Curative Resection In Patients Research Articles

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of postoperative surveillance for stage IV colorectal cancer in Japan: An economic modeling study

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal postoperative surveillance strategy after curative resection in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of postoperative surveillance strategies recommended by the various academic societies for stage IV colorectal cancer after curative resection.MethodsThis economic evaluation used a Markov state‐transition model to compare the cost‐effectiveness of postoperative surveillance programs proposed in guidelines published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, European Society for Medical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. Model parameters were extracted from our retrospective data for patients with colorectal cancer who had synchronous liver and/or lung metastases and underwent curative resection. Cost‐effectiveness was assessed using an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for quality‐adjusted life years, with a maximum acceptable value of 5 000 000–6 000 000 JPY/33333–40 000 USD. Uncertainty in the model was assessed by probabilistic sensitivity analyses.ResultsFor patients with stage IV colorectal cancer after curative resection, the JSCCR‐strategy was the most cost‐effective, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of 2 888 628 JPY/19256 USD compared with the next most cost‐effective program. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the JSCCR‐strategy was most likely to be selected as the most cost‐effective (76.1%–77.9%).ConclusionsThis modeling analysis found that the JSCCR‐strategy was the most cost‐effective strategy for stage IV colorectal cancer. Our findings suggest that intensive postoperative surveillance is acceptable for stage IV colorectal cancer.

Impact of Sustained Virological Response on Long-Term Outcomes After Curative Resection in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy.

The present study aimed to clarify the long-term outcomes after curative resection of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with and without sustained virologic response (SVR) to antiviral therapy. This single-center retrospective cohort study included 216 patients with HCV-related HCC who underwent primary curative resection. Patients were divided into preoperatively achieved SVR, postoperatively achieved SVR through direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and no SVR groups. Associations of SVR and other clinicopathological and surgical variables with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to reduce selection bias. Patients with pre-SVR (108) and post-SVR (28) had better liver function and less liver fibrosis than those without SVR (80). In multivariate analysis, pre- or post-SVR [hazard ratio (HR), 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.03-0.38; P < 0.001] was the only independent predictor of OS. For RFS, pre- or post-SVR (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.64; P = 0.001) was one of several independent predictors. The study population was divided into the SVR (136 patients) and non-SVR groups. After PS matching, OS and RFS were significantly better in the SVR group (n = 53) than in the non-SVR group (n = 53) (P <0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Additionally, OS rates of SVR achieved with DAA were significantly higher than those achieved with interferon (P = 0.019). Achieving SVR by DAA before or after curative resection suppressed recurrence and prevented death in patients with HCV-related HCC.

Significant Pathologic Response Following Neoadjuvant Therapy and Curative Resection in Patients With Rectal Cancer: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes From a Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study evaluated surgical complication rates, recurrence-free survival, overall survival (OS), and stoma status of patients with rectal cancer after significant pathologic response following neoadjuvant treatment and curative resection. Pathologic complete response (pCR) and near-pCR patients constitute patients in our study. Included was a retrospective cohort study of patients with rectal cancer who were diagnosed between July 2011 and September 2022 and who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection. Of 696 patients with rectal cancer, 149 (21.4%) cases achieved significant pathologic response. During the 64 (70.5) months of follow-up, recurrence occurred in 16.1% of patients and distant metastases account for the majority of them. Age (p = 0.014) and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.016) were significantly related to the occurrence of recurrence. The five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS rates were obtained at 83% and 87%, respectively. Although age and surgical technique were significant factors in univariate Cox regression analysis, none of the candidate variables were significant prognostic factors for RFS in the multiple models. The risk of surgical complications remained in these patients. The most frequent complication attributed to infection (20.8%). Despite the 24.8% presence of permanent stoma at primary surgery, more than 50% of our patients lived without stoma at the last follow-up. Our recurrence rate was about 16%, and it was related to age and adjuvant chemotherapy. These patients achieved over 80% rates of five-year RFS and OS. No significant prognostic factors were found on RFS in the multivariable model. As a matter of course, the risk of surgical complications and permanent stoma has still remained in these patients.

Breakfast Protein Intake of One-third of Daily Requirement Can Maintain Lean Body Mass Post-distal Gastrectomy.

