Surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: French experience in a collective survey of 552 extrahepatic bile duct cancers

Five hundred and fifty‐two cases of primary carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts (gallbladder and periampullary tumors excluded) collected from 55 surgical centers were reviewed retrospectively. Three hundred seven patients (56%) had upper‐third lesions (proximal carcinoma), whereas 71 (13%) and 101 (18%), respectively, had middle‐third and lower‐third bile duct carcinomas. The remaining patients had diffuse lesions. Resectability rates were 32% for upper‐third localization compared with 47% and 51% for middle‐third and lower‐third localization, respectively. The operative mortality rate for proximal carcinomas was significantly lower with resection (16%) compared with palliative surgery (31%) (P < 0.05). Overall 1 year survival (operative deaths excluded) was 68% after tumor resection compared to 31% after palliative surgery (P < 0.001). Long‐term results after surgical resection correlated with local and regional extension of the disease. The results of this study show that resection of extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas, particularly in an upper‐third localization, is often associated with worthwhile long‐term survival.     

Risk factors for postoperative recurrence of non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/purpose

The majority of hepatocellular carcinomas are associated with chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus. Recently, however, the proportion of non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinomas has been increasing. It is necessary to determine the optimal surgical approach for non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Seventy-seven patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative hepatic resection were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to clarify risk factors for postoperative recurrence of non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results

On univariate analysis, surgical margin <5?mm (P?=?0.001) and the presence of multiple tumors (P?=?0.002) were significantly associated with lower disease-free survival rate. On multivariate analysis, surgical margin <5?mm and the presence of multiple tumors were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence.

Conclusion

Curative resection with adequate surgical margins for single non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma can achieve a good outcome.     

Clinical impact of preoperative acute pancreatitis in patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors

AIM: To investigate the impact of preoperative acute pancreatitis(PAP) on the surgical management of periampullary tumors.METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with periampullary tumors and PAP were retrospectively analyzed. Thirtyfour patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) and 4 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy were compared with a control group of 145 patients without PAP during the same period.RESULTS: The preoperative waiting time was significantly shorter for the concomitant PAP patients who underwent a resection(22.4 d vs 54.6 d, p 0.001)compared to those who did not. The presence of PAP significantly increased the rate of severe complications(Clavien grade 3 or higher)(17.6% vs 4.8%, p = 0.019)and lengthened the hospital stay(19.5 d vs 14.5 d,p = 0.006). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PAP was an independent risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula(OR = 2.91; 95%CI:1.10-7.68; p = 0.032) and severe complications(OR =4.70; 95%CI: 1.48-14.96; p = 0.009) after PD. There was no perioperative mortality.CONCLUSION: PAP significantly increases the incidence of severe complications and lengthens thehospital stay following PD. PD could be safely performed in highly selective patients with PAP.     

Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma based on tumor hemodynamics

Survival or disease‐free survival is not considered an appropriate surrogate outcome for the locoregional curability (i.e. surgical margin) of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma because these are greatly influenced by non‐metastatic factors like multicentric carcinogenesis (MC) or liver function. Hepatocellular carcinoma metastasizes by hematogenous seeding; therefore, the tumor blood flow (TBF) drainage area is a high‐risk area for intrahepatic metastasis, and can be identified by computed tomography under hepatic arteriography and completely resected as part of the surgical margin. The TBF pattern is classified into marginal, portal vein or hypovascular types. Partial hepatectomies were mostly performed in patients with marginal or hypovascular type, whereas anatomical surgery was frequently performed in those with portal vein type. Pathologically, nodules inside the TBF drainage area were moderately or poorly differentiated carcinomas, suggesting intrahepatic metastasis. In contrast, those outside the drainage area were frequently solitary and contained well‐differentiated carcinoma, which is consistent with MC. The pattern of tumor recurrences after TBF‐based hepatectomy is divided into two distinct groups – “a few nodules” and “many nodules in multiple segments or extrahepatic” – indicating that intrahepatic recurrences develop from MC and from circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood, respectively. Anatomical resection has not shown a survival benefit over that of TBF‐based partial hepatectomy. TBF‐based hepatectomy enables us to preserve liver function without compromising locoregional curability.     

