Association of primary tumor location with long-term oncological prognosis following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma:A multicenter propensity score matching analysis

PurposeThere is a striking laterality in the site of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a strong predominance for the right side; however, the impact of primary tumor location on long-term prognosis after hepatectomy of HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of primary tumor location on long-term oncological prognosis after hepatectomy for HCC.Patients and methodsData of consecutive patients undergoing curative hepatectomy for HCC between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of left-sided HCC (LS group) and right-sided HCC (RS group) were compared by using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. COX regression analysis was performed to assess the adjusted effect of tumor location on long-term oncological prognosis.ResultsOf the 2799 included patients, 707 (25.3%) and 2092 (74.7%) were in the LS and RS groups, respectively. Using PSM analysis, 650 matched pairs of patients were created. In the PSM cohort, median OS (66.0 vs. 72.0 months, P = 0.001) and RFS (28.0 vs. 51.0 months, P < 0.001) were worse among patients in the LS group compared to individuals in the RS group. After further adjustment for other confounders using multivariable COX regression analyses, HCC located on the left side remained independently associated with worse OS and RFS.ConclusionTumors located on the left side are associated with poorer OS and RFS after hepatectomy for HCC. Careful surgical options selection and frequent follow-up to improve long-term survival may be justified for HCC patients with left-sided primary tumors.     

Impact of concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization on surgical outcomes of partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension: A multicenter propensity score matching analysis

PurposePortal hypertension due to cirrhosis is common among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of partial hepatectomy in patients with HCC and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) with or without concurrent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (CSED).Patients and methodsFrom a multicenter database, patients with HCC and CSPH who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy were identified. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with and without CSED before and after propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsOf the 358 enrolled patients, 86 patients underwent CSED. Before PSM, the postoperative 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between the CSED and non-CSED group (both P > 0.05). Using PSM, 81 pairs of patients were created. In the PSM cohort, the 5-year OS rate of the CSED group were significantly better than the non-CSED group (52.9% vs. 36.5%, P = 0.046). The former group had a significantly lower rate of variceal bleeding on follow-up (7.4% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, CSED was associated with significantly better OS (HR: 0.39, P < 0.001).ConclusionHepatectomy and CSED can safely be performed in selected patients with HCC and CSPH, which could improve postoperative prognosis by preventing variceal bleeding, and prolonging long-term survival.     

Real-world role of performance status in surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter study

BackgroundThe Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) categorizes a patient with performance status (PS)-1 as advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and surgical resection is not recommended. In real-world clinical practice, PS-1 is often not a contraindication to surgery for HCC. The aim of current study was to define the impact of PS on the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing liver resection for HCC.Methods1,531 consecutive patients who underwent a curative-intent resection of HCC between 2005 and 2015 were identified using a multi-institutional database. After categorizing patients into PS-0 (n = 836) versus PS-1 (n = 695), perioperative mortality and morbidity, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared.ResultsOverall perioperative mortality and major morbidity among patients with PS-0 (n = 836) and PS-1 (n = 695) were similar (1.4% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.525 and 9.7% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.732, respectively). In contrast, median OS and RFS was worse among patients who had PS-1 versus PS-0 (34.0 vs. 107.6 months, and 20.5 vs. 60.6 months, both P < 0.001, respectively). On multivariable Cox-regression analyses, PS-1 was independently associated with worse OS (HR: 1.301, 95% CI: 1.111–1.523, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 1.184, 95% CI: 1.034–1.358, P = 0.007).ConclusionsPatients with PS-1 versus PS-0 had comparable perioperative outcomes. However, patients with PS-1 had worse long-term outcomes as PS-1 was independently associated with worse OS and RFS. Routine exclusion of HCC patients with PS-1 from surgical resection as recommended by the BCLC guidelines is not warranted.     

