Number Of Retrieved Nodes Research Articles

274. ROBOTIC-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION: DOES IT FEASIBLE FOR ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA SURGERY?

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer is sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally in 2020. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of most aggressive and need extensive operative treatment for radical and oncologic purpose. Conventional thoracotomy is highly invasive, conventional video-assisted is quite technical difficulty related with deep and narrow angle of exposure. Robotic-assisted procedure is new challenging to beat this limitation. This is descriptive report of initial robotic-assisted experiences regard to feasibility, safety and oncologic outcome. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of a single-center database from March 2012 to February 2023, including patients aged 45–85 years with resectable lesions of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent robotic-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy using the Da Vinci Robotic surgery system. Patient data, surgical procedures, interventions, and early outcomes (within 30 days postoperation) were collected and analyzed to assess postoperative variables and adequacy of cancer clearance. The study included 12 patients, and the primary outcome was the incidence of pulmonary complications during the hospital stay. Results The overall incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was 4cases (33.3%), with mild pulmonary infection occurring in 2cases (16.7%) without 30-day mortality in robotic-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The median admission period were 2 days and 15 days for ICU and hospital stay, respectively. The median time for the thoracic phase of operation was 210 minutes (150-445 minutes), and the median blood loss volume was 55 mL (20–300 mL). Pathological results showed that overall proximal and distal margins were uninvolved by tumor, and the median number of lymph nodes retrieval in the thoracic region was 22.5lymph nodes (14-73lymph nodes). 41.7% of patients were classified in pathological stage I. Conclusion Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy has shown promising early postoperative outcomes, low blood loss volume, short ICU and hospital stay, a low rate of pulmonary complications and including adequate lymph node retrieval and pathological results. These findings support the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy, which enhance postoperative recovery and improve surgical outcomes for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Size and number of lymph nodes were risk factors of recurrence in stage II colorectal cancer

BackgroundSize and number of lymph nodes (LNs) were reported to be associated with the prognosis of stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic role of the size of LNs (SLNs) measured by computer tomography (CT) and the number of retrieved LNs (NLNs) in the relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) among stage II CRC patients.MethodsConsecutive patients diagnosed with stage II CRC at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) from January 2011 to December 2015 were reviewed, and 351 patients were randomly divided into two cohorts for cross-validation. The optimal cut-off values were obtained using X-tile program. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were conducted for the two cohorts.ResultsData from 351 stage II CRC patients were analyzed. The cut-off values for SLNs and NLNs were 5.8 mm and 22, respectively, determined by the X-tile in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated SLNs (P = 0.0034) and NLNs (P = 0.0451) were positively correlated with RFS but not with OS. The median follow-up time in the training cohort and the validation cohort were 60.8 months and 61.0 months respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that both SLNs (training cohort: Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.361, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.044–5.338, P = 0.039; validation cohort: HR = 2.979, 95%CI: 1.435–5.184, P = 0.003) and NLNs (training cohort: HR = 0.335, 95%CI: 0.113–0.994, P = 0.049; validation cohort: HR = 0.375, 95%CI: 0.156-0.900, P = 0.021) were independent prognostic factors for RFS whereas not for OS.ConclusionSLNs and NLNs are independent prognostic factors for patients with stage II CRC. Patients with SLNs > 5.8 mm and NLNs ≤ 22 are apt to have higher risk of recurrence.

Metastatic lymph nodes and prognosis assessed by the number of retrieved lymph nodes in gastric cancer.

The prognostic value of quantitative assessments of the number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) in gastric cancer (GC) patients needs further study. To discuss how to obtain a more accurate count of metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) based on RLNs in different pT stages and then to evaluate patient prognosis. This study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent GC radical surgery and D2/D2+ LN dissection at the Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2011 to May 2017. Locally weighted smoothing was used to analyze the relationship between RLNs and the number of MLNs. Restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the relationship between RLNs and hazard ratios (HRs), and X-tile was used to determine the optimal cutoff value for RLNs. Patient survival was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Finally, HRs and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models to analyze independent risk factors associated with patient outcomes. A total of 4968 patients were included in the training cohort, and 11154 patients were included in the validation cohort. The smooth curve showed that the number of MLNs increased with an increasing number of RLNs, and a nonlinear relationship between RLNs and HRs was observed. X-tile analysis showed that the optimal number of RLNs for pT1-pT4 stage GC patients was 26, 31, 39, and 45, respectively. A greater number of RLNs can reduce the risk of death in patients with pT1, pT2, and pT4 stage cancers but may not reduce the risk of death in patients with pT3 stage cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that RLNs were an independent risk factor associated with the prognosis of patients with pT1-pT4 stage cancer (P = 0.044, P = 0.037, P = 0.003, P < 0.001). A greater number of RLNs may not benefit the survival of patients with pT3 stage disease but can benefit the survival of patients with pT1, pT2, and pT4 stage disease. For the pT1, pT2, and pT4 stages, it is recommended to retrieve 26, 31 and 45 LNs, respectively.

