Early and late deaths after elective end of therapies for childhood cancer in Italy

The first cohort of subjects treated for cancer during childhood is now entering adulthood, and it is necessary to determine whether treatment has been sufficient to completely eradicate the neoplastic clone, and whether the cancer itself or treatment-related toxicity may have increased the risk of premature death. For these reasons, long-term survival and causes of death were evaluated in a cohort of subjects treated for childhood cancer who reached the elective end of therapy in continuous remission and were registered until 1992 in the Italian Registry of off-therapy subjects (OTR). The vital status of OTR subjects was ascertained in 1996 by a postal survey through census bureaux; for deceased subjects, the cause of death was defined and compared with the expected rates in the general population. At follow-up, out of 6402 eligible and evaluable subjects, 890 were found to have died; the estimated overall survival at 20 years was 80.7% (95% CI 79.3-82.1). Most of the patients (84.6%) died due to recurrence of the primary cancer, usually within the first 5 years after the OT. The cumulative incidence of death due to recurrence of the primary tumor was greater among subjects treated for solid tumor than among those treated for leukemia/lymphoma (p = 0.0001); in contrast, OT subjects after leukemia and lymphoma were more likely to die due to of medical complications of therapy (p < 0.02). Second cancers were the second most frequent cause of death, with a 12-fold risk compared with the general population; the figures were similar in the 2 cancer groups. Compared with the general population, OT subjects were 32 times more likely than same-age subjects to die. The SMR decreased to 6.1 when only non-cancer deaths were considered. Deaths due to external or avoidable causes occurred among survivors at a rate similar to that of the general population.     

Volume and outcome in colorectal cancer surgery

AimsThere is a growing consensus to concentrate high-risk surgical procedures to high volume surgeons in high volume hospitals. However, there is fierce debate about centralizing more common malignancies such as colorectal cancer. The objective of this review is to conduct a meta-analysis using the best evidence available on the volume-outcome relationship for colorectal cancer treatment.MethodsA systematic search was performed to identify all relevant articles studying the relation between hospital and/or surgeon volume and clinical outcomes for colorectal cancer. Using strict inclusion criteria, 23 articles were selected concerning colon cancer, rectal cancer or both diseases together as ‘colorectal cancer’. Pooled estimated effect sizes were calculated using the casemix adjusted outcomes of the highest volume group opposed to the lowest volume group.ResultsHigh volume hospitals have a significantly lower postoperative mortality in half of the pooled results. Non significant results show a trend in favour of high volume hospitals. All results showed a significantly better long term survival in high volume hospitals. High volume surgeons have a lower postoperative mortality, although evidence is sparse. All analyses showed a significantly better long term survival in favour of high volume surgeons.ConclusionsThe results show a clear and consistent relation between high volume providers and improved long term survival. This applies to both high volume hospitals and high volume surgeons. Most results show a relation between high volume providers and a reduced postoperative mortality, but evidence is less convincing.In the ideal world, extensive population based audit registrations with casemix adjusted feedback should make rigid minimal volume standards obsolete. Until then, using volume criteria for hospitals and surgeons treating colorectal cancer can improve mortality and especially long term survival.     

开放性手术与腹腔镜术对结直肠癌患者术后并发症的不同风险因素分析

目的:探讨分析结直肠癌开放性手术与腹腔镜手术术后并发症风险因素,为临床疾病治疗、预后及预防术后并发症提供一定的理论依据.方法:研究对象为于2012年2月至2015年2月收治的结直肠癌手术患者共324例,按手术方式不同分为开放性手术组168例,腹腔镜手术组156例,收集并对比分析两组患者的一般资料,选取性别、年龄、腹部手术史、结直肠癌TNM分期、手术相关情况作为待分析危险因素,从而对两组患者术后并发症进行风险因素分析.结果:开放手术组并发症发生率为41.67％,高于腹腔镜手术组的25％,经统计学分析,P ＜0.05.其中在术后感染率、吻合口漏的发生中两组差异显著,P＜0.05,差异有统计学意义.随访患者至出院后30天,324例中发生并发症的患者年龄、手术时间及术中失血量指标上差异显著,经统计学分析,P＜0.05.而腹部手术史、性别分布及癌症TNM分期对患者并发症发生与否无明显影响,P＞0.05.探讨手术方式对并发症的影响,结果显示,手术时间及术中失血量与并发症的发生有明确关系,P ＜0.05,而年龄影响不大,P＞0.05,差异无统计学意义.结论:腹腔镜下治疗结直肠癌具有损伤小、出血少、术程快及术后并发症少的优点,且可避免年龄、输血及失血量等多种术后并发症风险因素.     