Post-gastrectomy lean body mass (LBM) decrease has a significant negative impact on postoperative survival in patients with cancer. This study investigated the effect of intake of at least one-third of the daily protein requirement at breakfast on the maintenance of LBM in patients during the first month post-gastrectomy. Among patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative distal gastrectomy between April 2011 and December 2018, without adjuvant chemotherapy, we evaluated 401 patients who had consumed more than the daily protein requirement in the first month postoperatively, using the FFQW82 nutrition intake questionnaire. Patients were divided into those who consumed more (≥1/3 intake group, n=160) and those who consumed less than one-third of the daily protein requirement at breakfast (<1/3 intake group, n=241). We compared the LBM reduction rate at one month postoperatively between groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine clinicopathological factors predicting LBM reduction at one month postoperatively. The LBM reduction rate at one month post-curative distal gastrectomy was significantly higher in the <1/3 intake group than in the ≥1.3 intake group (p=0.01) at breakfast. Multivariate analysis showed that morning protein intake below one-third of the daily requirement independently predicted LBM reduction (odds ratio=1.75, 95% confidence interval=1.14-2.68, p<0.01). Consuming at least one-third of the daily protein requirement at breakfast may be effective in maintaining LBM in patients undergoing curative distal gastrectomy. These results may be very important for prognosis, since maintaining LBM influences the continuation of adjuvant chemotherapy and thus survival after curative resection in patients with gastric cancer.

A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of S-588410, a five-peptide cancer vaccine as an adjuvant therapy after curative resection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

S-588410, a cancer peptide vaccine (CPV), comprises five HLA-A*24:02-restricted peptides from five cancer-testis antigens. In a phase 2 study, S-588410 was well-tolerated and exhibited antitumor efficacy in patients with urothelial cancer. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, immune response, and safety of S-588410 in patients with completely resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This phase 3 study involved patients with HLA-A*24:02-positive and lymph node metastasis-positive ESCC who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by curative resection. After randomization, patients were administered S-588410 and placebo (both emulsified with Montanide™ ISA 51VG) subcutaneously. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) induction, and safety. Statistical significance was tested using the one-sided weighted log-rank test with the Fleming-Harrington class of weights. A total of 276 patients were randomized (N = 138/group). The median RFS was 84.3 and 84.1weeks in the S-588410 and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.8156), whereas the median OS was 236.3weeks and not reached, respectively (P = 0.6533). CTL induction was observed in 132/134 (98.5%) patients who received S-588410 within 12weeks. Injection site reactions (137/140 patients [97.9%]) were the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events in the S-588410 group. Prolonged survival was observed in S-588410-treated patients with upper thoracic ESCC, grade 3 injection-site reactions, or high CTL intensity. S-588410 induced immune response and had acceptable safety but failed to reach the primary endpoint. A high CTL induction rate and intensity may be critical for prolonging survival during future CPV development.

Preoperative MRI-based nomogram to predict survival after curative resection in patients with gallbladder cancer: a retrospective multicenter analysis.

To use preoperative MRI data to construct a nomogram to predict survival in patients who have undergone R0 resection for gallbladder cancer. The present retrospective study included 143 patients (M:F, 76:67; 67.15years) with gallbladder cancer who underwent preoperative MRI and subsequent R0 resection between 2013 and 2021 at two tertiary institutions. Clinical and radiological features were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent prognostic factors. Based on the multivariate analysis, we developed an MRI-based nomogram for determining prognoses after curative resections of gallbladder cancer. We also obtained calibration curves for 1-,3-, and 5-year survival probabilities. The multivariate model consisted of the following independent predictors of poor overall survival (OS), which were used for constructing the nomogram: age (years; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.07; p = 0.033); tumor size (cm; HR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.79; p = 0.008); bile duct invasion (HR = 3.54; 95% CI, 1.66-7.58; p = 0.001); regional lymph node metastasis (HR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.10-5.57; p = 0.029); and hepatic artery invasion (HR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.04-6.83; p = 0.042). The nomogram showed good probabilities of survival on the calibration curves, and the concordance index of the model for predicting overall survival (OS) was 0.779. Preoperative MRI findings could be used to determine the prognosis of gallbladder cancer, and the MRI-based nomogram accurately predicted OS in patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent curative resection.

