Early Postoperative Recurrence Research Articles

Multiparametric MRI manifestations of the spontaneous intratumoral coagulative necrosis in HCC.

To investigate the MRI manifestations of the spontaneous intratumoral coagulative necrosis (iCN) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its value in predicting the postoperative early recurrence (≤ 2years). Patients with HCC who underwent preoperative multiparametric MRI between January 2015 and February 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The MRI manifestations of iCNs on TIWI, T2WI, and ADC were recorded. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for the detection of iCNs were also evaluated. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to verify the value of histologically-confirmed and MRI-identified iCNs, respectively, in predicting early recurrence. A total of 163 patients (median age, 56years; interquartile range, 49-64years; 139 men) with HCCs were evaluated, of whom 27(16.6%) had histologically-confirmed iCNs. MRI identified 92.6% (25 of 27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 74.2%, 98.7%) of iCNs (sensitivity), with a specificity of 79.4% (78 of 136; 95% CI 71.4%, 85.7%), based on non-enhancement on post-contrast MRI. And the MRI-identified iCNs were characterized by a similar appearance to surrounding tumour tissue shown on pre-contrast MRI but not enhanced on post-contrast MRI. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed that only the presence of histologically-confirmed iCN was independently associated with early HCC recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.73; 95% CI 1.20, 6.21; P = 0.017). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the presence of MRI-identified iCN was also associated with early recurrence (P < 0.001). Multiparametric MRI identified iCNs with high sensitivity and modest specificity. The presence of iCNs is associated with early HCC recurrence.

Pre-operative visceral adipose tissue radiodensity is a potentially novel prognostic biomarker for early endoscopic post-operative recurrence in Crohn's disease.

Evidence suggests inflammatory mesenteric fat is involved in post-operative recurrence (POR) of Crohn's disease (CD). However, its prognostic value is uncertain, in part, due to difficulties studying it non-invasively. To evaluate the prognostic value of pre-operative radiographic mesenteric parameters for early endoscopic POR (ePOR). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CD subjects ≥ 12 years who underwent ileocecal or small bowel resection between 1/1/2007 to 12/31/2021 with computerized tomography abdomen/pelvis ≤ 6 months pre-operatively and underwent ileocolonoscopy ≤ 15 months post-operatively. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (cm3), ratio of VAT:subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume, VAT radiodensity, and ratio of VAT:SAT radiodensity were generated semiautomatically. Mesenteric lymphadenopathy (LAD, largest lymph node > 10 mm) and severe vasa recta (VR) engorgement (diameter of the VR supplying diseased bowel ≥ 2 × VR supplying healthy bowel) were derived manually. The primary outcome was early ePOR (Rutgeert's score ≥ i2 on first endoscopy ≤ 15 months post-operatively) and the secondary outcome was ePOR severity (Rutgeert's score i0-4). Regression analyses were performed adjusting for demographic and disease-related characteristics to calculate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 139 subjects included, 45% of subjects developed early ePOR (n = 63). VAT radiodensity (aOR 0.59, 95%CI: 0.38-0.90) and VAT:SAT radiodensity (aOR 8.54, 95%CI: 1.48-49.28) were associated with early ePOR, whereas, VAT volume (aOR 1.23, 95%CI: 0.78-1.95), VAT:SAT volume (aOR 0.80, 95%CI: 0.53-1.20), severe VR engorgement (aOR 1.53, 95%CI: 0.64-3.66), and mesenteric LAD (aOR 1.59, 95%CI: 0.67-3.79) were not. Similar results were observed for severity of ePOR. VAT radiodensity is potentially a novel non-invasive prognostic imaging marker to help risk stratify CD patients for POR.

