5-year Recurrence-free Survival Research Articles

Predictors of nodal upstaging in clinical N1 nonsmall cell lung cancer

Abstract Background Surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is currently the first choice for the treatment of clinical N1 (cN1) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, diagnosing cN1 correctly can be difficult, even with current imaging diagnostic technologies. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative nodal status and the predictive factors for nodal upstaging of cN1-NSCLC. Methods Patients receiving surgery for cN1-NSCLC in 2010 (n = 1040) were enrolled in the Japanese Joint Committee of Lung Cancer Registry Database. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of cN1, predictive factors for nodal upstaging, and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results The 5-year OS and RFS for all patients were 58.2% and 42.7%, respectively. The postoperative pathological nodal status included N0 (36.6%), N1 (39.7%), N2 (23.6%), and N3 (0.1%). In multivariate analysis, younger age (P = .005), no history of smoking (P = .006), and adenocarcinoma (P < .001) were significant predictive factors for nodal upstaging. Older age (P < .001) and higher clinical T (cT) factor (P < .001) were significant indicators for worse OS, while older age (P = .02), higher cT factor (P = .019), high carcinoembryonic antigen value (P = .002), and adenocarcinoma (P = .008) were significant indicators for worse RFS. Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy of cN1 in this study was ~40%. No history of smoking and adenocarcinoma were significant predictors for nodal upstaging. Although younger age was a significant predictor for nodal upstaging, it was a significant factor for better prognosis.

Recurrence-Free Survival Prediction for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Chemoradiotherapy using Planning CT-based Radiomics Model

Abstract Objectives Approximately 30% of non-metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) patients will experience recurrence after chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and currently available clinical variables are poor predictors of treatment response. We aimed to develop a model leveraging information extracted from radiation pretreatment planning CT to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) in ASCC patients after CRT. Methods Radiomics features were extracted from planning CT images of 96 ASCC patients. Following pre-feature selection, the optimal feature set was selected via step-forward feature selection with a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. The RFS prediction was generated from a radiomics-clinical combined model based on an optimal feature set with five repeats of nested five-fold cross validation. The risk stratification ability of the proposed model was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Shape- and texture-based radiomics features significantly predicted RFS. Compared to a clinical-only model, radiomics-clinical combined model achieves better performance in the testing cohort with higher C-index (0.80 vs 0.73) and AUC (0.84 vs 0.78 for 1-year RFS, 0.84 vs 0.79 for 2-year RFS, and 0.85 vs 0.81 for 3-year RFS), leading to distinctive high- and low-risk of recurrence groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions A treatment planning CT based radiomics and clinical combined model had improved prognostic performance in predicting RFS for ASCC patients treated with CRT as compared to a model using clinical features only. Advances in knowledge The use of radiomics from planning CT is promising in assisting in personalized management in ASCC. The study outcomes support the role of planning CT-based radiomics as potential imaging biomarker.

The established of a machine learning model for predicting the efficacy of adjuvant interferon alpha1b in patients with advanced melanoma

BackgroundInterferon-alpha1b (IFN-α1b) has shown remarkable therapeutic potential as adjuvant therapy for melanoma. This study aimed to develop five machine learning models to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative IFN-α1b in patients with advanced melanoma.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 113 patients with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage III-IV melanoma who received postoperative IFN-α1b therapy between July 2009 and February 2024. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Five machine learning models (Decision Tree, Cox Proportional Hazards, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and LASSO regression) were developed and compared for their capacity to predict the outcomes of patients. Model performance was evaluated using concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis.ResultsThe 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year RFS rates were 71.10%, 43.10%, and 31.10%, respectively. For OS, the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS rates were 99.10%, 82.30%, and 75.00%, respectively. The Decision Tree (DT) model demonstrated superior predictive performance with the highest C-index of 0.792. Time-dependent ROC analysis for predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year RFS based on the DT model is 0.77, 0.79 and 0.76, respectively. Serum albumin emerged as the important predictor of RFS.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the considerable efficacy DT model for predicting the efficacy of adjuvant IFN-α1b in patients with advanced melanoma. Serum albumin was identified as a key predictive factor of the treatment efficacy.

