The surgical management of the cavity and bone defects in enchondroma cases: A prospective randomized trial

BackgroundWe compared the curettage/bone grafting and the curettage/bone graft substitutes surgical techniques in their relation to functional outcomes, oncologic outcome (recurrence, malignant transformation), the rate of postsurgical complications, durations of surgery and of postsurgical immobilization for hand-localized cases of solitary and multiple enchondromas.MethodsThe current prospective randomized trial analyzed 200 adult patients (2012–2017) with enchondroma who underwent surgical intervention. The cases were randomly divided into Group 1 (n = 100; F 56, M 44) for surgeries with curettage and autogenous bone grafting, and Group 2 (n = 100; F 55, M 45) for surgeries with curettage and bone graft substitutes. The placebo control Group 3 consisted of cases operated by curettage only (n = 56; F 31, M 25). The follow-up period was set at 30 months.ResultsThe duration of surgery was 51 ± 4 min in Group 1 and 27 ± 1 min in Group 2 (p = 0.008). In Group 1, the rate of recurrence was 6% against 1% in Group 2 (p = 0.005). No other statistically significant differences in postsurgical outcomes between three involved groups were noted.ConclusionIn cases of enchondroma of the hand, postsurgical functional outcomes, the rate of postsurgical complications, the duration of immobilization, and the time to complete recovery are not influenced by the type of chosen grafting material. The implementation of HAp-collagen bone substitutes in granules instead of autogenous bone grafting reduces the duration of surgery. The implementation of autogenous bone grafting may increase the rate of tumor recurrence.     

A hollow,custom-made prosthesis combined with a vascularized flap and bone graft for skeletal reconstruction after bone tumour resection

PurposeWhile limb-sparing surgery is now possible for more than 80% of patients with bone tumours, wide resection is often required, necessitating bone reconstruction. This paper aims to present a surgical technique that combines the advantages of a hollow, titanium, custom-made prosthesis and the biological aspects of microsurgical flaps and bone graft.Patients and methodsFrom June 2016 to September 2017 at our institution, six consecutive patients with skeletal tumours underwent one-stage reconstructive surgery with concomitant implantation of a 3D-printed prosthesis.ResultsAt an average follow-up of 30 months (range: 18–45), no early complications were observed, and no implant removals were needed. One patient experienced a delayed haematogenous deep infection, which healed after surgical debridement. Three patients died of their underlying disease 18, 22, and 23 months after surgery, respectively. All flaps and custom reconstructions were successful, with primary osseointegration at a mean of four months (range: 2–7). Patients’ average Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 23.2 (range: 18–28).ConclusionA hollow, custom-made, titanium prosthesis filled with bone graft, used in conjunction with a microsurgical flap, may offer good osseointegration in different anatomic locations among a patient population with a high risk of infection, pseudarthrosis, and long-term mechanical complications. The surgical technique's advantages are preliminarily demonstrated. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.     

BROWSE: A multicentre comparison of nine year outcomes in acellular dermal matrix based and complete submuscular implant-based immediate breast reconstruction-aesthetics,capsular contracture and patient reported outcomes

Approximately 60% of implant-based breast reconstructions (IBBR) are performed with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM), for which, reliable, good quality long-term outcome data is limited. In a retrospective multicentre cohort study, we aimed to determine long-term aesthetic and quality of life outcomes of IBBR with ADM (Strattice?) compared to a submuscular technique.MethodsCapsular contracture (Baker III/IV capsule) was determined by clinical examination by an independent researcher. Quality of life was assessed using BREAST-Q and aesthetic outcome by photographic assessment from a breast surgeon, breast care nurse and lay person, blinded to reconstruction type.ResultsWe recruited 117 (51 bilateral) patients with ADM reconstructions, median follow-up 62 months (range 29–113) and 49 patients (16 bilateral) with submuscular reconstructions, median follow-up 76 months (range 38–111). 17 (10.1%) ADM reconstructions were Baker 3/4 compared to six (9.2%) submuscular (p = 0.85). Of the Baker 1/2 reconstructions six (3.6%) ADM and eight (13.6%) submuscular had previously undergone revision surgery to correct capsular contracture (p = 0.01). Combining both findings gave an estimated rate of capsular contracture of 13.6% in the ADM group and 21.2% in the submuscular (p = 0.14). A higher mean score for satisfaction with breasts was demonstrated when comparing ADM to submuscular (62 and 55, respectively; p = 0.01) but no significant difference in other BREAST-Q domains. The mean ‘general satisfaction’ score was higher in the ADM group for all three photograph assessors.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of improved aesthetic outcome and reduction in capsular contracture with ADM reconstruction when compared to submuscular, consistent over long-term follow-up.     

