Injectable Nanorobot-Hydrogel Superstructure for Hemostasis and Anticancer Therapy of Spinal Metastasis

Surgery remains the standard treatment for spinal metastasis.However,uncontrolled intraoperative bleeding poses a significant challenge for adequate surgical resection and compromises surgical outcomes.In this study,we develop a thrombin(Thr)-loaded nanorobothydrogel hybrid superstructure by incorporating nanorobots into regenerated silk fibroin nanofibril hydrogels.This superstructure with superior thixotropic properties is injected percutaneously and dispersed into the spinal metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with easy bleeding characteristics,before spinal surgery in a mouse model.Under near-infrared irradiation,the self-motile nanorobots penetrate into the deep spinal tumor,releasing Thr in a controlled manner.Thr-induced thrombosis effectively blocks the tumor vasculature and reduces bleeding,inhibiting tumor growth and postoperative recurrence with Au nanorod-mediated photothermal therapy.Our minimally invasive treatment platform provides a novel preoperative therapeutic strategy for HCC spinal metastasis effectively controlling intraoperative bleeding and tumor growth,with potentially reduced surgical complications and enhanced operative outcomes.

A patient with spinal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma discovered from neurological findings

Although spinal tumors are uncommon, they may reduce survival or cause serious functional disorders in the extremities. Metastatic spinal tumors from malignant tumors can induce symptoms of spinal cord compression, such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, and vesicorectal disturbance, which are aggravated with progression of the diseases and time. We report a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who was suspected of having spinal lesions based on neurological findings, and a metastatic spinal tumor was found by imaging examination. Assuming that metastasis had occurred at the time lumbar pain developed, the patient reached the level of gait disturbance within only 4 mo, showing a rapid advancement of symptoms. If early diagnosis had been possible, treatment could be performed before acute myelopathy progressed to complete paralysis. We speculate that the terminal stage of HCC is not only liver failure associated with intrahepatic lesions but also metastasis to other regions, treatment for individual pathologies therefore, will be needed, which constitutes an important issue.

Solitary Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis from Colon Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

It is extremely rare for cancer to present as an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis. The authors report on a case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with progressive tetraparesis to metastatic colon adenocarcinoma in the spinal cord. A review of the literature reveals that intramedullary localization is associated with a very short life expectancy, with a median survival of 3-4 months from the time of the diagnosis;nevertheless microsurgical removal of tumor can improve quality of life.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis(ISCM) is very rare and its optimal treatment remains controversial. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(pNET) is a rare tumor that usually presents with hepatic metastasis. Hepatic failure due to tumor progression is the major cause of death in cases of pNET. To date,no report has described a case of ISCM from pNET. Although spinal cord metastasis of a solid tumor is uncommon,it is a critical condition that can cause a potentially irreversible loss of neurologic function. Here,we report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with leg weakness and voiding difficulty,and was found to have ISCM from pNET. Surgical treatment prevented further neurological deterioration. This is the first case report of ISCM from pNET.

Case of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of renal cell carcinoma

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare. The improved survival resulting from more effective treatments formany cancers has led to an increased number of publications concerning intramedullary spinal cord metastasis(ISCM), including case reports and literature reviews; however, ISCM remains extremely rare in renal cancer. A 69-year-old man with a medical history of renal cell carcinoma(RCC) presented with urinary retention and bilateral paralysis of the lower extremities. A neurological examination revealed bilateral paraparesis below L1. Although brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), bone scintigraphy, and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed no abdominal findings, the thracolumbar MRI indicated a spot on the spinal cord at the Th12 level that exhibited hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid enhancement on T1-weighted imaging. Accordingly, an ISCM of RCC was diagnosed. The patient rejected all treatments for these metastases except the steroid therapy. The patient's condition deteriorated owing to metastatic progression, and he died 3 mo after the appearance of ISCM symptoms. The prognosis of this condition was poor. The mean survival durations were 8 mo with surgical treatment, 4 mo with irradiation, and 2 mo with palliative treatments. In cases involving neurological features and if brain or bone metastasis or spinal cord compression is not clearly observed, gadolinium-enhanced MRI should be performed to determine the existence of ISCM. Recently, some authors have reported the efficacy of ISCM resection. Surgical treatment could potentially yield improvements in the nervous symptoms or a longer survival after treatment. Although the prognosis was poor in most cases of ISCM, surgical treatment may improve the patient's quality of life.

