdel, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: High grade gliomas are associated with cognitive problems. The aim of the study was to investigate cognitive functioning in a cohort of patients with high grade glioma, according to isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) status and other clinical characteristics. The patients with the high-grade glioma treated in Slovenia in given period of time were included in study. Postoperatively they completed neuropsychological assessment consisting of Slovenian Verbal Learning Test, Slovenian Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Trail Making Test Part A and B and self-evaluation questionnaire. We analysed results (z-scores and dichotomized results) also according to IDH mutation and MGMT methylation. We examined differences between groups using T-test, Mann-Whitney U, χ2 and Kendall's Tau tests. Out of 275 patients in the cohort, we included 90. Forty-six percent of patients were unable to participate due to poor performance status and other conditions related to tumour. Patients with the IDH mutation were younger, with better performance status, larger proportions of grade III tumours and MGMT methylation. In this group cognitive functioning is significantly better in the domains of immediate recall, short delayed recall and delayed recall, and in the fields of executive functioning and recognition. There were no differences in cognitive functioning in regard to MGMT status. Grade III tumours were associated with more frequent MGMT methylation. Self-assessment proved week tool, associated only with immediate recall. We found no differences in cognitive functioning according to MGMT status, but cognition was better when IDH mutation was present. In a cohort study of patients with high-grade glioma, almost half were unable to participate in a study, which points to an overrepresentation of patients with better cognitive functioning in the research.
Keywords: cognition, high grade glioma, IDH1 mutation
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 303; Downloads: 112
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956. Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy (BEST) for the treatment of vascular malformations : an International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) study group reportTobian Muir, Giulia Bertino, Aleš Grošelj, Lakshmi Ratnam, Erika Kis, Joy Odili, Ian McCafferty, Walter A Wohlgemuth, Maja Čemažar, Aljoša Krt, Maša Omerzel, Alessandro Zanasi, Michela Battista, Francesca De Terlizzi, Luca Giovanni Campana, Gregor Serša, 2023, review article Abstract: Biomedical applications of electroporation are expanding out of the field of oncology into vaccination, treatment of arrhythmias and now in the treatment of vascular malformations. Bleomycin is a widely used sclerosing agent in the treatment of various vascular malformations. The application of electric pulses in addition to bleomycin enhances the effectiveness of the drug, as demonstrated by electrochemotherapy, which utilizes bleomycin in the treatment of tumors. The same principle is used in bleomycin electrosclerotherapy (BEST). The approach seems to be effective in the treatment of low-flow (venous and lymphatic) and, potentially, even high-flow (arteriovenous) malformations. Although there are only a few published reports to date, the surgical community is interested, and an increasing number of centers are applying BEST in the treatment of vascular malformations. Within the International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) consortium, a dedicated working group has been constituted to develop standard operating procedures for BEST and foster clinical trials. By treatment standardization and successful completion of clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of the approach, higher quality data and better clinical outcomes may be achieved.
Keywords: vascular malformations, electrosclerotherapy, bleomycin
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 323; Downloads: 108
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957. Two-stage hepatectomy in resection of colorectal liver metastases - a single-institution experience with case-control matching and review of the literatureŠpela Turk, Irena Plahuta, Tomislav Magdalenić, Tajda Španring, Kevin Laufer, Žan Mavc, Stojan Potrč, Arpad Ivanecz, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: colorectal cancer, liver metastasis, future liver remnant, posthepatectomy liver failure
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 279; Downloads: 180
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958. Moss biomonitoring of the distribution of chemical elements in the air in the Prespa region, North MacedoniaBiljana Dimkova, Robert Šajn, Trajče Stafilov, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: A study was conducted to investigate atmospheric deposition and to explore the natural distribution and possible contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Prespa region, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors for air pollution. The distribution of 19 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn) was detected in 11 moss samples from this area. The moss samples were analysed after microwave digestion using inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). R-mode factor analysis was used to identify and characterise the elemental associations, and four associations of elements were identified. Four factors were separated from the group of elements: Factor 1 (Fe-Al-Cr-V-Ni), Factor 2 (Sr-Ba-Mg), Factor 3 (K-P-Zn) and Factor 4 (Pb-Cu). All element factors were found to be typical geochemical associations, with the exception of the distribution of K and P in the agricultural areas of the study area where fertilisers are used over a long period of time.
