Resection Rate Research Articles

A Decade of Insights: Reevaluating the Use of the Flexible-Fiber CO2 Laser in Brain Tumor Surgery-Efficacy, Challenges, and Lessons Learned.

The introduction of flexible fiber technology in the early 2000s revitalized the interest in the CO2 laser for neurosurgical applications, making it suitable for microsurgical procedures. Despite its widespread use, specific indications for the CO2 laser in neurosurgery remains undefined. This study evaluates the efficacy and limitations of the CO2 laser in brain tumor surgery. This retrospective observational single-center study analyzed the use of the CO2 laser in intracranial neoplasm surgeries from 2011 to 2021. A total of 94 patients were assessed, focusing on demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical duration, complications, and laser-specific issues. We used a five-tiered scoring system to assess laser effectiveness in both debulking and dissection tasks; with resection extent assessed following established guidelines. The CO2 laser was highly effective in debulking solid tumors, achieving a 76.5% gross total resection rate, while being less effective in softer, highly vascularized tumors. The average effectiveness scores for dissection (2.6±0.8) were significantly lower than for debulking (3.2±1.2). Two major complications were directly associated with laser use. Effectiveness improved over time, particularly in the latter half of the study, and varied across tumor types, with notable utility in meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas but lower scores in glial tumors. The CO2 laser is a valuable tool in neurosurgery, especially for solid tumors in specific anatomical locations. Careful patient selection is crucial, and the laser complements rather than replaces conventional surgical tools. Ongoing technological advancements suggest broader future applications in neurosurgery.

Comparison of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection and hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection for small colorectal polyps: a randomized controlled trial

Incomplete resection rates vary among endoscopists performing cold snare polypectomy. Cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection (CS-EMR) is the technique of cold resection after submucosal injection to reduce incomplete resection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CS-EMR for small colorectal polyps compared to hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection (HS-EMR). Preplanned sample size required 70 polyps to CS-EMR group or HS-EMR group, respectively. Patients with polyps sized 6–9 mm were randomly allocated to either the CS-EMR or the HS-EMR group. The primary outcome was residual or recurrent adenoma (RAA) rate. A total of 70 and 68 polyps were resected using CS-EMR and HS-EMR, respectively. In the intention-to-treat population, the RAA rate was 0% in the CS-EMR group and 1.5% in the HS-EMR group (risk difference [RD], − 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 4.34 to 1.39). En bloc resection rate was 98.6% and 98.5% (RD, − 0.04; 95% CI − 4.12 to 4.02); the R0 resection rate was 55.7% and 82.4% (RD, − 27.80; 95% CI − 42.50 to − 13.10). The total procedure time was 172 s (IQR, 158–189) in the CS-EMR group and 186 s (IQR, 147–216) in the HS-EMR group (median difference, − 14; 95% CI − 32 to 2). Delayed bleeding was 2.9% vs 1.5% (RD, 1.37; 95% CI − 3.47 to 6.21) in both groups, respectively. CS-EMR was non-inferior to HS-EMR for the treatment of small colorectal polyps. CS-EMR can be considered one of the standard methods for the removal of colorectal polyps sized 6–9 mm.

Outcome of Minimally Invasive and Open Pancreatoduodenectomy in Patients with Intestinal- and Pancreatobiliary Subtype Ampullary Cancer: An International Multicenter Cohort Study.

To compare minimally invasive and open pancreatoduodenectomy in different subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma. Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) is widely seen as the best indication for minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) due to the lack of vascular involvement and dilated bile and pancreatic duct. However, it is unknown whether outcomes of MIPD for AAC differ between the pancreatobiliary (AAC-PB) and intestinal (AAC-IT) subtypes as large studies are lacking. This is an international cohort study, encompassing 27 centers from 12 countries. Outcome of MIPD and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) were compared in patients with AAC-IT and AAC-PB. Primary end points were R1 rate, lymph node yield, and 5-year overall survival (5yOS). Overall, 1187 patients after MIPD for AAC were included, of whom 572 with AAC-IT (62 MIPD, 510 OPD) and 615 with AAC-PB (41 MIPD and 574 OPD). The rate of R1 resection was not significantly different between MIPD and OPD for both AAC-IT (3.4% vs 6.9%, P=0,425) and AAC-PB (9.8% vs 14.9%, P=0,625). AAC-IT, more lymph nodes were resected with MIPD group (19 vs 16, P=0.007), compared to OPD. The 5y-OS did not differ after MIPD and OPD for both AAC-IT (56.8% vs 59.5%, P=0.827 and AAC-PB (52.5% vs 44.4%, P=0.357). The rates of surgical complication between MIPD and OPD did not differ between AmpIT and AmpPB. This international multicenter study found no differences in outcomes between MIPD and OPD for AAC-IT and AAC-PB. MIPD and OPD demonstrated comparable outcomes in oncological resection, survival and surgical outcomes for both subtypes of AAC.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal adenocarcinoma in the Eastern population: a comprehensive analysis

BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a preferred method for early esophageal cancer, yet its application to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), especially in the Eastern population with its relative rarity, lacks sufficient literature. This study evaluated ESD’s long-term outcomes for EAC, focusing on noncurative resections and diagnostic accuracy. MethodsBetween 2012 and 2022, a retrospective study included 68 patients undergoing ESD for early EAC at Jiangsu Province Hospital. Primary outcomes encompassed ESD efficacy, en bloc resection, R0 resection, curative resection rates, and follow-up. Secondary outcomes involved noncurative ESD, T1a/T1b stage comparison, and diagnostic consistency. ResultsPostoperative staging revealed T1a (n = 53) and T1b tumors (n = 15). En bloc resection rate was 97.1%, R0 resection rate was 79.4%, and noncurative rate was 30.9%. T1a had significantly higher R0 rate and curative resection rate. Among noncurative ESDs, 33.3% underwent esophagectomy, 42.9% had surveillance endoscopies, 19.1% repeated curative ESD, and 4.7% were lost to follow-up. Average follow-up was 63.76 ± 28.47 months. Furthermore, 6 patients had recurrence, 3 had residual lesions, and 6 deaths occurred, unrelated to ESD. No significant difference in survival or recurrence rates between curative and noncurative ESD groups was observed. ESD led to a histologic diagnosis change in 70.6% of cases, all upstaged. ConclusionESD is effective for EAC, with higher curative rates for T1a than T1b. Noncurative ESD cases may benefit from conservative approaches. Long-term follow-up underscores poor consistency between residual lesions and positive margins. ESD serves as a valuable diagnostic staging tool, particularly for T1b cases, considering the low accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound and preoperative biopsy.

803. 2-YEAR RESULTS IN ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract Background Esophagogastric junction (EGJ), also known as cardia, tumors have unique characteristics with a widespread of lymph node (LN) metastatic patterns influenced by the extent of esophageal involvement. Besides, there is no worldwide consensus about its classification and the optimal lymphadenectomy and surgical resection extend. Recently, mapping the distribution of LN metastasis in these patients could provide some insights about the extent that should be the target. Furthermore, the balance between resection extension and the procedure safety is also difficult to achieve. This work aims to review the last 2 years of EGJ tumor treatment in a single oncological center. Methods We present a retrospective, single center study that included all the patients with EGJ cancer undergone surgical resection between 2022 and 2023. These tumors were classified using our modified Siewert (mSiewert) classification based on mapping endoscopy with measures of the full extension and not only the tumor’s epicenter. Patient demographics, tumor characterization, neoadjuvant treatment, surgical procedure and postoperative results were assessed, alongside with pathological and oncological metrics as recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results We included 64 cardia cancer patients who underwent a curative treatment strategy, with a median age of 68 years, mostly men (87.5%), with a median BMI of 25 kg/m2. 68.2% were classified as ECOG-PS 0 however 62.5% were classified as ASA III-IV. Most tumors were moderately (39.2%) or poorly (31.4%) differentiated adenocarcinomas. Majority were locally advanced (cT3, 78.1%) and in stage III (85.9%). Regarding tumor location, 49.2% were classified as mSiewert I-II (49.2%), followed by I-II-III (18%) and II-III (18%). 36.1% had esophageal involvement ≥4cm, 87.5% received neoadjuvant treatment split between the CROSS and FLOT protocols. Our resection rate was 85.9%. We mostly performed Mckeown esophagectomy (49.1%) and transhiatal esophagectomy (18.2%). We had a 12.7% admission rate to the intensive care unit and a 27.3% major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b). Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 16.4% of cases, with hospital mortality rate of 3.6%. The median hospital stay was 6 days, with a 16.4% readmission rate. Pathological staging revealed that 47.3% were stage III, with a median lymph node yield of 28 and a 98.2% R0 resection rate. Most patients received adjuvant treatment, primarily FLOT protocol or Nivolumab, in 38.2% and 29.1%, respectively. The recurrence rate was 28%, with a median time to recurrence of 26 weeks, mainly occurring as distant metastasis pattern (64.3%). One-year overall survival (OS) was 88.7%, and one-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 66.4%, with a median follow-up time of 48 weeks and only a 3.6% loss to follow-up rate. Conclusion This study highlights the unit’s adaptation of EGJ tumor treatment to new insights, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive classification and multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to enhance patient outcomes.

