Higher Lymph Node Counts Research Articles

Vascular-oriented D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery preservation for distal sigmoid colon cancer: a variety of techniques.

One of the approaches to distal sigmoid colon cancer surgical treatment is segmental colonic resection with vascular preservation of left colic artery (LCA). D3 lymph node dissection may technically vary according to different vascular anatomy. This study aims to show the approaches to D3 lymph node dissection with LCA preservation for distal sigmoid colon cancer according to different patterns of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) branching. CTangiography with 3D reconstruction was routinely performed to identify the IMA branching pattern. Laparoscopic distal sigmoid colon resection with D3 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation in standardized fashion was performed in all cases. Data, including clinical, intraoperative, and short-term surgical outcomes, is presented as median numbers (Me) and interquartile range (IQR). Twenty-six patients with distal sigmoid colon cancer were treated with laparoscopic distal sigmoid colon resection. The approach to D3 lymph node dissection varied according to different anatomical variations. There was one conversion (3.8%) and one anastomotic leakage (3.8%) in patients with high BMI. At the same time, there was a high apical lymph node count (Me 3 (IQR 2-5), min-max 0-10) due to the skeletonization of the IMA. The technical aspects of D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery preservation may vary in different types of LCA and sigmoid artery branching patterns regardless of the standardized anatomical landmarks. The anatomical features should be considered when performing vascular-sparing lymph node dissection.

Prognostic Significance of the Lymph Node Ratio for Overall Survival after Curative Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Accurate rectal cancer N staging requires the histopathological evaluation of at least 12 lymph nodes. Retrieval of that count is not always possible. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the lymph node ratio (LNR) prognostic significance on overall survival. Methods: The current study is a retrospective cohort study of 229 patients who underwent curative surgery for resectable rectal cancer. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for Lymph Node Count (LNC), Positive Lymph Nodes count (PLN), and LNR for overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used for univariate analysis of factors affecting OS. Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test was used to test significance. A Cox-Regression Hazard model was used to detect the most significant factor affecting OS. Results: ROC curve analysis of the PLNs revealed a poor prognostic value of the test, with a sensitivity of 51.9% at PLNs 4 cutoff value, with a shorter mean OS above it (21.71±11.597 vs. 31.20 ± 16.634 for ≥4 vs. <4). ROC curve analysis of LNC revealed the poor value of the test, with a sensitivity of 56% at LNC 12 cutoff value, with longer mean Overall Survival (OS) above it (28.21±15.432 vs. 22.22±12.97 for LNC ≥12 vs. <12). ROC curve analysis of the LNR revealed good value of the test for predicting survival, with a sensitivity of 95% at LNR 18.82% cutoff value, with longer mean OS above it (21.44±11.607 vs. 39.82±15.085 for LNR ≥18.8% vs. <18.8%). According to our univariate analysis, the factors significantly affecting OS were histopathological examination (p =.000), Lympho-Vascular Invasion (LVI) (p =.014), and the LNC cutoff value (p=.002), the PLN cutoff value (p =.008), and the LNR cutoff value (p =.000. According to our multivariate analysis, the LNR cutoff value of 18.8% was the most significant factor affecting OS (p =.000). Conclusions: A high LNR with an 18.82% cutoff value is an independent adverse prognostic factor affecting OS after curative surgery for cancer rectum. The LNR could be considered a good alternative to the absolute number of PLNs, particularly in patients with a low LNC. A higher LNC ≥12 was associated with a longer OS; maximum possible lymphadenectomy should be performed for each patient.

Impact of lymph node yield at prostatectomy on outcomes in NRG/RTOG 9601.

