Validation of a supplementary condition of eighth AJCC staging system for stage II hepatocellular carcinoma

IntroductionThe eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system was flawed regarding the prognosis of stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to reveal the defect and make updates.MethodsClinical and survival data of HCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used. We re-classified stage II into T2aN0M0 (tumors >2 cm with vascular invasion) and T2bN0M0 (multiple tumors ≤5 cm). The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate differences in overall survival (OS). Three propensity score matching analyses without (PSM1) or with (PSM2 and PSM3) consideration of surgical treatment were performed. Cox regression was used to reveal risk factors.ResultsHCC patients identified as T1bN0M0, T2aN0M0, T2bN0M0, and T3N0M0 were recruited. OS in T2N0M0 was consistent with the eighth AJCC staging system after PSM1. T2bN0M0 had increased OS compared with T2aN0M0 after PSM2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.73; P = 0.0141) or PSM3 (HR = 1.18; 95%CI = 1.01–1.37; P = 0.0283). No survival benefit existed between T1bN0M0 and T2bN0M0 after PSM2 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.80–1.05; P = 0.2171) or PSM3 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI = 0.84–1.01; P = 0.0888). Compared with T2aN0M0, T3N0M0 had shorter OS after PSM2 (HR = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.50–0.82; P = 0.0003) or PSM3 (HR = 0.63; 95%CI = 0.54–0.73; P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis revealed that surgical treatment was associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.3; 95%CI = 0.3–0.4; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe current staging for T2N0M0 is imprecise because surgical treatment is not adequately evaluated and would be ineffective if the proportion of T2bN0M0 patients with surgical treatment was increased.     

Liver resection in elderly patients with extensive CRLM: Are we offering an adequate treatment? A propensity score matched analysis

BackgroundData on the management of elderly patients with extensive colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are scarce and conflicting. This study assesses differences in management and long-term oncological outcomes between older and younger patients with CRLM and a high Tumour Burden Score (TBS).MethodsInternational multicentre retrospective study on patients with CRLM and a category 3 TBS, submitted to liver resection. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age (younger and older than 75) and were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis and multivariable regression models. Differences in management and oncological outcomes including recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.ResultsThe study included 386 patients, median follow-up was 48 months. The unmatched comparison revealed a higher ASA score (p = 0.035), less synchronous CRLM (47% vs 68%, p = 0.003), a lower median number of lesions (1 vs 3, p = 0.004) and less perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) (66% vs 88%, p < 0.001) in the elderly group.Despite the absence of CTx being an independent predictor of decreased RFS and OS (HR 0.760, p = 0.044 and HR 0.719, p = 0.049, respectively), the elderly group still received less CTx (OR 0.317, p = 0.001) than the younger group.After PSM (n = 100 patients), the two groups were comparable, however, CTx administration was still significantly lower in the elderly group.ConclusionLiver resection should be considered in patients aged 75 and older, even if they present with extensive liver disease. Despite CTx being associated with improved oncological outcomes, a large percentage of elderly patients with CRLM are undertreated.     

Comparison of anatomic and non-anatomic resections for very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: The importance of surgical resection margin width in non-anatomic resection

BackgroundThe superiority of anatomic resection (AR) over non-anatomic resection (NAR) for very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has remained a topic of debate. Thus, this study aimed to compare the prognosis after AR and NAR for single HCC less than 2 cm in diameter.MethodsConsecutive patients with single HCC of diameter less than 2 cm who underwent curative hepatectomy between 1997 and 2017 were included in this retrospective study.ResultsIn total, 159 patients were included in this study. Of these, 52 patients underwent AR (AR group) and 107 patients underwent NAR (NAR group). No significant differences were noted in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the AR and NAR groups (P = 0.236 and P = 0.363, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that low preoperative platelet count and presence of satellite nodules were independent prognostic factors of RFS and OS. Wide surgical resection margin did not affect RFS (P = 0.692) in the AR group; however, in the NAR group, RFS was found to be higher with surgical resection margin widths ≥1 cm than with surgical resection margin widths <1 cm (P = 0.038).ConclusionsPrognosis was comparable between the NAR and AR groups for very early-stage HCC with well-preserved liver function. For better oncologic outcomes, surgeons should endeavor in keeping the surgical resection margin widths during NAR ≥1 cm.     

