Markers of Stroma in Lung Cancer: Influence of COPD

BackgroundStroma, mainly composed by fibroblasts, extracellular matrix (ECM) and vessels, may play a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an independent risk factor for LC. We hypothesized that markers of fibroblasts, ECM and endothelial cells may differ in tumors of LC patients with/without COPD.MethodsMarkers of cultured cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts [CAFs and NFs, respectively, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) markers, immunofluorescence in cultured lung fibroblasts], ECM, and endothelial cells (type I collagen and CD31 markers, respectively, immunohistochemistry) were identified in lung tumor and non-tumor specimens (thoracotomy for lung tumor resection) from 15 LC-COPD patients and 15 LC-only patients.ResultsNumbers of CAFs significantly increased, while those of NFs significantly decreased in tumor samples compared to non-tumor specimens of both LC and LC-COPD patients. Endothelial cells (CD31) significantly decreased in tumor samples compared to non-tumor specimens only in LC patients. No significant differences were seen in levels of type I collagen in any samples or study groups.ConclusionsVascular endothelial marker CD31 expression was reduced in tumors of non-COPD patients, while type I collagen levels did not differ between groups. A rise in CAFs levels was detected in lung tumors of patients irrespective of airway obstruction. Low levels of CD31 may have implications in the overall survival of LC patients, especially in those without underlying airway obstruction. Identification of CD31 role as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in lung tumors of patients with underlying respiratory diseases warrants attention.     

Nutritional status in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease: Prevalence of malnutrition and methods for routine nutritional assessment

Background and aimMalnutrition is a common feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are numerous methods for the assessment of nutritional status, but the gold standard has not yet been established. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of undernutrition and to evaluate methods for routine nutritional assessment of active IBD patients.Material and methodsTwenty-three patients with active Crohn disease, 53 patients with active ulcerative colitis and 30 controls were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by extensive anthropometric measurements, percentage of weight loss in the past 1–6 months and biochemical markers of nutrition.ResultsAll investigated nutritional parameters were significantly different in IBD patients compared to control subjects, except MCV, tryglicerides and serum total protein level. Serum albumin level and bodymass index (BMI) were the most predictive parameters of malnutrition. According to different assessment methods the prevalence of undernutrition and severe undernutrition in patients with active IBD were 25.0%–69.7% and 1.3%–31.6%, respectively, while in the control subjects no abnormalities have been detected. There was no statistically significant difference of nutritional parameters between UC and CD patients except lower mid-arm muscle circumference in UC group.ConclusionsMalnutrition is common in IBD patients. BMI and serum albumin are simple and convenient methods for the assessment of the nutritional status in IBD patients. Further studies with larger group of patients are necessary to elucidate the prevalence of malnutrition and the most accurate assessment methods in IBD patients.     

Comparison of the prognostic values of various nutritional parameters in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from Southern China

Background

Nutritional evaluation is important for patients with esophageal cancer, but the impact of undernutrition on outcome of those patients is not well elucidated. Our aim is to assess the impact of baseline nutritional status on overall survival (OS) in Chinese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to detect a most appropriate indicator for nutritional evaluation.

Methods

502 patients from Southern China diagnosed as ESCC in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center were included. A series of nutritional indicators were introduced to evaluate the baseline nutritional status. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 5-year OS and the log-rank test was used to determine the survival differences. Cox proportional hazards model was used in the univariate and multivariate analyses of OS.

Results

With a median follow up time of 30 months, the median OS for the entire patient group was 37.3 months with the 5-year OS rate of 43.0%. Only performance status, AJCC 6th stage and body mass index (BMI) were the independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis of OS. The median OS for patients with BMI less than 18.5, patients with BMI within 18.5-24.9 and patients with BMI more than 24.9 were 19.2, 43.2 and 51.6 months, respectively, with the 5-year OS rates of 25.2%, 46.1% and 48.1% (P<0.001). Patients with BMI <18.5 tended to present with a more advanced stage disease and a poorer tumor grade.

