Oncological Reasons Research Articles

Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery with tailored needle-guided excision.

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) administered with oncoplastic approach (OBCS), when it is required, is currently the gold standard for the treatment of early breast cancer. Wire-guided localization (WL) is the most popular technique used to help surgeon in breast cancer excision. Currently, a universal and undeniable goal is to minimize the rate of positive margins and re-excision operation after BCS improving cosmetic outcome and decreasing health care costs. This study is aimed to report our experience combining OBCS and tailored WL as surgical approach for early breast cancers. We performed a retrospective study on 148 breast cancer patients who were treated with OBCS and tailored WL, which consists in individualization of the number and location of wires depending on patient particularities, in our Breast Unit from March 2013 to December 2015. A multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between clinic-pathologic variables, which can be known preoperatively, and margin status. The rate of affected margins was 13.5% and 10.8% patients underwent re-interventions for oncologic reasons. Multifocality was strongly associated with involved margins [odds ratio (OR) 4.67]. OBCS together with tailored WL obtains an acceptable rate of positive margins and high rate of final BCS.

Outcomes of immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction: Results of a multicenter prospective study

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that immediate reconstruction following mastectomy produces superior results over delayed procedures. However, for medical or oncological reasons, some patients may be poor candidates for immediate reconstruction. We compared complications and patient-reported outcomes between immediate and delayed breast reconstructions in a prospective, multicenter study. Methods1957 patients (1806 immediate, 151 delayed) met eligibility criteria. Demographic data, major complications, infections, and reconstructive failure rates were evaluated. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with BREAST-Q, PROMIS, and EORTC QLQ-BR23 surveys, pre- and two years post-operatively. Subscale scores were compared across cohorts using mixed-effects regression models, controlling for patient characteristics and hospitals. FindingsComplete data were available in 1639 immediate and 147 delayed reconstruction patients. There were significant baseline differences between immediate and delayed cohorts in age, BMI, prevalence of diabetes, lymph node management, use of radiation, and chemotherapy. Controlling for clinical covariates, the delayed group had lower odds of any (OR 0.38, p < 0.001) and major (OR 0.52, p = 0.016) complications, compared with immediate patients. Furthermore, delayed reconstruction was associated with a significantly lower failure rates (6% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.032). However, multivariate analyses found no significant differences in patient satisfaction or in psychosocial, sexual, or physical well-being at two years. ConclusionsCompared with immediate techniques, delayed reconstruction following mastectomy was associated with lower rates of overall and major complication, while providing equivalent patient satisfaction and quality of life benefits. Although immediate reconstruction is still the preferred choice of most patients and surgeons, delaying reconstruction does not appear to compromise clinical or patient-reported outcomes.

Clinical significance and practice points of conversion therapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis

Gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination is usually considered to be oncologically unresectable and is known to have a very poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in systemic chemotherapy, peritoneal dissemination due to advanced gastric cancer (AGC) still remains the most life-threatening type of metastasis and recurrence, which usually causes ascites accumulation, intestinal obstruction, or hydronephrosis, and then seriously impairs the quality of life. In general, the median survival time of these cases is reported to be just only 6-9 months. Recently, conversion therapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination has been highly concerned. It is defined as a conversion surgery aiming at an R0 resection after chemotherapy for both primary gastric cancer and distant metastatic cancerous foci including peritoneal dissemination, which were originally unresectable due to technical and/or oncological reasons. In numerous clinical practices, the results of neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (NIPS) have been reported to be more satisfactory in comparison with traditional systemic chemotherapy alone. Some clinical trials have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of intravenous and intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel (PTX) combined with oral S-1 for peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer with or without malignant ascites. Particularly, a longer period of survival can be expected when conversion R0 gastrectomy is successfully performed after observing significant responses of NIPS. Some clinical practice key points of conversion therapy for AGC patients with peritoneal dissemination are reviewed, including the importance of intraperitoneal and systemic synchronous chemotherapy, the reasonable choice of intraperitoneal chemotherapy drugs, the evaluation of primary gastric cancer and metastatic foci before and after conversion therapy, some special complications of NIPS, the indications of conversion surgery and the adjuvant therapy after conversion surgery, ect.