Importance of Arterial Vessel Length for Metastatic Lymph Node Retrieval and Survival in Standardized Left- and Right-Sided Colon Cancer Surgery.

We investigated the localization of lymph node metastases, and the role of arterial vessel and specimen lengths in left- and right-sided colon cancer surgery, for survival. This was a prospective cross-sectional population-based study of specimens from patients who underwent standardized surgical resection for colon cancer in 2012-2015. The mesocolon of the specimens was divided into four sections for pathological analysis of lymph nodes. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between lymph node counts and patient- and surgery-related factors. For survival analysis, a multivariable Cox regression method was used. A total of 317 patients (160 females) were included. Median (range) age was 74 (30-95) years. Median number of lymph node retrieval was 32 (8-198) and was associated with increased specimen length but not to arterial vessel length. One hundred and thirty-three (42%) patients had lymph node metastases. All patients had these located < 5cm from the tumour. Ten, two, and three specimens had lymph node metastases around the central and peripheral ligation of the ileocolic artery and at the central ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery, respectively. The tumour stages in these specimens were T3-4N2M0-1. No statistically significant survival benefit was associated with longer arterial vessel length (p = 0.429). Neither retrieval of lymph nodes nor statistically significant survival was affected by vessel length in standardized left- and right-sided colon cancer surgery.

Lymph Node Cluster Dissection After Carbon Nanoparticles Injection Enhances the Retrieval Number in Colorectal Cancer

For colorectal cancer patients, NCCN recommended that at least 12 lymph nodes should be detected since the number and metastases status of lymph nodes played an important role in the treatment and prognostic. Carbon nanoparticles have been proved to be an efficient lymph node tracer. Faced with the clinical problem of insufficient lymph nodes in colorectal cancer, we proposed a lymph node cluster (D3, D2 and D1) dissection method combined with carbon nanoparticle injection. In our study, patients were divided into 2 groups (CNP and control). All lymph nodes of each patient were collected and made into hematoxylin-eosin sections to observe their size, staining appearance and metastasis status under the microscope. As a result, the total lymph nodes in CNP group were greatly higher than control group (51.45 vs. 29.62, P = 0.000), especially micro LNs and positive micro LNs. Compared with D2 and D1 stations, fewer lymph nodes were found in D3, and it was the same for cancer metastasis status. In CNP group, most lymph nodes got black for quick visualization. In conclusion, lymph node cluster dissection combined with carbon nanoparticles could enhance the number of lymph node retrieval.

Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection: a good choice for right transverse colon cancer

BackgroundPrevious research was yet to establish a definite operation for transverse colon cancer (TCC); surgical procedure was often dictated by the surgeon’s preference in clinical practice. The main surgical methods could be summarized in two main points: segmental colectomy (transverse colectomy) and right hemicolectomy.MethodThe first patient was a 78-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with right TCC. Computed tomography revealed a right TCC and a very long transverse colon; laparoscopic exploration revealed an enlarged apical lymph node surrounding the ileocolic vessels. We performed a segmental colectomy with extensive apical lymph node dissection along the superior mesenteric vessels and its main branches for her. To distinguish it from the previous radical operations for TCC, we called this operation a segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection. Then, this surgical intervention was performed on 8 other TCC patients.ResultsThe total operating time was 158 min. Pathological examination confirmed 2 apical lymph node metastases; among them, one apical lymph node metastasis was in group No.203. For all 9 patients, the median operative time was 160 min (range, 140–185 min), the average number of lymph node retrieval was 30 (range, 25–39), and the average number of apical lymph node (No.203, No.213, and No.223) retrieval was 5.9 (range, 0–11). Because of the preservation of the ileocecal junction and part of the ascending colon, all patients recovered uneventfully after surgery, and long-term diarrhea, water-electrolyte imbalance, and other Clavien–Dindo grade III or greater postoperative complications did not occur.ConclusionsOur procedure combined the advantages of segmental colectomy and right hemicolectomy and gave consideration to oncological and functional outcomes. It may be an optimal choice for TCC patients with a very long transverse colon and preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis.

