Macroscopic Complete Resection Research Articles

Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Emerging Therapeutic Strategies.

Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (RPS) is a rare and heterogenous disease for which surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. However, the local recurrence rate is much higher than in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities since wide resection is usually unfeasible in RPS due to its large size, indistinct tumour borders, anatomical constraints and the thinness of the overlying peritoneum. Local recurrence is the leading cause of death for low-grade RPS, whereas high-grade tumours are prone to distant metastases. In recent decades, the role of emerging therapeutic strategies, such as more extended surgery and (neo)adjuvant treatments to improve oncological outcome in primary localised RPS, has been extensively investigated. In this review, the recent data on the evolving multidisciplinary management of primary localised RPS are comprehensively discussed. The heterogeneity of RPS, with their different histological subtypes and biological behaviour, renders a standard therapeutic 'one-size-fits-all' approach inappropriate, and treatment should be modified according to histological type and malignancy grade. There is sufficient evidence that frontline extended surgery with compartmental resection including all ipsilateral retroperitoneal fat and liberal en bloc resection of adjacent organs and structures, even if they are not macroscopically involved, increases local tumour control in low-grade sarcoma and liposarcoma, but not in leiomyosarcoma for which complete macroscopic resection seems sufficient. Additionally, preoperative radiotherapy is not indicated for all RPSs, but seems to be beneficial in well-differentiated liposarcoma and grade I/II dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and probably in solitary fibrous tumour. Whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy is of benefit in high-grade RPS remains unclear from retrospective data and is subject of the ongoing randomised STRASS 2 trial, from which the results are eagerly awaited. Personalised, histology-tailored multimodality treatment is promising and will likely further evolve as our understanding of the molecular and genetic characteristics within RPS improves.

Salvage pleurectomy/decortication following immunotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Salvage surgery following immunotherapy is a promising treatment option for advanced malignant tumour. However, only a few cases of salvage surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have been reported. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the feasibility of salvage surgery following immunotherapy for initially unresectabele MPM. Among 61 patients who received pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) for MPM, 7 patients received salvage P/D after immunotherapy. Surgical indication of salvage P/D was conversion to resectability in 5 patients and local relapse in 2 patients, and macroscopic complete resection was achieved in all patients. Although salvage P/D was associated with longer operation time (median, 507 min), higher intraoperative blood loss (median, 2573 mL) and higher morbidity (≥ grade 3, 29%), no patient died after surgery. Radiographic response to immunotherapy was well correlated with pathologic response, as all 4 patients with partial response showed significant pathologic response (viable cells, ≤50%). With the median postoperative follow-up duration of 9.0 months, all patients were alive mostly without tumour recurrence as local recurrence developed in 1 patient. To conclude, salvage P/D after immunotherapy may be a feasible treatment option for selected patients with advanced MPM, which should be validated in future multi-institutional studies. In addition, a long-term follow-up is essential to reveal the clinical benefit achieved with salvage P/D following immunotherapy.

Incorporating laparoscopic interval cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer-lessons learnt

ObjectiveTo assess the utility of laparoscopy for interval cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT). MethodsA retrospective cohort study of interval CRS by laparoscopy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer treated at a single tertiary gynaecological cancer centre between October 2017 and September 2020. Results86 patients had interval CRS by the laparoscopic route during the study period. The optimal cytoreduction rate (R ​< ​1 ​cm) was 92%, and complete cytoreduction rate with no residual disease (R ​= ​0) was 35%. The intra-operative complication rate was 8% and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 90 ​ml. The post-operative complication rate was 15%, mostly grade I-II, and the median length of hospital stay was 3 days. ConclusionFor most patients with advanced ovarian cancer after NACT, laparoscopic interval CRS is feasible and effective in achieving optimal cytoreduction while providing a favourable peri-operative outcome. In some cases, however, recourse to laparotomy will optimise complete macroscopic resection.

Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach to Increase Survival for Advanced Ovarian Cancer in a Tertiary Gynaecological Oncology Centre.

The purpose of this paper is to report on changes in overall survival, progression-free survival, and complete cytoreduction rates in the 5-year period after the implementation of a multidisciplinary surgical team (MDT). Two cohorts were used. Cohort A was a retrospectively collated cohort from 2006 to 2015. Cohort B was a prospectively collated cohort of patients from January 2017 to September 2021. This study included 146 patients in cohort A (2006-2015) and 174 patients in cohort B (2017-2021) with FIGO stage III/IV ovarian cancer. Median follow-up in cohort A was 60 months and 48 months in cohort B. The rate of primary cytoreductive surgery increased from 38% (55/146) in cohort A to 46.5% (81/174) in cohort B. Complete macroscopic resection increased from 58.9% (86/146) in cohort A to 78.7% (137/174) in cohort B (p < 0.001). At 3 years, 75% (109/144) patients had disease progression in cohort A compared with 48.8% (85/174) in cohort B (log-rank, p < 0.001). Also at 3 years, 64.5% (93/144) of patients had died in cohort A compared with 24% (42/174) of cohort B (log-rank, p < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that MDT input, residual disease, and age were independent predictors of overall (hazard ratio [HR] 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.203-0.437, p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.21-0.43, p < 0.001). Major morbidity remained stable throughout both study periods (2006-2021). Our data demonstrate that the implementation of multidisciplinary-team, intraoperative approach allowed for a change in surgical philosophy and has resulted in a significant improvement in overall survival, progression-free survival, and complete resection rates.

Biphasic pleural mesothelioma treated successfully with multimodal therapy: a case report

BackgroundPleural mesothelioma is an aggressive malignant tumor and has a poor prognosis. In particular, biphasic pleural mesothelioma is a less common histologic type, and successful outcomes are rare.Case presentationA 60-year-old man was referred to our associated hospital because of dyspnea. Massive right pleural effusion and thickening of the entire right parietal pleura were revealed by radiological examination. After pleural biopsy, we diagnosed the patient’s tumor as biphasic pleural mesothelioma. The patient was admitted to our hospital for multimodal treatment. Two cycles of chemotherapy were initially administered with dramatic effects. Therefore, we decided to perform surgery and achieved a macroscopic complete resection. Postoperative chemotherapy was administered with no adverse events. No recurrence has been observed 11 months post-operation.ConclusionsWe encountered a case of biphasic pleural mesothelioma that responded well to chemotherapy, enabling macroscopic complete resection.

Extended pleurectomy/decortication and hyperthermic intraoperative intrapleural cisplatin perfusion for malignant pleural mesothelioma

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of multimodality treatment including extended pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HIOC) with cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), we investigated the pharmacokinetics of platinum, adverse events after HIOC, and survival outcome. MethodsFifty-three patients with pathologically diagnosed MPM (cT1-3N0-1M0, excluding sarcomatoid) underwent an extended P/D and HIOC (cisplatin 80 mg/m2 in saline 2 L, 42°C, 60 minutes) since 2011. The protocol includes postoperative 4 cycles of cisplatin and pemetrexed. Platinum concentrations in the perfusate (before and after) and the serum (1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72 hours after perfusion) were measured in 10 patients. Mortality and morbidity, especially adverse events of renal function, were investigated, and survival and affecting factors were examined. ResultsAll patients obtained macroscopic complete resection and pathologic staging revealed as follows: T1/2/3/4: 12/8/23/10, N0/1: 36/17, stage 1A/1B-3A/3B: 12/31/10, respectively. Platinum concentrations in the perfusate indicated that 28% of the dose remained in the pleural cavity, and the maximum concentration in the serum was 0.91 μg/mL. Six patients (11%) showed elevated max-creatinine (>2 mg/dL) postoperatively. Two patients (4%) received renal-replacement therapy, and one was weaned before discharge. There was no 30-day mortality and one in-hospital death (1.9%). Forty-six patients (87%) received multiple cycles of perioperative systemic chemotherapy. Median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 52.4 months and 18.7 months. Patents with stage 1A demonstrated a 5-year OS of 67.3% and a median DFS of 67.1 months, and patients with stage 1B-3A demonstrated a 5-year OS of 50.1% and a median DFS of 20.4 months. Univariate analysis showed histological subtype, p-T, p-stage, and multimodality treatment as significant factors affecting OS. Multivariate analysis revealed histology, p-stage, and multimodality as independent. ConclusionsExtended P/D and HIOC with cisplatin for MPM is acceptable with limited acute kidney injury. This multimodality protocol provides promising favorable survival for stage 1A-3A disease.

