Significant Predictors Of Lymph Node Metastasis Research Articles

Predictive nomogram for lymph node metastasis and survival in gastric cancer using contrast-enhanced computed tomography-based radiomics: a retrospective study.

Lymph node involvement significantly impacts the survival of gastric cancer patients and is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics in predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) and survival in patients with gastric cancer before surgery. Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 192 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma was conducted. The patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n=128) and a validation cohort (n=64). Radiomic features of CT images were extracted using the Pyradiomics software platform, and distinctive features were further selected using a Lasso Cox regression model. Features significantly associated with LNM were identified through univariate and multivariate analyses and combined with radiomic scores to create a nomogram model for predicting lymph node involvement before surgery. The predictive performance of radiomics features, CT-reported lymph node status, and the nomogram model for LNM were compared in the training and validation cohorts by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. High-risk and low-risk groups were identified in both cohorts based on the cut-off value of 0.582 within the radiomics evaluation scheme, and survival rates were compared. Seven radiomic features were identified and selected, and patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups using a 0.582 cut-off radiomics score. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that radiomics features, diabetes mellitus, Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) 2002 score, and CT-reported lymph node status were significant predictors of LNM in patients with gastric cancer. A predictive nomogram model was developed by combining these predictors with the radiomics score, which accurately predicted LNM in gastric cancer patients before surgery and outperformed other models in terms of accuracy and sensitivity. The AUC values for the training and validation cohorts were 0.82 and 0.722, respectively. The high-risk and low-risk groups in both the training and validation cohorts showed significant differences in survival rates. The radiomics nomogram, based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT ), is a promising non-invasive tool for preoperatively predicting LNM in gastric cancer patients and postoperative survival.

Preoperative CA125 Significantly Improves Risk Stratification in High-Grade Endometrial Cancer.

Patients with high-grade endometrial carcinoma (EC) have an increased risk of tumor spread and lymph node metastasis (LNM). Preoperative imaging and CA125 can be used in work-up. As data on cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in high-grade EC are limited, we aimed to study primarily the predictive value of CA125, and secondarily the contributive value of computed tomography (CT) for advanced stage and LNM. Patients with high-grade EC (n = 333) and available preoperative CA125 were included retrospectively. The association of CA125 and CT findings with LNM was analyzed by logistic regression. Elevated CA125 ((>35 U/mL), (35.2% (68/193)) was significantly associated with stage III-IV disease (60.3% (41/68)) compared with normal CA125 (20.8% (26/125), [p < 0.001]), and with reduced disease-specific-(DSS) (p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). The overall accuracy of predicting LNM by CT resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.623 (p < 0.001) independent of CA125. Stratification by CA125 resulted in an AUC of 0.484 (normal), and 0.660 (elevated). In multivariate analysis elevated CA125, non-endometrioid histology, pathological deep myometrial invasion ≥50%, and cervical involvement were significant predictors of LNM, whereas suspected LNM on CT was not. This shows that elevated CA125 is a relevant independent predictor of advanced stage and outcome specifically in high-grade EC.

Feasibility of a CT-based lymph node radiomics nomogram in detecting lymph node metastasis in PDAC patients.

ObjectivesTo investigate the potential value of a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT)-based radiological-radiomics nomogram combining a lymph node (LN) radiomics signature and LNs’ radiological features for preoperative detection of LN metastasis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, 196 LNs in 61 PDAC patients were enrolled and divided into the training (137 LNs) and validation (59 LNs) cohorts. Radiomic features were extracted from portal venous phase images of LNs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm with 10-fold cross-validation was used to select optimal features to determine the radiomics score (Rad-score). The radiological-radiomics nomogram was developed by using significant predictors of LN metastasis by multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis in the training cohort and validated in the validation cohort independently. Its diagnostic performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), decision curve (DCA) and calibration curve analyses.ResultsThe radiological model, including LN size, and margin and enhancement pattern (three significant predictors), exhibited areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.831 and 0.756 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Nine radiomic features were used to construct a radiomics model, which showed AUCs of 0.879 and 0.804 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The radiological-radiomics nomogram, which incorporated the LN Rad-score and the three LNs’ radiological features, performed better than the Rad-score and radiological models individually, with AUCs of 0.937 and 0.851 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curve analysis and DCA revealed that the radiological-radiomics nomogram showed satisfactory consistency and the highest net benefit for preoperative diagnosis of LN metastasis.ConclusionsThe CT-based LN radiological-radiomics nomogram may serve as a valid and convenient computer-aided tool for personalized risk assessment of LN metastasis and help clinicians make appropriate clinical decisions for PADC patients.