Endobronchial electrocautery wire snare prior to right middle sleeve lobectomy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung: a case report.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung grows gradually, and spreads along the bronchial wall, often requiring tracheobronchoplastic procedure during surgery; however, incomplete resection occasionally occurs due to positive surgical margins. To avoid incomplete resection, effort should be exerted to confirm the extent of airway invasion of the tumor before surgery. Herein, we present the utility of combined treatment with bronchoscopic electrocautery wire snare for the endobronchial tumor prior to sleeve lobectomy with curative resection for patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung. A 56-year-old woman experienced a persistent cough 6months prior. On an annual medical checkup, an abnormal lung shadow was noted. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated right middle lobe atelectasis, and a round tumor shadow at the orifice of the right middle lobe bronchus, which protruded into the right intermediate bronchus, was observed. On bronchoscopy, a pedunculated endobronchial tumor in the intermediate bronchus was shown, and the middle lobe bronchus was completely obstructed. Initially, tumor resection via bronchoscopy was performed using an electrocautery wire snare under general anesthesia, and the tumor was pathologically diagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma of cT1aN0M0 stage IA. After tumor resection, the extent of tumor progression in the airway was assessed; subsequently, the patient underwent elective right middle sleeve lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. She survived without recurrence 7years after surgery. We present a useful combined treatment strategy of bronchoscopic electrocautery wire snare prior to sleeve lobectomy for patients with endobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung.

Deep learning radiomics-based prediction model of metachronous distant metastasis following curative resection for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma: a bicentric study

BackgroundCombining conventional radiomics models with deep learning features can result in superior performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with tumors; however, this approach has never been evaluated for the prediction of metachronous distant metastasis (MDM) among patients with retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RLS). Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT)-based deep learning radiomics model for predicting the occurrence of MDM in patients with RLS undergoing complete surgical resection.MethodsA total of 179 patients who had undergone surgery for the treatment of histologically confirmed RLS were retrospectively recruited from two tertiary sarcoma centers. Semantic segmentation features derived from a convolutional neural network deep learning model as well as conventional hand-crafted radiomics features were extracted from preoperative three-phase CECT images to quantify the sarcoma phenotypes. A conventional radiomics signature (RS) and a deep learning radiomics signature (DLRS) that incorporated hand-crafted radiomics and deep learning features were developed to predict the risk of MDM. Additionally, a deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) was established to evaluate the incremental prognostic significance of the DLRS in combination with clinico-radiological predictors.ResultsThe comparison of the area under the curve (AUC) values in the external validation set, as determined by the DeLong test, demonstrated that the integrated DLRN, DLRS, and RS models all exhibited superior predictive performance compared with that of the clinical model (AUC 0.786 [95% confidence interval 0.649–0.923] vs. 0.822 [0.692–0.952] vs. 0.733 [0.573–0.892] vs. 0.511 [0.359–0.662]; both P < 0.05). The decision curve analyses graphically indicated that utilizing the DLRN for risk stratification provided greater net benefits than those achieved using the DLRS, RS and clinical models. Good alignment with the calibration curve indicated that the DLRN also exhibited good performance.ConclusionsThe novel CECT-based DLRN developed in this study demonstrated promising performance in the preoperative prediction of the risk of MDM following curative resection in patients with RLS. The DLRN, which outperformed the other three models, could provide valuable information for predicting surgical efficacy and tailoring individualized treatment plans in this patient population.Trial registration: Not applicable.

Risk Factor Analysis of Morbidity and 90-Day Mortality of Curative Resection in Patients with Stage IIIA-N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer after Induction Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy.

Major pulmonary resection after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy (nCCRT) is associated with a substantial risk of postoperative complications. This study investigated postoperative complications and associated risk factors to facilitate the selection of suitable surgical candidates following nCCRT in stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with clinical stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC who underwent surgical resection following nCCRT between 1997 and 2013. Perioperative characteristics and clinical factors associated with morbidity and mortality were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. A total of 574 patients underwent major lung resection after induction CCRT. Thirty-day and 90-day postoperative mortality occurred in 8 patients (1.4%) and 41 patients (7.1%), respectively. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (n=6, 4.5%) was the primary cause of in-hospital mortality. Morbidity occurred in 199 patients (34.7%). Multivariable analysis identified significant predictors of morbidity, including patient age exceeding 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; p=0.04), low body mass index (OR, 2.6; p=0.02), and pneumonectomy (OR, 1.8; p=0.03). Patient age over 70 years (OR, 1.8; p=0.02) and pneumonectomy (OR, 3.26; p<0.01) were independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable analysis. In conclusion, the surgical outcomes following nCCRT are less favorable for individuals aged over 70 years or those undergoing pneumonectomy. Special attention is warranted for these patients due to their heightened risks of respiratory complications. In high-risk patients, such as elderly patients with decreased lung function, alternative treatment options like definitive CCRT should be considered instead of surgical resection.

