Superiority of a new UICC-TNM staging system for gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The definition of the degree of lymph node metastasis (n-classification) for gastric cancer differs greatly in the new Union Internationale Contre le Cancer--TNM classification (5th edition) and the Japanese gastric cancer classification (JGC). The feasibility of the new TNM classification is evaluated in comparison with the JGC. METHODS: At Chiba University, 940 patients who underwent a gastrectomy were retrospectively classified into appropriate stages with both the TNM and JGC systems, and the survival curves of the respective stages were also compared. RESULTS: Patients with 1 to 6 metastatic nodes (TNM-pN1) showed similar survival rates whether the metastases were limited to the perigastric area (JGC-n1) or reached distant areas (JGC-n2). The patients with node metastasis that was limited to the perigastric area (JGC-n1) had significantly different survival rates, depending on the number of metastatic nodes (TNM-pN1 or pN2, P = .022). A similar phenomenon was also observed in patients with TNM-N2 and JGC-n2. A multivariate analysis indicated the TNM N-classification, rather than the JGC n-classification, as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The new TNM classification appears to be a better prognostic indicator than the JGC system for patients with gastric carcinoma.     

Controversies in the new TNM staging system

The latest revision of the International System for Staging Lung Cancer was published in June 1997. We discuss the following 4 major items in the new TNM staging system. 1) The fact that stage I was divided into stage IA (T1N0M0) and IB (T2N0M0) is reasonable, as the survival prospects for the subsets differ significantly. 2) The fact that stage II was divided into stage IIA (T1N1M0) and IIB (T2N1M0) is not appropriate, However, there is no significant survival difference between the T1N1M0 subset and the T2N1M0 subset, because there are fewer T1N1M0 cases. 3) The fact that the T3N0M0 subset was shifted into stage IIB is reasonable. Patients who undergo resection of tumors invading the parietal pleura, neighboring lobe, and main bronchus within 2 cm of the carina in the T3N0M0 group have a good prognosis, but those who undergo resection of tumors invading the rib, intercostal muscle, and diaphragm in the T3N0M0 group have a poor prognosis. 4) The decision to designate satellite lesions within the lobe of the primary tumor as T4 is controversial, because it is very difficult to determine whether satellite lesions are metastases from other lesions or if they are primary synchronous neoplasms.     

Verification of a new clinicopathologic staging system for colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Rectal adenocarcinoma is said to have a poorer outcome than colon adenocarcinoma when compared on the basis of Dukes' staging. However a new staging system, determined by a multivariate analysis of 147 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, has revealed three other variables significantly related to outcome. Therefore this study analyzed the authors' experience with colonic carcinoma during the same time period as they had studied for rectal carcinoma to determine whether the new staging system is valid for colon carcinoma as well, and, if so, to compare the outcome of patients with colon and rectal carcinoma on the basis of this new staging. A total of 603 patients with 611 colonic adenocarcinoma were operated on at the University of Chicago Medical Center between 1965 and 1981. Two hundred seventy-nine adenocarcinomas (45.7%) were located proximal to the splenic flexure and 332 (54.3%) were located between the splenic flexure and the rectosigmoid. Four hundred sixty-two patients underwent segmental colectomy, 46 subtotal colectomy, 26 total colectomy, 18 proctocolectomy, 5 abdominal-perineal resection, 1 appendectomy, while 20 had local excision of the tumor through colotomy and 25 had permanent diverting stoma as the only procedure. The operative mortality rate was 6.1% in the whole group, but was only 2.7% in the group of potentially curable patients. Complete follow-up was obtained in all patients. To validate a previous staging system for Dukes' B and C rectal adenocarcinoma, the authors investigated the correlation between 5-year survival for colonic carcinoma patients and all relevant variables that they had considered potentially meaningful in the previous study with rectal adenocarcinoma. The resulting multivariate analysis using Cox regression showed that the four variables found previously to be significantly related to outcome for rectal adenocarcinoma patients (stage, race, tumor morphology, and vascular and/or lymphatic microinvasion) were the only four variables significantly (p less than 0.05) associated with outcome for colonic adenocarcinoma patients. In addition, by using the results of their previous staging system for rectal adenocarcinoma patients, they 'predicted' the 5-year survival rates of the colon adenocarcinoma patients, divided in 16 staging subgroups. In subgroups of at least 15 patients, the rectal staging system predicted the outcome to within 1 to 6 percentage points of the observed outcome of the colonic adenocarcinoma patients. Thus this study validates this staging system, incorporating stage, race, tumor morphology, and microinvasion to predict 5-year survival rate more accurately than Dukes' staging alone for both colon and rectal adenocarcinoma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

