Haemorrhagic soft-tissue sarcoma: Oncological outcomes and prognostic factors for survival

IntroductionHaemorrhagic soft-tissue sarcomas (HSTS) are characterised by aggressive local growth and highly metastatic behaviour. We aimed to describe oncological outcomes and prognostic factors.Materials and methodsRetrospective review including 64 patients treated with palliation (n = 7), with limb salvage surgery (LSS) (n = 9), with neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) + LSS (n = 12), with LSS + adjuvant RT (n = 30) or amputation (n = 6). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). After uni- and multivariate analysis, prognostic factors affecting OS, MFS and LRFS were identified.ResultsMedian age was 67 years (IQR 23 years) with median follow-up of 11 months (IQR 28 months). All cases were high grade. Eight (13%) had pulmonary metastases at presentation and another 40 (63%) developed metastases after median 9 months (IQR 19 months). Median OS was 12 months (IQR 38 months), and estimated OS after two-years was 15.9% and 52.9% for patients with and without metastatic disease at presentation, respectively. Improved OS was associated with negative resection margins (p = 0.031), RT (p = 0.045), neoadjuvant RT (versus adjuvant RT, p = 0.044) and amputation (versus LSS, p < 0.001). MFS was 35.1% after two-years. LR occurred in 18 of 51 (35.3%) patients with surgically treated localised disease. LRFS was 63.4% after two-years and significantly affected by a negative margin (p = 0.042) and RT (p = 0.001).ConclusionHaemorrhagic soft-tissue sarcomas should be excised, either with amputation or LSS with a clear resection margin. If LSS is attempted, neoadjuvant RT reduces the risk of tumour spillage and early LR, enhances the feasibility of achieving clear resection margins, and offers superior overall survival compared to adjuvant RT.     

Local resection versus radical surgery for parathyroid carcinoma: A National Cancer Database analysis

IntroductionParathyroid carcinoma (PC) is rare and often diagnosed incidentally after local resection (LR) for other indications. Although recommended treatment has traditionally been radical surgery (RS), more recent guidelines suggest that LR alone may be adequate. We sought to further investigate outcomes of RS versus LR for localized PC.Materials and methodsPC patients from 2004 to 2015 with localized disease were identified from the National Cancer Database, then stratified by surgical therapy: LR or RS. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were compared. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to estimate associations of variables with overall survival (OS). OS was estimated from time of diagnosis using Kaplan-Meier curves.ResultsA total of 555 patients were included (LR = 522, RS = 33). The groups were comparable aside from LR patients having higher rates of unknown nodal status (66.9% versus 39.4%; p = 0.003). By multivariable analysis, RS did not have a significant association with OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.10, 1.83; p = 0.255), nor did positive nodal status (HR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.09, 5.03; p = 0.692) and unknown nodal status (HR = 1.30, 95%CI = 0.78, 2.17; p = 0.311). There was no difference in OS between the LR and RS groups, with median survival not reached by either group at 10 years (median follow-up = 60.4 months; p = 0.20).ConclusionsThere was no difference in OS between LR and RS for localized PC. RS and nodal status may not impact survival as previously identified, and LR should remain a valid initial surgical approach. Future higher-powered studies are necessary to assess the effects of surgical approaches on morbidity and oncologic outcomes.     

Spinal lesions in multiple myeloma: Primary bone tumors with distinct prognostic factors

PurposeAlthough prognostic factors of spinal multiple myeloma (MM) seem to differ from those of other spine metastases (SpM), the data in the literature remains scarce.MethodsA prospective population of 361 patients treated for spine MM lesions between January 2014 and 2017.ResultsOS for our series was 59.6 months (SD 6.0 months; CI 95%: 47.7–71.3). Cox multivariate proportional-hazards analysis showed that bone marrow transplant [HR: 0.390, 95% CI 0.264–0.577; p < 0.0001] and light-chain isotype [HR: 0.748, 95% CI 0.318–1.759; p = 0.005] were independent predictors of longer survival. In contrast, age >80 years [HR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.3; p < 0.0001], ISS III [HR: 2.510, 95% CI 2.01–3.124; p = 0.001], IgA isotype [HR: 1.475, 95% CI 1.031–2.11; p = 0.034] and IgD/M isotype [HR: 2.753, 95% CI 1.230–6.130; p = 0.013] were independent poor prognostic factors. However, ECOG (p = 0.486), spine surgery (p = 0.391), spine radiotherapy (p = 0.260), epidural involvement (p = 0.259), the number of vertebra lesions (p = 0.222), and synchronous/metachronous timeline (p = 0.412) were not significantly associated with improved OS.ConclusionsSpinal involvement in the context of MM does not influence OS. The main prognostic factors to consider before spinal surgery are the characteristics of the primary MM disease (ISS score, IgG isotype and systemic treatment).     