Conclusions

Baseline nutritional status is predictive of OS in Chinese patients with ESCC. BMI is a steady indicator for nutritional evaluation and a sensitive prognostic parameter for ESCC patients. Treatment optimization in ESCC patients with low BMI should integrate the modalities and individual nutritional support.KEY WORDS : Nutritional parameters, body mass index (BMI), prognostic value, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma     

老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者营养状况调查

目的 应用微型营养评定（MNA）、人体测量学和实验室检查指标调查和分析老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者非住院期间营养状况.方法 58例老年COPD患者在非住院期间接受MNA的问卷调查、人体测量学检测和临床实验室检查.结果 （1）根据MNA得分,老年COPD患者中营养不良和营养不良高危人群的发生率分别是6.9%和60.3%.（2）根据体质指数（BMI）、三头肌皮褶厚度（TSF）、中臂肌围（AMC）的测量值老年COPD患者营养不良发生率分别为55.2%、31%、24.1%.（3）根据血浆前白蛋白、血浆白蛋白相淋巴细胞计数显示老年COPD患者营养不良发生率分别是13.8%、31%、49.9%.结论 （1）老年COPD患者营养不良和营养不良的高危状态的发生率较高,必须加强营养干预.（2）提倡在老年COPD患者中应用MNA问卷进行营养状态评估,以供临床参考.     

Effect of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on nutritional status in patients with COPD]

The beneficial effects of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on pulmonary function and exercise performance has been established. However, the impact on nutritional status and prognosis has not been demonstrated. In the present study, we investigated the changes in nutritional status in COPD patients undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic LVRS and also analyzed the relationship between nutritional status and postoperative complications and prognosis. After LVRS, body weight, fat-free mass (FFM) and caloric intake were significantly increased. Increase in FFM correlated significantly with improvement in exercise performance. In underweight patients before LVRS, the incidence of post-operative complications was significantly higher than in normal-weight patients, and a patient who was moderately-to-severely underweight (% ideal body weight < 80%) had a significantly poor prognosis. These findings suggest that improvement of nutritional status after LVRS contributes to improvement in exercise performance, and that preoperative nutritional status has a significant impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. From our data, we concluded that preoperative nutritional assessment is an important part of the preoperative evaluation of LVRS, and that LVRS provides nutritional benefits for underweight patients with severe COPD.     

简易营养评价精法及传统营养评价对老年稳定期慢性阻塞性肺病患者营养状态的评估

目的评估老年稳定期中、重度慢性阻塞性肺病（COPD）患者营养不良的发生率。了解简易营养评价精法（MNA—SF）和传统营养评价的相关性,为MNA—SF临床应用提供依据。方法测量52例老年稳定期中、重度COPD患者的体质指数（BMI）,理想体重比（IBW％）,三头肌皮皱厚度（TSF）,上臂肌围（MAMC）,血清白蛋白（ALB）,血色素（UB）,总淋巴细胞计数（TLC）,同时应用传统营养评价法和MNA-SF评估营养不良的发生率。结果营养不良的发生率：传统营养评价人体测量为30．8％-48．1％,实验室检查为19．2％～82．7％。MNA—SF营养不良的检出率为44．2％。MNA—SF与BMI、IBW％、TSF、MAMC有很好的相关性,P〈0．001。结论老年稳定期中、重度COPD患者营养不良发生率用传统营养测量评价为19．2％～82．7％。MNA-SF则为44．2％。MNA-SF是老年人营养评价的可靠方法,简便,适用于临床诊断。     

Inventory of nutritional status in patients with COPD

Assessment of nutritional status was performed in 153 patients with COPD, admitted to a rehabilitation center. All patients had moderate to severe COPD and were in stable pulmonary condition. Nutritional parameters studied were percentage of ideal body weight, creatinine height index, serum albumin, serum prealbumin, serum transferrin, and total lymphocyte count. A nutritional index composed of four commonly used parameters (PIW, ALB, PALB, TLC) was calculated. This NI was used to separate patients who had a compromised nutritional status (NI greater than or equal to 0.5; 29 patients, 19 percent) from patients who had a normal nutritional status. The results demonstrated a relation between impaired gas exchange and parameters used to assess nutritional status and not between the degree of bronchial obstruction and such parameters.     