P15.05.B THE IMPACT OF IOMRI ON GLIOBLASTOMA RESECTION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN A STATE-OF-THE-ART NEURO-ONCOLOGICAL SETUP

Abstract BACKGROUND Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) is applied to improve the extent of resection in patients suffering from primary brain tumors, especially glioblastoma (GBM). While some older randomized trials reported data on safety and feasibility, ioMRI’s actual impact in a modern neurosurgical setting has not been sufficiently investigated. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of ioMRI on tumor resection and progression-free survival (PFS) in GBM patients in a modern high-volume center. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients undergoing ioMRI for resection of supratentorial GBM were prospectively included between March 2018 and June 2020. In all cases, ioMRI was performed after complete macroscopic tumor resection. The extent of resection (EOR) was determined by volumetric analysis. Gross total resection (GTR) was defined as EOR ≥95%. Furthermore, progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis. RESULTS Overall, 172 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean EOR increased from 93·9% on ioMRI to 98·3% (p&amp;lt;0·0001) on postoperative MRI, with residual tumor volume decreasing from 1·3 ± 4·2 cm3 to 0·6 ± 2·5 cm3(p=0·0037). The GTR rate increased from 78·5% to 93·0% (p=0·0002). Logistic regression revealed recurrent GBM (odds ratio [OR] =3·047, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·165-7·974, p=0·023) and tumor volume less than 15 cm3 (OR=3·031, 95% CI 1·062-8·651, p=0·038) as independent risk factors leading to STR. Tumor resection performed additionally after ioMRI lead to equally long PFS compared to patients with complete tumor removal achieved before ioMRI (HR=0·898, 95%CI 0·543-1·483, p=0·67). CONCLUSION ioMRI serves as a valuable tool in a modern neurosurgical setting, severely decreasing residual tumor volume. ioMRI considerably helps to achieve comparable PFS even in cases, where an unexpected tumor residual is found on ioMRI after initial resection.

Efficacy and safety of combined EMR and endoscopic full-thickness resection (hybrid EFTR) for large nonlifting colorectal adenomas.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) has become the standard technique for selected nonlifting colorectal adenomas, but tumor size is the major limitation. However, large lesions might be approached in combination with EMR. Herein, we report the largest single-center experience to date of combined EMR and EFTR (hybrid EFTR) in patients with large (≥25mm) nonlifting colorectal adenomas not amenable to EMR or EFTR alone. This is a single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent hybrid EFTR of large (≥25mm) nonlifting colorectal adenomas. Outcomes of technical success (successful advancement of the FTRD with consecutive successful clip deployment and snare resection), macroscopic complete resection, adverse events, and endoscopic follow-up were evaluated. Seventy-five patients with nonlifting colorectal adenomas were included. Mean lesion size was 36.5mm (range, 25-60mm), and 66.6% were located in the right side of the colon. Technical success was 100% with macroscopic complete resection in 97.3%. Mean procedure time was 83.6 minutes. Adverse events occurred in 6.7%, leading to surgical therapy in 1.3%. Histology revealed T1 carcinoma in 16%. Endoscopic follow-up was available in 93.3% (mean follow-up time, 8.1 months; range, 3-36) and showed no signs of residual or recurrent adenoma in 88.6%. Recurrence (11.4%) was treated endoscopically. Hybrid EFTR is safe and effective for advanced colorectal adenoma that cannot be approached by EMR or EFTR alone. Hybrid EFTR expands the indication of EFTR substantially in selected patients.