Prevalence of Spinal Metastasis in Neurosurgical Procedures: A Descriptive Study

Objective: This study sought to identify the prevalence of operations for spinal epidural neoplastic metastases relative to other spine and neurosurgical operative procedures. Methods: This study was descriptive and involved a retrospective review of data collected from patients who underwent neurosurgeries between February 1997 and January 2015 at a single quaternary hospital. The examined population was distributed across five descriptive categories to perform numerical distributions among neurosurgical operative procedures. Results: A total of 12,802 neurosurgical procedures were identified. These procedures were classified as follows: Skull and brain, 11,192 (87.42%);spinal column and spinal nervous tissue, 1462 (11.42%);and peripheral nerves, 148 (1.16%). Surgical procedures for the 1462 (100%) cases of spinal column and spinal nervous tissue diseases were distributed by nosology as follows: Degenerative intervertebral disk and spondylosis, 768 (52.54%);neoplastic, 279 (19.08%);traumatic, 221 (15.11%);congenital, 163 (11.14%);infectious and inflammatory, 27 (1.85%);and vascular, 4 (0.28%). With respect to the distribution of the 279 (100%) surgical procedures for spinal column and spinal nervous tissue neoplastic diseases, 124 (44.44%) procedures were for intradural neoplasms, and 155 (55.56%) procedures were for epidural spinal column neoplasms. The 155 (100%) operations for epidural neoplastic diseases were distributed into two groups: Primary epidural neoplasms, 42 (27.10%);and secondary epidural neoplasms, 113 (72.90%). Spinal column epidural neoplastic metastases (secondary neoplasms) represented 0.88% of the 12,802 neurosurgical procedures. Conclusions: Surgical procedures for spinal metastasis are uncommon with respect to all neurosurgical operative procedures. Trend analysis reveals an unchanging trend of prevalence for these procedures.

Preliminary study of transforaminal endoscope in the treatment of spinal metastasis

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of transforaminal endoscope in patients with spinal metastases.Methods:Clinical data of 28 patients with spinal metastases admitted to our hospital from May 2015 to May 2019 were retrospectively collected.According to different surgical methods,they were divided into control group(20 cases)and experimental group(8 cases),among which control group was treated with traditional open palliative decompression,while the experimental group was treated with transforaminal endoscopic decompression.The surgery and recovery indicators were compared between the two groups,including surgery time,incision length,postoperative drainage volume,out of bed activity time,length of hospital stay,the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores of 7 days after surgery,pain degree,complications(wound infection,transient reduction of muscle strength,hypoproteinemia with wound drainage and delayed healing),and activity of daily living.Results:The surgery time,incision length,postoperative drainage volume,out of bed activity time,and postoperative length of hospital stay of the experimental group were all less than those of the control group,and the JOA score of 7 days after surgery was higher than that of the control group,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.05).VAS scores of the experimental group on the day 1 and day 7 after surgery were lower than those of the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in the experimental group was slightly lower than that in the control group,but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:Transforaminal endoscope used in suitable patients with spinal metastases can greatly reduce the incision length,soft tissue and bone tissue damages,and postoperative drainage,promote early mobilization and early discharge,and reduce a series of complications due to hemorrhage and hypoproteinemia,which has a better early clinical effect in comparison with the traditional open palliative decompression.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastases in Breast Cancer: Report a Case

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) from breast cancer is a relatively rare disease. We present this disease. Case presentation: The patient was a 67-year-old woman with lung metastasis appearing 3 years after breast cancer surgery. Complete remission was achieved for the metastatic lesion with chemotherapy, but multiple cerebellar metastases were found 3 months after the completion of chemotherapy. Whole-brain irradiation was administered, resulting in symptomatic improvement. Approximately 6 months later, the patient experienced weakness in the lower extremities and difficulty walking. Magnetic resonance imaging detected a well-defined intraspinal tumor measuring 13 × 13 × 30 mm at the level of Th12-L1. After 20-Gy irradiation to the tumor, oral steroid administration, and rehabilitation, the patient regained the ability to walk. Eight months have passed, to date, since these interventions and the patient is currently receiving treatment for metastases to bones, including the spine, but is still capable of walking without difficulty. We herein report this case with a review of the relevant literature. Conclusion: ISCM in the breast cancer is relatively rare. But, it is the clinical condition which it should always place in the mind.