新的肺癌国际分期与预后

目的 探讨修订后的肺癌国际分期的合理性与预后的关系。方法 回顾性分析中国医学科学院肿瘤医院１９６１年１月～１９８８年１２月外科手术切除的９４６例肺癌患者临床资料,选取２９个可能对预后有影响的变量输入计算机,用生命表法（Ｌｉｆｅ－ｔａｂｌｅ）分别计算修订前后两种Ｐ－ＴＮＭ分期的生存率,Ｌｏｇ－Ｒａｎｋ统计分析进行显著性检验,Ｃｏｘ模型预后分析来综合评价众多预后因素对生存的影响,从而评价修订后肺癌ＴＮ     

A new prognostic staging system for rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the appropriateness of tumor "budding," a quantifiable histologic variable, as 1 parameter in the construction of a new prognostic grading system for rectal cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Patient division according to an accurate prognostic prediction could enhance the effectiveness of postoperative adjuvant therapy and follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumor budding was defined as an isolated cancer cell or a cluster composed of fewer than 5 cells in the invasive frontal region, and was divided into 2 grades based on its number within a microscopic field of x250. We analyzed 2 discrete cohorts comprising 638 and 476 patients undergoing potentially curative surgery. RESULTS: In the first cohort, high-grade budding (10 or more foci in a field) was observed in 30% of patients and was significantly associated with a lower 5-year survival rate (41%) than low-grade budding (84%). Similarly, in the second cohort, the 5-year survival rate was 43% in high-grade budding patients and 83% in low-grade budding patients. In both cohorts, multivariate analyses verified budding to be an independent prognosticator, together with nodal involvement and extramural spread. These 3 variables were given weighted scores, and the score range was divided to provide 5 prognostic groups (97%; 86%; 61%; 39%; 17% 5-year survival). The model was tested on the second cohort, and similar prognostic results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that because of its relevance to prognosis and its reproducibility, budding is an excellent parameter for use in a grading system to provide a confident prediction of clinical outcome.     

一种新的胃癌淋巴结分期方案

目的比较AJCC/UICC 1997年第五版胃癌TNM分期中的N分期与以淋巴结转移度为标准的新N分期. 方法行D2或D3术式的胃癌(皆无远处转移)标本用透光法摘取淋巴结,分别按2种方法分期,新法中N1为淋巴结转移度0.01%～10.00%, N2为10.01%～25.00%,N3为＞25.00%.全组随访,资料经统计学处理. 结果本组78例患者共取得淋巴结5388 枚,平均每例69枚(范围30～157枚).全组淋巴结转移率75.64%(59/78).新分期N0、N 1、N2、N3期患者3年生存率分别为100%、68.42%、7.58%、6.78%(χ2=35.85 0,P<0.01, r=0.95). 结论淋巴结转移度是一相对数,在预后的判断上,优于淋巴结转移数目.     

