Positive Surgical Margin Status Research Articles

Robot‐assisted or pure laparoscopic nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: What is the optimal procedure for the surgical margins? A single center experience

To compare positive surgical margin rates after robot-assisted and pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy when neurovascular bundles are preserved, and to identify parameters affecting surgical margin status. From March 2004 to January 2009, 279 consecutive prostatectomies with preservation of neurovascular bundles were carried out by the same surgeon: 175 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies and 104 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. An intraperitoneal Montsouris's technique was used for all cases. Patient's age, body mass index, prostate weight, prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, preoperative and postoperative Gleason score, percentage of positive biopsies, pathological stage, and positive surgical margin status were prospectively recorded in an institutional database. The two groups were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Positive surgical margin rates were 17% and 13% for the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group (P = 0.4), respectively. At multivariable analysis, only prostate-specific antigen level and prostate weight significantly affected the surgical margin status, where the type of procedure (robotic vs laparoscopic) did not have any effect. In our single-surgeon experience, prostate-specific antigen levels and prostate weight are predictive of positive surgical margin in patients undergoing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy, whereas there seems to be no difference between the robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy techniques.

Influence of Positive Surgical Margin Status After Radical Nephroureterectomy on Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Survival

The influence of a positive surgical margin (PSM) on survival outcome of post radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC) is unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine the significance of PSM on cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) post RNU. From a multicenter collaborative database, data on SM status, stage, grade, lymph node status, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumor location, follow-up, and survival was retrieved for 472 patients. Patients underwent open RNU with bladder cuff excision. Clinicopathological features were compared using χ(2) or Fisher exact test and unpaired t test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were calculated. Median follow-up was 27.5 months (12.1-49.3 months). PSM was identified in 44 patients (9.3%) and correlated with pT stage (p = 0.002), grade (p < 0.001), LVI (p < 0.001), and location (p < 0.001). Univariate analyses revealed that PSM was a poor prognostic factor for CSS, RFS, and MFS (p = 0.003, 0.04, and <0.001, respectively). The 5-yr CSS and MFS for PSM was 59.1 and 51.6%, respectively, compared with 83.3 and 79.3% for patients with negative SM. Multivariate analyses revealed that SM status was an independent predictor of MFS [hazard ratio 2.7; p = 0.001). PSM after RNU is an important prognostic factor for developing UUT-UC metastases. The status of the surgical margin should be systematically reported on the pathological report and may be a useful variable to include in nomogram risk prediction tools.

Biochemical Recurrence After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in a European Single-centre Cohort with a Minimum Follow-up Time of 5 Years

BackgroundRobot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is an increasingly commonly used surgical treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa); however, its longer-term oncologic results remain uncertain. ObjectiveTo report biochemical recurrence–free survival (BRFS) outcomes for men who underwent RARP ≥5 yr ago at a single European centre. Design, setting, and participantsA total of 944 patients underwent RARP as monotherapy for PCa from January 2002 to December 2006 at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Standard clinicopathologic variables were recorded and entered into a secure, ethics-approved database made up of those men with registered domiciles in Stockholm. The median follow-up time was 6.3 yr (interquartile range: 5.6–7.2). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe outcome of this study was biochemical recurrence (BCR), defined as a confirmed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of ≥0.2 ng/ml. Kaplan-Meier survival plots with log-rank tests, as well as Cox univariable and multivariable regression analyses, were used to determine BRFS estimates and determine predictors of PSA relapse, respectively. Results and limitationsThe BRFS for the entire cohort at median follow-up was 84.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.2–87.1); estimates at 5, 7, and 9 yr were 87.1% (95% CI, 84.8–89.2), 84.5% (95% CI, 81.8–86.8), and 82.6% (95% CI, 79.0–85.6), respectively. Nine and 19 patients died of PCa and other causes, respectively, giving end–of–follow-up Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of 98.0% (95% CI, 95.5–99.1) and 94.1% (95% CI, 90.4–96.4), respectively. Preoperative PSA >10, postoperative Gleason sum ≥4 + 3, pathologic T3 disease, positive surgical margin status, and lower surgeon volume were associated with increased risk of BCR on multivariable analysis. This study is limited by a lack of nodal status and tumour volume, which may have confounded our findings. ConclusionsThis case series from a single, high-volume, European centre demonstrates that RARP has satisfactory medium-term BRFS. Further follow-up is necessary to determine how this finding will translate into cancer-specific and overall survival outcomes.