Role of EUS in the management of pancreatic and ampullary carcinoma: a prospective study assessing resectability and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is highly accurate for the staging of tumors, but its role in the management of periampullary carcinoma is still being defined. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with pancreatic (n = 73) or ampullary (n = 6) carcinoma underwent prospective evaluation by means of assessment of resectability and survival according to the following three-step staging algorithm: (1) ultrasonography and computed tomography; (2) if tumor appears resectable, EUS; (3) if criteria of resectability are found at EUS, laparotomy for curative resection. RESULTS: The first step of the algorithm helped predict unresectability of tumors and need for palliative treatment for 36 patients. Among the other 43 patients EUS revealed signs of unresectability in 20 additional patients who then underwent palliative surgical or medical treatment (median survival time 7 to 8 months). Twenty-three carcinomas were considered resectable according to EUS findings: Palliative surgery was performed in 9 cases (survival time 6 months), and 14 tumors could be resected in a curative way with a median survival period of 15 (pancreatic) to 16 months (ampullary). In evaluation of resectability, EUS had a 50% sensitivity (positive examination), 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 61% negative predictive value, and 72% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is accurate for evaluating resectability of ampullary and pancreatic cancer. EUS staging can prevent unnecessary surgery, and the findings correlate well with prognosis. The management of ampullary and pancreatic cancer could be improved with EUS.     

Successful downstaging by S-1-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resections for gastric carcinoma with extensive distant lymph node metastasis - report of two cases and a review of cases with surgical resection after downstaging by S-1-based chemotherapy

We report two cases of gastric carcinoma with successful downstaging using S-1-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection, which enabled us to confirm the histological effect of chemotherapy. These patients were associated with extensive distant lymph node metastases for which curative resections were unlikely to be performed. We performed anticancer chemotherapy using S-1 with or without concomitant administration of cisplatin in a neoadjuvant setting. After the successful downstaging of these metastatic gastric carcinomas evaluated by imaging analyses, the patients underwent surgical resections. Effect of the chemotherapy was confirmed by the histological analyses. These cases provide further evidence, suggesting that S-1-based chemotherapy enabled downstaging of stage IV gastric carcinoma associated with distant extensive lymph node metastasis and consequently the following possible curative resections. The review of 16 cases of S-1-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resections indicated that, although downstaging may not be expected when N3 lymph node metastases are evident, the S-1-based chemotherapeutic regimens were effective in short cycles for patients in whom potential curative resection is expected. Survival benefit of downstaging followed by surgical resection, however, remains to be further elucidated.     

Mesopancreas:A boundless structure,namely the rationale for dissection of the paraaortic area in pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head carcinoma

This review highlights the rationale for dissection of the 16a2 and 16b1 paraaortic area during pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas.Recent advances in surgical anatomy of the mesopancreas indicate that the retropancreatic area is not a single entity with well defined boundaries but an anatomical site of embryological fusion of peritoneal layers,and that continuity exists between the neuro lymphovascular adipose tissues of the retropancreaticand paraaortic areas.Recent advances in surgical pathology and oncology indicate that,in pancreatic head carcinoma,the mesopancreatic resection margin is the primary site for R1 resection,and that epithelialmesenchymal transition-related processes involved in tumor progression may impact on the prevalence of R1 resection or local recurrence rates after R0 surgery.These concepts imply that mesopancreas resection during PD for pancreatic head carcinoma should be extended to the paraaortic area in order to maximize retropancreatic clearance and minimize the likelihood of an R1 resection or the persistence of residual tumor cells after R0 resection.In PD for pancreatic head carcinoma,the rationale for dissection of the paraaortic area is to control the spread of the tumor cells along the mesopancreatic resection margin,rather than to control or stage the nodal spread.Although mesopancreatic resection cannot be considered"complete"or"en bloc",it should be"extended as far as possible"or be"maximal",including dissection of16a2 and 16b1 paraaortic areas.     

