Stanisław Półtorak

Epidermal differentiation complex (locus 1q21) gene expression in head and neck cancer and normal mucosa.

Epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) comprises a number of genes associated with human skin diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and hyperkeratosis. These genes have also been linked to numerous cancers, among them skin, gastric, colorectal, lung, ovarian and renal carcinomas. The involvement of EDC components encoding S100 proteins, small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and other genes in the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has been previously suggested. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the expression of EDC components on the transcript level in HNSCC. Tissue specimens from 93 patients with HNC of oral cavity and 87 samples from adjacent or distant grossly normal oral mucosawere analyzed. 48 samples (24 tumor and 24 corresponding surrounding tissue) were hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip Human 1.0 ST Arrays. For validation by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) the total RNA from all180 samples collected in the study was analyzed with Real-Time PCR system and fluorescent amplicon specific-probes. Additional set of samples from 14 patients with laryngeal carcinoma previously obtained by HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarray was also included in the analyses. The expression of analyzed EDC genes was heterogeneous. Two transcripts (S100A1 and S100A4) were significantly down-regulated in oral cancer when compared to normal mucosa (0.69 and 0.36-fold change, respectively), showing an opposite pattern of expression to the remaining S100 genes. Significant up-regulation in tumors was found for S100A11, S100A7, LCE3D, S100A3 and S100A2 genes. The increased expression of S100A7 was subsequently validated by QPCR, confirming significant differences. The remaining EDC genes, including all encoding SPRR molecules, did not show any differences between oral cancer and normal mucosa. The observed differences were also assessed in the independent set of laryngeal cancer samples, confirming the role of S100A3 and LCE3D transcripts in HNC. In HNC of oral cavity only one family of EDC genes (S100 proteins) showed significant cancer-related differences. A number of other transcripts which showed altered expression in HNC require further validation.

Tracheal Reconstruction With the Use of Radial Forearm Free Flap Combined With Biodegradative Mesh Suspension

The main aim of tracheal restoration is to provide a noncollapsible construction with a functional epithelial lining and well-vascularized coverage. The authors present the case of a successful tracheal reconstruction in a patient with recurrent thyroid gland cancer infiltrating the trachea. The free radial forearm flap was formed as a tube and suspended to the mesh rings placed outside. Currently the patient has no problems with breathing.

The Risk of Relapse in Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) in the Context of BRAFV600E Mutation Status and Other Prognostic Factors.

Introduction The risk of over-treatment in low-advanced PTC stages has prompted clinicians to search for new reliable prognostic factors. The presence of BRAF mutation, the most frequent molecular event in PTC, seems to be a good candidate. However, there is still lack of randomised trials and its significance has been proved by retrospective analyses, involving a large group of patients. The question arises whether this factor is useful in smaller populations, characterised for specialised centres. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the use of BRAF mutation as a potential predictive marker in PTC patients. Material 233 PTC subjects treated between 2004-2006, were retrospectively analysed. Stage pT1 was diagnosed in 64.8% patients and lymph node metastases in 30.9%. Median follow-up was 7.5 years. BRAFV600E mutation was assessed postoperatively in all cases. Results BRAF V600E mutation was found in 54.5%. It was more frequent in patients > 45 years (p=0.0001), and associated with larger tumour size (p=0.004). Patients with tumours <= 10 mm were over-represented among BRAF negative population (p=0.03). No association between BRAF mutation and other clinicopathological factors was observed. BRAF status was associated neither with relapse nor with disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.76). Nodal status, extrathyroidal invasion and tumour size significantly influenced DFS. Conclusion The risk of PTC recurrence is mainly related to the presence of lymph node metastases and extrathyroidal invasion, whereas no impact of BRAF V600E mutation has been demonstrated.

Prognostic value of lymph node metastases of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) according to the local advancement and range of surgical excision

In differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with primary tumor smaller than 1 cm, the routine central lymph node (LN) dissection is questioned, due to increased risk of post-surgery complications and lack of confirmed benefit.AimThe analysis of prognostic significance of LN metastases, in DTC patients to verify the potential role of central neck lymphadenectomy on disease staging.Materials and methodsThe group of 195 DTC patients, primarily operated between 2004 and 2005, was retrospectively analyzed. 184 patients after radical operation, with no distant metastases diagnosed before surgery, were included into analysis. LN metastases were observed in 55 of cases (28%). In 124 cases only dissection of central LN compartment was performed, in 36 patients also uni- or bilateral modified cervical lymphadectomy was carried out. In 24 patients with tumor limited to the thyroid gland without suspicious lymph nodes, the routine central lymph node dissection was not done.ResultsMedian follow-up was 4 years. The 5-year overall and disease free survival standardized ratio were 100% and 95% respectively. The risk of LN metastases increased with the more locally advanced cancer. In the group of 124 patients, in whom only central LN dissection was performed, LN metastases were diagnosed in 15 cases (12%). No significant relation between multifocality and frequency of central and/or lateral LN metastases was noticed. Significant correlation between N feature and extrathyroidal invasion was observed (p = 0,0003). The presence of LN metastases was related to worsening of disease free survival from 99 to 90%. During the follow-up recurrence occurred in 6 (3%) cases. In 24 patients in whom only total thyroidectomy was done, no local or distant recurrence was observed. The assessment of early postoperative complications (hypoparathyroidism, paresis of vocal cords) indicated that the frequency of early calcium balance disturbances was significantly lower in patients in whom central LN dissection was not performed (p = 0,04)ConclusionsOur result indicate that in the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer, the occurrence of LN DTC metastases is rarer and was observed only in 12% of elective dissections of central LN node compartment, if no lateral dissection was indicated due to the lack of clinical suspicion. In DTC patients with tumor diameter <1 cm and no sonographical or inraoperative suspicion on LN involvement, routine central lymphadenectomy may be not obligatory.

Evaluation of Outcomes and Treatment Safety of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer to the Liver with Estimation of Prognostic Factors

UNLABELLED Liver resection is essential part of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM) treatment. Mean 5-year overall survival after resection achieves 30-45%. There are many factors influencing long-term outcomes, and among them the inflammatory response to tumor plays an important role. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was evaluation of outcomes and treatment safety of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver with estimation of prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS 130 consecutive patients (70 men and 60 women) operated in MSC Institute and Cancer Center in Gliwice from 2001 to 2009 due to colorectal liver metastases were analysed. Age of the patients ranged from 33 to 82 years (median 60 years). 96 (74%) patients underwent potentially radical resection, and in remaining 34 (26%) was performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) alone or combined with the resection. In the resection group 37 right hepatectomies, 11 left hepatectomies, 28 segmentectomies and 20 metastasectomies were performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were statistically analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors determining DFS and OS were analysed using Cox regression model. RESULTS In the resection group the 3- and 5-years OS was 64,5% and 46,6% respectively, and the 3- and 5-years DFS was 32% and 30,5% respectively. In the RFA group the 3- and 5-years OS was 33% and 9,5%. Statistically significant prognostic factors in the resection group in uni- and multivariate analysis were: grade and nodal involvement of the primary tumor, diameter of metastatic focus, positive and narrow (<1 mm) resection margins, preoperative fibrinogen level, preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and leukocyte amount of the peripheral blood. The perioperative mortality rate was 3%. CONCLUSIONS Liver resection due to colorectal liver metastases is a safe and effective method resulting in high survival rates. We confirmed some generally accepted prognostic factors influencing longterm outcomes and shown the impact of inflammatory response. We also confirmed the hypothesis that preoperative plasma fibrinogen level influences outcomes after liver resection due to CLM.

Face Transplant in an Advanced Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Patient

BACKGROUND The human face is a one-of-a-kind structure with unique morphology, complexity, and function, in which different subunits are not even similar to other parts of the body. Therefore, extended complex deficits of the face are usually difficult to reconstruct, and autologous tissue restoration is generally not able to give a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome. The main goal of face allotransplantation is to restore symmetry, contour, and appearance as well as function of the face, especially control of orbicularis oculi and oris muscle physiology. We present the case of a total face transplant in an advanced neurofibromatosis type 1 patient - the second face transplant in Poland. CASE REPORT The recipient was a 28-year-old female with neurofibromatosis type I limited to the head region. During 24 years she underwent more than 35 surgical procedures, but for the last 3 years a significant decrease of her functionality and appearance was observed, including serious problems with speech, eating, and vision. In December 2013 she was qualified for a face transplant procedure. When the donor was found, she was matched on several clinical and biochemical characteristics including negative T and B cell cross-matching. Similarly, the transplantation procedure was done using two connected operating rooms; in the first, the donors face was harvested, and in the second, the recipients face was prepared - the tumor mass was resected and vascular and nervous structures were prepared. Due to the extension and complexity of the potential defect, more than 75% of head soft tissues were harvested including both auriculae, left and right eyelids, and scalp down to the occipital lower line. CONCLUSIONS Our case showed that neurofibromatosis is a real indication for a face transplantation procedure. Also, the results of rehabilitation, quality of life, motor and sensory recovery, and physiological status were comparable, showing that face transplantation based on careful selection of recipients and procedure planning is a real alternative, allowing achievement of excellent results that are far away from the outcomes of conventional reconstructions.