Multicenter validation of the prognostic value of patient age in patients treated with radical cystectomy

Small studies have suggested that older patients have worse outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). We evaluated the association of patient age with clinical outcomes in a large multi-institutional RC series. Data were collected from 4,429 patients treated with RC and lymphadenectomy for UCB without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Age at RC was analyzed both as a continuous and categorical variable. Higher age at RC, analyzed as a continuous or categorical variable, was associated with advanced pathologic stage (P < 0.001), higher tumor grade (P = 0.045), presence of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.018), and positive soft-tissue surgical margin status (P = 0.004). Elderly patients were less likely to receive postoperative chemotherapy (P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, higher age was associated with disease recurrence, cancer-specific, and overall mortality (P < 0.001). Patients ≥ 80 years had a significantly greater risk of cancer-specific mortality than patients <50 years (HR 1.763, P < 0.001). Age minimally improved the accuracy of a base model that included standard pathologic features for prediction of disease recurrence (+0.2-0.3%) and cancer-specific survival (+0.3%). Conversely, age improved the predictive accuracy for overall survival by a sizeable margin (+4.2-4.5%). This large external validation study confirms that advanced patient age is minimally but significantly associated with worse prognosis after RC. Nevertheless, a large proportion of elderly patients benefitted from RC with curative intent. We need to improve our understanding of the reasons for the worse UCB outcomes in this growing segment of the population and to develop strategies to improve cancer care in the elderly.

UK radical prostatectomy outcomes and surgeon case volume: based on an analysis of the British Association of Urological Surgeons Complex Operations Database

To undertake a detailed analysis of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Section of Oncology Complex Operations Database to report UK outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) with particular reference to the case volume of the operating surgeon. All RP entries on the BAUS complex operations database were extracted from its commencement in January 2004 to September 2009. Patient age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, clinical tumour stage and biopsy Gleason score were analyzed together with operative variables, including the surgical approach, lymphadenectomy status, blood loss, hospital length of stay and individual surgeon case volume. The postoperative variables assessed included surgical specimen Gleason score and pathological tumour stage, prostate weight and the presence of positive surgical margins (PSM), as well as evidence of biochemical recurrence. A total of 8032 RP cases were entered on the database and Follow-up data was available on 4206 cases. Mean patient age was 61.8 years and the mean presenting PSA was 8.3 ng/mL. Open RP procedures were performed on 5429 patients and laparoscopic RP on 2219. The positive surgical margin (PSM) rate for the entire series was 38%. Analysis of PSM by pathological stage revealed a pT2 PSM rate of 24%. Multivariate analysis of variables which might affect PSM revealed pre-operative clinical TNM stage, surgeon case volume, RP specimen Gleason score and pathological TNM stage were significant parameters (P < 0.01). When prostate weight and PSM status were analysed, these was a significant association between smaller prostate weight and PSM status. Interestingly, 45% of high grade Gleason 8-10 needle biopsy cancers were downgraded to Gleason scores 7 or less on RP analysis. Analysis of annual surgeon caseload revealed that 54% of surgeons performed an average of less than 10 procedures per annum and 6% of surgeons performed an average of 30 or more procedures per annum. When individual outcome variables where examined against surgeon case activity it was demonstrated that outcomes are clearly improved beyond 20 cases and there is a trend to continued improvement up to the series maximum of 40 cases per annum. High volume surgeons have less peri-operative and postoperative complications and better surgical and disease-free outcomes than low volume surgeons. In the UK, raising the current minimum Improving Outcomes Guidance threshold from five RP cases per surgeon per annum to no less than 20 (and ideally to 35 or more cases per annum) could potentially improve overall outcomes.