Surgical and survival outcomes of cytoreductive surgery alone or with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in high peritoneal cancer index

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the early surgical and long-term survival outcomes of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) alone and CRS plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) in patients with peritoneal metastases (PM). Material and Methods: CRS alone or CRS plus IPC was performed on 122 patients for various intraabdominal PMs. Patients were divided into two groups as PCI ≤19 and PCI >19 to compare early surgical outcomes. Results: Among PM patients 70 (57.4%) were of non-ovarian and 52 (42.6%) were of ovarian origin. Of the patients 74 (60.7%) were in the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) ≤19 group and 48 (39.3%) were in the PCI >19 group. The complication ratio of PCI >19 group was higher than that of the PCI ≤19 group and median overall survival (OS) of PCI >19 group was lower than that of the PCI ≤19 group. Complete or nearly complete (CCR-0/CCR-1) resections rates were similar in both groups (95.9% in the PCI ≤19 group and 93.8% in the PCI >19 group). However, CCR-0 resection rate was found to be lower in the PCI >19 group compared to the PCI ≤19 group (60.8% vs. 39.6%) (p <0.001). Conclusion: CCR-0/CCR-1 resections can be achieved with CRS in most patients with PCI >19 score. It would be appropriate to consider CRS or CRS plus perioperative IPC for palliative purposes in selected patients with PCI >19 score.

Effective utilization of polypectomy in endoscopic salvage treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors: a retrospective cohort study.

Current guidelines recommend endoscopic resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) under 10 mm. Incomplete resections necessitate salvage procedures, highlighting the need for complete R0 resection. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of wide hot snare polypectomy (WHSP) compared to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for the salvage treatment of small RNETs. This retrospective study was conducted at Korea University Guro Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. It compared the outcomes of salvage resections for RNETs ≤10 mm using 2 approaches: ESD and EMR vs. WHSP. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes were compared. Efficacy was evaluated by the histological complete resection rate and procedure time, while safety was assessed by the incidence of complications. Out of 135 patients undergoing salvage resection for RNET, 14 who underwent transanal excision were excluded. Of the remaining 121, 99 underwent EMR or ESD, and 22 underwent WHSP. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The WHSP group demonstrated a significantly higher R0 resection rate (72.7% vs. 49.5%, P = 0.010) and a shorter median procedure time (3.5 minutes vs. 8.3 minutes). No complications were reported in the WHSP group. WHSP is a rapid, straightforward, safe, and effective approach for the salvage treatment of RNETs less than 10 mm in diameter, particularly in patients without additional risk factors.

478. OVERVIEW ON USE OF THE TRANSCERVICAL MEDIASTINOSCOPIC APPROACH FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE GROUP

Abstract Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy has emerged as a promising alternative to open surgery, demonstrating reduced postoperative complications and comparable oncological outcomes. Despite advancements, pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakages remain concerns. Since 2015, a novel technique combining single-port transcervical and trans-hiatal laparoscopic mediastinal dissection for esophageal resection was introduced. This procedure exhibits lower pulmonary complication rates compared to traditional approaches. However, its global adoption is limited, necessitating collaborative efforts to standardize techniques and outcomes. Following the IDEAL framework stage 2B (exploration), an international collaborative group for transcervical esophagectomy has been established, aiming to exchange insights, experiences, and lessons learned. Methods A cross-sectional survey involving 13 surgeons currently practicing transcervical esophagectomy was conducted, revealing variations in surgical approaches, indications, and outcomes. Results Surgeons from China, Germany, Japan, and The Netherlands participated. Indications for surgery varied, with less selectivity in higher-volume centers. Large tumors near the carina, bulky primary lesions or T4 tumors were identified as contraindications. Different surgical approaches were reported, with the left transcervical and abdominal laparoscopic/robotic dissection being the most common. The mean operative time was about 382.2±117.9 minutes. The mean blood loss was of 100.2±71.1 milliliters. Surgeons reported high rates of R0 resection and lymph node harvesting, as well as low rates of pulmonary complications (8.6±3.7) and anastomotic leaks (10.1±5.2); however, concerns persist regarding recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries (27.2±18.2). Conclusion Transcervical esophagectomy is gradually gaining recognition, with varying adoption rates. The collaborative group aims to align techniques, share experiences, and standardize the procedure. Challenges include differences in indications, surgical approaches, and outcomes, highlighting the need for ongoing discussion and research. Despite concerns about recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, the procedure shows promise in reducing pulmonary complications. The establishment this collaborative group signifies a crucial step toward global acceptance. By fostering collaboration, the group aims to enhance patient care, minimize learning-associated morbidity, and contribute to the continuous advancement of this surgical technique. Future efforts will focus on standardization, comparative studies, and training protocols.