Influence of colonic mesenteric area on the number of lymph node retrieval for colon cancer: a prospective cohort study.

The minimum harvested 12 lymph nodes (LNs) is regarded as the limit for accurate staging of nodal status in colorectal cancer patients. Besides the association of the lengths of resected intestinal segments and vascular pedicles, the mesocolic mesenteric area's impact on LN count has not been studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations between metric variables, including the mesocolic mesentery area on the nodal harvest. All consecutive patients who underwent elective colectomy with a curative intention for colon adenocarcinoma were prospectively included. The metric variables included the lengths of resected intestinal segments, vascular pedicle, and colonic mesenteric area. The variables influencing the LN count and the correlation between the total LN count and the specimens' relevant metric measurements were analyzed. There were 46 patients with a median age of 64 years. The median count for total LNs was 22, and the LN positivity was 59.2%. There was an inadequate LN yield (<12) in 3 patients (6.1%). No significant associations were found between the adequacy of nodal harvest and the demographic, clinical, and tumoral features (P>0.05). There were significant positive correlations between total LN number and length of vascular pedicle and mesenteric area (r=0.576, P<0.001 and r=0.566, P<0.001). The length of the vascular pedicle and mesenteric area were significantly correlated with total LN counts. Although there was no significant impact on the length of resected segments, the colonic mesenteric area can be used alone as a measure for the assessment of the nodal yield in colon cancer.

Predictive Performance of Current Nodal Staging Systems in Various Categories of Pancreatic Cancer.

Nodal staging systems (NSS) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) classify patients on the basis of number of metastatic lymph nodes (MLN), metastatic/retrieved lymph node ratio (LNR), and log odds of positive LN (LODDS). The relative prognostic performance of these NSS, however, remains unclear. We identified 2584 patients who underwent surgery for PDAC between 2010 and 2019. Subgroups of each staging system were classified using K-adaptive partitioning method and assessed by comparing time-dependent areas under the curve (AUC) 5 years after surgery. Patients were subgrouped by MLN (0, 1-3, ≥ 4), LNR (0, 0-0.23, > 0.23), and LODDS (< - 3.5, - 3.5 to -0.970, > - 0.97). All three NSS were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The AUCs for OS were comparable for the MLN (0.622), LNR (0.609), and LODDS (0.596) systems. Subgroup evaluation based on 12 retrieved lymph nodes (RLN), R1 resection, and extent of resection showed that the AUCs of the MLN and LNR NSS were comparable for OS and RFS regardless of the number of RLNs, R1 resection, and extent of resection. By contrast, the AUCs of the LODDS NSS were lower. The NSS based on the number of MLN is the best prognostic indicator, with prognostic performance comparable to the other NSS and greater convenience for practical use. This NSS was applicable regardless of the numbers of RLN, R1 resection, and extent of resection.

Laparoscopic vs Open Gastrectomy: an Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials for Short-Term Outcomes.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched for randomized control trials comparing outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomies with those patients undergoing open gastrectomies. The primary outcome was 30-day morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes studied included length of stay, blood loss, d2 gastrectomies, lymph node retrieval, operative time, wound complications, and intraabdominal complications. Systemic review and meta-analysis were done according to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Eleven RCTs consisting of 4614 patients were included in the study. A total of 2452 patients were there in laparoscopic gastrectomy group while 2162 patients were included in open gastrectomy group. Morbidity was significantly low in laparoscopic group (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (P = 0.75). There were fewer wound complications in laparoscopic group and no difference intra-abdominal complications in both groups. Blood loss was significantly lesser in laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was similar in both groups (p = 0.30). Operative time was significantly higher in laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic group patients had a lesser number of lymph node retrieval compared to open group (p = 0.002). Laparoscopic group also contained similar advanced staged gastric cancer than open gastrectomies (p = 0.64). Laparoscopic gastrectomies were associated with lesser wound-related complications without decreasing hospital stay with a smaller number of lymph nodes retrieval.