Comparison of three-year oncological results after restorative low anterior resection,non-restorative low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer

IntroductionOncological outcome might be influenced by the type of resection in total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. The aim was to see if non-restorative LAR would have worse oncological outcome. A comparison was made between non-restorative low anterior resection (NRLAR), restorative low anterior resection (RLAR) and abdominoperineal resection (APR).Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort included data from patients undergoing TME for rectal cancer between 2015 and 2017 in eleven Dutch hospitals. A comparison was made for each different type of procedure (APR, NRLAR or RLAR). Primary outcome was 3-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 3-year local recurrence (LR) rate.ResultsOf 998 patients 363 underwent APR, 132 NRLAR and 503 RLAR. Three-year OS was worse after NRLAR (78.2%) compared to APR (86.3%) and RLAR (92.2%, p < 0.001). This was confirmed in a multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR 1.85 (1.07, 3.19), p = 0.03). The 3-year DFS was also worse after NRLAR (60.3%), compared to APR (70.5%) and RLAR (80.1%, p < 0.001), HR 2.05 (1.42, 2.97), p < 0.001. The LR rate was 14.6% after NRLAR, 5.2% after APR and 4.8% after RLAR (p = 0.005), HR 3.22 (1.61, 6.47), p < 0.001.ConclusionNRLAR might be associated with worse 3-year OS, DFS and LR rate compared to RLAR and APR.     

Indications for neoadjuvant treatment based on risk factors for poor prognosis before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

IntroductionThe oncological benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) alone for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical risk factors for poor prognosis before and after NAC for decision making regarding additional treatment in patients with LARC.Materials and methodsWe examined a total of 96 patients with MRI-defined poor-risk locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer treated by NAC alone between 2006 and 2018. Survival outcomes and clinical risk factors for poor prognosis before and after NAC were analyzed.ResultsIn the median follow-up duration after surgery of 60 months (3–120), the rates of 5-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and local recurrence (LR) were 83.6%, 78.4%, and 8.2%, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, patients with cT4 disease had a significantly higher risk of poor OS (HR; 6.10, 95% CI; 1.32–28.15, P = 0.021) than those with cT3 disease. After NAC, ycN+ was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor OS (HR; 5.92, 95% CI; 1.27–27.62, P = 0.024) and RFS (HR; 2.55, 95% CI; 1.01–6.48, P = 0.048) than ycN-. In addition, patients with CEA after NAC (post-CEA) ≥ 5 ng/ml had a significantly higher risk LR (HR; 5.63, 95% CI; 1.06–29.93, P = 0.043).ConclusionNAC alone had an insufficient survival effect on patients with cT4 disease, ycN+, or an elevated post-CEA level. In contrast, NAC alone is a potential treatment for other patients with LARC.     

Robot-assisted versus open radical nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: A retrospective cohort study across ten years

PurposeRadical nephroureterectomy is the gold standard of treatment for high-risk non-metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. However, the optimal surgical approach remains a controversial debate. This study compared the perioperative and oncological outcomes of open and robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomies.Methods131 consecutive radical nephroureterectomies (66 robot-assisted nephroureterectomies vs. 65 open nephroureterectomies) for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract at a single tertiary referral center were included from 2009 to 2019. The perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared between both surgical approaches, including logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching, Kaplan Meier analyses, and Cox regression models.ResultsOverall, robot-assisted surgery had less blood loss (150 ml vs. 250, p = 0.004) and less positive surgical margins (1.5% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.004) at a comparable operating time (robotic 188min vs. 178). Any grade complications were more frequent after open surgery (40.9% vs. 63.1%, p = 0.011), and the length of stay was shorter after robotic nephroureterectomy (9 days vs. 12, p < 0.001). These differences remained significant in the propensity score matched analysis, except for the complication rates, which were still lower for the robotic approach, but no longer significant. At a median follow-up of 30.9 months (range 1.4–129.5), neither the progression-free survival (PFS, 2-year: robotic 66.7% vs. open 55.3%), nor the overall survival differed significantly (OS, 2-year: robotic 76.2% vs. open 68.4%). In the Cox regression, the surgical approach did not impact the PFS or OS. Lymph node metastases (HR 3.32, p = 0.008) had the strongest impact on the PFS besides patient age (HR 1.51 per 10 years, p = 0.025) and prior cystectomy (HR 2.42, p = 0.026) in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsRobot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy had significant perioperative advantages at comparable oncological outcomes compared to open surgery for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract at a high volume center, experienced in robotic surgery.     