A nomogram model to predict recurrence of early-onset endometrial cancer after resection based on clinical parameters and immunohistochemical markers: a multi-institutional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prognosis value of the clinical parameters and immunohistochemical markers of patients with early-onset endometrial cancer (EC) and establish a nomogram to accurately predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) of early-onset EC after resection.MethodsA training dataset containing 458 patients and an independent testing dataset consisting of 170 patients were employed in this retrospective study. The independent risk factors related to RFS were confirmed using Cox regression models. A nomogram model was established to predict RFS at 3 and 5 years post-hysterectomy. The C-index, area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curve were calculated to assess the predictive accuracy of the nomogram.ResultsIn all early-onset EC patients, more than half (368/628, 58.6%) were diagnosed in the age range of 45-49 years. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate of early-onset EC is approximately 10.8%. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that histological subtype, FIGO stage, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), P53 expression, and MMR status were independent prognostic factors related to RFS (all P < 0.05) and established the nomogram predicting 3- and 5-year RFS. The C-index and calibration curves of the nomogram demonstrated a close correlation between predicted and actual RFS. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the model of RFS.ConclusionsCombining clinical parameters and immunohistochemical markers, we developed a robust nomogram to predict RFS after surgery for early-onset EC patients. This nomogram can predict prognosis well and guide treatment decisions.

Predictors of tolerability for postoperative adjuvant S1 plus docetaxel chemotherapy for gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract Background Adjuvant docetaxel plus S1 (DS) chemotherapy after gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for stage III gastric cancer in Japan; however, some patients are unable to receive adequate drug administration because of the deterioration of their conditions. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between tolerability for postoperative adjuvant DS chemotherapy and prognosis, and the factors affecting tolerability. Methods This retrospective study involved patients with stage III gastric cancer who underwent curative resection between 2018 and 2021 from a multicenter database. Patients with a cumulative dose of docetaxel and S1 greater than 120 and 8400 mg/m2, respectively, were considered tolerable. The prognostic impact and factors predicting tolerability were analyzed. Results Of the 103 patients, the tolerable group comprised of 63 (61%) patients and had a significantly better 3-year recurrence-free survival than the intolerable group (83% vs. 64%, P = 0.02). Among the preoperative factors, only performance status (PS, P = 0.04) was significantly correlated with tolerability in the univariate analysis. Among the postoperative factors, PS (P = 0.001) and perioperative weight loss rate (P = 0.02) were significantly correlated with tolerability in the univariate analysis. The multivariate analysis showed significant differences in the PS (odds ratio [OR]: 4.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–14.98, P = 0.002) and weight loss rate (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.21, P = 0.03). Conclusions Tolerance to postoperative adjuvant DS chemotherapy has a significant prognostic impact. Postoperative PS and perioperative weight loss rates were independent predictors of tolerability.

Prognostic impact of circulating tumor DNA detection in portal and peripheral blood in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients

In PDAC patients, ctDNA detection’s prognostic significance needs validation especially in resected patients. This study investigated ctDNA kinetics in portal and peripheral blood before and after resection, and whether tissue mobilization during surgery influences ctDNA detection. In this single-center prospective cohort, portal and peripheral blood were drawn during pancreaticoduodenectomy before and after tissue mobilization, during 12 postoperative months and were associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and CA19-9 (secondary endpoints). Tumor mutations were identified using next-generation-sequencing and ctDNA detected by digital droplet PCR. From 2018 to 2022, 34 patients were included. The 2-year RFS and OS were 47.6%(95%CI[29.5; 63.6]) and 65.7%(95%CI[46.5; 79.4]) respectively. Intraoperatively, ctDNA detection in portal or peripheral blood was associated with worse RFS (HR[95%CI]3.26[1.26; 8.45],p = 0.010) and OS (HR[95%CI]5.46[1.65;18.01],p = 0.002). Portal vein sampling did not improve ctDNA detection. CtDNA levels were increased by 2.5-fold (p = 0.031) in peripheral blood after tissue mobilization but not significantly linked to RFS or OS. Detecting ctDNA intraoperatively was correlated with poorer RFS (HR [95% CI] 3.26 [1.26;8.45], p = 0.010) and 0S (HR [95% CI] 5.46 [1.65;18.01], p = 0.002). Portal vein sampling did not improve ctDNA detection. Tissue mobilization increases ctDNA levels. Intraoperative detection of ctDNA is associated with a worse prognosis.