APPLICATION OF GLACIAL ACETIC ACID, ETHANOL, WATER AND FORMALIN (GEWF) SOLUTION FOR LYMPH NODE RETRIEVAL FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRECTOMY AND LAPAROSCOPIC COLECTOMY FOR CANCER

The number of lymph node retrieval is an important factor in the staging of gastrointestinal cancers, especially gastric and colorectal neoplasm. The concept that at least 12 lymph nodes for colorectal cancer and 15 lymph nodes for gastric cancer should be evaluated as a quality measure. To increase the number of lymph node harvesting, besides the correct implementation of surgical principles and systematic lymphadenectomy, the retrieval of lymph nodes from the patient’s specimen is also a significant issue. There are many methods to support lymph node revealing more convenient than harvesting on fresh specimens. Here we report the application of Formol-Alcohol-Acetic Acid solution in evaluating the possibility of lymph node harvesting after laparoscopic gastrectomy and colectomy for cancer. The number of lymph nodes found was a significant increase, with 88 in the colon and 40 in the gastric specimen. Key words: Lymph node retrieval, GEWF, Formol-Alcohol-Acetic Acid, gastric cancer, colon cancer

Nomograms to predict cancer-specific mortality in colon adenocarcinoma with different types of villous architecture.

The role of villous architecture in the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factors of colon adenocarcinoma with different types of villous architecture and to establish nomograms for predicting cancer-specific mortality. This retrospective study included 10,427 patients with colon adenocarcinoma arising in adenomas with villous architectures. The patients were stratified into the tubulovillous adenocarcinoma cohort and villous adenocarcinoma cohort. The prognostic risk factors, which were incorporated into nomograms for survival prediction, were determined by the log-rank test and Cox hazard models. The Harrell's Concordance Index (C-index) and calibration curve were utilized to evaluate the prediction accuracy. The pathological type of villous architecture was independently associated with the mortality of the entire population. Age, race, tumor size, T/N/M stage, and chemotherapy were independent risk factors of mortality in both cohorts. Interestingly, tumor differentiation was a prognostic factor for tubulovillous adenocarcinoma rather than villous adenocarcinoma, while the retrieved lymph node number was a prognostic factor for villous adenocarcinoma rather than tubulovillous adenocarcinoma. Survival analysis showed that the mortality rate of villous adenocarcinoma was higher than that of tubulovillous adenocarcinoma (HR 1.361, P < 0.001). We then established nomograms to predict the mortality of both cohorts and found excellent discrimination and predictive accuracy (C-index 0.842 and 0.821). Villous architecture is a determinant of colon adenocarcinoma outcomes, which might prompt reports of villous architecture in colon adenocarcinoma specimens by pathologists. Our population-based nomograms could be useful for predicting the survival of patients with colon adenocarcinoma and guiding individualized treatments.

Comparison of Different Lymph Node Staging Schemes for Predicting Survival Outcomes in Node-Positive Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Patients.

Objective: To compare the prognostic predictive performance of six lymph node (LN) staging schemes: American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N stage, number of retrieved lymph nodes (NRLN), number of positive lymph nodes (NPLN), number of negative lymph nodes (NNLN), lymph node ratio (LNR), and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) among node-positive endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) patients.Methods: A total of 3,533 patients diagnosed with node-positive EEC between 2010 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively analyzed. We applied X-tile software to identify the optimal cutoff value for different staging schemes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the relationships between different LN schemes and survival outcomes [disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS)]. Moreover, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Harrell concordance index (C-index) were used to evaluate the predictive performance of each scheme in both continuous and categorical patterns.Results: N stage (N1/N2) was not an independent prognostic factor for node-positive EEC patients based on multivariate analysis (DSS: p = 0.235; OS: p = 0.145). Multivariate model incorporating LNR demonstrated the most superior goodness of fit regardless of continuous or categorical pattern. Regarding discrimination power of the models, LNR outperformed other models in categorical pattern (OS: C-index = 0.735; DSS: C-index = 0.737); however, LODDS obtained the highest C-index in continuous pattern (OS: 0.736; DSS: 0.739).Conclusions: N stage (N1/N2) was unable to differentiate the prognosis for node-positive EEC patients in our study. However, LNR and LODDS schemes seemed to have a better predictive performance for these patients than other number-based LN schemes whether in DSS or OS, which revealed that LNR and LODDS should be more helpful in prognosis assessment for node-positive EEC patients than AJCC N stage.