Laparoscopic versus open resection for rectal cancer: An individual patient data meta analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsThe role of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection remains controversial. Thus, we aimed to conduct a one-stage meta-analysis with reconstructed patient-level data using randomized trial data to compare long-term oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic and open surgical resection for rectal cancer.MethodsMedline, EMBASE and Scopus were searched for articles comparing laparoscopic with open surgery for rectal cancer. Primary outcome was disease free survival (DFS) while secondary outcome was overall survival (OS). One-stage meta-analysis was conducted using patient-level survival data reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves with Web Plot Digitizer. Shared-frailty and stratified Cox models were fitted to compare survival endpoints.ResultsSeven randomized trials involving 1767 laparoscopic and 1293 open resections for rectal cancer were included. There were no significant differences between both groups for DFS and OS with respective hazard ratio estimates of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.78–1.06, p = 0.241) and 0.86 (95% CI:0.73–1.02, p = 0.090). Sensitivity analysis for non-metastatic patients and patients with mid and lower rectal cancer showed no significant differences in OS and DFS between both surgical approaches. In the laparoscopic arm, improved DFS was noted for stage II (HR: 0.73, 95% CI:0.54–0.98, p = 0.036) and stage III rectal cancers (HR: 0.74, 95% CI:0.55–0.99, p = 0.041).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis concludes that laparoscopic rectal cancer resection does not compromise long-term oncologic outcomes compared with open surgery with potential survival benefits for a minimal access approach in patients with stage II and III rectal cancer.     

Interim Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Early Metabolic Assessment of Therapeutic Response to Chemotherapy for Metastatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma

BackgroundThe prognostic impact of early metabolic response by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) after 2 cycles of first-line chemotherapy is still unrecognized in metastatic transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).Patients and MethodsPatients with metastatic TCC receiving the modified combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MVAC), according to institutional protocol, underwent computed tomography (CT) and FDG-PET imaging at baseline, a restaging with PET imaging after 2 cycles only (PET2), and a CT (± FDG-PET) scan at the end of treatment and during follow-up. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method; univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) Cox models were fitted. Prespecified variables were the presence of visceral metastases, nodal or soft tissue disease, and early PET response.ResultsIn the period from May 2010 to October 2012, 31 patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 received the modified MVAC regimen every 3 weeks. In all, 6 patients (19.3%) had a complete response (CR) and 17 (54.8%) a partial metabolic response (PR), 4 had stable disease (SD), and 4 progressed. PET2 responders had a median PFS of 8 months (95 % CI, 7-11 mo) compared with 3 months (95 % CI, 2-5 mo) of patients without response (P = .024). They also had a significant benefit in 8-month PFS (P < .001 via Klein test) and 15-month OS (P = .016). PET2 response was significant for PFS in both UVA and MVA Cox models (P = .027 and P = .023, respectively).ConclusionPET response after 2 cycles of first-line chemotherapy, compared with detection by early CT, was associated with longer PFS and OS in advanced TCC and warrants further investigation in the field.     

