Annals of surgical oncology
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To describe a training program in percutaneous core needle biopsy implemented in conjunction with a breast cancer research collaboration between the University of Michigan (UM) and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. ⋯ The design and implementation of appropriate diagnostic biopsy programs is important for delivery of high-quality, efficient breast cancer care in developing nations. This study demonstrates a successful 1-week training program in percutaneous core needle biopsy for a multidisciplinary group of physicians. Further work is needed for similar programs to accurately identify and classify breast cancer internationally.
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Several (99m)Tc-labeled agents that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are used for lymphatic mapping. A new low-molecular-weight mannose receptor-based, reticuloendothelial cell-directed, (99m)Tc-labeled lymphatic imaging agent, (99m)Tc-tilmanocept, was used for lymphatic mapping of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) from patients with primary breast cancer or melanoma malignancies. This novel molecular species provides the basis for potentially enhanced SLN mapping reliability. ⋯ Our results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of (99m)Tc-tilmanocept for use in intraoperative lymphatic mapping. The high intraoperative localization and lymph node specificity of (99m)Tc-tilmanocept and the identification of metastatic disease within the nodes suggest SLNs are effectively identified by this novel mannose receptor-targeted molecule.
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The long-term prognosis of patients with peritoneal malignancies has greatly improved since the introduction of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Nevertheless, CRS can be associated with high postoperative morbidity. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the influence of hepatobiliary surgery as part of CRS on postoperative short-term patient outcome. ⋯ In our experience, hepatobiliary procedures have to be performed in up to one-third of patients and are associated with a low rate of specific complications, such as biliary leakages.