Quality of life after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND: After total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, many surgeons try to avoid an abdominoperineal resection (APR) by performing a transanally double stapled low colo-rectal anastomosis (LRA), frequently without a pouch. This policy is mainly based on the assumption that the quality of life after such LRA is higher than after APR. It has been suggested that a better functional outcome and therefore a higher quality of life might be achieved by a colo-anal J-pouch anastomosis (CPA). The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among disease-free survivors after APR, LRA and CPA. METHODS: The charts of 301 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for cancer in the middle or lower third of the rectum were analysed. Two hundred four patients were eligible for inclusion. The quality of life among these patients was assessed using one generic (EQ-5D) and two disease-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38). RESULTS: The response rate was 82%. The median follow-up was 31 months. Overall, quality of life was good but CPA patients had better quality of life scores than APR and LRA patients. This difference was not only due to the better functional outcome but also to the lower incidence of disturbed micturition and sexual problems in the CPA group. CONCLUSION: The quality of life after colo-anal J-pouch anastomosis is better than after abdominoperineal resection (APR) and low colo-rectal anastomosis (LRA). The quality of life after APR is similar to that after LRA.     

In vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins under ischemic conditions of closed-circuit perfusion of healthy and intoxicated rabbit liver

We are elaborating on the kinetics and mechanisms of septic rabbit liver to de novo biosynthesize acute-phase response (APR) proteins under in vitro conditions of deepening ischemia in reference to their in vivo prevalence in serum and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) collected at predetermined times. The significance of the data is interpreted as relevant to grafting cadaveric liver into end-stage liver diseased patients and APR-induced ischemic heart diseases (IHD). Hepatic APR was induced by CCl(4)-intubation, and the administration of cholera toxin (CT) or scorpion venom (SV), or both, to rabbits. Hepatic functional efficiency, in terms of biosynthesis of APR proteins in closed circuit perfusion of the isolated intoxicated liver with oxygenated saline or L-15 media paralleled the two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis (2D-IEP) spectrum of APR serum proteins at time of liver isolation. We are suggesting: (a) in vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins by isolated perfused liver is the result of in vivo decoded and retained APR inflammatory signals; and (b) decoded inflammatory signals are expressed not withstanding the perfusate's organic composition. Furthermore, 90 min of ischemic perfusion in saline or L-15 medium precipitated mitochondrial aberrations which resulted in further deterioration of de novo biosynthesis of APR plasma proteins. Regardless of the nature of the inflammatory stimuli, mitochondrial aberrations rendered the perfused organ a biologically inert tissue mass that was incapable of resuming biological function upon perfusion with oxygenated L-15 medium. This is most likely due to ischemia-induced irreversible hepatic necrosis. Thus, in vitro aberrations of mitochondrial function(s) critically limit the capability of the isolated liver to resume its organic function to sustain biosynthesis of de novo plasma proteins. Extrapolation of these results to the surgical management of end-stage liver diseases points to the importance of the status and the handling protocol(s) of the cadaver donor liver prior to successful grafting. We conclude that although histology of a cadaver liver may reveal well-preserved hepatic cellular organelles with at least minimal intra- and intercellular communication required for viable hepatic function, we deem it essential to further define acceptable minimal capabilities to de novo biosynthesize plasma proteins by a cadaver liver as a measure of its functional viability and suitability for transplantation. Ultimately, this measure may improve the success of liver transplants with minimal surgical and drug interventions.     

Perspectives on current survival and new developments in AML

The past three years have witnessed remarkable progress in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The approval and development of targeted therapies and novel agents has improved outcomes for patients with traditionally poor survival rates. This review has summarized the survival impact of chemotherapy-based regimens in AML and described recent advances that will be of significance in the near future.     