265 Background: A recent study ( Fossati et al, 2018) found that higher lymph node count at radical prostatectomy was associated with improved outcomes in patients treated with salvage radiation for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after surgery. We sought to validate these results in NRG/RTOG 9601, a randomized controlled trial of men with pT2/T3 disease who underwent either radiation (RT) alone or RT+antiandrogen (bicalutamide) therapy for PSA elevation following radical prostatectomy from 1998-2003. Methods: We reviewed available pathology reports for all patients in NRG/RTOG 9601 to determine the nodal count at radical prostatectomy. Clinical data was as of 11/5/2015, same as the primary endpoint for the trial. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the effect of number of positive lymph nodes, treatment arm (RT alone or RT+bicalutamide), Gleason score, positive margins, and seminal vesicle invasion on the following endpoints: times to local and distant failure and overall and disease specific survival. Results: Out of the 760 patients originally eligible in the trial, 552 (73%, 276 in each arm) had complete data available. Median node count in the entire cohort was 6 (range 0-33, Q1-Q3 3-9). There were no significant differences between treatment arms in terms of patient demographic or clinical characteristics, including total lymph nodes removed in either arm (RT alone vs RT+bicalutamide median 5 vs 6, p = 0.11). There was no significant association between total lymph nodes and overall survival with both arms combined (HR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.97-1.03, p = 0.87) or in the individual arms alone (RT+Casodex: HR = 1.01, 95% CI:0.97-1.05, p = 0.65; RT+Placebo: HR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94-1.03, p = 0.45). There was also no significant association between total lymph nodes and disease-specific survival with both arms combined (HR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.95-1.04, p = 0.84) and in the arms alone (RT+Casodex: HR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.95-1.05, p = 0.92; RT+Placebo: HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.92-1.07, p = 0.86). In multivariable analysis performed on the two arms, Gleason score was the only feature associated with worse overall and disease-specific survival, seen only in the RT alone arm. Similar findings were seen when evaluating times to local and distant failure. Conclusions: Lymph node yield in NRG/RTOG 9601 did not show any association with adverse outcomes in the entire cohort, or in either treatment arm alone. The therapeutic benefit of an extensive lymph node dissection in this population remains uncertain. Clinical trial information: NCT00002874.

Association of Lymph Node Count and Survival after Primary Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy for Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for men with clinical stage (CS) I or II testicular nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) has both staging and therapeutic implications. We aimed to investigate the impact of lymph node count (LNC) on outcome after primary RPLND for men with CS I or II NSGCT using a nationally representative data set. A retrospective analysis of men who received a primary RPLND for CS I or II NSGCT was performed using the National Cancer Database. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine overall survival (OS) according to LNC. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with LNC >20 and factors predictive of lymph node-positive (pN+) disease after primary RPLND. Of 1,376 men who comprised our analytical cohort, 50.1% and 49.9% had 1-20 lymph nodes (LNs) and >20 LNs removed, respectively. Five-year OS rates were 96.4% and 99.1% for men with 1-20 and >20 LNs resected, respectively (p=0.004). A higher proportion of men with >20 LNs removed were treated at academic centers, had private insurance, presented with higher AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) CS and were more likely to have pN+ disease, compared to those with 1-20 LNs removed. Factors significantly associated with pN+ disease after RPLND include higher AJCC CS and LNC (per 10-count increase). Higher LNC after primary RPLND significantly increases the likelihood of identifying pN+ disease and is associated with improved OS. Our data support the therapeutic implications of a thoroughly performed RPLND in the primary setting.

Robot-assisted versus open radical cystectomy: A cohort study on perioperative outcomes accounting for stage selection bias and surgical experience.

Most comparisons of robot-assisted (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) for urothelial carcinoma do not factor the inherent stage selection bias or surgical experience. We compared the perioperative outcomes of 229 RARC and 335 ORC at a single tertiary referral centre with propensity score matching and multiple regression models, when controlling for tumour and patient characteristics, surgeon's experience and type of urinary diversion. RARC had less major complications (19.8% vs. 34.1%) and ICU admissions (6.6% vs. 19.8%), with lower blood loss (400 vs. 500ml) and transfusion rates. The operating time was longer (336 vs. 286min), but decreased with surgeon's experience. RARC had less positive surgical margins (3% vs. 8.4%) and a higher lymph node count (14 vs. 11). In this large single centre series comparing RARC with ORC controlling for stage selection bias and surgical experience, RARC proved significantly better outcomes, especially with intracorporeal urinary diversion.

