Application of the 8th edition of the AJCC yTNM staging system shows improved prognostication in a single center cohort of esophageal carcinomas

Background

The 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system presents for the first time a specific classification for esophageal carcinomas treated with neoadjuvant therapy (yTNM8). In this single center study, we applied the novel staging system in a “real life” case series and compared the prognostic value of yTNM8 with the preceding 7th edition (TNM7).

Topographic lymph node staging system shows prognostic superiority compared to the 8th edition of AJCC TNM in gastric cancer. A western monocentric experience

IntroductionThe current Tumor Node Metastasis staging system (TNM) for gastric cancer classifies the extent of lymph node metastasis based upon the number of lymph nodes involved. Choi et al. have recently proposed a new anatomical classification based upon the regionality of the involved nodes. This new classification seems to have a better predictive prognostic value than the traditional one. We investigated the prognostic role of the new anatomical based classification, reviewing our institutional gastric cancer database.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of 329 patients who underwent gastrectomy at our Institution from 2003 to 2017. We excluded from data analysis any patient with distant metastases at the time of first diagnosis and or surgery, pathology other than adenocarcinoma, lymphadenectomy less than D2, impossibility to identify location of lymph nodes (LNs) on pathological report and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The extent of D2 lymphadenectomy was defined according to Japanese Gastric Cancer Association criteria. LN metastasis were reclassified into three topographic groups (lesser, greater curvature, and extraperigastric nodes) and staged according to Choi. The new N stage was combined with the current pT according to the 8th edition of TNM and a new hybrid TNM stage was established. All patients were followed up until June 2019. The prognostic performance of the new stage and of the current anatomical numeric based system (TNM) was analyzed and assessed by the C-index, AIC and likelihood ratio χ² value.ResultsIn predicting both Overall Survival (OS) and Disease free Survival (DFS) the new N stage and the new TNM staging system had the highest C-index and likelihood ratio χ2 value and the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), showing a better accuracy and displaying a better prognostic performance.ConclusionsOur study is the first from the Western world to compare the new hybrid classification, based on the anatomical location of metastatic nodes, to the 8th of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system. Our findings on a small, monocentric sample suggest that hybrid topographic lymph node staging system is more accurate than TNM.     

Prognostic differences in 8th edition TNM staging of esophagogastric adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant treatment

Background

Prognostic differences between pTN- and ypTN-categories and the prognostic accuracy of the 8th edition UICC-pTNM- and AJCC-ypTNM-staging-system for esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma are unclear.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on nodal regression and survival in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundThe prognostic value of lymph node regression (LNR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) for oesophageal and gastro-oeosphageal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. This study aimed to characterise the long-term survival outcomes of LNR in patients having resectional surgery after nCT.MethodsThis study included patients undergoing oesophagectomy or extended total gastrectomy for oesophageal and junctional tumours (Siewert types 1,2,3) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham from 2012 to 2018. Lymph nodes retrieved at surgery were examined for evidence of a response to chemotherapy. Patients were classified as lymph node-negative (either negative nodes with no evidence of previous tumour involvement or negative with evidence of complete regression) or positive with either partial or no response.ResultsThis study identified 183 patients who received nCT, of which 71% (130/183) had positive lymph nodes. Of these 130 patients, 44% (57/130) had a lymph node response and 56% (73/130) did not. The remaining 53 patients (29.0%) had negative lymph nodes with no evidence of tumour. Lymph node responders had a significant survival benefit compared to patients without lymph node response, but shorter than those with negative lymph nodes (median: 27 vs 18 vs NR months, p < 0·001). On multivariable analysis, lymph node responders had an improved overall (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.86, 95% CI: 0.80–0.92, p < 0.001) and recurrence-free (HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.98, p = 0.030) survival.ConclusionLymph node regression is an important prognostic factor, warranting closer evaluation over primary tumour response to help with planning further adjuvant therapy in these patients.     

Ratio of metastatic lymph nodes: Impact on staging and survival of gastric cancer

Aims

No consensus exists on the level and number of lymph nodes to be dissected and examined for accurate staging of patients with resectable gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value and staging accuracy of the metastatic lymph nodes ratio (NR).

Methods

The postoperative survival of 247 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy was analyzed. Lymph nodes status was assigned according to three different classifications: 6th UICC/AJCC TNM; JGCA; NR (NR0: 0%; NR1: ≤20%; NR2: >20%). Staging accuracy of the three classifications was compared according to patients survival.

