Place of Bone Scintigraphy in the Assessment of Extension and Follow-Up of Breast Cancer in Senegal: Study of 165 Cases in the Nuclear Medicine Department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (Dakar)

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for an estimated 22% of all female cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, almost all of which is due to metastases, with 73% of metastases occurring in the bone. In oncology, metastable technetium 99-labelled methylene bisphosphonate bone scintigraphy (BS) remains the standard examination for detecting and assessing the extent of bone metastases. The aim of this study was to assess the role of BS in the evaluation and follow-up of breast cancer in Senegal. Methodology: This was a retrospective study of breast cancer patients who underwent bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-HMDP in the nuclear medicine department of Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (IPGHO), from July 2009 to June 2022. Results: We enrolled 165 patients, mean age 46.79 years (27 - 87 years). BS was performed in 94.37% of cases for post-therapeutic monitoring and in 5.63% for pre-therapeutic assessment. Results were contributory in 131 patients (92.25%), of whom 72 cases (50.70%) were normal and 59 cases (41.55%) positive or presenting bone metastases;and non-contributory or doubtful in 11 cases (7.75%). Secondary bone locations were multiple in 57 cases (96.61%) and single or solitary in 2 cases (3.39%). The scintigraphic appearance of bone metastases was hyper-fixative in 58 cases (98.31%) and mixed in 1 case (1.69%). Bone lesions were quantified using the Soloway’s grading classification. Conclusion: BS with 99mTc-labelled bisphosphonates remains the examination of choice for skeletal exploration, in the detection and extension of bone metastases in breast cancer. Performance has been enhanced by the development of SPECT coupled with CT (SPECT-CT).

Bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma:clinical features and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND: Bone metastases (BMs) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasingly common disease in Asia. We assessed the clinical features, prognostic factors, and differences in outcomes related to BMs among patients with different treatments for HCC. METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients who were diagnosed with BMs from HCC between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical features were identified, the impacts of prognostic factors on survival were statistically analyzed, and clinical data were compared. RESULTS: The median patient age was 54 years; 38 patients were male and 5 female. The most common site for BMs was the trunk (69.3%). BMs with extension to the soft tissue were found in 14 patients (32.5%). Most (90.7%) of the lesions were mixed osteolytic and osteoblastic, and most (69.8%) patients presented with multiple BMs. The median survival after BMs diagnosis was 11 months. In multivariate analyses, survival after BM diagnosis was correlated with Karnofsky performance status (P=0.008) and the Child-Pugh classification (P<0.001); BM-free survival was correlated with progression beyond the University of California San Francisco criteria (P<0.001) and treatment of primary tumors (P<0.001). BMs with extension to soft tissue were less common in liver transplantation patients. During metastasis, the control of intrahepatic tumors was improved in liver transplantation and hepatectomy patients, compared to conservatively treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The independent prognostic factors of survival after diagnosis of BMs were the Karnofsky performance status and Child-Pugh classification. HCC patients developed BMs may also benefit from liver transplantation or hepatectomy.

Clinical Analysis of Bisphosphonates Treatment on Bone Metastases and Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Advanced Solid Tumor

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy and toleration of bisphosphonates therapy in patients with bone metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy in advanced solid tumor. Methods： Patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed cancer and hypercalcemia with bone metastases were designed to open treatment with either 4mg zoledronic acid or 90mg pamidronate. The primary efficacy parameters were pain scores（NRS）, Corrected serum calcium（CSC） and CSC effective rate The vital signs, biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. Results： Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, twelve patients in zoledronic acid group and eight in pamidronate group. Zoledronic acid and pamidronate significantly palliated pain. Pain scores were significantly lower at end-point after Zoledronic acid or pamidronate infusion（5.92 vs 3.25, P〈0.01; 6.13 vs 4.38, P〈0.01, respectively）. The mean CSC level decreased significantly after Zoledronic acid or pamidronate infusion from 12.86 to 10.28mg/dl and 13.19 to 10.36mg/dl respectively. The CSC effective rate was about 90% at 14 days after infusion in two groups. There was no statistical significance for all primary efficacy parameters in zoledronic acid group compared with pamidronate group. An adverse reaction was mild fever after pamidronate infusion and then completely reversible. Conclusion： Zoledronic acid and pamidronate disodium were well tolerated and effective for bone metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy in advanced solid tumor.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Pamidronate Disodium in Treatment of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer

Objective： To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of pamidronate disodium in patients with bone lesions secondary to advanced breast carcinoma. Methods： A retrospective chart review was conducted of 62 patients receiving intravenous pamidronate disodium for metastatic breast cancer. The proportion of patients experiencing at least one skeletal related event （SRE） after 12 months of therapy was determined. Results： The proportion of patients who had an SRE was 29.00% （18 individuals） and the median time to first event was greater than 350 days. Radiotherapy（ll individuals）and pathologic fracture（6 individuals）were the most frequent type of SRE, while cord compression（1 individuals） and hypercalcaemia（0 individuals） were rare. A total of 37 individuals had transient hypocalcaemia without any clinical symptom. No significant creatinine abnormalities were encountered. There were no clinically relevant changes of calcium ,phosphate and creatinine before and after therapy. Conclusion： Long-term treatment with pamidronate disodium significantly reduces and delays skeletal morbidity from osteolytic metastases . Prolonged therapy was well tolerated. This study suggests that the rate of clinically relevant SREs is substantially lower than the event rate observed in phase llI clinical trials.

Bone metastases as initial presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma

Extra-hepatic spread is present in 5% to 15% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) at the time of diagnosis. The most frequent sites are lung and regional lymph nodes. Here, we report 3 cases of unsuspected HCC with symptoms due to bone lesions as initial presentation. Morphological characteristics and immunohistochemistry from the examined bone were the key data for diagnosis. None of the patients had an already known chronic liver disease. Differential diagnoses with HCC upon ectopic liver disease or hepatoid adenocarcinoma were shown. Therapy with the orally active multikinase inhibitor sorafenib plus symptomatic treatment was indicated.

Bone metastases from primary hepatocellular carcinoma simulating multiple myeloma

A 65-year-old man presented with bone pains and anemia. Skull X-ray revealed multiple osteolytic lesions. The pa- tient was evaluated for multiple myeloma but detailed workup revealed the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with osteolytic bone metastases. Thus, bone metastases due to HCC, although rare, should be considered in patients presenting with bone pains due to os- teolytic lesions.

RADIONUCLIDE WHOLE BODY BONE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SKELETAL METASTASES

Of 628 patients with extra-osseous malignancies diagnosed by surgery and/or pathology, 207 (33.0%) were identified as having skeletal metastasis by bone imaging. There was statistical significant difference in the incidence of metastasis in different malignancies (P<0.02). The metastatic rates of nasopharyn-geal, lung, prostate and breast cancers were higher than gastrointestinal, kidney, and other malignancies. There was significant differences in the different sites of skeletal metastasis (P<0.01). They were thorax, spine, pelvis, limbs and skull in order of incidence. Solitary metastatic rate was 15.9%. Biopsy is advised for patients suspected to have metastatic disease but with only one single 'hot spot' in skeletal imaging, particularly in the rib.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and musculoskeletal system: A narrative literature review

Musculoskeletal alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)are less common than liver-related complications.However,they can significantly impact the quality of life and overall prognosis of patients with HCC.The main obstacle in the clinical assessment of HCC-induced musculoskeletal alterations is related to effective and timely diagnosis because these complications are often asym-ptomatic and unapparent during routine clinical evaluations.This narrative literature review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the contem-porary literature related to the changes in the musculoskeletal system in patients with HCC,focusing on its clinical implications and underlying etiopathogenetic mechanisms.Osteolytic bone metastases are the most common skeletal alterations associated with HCC,which could be associated with an increased risk of low-trauma bone fracture.Moreover,previous studies reported that osteopenia,sarcopenia,and myosteatosis are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with HCC.Even though low bone mineral density and sarcopenia are consistently reported as reliable predictors of pretransplantation and post-transplantation mortality in HCC patients,these complications are frequently overlooked in the clinical management of patients with HCC.Taken together,contemporary literature suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for early recognition and clinical management of HCC-associated musculoskeletal alterations to improve patient prognosis.Further research into the mechanisms and treatment options for musculoskeletal complications is warranted to enhance our understanding and clinical management of this aspect of HCC.

