Browsing by Author "Gavrilovic, Dusica (8849698200)"

Purpose: To analyze the dose distribution achieved during 2D radiography-based brachytherapy (BRT) planning, by using a 3D MRI-based BRT replanning evaluation, in patients with advanced cervical carcinoma, treated with definitive concomitant chemoradiation (CCRT). Methods: The curative CCRT was applied to 30 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma. For each patient, 2D radiography-based planning and a 3D MRI-based BRT replanning were performed. Applying the same source positions and dwell times in both planning methods, it was possible to use the MRI replanning to evaluate the dose distribution, maximum organs at risk (OAR) doses and target volume coverage, that was obtained during 2D BRT planning. Results: A statistically significant difference for bladder and rectum maximum doses, between 2D planning (Bmax, Rmax) and 3D replanning (D0.1ccm, D1ccm, D2ccm) was found, except between Bmax and bladder D2ccm dose (p=0.07), and Rmax and rectal D2ccm dose in the group of patients with symmetrical rectum position regarding the applicator system (p=0.47). MRI evaluation of the HR-CTV volume, according to the 2D planning achieved dose distribution, revealed total EQD2 HR-CTV doses: D90 (107.15±22.06 Gy) and D100 (80.66±14.58 Gy). Conclusion: 2D radiography-based BRT planning can provide a good estimation for the bladder and rectum 3D D2ccm dose with a significant statistical difference for the doses in the smaller OAR volumes (D0.1ccm, D1ccm). Inability to visualize tumor tissue during 2D BRT planning provides no option in tailoring the dose distribution to the tumor volume and patient anatomy, leading to potential under/over-treatment in some patients. © This work by JBUON is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Purpose: To analyze the dose distribution achieved during 2D radiography-based brachytherapy (BRT) planning, by using a 3D MRI-based BRT replanning evaluation, in patients with advanced cervical carcinoma, treated with definitive concomitant chemoradiation (CCRT). Methods: The curative CCRT was applied to 30 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma. For each patient, 2D radiography-based planning and a 3D MRI-based BRT replanning were performed. Applying the same source positions and dwell times in both planning methods, it was possible to use the MRI replanning to evaluate the dose distribution, maximum organs at risk (OAR) doses and target volume coverage, that was obtained during 2D BRT planning. Results: A statistically significant difference for bladder and rectum maximum doses, between 2D planning (Bmax, Rmax) and 3D replanning (D0.1ccm, D1ccm, D2ccm) was found, except between Bmax and bladder D2ccm dose (p=0.07), and Rmax and rectal D2ccm dose in the group of patients with symmetrical rectum position regarding the applicator system (p=0.47). MRI evaluation of the HR-CTV volume, according to the 2D planning achieved dose distribution, revealed total EQD2 HR-CTV doses: D90 (107.15±22.06 Gy) and D100 (80.66±14.58 Gy). Conclusion: 2D radiography-based BRT planning can provide a good estimation for the bladder and rectum 3D D2ccm dose with a significant statistical difference for the doses in the smaller OAR volumes (D0.1ccm, D1ccm). Inability to visualize tumor tissue during 2D BRT planning provides no option in tailoring the dose distribution to the tumor volume and patient anatomy, leading to potential under/over-treatment in some patients. © This work by JBUON is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Purpose: To evaluate the adverse outcomes after delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) by abdominal advancement flap (AAF) and permanent prosthesis in patients treated with mastectomy due to unilateral breast carcinoma, as well as to determine which factors are predictive for their occurrence. Methods: The study included 155 patients operated at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia from 1996 to 2010. All patients had total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, followed by specific oncological treatment. Patients were selected for DBR after complete diagnostic evaluation. Adverse events were evaluated in regard to patient, disease and prostheses-related factors. Results: During follow-up, DBR adverse events were observed in 23.23% of the patients - the majority (91.67%) had only one. The most frequent was capsule contracture (47.22%), followed by asymmetry (22.22%), infection (16.67%) and prosthesis rupture (16.67%). There were isolated cases of prosthesis prolapse and local disease recurrence. Infections were treated conservatively in all but one patient. Other events were managed by additional operation. Statistical analysis showed that complications occurred significantly more often in patients ≥51 years (vs 18-40, vs 41-50), disease stage IIb (vs Ia), T2 (vs TI) tumors and adjuvant radiotherapy (vs without). Prostheses-related factors were not significant for DBR complications, neither body mass index (BMI), nor smoking habits. Conclusions: DBR using AAF and permanent prosthesis is a safe technique with acceptable complication rate. It provides one-time surgery with satisfactory aesthetic results and good postoperative recovery. Most frequent complication is capsule contracture. Patients' age and irradiation of the chest wall after mastectomy are predictive factors for complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the adverse outcomes after delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) by abdominal advancement flap (AAF) and permanent prosthesis in patients treated with mastectomy due to unilateral breast carcinoma, as well as to determine which factors are predictive for their occurrence. Methods: The study included 155 patients operated at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia from 1996 to 2010. All patients had total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, followed by specific oncological treatment. Patients were selected for DBR after complete diagnostic evaluation. Adverse events were evaluated in regard to patient, disease and prostheses-related factors. Results: During follow-up, DBR adverse events were observed in 23.23% of the patients - the majority (91.67%) had only one. The most frequent was capsule contracture (47.22%), followed by asymmetry (22.22%), infection (16.67%) and prosthesis rupture (16.67%). There were isolated cases of prosthesis prolapse and local disease recurrence. Infections were treated conservatively in all but one patient. Other events were managed by additional operation. Statistical analysis showed that complications occurred significantly more often in patients ≥51 years (vs 18-40, vs 41-50), disease stage IIb (vs Ia), T2 (vs TI) tumors and adjuvant radiotherapy (vs without). Prostheses-related factors were not significant for DBR complications, neither body mass index (BMI), nor smoking habits. Conclusions: DBR using AAF and permanent prosthesis is a safe technique with acceptable complication rate. It provides one-time surgery with satisfactory aesthetic results and good postoperative recovery. Most frequent complication is capsule contracture. Patients' age and irradiation of the chest wall after mastectomy are predictive factors for complications.