Results

A significant difference in survival was observed in patients with NR1 versus NR2. At multivariate analysis only NR along with pT and grading were found to be independent prognostic factors. Stage migration was present in 84 cases (51%) with JGCA classification, in 30 (19%) with 6th UICC/AJCC TNM classification and in only 18 cases (11%) when NR was applied.

Conclusions

Our data showed that NR is a simply reproducible and highly reliable staging system with a strong ability to predict patients' outcome. Compared to other nodal staging classifications, NR is less influenced from the number of the lymph nodes dissected and examined, reducing the stage migration phenomenon.     

Survival comparison in gastric cancer patients between 7th and 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system: The first western single center experience

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare the 7th and the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system (AJCC TNM) in terms of better stratification in our gastric cancer resected patients.Methods and materialsA retrospective analysis of a single western center series was made. Patients who underwent surgery from January 2004 to December 2016 were enrolled in the study. We compared survival rates across patients classified according to the 7th and the 8th AJCC TNM staging system.ResultsAmong 295 patients we observed 9.8% stage migration according the 8th edition. Of these 2.1% and 7.9% of patients showed respectively a higher and a lower stage.5 years Overall Survival (5Y-OS) according to the 8th edition for stage IIIB and IIIC were 32% versus 9% showing a better stratification compared to the 7th edition in which 5Y-OS were respectively 26% versus 22%.ConclusionRestaging system seems to improve survival rate discrimination in particular comparing stage IIIB and stage IIIC; whereas in stage IIIA this is not so clear.More studies are necessary to confirm these data.     

AJCC第7版与第8版分期对乳腺癌患者预后预测的比较分析

背景与目的：美国癌症联合委员会（American Joint Committee on Cancer,AJCC）第8版乳腺癌分期在传统解剖因素基础上,结合生物标志物,建立了一种全新的乳腺癌预后分期系统。该研究旨在分析AJCC第8版乳腺癌分期的临床应用价值。方法：分析222例乳腺癌根治术后出现复发转移的患者,按照AJCC第7版解剖分期：肿瘤（tumor,T）分期、淋巴结（node,N）分期、转移（metastasis,M）分期,和第8版预后分期标准进行初诊状态再分期,比较不同标准分期的差异及与预后的关系,生存分析采用Kaplan-Meier方法,log-rank法检验无病生存期（disease-free survival,DFS）的差异。结果：按照AJCC第7版分期标准,ⅠA、ⅠB、ⅡA、ⅡB、ⅢA、ⅢB和ⅢC期的患者分别为34例（15.3%）、0例（0.0%）、73例（32.9%）、26例（11.7%）、45例（20.3%）、4例（1.8%）和40例（18.0%）;按照AJCC第8版预后分期标准,ⅠA、ⅠB、ⅡA、ⅡB、ⅢA、ⅢB和ⅢC期的患者分别为47例（21.2%）、35例（15.8%）、55例（24.8%）、17例（7.7%）、25例（11.3%）、30例（13.5%）和13例（5.9%）,差异有统计学意义（P=0.000）。分期变化主要有：第7版Ⅰ期细分为第8版ⅠA和ⅠB期;第7版ⅡA期细分为第8版ⅠA、ⅠB和ⅡA期;第7版ⅡB期细分为第8版ⅠA、ⅠB、ⅡA、ⅡB和ⅢA期;第7版ⅢA期细分为第8版ⅠB、ⅡA、ⅡB、ⅢA、ⅢB和ⅢC期;第7版ⅢB和ⅢC期细分为第8版ⅢA、ⅢB和Ⅲc期。AJCC第7版TNM分期和第8版预后分期与患者DFS比较差异均有统计学意义（P=0.002和0.001）,第8版预后分期ⅢB和ⅢC期亚组的DFS更为准确。结论： AJCC第8版预后分期能够准确预测乳腺癌患者的预后。     