Totally minimally invasive esophagectomy versus hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryMinimally invasive esophagectomy is increasingly performed for the treatment of esophageal cancer, but it is unclear whether hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIE) or totally minimally invasive esophagectomy (TMIE) should be preferred. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of studies comparing HMIE with TMIE. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Articles comparing HMIE and TMIE were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used for critical appraisal of methodological quality. The primary outcome was pneumonia. Sensitivity analysis was performed by analyzing outcome for open chest hybrid MIE versus total TMIE and open abdomen MIE versus TMIE separately. Therefore, subgroup analysis was performed for laparoscopy-assisted HMIE versus TMIE, thoracoscopy-assisted HMIE versus TMIE, Ivor Lewis HMIE versus Ivor Lewis TMIE, and McKeown HMIE versus McKeown TMIE. There were no randomized controlled trials. Twenty-nine studies with a total of 3732 patients were included. Studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. In the main analysis, the pooled incidence of pneumonia was 19.0% after HMIE and 9.8% after TMIE which was not significantly different between the groups (RR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.97–2.20). TMIE was associated with a lower incidence of wound infections (RR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.13–2.90) and less blood loss (SMD: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.34–1.22) but with longer operative time (SMD:-0.33, 95% CI: −0.59—-0.08). In subgroup analysis, laparoscopy-assisted HMIE was associated with a higher lymph node count than TMIE, and Ivor Lewis HMIE was associated with a lower anastomotic leakage rate than Ivor Lewis TMIE. In general, TMIE was associated with moderately lower morbidity compared to HMIE, but randomized controlled evidence is lacking. The higher leakage rate and lower lymph node count that was found after TMIE in sensitivity analysis indicate that TMIE can also have disadvantages. The findings of this meta-analysis should be considered carefully by surgeons when moving from HMIE to TMIE.

Effect of lymph nodes count in node-positive gastric cancer.

Background: The retrieved lymph node (LN) count has been confirmed as a prognostic indicator in various cancers. However, the correlation between LN counts and patient prognosis in gastric cancer with node-positive is not fully studied.Methods: A total of 8475 patients undergoing gastrectomy in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER)-registered gastric cancer were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyze long-term outcomes and risk factors. Moreover, nomograms including LN counts were established to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), and Harrell's concordance index (c-index) was adopted to evaluate prediction accuracy.Results: Patients were stratified into 1-6, 7-14, and > 14 subgroups according to the optimal cutoff for retrieved LNs in terms of 5-year CSS. Further analysis indicated that higher LN counts were an independent predictor of longer survival in each N category. Nomograms on CSS and OS were established according to all significant factors, and c-indexes were 0.663 and 0.654 (P< 0.001), respectively.Conclusions: These results indicated that the more the LNs retrieved, the better the survival would be. Nomograms incorporating LN counts can be recommended as practical models to provide more accurate prognostic information for GC patients.

National Trend in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: Analysis of the National Register in Chile

Introduction: The laparoscopic approach for the treatment of gastric cancer has many advantages. However, outside Asia there are few large case series. Aim: To evaluate postoperative morbidity, long-term survival, changes in indication, and the results of laparoscopic gastrectomy. Methods: We included all patients treated with a laparoscopic gastrectomy from 2005 to 2014. We compared results across 2 time periods: 2005–2011 and 2012–2014. Median follow-up was 39 months. Results: Two hundred and eleven patients underwent a laparoscopic gastrectomy (median age 64 years, 55% male patients). In 135 (64%) patients, a total gastrectomy was performed. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 29%. A significant increase in the indication of laparoscopic surgery for stages II–III (32 vs. 45%; p = 0.04) and higher lymph node count (27 vs. 33; p = 0.002) were observed between the 2 periods. The 5-year overall survival was 72%. According to the stage, the 5-year overall survival was 85, 63, and 54% for stage I, II, and III respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was an acceptable rate of postoperative complications and the long-term survival was in accordance with the disease stage. There was a higher indication of laparoscopic surgery in stages II–III disease, and higher lymph node count in the latter period of this study.

