Para-aortic Node Dissection Research Articles

The management of clinically suspicious para-aortic lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer: A systematic review.

Approximately 1%-2% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) develop para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastases, which are typically considered markers of systemic disease, and are associated with a poor prognosis. The utility of PALN dissection (PALND) in patients with CRC is of ongoing debate and only small-scale retrospective studies have been published on this topic to date. This systematic review aimed to determine the utility of resecting PALN metastases with the primary outcome measure being the difference in survival outcomes following either surgical resection or non-resection of these metastases. A comprehensive systematic search was undertaken to identify all English-language papers on PALND in the PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. The search results identified a total of 12 eligible studies for analysis. All studies were either retrospective cohort studies or case series. In this systematic review, PALND was found to be associated with a survival benefit when compared to non-resection. Metachronous PALND was found to be associated with better overall survival as compared to synchronous PALND, and the number of PALN metastases (2 or fewer) and a pre-operative carcinoembryonic antigen level of <5 was found to be associated with a better prognosis. No PALND-specific complications were identified in this review. A large-scale prospective study needs to be conducted to definitively determine the utility of PALND. For the present, PALND should be considered within a multidisciplinary approach for patients with CRC, in conjunction with already established treatment regimens.

Comparison of prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer after hysteroscopy versus dilatation and curettage: A multicenter retrospective study.

Hysteroscopy is a useful procedure for diagnosing endometrial cancer. There is controversy regarding whether hysteroscopy affects the prognosis of endometrial cancer by prompting cancer cell into intraperitoneal dissemination. Our purpose was to confirm whether hysteroscopy could be a risk factor of the tumor stage, recurrence and survival rate of endometrial cancer. This multicenter retrospective study included all consecutive patients who had endometrial carcinoma diagnosed preoperatively with hysteroscopy and directed endometrial biopsy (HSC, group A) and dilatation and curettage (D&C, group B) between February 2014 and December 2018 at the Fujian Provincial, China. We compared the demographic feature, clinical characteristics and prognosis between the two groups. A total of 429 patients were included in the study (Group A, n = 77; Group B, n = 352). There was no significant difference between their baseline characteristics [including age, BMI, histological type and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage]. By comparing several pathological conditions that may affect prognosis, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the peritoneal cytology, depth of myometrial invasion, the positivity of lymph nodes, lymphovascular space invasion and paraaortic lymph node dissection. Finally, no significant difference was found between the two groups in overall survival (OS) (P = 0.189) or recurrence free survival (RFS) (P = 0.787). Under certain inflation pressure and distension medium, hysteroscopic examination and lesion biopsy ensure the safety and have no adverse effects on prognosis compared to conventional curettage.

Extended Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer in the Neoadjuvant Era: Current Status, Clinical Implications and Contentious Issues.

Despite its decreasing incidence, gastric cancer remains an important global healthcare problem due to its overall high prevalence and high mortality rate. Since the MAGIC and FNLCC/FFCD trials, the neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been recommended throughout Europe in gastric cancer. Potential benefits of preoperative treatments include a higher rate of R0 resection achieved by downstaging the primary tumor, a likely effect on micrometastases and isolated tumor cells in the lymph nodes, and, as a result, improved cancer-related survival. Nevertheless, distortion of anatomical planes of dissection, interstitial fibrosis, and sclerotic tissue changes may increase surgical difficulty. The collection of at least twenty-five lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy would seem to ensure removal of undetectable node metastasis and reduce the likelihood of locoregional recurrence. It is not what you take but what you leave behind that defines survival. Therefore, para-aortic lymph node dissection is safe and effective after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in both therapeutic and prophylactic settings. In this review, the efficacy of adequate lymph node dissection, also in a neoadjuvant setting, has been investigated in the key studies conducted to date on the topic.

Minimally invasive para-aortic lymph node dissection in left-sided colonic and rectal cancer: experience based on a high-volume centre.