国际胃癌新分期对我国临床应用的指导意义

第7版胃癌国际分期对T分期和N分期做出了重大调整,日本胃癌分期与UICC/AJCC分期实现了统一.日本胃癌诊治指南对临床关注的有关淋巴结清扫范围做出了明确规定.新版TNM分期由于采用了日韩的数据,因此,能更准确地预测标准淋巴结清扫术后患者的预后.对于是否需要切脾并清扫第10组淋巴结、全网膜囊切除的必要性、第13组和第14组淋巴结转移对预后的影响等问题,需要进一步的循证医学证据.D2淋巴结清扫已为东西方学者普遍接受.对特定病例,腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫的意义有待进一步临床试验证实.国际胃癌分期项目将从全球23个国家收集数据,相信第8版国际胃癌分期将具有真正的国际化意义.     

Designing a ventral hernia staging system

Introduction

The absence of a standardized classification scheme for ventral hernias hinders comparisons within the literature, indirectly delaying meaningful discussions regarding technique. We aimed to generate a comprehensive staging system that stratifies patients by risk of developing wound morbidity and hernia recurrence.

Methods

Our prospective database of all ventral hernia repairs (2006–2013) was reviewed with no exclusion based on technique or prosthetic. The presence of patient comorbidities, contamination and hernia dimensions—width/location on computed topography—was evaluated to identify variables most closely associated with surgical site occurrence (SSO) and recurrence. Predicted odds ratios and relative hazards, for SSO and recurrence, respectively, were used to partition patients into stages corresponding with increasing levels of risk.

Results

Hernia width (OR 2.24, HR 1.73) and the presence of contamination (OR 1.81, HR 2.04) were most significantly associated with increased risk of SSO and recurrence, while hernia location and the presence of comorbidities were not. Stage I hernias are <10 cm/clean and associated with low SSO and recurrence risk. Stage II hernias are 10–20 cm/clean or <10 cm contaminated and carry an intermediate risk of SSO and recurrence. Stage III hernias are either ≥10/contaminated or any hernia ≥20 cm, and these are associated with high SSO and recurrence risk. Stages I–III carry a concordance index of 0.67 for SSO and 0.61 for recurrence.

Conclusion

Hernia width and wound class can be used to stratify patients into stages (I–III) with increasing risk of wound morbidity and recurrence. This can be the foundation for future inclusion and exclusion criteria.

     

Evaluation of a new staging system by the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer

(Received for publication on Sept. 29, 1997; accepted on Jan. 6, 1998)     

Thymoma: a clinicopathologic study based on the new World Health Organization classification

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relationship between the histologic subtype of thymoma according to the new World Health Organization histologic classification and the clinical findings, as well as the prognostic significance of the classification. METHODS: A total of 130 patients with thymoma, who underwent resection at the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, from 1962 to 2000, were studied retrospectively. The histologic subtype of thymoma was determined according to the new World Health Organization histologic classification. The stage was also determined according to a modified Masaoka's classification as stage I, II, III, IVa, or IVb. To determine the factors that may affect the prognosis of thymoma, a multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional hazards regression model was performed. RESULTS: The distribution of histologic subtype was type A (n = 18), type AB (n = 56), type B1 (n = 15), type B2 (n = 29), and type B3 (n = 12). A close correlation was seen between the histologic subtype and stage (P =.000). The overall survivals at 5 and 10 years were 92% and 91%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year survivals according to stage were 100% and 100% (stage I, n = 40; stage II, n = 54), 81% and 76% (stage III, n = 25), and 47% and 47% (stage IV, n = 11), respectively. The difference in survival between stage III and stage IV was significant (P =.000). Patients with type A or AB thymoma demonstrated a 100% survival at both 5 and 10 years. Recurrences were seen in 12 patients with complete resection. According to a multivariate analysis, tumor size (P =.001), completeness of resection (P =.002), histologic subtype (P =.011), and stage (P =.00) were significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The World Health Organization histologic classification significantly correlated with the clinical stage. Tumor size, completeness of resection, histologic subtype, and stage predicted the prognosis of thymoma.     