Hepatic resection for colorectal metastases

PURPOSE: Hepatic resection affords the best hope of survival for patients with colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver. However, recurrences are observed in about 60 percent of patients after curative hepatic resection. The purpose of this study was to examine the prognostic factors of patients undergoing curative hepatic resection for colorectal metastases. METHODS: Between April 1984 and September 1997, 168 patients underwent curative hepatic resection for colorectal metastases. The clinicopathologic factors studied for prognostic value were gender, age, primary site, nodal status of primary tumor, time of metastases, preoperative serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen, hepatic tumor size and distribution, number of metastases, type of hepatic resection, resection margin, presence of micrometastases in resected specimen and microscopic fibrous pseudocapsule between the hepatic tumor and surrounding hepatic parenchyma, nodal status of hepatoduodenal ligament, adjuvant regional chemotherapy, and perioperative transfusion. RESULTS: The overall survival was 42 percent at three years and 26 percent at five years, including a 3.5 percent 60-day surgical mortality rate. Thirty-one percent of patients had micrometastases located at a median distance of 3 mm from the metastatic tumor edge. Presence of microscopic fibrous pseudocapsule was observed in 28 percent of patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that significant prognostic factors for survival were nodal status of primary tumor, number of metastases, resection margin, microscopic fibrous pseudocapsule, and adjuvant regional chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 1) hepatic resection is effective in select patients with colorectal metastases; 2) adequate resection margin and adjuvant regional chemotherapy can improve outcome; and 3) microscopic fibrous pseudocapsule may offer additional postoperative information as an independent prognostic factor.Presented at the 11th Biennial Scientific Meeting of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Perth, Western Australia, February 16 to 20, 1998.     

Circumferential resection margin involvement: an independent predictor of survival following surgery for oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND: For rectal carcinoma, the presence of tumour within 1 mm of the circumferential margin is an important independent prognostic factor for both local recurrence and survival. Similar prospective data have not been reported for oesophageal carcinoma and we wished to ascertain the prognostic importance of this variable following potentially curative resection for oesophageal carcinoma. AIM: To prospectively assess the impact of circumferential margin involvement (tumour within 1 mm) following potentially curative resection for oesophageal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, resection specimens of 135 patients treated with potentially curative oesophageal resection alone were studied for the presence of tumour within 1 mm of the circumferential margin (margin positive), using inked margins and cross sectional slicing of the specimen. All tumours were also staged using the 1987 UICC TNM classification. Patients were followed for a mean of 19 months, and overall and cancer specific survival analysed. RESULTS: The finding of tumour cells within 1 mm of the circumferential margin (CRM+) was a significant and independent predictor of survival following potentially curative oesophageal resection. Overall, 64 (47%) patients were CRM+. Median survival in this group was 21 months compared with 39 months in the CRM- group (p=0.015). The impact of CRM status on survival was only seen in patients with a low nodal metastatic burden (<25% nodes positive). The odds ratio for the risk of dying from oesophageal cancer was 2.08 when the CRM was involved (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of tumour within 1 mm of the circumferential margin following potentially curative resection for oesophageal carcinoma is an important independent prognostic variable and should be reported routinely.     

Aggressive surgical approach for stage IV gallbladder carcinoma based on Japanese Society of Biliary Surgery classification

Background/Purpose

The role of aggresive surgery for stage IV gallbladder carcinoma remains controversial. Survival and prognostic factors were analyzed in patients with stage IV disease, based on the Japanese Society of Biliary Surgery (JSBS) classification, to identify the group of patients who could benefit from radical surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was done of 79 patients with JSBS stage IV gallbladder carcinoma who had undergone surgical resection with curative intent at our institution. The standard procedures were anatomical S4a + S5 subsegmentectomy (n = 29) with extrahepatic bile duct resection and extended lymphadectomy, but when right Glisson's sheath and/or the hepatic hilum were involved, right extended hepatectomy (n = 34) or right trisegmentectomy (n = 3) was selected. To achieve a tumor-free margin combined pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in 12 patients, and major vascular resection in 17 patients.

Results

In the patients with stage IV gallbladder carcinoma, the curative resection rate was 65.8% and the hospital mortality rate was 11.4%. The postoperative 5-year survival rate following curative resection was 13.7%. Univariate analysis indicated that curability, hepatoduodenal ligament invasion, nodal involvement, and vascular resection were significant prognostic factors. Neither hepatic invasion nor liver metastasis was a significant factor.

