Clinical Stage T2 Research Articles

Trends and Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Clinical Stage T1 Pancreatic Cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) for early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains controversial. We investigate the adoption of NC and its impact on survival in clinical T1 (cT1) PDAC. National Cancer Database (2006-2017) was reviewed for cT1 PDAC. Patients receiving NC and surgery were compared with patients undergoing upfront surgery (US). A total of 5886 patients were included. NC use increased from 4.8% in 2006 to 18.8% in 2017. The NC group (n = 618) versus the US group (n = 5268) had: younger age (66 years vs. 68 years), smaller tumor size (2 cm vs. 2.2 cm), more pancreas head tumors (77% vs. 70.6%), lower lymph-vascular invasion (25.9% vs. 40.6%), and less lymph node positivity (43.6% vs. 54.5%), p < 0.001. Factors associated with receipt of NC were: younger age, recent year of diagnosis, and treatment at an academic program. In the NC group versus the US group, median OS was 35.2 months versus 28.3 months, p < 0.001. Factors associated with improved survival included: well differentiated pathology, R0 surgical margins, and receipt of chemotherapy. In cT1 PDAC, chemotherapy is associated with improved survival. In a surgery-first approach, only 59% of patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy. These data suggest consideration of neoadjuvant therapy for early pancreatic cancer.

Preserving Laryngo-Esophageal Function in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy: Predictive Factors and Long-Term Outcomes.

Functional outcomes after hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treatment have a significant effect on patients' quality of life and prognosis. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors associated with laryngo-esophageal dysfunction in patients with HPC who received definitive radiotherapy. Patients with HPC treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2019 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (LDFS) events were defined as local recurrence, laryngo-esophageal dysfunction (defined as tracheostomy or feeding tube dependence), or death from any cause. The median follow-up period was 61 months for the 80 patients included in the study. The 5-year LDFS rate was 47%. A clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were independently associated with a lower LDFS. A clinical T4 stage and lower pretreatment PNI were identified as predictors of a lower LDFS after definitive radiotherapy for HPC.

Prediction and validation of pathologic complete response for locally advanced rectal cancer under neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy based on a novel predictor using interpretable machine learning

BackgroundPrecise evaluation of pathological complete response (pCR) is essential for determining the prognosis of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and can offer clues for the selection of subsequent treatment strategies. Most current predictive models for pCR focus primarily on pre-treatment factors, neglecting the dynamic systemic changes that occur during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and are constrained by low accuracy and lack of integrity. PurposeThis study devised a novel predictor of pCR using dynamic alterations in systemic inflammation-nutritional marker indexes (SINI) during neoadjuvant therapy and developed a machine-learning model to predict pCR. MethodsTwo cohorts of patients with LARC from center one from 2012 to 2017 and from center two from 2020 to 2023 were integrated for analysis. This study compared dynamic changes in blood indexes before and after neoadjuvant therapy and surgical operation. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was conducted to mitigate collinearity and identify key indexes, constructing the SINI. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors associated with pCR. Additionally, 10 machine learning algorithms were employed to develop predictive models to assess risk. The hyperparameters of the machine learning models were optimized using a random search and 10-fold cross-validation. The models were assessed by examining various metrics, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), decision curve analysis, calibration curves, and the precision and accuracy of the internal and external validation cohorts. Additionally, Shapley's additive explanations (SHAP) were employed to interpret the machine learning models. ResultsThe study cohort comprised 677 patients from the center one and 224 patients from the center two. Six key indexes were identified, and a predictive index, SINI, was constructed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that SINI, clinical T-stage, clinical N-stage, tumor size, and the distance from the anal verge were independent risk factors for pCR in patients with LARC following NCRT. The mean AUC value of the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) model in the 10-fold cross-validation of the training set was 0.877. The XGB model demonstrated superior performance in the internal and external validation sets. Specifically, in the internal test set, the XGB model achieved an AUC of 0.86, AUPRC of 0.707, accuracy of 0.82, and precision of 0.80. In the external validation set, the XGB model exhibited an AUC of 0.83, AUPRC of 0.702, accuracy of 0.81, and precision of 0.81. Additionally, the predictions generated by the XGB model were analyzed using SHAP. ConclusionThis study involved developing and validating an XGB model using SINI to predict pCR in patients with LARC. Besides, a SINI-based machine learning model shows promise in accurately predicting pCR following NCRT in patients with resectable LARC, offering valuable insights for personalized treatment approaches.

