A Pilot Study of Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Resectable Gastric Cancer

Background: The goals of this study were to assess the feasibility and toxicity of a regimen of preoperative chemoradiotherapy, surgery, and intraoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with potentially resectable gastric cancer. A secondary objective was to assess pathologic response to chemoradiotherapy in the treated tumors.Methods: Twenty-four patients were entered in the protocol. Treatment regimen consisted of 45 Gy of external beam radiotherapy with concurrent 5-FU given as a continuous infusion at a dose of 300 mg/m². Patients were restaged 4–6 weeks after chemoradiotherapy and then underwent surgical resection and intraoperative radiotherapy to a dose of 10 Gy.Results: Twenty-three patients (96%) completed chemoradiotherapy in accordance with the study protocol. Nineteen (83%) of 23 patients who completed chemoradiotherapy underwent surgical resection with D2 lymphadenectomy. Four patients (17%) had progressive disease and were not resected. The morbidity and mortality rates were 32% and 5%, respectively. Of the resected patients, two (11%) had complete pathologic responses while 12 (63%) had pathologic evidence of significant treatment effect.Conclusions: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy for gastric cancer can be delivered safely and is well tolerated. The rate of surgical complications is consistent with that of other recently reported prospective trials of gastrectomy alone. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy resulted in significant pathologic responses in the majority of treated tumors, and complete pathologic responses were achieved in some patients.     

Preoperative Capecitabine and Concurrent Radiation for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Background

Patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) represent a high-risk group of patients due to tumor or patient-related characteristics. The optimal management of these patients has not been fully defined.

Materials and Methods

All patients undergoing evaluation for PDA between 2005 and 2008 were identified. Clinical, radiographic, and pathological data were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were staged as borderline resectable using the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) classification.

Results

A total of 170 patients with PDA were identified, 40 with borderline resectable disease. Of these, 34 borderline resectable patients (85%) completed neoadjuvant therapy and were restaged; pancreatic resection was completed in 16 patients (46%). Also, 8 patients completed 50 Gy of radiation in 28 fractions in 6 weeks, whereas 8 patients received 50 Gy in 20 fractions in 4 weeks plus chronomodulated capecitabine. An R0 resection was achieved in 12 of the 16 patients (75%). Also, 5 patients (63%) treated in 20 fractions had >90% pathologic response versus 1 (13%) treated in 28 fractions (P < .05). Borderline resectable patients completing surgery had similar survival to patients with resectable disease who underwent surgery. Patients receiving accelerated fractionation radiation had improved survival compared with patients treated with standard fractionation protocol.

Conclusions

A neoadjuvant approach to borderline resectable PDA identifies patients who are most likely to benefit from pancreatic resection. Preoperative capecitabine-based chemoradiation is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for these patients. Neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable PDA warrants further investigation using treatment schedules that can safely intensify irradiation dose.     

Tarsal Coalitions: Radiographic,CT, and MR Imaging Findings

Background

Tarsal coalitions affect up to 13% of the population and can be a cause of chronic ankle and hindfoot pain. They can be subdivided as osseous, cartilaginous, or fibrous types, each with unique radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings. In particular, MR imaging offers the unique ability to determine the exact type of tarsal coalition that is present as well as whether any associated soft tissue abnormalities are present.

Questions/Purposes

The purposes of this paper were to (1) review the anatomy of the hindfoot; (2) review the radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings of tarsal coalitions; and (3) review the imaging appearance of the specific types of tarsal coalitions.

Methods

Online searches were performed using Google Scholar with the search criteria of “tarsal coalition,” “hindfoot anatomy,” and “subtalar coalition,” and limiting the searches to papers published in the last 10 years in major radiology journals.

Results

The anatomy of the hindfoot is complex but essential to understand. There are various radiographic, CT, and MR imaging findings that can be consistently noted in cases of tarsal coalition. The specific types of tarsal coalition demonstrate characteristic imaging findings.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the foot, in particular the hindfoot, combined with the knowledge of the imaging characteristics of different histologic subtypes of coalitions (osseous, cartilaginous, and fibrous) is essential for interpreting radiographic, CT, and MR images of the ankle and foot.     

Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Definitions, Management, and Role of Preoperative Therapy

With recent advances in pancreatic imaging and surgical techniques, a distinct subset of pancreatic tumors is emerging that blurs the distinction between resectable and locally advanced disease: tumors of “borderline resectability.” In our practice, patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic cancer include those whose tumors exhibit encasement of a short segment of the hepatic artery, without evidence of tumor extension to the celiac axis, that is amenable to resection and reconstruction; tumor abutment of the superior mesenteric artery involving <180° of the circumference of the artery; or short-segment occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein, portal vein, or their confluence with a suitable option available for vascular reconstruction because the veins are normal above and below the area of tumor involvement. With currently available surgical techniques, patients with borderline-resectable pancreatic head cancer are at high risk for a margin-positive resection. Therefore, our approach to these patients is to use preoperative systemic therapy and local-regional chemoradiation to maximize the potential for an R0 resection and to avoid R2 resections. In our experience, patients with favorable responses to preoperative therapy (radiographical evidence of tumor regression and improvement in serum tumor marker levels) are the subset of patients who have the best chance for an R0 resection and a favorable long-term outcome.     

Diagnosis,Preoperative Evaluation,and Assessment of Resectability of Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer

Periampullary region encircles a radius of 2 cm around the ampulla of Vater; accordingly, four distinct neoplasias with overlapping imaging features originate in the region. Each of these lesions has a different long-term prognosis; hence, imaging evaluation to characterize the lesion is important. Further certain specific features pertaining to the vascular invasion and systemic spread may decide about the treatment as well as surgical approach. An understanding of the advances in imaging and image processing technology as well as in the methods of image acquisition, for the purpose, is quite relevant towards etching out a rational pre-treatment evaluation protocol. Further, an evidence-based decision as to the choice of optimum modality for answering specific clinical question is of prime importance in achieving a reasonable post-treatment outcome. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth most common cancer and a malignancy with one of the least 5-year survival rates (ranging from 6.8 to 15 % depending on peripancreatic extensions, dropping to 1.8 % for metastatic disease). A survival rate of 15–27 % can be achieved if the lesion is resectable but unfortunately, only 10–15 % of patients are eligible for resection. Cystic tumors of pancreas are a rarer variety of pancreatic neoplasia (5–15 % of pancreatic cysts and 1 % of all pancreatic cancers) which have a much better outcome and chances of resection. Being mostly incidentalomas, a timely differentiation of this lesion from the much more common pseudocyst (which would mandate a medical management and a different surgical protocol) is the key for curability. Lastly, the neuroendocrine tumors of pancreas are equally rare (1 % of all pancreatic tumors), but importantly due to associated clinical syndromes and their capability to metastasize early in the course of disease, a timely detection may hence be the key for successful treatment of these lesions. Imaging plays a vital role in the initial detection and characterization as well as in determination of resectability of each of these pancreatic neoplasias. Further, the differentiation of pancreatic head tumors from other periampullary neoplasias is important; the fact that most recurrences are as a result of surgical intervention in an otherwise inoperable disease while most treatment failures are due to improper characterization of the lesion is notable.     

壶腹周围癌各种切除手术的评价

主持人 :胆胰肠结合部包括胆总管胰后段和壶腹、胰头及其主副胰管 ,十二指肠二、三、四段 ,以及与这些脏器相关的血管、淋巴和神经等结缔组织。这一区域在解剖上复杂多变 ,是连接胆道、胰腺、胃肠道的枢纽 ,且变异多见 ;在功能上较复杂 ,一些功能性的改变亦能引起严重的后果 ;在诊断和治疗上比较棘手 ,直观性、创伤小的诊断方法较少 ,恶性病变的根治范围广、并发症多 ,使该区域恶性肿瘤的根治率低 ,对于性质难以判断的肿块 ,在处理上更是进退维谷。近年来 ,胆胰十二指肠结合部外科取得了较大进展 ,内镜手术在某些疾病的治疗上取代了传统方法 ;各种扩大、改良根治术和区域性切除术在原Whipple手术的基础上得以开展 ,其远期疗效尚有待于进一步探讨。本期特邀国内肝胆胰外科界知名专家撰写笔谈 ,针对该区域较新颖或者有必要重申的手术方法进行详细讲解 ,使之更趋规范化、科学化。同时 ,针对临床工作中经常碰到的难题进行解答与讨论 ,力图能为广大读者在胆胰肠结合部外科疾病的认识上提供一些新颖的或更清晰的思路。     