The effect of nutritional status on morbidity in COPD patients undergoing bilateral lung reduction surgery

BACKGROUND: Although candidates for lung reduction surgery (LRS) include malnourished patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the impact of preoperative nutritional status on surgical outcome has not been clearly elucidated. METHODS: We investigated the relationship between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative morbidity in 23 consecutive patients undergoing LRS. The percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, and fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. FFM and FM were expressed as height-normalized indices, FFM index [FFM (kg)/height (m)(2), or FFMI] and FM index [FM (kg)/height (m)(2), or FMI]. Serum levels of total protein and albumin were also determined. RESULTS: 8 patients had major complications. Preoperative %IBW and FFMI were significantly lower among patients with major complications, while no significant differences were observed in pulmonary function, FMI or serum protein. The complication rate was significantly higher among patients with low FFMI (FFMI < or = 16) but not with low %IBW or BMI. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FFM depletion is an excellent predictor of unacceptable postoperative complication following LRS.     

高原地区慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征患者的随访结果分析

目的探讨高原地区慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）合并阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征（OSAHS）（重叠综合征,OS）患者与病死率和因COPD急性加重首次住院的关系,以及持续气道正压通气（CPAP）治疗对OS的影响。方法对65例经CPAP治疗的OS患者、81例未经CPAP治疗OS患者和66例单纯COPD患者进行随访,随访时间中位数为7.8年（范围2.1～9.8年）,随访结束时间为患者死亡和因COPD急性加重首次住院。排除心力衰竭,心肌梗死和中风病史。结果基础指标评估,两组OS患者的体重指数（BMI）、睡眠呼吸暂停低通气指数（AHI）、Charlson指数、Epworth嗜睡评分和研究前一年COPD急性加重率显著高于单纯COPD组,静息血氧饱和度（SaO2）和睡眠平均SaO2水平显著低于单纯COPD组（均P〈0.01）,两组OS患者之间差异无显著性（均P〉0.05）。修正年龄、性别、BMI、并发症、COPD严重程度、AHI、白天嗜睡后,与单纯COPD比较,未经CPAP治疗的OS组有较高的病死率（RR为2.12;95%CI为1.99～3.35）和更容易因COPD急性加重住院（RR为1.81;95%CI为1.47～2.60）。用CPAP治疗的OS组与单纯COPD组比较,病死率和因COPD急性加重住院的风险未见增加。结论在高原地区,OS患者心血管疾病病死率和因COPD急性加重住院的风险性增加。然而,有效的CPAP治疗可提高其生存率和降低住院率。     

Utility of the Nutritional Screening in Predicting Adverse Outcome of Patients With Overweight/Obesity and Acute Heart Failure

BackgroundUndernutrition is a negative predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite the survival advantage of elevated body mass index (BMI) in patients with HF, BMI does not necessarily reflect a favorable nutritional status. In the present study, we investigated the clinical impact of nutritional screening in patients with HF and overweight/obesity.MethodsWe examined the data from 170 patients with overweight or obesity status (defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) who admitted for acute HF. Their controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score was calculated on admission. The CONUT score is regarded as an index of the nutritional status.ResultsThe median duration of follow-up was 1096 days (interquartile range, 805–1096 days). Undernutrition was identified in 66.5% of the patients. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with undernutrition had a higher incidence of all-cause death and readmission due to HF than those without undernutrition. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the CONUT score, but not BMI and the geriatric nutritional risk index, was independently correlated with poor prognosis.ConclusionsUndernutrition is highly prevalent and independently predicts poor outcomes in patients with overweight/obesity and acute HF.     