Predicting resectable disease in relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer by using whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI

ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic value of whole-body diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (WB-DWI/MRI) to predict resectable disease at the time of secondary cytoreductive surgery for relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer with a...

Radiographic response to neoadjuvant therapy in pleural mesothelioma should serve as a guide for patient selection for cytoreductive operations.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with poor prognosis despite advances in multimodal therapeutic strategies. While patients with resectable disease may benefit from added survival with oncologic resection, patient selection for mesothelioma operations often relies on both objective and subjective evaluation metrics. We sought to evaluate factors associated with improved overall survival (OS) in patients with mesothelioma who underwent macroscopic complete resection (MCR). Patients with MPM who received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent MCR were identified in a prospectively maintained departmental database. Clinicopathologic, blood-based, and radiographic variables were collected and included in a Cox regression analysis (CRA). Response to neoadjuvant therapy was characterized by a change in tumor thickness from pretherapy to preoperative scans using the modified RECIST criteria. In this study, 99 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age of the included patients was 64.7 years, who were predominantly men, had smoking and asbestos exposure, and who received neoadjuvant therapy. The median change in tumor thickness following neoadjuvant therapy was -16.5% (interquartile range of -49.7% to +14.2%). CRA demonstrated reduced OS associated with non-epithelioid histology [hazard ratio (HR): 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-5.78, p < 0.001] and a response to neoadjuvant therapy inferior to the median (HR: 2.70, CI: 1.55-4.72, p < 0.001). Patients who responded poorly (below median) to neoadjuvant therapy had lower median survival (15.8 months compared to 38.2 months, p < 0.001). Poor response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with MPM is associated with poor outcomes even following maximum surgical cytoreduction and should warrant a patient-centered discussion regarding goals of care and may therefore help guide further therapeutic decisions.

Identification of micro-recurrent lesions using methylene blue for mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma: a case report

BackgroundMediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas are rare, and several methods are used to diagnose and localize them preoperatively. Technetium-99m methoxy isobutyl isonitrile scintigraphy has been used to diagnose parathyroid tumors. However, it is difficult to identify tumors buried in adipose tissue during surgery.Case presentationWe report a case in which methylene blue effectively identified small recurrent lesions in a mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma. After intravenous injection of methylene blue prior to surgery, the stained parathyroid adenoma was easily identifiable. Additionally, we identified other small recurrent lesions that could not be confirmed on preoperative imaging using real-time in vivo imaging guidance during surgery. Using this strategy, complete macroscopic resection can be performed during video-assisted thoracic surgery.ConclusionPreoperative intravenous methylene blue injection is useful for identifying small recurrent lesions, even in cases of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma with suspected recurrence.

Underwater cap-suction pseudopolyp formation for endoscopic mucosal resection: a simple technique for treating flat, appendiceal orifice or ileocecal valve colorectal lesions.

We aimed to evaluate the safety and technical success of an easy-to-use technique that applies underwater cap suction pseudopolyp formation to facilitate the resection of flat lesions or those at the appendiceal orifice or ileocecal valve. We retrospectively analyzed a register of consecutive cap suction underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (CAP-UEMR) procedures performed at two centers between September 2020 and December 2021. Procedures were performed using a cone-shaped cap, extending 7 mm from the endoscope tip, to suction the lesion while submerged underwater, followed by underwater snare resection. Our primary end point was technical success, defined as macroscopic complete resection. We treated 83 lesions (median size 20 mm; interquartile range [IQR] 15-30 mm) with CAP-UEMR: 64 depressed or flat lesions (18 previously manipulated, 9 with difficult access), 11 from the appendix, and 8 from the ileocecal valve. Technical success was 100 %. There were seven intraprocedural bleedings and two delayed bleedings, all managed endoscopically. No perforations or other complications occurred. Among the 64 lesions with follow-up colonoscopy, only one recurrence was detected, which was treated endoscopically. CAP-UEMR was a safe and effective technique for removing nonpolypoid colorectal lesions, including those arising from the appendiceal orifice or ileocecal valve.