Association of preoperative aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index with outcomes and tumour microenvironment among colorectal cancer with liver metastases

This study aims to investigate applicable robust biomarkers that can improve prognostic predictions for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) patients receiving simultaneous resection. A total of 1323 CRLM patients from multiple centres were included. The preoperative aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) level from blood of patients were obtained. Patients were stratified into a high APRI group and a low APRI group, and comparisons were conducted by analyzing progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and postoperative early recurrence. Tumour samples of CRLM were collected to perform single-cell RNA sequencing and multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence (mIHC/IF) to investigate the association of APRI levels and the tumour microenvironment of CRLM. Compared with APRI <0.33, PFS disadvantage (IPTW-adjusted HR = 1.240, P = 0.015) and OS disadvantage (IPTW- adjusted HR = 1.507, P = 0.002) of APRI ≥0.33 were preserved in the IPTW-adjusted Cox hazards regression analyses. An APRI ≥0.25 was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative early recurrence after adjustment (IPTW-adjusted OR = 1.486, P = 0.001). The external validation showed consistent results with the training cohort. In the high APRI group, the single-cell RNA sequencing results revealed a heightened malignancy of epithelial cells, the enrichment of inflammatory-like cancer-associated fibroblasts and SPP1+ macrophages associated with activation of malignant cells and fibrotic microenvironment, and a more suppressed-function T cells; mIHC/IF showed that PD1+ CD4+ T cells, FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells, PD1+ CD8+ T cells, FOXP3+ CD8+ T cells, SPP1+ macrophages and iCAFs were significantly increased in the intratumoral region and peritumoral region. This study contributed valuable evidence regarding preoperative APRI for predicting prognoses among CRLM patients receiving simultaneous resection and provided underlying clues supporting the association between APRI and clinical outcomes by single-cell sequencing bioinformatics analysis and mIHC/IF.

Effect of anatomical liver resection on early postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma assessed based on a nomogram: a single-center study in China.

We aimed to investigate risk factors for early postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and determine the effect of surgical methods on early recurrence to facilitate predicting the risk of early postoperative recurrence in such patients and the selection of appropriate treatment methods. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data concerning 428 patients with HCC who had undergone radical surgery at Mianyang Central Hospital between January 2015 and August 2022. Relevant routine preoperative auxiliary examinations and regular postoperative telephone or outpatient follow-ups were performed to identify early postoperative recurrence. Risk factors were screened, and predictive models were constructed, including patients' preoperative ancillary tests, intra- and postoperative complications, and pathology tests in relation to early recurrence. The risk of recurrence was estimated for each patient based on a prediction model, and patients were categorized into low- and high-risk recurrence groups. The effect of anatomical liver resection (AR) on early postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC in the two groups was assessed using survival analysis. In total, 353 study patients were included. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis findings suggested that tumor diameter (≥5/<5 cm, odds ratio [OR] 2.357, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.368-4.059; P = 0.002), alpha fetoprotein (≥400/<400 ng/L, OR 2.525, 95% CI 1.334-4.780; P = 0.004), tumor number (≥2/<2, OR 2.213, 95% CI 1.147-4.270; P = 0.018), microvascular invasion (positive/negative, OR 3.230, 95% CI 1.880-5.551; P < 0.001), vascular invasion (positive/negative, OR 4.472, 95% CI 1.395-14.332; P = 0.012), and alkaline phosphatase level (>125/≤125 U/L, OR 2.202, 95% CI 1.162-4.173; P = 0.016) were risk factors for early recurrence following radical HCC surgery. Model validation and evaluation showed that the area under the curve was 0.813. Hosmer-Lemeshow test results (X 2 = 1.225, P = 0.996 > 0.05), results from bootstrap self-replicated sampling of 1,000 samples, and decision curve analysis showed that the model also discriminated well, with potentially good clinical utility. Using this model, patients were stratified into low- and high-risk recurrence groups. One-year disease-free survival was compared between the two groups with different surgical approaches. Both groups benefited from AR in terms of prevention of early postoperative recurrence, with AR benefits being more pronounced and intraoperative bleeding less likely in the high-risk recurrence group. With appropriate surgical techniques and with tumors being realistically amenable to R0 resection, AR is a potentially useful surgical procedure for preventing early recurrence after radical surgery in patients with HCC.