There is no established consensus on the optimal surgical approach to para-aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection in patients with colorectal cancer. This study aimed to demonstrate the technical and oncological safety of minimally invasive PALN dissection for left-sided colonic and rectal cancer patients with clinically suspected infrarenal PALN metastasis. One hundered and one patients who underwent primary tumour resection and minimally invasive (laparoscopic n=92, robotic n=9) PALN dissection for left-sided colonic and rectal cancer were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PALN metastasis. Survival outcomes were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier (log-rank) method. Para-aortic lymph node metastasis was pathologically confirmed in 23 patients (22.8%). Postoperative complications occurred in 22 patients (21.8%). Pathological N2 stage (OR=9.337, p=0.003) and inferior mesenteric artery LN metastasis (OR=7.499, p=0.009) were independently associated with PALN metastasis. The median follow-up time was 32 months (range 3-92 months). In all patients, the 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 76.1% and 69.5%, respectively. The 5-year OS and PFS rates in patients with PALN metastasis were 49.8% and 47.5%, respectively. Patients with PALN metastasis had lower 5-year OS (p=0.023) and PFS rates (p=0.035) than those without PALN metastasis. Minimally invasive PALN dissection had acceptable postoperative complications and may be oncologically beneficial in selected patients with clinically suspicious PALN metastasis.

Multicenter study of prognostic factors in paraaortic lymph node dissection for metastatic colorectal cancer.

The role of paraaortic lymph node dissection (PALND) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been less evaluated than surgical treatments for other distant metastases. We evaluated surgical outcomes after PALND and identified prognostic factors. The medical records of patients who underwent PALND for paraaortic lymph node metastasis (PALNM) were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were categorized into the M1a group (isolated PALNM, n = 27), and the M1bc group (distant metastases other than PALNM, n = 26). Three severity factors (PALNM-SF: number of harvested paraaortic lymph nodes [hLN], ≥14; number of metastatic paraaortic lymph nodes [mLN], ≥5; and lymph nodes ratio [mLN/hLN], ≥0.5) were defined to determine their effects on survival. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of the M1a and M1bc groups were 61.1% and 6.4%, respectively (P = 0.0013). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the M1a group was 47.4%, and the 3-year DFS of the M1bc group was 9.1% (P < 0.001). Patients with 2 or more PALNM-SFs showed worse OS than those with 1 PALNM-SF (P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, M1bc (non-isolated PALNM) was the only significant factor for survival. In the M1a group, patients with 2 or more PALNM-SFs showed significantly worse survival than those with a single PALNM-SF. In multivariate analysis, 2 or more PALNM-SF was a significant factor for survival. PALND for CRC provided favorable outcomes in the survival of an isolated PALNM, although this was uncertain for non-isolated PALNMs. The PALNM-SFs helped assess the prognosis after PALND.

Human papilloma virus associated primary vaginal adenocarcinoma

Primary vaginal adenocarcinoma associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely rare. We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina associated with human papilloma virus successfully treated with anterior pelvic exenteration and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy. A 51-year-old postmenopausal woman (gravida 1, para 1) presented with intermittent vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. She was found to have a 5 × 5 cm necrotic tumor took up the vaginal. She had no previous history of antenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 4.8 × 6.0 cm mass in the vaginal canal, an 1.1 × 2.6 cm mass at the urinary bladder dome and a 1.1 cm irregular lymph node at the right external iliac chain with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake from Fused whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Based on clinical investigations, the patient was diagnosed with a primary adenocarcinoma of vagina, staged International Fedestration of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) IVa. Anterior pelvic exenteration, simple vulvectomy, total vaginectomy, both pelvic lymph node dissection, and para-aortic lymph node dissection with ileal conduit urinary diversion (Bricker’s operation) was done. Histologically primary vaginal HPV type 16-associated adenocarcinoma was confirmed. Both obturator lymph node was positive for metastasis. Postoperatively, the patient received weekly cisplatin regimen administered with a dose of 40 mg/m2 on day 1 of external radiation therapy (RT), 1 to 4 hours before RT initiation. External beam pelvic RT dose prescription to the whole pelvis was 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions at the isocenter. But, after total dose of 43.2 Gy, patient complained severe bowel habit change and discontinued further treatment. The patient remains free from recurrence 8 months after initial surgery. In the lack of information and comparative analysis of management options for the more unusual and rare varieties of primary vaginal neoplasms in the literature, this suggests the possibility that surgical treatment may be preferentially selected on a case-by-case basis.