Prognostic impact of preoperative prognostic nutritional index in resected advanced gastric cancer: A multicenter propensity score analysis

BackgroundAdvanced gastric cancer (AGC) causes debilitating malnutrition and leads to deterioration of the immune response. However, the concept of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is controversial when applied to patients with AGC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the PNI after gastrectomy in patients with AGC.Materials and methodsA multicenter retrospective study was conducted using propensity score matching (PSM) in gastric adenocarcinoma patients who underwent resection via laparoscopic or open surgery between 2014 and 2017. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:1 matching using 5 covariates.ResultsThe resection margins (P < 0.001) and LNM (P = 0.004) were significantly different between the two groups. In univariate analysis, poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.038) (R1+R2, P = 0.004), vascular and neural invasion (P < 0.001), and a PNI<50 (P < 0.001) were associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS). In multivariate analysis, a PNI<50 (hazard ratio (HR), 12.993; P < 0.001) was a risk factor for RFS. Univariate analysis for overall survival (OS) revealed that a PNI<50 (P < 0.001) (R1+R2,P = 0.006) and vascular and neural invasion (P < 0.001) were risk factors. In subsequent multivariate analysis, a PNI<50 (HR, 24.501; P < 0.001) was a significant risk factor for OS. Clinical assessments performed during a 12.34 (±5.050) month follow-up revealed that OS (P < 0.001) and RFS (P < 0.001) were worse in patients with a low PNI (<50) than in matched patients with a high PNI.ConclusionA low PNI is a strong predictor of unfavorable RFS and OS in patients with AGC.     

Impact of concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization on surgical outcomes of partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension: A multicenter propensity score matching analysis

PurposePortal hypertension due to cirrhosis is common among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of partial hepatectomy in patients with HCC and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) with or without concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (CSED).Patients and methodsFrom a multicenter database, patients with HCC and CSPH who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy were identified. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with and without CSED before and after propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsOf the 358 enrolled patients, 86 patients underwent CSED. Before PSM, the postoperative 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between the CSED and non-CSED group (both P > 0.05). Using PSM, 81 pairs of patients were created. In the PSM cohort, the 5-year OS rate of the CSED group were significantly better than the non-CSED group (52.9% vs. 36.5%, P = 0.046). The former group had a significantly lower rate of variceal bleeding on follow-up (7.4% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, CSED was associated with significantly better OS (HR: 0.39, P < 0.001).ConclusionHepatectomy and CSED can safely be performed in selected patients with HCC and CSPH, which could improve postoperative prognosis by preventing variceal bleeding, and prolonging long-term survival.     

Comparative study on the oncological prognosis of laparoscopy and laparotomy for stage IIA1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectiveTo compare the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) for stage IIA1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsBased on a large database containing information on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in China, the oncological outcomes of the two surgical approaches for stage IIA1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma were compared after 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsAfter 1:2 propensity score matching (PSM), 510 patients were included in the LRH group, and 999 patients were included in the ARH group. LRH showed a similar 5-year OS but a lower DFS rate (81.3% vs. 87.4%, P = 0.018) than ARH. In the multivariate analysis, LRH was identified as an independent risk factor for worse 5-year DFS (HR = 1.569, 95% CI: 1.131–2.176, P = 0.007). Among patients with a tumour size <2 cm, the LRH and ARH groups showed similar OS and DFS rates after 1:2 PSM, and multivariate analysis showed that the surgical approach was not an independent risk factor affecting the OS or DFS rate. Among patients with a tumour size ≥2 cm and <4 cm, there was no difference in OS between the LRH and ARH groups after matching, but the DFS in the LRH group was significantly lower than that in the ARH group (81.1% vs 86.2%, P = 0.034). In the multivariate analysis, the laparoscopic approach was not associated with OS but was independently associated with worse DFS (HR = 1.546, 95% CI: 1.094–2.185, P = 0.014).ConclusionsLRH was associated with poorer 5-year DFS than ARH in patients with stage IIA1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma. However, LRH showed 5-year OS and DFS rates similar to those of ARH among patients with a tumour size <2 cm. For patients with a tumour size ≥2 cm and <4 cm, LRH showed a lower DFS rate than ARH.     