Perioperative Chemotherapy Including Bevacizumab in Potentially Curable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Long-Term Follow-Up of the ASSO-LM1 Trial.

In 2007, the ASSO-LM1 trial, a multicenter prospective study, was initiated to investigate the resectability (R0) rate following preoperative combination therapy with XELOX and bevacizumab in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases. Six cycles of systemic therapy were administered preoperatively, although the sixth cycle did not include bevacizumab, resulting in 5 weeks between the last bevacizumab dose and surgery. Treatment with bevacizumab plus XELOX was restarted for another six cycles postoperatively. In total, 43 patients were enrolled in the ASSO-LM1 trial. Eight patients were ineligible for resection due to protocol violation and progression in two patients. The resectability of operated patients was 97% with 34 R0 resections and one R1 resection. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 22% of patients, of which three operative revisions were related to the primary tumor resection. Efficacy results for response in 38 eligible patients confirmed an ORR of 66%, 31% SD and 3% PD according to RECIST. Preoperative grade 3/4 adverse events were 17% diarrhea, 5% HFS and 5% thromboembolic events. Overall survival significantly differed depending upon the fulfillment of adjuvant treatment in curative resected patients (59.1 mo vs. 30.8 mo). In conclusion, the ASSO-LM1 trial is a hypothesis-generating study confirming the prognostic benefits of perioperative therapy with XELOX and bevacizumab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer confined to the liver.

A208 ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION (ESD) FOR BARRETT’S NEOPLASIA: CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND MID-TERM FOLLOW-UP AT A CANADIAN TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTER

Abstract Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an established technique for resecting early gastrointestinal neoplastic lesions. However, for Barrett’s neoplasia treatment, piecemeal EMR has been the standard approach, leaving the efficacy of ESD for Barrett’s neoplasia unclear. Aims To assess the outcomes of Barrett’s neoplasia treated with ESD at a tertiary center in Canada. Methods This is a single center, retrospective study. All patients aged over 18 who underwent ESD for Barrett’s neoplasia at St. Michael’s Hospital between December 2017 and August 2023 were included. Primary outcomes were En-bloc, R0, curative resection, and recurrence rates, while secondary outcomes focused on the adverse event rate. Results Of the 72 patients studied (mean age 67.7 years; 90% male), 31.9% (23/72) were SSBE and 68.1% (49/72) were LSBE. The mean±SD lesion size was 4.5±3.4 cm, with circumferential occupancy at 53.4±23.9 %. Paris classifications were as follows: 0-Is: 8 (11.1%), 0-IIa: 26 (36.1%), 0-IIb: 9 (12.5%), 0-IIc: 6 (8.3%), 0-IIa+IIc: 13 (18.6%), 0-IIa+Is: 10 (13.9%). The mean operation time stood at 144.4 (75.3) minutes. Adverse events comprised deep mural injury (4.1%) and delayed bleeding (2.8%). Pathology findings showed high-grade dysplasia in 6.9% and adenocarcinoma in 93.1%, further differentiated as: well-differentiated (55%), moderately differentiated (33%), and poorly differentiated (12%). The invasion depth was intramucosal in 76%, SM1 in 6%, and SM2-SM3 in 18%. Lympho-vascular invasion was present in 22%. En-bloc, R0, and curative resection rates were 96% (69/72), 82% (59/72), and 64% (46/72), respectively. Of the curative resection patients, 42 have completed follow-up EGD, with 11.9% (5/42) showing persistent dysplasia at first follow-up. These were treated by either EMR (4 cases) or ESD (1 case), leading to a 100% (42/42) complete remission of dysplasia (CRD) rate with median follow-up time of 127 (68-190) days. After achieving CRD, local recurrence was found in 2.4% (1/42) with a median follow-up time of 289 (136-524) days. This recurrence post-CRD was successfully treated with EMR, regaining CRD. Conclusions Our study showcases the Canadian experience of using ESD for Barrett’s neoplasia at a large single tertiary referral center. Given the challenging demarcation lines in Barrett’s neoplasia and the frequent presence of metachronous lesions, even with curative resection, 11.9% showed persistent lesions during the first follow-up. However, these lesions were treatable endoscopically, with 100% eventually achieving CRD. Although there was a 2.4% recurrence rate post-CRD, this too could be managed endoscopically. Overall, the mid-term outcomes of treating Barrett’s neoplasia with ESD are promising. Funding Agencies None

Long-term outcomes and early recurrence after resection for metachronous pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer.