Analysis of the success rate of conversion using ibutilide administration in radiofrequency catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation and its effects on postoperative recurrence

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of ibutilide administration during radiofrequency catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), to explore the success rate of conversion and related influential factors, and to analyze the effects of ibutilide on postoperative recurrence.MethodsA total of 192 patients with persistent AF who underwent catheter ablation from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. These patients failed in conversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm by intraoperative catheter ablation. Patients were categorized into effective group (115 cases) and ineffective group (77 cases) based on whether sinus rhythm was restored after application of ibutilide.ResultsThe overall success rate of conversion using ibutilide administration was 59.9%. The success rate was associated with weight ((68.12 ± 11.72 vs. 72.83 ± 12.08) kg, P = 0.008), the duration of AF ((34.67 ± 55.68 vs. 66.52 ± 95.21) months, p = 0.008), diameter of left atrium (LAD) ((44.39 ± 5.80 vs. 47.36 ± 6.10) mm,P = 0.002), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level ((854.85 ± 770.84 vs. 662.88 ± 659.18) pg/ml,P = 0.030). The results showed the duration of AF was associated with early recurrence, while early recurrence was not a risk factor for late recurrence. And duration of AF was associated with postoperative maintenance time of normal sinus rhythm, whereas successful conversion into normal sinus rhythm using ibutilide administration had no influence on postoperative maintenance time of normal sinus rhythm.ConclusionIbutilide showed to be effective in catheter ablation of AF, the success rate of conversion was correlated with the duration of AF, LA diameter, and NT-proBNP level. Besides, the duration of AF was found as a risk factor for early postoperative recurrence, while ibutilide administration for successful conversion had no influence on predicting postoperative recurrence and had no influence on postoperative maintenance time of sinus rhythm.

Role of ICAM-1 in the Adhesion of T Cells to Enteric Glia: Perspectives in the Formation of Plexitis in Crohn’s Disease

Background & AimsThe presence of myenteric plexitis in the proximal resection margins is a predictive factor of early postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease. To decipher the mechanisms leading to their formation, T cell interactions with enteric neural cells were studied in vitro and in vivo. MethodsT cells close to myenteric neural cells were retrospectively quantified in ileocolonic resections from 9 control subjects with cancer and 20 patients with Crohn’s disease. The mechanisms involved in T cell adhesion were then investigated in co-cultures of T lymphocytes with enteric glial cells (glia). Finally, the implication of adhesion molecules in the development of plexitis and colitis was studied in vitro, but also in vivo in Winnie mice. ResultsThe mean number of T cells close to glia, but not neurons, was significantly higher in the myenteric ganglia of relapsing patients with Crohn’s disease (2.42+/-0.5) as compared to controls (0.36+/-0.08, p=0.0007). Co-culture experiments showed that exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines enhanced T cell adhesion to glia and increased ICAM-1 expression in glia. We next demonstrated that T cell adhesion to glia was inhibited by an anti-ICAM-1 antibody. Finally, using the Winnie mouse model of colitis, we showed that the blockage of ICAM-1/ LFA-1 with lifitegrast reduced colitis severity and decreased T cell infiltration in the myenteric plexus. ConclusionsOur present work argues for a role of Glia-T cell interaction in the development of myenteric plexitis through the adhesion molecules ICAM-1/LFA-1, and suggests that deciphering the functional consequences of Glia-T cell interaction is important to understand the mechanisms implicated in the development and recurrence of Crohn’s disease.

P190 Identification of clinical risk factors for postoperative endoscopic recurrence in Crohn’s disease: a prospective, multicenter cohort study