Unplanned Procedures During Thoracoscopic Segmentectomies

Thoracoscopic sublobar resections (TSLRs) are gaining popularity, but are challenging. However, despite technical difficulties, the reported rate of adverse events, complications, and unplanned procedures is low. To understand this paradox, we have studied our series of TSLRs. We reviewed our prospective and intention-to-treat database on videothoracoscopic anatomical resections and extracted all planned thoracoscopic segmentectomies from January 2007 to July 2016. Intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Unplanned procedures were defined as a conversion into thoracotomy or an unplanned additional pulmonary resection. During the study period 284 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies were performed in 280 patients. There were 124 men and 156 women with a mean age of 64 years (range, 18 to 86 years). Indication for segmentectomy was a proven or suspected non-small cell lung carcinoma in 184 patients, suspected metastasis in 51 patients, and benign lesion in 49 patients. In total, 23 patients had an unplanned procedure (8%). There were 10 unplanned thoracotomies (9 conversions and 1 reoperation; 3.1%) mainly for vascular injuries, and 15 unplanned additional resections (5.1%) distributed among oncological reasons (n= 7), per operative technical issues (n= 6) and postoperative adverse events (lingular ischemia, n= 2). Considering only the 235 patients operated on for cancer, the unplanned additional pulmonary resection rate for an oncological reason was 3%. Although lower than for thoracoscopic lobectomies, the rate of unplanned procedure during TSLRs is of concern. It could most likely be reduced by technical refinements, such as a better preoperative planning.

Lower Eyelid Reconstruction After Ablation of Skin Malignancies: How Far Can We Get in a Single-Stage Procedure?

A retrospective analysis was conducted identifying patients with postexcisional defects after skin cancer occurring in the lower eyelid, reconstructed in 1 stage. Appropriate demographic, pathological, preoperative, and postoperative clinical data and photo documentation were collected and analyzed. After excluding patients with partial thickness defects (n=5), a total of 13 patients with lower eyelid full-thickness defects were studied, including 9 women and 4 men with mean age 66.5 years (age range 53-79 years). The most common malignancy was basal cell carcinoma (n = 11). In one of the patients 2 synchronous neoplasms were excised simultaneously from the same lower eyelid. The reconstruction was successfully performed in 1 stage in all the patients by recruiting the same eyelid tissue and/or temporal tissue. No additional surgery was needed at a minimal follow-up of 9 months. Local tissue flaps have proven to be a reliable option for a single-stage reconstruction of large full-thickness defects. Tenzel flap technique seems to be a reliable option for repair of defects as large as 60% of the total eyelid length.

Surgical anatomy of the omental bursa and the stomach based on a minimally invasive approach: different approaches and technical steps to resection and lymphadenectomy

It is imperative for surgeons to have a proper knowledge of the omental bursa in order to perform an adequate dissection during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study aimed to describe (1) the various approaches which can be used to enter the bursa and to perform a complete lymphadenectomy, (2) the boundaries and anatomical landmarks of the omental bursa as seen during MIS, and (3) whether a bursectomy should be performed for oncological reasons in upper GI cancer. In this observational study, videos of 20 patients undergoing different MIS procedures were reviewed, and the findings were verified prospectively in 5 patients undergoing a total gastrectomy and in a transversely sectioned cadaver. A systematic literature review (PubMed) was performed on the additive value of bursectomy during gastrectomy for cancer. The omental bursa can be surgically entered through the hepatogastric ligament, gastrocolic ligament, gastrosplenic ligament or through the transverse mesocolon. Anatomical boundaries of the omental bursa could be clearly identified, and new anatomical landmarks were described (gastro-omental folds). The cranial part of the omental bursa consists of two compartments (splenic recess and superior recess), separated by the gastropancreatic fold, communicating at the level of the pancreas, and extending distally as the inferior recess. There is no clear evidence regarding beneficial effect of a bursectomy in upper GI oncology. The description of the omental bursa in this study may help surgeons perform a more adequate oncological dissection during MIS. Bursectomy should not be routinely performed during oncological resections.