Surgical margin status among men with organ-confined (pT2) prostate cancer: a population-based study

: Following prostate cancer surgery, positive surgical margin (PSM) status varies among institutions and there is evidence that high-volume surgeons and centres obtain better oncological results. However, larger studies recording PSM for radical prostatectomy (RP) are from large "centres of excellence" and not population-based. Cancer Care Ontario undertook an audit of pathology reports to determine the province-wide PSM rate for pathological stage T2 (pT2) disease prostate cancer and to assess the overall and regional-based PSM rates based on surgical volume to understand gaps in quality of care prior to undertaking quality improvement initiatives. : Data were extracted as part of the Pathology Project Audit data output (2005, 2006). Pathology reports were submitted to Cancer Care Ontario by Ontario hospitals electronically via the Pathology Information Management System. An experienced cancer pathology coder extracted the PSM data from eligible RP cancer specimen pathology reports. Only reports that provided a pathological stage were included in the analysis. Biopsy and transurethral resection of the prostate reports were excluded. A convenience sample of 1346 reports from 2006 and 728 from 2005 were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to assess volume-margin associations. : The median province-wide surgical PSM rate for pT2 disease was 33%, ranging 0-100% among 43 hospitals where RP volumes ranged 12-625. There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between volume and PSM by logistic regression with variable odds ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) for PSM by quartile (1(st) = 1.66 [0.93-2.96]; 2(nd) = 0.97 [0.58-1.62]; 3(rd) = 1.44[0.91-2.29]) compared to the highest volume last quartile. Mean PSM rates between community and teaching hospitals were not significantly different. : The province-wide PSM rate for pT2 disease prostate cancer undergoing RP is higher than those published from "centres of excellence." Results from larger volume centres were not statistically significantly better, which contradicts previously published data. Factors, such as individual surgeon, patient selection, pathological processing and interpretation, may explain the differences.

1786 TIME TO ONCOLOGIC PROFICIENCY IN ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: SUCCESSFULLY REDUCING THE LEARNING CURVE IN A MULTI-SURGEON PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In the last 5 years Robotic–assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALP) has rapidly become the primary form of surgical treatment for radical prostatectomy (RP). Multiple studies have documented a significant learning curve for RALP, even for experienced open or laparoscopic surgeons. Our objective was to develop a multi-surgeon robotic surgery program that would allow all surgeons learning RALP to achieve proficiency (as measured by surgical margin status), without compromising “cancer control” during the learning curve. METHODS: The robotic surgery program for Southern California Kaiser Permanente started August, 2008. The program began with 10 surgeons, all with prior experience in laparoscopic RP ( 50 cases). In addition, three of the surgeons had completed an accredited fellowship in robotic surgery, and had prior experience in performing RALP. These surgeons served as preceptors for the other surgeons. Surgery was undertaken in a step-wise fashion, with all surgeons completing 10 cases with the preceptor. Subsequently, each RALP that was performed was done so with one of the original 10 surgeons serving as primary assistant. Since the inception of the program, 8 additional surgeons have been trained. We prospectively collected pathologic data, using margin status as a surrogate endpoint for cancer control. RESULTS: As of October, 2010, 1232 RALPs have been performed. Mean patient age is 59.3. Mean pre-operative PSA level is 7.2 (0.6–41). Mean Gleason’s score was 6.3 (5–10). All prostate specimens were reviewed by the same 3 pathologists at one institution. 962 (78%) patients were pathologic stage pT2 and 270 (22%) of patients were pT3. The mean number of cases performed per surgeon is 79 (4–147). Surgical margin status was evaluated for the first 1200 cases by quartile (1st 300 cases, 2nd 300, 3rd 300 and 4th 300) and is as follows: For pT2: 24%, 14%, 13% and 11%; for pT3: 51%, 43, 21 and 25%, respectively per quartile. Total Major complication rate (Clavien grade 3 and 4): 1.3%. CONCLUSIONS: While it is premature for us to use biochemical recurrence to evaluate surgical proficiency, surgical margin status remains a primary surrogate endpoint to assess surgical technique and to provide feedback to surgeons along the “learning curve.” We have demonstrated that an acceptable positive surgical margin status for RALP, as well as a low complication rate, can be achieved within a relatively short period of time, using a standardized preceptorship program. We are currently using this same format to train surgeons for additional robotic procedures.

Nomograms to predict 3-year biochemical recurrence after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy based on preoperative and perioperative variables of 774 patients.