Validation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system for the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background & aimsThe American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) contains several significant changes. This study aimed to validate the AJCC 8th edition staging system of PDA.MethodsWe analyzed patients with resected PDA between 2001 and 2017 using the Korean Pancreatic Cancer (K-PaC) registry. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared via the log-rank test.ResultsIn total, 701 resected PDA patients were identified. During a median follow-up of 24.5 months, the median OS was 21.7 months. Meanwhile, the median OS of each stage according to the AJCC 8th edition was 73.5 months (stage IA), 41.9 months (stage IB), 24.2 months (stage IIA), 18.3 months (stage IIB), and 16.8 months (stage III). However, the new N-category (pN1 vs. pN2) did not subdivide prognosis, although the lymph node ratio (i.e., the ratio of the number of LN involved to the number of examined LN) did. Although pT3 and pN2 belong under stage III, pN2 has a significantly longer median OS than pT3 (16.9 months vs 11.2 months; p < 0.01).ConclusionThe AJCC 8th edition staging system appropriately stratifies the prognosis of PDA patients. However, the cutoff of the N-category is not statistically valid, and the new stage III includes a heterogeneous category (pN2 and pT4). Therefore, we propose that stage III be divided into stage IIIA (Tany N2 M0) and stage IIIB (T4 Nany M0).     

Impact of increasing lymph node yield on staging,morbidity and survival after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundExtended lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy for esophageal cancer may increase survival, but also increase morbidity. This study analyses the influence of lymph node yield after transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma on the number of positive lymph nodes, pathological N-stage, complications and survival.Materials and methodsConsecutive patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2020 were prospectively recorded (follow-up until January 2022). Lymph node yield was analyzed as continuous and dichotomous variable (≤30 vs. ≥31 nodes). The effect of lymph node yield on number of positive lymph nodes, complications, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed in multivariable regression analyses.Results585 patients were included. Median lymph node yield increased from 25 (IQR 20–34) in 2010 to 39 (IQR 32–50) in 2020. Higher lymph node yield was associated with more positive lymph nodes (≥31 vs. ≤30 IRR 1.39, 95%CI 1.11–1.75). In 258 (y)pN + patients, the percentage of (y)pN3-stage increased with 14% between patients with ≤30 and ≥ 31 lymph nodes examined (p 0.014). Higher lymph node yield was not associated with more complications. Superior survival was seen in patients with ≥31 vs. ≤30 lymph nodes examined [DFS: HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.58–0.93, OS: HR 0.71, 95%CI 0.55–0.93)].ConclusionsA lymph node yield of 31 or higher was associated with upstaging and superior survival after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma, without increasing morbidity. Extended lymphadenectomy may therefore be regarded as an important part of the multimodal treatment of esophageal cancer.     

Long-term survival after combined modality treatment in metastatic bladder cancer patients presenting with supra-regional tumor positive lymph nodes only

Aims

To evaluate if combined treatment should be offered to bladder cancer patients presenting with supra-regional lymph node metastases only and a clinical complete or partial response after chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

We identified 14 patients with supra-regional lymph node metastases out of 394 patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) treated in our institute with cystectomy and regional and supra-regional lymph node dissection between 1987 and 2007. Prior to cystectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy had been given. The patients received a total of four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy.

Results

Five patients had a CR, nine patients had a PR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Histopathological proof of complete response in the bladder was confirmed in all five cases. One of these five patients had a CR in the bladder but pelvic lymph nodes still contained vital tumor. Five patients had no tumor in the lymph nodes, whereas four had tumor in the lymph nodes. Eleven patients died due to bladder cancer, seven of them within 1 year after cystectomy. The 3- and 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 36% (95% CI: 10–60%) and 24% (95% CI: 0–49%). Mean follow-up was 2.5 years.

Conclusions

Combination therapy consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery in selected patients with tumor positive supra-regional lymph nodes only can result in durable long-term survival rates (24% 5-year survival). Response evaluation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might play a decisive role in the selection of patients undergoing subsequent surgical removal of all known tumor sites.     

Validation of the post-neoadjuvant staging system of the American joint committee on cancer, 8th edition,in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by curative esophagectomy for localized esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