Major vascular reconstruction in colorectal adenocarcinoma and retroperitoneal sarcoma: A retrospective study of safety and margins in a tertiary referral centre

BackgroundThe role of en bloc vascular resection and reconstruction (EVRR) is controversial in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC), but well-established in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Sparse data exists regarding these complex procedures.MethodsPatients undergoing curative intent EVRR for advanced CRC and RPS between 2014 and 2021 at a tertiary centre were included. Morbidity, margins, recurrence, and survival were evaluated.Results24 patients underwent EVRR with 48 reconstructions (11 CRC and 13 RPS). For CRC, 100% of patients underwent Iliac system reconstructions. For RPS, inferior vena cava reconstructions were the most common (69.2%). There were 2 arterial and 1 venous graft thromboses. Primary graft patency was 89.4% arterial and 93.1% venous, while secondary patency was 100% arterial and 96.5% venous at last follow up. 1 venous and 1 arterial graft required reoperation for bleeding. There were no compromised limbs. Major complications occurred in 6 patients (25.0%) with no observed difference between CRC and RPS (OR 0.43 95%CI[0.60,3.19], P = 0.41). R1 margins occurred 1 CRC (90.9%) and 3 RPS (76.9%), with no R2 resections. All vascular resection margins were clear. There were 6 CRC (50%) and 4 RPS (33.3%) recurrences. Median recurrence time was 20.9 months for CRC and ‘not yet reached’ for RPS. Median follow-up was 19.4 months for CRC and 21.4 months for RPS.ConclusionEVRR for locally advanced CRC or RPS is safe and achieves favorable R0 resection rates. CRC patients with major vascular invasion can still be considered for curative intent surgery. Larger cohorts with longer follow up are needed to assess oncologic outcomes.     

Isolated limb perfusion for locally advanced angiosarcoma in extremities: A multi-centre study

BackgroundAngiosarcomas are rare and aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas. The only potential curative treatment is complete surgical excision. This study reports the outcome of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) with high-dose melphalan and tumour necrosis factor α for locally advanced angiosarcoma.Material and methodsAll patients who underwent an ILP for angiosarcomas between 1991 and 2016 in three tertiary referral centres were identified from prospectively maintained databases.ResultsA total of 39 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range 6.1–60.8). Of these patients, 23 (58.9%) patients had a complete response (CR) after ILP, 10 (25.6%) had a partial response, 4 (10.3%) had stable disease and 2 (5.1%) patients had progressive disease immediately after ILP. A total of 22 patients developed local progression (56.4%), whereas nine (23.1%) developed distant metastases. The patients with CR had a significantly prolonged median local progression-free survival (PFS) (15.4 versus 7.3 months, p = 0.015) when compared with non-CR patients, and a trend towards better median overall survival (81.2 versus 14.5 months, p = 0.054). Six patients underwent multiple ILPs, whereby the CR rate of the first, second and third ILPs were 60%, 80% and 67%, respectively. Thirteen (33.3%) patients needed further surgical intervention, consisting of resection in eight patients (20.5%) and amputation in five patients (12.8%).ConclusionILP is an effective treatment option for patients with locally advanced angiosarcoma in the extremities, resulting in a high number of CRs, a high limb salvage rate and prolonged local PFS.     

Impact of Blood Count Recovery-based Complete Remission Before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Survival in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BackgroundPatients who achieve complete remission (CR) with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have inferior overall survival and lower progression-free survival. The aim of this study was to define whether blood count recovery-based CR before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) had an impact on survival in patients with AML.Materials and MethodsThis study has been performed in a retrospective manner. One hundred one patients with AML who received an alloHSCT in our transplant center at Hacettepe University Hospital between the years 2001 and 2018 were evaluated. CRi were defined as bone marrow CR with absolute neutrophil count < 1000/mm³ and/or platelet count < 100.000/mm³. CR and CRi were confirmed just before alloHSCT in bone marrow and peripheral blood, respectively.ResultsA total of 101 patients were entered into the study between 2001 and 2018. Median follow-up for all survivors was 38 months (range, 6-220 months). The 5-year overall survival for patients who were in CRi and patients who were in CR before transplantation were 58% and 67%, respectively (P = .68). The 5-year progression-free survival for patients who were in CRi and patients who were in CR before transplantation were 68% and 64%, respectively (P = .99).ConclusionIn conclusion, we observed equivalent posttransplant outcomes between patients who were in CR and patients who were in CRi before alloHSCT. We assume that alloHSCT eliminated the negative effect of pre-transplant blood count levels.     

Mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A new option for patients with operable invasive breast cancer. Results of a 20 years single institution study

Purpose

To evaluate the feasability of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radiation therapy (RT) for operable invasive breast cancer (OIBC), in terms of incidence of local complications, locoregional control and survival.

Patients and methods

From 1990 to 2008, 210 patients were treated by NACT, RT and mastectomy with IBR for OIBC. One hundred and seven patients underwent a latissimus dorsi flap with implant (LDI), 56 patients a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, 25 an autologous latissimus dorsi flap (ALD) and 22, a retropectoral implant (RI) reconstruction.

Results

Forty-six (21.9%) early events were recorded: 20 necrosis, 9 surgical site infections and 6 haematomas, requiring further surgery in 23 patients. More necrosis were observed with TRAM flap reconstructions (p = 0.000004), requiring more surgical revision than LD reconstructions. Seromas represented 42% of early complications in LD reconstructions. Fifty-five patients presented with late complications (26.2%) with mainly implant complications (capsular contracture, infection, dislocation, deflation) (23.6%), requiring reintervention in 14 cases. There were more delayed surgical revisions in RI reconstructions (p = 0.0005). The 5 years overall and disease-free survival rates were respectively 86.7% and 75.6%. Sixty-four patients presented at least one recurrence (30.5%) with 5 local, 9 locoregional and 54 distant relapses.

Conclusion

This therapeutic sequence does not seem to increase the IBR morbidity nor alter disease-free and overall survival.     

Relapses in hepatoblastoma patients: Clinical characteristics and outcome – Experience of the International Childhood Liver Tumour Strategy Group (SIOPEL)

PurposeTo analyse the clinical characteristics and outcome of hepatoblastoma (HB) patients who relapsed after enrolment on SIOPEL studies 1–3.Patients and methodsAnalysis of clinical data of all 59 patients (pts) registered in SIOPEL 1–3 studies, who relapsed after achieving complete remission (CR).ResultsThe median time from the initial diagnosis to relapse was 12 months (4–115 m). The site of relapse was lung N = 27, liver N = 21, both liver and lung N = 5 and other N = 5 (missing data-MD: 1 patient). All but 9 pts had an alpha-fetoprotein level >10 ng/mL at the time of relapse. Treatment of the relapse included chemotherapy and surgery N = 25, chemotherapy alone N = 21, surgery alone N = 7 and only palliative treatment N = 5 (MD: 1 pt). Overall, 31 pts (52%) achieved a second CR. With a median follow-up of 83 months, 23 pts are alive, (18 in 2nd CR, 5 after a second relapse) and 36 pts have died (35 from disease and 1 from complications). Three-year event-free survival and overall survival are 34% and 43% respectively (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.69). The main factors associated with a good outcome were PRETEXT group I–III at diagnosis, a high AFP level at relapse and relapse treatment including both chemotherapy and surgery.ConclusionRelapses in HB are rare events occurring in less than 12% of pts after CR. Combined treatment with chemotherapy and surgical removal of the tumour is essential for long-term survival.     