Perioperative,short-, and long-term outcomes of gastric cancer surgery: Propensity score-matched analysis of patients with or without prior solid organ transplantation

BackgroundDetails of perioperative outcomes and survival after gastric cancer surgery in prior transplant recipients have received minimal research attention.MethodsWe performed an observational cohort study using the database of 20,147 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy at a single gastric cancer center in Korea. Forty-one solid organ recipients [kidney (n = 35), liver (n = 5), or heart (n = 1)] were matched with 205 controls using propensity score matching.ResultsOperation time, blood loss, and postoperative pain were similar between groups. Short-term complication rates were similar between transplantation and control groups (22.0% vs. 20.1%, P = 0.777). Transplantation group patients with stage 1 gastric cancer experienced no recurrence, while those with stage 2/3 cancer had significantly higher recurrence risk compared to the controls (P = 0.049). For patients with stage 1 cancer, the transplantation group had a significantly higher rate of non-gastric cancer-related deaths compared to the controls (19.2% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.001). For those with stage 2/3 cancer, significantly lower proportion of the transplantation group received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to the control group (26.7% vs. 80.3%, P < 0.001). The transplantation group had a higher (albeit not statistically significant) rate of gastric cancer-related deaths compared to the controls (40.0% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.087).ConclusionTransplant recipients and non-transplant recipients exhibited similar perioperative and short-term outcomes after gastric cancer surgery. From long-term outcome analyses, we suggest active surveillance for non-gastric cancer-related deaths in patients with early gastric cancer, as well as strict oncologic care in patients with advanced cancer, as effective strategies for transplant recipients.     

Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma: Optimal timing of partial hepatectomy

BackgroundPartial hepatectomy has been used to treat patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which spontaneously ruptured. It is still controversial as to whether emergency partial hepatectomy (EmPH) should be carried out at the time of rupture, or the patients should initially be managed by operative or non-operative treatment to stop the bleeding, followed by staged early or delayed partial hepatectomy when the patient's condition becomes stable.MethodsConsecutive 10-year patients with ruptured HCC managed at our center were included in this study. Patients who underwent partial hepatectomy were further subdivided into the EmPH group, the staged early partial hepatectomy (SEPH) group, and the staged delayed partial hepatectomy (SDPH) group. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors affecting overall survival(OS) were conducted before and after propensity score matching analyses amongst the included patients. OS, postoperative mortality, recurrence free survival (RFS), and peritoneal metastatic rates were compared. The risk factors of peritoneal metastases were determined using the COX regression analysis.ResultsThe 130 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy were subdivided into the EmPH group (surgery at the time of rupture, n = 30), the SEPH group (surgery ≤ 8 days of rupture, n = 67), and the SDPH group (surgery > 8 days of rupture, n = 33). The remaining 86 patients underwent non-surgical treatment. Partial hepatectomy was an independent predictor of better OS (HR 2.792, P < 0.001). For resectable HCC, the 30-day mortality, OS, and RFS were similar between the EmPH group, and the staged partial hepatectomy (SPH) group which included the patients who underwent SEPH and SDPH. The SEPH group had significantly better OS and RFS. Multivariate COX regression analysis demonstrated that SDPH was strongly associated with postoperative peritoneal dissemination (OR 28.775, P = 0.003).ConclusionPartial hepatectomy provided significantly better survival than non-surgical treatment for patients who presented with ruptured HCC. Early partial hepatectomy within 8 days of rupture which included EmPH (carefully selected) and SEPH, resulted in significantly less patients with peritoneal dissemination and better long-term survival outcomes (especially RFS) than SDPH.     

Long-term outcomes of deceased donor liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus: A multicenter study

BackgroundThe incidence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) has been reported to be as high as approximately 10%–40% in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The long-term prognosis of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in HCC patients with PVTT remains unknown.MethodsData of 961 HCC patients who underwent DDLT between 2015 and 2018 in six centers were analyzed. Based on the Milan criteria (MC) and Cheng's classification of PVTT, the patients were divided into 4 groups: within MC, beyond MC without PVTT, type 1 PVTT, and type 2 PVTT groups.Results489 (50.9%) were within the MC, 296 (30.8%) beyond the MC but without PVTT, 83 (8.6%) type 1 PVTT, and 93 (9.7%) type 2 PVTT. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that type 1 or 2 PVTT patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≤ 100 ng/mL had overall survival (OS) similar to that of patients within the MC (P = 0.957), and superior OS (P = 0.003 and 0.009) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.038 and <0.001) than those of patients beyond the MC and PVTT patients with AFP > 100 ng/mL. Multivariable Cox-regression analysis identified type 1 and 2 PVTT to be independent risk factor for RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.523 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.162–1.997, P = 0.002], but not for OS (HR 1.283, 95%CI 0.922–1.786, P = 0.139).ConclusionHCC patients with type 1 or 2 PVTT may be acceptable candidates for DDLT. To achieve better outcomes, preoperative AFP levels should be seriously considered when selecting patients with PVTT for DDLT.     