The efficacy of anatomic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: A retrospective single-institution case-matched study

IntroductionStill now, the efficacy of anatomic resection (AR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. The aim of this study is to examine it in our cohort and detect an optimal indicator for AR.MethodsThe present study included 656 patients with primary HCC within Milan criteria who underwent hepatectomy from 2000 to 2019. Our cohort was divided into AR (n = 378) and non-anatomic resection (NAR) (n = 278) groups, and 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize the effect of potential confounders. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and a preoperative indicator for AR were examined.Results210 patients from each group were well-matched, and preoperative confounding factors were balanced between the two groups. There was no significant difference in RFS and OS between the two groups before (RFS; HR = 0.89 P = 0.25, OS; HR = 1.08 P = 0.64) and after PSM (RFS; HR = 0.93 P = 0.60, OS; HR = 1.07 P = 0.75). Subgroup analysis showed that the survival improvement effect of AR was observed in cases with a fucosylated fraction of alfa-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) > 10% and poorly differentiation (P for interaction <0.05). Moreover, the logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative AFP-L3 > 10% was an independent predictor for poorly differentiation (OR = 2.58, P = 0.03).ConclusionThe efficacy of AR for patients with primary HCC within Milan criteria was not shown. But it was suggested that AFP-L3 > 10% might be a preoperative indicator of AR for HCC within Milan criteria.     

Hepatic resection for synchronous hepatic metastasis from gastric cancer

Background

The role of surgical resection for synchronous hepatic metastases arising from gastric adenocarcinoma has not been established. This study was designed to explore the clinicopathologic features and surgical results of these patients.

Methods

Twenty-five (4.8%) of 526 patients diagnosed with synchronous hepatic metastatic gastric cancer received hepatectomy and gastrectomy at the same time; 2 cases underwent repeat hepatectomy after intrahepatic recurrence. Clinicopathologic parameters of the hepatic metastases and the surgical results for all 25 patients were analysed.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates after resection were 96.0%, 70.4%, and 29.4%, respectively, and 56.0%, 22.3%, and 11.1%, respectively. Five patients survived for more than 5 years after surgery, and no mortality has occurred within 30 days after resection. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with multiple hepatic metastases suffered poorer OS (P = 0.026) and RFS (P = 0.035) than those with solitary hepatic metastasis. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant indicator of a favourable OS (P = 0.022). Number of metastatic lesions remained significant in the multivariate analysis of OS and RFS (P = 0.039, P = 0.049, respectively). None of variables of the primary lesion was a significant prognostic factor for those patients.

Conclusions

Gastric cancer patients with a solitary synchronous liver metastasis may be good candidates for hepatic resection. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may provide a benefit by aiding in OS.     

Recurrent retroperitoneal sarcomas: Clinical outcomes of surgical treatment and prognostic factors

Background and purposeLocoregional recurrence after resection of primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is a challenging therapeutic issue. The objective of this study was to identify clinicopathological factors predictive of overall survival (OS) and disease specific survival (DSS) after reoperation for recurrent RPS.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively collected data from the medical records of 800 patients who underwent resection for sarcoma at our Institution, from 1983 to 2015. Among these patients, 120 were treated for retroperitoneal sarcoma and 55 had a locoregional recurrence (LR). Four of them did not undergo surgery and thus were excluded from this study leaving 51 cases available for data analysis. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors.ResultsMedian overall survival was 33 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 75.5%, 47.1% and 31.6% respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that extension of surgery (P = 0.026), surgical margin status (P = 0.015) and histological grade of recurrent tumor (P = 0.047) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Median DSS was 48 months. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year DSS rates were 79.2%, 53.1% and 40.9%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, predictors of DSS were extension of surgery (P = 0.004), margin status (P = 0.011), histological grade of recurrent tumor (P = 0.008), and disease free interval (DFI) (P = 0.020). As regards histological subtype of recurrent RPS, at univariate analysis, well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) was associated with better OS and DSS (P = 0.052 and P = 0.016 respectively) compared to dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS).ConclusionsAccording to our findings, surgery is more beneficial in patients with low-grade sarcoma, WDLS and long DFI. The achievement of clear resection margins, rather than performing a multivisceral resection, appears to be a key factor to improve OS and DSS.     