ObjectiveThe American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system presents separate classifications for pTNM and post-neoadjuvant ypTNM (ypTNM-8th) to enhance prognostic prediction after neoadjuvant therapy and surgery. We aimed to validate the ypTNM-8th staging system and to compare the prognostication performance of ypTNM-8th with that of pTNM-7th and pTNM-8th in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).MethodsWe reviewed 207 ESCC patients treated with nCRT between January 2007 and December 2014 and compared the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Harrell's C-index to determine the prognostic performance of each TNM system.ResultsSurvival curve analysis of pTNM-7th and -8th showed a stepwise drop in survival from ypT0N0 to advanced stages, whereas the survival outcome of ypStage III showed a better prognosis than that of ypStage II according to ypTNM-8th. Lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and tumor regression grade were significantly associated with overall survival on univariate analysis. Each TNM system showed significant p-values for trend (p < 0.0001 each), but after adjusting for prognostic factors, ypTNM-8th did not significantly predict survival (p = 0.15), whereas pTNM-7th remained significant (p < 0.001). pTNM-7th incorporating ypT0N0M0 and ypT0 (is)N + M0 as separate groups was superior in prognostication as its AIC was smaller and its C-index was higher than those of pTNM-8th and ypTNM-8th, respectively.ConclusionsBecause ypTNM-8th did not provide sufficient prognostication for patients with ESCC treated with nCRT followed by esophagectomy, more sophisticated prognostic classification should be developed for the ypTNM staging system in these patients.     

Reappraisal of nodal staging and study of lymph node station involvement in distal pancreatectomy for body-tail pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BackgroundThe pattern of nodal spread in body-tail pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been poorly investigated. This study analyzed the characteristics of lymph node (LN) involvement and the prognostic role of nodal metastases stratified by LN stations.MethodsAll upfront distal pancreatectomies (DPs) for PDAC (2000–2017) with complete information on station 8,10,11, and 18 were included. Clinico-pathological correlates and survival were investigated using uni- and multivariable analyses.ResultsAmong 100 included patients, 28 were N0, 42 N1 and 30 N2. The median number of examined LN was 32 (IQR 26–44). Tumor size at preoperative imaging increased across N-classes. Preoperative size >27.5 mm was associated with N2 status. The frequency of nodal metastases at stations 8, 9, 10, 11, and 18 was 12.0%, 10.9%, 3.0%, 71.0%, and 19%, respectively. The pattern of LN spread was independent from primary tumor location (with tail tumors metastasizing to station 8/9 and body tumors to station 10), while it was highly associated with N-class. At multivariable analysis, tumor grading, adjuvant treatment, station 9 and 10 metastases were independent prognostic factors in node-positive patients.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing upfront DP for PDAC preoperative tumor size is associated with the degree of nodal spread. While station 11 was the most frequently involved, only station-9 and 10 metastases were independent prognostic factors. The site of nodal metastases was somewhat unpredictable based on tumor location. This data has potential implications for allocating patients to neoadjuvant treatment and supports the performance of routine splenectomy during DP for PDAC.     

External validation of three lymph node ratio-based nomograms predicting survival using an international cohort of patients with resected pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma

IntroductionLymph node ratio (LNR) is an important prognostic factor of survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to validate three LNR-based nomograms using an international cohort.Materials and methodsConsecutive PDAC patients who underwent upfront pancreatoduodenectomy from six centers (Europe/USA) were collected (2000–2017). Patients with metastases, R2 resection, missing LNR data, and who died within 90 postoperative days were excluded. The updated Amsterdam nomogram, the nomogram by Pu et al., and the nomogram by Li et al. were selected. For the validation, calibration, discrimination capacity, and clinical utility were assessed.ResultsAfter exclusion of 176 patients, 1′113 patients were included. Median overall survival (OS) of the cohort was 23 months (95% CI: 21–25).For the three nomograms, Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant OS diminution with increasing scores (p < 0.01). All nomograms showed good calibration (non-significant Hosmer-Lemeshow tests). For the Amsterdam nomogram, area under the ROC curve (AUROC) for 3-year OS was 0.64 and 0.67 for 5-year OS. Sensitivity and specificity for 3-year OS prediction were 65% and 59%. Regarding the nomogram by Pu et al., AUROC for 3- and 5-year OS were 0.66 and 0.70. Sensitivity and specificity for 3-year OS prediction were 68% and 53%. For the Li nomogram, AUROC for 3- and 5-year OS were 0.67 and 0.71, while sensitivity and specificity for 3-year OS prediction were 63% and 60%.ConclusionThe three nomograms were validated using an international cohort. Those nomograms can be used in clinical practice to evaluate survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC.     