Purpose: To analyse the overall survival (OS) of patients with locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiation (CRT) with or without surgery. Methods: CRT was administered to 63 patients with locally advanced (T3-4, N0-1), initially unresectable squamous cell esophageal cancer. After the assessment of tumor response to treatment, medically fit patients converted to operable stage were subjected to surgery. Regular follow-up was performed every 3 months during first 2 years, and then every 6 months. Results: All 63 patients completed the whole radiotherapy course. Forty patients (63%) received complete 4 cycles of chemotherapy. In the remaining 23 patients (37%) chemotherapy was interrupted due to toxicity. Clinical response to CRT was: complete response (CR) in 4 patients (6%), partial response (PR) in 27 (43%), stable disease (SD) in 22 (35%) patients, and 10 patients (16%) had disease progression (PD). After reevaluation, 23 patients (15 PR and 8 SD after CRT) underwent surgery (37%), all with R0 resection. OS in the whole group was 53% at one year, and 36% at two years. OS was significantly better in the operated group of patients than in the non-operated group. No statistically significant difference in OS was observed comparing operated to CR patients with no surgery (70 vs 50%). In the non-operated group of patients there was no difference in OS between CR, PR, and SD patients. Conclusions: With appropriate selection, patients with advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer should be considered for potentially effective treatment. © 2017 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Purpose: To analyse the overall survival (OS) of patients with locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiation (CRT) with or without surgery. Methods: CRT was administered to 63 patients with locally advanced (T3-4, N0-1), initially unresectable squamous cell esophageal cancer. After the assessment of tumor response to treatment, medically fit patients converted to operable stage were subjected to surgery. Regular follow-up was performed every 3 months during first 2 years, and then every 6 months. Results: All 63 patients completed the whole radiotherapy course. Forty patients (63%) received complete 4 cycles of chemotherapy. In the remaining 23 patients (37%) chemotherapy was interrupted due to toxicity. Clinical response to CRT was: complete response (CR) in 4 patients (6%), partial response (PR) in 27 (43%), stable disease (SD) in 22 (35%) patients, and 10 patients (16%) had disease progression (PD). After reevaluation, 23 patients (15 PR and 8 SD after CRT) underwent surgery (37%), all with R0 resection. OS in the whole group was 53% at one year, and 36% at two years. OS was significantly better in the operated group of patients than in the non-operated group. No statistically significant difference in OS was observed comparing operated to CR patients with no surgery (70 vs 50%). In the non-operated group of patients there was no difference in OS between CR, PR, and SD patients. Conclusions: With appropriate selection, patients with advanced squamous cell esophageal cancer should be considered for potentially effective treatment. © 2017 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) includes neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), followed by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (CT). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dose-escalated radiotherapy (RT) using the volumetric modulated arc therapy–simultaneous integrated boost (VMAT–SIB) technique in patients with LARC compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Materials and Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 75 patients with LARC. All patients received nCRT using VMAT–SIB, delivering a tumor dose (TD) of 54 Gy in 25 fractions, with concomitant CT following the 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU–LV) protocol. To compare the treatment outcomes and toxicity associated with the increased RT dose, a retrospective cohort of 62 patients treated with the 3D-CRT technique was analyzed. The 3D-CRT group received a TD of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with the same CT. Outcomes, including pathological complete response (pCR), tumor regression grade (TRG), and sphincter preservation rates, were compared. Results: Among operated patients, the group treated with VMAT–SIB demonstrated improved rates of pCR (20.6% vs. 8.9%), with a statistically significant trend (p = 0.06). Sphincter-preserving surgeries were performed in 49 out of 63 operated patients (77.8%) in the VMAT–SIB group, compared to 35 out of 56 (62.5%) in the 3D-CRT group. Analysis of the definitive postoperative stage revealed a significantly higher prevalence of lower T categories (T0–2) (p < 0.01), negative N status (p < 0.05), and lower stages (I + II) (p < 0.05) in patients treated with the intensified RT approach. However, no significant differences in acute toxicity were observed. Conclusions: The implementation of intensified treatment with a higher dose using the VMAT–SIB technique demonstrated significant benefits in downsizing and downstaging compared to the standard treatment approach. These findings support its integration into clinical practice. However, further prospective, multi-center studies are needed to validate these results and assess long-term outcomes. © 2025 by the authors.