Prediction of depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis in superficial pharyngeal cancer by magnifying endoscopy using the Japan Esophageal Society classification.

BackgroundsThe pharynx has no muscularis mucosae, so it is unclear whether diagnostic techniques used for the esophagus can be applied to the pharynx. This study investigated the usefulness of magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging using the Japan Esophageal Society (JES) classification for predicting the depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pharyngeal cancer.MethodsA total of 123 superficial pharyngeal carcinoma lesions that had been observed preoperatively with magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging between January 2014 and June 2021 were analyzed. Predictors of subepithelial invasion (SEP) and LNM were sought based on endoscopic findings, including microvascular morphology, using the JES classification.ResultsThe lesions were divided into carcinoma in situ (n = 41) and SEP (n = 82). Multivariate analysis identified B2–B3 vessels (odds ratio [OR] 6.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74–24.61, p = 0.005) and a middle/large avascular area (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.18–14.62, p = 0.027) as independent predictors of SEP. Significant predictors of LNM were protruding type, B2–B3 vessels, middle/large avascular area, SEP, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and tumor thickness > 1000 μm. Median tumor thickness increased significantly in the order of B1 < B2 < B3 vessels (B1, 305 μm; B2, 1045 μm; B3, 4043 μm; p < 0.001). The LNM rates for B1, B2, and B3 vessels were 1.6% (1/63), 4.8% (2/42), and 55.6% (10/18), respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionsMagnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging using the JES classification could predict the depth of invasion in superficial pharyngeal carcinoma. The JES classification may contribute to the prediction of LNM, suggesting that it could serve as an alternative to tumor thickness.

Preoperative prediction of the pathological stage of advanced gastric cancer by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography

In recent years, the usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable advanced gastric cancer, particularly stage III, has been reported. Preoperative staging is mainly determined by computed tomography (CT), and the usefulness of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT) for gastric cancer has been limited in usefulness. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of FDG-PET/CT in preoperative diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer. We retrospectively enrolled 113 patients with gastric cancer who underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT. All patients underwent gastrectomy with lymph-node dissection. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor (T-SUVmax) and lymph nodes (N-SUVmax) were measured for all patients. The cutoff values of T-SUVmax for pathological T3/4 from receiver operating characteristic analysis were 8.28 for differentiated and 4.32 for undifferentiated types. The T-SUVmax and N-SUVmax cutoff values for pathological lymph-node metastasis were 4.32 and 1.82, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that T-SUVmax for differentiated types was a significant predictor of pathological T3/4, and N-SUVmax was a significant predictor of lymph-node metastasis. In conclusion, the SUVmax of FDG-PET/CT was a useful predictor of pathological T3/4 and lymph-node metastasis in gastric cancer. The diagnosis by preoperative FDG-PET/CT is promising to contribute a more accurate staging of gastric cancer than by CT scan alone.

Blood biomarkers as predictors of pathological lymph node metastasis in clinical stage T1N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Accurate preoperative evaluation of lymph node (LN) metastasis is important for determining the treatment strategy for superficial esophageal cancer. Blood biomarkers, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte, platelet-lymphocyte, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratios (NLR, PLR, and LMR, respectively), have clinical applications as predictors of LN metastasis for different cancers. Here, we investigated the use of these ratios as predictors of pathological LN metastasis and prognosis in patients with clinical stage T1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients (n = 185) with cT1N0M0 ESCC who underwent esophagectomy with R0 resection between April 2003 and August 2021 were enrolled. We investigated the ability of pretreatment NLR, PLR, and LMR to predict pathological LN metastasis. The optimal cutoff values of NLR, PLR, and LMR to predict pathological LN metastasis were 2.1, 122, and 4.8, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the primary tumor length, depth of invasion, and NLR were significant predictors of LN metastasis. Furthermore, similar to the 5-year overall survival, the 5-year relapse-free survival was significantly better in the low NLR group than in the high NLR group. The NLR was the most useful predictor of pathological LN metastasis. Patients diagnosed with clinical stage I ESCC and with a high NLR require adequate LN dissection and may be good candidates for preoperative adjuvant therapy.