115 Background: Predictors of biochemical recurrence after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) are not well reported in the literature. We wanted to investigate preoperative predictors as well as the influence of nerve sparing and positive surgical margin status on 3-year biochemical recurrence. Methods: 774 patients with at least 3 year follow up had undergone RALP by a single surgeon at our institution. Biochemcial recurrence was defined as a postoperative PSA &gt;0.2 ng/ml. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to develop the biochemical recurrence predictive nomograms: nomogram 1- age, BMI, PSA density, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason, percent positive cores, perineural invasion; nomogram 2- age, BMI, PSA density, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason, percent positive cores, perineural invasion, nerve sparing, positive surgical margins (none, unifocal, or multifocal). The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. Results: Both nomograms discriminated well between patients that recurred and those that did not (bootstrap corrected c-indices of 0.766 and 0.806 for nomograms 1 and 2 respectively). Nomogram 1 was well calibrated, but nomogram 2 over- predicted the probability of biochemical recurrence in patients at &gt;30% risk. Conclusions: Our nomogram based on age, BMI, PSA density, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason, percent positive cores, and perineural invasion on preoperative biopsy has a good predictive ability to differentiate between RALP-treated patients that biochemically recur by 3 years from those that do not. Adding nerve sparing and surgical margin status further improved discriminatory ability but at the expense of over-prediction for patients at high risk. These nomograms may be used to guide the use of nerve sparing and the management of positive margins in men undergoing RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Outcomes After Right-Side Heart Sarcoma Resection

In patients with primary cardiac sarcoma, the tumor's location is more important than cell type in determining patient presentation, therapy options, and outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the outcomes after right-side heart sarcoma resection. Clinicopathologic data from patients who underwent right-side heart sarcoma resection at our institution and patients identified in a literature search were examined. Morbidity and the 30-day mortality rate and survival were determined. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to identify independent predictors of overall survival. We identified 57 patients who underwent right-side heart sarcoma resection. Right-side heart failure was the most common complication (4 patients, 19%), and the 30-day mortality was 14% (3 patients). The overall 5-year survival rate was 17%, and the median overall survival duration was 9 months. Multivariate analyses revealed that surgical margin status was the only independent predictor of survival. Patients with negative surgical margins had a longer median overall survival duration (27 months versus 4 months) and a significantly higher overall 5-year survival rate (36% versus 0%; p = 0.0003) than patients with positive surgical margins. The patients with right-side heart sarcoma resection had worse survival after resection than that reported for our patients who underwent resection for left-side heart sarcoma or pulmonary artery sarcoma. Because positive surgical margin status is an independent predictor of reduced survival, induction chemotherapy should considered to enhance resectability in right-side heart sarcoma patients, thus maximizing the possibility of obtaining negative surgical margins.

Prognostic relevance of number and bilaterality of positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy

PurposePositive surgical margin (PSM) status following radical prostatectomy (RP) is a well-established prognostic factor. The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether number of PSMs or bilaterality of PSMs might have prognostic significance for biochemical recurrence (BCR) in the population with a PSM status following RP.MethodsWe evaluated 1,395 RP pathology reports from our center between 1980 and 2006. All patients who underwent (neo)-adjuvant therapy were excluded, leaving a cohort of 1,009 patients, with 249 (24.7%) subjects having a PSM at RP of whom 29.4% had multiple PSMs (≥ 2 sites), while 13.6% had bilateral PSMs. Median follow-up was 40 months (range 0–258 months). We used BCR-free survival as the primary study outcome. BCR was defined as any rise in PSA above or equal to 0.2 ng/ml.ResultsOf patients with a PSM status, 41% (95% CI: 33–49%) developed BCR within 5 years, compared to 12% (95% CI: 9–15%) in the population without a PSM. Multivariable analysis identified PSA at diagnosis and RP Gleason score as independent predictive factors for BCR. Increasing number and/or bilaterality of PSM did not lead to significant higher rates of BCR.ConclusionIn patients with a PSM, the number of positive sites or bilaterality of PSM status does not add prognostic information for risk of BCR. Survival curve slopes were different for patients with bilateral PSM, showing a significant tendency to progress to BCR earlier during follow-up than patients with unilateral PSM.

