bims-netuvo 2024-08-18 papers

bims-netuvo

Biomed News

on Nerves in tumours of visceral organs

Issue of 2024–08–18
fiveteen papers selected by
Maksym V. Kopanitsa, Charles River Laboratories

Neuro-mesenchymal interaction mediated by a β2 adrenergic-nerve growth factor feedforward loop promotes colorectal cancer progression.
Histogram analysis based on intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for determining the perineural invasion status of rectal cancer.
Predictive Study of Machine Learning-Based Multiparametric MRI Radiomics Nomogram for Perineural Invasion in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.
Peripheral nervous system immune-related adverse events due to checkpoint inhibition.
Case Report of Complete Response to Olaparib in a Patient with Breast Cancer Brain Metastases.
Epinephrine promotes breast cancer metastasis through a ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22-mediated lipolysis circuit.
Baicalin reduces chronic stress-induced breast cancer metastasis via directly targeting β2-adrenergic receptor.
Development and External Validation of a CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram to Predict Perineural Invasion and Survival in Gastric Cancer: A Multi-institutional Study.
Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Central Nervous System Neoplasms in Adults: CNS Metastases.
A Recurrent Schwannoma in the Left Distal Ulnar Nerve.
A Case Report with Current Updates and Immunohistochemistry Features of Intraosseous Schwannoma.
A giant pelvic infiltrating schwannoma misdiagnosed as an ovarian neoplasm that was resected using a laparoscopic approach: A case report.
Amide proton transfer-weighted MRI for assessing rectal adenocarcinoma T-staging and perineural invasion: a prospective study.
Cellular Schwannoma Mimicking a Nodular Melanoma on the Sole of the Foot, an Avoidable Diagnostic Pitfall.
Insights into Dysregulated Neurological Biomarkers in Cancer.

Cancer Discov. 2024 Aug 13.

Neuro-mesenchymal interaction mediated by a β2 adrenergic-nerve growth factor feedforward loop promotes colorectal cancer progression.

Hiroki Kobayashi, Tadashi Iida, Yosuke Ochiai, Ermanno Malagola, Xiaofei Zhi, Ruth A White, Jin Qian, Feijing Wu, Quin T Waterbury, Ruhong Tu, Biyun Zheng, Jonathan S LaBella, Leah B Zamechek, Atsushi Ogura, Susan L Woods, Daniel L Worthley, Atsushi Enomoto, Timothy C Wang.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and nerves, components of the tumor microenvironment, have each been shown to directly promote gastrointestinal cancers. However, it remains unknown whether these cells interact with each other to regulate cancer progression. We found that in colorectal cancer (CRC) norepinephrine induces ADRB2-dependent nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion from CAFs, which in turn increases intra-tumor sympathetic innervation and norepinephrine accumulation. Adrenergic stimulation accelerates CRC growth through ADRA2A/Gi-mediated activation of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). NGF from CAFs directly enhances CRC cell growth via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Treatment with a tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) inhibitor decreased YAP and AKT activation and CRC progression in mice. In human CRC, high NGF expression is associated with the mesenchymal-like tumor subtype and poor patient survival. These findings suggest a central role for reciprocal CAF-nerve crosstalk in promoting CRC progression. Blocking this feedforward loop with a Trk inhibitor may represent a potential therapeutic approach for CRC.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0287
Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2024 Aug 01. 14(8): 5358-5372

Histogram analysis based on intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging for determining the perineural invasion status of rectal cancer.

Rong He, Gesheng Song, Junyi Fu, Weiqiang Dou, Aiyin Li, Jingbo Chen.