Managing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after cervical radiotherapy for a head and neck cancer: esophagectomy remains a viable option.

Managing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in patients with a history of cervical radiotherapy for a head and neck cancer (HNC) often requires a careful evaluation of esophagectomy due to concerns regarding complications and prognosis. This study evaluates the periesophagectomy and oncological outcomes of such patients. Patients diagnosed with ESCC between January 2010 and August 2023 and who had undergone esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of a history of radiotherapy for as HNC. After 1: 2 propensity score matching, the perioperative and oncological outcomes, including overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), were evaluated. A total of 481 patients, 32 in group 1 and 449 in group 2, were included. After matching, group 1 patients and 64 patients in the group 2 were analyzed. All the patients in group 1 were males, and their mean age was 56years. The median radiation dose was 69Gy. The rates of anastomosis leakage, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and reoperation were comparable between the two groups. However, vocal cord palsy occurred more frequently in group 1, particularly in those with recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection (37.5%). The 3-year OS (69.6% vs. 75.2%; p = 0.26) and RFS (50.8% vs. 55.9%; p = 0.63) were similar between groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, perioperative and oncological outcomes were comparable between ESCC patients with and without prior HNC radiotherapy, supporting esophagectomy as a feasible option.

The role of re-transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with TaHG non muscle invasive bladder cancer.

There is lack of evidence regarding the indication for re-transurethral resection of bladder tumor (reTURBT) for Ta high grade (HG) non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This study aims to evaluate the oncological outcomes of patients with TaHG NMIBC to determine the benefit from performing reTURBT. We relied on a multicenter cohort of 317 TaHG NMIBC from 12 centers who underwent TURBT and a subsequent complete Bacillus Calmette-Guérin induction from 2009 to 2021. Kaplan Meier analyses estimated recurrence free survival (RFS) and progression free survival (PFS) according to reTURBT. Sub-analyses evaluated PFS in patients with multiple risk factors indicating necessity for reTURBT according to international guidelines (multifocality, size > 3cm, recurrent cancer, carcinoma in situ, lymph vascular invasion, histological variant, incomplete and absence of muscle layer at index TURBT). Multivariable cox-regression analysis predicted recurrence and progression. Of the 317 patients, 123 (39%) underwent reTURBT, while 194 (61%) did not. Residual disease was detected in 46% of cases, with a 3.2% upstaging rate. Median follow-up was 30months. The 3-year RFS was higher in patients who underwent reTURBT (79% vs. 58%, p < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed in PFS. ReTURBT reduced the risk of recurrence [multivariable hazard ratio: 0.45, 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.71]. Among patients who did not undergo reTURBT, those with ≥ 2 risk factors had lower 3-year PFS (73% vs. 92%, p < 0.001) than those with 0-1 risk factor, whereas no difference in 3-year PFS was observed in patients who underwent reTURBT regardless of the number of risk factors (85% vs. 87%, p = 0.8). ReTURBT demonstrated efficacy in reducing recurrence among patients with TaHG NMIBC, yet its impact on progression remained uncertain. Our study underscores the importance of adhering to current international guidelines, particularly for patients with multiple risk factors indicating necessity for reTURBT.