Imaging and clinical properties of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor in the spinal cord

Inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor usually occurs in the brain and rarely occurs in the spinal cord. On imaging, inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor appears very similar to intramedullary tumors such as gliomas. It is often misdiagnosed as intramedullary tumor and surgically resected. In view of this, the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations and the pathological fea- tures of 36 cases of inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumer in the spinal cord were retrospec- tively analyzed and summarized. Most of these cases suffered from acute or subacute onset and exhibited a sensofimotor disorder. Among them, six cases were misdiagnosed as having intrame- dullary gliomas, and inflammatory demyelinating pseudotumor was only identified and pathologically confirmed after surgical resection. Lesions in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord were common. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed edema and space-occupying lesions to varying degrees at the cervical-thoracic junction, with a predominant feature of non-closed rosette-like reinforcement （open-loop sign）. Pathological examination showed perivascular cuffing of predominantly dense lymphocytes, and demyelination was observed in six of the misdiagnosed cases. These re- sults suggest that tumor-like inflammatory demyelinating disease in the spinal cord is a kind of special demyelinating disease that can be categorized as inflammatory pseudotumor. These solitary lesions are easily confused with intramedullary neoplasms. Patchy or non-closed reinforcement （open-ring sign） on magnetic resonance imaging is the predominant property of inflammatory de- myelinating pseudotumor, and inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination are additional patho- logical properties.

Evaluate the characteristics and clinical significance of “toxic twin-leaf” sign in spinal epidural metastases before percutaneous vertebroplasty

Objective: Our study aimed to analyze morphological features of spinal epidural metastases using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and investigate the formation mechanism and clinical significance of the "toxic twinleaf" sign in spinal epidural metastasis.Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 108 patients with spinal epidural metastases who underwent MRI. Patients were divided into "toxic twin-leaf" sign group(group A) and irregular group(group B). Chi-square test was used to analyze data on sex, vertebra location, presence of fracture in the corresponding vertebral body,involvement of the corresponding pedicle, and the primary tumor. Further, group data were analyzed using the rank sum test;p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The "twin-leaf" sign was noted in 88 cases with 136 epidural masses and 20 cases of irregular shape in 108 patients;the "toxic twin-leaf" sign accounted for 87.18% of spinal epidural metastases. A difference between groups in the vertebra location(p < 0.01) was observed, but no differences were found in sex, presence of fractures in the corresponding vertebral body, involvement of the corresponding pedicle, and primary tumor(p >0.05). Intergroup differences in the rate of spinal stenosis on axial and sagittal images were significant.Conclusions: MRI axial sequences clearly revealed the morphology of spinal epidural metastases. Detection of the"toxic twin-leaf" sign in spinal epidural metastases was of great clinical significance. Furthermore, determining the degree of spinal stenosis in the axial sequence provided a more accurate evaluation of patients’ condition compared to the sagittal sequence.

Perioperative mortality of metastatic spinal disease with unknown primary: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Spinal metastases are common in patients with malignancies,but studies on those metastasized from unknown primaries are scarce due to the difficulty in treatment and the relatively poor prognosis.Knowledge of surgical complications,particularly perioperative mortality,in patients with spinal metastases from unidentified sources is still insufficient.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man with chest-back pain was diagnosed with spinal metastasis in the seventh thoracic vertebra(T7).Radiographic examinations,as well as needle biopsy and immunohistochemical tests were performed to verify the characteristics of the lesion,resulting in an inconclusive diagnosis of poorly differentiated cancer from an unknown primary lesion.Therefore,spinal surgery was performed using the posterior approach to relieve symptoms and verify the diagnosis.Postoperative histologic examination indicated that this poorly differentiated metastatic cancer was possibly sarcomatoid carcinoma.As the patient experienced unexpectedly fast progression of the disease and died 16 d after surgery,the origin of this metastasis was undetermined.We discuss this case with respect to reported perioperative mortality in similar cases.CONCLUSION A comprehensive assessment prior to surgical decision-making is essential to reduce perioperative mortality risk in patients with spinal metastases from an unknown origin.

Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) —The Evolving Story from Kashmir

Aim: To know the demographics of the patients most commonly involved by metastatic cord compression in Kashmir and to find the commonest primary organ to metastasize to spine causing cord compression. Methods: A hospital-based 10-year retro-prospective study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura from July 2002 to June 2012, which is the premier tertiary care institute of the Kashmir valley. Patients were evaluated for metastatic spinal cord compression based on a standard proforma and specialized investigations were carried out and were deemed necessary by the concerned neurosurgical unit. Results: The commonest primary malignancy to metastasize to the spinal column in our study was Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, followed in turn by metastatic squamous cell carcinoma lung, metastatic intraductal carcinoma breast and metastatic adenocarcinoma prostate. Predominantly dorsal spine was the commonest region of spine involved by MSCC. Conclusion: Metastatic spinal cord compression is coming up in a big way. As the long-term cancer survivors increase due to multi-modality treatment protocols aimed at treating cancers and prolonging survival, there will be a proportionate increase in the number of patients who will potentially land up in metastatic spinal cord compression.

Multiple Spinal Intradural-Intramedullary Involvement by Metastatic Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation with Occult Primary—An Unusual Case Report and Review of Literature

Although vertebral column is recognized as the most common site for bony metastasis in patient with systemic malignancy, intramedullary metastases to the spinal cord is infrequent. Between 5% - 10% of cancer patients develop spinal metastasis during the course of their diseases. Intramedullary tumors are rare, comprising 3.5% of spinal metastasis. Most metastatic spinal lesions (70%) are found at the thoracic level, 20% in lumbar region and 10% in the cervical region. We report a rare biopsy proven case of intramedullary spinal metastatic carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation because of its unusual presentation, involving spine at multiple noncontiguous levels, which appeared as irregular small nodules on MRI. The primary tumor was most likely from occult primary in lung. Biopsy from the spinal lesion established the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Therefore, in patients with spinal metastasis, a thorough work up is advised to evaluate primary site. This would help to delineate the nature and the extent of the systemic disease. We highlighted herein the clinical presentation, radiological findings particularly MRI and role of biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of intramedullary spinal metastasis.

Gastric metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma:Three case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC)is highly susceptible to metastasis in the early stages of the disease.However,the stomach is an uncommon site of metastasis in SCLC,and only a few cases of this type of metastasis have been reported.Therefore,SCLC gastric metastases have not been systematically characterized and are easily missed and misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY We report three cases of gastric metastasis from SCLC in this article.The first patient presented primarily with cough,hemoptysis,and epigastric fullness.The other two patients presented primarily with abdominal discomfort,epigastric distension,and pain.All patients underwent gastroscopy and imaging examinations.Meanwhile,the immunohistochemical results of the lesions in three patients were suggestive of small cell carcinoma.Finally,the three patients were diagnosed with gastric metastasis of SCLC through a comprehensive analysis.The three patients did not receive appropriate treatment and died within a short time.CONCLUSION Here,we focused on summarizing the characteristics of gastric metastasis of SCLC to enhance clinicians'understanding of this disease.

Game-changing insights on vertebral skeletal stem cells in bone metastasis and therapeutic horizons

Greenblatt and his team have unveiled vertebral skeletal stem cells(vSSCs)as a critical player in the landscape of bone metastasis.This commentary delves into the transformative discoveries surrounding vSSCs,emphasizing their distinct role in bone metastasis compared to other stem cell lineages.We illuminate the unique properties and functions of vSSCs,which may account for the elevated susceptibility of vertebral bones to metastatic invasion.Furthermore,we explore the exciting therapeutic horizons opened by this newfound understanding.These include potential interventions targeting vSSCs,modulation of associated signaling pathways,and broader implications for the treatment and management of bone metastasis.By shedding light on these game-changing insights,we hope to pave the way for novel strategies that could revolutionize the prognosis and treatment landscape for cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.