Thymoma

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the prognostic factors for thymoma that remain controversial. METHODS: We studied 72 consecutive patients treated for thymoma during the period between 1966 and 1997. Recurrence-free interval rates and overall survival rates calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method were compared using log-rank test by the Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, histology, or associated disease(s). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Thirty-two thymomas were at Masaoka stage I, 9 at stage II, 15 at stage III, and 16 were at stage IV. There were 56 complete resections, 7 incomplete resections (2 at stage III and 5 at stage IV), and 9 biopsies (1 at stage III and 8 at stage IV). Forty-one thymomas were cortical, 16 medullary, and 15 were mixed form. Association of myasthenia gravis was found in 20 patients, and pure red cell aplasia in 7. After an average follow-up period of 103 months, the recurrence-free 5-, 10-, 15-year interval rate was 89%, 80%, 80%, respectively, and overall 5-, 10-, 15-year survival rate was 86%, 71%, 59%, respectively. Factors influencing the recurrence-free interval and overall survival included the Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, and association with pure red cell aplasia. Multivariate analysis revealed stage IV tumor and association with pure red cell aplasia as risk factors for recurrence. Pure red cell aplasia indicated poor prognosis for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, and association with pure red cell aplasia were prognostic factors for thymoma. Multidisciplinary treatment for stage IV tumors and better control of pure red cell aplasia, if associated, should be investigated.     

Thymoma

Objective: We evaluated the prognostic factors for thymoma that remain controversial.Methods: We studied 72 consecutive patients treated for thymoma during the period between 1966 and 1997. Recurrence-free interval rates and overall survival rates calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method were compared using logrank test by the Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, histology, or associated disease(s). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazards model.Results: Thirty-two thymomas were at Masaoka stage I, 9 at stage II, 15 at stage III, and 16 were at stage IV. There were 56 complete resections, 7 incomplete resections (2 at stage III and 5 at stage IV), and 9 biopsies (1 at stage III and 8 at stage IV). Forty-one thymomas were cortical, 16 medullary, and 15 were mixed form. Association of myasthenia gravis was found in 20 patients, and pure red cell aplasia in 7. After an average follow-up period of 103 months, the recurrence-free 5-, 10-, 15-year interval rate was 89%, 80%, 80%, respectively, and overall 5-, 10-, 15-year survival rate was 86%, 71%, 59%, respectively. Factors influencing the recurrence-free interval and overall survival included the Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, and association with pure red cell aplasia. Multivariate analysis revealed stage IV tumor and association with pure red cell aplasia as risk factors for recurrence. Pure red cell aplasia indicated poor prognosis for overall survival.Conclusions: Masaoka stage, extent of surgical resection, and association with pure red cell aplasia were prognostic factors for thymoma. Multidisciplinary treatment for stage IV tumors and better control of pure red cell aplasia, if associated, should be investigated.     

Thymoma

Experience with thymoma in 35 patients is reported. Seventeen had tumors that were malignant, and 18 had benign lesions. Cellular morphology was an unreliable index of malignancy. Seventeen patients had associated disorders: myasthenia gravis was present in 15 patients, hypoplastic anemia in 1 patient, and hypogammaglobulinemia in 1 patient.Treatment consisted of irradiation, resection, or a combination of both methods. Fifteen patients have died, 8 due to myasthenia, 4 due to tumor, and 3 from other causes. Sixteen patients are living and clinically free of tumor. Following treatment, remission of myasthenia occurred in 6 patients, but there was aggravation of the myasthenia in 2. In 4 patients myasthenia first appeared following treatment.In patients without myasthenia gravis, the prognosis is excellent for those with benign tumor and fair for those with malignant tumor. Myasthenia adversely affects the prognosis for both benign and malignant tumors. Resection is the treatment of choice for all operable thymomas, since the incidence of local malignancy is high and malignancy can only be determined at exploration. Preoperative irradiation may be useful in reducing the incidence of transpleural metastases.