Ideal cystoscopic interval after nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the appropriate cystoscopic interval after nephroureterectomy (NU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) using a hypothetical model. A total of 155 patients who underwent NU in 15 years were retrospectively evaluated. Three hypothetical models for surveillance intervals were created: 3 (model 1), 6 (model 2) and 12 months (model 3). We superimposed these models on the actual surveillance of each patient and analyzed the observed timing of recurrence. The time from recurrence to scheduled cystoscopy (timeRCS) was defined as the time from recurrence to estimated cystoscopy. The gap risk ratio was calculated based on the average of timeRCS for model 1 at 0-1 year after surgery. The median follow-up was 20.5 months. Intravesical recurrence was observed in 63 patients (40.6%). The 3-year intravesical recurrence-free survival rate in patients without a history of bladder cancer before NU was significantly higher than in those with a history of bladder cancer (61% vs. 42%, P = 0.034). The medians of timeRCS for models 1, 2, and 3 were 1.9, 2.9, and 8.4 months, respectively. The gap risk ratios for model 1 at 1-3 years, model 2 at 2-3 years for patients with a history of bladder cancer, and model 2 at 1-3 years for patients without a history of bladder cancer were less than 1.0. Model analysis shows that the cystoscopic follow-up interval can be extended depending on the presence or absence of a history of bladder cancer and the time after NU.

Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma Survival Outcomes, Recurrence Patterns, and Prognostic Factors: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis of Publications after 2000

Abstract Background Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) comprises &lt;1% of all head and neck cancers but has one of the highest 5-year mortalities. Methods A systematic review and analysis using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses) guidelines was conducted on SNMM survival, recurrence, and prognostic factors. Results A total of 2,379 abstracts were reviewed resulting in 90 studies describing 3347 SNMM patients. Patients were 49.65% male and 66.5 years old. Surgery plus radiation therapy, followed by surgery only, then radiation only were the most common treatments. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy were used in 418 patients and 101 respectively. The 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survivals are 55.97, 40.09, and 30.35%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival and disease-specific survival are 25.56 and 38.04%. The 5-year local, regional, and distant recurrence-free survivals are 42.35, 81.64, and 44.65%. Mean survival after diagnosis was 26.99 months. Local (n = 650), regional (n = 226), and distant (n = 723) failure presented after 19.36, 6.35, and 12.42 months. Sites of metastasis were lung, liver, bone, brain, skin, kidney, and adrenal glands. Distant metastases, disease in the paranasal sinuses, and higher stage were noted to have worse survival outcomes. Positive margins did not significantly impact overall survival in 11/12 studies. Conclusion Overall survival over 20 years has remained poor with 70% of patients deceased in 5 years. About half of patients will develop distant failure and will thereafter rapidly decline. These data indicate need for advances in treatment of SNMM and new efforts with targeted immunotherapy offer a promising avenue toward improving survival outcomes.

Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces Predicts Survival in Resected Pulmonary Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma.

Tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) has been recognized as a prognostic factor for several types of lung cancers. However, information regarding its clinical significance in pulmonary lymphoepithelial carcinoma is limited. Therefore, this study investigated effects of STAS on the clinical outcomes for patients with pulmonary lymphoepithelial carcinoma. This study retrospectively reviewed 56 surgically resected pulmonary lymphoepithelial carcinomas. The study defined STAS as the presence of tumor cells within air spaces in lung parenchyma beyond the tumor edge. Artifacts were excluded. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. In 18 patients (32.1%), STAS was observed and found to be associated with larger tumor size (>3 cm) (p = 0.009), higher pathologic stage (p = 0.026), and tumor necrosis (p = 0.046). Patients with STAS had a significantly lower 5-year RFS rate (p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis showed that STAS was an independent predictor of worse RFS (hazard ratio, 3.395; p = 0.038). Patients with STAS had a significantly increased risk of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.049). The study findings suggest that STAS is an independent predictor of poor RFS. Based on these findings, a new three-tier grading system based on the patterns of tumor border and STAS was proposed for effective prediction of 5-year RFS in pulmonary lymphoepithelial carcinoma.