Cytoreductive surgery for synchronous and metachronous colorectal peritoneal dissemination: Japanese P classification and peritoneal cancer index.

The outcomes of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for synchronous and metachronous colorectal peritoneal dissemination were investigated using the Japanese P classification and peritoneal cancer index (PCI). CRS was performed in 111 cases of synchronous peritoneal dissemination and 115 cases of metachronous peritoneal dissemination. The P classification and PCI were determined at the time of laparotomy. In the synchronous dissemination group, the 5-year overall survival rates after CRS in P1/P2 and P3 cases were 51% and 13%, respectively. Even for P3, 51% of the patients achieved macroscopic cytoreductive complete resection (CC-0), with a 5-year survival rate of 40%. When P3 cases were classified into PCI 0-9, 10-19, 20-29, and 30-39, CC-0 was achieved in 93%, 70%, 6%, and 0% of the cases, respectively, and the 5-year survival rate of PCI 0-9 was 41%. In the metachronous dissemination group, the 5-year survival rates were 62% for PCI 0-9 and 22% for PCI 10-19; 5-year survival was not observed in patients with a PCI ≥ 20. CC-0 was significantly associated with the postoperative prognosis in both synchronous and metachronous peritoneal dissemination. In cases of synchronous dissemination, CRS must be performed for P1 and P2 cases or those with a PCI < 10, while detailed examination using PCI is required for P3 cases. In cases of metachronous dissemination, CRS should be considered when the PCI score is <20.

European Epidemiology of Pleural Mesothelioma—Real-Life Data From a Joint Analysis of the Mesoscape Database of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform and the European Society of Thoracic Surgery Mesothelioma Database

IntroductionPleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive malignancy with increasing prevalence and poor prognosis. Real-life data are a unique approach to reflect the reality of PM epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis in Europe. MethodsA joint analysis of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform Mesoscape and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) databases was performed to better understand the characteristics and epidemiology of PM, including histologic subtype, staging, and treatment. Overall survival (OS) was assessed, adjusting for parameters of clinical interest. ResultsThe analysis included 2766 patients (Mesoscape: 497/10 centers/ESTS: 2269/77 centers). The primary histologic subtype was epithelioid (71%), with 57% patients on stages III to IV. Within Mesoscape, the patients received either multimodality (59%) or palliative intention treatment (41%). The median follow-up was 47.2 months, on the basis of 1103 patients (Mesoscape: 491/ESTS: 612), with 823 deaths, and median OS was 17.4 months. In multivariable analysis, female sex, epithelioid subtype, and lower stage were associated with longer OS, when stratifying by cohort, age, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. Within Mesoscape, multimodality treatment including surgery was predictive of longer OS (hazard ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.45–0.69), adjusting for sex, histologic subtype, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. Overall, surgical candidates with a macroscopic complete resection had a significantly longer median OS compared with patients with R2 (25.2 m versus 16.4 m; log-rank p < 0.001). ConclusionsThis combined European Thoracic Oncology Platform/ESTS database analysis offers one of the largest databases with detailed clinical and pathologic outcome. Our finding reflects a benefit for selected patients that undergo multimodality treatment, including macroscopic complete resection, and represents a valuable resource to inform the epidemiology and treatment options for individual patients.

Open-label, single arm phase II trial investigating the efficacy, safety and quality of life of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with liposomal irinotecan combined with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid followed by curative surgical resection in patients with hepatic oligometastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (HOLIPANC).