Improved Head and Neck Free Flap Outcome-Effects of a Treatment Protocol Adjustment from Pre- to Postoperative Radiotherapy.

Background:The impact of preoperative radiotherapy on microvascular reconstructive surgery outcome has been a subject of debate. However, data are conflicting and often dependent on local treatment protocols. We have studied the effects of radiotherapy in a unique, single-center setting where a treatment protocol change was undertaken from pre- to postoperative radiotherapy administration for microsurgical head and neck reconstructions.Methods:A cohort study was conducted for 200 consecutive head and neck free flap cases, where 100 were operated on before and 100 after the treatment protocol adjustment in 2006. Only direct cancer reconstructions were included. Complication rates of anastomosis-related (flap necrosis) and flap bed–related (infection, fistula, and wound dehiscence) complications were compared between irradiated and nonirradiated patients. A multivariate analysis was performed to correct for treatment period.Results:One hundred twenty-six patients had received radiotherapy before reconstruction due to cases of cancer recurrence. There were no significant differences in demographic data or risk factors between irradiated and nonirradiated cases. Irradiated cases had a higher rate of both flap loss (9.5% versus 1.4%; P = 0.034) and flap bed–related complications (29% versus 13%; P = 0.014). However, after multivariate analysis, there was only a significant relationship between preoperative irradiation and infection (odds ratio = 2.51; P = 0.033) and fistula formation (odds ratio = 3.13; P = 0.034).Conclusions:The current single-center study clearly indicates that preoperative radiotherapy is a risk factor for both infection and fistula formation, most likely related to an impaired flap bed. We suggest postoperative radiotherapy administration whenever possible for oncological reasons, otherwise proper antibiotic cover and meticulous flap insetting to prevent radiation-related infection and fistula formation.

Surgical Treatment with Locoregional Flap for the Nose.

Nonmelanotic skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most frequent of all neoplasms and nasal pyramid represents the most common site for the presentation of such cutaneous malignancies, particularly in sun-exposed areas: ala, dorsum, and tip. Multiple options exist to restore functional and aesthetic integrity after skin loss for oncological reasons; nevertheless, the management of nasal defects can be often challenging and the best “reconstruction” is still to be found. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed a total of 310 patients who presented to our Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for postoncological nasal reconstruction between January 2011 and January 2016. Nasal region was classified into 3 groups according to the anatomical zones affected by the lesion: proximal, middle, and distal third. We included an additional fourth group for complex defects involving more than one subunit. Reconstruction with loco regional flaps was performed in all cases. Radical tumor control and a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result are the primary goals for the reconstructive surgeon. Despite tremendous technical enhancements in nasal reconstruction techniques, optimal results are usually obtained when “like is used to repair like.” Accurate evaluation of the patients clinical condition and local defect should be always considered in order to select the best surgical option.

Concomitant use of direct-acting antivirals and chemotherapy in hepatitis C virus-infected patients with cancer.

Antiviral therapy improves hepatic outcomes in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected cancer patients. However, such patients are not treated simultaneously with antivirals and chemotherapy, owing to overlapping toxicities with previous standard of care treatment of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. To examine the safety and clinically-significant drug-drug interactions observed in patients who received simultaneous treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and chemotherapy. Safety was determined by the presence of adverse events which were graded according to the division of AIDS Table (version 2.0). Adverse events were monitored throughout antiviral treatment and up to 3 months after its completion. Drug-drug interactions were assessed using current online databases. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as absence of serum HCV RNA 12 weeks after end of DAA treatment. Cirrhosis was diagnosed via imaging, biopsy or with the use of non-invasive fibrosis markers. Twenty-one patients received concomitant treatment with DAAs and chemotherapy between January 2013 and September 2016. Concomitant treatment was started either for virological (14; 67%) or oncologic (7; 33%) reasons. DAAs used were sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, simeprevir, daclatasvir ± ribavirin. The adverse events observed were mainly constitutional (12; 57%), hematological and gastrointestinal (7; 33% each). Physicians changed the DAA regimens in two patients (10%) in anticipation of drug-drug interactions with daclatasvir and dexamethasone. The overall SVR rate was 95% (20/21). Hepatitis C virus-targeted antiviral therapy can be used concomitantly with selected anti-neoplastic agents under close monitoring for drug-drug interactions. This therapeutic intervention may prevent delay in the administration of chemotherapy in HCV-infected cancer patients.