Combination of grade and spread through air spaces (STAS) predicts recurrence in early stage lung adenocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Adenocarcinomas, a common subtype of lung cancer, exhibit diverse histological patterns. In 2020, The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) introduced a grading system emphasizing high-grade components, which has shown prognostic value. Spread through air spaces (STAS) is recognized as a prognostic feature increasing the risk of recurrence in lung cancer. This study evaluates the combination of STAS status and the IASLC-grading system in surgically resected Stage I lung adenocarcinomas. This study is a retrospective analysis of 123 patients with Stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent lobectomy between 2011 and 2019. Histological patterns were assessed according to the IASLC criteria, and STAS status was documented. Patients were categorized based on their IASLC Grade and STAS status. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, Cox proportional hazards models, and comparisons using Chi-square and t-tests. The cohort comprised 43 females and 80 males with a mean age of 61.8 ± 7.6years. STAS positivity was noted in 52.8% of patients. STAS positivity correlated significantly with Grade 3 tumors (p < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was significantly lower in STAS-positive patients (70.7% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.026). Patients with Grade 3 and STAS positivity had significantly lower recurrence-free survival compared to other groups (p = 0.002). Grade 3 and STAS positivity were independent predictors of poor recurrence-free survival in multivariate analysis. IASLC Grade 3 tumors and STAS positivity are independent prognostic factors for poor recurrence-free survival in Stage I lung adenocarcinomas. Adjuvant treatment strategies should be considered for patients with these characteristics to improve outcomes.

Criteria for Re-Irradiation.

The treatment options for patients with progressive malignant tumors despite primary radiotherapy are often limited. In selected cases, re-irradiation can be offered. This article concerns the selection criteria and results of re-irradiation for certain types of cancer. This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, with particular attention to glioblastoma, head and neck tumors, and prostatic carcinoma. The published studies of re-irradiation are few in number and often of limited methodological quality. For glioblastoma, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) found that adding re-irradiation to treatment with bevacizumab yielded no significant improvement in either median progression-free survival or median overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; p = 0.05 and HR 0.98; p = 0.46, respectively). Re-irradiation is a treatment option for locoregional recurrences of head and neck tumors after primary radiotherapy, but it carries a risk of serious side effects. For unresectable recurrences of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an RCT has shown that hyperfractionated re-irradiation is more effective than normofractionated re-irradiation (overall survival: HR 0.54, p = 0.014). For locally recurrent prostatic carcinoma after radiotherapy, re-irradiation can yield good oncologic outcomes with an acceptable level of urogenital and gastrointestinal side effects (5-year recurrence-free survival: stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), 58%; high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, 77%; versus salvage prostatectomy, 72%). RCTs on this topic are lacking. Re-irradiation is a treatment option for selected cancer patients. As the available scientific evidence is limited, multidisciplinary collaboration and participatory decision-making are particularly important.

Impact of neoadjuvant therapy on prognosis in renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombus

BackgroundThe standard treatment for non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus is complete surgical resection; however, this procedure is complex and carries high complication rates and perioperative mortality. Previous studies have explored preoperative multimodal therapy to reduce surgical difficulty, but limited evidence prevents guideline recommendations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the prognosis of patients with RCC and IVC thrombus without distant metastasis. MethodsData from 2006 to 2024 on RCC patients with IVC thrombus undergoing radical nephrectomy plus IVC thrombus resection were collected. Patients received neoadjuvant therapy, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors, followed by surgery. Tumor size and thrombus height were assessed by computed tomography. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors predicting DFS. ResultsThirty-one patients who did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy therapy (NAC-Naive group) and 19 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy therapy (NAC group) were analyzed. The NAC group showed significant reductions in primary renal tumor size and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio compared to the NAC-Naive group just before nephrectomy. The NAC group had significantly improved DFS and OS. Median DFS and OS were not reached in the NAC group compared to 26.3 months and 73.5 months, respectively, in the NAC-Naive group. The NAC group had a 2-year recurrence-free survival rate of 70.9% compared to 50.6% in the NAC-Naive group. Multivariate analysis identified a preoperative tumor size of 10 cm or larger and lack of neoadjuvant therapy as poor prognostic factors for DFS. ConclusionNeoadjuvant therapy significantly improves the prognosis of RCC patients with IVC thrombus. This therapy reduces surgical invasiveness and has a mid- to long-term preventive effect on recurrence. These findings support the potential benefit of neoadjuvant systemic therapy in improving outcomes for this patient population.