Malignant colon polyps: predicting lymph node metastasis following endoscopic excision.

The risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) of malignant colon polyps (MCPs) is partly estimated by histologic features of the sampled polyp. However, the routinely available histologic data is limited to tumor grade and status of lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The NCDB for colon cancer 2004-2018 was utilized. Patients with pT1Nx adenocarcinoma arising in a polyp and undergoing partial colectomy with ≥ 12 retrieved nodes were selected. NCDB 2004-2017 was used as a training cohort to develop two scoring systems based on a multivariable regression for predictors of LNM including clinical characteristics, grade, and LVI: a nomogram scoring system (NSS) and a simplified scoring system (SSS). These models were internally validated using NCDB 2018 to calculate precision metrics for each model. Six thousand sixty-nine patients were selected in the training cohort. 64.5% of MCPs were in the sigmoid, and LNM rate was 11.2%. Multivariable regression identified younger age, females, hindgut location, higher grade, and LVI as significant predictors of LNM. LNM risk was 1.2% when all unfavorable predictors were absent and exceeded 10% when NSS > 70 or SSS ≥ 3. In the 2018 validation cohort, 723 patients were scored per NSS and SSS, and the negative predictive value for both was 96%. Estimating LNM risk in MCPs by applying clinical characteristics along with limited histologic data can help inform decision-making when considering formal oncologic resection. The NSS and SSS demonstrated comparable predictability of LNM among pT1Nx MCPs. The models require external validation and may be strengthened by incorporating additional endoscopic and pathologic characteristics.

Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Colorectal Cancer in Young Patients: Results from a National Cancer Registry.

The objective of this study is to fill the knowledge gap by examining predictors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in young patients, less than 45 years, using a national cancer registry. Methods: Patients diagnosed with T1 colorectal cancer were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. In total, 692 patients with T1 colorectal cancer were identified. Most tumors occurred in white race (77.7%), between 40 and 44 years of age (49.4%), with grade III tumor differentiation (59.8%) and 1 to 1.9 cm size (32.2%), and were left-sided tumors (61.1%). The overall rate of LNM was 22.5% (n = 149). LNM was associated with tumor grade IV (undifferentiated) (odds ratio (OR) 2.94, CI: 1.06–8.12; p = 0.038), and increasing tumor size (1 cm–1.9 cm: OR 2.92, CI: 1.71–4.97, p < 0.001; 2.0 cm–2.9 cm: OR 2.00, CI: 1.05–3.77, p = 0.034; and ≥3.0 cm: OR 2.68, CI: 1.43–5.01, p = 0.002). Five-year cancer-specific survival for patients with LNM was 91% and for patients without LNM this was 98%. Adjusted cox proportion models showed that LNM was associated with a four times higher rate of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 4.43, CI: 1.27–15.52, p = 0.020). In this population-based analysis of patients with T1 colorectal cancer, tumor size and grade were significant predictors of LNM.

Ultrasound Measurement of Tumor-Free Distance from the Serosal Surface as the Alternative to Measuring the Depth of Myometrial Invasion in Predicting Lymph Node Metastases in Endometrial Cancer.