Abstract Background Further refinement of clinical risk stratification for postoperative endoscopic recurrence in patients with Crohn’s disease is required to identify patients who will benefit from prophylactic therapy. Therefore, we aimed to assess risk factors for endoscopic recurrence in a large prospective, multicenter cohort study. Methods CD patients (≥16 years) scheduled for ileocolic (re-)resection (ICR) and those who underwent an ileocolonoscopy at 6 months following ICR were included. Primary outcome of the study was endoscopic recurrence (modified Rutgeerts’ score ≥ i2b at 6 months). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify clinical risk factors. The model included a random effect for the study center to correct for potential correlation between treating center and the outcome. Results In total, 298 patients underwent ICR (79.2% primary ICR, 20.8% re-resection) after a median disease duration of 5.3 years (IQR 1.0 – 12.4). 60.4% of patients were female with a median age at surgery of 34.1 years (IQR 25.7 – 50.5). 67.8% of the patients were exposed to ≥1 biological prior to surgery. Postoperative prophylactic medication (&amp;lt;12 weeks to ICR) was initiated in 85/298 (28.5%) patients; 24.7% immunomodulator, 29.4% anti-TNF, 27.1% combination therapy [immunomodulator with anti-TNF agent], 4.7% vedolizumab, 14.1% ustekinumab. Mean time to postoperative ileocolonoscopy was 6.2 months (SD 1.3). Endoscopic recurrence was diagnosed in 37.9% of the patients. Multivariable logistic regression identified active smoking (adjusted OR [aOR] 3.12; 95% CI 1.63 – 5.98) and penetrating disease behaviour (aOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.04 – 3.57) as risk factors for endoscopic recurrence, whilst ileocolic disease (versus ileal disease; aOR 0.27; 95% CI 0.15 – 0.49) and postoperative prophylactic medication (aOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.12 – 0.47) were identified as protective factors for endoscopic recurrence (Table 1). Conclusion Active smoking and penetrating disease behaviour at time of surgery were identified as risk factors for early postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease. Reversely, ileocolic disease at time of surgery and initiation of postoperative prophylactic medication were identified as protective factors for early endoscopic recurrence. Young age at surgery, perianal disease and a prior intestinal resection, included as risk factors in the current international guidelines, were not associated with early endoscopic postoperative recurrence in this large prospective cohort study.

Developing a comprehensive cell-free DNA (cfDNA) epigenetic signature (ep-Sig) with diagnostic and prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

553 Background: HCC is one of the deadliest tumors with poor outcomes often diagnosed in late stages. Current surveillance strategies (alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) plus ultrasound (USG)) for high-risk population (HRP) have poor sensitivity (SN) and reasonable specificity (SP) of 61% and 92%, respectively. Triple phase computed tomography (CT) imaging has good sensitivity and specificity (≈ 90% for both) but the evidence does not support its use for routine surveillance. All these modalities do not have prognostic (survival) value. We attempted to develop a non-invasive, cfDNA-based tests to improve the diagnostic value of the current standard of care modalities (AFP and USG) and help in predicting the outcomes at diagnosis. We hypothesized that RNA and gene expression in HCC tissues is a surrogate for epigenome (DNA-methylation changes). Methods: We curated a 21-gene cfDNA ep-Sig from the literature with a proven prognostic value. Evidence suggests epigenetic changes in every gene of this panel affect HCC outcomes influencing clinicopathological characteristics (large tumor size, vascular invasion, advanced staging) or early post-operative recurrence, and survival. We compared RNA and gene expression of the genes in the ep-Sig between normal (NT) and HCC tissues using a web-based tool, TNMplot.com that uses the data from the Gene Expression Omnibus of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI-GEO) or Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) repositories was used create this tool. It uses Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests to compute statistical significance. Results: RNA expression of all the genes from the ep-Sig was significantly higher in HCC than NT (1.133, p=5.84e-15). Gene expression was 19/21 genes was higher in HCC tissues (1.15, p=1.3e-08). The other 2 genes were not detected in the tested samples. Conclusions: Our ep-Sig which has a proven prognostic value and reliable prevalence in HCC patients. This study is the first step in developing clinically useful blood-based test that can revamp the current diagnostic and screening practices when used alongside AFP and USG.