Long-term surgical outcomes of Non alcoholic fatty liver disease associated hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundThe global burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is steadily rising. We pursued to investigate the results after liver resection for NAFLD-HCC versus hepatitis B virus (HBV)-HCC exploiting Kaplan Meier method, log-rank test and uni/multivariate analysis with the logistic regression models”.MethodsPatients who underwent liver resection for HCC between January 2004 and December 2018 were included. The outcomes of NAFLD-associated HCC were analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of NAFLD-associated HCC was 8.4%. A significant number of NAFLD patients had no cirrhosis (21 patients; 38.8%). Although NAFLD patients had a significantly better 5-year survival (P = 0.033), NAFLD was not significantly associated with overall survival in multivariate analysis (P = 0.287). However, survival after 5 years declined in NAFLD patients and was similar to HBV. NAFLD was protective against systemic recurrence compared with HBV (P = 0.018), and this was confirmed in multivariate analysis (P = 0.044). Five-year systemic recurrence (P = 0.044) was significantly lower in NAFLD patients and decreased with time from surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed that anatomical liver resection was independently associated with decreased recurrence in NAFLD patients (HR = 0.337; P = 0.033).ConclusionOverall survival is similar between NAFLD-associated HCC and HBV-associated HCC. Despite there being no significant difference between liver function tests, type of surgery performed, liver cirrhosis, size of tumor, number of tumors, pathological factors like satellite nodules and Edmonson Steiner staging, NAFLD-associated HCC shows lower systemic recurrence compared to HBV-associated HCC.     

Liver resection is justified for multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma in selected patients with cirrhosis: A multicenter analysis of 1,066 patients

BackgroundThe role of liver resection for multinodular (≥3 nodules) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear, especially among patients with severe underlying liver disease. We sought to evaluate surgical outcomes among patients with cirrhosis and multinodular HCC undergoing liver resection.MethodsUsing a multicenter database, outcomes among cirrhotic patients who underwent curative-intent resection of HCC were examined stratified according to the presence or absence of multinodular disease. Perioperative mortality and morbidity, as well as overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups.ResultsAmong 1066 cirrhotic patients, 906 (85.0%) had single- or double-nodular HCC (the non-multinodular group), while 160 (15.0%) had multinodular HCC (the multinodular group). There were no differences in postoperative 30-day mortality and morbidity among non-multinodular versus multinodular patients (1.8% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.923, and 36.0% vs. 39.4%, P = 0.411, respectively). In contrast, 5-year OS and RFS of multinodular patients were worse compared with non-multinodular patients (34.6% vs. 58.2%, and 24.7% vs. 44.5%, both P < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, tumor numbers ≥5, total tumor diameter ≥8 cm and microvascular invasion were independent risk factors for decreased OS and RFS after resection of multinodular HCC in cirrhotic patients.ConclusionsLiver resection can be safely performed for multinodular HCC in the setting of cirrhosis with an overall 5-year survival of 34.6%. Tumor number ≥5, total tumor diameter ≥8 cm and microvascular invasion were independently associated with decreased OS and RFS after resection in cirrhotic patients with multinodular HCC.     

Borderline or locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A single center experience on the FOLFIRINOX induction regimen

IntroductionThis study aimed to determine the impact of FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant therapy on patients with non-metastatic borderline/locally advanced (BL/LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in current practice.Material and methodsFrom 2010 to 2017, 258 patients with BL/LA PDAC from a single high-volume institution received FOLFIRINOX neoadjuvant treatment.ResultsThe 258 patients received a median number of 6 cycles of FOLFIRINOX (range, 3–16); 98 (38%) patients underwent curative surgery, and 160 (62%) continued medical treatment. A venous resection was performed in 57 patients (58%), and an arterial resection in 12 (12%). The postoperative 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 6.1% and 8.2%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 57 patients (59%). The median overall survival (OS) in patients who did (n = 98) or did not (n = 160) undergo surgical resection were 39 months and 19 months, respectively (P < 0.001). In resected patients, the ASA 3 score (P < 0.01), venous resection (P < 0.01), hemorrhage (P < 0.01), and R1 margin status (P = 0.03) were found to negatively influence the OS. The median OS was significantly higher in patients who did not require a venous resection (not reached vs. 26.5 months, P < 0.001).ConclusionsNeoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX provided a survival benefit in BL/LA PDAC patients, particularly in those who did not ultimately require venous resection.     