Standard or Extended Lymphadenectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

BackgroundWhether extended lymphadenectomy is associated with improved disease-free and overall survival, as compared with standard lymphadenectomy, among patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy is unclear.MethodsWe randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer of clinical stage T2 (confined to muscle) to T4a (invading adjacent organs) with two or fewer positive nodes (N0, N1, or N2) to undergo bilateral standard lymphadenectomy (dissection of lymph nodes on both sides of the pelvis) or extended lymphadenectomy involving removal of common iliac, presciatic, and presacral nodes. Randomization was performed during surgery and stratified according to the receipt and type of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor stage (T2 vs. T3 or T4a), and a Zubrod’s performance-status score (0 or 1 vs. 2; assessed on a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater disability). The primary outcome was disease-free survival. Overall survival and safety were also assessed.ResultsOf 658 patients who were enrolled, 592 eligible patients were randomly assigned to undergo extended lymphadenectomy (292 patients) or standard lymphadenectomy (300). Surgery was performed by 36 surgeons at 27 sites in the United States and Canada. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy had been received by 57% of the patients. At a median follow-up of 6.1 years, recurrence or death had occurred in 130 patients (45%) in the extended-lymphadenectomy group and in 127 (42%) in the standard-lymphadenectomy group, and the estimated 5-year disease-free survival was 56% and 60%, respectively (hazard ratio for recurrence or death, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 1.40; P=0.45). Overall survival at 5 years was 59% in the extended-lymphadenectomy group and 63% in the standard-lymphadenectomy group (hazard ratio for death, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.45). Adverse events of grade 3 to 5 occurred in 157 patients (54%) in the extended-lymphadenectomy group and in 132 (44%) in the standard-lymphadenectomy group; death within 90 days after surgery occurred in 19 patients (7%) and 7 patients (2%), respectively.ConclusionsAs compared with standard lymphadenectomy, extended lymphadenectomy did not result in improved disease-free or overall survival among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy and was associated with higher perioperative morbidity and mortality. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Canadian Cancer Society; SWOG S1011 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01224665.)

Lateral lymph node metastasis without mesenteric lymph node involvement in middle-low rectal cancer: Results of a multicentre lateral node collaborative group study in China

BackgroundCharacteristics and prognoses of lateral lymph node (LLN) metastasis but not mesenteric lymph node (LN) metastasis are poorly understood. This study explored patterns of mesenteric and LLN metastases in rectal cancer patients. MethodThis retrospective, multicentre study was conducted at three institutions and included patients who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) with lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer (n = 271). ResultsAmong the patients with LLN metastases, 210 patients (77.5 %) with clinical stage T3-4 disease and 157 patients (57.9 %) with clinical stage N1-N2 disease underwent TME as well as LLND. The prognoses of patients with metastasis confined to LLNs were significantly better than those of patients with both mesenteric and LLN metastases (3-year overall survival: 85.0 % vs. 51.0 %, p = 0.005; 3-year disease-free survival: 75.0 % vs. 26.5 %, p = 0.003) and were similar to those of patients with metastasis confined to mesenteric LNs (3-year overall survival: 85.0 % vs. 83.8 %, p = 0.607; 3-year disease-free survival 75.0 % vs. 68.8 %, p = 0.717). Patients with metastases confined to LLN had a lower proportion of poor histological types (20.0 % vs. 65.3 %, p = 0.002), lymphatic invasion (20.0 % vs. 59.2 %, p = 0.036) and number of LLN metastases (1.6 vs 2.7, p = 0.004), and all metastases were confined to the internal iliac or obturator region (100.0 % vs. 77.6 %, p = 0.008) compared to patients with both mesenteric and LLN metastasis. ConclusionsApproximately a quarter of patients with rectal cancer have LLN metastases but no mesenteric LN metastases. These patients have favourable pathological features and prognoses and can be managed and treated for mesenteric LN metastasis.