Background: Ultrasonography’s usefulness in endometrial cancer (EC) diagnosis consists in its roles in staging and prediction of metastasis. Ultrasound-measured tumor-free distance from the tumor to the uterine serosa (uTFD) is a promising marker for these diagnostic and prognostic variables. The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of this biomarker in locoregional staging, and thus in the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Methods: We conducted a single-institutional, prospective study on 116 consecutive patients with EC who underwent 2D transvaginal ultrasound examination. The uTFD marker was compared with the depth of ultrasound-measured myometrial invasion (uMI). Univariable and multivariable logit models were evaluated to assess the predictive power of the uTFD and uMI in regard to LNM. The reference standard was a final histopathology result. Survival was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: LNM was found in 17% of the patients (20/116). In the univariable analysis, uMI and uTFD were significant predictors of LNM. The accuracy was 70.7%, and the NPV was 92.68% (OR 4.746, 95% CI 1.710–13.174) for uMI (p = 0.002), and they were 63.8% and 89.02% (OR 0.842, 95% CI 0.736–0.963), respectively, for uTFD (p = 0.01). The cutoff value for uTFD in the prediction of LNM was 5.2 mm. The association between absence of LNM and biomarker values of uMI < 1/2 and uTFD ≥ 5.2 mm was greater than that between the presence of metastases and uMI > 1/2 and uTFD values <5.2 mm. In the multivariable analysis, the accuracy of the uMI–uTFD model was 74%, and its NPV was 90.24% (p = non-significant). Neither uMI nor uTFD were surrogates for overall and recurrence-free survivals in endometrial cancer. Conclusions: Both uMI and uTFD, either alone or in combination, were valuable tools for gaining additional preoperative information on expected lymph node status. Negative lymph nodes status was better described by ultrasound biomarkers than a positive status. It was easier to use the uTFD rather than the uMI measurement as a biomarker of EC invasion, and the former still maintained a similar predictive value for lymph node metastases to the latter at diagnosis.

Development and Validation of a Combined Model for Preoperative Prediction of Lymph Node Metastasis in Peripheral Lung Adenocarcinoma.

BackgroundBased on the “seed and soil” theory proposed by previous studies, we aimed to develop and validate a combined model of machine learning for predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with peripheral lung adenocarcinoma (PLADC).MethodsRadiomics models were developed in a primary cohort of 390 patients (training cohort) with pathologically confirmed PLADC from January 2016 to August 2018. The patients were divided into the LNM (−) and LNM (+) groups. Thereafter, the patients were subdivided according to TNM stages N0, N1, N2, and N3. Radiomic features from unenhanced computed tomography (CT) were extracted. Radiomic signatures of the primary tumor (R1) and adjacent pleura (R2) were built as predictors of LNM. CT morphological features and clinical characteristics were compared between both groups. A combined model incorporating R1, R2, and CT morphological features, and clinical risk factors was developed by multivariate analysis. The combined model’s performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. An internal validation cohort containing 166 consecutive patients from September 2018 to November 2019 was also assessed.ResultsThirty-one radiomic features of R1 and R2 were significant predictors of LNM (all P < 0.05). Sex, smoking history, tumor size, density, air bronchogram, spiculation, lobulation, necrosis, pleural effusion, and pleural involvement also differed significantly between the groups (all P < 0.05). R1, R2, tumor size, and spiculation in the combined model were independent risk factors for predicting LNM in patients with PLADC, with area under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.897 and 0.883 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The combined model identified N0, N1, N2, and N3, with AUCs ranging from 0.691–0.927 in the training cohort and 0.700–0.951 in the validation cohort, respectively, thereby indicating good performance.ConclusionCT phenotypes of the primary tumor and adjacent pleura were significantly associated with LNM. A combined model incorporating radiomic signatures, CT morphological features, and clinical risk factors can assess LNM of patients with PLADC accurately and non-invasively.

Preoperative volumetric synthetic magnetic resonance imaging of the primary tumor for a more accurate prediction of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer.

An accurate assessment of lymph node (LN) status in patients with rectal cancer is important for treatment planning and an essential factor for predicting local recurrence and overall survival. In this study, we explored the potential value of histogram parameters of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) in predicting LN metastasis in rectal cancer and compared their predictive performance with traditional morphological characteristics and chemical shift effect (CSE). A total of 70 patients with pathologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma who received direct surgical resection were enrolled in this prospective study. Preoperative rectal MRI, including SyMRI, were performed, and morphological characteristics and CSE of LN were assessed. Histogram parameters were extracted on a T1 map, T2 map, and proton density (PD) map, including mean, variance, maximum, minimum, 10th percentile, median, 90th percentile, energy, kurtosis, entropy, and skewness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to explore their predictive performance for assessing LN status. Significant differences in the energy of the T1, T2, and PD maps were observed between LN-negative and LN-positive groups [all P<0.001; the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.838, 0.858, and 0.823, respectively]. The maximum and kurtosis of the T2 map, maximum, and variance of PD map could also predict LN metastasis with moderate diagnostic power (P=0.032, 0.045, 0.016, and 0.047, respectively). Energy of the T1 map [odds ratio (OR) =1.683, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.207-2.346, P=0.002] and extramural venous invasion on MRI (mrEMVI) (OR =10.853, 95% CI: 2.339-50.364, P=0.002) were significant predictors of LN metastasis. Moreover, the T1 map energy significantly improved the predictive performance compared to morphological features and CSE (P=0.0002 and 0.0485). The histogram parameters derived from SyMRI of the primary tumor were associated with LN metastasis in rectal cancer and could significantly improve the predictive performance compared with morphological features and CSE.