Aesthetic outcomes of inframammary fold recreation in two-stage, implant-based, breast reconstruction.

BackgroundWhen the inframammary fold (IMF) is excised in mastectomy procedures for oncologic reasons, it must be recreated to restore a natural breast shape. Despite refinements in surgical techniques, postoperative loss of a well-defined IMF can occur. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of IMF recreation after two-stage, implant-based breast reconstruction.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 75 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral, two-stage, implant-based breast reconstruction between 2013 and 2015 at the authors’ institution. Among them, IMF recreation was performed in 37 patients through a modified Nava’s internal method. Aesthetic outcomes of the recreated IMFs were evaluated by observer assessment of two criteria, and critical factors affecting IMF outcomes were also analyzed.ResultsWe found that contralateral breast ptosis (p < 0.05) and lack of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of better IMF outcomes. Nipple-sparing mastectomy and skin-sparing mastectomy resulted in better IMF outcomes, as compared with non-skin-sparing mastectomy (p < 0.05 for each), while no significant difference was observed between them in patients who did not undergo PMRT (p = 0.19). Similarly, larger implant volume, but not projection of implant, was a predictor of better IMF outcomes when limited to patients who did not undergo PMRT (p < 0.05). Age, body mass index, timing of reconstruction, and extent of overexpansion had no significant effect on IMF outcomes.ConclusionsBased on these critical factors, the shape of the reconstructed breast and the need for reshaping the contralateral breast can be predicted. Special attention should be paid to patients with non-skin-sparing mastectomy and PMRT. When these patients desire a medium- to large-sized ptotic breast, conversion to autologous reconstruction can achieve symmetrical breast reconstruction.

Nipple Loss following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Nipple preservation at the time of mastectomy is increasingly performed to enhance the overall result from the reconstruction. Unfortunately, some of these patients may lose their nipples for oncologic reasons or because of necrosis. Several studies have investigated risk factors associated with nipple loss, but few data exist on the incidence of cancer in the nipple specimen, nipple removal for cosmesis or symmetry, and whether these patients subsequently pursue nipple reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed on nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate reconstruction from 2007 to 2013. Of 443 patients (775 breasts), 51 nipples (6.6 percent) were removed. Of the 51 nipple losses, 76 percent had total nipple or nipple-areola complex loss and 24 percent had partial loss. Twenty-five of the nipples (49 percent) required excision for oncologic reasons, 18 nipples (35 percent) were either partially or totally lost because of necrosis, and one nipple (2 percent) was excised for cosmetic reasons. In cases of bilateral reconstruction and unilateral nipple loss, 65 percent of contralateral normal nipples were retained and 35 percent (n = 7) were removed for symmetry. Fourteen nipples had residual cancer or atypia, whereas 37 had normal pathologic findings. Twenty-one nipples (40 percent) were reconstructed and 30 were not. In this series, the incidence of nipple loss following nipple-sparing mastectomy was 6.6 percent and related primarily to positive oncologic margins. The rate of removal for cosmesis was low, suggesting that for most patients the nipple lies in an acceptable position. After removal, 40 percent of patients had nipple reconstruction. Therapeutic, IV.