The association between microsatellite instability and lymph node count in colorectal cancer.

The number of lymph nodes retrieved from colorectal cancer (CRC) resection specimens is crucial for adequate diagnosis and therapy. Previous studies indicate that in addition to the extent of surgical resection and the quality of pathological lymph node examination, non-modifiable tumour parameters like microsatellite instability (MSI) are associated with higher lymph node count. In order to study the potential influence of MSI on lymph node count, we analysed a previously MSI-typed population of CRC patients (n=1196) to determine the relationship between MSI and the frequency with which at least 12 lymph nodes were retrieved, as well as the mean and median number of retrieved lymph nodes. MSI was associated with an increased frequency of 12-node retrieval, as well as a higher mean and median lymph node count in the overall analysis (p 0.004 and 0.001 for 12-node retrieval and lymph node count, respectively). However, when the analysis was restricted to cancers of the proximal colon, the main location of microsatellite unstable tumours (84% in our study), no association between MSI and 12-node retrieval was found. Subcategorisation by UICC stage of proximally located cancers showed a statistically significant increase in the lymph node count only in microsatellite unstable stage I tumours (p 0.010). In conclusion, our data shows that previously reported associations between MSI and higher lymph node count are mainly a consequence of the increased incidence of microsatellite unstable cancer in the proximal colon. Our finding that MSI is related to a significantly higher mean lymph node count in proximal stage I cancers may indicate that the immunogenicity of this molecular tumour type induces earlier lymph node activation.

Posterior Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) First Approach vs. Standard Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients with Resectable Periampullary Cancers: a Prospective Comparison Focusing on Circumferential Resection Margins

The 'SMA-first' (P-SMA) pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) allows dissection directly on the right lateral aspect of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) which may decrease circumferential resection margin (CRM) positivity. This comparative study between standard PD (sPD) and P-SMA approach was planned focusing on CRM involvement. This was a prospective study comparing consecutive patients with resectable periampullary cancers (PACA) undergoing PD using the standard or P-SMA approach. The perioperative outcomes and the CRM positivity rates (specimens analysed according to the standardized Leeds pathology protocol (LEEPP)) were compared. Overall, 39 patients (28 men; mean age 54years; sPD 21, P-SMA 18) were included. Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic/tumour characteristics and perioperative outcomes. The P-SMA technique was significantly faster (321.1±54.0 vs. 357.6±55.8min; p=0.05). Though the mean tumour size (2.2 vs. 2.1cm; p=0.84) and T stage (T2 and T3) distribution were similar in both groups, lymph node yield was significantly higher in the P-SMA group (10.7 vs. 5.95; p=0.001; mean 8 (2-21)). Though CRM positivity (margin <1mm) occurred in 8 (21.1%), we did not find the P-SMA PD to yield significantly lower CRM positivity rates compared to the sPD (3/17 (17.6%) vs. 5/21(23.8%); p=0.71). At a median follow-up of 28months, fewer patients in the P-SMA PD group developed recurrence (2/15 vs. 5/19; p=0.3) or died (3/15 vs. 7/19; p=0.19), though this difference was not significant. In patients with resectable PACA, P-SMA PD was significantly faster and yielded higher lymph node counts in the specimen but did not lower the rate of CRM positivity as determined by the LEEPP.