EP.07F.05 The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Clinical Stage T2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

EP.07F.05 The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Clinical Stage T2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

EP.14A.08 Pleural Mesothelioma: Changes the 9th TNM Staging Brought,a Critical Appraisal of the Clinical T-Stage

EP.14A.08 Pleural Mesothelioma: Changes the 9th TNM Staging Brought,a Critical Appraisal of the Clinical T-Stage

Efficacy of brachytherapy versus radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer–propensity score-matched comparison

ObjectiveThe brachytherapy (BT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) are two methods recommended in current guidelines for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa). It is difficult to compare the oncological results of these two treatments because of differences in baseline characteristics and treatment selection.we sought to compare the efficacy of BT and RP after propensity score matching(PSM)analysis.MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2021, our institution treated 657 patients with localized PCa (BT: n = 198; RP: n = 459)and followed up for > 2 years. Biochemical recurrence was defined as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of nadir plus 2 ng/ml or higher (Phoenix definition) for BT, and as PSA0.2 ng/ml or greater for RP. PSM was applied based on the age, body mass index, PSA, prostate volume, clinical T-stage, Gleason grade, percentage of positive puncture needles ≥ 1/2, maximum tumor diameter ≥ 5 mm, and follow-up period.ResultsMedian follow-up was 63 months for BT and 52 months for RP. After propensity score adjustment, a total of 294 (147 each) patients remained for further analysis.Kaplan–Meier curves showed no statistically significant difference in clinical relapse-free survivals (cRFS) (p = 0.637),overall survival (OS) (p = 0.726),and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.505).BT was associated with improved biochemical relapse-free survivals (bRFS) compared to RP (p = 0.022), Logistic multivariate analysis based on the whole cohort revealed that clinical T stage ≥ T2b (p = 0.043) and tumor maximum diameter ≥ 5 mm (p = 0.044) were associated with significantly bRFS.ConclusionThe BT and RP group patients exhibited similar cRFS, OS, and CSS. However, patients in the BT groups exhibited better bRFS than those in the RP group.Clinical T stage ≥ T2b and a maximum tumor diameter ≥ 5 mm were independent prognostic factors.

Oncological long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for cT3-4 gastric cancer at surgical staging: a propensity-score matched cohort study.

The oncological efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) has been evaluated by several randomized trials. However, the inclusion of earlier-stage disease was a limitation in previous studies. Patients with cT3-4 gastric cancer, determined by surgical staging to minimize migration of earlier stages, treated at a tertiary cancer center from 2009 to 2018 were included. Based on the surgical approach, the patients were divided into two groups: the laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and the open gastrectomy (OG) and matched for age, sex, macroscopic appearance (type 4 or non-type 4), body mass index, estimated tumor size, clinical stage T3'T4, clinical N stage, pathologic T stage (T3 or T4), and type of surgery (total or distal gastrectomy). 588 patients (221 LG, 367 OG) were included in the analysis. After 1:1 propensity-score matching, 386 patients (193 LG, 193 OG) were assigned for analysis. In the LG group, operation time was longer with lower blood loss. The incidence of postoperative complications (≥ grade III) did not differ significantly between the groups (OG: 8.3%, vs. LG: 9.3%). Overall survival (OS) was longer in the LG group (5-year OS: 79.3 vs. 73% HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.99, P = 0.0497). Relapse-free survival (RFS) did not show a statistical difference (5-year RFS: 69.5 vs. 68.7 HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.62-1.26, P = 0.487). Subgroup analysis for OS also demonstrated equivalent outcomes. LG demonstrates comparable safety and efficacy to OG for advanced gastric cancer at surgical staging, with similar rates of severe complications and long-term oncological outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these findings, particularly for total gastrectomy and for patients from Western populations.

Construction of a cuproptosis‑related lncRNA signature to predict biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) is common in prostate cancer (PCa), and patients with BCR usually have a poor prognosis. Cuproptosis is a unique type of cell death, and copper homeostasis is crucial to the occurrence and development of malignancies. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs; CRLs) in PCa and to develop a predictive signature for forecasting BCR in patients with PCa. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas database, transcriptomic, mutation and clinical data were collected from patients with PCa. A total of 121 CRLs were identified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Subsequently, a 6-CRL signature consisting of AC087276.2, CNNM3-DT, AC090198.1, AC138207.5, METTL14-DT and LINC01515 was created to predict the BCR of patients with PCa through Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis demonstrated that high-risk patients had a low BCR-free survival rate. In addition, there was a substantial difference between the high- and low-risk groups in the immune microenvironment, immune therapy, drug sensitivity and tumor mutational burden. A nomogram integrating the Gleason score, 6-CRL signature and clinical T-stage was established and evaluated. Finally, the expression of signature lncRNAs in PCa cells was verified through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In conclusion, the 6-CRL signature may be a potential tool for making predictions regarding BCR in patients with PCa, and the prognostic nomogram may be considered a practical tool for clinical decision-making.