Surgical outcomes of patients with locally advanced thymic epithelial tumor undergoing induction therapy followed by surgery: a narrative review.

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), including thymomas and thymic cancers, are relatively rare malignancies originating from the thymus. Although complete surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for these tumors, the optimal management strategy for locally advanced cases remains uncertain. Neoadjuvant therapies, with their potential to improve the likelihood of complete resection, are promising, particularly in marginally operable cases. However, the current evidence supporting this approach is lacking. This review of the existing literature on the efficacy of induction therapy followed by surgical resection for stage III or IV locally advanced TETs aimed to provide an up-to-date perspective and highlighting directions for future clinical research. PubMed was searched using the keywords "surgery," "survival", "thymoma", "thymic cancer", and "induction therapy". Relevant articles including case series, retrospective studies, prospective studies, and review articles were reviewed and selected for this comprehensive narrative review. This review included primarily revealed retrospective studies and a limited number of prospective phase II trials on induction therapy followed by surgery for stage III or IV locally advanced TETs. No randomized phase III studies were identified, indicating that a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits of induction therapy on overall survival (OS) has not yet been conducted. Induction therapies for both invasive thymoma and thymic cancer included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy, with anthracycline-based combination chemotherapies being the primary option. For exclusively invasive thymomas, the median rate of complete surgical resection and the 5-year OS rate were reported as 76% and 85%, respectively. Literature focusing on induction therapy for TETs, which includes both thymoma and thymic cancers, indicates that the rates of complete resection and 5-year OS are 76% and 70%, respectively. Our narrative review of retrospective and prospective studies highlighted promising long-term OS rates in patients with advanced TETs who underwent induction therapy followed by surgical resection. These findings support this multimodal treatment strategy in selected patients with stage III and IV TETs.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on pathologic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe impact of chemoradiotherapy on pathologic response, resection margin, and survival benefit is still debated. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR) in surgical resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs. chemoradiotherapy, and secondarily, to compare the rate of R0 resection and Overall Survival (OS). MethodsA systematic review on MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 2012 and 2024 (PROSPERO CRD42022341467). All studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients with Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant therapy were considered eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis comparing the rate of pCR, R0 resection rate, and 3-year OS following Chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy in patients was performed. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using a GRADE approach. ResultsOut of 5194 potentially relevant studies, 29 studies were considered eligible for full-text assessment, and 11 studies were included in the systematic review and in the meta-analysis. Of these, five were retrospective single-center, five retrospective multi-center studies, and one was a phase II multi-center RCT. Overall, 1830 Chemotherapy patients and 2299 Chemoradiotherapy patients were included in the meta-analysis. A statistically significant increased rate of pCR and R0 resections were found in chemoradiotherapy patients (OR 3.58, 95 % CI 2.47–5.18, p ≤ 0.00001) (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.17–1.90, p = 0.001), whereas 3-year OS (OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.84–1.36, p = 0.6) did not differ significantly. ConclusionsChemoradiotherapy may have a positive impact on pathologic response and R0 resection rate, whereas a survival benefit was not reported.