Robotic surgery of the urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract single surgeon initial experience, 66 consecutive cases

PurposeRobotic surgery is increasingly utilized in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UTUC). This study investigates the advantages and burden of robot-assisted surgical treatment of the urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract in a referral urological department, along with their functional and oncological results.MethodsThe study included 66 prospectively enrolled patients who were surgically treated by a single, robotically specialized surgeon between July 2019 and December 2023. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1: 50 patients underwent robot-assisted radical Nephroureterectomy (RANU) with bladder cuff excision, Group 2: 11 patients underwent RANU simultaneously with robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), and Group 3: 5 patients underwent robot-assisted segmental ureterectomy (RASU). Clinical and oncological parameters were compared. Perioperative morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo was the primary endpoint of our study. The secondary endpoint was oncologic outcomes.Results37.8% of patients had locally advanced carcinomas. The average console time of RANU with bladder cuff excision was 69 min. The rate of positive surgical margins was n = 1/66 (2%). Lymphadenectomy (LAD) was performed on 30% of patients, with a mean of 13.7 lymph nodes removed. Of those who received LAD, 33% had lymph node metastasis. n = 6/66 (9%) patients received blood transfusion. The overall complication rate was 24%. The readmission rate was 7.5%. With a median follow-up of 26 months, the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 84.4%, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 94%.ConclusionRobotic surgery is a feasible option for treating UTUC that can be adapted to meet the surgical needs of each patient. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm its benefits.

Comparative analysis of the oncologic outcomes and risk factors for open conversion in laparoscopic surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer: A retrospective multicenter study

PurposeLaparoscopic colon surgery is now commonly used for colorectal cancer (CRC) resection. The objective of this study was to compare the oncologic outcomes between open conversion and laparoscopic surgery, and to identify risk factors for open conversion. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent curative resection for stage 0–III CRC at five Hallym University-affiliated hospitals between January 2011 and June 2021. The patients were divided into the conversion and laparoscopic groups according to whether laparoscopic surgery was completed. ResultsOut of 2231 patients, laparoscopic surgery was completed in 2131 patients and 100 (4.5 %) converted to open surgery. The operation time (P = 0.028) and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.036) were longer in the conversion group than in the laparoscopic group. Overall (P = 0.022) and severe (Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥3) (P = 0.048) complications were more frequent in the conversion group than in the laparoscopic group. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was worse in the conversion group than in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.002). In the multivariable analysis, open conversion was not a prognostic factor for RFS (P = 0.082). Abdominal surgery history (P = 0.021), obstruction (P < 0.001), and T4 stage (P < 0.001) were independently associated with open conversion. ConclusionThe conversion group had worse perioperative and oncologic outcomes. History of abdominal surgery, obstruction, and T4 stage were associated with open conversion. However, conversion itself was not associated with RFS.

Safety and Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel and Radiotherapy in Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results From a Prospective Pilot Study.