Introduction: The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). To select patients who would benefit the most from nCRT, there is a need for predictive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of clinical, pathological, radiological, inflammation-related genetic, and hematological parameters in the prediction of post-nCRT response. Materials and methods: In silico analysis of published transcriptomics datasets was conducted to identify candidate genes, whose expression will be measured using quantitative Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR) in pretreatment formaline-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. In this study, 75 patients with LARC were prospectively included between June 2020—January 2022. Patients were assessed for tumor response in week 8 post-nCRT with pelvic MRI scan and rigid proctoscopy. For patients with a clinical complete response (cCR) and initially distant located tumor no immediate surgery was suggested (“watch and wait” approach). The response after surgery was assessed using histopathological tumor regression grading (TRG) categories from postoperative specimens by Mandard. Responders (R) were defined as patients with cCR without operative treatment, and those with TRG 1 and TRG 2 postoperative categories. Non-responders (NR) were patients classified as TRG 3-5. Results: Responders group comprised 35 patients (46.6%) and NR group 53.4% of patients. Analysis of published transcriptomics data identified genes that could predict response to treatment and their significance was assessed in our cohort by qRT-PCR. When comparison was made in the subgroup of patients who were operated (TRG1 vs. TRG4), the expression of IDO1 was significantly deregulated (p < 0.05). Among hematological parameters between R and NR a significant difference in the response was detected for neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), initial basophil, eosinophil and monocyte counts (p < 0.01). According to MRI findings, non-responders more often presented with extramural vascular invasion (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on logistic regression model, factors associated with favorable response to nCRT were tumor morphology and hematological parameters which can be easily and routinely derived from initial laboratory results (NMR, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte counts) in a minimally invasive manner. Using various metrics, an aggregated score of the initial eosinophil, basophil, and monocyte counts demonstrated the best predictive performance. Copyright © 2023 Marinkovic, Stojanovic-Rundic, Stanojevic, Ostojic, Gavrilovic, Jankovic, Maksimovic, Stroggilos, Zoidakis, Castellví-Bel, Fijneman and Cavic.

