Rate Of Upstaging Research Articles

Predictive and prognostic factors in patients with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase: rearranged early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic factors in clinical stage I, ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma following radical surgery. Additionally, it sought to compare these factors with an external cohort of ALK wild-type patients. A multicentric, retrospective, case control analysis was conducted on patients with clinical T1-2 N0 ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma who underwent anatomical resection and radical lymphadenectomy. Data were collected from five high-volume oncological centers. An external cohort of ALK wild type patients was also analyzed for comparison. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors. From January 2016 to December 2022, 63 patients with ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma were included. High-grade tumors (G3) significantly associated with upstaging (OR = 3.904, p = 0.04). DFS and OS were significantly improved in upstaged patients receiving adjuvant treatment (HR = 0.18, p = 0.0042; HR = 0.24, p = 0.0004, respectively). The solid or micropapillary histological subtypes were independently associated with worse DFS (HR = 3.41, p = 0.022). Comparison with 435 ALK WT patients showed worse DFS in the ALK-rearranged group (HR = 2.09, p = 0.0003). ALK-rearranged patients had higher rates of nodal upstaging, systemic, and brain recurrences. Clinical T1-2 N0 ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease with a specific tropism for lymph nodes and the brain. High-grade tumors are predictive of nodal upstaging. Adjuvant treatment significantly improves DFS and OS in upstaged patients, highlighting the need for personalized preoperative staging and post-surgical management in this cohort.

Commission on Cancer Standards for Lymph Node Sampling and Oncologic Outcomes After Lung Resection

BackgroundThe newest Commission on Cancer standards recommend sampling 3 mediastinal and 1 hilar lymph node stations, 3 (N2) 1 (N1), for lung cancer resections. However, the relationship between the Commission on Cancer standards and outcomes has not been thoroughly investigated. MethodsA prospective institutional database was queried for clinical stage I-III lung resections before the implementation of the new standards. The relationship between the 3 (N2) 1 (N1) standard (“guideline concordant”) and outcomes (upstaging, complications, receipt of adjuvant therapy, locoregional/distant recurrence, and survival) was assessed with multivariable models and stratified by stage. ResultsOf 9289 pulmonary resections, 3048 (33%) were guideline concordant and 6241 (67%) were not. Compared with nonconcordant, those that were guideline concordant had higher rates of nodal upstaging (21% vs 13%; odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.14-1.51]; P < .001) and in-hospital complications (34% vs 27%; OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.05-1.30]; P = .004) but similar adjuvant systemic therapy administration (19% vs 13%; OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.95-1.24]; P = .2; 98% chemotherapy). Locoregional and distant recurrences were not significantly improved with guideline concordance across clinical stage I, II, and III subsets. Overall survival was similar in clinical stages I and II, but improved survival was observed for guideline concordant clinical stage III patients (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.74-0.97]; P = .02). ConclusionsSampling 3 (N2) 1 (N1) was associated with increased upstaging and complications but not with decreased recurrence or mortality in clinical stage I or II patients. Survival was improved for concordant, clinical stage III patients. Further study is indicated to determine the ideal lymph node sampling strategy across heterogeneous lung cancer patients.

The Relationship Between Nodal Metastases and Primary Location in Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

IntroductionThis study examines the relationship between location of the primary tumor and specific nodal metastases in clinical stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing lobectomy. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all lobectomies performed at a single institution, between January 2005 and December 2019, for clinical stage I NSCLC patients. Patients selected for this study were clinically node negative (cN0) by positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan and selectively by endobronchial ultrasound or mediastinoscopy. Cases of postoperative pathologic nodal upstaging were identified among these patients. For each patient upstaged, the specific lymph node stations found to be positive were recorded. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact test were utilized to identify independent risk factors for upstaging to specific N1 and N2 lymph node stations. All clinical and pathologic staging information was retrospectively normalized to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 8th Edition TNM Classification. ResultsThe research cohort included 645 patients. The mean age was 68 years (standard deviation ± 9.2), 54% were female, and 88% were White, 11% Black, and 1% other. Twelve percent (n = 75) were upstaged from cN0 to pN1 or pN2 upon final pathologic examination: 41 to pN1 (54.7%) and 34 to pN2 (45.3%). The primary tumor location with the highest rate of nodal upstaging was the left upper lobe (LUL) (12.8%). Tumors in the right middle lobe had the lowest rate of unsuspected nodal metastases (8.8%). Out of all upstaged patients, there were no positive level eight lymph nodes, and only 1 patient with a positive level nine lymph node. Lymph node levels five and six were only positive in LUL primary tumors, a relationship that approached statistical significance (P = 0.0797). No patients with a LUL primary tumor had a positive level seven lymph node. Upstaging at station 12 was significantly associated with the location of the primary tumor, occurring less often in tumors originating in the right upper lobe in comparison to other lobes (P = 0.0288). ConclusionsWe identified relationships between the location of a primary tumor and specific nodal upstaging in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who undergo lobectomy. We found the following: 1) only 1 patient had a positive level eight or nine lymph node out of 645 patients; 2) only LUL primary tumors demonstrated upstaging to level five or six lymph nodes; and 3) right upper lobe tumors were significantly less likely to be associated with a positive level 12 lymph node.