   Background: Unfortunately, the morphologic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unable to determine perineural invasion (PNI) status. This study applied histogram analysis of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) in the assessment of PNI status of rectal cancer (RC).
Methods: The retrospective analysis enrolled 175 patients with RC confirmed by postoperative pathology in The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021. All patients underwent preoperative rectal MRI. Whole-tumor volume histogram features from IVIM-DWI were extracted using open-source software. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare the differences in histogram parameters and clinical features between the PNI-positive group and PNI-negative group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance, while the Delong test was used to compare the area under the curve of the models.
Results: The interobserver agreement of the histogram features derived from DWI, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index (α), and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) were good to excellent. A total of eight histogram features including DWI_maximum, DWI_skewness, D_kurtosis, D_minimum, D_skewness, D*_energy, D*_skewness, and f_minimum were significantly different between the PNI-positive and PNI-negative groups in the univariate analysis (P<0.05); among the clinicoradiologic factors, percentage of rectal wall circumference invasion (PCI) was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the values of D*_energy, D*_skewness, and f_minimum differed significantly between the PNI-positive patients and PNI-negative patients (P<0.05), with the independent risk factors being D*_skewness [odds ratio (OR) =1.157; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.050-1.276; P=0.003] and PCI (OR =11.108, 95% CI: 1.767-69.838; P=0.0002). The area under the curve of the model combining the three histogram features and PCI to assess PNI status in RC was 0.807 (95% CI: 0.741-0.863). The results of the Delong test showed that the combined model was significantly different from each single-parameter model (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The combined model constructed on the basis of IVIM-DWI histogram features may help to assess the status of RC PNI.

Keywords:  Rectal cancer (RC); intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI); perineural invasion (PNI)

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.21037/qims-23-1614
J Imaging Inform Med. 2024 Aug 15.

Predictive Study of Machine Learning-Based Multiparametric MRI Radiomics Nomogram for Perineural Invasion in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Yueyan Wang, Aiqi Chen, Kai Wang, Yihui Zhao, Xiaomeng Du, Yan Chen, Lei Lv, Yimin Huang, Yichuan Ma.

  This study aimed to establish and validate the efficacy of a nomogram model, synthesized through the integration of multi-parametric magnetic resonance radiomics and clinical risk factors, for forecasting perineural invasion in rectal cancer. We retrospectively collected data from 108 patients with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent preoperative multiparametric MRI at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College between April 2019 and August 2023. This dataset was subsequently divided into training and validation sets following a ratio of 7:3. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were implemented to identify independent clinical risk factors associated with perineural invasion (PNI) in rectal cancer. We manually delineated the region of interest (ROI) layer-by-layer on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences and extracted the image features. Five machine learning algorithms were used to construct radiomics model with the features selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. The optimal radiomics model was then selected and combined with clinical features to formulate a nomogram model. The model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and its clinical value was assessed via decision curve analysis (DCA). Our final selection comprised 10 optimal radiological features and the SVM model showcased superior predictive efficiency and robustness among the five classifiers. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the nomogram model were 0.945 (0.899, 0.991) and 0.846 (0.703, 0.99) for the training and validation sets, respectively. The nomogram model developed in this study exhibited excellent predictive performance in foretelling PNI of rectal cancer, thereby offering valuable guidance for clinical decision-making. The nomogram could predict the perineural invasion status of rectal cancer in early stage.

Keywords:  Machine learning; Magnetic resonance imaging; Perineural invasion; Radiomics; Rectal cancer

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-024-01231-6
Nat Rev Neurol. 2024 Aug 09.

Peripheral nervous system immune-related adverse events due to checkpoint inhibition.

Meabh O'Hare, Amanda C Guidon.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy and are increasingly used to treat a wide range of oncological conditions, with dramatic benefits for many patients. Unfortunately, the resulting increase in T cell effector function often results in immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can involve any organ system, including the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Neurological irAEs involve the PNS in two-thirds of affected patients. Muscle involvement (immune-related myopathy) is the most common PNS irAE and can be associated with neuromuscular junction involvement. Immune-related peripheral neuropathy most commonly takes the form of polyradiculoneuropathy or cranial neuropathies. Immune-related myopathy (with or without neuromuscular junction involvement) often occurs along with immune-related myocarditis, and this overlap syndrome is associated with substantially increased mortality. This Review focuses on PNS adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibition. Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed, including antigen homology between self and tumour, epitope spreading and activation of pre-existing autoreactive T cells. An overview of current approaches to clinical management is provided, including cytokine-directed therapies that aim to decouple anticancer immunity from autoimmunity and emerging treatments for patients with severe (life-threatening) presentations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-024-01001-6
Case Rep Oncol. 2024 Jan-Dec;17(1):17(1): 773-778

Case Report of Complete Response to Olaparib in a Patient with Breast Cancer Brain Metastases.

Kazuki Asazuma, Akihiko Shimomura, Yukino Kawamura, Tomoko Taniyama, Chikako Shimizu.

   Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of central nervous system (CNS) metastases. It has been shown that the median time from breast cancer diagnosis to CNS metastasis is 30.9 months and that the overall median survival after metastasis is extremely poor at 6.8 months. Although treatment options for ErbB2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 (ERBB2)-positive breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) have been reported, effective treatment options for ERBB2-negative BCBM, which has one of the worst prognoses, are limited. Olaparib is one of the standard treatments for germline BRCA1/2 mutated (gBRCA1/2mt), ERBB2-negative, metastatic, or recurrent breast cancer. However, there is minimal existing evidence to evaluate the efficacy of olaparib in BCBM.
Case Presentation: In our report, we assessed the case of a Japanese woman in her early 30s, ERBB2-negative, gBRAC2mt-positive BCBM, who achieved a complete response and prolonged progression-free survival of 9 months after the initiation of treatment with olaparib.
Conclusions: Thus, our case report demonstrated the significant efficacy of olaparib in BCBM treatment. Furthermore, we highlighted the need for more studies to investigate the efficacy of olaparib and explore the efficacy of poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors in BCBM.

Keywords:  Brain metastases; Breast cancer; Complete response; Germline BRCA1/2 mutation; Olaparib

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1159/000540257
Sci Adv. 2024 Aug 16. 10(33): eado1533

Epinephrine promotes breast cancer metastasis through a ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22-mediated lipolysis circuit.

Yuanzhang Zhou, Peng Chu, Ya Wang, Na Li, Qiong Gao, Shengnan Wang, Juncheng Wei, Guoqing Xue, Yue Zhao, Huijun Jia, Jiankun Song, Yue Zhang, Yujie Pang, Houyu Zhu, Jia Sun, Suxian Ma, Chen Su, Bingjin Hu, Zhuoyue Zhao, Hui Zhang, Janice Lu, Jian Wang, Hongjiang Wang, Zhaolin Sun, Deyu Fang.

Chronic stress-induced epinephrine (EPI) accelerates breast cancer progression and metastasis, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we found a strong positive correlation between circulating EPI levels and the tumoral expression of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) in patients with breast cancer. USP22 facilitated EPI-induced breast cancer progression and metastasis by enhancing adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)-mediated lipolysis. Targeted USP22 deletion decreased ATGL expression and lipolysis, subsequently inhibiting EPI-mediated breast cancer lung metastasis. USP22 acts as a bona fide deubiquitinase for the Atgl gene transcription factor FOXO1, and EPI architects a lipolysis signaling pathway to stabilize USP22 through AKT-mediated phosphorylation. Notably, USP22 phosphorylation levels are positively associated with EPI and with downstream pathways involving both FOXO1 and ATGL in breast cancers. Pharmacological USP22 inhibition synergized with β-blockers in treating preclinical xenograft breast cancer models. This study reveals a molecular pathway behind EPI's tumor-promoting effects and provides a strong rationale for combining USP22 inhibition with β-blockers to treat aggressive breast cancer.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado1533
J Pharm Anal. 2024 Jul;14(7): 100934

Baicalin reduces chronic stress-induced breast cancer metastasis via directly targeting β2-adrenergic receptor.

Qi Jia, Yinyin Zhou, Li Song, Ximeng Shi, Xuan Jiang, Ruizhi Tao, Aiyun Wang, Yuanyuan Wu, Zhonghong Wei, Yinan Zhang, Xiaoman Li, Yin Lu.

  Recent studies have shown that stress can substantially facilitate breast cancer metastasis, which can be reduced by nonselective β1/β2-adrenergic receptor (β1/β2-AR) blocker. However, several side effects were identified. Thus, it is extremely warranted to explore more effective and better-tolerated β2-AR blocker. Currently, we demonstrated that baicalin (BA), a major bioactive component of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, could significantly attenuate stress hormones especially epinephrine (Epi)-induced breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, we identified that β2-AR was a direct target of BA via the drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) combined with mass spectrum assay, and BA photoaffinity probe with pull-down assay, which was further confirmed by a couple of biophysical and biochemical assays. Furthermore, we demonstrated that BA could directly bind to the Phe-193 and Phe-289 of β2-AR, subsequently inhibit cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A-focal adhesion kinase (cAMP-PKA-FAK) pathway, and thus impede epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby hindering the metastatic progression of the chronic stress coupled with syngeneic and xenograft in vivo orthotopic and tail vein mouse model. These findings firstly identify BA as a potential β2-AR inhibitor in the treatment of stress-induced breast cancer metastasis.