Impact of Schwartz Enhanced Visualization Solution on Staging Colorectal Cancer and Clinicopathological Features Associated With Lymph Node Count

Stage-specific survival for colon cancer improves when more lymph nodes are reported in the surgical specimen. This has led to a minimum standard of identifying 12 lymph nodes as a quality indicator. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of Schwartz solution increases node yield and impacts pathologic staging. This is a prospective cohort study. The study was conducted in an academic medical center. Included were 104 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer. Lymph node counts before and after specimen treatment with Schwartz solution and incidence of upstaging were measured. An additional 20 minutes (interquartile range, 15-40 minutes) was spent searching for lymph nodes, increasing the median number of nodes from 22.5 to 29.0 nodes. However, only 1 patient was upstaged. Schwartz solution decreased the number of specimens with less than 12 lymph nodes from 15 to 6. The following factors were associated with Schwartz solution leading to the detection of additional nodes: number of nodes detected initially with formalin only (p < 0.000), mesenteric fat volume (p < 0.000), mesenteric fat weight (p < 0.000), length of specimen (p < 0.016), tumor greatest dimension (p < 0.016), patient body surface area (p < 0.034), and patient age (p < 0.003). Clinical data for this study were obtained retrospectively and were not available for all of the patients. Although Schwartz solution increased the number of nodes detected in 95% of patients and improved compliance with the 12-node standard for colon resection, there was minimal impact on cancer staging. Upstaging is unlikely to explain the increase in overall survival in patients with higher lymph node counts, casting doubt on the validity of this process measure as a meaningful quality indicator. Rather, the lymph node count may be a reflection of inherent tumor biology or host-related factors.

The relation between lymph node status and survival in Stage I–III colon cancer: results from a prospective nationwide cohort study

This study involved a large nationwide Danish cohort to evaluate the hypothesis that a high lymph node harvest has a positive effect on survival in curative resected Stage I-III colon cancer and a low lymph node ratio has a positive effect on survival in Stage III colon cancer. Analysis of overall survival was conducted using a nationwide Danish cohort of patients treated with curative resection of Stage I-III colon cancer. All 8901 patients in Denmark diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the colon and treated with curative resection in the period 2003-2008 were identified from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG). The impact of lymph node count and lymph node ratio was analysed. Overall 5-year survival was 56.8 and 66.6%, (P<0.0001) for lymph node counts of fewer than 12 and 12 or more, respectively. The percentages of lymph node positive patients in the two groups were 29.8 and 40.3% (P<0.0001), respectively. When putting the Stage III patients into four subgroups according to the lymph node ratio (cut-off points 1/12, 1/4 and 1/2) we found an overall 5-year survival rate of 68.1, 57.2, 49.3 and 32.4% (P<0.0001). Lymph node count and lymph node ratio were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. High lymph node count was associated with improved overall survival in colon cancer. Lymph node ratio was superior to N-stage in differentiating overall survival in Stage III colon cancer. Stage migration was observed.

Influence of Microsatellite Instability and KRAS and BRAF Mutations on Lymph Node Harvest in Stage I–III Colon Cancers

Lymph node (LN) harvest is influenced by several factors, including tumor genetics. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is associated with improved node harvest, but the association to other genetic factors is largely unknown. Research methods included a prospective series of stage I-III colon cancer patients undergoing ex vivo sentinel-node sampling. The presence of MSI, KRAS mutations in codons 12 and 13, and BRAF V600E mutations was analyzed. Uni- and multivariate regression models for node sampling were adjusted for clinical, pathological and molecular features. Of 204 patients, 67% had an adequate harvest (≥ 12 nodes). Adequate harvest was highest in patients whose tumors exhibited MSI (79%; odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.9; P = 0.007) or were located in the proximal colon (73%; 2.8, 1.5-5.3; P = 0.002). In multiple linear regression, MSI was a significant predictor of the total LN count (P = 0.02). Total node count was highest for cancers with MSI and no KRAS/BRAF mutations. The independent association between MSI and a high LN count persisted for stage I and II cancers (P = 0.04). Tumor location in the proximal colon was the only significant predictor of an adequate LN harvest (adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.9; P = 0.01). An increase in the total number of nodes harvested was not associated with an increase in nodal metastasis. In conclusion, number of nodes harvested is highest for cancers of the proximal colon and with MSI. The nodal harvest associated with MSI is influenced by BRAF and KRAS genotypes, even for cancers of proximal location. Mechanisms behind the molecular diversity and node yield should be further explored.