Introduction: The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). To select patients who would benefit the most from nCRT, there is a need for predictive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of clinical, pathological, radiological, inflammation-related genetic, and hematological parameters in the prediction of post-nCRT response. Materials and methods: In silico analysis of published transcriptomics datasets was conducted to identify candidate genes, whose expression will be measured using quantitative Real Time PCR (qRT-PCR) in pretreatment formaline-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. In this study, 75 patients with LARC were prospectively included between June 2020—January 2022. Patients were assessed for tumor response in week 8 post-nCRT with pelvic MRI scan and rigid proctoscopy. For patients with a clinical complete response (cCR) and initially distant located tumor no immediate surgery was suggested (“watch and wait” approach). The response after surgery was assessed using histopathological tumor regression grading (TRG) categories from postoperative specimens by Mandard. Responders (R) were defined as patients with cCR without operative treatment, and those with TRG 1 and TRG 2 postoperative categories. Non-responders (NR) were patients classified as TRG 3-5. Results: Responders group comprised 35 patients (46.6%) and NR group 53.4% of patients. Analysis of published transcriptomics data identified genes that could predict response to treatment and their significance was assessed in our cohort by qRT-PCR. When comparison was made in the subgroup of patients who were operated (TRG1 vs. TRG4), the expression of IDO1 was significantly deregulated (p < 0.05). Among hematological parameters between R and NR a significant difference in the response was detected for neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), initial basophil, eosinophil and monocyte counts (p < 0.01). According to MRI findings, non-responders more often presented with extramural vascular invasion (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on logistic regression model, factors associated with favorable response to nCRT were tumor morphology and hematological parameters which can be easily and routinely derived from initial laboratory results (NMR, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte counts) in a minimally invasive manner. Using various metrics, an aggregated score of the initial eosinophil, basophil, and monocyte counts demonstrated the best predictive performance. Copyright © 2023 Marinkovic, Stojanovic-Rundic, Stanojevic, Ostojic, Gavrilovic, Jankovic, Maksimovic, Stroggilos, Zoidakis, Castellví-Bel, Fijneman and Cavic.

Purpose: To analyze the correlation of primary tumor (PT) pathological characteristics (size, stage, type and grade) and the extent of initial surgical treatment of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the incidence and time to local recurrence (LR) and disease-free survival (DFS), as well as to determine in what way these parameters and LR localizations affect the possibility for surgical retreatment. Methods: The research was conducted on 114 patients with NSCLC and LR that had initial surgery in two reference institutes in Serbia from January 2002 to December 2010. PT size and disease stage were defined according to the revised 2004 WHO classification. PTs were grouped by size into 3 categories. Due to great diversity, surgical procedures were sorted into 6 operation types. Standard statistical methods and tests were used for data analysis. Results: Statistical analyses showed significant difference in DFS and LR reoperability that were related to PT size, disease stage and the extent of initial surgery. LR localization on the chest wall was favorable for secondary surgery due to LR. Conclusions: Squamous cell lung carcinoma relapses locally more frequently than other lung tumor types, and the commonest LR site is the chest wall. This localization provides high possibility for surgical retreatment. Adequate staging, proper indications for surgical treatment and quality surgery provide longer DFS in patients with NSCLC. All these suggest that the surgeon may be considered as the most significant factor of prognosis.

Purpose: To analyze the correlation of primary tumor (PT) pathological characteristics (size, stage, type and grade) and the extent of initial surgical treatment of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the incidence and time to local recurrence (LR) and disease-free survival (DFS), as well as to determine in what way these parameters and LR localizations affect the possibility for surgical retreatment. Methods: The research was conducted on 114 patients with NSCLC and LR that had initial surgery in two reference institutes in Serbia from January 2002 to December 2010. PT size and disease stage were defined according to the revised 2004 WHO classification. PTs were grouped by size into 3 categories. Due to great diversity, surgical procedures were sorted into 6 operation types. Standard statistical methods and tests were used for data analysis. Results: Statistical analyses showed significant difference in DFS and LR reoperability that were related to PT size, disease stage and the extent of initial surgery. LR localization on the chest wall was favorable for secondary surgery due to LR. Conclusions: Squamous cell lung carcinoma relapses locally more frequently than other lung tumor types, and the commonest LR site is the chest wall. This localization provides high possibility for surgical retreatment. Adequate staging, proper indications for surgical treatment and quality surgery provide longer DFS in patients with NSCLC. All these suggest that the surgeon may be considered as the most significant factor of prognosis.