Persistent Lymph Node Metastases After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and persistent lymph node metastases (PLNM) after neoadjuvant treatment are at high risk of developing locoregional and distant metastasis, yet optimal postsurgical treatment of these patients is limited. To analyze the association of PLNM with pretreatment clinical parameters, intensity of neoadjuvant treatment, and long-term oncological outcomes. This cohort study is a post-hoc analysis of 3 randomized clinical trials (Surgical Oncology Working Group of Germany [CAO], Radiological Oncology Working Group of Germany [ARO], and Working Group for Internal Oncology in the German Cancer Society [AIO]) conducted in Germany in 1994, 2004, and 2012 that included 1948 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer recruited between February 1995 and January 2018. Statistical analysis was conducted between September 2023 and February 2024. Receiving preoperative fluorouracil-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT, comprising the preoperative group of CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and the control group of CAO/ARO/AIO-04), fluorouracil-based CRT plus oxaliplatin (experimental group of CAO/ARO/AIO-04), or total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) with fluorouracil-based CRT plus oxaliplatin with induction or consolidation leucovorin calcium (folinic acid), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin chemotherapy within the CAO/ARO/AIO-12 trial. The associations of PLNM with clinical parameters, intensity of neoadjuvant treatment, and cumulative incidences of LR, DM, and overall survival were assessed. A total of 1888 patients (1333 male participants [70.6%]; median [range] age, 62 [19-84] years) with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (clinical tumor stage 3 to 4 and/or clinically node-positive) treated within 3 consecutive clinical trials were analyzed. A total of 522 (29%) experienced PLNM; 378 had lymph node stage (ypN) 1 (20%) after neoadjuvant treatment (ypN) 1 (20%), and 174 had ypN2 (9%). Age, clinical T-stage, N-stage, grading, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and time interval from completion of CRT to surgery were significantly associated with PLNM, whereas sex and tumor location were not. The percentage of patients with ypN2 stage was almost halved after TNT (18 of 293 patients [6%]) compared with patients treated with fluorouracil-based CRT (114 of 1009 patients [11.3%]; χ26 = 16.693; P = .01). After a median (IQR) follow-up of 54 (37-62) months, 5-year overall survival was 86.1% (95% CI, 83.9%-88.4%) for ypN0, 74.0% (95% CI, 83.9%-88.4%) for ypN1, and 43% for ypN2 (95% CI, 35.4%-52.2%) (P < .001). The 5-year cumulative incidences of locoregional and distant metastases were, respectively, 3% (95% CI, 2.1%-4.2%) and 20% (95% CI, 18%-23%) for ypN0, 6% (95% CI, 3.4%-8.8%) and 40% (95% CI, 34%-46%) for ypN1, and 19% (95% CI, 13%-26%) and 72% (95% CI, 63%-79%) for ypN2 (both P < .001). In this cohort study, PLNM unmasked an unfavorable phenotype of rectal cancer at high risk for treatment failure. More aggressive adjuvant treatment might be considered; however, risk-adapted surveillance strategies and early recurrence-directed surgery, if feasible, are important strategies in this group of patients with CRT- and/or chemotherapy-resistant disease.

Correlation of preoperative sonographic staging and postoperative histopathologic staging in patients with invasive breast cancer.