Microsatellite instability status does not predict total lymph node or negative lymph node retrieval in stage III colon cancer

The relationship between higher total lymph node resection number in colorectal cancer resection specimens and improved overall survival is well known. Recent studies describe an association between a high rate of microsatellite instability and a high total lymph node count in colorectal cancer. Higher lymph node retrieval may potentially explain the improved survival seen in cancers with microsatellite instability. We investigate whether these associations can be validated in a cohort of American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III colon cancers. Medical records from 200 cases of stage III colon cancer resection specimens were reviewed, and sufficient tissue was available for 168. Expression of DNA mismatch repair proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry, and microsatellite status, by polymerase chain reaction. The mean total lymph node count in cases with microsatellite instability versus microsatellite stable tumors (15.9 versus 16.9; P = .664) and the mean number of negative lymph nodes in each respective category (12.2 versus 13.6; P = .522) were not significantly different. There was no difference between microsatellite stable cases and cases with microsatellite instability when total lymph node counts (P = .953) or negative lymph node counts (P = .381) were analyzed with respect to percentage of cases above and below the medians. This cohort of stage III colon cancers does not support a significant relationship between microsatellite status and a higher retrieval of total or negative lymph nodes. Although microsatellite instability is associated with improved overall survival in our cohort (P = .026), the reason for this does not appear to be related to higher numbers of retrieved lymph nodes.

Body Mass Index Is Associated With Higher Lymph Node Counts During Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

To determine whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with lymph node counts in patients treated with a primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). Lymph node counts are a proposed measure of quality assurance for numerous malignancies. Investigation of patient factors associated with lymph node counts are lacking. Using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Testis Cancer Database, we identified 255 patients treated with a primary RPLND for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) from 1999-2008. The associations between BMI and node counts were evaluated using linear regression models in univariate and multivariable models adjusting for features reported to predict higher node counts (year of surgery, stage, and surgeon volume). Median BMI (IQR) was 26.1 (23.4-28.7) and median (IQR) total node count was 38 (27-53). Median total node count for patients with a BMI<25, 25 to 29, and ≥30 was 35, 42, and 44 nodes, respectively. In a univariate analysis, higher BMI was significantly associated with higher total node counts (coefficient 0.7 nodes for each 1-U increase in BMI; P=.026). Features associated with higher node count on multivariate analysis included high-volume surgeon (P=.047), pathologic stage (P=.017), more recent year of surgery (P<.001), and higher BMI (P=.009). Our results suggest for the first time that BMI is independently associated with higher lymph node counts during a lymph node dissection. If confirmed by others, these results may be important when using lymph node counts as a surrogate for adequacy of a lymph node dissection.

Survival after treatment for carcinoma invading bladder muscle: a Dutch population‐based study on the impact of hospital volume

Study Type - Prognosis (cohort). Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The subject of mortality and survival rates after radical cystectomies in high-volume hospitals in comparison to low-volume hospitals has been extensively studied. Postoperative mortality is known to be significantly lower with high-volume providers, but for survival rates there was only a trend forwards this finding. For this reason, we performed this Dutch population-based study on survival rates, to see if we had enough power to support this trend with significant findings. To our knowledge, this is the first study of good quality showing a significant beneficial effect for survival in high-volume hospitals. • To examine the volume-outcome relationship for carcinoma invading bladder muscle (MIBC) with respect to differences in survival rates among all hospitals in the Netherlands as a guide for regionalization initiatives. • This population-based retrospective study included all patients (n= 13 033) newly diagnosed with MIBC during the period 1999-2008 in the Netherlands, selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. • Data were collected on demographics, morphology, stage at diagnosis and after surgery, primary treatment, vital status and date of follow-up or death. • The relative survival rate (RSR) per treatment was analysed for age, stage and hospital surgical volume. • Overall 5 and 10-year RSR for all treatments of MIBC was 32% and 25%, respectively. • Although 71.7% of the patients featured stages II and III, radical cystectomy was only performed in only 42% and 44% of these patients, respectively. • Relative survival for MIBC remained unchanged in the two consecutive time periods (1999-2003 and 2004-2008). • In all, 34% of patients diagnosed in low-volume hospitals (<10 cystectomies/year) underwent cystectomy vs 42% of those diagnosed in high-volume hospitals (P= 0.000). • In a multivariate analysis long-term survival (>30 days after surgery) was significantly lower in patients after cystectomy for stage II/III in low-volume hospitals (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, P= 0.036). A high lymph node count (>20) was associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.52, P= 0.000). • The 10-year RSR for patients with MIBC in the Netherlands was modest (25%) and has remained unchanged in the last decade. • The chance of undergoing cystectomy is significantly higher in high-volume hospitals. Long-term survival after cystectomy is higher in high-volume hospitals. • Regionalization of bladder cancer treatments could improve overall outcomes.