Conclusions

Aggressive surgical resection should be considered even in stage IV patients when hepatoduodenal ligament invasion and nodal involvement are absent or limited. Acceptable survival may be expected among such patients only when curative resection is achieved.     

Efficacy of major hepatic resection for large hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) generally carries a poor prognosis despite curative hepatic resection. However, some cases have had good outcomes without recurrences. In this study, we investigated the factors which predicted a good prognosis. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six patients with large HCC greater than 5 cm who underwent curative hepatic resections were divided into two groups. There were 55 patients who had recurrences within 5 years after surgery (group A) and 11 patients who did not have recurrences at the fifth year after surgery (group B). We compared the clinicopathological features between the two groups. RESULTS: No differences were seen in the pre-operative liver function tests and the incidence of histological cirrhosis. The incidence of positive rate of histological recurrence factors, such as intrahepatic metastasis and incomplete surgical margins, was significantly less in group B. Five (45%) and 10 (91%) of 11 patients in group B underwent pre-operative portal vein embolization and major hepatic resection, respectively, while 10 (18%) and 29 (53%) of 55 patients in group A underwent these procedures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In order to increase tumor-free survival rates for patients with large HCC greater than 5 cm, major hepatic resection after portal vein embolization with complete surgical margins should be performed.     

Clinical features and outcomes of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas

Background and Aim: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PHNECs) are extremely rare, with only about 150 cases having been reported in the English‐language literature. Because of the rarity of PHNECs, its clinical features and treatment outcomes are not well understood. Here, we report our experiences with PHNECs. Methods: We identified patients diagnosed with PHNEC and analyzed their demographics, baseline laboratory data, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes. Results: A total of 218 consecutive patients were identified with pathologically confirmed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Of these, 12 patients were diagnosed with PHNECs; the median age was 66.5 years (range, 37 to 80 years), and seven patients (58.3%) were male. Two patients who each had a single hepatic mass underwent curative surgical resection. One patient who was of inoperable status at the initial diagnosis because of multiple intrahepatic metastases showed a partial response after the ninth round of systemic chemotherapy and then underwent surgical resection. The median overall survival in the 12 patients was 16.5 months (range, 0.7 to 41.7 months). Three patients who underwent surgical treatment are alive without recurrence for 15.2 months, 18.0 months, and 36.9 months, respectively. Conclusions: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in the management of hepatic tumors. The liver can be the primary origin of neuroendocrine tumors, and if the tumors are diagnosed as primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors, surgical resection must be considered for curative treatment.     

Surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Retrospective study of 42 cases

We studied the results 42 liver resections performed for hepatocellular carcinoma. Thirty-three patients underwent major liver resections. Hepatocellular carcinomas were associated with cirrhosis in 30.9 p. 100 of cases. The overall operative mortality was 24.3 p. 100: 60 p. 100 in patients with cirrhosis who underwent major liver resections and 12.5 p. 100 in patients with cirrhosis undergoing limited resections. The overall 5-year survival rate was 14.8 p. 100; the 5-year survival rate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma without cirrhosis was 20 p. 100 whereas no patient with associated cirrhosis of the liver survived at 3 years. We conclude that surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma must be performed whenever possible: a limited resection should be done if the tumor is small, especially in patients with cirrhosis; a major liver resection must be proposed when the tumor is large and if the remaining liver parenchyma is normal.     

Predictors of long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for peri-ampullary adenocarcinoma: A retrospective study of 5-year survivors