Association of primary tumor location with long-term oncological prognosis following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma:A multicenter propensity score matching analysis

PurposeThere is a striking laterality in the site of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a strong predominance for the right side; however, the impact of primary tumor location on long-term prognosis after hepatectomy of HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of primary tumor location on long-term oncological prognosis after hepatectomy for HCC.Patients and methodsData of consecutive patients undergoing curative hepatectomy for HCC between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of left-sided HCC (LS group) and right-sided HCC (RS group) were compared by using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. COX regression analysis was performed to assess the adjusted effect of tumor location on long-term oncological prognosis.ResultsOf the 2799 included patients, 707 (25.3%) and 2092 (74.7%) were in the LS and RS groups, respectively. Using PSM analysis, 650 matched pairs of patients were created. In the PSM cohort, median OS (66.0 vs. 72.0 months, P = 0.001) and RFS (28.0 vs. 51.0 months, P < 0.001) were worse among patients in the LS group compared to individuals in the RS group. After further adjustment for other confounders using multivariable COX regression analyses, HCC located on the left side remained independently associated with worse OS and RFS.ConclusionTumors located on the left side are associated with poorer OS and RFS after hepatectomy for HCC. Careful surgical options selection and frequent follow-up to improve long-term survival may be justified for HCC patients with left-sided primary tumors.     

Impact of preoperative computed tomography-determined quantity and quality of skeletal muscle on survival after resected non-small cell lung carcinoma

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prognostic effect of preoperative skeletal muscle quantity and quality on survival after Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) resection.MethodsThis retrospective study consisted of patients with NSCLC who underwent curative lung cancer resection between 2015 and 2020. Skeletal muscle quantity and quality, as determined by paravertebral muscle index (PVMI) and paravertebral muscle density (PVMD), were measured at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra on preoperative images of computed tomography. The patients were divided into two subgroups as low and high according to sex-specific median PVMI and PVMD values. Overall survival (OS) rates were compared according to low and high PVMI and PVMD using the Kaplan–Meier procedure, and prognostic factors after lung cancer resection were assessed using Cox's regression models.ResultsThe study comprised 180 patients, with 89 patients in the low PVMI and PVMD groups and 91 patients in the high PVMI and PVMD groups. The OS rates in patients with low PVMI were less than in those with high PVMI (log-rank p = 0.037), with a median survival time of 52.5 months and 57.5 months, respectively. The OS rates in patients with low PVMD were less than in those with high PVMD (log-rank p < 0.001), with a median survival time of 50.8 months and 59.4 months, respectively. Low PVMI and low PVMD were independent prognostic factors of poor OS ([HR] = 1.77, P = 0.014; [HR] = 1.84, P = 0.038, respectively).ConclusionPreoperative CT-determined low skeletal muscle quantity and quality have a poor prognostic effect on survival after NSCLC resection. Preoperative evaluation of these curable morphometric measures may shed light on pre-rehabilitation and nutritional support programs.     