Analysis of lymph node metastasis and survival prognosis in early gastric cancer patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Early gastric cancer(EGC)is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system,and its lymph node metastasis and survival prognosis have been concerning.By retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of EGC patients,we can better under-stand the status of lymph node metastasis and its impact on survival and prog-nosis.AIM To evaluate the prognosis of EGC patients and the factors that affect lymph node METHODS The clinicopathological data of 1011 patients with EGC admitted to our hospital between January 2015 and December 2023 were collected in a retrospective cohort study.There were 561 males and 450 females.The mean age was 58±11 years.The patient underwent radical gastrectomy.The status of lymph node metastasis in each group was determined according to the pathological examination results of surgical specimens.The outcomes were as follows:(1)Lymph node metastasis in EGC patients;(2)Analysis of influencing factors of lymph node metastasis in EGC;and(3)Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with EGC.Normally distributed measurement data are expressed as mean±SD,and a t test was used for comparisons between groups.The data are expressed as absolute numbers or percentages,and the chi-square test was used for comparisons between groups.Rank data were compared using a nonparametric rank sum test.A log-rank test and a logistic regression model were used for univariate analysis.A logistic stepwise regression model and a Cox stepwise regression model were used for multivariate analysis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate and construct survival curves.A log-rank test was used for survival analysis.RESULTS Analysis of influencing factors of lymph node metastasis in EGC.The results of the multifactor analysis showed that tumor length and diameter,tumor site,tumor invasion depth,vascular thrombus,and tumor differentiation degree were independent influencing factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with EGC(odds ratios=1.80,1.49,2.65,5.76,and 0.60;95%CI:1.29–2.50,1.11–2.00,1.81–3.88,3.87-8.59,and 0.48-0.76,respectively;P<0.05).Analysis of prognostic factors in patients with EGC.All 1011 patients with EGC were followed up for 43(0–13)months.The 3-year overall survival rate was 97.32%.Multivariate analysis revealed that age>60 years and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for prognosis in patients with EGC(hazard ratio=9.50,2.20;95%CI:3.31-27.29,1.00-4.87;P<0.05).Further analysis revealed that the 3-year overall survival rates of gastric cancer patients aged>60 years and≤60 years were 99.37%and 94.66%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with and without lymph node metastasis were 95.42%and 97.92%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The lymph node metastasis rate of EGC patients was 23.64%.Tumor length,tumor site,tumor infiltration depth,vascular cancer thrombin,and tumor differentiation degree were found to be independent factors affecting lymph node metastasis in EGC patients.Age>60 years and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for EGC prognosis.

Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

BACKGROUND Although PNENs generally have a better prognosis than pancreatic cancers,some PNENs display malignant behavior including lymph node(LN)metastasis.Complete tumor resection can be the only potentially curative treatment for patients with resectable PNENs.However,the indications for LN dissection are still controversial.Over the last decade,minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic pancreatic surgery(LPS)has been increasingly performed for pancreatic tumors including PNENs.AIM To investigate the risk factors for LN metastasis in PNENs and to select appropriate patients for limited surgery by LPS.METHODS From April 2001 to December 2019,92 patients underwent pancreatic resection for PNENs at Kumamoto University Hospital.Finally,82 patients were enrolled in this study.Using perioperative factors,we examined the predictive factors for LN metastasis in PNENs.RESULTS Among the 82 patients,the percentage of LN metastasis according to the pathological findings was 12%(10/82 cases).The median tumor size was 12 mm(range:5-90 mm).The median tumor size in the LN-positive group(37 mm)was significantly larger than that in the LN-negative group(12 mm)(P=0.0001).Multivariate analyses revealed that larger tumor size(≥20 mm)was an independent risk factor for LN metastasis(odds ratio 16.8,P=0.0062).In patients with small tumors(≤10 mm),LN metastasis was not found.CONCLUSION Larger tumor size(≥20 mm)is an independent risk factor for LN metastasis in PNENs.In smaller PNENs(≤10 mm),we may be able to choose limited surgery without LN dissection.