Surgery and health-related quality of life – A prospective follow up study on breast cancer patients in Finland

IntroductionThe influence of different surgical approaches on breast cancer patients’ Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) is an important determinant when making decisions on the choice of treatment. Knowledge on how patients actually perceive different surgical treatments regarding long-term HRQoL is still scarce.Materials & methods1065 patients with primary breast cancer operated on from 2008 to 2015 at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland were prospectively followed-up for two years. They filled in two HRQoL questionnaires, the EORTC QLQ C30 – BR 23 and the 15D, at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Clinical data on treatments given and the course of recovery were collected from patient records. Patients were divided into four mutually exclusive groups according to surgical method: breast resection (n = 415), oncoplastic resection (n = 248), mastectomy (n = 351) and immediate reconstruction (n = 51). Clinical data were combined with HRQoL scores and analysed as multivariate modelling.ResultsAll groups experienced initially worsening overall HRQoL after baseline. Oncoplastic resection patients had the best body image and their HRQoL reached the highest level after treatments at 12 months whereas the reconstruction patients reached the highest HRQoL level first at 24 months. Mastectomy patients had the lowest scores throughout the 24-month follow-up.ConclusionExtensive surgery, in terms of immediate reconstruction, led to slower HRQoL recovery than oncoplastic techniques. Mastectomy patients are at risk of having the lowest HRQoL scores throughout their recovery after surgery.     

The oncologic safety of left colectomy with modified complete mesocolic excision for distal transverse colon cancer: Comparison with descending colon cancer

BackgroundThe optimal surgical approach for distal transverse colon cancer has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic safety of left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision for distal transverse colon cancer as compared with descending colon cancer.Material and methodsThis study involved 383 patients who underwent left colectomy with modified complete mesocolic excision for non-metastatic distal transverse and splenic flexure colon (transverse group, N = 110) and descending colon cancer (descending group, N = 237) from 3 institutions. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups.ResultsBaseline characteristics between the two groups were similar except for the length of the distal margin (transverse group = 11.0 cm vs descending group = 9.0 cm, p = 0.004). During a median follow-up of 47.0 months, RFS and OS were not different between the transverse and descending groups (5-year RFS: 82% vs 71%, p = 0.139; 5-year OS: 83% vs 79%, p = 0.416, respectively). In multivariable analysis, RFS and OS were not different between the two groups (transverse group vs. descending group: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.557, 95% CI = 0.786–3.084, p = 0.204; aHR = 1.251, 95% CI = 0.530–2.952, p = 0.609).ConclusionThe oncologic outcomes of left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision of distal transverse colon cancer were comparable to those of descending colon cancer. Left colectomy with a modified complete mesocolic excision can be an acceptable surgical treatment for distal transverse colon cancer.     

Assessment of peritoneal metastases with DW-MRI,CT, and FDG PET/CT before cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer

BackgroundPreoperative assessment of peritoneal metastases is an important factor for treatment planning and selection of candidates for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in primary advanced stage (FIGO stages III–IV) epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of DW-MRI, CT, and FDG PET/CT used for preoperative assessment of peritoneal cancer index (PCI).Material and methodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, 50 advanced stage EOC patients were examined with DW-MRI and FDG PET/CT with contrast enhanced CT as part of the diagnostic program. All patients were deemed amenable for upfront CRS. Imaging PCI was determined for DW-MRI, CT, and FDG PET/CT by separate readers blinded to the surgical findings. The primary outcome was agreement between the imaging PCI and PCI determined at surgical exploration (the reference standard) evaluated with Bland-Altman statistics.ResultsThe median surgical PCI was 18 (range: 3–32). For all three imaging modalities, the imaging PCI most often underestimated the surgical PCI. The mean differences between the surgical PCI and the imaging PCI were 4.2 (95% CI: 2.6–5.8) for CT, 4.4 (95% CI: 2.9–5.8) for DW-MRI, and 5.3 (95% CI: 3.6–7.0) for FDG PET/CT, and no overall statistically significant differences were found between the imaging modalities (DW-MRI – CT, p = 0.83; DW-MRI – FDG PET/CT, p = 0.24; CT – FDG PET/CT, p = 0.06).ConclusionNeither DW-MRI nor CT nor FDG PET/CT was superior in preoperative assessment of the surgical PCI in patients scheduled for upfront CRS for advanced stage EOC.     