Evaluation of survival across several treatment lines in metastatic colorectal cancer: Analysis of the FIRE-3 trial (AIO KRK0306)

BackgroundWe explored the impacts of sequential application of various treatment lines on survival kinetics. Therefore, differences in overall survival (OS) observed in FIRE-3 were investigated in the context of time and exposure to applied treatment.Patients and methodsOS analyses (stratified by treatment with FOLFIRI plus either cetuximab or bevacizumab) were performed according to time intervals as well as using a Cox model to define changes of hazard ratio (HR) over time.ResultsThe fraction of patients with systemic treatment and time on treatment markedly decreases over treatment lines and time. OS evaluation by a Cox model indicated a trend towards a non-proportional hazard between treatment arms (P = 0.12/P = 0.09 for KRAS–intention-to-treat (ITT)/all-RAS wild-type populations, respectively). To improve the fit of the model, a change-point (point of curve separation) was estimated at 22.6 months (day 687) after randomisation. The HR between the two arms before 22.6 months was not significantly different from one. However, markedly different survival kinetics in favour of the cetuximab arm were apparent after the change-point (KRAS-ITT: P = 0.0018; HR, 0.60 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.83] and RAS: P = 0.0006; HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.35–0.75]).ConclusionThe differences in OS favouring the cetuximab arm become apparent about 22.6 months after randomisation, indicating that only those patients who survive 22.6 months after randomisation benefit from the superiority of the cetuximab arm. When OS curves separate, only few patients receive active systemic treatment in short courses, suggesting that earlier treatment effects are responsible for later kinetics of survival curves.     

Prognostic value of disease-free interval in colorectal cancer: Is it time?

BackgroundPrevious studies have outlined that the onset of synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases is associated with poor overall survival (OS) compared to patients with metachronous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of disease-free interval with newly diagnosed CRC scheduled for primary tumor resection.MethodsPatients who underwent primary CRC resection over an 18-year period were identified from a prospective database at a tertiary-care hospital. In this observational study, the cohort was stratified for the onset of metastases, i.e. synchronous, early-onset and late-onset metachronous disease. The OS was compared using Kaplan-Meier estimators and stratified Cox hazard regression analysis.ResultsOf 360 patients, 204 (57%) had synchronous, 61 (17%) had early metachronous, and 95 (26%) had late metachronous metastases, respectively. The onset of synchronous metastases was not associated with worse OS compared to early and late metachronous disease. ASA level > II (P = 0.011), right-sided compared to left-sided cancer (P = 0.032) or rectal cancer (P < 0.001), and high-grade tumors (P = 0.022) were identified as independent predictors of poor OS, whereas the only favorable prognostic factor was surgical resection of metastases (P = 0.047). Additionally, ASA level < III (P = 0.003) and low-grade tumors (P = 0.032) were found to predict resection of metastases.ConclusionIndividual patients' and tumor characteristics rather than the timing of metastases are associated with OS in newly diagnosed CRC. These data support curative treatment strategies even in patients with synchronous metastases.     

Benefit of Metastasectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Analysis

IntroductionTo quantify the magnitude of benefit of metastasectomy as compared to medical treatment alone in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Patients and MethodsWe therefore conducted a propensity score analysis of overall survival (OS) in 106 mRCC patients with metachronous metastasis, of whom 36 (34%) were treated with metastasectomy, and 70 (66%) with medical therapy alone.ResultsThe most frequent metastasectomy procedures were lung resections (n = 13) and craniotomies (n = 6). Median time-to-progression after metastasectomy was 0.7 years (25th-75th percentile: 0.3-2.7). After a median follow-up of 6.2 years and 63 deaths, 5-year OS estimates were 41% and 22% in the metastasectomy and medical therapy group, respectively (log-rank P = .00007; Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.21-0.68). Patients undergoing metastasectomy had a significantly higher prevalence of favorable prognostic factors, such as fewer bilateral lung metastases and longer disease-free intervals between nephrectomy and metastasis diagnosis. After propensity score weighting for these differences and adjusting for immortal time bias, the favorable association between metastasectomy and OS became much weaker (HR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.39-1.00, P = .050). Propensity-score-weighted 5-year OS estimates were 24% and 20% in the metastasectomy and medical therapy group, respectively (log-rank P = .001). In exploratory analyses, the benefit of metastasectomy was confined to patients who achieved complete resection of all known metastases.ConclusionWithin the limitations of an observational study, these findings support the concept of metastasectomy being associated with an OS benefit in mRCC patients. Metastasectomies not achieving complete resection of all known lesions are likely without OS benefit.     