Clinical value of carbon nanoparticles tracer in gastric cancer surgery to increase the number of lymph nodes retrieval

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of carbon nanoparticles zonal tracer technique in lymph node retrieval of gastric cancer (GC). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Clinicopathological data of GC patients who underwent radical D2 resection with carbon nanoparticles tracer in The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University and Hainan Cancer Hospital from December 2015 and February 2019 were collected. Those with postoperative pathology of T1-2, Borrmann IV type GC, distant metastasis, preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and incomplete data were excluded. A total of 181 patients were enrolled in this study, including 113 cases from the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University and 68 cases from Hainan Cancer Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the methods of carbon nanoparticles tracer: zonal tracer group and traditional tracer group. In the traditional tracer group, 0.1-0.3 ml of carbon nanoparticle was injected subserously at the upper, lower, left and right 4 injection points 0.5 cm away from the edge of the tumor in the normal serous membrane. In the zonal tracer group, on the basis of the traditional tracer group, 0.1-0.3 ml of carbon nanoparticle was injected subserously at the first branch of the suprapyloric right gastric artery into the stomach, the first branch of the subpyloric right gastroepiploic artery into the stomach, the first branch of the minor curvature left gastric artery into the stomach and the first branch of the greater curvature left gastroepiploic artery into the stomach, respectively. The display of lymphatic vessels in each location and lymph nodes in each group by the tracing method was observed. The number of black-stained lymph nodes, the black staining rate of lymph nodes, the total number of detected lymph nodes, the total number of positive lymph nodes, and the metastatic rate of lymph node were compared between the two groups. Results: Eighty-nine patients were assigned to zonal tracer group, and 92 patients to traditional tracer group. There were no significant differences in baseline information between the two groups (all P>0.05). The median number of black-stained lymph nodes (median: 25.0 vs. 13.5, Z=-7.158, P<0.001) and the black staining rate of lymph nodes [(70.8±12.0)% vs. (47.1±15.7)%, t=11.399, P<0.001) in the zonal tracer group were significantly higher than those in the traditional tracer group. The total detected number of lymph nodes (37.5±11.5 vs. 29.6±11.8, t=4.581, P<0.001) and the total number of negative lymph nodes (31.3±12.5 vs. 24.9±11.1, t=3.621, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the zonal tracer group than those in the traditional tracer group. There were no significant differences in the total number of positive lymph nodes (median: 4.0 vs. 3.0, Z=-1.485, P=0.137), lymph node metastatic rate [78.7% (70/89) vs. 72.8% (67/92), χ(2)=0.834, P=0.361] and metastatic degree [median: 11% vs. 10%, Z=-0.483, P=0.629] between the two groups. Conclusion: The carbon nanoparticles zonal tracer method can increase the black-staining rate of lymph nodes and the detected number of lymph nodes, thus improving the accuracy of gastric cancer staging.

Number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) removed in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada: Real-world experience.