Low Rate of Upstaging of Melanoma in Situ When Central Debulk Sent for Permanent Sections During Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Low Rate of Upstaging of Melanoma in Situ When Central Debulk Sent for Permanent Sections During Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Increased rate of upstaging of plantar melanomas may warrant more radical treatment: Study at a single NCI-designated Cancer Center

BackgroundAcral lentiginous melanoma holds the worst prognosis of all cutaneous melanomas. We aim to further detail the incidence of upstaging in plantar melanoma (PM) as well as identify factors associated with upstaging. MethodsA retrospective analysis of medical records was performed of patients who underwent surgical intervention for non-metastatic primary PM at a single NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (January 2011-August 2023). The primary outcome was rate of upstaging, defined as an increase in the T-stage on final surgical pathology compared to biopsy. Clinical and pathologic staging were determined by the AJCC 8th edition. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. ResultsForty-nine patients were identified, with an average age of 65 years (51 % male). Majority self-identified as Caucasian (55 %). Initial biopsy techniques were shave (49 %), punch (34 %) and excisional (17 %). Twenty-four patients (50 %) demonstrated upstaging. Seventy-seven percent (n = 10) of patients with clinical Tis were upstaged. Eight patients required reoperation due to upstaging, with 6 having melanoma in situ on biopsy. On multivariable logistic regression, patients with clinical Tis-T1 were more likely to be upstaged compared to T2-T3 (OR 8.75, p < 0.041). Type of biopsy, lesion size < 15 mm and positive deep margins on biopsy were not associated with risk of upstaging. ConclusionsOur findings suggest a high incidence of upstaging of PM with no identifiable factors associated with upstaging. Patients with clinical Tis or T1 PM should undergo resection with wider margins and be strongly considered for sentinel lymph node biopsy at time of index operation. SynopsisIn this large cohort of patients with non-metastatic primary plantar melanoma, half of the cohort was upstaged following resection. The risk was higher in patients diagnosed with Tis or T1 on biopsy compared to T2-T3. Biopsy type, lesion size < 15 mm and positive deep biopsy margins were not associated with upstaging. More radical treatment of plantar melanomas may be warranted.

Determination of Factors Associated with Upstage in Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia to Identify Low-Risk Patients Where Active Surveillance May be an Alternative.

Excision is routinely recommended for atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) found on core biopsy given cancer upstage rates of near 20%. Identifying a cohort at low-risk for upstage may avoid low-value surgery. Objectives were to elucidate factors predictive of upstage in ADH, specifically near-complete core sampling, to potentially define a group at low upstage risk. This retrospective, cross-sectional, multi-institutional study from 2015 to 2019 of 221 ADH lesions in 216 patients who underwent excision or active observation (≥ 12 months imaging surveillance, mean follow-up 32.6 months) evaluated clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and procedural factors for association with upstage. Radiologists prospectively examined imaging for lesional size and sampling proportion. Upstage occurred in 37 (16.7%) lesions, 25 (67.6%) to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 12 (32.4%) to invasive cancer. Factors independently predictive of upstage were lesion size ≥ 10 mm (OR 5.47, 95% CI 2.03-14.77, p < 0.001), pathologic suspicion for DCIS (OR 12.29, 95% CI 3.24-46.56, p < 0.001), and calcification distribution pattern (OR 8.08, 95% CI 2.04-32.00, p = 0.003, "regional"; OR 19.28, 95% CI3.47-106.97, p < 0.001, "linear"). Near-complete sampling was not correlated with upstage (p = 0.64). All three significant predictors were absent in 65 (29.4%) cases, with a 1.5% upstage rate. The upstage rate among 221 ADH lesions was 16.7%, highest in lesions ≥ 10mm, with pathologic suspicion of DCIS, and linear/regional calcifications on mammography. Conversely, 30% of the cohort exhibited all low-risk factors, with an upstage rate < 2%, suggesting that active surveillance may be permissible in lieu of surgery.