Lymph Node Evaluation in Colon Cancer

THE CENTRAL TENETS OF CANCER STAGING ARE accuracy, prognostic significance, and therapeutic implications. For solid tumors, accurate cancer staging is highly dependent on the evaluation of sufficient numbers of regional lymph nodes to ensure that positive nodes, if present, will be detected. Positive nodes are markers for disease spread and therefore for patients with a higher risk of recurrence and metastatic disease. Staging influences treatment decisions because adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with positive lymph node findings has been shown to be efficacious in improving disease-free and overall survival. Observational studies have suggested that very thorough lymph node searches are warranted because of this relationship between lymph node positivity, the subsequent decision to administer chemotherapy, and improved survival. Consequently, retrieval and examination of at least 12 lymph nodes during colon cancer resection has been established as a quality indicator for colon cancer care. With increasing demand for higher-quality cancer ca re , qua l i t y ind i ca to r s se rve a s benchmarks by which physicians, payers, and policy makers can measure and improve processes of care and patient outcomes. However, several recent reports could not link high-profile surgical performance measures with intended improvements in outcomes. For instance, improved adherence to the Surgical Care Improvement Project infection prevention measures at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals was not associated with lower surgical site infection rates at the patient and hospital levels. In another VA hospital–based study, investigators found deleterious effects from implementation of evidence-based processes of care. Adherence to a “bundle” of best practices for prevention paradoxically led to a 2.5-fold higher risk of superficial skin infection compared with standard practices. Adherence to quality indicators may not improve patient outcomes and, in fact, may result in unintended harm. In this issue of JAMA, Parsons and colleagues report on the association between lymph node counts for colon cancer, node positivity, and cancer survival. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the authors examined the relationship between the increasing number of lymph nodes evaluated and findings of node positivity following resection for colon cancer. Over a 20-year period, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of patients with at least 12 lymph nodes evaluated. During 1988-1990, 35% of patients had 12 or more nodes examined per specimen, with an increase to 74% by 2006-2008. The total lymph node count also increased with time, with 20 or more nodes evaluated in 12% of patients in 1988-1990 and in 34% of patients at the end of the study period. Despite searching for and finding many more lymph nodes in resected colon specimens, the proportion of patients with node-positive cancers during this time was unchanged, ranging from 40% to 42%. Although there was no significant association between higher numbers of nodes examined and detection of more node-positive cancers, higher lymph node counts were significantly associated with improved survival. A previous SEER study of a cohort of patients with colon and rectal cancer demonstrated a trend of increasing lymph node counts, with the overall rate of more than 12 lymph nodes counted increasing from 32% among patients in 1988 to 44% in 2001. The current study by Parsons et al extends this analysis and demonstrates a continued increase in lymph node retrieval with time. The secular increase in number of lymph nodes examined likely resulted from the perception that exami-

Surgical outcomes in gynecologic oncology in the era of robotics: analysis of first 1000 cases