Sarcopenia and obesity among patients with soft tissue sarcoma – Association with clinicopathologic characteristics,complications and oncologic outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aimsSarcopenia and obesity may be associated with negative outcomes in many cancers, but their prevalence and impact in modern regimens for soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) have not been systematically studied. This study summarises and critically evaluates the current evidence-based literature on body mass index (BMI) and body composition among patients with STS, with respect to clinical and pathologic characteristics, treatment-associated morbidity and oncologic outcome.MethodsA systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed. Meta-analysis of the relationship between BMI, body composition and pathologic characteristics, operative morbidity and oncologic outcome was undertaken using RevMan v.5.4 using fixed or random effects methods as appropriate.Results14 studies including 3598 patients met inclusion criteria. Ten studies reported on BMI, two on CT and two on PET-CT assessment of body composition. BMI ranged from 14.6 to 63.7 kg/m², with obesity in 18%–39% of patients. Although some studies demonstrated larger tumours among patients with obesity, this was not significant on meta-analysis (P = 0.31, I² = 99%). There was no significant difference in tumour grade or histologic type according to BMI. Postoperatively, obesity was associated with increased risk of overall morbidity (odds ratio (OR) 2.03 [95% CI 1.41–2.92], P = 0.0001, I² = 22%), and wound morbidity (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.02–1.71], P = 0.03, I² = 0%). Similar effects were observed in studies of visceral adiposity. No differences in functional outcomes were observed. There was a trend towards reduced local recurrence among patients with obesity (HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.38–1.08], P = 0.10, I² = 0%), but no difference in distant metastasis (HR 1.00 [95% CI 0.76–1.30], P = 0.98, I² = 0%) or overall survival (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.43–2.22], P = 0.95, I² = 64%). Various measures of sarcopenia were associated with poorer survival outcomes.ConclusionWhile obesity is associated with increased postoperative morbidity, it had no significant association with long-term oncologic outcomes. Sarcopenia may be associated with a poorer long-term prognosis. A greater understanding of the impact of nutritional status on disease characteristics and treatment outcomes is essential to facilitate improvements in clinical care for patients with STS.     

Wound complications are a predictor of worse oncologic outcome in extremity soft tissue sarcomas

BackgroundIn various oncological conditions, complications correlate with diminished prognosis, however literature on soft tissue sarcomas is limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors and the oncologic impact of wound complications in primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas.MethodsPatients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas without dissemination and with clear surgical margins (R0) were analyzed. Groups with and without wound complications were compared by univariate and multivariable analysis to identify risk factors. Uni- and multivariable analysis of factors associated with local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were performed.Results682 patients were included in the study, wound complications occurred in 94 patients (13.7%) within 90 days. Age, ASA-stage, high tumor size and grade, tumor location in the foot, neoadjuvant radiation therapy and operation time represented independent risk factors for wound complications. Patients with wound complications had a significantly worse estimated 5-year LRFS of 49.4 ± 6% versus 78.3 ± 2.1% and 5-year DSS of 77.9 ± 5.4% versus 89.1 ± 1.6%. Wound complications could be identified as an independent risk factor for worse LRFS (HR 2.68[CI 1.83–3.93], p < 0.001) and DSS (HR 1.79[CI 1.01–3.16], p = 0.046).ConclusionWound complications after soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are associated with worse local oncological outcome and survival. Patients with high risk of wound complications should be identified and strategies implemented to reduce surgical complications and possibly improve oncologic prognosis.     