Keywords: moss biomonitoring, air pollution, potentially toxic elements, Prespa region, North Macedonia
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 265; Downloads: 189
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959. Monitoring the effect of perioperative nutritional care on body composition and functional status in patients with carcinoma of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system and pancreasAndrej Gyergyek, Nada Rotovnik-Kozjek, Jasna Klen, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background. The significance of nutritional care in the management of cancer, particularly in the surgical treatment of abdominal cancer, is increasingly acknowledged. Body composition analysis, such as the Bioelectric impedance assay (BIA), and functional tests, e.g., handgrip strength, are used when assessing nutritional status alongside general and nutritional history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests. The primary approach in nutritional care is individually adjusted nutritional counselling and the use of medical nutrition, especially oral nutritional supplements. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of perioperative nutritional care on body composition and functional status in patients with carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, and pancreas. Patients and methods. 47 patients were included, 27 received preoperative and postoperative nutritional counselling and oral nutritional supplements (Group 1), while 20, due to surgical or organisational reasons, received nutritional care only postoperatively (Group 2). The effect of nutritional therapy was measured with bioimpedance body composition and handgrip measurements. Results. Group 2 had a higher average Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002 score upon enrolment (3 vs. 2 points); however, there was no difference when malnutrition was assessed using Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. There was a relative increase in lean body mass and fat-free mass index (FFMI) 7 days after surgery in group 1 (+4,2% vs. -2,1% in group 2). There was no difference in handgrip strength. Conclusions. Our results indicate that combined preoperative and postoperative nutritional care is superior to only postoperative nutritional care. It seems to prevent statistically significant lean mass loss 7 days after surgery but not after 14 days or 4 weeks.
Keywords: abdominal cancer, nutritional status, body composition
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 272; Downloads: 103
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960. CD56-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma : comprehensive analysis of clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics with literature reviewGorana Gašljević, Lučka Boltežar, Srdjan Novaković, Vita Šetrajčič Dragoš, Barbara Jezeršek Novaković, Veronika Kloboves-Prevodnik, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The expression of CD56 in DLBCL is highly unusual. Little is known about its incidence and clinical importance. So far, no genetic profiling was performed in CD56 positive DLBCL.Patients and methods. Tissue microarrays have been constructed, sectioned, and stained by H&E and immuno-histochemistry for 229 patients with DLBCL diagnosed 2008–2017. For CD56 positive cases, clinical data was collected including age at diagnosis, stage of the disease, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, treatment scheme and number of chemotherapy cycles, radiation therapy, treatment outcome, and possible relapse of the disease. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. For four patients, RNA was extracted and targeted RNA (cDNA) sequencing of 125 genes was performed with the Archer FusionPlex Lymphoma kit.Results. CD56 expression was found in 7 cases (3%). The intensity of expression varied from weak to moderate focal, to very intensive and diffuse. All patients had de novo DLBCL. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 54.5 years. Five of them were women and 2 males. According to the Hans algorithm, 6 patients had the germinal centre B cells (GBC) type and one non-GBC (activated B-cell [ABC]) type, double expressor. Genetic profiling of four patients ac-cording to Schmitz’s classification showed that 1 case was of the BN2 subtype, 1 of EZB subtype, 2 were unclassified. The six treated patients reached a complete response and did not experience progression of the disease during the median follow-up period of 80.5 months.Conclusions. We report on one of the largest series of CD56+DLBCL with detailed clinicopathological data and for the first time described genetical findings in a limited number of patients. Our results show that CD56 expression is rare, but seems to be present in prognostic favourable subtypes of DLBCL not otherwise specified (NOS) as tested by immunohistochemical or genetic profiling
Keywords: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, immunohistochemistry, lymphomas, CD56
Published in DiRROS: 25.07.2024; Views: 291; Downloads: 112
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