To assess the accuracy of preoperative sonographic staging in patients with primary invasive breast cancer. We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively kept service database of patients with newly diagnosed, unifocal, cT1-3, invasive breast cancer. All patients were diagnosed at a single center institution between January 2013 and December 2021. Clinical T stage was assessed preoperatively by ultrasound and correlated with the definite postoperative pathologic T stage. Demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics were collected. Factors influencing accuracy, over- and underdiagnosis of sonographic staging were analyzed with multivariable regression analysis. A total of 2478 patients were included in the analysis. Median patients' age was 65years. 1577 patients (63.6%) had clinical T1 stage, 864 (34.9%) T2 and 37 (1.5%) T3 stage. The overall accuracy of sonography and histology was 76.5% (n = 1896), overestimation was observed in 9.1% (n = 225) of all cases, while underestimation occurred in 14.4% (n = 357) of all cases. Accuracy increased when clinical tumor stage cT was higher (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.10-1.38, p ≤ 0.001). The highest accuracy was seen for patients with T2 stage (82.8%). The accuracy was lower in Luminal B tumors compared to Luminal A tumors (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.59-0.87, p ≤ 0.001). We could not find any association between sonographic accuracy in HER2 positive patients, and demographic characteristics, or tumor-related factors. Our unicentric study showed a high accuracy of sonography in predicting T stage, especially for tumors with clinical T2 stage. Tumor stage and biological tumor factors do affect the accuracy of sonographic staging.

623. PERIOPERATIVE THERAPY FOR LIMITED-STAGE SMALL CELL ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Abstract Background The optimal treatment strategy for limited-stage small cell esophageal carcinoma (LS-SCEC) remains uncertain, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative therapy in those patients. Methods From June 2005 to November 2022, a total of 156 patients with LS-SCEC who underwent esophagectomy were included in the current study. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and secondary endpoints included progression-free survival. Pathologic staging was determined based on the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system for esophageal carcinoma. Survival curves were created using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors analysis was carried out using both univariate and multivariate Cox regression models, as well as propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Statistical significance was defined as P value &amp;lt; 0.05 in a two-tailed test. Results Among 156 LS-SCEC patients, the median age was 62 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-67), with 120 (76.9%) being males. Thirty-three (21.2%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; and 2 (1.3%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Seventy-six (48.7%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 (1.3%) received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 13 (8.3%) received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Only 7 (4.5%) patients achieved pathological complete remission after neoadjuvant therapy. Following surgery, 33 (21.2%) patients were categorized stage I, 40 (25.6%) as stage II, 61 (39.1%) as stage III, and 22 (14.1%) as stage IV. The median follow-up time of the entire cohort was 72 months. The median disease-free survival (mDFS) was 12.0 months (95% CI, 10.2–13.8 months), and the median overall survival (mOS) was 21.0 months (95% CI, 16.2–25.8 months). The 5-year OS rate was 25.9%, and the DFS rate was 21.9%. Univariate analysis revealed that clinical T stage (P=0.011), clinical N stage (P=0.009), pathological T stage (P=0.027), pathological N stage (P=0.001), pathological TNM stage (P=0.002), adjuvant therapy (P&amp;lt;0.001), and neural invasion (P=0.001) were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. In multivariate analysis, clinical T stage (P=0.049), neural invasion (P=0.002), N stage (P=0.006), and adjuvant therapy (P=0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, a PSM analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on LS-SCEC patients. Following PSM, 64 patients were matched, with 32 in each group. Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that neoadjuvant chemotherapy could enhance the OS of LS-SCEC patients, with a 5-year OS rate of 37.7% compared to 0.0% in the non-neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (P&amp;lt;0.001, HR=0.319, 95% CI: 0.168-0.604). Subgroup analyses further supported the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with clinical stages T3-4 and nodal positive (N+), where improved outcomes were observed (P=0.001 and 0.013 respectively). Additionally, subgroup analyses revealed that adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was identified as the optimal treatment model for patients with nodal positive status (adjuvant chemoradiotherapy vs. chemotherapy: OS P=0.01, DFS P=0.004) and those categorized as pathological stage III-IV (adjuvant chemoradiotherapy vs. chemotherapy: OS P=0.03, DFS P=0.017). Conclusions Perioperative therapy is essential for patients with LS-SCEC. Patients with clinical stage T3-4 and nodal positive should undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients should receive adjuvant therapy, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is recommended for those with nodal involvement or pathologic TNM stages III-IV.