e19240 Background: SLNB is considered standard of care for BC patient's undergoing surgery. This standard of care is based on several randomized, prospective clinical trials showing non inferiority of this procedure compared to full axillary lymph node dissection (FALND). Retrieval of less than 3 lymph nodes at the time of SLN biopsy has been shown to be associated with decrease in disease specific survival. In the NSABP B-32 study, removal of two SLN rather than one almost halved the false negative rate. SK has an area of 651,900 square kilometer, with a small population of 1,098,352. This population is widely distributed throughout the province with variable access to health care. This study provides us with a unique opportunity to see if data obtained in clinical trials can be replicated in community settings. Methods: After approval from SK Cancer Agency and research ethics board of University of SK. Female Patient’s with BC who underwent SLNB from Jan 2010 to Dec 2014, were identified using cancer registry. 529 charts were reviewed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria’s were Male BC, pathology other than invasive ductal or lobular, locally advanced or metastatic disease, T4 tumors, patients who received neo adjuvant therapy, patients who had declined or were unable to receive post-operative recommended adjuvant systemic or radiation therapy, patients with full axillary lymph node dissection. Data was analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. Results: Rate of 1, 2 and 3 or more SLN was 21, 35 and 44% respectively. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved were 2. 14% of patients had positive lymph nodes. 259/529 (48.9 %) of patients used both vital blue dye and radiotracer method for detection of SLN. In 510/529 (96.4%) radiotracer method was used to detect lymph nodes. Blue dye was used in 264/529 (49.9%). Median number of SLN retrieved using both methods were 2. No change in median number of SNL retrieved in different quadrants and central part of the breast were noted, the number remained 2. Conclusions: Our review showed that rate of single lymph node retrieval was lower than what is reported in US SEER data base study of 37%, however the number of median lymph node retrieval was 2 which is considered less than optimal with reported higher rate of false negative rate. We did not attempt to look at disease-specific survival as our sample size is small. Continued data evaluation of established practice is required to improve quality of care and replication of advances established in clinical trials.

The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with node-positive gastric cancer after curative surgery

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is one of the independent prognostic factors of gastric cancer (GC). The difference in survival rates and initial recurrence patterns in patients with node-positive GC with retrieved LN numbers greater than or less than 16 is worthy of further study. A total of 1314 patients with node-positive GC were enrolled. The clinicopathological characteristics, retrieved LN numbers, adjuvant chemotherapy, initial recurrence patterns, and survival differences between serosa-negative and serosa-positive GC were investigated. For serosa-negative GC, patients with retrieved LN numbers ≥16 were associated with fewer tumor recurrences, locoregional recurrences, distant metastases, and better 5-year overall survival (OS) rates and disease-free survival (DFS) rates. For serosa-positive GC, patients with retrieved LN numbers ≥16 were associated with similar locoregional and distant metastasis and similar 5-year OS and DFS rates compared with those with retrieved LN numbers <16. Retrieved LN numbers fewer than 16 can cause stage migration compared with retrieved LN numbers ≥16. Multivariate analysis showed that both the retrieved LN numbers (≥ or <16) and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors affecting OS in serosa-negative GC, while adjuvant chemotherapy but not the retrieved LN numbers was an independent prognostic factor of OS in serosa-positive GC. For serosa-negative GC, retrieved LN numbers fewer than 16 can cause stage migration, a higher tumor recurrence rate and worse OS and DFS rates compared with patients with retrieved LN numbers ≥16. Due to a high tumor recurrence rate in serosa-positive GC, adjuvant chemotherapy rather than retrieved LN numbers played an important role in improving patient prognosis.

The Methods of Lymph Node Examination Make a Difference to Node Staging and Detection of N3b Node Status for Gastric Cancer.

Background: The number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) affects the likelihood of detecting metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) for gastric cancer (GC), but the retrieval of LNs is not satisfactory worldwide. There is no standard for LN examination.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2,163 patients diagnosed with GC who underwent surgery at Nanfang Hospital between October 2004 and September 2016. According to the methods of LN examination, patients were classified into two groups: LN detection by pathologists (pathologist group) and LN examination by surgicopathologic team (surgicopathologist group). The relationship between RLNs and LN staging accuracy as well as the factors influencing the detection of MLNs were evaluated.Results: There were 472 males in pathologist group and 467 males in surgicopathologist group. The number of RLNs and MLNs in surgicopathologist group was significantly higher than that in pathologist group (RLNs: 53.8 ± 20.9 vs. 18.8 ± 11.5, p < 0.001; MLNs: 5.6 ± 9.8 vs. 3.9 ± 5.7, p < 0.001). Notably, the detection of N3b node status was significantly improved in surgicopathologist group [83 (11.9%) vs. 34 (4.8%), p < 0.001]. Additionally, the detection rate of N3b status gradually increased from 0 in patients with 1-16 RLNs to 16.6% in patients with more than 49 RLNs. The MLNs detected increased gradually from 2.3 ± 3.0 in patients with 1-16 RLNs to 7.3 ± 11.7 in patients with more than 49 RLNs. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that LN examination by surgicopathologic team, more advanced pT, tumor size ≥5 cm and combined organ(s) resection were related to detecting more MLNs.Conclusions: The retrieval of nodes immediately postoperatively by the surgicopathologic team could significantly improve the number of RLNs, detect more MLNs, and screen more patients with N3b node status.