Purpose: To register the frequency of central and lateral lymph node metastases (LNMs) from papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs), and to assess whether sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy of the lateral compartment is an accurate technique to select patients with true positive but clinically negative lymph nodes for one-time selective lateral neck dissection (sLND). The correlation between tumor characteristics (size, multifocality, bilaterality, capsular invasion) and LNMs was analyzed. 0Methods: During a 10-year-period (2004-2013), 111 clinically NO patients with PTMCs had total thyroidectomy, central neck dissection and SLN biopsy of the lateral neck compartment in our institution. SLN mapping was performed by subcapsular injection of 0.2 to 0.5ml of 1% methylene blue dye. IfSLNs were positive on frozen section, one-time sLND was done. Results: Forty percent of PTMCs were multicentric. LNMs were detected in 25% of the patients and isolated central LNMs were found in 18% of the patients. Lateral LMNs were present in 7% of the patients, of which 4% were isolated, skip LNMs. All these patients had therapeutic sLND. Specificity and sensitivity of SLN biopsy were 100% and 57%, positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 97%, respectively. Method's accuracy was 97%. Conclusions: SLN biopsy of the lateral neck compartment is more precise than physical examination and ultrasonography for detection of lateral LNMs in clinically NO patients with PTMCs. Intraoperative assessment of lateral lymph nodes (SLNs) provides one-time therapeutic dissection for patients with occult LNMs at initial operation, reducing the need for additional operations. This method provides appropriate disease staging and optimizes treatment.

Purpose: To register the frequency of central and lateral lymph node metastases (LNMs) from papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs), and to assess whether sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy of the lateral compartment is an accurate technique to select patients with true positive but clinically negative lymph nodes for one-time selective lateral neck dissection (sLND). The correlation between tumor characteristics (size, multifocality, bilaterality, capsular invasion) and LNMs was analyzed. 0Methods: During a 10-year-period (2004-2013), 111 clinically NO patients with PTMCs had total thyroidectomy, central neck dissection and SLN biopsy of the lateral neck compartment in our institution. SLN mapping was performed by subcapsular injection of 0.2 to 0.5ml of 1% methylene blue dye. IfSLNs were positive on frozen section, one-time sLND was done. Results: Forty percent of PTMCs were multicentric. LNMs were detected in 25% of the patients and isolated central LNMs were found in 18% of the patients. Lateral LMNs were present in 7% of the patients, of which 4% were isolated, skip LNMs. All these patients had therapeutic sLND. Specificity and sensitivity of SLN biopsy were 100% and 57%, positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 97%, respectively. Method's accuracy was 97%. Conclusions: SLN biopsy of the lateral neck compartment is more precise than physical examination and ultrasonography for detection of lateral LNMs in clinically NO patients with PTMCs. Intraoperative assessment of lateral lymph nodes (SLNs) provides one-time therapeutic dissection for patients with occult LNMs at initial operation, reducing the need for additional operations. This method provides appropriate disease staging and optimizes treatment.