Barriers to Timely Lung Cancer Care in Early Stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Impact on Patient Outcomes

BackgroundOptimal time to treatment for early-stage lung cancer is uncertain. We examined causes of delays in care for Veterans who presented with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether workup time was associated with increased upstaging or all-cause mortality. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of Veterans referred to our facility with radiographic stage I or II NSCLC between January 2013 to December 2017, with follow-up through October 2021. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, time intervals of care, and reasons for delays were collected. Guideline concordance (GC) was defined as treatment within 14 weeks of abnormal image. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine association between delays in care, survival, and upstaging. ResultsData from 203 Veterans were analyzed. Median time between abnormal imaging to treatment was 17.7 weeks (IQR 12.7-26.6). Only 33% of Veterans received GC care. Most common patient-related delays were: intercurrent hospitalization/comorbidity (23%), no-shows (16%) and inability to reach Veteran (17%). Most common system-related delay: lack of scheduling availability (25%). Delays associated with upstaging: transportation issues, request for coordination of appointments, and unforeseen appointment changes. Rates of upstaging did not differ between GC and discordant groups (P = .6). GC care was not an independent predictor of mortality. Post-hoc, treatment within 8 weeks was associated with lower rates of upstaging (P = .05). ConclusionAlthough GC care did not impact survival or upstaging for early-stage NSCLC, shorter timeframes may be beneficial. Modifiable delays in care exist which may be addressed at an institutional level to improve timeliness of care.

Increased risk of upstage when combinations of breast lesions of uncertain malignant potential are found on core needle biopsy: The need for surgical excision

BackgroundManagement of breast lesions of uncertain malignant potential diagnosed at core needle biopsy (CNB) is controversial due to variable upstage rate (UR) with surgical excision (SE). MethodsWe performed an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of adult women who underwent CNB demonstrating atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), flat epithelial atypia, radial scar, or intraductal papilloma then SE between 2010 and 2022. We evaluated CNB pathology for combination diagnoses (CD), defined as multiple primary lesions or primary with lobular neoplasia (LN), and surgical pathology for upstage. Results719 patients were included. UR was 12.2% (88/719). CD experienced higher UR than pure (17.7% (45/254) vs. 9.2% (43/465), p ​= ​0.001). ADH/LN had the highest UR of all CD (34.6% (9/26), p ​= ​0.001). Increased size (15.6 vs. 10.5 ​mm, p ​< ​0.001), distance from nipple (79 vs. 66 ​mm, p ​< ​0.001), and personal history of breast cancer (p ​= ​0.04) were associated with UR. ConclusionsCD was associated with increased UR. ADH/LN had the highest UR.

Evaluating the Optimal Time Between Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention for Early-Stage Lung Cancer