Treatment outcome of laparoscopic surgery after self-expandable metallic stent insertion for obstructive colorectal cancer

International Journal of Clinical Oncology - We assessed the technical and oncological safety of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion followed by laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a...     

Follow-up after colorectal cancer surgery

Although most institutions offer some kind of follow-up to patients operated on for colorectal cancer, its value with respect to prolonged survival has been challenged. However, improved results of liver surgery and chemotherapy make it reasonable to assume that a follow-up programme leading to detection of more asymptomatic recurrences would result in improved survival. Liver metastases and extramural local recurrences are the most common secondary lesions and 5-year survival rates of about 30% are reported after radical resection. From these observations a survival benefit could be expected when follow-up is directed to these forms of recurrence. From six randomized studies, six comparative cohort studies and four meta-analyses it can be concluded that an intensive follow-up programme results in more recurrences being resected for cure and about a 10% higher 5-year survival rate compared with less intensive or no follow-up. However, the differences in the follow-up protocols make it difficult to conclude how a follow-up programme should be designed. Liver imaging and carcinoembryonic antigen assay should probably be included, while the yield of frequent colonoscopies is small. A follow-up regimen based on these principles is suggested. Future studies should focus on which tests are the most cost-effective for follow-up after colorectal cancer resection.     

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus standard recovery for elective gastric cancer surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been effective in improving postoperative recovery after major abdominal surgeries including colorectal cancer surgery, however its impact after gastric cancer surgery is unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of ERAS after gastric cancer surgery. Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed was searched from database inception to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERAS versus standard care in gastric cancer surgery were included. Outcomes included the postoperative length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, time to first flatus, defecation, oral intake, and ambulation after surgery, and complications. Pooled estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. The GRADE approach assessed overall quality of evidence. 18 RCTs involving 1782 patients were included. ERAS significantly reduced the LOS (Mean Difference (MD) −1.78 days, 95%CI -2.17 to −1.40, P < 0.0001), reduced hospital costs (MD -650 U S. dollars, 95%CI -840 to −460, P < 0.0001), and reduced time to first flatus, defecation, ambulation, and oral intake. ERAS had significantly lower rates of pulmonary infections (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.48, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.82, P = 0.007), but not surgical site infections, anastomotic leaks, and postoperative complications. However, ERAS significantly increased readmissions (RR 2.43, 95%CI 1.09 to 5.43, P = 0.03). The quality of evidence was low to moderate for all outcomes. Implementation of an ERAS protocol may reduce LOS, costs, and time to return of function after gastric cancer surgery compared to conventional recovery. However, ERAS may increase the number of postoperative readmissions, albeit with no impact on the rate of postoperative complications.     

Psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation after surgery for locally advanced and locally recurrent colorectal cancer: Complications and oncological outcome

Introduction

The most important prognostic factor for oncological outcome of rectal cancer is radical surgical resection. In patients with locally advanced T4 rectal cancer (LARC) or locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) (partial) resection of the urinary tract is frequently required to achieve radical resection. The psoas bladder hitch (PBH) technique is the first choice for reconstruction of the ureter after partial resection and this bladder-preserving technique should not influence the oncological outcome.