The Implications of Positive Peritoneal Lavage Cytology in Potentially Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Background

The clinical implications of peritoneal lavage cytology (CY) status in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer have not been established.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 254 consecutive patients who underwent macroscopically curative resection for pancreatic cancer from February 2003 to December 2010 in our institution. Correlations between CY status and survival and clinicopathological findings were investigated.

Results

Of the 254 patients, 20 were CY+ (7.9?%). There were no significant differences between CY+ and CY? patients in background data (age, sex, the level of preoperative tumor marker, and adjuvant chemotherapy). Patients with positive serosal invasion were more likely to be CY+ than those with negative serosal invasion (P?P?=?0.302). The median recurrence-free survival of CY+ and CY? patients was 8.1?months (95?% CI?=?0.0–17.9) and 13.5?months (95?% CI?=?11.5–15.5), respectively (P?=?0.089).

Conclusion

CY+ status without other distant metastasis does not necessarily preclude resection in patients with pancreatic cancer.     

Preliminary Radiographic Findings and Sizing Implications on Patients Undergoing Bioabsorbable Subtalar Arthroereisis

Metallic subtalar arthroereisis implants can require removal. Similarly configured bioabsorbable "interference screws" placed alternatively to metal implants may obviate removal. Radiographic imaging may show the location and sizing of the implant, and evaluate for implant degradation. Patients undergoing subtalar arthroereisis were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (computed tomography in one patient) to measure the size of the tarsal canal. The tarsal canal length, along with medial height and lateral height, were assessed. The patient's actual implant size was also noted as well as any signs of implant degradation, bony deformation, granulomas, and so forth. Six patients met the inclusion criteria. The range of implants used was 9 to 12 mm. The radiographic measurements of the tarsal canal were as follows: medial to lateral length, 12.8 +/- 3.4 mm; medial height, 7.3 +/- 2.5 mm; and lateral height, 8.0 +/- 1.7 mm. Two patients underwent implant removal. No cystic or degenerative changes were noted on plain radiographs with bioabsorbable implants. Bioabsorbable interference screws for subtalar arthroereisis placed in the tarsal canal may still require removal, although no detrimental changes were noted radiographically to the surrounding bony structures. The size of the current metallic implants on the market appears larger than the tarsal canal configuration.     

Borderline Resectable Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma: A Potential Role for Preoperative Chemotherapy

Background

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) may have tumor or patient characteristics at presentation that argue against immediate surgery because of an unacceptable risk of morbidity/mortality, incomplete resection, or recurrence. This clinical stage can be characterized as borderline resectable ACC (BRACC). At present, systemic therapies in ACC can reduce tumor burden in some patients, creating an opportunity in BRACC for a strategy of preoperative chemotherapy (ctx) followed by surgery.

Materials and Methods

A single-institution retrospective review was conducted of all patients considered for surgery for primary ACC. Patients with BRACC treated with preoperative ctx were categorized as follows: group A, imaging suggesting a need for multiorgan/vascular resection; group B, imaging suggesting potentially resectable oligometastases; and group C, patients having marginal performance status/comorbidities precluding immediate surgery. Both the disease-free survival (DFS) and the overall survival (OS) were compared in BRACC patients treated with preoperative ctx+surgery and those who had upfront surgery.