IntroductionThere is no consensus on the optimal timing for lung cancer surgery. We aim to evaluate the impact of timing of surgical intervention. We hypothesize delay in intervention is associated with worse overall survival and higher pathologic upstaging in early-stage lung cancer. MethodsWe identified patients with cT1/2N0M0 nonsmall cell lung cancer in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2018. Patients were categorized by time to surgery groups: early (<26 d), average (26-60 d), and delayed (61-365 d). Primary outcome was overall survival and secondary outcome was pathologic upstaging. Multivariate models and survival analyses were used to determine factors associated with time from diagnosis to surgery, pathologic upstaging, and overall survival. ResultsIn multivariate model, advanced age, non-Hispanic Black patients, nonprivate insurance, low median income and education, and treatment at low-volume facilities were less likely to undergo early intervention and compared to the average group were more likely to receive delayed intervention. Pathologic upstaging was more likely in the delayed group (odds ratio 1.11, 1.07-1.14) compared to early group (odds ratio 0.96, 0.93-0.99). Early intervention was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio 0.93, 0.91-0.95), while delayed intervention was associated with inferior survival (hazard ratio 1.11, 1.09-1.14). ConclusionsExpeditious surgical intervention is associated with lower rates of pathologic upstaging and improved overall survival in early-stage lung cancer. Delays in surgery are associated with social and economic factors, suggesting disparities in access to surgery. Lung cancer surgery should be performed as quickly as possible to maximize oncologic outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Staging of Early-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer versus Open Surgery in Terms of Feasibility and Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Epithelial ovarian cancer is women's fourth most common oncological cause of death. One of the main prognostic factors in ovarian cancer is the tumor stage. For instance, surgical staging of the disease is focal when choosing the best therapeutic option for each case. Although open surgery is the prevalent approach for staging and treating ovarian cancer, the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has found recent application in staging or restaging cases of early disease. Our work compares oncological outcomes after MIS staging for FIGO I epithelial ovarian cancer with the laparotomic approach. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement recommendations, we systematically searched the Pub Med and Scopus databases in February 2023. No temporal nor geographical limitation was made. We included the articles containing data about Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS), Recurrence Rates (RR), and Upstaging Rates (UpR). We used comparative studies for the meta-analysis. After the database search and article selection, 19 works matched the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Eleven of these were comparative studies between MIS and Open Surgical Staging (OSS) approaches for ovarian cancer staging and were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between the MIS and the OSS group concerning DFS, OS, and RR. Only Upstaging Rate ≥ FIGO Stage II was statistically significative higher in the OSS group. Likewise, MIS is confirmed to be an approach with a lower profile of surgical complications. In conclusion, our study did not show one approach to be safer than the other. However, the lack of dedicated studies limits the evidence of our study. For instance, we recommend adequately selecting the specimen, minimizing the risk of spillage, and optimizing surgical staging.

Impact of FDG PET Standardized Uptake Value in Resected Clinical Stage IA Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BackgroundA significant proportion of patients with clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) experience will recurrence and decreased survival after surgery. This study examined the impact of preoperative primary tumor positron emission tomography (PET) scan maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on oncologic outcomes after surgery. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 251 patients who underwent surgical treatment of clinical stage IA NSCLC at an academic medical center (2005-2014). Patients were classified according to PET SUVmax level (low vs high) for analysis of upstaging, tumor recurrence, and overall survival. ResultsMedian SUVmax values were higher in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma (median 3.3 vs 7.2; P < .0001). There were 109 (43.4%) patients in the SUVmax low group and 142 (56.6%) in the SUVmax high group. Patients with SUVmax high had larger tumors. SUVmax high was associated with higher rates of nodal upstaging (16.2% vs 4.6% in SUVmax low; P = .004), particularly in N1 nodes. SUVmax high was independently associated with nodal upstaging (adjusted odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.36-11.46; P = .011). SUVmax high was associated with time to recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03-2.54; P = .036), but this association was lost on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.91-2.54; P = .106). SUVmax was not associated with overall survival. ConclusionsPreoperative PET SUVmax level is strongly associated with nodal upstaging, particularly in N1 nodes, in patients with clinical stage IA NSCLC who undergo resection. PET SUVmax should be regarded as a risk factor when considering candidacy for sublobar resections and in future trials involving patients with stage I NSCLC.