Evaluation of a physiotherapy-led group rehabilitation intervention for adults living with HIV: referrals, adherence and outcomes

ABSTRACTHIV is characterised by episodes of disability. We report a novel, hospital outpatient rehabilitation intervention, combining physiotherapy-led group exercise and education for people living with HIV (PLWH). This observational study evaluated routine delivery of the 10-week intervention in terms of referral patterns, rehabilitation goals, intervention adherence and change in patient outcomes. Measurements at baseline & 10 weeks included locomotor performance (6 minute walk test; 6MWT), flexibility, upper and lower limb strength and health related quality of life (HRQOL). Adherence was defined as attending ≥8/20 sessions, with reasons for non-adherence identified in retrospective telephone interviews. Goal Attainment Scale measured progression to individual goals. Total 92 referrals were mostly for musculoskeletal (25.0%), oncological (19.6%) or cardio-metabolic (18.5%) reasons, and mostly male (81.5%), Caucasian (70.7%) and older (mean 51.5 years). Common themed rehabilitation goals included improving body image, participation, mobility, health/fitness and function. Adherence was achieved by 42 (46%) patients, with open access utilised by 34 patients, returning (n = 19) or restarting when non-adherent (n = 15). Post-intervention measurements collected for 37 (40%) patients demonstrated improvements in 6MWT distance (p < .001), flexibility (p < .001), strength in triceps (p < .001), biceps (p < .001), Lattisimus Dorsi (p < .001), shoulder-press (p < .001), chest-press (p < 0.001), and leg-press (p < 0.001). HRQOL improved in total score (p < .001), physical (p < .001), emotional (p < .001) and functional (p = .065) subscales. Extent of goal achievement demonstrated 83% of goals was “expected” (n = 57), “somewhat more” (n = 31) or “much more” (n = 14). Reasons for non-adherence from 21 telephone interviews identified physical health challenges, individual factors and time or location issues. This novel rehabilitation approach for PLWH improved function, HRQOL and goal attainment among those completing the intervention. Sub-optimal adherence likely relates to episodic disability.

Jusqu’où aller dans la désescalade thérapeutique en chirurgie du cancer du sein infiltrant : contre la désescalade

CONS: Therapeutic de-escalation in breast cancer surgery is not recommanded for all patients. Concerning the axillary management, there are still some contraindications for practicing sentinel node, and avoiding axillary dissection is not safe for more than 3 positive sentinel nodes and in the absence of adjuvant treatment. Mastectomy can also be preferred by patients rather than conservative surgery, especially in case of genetic mutation, or for oncological reasons. Larger glandular resections, known as oncoplasties, should also be chosen in case of associated ductal carcinoma in situ and risky subgroups of local recurrence after neoadjuvant therapy. Finally, all patients will not benefit from ambulatory surgery.

European perspective in Thoracic surgery-eso-coloplasty: when and how?

Colon interposition has been used since the beginning of the 20(th) century as a substitute for esophageal replacement. Colon interposition is mainly chosen as a second line treatment when the stomach cannot be used, when the stomach has to be resected for oncological or technical reasons, or when the stomach is deliberately kept intact for benign diseases in young patients with long-life expectancy. During the surgery the vascularization of the colon must be carefully assessed, as well as the type of the graft (right or left colon), the length of the graft, the surgical approach and the route of the reconstruction. Early complications such as graft necrosis or anastomotic leaks, and late complications such as redundancy depend on the quality of the initial surgery. Despite a complex and time-consuming procedure requiring at least three or four digestive anastomoses, reported long term functional outcomes of colon interposition are good, with an acceptable operative risk. Thus, in very selected indications, colon interposition could be seen as a valuable alternative for esophageal replacement when stomach cannot be considered. This review aims at briefly defining "when" and "how" to perform a coloplasty through demonstrative videos.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection vs endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal lesions.