251. THE COMPARISON OF UNIPORTAL VERSUS MULTIPORTAL VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACIC SURGERY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROPENSITY-WEIGHTED ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely used, however, there are few studies on uniportal VATS for esophagectomy. Methods Data from patients with clinical stage T1–3/N0/M0 thoracic esophageal cancer who underwent surgery between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to assess the outcomes. Results Overall, 55 patients who underwent uniportal, and 212 patients who underwent multiportal, VATS were identified. Surgery-related postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 1–2) occurred less frequently after uniportal than multiportal VATS in both crude and IPTW models (10.1% versus 28.8%, respectively; P = 0.018). The median postoperative length of stay was 9 (9–10) days in the uniportal VATS and 10 (9–14) days in the multiportal VATS group (P = 0.006 after IPTW). Upon IPTW analysis, in uniportal and multiportal VATS groups, the rates of pneumonia (grades 1-2) were 7.3% and 23.2% (P = 0.037). The visual analog scale (VAS) was administered on postoperative first 7 days and were significantly lower in the uniportal VATS group (P &amp;lt; 0.001). No surgical mortality was observed in the uniportal VATS group, and the survival benefit between the two groups was comparable before (P = 0.320) and after IPTW (P = 0.824). Conclusion Uniportal VATS for esophagectomy resulted in a lower rate of postoperative complications with less postoperative pain, and is practical for treating patients with esophageal cancer.

474. SELF EXPANDABLE METAL STENT AS A BRIDGE TO RESECTION IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER – A NATIONAL REGISTER ANALYSIS ON MORTALITY

Abstract Background Patients with esophageal cancer commonly present with malnutrition and weight loss due to dysphagia. Self Expandable Metal Stent (SEMS) have been used to relieve dysphagia and optimize nutrition prior to surgery and during neoadjuvant treatment. However, SEMS is associated with various complications and studies have further found a decreased survival in patients preoperatively treated with SEMS. The aim of the study was to investigate whether SEMS as a bridge to resection has an impact on mortality. Methods All patients with esophageal cancer in the Swedish National Register for Esophageal and Gastric cancer (NREV) between 2006 and 2018 were included. Patient data, tumor and treatment characteristics were assessed. Resected patients who received SEMS preoperatively were compared to patients who did not receive SEMS with regard to patient, tumor and treatment characteristics. Overall survival was explored by multivariable Cox regression models and adjusted for age, ASA score, preoperative BMI, clinical T-stage and neoadjuvant chemo- or chemoradiotherapy. Primary outcome was mortality. Results In total, 1841 resected patients with esophageal cancer and curative intent were identified. Of these, 83 patients received SEMS as a bridge to resection. T-stage was more advanced in patients with SEMS than those without SEMS, but there was no difference in N-stage, ASA-score or preoperative BMI. Early mortality (&amp;lt;90 days) and total mortality was higher in the SEMS group (12.4% vs 5.3%, p=0.002 and 77.1 % vs 58.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001 respectively. Mean follow-up time was 45 months for the all included patients. SEMS was an independent predictor of earlier death in multivariable analysis (Hazard Ratio 1,710; CI 95% 1,27-2,23; p=&amp;lt;0,001). Conclusion SEMS as a bridge to resection in the treatment of esophageal cancer seem to be associated with poor outcome with regard to both early and late mortality.

De-escalation of neoadjuvant taxane and carboplatin therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer with dual HER2 blockade: a multicenter real-world experience in China

BackgroundTCbHP (taxane + carboplatin + trastuzumab + pertuzumab) is the preferred neoadjuvant therapy regimen for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, no consensus exists regarding whether specific populations may be exempt from carboplatin, allowing for de-escalation to the THP (taxane + trastuzumab + pertuzumab) regimen. Additionally, the optimal number of cycles for neoadjuvant THP remains unclear. We compared the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant TCbHP and THP regimens, providing clinicians with a nuanced perspective to guide their treatment regimen selection.MethodsThis multicenter real-world study included patients with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant TCbHP or THP between March 2019 and February 2023. Efficacy was assessed through the pathological complete response (pCR) rate, while safety was evaluated through monitoring adverse events.ResultsAmong 220 patients, 103 received 6 cycles of TCbHP (TCbHP×6), 83 received 6 cycles of THP (THP×6), and 34 received 4 cycles of THP (THP×4). The TCbHP×6 cohort exhibited a 66% pCR rate compared with 53% in the THP×6 cohort (P = 0.072). Subgroup analysis revealed that in patients aged ≤ 50 years, those with hormone receptor (HR)-negative status, and those with clinical stage T2, the pCR rate of the TCbHP×6 regimen was significantly higher than the THP×6 regimen (P < 0.05). The TCbHP×6 cohort reported higher frequencies of any-grade adverse events (99% versus 86.7%) and grade 3–4 events (49.5% versus 12%) than the THP×6 cohort. Propensity score matching identified 27 patient pairs between the THP×6 and THP×4 cohorts, indicating a significantly higher pCR rate for the THP×6 regimen than the THP×4 regimen (63% versus 29.6%, P = 0.029).ConclusionsThe TCbHP×6 regimen is favored for individuals aged ≤ 50 years and those aged > 50, ≤60 years with HR-negative status or clinical stage T2-4. For patients in compromised general condition or lacking the specified indications, the THP×6 regimen emerges as a lower-toxicity alternative with satisfactory efficacy. To ensure treatment efficacy, a minimum of 6 cycles of neoadjuvant THP is required.