Surgery improves overall and cancer-specific survival of rare urinary cancers; population - based study

Numerous rare urinary tract (UT) cancers lack adequate understanding of survival and therapeutic options, and nearly all responses to systemic therapy are unsatisfactory, yet clinical research is scarce.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2015, a total of (14,622 patients) with uncommon UT cancer (62.5%) in the overall survival (OS) group and (37.5%) in the cancer specific survival (CSS)group were identified in the SEER database. multimodality therapeutic approach on OS and CSS were compared.ResultsIn uncommon UT malignancies, OS outperformed CSS in the locoregional stage (P < 0.05), but not in the distant stage (P = 0.34). Non-performed surgery had poor survival in both OS (HR 1.647; 95% CI (1.461–1.856)) and CSS (HR 1.573; 95% CI (1.399–1.769)) respectively (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in survival in the CSS group between those who received or did not obtain chemotherapy.ConclusionsThe OS group survives substantially longer than the CSS group in the locoregional stage, but not at the distant stage. While both the OS and CSS groups of the locoregional stage were linked with improved survival after surgery, chemotherapy treatment decreased OS but not CSS in patients with uncommon urological cancers. There were no differences in radiation between the OS and CSS.     

Hepatectomy for ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0/A: The optimal treatment

Background and aimsRuptured hepatocellular carcinoma (rHCC) generally has a very poor prognosis and is currently classified as T4 in the tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) staging system. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the actual impact of rHCC, as well as the positive effect of hepatectomy in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0/A rHCC.MethodsWe enrolled 86 patients with rHCC after surgery and 526 patients with non-rHCC after surgery or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method to compare the postoperative prognosis of patients with rHCC with that of patients with non-rHCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors affecting patient survival.ResultsBCLC stage 0/A rHCC treated with surgery had a worse prognosis than BCLC stage 0/A non-rHCC treated with surgery (overall survival [OS]: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.12 [2.24–4.34], P < 0.001; recurrence-free survival [RFS]: HR = 2.26 [1.65–3.09], P < 0.001). Rupture was an independent prognostic factor in patients with BCLC stage 0/A rHCC (OS: HR = 1.685 [1.416–2.006], P < 0.001; RFS: HR = 1.484 [1.267–1.737], P < 0.001), and patients with BCLC stage 0/A rHCC who underwent surgery had a comparable prognosis to patients with BCLC stage B HCC who underwent surgery or TACE (OS: P = 0.78).ConclusionsPatients classified as having BCLC stage 0/A rHCC can achieve comparable outcomes to patients with BCLC stage B HCC after hepatectomy. However, not all patients with rHCC should be classified as T4 in the TNM staging system.     

Baseline carcinoembryonic antigen as a predictive factor of ramucirumab efficacy in RAISE,a second-line metastatic colorectal carcinoma phase III trial

BackgroundThe RAISE phase III clinical trial demonstrated that ramucirumab + (folinic acid plus 5-fluorouracil plus irinotecan) FOLFIRI significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus placebo + FOLFIRI for second-line metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) patients failing bevacizumab- and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73–0.98, P = 0.022). Post hoc analyses of RAISE patient data examined the association of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) subgroups with efficacy parameters.MethodsCEA subgroups (≤10 versus >10 ng/ml) were based on 2X upper limit of normal (ULN) (5 ng/ml). The Kaplan–Meier method estimated the median OS and the progression-free survival (PFS). Log-rank test compared the survival distributions within the subgroups. Hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) and treatment-by-subgroup interaction p-values were calculated by Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsRamucirumab treatment prolonged survival for the CEA ≤10 subgroup (HR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.50–0.92; P = 0.013) and CEA >10 subgroup (HR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.76–1.07; P = 0.233). However, the ramucirumab OS benefit over placebo was greater for the CEA ≤10 subgroup than for the CEA >10 subgroup (median OS: 3.6 versus 0.8 months greater, respectively). The interaction P-value between CEA level and treatment effect on OS was 0.088. This trend was observed across randomisation strata and to a lesser extent for PFS (P = 0.594).ConclusionsAlthough patients in both high- and low-CEA subgroups derive OS and PFS benefits from ramucirumab treatment, the low baseline CEA level may identify a subgroup of patients with mCRC who obtain greater benefit from ramucirumab.     