重组人生长激素对COPD患者瘦素水平和营养状况的影响

目的探讨重组人生长激素对COPD患者瘦素水平和营养状况的影响。方法40例COPD急性加重期患者随机分成生长激素组和对照组。均给予抗感染、氧疗、营养支持等。生长激素组在上述治疗基础上加用RhGH,每晚1次皮下注射,连续应用7～10d。观察治疗前后,患者体重指数（BMI）、肱三头肌皮褶（TSF）、上肢臂肌围（MAMC）总蛋白,白蛋白值,瘦素水平,分析相关关系。结果治疗后rhGH组BMI、TSF、AMC．总蛋白,白蛋白值,瘦素水平与治疗前比较差异均有统计学意义。瘦素与BMI、TSF、AMC总蛋白,白蛋白值显著正相关。结论生长激素联合营养支持治疗能提高老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者营养状态和瘦素水平。     

Body mass index and bioelectrical impedance phase angle as potentially modifiable nutritional markers are independent risk factors for outcome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Beside many risk factors in patients considered for alloHCT, only body mass index (BMI) as a broad marker of nutritional status has prognostic value in these patients. This is the first prospective study to investigate the validity of further nutritional markers: adjusted BMI, normalized for gender and age; Subjective Global Assessment questionnaire and standardized phase angle, normalized for gender, age and BMI in 105 patients as independent risk factors for outcomes [overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse mortality (RM), progression-free survival (PFS)] until 2 years after alloHCT. In Cox proportional-hazards regression models, we included a variety of accepted risk factors. The two most influential pre-transplant risk factors identified and associated with similarly increased hazard ratios (HR) for OS, RM, and PFS were a low-standardized phase angle (HR?=?1.97, P?=?0.043; HR?=?3.18, P?=?0.017, and HR?=?1.91, P?=?0.039) and advanced disease. Under- and overweight according BMI percentiles (≤10th; ≥90th) revealed associations with increased risk of NRM (HR?=?2.90, P?=?0.018; HR?=?3.02, P?=?0.062), although only low BMI was weakly associated with OS (HR?=?1.82, P?=?0.09). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that pre-transplant phase angle is an independent predictor for 2-year outcomes in these patients. Further investigation is necessary to demonstrate whether the theoretically modifiable phase angle can be increased by physical training combined with nutritional support, and if this improves outcome after alloHCT.     

Analysis of conditional survival in primary hepatocellular carcinoma after narrow-margin hepatectomy: a large-sample,dual-centre,retrospective study

BackgroundOverall survival (OS) reflects the constant hazard and survival probabilities calculated from the initial follow-up. Conditional survival (CS) dynamically estimates prognosis based on survival time after treatment. This study aimed to estimate CS in patients who had undergone narrow-margin hepatectomy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsThe clinical data of 1010 eligible patients between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. The equation CS1=OS(x+1)/OS(x) was used to calculate the probability of an additional 1-year survival in patients who had survived for x years.ResultsTumour differentiation, microvascular invasion, and tumour emboli were independent risk factors for OS. Actuarial survival decreased from 91.53% at 1 year after hepatectomy to 48.92% at 4 years, whereas CS1 increased from 69.45% at 1 year to 94.62% at 4 years. The difference was more obvious in the tumour-emboli subgroup, with an OS of 26.38% at 5 years versus a CS1 of 88.91% at 4 years following narrow-margin hepatectomy (Δ62.53%).ConclusionCS is potentially useful in providing a dynamic evaluation of survival, predicting prognosis more accurately than OS during follow-up, and formulating more appropriate treatment measures based on disease progression.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者骨密度改变的分析

目的 通过测定慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)中、重度患者骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)、肺功能、血气分析及营养状况的变化,探讨COPD患者BMD的改变与骨质疏松发生的关系.方法 选择43例COPD中、重度患者(缓解期)和40名同龄健康对照人群为研究对象,采用双能X线骨密度检测仪、血气分析仪、肺功能检测仪及生化测定仪等进行BMD、血气分析、肺功能、血浆总蛋白和白蛋白等指标的测定.结果 COPD组第2～4腰椎、股骨颈部、股骨大转子及股骨粗隆间的BMD值较对照组降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);COPD组的体质量指数和血浆白蛋白的测定值低于对照组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);呼吸衰竭患者的股骨颈部和第1～4腰椎的BMD较无呼吸衰竭患者降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);COPD组股骨和腰椎的骨质疏松检出率高于对照组(P值均＜0.05).结论 COPD中、重度患者BMD、体质量指数、血浆白蛋白水平均较同龄对照人群降低,呼吸衰竭组较无呼吸衰竭组BMD降低更明显,COPD组股骨和腰椎的骨质疏松检出率高于对照组,表明COPD是一种全身性疾病,其所导致的长期缺氧和营养不良状态与继发性骨质疏松发生有紧密的关系.     