Is advanced bipolar v anced bipolar vessel sealing de essel sealing device really eff eally effective in decreasing the pelvic lymphocele ratio in open surgery for endometrial cancer?

We aim to show pelvic lymphocele (PL) rates in patients who were operated for endometrial cancer (EC) and underwent systematic paraaortic bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PABPLND) with advanced bipolar vessel sealing device (ABVSD). The medical files of all patients who underwent open surgery for EC between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. One hundred three patients who operated with the diagnosis of high-intermediate and high-risk endometrial cancer were included. Systematic PABPLND was performed with total abdominal hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy during surgery to all patients. All operations were performed by same three surgeons who were expert in their field. While the lymph packages were removed during surgical dissection, the distal afferent and proximal efferent lymphatic channels were sealed with LigaSure™ blunt tip sealer/divider (Medtronic, Covidien, USA). The patients were scanned with computed tomography (CT) between 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Lymphocele diagnosis was confirmed by radiologists and largest diameter was recorded. Clinical-pathological findings of all patients were recorded. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of all participants were 58.6 ±10.2 years and 28.1± 5.6 kg/m2 . The most histopathological findings were endometrioid type (84.5%) and grade 2 (44.2%) ECs. The pelvic lymphocele (PL) was detected with CT in 24 of 103 patients at 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Only two PL patients were symptomatic. The first patient had symptoms of pelvic fullness and compression while the second patient had infected image. PL was located to right pelvic area in first case while the second was located on the vaginal cuff. The dissection and sealing of major lymph vessels were achieved during the removal of all lymph packages with LigaSure™ blunt tip laparoscopic sealer/divider. The use of advanced bipolar systems can reduce the formation of PL in lymph node dissection in endometrial cancer.

FloSeal for preventing symptomatic lymphocele after pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy in gynecological cancers: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the role of FloSeal for preventing symptomatic lymphocele following pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological cancers. Between October 2014 and April 2015, 40 patients with gynecological cancers planned for surgical management were randomly placed into FloSeal and non-FloSeal groups in a 1:1 ratio. Lymphocele incidence was evaluated using intravenous contrast-enhanced, abdominopelvic computed tomography 3–6 months after surgery. The quality of life questionnaire was completed by patients at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The incidence of symptomatic lymphocele was compared using a chi-square test. All patients underwent bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, and eight patients in each group (40%vs. 44.4%, p &gt; 0.999) underwent para-aortic lymph node dissection. The mean number of total, right pelvic, left pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes retrieved was similar between the groups. One patient (1/20, 5%) in the FloSeal group and three (3/18, 16.7%) in the non-FloSeal group developed lymphoceles (p = 0.328). The incidence of symptomatic lymphocele was 0% and 11% (2/18) in the FloSeal and non-FloSeal groups (p = 0.218), respectively. The mean time interval to drain removal (4.8 ± 2.0 days vs. 5.3 ± 2.2 days, p = 0.400) was shorter and the mean drain volume (1656 ± 1362 mL vs. 2022 ± 2301 mL, p = 0.550) was smaller in FloSeal group. The use of FloSeal after pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological cancers may be effective for preventing symptomatic lymphocele. Clinical Trial registration: NCT01679483.