Minimally invasive surgery versus percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a high-volume liver surgery center in East Asia

Background & aimsThe outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs. percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain inconclusive. This study thus aimed to compare the outcomes of both treatments for early-stage HCCs.MethodsThis retrospective study consecutively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed early-stage HCCs treated with MIS or percutaneous RFA between 2011 and 2018. Outcomes were compared between the MIS and RFA groups both before and after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsA total of 119 and 481 patients underwent MIS and percutaneous RFA, respectively. Patients undergoing percutaneous RFA exhibited older age (p = 0.007) and higher rates of Child–Pugh class B (p < 0.001) and multifocal disease (p < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) was 73.7 months in the MIS group, which was significantly higher than that for the RFA group of 65.1 months (p = 0.003). 50% HCC recurrence after MIS was not reached. The mean recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 49.6 months for the MIS group, which was significantly higher than the RFA group of 41.3 months (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age ≥65 (HR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.13–2.31, p = 0.009), RFA (HR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.14–4.29, p = 0.019), and Child–Pugh class B (HR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.29–3.21, p = 0.002) remained risk factors for OS, and RFA (HR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.42–3.35; p < 0.001) remained a risk factor for RFS. After PSM, 103 patients were included in each group. No significant difference in OS was identified (p = 0.198), but RFS was higher in the MIS group than the RFA group (p = 0.003). Severe postoperative complications occurred at the same rate (1%) in both groups (p > 0.99).ConclusionAfter PSM, severe postoperative complication and OS rates were found to be comparable between the MIS and RFA groups, but RFS was higher in the MIS group than the RFA group, suggesting that MIS may have better outcomes for patients with early-stage HCC.     

Prognostic factors and outcomes of adult spermatic cord sarcoma. A study from the French Sarcoma Group

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes of adult patients with spermatic cord sarcoma (SCS).MethodsAll consecutive patients with SCS managed by the French Sarcoma Group from 1980 to 2017 were analysed retrospectively. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was used to identify independent correlates of overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and local relapse-free survival (LRFS).ResultsA total of 224 patients were recorded. The median age was 65.1 years. Forty-one (20.1%) SCSs were discovered unexpectedly during inguinal hernia surgery. The most common subtypes were liposarcoma (LPS) (73%) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) (12.5%). The initial treatment was surgery for 218 (97.3%) patients. Forty-two patients (18.8%) received radiotherapy, 17 patients (7.6%) received chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 5.1 years. The median OS was 13.9 years. In MVA, OS decreased significantly with histology (HR, well-differentiated LPS versus others = 0.096; p = 0.0224), high grade (HR, 3 versus 1–2 = 2.7; p = 0.0111), previous cancer and metastasis at diagnosis (HR = 6.8; p = 0.0006). The five-year MFS was 85.9% [95% CI: 79.3–90.6]. In MVA, significant factors associated with MFS were LMS subtype (HR = 4.517; p < 10-4) and grade 3 (HR = 3.664; p < 10-3). The five-year LRFS survival rate was 67.9% [95% CI: 59.6–74.9]. In MVA, significant factors associated with local relapse were margins and wide reresection (WRR) after incomplete resection. OS was not significantly different between patients with initial R0/R1 resection and R2 patients who underwent WRR.ConclusionsUnplanned surgery affected 20.1% of SCSs. A nonreducible painless inguinal lump should suggest a sarcoma. WRR with R0 resection achieved similar OS to patients with correct surgery upfront.     

Complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment is associated with better survival outcomes in patients with soft tissue sarcoma: Results of a retrospective multicenter study

BackgroundLocally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) management may include neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment by radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy (CT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by wide surgical excision. While pathological complete response (pCR) to preoperative treatment is prognostic for survival in osteosarcomas, its significance for STS is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of pCR to pre-operative treatment on 3-year disease-free survival (3y-DFS) in STS patients.MethodsThis is an observational, retrospective, international, study of adult patients with primary non-metastatic STS of the extremities and trunk wall, any grade, diagnosed between 2008 and 2012, treated with at least neoadjuvant treatment and surgical resection and observed for a minimum of 3 years after diagnosis. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of pCR. (≤5% viable tumor cells or ≥95% necrosis/fibrosis) on 3y-DFS. Effect on local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant recurrence-free survival (MFS) overall survival (OS) at 3 years was also analyzed. Statistical univariate analysis utilized chi-square independence test and odds ratio confidence interval (CI) estimate, multivariate analysis was performed using LASSO.ResultsA total of 330 patients (median age 56 years old, range:19–95) treated by preoperative RT (67%), CT (15%) or CRT (18%) followed by surgery were included. pCR was achieved in 74/330 (22%) of patients, of which 56/74 (76%) had received RT. 3-yr DFS was observed in 76% of patients with pCR vs 61% without pCR (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that pCR is statistically associated with better MFS (95% CI, 1.054–3.417; p = 0.033), LRFS (95% CI, 1.226–5.916; p = 0.014), DFS (95% CI, 1.165–4.040; p = 0.015) and OS at 3 years (95% CI, 1.072–5.210; p = 0.033).ConclusionsIn a wide, heterogeneous STS population we showed that pCR to preoperative treatment is prognostic for survival.     

Association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-lymphocyte ratio,and survival in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (NLR,PLR, and overall survival in UPS)

Background and objectivesCancer-related inflammation has been shown to be a driver of tumor growth and progression, and there has been a recent focus on identifying markers of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inflammatory indices that have been identified as prognostic biomarkers in various malignancies. However, there is limited and conflicting data regarding their prognostic value in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and specifically in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS).MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgical treatment for primary UPS from 1993 to 2021. Cutoff values for NLR and PLR were determined by receiver operating curve analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine prognostic factors on univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsEighty-six patients were included. The optimal cutoff value was 3.3 for NLR and 190 for PLR. Both high NLR (HR 2.44; 95% CI 1.29–4.63; p = 0.005) and high PLR (HR 1.99; 95% CI 1.08–3.67, p = 0.02) were associated with worse OS on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, metastasis at presentation and radiotherapy were independently predictive of OS, but high NLR (HR 1.30; 95% CI 0.64–2.98; p = 0.41) and high PLR (HR 1.63; 95% CI 0.82–3.25; p = 0.17) were not predictive of survival.ConclusionsHigh pre-treatment NLR and PLR were associated with decreased overall survival but were not independent predictors of survival in patients undergoing resection for UPS. Until additional prospective studies can be done, survival outcomes are best predicted using previously established patient- and tumor-specific factors.     

Laparoscopic versus open resection for rectal cancer: An individual patient data meta analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsThe role of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection remains controversial. Thus, we aimed to conduct a one-stage meta-analysis with reconstructed patient-level data using randomized trial data to compare long-term oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic and open surgical resection for rectal cancer.MethodsMedline, EMBASE and Scopus were searched for articles comparing laparoscopic with open surgery for rectal cancer. Primary outcome was disease free survival (DFS) while secondary outcome was overall survival (OS). One-stage meta-analysis was conducted using patient-level survival data reconstructed from Kaplan-Meier curves with Web Plot Digitizer. Shared-frailty and stratified Cox models were fitted to compare survival endpoints.ResultsSeven randomized trials involving 1767 laparoscopic and 1293 open resections for rectal cancer were included. There were no significant differences between both groups for DFS and OS with respective hazard ratio estimates of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.78–1.06, p = 0.241) and 0.86 (95% CI:0.73–1.02, p = 0.090). Sensitivity analysis for non-metastatic patients and patients with mid and lower rectal cancer showed no significant differences in OS and DFS between both surgical approaches. In the laparoscopic arm, improved DFS was noted for stage II (HR: 0.73, 95% CI:0.54–0.98, p = 0.036) and stage III rectal cancers (HR: 0.74, 95% CI:0.55–0.99, p = 0.041).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis concludes that laparoscopic rectal cancer resection does not compromise long-term oncologic outcomes compared with open surgery with potential survival benefits for a minimal access approach in patients with stage II and III rectal cancer.     