Outcome of dufourmentel flap versus conventional rhomboid (Limberg flap) in the treatment of complex pilonidal sinus: a randomized controlled study

Background Management of pilonidal disease lacks a single optimal treatment strategy, and recurrence is a problem for both the patient and the surgeon. Various flap-based treatment approaches are available for the treatment of such problems. This study aims to compare the outcome of dufourmentel flap versus conventional rhomboid in complex pilonidal diseases. Patients and methods The present randomized controlled study included 64 patients with complex pilonidal sinus, who were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=32) patients underwent a dufourmentel flap while group B (n=32) patients underwent conventional rhomboid (Limberg flap). Follow-up was planned for early postoperative complications and recurrence as well as the aesthetic outcome. Results The mean age was 25.3±7.4 and 25.8±5.8.years in groups A and B, respectively. There was a statistically significant longer flap in group A when compared with group B (P=0.04). The mean operative time was 39.3±4.8 and 43±4.4 in groups A and B, respectively. Postoperative follow-up revealed a higher rate of complications in group B than in group A with a statistically significant difference in postoperative infection/discharge, hematoma, seroma, and partial flap loss. Conclusion Due to its adaptability, repeatability, clear, and predictable closure of the defect, and low recurrence rate, the authors suggest the dufourmentel flap as a suitable approach in the treatment of difficult and recurrent cases.

Comparative Persistence of Non-tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) vs. TNF Antagonists for Post-operative Prophylaxis in Crohn's Disease (CD).

The comparative safety and effectiveness of available biologics for post-operative prophylaxis in Crohn's disease (CD) is uncertain. Drug persistence may serve as a real-world proxy for tolerability and effectiveness. We evaluated the comparative persistence of non-TNF and TNF antagonists for post-operative prophylaxis and their comparative effectiveness for preventing early endoscopic post-operative recurrence (POR). We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of surgically naïve CD subjects undergoing ileocecal or small bowel resection between 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2021 and prescribed a biologic for post-operative prophylaxis. We compared the risk of prophylaxis failure (requiring recurrent surgery or discontinuation of therapy due to persistent POR despite optimized drug level or dose escalation, immunogenicity, and/or adverse event) and early endoscopic POR (Rutgeert's score≥i2 within 15months postoperatively) between non-TNF and TNF antagonist prophylaxis using Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression, respectively, adjusting for demographic and disease characteristics. The study included 291 subjects (81% TNF antagonists). After multivariable adjustment, non-TNF antagonist prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower risk of prophylaxis failure than TNF antagonists (hazard ratio 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.13-0.53]). Prophylaxis with non-TNF and TNF antagonists had similar risk of early endoscopic POR (odds ratio 0.66; 95% CI [0.32-1.36]). Stratifying the non-TNF antagonists by anti-integrin and anti-IL12/23 yielded similar results. In a cohort of surgically naïve CD subjects prescribed a biologic for post-operative prophylaxis, non-TNF antagonists had greater persistence than TNF antagonists with similar risk for early endoscopic POR. If confirmed by large, prospective studies, these findings can inform post-operative management strategies in CD.

Development of a machine learning-based model for predicting risk of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Surgical resection is the primary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, studies indicate that nearly 70% of patients experience HCC recurrence within five years following hepatectomy. The earlier the recurrence, the worse the prognosis. Current studies on postoperative recurrence primarily rely on postoperative pathology and patient clinical data, which are lagging. Hence, developing a new pre-operative prediction model for postoperative recurrence is crucial for guiding individualized treatment of HCC patients and enhancing their prognosis. AIM To identify key variables in pre-operative clinical and imaging data using machine learning algorithms to construct multiple risk prediction models for early postoperative recurrence of HCC. METHODS The demographic and clinical data of 371 HCC patients were collected for this retrospective study. These data were randomly divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 8:2. The training set was analyzed, and key feature variables with predictive value for early HCC recurrence were selected to construct six different machine learning prediction models. Each model was evaluated, and the best-performing model was selected for interpreting the importance of each variable. Finally, an online calculator based on the model was generated for daily clinical practice. RESULTS Following machine learning analysis, eight key feature variables (age, intratumoral arteries, alpha-fetoprotein, pre-operative blood glucose, number of tumors, glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio, liver cirrhosis, and pre-operative platelets) were selected to construct six different prediction models. The XGBoost model outperformed other models, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the training, validation, and test datasets being 0.993 (95% confidence interval: 0.982-1.000), 0.734 (0.601-0.867), and 0.706 (0.585-0.827), respectively. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis indicated that the XGBoost model also had good predictive performance and clinical application value. CONCLUSION The XGBoost model exhibits superior performance and is a reliable tool for predicting early postoperative HCC recurrence. This model may guide surgical strategies and postoperative individualized medicine.