Surgical resection of a massive residual retroperitoneal mass after chemotherapy for a paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report

IntroductionParatesticular rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive mesenchymal tumor, accounting for only 7% of all rhabdomyosarcomas. It is mainly encountered in children and adolescents. The standard treatment consists of radical orchidectomy with negative surgical margins. However, chemotherapy is recommended to control retroperitoneal micrometastasis. The place of surgery for progressive retroperitoneal lymph node metastases remains controversial. We present a case of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma with progressive retroperitoneal lymph node metastases treated with surgery.Case reportWe report a case of a 17-year-old North African male with no particular medical history who presented with a left scrotal mass that had been evolving for several months. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase were normal. Scrotal ultrasonography revealed the presence of a 6 cm heterogeneous hypoechogenic tissular mass with cystic areas adherent to the left scrotal wall, which was thickened in some places and vascularized by color Doppler. It exerted a mass effect on the homolateral testicle, which was of average volume. The thoracic–abdominal–pelvic computed tomography scan showed the presence of suspicious paraaortic lymph nodes. The most voluminous one measured 16 × 23 mm2. A left orchidectomy was performed. The final pathology report revealed an 8 cm paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma of the embryonic type that displaced the testicle without invading it. Without going beyond it, it infiltrated the epididymis, the rete testis, and the albuginea. The surgical margin at the level of the spermatic cord was free. The patient had adjuvant chemotherapy (ifosfamide, vincristine, and dactinomycin). The patient had a challenging paraaortic lymph node dissection since the mass enlaced the left ureter and renal vessels. On histological examination, the paraaortic lymph nodes were metastatic.ConclusionRhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy with high metastatic potential. Therefore, only an accurate diagnosis and early treatment can ensure better survival. Surgery in expert hands seems to be a good option for progressive retroperitoneal nodes. However, further studies are needed to determine the place of surgery in this setting.

Malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the uterus

BackgroundPerivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the uterus is a rare type of mesenchymal tumors associated with myelomelanocytic differentiation and distinctive histological appearances. So far, the reported cases of uterine PEComas are usually benign. Documented malignant cases with aggressive behavior appear to be less common.Case presentationWe report a 37-year-old female who received abdominal hysterectomy for uterine tumor in a local hospital. She was diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma and referred to Hubei Cancer Hospital. Her histological slides were reviewed and immunohistochemical staining for specific markers of epithelial, melanocytic, myoid and some others were analyzed. The pathologic diagnosis was malignant uterine PEComa. Systematic imaging of the patient further revealed an abdominal para-aortic mass. She received pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection. Postoperative histology revealed para-aortic lymph nodal metastasis of malignant uterine PEComa. She received 8 cycles of chemotherapy after surgery. The chemotherapy regiment was epirubicin plus ifosfamide The patient is free of recurrence and metastasis 6 years after surgical resection.ConclusionUterine PEComas are indistinguishable from other uterine tumors such as leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma before pathologic diagnosis could be made. For patients with malignant uterine PEComas, removal of both primary lesions and metastatic foci, if any, needs to be attempted. Postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy should also be considered in patients with distant metastases or positive lymph nodes.

A phase II study of perioperative treatment in gastric cancer with No.16a2/b1 lymph node metastasis: DRAGON-06 trial.

Although gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis is commonly regarded as unresectable, surgeons have explored the optimal treatment for patients with PAN metastases limited to No.16a2/b1 in the past few decades. Preoperative systemic therapy combined with D2 gastrectomy plus PAN dissection may improve the prognosis of these patients. In this multicenter phase II trial, 29 gastric cancer patients with PAN metastasis limited to No.16a2/b1 will receive preoperative treatment with nab-paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, S-1 (nab-POS: nab-paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, S-1) and sintilimab followed by D2 gastrectomy plus PAN dissection; and postoperative treatment with oral S-1, intravenous sintilimab and intraperitoneal paclitaxel. The end points for the study are 3-year overall survival, 3-year disease-free survival, pathological response rate, incidence of postoperative complications and adverse events.