Application of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy in elderly patients ≥65 years with gastric cancer

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients over 65 years old. Clinical, pathological and follow-up data of 188 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy at Department IV of Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital, from April 2009 to December 2016 were collected for a retrospective cohort study. ECOG performance score 0-1; preoperative gastroscopy discovered gastric masses, and pathological biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma; distant metastases were excluded by image examination; preoperative cardiopulmonary function was normal; preoperative blood routine test, liver and renal function, and coagulation function were normal; laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was performed. intraoperative laparoscopic exploration indicated abdominal and/or pelvic peritoneal metastasis; free cancer cells in peritoneal cavity; conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic surgery. Patients were divided by age into 2 groups, ≥ 65 years old group(59 cases) and < 65 years old group (129 cases). The perioperative conditions and postoperative complications between two groups were compared, and the high risk factors of postoperative complications in patients over 65 years old were analyzed. All the patients were operated by the same operation team. The incidence of comorbidities was 44.1%(26/59) in the ≥ 65 years old group, which was significantly higher than 20.2% (26/129) in the < 65 years old group (χ²=11.570, P=0.001). The incidence of cardia/fundus cancer was 64.4%(38/59) in the ≥ 65 years old group, which was also significantly higher than 40.3% (52/129) in the < 65 years old group (χ²=16.625, P=0.001). The number of retrieved lymph nodes in the ≥65 years old group was significantly lower than that in the < 65 years old group (28.9±10.7 vs. 36.1±15.4, t=3.271, P=0.001). The total morbidity of complications was 13.8%(21/188) and the mortality within 30 days after operation was 1.6%(3/188). The morbidity of postoperative complications and the mortality within 30 days after operation were 20.3%(12/59) and 3.4%(2/59,respectively) in the ≥ 65 years old group, which were slightly higher than those in the <65 years old group [10.9%(14/129) and 0.8%(1/129)], without significant difference(both P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative comorbidities(OR=0.223, 95%CI:0.053 to 0.944, P=0.041) was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in patients aged ≥ 65 years old undergoing laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy. The median survival time was 21.3 months and the overall 5-year survival rate was 50.0%. The 5-year survival rate was 45.5% and 57.5% in patients aged ≥ 65 and < 65 years, respectively, and there was no significant difference(P=0.205). Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of gastric cancer patients ≥ 65 years old. Age is not a contraindication of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy.

Number of retrieved lymph nodes is an independent prognostic factor after total gastrectomy for patients with stage III gastric cancer: propensity score matching analysis of a multi-institution dataset.

The prognostic significance of the number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) in gastric cancer remains controversial. Therefore, we designed a multicenter collaborative database to investigate the correlation between the number of RLNs and prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer after curative resection. We retrospectively analyzed 1103 patients who underwent gastrectomy for stage II/III gastric cancer between 2010 and 2014. Lymph nodes, which were retrieved by surgeons from surgically resected specimens, were validated by pathologists. A target population and the optimal cutoff were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. After propensity score matching of eight variables, including splenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, the prognostic significance of RLNs was evaluated. According to ROC curve analysis, the optimum cutoff score for predicting postoperative survival was 40. After matching, the backgrounds of patients in the RLN < 40 and RLN ≥ 40 groups (n = 87 each) became well-balanced. The RLN < 40 group experienced significantly shorter relapse-free and overall survival. The prevalence of peritoneal recurrence was significantly increased in the RLN < 40 group. RLN < 40 was an independent prognostic factor in multivariable analysis, although pathological N status was not. A forest plot revealed that the RLN < 40 group was at greater risk of recurrence in most subgroups. RLN < 40 was associated with an adverse prognosis of patients with stage III gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy.