TPS4193 Background: As of today, the recommendation for patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and hepatic metastases is systemic chemotherapy alone regardless of the number and location of metastases. In the past, case reports have repeatedly reported survival data of patients who received metastatic and primary tumor resection outside the guidelines. However, there are currently no controlled clinical data from prospective studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of systemic chemotherapy in combination with tumor and metastasis resection in the context of hepatic oligometastasis in pancreatic cancer. Methods: In this single arm, phase-2 trial, survival data from patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by R0/R1 resection will be compared to historic data from patients with oligometastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Inclusion criteria are patients with a maximum of 5 liver metastases and histology proven PDAC. The combination of liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI), oxaliplatin (OX) and 5-fluouracil (5-FU)/folinic acid (FA) (Nal-IRIFOX) was chosen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy since recent data suggested superior efficacy and less toxicity compared to mFOLFIRINOX. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS) after R0/R1 resection. Secondary efficacy endpoints are R0/R1 resection rate and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary safety endpoints are type, frequency and severity of adverse events with severity according to NCI CTCAE version 5.0 and perioperative morbidity and mortality. Eligible patients with hepatic oligometastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas will receive neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy in cycles of 14 days for a duration of 16 weeks in total. In patients with progressive disease during or after the first 4 cycles, neoadjuvant chemotherapy will be permanently discontinued. Patients with tumor response or stable disease after the first 4 cycles according to RECIST v1.1 but a non-resectable primary tumor will receive 4 more cycles. Patients with tumor response or stable disease and a resectable primary tumor after the first 4 cycles will undergo explorative laparotomy and synchronous resection of the tumor and hepatic metastases, if feasible. In total 150 patients will be enrolled for this trial with an aim of 55 patients receiving a complete macroscopic synchronous tumor and metastatic resection. The study is currently ongoing on 11 high-volume centers for pancreatic surgery within Germany. This is the first clinical study to prospectively evaluate the value of multimodality therapy concepts in oligometastatic pancreatic cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT04617457 .

Nivolumab with chemotherapy in pleural mesothelioma after surgery: The NICITA trial.

TPS8601 Background: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive cancer of the pleura, predominantly caused by prior asbestos exposure. Currently, there is no approved standard therapy for the treatment of early-stage PM. In most cases a multimodal therapy is recommended consisting of locoregional treatment by surgical cytoreduction via extended pleurectomy/decortication (eP/D), which, if feasible, can be combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemoperfusion (HITOC), together with inductive or adjuvant chemotherapy. Considering the immunogenic effects of chemotherapy on the tumor microenvironment, synergistic effects are expected when such a treatment is combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In addition, interactions between immune infiltrates and mesothelioma cells play a role in the advent of PM, also implying a beneficial role for immunotherapy in this entity. This is also supported by recent clinical data that demonstrated beneficial effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced PM. The NICITA trial is an investigator-initiated trial, investigating the combination of adjuvant chemotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor compared to chemotherapy alone in radically resected patients with early stage PM. Methods: The NICITA trial is a randomized, open-label, phase II clinical trial that is conducted in 14 centers across Germany. Eligible patients have been diagnosed with PM in tumor stages I-III (UICC 8th edition) and epithelioid subtype, and must have undergone cytoreductive surgery by eP/D with or without HITOC. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either a combination of 4 cycles of pemetrexed/platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy and nivolumab (480 mg q4w) followed by nivolumab maintenance therapy (12 cycles, 480 mg q4w) or 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy only. Stratification will take place according to previous HITOC treatment (yes vs. no), ECOG status (0,1 vs. 2), and achievement of macroscopic complete resection (yes vs. no). The primary endpoint of this trial is time-to-next-treatment. Secondary endpoints include additional measures of efficacy (progression-free survival, overall survival, measures of treatment-beyond-progression) and quality of life, as well as the assessment of safety. Furthermore, a comprehensive longitudinal collection of biomarker samples, including tumor tissue, blood, and stool samples, for an accompanying translational research project is implemented in this clinical trial. Sample size justification: the recruitment of 46 patients to each arm with a low drop-out rate of 13% appears feasible resulting in 40 patients to be analyzed per arm. This sample size will permit a descriptive comparison and adequately describe the tested treatment options as deduced from the precision of the median TNT confidence interval estimate. As of February 2nd 2023, 85 of planned 92 patients have been enrolled into the NICITA trial. Clinical trial information: NCT04177953 .