Survival in breast cancer patients with spine metastases: Prognostic assessment involving molecular markers

BackgroundTo clarify and update the prognostic assessment for heterogeneous population of patients with breast cancer and spine metastases (SpM), using molecular markers.MethodsThe patient data used in this study was obtained from a French national multi-center database of patients treated for breast cancer with SpM between 2014 and 2017. 556 SpM cases were diagnosed.ResultsMedian overall survival (OS) time for all patients following the SpM event was 43.9 months. First, we confirmed 3 previously known significant prognostic factors for survival of patients with SpM: young age [HR: 2.019, 95% CI 1.343–3.037; p = 0.001], good WHO status [ Status 0 HR: 2.823, 95% CI 1.231–3.345; p < 0.0001] or [ Status 1 HR: 1.956, 95% CI 0.768–2.874; p = 0.001] and no-ambulatory neurological status: Frankel A-C [HR: 0.438, 95% CI 0.248–0.772; p = 0.004]. Secondly, we determined the effect of gene mutations on survival in patients with SpM, and we identified that HER2+ cancer subtype [HR: 1.567, 95% CI 0.946–2.557; p = 0.008] was an independent predictor of longer survival, whereas basal cancer subtype [HR: 0.496, 95% CI 0.353–0.699; p < 0.0001] was associated with a poorer prognosis. Other factors including the number of SpM, surgery, extraspinal metastases, synchrone metastases, metastasis-free survival, and SpM recurrence were not identified as prognostically relevant to survival.ConclusionSurvival and our ability to estimate it in breast cancer patients with SpM has improved significantly. Therefore, SpM prognostic scoring algorithms should be updated and incorporate genotypic data on subtypes to make treatment more adaptive.     

Wound complications are a predictor of worse oncologic outcome in extremity soft tissue sarcomas

BackgroundIn various oncological conditions, complications correlate with diminished prognosis, however literature on soft tissue sarcomas is limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors and the oncologic impact of wound complications in primary extremity soft-tissue sarcomas.MethodsPatients with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas without dissemination and with clear surgical margins (R0) were analyzed. Groups with and without wound complications were compared by univariate and multivariable analysis to identify risk factors. Uni- and multivariable analysis of factors associated with local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and disease specific survival (DSS) were performed.Results682 patients were included in the study, wound complications occurred in 94 patients (13.7%) within 90 days. Age, ASA-stage, high tumor size and grade, tumor location in the foot, neoadjuvant radiation therapy and operation time represented independent risk factors for wound complications. Patients with wound complications had a significantly worse estimated 5-year LRFS of 49.4 ± 6% versus 78.3 ± 2.1% and 5-year DSS of 77.9 ± 5.4% versus 89.1 ± 1.6%. Wound complications could be identified as an independent risk factor for worse LRFS (HR 2.68[CI 1.83–3.93], p < 0.001) and DSS (HR 1.79[CI 1.01–3.16], p = 0.046).ConclusionWound complications after soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities are associated with worse local oncological outcome and survival. Patients with high risk of wound complications should be identified and strategies implemented to reduce surgical complications and possibly improve oncologic prognosis.     

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A pooled analysis of two randomised controlled trials

PurposeTo assess the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with International Union Against Cancer (UICC)–staged III/IVA,B nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), who were enrolled into two randomised controlled trials of concurrent/adjuvant chemotherapy when added to radiotherapy (SQNP01), and induction chemotherapy when added to chemoradiotherapy (NCC0901).Material and methodsA post hoc analysis of pooled cohorts from SQNP01 (N = 221) and NCC0901 (N = 172) was performed. We employed a threshold of pre-treatment NLR = 3.0 (median) to stratify patients. Survival outcomes were compared using log-rank test. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess association between NLR and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS), and locoregional recurrence–free survival (LRFS).ResultsHigh NLR (≥3.0) was associated with advanced T-status (p = 0.002), N-status (p = 0.002), overall UICC stage (p = 0.004), and high pre-treatment Epstein–Barr virus DNA titre (p = 0.001). High NLR was not associated with OS (0.94 [0.67–1.32], p = 0.7), DFS (0.98 [0.73–1.33], p = 0.9), DMFS (1.02 [0.66–1.57], p = 0.9), and LRFS (1.37 [0.84–2.22], p = 0.2) on univariable and multivariable analyses, while conventional clinical indices (T-status, N-status, and overall UICC stage) were prognostic of clinical outcomes. High NLR also did not predict for a treatment effect with the experimental arms in both trials.ConclusionOur pooled analyses that were confined to a homogenous patient population of locally advanced NPC do not suggest that NLR adds prognostic value to conventional clinical indices in identifying patients with unfavourable disease.     