We sought to examine outcomes in an expanding robotic surgery (RS) program. In all, 1000 women underwent RS from May 2006 through December 2009. We analyzed patient characteristics and outcomes. A total of 377 women undergoing RS for endometrial cancer staging (ECS) were compared with the historical data of 131 undergoing open ECS. For the entire RS cohort of 1000, the conversion rate was 2.9%. Body mass index increased over 3 time intervals: T1 = 26.2, T2 = 29.5, T3 = 30.1 (T1:T2, P = .01; T1:T3, P = .0001; T2:T3, P = .037). Increasing body mass index was not associated with increased major complications: T1 = 8.7%, T2 = 4.3%, T3 = 5.7%. In the ECS cohort, as compared with open ECS, women undergoing RS had lower blood loss (46.9 vs 197.6 mL, P < .0001), shorter hospitalization (1.4 vs 5.3 days, P < .0001), fewer major complications (6.4% vs 20.6%, P < .0001), with higher lymph node counts (15.5 vs 13.1, P = .007). RS is associated with favorable morbidity and conversion rates in an unselected cohort. Compared to laparotomy, robotic ECS results in improved outcomes.

Evaluation of lymph node counts in primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection

Lymph node counts are a measure of quality assurance and are associated with prognosis for numerous malignancies. To date, investigations of lymph node counts in testis cancer are lacking. By using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Testis Cancer database, the authors identified 255 patients who underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) between 1999 and 2008. Features that were associated with lymph node counts, positive lymph nodes, the number of positive lymph nodes, and the risk of positive contralateral lymph nodes were evaluated with regression models. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) total lymph node count was 38 lymph nodes (IQR, 27-53 total lymph nodes), and it was 48 (IQR, 34-61 total lymph nodes) during the most recent 5 years. Features that were associated with higher lymph node count on multivariate analysis included high-volume surgeon (P = .034), clinical stage (P = .036), and more recent year of surgery (P < .001); whereas pathologist was not associated significantly with lymph node count (P = .3). Clinical stage (P < .001) and total lymph node count (P = .045) were associated significantly with finding positive lymph nodes on multivariate analysis. The probability of finding positive lymph nodes was 23%, 23%, 31%, and 48% if the total lymph node count was <21, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, and >60, respectively. With a median follow-up of 3 years, all patients remained alive, and 16 patients developed recurrent disease, although no patients developed recurrent disease in the paracaval, interaortocaval, para-aortic, or iliac regions. The current results suggested that >40 lymph nodes removed at RPLND improve the diagnostic efficacy of the operation. The authors believe that these results will be useful for future trials comparing RPLNDs, especially when assessing the adequacy of lymph node dissection.

Hospital lymph node counts and survival after radical cystectomy

Several studies suggest that patients in whom more lymph nodes are examined have improved survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Despite growing calls for using lymph node counts as a hospital quality indicator, it has not been established that hospitals that obtain more lymph node have better outcomes. Using the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database (1992-2003), all patients undergoing radical cystectomy for cancer were identified (n = 3603). Hospitals were ranked and sorted into 3 evenly sized groups: low (no patients with >or=10 lymph nodes removed), medium (up to 20% of patients), and high (greater than 20% of patients). Survival rates were assessed for each hospital group, adjusting for potentially confounding patient and hospital characteristics. On average, low lymph node count hospitals had higher observed mortality rates compared with high lymph node count hospitals (unadjusted hazards ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.13-1.39). Low lymph node count hospitals tended to treat patients who were older, had more comorbidity, were of lower socioeconomic status, had higher admission acuity, and had lower procedure volumes. After adjusting for these differences, low lymph node count hospitals tended to have slightly higher mortality (adjusted HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.99-1.27), although this finding did not reach statistical significance. Similar findings were evident when other thresholds (lymph node counts >or=5, >or=14, and >or=20) were used. Hospitals with high lymph node counts tend to have higher survival rates after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. However, this effect is modest and is explained, in large part, by confounding patient and hospital factors.