The Use of Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator for High-Risk Neuroblastoma with Image-Defined Risk Factors in Children.

Aim of the study: The cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) has gained popularity in adult surgical oncology, but its application in children is limited to liver surgery and neurosurgical procedures. The complete resection of neuroblastoma with image-defined risk factors (IDRFs) is still considered one of the most difficult procedures to achieve in pediatric surgical oncology, with a high morbidity rate and potential risk of intraoperative mortality. The aim of our study is to describe the application of ultrasonic dissection in neuroblastoma with IDRFs. Methods: A retrospective study was performed, analyzing patients operated on from 2000 to 2018. Patient characteristics, resection completeness, and postoperative surgical and oncology outcomes were analyzed. Main results: Twenty-six patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and IDRFs were operated on in the study period with a CUSA. A complete macroscopic resection was performed in 50% of patients, while the other half was operated on with minimal residual (<5 mL). Six post-operative complications occurred without the need for surgery (Clavien−Dindo < 3). The overall survival was 50%, with a median follow-up of 69.6 months (5.6−140.4). Conclusions: The application of the CUSA in neuroblastoma with IDRFs can be considered an effective and safe alternative technique to achieve a radical resection.

Distal Cap-assisted Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Non-lifting Colorectal Polyps: An International, Multicenter Study

Background and AimsSubmucosal fibrosis is a commonly encountered problem associated with complex polyps referred for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Previous biopsies, submucosal tattoo injection, and previous unsuccessful attempts at polyp resection have all been shown to induce submucosal fibrosis, which makes subsequent EMR more difficult and increases the risk of recurrence. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, international, retrospective study of 61 distal cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-DC) cases done for the indication of a non-lifting colorectal lesion occurring after a previous biopsy, tattoo, or attempted resection at 3 tertiary referral centers. ResultsEMR-DC was preceded by attempted polypectomy or EMR in 88.5% of cases, submucosal tattoo injection in 2%, previous biopsy in 5%, and both biopsy and tattoo in 5%. Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in 100% of EMR-DC procedures in an average procedure time of 49.5 minutes. The adenoma recurrence rate for these adherent lesions at surveillance (average 6.6 months) was only 9.8%. Two serious adverse events occurred (3.3%) within 30 days of the procedure: one instance of postprocedural bleeding and one episode of post-polypectomy syndrome. ConclusionThis large, multicenter series demonstrates EMR-DC to be a safe, effective, and efficient approach to a difficult and common clinical problem: adherent and non-lifting polyps. It may offer several advantages over more expensive or invasive endoscopic techniques used for this indication. The use of EMR-DC for larger adherent polyps with adjuvant techniques such as hot avulsion or cold forceps avulsion with adjuvant snare tip soft coagulation for smaller adherent sections may represent an ideal approach.