PD29-10 FACILITY LEVEL VARIATION IN PATHOLOGIC UPSTAGING OF BLADDER CANCER AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023PD29-10 FACILITY LEVEL VARIATION IN PATHOLOGIC UPSTAGING OF BLADDER CANCER AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY Madelyn Flitcroft, Anai Kothari, Nayan Shah, Kayleen Knoll, and Scott Johnson Madelyn FlitcroftMadelyn Flitcroft More articles by this author , Anai KothariAnai Kothari More articles by this author , Nayan ShahNayan Shah More articles by this author , Kayleen KnollKayleen Knoll More articles by this author , and Scott JohnsonScott Johnson More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003315.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The rate of bladder cancer pathologic upstaging at the time of radical cystectomy (RC) is estimated to be as high as 40% and has been associated with worse survival. Prior studies have examined patient and disease specific factors. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of treatment facility and facility level factors on upstaging of bladder cancer at the time of RC. METHODS: Data from the National Cancer Database was used to conduct this retrospective analysis. We identified patients between 2004 and 2019 with urothelial cancer who underwent RC. The primary outcome was pathologic upstaging defined as an increase in pathologic T or N stage when compared to the clinical T or N stage. Variation across facilities and facility-specific factors associated with high pathologic upstaging were measured using descriptive analyses. Shared frailty modeling, which includes neoadjuvant treatment as a covariate, was used to describe the relationship between pathologic upstaging and survival. RESULTS: 64,675 patients were treated at 774 facilities and were included in this analysis. Of these, 17,961 (27.8%) received care at more than one Commission on Cancer-accredited facility. A total of 32,142 patients (49.7%) were upstaged following RC with 41.2% (26,657) upstaged T stage and 17.6% (11,395) upstaged N stage. Rate of upstaging varied by treating facility, from 0.8%-89.5% (median 50.2% [IQR 42.4-57.0%]). Hospitals were divided into quintiles based on rate of upstaging: very low (0.8-40.4%, N=155), low (40.5-47.6%, N=155), medium (47.6-52.9%, N=158), high (53.0-59.1%, N=153), very high (59.3-89.5%, N=153). Low volume (OR 2.6, 1.5-4.5, p<.001) and non-academic facilities (OR 2.2, 1.4-3.6, p=.001) were associated with very high rates of upstaging. Following adjustment for initial clinical stage, patient characteristics, and clinical factors, upstaging was associated with decreased survival (HR 2.10 [2.05-2.16], p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bladder cancer upstaging after RC varies considerably across treatment facilities and is associated with decreased survival. Ensuring that patients have access to care at facilities with high case volume and other factors associated with decreased rates of upstaging are potential means to improving survival. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e828 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Madelyn Flitcroft More articles by this author Anai Kothari More articles by this author Nayan Shah More articles by this author Kayleen Knoll More articles by this author Scott Johnson More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

High rate of postoperative upstaging of ductal carcinoma in situ when prioritizing ultrasound evaluation of mammography-detected lesions: a single-center retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe initial diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be upstaged to invasive cancer after definitive surgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors for DCIS upstaging using routine breast ultrasonography and mammography (MG) and to propose a prediction model.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective study, patients initially diagnosed with DCIS (January 2016–December 2017) were enrolled (final sample size = 272 lesions). Diagnostic modalities included ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB), MG-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, and wire-localized surgical biopsy. Breast ultrasonography was routinely performed for all patients. US-CNB was prioritized for lesions visible on ultrasound. Lesions initially diagnosed as DCIS on biopsy with a final diagnosis of invasive cancer at definitive surgery were defined as “upstaged.”ResultsThe postoperative upstaging rates were 70.5%, 9.7%, and 4.8% in the US-CNB, MG-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, and wire-localized surgical biopsy groups, respectively. US-CNB, ultrasonographic lesion size, and high-grade DCIS were independent predictive factors for postoperative upstaging, which were used to construct a logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed good internal validation (area under the curve = 0.88).ConclusionsSupplemental screening breast ultrasonography possibly contributes to lesion stratification. The low upstaging rate for ultrasound-invisible DCIS diagnosed by MG-guided procedures suggests that it is unnecessary to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy for lesions invisible on ultrasound. Case-by-case evaluation of DCIS detected by US-CNB can help surgeons determine if repeating biopsy with vacuum-assisted breast biopsy is necessary or if sentinel lymph node biopsy should accompany breast-preserving surgery.Trial registrationThis single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted with the approval of the institutional review board of our hospital (approval number 201610005RIND). As this was a retrospective review of clinical data, it was not registered prospectively.

Time to first treatment and optimal adjuvant treatment strategy in patients with resectable gastric cancer pathologically upstaged to lymph node–positive disease.