Approximately 15% of patients with localized prostate cancer are at high risk for disease recurrence. Many clinical trials have evaluated the impact of neoadjuvant therapy before radical prostatectomy with mixed results (NCT00321698). This phase I/II clinical trial evaluated the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of neoadjuvant radiation therapy and docetaxel before prostatectomy in 25 men with high-risk prostate cancer. The treatment regimen included 45Gy radiotherapy in 25 fractions to the prostate and seminal vesicles over 5 weeks, along with weekly dose-escalated docetaxel up to 30mg/m², followed by prostatectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection. The primary endpoint was the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints included adverse events, symptom and quality of life measures, and prostate-specific antigen metrics. All 25 patients completed the planned treatment. The primary endpoint of pCR was not achieved. Lymphopenia was the most common grade 3 or higher toxicity, with no grade 3 or higher genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicities observed. With a median follow-up of 11.6 years, the 10-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was 60%, and distant metastasis-free survival was 80%. Prostate cancer-specific survival and overall survival at 10 years were 84% and 60%, respectively. Although pCR was not met, the treatment demonstrated a modest toxicity profile and reasonable long-term outcomes, suggesting feasibility and safety. Further studies are needed to optimize endpoints and assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatments compared with standard approaches in high-risk prostate cancer patients.

Inflammatory Burden Index Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Receive Curative Treatment.

We hypothesized that the inflammatory burden index (IBI) is a promising biomarker for esophageal cancer (EC) treatment and management. To confirm our hypothesis, we evaluated the prognostic impact of IBI in patients with EC who received curative treatment. We conducted a retrospective review of medical records and collected data from consecutive patients with EC who underwent curative resection at Yokohama City University between 2005 and 2020. The IBI score was calculated as the C-reactive protein level multiplied by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. In total, 180 patients with EC were included in this study. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 72.9% and 63.4%, respectively, in the IBI-low group, and 38.2% and 32.5% in the IBI-high group (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, IBI was identified as a significant prognostic factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR)=2.372; 95% confidence interval CI=1.478-3.806, p<0.001]. In addition, the 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 52.9% and 47.8%, respectively, in the IBI-low group, and 22.9% and 17.2% in the IBI-high group (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, IBI was identified as a significant prognostic factor for RFS (HR=2.484; 95%CI=1.373-4.494, p<0.001). When comparing the recurrence patterns between the IBI-high and IBI-low groups, there were significant differences in lymph node recurrence (46.0% vs. 26.2%, p=0.010) and hematological recurrence (52.0% vs. 18.5%, p<0.001). IBI affects both the short- and long-term oncological outcomes. Thus, IBI may be a promising prognostic factor for the treatment and management of EC.

Usefulness of Upfront Neck Dissection Before Chemoradiation Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (L/A SCCHN) is typically treated with surgery or chemoradiation therapy (CRT), whereas salvage surgery is considered for residual disease post-CRT. However, salvage surgery after radiation therapy presents challenges due to tissue fibrosis. Planned neck dissection (ND) combined with CRT, as well as positron emission tomography after CRT, have been proposed strategies, but no definitive consensus has been reached. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the utility of "upfront ND" performed prior to CRT to enhance local control and reduce complications. We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients who underwent primary CRT for oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer at Tokyo Medical University Hospital from January 2015 to September 2021. Patients without cervical lymph node metastasis or with unresectable nodes were excluded. All patients underwent pre-treatment imaging and staging. CRT consisted of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Selective ND or modified radical neck dissection was performed based on lymph node involvement. Overall, 35 patients underwent upfront ND, whereas 54 did not. The upfront ND group exhibited significantly better 2-year locoregional recurrence-free survival than the group without upfront ND (93.7% vs. 71.0%). No significant differences were noted in adverse events between groups. The findings highlight upfront ND before CRT as a viable option for locally advanced head and neck cancer, particularly beneficial in cases with extranodal extension. This approach enhances local control and may reduce the need for salvage surgery, thus improving patient outcomes.

Ovarian carcinosarcoma of heterologous type occurring in an endometriotic cyst with 3-year recurrence-free survival: a case report and literature review

Ovarian carcinosarcoma of heterologous type occurring in an endometriotic cyst with 3-year recurrence-free survival: a case report and literature review