A systematic review of cytoreductive prostatectomy outcomes and complications in oligometastatic disease

Objective: To analyze outcomes and complications of cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP) for oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa) in order to elucidate its role in this space.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using three databases (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science). The primary endpoints were oncologic outcomes. The secondary endpoints were complication rates and functional results.Results: In all studies, overall survival was better or at least comparable variable in the groups with CRP compared to no local treatment. The greatest benefit from CRP in 5-year overall survival in one study was 67.4% for CRP versus 22.5% for no local treatment. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) showed the same trend. Several authors found significant benefits from CSS in the CRP group: from 79% vs. 46% to 100% vs. 61%. CRP was a predictor of better CSS (hazard ratio 0.264, p=0.004). Positive surgical margin rates differed widely from 28.6% to 100.0%. Urinary continence in CRP versus RP for localized PCa was significantly lower (57.4% vs. 90.8%, p<0.0001). Severe incontinence occurred seldom (2.5%-18.6%). Total complication rates after CRP differed widely, from 7.0% to 43.6%. Rates of grades 1 and 2 events prevailed. Patients on ADT alone also showed a considerable number of complications varying from 5.9% to 57.7%.Conclusion: CRP improves medium-term cancer control in patients with oligometastatic PCa. The morbidity and complication rates of this surgery are comparable with other approaches, but postoperative incontinence rate is higher compared with RP for localized disease.

Application of SPECT Combined with CT and MRI in Malignant Tumors Clinical Value in the Diagnosis of Bone Metastasis

Introduction: Bone is the most common site of hematogenous metastasis of malignant tumors. Patients with bone metastasis can have a series of bone related adverse events, which seriously affect the quality of life and survival time of patients. Imaging examination is the main means of clinical diagnosis and evaluation of bone metastasis. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the value of single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) combined with CT and MRI in the diagnosis of bone metastasis of malignant tumors. Subjects and Methods: Eighty patients with bone metastasis from malignant tumors who were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College were selected from March 2019 to June 2021. They underwent bone scan with SPECT imaging, CT and MRI separately. The distribution of bone metastasis from primary tumors as well as efficacy of the above three detection methods for bone metastasis was analyzed. Results: A total of 464 lesions were detected by SPECT and CT in the same scanning field, with SPECT detection rate of 92.5% (429/464) and CT detection rate of 77.8% (361/464) (P P P P Conclusion: SPECT may be the preferred screening modality for uspected bone metastases, and when combined with CT and MRI, it can clarify the regional distribution of bone metastasis from malignant tumors and improve the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis with high clinical significance.

Optimization Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Vertebral Metastases

The article is describing results after analysis of research conducted in Osh Interregional Oncology Center under the Ministry of Health in the Kyrgyz Republic. X-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging analyses were made for optimization diagnosis determination in patients with breast cancer vertebral metastases. According to the obtained data, the frequency of vertebral metastases in breast cancer was observed as well as the timing of their detection depending on the detection of the primary tumor. In addition, the necessity for early screening of vertebral metastases was explained.

Contribution of Scintigraphy in the Assessment of Extension of Osteophilic Cancers in Senegal from 2018 to 2021

The aim of this study was to highlight the contribution of bone scintigraphy in the assessment of extension of osteophilic cancers in Senegal. This was a retrospective study, with a descriptive and analytical purpose, carried out over a period of four (04) years between January 01, 2018 and December 31, 2021. It focused on the files of patients who underwent bone scintigraphy for extension assessment of an osteophilic cancer during the study period. According to the study, prostate cancer was by far the most representative primary cancer (86.9%). Scintigraphy contributed in 75% of cases (362 cases) with 35% positive scintigraphy and 40% negative scintigraphy. The result was doubtful in 25% of cases (120 cases). The metastatic lesions were located preferentially at the level of the axial skeleton and only one case was of an exclusive appendicular site. More than half of patients with metastases (70%) had a poor prognosis with the SOLOWAY score greater than or equal to II. With the improvement of the nuclear imaging technical platform in Senegal (performance of SPECT/CT examinations), doubtful cases in our sample could be better explored with the advantage of adequate patient care.

A Huge Metastatic Liver of a Neuroendocrin Tumor Explored by SPECT/CT with 99mTc-Tektrotyd: A Case Report

Background: Colorectal neuroendocrine tumors are rare and have a heterogeneous clinical representation and variable prognosis. High grade neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are characterized by destructive and aggressive growth, followed by rapid spread. For this purpose, SPECT/CT with 99mTc-Tektrotyd is very useful for imaging and staging of NETs. Case Report: A 50-year-old man with a huge metastatic liver from an unknown neuroendocrine tumor (NET). SPECT/CT with 99mTc-Tektrotyd was performed in this patient, it showed a huge metastatic hepatomegaly compressing neighboring organs with bone metastases, and also revealed the primary colon tumor. Discussion and Conclusion: In recent decades, the incidence and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), especially those of the colorectal segments, have been increasing. 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd?) was introduced into the market and its use has been approved for scintigraphic imaging of patients with NETs and other SSTR-positive tumors. It provides in vivo metabolic data related to the over-expression of Somatostatin Receptors (SSTRs) and also predicts response to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Radium-223 in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer

In 2004, docetaxel was approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer （mCRPC）. For the next several years, there was a lull in drug approvals. However, from 2010 onwards, 5 additional therapies have been approved on the basis of showing a survival benefit in phase III studies. These agents include sipuleuceI-T, cabazitaxel, abiraterone, enzalutamide and （most recently） radium-223. Amongst radiopharmaceuticals currently used for advanced prostate cancer （e.g. samarium-153 and strontium-89）, radium-223 possesses several unique properties. As an alpha-emitting compound, the agent produces a high-energy output over a short range, facilitating selective destruction of tissue within the bone in the region of osteoblastic lesions while sparing surrounding normal tissue. The current review will outline biological rationale for radium-223 and also provide an overview of preclinical and clinical development of the agent. Rational sequencing of radium-223 and combinations, in the increasingly complex landscape of mCRPC will be discussed, along with factors influencing clinical implementation.

Management of bone metastases in renal cell carcinoma: bone-targeted treatments, systemic therapies, and radiotherapy

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC)presents with bone metastases in around 20%-30%of patients enrolled in the most recent first-line clinical trials.Emergence of several new agents in first line,in both monotherapy and combination,has significantly improved patient outcomes.However,the activity of such agents on bone metastases is unclear and management of these patients is complex,due to potential complications that can significantly impair quality of life.This review addresses mRCC diagnosis and monitoring and summarizes the current evidence on systemic therapy,ablative therapies such as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and surgery,and supportive therapy with bone-targeting agents for these patients,with the goal of improving their outcomes.

Bone-targeted therapies to reduce skeletal morbidity in prostate cancer

Bone metastases are the main driver of morbidity and mortality in advanced prostate cancer. Targeting the bone microenvironment, a key player in the pathogenesis of bone metastasis, has become one of the mainstays of therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer. This review will evaluate the data supporting the use of bone-targeted therapy, including （1） bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid, which directly target osteoclasts, （2） denosumab, a receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B （RANK） ligand inhibitor, which targets a key component of bone stromal interaction, and （3） radium-223, an alpha-emitting calcium mimetic, which hones to the metabolically active areas of osteoblastic metastasis and induces double-strand breaks in the DNA. Denosumab has shown enhanced delay in skeletal-related events compared to zoledronic acid in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer （mCRPC）. Data are mixed with regard to pain control as a primary measure of efficacy. New data call into question dosing frequency, with quarterly dosing strategy potentially achieving similar effect compared to monthly dosing for zoledronic acid. In the case of radium-223, there are data for both pain palliation and improved overall survival in mCRPC. Further studies are needed to optimize timing and combination strategies for bone-targeted therapies. Ongoing studies will explore the impact of combining bone-targeted therapy with investigational therapeutic agents such as immunotherapy, for advanced prostate cancer. Future studies should strive to develop biomarkers of response, in order to improve efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these agents.

Incidence of bone metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa

Aim:This retrospective study was performed to show the incidence of bone metastasis from carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.Head and neck cancer is a leading health problem in India due to an increased incidence of tobacco use and poor oral hygiene.Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is common and roughly 2.5%of all malignancies that present to our center.Moreover,most patients present at late stages(III/IV)and consequently,survival rates are low.Bone metastasis in advanced cases of such carcinomas is rarely reported worldwide but is more prominent in parts of India.Methods:Here,we present a series of patients diagnosed with buccal mucosa carcinomas within the past 5 years that also demonstrated bone metastases.Results:These patients were young,with a history of tobacco chewing with locally advanced disease and bone metastases that developed within one year of diagnosis.Flat bones and vertebrae were mainly involved and the survival was short after diagnosis of metastasis despite treatment with local radiotherapy and chemotherapy.The cause of such frequent metastases cannot be proved but subclinical seeding of malignant cells before the eradication of the primary tumor is probable contributory with advanced local and nodal disease with high grade tumor.Conclusion:A pretreatment bone scan should be performed in locoregionally advanced buccal mucosa carcinomas at the time of diagnosis to defi ne the treatment plan.

The role of radiotherapy in metastatic bladder cancer

The management of metastatic bladder cancer is palliative.Best outcomes are achieved in those who are fit enough for systemic therapies.The place of radiotherapy in these patients is mainly for symptom control,in particular haematuria.However,a small proportion,especially those with oligometastases,will benefit from more radical treatment.In this review,we look at the evidence currently available for radiotherapy in this setting.