Predicting lymph node recurrence in cT1-2N0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma: collaboration between artificial intelligence and pathologists.

Researchers have attempted to identify the factors involved in lymph node recurrence in cT1-2N0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, studies combining histopathological and clinicopathological information in prediction models are limited. We aimed to develop a highly accurate lymph node recurrence prediction model for clinical stage T1-2, N0 (cT1-2N0) tongue SCC by integrating histopathological artificial intelligence (AI) with clinicopathological information. A dataset from 148 patients with cT1-2N0 tongue SCC was divided into training and test sets. The prediction models were constructed using AI-extracted information from whole slide images (WSIs), human-assessed clinicopathological information, and both combined. Weakly supervised learning and machine learning algorithms were used for WSIs and clinicopathological information, respectively. The combination model utilised both algorithms. Highly predictive patches from the model were analysed for histopathological features. In the test set, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the model using WSI, clinicopathological information, and both combined were 0.826, 0.835, and 0.991, respectively. The highest area under the ROC curve was achieved with the model combining WSI and clinicopathological factors. Histopathological feature analysis showed that highly predicted patches extracted from recurrence cases exhibited significantly more tumour cells, inflammatory cells, and muscle content compared with non-recurrence cases. Moreover, patches with mixed inflammatory cells, tumour cells, and muscle were significantly more prevalent in recurrence versus non-recurrence cases. The model integrating AI-extracted histopathological and human-assessed clinicopathological information demonstrated high accuracy in predicting lymph node recurrence in patients with cT1-2N0 tongue SCC.

Are there features that can predict the unresectability of pleural mesothelioma?

The current clinical staging of pleural mesothelioma (PM) is often discordant with the pathologic staging. This study aimed to identify clinical and radiological features that could help predict unresectability in PM. Twenty-two descriptive radiologic features were retrospectively evaluated on preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) performed in patients with presumably resectable PM who underwent surgery. Measurements of maximum and sum pleural thickness at three levels of the thorax (upper, middle, and lower) were taken and stratified based on the cutpoints provided by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Clinical and radiological features, including clinical-stage, were compared between resectable and unresectable tumors by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling. Of 133 patients, 69/133 (52%) had resectable and 64/133 (48%) had unresectable PM. Asbestos exposure (p = 0.005), neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.001), clinical T-stage (p < 0.0001), all pleural thickness measurements (p < 0.05), pleural thickness pattern (p < 0.0001) and degree (p = 0.033), lung invasion (p = 0.004), extrapleural space obliteration (p < 0.0001), extension to subphrenic space (p = 0.0004), and two combination variables representing extensive diaphragmatic contact and/or chest wall involvement (p = 0.002) and mediastinal invasion (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors at univariate analysis. At multivariable analysis, all models achieved a strong diagnostic performance (area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8). The two best-performing models were one that included the upper-level maximum pleural thickness, extrapleural space obliteration, and mediastinal infiltration (AUC = 0.876), and another that integrated clinical variables and radiological assessment through the clinical T-stage (AUC = 0.879). Selected clinical and radiologic features, including pleural thickness measurements, appear to be strong predictors of unresectability in PM. A more accurate prediction of unresectability in the preoperative assessment of patients with pleural mesothelioma may avoid unnecessary surgery and prompt initiation of nonsurgical treatments. About half of pleural mesothelioma patients are reported to receive an incorrect disease stagepreoperatively. Eleven features identified as predictors of unresectability were included in strongly performing predictive models. More accurate preoperative staging will help clinicians and patients choose the most appropriate treatments.