Early versus late alternating chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: From 1984 to 1989, the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research(SAKK) performed a randomized phase 111 trial comparing earlyversus late alternating chemotherapy in patients with small-celllung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 406 eligible patients were entered into the trial. Regimen Aconsisted of PAV(cisPlatin, Adriamycin, VP 16–213, andRegimen B of CyMOC (Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Oncovin,CCNU). Cycles were repeated as rapidly as possible. Patientswere randomized to receive either ABABAB (early alternatingchemotherapy) or AAABBB (late alternating chemotherapy). Aftersix cycles patients with limited disease in complete or partialremission and those with extensive disease in complete remissionreceived irradiation to the primary (45 Gy) and the CNS (36Gy). RESULTS: The overall remission rate was 87%, with 31% complete remissions.The median survival of all 406 eligible patients was 346 days,with 15% of the patients alive at two years. The overall remissionrate, the rate of complete remission, the median survival andthe rate of long-term survival were not significantly differentin the two treatment arms. In limited disease the estimatedpercentages of survival at 2 years were 33% in the early and24% in the late alternating chemotherapy arms. Patients withextensive disease survived significantly longer with late alternatingchemotherapy than on the early alternation regimen (median survival336 days versus 301 days, p=0.01). In the latter patients thereceived dose intensities (RD1) of cisplatin, adriamycin andetoposide were significantly higher in the late-alternationarm. Patients treated with early alternating chemotherapy ratedtheir tumor symptoms, functional states, fatigue/malaise andrestriction of social activity significantly better, reflectingan improved subjective adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Alternating chemotherapy with PAV-Cy-MOC plus consolidatingradiotherapy is a feasible and effective treatment for small-celllung cancer, with acceptable toxicity. Whereas patnts with earlyalternating chemotherapy achieve a better subjective adjustment,late alternating chemotherapy allows for a higher RDI of cisplatin,adriamycin and etoposide, which results in a significantly longermedian survival of patients with extensive disease. small-cell lung cancer, chemotherapy, alternating chemotherapy, quality of life, dose intensity     

结直肠癌患者腹腔镜手术与开放手术安全性和远期疗效的比较

目的探讨结直肠癌患者腹腔镜手术与开放手术的远期疗效及其安全性。方法选取2006年1月至2015年8月广西玉林市红十字会医院150例结直肠癌患者,按照随机数字表法随机分为腹腔镜组和开放组,每组75例。腹腔镜组患者采用腹腔镜手术治疗,开放组患者采用常规开腹手术治疗。比较两组术后并发症、术后无瘤生存率及术后总生存率。结果腹腔镜组术后并发症发生率(12.0%)低于开腹组(34.7%),差异有统计学意义(X2=10.16,P<0.05)。腹腔镜组切口感染、肺部感染、肠瘘、肠梗阻及吻合口出血的发生率明显低于开放组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。两组患者下肢静脉血栓发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。腹腔镜组患者3年和5年无瘤生存率(66.9%和59.8%)高于开放组(65.7%和53.1%),差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。按病理分期进行亚组分析,术后无瘤生存率差异仍无统计学意义(P>0.05)。腹腔镜组患者5年生存率(70.1%)高于开放组(67.3%),差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。按病理分期进行亚组分析,两组患者术后5年总生存率差异仍无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结果与开腹手术比较,腹腔镜治疗结直肠癌远期疗效好,且安全性较高,值得临床推广应用。     

腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术与开腹手术远期疗效对比

目的：对比结直肠癌分别行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术与开腹手术所取得的远期疗效。方法选择金湖县人民医院及江苏省人民医院收治的结直肠癌116例,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组58例。对照组以开腹结直肠癌根治术治疗,观察组以腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术治疗,对比两组患者的临床资料及其远期效果。结果观察组患者的手术时间及住院时间均短于对照组（均 P ＜0．05）,术中出血量明显少于对照组（P ＜0．05）;观察组术后并发症发生率为6．9％,对照组为29．3％,两组间差异明显（P ＜0．05）。观察组术后1、3与5年生存率分别为94．8％、86．2％、77．6％,对照组为72．4％、65．5％、55．1％,两组间差异显著（均 P ＜0．05）。结论腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术与开腹手术相比较,手术时间较短,术中出血量较少,可缩短住院时间,在治疗过程中所出现的术后并发症较少,且术后的生存率较高,在临床上可优先选择腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术。     

Outcomes of Intensive Care Unit admissions after elective cancer surgery

Background

Postoperative care for major elective cancer surgery is frequently provided on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Objective

To analyze the characteristics and outcome of patients after ICU admission following elective surgery for different cancer diagnoses.