473 Background: Treatment strategies in resectable gastric cancer (GC) patients include perioperative chemotherapy (PEC), postoperative chemoradiation therapy (POCR), and postoperative chemotherapy (POC). Treatment delay can lead to metastases with unfavorable outcomes. We aim to identify the distribution of patients upstaged to pathologically node positive disease (pLN+) stratified by time and the optimal treatment in this cohort. Methods: We analyzed resected GC patients in the National Cancer Database (2004-2016) with clinically node negative disease (cLN-). Time from diagnosis to first definitive therapy was stratified as ≤2, &gt;2 to ≤4, and &gt;4 weeks. The distribution of patients upstaged from cLN- to pLN+ disease, the concordance between cLN- and pathologically lymph node negative (pLN-) disease based on treatment strategy, and time to first definitive therapy was analyzed. POC and POCR were compared to evaluate their effect on overall survival (OS) in patients with cLN- upstaged to pLN+ disease. Kaplan-Meier test, log-rank test, multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis (MVA) were performed. Results: Of the 4,828 gastric cancer patients with cLN- disease, 514 (10.65%) patients received PEC and 4,314 (89.35%) patients received upfront surgery followed by POCR/POC. Distribution of patients stratified by time between diagnosis to first definitive treatment - chemotherapy (PEC) or surgery (POC/POCR), for ≤2 weeks was 9.5% vs. 33%, &gt;2 - ≤4 weeks was 28.4% vs. 24.2% and &gt;4weeks was 62% vs 42.7%, respectively. Patients upstaged from cLN- to pLN+ disease in the PEC group was 43.37%(n=206), and 70%(n=2574) in the upfront surgery group (POC/POCR). Of the 206 (43.37%) patients upstaged from cLN- to pLN+ in the PEC cohort, the upstage rate was 7.77% when chemotherapy was started within 2 weeks of diagnosis, compared to 27.67% with &gt;2 to ≤4 weeks, and 64.56% with &gt;4 weeks. Of the 2,574 (70%) patients upstaged in the upfront surgery cohort (POCR/POC), 30.61% were upstaged in ≤2 weeks, 24.95% in &gt;2 to ≤4 weeks, and 44.44% in ≥4 weeks. On MVA, patients with cLN- disease that were pLN- (POCR=766, POC=341) had no significant difference in OS when treated with POCR (HR 1.11, p=0.39) compared to POC. Patients with pLN+ (POCR=2300, POC=907) disease had an association with improved OS when treated with POCR (HR 0.78, p&lt;0.001) compared to POC. Conclusions: When resectable gastric cancer patients undergoing upfront surgery are upstaged from clinically node negative to pathologically node positive disease, postoperative chemoradiation therapy may be the optimal treatment strategy compared to postoperative chemotherapy. Clinical nodal status may not be an optimal predictor of nodal disease.

Impact of Delaying Surgery After Chemoradiation on Outcomes for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Performing selective esophagectomy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma may spare patients morbidity, but delayed surgery may infer higher risks. This study evaluated the impact of length of time between chemoradiation and esophagectomy on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival. The impact of surgical timing, stratified by surgery performed < 180 and ≥ 180 days from starting radiation, on perioperative outcomes and survival in patients treated with chemoradiation and esophagectomy for cT1N + M0 and cT2-4, any N, M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the mid-distal esophagus in the National Cancer Database (2006-2016) was evaluated with logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox proportional-hazards methods, and propensity-matched analysis. Median time between starting radiation and esophagectomy in 1641 patients was 93 (IQR 81-114) days. Most patients (96.8%, n = 1589) had surgery within 180 days of starting radiation, while 52 patients (3.2%) had delayed surgery. Black race and clinical T stage were associated with delayed surgery. Rates of pathologic upstaging, downstaging, complete response, and positive margins were not significantly different between the groups. Patients with delayed surgery had increased major morbidity as measured by a composite of length of hospital stay, readmission, and 30-day mortality [42.3% (22/52) vs 22.3% (355/1589), p = 0.001]. However, delayed surgery was not associated with a significant difference in survival in both univariate [5-year survival 32.8% (95% CI 21.1-50.7) vs 47.3% (44.7-50.1), p = 0.19] and multivariable analysis [hazard ratio (HR) 1.23 (0.85-1.78), p = 0.26]. Delaying surgery longer than 180 days after starting chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with worse perioperative outcomes but not long-term survival.