Safety and efficacy of underwater EMR for 10- to 20-mm colorectal serrated lesions (SEA CLEAR study)

Colorectal serrated lesions (SLs) are precursors of colorectal carcinoma via the serrated neoplasia pathway. However, the success rate of endoscopic resection of large SLs is low. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of underwater EMR (UEMR) for SLs sized 10 to 20mm. This 2-center, prospective, observational study included patients with at least 1 SL sized 10 to 20mm. We resected the SLs by UEMR and performed tattooing at the resection site. Surveillance colonoscopy was performed 12 months postoperatively to evaluate local recurrence. The primary outcome was the complete resection rate of UEMR, which was defined as en bloc resection with no serrated tissue in the 4 marginal biopsy samples and histologically negative margins. UEMR was performed for 65 SLs in 58 patients, with a median lesion size of 14mm. The en bloc, R0 resection, and complete resection rates were 87.7% (57 of 65), 61.5% (40 of 65), and 60.0% (39 of 65), respectively. Adverse events included 1 (1.5%) immediate bleeding and 1 (1.5%) delayed perforation. Surveillance colonoscopy was performed in 50 patients with 57 scars, and the rates of identification for tattoos and scars were 94.7% (54 of 57) and 100% (57 of 57), respectively. The recurrence rate was 5.3% (3 of 57), and all 3 recurrent lesions were completely resected endoscopically. This 2-center prospective study demonstrated that UEMR for SLs sized 10 to 20mm was comparable to previous conventional EMR outcomes.

346. ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION SIEWERT II TUMORS, A CHALLENGE FOR THE SURGEON: RESULTS OF TRANSHIATAL EXTENDED GASTRECTOMY VS. IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) Siewert type II tumors pose unique challenges in terms of adequate surgical treatment due to their anatomical location and potential for abdominal and mediastinal lymph node metastasis. The optimal surgical approach for these tumors remains a topic of debate, with options including transhiatal extended gastrectomy or transthoracic esophagectomy. Understanding the different outcomes associated with these surgical interventions is crucial for informed decision-making and patient-tailored management. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of these two surgical technique to access which could be the treatment of choice for Siewert II type tumours. Methods This study is a retrospective non-randomized cohort study from a single center. We reviewed the data of all the patients who underwent surgery for EGJ Siewert type II tumors between December 2014 and February 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy were assigned to “TE group” (72 patients) and those who underwent transhiatal extended gastrectomy were assigned to “TEG group” (21 patients). Results Patients in the TEG group were older (p=0.011) and in worst clinical condition (Charlson Comorbidity Index 4.15±1.78 vs. 4.95±1.46, p=0.064). The tumour stage at the diagnosis was more advanced in the TE group (p=0.004), and upfront surgery was infrequent in this group (p<0.001). The average duration of surgery was higher in the TE group (p<0.001). No difference was seen in the tumour length (p=0.924), implying a statistically significant difference in the proximal margin length (p<0.001), and distal margin length (p<0.001), with a R0 resection rate higher in the TE group (93.1% vs. 66.7%, p=0.002). The higher rate of R1 resection in the TEG group was mainly due to proximal margin infiltration. No difference was seen in the number of harvested lymph nodes (p=0.339). Overall postoperative complications rates were similar (p=0.144). No differences were found in the length of ICU stay (p=0.676) and in hospital stay (p=0.075). At a median follow up of 20 months, there were no statistical differences in Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival at 5 years. Conclusion Our data suggests that transthoracic esophagectomy for EGJ Siewert type II tumors should be the treatment of choice for patients in good clinical condition, but transhiatal extended gastrectomy could be a good choice for patients presenting in worse clinical condition. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal patient care, and the selection of the surgical technique should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and tumor characteristics

Clinical safety of a novel over-the-scope gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device for the treatment of upper GI tract lesions: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMSA novel gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device system was developed for resection of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device system. METHODSConsecutive patients who received endoscopic resection of upper GI tract lesion (6/2020-8/2022) using gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device were evaluated from eight U.S. centers. Primary endpoints included technical success and R0 resection. Secondary endpoints were en bloc resection, residual lesions at follow-up endoscopy, and immediate/delayed adverse events. RESULTSForty-four patients (mean age 60.9±15.8 years) received 45 resections for gastric (35, 80%) and duodenal (9, 20%) leions. 34 (77%) were subepithelial and 10 (23%) were epithelial lesions. Technical success and en bloc resection were achieved in 43 (96%) and 41 (91%) patients, respectively. Furthermore, R0 resection was achieved in 32 (71%) patients including 24 (69%) of 35 with neoplastic lesions. Pathologic diagnosis included neuroendocrine tumor in 14 (32%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 10 (23%), and gastric cancer/high grade dysplasia in 7 (16%). Minor immediate and delayed bleeding occurred in 17 (38%) and 2 (4%) patients. One patient had delayed perforation, managed conservatively. On follow-up, 19 (90%) of 21 patients had no residual lesion. CONCLUSIONIn this multicenter series, gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device demonstrated high rates of technical success and acceptable rate of R0 resection. Immediate minor bleeding was common, while serious adverse events were rare. Gastroduodenal full-thickness resection device should be considered in patients with gastroduodenal subepithelial lesions as an alternative to long-term surveillance.