The importance of surgical resection in the management of rectal sarcoma: A national cancer database analysis of 133 cases

Background and purposeRectal sarcomas (RS) are rare malignant tumors with a very poor prognosis. This study aimed to assess the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of RS in the United States.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 to 2019 of patients with a diagnosis of RS. The main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and its predictors.Results133 RS patients (39.1% female) with a mean age of 65.7 ± 15.6 years were included in the study. Mean tumor size was 6.1 ± 3 cm. The crude OS rate was 22.5% and median survival duration was 10.1 (IQR: 3.2–21) months. Factors associated with an improved OS on were private insurance (HR = 0.23, p = 0.001) and undergoing surgery (HR 0.23, p < 0.001), Factors associated with poor survival were age (HR 1.02, p = 0.005), male sex (HR 2.27, p = 0.001), Charlson score of 3 (HR 5.17, p = 0.003), and positive resection margins (HR: 2.64, p = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that male sex (HR 2.16, p = 0.04) and positive resection margins (HR 2.31, p = 0.03) were predictors of poor survival whereas surgery was an independent predictor of improved OS (HR 0.321, p < 0.001)ConclusionsRS is a very rare rectal malignancy with an even poorer prognosis than previously reported. However, undergoing surgery with curative intent while obtaining negative margins may confer better OS.     

Indications for neoadjuvant treatment based on risk factors for poor prognosis before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

IntroductionThe oncological benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) alone for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical risk factors for poor prognosis before and after NAC for decision making regarding additional treatment in patients with LARC.Materials and methodsWe examined a total of 96 patients with MRI-defined poor-risk locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer treated by NAC alone between 2006 and 2018. Survival outcomes and clinical risk factors for poor prognosis before and after NAC were analyzed.ResultsIn the median follow-up duration after surgery of 60 months (3–120), the rates of 5-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and local recurrence (LR) were 83.6%, 78.4%, and 8.2%, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, patients with cT4 disease had a significantly higher risk of poor OS (HR; 6.10, 95% CI; 1.32–28.15, P = 0.021) than those with cT3 disease. After NAC, ycN+ was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor OS (HR; 5.92, 95% CI; 1.27–27.62, P = 0.024) and RFS (HR; 2.55, 95% CI; 1.01–6.48, P = 0.048) than ycN-. In addition, patients with CEA after NAC (post-CEA) ≥ 5 ng/ml had a significantly higher risk LR (HR; 5.63, 95% CI; 1.06–29.93, P = 0.043).ConclusionNAC alone had an insufficient survival effect on patients with cT4 disease, ycN+, or an elevated post-CEA level. In contrast, NAC alone is a potential treatment for other patients with LARC.     

Laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) versus open hepatectomy (OH) on the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) through a meta-analysis of studies using propensity score-matched cohorts.MethodsThe literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until August 31, 2022. Meta-analysis of surgical (major morbidity, the length of hospital stay, 90-day postoperative mortality), oncological (R0 resection rate, lymph node dissection rate) and survival outcomes (1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival) was performed using a random effects model. Data were summarized as relative risks (RR), mean difference (MD) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsSix case-matched studies with 1054 patients were included (LH 518; OH 536). Major morbidity was significantly lower (RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37–0.88, P = 0.01) and the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (MD = −2.44, 95% CI = −4.19 to −0.69, P = 0.006) in the LH group than in the OH group, but there was no significant difference in 90-day postoperative mortality between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in R0 resection rate, lymph node dissection rate, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival or disease-free survival between the LH and OH groups.ConclusionsLH has better surgical outcomes and comparable oncological outcomes and survival outcomes than does OH on ICC. Therefore, laparoscopy is at least not inferior to open surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.