Long-Term Results in Multiple Myeloma After High-Dose Melphalan and Autologous Transplantation According to Response Categories in the Era of Old Drugs

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the long-term prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) and the quality of response to therapy in a cohort of 173 patients treated with high-dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous transplantation in the era of old drugs.Patients and MethodsA total of 173 patients with de novo MM who received a transplant between 1994 and 2010 were analyzed. VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin [Adriamycin], dexamethasone) was used as front-line regimen before auto-HPCT. The conditioning was HDM 200 mg/m². Patients were evaluated for clinical response using the criteria from the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, modified to include near complete remission (nCR) and very good partial remission (VGPR).ResultsThe response distribution after transplantation in our series was complete remission (CR) in 33 cases (19%), nearly complete remission (nCR) in 38 cases (22%), VGPR in 30 cases (17%), partial remission (PR) in 65 cases (38%), and stable disease (SD) in 7 cases (4%). Patients were followed for 48 ± 36 months. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached for the CR group. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 122 months for CR, 55 months for nCR, 56 months for VGPR, 32 months for PR, and 22 months for SD. Significant differences in PFS and OS were found between the CR and nCR groups (P = .003 and P = .001, respectively), between the CR and VGPR groups (P = .002 and P = .001, respectively), and between the CR and PR groups (P = .000 and P = .001, respectively). Responses were clustered in 3 main categories, ie, CR, nCR + VGPR + PR, and SD. The respective 10-year PFS and OS values were 58% and 70% for CR, 15% and 18% for nCR + VGPR + PR, and 0% and 0% for SD.ConclusionThe achievement of depth and prolonged response represents the most important prognostic factor. The relapse rate is low for patients in CR after 10 years of follow-up, possibly signifying a cure.     

Image navigation assisted joint-saving surgery for treatment of bone sarcoma around knee in skeletally immature patients

PurposeIt is challenge to perform a native joint preserving resection for skeletally immature patients with bone sarcomas around the knee. We determined whether tumor resection under image-guided navigation make joint-saving surgery possible for juxta-articular sarcomas around knee while adhering oncological principles.MethodsWe performed joint-saving limb salvage surgeries on eight patients with metaphyseal bone sarcomas (6 in proximal tibia, 2 in distal femur). Six tumors extend to and 2 beyond the epiphyseal line. Planned tumor resection under image-guided navigation was employed for obtaining clear surgical margin while maximizing host tissue preservation. All tumors were en bloc removed and intercalary defect were reconstructed by combination of allograft with vascularized fibula flap. All specimens were examined for resection margin. Patients were followed up at average of 40.5 months for evaluating of oncologic and functional outcomes.ResultEntire joints were preserved in 5 patients and partial joints were saved in 3 patients. Clear surgical margins were achieved in all patients. The minimum of surgical margin width in bone is 6 mm in this series. No patient experienced local recurrence. Bone union achieved in all cases during the study period. The average MSTS score was 27.1 at final follow-up.ConclusionsWith careful patient selection, image navigation aided bone tumor resection was proved to be an effective way in joint-saving limb salvage procedures for treating skeletally immature patients with juxta-articular bone sarcomas around the knee.     

Deterioration in Health-Related Quality of Life Diminishes Benefit of Lung Cancer Resection in Older Adults

IntroductionOutcomes of oncologic resection are related to tumor biology and patient-reported health factors. However, data regarding changes in functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and after lung surgery for older adults are lacking.Patients and MethodsWe identified lung cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) linked database. HRQOL surveys captured physical/mental health, activity of daily living (ADLs), and medical comorbidities. Patients who underwent surgery with baseline prediagnosis HRQOL survey and postdiagnosis follow-up survey were selected. Patient, disease, and HRQOL measures were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression for overall and disease-specific survival.ResultsOverall, 138 patients were evaluated. Disease extent was localized for 75 (54%) and regional for 58 (42%). The cohort experienced an increase in the number of major comorbidities and declines in physical HRQOL, mental HRQOL, and ADLs. Median overall survival was 74 months. Decreased overall survival was independently associated with male sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7, P = .03), more advanced disease (regional vs. localized: HR = 1.8, P = .01; distant vs. localized: HR = 2.1, P = .22), and decline in ADLs (HR = 1.8, P = .02). Decreased disease-specific survival was independently associated with male sex (HR = 2.2, P = .03), more advanced disease (regional vs. localized: HR = 2.9, P = .002; distant vs. localized: HR = 3.1, P = .22), and decline in mental HRQOL (odds ratio = 2.1, P = .02).ConclusionThe potential survival benefit of lung resection for malignancy is diminished by declines in physical and mental health. Among older surgical patients at risk for functional and HRQOL deterioration, identification and mitigation of such deterioration may optimize oncologic outcomes.     