This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the treatment of flat and sessile colorectal lesions >20 mm preoperatively assessed as noninvasive. We reviewed the literature published between January 2000 and March 2014. Pooled estimates of the proportion of patients with en bloc, R0 resection, complications, recurrence, and need for further treatment were compared in a meta-analysis using fixed and random effects. A total of 11 studies and 4678 patients were included. The en bloc resection rate was 89.9% for ESD vs 34.9% for EMR patients (RR 1.93 p < 0.001). The R0 resection rate was 79.6% for ESD vs 36.2% for EMR patients (RR 2.01 p < 0.001). The rate of perforation was 4.9% for the ESD group and 0.9% for EMR (RR 3.19, p < 0.001), while the rate of bleeding was 1.9% for ESD and 2.9% for EMR (RR 0.68, p = 0.070). Therefore, the overall need for further surgery, including surgery for oncologic reasons and surgery for complications, was 7.8% for ESD and 3.0% for EMR (RR 2.40, p < 0.001). ESD achieves a higher rate of en bloc and R0 resection compared to EMR, at the cost of a higher risk of complications. This, added to an increased need for surgery for oncologic reasons for a plausible tendency to extend indication for endoscopic excision, increases the risk of further surgery after ESD.

Impact of obesity on outcomes in breast reconstruction: A systematic review protocol

IntroductionThe worldwide obesity epidemic is creating new challenges for surgeons involved in breast reconstruction. This systematic review aims to summarise the research available in order to determine the surgical and medical complications, the duration of surgery and post-operative hospital stay and the likelihood of reoperation in each of the different techniques of breast reconstruction in women with obesity. To our knowledge, no systematic review is currently available that assesses the impact of obesity on breast reconstruction outcomes. Methods and analysisElectronic searches will be conducted on Cochrane, PUBMED and EMBASE, from their inception to 1 June 2016. All cohort studies, case series, randomised controlled trials, and case-control studies on women undergoing breast reconstruction post mastectomy for oncological reasons will be included. Articles must mention at least one of the primary outcomes of interest. Full exclusion and inclusion criteria are described within this protocol. Primary and secondary outcomes are described within this protocol. The search strategy, described within this protocol, aims to identify all articles on “obesity and breast reconstruction.” DiscussionThis paper outlines the study protocol for a systematic literature review that will identify and summarise currently available evidence on the effectiveness and complications of breast reconstructive procedures in women with a BMI >30kg/m2. This review aims to provide an overview of the evidence in order to create a guide for healthcare professionals involved in the breast reconstruction of obese women. DisseminationThis review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at various national and international conferences.

The micropolyurethane foam-coated Diagon/Gel(®)4Two implant in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery - 3-year results of an ongoing study.

Background: Breast implants are worldwide in use since 1962. Initially there were some problems with capsular contracture and the palpability of the rim of the implant. In 1968 this led to the introduction of the micropolyurethane foam-coating and then in 1970 to the first micropolyurethane foam-coated implant by F.A. Ashley. As a result of additional technical refinements in manufacturing this new implant design significantly reduced complications i.e. capsular contracture and implant rotation. Methods: This study reports a single surgeon’s experience with aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, in primary and secondary cases with the sole use of micropolyurethane foam-coated Diagon/gel®4Two implants, partly in combination with the additional use of synthetic meshes, acellular dermal matrices and lipofilling. The trial is a prospective, single center cohort study designed to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the new implant design in primary and secondary aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. The reported data provide an interim report of the implantations performed from November 2010 to December 2013.Results: 90 patients were admitted to the study with 152 implants. The majority of the implants (n=95, 62.5%) were used in reoperative cases for either oncological (n=52, 34.2%) or aesthetic reasons (n=43, 28.3%). The median age of the study cohort was 45 years; the median body mass index was 21; the median observation time is 41 months. There was a very low complication rate, both short term within 6 weeks after the implantation of the silicone gel implant and in the follow up in November 2015. There were no serious complications needing explantation, no capsular fibrosis or implant rotation or rupture so far. There were only 4 minor complications (1.97%). There was 1 local recurrence 4 years after skin and nipple sparing mastectomy.Conclusion: The micropolyurethane foam-coated Diagon/gel®4Two implant is a very reliable silicone gel implant filled with two high cross-linked, cohesive and form stable gels. The study demonstrated a very high safety profile of the 4Two implant and its effectiveness in both primary and secondary reoperative aesthetic, oncological and reconstructive breast surgery. The study is ongoing, a longer follow-up will be needed to consolidate the data.

