Surgically Managed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Comparative and Prognostic Analysis

BACKGROUND: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been shown to have marked clinical efficacy in patients with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We performed a comparative and prognostic analysis of our experience with surgically managed GIST to determine factors associated with adverse oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Oncologic outcomes of 191 patients with primary GIST surgically managed between 1978 and 2004 at a single institution were reviewed. Prognostic factors were analyzed by Cox analysis (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]) and included age, sex, disease presentation (asymptomatic vs. symptomatic), tumor site (stomach, small bowel, colorectal), disease extent (localized vs. metastatic) and risk levels (high, intermediate, low, very-low) assigned on the basis of size and number of mitoses according to current National Institutes of Health recommendations. Primary end points were disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS: A total of 186 patients (97%) had c-kit-positive GIST. There were 54% high, 22% intermediate, 18% low, and 8% very low risk GIST originating from the stomach (54%), small bowel (36%), and colon and rectum (10%). Median patient age was 65 (range, 13-91) years, and 108 subjects (57%) were male. Seventy-two percent of patients had symptomatic local disease, and 21% patients had synchronous metastases. Most (95%) underwent R0 resections of their primary tumor. Among 146 patients (76%) with localized disease at presentation undergoing R0 resection, the 5-year DFS was 65%. High-risk GIST (HR 12, 95% CI, 5-32, P < .0001), symptomatic presentation (HR 2.5, 95% CI, 1.1-6, P = .04), and GIST in the small bowel (HR 2.8, 95% CI, 1-5, P = .003) were independently associated with decreased DFS. After a median follow-up of 63 months among survivors, the 5-year DSS was 68%. High-risk disease (HR 14.3, 95% CI, 5-41, P < .0001), symptomatic presentation (HR 3.1, 95% CI, 1.2-7.9, P = .02), and GIST in the small bowel (2.6,3 95% CI, 1-5, P = .006) were independently associated with decreased DSS. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk GIST are associated with increased disease recurrence and decreased survival despite complete surgical resection. These patients should receive adjuvant therapy in the form of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.     

Screening of antenatal depression in Pakistan: risk factors and effects on obstetric and neonatal outcomes

Introduction: To determine the frequency of probable antenatal depression (AD) in pregnant women in third trimester, assess the risk factors and its impact on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a developing country. Methods: A prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore from March 2007 to July 2007. Two hundred and thirteen pregnant women in the third trimester, attending the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic were recruited. They were assessed by a semistructured questionnaire to gather demographic details and various risk factors for AD. AD was assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. All women were followed until delivery to determine their obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Results: Out of 213 women, 91 (42.7%) scored above the cut‐off for AD. More women with depression reported problems in their marriage, problems with parents/in laws, history of domestic violence, past history of psychiatric problems and history of postnatal depression. In the obstetric risk factors history of previous miscarriages, stillbirths, and complications in previous pregnancy reached statistical significance. Thirty‐seven (17.3%) women were lost to follow up. Women with AD had more obstetric complications during delivery. Babies of mothers with AD had significantly low birth weight, as well as low mean APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes following birth. Discussion: AD is a common problem in Pakistani Society. In view of the risk factors and adverse outcomes associated with depression during pregnancy, there is need for close liaison between Gynaecologists and Psychiatrists in managing these patients.     

Empyema thoracis

Early recognition of empyema is of prime importance. Accurate assessment of stage is crucial in planning management. Exudative empyema (stage I) should be treated by aspiration or tube thoracostomy. Fibrinopurulent empyema (stage II) can be treated effectively by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Debridement and decortication are the main components of surgical treatment of stage III empyema. It is worthwhile assessing most cases by video-assisted thoracoscopy.     

Cancer of the lung: staging, radiology, surgery

Primary lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in industrialized countries. Despite advances in treatment, the overall 5-year survival remains poor due to the advanced stage of disease at presentation. Smoking remains the main risk factor being responsible for around 85% of all cases. The most important distinction is that between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Surgeons primarily deal with NSCLC (SCLC is an aggressive tumour that usually presents with systemic disease). NSCLC has a number of histological subtypes.Patient evaluation aims to establish the cell type of the tumour, determine the stage of the disease, and to determine fitness for surgery. Staging of NSCLC is based on the tumour/node/metastasis (TNM) classification. Procedures used to diagnose or stage lung cancer can include chest X-ray, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, combined positron emission tomography/CT, CT or transbronchial guided needle biopsy, and mediastinoscopy amongst others. Surgery is the only established method for ‘curing’ NSCLC. However, only a quarter of patients have resectable disease at presentation. Surgical resection can be performed using a variety of procedures including lobectomy, pneumonectomy or wedge resections. The 5-year survival of patients with stage I lung cancer following surgical resection is 51-60%.