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) is the standard curative treatment for periampullary tumors. The aim of this study is to report the incidence and predictors of long-term survival( ≥ 5 years) after PD. Methods: This study included patients who underwent PD for pathologically proven periampullary adenocarcinomas. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group(I) patients who survived less than 5 years and group(II) patients who survived ≥ 5 years. Results: There were 47(20.6%) long-term survivors( ≥ 5 years) among 228 patients underwent PD for periampullary adenocarcinoma. Patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma represented 31(66.0%) of the long-term survivors. Primary analysis showed that favourable factors for long-term survival include age 60 years old, serum CEA 5 ng/mL, serum CA 19-9 37 U/mL, non-cirrhotic liver, tumor size 2 cm, site of primary tumor, postoperative pancreatic fistula, R0 resection, postoperative chemotherapy, and no recurrence. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CA 19-9 37 U/mL [OR(95% CI) = 1.712(1.24 8–2.34 8), P = 0.001], smaller tumor size [OR(95% CI) = 1.335(1.032–1.726), P = 0.028] and R0 resection [OR(95% CI) = 3.098(2.095–4.582), P 0.001] were independent factors for survival ≥ 5 years. The prognosis was best for ampullary adenocarcinoma, for which the median survival was 54 months and 5-year survival rate was 39.0%, and the poorest was pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, for which the median survival was 27 months and 5-year survival rate was 7%. Conclusions: The majority of long-term survivors after PD for periampullary adenocarcinoma are patients with ampullary tumor. CA 19-9 37 U/mL, smaller tumor size, and R0 resection were found to be independent factors for long-term survival ≥ 5 years.     

Distinguishing between periampullary carcinoids and carcinomas--is this possible preoperatively?

It is difficult to distinguish between carcinoid tumors of the pancreatic head and periampullary region and carcinomas preoperatively. Between 1996 and 2002, 125 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies done by us for periampullary tumors (14 carcinoids, 111 carcinomas) were analyzed. Patients with carcinoid tumors had significantly younger mean age (48 vs. 54 years), longer history (32 vs. 8 weeks), lower serum total bilirubin levels (1.4 vs. 6.3 mg/dL) and on CT scan, had larger, well-localized tumors (5 cm vs. 2 cm). Their postoperative course was better with no mortality or major morbidity, whereas after resection for carcinoma 7 (6.3%) patients died and 30 (27%) had major postoperative complications. Thus, a tumor of this region in a young patient with indolent history, low bilirubin level and with CT scan depicting a large expansile lesion suggests a carcinoid. Such tumors may be safely resected with low postoperative morbidity and mortality and good long-term prognosis.     

Predictive factors for long‐term survival in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not currently recommended for patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (PHT); however, recent studies have shown similar post‐operative outcomes between patients with and without clinically significant PHT. Aim: To clarify the post‐operative prognostic relevance of clinically significant PHT in Child–Pugh A cirrhotic patients. Methods: A total of 100 Child–Pugh A cirrhotic patients who underwent curative resection of HCC were eligible for this analysis. Patients were divided into two groups: PHT group (n=47) and non‐PHT group (n=53). Results: Clinicopathological variables showed no significant differences except for prothrombine time. Liver‐related complications were significantly higher in the PHT group (P=0.015), and the 5‐year overall survival rate was significantly higher in the non‐PHT group (78.7 vs. 37.9%, P<0.001). The proportion of patients who died because of complications of cirrhosis was significantly higher in the PHT group (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of clinically significant PHT was the most powerful adverse prognostic factor for overall survival. Multivariate analysis of the 47 patients with clinically significant PHT indicated that gross vascular invasion and non‐single nodular type were poor prognostic factors. The 5‐year survival rate of patients with single nodular type and without gross vascular invasion (n=17) was 78.4%. Conclusions: In Child–Pugh A cirrhotic patients, the presence of clinically significant PHT was significantly associated with post‐operative hepatic decompensation and poor prognosis after resection of HCC. However, in patients with clinically significant PHT, those with single nodular tumours lacking gross vascular invasion may be good surgical candidates.     

High number of PD‐1 positive intratumoural lymphocytes predicts survival benefit of cytokine‐induced killer cells for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background & Aims

Adjuvant cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells treatment has shown potential in reducing the recurrence rate and prolonging the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify the best predictive biomarker for adjuvant CIK cells treatment in patients with HCC after curative resection.

Methods

This study retrospectively included 145 pairs of HCC patients by one‐to‐one propensity score matching. One group received CIK cells transfusion after surgery (surgery‐CIK group); the other one group underwent surgery only (surgery‐only group). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to measure PD‐1, PD‐L1, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 expression in tumour tissues of surgery‐CIK group; IHC of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was conducted in the surgery‐only group.