Lymph Node Metastases and Local Cancer Spread in Serous Endometrial Cancer and Endometrial Adenocarcinoma – A Retrospective Study

Abstract Serous endometrial carcinoma is characterized by its highly aggressive nature and represents about 10% of all endometrial carcinomas. It causes about 80% of deaths among women suffering from endometrial cancer. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency, lymphatic and local spread of serous endometrial cancer compared with endometrial adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in a period of 4 years (from 2015 to 2019). One hundred and twenty-three women aged between 39 and 84 years suffering from endometrial carcinoma in various stages according to FIGO from stage I to IV were included in the study. Diagnosis was established clinically and by imaging studies and was histologically proven in all women. We performed radical hysterectomy type B or C (2017 Update on the Querleu-Morrow Classification of Radical Hysterectomy) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PN) with or without paraaortic (PAR) lymph node dissection in all patients. Results: In 106 (86.2%) patients we found adenocarcinoma, in 9 (7.3%) of them – serous carcinoma, in 4 (3.3%) women – carcinosarcoma, in 4 (3.3%) women – clear cell carcinoma. The study compared the results only of 115 (100%) women with adenocarcinoma and serous carcinoma. In 17.8% of the patients with adenocarcinoma we found the presence of lymph node metastases, and in the group of patients with serous carcinoma we found lymph node metastases in 77.7% of them. There was a significant difference in the frequency of lymph node metastases according to the histological type EC (p &lt; 0.00001). In 22.6% of patients with adenocarcinoma there was a local cancer spread, while such a spread was found in 66.7% of patients with serous cancer. After statistical processing of the results, we found a significant difference in the frequency of local tissue spread depending on the histological type of EC. Conclusion: Patients with serous endometrial cancer have significant more frequent lymphatic metastases and local spread than those with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Preoperative chemotherapy combined with para-aortic lymph node dissection has clinical value in the treatment of gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastases

BackgroundLymph node metastases often occur in advanced gastric cancer, with some patients presenting with metastases in the para-aortic lymph nodes. There are persistent Controversies about the benefit of para-aortic lymph node dissection (PAND). Our purpose is to probe whether PAND following preoperative chemotherapy had any clinical significance in individuals with PALNs in gastric cancer.Material and methodsTo retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 86 gastric cancer patients (40 in the D2 + PAND group and 46 in the D2 group) who attended the abdominal surgery department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between September 1, 2008, and July 30, 2018.ResultsIn the D2 + PAND group (40 cases), the average number of lymph nodes cleared per case was 4.3 in group 16 (16a2, 16b1), and the postoperative pathology confirmed lymph node positivity in 16 cases, with a metastasis rate of 40%. The median overall survival times were 63 and 34 months for the patients in the D2 + PAND group and D2 group, respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) compared to the D2 group (D2 + PAND 69.1% vs. D2 50%, P = 0.012) and a statistically significant difference in 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (D2 + PAND 69.6% vs. D2 38.3%, P = 0.007). Lymph node dissection extent and recurrence of para-aortic lymph nodes were independent prognostic variables for the patients. The recurrence rate was reduced in the D2 + PAND group compared to the D2 group (D2 + PAND 7.5% vs. D2 26.1%, p = 0.023).ConclusionsFor patients with gastric cancer whose imaging suggests metastasis in the para-aortic lymph nodes, preoperative chemotherapy combined with PAND is an effective and safe treatment that may benefit patient survival.

Para-Aortic Lymph Node Dissection for Patients with Node-Negative Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective. The current guidelines for cervical cancer are uncertain regarding whether the para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) need to be removed. For patients with negative PALNs, whether the addition of PALN dissection (PALND) can be translated into survival benefits is unknown. Methods. The medical records of 3,995 patients with FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) who underwent abdominal radical surgery between 2006 and 2014 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were identified: PALN-negative patients who underwent PALND (+PALND) and those who did not (−PALND). The groups were matched by propensity score matching (PSM). Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. Subgroups were stratified by the variables known at the time of diagnosis. Results. After PSM, 313 patients were matched to the −PALND (cohort 1) and +PALND (cohort 2) groups. Cohort 2 patients had a poorer prognosis than cohort 1 patients in terms of overall survival (OS, P = 0.014 ), and PALND was an independent prognostic factor for OS ( P = 0.021 ). There were no differences in recurrence patterns between the groups. Subgroup analysis showed that cohort 2 patients had worse OS than cohort 1 patients when they were aged ≤47 years ( P = 0.033 ), were premenopausal ( P = 0.032 ), were in stage IB ( P = 0.009 ), or had preoperative SCC-Ag&lt;6.5 ( P = 0.009 ). Conclusions. PALND negatively impacts OS in early-stage PALN-negative CSCC patients. For CSCC patients who are clinically PALN-negative, especially those who are young, are premenopausal, have tumors confined to the cervix, and have relatively low SCC-Ag values, PALND may “rub salt on the wound.”