Nutritional status of COPD patients with acute exacerbation

The prevalence and features of nutritional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been studied extensively in stable conditions, but are poorly defined in the presence of an acute exacerbation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status of COPD patients with acute exacerbation and possible relationship between nutritional parameters and pulmonary functions. The study group consisted of 53 COPD patients acutely admitted to the hospital for standardized medical treatment. The nutritional status of patients was assessed by anthropometric measurements, biochemical analysis, and immunologic testing. The patients were divided into two groups as having severe (FEV1 < 50%) and mild to moderate (FEV1 ? 50%) COPD and weight loss greater than 5% for the comparison of the study parameters. Ideal body weight (IBW%) was found as 104.42 +/- 4.30 in severe COPD, where as it was 115.31 +/- 7.28 in mild to moderate COPD group (p= 0.07). There was no relationship demonstrated between IBW% and FEV1. IBW% was correlated with DLCO for the total study population (r= 0.353, p= 0.035). Weight loss greater than 5% of body weight (BW) was observed in 54% of patients. Comparison of the patient's actual weight to their usual weight revealed statistically significant weight loss (p< 0.01). Mean values of serum albumin, transferrin were found in normal range. Delayed type hypersensitivity skin test revealed normal immune status. When the study parameters were compared, no any statistically significant differences in parameters related to nutritional status were detected, between severe and mild to moderate COPD groups. As a statistically significant weight loss was found between the actual and usual weights of the patients, monitoring of nutritional parameters and eventual dietetic treatment should also be included in the goals of the medical treatment of patients with COPD in acute exacerbation.     

OS患者夜间低氧血症相关因素及NIPPV治疗效果的分析

目的研究OS患者夜间低氧血症发生的相关因素以及NIPPV的治疗效果。方法将28例OS患者一般情况、肺功能及PSG结果与30名单纯COPD患者进行比较和分析,并对OS患者NIPPV治疗前后PSG的指标进行比较。结果 OS患者的夜间MSpO2和夜间LSpO2较单纯COPD患者均有明显下降;NIPPV治疗前后OS患者的AHI、MSpO2和LSpO2的差异具有统计学意义;BMI以及FEV1绝对值经过相关分析被证实与夜间MSpO2相关。结论 OS患者睡眠时血氧饱和度较单纯COPD患者下降更加明显,可能与BMI、FEV1绝对值具有相关性;NIPPV是治疗重叠综合征的一种有效手段。     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病-阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停重叠综合征特点分析及康复疗效

目的:回顾性分析慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD)-阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停(obstructive sleep apnea,OSA)重叠综合征的特点,探讨夜间无创通气和(或)有氧运动对其疗效。方法:对我院与复旦大学附属华东医院2016年1月至2018年12月196例稳定期COPD患者进行整夜多导睡眠图(polysomnography,PSG)监测,发现COPD-OSA重叠综合征70例。比较COPD与重叠综合征患者的睡眠参数、体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)、动脉血气分析、运动能力及呼吸困难程度的差异。对70例重叠综合征患者根据是否应用无创呼吸机并坚持治疗20周及以上分成联合干预组(27例)与有氧运动组(37例),分别给予无创通气和(或)有氧运动,比较干预前后及组间的睡眠参数、BMI、动脉血气分析、运动能力及呼吸困难程度的差异。结果:重叠综合征患者合并高血压(P<0.001)及冠心病(P=0.044)比例高于COPD患者,且在肺功能第1秒用力呼气量(forced expiratory volume in first second,FEV1)%预计值、6 min步行距离(6 minute walking distance,6MWD)、改良英国医学研究委员会呼吸困难量表(modified Medical Research Council Scale,mMRC)、BMI、睡眠参数[呼吸暂停低通气指数(apnea-hypopnea index,AHI)、血氧饱和度<90%时间占监测总时间的百分比(TS90%)、最低脉搏氧饱和度(lowest pulse oxygen saturation,LSpO2%)]、动脉血气分析(pH、PO2、PCO2)均较COPD患者严重(P<0.05)。经过20周的无创通气和(或)有氧运动干预,联合干预组患者在AHI、TS90%、SpO2%、6MWD、pH、PO2均较有氧运动组改善(P<0.05),但在FEV1%预计值、BMI、mMRC、PCO2方面2组差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论:重叠综合征患者的睡眠参数、BMI、动脉血气分析、运动能力及呼吸困难程度均较COPD严重。无创通气联合有氧运动能明显改善重叠综合征患者的睡眠、BMI、动脉血气分析、运动能力及呼吸困难程度。     