575. PATHOLOGIC RESPONSE AND RESIDUAL LYMPH NODE PATTERNS IN ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA PATIENTS UNDERGOING NEOADJUVANT IMMUNOCHEMOTHERAPY COMPARED TO NEOADJUVANT CHEMORADIOTHERAPY

Abstract Background Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the cornerstone treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Immunochemotherapy, established as the standard treatment for advanced esophageal cancer, concurrently exhibits excellent short-term efficacy in the neoadjuvant stage. Combining concurrent chemoradiotherapy with immunochemotherapy may enhance control over primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes, potentially improving patients’ outcomes and survival. Therefore, comparing the pros and cons of these two treatment modalities in controlling primary lesions and lymph node metastasis is crucial for guiding clinical treatment. Methods Our study enrolled a total of 137 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) and 151 ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) between January 2019 and March 2022. We documented baseline patient characteristics, including clinical TNM stage, tumor location, and clinical metastatic lymph nodes, as well as pathologic outcomes such as pathological stage, pathologic complete response (pCR), tumor regression grade (TRG), and pathological metastatic lymph nodes. To balance baseline patient characteristics, we employed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for confounding in different neoadjuvant treatment groups. Results After balancing baseline characteristics, there was no statistically significant difference in pathologic outcomes, including pCR rate, major pathologic response rate, TRG, yp-TNM stage, and R0 resection rate between NCRT and NICT. However, patients with clinical N2-3 stage (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.05 to 6.79) or lower thoracic esophageal tumors (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.05 to 5.04) had a higher chance of achieving pCR after NICT compared to NCRT. For patients undergoing NICT, the ypN0 rates for clinically N0 patients were 100.0% (5/5), while only 65.0% (13/20) of clinical N0 patients achieved ypN0 in the NCRT group. Even after adjusting for differences in clinical stage, tumor location, and baseline lymph node metastasis rates in various locations, the NICT group still demonstrated a lower rate of abdominal lymph node metastasis during surgery (p=0.030). Conclusion In comparison to concurrent chemoradiotherapy, immunochemotherapy exhibits comparable overall disease control for primary lesions and lymph node metastasis. Notably, patients with clinical N2-3 and lower thoracic esophageal cancer may derive greater benefits from NICT. The potential of immunochemotherapy in enhancing the effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy is evident in its ability to improve the control of occult metastatic lymph nodes and reduce abdominal lymph node metastasis.

261. CONVERSION ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CT4B ESOPHAGEAL CANCER - MIE VS OPEN -

Abstract Background and Aims The standard treatment for locally advanced unresectable esophageal cancer is definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), however, after induction chemotherapy with a triplet chemotherapy regimen (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU: DCF) or dCRT, conversion surgery could be performed if esophageal cancer is considered resectable. Furthermore, minimally invasive surgery such as robot-assisted or thoracoscopic procedures are expected to improve the outcome of patients with advanced esophageal cancer. We investigated the feasibility of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in conversion surgery. Materials and Methods Sixty-six patients who underwent conversion thoracic esophagectomy for cT4b esophageal cancer from 2007 to 2023 were included. The short-term outcomes of 25 open esophagectomy group and 41 MIE group (8 robot-assisted and 33 thoracoscopic) were compared. Results No differences in age, gender, PS, tumor location, histology, cN, or cM were observed between the two groups. cT4b organs tended to be in the airway in the MIE group (airway 70.7% vs 44%, major vessels 19.5% vs 24%, both 9.7% vs 32%, p=0.04) and DCF therapy was significantly performed in the MIE group for induction therapy (DCF 87.8% vs 56%, dCRT 12.2% vs 44%, p<0.001). On the other hand, salvage surgery was significantly associated with open esophagectomy (24.3% vs. 52%, p=0.003). There was no difference in surgical outcomes regarding thoracic operation time (157 min vs. 180 min, p=0.09), whereas the total operation time was significantly shorter in the MIE group (392 min vs. 439 min, p=0.02). Blood loss was significantly lower in the MIE group (79 ml vs. 470 ml, p<0.001), and R0 resection rate did not differ (82.9% vs. 72%, p=0.357). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including pneumonia (26.8% vs. 44%, p=0.183) and recurrent nerve palsy (21.9% vs. 36%, p=0.260), but anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the MIE group (4.8% vs. 24%, p=0.04). There was no difference in median postoperative hospital stay (16 [11-20] vs. 16 [14-29] days), however, median ICU stay (3 [3-4] vs. 4 [3-4] days, p=0.03) and readmission within 1 month after discharge (2.4% vs. 16%, p=0.04) were significantly lower in the MIE group. In-hospital mortality was observed in 1 case in the MIE group and 3 in the open esophagectomy group. Conclusion Despite the bias associated with the transition of treatment modalities and surgical techniques, MIE may contribute to improved short-term outcomes in conversion surgery.