Laparoscopic versus open transhiatal approach for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing worldwide. Laparoscopic transhiatal approach (LTH) has gained growing popularity in the treatment of AEG. However, its safety and efficacy need to be evaluated.MethodsOriginal studies comparing LTH with open transhiatal approach (OTH) were searched. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.ResultsNine studies involving 2149 patients were eligible. Compared with OTH, LTH was associated with longer operation time (mean difference [MD] = 31min, 95%CI [20,41], P < 0.001) while less blood loss (MD = −103ml [-135, −72], P < 0.001), and harvested similar number of lymph nodes (MD = 0.1 [-1.2, 1.4], P = 0.89). There were no differences in time to ambulation (MD = −0.79 days [-1.77, 0.20], P = 0.12) or time to first flatus (MD = −0.82 days [-1.76, 0.11], P = 0.08); however, LTH was associated with shorter postoperative hospital stay (MD = −1.70 days [-2.34, −1.05], P < 0.001). The mortality after surgery was comparable for LTH and OTH (risk difference [RD] = -0.00 [-0.01, 0.01], P = 0.55). The incidence of total major complications was similar in LTH (6.1%) and OTH (8.4%) (RD = −0.02 [-0.05, 0.01], P = 0.12); there were no significant differences in the incidence of each complication. Furthermore, LTH achieved similar 2-year overall survival (OS) rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.17 [0.86, 1.60], P = 0.31) while higher 5-year OS rate (RR = 1.43 [1.18, 1.73], P = 0.0003) and significant improvement of OS (univariable hazard ratio = 0.65 [0.50, 0.84], P = 0.0009; multivariable hazard ratio = 0.59 [0.44, 0.80], P = 0.0006).ConclusionsLTH is feasible and safe for AEG, and may provide more favorable short-term outcomes and potential long-term survival benefit, which needs to be confirmed by randomized trials.     

Partial hepatectomy vs. transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas of BCLC-B stage: A meta-analysis of high-quality studies

Background/aimThe Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) recommends that transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are indicated in patients with multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) of BCLC-B stage. However, partial hepatectomy (PH) has increasely performed in these patients. The purpose of this meta-analyses is to illustrate the comparative survival benefits of PH and TACE for patients with multiple HCCs of BCLC-B stage.MethodElectronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies that compared PH and TACE performed in patients with multiple HCCs of BCLC-B stage. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed systematically. The reported data were aggregated statistically using the RevMan5.3 software. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoint were the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates, postoperative 30-day mortality and postoperative complications.ResultsA total of seven high-quality studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], six propensity-score matching (PSM) nonrandomized comparative trials [non-RCTs] that met the inclusion criteria, which comprised of 2487 patients (1245 PH and 1242 TACE) in the meta-analysis. When compared with the TACE group, the PH group had a significantly higher OS (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.48–1.84; P = 0.26; I² = 22%) and 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.59–2.41; P = 0.0005; I² = 75%; P < 0.00001; OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.94–4.42; P = 0.0001; I² = 78%; P < 0.00001; OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.17–3.11; P = 0.13; I² = 44%; P < 0.00001; respectively). Survival benefits persisted across sensitivity and subgroup analyses; High heterogeneity remained after sensitivity and subgroup analyses for 3-year survival rates.ConclusionPH can provide more survival benefit for patients with multiple HCCs of BCLC-B stage compared with TACE.     