TRANS-Peritoneal PARA-Aortic Node Dissection Two Different Technique

<h3>Study Objective</h3> Trans-peritoneal para-aortic node dissection two different approach. <h3>Design</h3> Prospective analysis. <h3>Setting</h3> Patient underwent 3D laparoscopy, all procedure done by experienced and qualified team. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> CA Endometrium (> 50% invasion), CA cervix patients. <h3>Interventions</h3> Laparoscopic transperitoneal para-aortic lymph node dissection. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> all patient reviewed at monthly interval followed by 3 monthly interval with USG (A+P). PET scan done at 6 months did not reveal any recurrence. median follow up 18 months. all patients are diseased free. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Two different approaches for transperitoneal para-aortic dissection possible laparoscopically. since para-aortic dissection is part of pelvic dissection in radical hysterectomy so without changing position of patient and surgeon (surgeon standing on right side of patient) we can achieve complete nodal dissection.

Relationship between metastasis in the para-aortic lymph nodes of cervical cancer and pathological features

Objective: To investigate the incidence and the related risk factors of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. Methods: The pathological data of 727 patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection were retrospectively analyzed. The relative postoperative pathological parameters of para-aortic lymph node metastasis were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 727 patients with cervical cancer, 123(16.9%) had para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size, the depth of muscular invasion, the vessel invasion, the uterine body invasion, the vaginal invasion, the parametrial invasion, positive surgical margin, the ovary metastasis, the fallopian tubes metastasis, the pelvic lymph node metastasis, and the common iliac lymph node metastasis were associated with para-aortic lymph node metastasis. While the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the diameter of primary tumor >4.2 cm, the parametrial invasion, the pelvic lymph node metastasis, and the common iliac lymph node metastasis were the independent risk factors of para-aortic lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: The diameter of primary tumor >4.2 cm, the parametrial invasion, the pelvic lymph node metastasis, and the common iliac lymph node metastasis are the independent risk factors of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. The tumor size and the common iliac lymph node status should be fully evaluated before the initial operation. Additionally, assessment of the postoperative pelvic lymph node status and the parametrial status will help reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, providing a basis for individualized treatment and prognostic judgment.

A Randomized Phase III Trial of Debulking Macroscopic Lymph Nodes vs. Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for Stage ⅢCr (FIGO2018) of Cervical Cancer

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> In FIGO 2018, allowing assessment of retroperitoneal lymph nodes by imaging and/or pathological findings and, if deemed metastatic, the case is designated as stage IIIC (with r and p notations). External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with concurrent chemotherapy followed by brachytherapy is still the standard treatment for stage IIICr of cervical cancer. Patients with lymph node metastases have lower overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and survival after recurrence, especially those who have unresectable macroscopically positive lymph nodes. Retrospective analysis suggests that there may be a benefit to debulk macroscopic nodes that would be otherwise difficult to sterilize with standard doses of radiation therapy. No prospective study reported that resecting macroscopic lymph nodes before CCRT would improve PFS or OS of cervical cancer. The CQGOG0103 study is a national, prospective, multicenter and randomized clinical study evaluating lymph node dissection on stage IIICr (FIGO2018) of cervical cancer. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Eligible patients are histologically confirmed cervical squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, adeno-squamous cell carcinoma. Stage IIICr (confirmed by CT/MRI/PET/CT) and the short diameter of image-positive lymph node ≥15mm. 452 patients will be equally randomized to receive either CCRT (Pelvic EBRT/Extended-field EBRT + cisplatin (40mg/m2) or carboplatin (AUC=2) every week for 5 cycles + brachytherapy) or Open/minimally invasive pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection followed by CCRT. Randomization is stratified by status of para-aortic lymph node. The primary endpoint is PFS. Secondary endpoints are OS and surgical complications. The sample size calculation of 346 patients provides 80% power to detect a difference in survival at the two-sided 5% significance level using the log-rank test, considering a 20% reduction, a total of 452 patients are required. This study began in January 2021 and will be accrued within 4 years. Enrollment is ongoing. <h3>Results</h3> Enrollment is ongoing. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Enrollment is ongoing.