Methods

We analyzed all ICU admissions following elective cancer surgery in the Netherlands collected in the National Intensive Care Evaluation registry between January 2007 and January 2012.

Results

28,973 patients (9.0% of all ICU admissions; 40% female) were admitted to the ICU after elective cancer surgery. Of these admissions 77% were planned; in 23% of cases the decision for ICU admission was made during or directly after surgery. The most frequent malignancies were colorectal cancer (25.6%), lung cancer (18.5%) and tumors of the central nervous system (14.3%). Mechanical ventilation was necessary in 24.8% of all patients, most frequently after surgery for esophageal (62.5%) and head and neck cancer (50.2%); 20.7% of patients were treated with vasopressors in the acute postoperative phase, in particular after surgery for esophageal cancer (41.8%). The median length of stay on the ICU was 0.9 days (interquartile ranges [IQR] 0.8–1.5); surgery for esophageal cancer was associated with the longest ICU length of stay (median 2.0 days) with the largest variation (IQR 1.0–4.8 days). ICU mortality was 1.4%; surgery for gastrointestinal cancer was associated with the highest ICU mortality (colorectal cancer 2.2%, pancreatico-cholangiocarcimoma 2.0%).

Conclusion

Elective cancer surgery represents a significant part of all ICU admissions, with a short length of stay and low mortality.     

预防性结肠造瘘在梗阻性左半结肠癌患者一期手术的临床意义

目的 本研究旨在探究急性完全性左半结肠癌并梗阻一期手术的安全性及预防性结肠造瘘的临床意义.方法 回顾性分析2000年1月至2009年12月我科收治的112例急性完全性左半结直肠癌并梗阻急诊一期手术切除吻合患者的临床资料,比较一期切除吻合施行或不行预防性结肠造瘘两组患者的临床病理特点及围手术期结果.结果 所有病例均接受肿瘤切除联合术中肠道灌洗并一期吻合,其中61例行桥式预防性造瘘,51例未行预防性造瘘.两组患者的临床病理学特点、手术出血量及根治切除率无显著差异,预防性造瘘组手术时间显著长于非造瘘组(P＜0.05),住院时间两组无显著性差异.两组患者均无围手术期死亡病例.造瘘组的术后并发症发生率为13.1%,非造瘘组为13.7%,两组无统计学差异(P＞0.05).其中吻合口瘘在非造瘘组发生2例(3.9%),造瘘组无1例发生.结论 左半结肠癌并梗阻联合术中肠道灌洗的一期切除吻合是安全可靠的,预防性造瘘并非必要.     

Benchmarking clinical outcomes in elective colorectal cancer surgery: The interplay between institutional reoperation- and mortality rates

Background

“Unplanned reoperations” has been advocated as a quality measure in colorectal cancer surgery as it is correlated with complications and postoperative mortality at a patient level. However, little is known about the relation between reoperation rates and postoperative mortality rates at a hospital level.

Methods

Data were derived from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit 2009–2012 database. Hospitals with significantly higher and lower reoperation rates than average were identified and grouped accordingly. Postoperative mortality rates were compared between the groups.

Results

Some 28,667 patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer resections in 92 hospitals were analyzed. Fourteen hospitals had significantly higher (mean 14.6%) adjusted reoperation rates than average (10%), 20 had lower (5.3%) rates than average. Adjusted mortality rates were similar in groups with high reoperation rates and the majority cohort (3.5–3.2%) and significantly lower in hospitals with low reoperation rates (2.3%). However, individual hospitals with relatively high reoperation rates had low mortality rates and vice versa.

Conclusions

Reoperation rates after elective colorectal cancer resections varied. Hospitals with significantly higher reoperation rates than average did not have higher mortality rates. The group with lowest reoperation rates also had lower postoperative mortality rates; however, this did not apply to all hospitals in the group. In conclusion, ‘reoperations’ seems suitable as benchmark information to hospitals but less suitable to detect poor performers. Best practices should be identified as hospitals with both low reoperation- and mortality rates.