384. NEOADJUVANT ANLOTINIB COMBINED WITH PENPULIMAB FOR RESECTABLE LOCALLY ADVANCED ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (ESCC): A PROSPECTIVE, SINGLE-ARM, PHASE II TRIAL

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by radical surgery has been extensively recommended for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, toxicities and challenges to the subsequent surgery limit its wide clinical application. Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with antiangiogenesis have synergistic effects and have shown good therapeutic effects in previous studies, as well as fewer side effects. Here, we tested a novel combination of anlotinib (an antiangiogeneic kinase inhibitor) and penpulimab (an anti-PD-1 antibody), without the use of radio- or chemo-therapy, for the neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced ESCC. Methods In this prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical trial (ChiCTR2200064848), patients with resectable locally advanced ESCC (clinical stage III-IVa) were recruited. The study was designed using a two-stage minimax approach. The planned sample size was 40 patients would provide 80% power at a one-sided alpha error of 5%, threshold pathological complete response (pCR) of 16% and expected pCR of 30%. Here, the first-stage data was included. Notably, 85% (22/25) enrolled patients had medical contraindications (including cardiopulmonary diseases or other underlying medical conditions, along with poor nutritional status and so on). Patients received neoadjuvant therapy with anlotinib (8 mg, po, D1-14, Q3W) combined with penpulimab (200 mg, ivgtt, Q3W) for 2 cycles. Six to eight weeks later, patients underwent radical surgery after exclusion of contraindications. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints included tumor regression grade (TRG), R0 resection rate, objective response rate (ORR) and safety profile. Results From Jan 2023 to Sep 2023, 25 patients (19 males and 6 females) were enrolled with a median age of 67 years (range: 50-74). All patients were available for efficacy assessment and 16 were evaluable for the primary end point. The rest of the patients are waiting for surgery. As of 15 Sep, 2023, 19 patients underwent esophagectomy and R0 resection rate was 87.5%. The pCR rate was 18.8% (3/16) and 31.3% of patients had a major pathologic response (MPR). The ORR and DCR were 48.0% and 96.0%, respectively. 84.0% of patients experienced grade 1-2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), 3 (12.0%) patients experienced grade 3 TRAEs (2 elevated blood pressure and 1 elevation of liver enzymes). The safety profile revealed that the most common TRAEs (≥10%) included hypertension (28.0%), hand-foot syndrome (20%), fatigue (20%), abdominal pain (12%), toothache (12%). Conclusions The preliminary results of this study show promising safety and efficacy of anlotinib combined with penpulimab as neoadjuvant for patients with ESCC, especially for patients not suitable for neoadjuvant chemoradiation or chemotherapy. More ESCC patients would be recruited in the future.

448. PREOPERATIVE PEMBROLIZUMAB COMBINED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY FOR THORACIC ESCC WITH CERVICAL LYMPH NODE METASTASIS (PICC-1): A PROSPECTIVE, PHASE 2 STUDY

Abstract Background Thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with cervical lymph node metastasis have poor prognosis and less effective of first-line therapy. The PICC-1 study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of the pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy for patients with cervical lymph node metastasis. Methods Preoperative therapy includes pembrolizumab, nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin every three weeks for 2 cycles. The surgery was performed 3-6 weeks after the completion of the preoperative neoadjuvant therapy. Three weeks after surgery, two periods of maintenance therapy were continued with pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy. Then maintenance treatment was continued with pembrolizumab for a full year. The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. The secondary endpoints included the R0 resection rate, the major pathological response (MPR), recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and perioperative complications. Results As of December 31, 2023, 22 patients who met the criteria were enrolled. All 22 patients suffered from treatment-related AEs of any grade during the neoadjuvant treatment period. The majority of AEs were lymphopenia (72.7%), anemia (59.1%), neurotoxicity (77.3%), nausea/vomiting (77.3%) and leukopenia (40.9%). In 8 of the 22 patients (36.4%), grade III or higher AEs were observed. All the patients underwent thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy without intraoperative conversion to open surgery. R0 resection was achieved in 90.9% of patients (20/22). pCR and mPR were observed in 31.8% (7/22) and 13.6% (3/22) of the resected patients, respectively. No patient died postoperatively. Conclusions Esophagectomy after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy is a promising radical treatment for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with cervical lymph node metastasis. R0 resection was achieved in 90.9% of patients, and pCR was observed in 31.8% (7/22) of resected patients.

Robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery for gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive oncological resections have become increasingly widespread in the surgical management of cancers. However, the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unclear. We aim to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the management of GBC compared to open surgery (OS) by comparing outcomes. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE (2000 to December 2021) and EMBASE (2000 to December 2021) databases was conducted. The primary outcome studied was overall survival, and secondary outcomes studied were postoperative morbidity, severe complications, incidence of bile leak, length of hospital stay, operation time, R0 resection rate, local recurrence and lymph node yield. Thirty-two full-text articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis with a total of 5883 patients undergoing either OS or MIS (laparoscopic or robotic) for GBC. 1- and 2-stage meta-analyses did not reveal any significant differences between OS, laparoscopic and robotic surgery in terms of overall survival, R0 resection, lymph node harvest, local recurrence and post-operative complications. Patients who underwent OS had significantly longer hospitalization stay and intra-operative blood loss compared to those who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Network meta-analysis did not reveal any significant differences between post-operative and survival outcomes of laparoscopic vs robotic surgery groups. This network meta-analysis suggests that both laparoscopic and robotic surgery are safe and effective approaches in the surgical management of GBC, with post-operative and survival outcomes comparable to OS. An MIS approach may also lead to shorter hospitalization stay, less intraoperative blood loss and post-operative complications compared to OS. There was no obvious benefit of either MIS approach (laparoscopic versus robotic) over the other.

More efficient endoscopic submucosal dissection with deep endotracheal intubation for superficial cervical esophageal carcinoma: a dual-center, prospective, randomized controlled study

Deep endotracheal intubation (DET) has been proposed to improve cervical esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) because of the limited space and visibility. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DET. In the current dual-center trial, patients were randomized into DET or conventional endotracheal intubation (CET) groups. Complete resection rate, operation time, and adverse events were measured and compared. Fifty-nine patients (60 lesions) were assigned to the groups, showing comparable baseline characteristics. The complete resection rates were similarly high in both groups. However, DET significantly reduced ESD operation time (52.2 minutes vs 71.1 minutes, P< .001) and postoperative pain scores (3.1 vs 4.7, P< .01). Severe stenosis occurred more frequently in the CET patients (20% vs 0%, P= .035). No significant differences were observed in other adverse events. DET can overcome technical challenges to improve therapeutic efficiency and safety. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT06420258.).

Transparent Cap-Assisted Blunt Endoscopic Dissection of Gastric Submucosal Tumours Smaller than 2cm.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transparent cap-assisted blunt dissection (TCABD) in the endoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumours (G-SMT) smaller than 2cm, as compared with conventional electronic knife dissection. Randomised controlled analysis. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, China, from July 2020 to 2022. Fifty-eight patients having G-SMT smaller than 2cm were included. They were randomly divided into two groups; undergoing transparent cap-assisted blunt dissection (BD group) and conventional endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE group). The pathology, lesion size in long diameter (mm), operation time, the number of clips used to close the wounds, the number of snare used to resect the tumour, hospital days, hospitalisation expense, en bloc resection rate, and the complications including perforation, postoperative bleeding, and postoperative infection were compared between the two groups. The mean long diameter in the BD group was 9.6 ± 3.6mm, while the conventional ESE group was 10.7 ± 4.5mm. As compared with the conventional ESE group, the operation time, the number of clips used to close the wounds, the number of snare used to resect the tumours, the hospital days, and the hospitalisation expense were all significantly decreased (p <0.05). The perforation rate was lower in the BD group (p <0.05). TCABD was effective and safe in the endoscopic resection of G-SMT smaller than 2cm. TCABD could help to reduce the perforation rate, shorten the operation time and hospital days, and decrease the hospitalisation expense in the endoscopic resection of G-SMT. Endoscopic submucosal excavation, Endoscopic full-thickness resection, Endoscopic resection, Submucosal tumour, Transparent cap-assisted blunt dissection.