Clinical utility of lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio in predicting survival and postoperative complication for esophago-gastric junction cancer

BackgroundThere are still no useful predictive biomarkers for esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) cancer. We compared 15 candidate inflammation-based markers and investigated the clinical impact of the selected biomarker.MethodsOne hundred three patients with EGJ cancer between 2002 and 2020 were enrolled, and associations between clinicopathological data and inflammatory biomarkers were retrospectively analyzed. Area under the curve (AUC) values of 15 candidate biomarkers were compared in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves regarding overall survival (OS). Clinical impacts of the selected marker were further investigated regarding long-term prognosis, postoperative complications, and preoperative chemotherapy effects.ResultsLymphocyte/CRP ratio (LCR) demonstrated the highest AUC (0.68552) and was chosen as a candidate biomarker. The high LCR group (LCR >4610) demonstrated significantly better OS (p < 0.0001) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (p < 0.0001) compared with the low LCR group (LCR ≤4610), and preoperative LCR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (HR 4.97, 95% CI:2.24–11.58; p < 0.0001) and RFS (HR 2.84, 95% CI:1.33–6.14, p = 0.007) in EGJ cancer patients. Another cut-off value was established for postoperative complications, and the incidence rates were significantly higher in the low LCR group (LCR ≤12000) than in the high LCR group (LCR >12000) for all postoperative complications, infectious complications, and surgical site infection (p = 0.013, p = 0.016, and p = 0.030, respectively). Furthermore, patients with decreased LCR after preoperative chemotherapy demonstrated significantly worse RFS compared with patients with increased LCR (p = 0.043).ConclusionsLCR is a potential biomarker to predict long-term prognosis as well as occurrence of postoperative complications in patients with EGJ cancer.     

Evaluation of radical surgical treatment in the management of 58 locally advanced rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms,one multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundLocally advanced rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare, and the therapeutic effects of surgery in improving the prognosis have been questioned in previous reports.Materials and methodsThe research included 58 consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal NENs from three Chinese medical centers between 2000 and 2020. All have received radical surgical treatment. The clinicopathological and survival data were collected. Kaplan-Meier methods and a Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the prognosis and identify independent prognostic factors.ResultsAll patients were followed up for a median period of 36 (2–125) months. Of the 58 patients, 13 (22.4%) had G1 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), 15 (25.9%) had G2 NETs, 6 (10.3%) had G3 NETs, and the remaining 24 (41.4%) patients had G3 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). The 1-year and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 64.5% and 48.8%, respectively. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 90.5% and 75.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor differentiation (p = 0.002), gross morphology (p = 0.009), T stage (p = 0.024), and extramural vascular invasion (p = 0.009) were associated with the OS. The subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed that tumor differentiation [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.002, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.210–29.767, p = 0.028] and gross morphology (HR = 3.438, 95% CI: 1.038–11.382, p = 0.043) were independent prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcomes.ConclusionsRectal NENs are a heterogeneous group of diseases. The survival benefits obtained from surgery vary widely based on the tumor clinicopathological features. Patients with G3 NECs and ulcerative mass are at high risks of poor prognosis.     