Is conversion therapy possible in stage IV gastric cancer: the proposal of new biological categories of classification.

Conversion therapy for gastric cancer (GC) has been the subject of much recent attention. It is defined as a surgical treatment aiming at an R0 resection after chemotherapy for tumors that were originally unresectable or marginally resectable for technical and/or oncological reasons. However, the indications for resection remain to be clarified. In the present review, we focus on the biology and heterogeneous characteristics of stage IV GC and propose new categories of classification. Stage IV GC patients can be divided based on the absence (categories 1 and 2) or presence (categories 3 and 4) of macroscopically detectable peritoneal dissemination, which has a different biological outcome compared to hematological metastasis. Category 1 is defined oncologically as stage IV but the metastasis is technically resectable. Category 2 includes a marginally resectable metastasis or patients for whom the operation would not necessarily be the best choice. Category 3 includes a potentially unresectable metastasis of peritoneal dissemination that is only macroscopically detectable. Category 4 includes noncurable metastasis with peritoneal and other organ metastasis. The indications for conversion therapy might include the patients from category 2, some patients from category 3 and a very small number of patients from category 4. The longer survival can be expected for patients corresponding to categories 1, 2 and, to a lesser extent, 3, while the treatment of other patients focuses on “care.” The provision of conversion therapy for stage IV GC patients might be one of the main roles of surgical oncologists in the near future.

Occurrence and risk indicators of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw after dental extraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

The primary objective was to assess the occurrence rate of Medication-Related OsteoNecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) after dental extraction in patients treated with Antiresorptive Drugs (ARD) for OsteoPorosis (OP) or for oncological reasons. The secondary objective was to compare the extraction techniques regarding the occurrence of MRONJ. A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases was performed. Prospective studies considering human patients treated with ARD and providing information regarding the occurrence of MRONJ after dental extraction were selected. Meta-analysis for incidence of MRONJ at the patient level was performed. The effect of administration route and surgical technique on MRONJ was evaluated. The risk of MRONJ after dental extraction was significantly higher in patients treated with ARD for oncological reasons (3.2%) than in those treated with per os ARD for OP (0.15%) (p<0.0001). Dental extraction performed with adjusted extraction protocols decreased significantly MRONJ development. Potential risk indicators such as concomitant medications and pre-existing osteomyelitis were identified. The risk of MRONJ after dental extraction in patients treated with ARD exists, especially in patients treated for oncologic reasons. This risk tends to decrease with adjusted extraction protocols.

Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: single center experience of 90 cases.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with or without underlying liver disease can be treated by surgical resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, morbidity and mortality of a laparoscopic approach in cirrhotic patients with HCC. From 2004 to September 2014, 90 patients underwent a laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for HCC. Data were collected in a prospectively maintained database since 2001. Preoperative patient evaluation was based on a multidisciplinary team meeting assessment. Median age was 63 years; 67 (74.4%) patients were male. Median body mass index (BMI) was 26.7. Underlying liver disease was known in 68 patients: in 46 patients' hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related, in 15 patients to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related, in 5 patients alcohol-related. Child-Pugh Score was of grade A in 85 patients and of grade B in 5 patients; 63 patients had a Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) <10 and 27 patients MELD >10. A total of 18 left lateral sectionectomies, 1 left hepatectomy and 71 wedge resections or segmentectomies were performed. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 7 (7.7%) patients (five cases for bleeding and two cases for oncological reasons). In 90 patients, 98 HCC nodules were resected: 79 patients had one nodule, 8 patients had two nodules and 1 patient had three nodules. HCC nodules medium diameter was 29 mm (range, 4-100 mm) with median value of 25 mm. Tumor margins distance was 16 mm (range, 0-35 mm) with a median of 5 mm. Seventy nodules were located within the anterior sectors and 28 nodules within the posterior sectors. LLR for HCC can be performed with acceptable morbidity in patients with underlying liver disease. The use of laparoscopic surgery in cirrhotic patients may be proposed as the first-line treatment for HCC or as bridge treatment before liver transplantation.