Management of primary anal canal adenocarcinoma: a large retrospective study from the Rare Cancer Network

PURPOSE: Primary adenocarcinoma of the anus is a rare tumor. The current standard treatment consists of abdominoperineal resection (APR). The aim of this Rare Cancer Network study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and outcome after the three most commonly used treatment approaches. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This multicenter study collected data from 82 patients: 15 with T1 (18%), 34 with T2 (42%), 22 with T3 (27%), and 11 with T4 (13%) tumors according to the TNM classification (International Union Against Cancer, 1997). Patients were separated into, and analyzed according to, three treatment categories: radiotherapy/surgery (RT/S group, n = 45), combined radiochemotherapy (RT/CHT group, n = 31), and APR alone (APR group, n = 6). The main patient characteristics were evenly distributed among the three groups. RESULTS: The actuarial locoregional relapse rate at 5 years was 37%, 36%, and 20%, respectively, in the RT/S, RT/CHT, and APR groups (RT/S vs. RT/CHT, p = 0.93; RT/CH vs. APR, p = 0.78). The 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rate was 47%, 29%, and 23% in the RT/S group, 75%, 58%, and 39% in the RT/CHT group, and 42%, 21%, and 21% in the APR group (RT/CHT vs. RT/S, p = 0.027), respectively. The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rate was 25% and 18% in the RT/S group, 54% and 20% in the RT/CHT group, and 22% and 22% in the APR group (RT/CHT vs. RT/S, p = 0.038), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed four independent prognostic factors for survival: T stage, N stage, histologic grade, and treatment modality. CONCLUSION: Primary adenocarcinoma of the anal canal requires rigorous management. Multivariate analysis showed that T and N stage, histologic grade, and treatment modality are independent prognostic factors for survival. We observed better survival rates after combined RT/CHT. We also recommend using APR only for salvage treatment.     

社区获得性肺炎急性时相蛋白的检测及其意义

目的探讨社区获得性肺炎(CAP)急性时相反应蛋白(APR)测定的临床意义.方法测定62例社区获得性肺炎APR的水平,将其分为有心肺疾病和/或危险因素组(A组,30例)和无心肺疾病和/或危险因素组(B组,32例);监测其APR含量变化,并与30例正常人进行对照分析.结果CAP患者测定的CRP、AAG及HPT的含量明显高于正常组(p＜0.01),而A组患者的CRP、AAG、HPT的含量明显高于B组(p＜0.01).结论APR的测定对于CAP病情的评估及预后有着密切联系.     

Acute phase response in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx sinensis) with Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx sinensis) is an important culture reptile. However, little is known about its acute phase response (APR) caused by bacteria. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a major acute phase protein (APP). In this study, a turtle SAA homologue was identified and described in reptiles. The full-length cDNA of turtle SAA was 554 bp and contained a 381 bp open reading frame (ORF) coding for a protein of 127 aa. Similar to other known SAA genes, the turtle SAA gene contained three exons and two introns. The promoter region of turtle SAA gene contained the consensus binding sites for nuclear factor (NF)-κB and c-Rel. The turtle SAA amino acid sequence shared the highest identity to avian SAA sequences. Meantime, we present the first systematic study with expression levels of five genes encoding APPs in immune response caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection. After infection, turtle SAA mRNA was induced in liver at 8 h, then increased more than 1200-fold at 2 d; in spleen and kidney, the SAA mRNAs were also induced during 8 h-7 d, but the level was far lower than that in the liver. The complement 3 (C3), fibrinogen-gamma chain (Fb-G) and cathepsin L (CathL) mRNAs were increased in liver at 2 d, whereas the albumin (ALB) mRNA was significantly decreased during 8 h-7 d. Our studies suggest that the APR in turtle with A. hydrophila infection is similar to that in mammals, and SAA is a major indicator of bacterial infection, especially at early stage, in reptiles. Additionally, the different expression patterns of five APP genes observed in present studies could provide clues for understanding the innate immune mechanisms in the APR of reptiles.     

The effects of systemic treatment with aminobisphosphonates and statins on circulating Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in patients with advanced cancer

Aminobisphosphonates (NBP) are used for treatment of metastatic bone disease. Frequently, patients undergoing NBP-treatment experience side-effects, known as acute phase response (APR), resulting from cytokine production by Vγ9Vδ2-T cells. As opposed to NBP, statins reduce intracellular phosphoantigen levels and prevent NBP-induced Vγ9Vδ2-T cell activation in vitro. We conducted a pilot study in patients with (bone-)metastasized malignancies receiving NBP-treatment and evaluated the phenotype and function of circulating Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in vivo and the effects of statins on Vγ9Vδ2-T cell responses and the associated APR. We observed reduced expression of perforin, granzyme B and HLA-DR on Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in patients treated with NBP and statins. However, statins could not prevent NBP-induced changes in circulating Vγ9Vδ2-T cell numbers or production of IFNγ and TNFα. Consistent with this, simvastatin could not prevent the occurrence of APR upon NBP-infusion. These observations call for the exploration of alternative strategies to prevent collateral APR upon NBP treatment.     