Role of the Prostate Imaging Quality PI-QUAL Score for Prostate Magnetic Resonance Image Quality in Pathological Upstaging After Radical Prostatectomy: A Multicentre European Study

BackgroundIncreasing use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has come with heterogeneity in image quality. The Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) score is under scrutiny to assess its usefulness in predicting clinical outcomes. ObjectiveTo compare upstaging of localized disease on mpMRI (mrT2) to locally invasive disease in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens (≥pT3a) in relation to PI-QUAL. Design, setting, and participantsPatients treated with RP between 2015 and 2020 who underwent 1.5–3-T mpMRI within 6 mo before surgery and had systematic and mpMRI-US targeted biopsies were included. mpMRI scans were retrospectively assigned a PI-QUAL score, and prospectively acquired Prostate Imaging-Recording and Data System (PI-RADS) scores (version 2.0 or 2.1) were used. PI-QUAL scores were categorized as nondiagnostic (PI-QUAL <3), sufficient (PI-QUAL 3), or optimal (PI-QUAL >3). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe assessed the relationship between the PI-QUAL score and upstaging using multivariate logistic regression. mpMRI, clinical, and pathological findings were compared using χ2 tests and analysis of variance. Results and limitationsWe identified 351 patients, of whom 40 (11.4%) had PI-QUAL <3, 57 (16.3%) had PI-QUAL 3, and 254 (72.3%) had PI-QUAL >3 scores. The distribution of PI-QUAL <3 (0–33.6%; p < 0.001) and PI-QUAL >3 (37.3–100%; p < 0.001) scores varied widely among centers. PI-QUAL ≥3 in comparison to PI-QUAL <3 was associated with a lower rate of upstaging (19% vs 35%; p = 0.02), greater detection of mrT3a and mrT3b prostate cancer (17.0% vs 2.5%; p = 0.016), a higher rate of PI-RADS 5 lesions (47% vs 27.5%; p = 0.002), a higher number of suspicious lesion (PI-RADS ≥3: 34.7% vs 15%; p = 0.012), and higher detection rates for aggregated (50.7% vs 22.5%; p = 0.001) and late (21.2% vs 0%; p < 0.001) extraprostatic extension. On multivariate analysis, PI-QUAL<3 was associated with more frequent upstaging in the RP specimen (odds ratio 3.4; p = 0.01). ConclusionsIn comparison to PI-QUAL ≥3, PI-QUAL <3 was significantly associated with a higher rate of upstaging from organ-confined disease on mpMRI to locally advanced disease on pathology, lower detection rates for PI-RADS 5 lesions and extraprostatic extension, and a lower number of suspicious lesions. Patient summaryPoor image quality for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the prostate is associated with underestimation of the stage of prostate cancer.

Oesophagectomy following noncurative endoscopic resection for oesophageal carcinoma: does interval matter?

Oesophagectomy was always recommended after noncurative endoscopic resection (ER). And the optimal time interval from ER to oesophagectomy remains unclear. This study was to explore the effect of interval on pathologic stage and prognosis. We included 155 patients who underwent ER for cT1N0M0 oesophageal cancer and then received subsequent oesophagectomy from 2009 to 2019. Overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were analysed to find an optimal cut-off of interval from ER to oesophagectomy. In addition, pathologic stage after ER was compared to that of oesophagectomy. Logistic regression model was built to identify risk factors for pathological upstage. The greatest difference of DFS was found in the groups who underwent oesophagectomy before and after 30 days (P = 0.016). Among total 155 patients, 106 (68.39%) received oesophagectomy within 30 days, while 49 (31.61%) had interval over 30 days. Comparing the pathologic stage between ER and oesophagectomy, 26 patients had upstage and thus had worse DFS (hazard ratio = 3.780, P = 0.042). T1b invasion, lymphovascular invasion and interval >30-day group had a higher upstage rate (P = 0.014, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). And they were independent risk factors for pathologic upstage (odds ratio = 3.782, 4.522 and 2.844, respectively). It was the first study exploring the relationship between time interval and prognosis in oesophageal cancer. The longer interval between noncurative ER and additional oesophagectomy was associated with a worse DFS, so oesophagectomy was recommended performed within 1 month after ER. Older age, T1b stage, lymphovascular invasion and interval >30 days were significantly associated with pathologic upstage, which is related to the worse outcome too.

Is a restaging TURBT necessary in high-risk NMIBC if the initial TURBT was performed with blue light?