Properly selecting patients for aggressive curative resection for pulmonary metastases (PMs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) is desirable. We purposed to clarify prognostic factors and risk factors for early recurrence after metachronous PM resection. Clinical data of 151 patients who underwent R0 resection for metachronous PMs from CRC at two institutions between 2008 and 2021 were reviewed. Seventy-six patients (50.3%) were male, and the median age was 71 (42-91) years. The numbers of colon/rectal cancers were 76/75, with pStage I/II/III/IV/unknown in 15/34/86/13/3. The duration from primary surgery to PM was 19.7 (1.0-106.4) months. The follow-up period was 41.9 (0.3-156.2) months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 75.1%, 53.7%, and 51.1%, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 97.7%, 87.5%, and 68.2%. On multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis of the primary lesion (HR 1.683, 95%CI 1.003-2.824, p = 0.049) was an independent predictor of poor RFS, and history of resection for extrapulmonary metastasis (e-PM) (HR 2.328, 95%CI 1.139-4.761, p = 0.021) was an independent predictor of poor OS. Patients who experienced early recurrence (< 6months) after PM resection showed poorer OS than others (3-year OS 50.8% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, e-PM was an independent predictor of early recurrence after PM resection (OR 3.989, 95%CI 1.002-15.885, p = 0.049). Since a history of e-PM was a predictor of early recurrence and poor OS after R0 resection for PM, surgical treatment of patients with a history of e-PM should be considered carefully.

Adjuvant Immunotherapy in Curative Intent Esophageal Cancer Resection Patients: Real-World Experience within an Integrated Health System.

Adjuvant immunotherapy has been shown in clinical trials to prolong the survival of patients with esophageal cancer. We report our initial experience with immunotherapy within an integrated health system. A retrospective cohort study was performed reviewing patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy at our institution between 2017 and 2021. The immunotherapy cohort was assessed for completion of treatment, adverse effects, and disease progression, with emphasis on patients who received surgery in 2021 and their eligibility to receive nivolumab. There were 39 patients who received immunotherapy and 137 patients who did not. In logistic regression, immunotherapy was not found to have a statistically significant impact on 1-year overall survival after adjusting for age and receipt of adjuvant chemoradiation. Only seven patients out of 39 who received immunotherapy successfully completed treatment (18%), with the majority failing therapy due to disease progression or side effects. Of the 17 patients eligible for nivolumab, 13 patients received it (76.4%), and three patients completed a full course of treatment. Despite promising findings of adjuvant immunotherapy improving the survival of patients with esophageal cancer, real-life practice varies greatly from clinical trials. We found that the majority of patients were unable to complete immunotherapy regimens with no improvement in overall 1-year survival.

Prognostic Value of C-reactive Protein-to-albumin Ratio after Curative Resection in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

The current retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, which is correlated with prognosis in different types of malignancies, and prognosis after curative resection in patients with colorectal cancer. This study enrolled 263 patients who underwent curative resection for stage II/III colorectal cancer. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio was calculated within 30 days before and 7 days after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine the optimal cutoff values of preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio. The correlations between combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and prognosis were analyzed. The cutoff values of preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio were 0.223 and 0.813, respectively; higher ratios were significantly associated with poor overall survival, based on the Kaplan-Meier curves (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Further, preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratios were correlated with poor progression-free survival (p < 0.001, p = 0.064, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio was an independent predictor of overall survival and progression-free survival (p = 0.012, p = 0.044, respectively). Compared with low preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, high ratios of that were significantly associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 3.897, p = 0.006) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.130, p = 0.029). Combined preoperative and postoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, useful for prognostic prediction, can be a promising prognostic marker after curative resection in patients with colorectal cancer.