Flap prefabrication using high-density porous polyethylene in an animal model – an experimental study

Background The search for new surgical flap techniques and modifications of already existing ones is gaining increasing popularity. Progress in flap designing and harvesting have improved the functional and aesthetic results, especially in head and neck reconstruction. Material/Methods Ten pigs were used in this study. In the first operation, high-density porous polyethylene prefabrication was performed bilaterally in all pigs. After 8 weeks, each prefabricated complex was explored, resected, and macroscopically evaluated. Results All of 20 prefabricated flaps survived. No serious surgical complications were observed. In 2 cases there was chronic inflammation and in 4 cases there was instability of the implant. Conclusions After this experimental study, we believe that the use of high-density porous polyethylene in flap prefabrication may be a good option for reconstruction of 3-dimensional defects, especially in patients with limited donor tissues.

Częściowa parotidektomia jako alternatywna metoda leczenia gruczolaka limfatycznego ślinianki przyusznej

Summary 82 patients with lymphadenoma of parotid gland treated with surgery in Department of Oncological Surgery Cancer Center, Gliwice in the period of 1986–2004 were retrospectively analyzed. They were about 22% of all patients with parotid gland tumors operated in that period. In almost 70% of cases partial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation was performed as a treatment of choice. In that group DFS was over 95%. Local recurrence occurred in less then 5%, only in cases with multiple tumor in histopathological examinations. Quality of life parameters were also analyzed. In the analysis complications rate increased with the extension of surgical treatment. It revealed in the postoperative cosmetic defect evaluation. Partial resection of the parotid gland could be useful method of surgical treatment of lymphadenoma selected cases. It allows to achieve the same results as classic parotidectomy with lower risk of significant complications. In analyzed group the local recurrence was always combined with multilesional growth of the tumor.

First Complex Allotransplantation of Neck Organs: Larynx, Trachea, Pharynx, Esophagus, Thyroid, Parathyroid Glands, and Anterior Cervical Wall: A Case Report.

Objective: Evaluate the possibility of performing a complex vascular allotransplant of all neck organs including skin. Summary Background Data: There are 2 previous attempts described in the literature, none of them being that complex. The first one is nonfunctional due to chronic rejection, the second one is viable yet considerably limited in complexity (no parathyroids, no skin). Methods: The allotransplantation was performed simultaneously on 2 adjacent operating rooms, using microsurgical techniques. Results: The patients voice, breathing through mouth, swallowing, and endocrinal functions have been fully restored. Conclusions: Achieved results show clearly that such operations performed in selected patients can nearly fully restore functional and aesthetic effects in 1 single procedure.

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Microvascular Breast Reconstruction Techniques

UNLABELLED The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of different microvascular techniques in breast reconstruction with the analysis of postoperative complications. The additional goal of the study is to analyze the quality of life of patients after microvascular breast reconstruction in comparison to the control group of patients who underwent only mastectomy without any reconstructive procedures. Also the algorithm of breast reconstruction is presented as the result of own experiences. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical material contain 2 groups of patients - women after surgical treatment in Department of Oncological and Reconstructive Surgery, Cancer Center in Gliwice in the year 2004-2009 where in 53 cases immediate and in 26 delayed breast microvascular reconstruction were performed. In all cases the diagnosis of cancer was proved by histopathological biopsy before the treatment. The type of radical resection (mastectomy) depended on histopathological type of cancer and its localization. The reconstruction - immediate vs delayed was carefully planned together with oncological treatment of the cases. Everywhere this plan was established based on carefully examinations of inferior epigastric vessels and theirs perforators. The choice between immediate and delayed microvascular reconstruction was based on prognosis and predictive factors. The QOL was analyzed due to own questionnaire when functional, aesthetics and social effects were evaluated. RESULTS Free flap survival rate for all types of free flap was 95%. In cases where classic TRAM was used the rate was 85%, in cases where muscle sparring TRAM was chosen the survival rate was 100% and in remaining cases of DIEP reconstructions the rate was 89%. Generally the complications after microvascular reconstruction occurred in 13 cases (16%). In 9 cases the problems with flaps perfusion were notified. Total flap necrosis was observed in 2 TRAM and in 2 DIEP cases. In all those cases salvage surgery was administered in which the microanastomoses were explored and repaired. In 5 cases the cause of the complications was venous thrombosis, in 2 cases the vascular pedicle was kinked, and in remaining 1 the arterial thrombosis was found. The second type of complication was fat necrosis (<25% of flap volume) which was observed in 5 cases between 1 and 4 months after surgery, and it request minor plastic surgery. Donor site complications were noted in 4 cases. In two of those hernia in cicatrices was diagnosed (both were classic TRAMs), in remaining 2 in which also fully muscle TRAM was classic the weakness of abdominal wall was observed. In group were msTRAM and DIEP were used no donor site complications occurred.