Transarterial chemoembolization plus immune checkpoint inhibitor as postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A multicenter cohort study

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) plus immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on three centers from June 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into the PA-TACE (n = 48) and PA-TACE plus ICI groups (n = 42). The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were depicted by Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences between the two groups were compared using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for RFS and OS. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs (CTCAE) version 5.0.ResultsThe median RFS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was significantly longer than the PA-TACE group (12.76 months vs. 8.11 months; P = 0.038). The median OS of the PA-TACE plus ICI group was also significanfly better than the PA-TACE group (24.5 months vs. 19.1 months; P = 0.032). PA-TACE plus ICI treatment was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32–0.9, P = 0.019) and OS (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26–0.86, P = 0.014). Only one patient experienced grade ≥3 immune-related AEs in the PA-TACE plus ICI group.ConclusionsPA-TACE plus ICI treatment had better efficacy in preventing recurrence and prolonging survival than PA-TACE alone for HCC patients with PVTT after R0 resection. This novel treatment modality may be an appropriate option for HCC with PVTT.     

The prognostic value of lymph node ratio in Medullary thyroid carcinoma: A multi-center study

IntroductionThe lymph node ratio (LNR), which represents the proportion of metastatic lymph nodes resected, has been found to be a prognostic variable in several cancers, but data for Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the LNR in predicting outcome in patients with MTC.Materials and methodsA retrospective multicenter study design of 107 patients with MTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with neck dissection between 1984 and 2016. The association of LNR with patient and tumor characteristics and prognostic factors was evaluated.ResultsStudy population consisted of 53.3% female, mean age at diagnosis was 50.3 ± 18.4 years; 16.8% had inherited MTC. LNR was positively correlated with tumor size (p = 0.018) and inversely correlated with age at diagnosis (p = 0.024). A higher LNR was associated with extrathyroidal extension (p < 0.001), multifocality (p = 0.001), bilateral tumor (p = 0.002), distant metastases (p < 0.001), and tumor recurrence (OR = 14.7, p < 0.001). LNR was also correlated to postoperative calcitonin levels (p < 0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (p = 0.011). LNR >0.1 was associated with shorter disease-specific survival in patients at risk: tumor larger than 20 mm at diagnosis (p = 0.013), sporadic MTC (p = 0.01), and age above 40 years at diagnosis (p = 0.004). Cox multivariate survival analysis revealed LNR as the only significant independent factor for disease free survival (p = 0.005).ConclusionsThis study showed that LNR correlates well with patient and tumor characteristics and prognostic variables. We suggest that LNR should be considered an important parameter for predicting outcome in MTC.     

The different survival impacts of body mass index in elderly and non-elderly patients with gastric carcinoma

BackgroundThe age-dependent survival impact of body mass index (BMI) remains to be fully addressed in patients with gastric carcinoma (GC). We investigated the prognostic impacts of BMI in elderly (≥70 years) and non-elderly patients undergoing surgery for GC.MethodsIn total, 1168 GC patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to BMI; low (<20), medium (20–25) and high (>25). The effects of BMI on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox hazards models.ResultsThere were 242 (20.7%), 685 (58.7%) and 241 (20.6%) patients in the low-, medium- and high-BMI groups, respectively. The number of patients with high BMI but decreased muscle mass was extremely small (n = 13, 1.1%). Patients in the low-BMI group exhibited significantly poorer OS than those in the high- and medium-BMI group (P < 0.001). Notably, BMI classification significantly demarcated OS and CSS curves (both P < 0.001) in non-elderly patients, while did not in elderly patients (OS; P = 0.07, CSS; P = 0.54). Furthermore, the survival discriminability by BMI was greater in pStage II/III disease (P = 0.006) than in pStage I disease (P = 0.047). Multivariable analysis focusing on patients with pStage II/III disease showed low BMI to be independently associated with poor OS and CSS only in the non-elderly population.ConclusionsBMI-based evaluation was useful for predicting survival and oncological outcomes in non-elderly but not in elderly GC patients, especially in those with advanced GC.     

Second invasive breast cancers in patients treated with breast-conserving therapy