Purpose: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment option in locally advanced rectal cancer. The tumor response is assessed through tumor and nodal downstaging and the tumor regression grade. Currently, there is no method to predict a tumor response to CRT. We aimed to evaluate whether p21 and p53 expressions could be a reliable predictors of pathological response to CRT. Methods: Fifty patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with preoperative radiotherapy combined with mitomycin C and capecitabine. p21 and p53 immu-mohistochemical staining was performed on pretreatment biopsies and the results were compared with tumor regression according to grading systems by Dworak (TRG grades) and by Wheeler (RCRG grades). Results: Testing RCRG grades in relation to p21 expression showed statistically significant difference (p=0.021). RCRG 3 (poor response) was more frequent in the group of patients with low p21. According to Dworak, grade 4 (complete regression) was more frequent in the group of patients with positive p21 expression (p=0.032). Significant difference in p21 expression in grade 4 group compared with all other grade groups was also found (p=0.007). Patients with immune expression of p21 had significantly higher percentage of complete regression in comparison to the patients with low expression of p21. We haven’t found any correlation between p53 expression and histopathological (HP) as well as regression grades. Conclusion: According to both grading systems, our results suggest that p53 expression does not, but p21 expression does predict pathological response to preoperative CRT. © 2017 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Purpose: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment option in locally advanced rectal cancer. The tumor response is assessed through tumor and nodal downstaging and the tumor regression grade. Currently, there is no method to predict a tumor response to CRT. We aimed to evaluate whether p21 and p53 expressions could be a reliable predictors of pathological response to CRT. Methods: Fifty patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were treated with preoperative radiotherapy combined with mitomycin C and capecitabine. p21 and p53 immu-mohistochemical staining was performed on pretreatment biopsies and the results were compared with tumor regression according to grading systems by Dworak (TRG grades) and by Wheeler (RCRG grades). Results: Testing RCRG grades in relation to p21 expression showed statistically significant difference (p=0.021). RCRG 3 (poor response) was more frequent in the group of patients with low p21. According to Dworak, grade 4 (complete regression) was more frequent in the group of patients with positive p21 expression (p=0.032). Significant difference in p21 expression in grade 4 group compared with all other grade groups was also found (p=0.007). Patients with immune expression of p21 had significantly higher percentage of complete regression in comparison to the patients with low expression of p21. We haven’t found any correlation between p53 expression and histopathological (HP) as well as regression grades. Conclusion: According to both grading systems, our results suggest that p53 expression does not, but p21 expression does predict pathological response to preoperative CRT. © 2017 Zerbinis Publications. All rights reserved.

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women, while isolated operable liver metastases (LMs)from BC are very rare and occur in only 1-5% of the patients. Besides, positive steroid receptor (SR) status for oestrogen and/or progesterone is known as a factor which improves disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact ofSR status on DFS and OS after liver metasta-sectomy in female patients with primary BC. Methods: We analyzed 32 medical records of female patients diagnosed and treated for primary BC with LMS as the first and only site of disease progression, at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS), during 2006-2009. All of them underwent primary BC surgery as well as LMs resection. Results: Patients with metachronous BC and LMs and positive SR status in both BC and LM (BC+/LM+) had a median time from BC to LM occurrence (TTLM) of 36 months, compared to BC+/LM- and BC-/LM- subgroups, whose medians for TTLM were 30.5 and 14.5 months, respectively (p<0.01). For all patients, positive SR status showed high correlation with longer DFS and OS after LM resection (medians according survival analysis for DFS/OS in subgroups BC-/LM-, BC+/LM- and BC+/LM+ were 10/19, 25/45,50/not reached months respectively; p<0.01for DFS/OS). Cox regression analysis confirmed that the subgroup of patients with BC-/LM- had 10.8 and 18.8 higher risk of events for DFS (disease relapse or death) and event for OS (death only), respectively, compared to BC+/LM+ subgroup of patients. Conclusion: Positive SR status in BC and LM has a high impact not only on time from BC to LM occurrence, but also on longer DFS and OS after LM resection.

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women, while isolated operable liver metastases (LMs)from BC are very rare and occur in only 1-5% of the patients. Besides, positive steroid receptor (SR) status for oestrogen and/or progesterone is known as a factor which improves disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact ofSR status on DFS and OS after liver metasta-sectomy in female patients with primary BC. Methods: We analyzed 32 medical records of female patients diagnosed and treated for primary BC with LMS as the first and only site of disease progression, at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia (IORS), during 2006-2009. All of them underwent primary BC surgery as well as LMs resection. Results: Patients with metachronous BC and LMs and positive SR status in both BC and LM (BC+/LM+) had a median time from BC to LM occurrence (TTLM) of 36 months, compared to BC+/LM- and BC-/LM- subgroups, whose medians for TTLM were 30.5 and 14.5 months, respectively (p<0.01). For all patients, positive SR status showed high correlation with longer DFS and OS after LM resection (medians according survival analysis for DFS/OS in subgroups BC-/LM-, BC+/LM- and BC+/LM+ were 10/19, 25/45,50/not reached months respectively; p<0.01for DFS/OS). Cox regression analysis confirmed that the subgroup of patients with BC-/LM- had 10.8 and 18.8 higher risk of events for DFS (disease relapse or death) and event for OS (death only), respectively, compared to BC+/LM+ subgroup of patients. Conclusion: Positive SR status in BC and LM has a high impact not only on time from BC to LM occurrence, but also on longer DFS and OS after LM resection.