Significance of histology and nodal status on the survival of women with early-stage cervical cancer: validation of the 2018 FIGO cervical cancer staging system

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of the FIGO 2018 classification system for nodal-specific classifications for early-stage cervical cancer; specifically, to examine the impact of nodal metastasis on survival and the effect of postoperative treatments, according to histological subtypes.MethodsThis society-based retrospective observational study in Japan examined 16,539 women with the 2009 FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment from 2004 to 2015. Associations of cause-specific survival (CSS) with nodal metastasis and postoperative adjuvant therapy were examined according to histology type (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC], n=10,315; and non-SCC, n=6,224).ResultsThe nodal metastasis rate for SCC was higher than that for non-SCC (10.7% vs. 8.3%, p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, the impact of nodal metastasis on CSS was greater for non-SCC tumors (adjusted-hazard ratio [HR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40–4.02) than for SCC tumors (adjusted-HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.70–2.84; p<0.001). Propensity score matching analysis showed significantly lower CSS rates for women with pelvic nodal metastasis from non-SCC tumors than from SCC tumors (5-year CSS rate, 75.4% vs. 90.3%, p<0.001). The CSS rates for women with nodal metastasis in SCC histology were similar between the postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy and chemotherapy groups (89.2% vs. 86.1%, p=0.42), whereas those in non-SCC histology who received postoperative chemotherapy improved the CSS (74.1% vs. 67.7%, p=0.043).ConclusionThe node-specific staging system in the 2018 FIGO cervical cancer classification is applicable to both non-SCC tumors and SCC tumors; however, the prognostic significance of nodal metastases and efficacy of postoperative therapies vary according to histology.     

Implementation of the 7th edition AJCC staging system: Effects on staging and survival for pT1 melanoma. A Dutch population based study

In the 7^th edition of the AJCC staging system, the mitotic rate criterion replaced Clark level to increase correct classification of high‐risk thin melanoma patients (pT1B). Additionally, sentinel node biopsy (SNB) was recommended for nodal staging of pT1B melanomas. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects on pT1 substaging and clinical implications in the national pT1 melanoma population. All pT1 melanomas diagnosed in the Netherlands between 2003 and 2014 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (IKNL). Patients were stratified by cohort according to AJCC edition: (1) 2003–2009 (6^th) and (2) 2010–2014 (7^th). Relative survival was calculated to estimate melanoma‐specific survival. A total of 29.546 pT1 melanoma patients were included. The pT1b proportion increased from 10.1% in Cohort 1 to 21.5% in Cohort 2. The proportion of performed SNBs per cohort increased: for pT1b melanomas alone from 4.5% to 13.0%. SNB positivity rate decreased from 10.5% to 8.8% for the entire pT1 population, and for pT1b melanomas from 11.3% to 8.6%. At 5 years, the relative survival rate was similar for pT1a and pT1b in both cohorts, namely, pT1a 100% vs pT1b 97% (Cohort 1), and pT1a 100% vs pT1b 98% (Cohort 2). The 7^th edition of the AJCC staging system has caused an increased number of patients to undergo SNB, without an increase in SNB positivity rate. Survival between pT1 subgroups remains similar. The mitotic rate criterion for pT1b classification and the recommendation to perform SNB for pT1b melanomas should be reconsidered.     

基于IMRT时代的第八版AJCC/UICC鼻咽癌临床分期建议

本文首次发表在Cancer,2016,122(4):546-558.

目的 准确的分期系统对癌症的治疗至关重要。随着癌症分期和治疗方法的演变,需要不断评价分期的适用性和改进性。方法 基于第7版AJCC/UICC分期回顾性分析香港和中国大陆2个肿瘤中心收治的 1609例接受调强放射治疗的首诊无转移鼻咽癌患者临床资料,所有患者治疗前均行核磁共振分期评估。结果 无其他T₃、T₄期解剖结构受侵患者中,伴有咀嚼肌间隙(翼内肌和/或翼外肌)侵犯、椎前肌侵犯及咽旁间隙侵犯的三组患者之间OS相近。伴广泛软组织(上述侵犯结构以外的软组织)受侵患者OS与伴有颅内侵犯或颅神经侵犯相似。仅2%患者锁骨上窝以上淋巴结转移者直径>6 cm,其OS率与下颈淋巴结转移者类似。用下颈(环状软骨尾侧缘水平以下)代替锁骨上窝并不影响N分期之间的风险差异性。采用推荐的T、N分期,T₄N_0-2、T_1-4N₃期OS相近。结论 经AJCC/UICC分期筹备委员会审阅后,建议第8版分期应将翼内肌/翼外肌从T₄降到T₂期,增加椎前肌为T₂期,用下颈取代锁骨上窝,将淋巴结最大直径>6 cm合并归为N₃期,将T₄、N₃期统一归为Ⅳ_A期。这些改变不仅使得相邻分期间风险差异性更好,而且使得临床实践性与全球适用性之间达到最佳平衡。     