OGC P44 Endoscopy-guided Laparoscopic Trans-gastric Resection (ELTGR) of bleeding gastric submucosal lesion, adjacent to the gastro-oesophageal junction

Abstract Background Leiomyomas are rare, benign submucosal tumours originating from smooth muscle cells. Ulcerated lesions could present with Upper Gastrointestinal(UGI) bleeding. Treatment of these lesion could be challenging especially if they are close to the Oesophagogastric Junction(OGJ). In this abstract, we present a novel surgical technique for resection of symptomatic gastric submucosal lesion located near the gastro-oesophageal junction on the lesser curve of the stomach. The Endoscopy guided laparoscopic trans-gastric resection technique is minimally invasive and avoids partial or total gastrectomy. Methods We present a case of 74-year-old male with a body mass index of 32.3 requiring resection of a bleeding gastric submucosal lesion. The patient presented with melaena, and an upper GI endoscopy diagnosed a single 30mm sub mucosal tumour immediately distal to the gastro-oesophageal junction. Stable clinical condition allowed complete preoperative work out including staging CT that showed small lesion at OGJ with no evidence of metastasis. UGI MDT discussion advised surgery without Endoscopic Ultrasound as it was a bleeding lesion. The patient was consulted on the management options and decided on surgical resection for prevention of re-bleeding. Surgical options discussed included local resection, partial and or total gastrectomy. Endoscopy was performed under general anaesthetic at the time of surgery and the tumour was found to be on the upper part of lesser curvature, thus not suitable for wedge or sleeve gastrectomy. A decision was made to try the trans-gastric approach. Results The endoscope was left in the stomach to demonstrate and protect the gastro-oesophageal junction. A gastrotomy was made longitudinally on the anterior surface of the stomach. Careful assessment of the lesion suggested that it could be resected using the trans-gastric approach. The endoscope was used to protect the junction and an endoscopic stapler (Echelon flex 60mm, Gold) was used to resect the tumour. A nasogastric drainage tube (NGT) was placed under vision and the gastrostomy was closed with the Echelon flex stapler 60 mm gold and blue . The NGT left for 72 hours with restricted and controlled fluid intake started the day after surgery and gradually increased to soft diet over three days. Patient was discharged on day 4. Follow up on day 7; WBC 10, CRP 19 and patient was very satisfied that he is at home and eating now normal diet. Using this minimally invasive approach we achieved macroscopic complete resection of the tumour whilst avoiding a total gastrectomy. Pathology report concluded features are of a smooth muscle tumour favouring a benign leiomyoma that is fully excised. Repeat scope after 3 month showed good healing and no recurrence or stricture and patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusions In this abstract we present endoscopic guided laparoscopic trans gastric resection (ELTGR) approach as a novel technique to avoid laparoscopic or open proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy in patients with tumours adjacent to the gastro-oesophageal junction and on the lesser curve that do not require radical oncological resection.

Hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HIOC) for Stage IVa thymic malignancy may improve 5-year disease-free survival.

Stage IVa thymic malignancy has limited treatments. This study evaluated whether hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy(HIOC) after radical resection of Stage IVa thymic malignancy improves survival. All patients who underwent resection, with or without HIOC, for Stage IVa thymic malignancy at a single center from 1990 to 2021 were reviewed. Thirty-four patients were identified; 22 surgery-only versus 12 surgery and HIOC (60 mincisplatin regimen 175 mg/m2 ). Demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. Three patients in each group were carcinomas; remainder were thymomas. Thirty-two patients underwent attempted macroscopic complete resection; 22 operations succeeded, 68.8%. Significant complications were similar between groups, 18.2% surgery-only versus 25.0% HIOC, p = 0.68. Median time to recurrence trended longer for HIOC patients (42.9 vs. 32.9 months in surgery-only, p = 0.77). Overall survival, 5-year, was similar (75.8% HIOC vs. 76.2% surgery-only, p = 0.91). On stratified analysis, thymoma patients with macroscopic complete resection and HIOC experienced similar 5-year Overall (80.0% vs. 100.0% surgery-only, p = 0.157) but longer trending 5-year disease-free (85.7% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.18) and 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (85.7% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.75). This retrospective cohort study treating Stage IVa thymic malignancy with radical pleurectomy, with or without HIOC, found addition of HIOC-signaled delayed recurrence and improved disease-free survival.