Keywords:  Baicalin; Breast cancer metastasis; Chronic stress; Epithelial-mesenchymal transition; β2-adrenergic receptor

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpha.2024.01.002
Acad Radiol. 2024 Aug 09. pii: S1076-6332(24)00494-X. [Epub ahead of print]

Development and External Validation of a CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram to Predict Perineural Invasion and Survival in Gastric Cancer: A Multi-institutional Study.

Guodong Xu, Feng Feng, Wang Chen, Yong Xiao, Yigang Fu, Siyu Zhou, Shaofeng Duan, Manman Li.

   RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram utilizing CT data for predicting perineural invasion (PNI) and survival in gastric cancer (GC) patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 408 GC patients from two institutions: 288 patients from Institution I were divided 7:3 into a training set (n = 203) and a testing set (n = 85); 120 patients from Institution II served as an external validation set. Radiomics features were extracted and screened from CT images. Independent radiomics, clinical, and combined models were constructed to predict PNI. Model discrimination, calibration, clinical utility, and prognostic significance were evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, decision curves analysis, and Kaplan-Meier curves, respectively.
RESULTS: 15 radiomics features and three clinical factors were included in the final analysis. The AUCs of the radiomics model in the training, testing, and external validation sets were 0.843 (95% CI: 0.788-0.897), 0.831 (95% CI: 0.741-0.920), and 0.802 (95% CI: 0.722-0.882), respectively. A nomogram was developed by integrating significant clinical factors with radiomics features. The AUCs of the nomogram in the training, testing, and external validation sets were 0.872 (95% CI: 0.823-0.921), 0.862 (95% CI: 0.780-0.944), and 0.837 (95% CI: 0.767-0.908), respectively. Survival analysis revealed that the nomogram could effectively stratify patients for recurrence-free survival (Hazard Ratio: 4.329; 95% CI: 3.159-5.934; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: The radiomics-derived nomogram presented a promising tool for predicting PNI in GC and held significant prognostic implications.
IMPORTANT FINDINGS: The nomogram functioned as a non-invasive biomarker for determining the PNI status. The predictive performance of the nomogram surpassed that of the clinical model (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients in the high-risk group stratified by the nomogram had a significantly shorter RFS (P < 0.05).

Keywords:  Computed tomography; Gastric cancer; Perineural invasion; Radiomics

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2024.07.051
Cancers (Basel). 2024 Jul 26. pii: 2667. [Epub ahead of print]16(15):

Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Central Nervous System Neoplasms in Adults: CNS Metastases.

Kajari Bhattacharya, Abhishek Mahajan, Soujanya Mynalli.

  Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms, with an increasing incidence that is due in part to an overall increase in primary cancers, improved neuroimaging modalities leading to increased detection, better systemic therapies, and longer patient survival.
OBJECTIVE: To identify cancer patients at a higher risk of developing CNS metastases and to evaluate associated prognostic factors.
METHODS: Review of imaging referral guidelines, response criteria, interval imaging assessment, modality of choice, as well as the association of clinical, serological, and imaging findings as per various cancer societies.
RESULTS: Quantitative response assessment of target and non-target brain metastases as well as an interval imaging protocol set up based on primary histological diagnosis and therapy status are discussed as per various cancer societies and imaging programs.
CONCLUSION: Predictive factors in the primary tumor as well as independent variables of brain metastases like size, number, and response to therapy are necessary in management. The location of CNS metastases, symptomatic disease, as well as follow up imaging findings form a skeletal plan to prognosticate the disease, keeping in mind all the available new advanced therapy options of surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy that improve patient outcome significantly.

Keywords:  CNS metastases; MR imaging; adult brain metastasis; artificial intelligence

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152667
Cureus. 2024 Jul;16(7): e64535

A Recurrent Schwannoma in the Left Distal Ulnar Nerve.

Logan M Morrey, Sumit Patel, Mayron Lichterman.