Pattern of recurrence in patients with endometrial cancer: A retrospective study

IntroductionEndometrial cancer (EC) known prognostic factors are not sufficient to predict either outcome or recurrence rate/site: to investigate EC recurrence patterns according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classes, could be beneficial for a more tailored adjuvant treatment and follow-up schedule.Methods758 women diagnosed with EC, and a 5-years follow-up, were enrolled: they were divided into the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classes (low LR, intermediate IR, intermediate-high I-HR, and highrisk HR) and surgically treated as recommended, followed by adjuvants therapies when appropriate.ResultsHigher recurrence rate (RR) was significantly detected (p < 0,001) in the HR group (40,3%) compared to LR (9,6%), IR (16,7%) and I-HR (17,1%). Recurrences were detected more frequently at distant sites (64%) compared to pelvic (25,3%) and lymph nodes (10,7%) recurrences (p < 0,0001): only in LR group, no differences were detected between local and distant recurrences. 5-Year distant-free (LR 99%, IR 94%,I-HR 86%, HR 88%) and local-free survivals (LR 99%, IR 100%,I-HR 98%, HR 95%) significantly differ between groups (p < 0,0001 and p = 0,003, respectively). Adjuvant therapy modifies RRs only in LR group (p = 0,01).ConclusionTo identify biological factors to stratify patients at higher risk of relapse is needed. Distant site relapse could be the main reason of endometrial cancer failure follow-up, independently or in addition to their risk class prognosis.     

Spinal metastases from thyroid cancer: Some prognostic factors

BackgroundSpinal metastases (SpMs) from thyroid cancers (TC) significantly reduce quality of life by causing pain, neurological deficits in addition to increasing mortality. Moreover, prognosis factors including surgery remain debated.MethodsData were stored in a prospective French national multicenter database of patients treated for SpM between January 2014 and 2017. Fifty-one consecutive patients affected by TC with 173 secondary SpM were included.ResultsMean overall survival (OS) time for all patients from the diagnosis of a thyroid SpM event was 9.1 years (SD 8.7 months). The 1-year, 5-year and 10-year survival estimates were 94% (SD 3.3), 83.8.0% (SD 5.2), and 74.5% (SD 9.9). The median period of time between primary thyroid tumor diagnosis and the SpM event was 31.4 months (SD 71.6). In univariate analysis, good ECOG-PS (status 0 and 1) (p < 0.0001), ambulatory status (Frankel score) (p < 0.0001) and no epidural involvement (p = 0.01), were associated with longer survival, whereas cancer subtype (p = 0.436) and spine surgery showed no association (p = 0.937). Cox multivariate proportional hazard model only identified good ECOG-PS: 0 [HR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.941; p < 0.0001], 1 [HR: 0.8, 95% CI 0.04–2.124; p = 0.001] and ambulatory neurological status: Frankel E [HR: 0.262, 95% CI 0.048–1.443; p = 0.02] to be independent predictors of better survival.ConclusionFor cases presenting SpM from TC, we highlighted that the only prognostic factors were the progression of the cancer (ECOG-PS) and the clinical neurological impact of the SpM (Frankel status). Surgery should be discussed mainly for stabilization and neurological decompression.     

Is adjuvant chemotherapy beneficial for stage II-III goblet cell carcinoid/goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix?

BackgroundGoblet cell carcinoma (GCC), formerly known as goblet cell carcinoid, of the appendix constitutes less than 14% of all primary appendiceal neoplasms. Surgical resection is the main treatment and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is not established. This study aims to evaluate the impact of AC in stage II-III appendiceal GCC.MethodsPatients with pathological stage II and III GCC who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using ICD-O-3 morphology and topography codes: 8243/3 (goblet cell carcinoid) and C18.1. Patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic and/or radiation therapy and adjuvant radiation were excluded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted, and Kaplan-Meier Curves were used to compare overall survival (OS) based on treatment received with Log-rank test.ResultsA total of 619 patients were identified. 54.4% males and 89.0% Caucasian; median age 56 (range, 23–90) years. Distribution across pathological stages II-III was 82.7% (N = 512) and 17.3% (N = 107) respectively. AC was administered in 9.4% (N = 48) of stage II and 47.7% (N = 51) of stage III patients. For stage II patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.04–2.34; p = 0.261) or multivariable analyses (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.04–2.12; p = 0.221). By contrast, in stage III patients, AC was associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.71; p = 0.004) and multivariable analyses (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07–0.88; p = 0.031). In the entire cohort 5-year OS for patients that received AC was 85.5% (74.0%, 92.1%) versus 82.7% (77.5%, 86.8%) (p = 0.801) with no AC. For stage II patients, 5-year OS was 96.9% with AC vs. 89.1% with no AC (p = 0.236). For stage III patients, 5-year OS was 77.1% with AC vs. 42.8% with no AC (p = 0.003).ConclusionAC was associated with improved OS in patients with pathological stage III GCC of the appendix, but not with pathological stage II.