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is necessary in high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) if the initial TURBT was performed using blue light (BL) technology. Methods and materialsUsing the multi-institutional Cysview registry between 2014 and 2021, all consecutive adult patients with known NMIBC (Ta and T1 disease) who underwent TURBT followed by a restaging TURBT within 8 weeks were reviewed. Patients were stratified according to their initial TURBT, BL vs. white light (WL), and compared to determine rates of residual disease and upstaging. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests, with P < 0.05 considered significant. ResultsOverall, 115 patients had TURBT for NMIBC followed by a restaging TURBT within 8 weeks and were included in the analysis. Patients who underwent BL compared to WL for their initial TURBT had higher rates of benign pathology on restaging TURBT, although this was not statistically significant (47% vs. 30%; P = 0.08). Of patients with residual tumors on restaging TURBT, there were no differences in rates of Ta (22% vs. 26.5%; P = 0.62), T1 (22% vs. 26.5%; P = 0.62), or CIS (5.5% vs. 13%; P = 0.49) when the initial TURBT was done using BL compared to WL. Rates of upstaging to muscle invasive disease were also not different when initial TURBT was performed using BL compared to WL (3% vs. 4%; P = 0.78). ConclusionsTURBT using BL does not reduce rates of residual disease or risk of upstaging on restaging TURBT in Ta or T1 disease. Thus, a restaging TURBT is still necessary even if initial TURBT was performed using BL.

Adequate lung cancer surgery lymphadenectomy within a statewide quality collaborative: Quality improvement in action

ObjectivesIn January 2016, our statewide quality improvement collaborative focused on 3 metrics of adequate lymph node harvest during lung cancer surgery: (1) rates of pathologic examination of 10 lymph nodes or more; (2) sampling 5 or more lymph node stations or more within the hilum or mediastinum; and (3) pathologic nodal upstaging (pathologic nodal stage higher than clinical nodal stage). Unblinded, hospital-level outcomes were presented at biannual meetings, and opportunities for education or improvement were discussed. We set out to describe this quality improvement initiative and the subsequent impact on surgical lymphadenectomies statewide. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing lobectomy for stage IA to IIIA non–small-cell lung cancer from July 2015 to December 2020 at the 16 participating centers. ResultsThe study cohort included 3753 patients. The rates of examining 10 lymph nodes or more statewide increased from 215 lobectomies (44.0%) in 2015 to 522 lobectomies (78.9%) in 2020 (P < .001). Similar trends were noted statewide for 5 lymph node stations or more, which increased from 193 lobectomies (39.6%) to 531 lobectomies (80.3%) in 2020 (P < .001). The overall rate of nodal upstaging was more variable year to year and generally declined over time (P = .004). ConclusionsOur statewide quality improvement initiative improved rates of appropriate lymph node staging for surgically treated non–small cell lung cancer compared with national rates. This work demonstrates the power that a “community of practice” philosophy can have on surgical treatment of lung cancer. Quality improvement interventions including transparent data-driven discussions and collaboration can help guide future quality improvement initiatives and should be readily transferrable to other clinical domains.

Impact of Surgical Delay on Tumor Upstaging and Outcomes in Estrogen Receptor–Negative Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Patients

The delay of elective surgeries by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted concern among surgeons to delay estrogen receptor (ER)-negative ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) for fear of missing an ER-negative invasive cancer and compromising survival of patients. Female patients ≥40 years old diagnosed with ER-negative DCIS from 2004 to 2017 were examined from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for patient and tumor factors, was used to determine factors associated with tumor upstage. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine if surgical delay impacted overall survival of ER-negative DCIS patients that were upstaged to invasive disease. There were 219,731 patients with DCIS of which 24,338 (11.1%) had tumor upstage. Of these patients, 5,675 (16.2%) of ER-negative and 18,663 (10.1%) of ER-positive DCIS patients were upstaged (p ≤ 0.001). From 2004 to 2017, ER-negative DCIS upstage rates increased from 12.9% to 18.9%. Independent factors associated with tumor upstage were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.75 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.81]) and Black race (OR 1.34 [95% CI 1.22 to 1.46]). Compared with patients with ≤30 days between biopsy and surgery, patients with a 31- to 60-day interval (OR 1.13 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.20]) and a &gt;60-day interval (OR 1.12 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.23]) had an increased rate of tumor upstage. Among ER-negative DCIS patients whose tumors were upstaged to invasive disease, Cox proportional hazard regression modeling showed no association between the number of days between biopsy and surgery and overall survival. Delays in surgery were associated with higher tumor upstage rates but not with worse overall survival.