Reply to Treasure et al. Comment on "Ambrogi et al. Lung Metastasectomy: Where Do We Stand? Results from an Italian Multicentric Prospective Database. 2024, , 3106".

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the thoughtful reflections on our recent study regarding pulmonary metastasectomy, and we greatly appreciate the constructive dialog that our work has sparked [...

DNA methylation analysis of multiple genes in thymic epithelial tumors.

To investigate DNA methylation levels of a panel of genes in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). We selected 15 genes among the most promising epigenetic biomarkers of TETs and evaluated their methylation levels in 71 TET samples. thymic carcinomas (TCs) showed hypermethylation of and genes and reduced methylation levels compared with thymomas (TMs) and healthy thymic tissues.

Rehabilitation for Functioning and Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Scoping Review.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a significant clinical challenge due to limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Beyond mere survivorship, setting up an effective framework to improve functioning and quality of life is an urgent need in the comprehensive management of MPM patients. Therefore, this study aims to review the current understanding of MPM sequelae and the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions in the holistic approach to MPM.

Comparative analysis of genetic variants in pleural fluids and solid tissue biopsies of pleural mesothelioma patients: Implications for molecular heterogeneity assessment.

Objectives: This study aims to determine whether the sequencing of DNA extracted from pleural fluids (PFs) of Pleural Mesothelioma (PM) patients accurately represents the genetic information obtained from the solid tissue counterpart biopsies with particular attention to the identification of single nucleotide variants (SNVs).

Materials And Methods: Single pleural biopsy, PFs, and blood were collected from PM patients. DNA was extracted from these samples and then subjected to Whole-Exome Sequencing.

Lung Metastasectomy: Where Do We Stand? Results from an Italian Multicentric Prospective Database.

: The surgical resection of pulmonary metastases is considered a therapeutic option in selected cases. In light of this, we present the results from a national multicenter prospective registry of lung metastasectomy. : This retrospective analysis involves data collected prospectively and consecutively in a national multicentric Italian database, including patients who underwent lung metastasectomy.

Pathological T3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with satellite nodules: Number or size, what does matter?

Background: Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with intralobar satellite nodule are defined as T3 (T3SN). We investigated the main features of these tumors and analyzed their impact on Overall Survival (OS).

Methods: This was a retrospective multicentric study including all pT3SN NSCLC operated on between 2005 and 2020, excluding patients with multifocal ground-glass opacities; who received induction therapies; N3 or stage IV.

Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Prevalence of Actionable Alterations in a Monocentric Consecutive Cohort.

Early-stage (ES) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is diagnosed in about 30% of cases. The preferred treatment is surgery, but a significant proportion of patients experience recurrence. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy has a limited clinical benefit.

Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration: effectiveness and accuracy in non-small cell lung cancer staging.

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has a cardinal role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing an accurate nodal staging in a less invasive way than surgical biopsy. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in the pre-operative NSCLC mediastinal staging, as well as to evaluate EBUS-TBNA specificity and sensibility in our cohort.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of NSCLC patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA followed by major pulmonary resection between January 2020 and December 2022.

TNM Staging System in Thymoma: A Critical Appraisal?

Thymomas are rare tumors of the anterior mediastinum with peculiar clinical and pathological features. They have been deeply analyzed by pioneer authors, who strictly linked their name to the main pathological and staging classifications. Before the latest edition of the WHO classification of thymic epithelial tumors, the history of thymoma pathological classification inherited the name of the pathologists who systematically addressed the issue, from Levine-Rosai to Muller-Hermelink.

Somatic mutations of thymic epithelial tumors with myasthenia gravis.

Background: Thymic epithelial tumors are rare malignant neoplasms that are frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, especially myasthenia gravis. GTF2I is an oncogene mutated in a subgroup of thymomas that is reputed to drive their growth. However, for GTF2I wild-type tumors, the relevant mutations remain to be identified.

Thymectomy in severe (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classes IV-V) generalized myasthenia gravis: is the game really worth the candle?

Objectives: Total thymectomy in addition to medical treatment is an accepted standard therapy for myasthenia gravis (MG). Patients with severe generalized MG present life-threatening events, poor prognosis and higher risk of postoperative myasthenic crisis. The aim of our study is to investigate neurological and surgical results in patients with Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) class IV and V MG following thymectomy.

Unradical Surgery for Locally-Advanced Thymoma: Is it time to evolve Perspectives?

Objectives: Nearly-one-third of thymomas are locally-advanced at diagnosis. The traditional dogma that surgery is justified in case a complete resection can be achieved has remained unmovable until today. This study aimed to investigate feasibility and oncologic efficacy of incomplete resection for locally-advanced thymomas in a contest of multimodality therapy.

Intraoperative prevention and conservative management of postoperative prolonged air leak after lung resection: a systematic review.

Background: Prolonged air leak (PAL) due to an alveolar-pleural fistula (APF) is the most common complication after lung surgery. PAL is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, a longer chest tube duration, hence a prolonged hospitalization. Management of PAL may be challenging, and the thoracic surgeon should be aware of the possible therapeutic strategies.

Cold coagulation in thoracoscopic treatment of primary pneumothorax: a comparison with apicectomy.

Objectives: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disease, whose surgical treatment is still enigmatic in terms of timing and technique. Herein, we reported our experience with the parenchymal-sparing technique via cold coagulation (CC), in comparison to stapler apicectomy (SA).

Methods: We retrospectively collected data of all patients with apical blebs or <2 cm bullae treated with minimally invasive surgery for recurrent or persistent spontaneous pneumothorax, from 2010 to 2020.

An asymptomatic giant AB thymoma in a patient with Down syndrome: a case report.

Background: Mediastinal mass management may represent a real challenge for all the physicians who deal with it. Mediastinum, in fact, contains different vital structures which are often involved by growing neoplasms with increasing severity. Therefore, up to 60% of the patients with mediastinal mass are symptomatic, according to the structure involved.

New Insights in Pleural Mesothelioma Classification Update: Diagnostic Traps and Prognostic Implications.

The 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Pleura has introduced significant changes in mesothelioma codification beyond the three current histological subtypes-epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Major advances since the 2015 WHO classification include nuclear grading and the introduction of architectural patterns, cytological and stromal features for epithelioid diffuse mesothelioma. Mesothelioma in situ has been recognized as a diagnostic category.