Clinical Predictors of Early and Late Endoscopic Recurrence Following Ileocolonic Resection in Crohn's Disease.

Multiple factors are suggested to place Crohn's disease patients at risk of recurrence after ileocolic resection with conflicting associations. We aimed to identify clinical predictors of recurrence at first [early] and further [late] postoperative colonoscopy. Crohn's disease patients undergoing ileocolic resection were prospectively recruited at six North American centres. Clinical data were collected and endoscopic recurrence was defined as Rutgeerts score ≥i2. A multivariable model was fitted to analyse variables independently associated with recurrence. A total of 365 patients undergoing 674 postoperative colonoscopies were included with a median age of 32 years, 189 [51.8%] were male, and 37 [10.1%] were non-Whites. Postoperatively, 133 [36.4%] used anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] and 30 [8.2%] were smokers. At first colonoscopy, 109 [29.9%] had recurrence. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-3.40), non-White ethnicity [OR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.09-5.63], longer interval between surgery and colonoscopy [OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.002-1.18], and postoperative smoking [OR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.16-6.67] were associated with recurrence, while prophylactic anti-TNF reduced the risk [OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.14-0.55]. Postoperative anti-TNF prophylaxis had a protective effect on anti-TNF experienced patients but not on anti-TNF naïve patients. Among patients without recurrence at first colonoscopy, Rutgeerts score i1 was associated with subsequent recurrence [OR = 4.43, 95% CI 1.73-11.35]. We identified independent clinical predictors of early and late Crohn's disease postoperative endoscopic recurrence. Clinical factors traditionally used for risk stratification failed to predict recurrence and need to be revised.

Clinical benefits of intraoperative radiotherapy for the recurrence of centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion.

Although the efficacy and safety of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in the treatment of malignant tumours, such as breast cancer, have been documented, it remains unclear whether this treatment is effective for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with microvascular invasion (MVI). This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of IORT in the treatment of centrally located HCC with MVI. Patients with centrally located HCC, who underwent surgery between January 2016 and January 2020, were enrolled. The patient cohort was then allocated to two groups: those who underwent IORT combined with liver resection (IORT+LR); or LR alone (LR). Propensity score matching and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS), and the log-rank test was used to determine whether RFS differed between the groups. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate differences in RFS and early recurrence rates in patients with different MVI grades. E-values were generated to measure the sensitivity to unmeasured confounding factors. In total, 97 patients were enrolled, 27 of whom underwent IORT+LR and 70 underwent LR alone. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates in the IORT+LR group were 66%, 50%, and 32%, respectively, whereas those in the LR group were 54%, 37%, and 26%, respectively. After matching analysis, 23 patients were successfully matched, and RFS was found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = .04). IORT was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (hazard ratio 0.46 [95% confidence interval 0.21-0.99]). In subgroup analysis, RFS between the IORT+LR and LR groups was significantly different in patients with MVI (M1 grade) (p = .0067). The postoperative early recurrence rate was significantly reduced with IORT (p < .05). No serious complications were reported in either group following surgery. Based on E-values, the results appeared to be robust against unmeasured confounding factors. IORT+LR provided safe, feasible treatment for patients with centrally located HCC with MVI, along with an improvement in prognosis and lower early recurrence rates.

Revolutionising hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: Harnessing contrast-enhanced ultrasound and serological indicators for postoperative early recurrence prediction: Erratum.

Revolutionising hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: Harnessing contrast-enhanced ultrasound and serological indicators for postoperative early recurrence prediction: Erratum.

