Management of sentinel node re-mapping in patients who have second or recurrent breast cancer and had previous axillary procedures

Background: In patients with recurrent or second primary ipsilateral breast cancer, axillary staging is the key factor in locoregional control and a strong prognostic characteristic. The efficient evaluation of lymphatic drainage of re-sentinel lymph node biopsies (re-SLNBs) has remained a challenge in the management of ipsilateral primary or recurrent breast cancer patients who are clinically lymph node negative. This study explores whether a SLNB for patients with primary or recurrent breast cancer is possible after previous axillary surgery. It evaluates potential reasons for mapping failure that might be associated with patients in this group

Clinical Utility of Functional RNA Analysis for the Reclassification of Splicing Gene Variants in Hereditary Cancer

Background: Classification of splicing variants (SVs) in genes associated with hereditary cancer is often challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of SVs in hereditary cancer genes and the clinical utility of RNA analysis. Material and Methods: 1518 individuals were tested for cancer predisposition, using a Next Generation Sequencing ( NGS) panel of 36 genes. Splicing variant analysis was performed using RT-PCR and Sanger Sequencing. Results: In total, 34 different SVs were identified, 53% of which were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. The remaining 16 variants were initially classified as Variant of Uncertain Significance (VUS). RNA analysis was performed for 3 novel variants. Conclusion: The RNA analysis assisted in the reclassification of 20% of splicing variants from VUS to pathogenic. RNA analysis is essential in the case of uncharacterized splicing variants, for proper classification and personalized management of these patients

Dealing with the gray zones in the management of gastric cancer: The consensus statement of the Istanbul Group

The geographical location and differences in tumor biology significantly change the management of gastric cancer. The prevalence of gastric cancer ranks fifth and sixth among men and women, respectively, in Turkey. The international guidelines from the Eastern and Western countries fail to manage a considerable amount of inconclusive issues in the management of gastric cancer. The uncertainties lead to significant heterogeneities in clinical practice, lack of homogeneous data collection, and subsequently, diverse outcomes