Use of PET/CT in Diagnosis and Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Background The pleural space is formed by two pleural membranes: the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. Each is comprised of a single layer of mesothelial cells, a basement membrane, and a layer of connective tissue which contains blood vessels and lymphatics. Various benign, malignant, and tumor-like conditions can involve the pleura. Malignant neoplasms are more common than benign neoplasms. Pleural tumors can have a varied imaging spectrum – may be unilateral or bilateral, calcified, or noncalcified, and focal or diffuse. Aim of the Work To elucidate the role of PET/CT in diagnosing and staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients. Patients and Methods A cross sectional analysis of all cases of malignant mesothelioma referred to Elmaadi Military hospital during the period from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021 for assessment of the role of F18-FDG PET/CT in staging, restaging and monitor of therapy response compared to CT. The total number of patients with mesothelioma was 30 patients, 20 males and 10 females. Results In the present study, 27 patients out of 30 patients evaluated with PET/CT showed positive findings at primary sites in pleura and accurately localized tumor sites in them. Also 9 patients of them had local lesions in pleura only with 6 patients had loco-regional lesions. Furthermore 12 patients had loco-regional and metastatic lesions. We demonstrate that PET/CT has high sensitivity than CT in detecting MPM lesions specially intrathoracic lymph node and extrathoracic metastasis as (37% vs. 18 %) of PET/CT and CT respectively. Conclusion FDG PET/CT increases the accuracy of overall staging in patients with MPM and significantly improves the selection of patients for curative surgical resection. Specifically, FDG PET/CT is particularly useful in identifying mediastinal lymph node involvement and detection of distant metastases.

Predictors and long-term prognosis of early and late recurrence for patients undergoing hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a large-scale multicenter study.

Recurrence is common among patients undergoing hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which greatly limits long-term survival. We aimed to identify predictors and long-term prognosis of early and late recurrence after HCC resection. Multicenter data of patients who underwent HCC resection between 2002 and 2016 were analyzed. Recurrence was divided into early (≤2 years) and late recurrence (>2 years after surgery). Predictors of early and late recurrence, and prognostic factors of post-recurrence survival (PRS) were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Among 1,426 patients, 554 (38.8%) and 348 (24.4%) developed early and late recurrence, respectively. Independent predictors associated with early recurrence included preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level >400 µg/L, resection margin <1 cm, and tumor size >5.0 cm, multiplicity, macrovascular and microvascular invasion, and satellites of the initial tumor at the first diagnosis of HCC; independent predictors associated with late recurrence included male, cirrhosis, and tumor size >5.0 cm, multiplicity, macrovascular and microvascular invasion, and satellites of the initial tumor. Patients with early recurrence had a lower likelihood of undergoing potentially curative treatments for recurrence (37.2% vs. 48.0%, P<0.001) and a worse median PRS (13.5 vs. 36.6 months, P<0.001) vs. patients who had late recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that early recurrence and irregular postoperative surveillance were independently associated with worse PRS [hazard ratio (HR) =1.250, 95% CI: 1.016-1.538, P=0.035; and HR =1.983, 95% CI: 1.677-2.345, P<0.001]. Predictors associated with early and late recurrence after curative resection for patients with HCC were generally same, although several did differ. Patients with late recurrence had better long-term survival than patients with early recurrence.

Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests during follow-up in lung cancer patients: an evidence-based study.

Many patients with non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are cured by surgery but part of them develop recurrence. Strategies are needed to identify these relapses. Currently, there is no consensus on the follow-up schedule after curative resection for patients with NSCLC. The objective of this study is to analyze the diagnostic capacity of the tests performed during follow-up after surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 392 patients with stage I-IIIA NSCLC who underwent surgery. Data were collected from patients diagnosed between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2020. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed, as well as the tests performed during their follow-up. We identified as relevant in the diagnosis of relapses those tests that prompted further investigation and change of treatment. The number of tests matches those included in clinical practice guidelines. A total of 2,049 clinical follow-up consultations were performed, of which 2,004 were scheduled (0.59% informative). A total of 1,796 blood tests were performed, of which 1,756 were scheduled (0.17% informative). A total of 1,940 chest computer tomography (CT) scans were performed, of which 1,905 were scheduled and 128 were informative (6.7%). A total of 144 positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans were performed, 132 of which were scheduled, of which 64 (48%) were informative. In all cases, the tests performed by unscheduled request exceeded the informative result of the scheduled ones several fold. Most of the scheduled follow-up consultations were not relevant for the patients' management, and only body CT scan exceeded the threshold of 5% profitability, without reaching 10% even in stage IIIA. The profitability of the tests increased when performed in unscheduled visits. New follow-up strategies based on scientific evidence must be defined and follow-up schemes should be tailored focused on agile attention of the unscheduled demand.