Mesenteric creeping fat index defined by CT enterography is associated with early postoperative recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease

ObjectivesTo investigate the value of mesenteric creeping fat index (MCFI) defined by computed-tomography enterography (CTE) in patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD) for predicting early postoperative recurrence. MethodsA total of 110 patients with CD who underwent CTE and I-stage intestinal resection surgery from December 2013 to December 2018 were enrolled. Two radiologists independently assessed CTE parameters, including MCFI, with scores ranging from 1 to 8; bowel-wall thickening, with a scale of 1 to 3; mural hyperenhancement, mural stratification, submucosal fat deposition, mesenteric fibrofatty proliferation, mesenteric hypervascularity, mesenteric fat stranding, with a scale of 0 to 2; abscess/fistula, enlarged mesenteric lymph node, abdominal and pelvic effusion, with a scale of 0 to 1. Imaging findings associated with early recurrence were assessed using logistic regression analysis. ResultsWithin one year follow-up, early postoperative recurrence occurred in 56.4 % (62/110) patients with CD. In univariate analysis, MCFI, bowel-wall thickening, mesenteric hypervascularity, mesenteric fat stranding, abscess/fistula and mesenteric lymphadenopathy were associated with early postoperative recurrence. Among all variables, MCFI (score ≥ 4) contributes the optimal AUC (0.838 [0.758–0.919]), specificity (89.6 %), positive predictive value (90.7 %), accuracy (83.6 %), and risk ratio (OR = 32.42 [10.69–98.33], p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only MCFI was an independent predictor of early postoperative recurrence (OR = 25.71 [7.65–86.35], p < 0.001). ConclusionCTE features are useful in predicting early postoperative recurrence in patients with CD, MCFI may be a valuable tool for clinical monitoring and follow-up.

CT Radiomics Features of Abdominal Adipose and Muscle Tissues Can Predict the Postoperative Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

CT Radiomics Features of Abdominal Adipose and Muscle Tissues Can Predict the Postoperative Early Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A scoring model for predicting early recurrence of gastric cancer with normal preoperative tumor markers: A multicenter study

IntroductionPrognostic factors for postoperative early recurrence (ER) of gastric cancer (GC) in patients with normal or abnormal preoperative tumor markers (pre-TMs) remain unclear. Materials and methods2875 consecutive patients with GC who underwent radical gastrectomy (RG) between January 2010 and December 2016 were enrolled and randomly divided into training and internal validation groups. ER was defined as recurrence within two years of gastrectomy. Normal pre-TMs were defined as CEA≤5 ng/mL and CA199 ≤ 37 U/mL. Least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used to screen ER predictors. The scoring model was validated using 546 patients from another hospital. ResultsA total of 3421 patients were included. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that pre-TMs was an independent prognostic factor for ER. Survival after ER was equally poor in the normal and abnormal pre-TMs groups (P = 0.160). Based on LASSO Cox regression, the ER of patients with abnormal pre-TMs was only associated with the pT and pN stages; however, in patients with normal pre-TMs, it was also associated with tumor size, perineural invasion, and prognostic nutritional index. Scoring model constructed for patients with normal pre-TMs had better predictive performance than TNM staging (concordance-index:0.826 vs. 0.807, P < 0.001) and good reproducibility in both validation sets. Moreover, through risk stratification, the scoring model could not only identify the risk of ER but also distinguish ER patterns and adjuvant chemotherapy benefit subgroups. Conclusionpre-TMs is an independent prognostic factor for ER in GC after RG. The established scoring model demonstrates excellent predictive performance and clinical utility.

Nomogram based on clinical and preoperative CT features for predicting the early recurrence of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study

PurposeTo establish and validate a multiparameter prediction model for early recurrence after radical resection in patients diagnosed with combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC).Materials and methodsThis study reviewed the clinical characteristics and preoperative CT images of 143 cHCC-CC patients who underwent radical resection from three institutions. A total of 110 patients from institution 1 were randomly divided into training set (n = 78) and testing set (n = 32) in the ratio of 7–3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to construct a nomogram prediction model in the training set, which was internally and externally validated in the testing set and the validation set (n = 33) from institutions 2 and 3. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration analysis were used to evaluate the model’s performance.ResultsThe combined model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to the clinical model, the CT model, the pathological model and the clinic-CT model in predicting the early postoperative recurrence. The nomogram based on the combined model included AST, ALP, tumor size, tumor margin, arterial phase peritumoral enhancement, and MVI (Microvascular invasion). The model had AUCs of 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.96), 0.85 (95% CI 0.70–0.99), and 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.00) in the training, testing, and validation sets, respectively, indicating high predictive power. DCA showed that the combined model had good clinical value and correction effect.ConclusionA nomogram incorporating clinical characteristics and preoperative CT features can be utilized to effectively predict the early postoperative recurrence in patients with cHCC-CC.