Development of a 4-miRNA prognostic signature for endometrial cancer.

To develop an effective uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) risk assessment tool to monitor treatment outcomes. Limma package was used to analyze differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) between UCEC tissues and normal tissues in the TCGA database. According to univariate Cox risk regression, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis were performed to screen prognostic miRNAs and construct a risk scoring model. The prognostic performance of signature was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier and receiver operating characteristic. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent prognostic factors of UCEC. Nomogram was constructed according to age, clinical stage, and risk score. A 4-miRNA signature based on miR-31-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-26a-1-3p and miR-4772-3p was established. Risk scores of each patient were calculated by the 4-miRNA signature. After z-score, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The overall survival of high-risk patients was significantly shorter than that of low-risk patients, pointing to the high performance and independence of the 4-miRNA signature in predicting UCEC prognosis. The nomogram showed a high accuracy in predicting overall survival of UCEC patients. We developed a 4-miRNA signature that could effectively predict the prognosis of UCEC.

The role of lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer patients (retrospective analysis).

Endometrial cancer in recent years has taken the lead among cancer processes of the female reproductive system. The feasibility of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with endometrial cancer has always been a controversial issue. The aim of the presented paper is to evaluate the feasibility of pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection in patients with endometrial cancer, depending on the stage of the disease, postoperative complications, and patient survival, depending on the volume of surgical intervention. The study involved 285 patients with stages of I-IV endometrioid endometrial cancer of the Pre-graduate Department of Oncogynecology of the National Cancer Institute. The average age of patients was 55 ± 5.7years. In 74.5%, the disease was detected at stage I and uterine extirpation was performed with/without appendages. The duration of the operation varies depending on the volume of intervention-from 1h 30min ± 10min for panhysterectomy, up to 3h 20min ± 10min when performing para-aortic lymph node dissection. The average number of lymph nodes removed was-7 ± 1.1 pelvic and 12 ± 1.5 para-aortic. The basic principles of surgical treatment consist in individual choice of the scope of surgical intervention, performing adequate lymph node dissection, and preventing relapse and metastasis of the disease.

Intraoperative Holographic Guidance Using Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality Technology During Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a mixed reality (MR)-based hologram for intraoperative navigation in colorectal surgery. Virtual reality (VR) and MR technologies can visualize overlapping three-dimensional (3D) hologram images and real space using the wearable HoloLens2 glasses. This study comprised 13 patients with colorectal cancer. Twelve participants had hologram images created from computed tomography (CT) between August and September 2021. One patient who underwent lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) after this period was included. A 3D hologram of the arteries, veins, and tumor was downloaded to HoloLens2 with the Holoeyes MD system and used during surgery. Hologram visibility, surgical outcome, and the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) were examined. A total of 2 ileocecal resections, 6 right hemicolectomies, 1 partial colectomy, 4 LLNDs, and 1 para-aortic lymph node dissection were performed safely while viewing the holograms. The mean operative duration was 421 [290-555] min, blood loss was 5 [5-15] ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was 10 [9-14] days. Regarding the TLX, the mental demand score was 30 [20-40], the physical demand score was 60 [50-67.5], the temporal demand score was 50 [40-62.5], the performance score was 15 [2.5-35], the effort score was 45 [35-62.5], the frustration score was 60 [50-65], and the weighted workload score was 34 [30.17-45.835]. Viewing a hologram in VR/MR can improve the understanding of the anatomy, which cannot be ascertained on a conventional two-dimensional monitor. Holographic guidance is a highly novel surgical concept that can potentially reduce the mental demand on surgeons.