No abstract

In patients with endometrial cancer (N=94), endometrial polyps (N=28), endometrial hyperplasia (N=25), and healthy women (N=77), the serum contents of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were measured by ELISA. Both carcinoma and benign neoplasms were accompanied by significant elevation of MMP-7 and TIMP-2 in blood serum. The greatest elevation (in comparison with the control) was observed for MMP-7, although serum concentration of this marker was practically identical in patients with carcinoma and benign tumors. In contrast, the levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were lower in cancer patients in comparison with the control; in these patients, the levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were also lower than the corresponding levels in patients with polyps and endometrial hyperplasia. There were no significant correlations between the levels of examined markers with tumor metastasizing, its histological structure, and differentiation degree of endometrial cancer. No differences were observed between examined serological markers in patients with polyps and endometrial hyperplasia of various severities. The examined MMPs and TIMPs cannot be advanced as potential diagnostic markers of endometrial cancer, but they can be used to monitor and prognosticate the disease and to assess effectiveness of the targeted therapy.

Despite the undeniable successes of modern medicine, the problems of oncology and, in particular, oncogynecology are still unresolved. Thus, a 5-year overall survival rate for stage I ovarian cancer is 89 %, for stage IV – 17 %. Given that complaints in patients with ovarian cancer appear only after the tumor has passed beyond the organ, the most important and key factor in successful treatment is the correct diagnosis of ovarian neoplasm. Observance of the correct algorithm and correct surgery can significantly improve the results of treatment. The article will discuss the difficulties of diagnosing ovarian cancer.

This article summarizes our own experience of reconstructive operations with resection and plastic repair of the superior vena cava in the field of locally advanced lung cancer surgery. Both technical aspects and methodological approaches of this type of combined interventions are described in detail. Data from 45 patients who underwent wedge (21) and circular (24) superior vena cava resections were analyzed. In most (65%) cases, venous resection and reconstruction were combined with multi-organ resections of other anatomical structures of the chest cavity. 87% of patients received combined treatment in different directions. Postoperative complications were registered in 40% of cases, and the mortality rate was 13%. The unfavorable postoperative prognostic factors were followings: old age, pneumonectomy, combination of vein angioplasty with carinal resection. The 5-year survival rate was 18.5%, with a median survival of 19.4 + 4.6 months. The results allow us to recommend such operations in highly specialized clinics that have extensive experience in tracheobronchial angioplastic surgery and highly-qualified anesthesia care providers. Multimodal treatment allows to achieve satisfactory long-term results.