Development and validation of predictive model for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer: a SEER analysis.

The purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram that can be used to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). The clinical data of EC patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) registry. The nomogram was constructed using independent risk factors chosen by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Accuracy was validated for both groups using discrimination analysis and calibration curves. The final study group consisted of 63,836 women that met specific inclusion criteria. The factors that were identified in the multivariate analysis to be significant predictors of LNM were age, tumor size, histological type, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, and tumor grade in training group (N=42,558). These variables were included in the nomogram. Discriminations of the nomogram and Mayo criteria were 0.848 (95% CI: 0.843-0.853) and 0.806 (95% CI: 0.801-0.812), respectively. In the validation group (N=21,278), the AUC values were 0.847 (95% CI: 0.840-0.857) and 0.804 (95% CI: 0.796-0.813) for the nomogram and the Mayo criteria, respectively (P<0.01). Calibration plots showed that training and validation cohorts were well-calibrated. A nomogram was developed to predict LNM in EC patients based on a large population-based analysis. The nomogram showed good performance for predicting LNM in patients with EC. This convenient predictive tool may help clinicians to formulate suitable individualized treatment.

S1336 Absolute vs Expanded Criteria Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer: A Novel U.S. Criterion

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic resection (ER) for early gastric cancer (EGC) is the principal treatment for lesions fulfilling the absolute and expanded criteria (Exp) developed by the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association. Cohorts showing a minimal risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) are primarily from eastern Asia. Endoscopic management is adopted in the West, despite the lack of data in Western cohorts. We aims to describe the incidence of LNM by absolute and Exp criteria in the U.S. population using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) database, and to define a novel absolute criteria (absence of LNM) for the U.S. METHODS: EGC data was analyzed in the U.S. SEER database. To identify novel absolute criteria in the U.S., we assumed that all the lesions were positive for LVI and ulceration, since SEER does not include this data (a limitation of the database). RESULTS: 161,854 gastric cancers were identified. 2020 EGC met inclusion criteria, 781 T1a and 1239 T1b. No LNM cases were noted in T1a well differentiated lesions < 1cm (0/80). In T1a well differentiated lesions < 2cm, the rate of LNM was 1/125 (0.8%). 277 patients fulfilled absolute criteria (T1a, differentiated < 2cm in size), and 8/277 had LNM (2.9%). The Exp criteria 1-4 findings are summarized in Table 1, with LNM ranging from 7.8% to 16.7%. There were 154 lesions fulfilling Exp criteria 1 (T1a, differentiated, >2cm); LNM occurred in 12/154 (7.8%). There were 353 lesions fulfilling the Exp 2 criteria (T1a, differentiated, < 3cm); LNM occurred in 13/353 (3.7%). There were 197 lesions fulfilling the Exp 3 criteria (T1a, undifferentiated, < 2cm); LNM occurred in 13/197 (6.6%). There were 441 lesions fulfilling the Exp criteria 4 (T1b, differentiated < 3cm); LNM occurred in 74/441 (16.7%). No significant differences were noted between the rates of LNM in the absolute vs Exp criteria 2 or 3 respectively (P = 0.5 , P = 0.053), However, Exp criteria 1 and 4 were associated with a higher incidence of LNM respectively (P = 0.02 , P = 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression, tumor size, T stage, grade, and the number of lymph nodes examined were significant predictors of LNM. CONCLUSION: We propose a new absolute criterion in the U.S. for well differentiated T1a EGC < 1cm regardless of the ulcer status and LVI, with 0% LNM; endoscopic resection should be the standard of care for these lesions. The rate of LNM was 0.8% for T1a well differentiated lesions < 2cm regardless of ulcer status and LVI. The Exp criteria 1 and 4 had an increased risk of LMN.Table 1.: EGC study characteristicsTable 2.: Lymph node metastasis