Results

Fifty-three patients with primary ACC were considered for surgery (median follow-up: 49.9 months). Thirty-eight patients (71.7 %) had initial surgery and 15 of them (28.3 %) were considered BRACC and received preoperative therapy. Of these 15 patients, 12 (80 %) received combination therapy with mitotane and etoposide/cisplatin-based ctx, 2 (13 %) received mitotane alone, and 1 (7 %) received ctx alone. Six patients were defined as group A, 5 as group B, and 4 as group C. Thirteen (87 %) BRACC patients underwent surgical resection. BRACC patients were younger but had more advanced disease than the patients having initial surgery (stage IV in 40 vs 2.6 % [p < 0.01]). By Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria, 5 patients (38.5 %) had a partial response, 7 (53.8 %) had stable disease, and 1 (7.7 %) had disease that progressed. Postoperative mitotane use was similar between groups (p = .15). Median DFS for resected BRACC patients was 28.0 months [95 % confidence interval (CI), 2.9–not attained] vs 13 months (95 % CI, 5.8–46.9) (p = 0.40) for initial surgery patients. Five-year OS rates were also similar: 65 % for resected BRACC vs 50 % for initial surgery (p = 0.72).

Conclusions

The favorable outcome of patients with BRACC, despite more advanced stage of disease compared to those treated with surgery first, together with uncommon disease progression, suggests a benefit of neoadjuvant treatment sequencing in patients with BRACC.     

Epidemiology of Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an important public health problem, although infrequent but with an exceptionally high mortality rate worldwide. Given that the majority of cancers occur in association with smoking, diabetes, pancreatitis, genetic factors, and others and with a growing population worldwide in mind, more cases would be expected in the near future giving further impetus to investigating prevention and treatment strategies to this international issue. The representative data on epidemiology of carcinoma of pancreas in India and Nepal are very poor. While there are many questions to be resolved, it is apparent that many facets of pancreatic cancer are becoming increasingly understood, and prospects for prevention are becoming apparent. Hence, screening research, recommendations, and implementation is an obvious priority. Although previous studies have contributed to the knowledge of carcinoma of pancreas epidemiology, such association needs to be further verified with proper epidemiological work. A new and global approach to the study of carcinoma of pancreas epidemiology is required if the disease prevention and treatment strategies are to be adequately directed and supported in the coming years. The collection and analysis of epidemiologic carcinoma of pancreas data will play a critical role in guiding future disease prevention strategies and optimizing patient management.     

潜在可切除性胃癌的新辅助化疗

目的 总结潜在可切除胃癌的新辅助化疗(neoadjuvant chemotherapy,NAC)的现状.方法 通过PubMed,以胃肿瘤、胃癌/癌、新辅助治疗/化疗及术前治疗/化疗为关键词,检索近5年的相关文献.并检索2007及2008年ASCO年会的相关进展.总结NAC在胃癌中的研究现状,评价其必要性和可行性,分析病例选择依据、缓解预测因子及存在的问题和发展方向. 结果共检索随机对照试验7个,其中3个为Ⅲ期试验.已进行的多数研究显示,NAC在胃癌的治疗中是安全、有效和可行的.但生存取得显著改善的NAC随机研究尚少,缺乏严格NAC与单独手术或围手术期化疗与辅助化疗对比的NAC随机研究.如何选择适当的病例、有效的NAC方案和治疗缓解的预测,尚需要解决.结论 NAC在胃癌的治疗中是安全、有效和可行的,但仍需进一步严格的前瞻性随机Ⅲ期试验证实.新的细胞毒性药物和分子靶向治疗可能是将来进展的实质基础.     

Role of Preoperative Transcatheter Arterial Oily Chemoembolization for Resectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

p < 0.05). A worse survival rate was particularly observed for the cirrhotic patients with TAOE than for those without TAOE: 35% and 72% at 4 years, respectively ( p < 0.01). As the cause of death, liver failure and gastrointestinal bleeding were more frequent in the patients with TAOE (13.3% versus 1.5%; p < 0.05). Although the TAOE seemed to retard intrahepatic recurrence during the first 1.5 years after operation (1.7% versus 10.3%; p < 0.05), the overall cancer death rate was similar between the two groups (18.3% versus 11.8%). Therefore we suggest that preoperative TAOE must not be performed for resectable HCC as a routine procedure, particularly in patients with cirrhosis. A prospective randomized trial is warranted to elucidate the merits and demerits of preoperative TAOE for surgically resectable HCC.