Comparison of the treatment outcomes of different neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimens for resectable locally advanced esophageal cancer

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by radical esophagectomy is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell cancer (LA-ESCC). However, various nCRT regimens have been used, and their comparative efficacy and safety remain unclear. MethodsPatients with histologically confirmed LA-ESCC who underwent nCRT followed by radical esophagectomy between January 2016 and February 2022 were enrolled in this study. Of note, 3 different nCRT regimens were retrospectively compared: conventional radiotherapy (RT) + cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (FP) (Conv-FP), hypofractionated RT + FP (Hypo-FP), and regimens from the ChemoRadiotherapy for Oesophageal cancer followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) trial (CROSS). The overall survival (OS), pathologic complete response (pCR), toxicity, and treatment compliance rates were analyzed. ResultsAmong the 600 patients, 225 received Conv-FP, 255 received Hypo-FP, and 120 received the CROSS regimen. The OS rates at 1 year were 78.7%, 83.9%, and 88.1% in the Conv-FP, Hypo-FP, and CROSS groups, respectively (P < .001). The pCR rates were 30.6%, 33.9%, and 35.0%, respectively (P = .653). The overall incidence of grade 3 toxicities was 10.2%. Hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities of grade ≥ 3 were observed in 8.4% and 11.4%, 0% and 7.6%, and 5.5% and 0.8% in the Conv-FP, Hypo-FP, and CROSS groups, respectively (P = .002 and P = .030). Weight loss of > 5% was observed in 44.0%, 51.4%, and 32.5% in the Conv-FP, Hypo-FP, and CROSS groups, respectively (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, clinical T stage (P = .004), N stage (P = .012), FP chemotherapy regimen (P = .013), surgical resection (P < .001), hematologic toxicity (P = .001), and weight loss (P = .004) were significantly associated with poor OS. ConclusionThe choice of nCRT regimen did not significantly affect the pCR rates in patients with LA-ESCC. However, the CROSS regimen demonstrated better OS and lower toxicity, suggesting that it may be the optimal treatment option among the groups.

Oncologic outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and lymph node dissection with partial cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Partial cystectomy (PC) offers potential benefits for select patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, the oncologic efficacy of PC may be compromised due to the underutilization of standard-of-care modalities, such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). We aimed to assess factors influencing the incorporation of NAC and PLND with PC and evaluate their impact on overall survival (OS). We identified 2,832 patients with cT2-4N0M0 bladder cancer (BCa) who underwent PC between 2004 and 2019 using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The primary endpoint was OS. Kaplan-Meier analysis compared OS in treatment modalities in PC patients. Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards (CPH) model assessed the impact of age, sex, race, insurance, income, Charlson-Deyo Index (CDI), clinical T-stage, facility type, histology, surgical margins, NAC, PLND adequacy [≥10 lymph node (LN) yield], and adjuvant radiation treatment on OS. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to examine predictors of NAC and PLND receipt in PC patients. Two hundred and thirty-one patients received multi-agent NAC with PC. NAC treatment with PLND was associated with significantly improved OS (P<0.001). Median OS was 43.9 months in patients treated with PC alone, while median OS was not reached in PC patients treated with NAC & PLND. Furthermore, patients who received NAC without any PLND had a median OS of 50.6 months, while those treated with PLND without NAC had a median OS of 76.5 months. This persisted in the adjusted CPH model, where private insurance, NAC, and PLND significantly improved OS, especially when PLND yielded ≥10 LN. Conversely, age >80 years old, CDI >2, cT3-4, positive margins, and adjuvant radiation all increased adjusted mortality risk. After controlling for clinicopathologic variables, females were less likely to receive PLND [odds ratio (OR) 0.719, P=0.005], while NAC was more likely administered to PC patients diagnosed from 2016-2019 (OR 5.295, P<0.001). PC patients who received NAC were more likely to have PLND performed as part of their treatment regimen (OR 2.189, P<0.001). Additionally, patients treated at academic centers were more likely to have NAC administered and PLND performed (OR 1.745, P=0.003; OR 2.465, P<0.001, respectively). Despite guideline recommendations, the utilization of NAC and PLND with PC remains insufficient. Our analysis underscores the significant OS benefit of these recommended treatments as part of MIBC care. Importantly, we highlight a gradual increase in NAC and PLND receipt in recent years, centered largely at academic facilities. Notably, gender disparities exist in PLND receipt, emphasizing the need for further investigation.