Strong expression of CD133 is associated with increased cholangiocarcinoma progression

To determine the role of CD133 in cholangiocarcinoma progression. CD133 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 34 cholangiocarcinoma specimens. In addition, proliferation, chemoresistance and invasive properties of CD133-enriched (CD133(+)) and CD133-depleted (CD133(-)) RMCCA1 cholangiocarcinoma cells were studied and compared. Strong CD133 expression was observed in 67.6% (23/34) of the cholangiocarcinoma specimens. Strong expression of CD133 was significantly associated with nodal metastasis (P = 0.009) and positive surgical margin status (P = 0.011). In the in vitro study, both the CD133(+) and CD133(-) cells had similar proliferation abilities and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the CD133(+) cells had a higher invasive ability compared with CD133(-) cells. CD133+ cells play an important role in the invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma. Targeting of the CD133+ cells may be a useful approach to improve treatment against cholangiocarcinoma.

The Role of Preoperative Endo-rectal Coil Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Surgical Difficulty for Robotic Prostatectomy

To determine whether pelvimetry on endo-rectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI) predicts surgical difficulty of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Patients' records with preoperative eMRI in our RALP database from April 2008 thru May 2009 were reviewed. Demographic, preoperative clinical data, and eMRI anatomic measurements, including calculated prostate volume (PV) and the pelvic cavity index (PCI), were recorded. PCI is the pelvic inlet multiplied by the interspinous distance and divided by the pelvic depth; PCI estimates the robotic working space. Correlative and multiple regression analyses of clinical and pelvimetric data were performed for prediction of estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time (OT), positive surgical margin (PSM), and transfusion rate as surrogates of surgical difficulty. Prostatic transverse diameter, PV, and the PV-to-PCI ratio were significantly correlated with both OT and EBL (P < .05). Body mass index also correlated with EBL (P < .05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the PV-to-PCI ratio significantly predicts OT and EBL. No factor significantly predicted PSM status or transfusion rate on regression analysis. Analysis within the PSM group revealed that those with an apical PSM had statistically narrower and deeper pelvises. Patients with larger prostates and with narrow, deep pelvises are predicted to have a more difficult RALP. The PV-to-PCI ratio statistically predicts lengthier and bloodier procedures. However, that ratio does not predict PSM or transfusion risk on regression analysis. The eMRI predicts the level of surgical difficulty and is a valuable adjunctive study to obtain before RALP.

“Learning Curve” May Not Be Enough: Assessing the Oncological Experience Curve for Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

The use of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is widespread in the community. A definitive RALP "learning curve" has not been defined and existing learning curves do not account for urologists without prior advanced laparoscopic skills. Therefore, an easily evaluable metric, the "oncological experience curve," would be clinically useful to all urologists performing RALP. Positive surgical margin (PSM) status for all subjects undergoing RALP during the first 4 years of a single surgeon's experience was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses and logistic regression identified predictors of PSM creation and their correlation with surgeon case volume. The oncological experience curve was defined as the case point at which only pT2 stage, not surgeon volume (and thus surgeon inexperience), predicted PSM in the logistic regression. A total of 469 consecutive subjects comprised our cohort. Overall pT2 and pT3 PSM rates were 20% and 40%, respectively. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen, pathologic stage, and year of surgery were associated with PSM occurrence. Pathologic stage exclusively correlated to PSM in pT2 specimens for the first time during the fourth year, after 290 subjects had been treated. pT2 PSM rate before and after Case 290 was 25% and 10%, respectively (p < 0.001). The oncological experience curve is a clinically meaningful measure to evaluate the RALP learning curve for non-fellowship-trained urologists. The oncological experience curve may be much longer than the previously reported learning curves. Surgeons should consider whether they can build enough experience to minimize suboptimal oncological outcomes before embarking on or continuing a RALP program.