Synergistic Effect of Lymphatic Invasion and Venous Invasion on the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Non-Curative Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer

BackgroundAlthough additive radical surgery is recommended for patients with non-curative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer (EGC), lymph node (LN) metastasis or remnant tumor is detected in only about 10% of patients. Therefore, we aimed to identify patients who required surgery by identifying significant risk factors for LN metastasis and evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with non-curative endoscopic resection. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the database of Seoul National University Hospital to identify patients who underwent endoscopic resection for EGC from June 2005 to December 2016. ResultsThree hundred and twenty-nine patients did not meet the criteria for curative resection after endoscopic resection. Among them, 140 patients underwent additional surgery and 171 patients refused surgery and regularly received follow-up. In the surgery group, LN metastasis was found in 12.1% of patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the rate of LN metastasis was significantly higher in patients with lymphatic invasion (LI) (odds ratio [OR] 5.84, p = 0.014) and venous invasion (VI) (OR 5.66, p = 0.006). We analyzed LN metastasis based on LI and VI in the surgical group. LN metastasis was significantly increased in the positive LI and VI groups compared with the negative LI and VI groups (OR 68.32; 95% confidence interval, 4.74–984.82; p = 0.002). ConclusionsBoth LI and VI were significant predictors of LN metastasis. The risk of LN metastasis was augmented when both LI and VI were positive. Therefore, LI and VI should be evaluated separately in patients with non-curative endoscopic resection. Additive surgery should be recommended for patients with LI and/or VI.

Effect of a mixed type Lauren's classification on agressiveness and lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer.

28 Background: The clinicopathological features of mixed type (MT) early gastric cancer (EGC) according to Lauren’s classification remain uninvestigated. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of MT EGC, particularly in relation to lymph node metastasis (LNM) and long-term survival. Methods: This study included 5,309 patients who underwent gastrectomy for EGC. The clinicopathological features, LNM, and long-term outcomes of patients with MT carcinomas were compared to those with intestinal type (IT) and diffuse type (DT) cancers. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictors of LNM in each Lauren classification subgroup. Results: Patients with MT carcinomas were more likely to have larger tumors, submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and LNM compared to those with IT or DT carcinomas. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Lauren’s classification was a significant predictor of LNM ( P &lt; 0.001). The significant predictors of LNM in MT carcinomas were female sex, greater tumor size, presence of submucosal invasion, and LVI. However, the overall survival of patients with MT carcinoma was not significantly different from that of patients with IT or DT carcinomas ( P= 0.104). Conclusions: The presence of MT EGC carries a higher risk of LNM compared to IT or DT carcinomas. Therefore, MT carcinomas should be managed with gastrectomy that includes lymph node dissection instead of endoscopic resection.

Predictive value of hematological markers of systemic inflammation for managing cervical cancer.

The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) are markers of systemic inflammation with prognostic significance for cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive significance of pretreatment values of NLR, PLR, and RDW in cervical cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 515 patients with cancer. Median values of NLR and PLR were higher in patients with cancer compared with controls and were consistently elevated during tumor progression, while the RDW was uninformative. Increased NLR was associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis and depth of stromal infiltration, and increased PLR correlated only with LN metastasis. The pretreatment NLR or PLR value was a significant predictor of LN metastasis, which enhanced when NLR and PLR values were combined. Further, NLR and PLR were as effective as squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) for predicting distant tumor metastasis. However, no prognostic significance of NLR or PLR was found in the patients with early cancer stages. Our study suggested that pretreatment values of NLR and PLR might be helpful to predict the presence of distant and LN metastasis in patients with cervical carcinoma, but not adequate prognostic factors for early stage patients.

