Analysis of angiogenic factors and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in cartilaginous tumors – clinical and histological correlation

OBJECTIVES: To study the role of angiogenesis and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in cartilaginous tumors and correlate these factors with prognosis. INTRODUCTION: For chondrosarcoma, the histological grade is the current standard for predicting tumor outcome. However, a low-grade chondrosarcoma can follow an aggressive course-as monitored by sequential imaging techniques-even when it is histologically indistinguishable from an enchondroma. Therefore, additional tools are needed to help identify the biological potential of these tumors. The degree of angiogenesis that is induced by the tumor could assist in this task. Angiogenesis can be quantified by measuring the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD34, and cyclooxygenase-2 can induce angiogenesis by stimulating the production of proangiogenic factors. METHODS: In total, 21 enchondromas and 58 conventional chondrosarcomas were studied by examining the clinical and histopathological findings in conjunction with the immunostaining markers of angiogenesis and cyclooxygenase- 2 expression. RESULTS: The significant variables that were associated with poor outcome were 1) higher-grade chondrosarcomas, 2) tumors that developed in flat bones, and 3) over-expression of CD34 (with a median count that was higher than 5.9 vessels in 5 high power fields). Moreover, CD34 expression (measured using the Chalkley method) revealed significantly higher microvessel density in flat bone chondrosarcomas. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between Chalkley microvessel density and histological grade; however, in our sample, we found that the former is predictive of the outcome. Chondrosarcomas in flat bones have been shown to correlate with a poor prognosis. We also found that CD34 microvessel density values were significantly higher in flat-bone chondrosarcomas. This could explain-at least in part-the more aggressive biological course that is taken by these tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that CD34 microvessel density in chondrosarcomas can be helpful in predicting patient outcome and may add to our understanding of chondrosarcoma pathogenesis

Comparative study of planned and unplanned excisions for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities

OBJECTIVE: Unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas is common because benign soft tissue lesions are very frequent. This study evaluated the impact of unplanned resections on overall survival, local recurrence and distant metastasis in patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. METHODS: In total, 52 patients who were diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas between May 2001 and March 2011 were analyzed in a retrospective study. Of these patients, 29 (55.8%) had not undergone previous treatment and the remaining 23 (44.2%) patients had undergone prior resection of the tumor without oncological planning. All subsequent surgical procedures were performed at the same cancer referral center. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 122 months, with a mean of 39.89 months. Age, lesion size and depth, histological grade, surgical margins, overall survival, local and distant recurrence and adjuvant therapies were compared. RESULTS: Residual disease was observed in 91.3% of the re-resected specimens in the unplanned excision group, which exhibited greater numbers of superficial lesions, low histological grades and contaminated surgical margins compared with the re-resected specimens in the planned excision group. No differences were observed in local recurrence and 5-year overall survival between the groups, but distant metastases were significantly associated with planned excision after adjustment for the variables. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between patients undergoing unplanned excision and planned excision regarding local recurrence and overall survival. The planned excision group had a higher risk of distant metastasis, whereas there was a high rate of residual cancer in the unplanned excision group

Comparative Study Of Planned And Unplanned Excisions For The Treatment Of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Of The Extremities.

Unplanned excision of soft tissue sarcomas is common because benign soft tissue lesions are very frequent. This study evaluated the impact of unplanned resections on overall survival, local recurrence and distant metastasis in patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. In total, 52 patients who were diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas between May 2001 and March 2011 were analyzed in a retrospective study. Of these patients, 29 (55.8%) had not undergone previous treatment and the remaining 23 (44.2%) patients had undergone prior resection of the tumor without oncological planning. All subsequent surgical procedures were performed at the same cancer referral center. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 122 months, with a mean of 39.89 months. Age, lesion size and depth, histological grade, surgical margins, overall survival, local and distant recurrence and adjuvant therapies were compared. Residual disease was observed in 91.3% of the re-resected specimens in the unplanned excision group, which exhibited greater numbers of superficial lesions, low histological grades and contaminated surgical margins compared with the re-resected specimens in the planned excision group. No differences were observed in local recurrence and 5-year overall survival between the groups, but distant metastases were significantly associated with planned excision after adjustment for the variables. There was no difference between patients undergoing unplanned excision and planned excision regarding local recurrence and overall survival. The planned excision group had a higher risk of distant metastasis, whereas there was a high rate of residual cancer in the unplanned excision group.69579-8

Sonographically Guided Core Needle Biopsy Of Bone And Soft Tissue Tumors.

To determine the value of sonographically guided core needle biopsies of musculoskeletal tumors as a reliable alternative to fluoroscopy and computed tomography. A prospective study was performed in 74 patients referred for image-guided needle biopsy of primary or recurrent musculoskeletal neoplasms and suspected solitary metastasis. Imaging studies performed before biopsy established the feasibility of sonographic guidance in 65 lesions, of which 38 were soft tissue tumors and 27 were bone lesions with extraosseous masses. The lesions were located mainly in the appendicular skeleton. Tissue samples were obtained with a 14-gauge cutting needle coupled to an automated biopsy device under local anesthesia and sonographic guidance. Statistical analysis was based on 48 biopsies confirmed by successful clinical treatment (10 cases) or surgical resection (38 cases). An accurate diagnosis was obtained in 47 (97%) of 48 biopsies; sensitivity was 96%, and specificity was 100%. The method did not yield sufficient tissue to establish a diagnosis in 1 case. Considering all 65 biopsies, high-quality specimens were obtained in 96%. The procedure was carried out expeditiously, and there were no complications. Sonographically guided core needle biopsy is accurate and safe, obviating open biopsy in most soft tissue masses and bone tumors with extraosseous masses in the appendicular skeleton. In such patients, the sonographically guided procedure is the most prompt and effective method for obtaining tissue samples.21275-8