Results

The surgery‐CIK group had a significantly higher disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates compared to the surgery‐only group. Of all the intratumoural biomarkers, in the surgery‐CIK group, multivariate analysis showed that a high number of PD‐1⁺ tumour infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) was the only factor that independently predicted favourable OS and DFS. By contrast, in the surgery‐only group, no significant correlations between PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression and survival of patients were identified. Further correlation analysis showed a high number of PD‐1⁺ TILs associated with a high number of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ TILs in surgery‐CIK group.

Conclusions

A high number of PD‐1⁺ TILs can serve as a potent biomarker for adopting CIK cells therapy in HCC patients after curative resection.     

Recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invading the muscularis mucosae or upper submucosa

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is recommended for cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in which the tumor is confined to the lamina propria mucosa. However, EMR is often performed in patients whose tumors invade the muscularis mucosae (m3) or upper submucosa (sm1) to minimize surgical invasion, despite the increased risk of lymph node metastasis. We evaluated patients who were found to have distant or lymph node metastasis after EMR for such lesions. Methods: Thirty‐four consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma invading m3 or sm1 who underwent EMR during the period from June 1992 through March 2001 (extended EMR group) were studied. Results: Five of these patients were found to have distant or lymph node metastasis on follow up. Patient 1 died of lung metastasis 34 months after EMR. Patient 2 underwent chemotherapy because of an abnormally high value of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen. Patient 3 died of upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis 62 months after EMR. Patient 4 underwent total gastrectomy because of gastric wall metastasis 41 months after EMR and underwent chemoradiotherapy because of upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis 87 months after EMR. Patient 5 was found to have cardiac lymph node metastasis by follow‐up endoscopic ultrasonography examination 42 months after EMR and underwent curative lymph node dissection. Conclusion: It is unlikely that patient 1 and patient 2, both with probable distant metastasis, received inadequate treatment. Surgery with lymph node dissection usually cannot prevent distant metastasis. The patients with lymph node recurrence (patient 3 and patient 4) should have been followed up more carefully. We believe that patients with early lymph node metastasis, such as patient 5 in this study, should undergo curative surgical resection. Patients undergoing extended EMR should be carefully followed up for a long period to enable early detection and treatment of lymph node metastasis.     

Survival After Curative Resection for Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Colorectum

PURPOSE: Previous reports have suggested that mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas are more advanced at diagnosis and have a poorer prognosis than nonmucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the mucin-producing histologic type of carcinoma is associated with a worse prognosis than nonmucinous, differentiated colorectal adenocarcinoma for patients who undergo curative surgery. METHODS: Using a database of 2,678 surgical patients with colorectal cancers operated on at Aichi Cancer Center between 1965 and 1994, we investigated 97 cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma and 2,197 cases of nonmucinous adenocarcinoma. We also evaluated the outcomes of patients who underwent surgery with curative intent. To determine whether the mucinous adenocarcinoma itself was an independent prognostic factor in the curative resected patients, a multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mucinous adenocarcinoma patients were found to be younger (P = 0.0003), have more lymph node involvement (48.5 vs. 40.3 percent; P = 0.0564), more peritoneal dissemination (19.6 vs. 5.6 percent; P < 0.0001), greater frequency of advanced stage disease (P = 0.0006), a lower rate of curative resection (76.3 vs. 84.4 percent; P = 0.0450), and lower overall 5-year survival rates (41 vs. 62.4 percent; P = 0.0002) than nonmucinous adenocarcinoma patients. In the subjects who underwent curative resection, the 5-year survival rate for those with mucinous adenocarcinoma was significantly worse than for those with nonmucinous adenocarcinoma (54 vs. 73.3 percent; P = 0.0020). Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the clinically significant predictive factors were stage at diagnosis, mucinous histology, tumor location, gender and age. The mucinous histologic type itself was an independent factor for poor prognosis for patients who underwent curative surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with colorectal carcinomas who underwent surgery with curative intent and who had colorectal carcinomas of the mucinous histologic type, there was significant correlation with prognosis as measured by overall survival rate after adjustment had been made for major confounders.