Diagnostic value of conventional endoscopic ultrasound for lymph node metastasis in upper gastrointestinal neoplasia:A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal neoplasia mainly includes esophageal cancer and gastric cancer,both of which have high morbidity and mortality.Lymph node metastasis(LNM),as the most common metastasis mode of both diseases,is an important factor affecting tumor stage,treatment strategy and clinical prognosis.As a new fusion technology,endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is becoming increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases,but its use in detecting LNM in clinical practice remains limited.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional EUS for LNM in upper gastrointestinal neoplasia.METHODS Using the search mode of“MeSH+Entry Terms”and according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria,we conducted a comprehensive search and screening of the PubMed,EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from January 1,2000 to October 1,2022.Study data were extracted according to the predetermined data extraction form.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool,and the results of the quality assessment were presented using Review Manager 5.3.5 software.Finally,Stata14.0 software was used for a series of statistical analyses.RESULTS A total of 22 studies were included in our study,including 2986 patients.The pooled sensitivity,specificity,positive likelihood ratio,negative likelihood ratio,diagnostic score and diagnostic odds ratio of conventional EUS in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal neoplasia LNM were 0.62[95%confidence interval(CI):0.50-0.73],0.80(95%CI:0.73-0.86),3.15(95%CI:2.46-4.03),0.47(95%CI:0.36-0.61),1.90(95%CI:1.51-2.29)and 6.67(95%CI:4.52-9.84),respectively.The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80(95%CI:0.76-0.83).Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of the meta-analysis were stable.There was considerable heterogeneity among the included studies,and the threshold effect was an important source of heterogeneity.Univariable meta-regression and subgroup analysis showed that tumor type,sample size and EUS diagnostic criteria were significant sources of heterogeneity in specificity(P<0.05).No significant publication bias was found.CONCLUSION Conventional EUS has certain clinical value and can assist in the detection of LNM in upper gastrointestinal neoplasia,but it cannot be used as a confirmatory or exclusionary test.

Risk factors,prognostic predictors,and nomograms for pancreatic cancer patients with initially diagnosed synchronous liver metastasis

BACKGROUND Liver metastasis(LM)remains a major cause of cancer-related death in patients with pancreatic cancer(PC)and is associated with a poor prognosis.Therefore,identifying the risk and prognostic factors in PC patients with LM(PCLM)is essential as it may aid in providing timely medical interventions to improve the prognosis of these patients.However,there are limited data on risk and prognostic factors in PCLM patients.AIM To investigate the risk and prognostic factors of PCLM and develop corresponding diagnostic and prognostic nomograms.METHODS Patients with primary PC diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and Results Database.Risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis to develop the diagnostic mode.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model was used to determine the prognostic factors needed to develop the prognostic model.The performance of the two nomogram models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration plots,decision curve analysis(DCA),and risk subgroup classification.The Kaplan-Meier method with a logrank test was used for survival analysis.RESULTS We enrolled 33459 patients with PC in this study.Of them,11458(34.2%)patients had LM at initial diagnosis.Age at diagnosis,primary site,lymph node metastasis,pathological type,tumor size,and pathological grade were identified as independent risk factors for LM in patients with PC.Age>70 years,adenocarcinoma,poor or anaplastic differentiation,lung metastases,no surgery,and no chemotherapy were the independently associated risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with PCLM.The C-index of diagnostic and prognostic nomograms were 0.731 and 0.753,respectively.The two nomograms could accurately predict the occurrence and prognosis of patients with PCLM based on the observed analysis results of ROC curves,calibration plots,and DCA curves.The prognostic nomogram could stratify patients into prognostic groups and perform well in internal validation.CONCLUSION Our study identified the risk and prognostic factors in patients with PCLM and developed corresponding diagnostic and prognostic nomograms to help clinicians in subsequent clinical evaluation and intervention.External validation is required to confirm these results.

Leptomeningeal metastasis from central nervous system tumors: A study of classification and stage in the spinal canal of 58 patients

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is caused by the spread of malignant tumor cells into the subarachnoid space.However,classification and staging of LM in the spinal canal is rare in the literature.The authors reviewed the records of 58 Chinese patients with LM for clinical features,neuroimaging,and treatments.Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and spinal cord were performed in all patients.Removal of intracranial tumors was performed in all patients and diagnoses were confirmed by histology.The study group consisted of 58 patients,with 29 cases presenting with intraspinal symptoms.Of the 58,8 patients underwent intraspinal tumor removal,8 received radiotherapy alone,9 received chemotherapy alone,and 34 patients received combined radiochemotherapy.We classified LM into 3 types:type L or leptomeninges LM,is subdivided into 2 subtypes (subtype LI and LII (a,b)),type N or nerve root LM is subdivided into 2 subtypes (subtype NI and NII (a,b)),and type M or mixed-type LM.We also divided LM into stages of I-IV according to the symptoms and the volume of the tumor based on spinal axial MRI.Type LI LM often occurs in patients with intracranial and intraspinal tumors found simultaneously.Patients who receive surgery for intracranial tumors may present with type N LM.Surgery is suitable for patients with NI LM and LIIb LM in stages III-IV,presenting with severe spinal symptoms.The prognosis is better for type N LM than type L LM.