ObjectiveSecond breast cancers after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) include ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) and metachronous contralateral breast cancer (CBC). Each IBTR is further classified as true recurrence (TR) or new primary tumor (NP). We aim to compare survival outcomes of TR, NP and CBC, and explore the optimal treatments.Methods168,427 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent BCT between 1990 and 2005 were identified in the SEER database. The risks of IBTR and CBC were estimated by annual hazard rate. The breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were assessed using multivariable Cox regression analysis.ResultsWith median follow-up of 13 years after BCT, 5413 patients developed an IBTR and 4050 patients had a CBC. The risk of IBTR peaked between 10 and 15 years after BCT, while the risk of CBC distributed evenly. 45.9% of IBTRs were classified as a TR and 54.1% as an NP. The time interval from primary breast cancer to NP was longer than to TR and CBC (P < 0.001). Patients with TR had a poorer BCSS than NP (P = 0.003) and CBC (P = 0.002). There was no difference in BCSS between mastectomy and repeat BCT for treating TR (P = 0.584) or NP (P = 0.243). The BCSS of CBCs treated with BCT was better than mastectomy (P = 0.010). Chemotherapy didn't improve the survival of patients with TR (P = 0.058). However, TRs with grade III or negative hormone receptors benefited from chemotherapy significantly.ConclusionPatients with TR had a poorer BCSS than NP and CBC. Classifying IBTR may provide clinical significance for treatments.     

Comprehensive lymphadenectomy and survival prediction in uterine serous cancer patients after surgery: A population-based analysis

ObjectiveEvidence on uterine serous cancer (USC) prognosis has been limited and inconclusive. We aim to explore the survival benefits of comprehensive lymphadenectomy in USC patients after surgery and develop a prognostic nomogram to predict survival.MethodsUSC patients who had undergone hysterectomy between 2010 and 2015 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The relationship between the extent of lymphadenectomy and survival, including overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), was estimated with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized to determine the independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was then developed, calibrated and internally validated.ResultsA total of 2853 patients were identified. K-M survival analysis revealed that patients with ≥12 pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) removed had significantly better OS and CSS than those without (both P < 0.001). However, patients with ≥6 para-aortic lymph nodes removed was not associated with similar survival benefits than patients without (P > 0.1). Multivariate analyses for OS and CSS revealed that age, T-stage, N-stage, tumor size, adjuvant therapy and ≥12 PLNs removed were independent prognostic factors (all P < 0.05) and were subsequently incorporated into the nomogram. The Harrell's C-index of the nomogram was significantly higher than that of the FIGO staging system (OS: 0.739 vs 0.671, P < 0.001; CSS: 0.752 vs 0.695, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the nomogram was well calibrated with satisfactory consistency.ConclusionsComprehensive pelvic lymphadenectomy should be recommended to USC patients for its survival benefits. And a nomogram has been developed to predict the survivals of USC patients after surgery.     

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis protects against recurrence in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid cancer

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) frequently coexists with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) that exhibits normal thyroid function. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between CLT and clinically lymph node (LN)-negative PTC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical central LN metastasis and CLT, and to assess the impact of CLT on the recurrence of clinically LN-negative PTC.MethodsWe investigated the medical records of 850 patients with PTC who underwent prophylactic bilateral central neck dissection as well as total thyroidectomy between 2004 and 2010; the median follow-up time was 95.5 months (range, 12–158 months).ResultsCLT was observed in 480 patients (56.5%). Female sex, a preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone level >2.5 mU/L, a primary tumor ≤1 cm, no gross extrathyroidal extension, high number of harvested LNs, low number of metastatic LNs, and positive anti-thyroglobulin (Tg) antibody at 1 year post-initial treatment were significantly associated with the presence of CLT. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with N1a stage (vs. N0 stage; hazard ratio [HR], 3.255; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.290–8.213; p = 0.012) and positive anti-Tg antibody at 1 year post-initial treatment (vs. negative anti-Tg antibody; HR, 5.118; 95% CI, 2.130–12.296; p < 0.001) had poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS), while those with CLT (vs. no CLT; HR, 0.357; 95% CI, 0.157–0.812; p = 0.014) had favorable RFS outcomes.ConclusionsCLT is associated with less aggressive tumor characteristics and LN metastasis. Clinically LN-negative PTC patients with CLT experience longer RFS intervals than those without CLT.     

Lymphovascular space invasion in endometrial carcinoma: Tumor size and location matter

ObjectiveTo analyze histological factors possibly associated with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and to determine which of those can act as independent surrogate markers.MethodsRetrospective cohort study performed between January 2001 and December 2014. LVSI was defined as the presence of tumor cells inside a space completely surrounded by endothelial cells. Risk factors evaluated included myometrial invasion, tumor grade, size, location, and cervical invasion. Univariate logistical regression models were applied to study any possible association of LVSI with these factors. Values were adjusted by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 327 patients with endometrial carcinoma treated in our Centre were included. LVSI was observed in 120 patients (36.7%). Lower uterine segment involvement (OR 5.21, 95% CI:2.6–10.4, p < 0.001) and size ≥2 cm (OR 2.62, 95% CI: 1.14–6.1, p < 0.001) were independent factors for LSVI in multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis, LVSI was a surrogate marker in type 1 tumors with deep myometrial invasion (IB, 51.9% vs. IA, 16.0%; p < 0.001), grade 3 (G3 55.8% vs. G1 16.2%; p < 0.001), size ≥2 cm (37.9% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.005), those with involving the lower segment of the uterus (58.9% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001) and/or with cervical stromal invasion (65.4% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001), and in type 2 tumors (61.5% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001). The use of uterine manipulator did not increase the rate of LVSI (35.5% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.612) as compared to no manipulator use.ConclusionsSize ≥2 cm and involvement of the lower uterine segment are independent factors for LSVI, in type 1 tumors, which can be used for surgical planning. LVSI is also more common in type 1 tumors with deep myometrial invasion, grade 3 and/or cervical stromal invasion, and also in type 2 tumors. The use of a uterine manipulator does not increase LVSI.     

Minimum radial margin in pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer

PurposeThe aim of this study was to clarify the suitable radial margin (RM) for favourable outcomes after pelvic exenteration (PE), focusing on the discrepancy between the concepts of circumferential resection margin (CRM) and traditional R status.MethodsSeventy-three patients with locally advanced (LARC, n = 24) or locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC, n = 49) who underwent PE between 2006 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were histologically classified into the following 3 groups; wide RM (≥1 mm, n = 45), narrow RM (0–1 mm, n = 10), and exposed RM (n = 18). The analysis was performed not only in the entire cohort but also in each disease group separately.ResultsThe rates of traditional R0 (RM > 0 mm) and wide RM were 75.3% and 61.6%, respectively, resulting in the discrepancy rate of 13.7% between the two concepts. Preoperative radiotherapy was given in 12.3%. In the entire cohort, the local recurrence and overall survival (OS) rates for narrow RMs were significantly worse than those for wide RMs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002), but were similar to those for exposed RMs. In both LARC and LRRC, RM < 1 mm resulted in significantly worse local recurrence and OS rates compared to the wide RMs. Multivariate analysis showed that RM < 1 mm was an independent risk factor for local recurrence in both LARC (HR 15.850, p = 0.015) and LRRC (HR 4.874, p = 0.005).ConclusionsNarrow and exposed RMs had an almost equal impact on local recurrence and poor OS after PE. Preoperative radiotherapy might have a key role to ensure a wide RM.     

The technique and outcomes of central hepatectomy by the Glissonian suprahilar approach

IntroductionCentral hepatectomy (CH) is technically challenging and seldom-used to treat centrally located tumors. However, CH is a parenchyma-sparing resection that may decrease the risk of postoperative liver failure. This retrospective study presents our technique of CH and assesses the outcomes.MethodsAll CH performed in our department over two decades (1997–2017) were identified. Indications and short-term outcomes were compared between the two decades. Long-term outcomes were assessed.ResultsSixty-four patients underwent CH using a suprahilar approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC: n = 30), metastasis (n = 23), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCCA: n = 9) or other diseases (n = 2). CH represented 6% of 1004 major hepatectomies, (7.4% (n = 35) before 2007 vs 5.4% (n = 29) after 2007). The mean operating time was 219 ± 56 min. A perioperative blood transfusion was required in 14 patients (22%). Intraoperative bile duct injuries occurred in 5 patients (8%), and they were repaired. One patient died postoperatively (1,5%). Ten patients (16%) experienced a major complication. Nine patients (14%) suffered from bile leakage, of which 6 healed spontaneously. Only one patient had low grade liver failure. The R0-resection rate was 69%. After 2007, there were no bile duct injuries (0/29 vs 5/35, p < 0.05), and the average hospital stay was shorter but not significantly (11 vs 14 days). Actuarial 5-year survival was 56% for HCC patients and 34% for those with colorectal metastasisConclusionsCH is associated with significant biliary morbidity and may increase positive surgical margins. Nevertheless, it should be recommended in selected patients to avoid the risk of postoperative liver failure.