Revolutionising hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: Harnessing contrast-enhanced ultrasound and serological indicators for postoperative early recurrence prediction.

This study aimed to develop a noninvasive predictive model for identifying early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (within 2 years after surgery) based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and serum biomarkers. Additionally, the model's validity was assessedthrough internal and external validation. Clinical data were collected from patients who underwent liver resection at the First Hospital of Quanzhou and Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital. The data included general information, contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters, Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) classification, and serum biomarkers. The data from Mengchao Hospital were divided into 2 groups, with a ratio of 6:4, to form the modeling and internal validation sets, respectively. On the other hand, the data from the First Hospital of Quanzhou served as the external validation group. The developed model was named the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Early Recurrence (HCC-ER) prediction model. The predictive efficiency of the HCC-ER model was compared with other established models. The baseline characteristics were found to be well-balanced across the modeling, internal validation, and external validation groups. Among the independent risk factors identified for early recurrence, LI-RADS classification, alpha-fetoprotein, and tumor maximum diameter exhibited hazard ratios of 1.352, 1.337, and 1.135 respectively. Regarding predictive accuracy, the HCC-ER, Tumour-Node-Metastasis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, and China Liver Cancer models demonstrated prediction errors of 0.196, 0.204, 0.201, and 0.200 in the modeling group; 0.215, 0.215, 0.218, and 0.212 in the internal validation group; 0.210, 0.215, 0.216, and 0.221 in the external validation group. Using the HCC-ER model, risk scores were calculated for all patients, and a cutoff value of 50 was selected. This cutoff effectively distinguished the high-risk recurrence group from the low-risk recurrence group in the modeling, internal validation, and external validation groups. However, the calibration curve of the predictive model slightly overestimated the risk of recurrence. The HCC-ER model developed in this study demonstrated high accuracy in predicting early recurrence within 2 years after hepatectomy. It provides valuable information for developing precise treatment strategies in clinical practice and holds considerable promise for further clinical implementation.

Efficacy of thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus lobectomy in the treatment of early invasive lung adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching study.

This study aimed to investigate and analyze the clinical application value of thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma. 286 patients with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma who underwent segmentectomy or lobectomy at the First Hospital of Jiaxing City from January 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a thoracoscopic segmentectomy group(n=97) and a lobectomy group (n=189). Patients were compared after obtaining 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts. Outcome indicators included surgery-related indicators, immune-inflammation-related indicators, postoperative complications, recurrence, and metastasis. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 93 patients were included in each group. We found that the volume of intraoperative blood loss in the segmentectomy group was significantly less than in the lobectomy group (P=0.014). The duration of postoperative drainage (P = 0.005) and hospitalization (P=0.002) in the segmentectomy group were significantly shorter than in the lobectomy group. In terms of immunoinflammatory response, compared with the lobectomy group, white blood cells, neutrophils, SII, and NLR in the segmentectomy group were significantly lower than in the lobectomy group (P< 0.05). The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in the segmentectomy and lobectomy were 80.5% and 88.2% at 1 year and 35.1% and 52.6% at 3 years, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The segmentectomy group achieved similar outcomes to the lobectomy group at 1 year and 3 years (P > 0.05). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that CAR was an independent risk factor for RFS in patients undergoing invasive adenocarcinoma surgery. Compared with lobectomy, thoracoscopic segmentectomy can effectively reduce the postoperative inflammatory response in patients with early invasive lung adenocarcinoma and promote patient recovery. Although segmentectomy is associated with a higher recurrence rate in the short term for patients with early invasive lung adenocarcinoma, the associated survival rate is similar to the lobectomy group. Segmentectomy should be considered in the treatment of early invasive lung adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, postoperative CAR represents an independent risk factor for early postoperative recurrence in patients with IAC.