Predictive significance of surgery-induced lymphopenia on the survival after curative resection for locally advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis

BackgroundFollowing the establishment of the anti-cancer effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors, lymphopenia has attracted attention as a parameter of preexisting cancer-related immune tolerance. Although the pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has been reported as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients, the impact of perioperative changes in the ALC remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between surgery-induced lymphopenia and outcome.MethodsDatabase entries for 584 patients who underwent curative resections for pathological Stage IB-III gastric cancer were reviewed. We retrospectively compared clinicopathological factors including pretreatment ALC (pre-ALC) and ALC at first visit after discharge (post-ALC) with the survival. The low ALC was defined as < 1000/μL.ResultsThe ALC decreased significantly at 1 and 3 days after surgery and then recovered to the baseline value. A low pre-ALC (p < 0.001) and a low post-ALC (p < 0.001) were both correlated with a poor relapse-free survival (RFS). A multivariate analysis of RFS identified a low post-ALC (hazard ratio 1.875, 95% CI 1.156–3.402, p = 0.01), age, gender, BMI, T disease, N disease, severe vessel invasion, type of gastrectomy and postoperative morbidity as independent factors. The low post-ALC group had a poor RFS among patients with Stage II (p = 0.04) and Stage III (p = 0.04) disease, but not among patients with Stage IB disease (p = 0.13). Consistently, the overall survival (OS) rate was significantly lower among patients with a low post-ALC for all stage (p < 0.001), stage II (p = 0.02) and stage III (p = 0.01) disease, not for stage IB (p = 0.09). A low post-ALC was identified as an independent factor for predicting OS by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 2.275, 95% CI 1.373–3.769, p = 0.01).ConclusionsA decrease in post-ALC was correlated with both of RFS and OS after curative resection in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.HighlightsPostoperative lymphopenia was a poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer.

Prognostic value of preoperative CT features for disease-free survival in patients with primary gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors after resection.

Tumor size is an important prognostic factor without consideration of the necrotic and cystic components within tumor for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We aimed to extract the enhancing viable component from the tumor using computed tomography (CT) post-processing software and evaluate the value of preoperative CT features for predicting the disease-free survival (DFS) after curative resection for patients with primary gastric GISTs. 132 Patients with primary gastric GISTs who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT and curative resection were retrospectively analyzed. We used a certain CT attenuation of 30 HU to extract the enhancing tissue component from the tumor. Enhancing tissue volume and other CT features were assessed on venous-phase images. We evaluated the value of preoperative CT features for predicting the DFS after surgery. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to find the independent risk factor for predicting the DFS. Of the 132 patients, 68 were males and 64 were females, with a mean age of 61years. The median follow-up duration was 60months, and 28 patients experienced disease recurrence and distant metastasis during the follow-up period. Serosal invasion (p < 0.001; HR = 5.277) and enhancing tissue volume (p = 0.005; HR = 1.447) were the independent risk factors for predicting the DFS after curative resection for patients with primary gastric GISTs. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT could be useful for predicting the DFS after the surgery of gastric GISTs, and serosal invasion and enhancing tissue volume were the independent risk factors.

Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC): A Saboteur of Curative Intended Therapies?

(1) Background: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a common characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is present in most resection margins. We hypothesized that curative pancreatic tumor resection with long-term survival could only be achieved in PNI-negative patients. (2) Material and Methods: A retrospective investigation of PDAC patients who underwent curative-intended surgery during the period 2008 to 2019 was performed at our institution. (3) Results: We identified 571 of 660 (86.5%) resected patients with well-annotated reports and complete datasets. Of those, 531 patients (93%) exhibited tumors with perineural invasion (Pn1), while 40 (7%) were negative for PNI (Pn0). The majority of patients in the Pn1 group presented advanced tumor stage and positive lymph node infiltration. Patients in the Pn0 group showed an improved disease-free and long-term survival compared to the Pn1 group (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of all R0-resected patients indicated improved long-term survival and disease-free survival of R0 Pn0 patients when compared to R0 Pn1 patients (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: Our study confirmed that Pn0 improves the long-term survival of PDAC-resected cancer patients. Furthermore, PNI significantly challenges the long-term survival of formally curative (R0) resected patients. We provide new insights into the dynamics of PNI in pancreatic cancer patients which are needed to define subgroups of patients for risk stratification and multimodal treatment strategies.