Prognostic impact of simultaneous venous resections during surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of simultaneous venous resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that was preoperatively staged resectable according to NCCN guidelines.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 153 patients who underwent PD for PDAC was performed. Patients were divided into standard PD and PD with simultaneous vein resection (PDVR). Groups were compared to each other in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality, disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS).Results114 patients received PD while 39 patients received PDVR. No differences in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality between both groups were detected. Patients in the VR group presented with a significantly shorter OS in the median (13 vs. 21 months, P = 0.011). In subgroup analysis, resection status did not influence OS in the PDVR group (R0 13 vs. R1 12 months, P = 0.471) but in the PD group (R0 23 vs. R1 14 months, P = 0.043). PDVR was a risk factor of OS in univariate but not multivariable analysis.ConclusionPDVR for PDAC preoperatively staged resectable resulted in significantly shorter OS regardless of resection status. Patients who require PDVR should be considered for adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to other oncological indications.     

Surgical resection is associated with improved long-term survival of patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer compared to multiagent chemotherapy

BackgroundStandard of care for resectable pancreatic cancer is a combination of surgical resection (SR) and multiagent chemotherapy (MCT). We aim to determine whether SR or MCT is associated with superior survival for patients receiving only single-modality therapy.MethodsPatients with stage I–IIb pancreatic head adenocarcinoma who received either MCT or SR were identified in the NCDB (2013–2015). Following a piecewise approach to estimating hazards over the course of follow-up, conditional overall survival (OS) at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment initiation was estimated using landmark analyses.Results3103 patients received MCT alone (60.3%) and 2043 underwent SR alone (39.7%). SR had an OS disadvantage at 30 (HR 3.99, 95% CI 3.12–5.11) and 60 days (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.4–2.45), but an OS advantage after 90 days (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.55–0.64). In a landmark analysis conditioned on 90 days survival post treatment initiation, median OS was improved for SR (17.0 vs. 12.2 months, p < 0.0001); SR improved 3-year OS by 21.3% (p < 0.05), despite patients being older (median 72 vs. 67 years, p < 0.0001) with higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity scores (≥2: 11.2 vs. 8.6%, p = 0.006).ConclusionFor patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, SR is associated with superior long-term survival compared to MCT.     

Undernutrition is predictive of early mortality after palliative self-expanding metal stent insertion in patients with inoperable or recurrent esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are a first-line therapeutic procedure in the palliative treatment of dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer. However, the impact of SEMS insertion on patient nutritional status has never been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nutritional status of patients after insertion of a SEMS and the impact of a preexisting undernutrition status on survival. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. PATIENTS: A total of 120 patients treated in a single center by insertion of a SEMS for relief of dysphagia in the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer were retrospectively included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Efficacy of SEMS was assessed by the Ogilvie's dysphagia score. Patient nutritional and clinical statuses were evaluated at SEMS insertion, and patients were regularly followed until death. Independent predictive factors of early 30-day mortality were researched. RESULTS: Dysphagia scores decreased after SEMS insertion in 89.1% of patients, with median scores decreasing from 3.0 to 1.0 (P < .05). There was a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) (P < .04), serum albumin level (P < .01), and World Health Organization (WHO) performance index (P < .02) at a 1-month evaluation. Serum albumin level, BMI <18 kg/m(2), and WHO performance index >2 at SEMS insertion were independent predictive factors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that palliative stent placement in esophageal cancer was effective to relieve dysphagia but was not followed by an improvement of nutritional parameters. Moreover, it underlined the key role played by undernutrition on survival.