Quality of life measures in Islamic rectal carcinoma patients receiving counselling

Aim This prospective study was conducted to compare changes in the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and religious practices of patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer. Method We prospectively followed 93 Muslim patients after surgery for colorectal carcinoma: abdominoperineal excision (APE, n = 50), sphincter‐saving resection (LAR, n = 22) or anterior resection including sigmoid colectomy (AR, n = 21). The HRQoL was measured pre‐ and postoperatively at 15–18 months with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) and a modified version of the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Fecal Incontinence questionnaire. Life standards, including religious practice, were measured using the Ankara University Life Standard Questionnaire. Results No difference was detected in any SF‐36 Health Survey HRQoL domain among the groups, although there were differences within groups before and after surgery. The ASCRS Fecal Incontinence questionnaire scales of lifestyle, coping/behaviour and depression/self‐perception were similar in the APE and AR groups and were significantly worse than in the AR group (P ≤ 0.004). The embarrassment scale was worse in the APE than in the LAR and AR groups (P < 0.001). Religious worship (praying alone, praying in mosques, fasting during Ramadan and purifying alms) was not significantly different among the groups. Conclusion HRQoL measured by the SF‐36 questionnaire and religious practices were not significantly different after APE compared with AR. Ostomy support and pre‐ and postoperative health‐related and religious counselling may have had beneficial effects.     

柱状对比传统经腹会阴联合切除术治疗低位进展期直肠癌的疗效观察

目的探讨柱状经腹会阴联合切除术(CAPR)和传统腹会阴联合切除术(APR)治疗低位进展期直肠癌的临床疗效。方法选取低位局部进展期直肠癌患者80例,分为柱状经腹会阴联合切除术组即CAPR组,44例;传统腹会阴联合切除术组即APR组,36例。根据2组患者的随访资料及临床病理,比较分析2组患者的性别、年龄、肿瘤在肠壁的位置、肿瘤下缘距离肛门的长度、术前是否化疗、TNM分期、手术时间以及术中出血量和术后并发症出现几率、术后生存率、环周切缘阳性率、肿瘤的转移和复发率等数据。结果 CAPR组的手术时间、术后出血量、骶前引流时间及住院时间等与APR组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);但直肠穿孔、CRM阳性、骶尾骨不适及性功能障碍发生率2组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。CAPR组手术后并发炎症发生率为20.45%,APR组为16.67%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。CAPR组术后转移率为9.68%,APR组术后转移率为22.22%,2组对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。2组患者手术后复发及总体生存率相比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论与APR相比较,CAPR治疗低位进展期直肠癌能够更好地降低环周切缘阳性率和局部复发率、减少术中穿孔,但CAPR术后出现男性性功能障碍、骶尾骨不适发生率高于APR,还需要继续进行观察研究。     

凋亡相关蛋白3（APR3）在宫颈鳞癌组织中的表达及临床意义

目的：探讨 APR3在不同宫颈组织的表达情况和临床病理意义。方法：免疫组化法（SP 法）对放化疗前后的宫颈鳞癌组织80例,CIN 90例以及正常宫颈组织30例的 APR3表达情况进行检测。结果：APR3在宫颈鳞癌中阳性表达率为81．25％,明显高于 CIN 组的31．11％以及对照组的10．00％（P ＜0．01）。放化疗后宫颈鳞癌组织中 APR3的表达率为51．25％,低于放化疗前81．25％（P ＜0．01）。APR3阳性表达率随临床分期的增高而增加（P ＜0．05）,病理分化程度的降低而增加（P ＜0．05）,有淋巴结转移者阳性表达率明显高于无转移者（P ＜0．05）。结论：APR3与子宫颈病变良恶性有关,与子宫颈鳞癌发生发展相关。放化疗可能影响宫颈鳞癌组织中 APR3的表达水平。