Real-world implementation of a geriatric-specific ERAS protocol in patients undergoing colonic cancer surgery

BackgroundThe aim of this single-center observational study was to evaluate the impact of implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, combined with systematic geriatric assessment and support, on surgical and oncological outcomes in patients aged 70 or older undergoing colonic cancer surgery.MethodsTwo groups were formed from an actively maintained database from all patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery for neoplasms during a defined period before (standard group) or after (ERAS group) the introduction of an ERAS program associated with systematic geriatric assessment. The primary outcome was postoperative 90-day morbidity. Secondary outcomes were total length of hospital stay, initiated and completed adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) rate, and 1-year mortality rate.ResultsA total of 266 patients (135 standard and 131 ERAS) were included in the study. Overall 90-day morbidity and mean hospital stay were significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the standard group (22.1% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.02; and 6.2 vs. 9.3 days, p < 0.01, respectively). There were no differences in readmission rates and anastomotic complications. AC was recommended in 114 patients. The rate of initiated treatment was comparable between the groups (66.6% vs. 77.7%, p = 0.69). The rate of completed AC was significantly higher in the ERAS group (50% vs. 20%, p < 0.01) with a lower toxicity rate (57.1% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.002). The 1-year mortality rate was higher in the standard group (7.4% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe combination of ERAS protocols and geriatric assessment and support reduces the overall morbidity rate and improves 12-month oncologic outcomes.     

FDG-PET response and outcome from anti-PD-1 therapy in metastatic melanoma

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has resulted in impressive and durable clinical activity for many cancers including melanoma; however, there remain few reliable predictors for long-term response. This study investigated whether [¹⁸F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET) imaging may better predict long-term outcomes compared with standard computed tomography (CT) response criteria.Patients and methodsRetrospective analysis of metastatic melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy with baseline and 1-year FDG-PET and CT imaging at Melanoma Institute Australia. One-year response was determined using RECIST for CT and EORTC criteria for PET, coded as complete response (CR or CMR), partial response (PR or PMR), stable disease (SD or SMD) or progressive disease (PD or PMD). Progression-free survival (PFS) was determined from the 1-year landmark.ResultsPatients (n = 104) were evaluated with median follow-up 30.1 months and 98% remain alive. Most received anti-PD-1 as monotherapy (67%) or combined with ipilimumab (31%). At 1 year, 28% had CR, 66% had PR and 6% had SD on CT, while 75% had CMR, 16% PMR and 9% SMD/PMD on PET. CMR was observed in 68% of patients with PR on CT. RECIST PFS post 1-year landmark was similar in patients with CR versus PR/SD, but improved in patients with CMR versus non-CMR {median not reached [NR] versus 12.8 month; hazard ratio [HR] 0.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02–0.23]; P < 0.01}. In patients with PR on CT, PFS was improved in patients with PR + CMR versus PR + non-CMR (median NR versus 12.8 months; HR 0.07 [95% CI 0.02–0.27]; P < 0.01). In the 78 CMR patients, 78% had discontinued treatment and 96% had ongoing response.ConclusionsWhilst only a small proportion of patients have a CR at 1 year, most patients with a PR have CMR on PET. Almost all patients with CMR at 1 year have ongoing response to therapy thereafter. PET may have utility in predicting long-term benefit and help guide discontinuation of therapy.