Validation and modification of the AJCC 8th TNM staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a Chinese cohort: A nationwide pancreas data center analysis

ObjectiveTo validate the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in a Chinese cohort of radically resected patients and to develop a refined staging system for PDAC.MethodsData were collected from the China Pancreas Data Center (CPDC) for patients with resected PDAC in 2016 and 2017, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses based on Cox regression were performed to identify prognostic factors. The recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test were performed on the training dataset to generate a proposed modification for the 8th TNM staging system utilizing the preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 level. Validation was performed for both staging systems in the validation cohort.ResultsA total of 1,676 PDAC patients were retrieved, and the median CSS was significantly different between the 8th TNM groupings, with no significant difference in survival between stage IB and IIA. The analysis of T and N stages demonstrated a better prognostic value in the N category. Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative serum CA19-9 level was the strongest prognostic indicator among all the independent risk factors. All patients with CA19-9 >500 U/mL had similar survival, and we proposed a new staging system by combining IB and IIA and stratifying all patients with high CA19-9 into stage III. The modified staging system had a better performance for predicting CSS than the 8th AJCC staging scheme.ConclusionsThe 8th AJCC staging system for PDAC is suitable for a Chinese cohort of resected patients, and the N category has a better prognostic value than the T category. Our modified staging system has superior accuracy in predicting survival than the 8th AJCC TNM staging system.     

A retrospective prognostic evaluation analysis using the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cancer staging system for luminal A breast cancer

Objective:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical prognostic value of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for luminal A breast cancer.Methods:Using both the anatomic and prognostic staging in the 8th edition of AJCC cancer staging system,we restaged patients with luminal A breast cancer treated at the Breast Disease Center,Peking University First Hospital from 2008 to 2014.Follow-up data including 5-year disease free survival (DFS),overall survival (OS) and other clinic-pathological data were collected to analyze the differences between the two staging subgroups.Results:This study included 421 patients with luminal A breast cancer (median follow-up,61 months).The 5-year DFS and OS rates were 98.3％ and 99.3％,respectively.Significant differences in 5-year DFS but not OS were observed between different anatomic disease stages.Significant differences were observed in both 5-year DFS and OS between different prognostic stages.Application of the prognostic staging system resulted in assignment of 175 of 421 patients (41.6％) to a different group compared to their original anatomic stages.In total,102 of 103 patients with anatomic stage ⅡA changed to prognostic stage ⅠB,and 24 of 52 patients with anatomic stage ⅡB changed to prognostic stage ⅠB,while 1 changed to prognostic stage ⅢB.Twenty-two of 33 patents with anatomic stage ⅢA were down-staged to ⅡA when staged by prognostic staging system,and the other 11 patients were down-staged to ⅡB.Two patients with anatomic stage ⅢB were down-staged to ⅢA.Among seven patients with anatomic stage ⅢC cancer,two were down-staged to ⅢA and four were down-staged to stage ⅢB.Conclusions:The 8th edition of AJCC prognostic staging system is an important supplement to the breast cancer staging system.More clinical trials are needed to prove its ability to guide selection of proper systemic therapy and predict prognosis of breast cancer.     

Impact of adjuvant treatment modalities on survival outcomes in curatively resected pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma

Background

We examined the impact of adjuvant modalities on resected pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma (PAC).

Methods

A total of 563 patients who were curatively resected for PAC were retrospectively analyzed between 2003 and 2013.

Results

Of 563 patients, 472 received adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) alone, chemoradiotherapy (CRT) alone, and chemoradiotherapy plus chemotherapy (CRT-CT) were analyzed. Of the 472 patients, 231 were given CRT-CT, 26 were given CRT, and 215 were given CT. The median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 12 and 19 months, respectively. When CT and CRT-CT groups were compared, there was no significant difference with respect to both RFS and OS, and also there was no difference in RFS and OS among CRT-CT, CT and CRT groups. To further investigate the impact of radiation on subgroups, patients were stratified according to lymph node status and resection margins. In node-positive patients, both RFS and OS were significantly longer in CRT-CT than CT. In contrast, there was no significant difference between groups when patients with node-negative disease or patients with or without positive surgical margins were considered.

Conclusions

Addition of radiation to CT has a survival benefit in patients with node-positive disease following pancreatic resection.