Pathological staging criteria for carcinoma in the remnant stomach: an exploratory study

To explore the prognostic value of the tumor-ratio-metastasis (TRM) staging system for carcinoma in the remnant stomach(CRS). Clinicopathological data of 91 CRS patients who underwent surgery at Peking University People's Hospital between March 1992 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the ratio of metastatic lymph node to dissected lymph node, the R staging was obtained, and the pN staging was replaced by the R staging to create the TRM staging. To compare the predictive accuracy of TRM and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM, UICC version 7), the R staging and pN staging were included in the prognostic factor analysis model, and the survival curve, c-index, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the TRM staging and TNM staging system were compared. A higher c-index value means higher prediction accuracy. Of 91 CRS patients, 77 were male and 14 were female with the mean onset age of (65.2±10.4) years. The mean interval from the first operation to CRS onset was 156(6-600) months. The primary diseases of 49(53.8%) cases were benign and of 42(46.2%) cases were malignant. The median number of retrieved lymph node (RLN) was 8 (0-38), and 64 patients (70.3%) had an RLN ≤15. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 50 patients (54.9%). pN staging result was as follows: 41 cases in N0 stage, 14 in N1 stage, 19 in N2 stage, and 17 in N3 stage. R staging result was as follows: 41 cases in R0 stage, 4 in R1 stage, 19 in R2 stage, and 27 in R3 stage. TNM staging result was as follows: 13 cases in stage I(, 25 in stage II(, 10 in stage III(a, 23 in stage III(b, and 6 in stage III(c. TRM staging result was as follows: 13 cases in stage I(, 24 in stage II(, and 4 in stage III(a, 18 in stage III(b, and 18 in stage III(c. Univariate analysis showed that tumor diameter ≥7 cm (HR=2.696, 95%CI: 1.307-5.563, P=0.007), T3-4 stage (HR=4.350, 95%CI: 1.949-9.707, P=0.000), N2-3 stage (HR=1.883, 95%CI: 1.167-3.038, P=0.009), R2-3 stage (HR=1.642, 95%CI: 1.026-2.628, P=0.039), TNM III(-IIII( stage (HR=2.448, 95%CI:1.490-4.021, P=0.000), and TRM III(-IIII( stage (HR=2.504, 95%CI:1.515-4.137, P=0.000) were related to prognosis. Tumor diameter, pT staging, and pN staging were included in the Cox multivariate analysis, and the result showed that pT staging (HR=5.507, 95%CI:2.254-13.454, P=0.000) and pN staging (HR=1.698, 95%CI: 1.022-2.789, P=0.041) were independent risk factors for overall survival of CRS in this group. While R staging replaced pN staging and was included in the Cox multivariate analysis together with tumor diameter and pT staging, the result showed that R staging was not an independent risk factor for CRS in this group (HR=1.622, 95%CI: 0.866-2.329, P=0.164). Survival curve revealed pN and TNM staging systems provided better stratified curves according to each staging than R and TRM staging systems. The overall survival c-index of TNM and TRM staging systems was 0.813(95%CI: 0.732-0.826) and 0.809(95%CI: 0.741-0.847) respectively, and no significant difference in predictive accuracy was found (P=0.693). In 42 patients with primary malignance, the overall survival c-index of TNM and TRM staging systems was 0.774(95%CI: 0.589-0.901) and 0.761(95%CI: 0.596-0.912) respectively, and there was no significant difference in predictive accuracy as well (P=0.881). TRM staging is not superior to TNM staging (7th UICC) in evaluating the resected samples of CRS.

Oncologic evaluation of obesity as a factor in patients with rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic surgery: a propensity-matched analysis using body mass index.

PurposeThis study evaluated the oncologic impact of obesity, as determined by body mass index (BMI), in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.MethodsThe records of 483 patients with stage I–III rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery between June 2003 and December 2011 were reviewed. A matching model based on BMI was constructed to balance obese and nonobese patients. Cox hazard regression models for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were used for multivariate analyses. Additional analysis using visceral fat area (VFA) measurement was performed for matched patients. The threshold for obesity was BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or VFA ≥ 130 cm2.ResultsThe score matching model yielded 119 patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (the obese group) and 119 patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (the nonobese group). Surgical outcomes including operation time, estimated blood loss, nil per os periods, and length of hospital stay did not differ between the obese and the nonobese group. The retrieved lymph node numbers and pathologic CRM positive rate were also similar in between the 2 groups. After a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 3–126 months), OS and DFS rates were similar between the 2 groups. A tumor location-adjusted model for overall surgical complications showed that a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were not risk factors. Multivariable analyses for OS and DFS showed no significant association with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.ConclusionObesity was not associated with long-term oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in the Asian population.