Predictive Factors for Ipsilateral Recurrence After Nephron-sparing Surgery in Renal Cell Carcinoma

BackgroundIpsilateral recurrence after nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is rare, and little is known about its specific determinants. ObjectiveTo determine clinical or pathologic features associated with ipsilateral recurrence after NSS performed for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Design, setting, and participantsWe analysed 809 NSS procedures performed at eight academic institutions for sporadic RCCs retrospectively. MeasurementsAge, gender, indication, tumour bilaterality, tumour size, tumour location, TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, histologic subtype, and presence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) were assessed as predictors for recurrence in univariate and multivariate analysis by using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results and limitationsAmong 809 NSS procedures with a median follow-up of 27 (1–252) mo, 26 ipsilateral recurrences (3.2%) occurred at a median time of 27 (14.5–38.2) mo. In univariate analysis, the following variables were significantly associated with recurrence: pT3a stage (p=0.0489), imperative indication (p<0.01), tumour bilaterality (p<0.01), tumour size >4cm (p<0.01), Fuhrman grade III or IV (p=0.0185), and PSM (p<0.01). In multivariate analysis, tumour bilaterality, tumour size >4cm, and presence of PSM remained independent predictive factors for RCC ipsilateral recurrence. Hazard ratios (HR) were 6.31, 4.57, and 11.5 for tumour bilaterality, tumour size >4cm, and PSM status, respectively. The main limitations of this study included its retrospective nature and a short follow-up. ConclusionsRCC ipsilateral recurrence risk after NSS is significantly associated with tumour size >4cm, tumour bilaterality (synchronous or asynchronous), and PSM. Careful follow-up should be advised in patients presenting with such characteristics.

Are prostate needle biopsies predictive of the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins?

To determine whether data obtained from preoperative prostate needle biopsy can predict the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins on final-specimen pathology after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Data from 490 patients undergoing LRP by one surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, intraoperative data and pathological results were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine which factors before and during LRP influenced the positive surgical margin status. There was only minor agreement between the laterality of positive needle biopsies and laterality of any cancer and significant cancer on final-specimen pathology (kappa = 0.135 and 0.151, respectively). This was irrespective of the number of needle cores obtained or final-specimen Gleason grade. Similarly, the laterality of dominant cancer on needle biopsy had only a minor agreement with the location of positive surgical margins (kappa = 0.050) and fair agreement with the location of extracapsular extension on final-specimen pathology (kappa = 0.235). Preoperative needle biopsy data have only a minor correlation with the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins at final pathology of LRP specimens. Recognition of this fact, and the frequent bilaterality of significant cancer, with its potential for contralateral positive surgical margins even when the biopsies are positive only unilaterally, is an important consideration when planning nerve-sparing, and potentially for focal therapy.

Clinical Impact of Positive Surgical Margin Status on Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Gastrectomy

The clinical impact of positive surgical margin on the overall survival and recurrence pattern for gastric cancer (GC) patients undergoing intension curative resection has not yet been well investigated. The clinical features of 1,565 patients with histologically proven GC who underwent intension curative resection from 1994 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 129 (8.2%) had positive microscopic resection margin. The clinicopathological features and the outcome of 1,436 GC patients undergoing gastrectomy with negative resection margin were used for comparison. GC patients who underwent gastrectomy with higher T, N stage, and tumor size larger than 5 cm tended to have positive resection margin when compared with those with negative margin. Median follow-up duration for the 1,565 GC patients who underwent intension curative resection was 28.6 months. The overall survival (OS) rate significantly decreased when the patients had positive resection margin, irrespective of different stages. When GC patients underwent gastrectomy with positive resection margin, positive nodal metastasis determined the worst OS. Distant metastasis was the most common site of recurrence, followed by peritoneal and locoregional recurrence. Aggressive tumor biology might be the main factor contributing to positive microscopic resection margin after gastrectomy. Positive resection margin had a definite unfavorable impact on the OS of gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy. When GC patients underwent gastrectomy with positive resection margin, positive nodal metastasis determined the worst OS, and distant metastasis was the most common site of recurrence.