Homotypic Interaction of Stabilin-2 Plays a Critical Role in Lymph Node Metastasis of Tongue Cancer.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis of solid types of tumors has important clinical significance and it is therefore critical to identify molecular biomarkers that would enable the selection of patients with LN metastases. We evaluated the expression of stabilin-2 in primary oral tongue tumors and metastatic LNs using immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between risk factors and nodal metastasis was assessed and disease-free survival was analyzed. Stabilin-2 expression remained a significant predictor of LN metastasis and the factor affecting recurrence in tongue cancer. Most importantly, all metastatic tumors of tongue, lung, stomach and colon cancers stained positive for stabilin-2 and stabilin-2 was expressed strongly in the sinusoidal endothelial cell of metastatic LNs. Stabilin-2 can play a critical role in the first entrapping step of LN metastasis through homotypic interaction with the lymphatic endothelium and appears to be a tumor biomarker predicting for LN metastasis in patients with solid tumors.

Early gastric cancer with a mixed-type Lauren classification is more aggressive and exhibits greater lymph node metastasis.

The clinicopathological features of mixed-type (MT) early gastric cancer (EGC) according to Lauren's classification remain uninvestigated. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of MT EGC, particularly in relation to lymph node metastasis (LNM) and long-term survival. This study included 5309 patients who underwent gastrectomy for EGC. The clinicopathological features, LNM, and long-term outcomes of patients with MT carcinomas were compared with those of patients with intestinal-type (IT) and diffuse-type (DT) cancers. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictors of LNM in each Lauren classification subgroup. Patients with MT carcinomas were likelier to have larger tumors, submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and LNM than those with IT or DT carcinomas. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the Lauren classification was a significant predictor of LNM (P<0.001). The significant predictors of LNM in MT carcinomas were female sex, greater tumor size, presence of submucosal invasion, and lymphovascular invasion. However, the overall survival of patients with MT carcinoma was not significantly different from that of patients with IT or DT carcinomas (P=0.104). The presence of MT EGC carries a higher risk of LNM compared with the presence of IT or DT carcinomas. Therefore, MT carcinomas should be managed with gastrectomy that includes lymph node dissection instead of endoscopic resection.

Does lymph node dissection during nephroureterectomy affect oncological outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients without suspicious lymph node metastasis on preoperative imaging studies?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of lymph node dissection (LND) on upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) without suspicious lymph node (LN) metastasis on preoperative imaging studies. From 1998 to 2012, 418 UTUC patients without suspicious LN metastasis on preoperative imaging studies were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the performance of LND. The effects of LND on oncological outcomes were assessed after adjusting other variables. The mean follow-up duration was 69months. Among the 132 patients who underwent LND, LN metastasis was pathologically identified in 16 patients (12.1%). The median number of resected LNs for patients who underwent LND was 7. On multivariate analysis, the number of resected LNs and pathologic T stage was significant predictors of LN metastasis. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 76.4% for patients without LND and 65.4% for patients with LND (p=0.126). In addition, there was no difference in 5-year overall survival between the 2 groups (without LND; 71.7% vs. with LND; 72.1%, p=0.756). Multivariate analysis showed that pathologic T stage, tumor grade, and lymphovascular invasion were risk factors for recurrence. Age at surgery, tumor size, pathologic T stage, tumor grade, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly associated with overall survival. However, performance of LND was not associated with recurrence and survival. LND could be selectively performed in patients with clinically LN-negative UTUC based on patient/tumor characteristics and operative findings although sufficient LNs should be removed if LND is to be performed.

Prediction of lymph node metastasis and sentinel node navigation surgery for patients with early-stage gastric cancer.

Accurate prediction of lymph node (LN) status is crucially important for appropriate treatment planning in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). However, consensus on patient and tumor characteristics associated with LN metastasis are yet to be reached. Through systematic search, we identified several independent variables associated with LN metastasis in EGC, which should be included in future research to assess which of these variables remain as significant predictors of LN metastasis. On the other hand, even if we use these promising parameters, we should realize the limitation and the difficulty of predicting LN metastasis accurately. The sentinel LN (SLN) is defined as first possible site to receive cancer cells along the route of lymphatic drainage from the primary tumor. The absence of metastasis in SLN is believed to correlate with the absence of metastasis in downstream LNs. In this review, we have attempted to focus on several independent parameters which have close relationship between tumor and LN metastasis in EGC. In addition, we evaluated the history of sentinel node navigation surgery and the usefulness for EGC.