Background: Constitutive activation of STAT3 have been shown in several tumor types including breast cancer. We investigate STAT3 expresion as possible molecular marker for breast cancer early detection, as well as prognostic factor for determination of tumor agressiveness. Methods: In this study we measure p(Y705)STAT3 expression in tumor and adjacent tissue of breast cancer patients by Western blot. For relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) we used Log-Rank test. Results: We show that average expression of p (Y705) STAT3 in tumor tissue is higher compared to adjacent tissue. Moreover, we found that patients with HER2 positive receptors had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression compared to HER2 negative patients. We showed that patients with high mammographic density had significantly higher tumor expression of pSTAT3 compared to patients with low mammographic density. Also, we show that pSTAT3 expression correlates with longer RFS in the entire group of patients, as well as in the group of ER positive, in lymph node positive and in older group of breast cancer patients (with age over 50). Furthermore, in the entire group of patients, in ER positive, in lymph node positive and in older group of patient, high expression of pSTAT3 showed a better survival than low expression of pSTAT3. Conclusion: Considering that the expression of pSTAT3 is associated with longer RFS and survival, it can be used as prognostic tools for determination of group of breast cancer patients with low-risk. © 2018 Elsevier GmbH

Background: Constitutive activation of STAT3 have been shown in several tumor types including breast cancer. We investigate STAT3 expresion as possible molecular marker for breast cancer early detection, as well as prognostic factor for determination of tumor agressiveness. Methods: In this study we measure p(Y705)STAT3 expression in tumor and adjacent tissue of breast cancer patients by Western blot. For relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) we used Log-Rank test. Results: We show that average expression of p (Y705) STAT3 in tumor tissue is higher compared to adjacent tissue. Moreover, we found that patients with HER2 positive receptors had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression compared to HER2 negative patients. We showed that patients with high mammographic density had significantly higher tumor expression of pSTAT3 compared to patients with low mammographic density. Also, we show that pSTAT3 expression correlates with longer RFS in the entire group of patients, as well as in the group of ER positive, in lymph node positive and in older group of breast cancer patients (with age over 50). Furthermore, in the entire group of patients, in ER positive, in lymph node positive and in older group of patient, high expression of pSTAT3 showed a better survival than low expression of pSTAT3. Conclusion: Considering that the expression of pSTAT3 is associated with longer RFS and survival, it can be used as prognostic tools for determination of group of breast cancer patients with low-risk. © 2018 Elsevier GmbH

Purpose: The aim of this research was to examine overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRC-PC), treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), as well as to analyse factors of prognostic significance. Methods: We included 61 patients with pathological/and computerized tomography (CT) confirmation of CRC-PC, treated with CRS+HIPEC from 2005 to 2012. Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score was used for quantitative assessment of the CRC-PC extent. We performed CRS following the Sugarbaker's principles in all patients with PCI <20 and only in 3/61 (4.92%) patients with PCI >20. HIPEC (oxaliplatin 410 mg/m 2 in 2000mL isotonic solution and 41 °C) was performed using RanD Performer® HT perfusion system during 30-60 min. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine significant factors for OS and DFS. Results: The follow-up ranged from 1 to 83 months (median 22). Median OS was 51 months (95% confidence interval/CI 22+). Median DFS for patients without residual disease (57/61, 93.44%) was 23 months (95% CI 16+). One-, 2- and 6-year OS (DFS) were 78.6% (68.3%), 58.7% (46.7%) and 50.5% (38.1%), respectively. By the end of the study, 55.74% of the patients were still alive. Cox multivariate analysis indicated PCI score as a parameter of highly prognostic significance for patients treated with CRS+HIPEC (p<0.001). Patients with PCI <13 (vs PCI >13) had significantly longer OS and DFS (p<0.001), also confirmed for PCI subcategories (PCI <7 vs 7 < PCI < 13 vs PCI >13). All patients with PCI <7 are still alive. Conclusion: Our study indicates that CRS+HIPEC significantly improves the survival of CRC-PC patients. This treatment modality should be considered as the most suitable in well-selected patients with this disease.