Positive Surgical Margin Appears to Have Negligible Impact on Survival of Renal Cell Carcinomas Treated by Nephron-Sparing Surgery

BackgroundThe occurrence of positive surgical margins (PSMs) after partial nephrectomy (PN) is rare, and little is known about their natural history. ObjectiveTo identify predictive factors of cancer recurrence and related death in patients having a PSM following PN. Design, setting, and participantsSome 111 patients with a PSM were identified from a multicentre retrospective survey and were compared with 664 negative surgical margin (NSM) patients. A second cohort of NSM patients was created by matching NSM to PSM for indication, tumour size, and tumour grade. MeasurementsPSM and NSM patients were compared using student t tests and chi-square tests on independent samples. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to test the independent effects of clinical and pathologic variables on survival. Results and limitationsMean age at diagnosis was 61±12.5 yr. Mean tumour size was 3.5±2cm. Imperative indications accounted for 39% (43 of 111) of the cases. Some 18 patients (16%) underwent a second surgery (partial or total nephrectomy). With a mean follow-up of 37 mo, 11 patients (10%) had recurrences and 12 patients (11%) died, including 6 patients (5.4%) who died of cancer progression. Some 91% (10 of 11) of the patients who had recurrences and 83% of the patients (10 of 12) who died belonged to the group with imperative surgical indications. Rates of recurrence-free survival, of cancer-specific survival, and of overall survival were the same among NSM patients and PSM patients. The multivariable Cox model showed that the two variables that could predict recurrence were the indication (p=0.017) and tumour location (p=0.02). No other variable, including PSM status, had any effect on recurrence. None of the studied parameters had any effect on the rate of cancer-specific survival. ConclusionsPSM status occurs more frequently in cases in which surgery is imperative and is associated with an increased risk of recurrence, but PSM status does not appear to influence cancer-specific survival. Additional follow-up is needed.

Impact of radical prostatectomy positive surgical margins on fear of cancer recurrence: Results from CaPSURE™

Purpose Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a significant source of distress in men with prostate cancer and could affect clinical decision-making, especially in those with positive margins following radical prostatectomy (RP). We examined the influence of positive surgical margin status on fear of cancer recurrence in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. Methods Five hundred eight-four men underwent RP from 1999 to 2002 in CaPSURE™, a prospective, longitudinal, national cohort. All men had both baseline and follow-up assessment of FCR using a validated Kornblith scale. Statistical analysis included χ 2 test, Wald test, and linear as well as repeated measures ANOVA mixed model. Results One hundred sixty (27%) men had positive surgical margins. Baseline FCR and clinical variables did not differ based on margin status. Men with positive margins experienced greater FCR after RP than negative margins (OR, 1.94, 95% CI, 1.22–3.07). Men who had received adjuvant therapy experienced greater FCR (OR, 2.78, 95% CI, 1.21–6.39). Repeated measures analysis showed greater FCR over time (14-month mean follow-up, range 2–31 months) for positive vs. negative margins ( P = 0.02). This difference in fear widened over time. There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life scores based on margin status. Conclusion Positive surgical margin status is associated with greater fear of cancer recurrence, a difference not alleviated by adjuvant therapy use. Men with positive margins remain more fearful over the course of several years compared with those with negative margins. Clinicians should be aware of the potential stressful impact of positive surgical margins.

Pre-operative CA 19-9 > 90 is Associated with Worse Overall Survival and Marginal Resection Status in Resectable, Invasive Pancreatic Carcinoma

Pre-operative CA 19-9 > 90 is Associated with Worse Overall Survival and Marginal Resection Status in Resectable, Invasive Pancreatic Carcinoma

Surgical Margin Status and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Surgery is the best treatment for primary GIST and may be curative, but resection extension/completeness impact on the prognosis remains controversial. The authors aim was to evaluate the clinicopathological (CP) parameters and surgical margins status influence on GIST patients' outcome. The study evaluated 113 consecutive patients with sporadic GIST; the influence of CP parameters on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) was determined by univariate analysis (UA) and multivariate analysis (MA). Of 104 cases, macroscopically complete resection was achieved in 96: R0 surgical margin status in 78 and R1 in 18. Recurrence rates (12.5%) were significantly lower in R0 (9.0%) than in R1 (27.8%). Tumor > 10 cm, mitotic count > 5/50 high power field (HPF), and high-risk GIST predicted poor RFS and DSS (UA). Disease-specific survival was significantly shorter after macroscopic incomplete (R2) resection, for mixed cellular morphology, and in tumors with necrosis (UA). High-risk GIST (p = 0.016) and R2 resection (p = 0.013) predicted poor DSS of patients (MA). High risk and positive macroscopic surgical margin status are parameters associated with poor disease-specific survival in GIST patients.