  While peripheral nerve schwannomas have a relatively low incidence, schwannomatosis, the condition in which one forms multiple recurring schwannomas, is an even rarer phenomenon and can be hard to detect given its ability to mimic other conditions. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with a mass in his left wrist and forearm, volar pain in his forearm, and numbness in his fingers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a bilobed heterogeneous neural sheath tumor in the distal left ulnar nerve. The tumor was resected including extensive internal neurolysis using a Zeiss operative microscope. Post-operative biopsy confirmed an encapsulated schwannoma. The patient did well initially but developed worsening pain in his forearm and weakness. He had persistent paresthesias in the ulnar nerve distribution. He underwent a repeat MRI almost one year later, which showed thickening of the ulnar nerve proximal to the area of resection with an 8.5 mm hyperintense nodule. The patient underwent a subsequent resection with extensive neurolysis, which confirmed that the mass was a benign non-invasive schwannoma. At six weeks post-surgery, the patient's forearm pain was significantly improved and his range of motion returned to baseline. Our case demonstrates the importance of post-operative follow-up in schwannomas with appropriate imaging if symptoms persist or recur.

Keywords:  mass resection; peripheral schwannoma; schwannomatosis; ulnar nerve; ulnar nerve neuropathy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.64535
Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug;76(4): 3524-3527

A Case Report with Current Updates and Immunohistochemistry Features of Intraosseous Schwannoma.

Manjit Kour Mehta, Ramya Selvam, Ezhilarasi Sundaram, Tanveer Fatima, Heena Agrawal, Eram Khan.

  Schwannomas are benign peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms that grow slowly and arise from Schwann cells. Here we report a case of an intraosseous schwannoma, with recent updates of molecular characterization and immunohistochemical data, affecting the left mandibular ramus featuring multilocular well-defined radiolucency making it difficult to diagnose.

Keywords:  Intraosseous; NF2; S100; Schwannoma

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-024-04594-y
Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Aug 10. pii: S2210-2612(24)00919-2. [Epub ahead of print]122 110138

A giant pelvic infiltrating schwannoma misdiagnosed as an ovarian neoplasm that was resected using a laparoscopic approach: A case report.

Antonio Macciò, Paola Abis, Gabriele Sole, Nicola D'Angelo, Sonia Nemolato, Clelia Madeddu.

  Introduction and importance: Large retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare and present significant challenges in surgical management, particularly when located in the pelvic region. Gynecologists can encounter rare problems when a pelvic schwannoma is mistaken for an adnexal pathology. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old woman presented with a giant retroperitoneal mass suspected of a potentially malignant ovarian tumor preoperatively. Computed tomography revealed a large mixed solid-cystic mass near the right adnexa measuring 118 × 100 × 80 mm. The cancer antigen 125 level was 196 U/mL. We performed a diagnostic-operative laparoscopy, which showed a retroperitoneal neoformation below the cava and aortic bifurcation adherent to the sacrum, right pelvic vessels, and hypogastric nerve up to the vagina. We carefully detached the mass from the nearby tissues using the most appropriate laparoscopic devices. The entire neoplasm was removed through the vagina into a surgical bag. The surgery lasted 180 min without complications. Histology revealed a grade I benign schwannoma. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic without signs of recurrence. Clinical Discussion: Pelvic retroperitoneal schwannomas can mimic ovarian carcinomas; misdiagnosis may occur due to their rarity and the difficulty of interpreting preoperative imaging. In case of unexpected giant presacral schwannomas surgical management is challenging due to their peculiar location. Conclusion: This case underscores the need for a skilled, experienced team of gynecological oncologists to achieve favorable outcomes when performing laparoscopic surgery of giant pelvic retroperitoneal schwannoma. Adequate knowledge of the complex pelvic anatomy, careful surgical planning, and familiarity with the most appropriate surgical tools are critical points.

Keywords:  Laparoscopy; Large retroperitoneal mass; Minimally invasive surgery; Presacral space; Schwannoma

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.110138
Eur Radiol. 2024 Aug 09.

Amide proton transfer-weighted MRI for assessing rectal adenocarcinoma T-staging and perineural invasion: a prospective study.

Caixia Zhang, Jianyou Chen, Yifan Liu, Yinrui Yang, Yongzhou Xu, Ruimin You, Yanli Li, Lizhu Liu, Ling Yang, Huaxiu Li, Guanshun Wang, Wenliang Li, Zhenhui Li.

   OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of the pre-operative amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) MRI to assess the prognostic factors in rectal adenocarcinoma (RA).
METHODS: This prospective study ran from January 2022 to September 2023 and consecutively enrolled participants with RA who underwent pre-operative MRI and radical surgery. The APTw signal intensity (SI) values of RA with various tumor (T), node (N) stages, perineural invasion (PNI), and tumor grade were compared by Mann-Whitney U-test or t-test. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the APTw SI values.
RESULTS: A total of 51 participants were enrolled (mean age, 58 years ± 10 [standard deviation], 26 men). There were 24 in the T1-T2 stage and 9 with positive PNI. The APTw SI max, 99th, and 95th values were significantly higher in T3-T4 stage tumor than in T1-T2; the median (interquartile range) (M (IQR)) was (4.0% (3.6-4.9%) vs 3.4% (2.9- 4.3%), p = 0.017), (3.7% (3.2-4.1%) vs 3.2% (2.8-3.8%), p = 0.013), and (3.3% (2.8-3.8%) vs 2.9% (2.3-3.5%), p = 0.033), respectively. These indicators also differed significantly between the PNI groups, with the M (IQR) (4.5% (3.6-5.7%) vs 3.7% (3.2-4.2%), p = 0.017), (4.1% (3.4-4.8%) vs 3.3% (3.0-3.9%), p = 0.022), and (3.7% (2.7-4.2%) vs 2.9% (2.6-3.5%), p = 0.045), respectively.
CONCLUSION: Pre-operative APTw MRI has potential value in the assessment of T-staging and PNI determination in RA.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Pre-operative amide proton transfer-weighted MRI provides a quantitative method for noninvasive assessment of T-staging and PNI in RA aiding in precision treatment planning.
KEY POINTS: The efficacy of APTw MRI in RA needs further investigation. T3-T4 stage and PNI positive APTw signal intensities were higher than T1-T2 and non-PNI, respectively. APTw MRI provides a quantitative method for assessment of T staging and PNI in RA.

Keywords:  Magnetic resonance imaging; Prognosis; Rectal neoplasms

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-024-11000-2
Am J Dermatopathol. 2024 Sep 01. 46(9): e79-e83

Cellular Schwannoma Mimicking a Nodular Melanoma on the Sole of the Foot, an Avoidable Diagnostic Pitfall.

Begoña Ruz Portero, Carmen García de Sola Llamas, Manuel Pérez Pérez, María Luisa Sánchez Bernal, David Moreno Ramírez, Juan José Ríos Martín.

ABSTRACT: We report a rare case of cellular schwannoma (CS) manifesting as an ulcerated nodular lesion, mimicking spindle cell melanoma on the sole of the foot. CS, a benign variant of schwannoma, typically occurs in deep soft tissues but can rarely present cutaneously. The diagnosis of CS heavily relies on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining for specific markers such as SOX10 and S100. In this case, initial clinical suspicion of nodular melanoma was confirmed on biopsy, which revealed a spindle cell neoplasm positive for SOX10 and negative for melanocytic markers. Misdiagnosis of nodular melanoma was averted through complete excision. CS diagnosis demands careful consideration due to its resemblance to other spindle cell neoplasms, especially melanoma. Meticulous histopathological evaluation and immunostaining are important to differentiate CS from similar lesions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. This report contributes valuable insights into the diagnostic challenges and management of CS, particularly in unusual cutaneous presentations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/DAD.0000000000002770
Cancers (Basel). 2024 Jul 27. pii: 2680. [Epub ahead of print]16(15):

Insights into Dysregulated Neurological Biomarkers in Cancer.

Elisa Duranti, Chiara Villa.

  The link between neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and cancer has generated greater interest in biomedical research, with decades of global studies investigating neurodegenerative biomarkers in cancer to better understand possible connections. Tau, amyloid-β, α-synuclein, SOD1, TDP-43, and other proteins associated with nervous system diseases have also been identified in various types of solid and malignant tumors, suggesting a potential overlap in pathological processes. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of current evidence on the role of these proteins in cancer, specifically examining their effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and tumor progression. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this interconnection, emphasizing the importance of further research to completely comprehend the clinical implications of these proteins in tumors. Finally, we explore the challenges and opportunities in targeting these proteins for the development of new targeted anticancer therapies, providing insight into how to integrate knowledge of NDs in oncology research.

Keywords:  biomarkers; cancer; neurodegenerative diseases

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152680