Patellar Height Decreasing After Distal Femur Endoprosthesis Reconstruction Does Not Affect Functional Outcome

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The patellar height can influence extensor mechanism and the knee function. Thus, during knee arthroplasty, the surgeon seeks to maintain the correct patellar height. However, it is more difficult to define and maintain the correct patella height in megaprosthesis reconstructions after tumor resections. The objective of this study was to evaluate patellar height after distal femur endoprosthesis reconstruction and its association to knee function. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 108 patients who underwent distal femur resections and endoprosthesis reconstruction. The minimum follow-up was 1 year or until the patients underwent patellar resurfacing or endoprosthesis revision. Patellar height was calculated using Insall-Salvati ratio (ISR) and Insall-Salvati patellar tendon insertion ratio (PTR) at 2 different times: postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The postoperative ratio was calculated using the best postoperative radiograph taken at least 1 month after the procedure. The final measures were based on the radiograph available at the last follow-up consultation. The ISR and PTR were associated to anterior knee pain (AKP), range of motion (ROM), and extension lag (EXL). Results: The average follow-up was 4.5 years. The mean postoperative ISR was 1.02, and the mean ER at final follow-up was 0.95 (P<.0001).The mean postoperative PTR was 1.45, and the mean PTR at final follow-up was 1.40 (P=.016). There was no association between patellar height and AKP, ROM, and EXL. Patellar height decreases significantly after distal femur resections but does not affect AKP, ROM, and EXL.312442445Sao Paulo Research Foundation, BrazilNational Institutes of Health through Cancer Center Support Grant [5P30CA016672]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Desempenho isocinético do ombro de atletas profissionais de judô saudáveis: dados normativos

To evaluate normative data of shoulder isokinetic strength in healthy professional judo athletes. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 20 professional male and female athletes (10 female), evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer. The strength assessment was carried out in external and internal rotation, flexion, extension, adduction and abduction. All data collected on muscle torque were normalized with body mass index. Results: Athletes demonstrated higher peak torque and joint work in shoulder adduction, abduction, flexion, and extension for the dominant limb compared to the non-dominant limb (p <0.05), with most of these deficits below 10%. Shoulder internal/external rotation ratios for male and female athletes had no significant differences between dominant and non-dominant sides, demonstrating values at 60 degrees/s of 49.4 +/- 7.2 on the dominant side of males and 49.1 +/- 4.9 for females. Conclusion: The normative data are described to assist during treatment, return to sport and injury prevention276308312sem informaçãoAvaliar dados normativos da força isocinética do ombro de judocas profissionais, saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 20 atletas profissionais de ambos os sexos (dez mulheres) avaliados com dinamômetro isocinético. A avaliação da força foi realizada em rotação externa e interna, flexão, extensão, adução e abdução. Todos os dados coletados do torque muscular foram normalizados com o índice de massa corporal. Resultados: Os atletas demonstraram maior pico de torque e trabalho articular em adução, abdução, flexão e extensão do ombro para o membro dominante, comparado ao contralateral (p < 0,05), com a maioria desses défices abaixo de 10%. As razões de rotação interna/externa do ombro para atletas de ambos os sexos não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre o lados dominante e não dominante, demonstrando valores a 60o/s de 49,4 ± 7,2 no lado dominante dos homens e 49,1 ± 4,9 no das mulheres. Conclusão: Os dados normativos são descritos para auxiliar durante o tratamento, o retorno ao esporte e a prevenção de lesões. Nível de evidência IV, estudo transversalsem informaçã

Patellar Resurfacing Does It Affect Outcomes Of Distal Femoral Replacement After Distal Femoral Resection?

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Patellar resurfacing after routine arthroplasty remains controversial. Few studies have specifically examined the effect of patellar resurfacing on outcomes after resection of the distal part of the femur and reconstruction with a megaprosthesis. Our objective was to compare the outcomes of megaprosthesis reconstructions of the distal part of the femur with and without patellar resurfacing after resection of a distal femoral tumor. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with a femoral tumor who underwent resection of the distal part of the femur and endoprosthetic reconstruction between 1993 and 2013. We excluded patients who had had extra-articular knee resection, patellectomy, revision, reconstruction with an expandable prosthesis, or a proximal tibial replacement associated with the distal femoral replacement. We compared demographic characteristics, surgical variables, anterior knee pain, range of motion, extensor lag, Insall-Salvati ratio, Insall-Salvati patellar tendon insertion ratio, impingement, patellar degenerative disease, additional patellar procedures, complications, and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score between the patellar resurfacing and nonresurfacing groups. Results: One hundred and eight patients-sixty without patellar resurfacing and forty-eight with patellar resurfacing-were included in the study. The mean age was 33.9 years (range, twelve to seventy-five years). There were fifty-four men and fifty-four women. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 0.7 to twenty years). There was no significant difference in anterior knee pain between the groups (p = 0.51). Anterior knee pain did not significantly affect the range of motion, extensor lag, or reoperation or complication rate. Patellar degenerative disease occurred in 48% of the nonresurfaced knees but was not associated with focal pain. Complication rates were similar in the two groups, although peripatellar calcifications were significantly more common in the resurfacing group (19% versus 2%; p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the mean MSTS score between the nonresurfacing (81%) and resurfacing (71%) groups (p = 0.34). Conclusions: There were no differences in anterior knee pain, range of motion, extensor lag, or MSTS score between the patients with and those without patellar resurfacing. There were no cases of patellar component loosening or revision. In light of the similar outcomes in the two groups, the decision to resurface should be left up to the individual surgeon, who should take into account preoperative peripatellar pain and the status of the patella at the time of resection. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.987544551Sao Paulo Research Foundation-FAPESP, Brazilbiomedical arenaFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP