Surgical Oncology Insight最新文献

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a syndrome of lifestyle-limiting defecatory dysfunction diagnosed after the treatment of rectal cancer that can afflict 41 % of patients one year after surgery. Currently, the treatment of LARS is reactionary to the development of symptoms, and post-treatment pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is one form of treatment utilized to mitigate the symptoms of LARS and improve patient quality of life. Prehabilitation is the physical and/or lifestyle preparation that improves recovery following surgery. For rectal cancer patients, general prehabilitation while undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is safe and feasible. However, no studies have examined whether pelvic floor physical therapy prehabilitation, which we term “PrePFPT,” could mitigate the development of LARS. In this commentary, we argue that PrePFPT should become an active area of research in rectal cancer to improve functional and quality of life outcomes. We highlight two proposed international trials, which will evaluate pre- and postoperative PFPT as a strategy to reduce the incidence of LARS. We conclude with our own proposed PrePFPT study design.

Background

Serum Pepsinogen (PG) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) have potential as biomarkers to identify persons at high risk for gastric cancer (GC) in low incidence populations. We explored the use of these biomarkers in a diverse US population.

Methods

Single institution study using serum samples from 32 newly diagnosed GC (before treatment) and 60 non-cancer participants. ELISA-based PG-I, PG-II, Hp IgG, and Hp virulence seromarker (CagA, VacA) tests were conducted to examine differences between GC and non-GC participants.

Results

Median age was 58 (IQR 48–68); 56 % were females; 30.1 % were white, 14.8 % black, 28.7 % Hispanic, 6.1 % Asian and 18.2 % other/unknown race/ethnicity. Median values of Hp (47.9 vs 12.6 U/mL, p = 0.003) and pepsinogen ratio (PGR=PGI/PGII) (4.0 vs 7.5, p = 0.003) differed between GC and non-GC. Performance of pepsinogen tests using “standard” cut-offs (PGI ≤ 70 ng/mL and PGR ≤ 3) were highly specific (91.7 %), but not sensitive (34.4 %), while Hp IgG test using “standard” cut-off (≥ 30 U/mL) was sensitive (78.8 %), but less specific (41.2 %). Optimized cut-off values identified in our population using Youden’s Index were PGR ≤ 5.2 and Hp ≥ 17.5 U/mL. Using a combination of these values resulted in a significant increase in test sensitivity (87.9 %) with lower specificity (50.8 %).

Conclusion

The combination of pepsinogens and Hp show promise as biomarkers of GC risk in a racially and ethnically diverse US population. Optimal biomarker cut-off points for US populations may differ from those established in East Asia. By adjusting cut-offs there is potential to design GC risk stratification tools tailored specifically for the diverse population within the US.

Background

Social media platforms are a significant source of information for young women with breast cancer (YWBC) undergoing post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR). The emphasis on visual storytelling and building community in online spaces renders YouTube to be a common platform for discussions of BR. This study aims to assess the quality of YouTube videos about PMBR, identify themes related to the PMBR experience, and quantify suggestions of BR as an option PM.

Methods

YouTube was searched incognito with terms “young women breast cancer reconstruction” in 08/2022, in order from most to least viewed. Title, upload date, length, poster identity, number of likes and comments were collected. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for audiovisual materials (PEMAT A/V) was used to evaluate understandability and actionability. DISCERN assessed quality and reliability. Presence of sponsorship, intended audience, patient and healthcare professional narratives, and suggestions of PMBR were collected. Reviewers noted whether PMBR was shown and how. Themes were collected inductively and deductively for thematic analysis.

Results

193 videos were identified. Mean video length was 14.6 min (SD 20.0 min). 87.1 % included sponsorships. 95.9 % of videos were posted by an organization. 60.6 % were information-based; 45.6 % experience-based. Mean PEMAT scores for understandability and actionability were 71.3 % (SD 13.4) and 35.7 % (SD 41.8), respectively. Mean DISCERN was 2.6/5 (SD 1.2). Patient narrative was present in 52.6 % and healthcare professionals’ in 68.4 %. PMBR was visually presented 22.8 % of the time. 13.5 % of videos explicitly recommended PMBR. 2.6 % explicitly discouraged it. Patients (77.7 %) represented the majority of the intended audience. Most common deductively identified themes included treatment (87.1 %), family relationship (17.1 %), motherhood (15.5 %), fertility (11.9 %). Inductively identified subthemes included differentiating between various options for PMBR surgery, BRCA genetic testing, psychosocial effects of breast cancer and PMBR, and recovery from surgery.

Conclusion

YouTube is a platform wherein various PMBR options are widely discussed and explained. PMBR videos are highly understandable but have moderate levels of actionability, quality, and reliability. Videos are highly sponsored, demonstrating significant institutional bias. Themes are overwhelmingly treatment and surgery-based. Personal themes were present but not dominant.

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may compromise outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases (PM) from appendix/colon cancer. We evaluated CRS/HIPEC outcomes in patients with concurrent IBD.

Methods

A matched cohort study using a prospective institutional CRS/HIPEC database (1998–2023) included appendix/colon cancer patients with PM. We matched IBD patients to IBD-free controls in a 1:5 ratio with nearest-neighbor propensity score for sex, age, and peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and exact matching for prior CRS/HIPEC and primary tumor. Perioperative variables, including Clavien-Dindo 90-day complications, were compared. Kaplan-Meier overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared using stratified Cox regression.

Results

Of 605 CRS/HIPECs for appendix/colon cancer, 14 (2.3%) had concurrent Crohn’s disease (n = 6) or ulcerative colitis (n = 8). Seventy IBD-free controls were matched. Nine (64.7%) IBD patients had an appendix primary. Complete cytoreduction (CC-0/1) was achieved in 10 (71.4%) IBD and 57 (81.4%) IBD-free patients (p = 0.468). IBD vs IBD-free patients tended to have more grade-III/IV complications (35.7% [n = 5] vs 15.7% [n = 11], p = 0.082) and had a higher rate of severe nausea/vomiting (35.7% vs 4.3 %, p < 0.001) and diarrhea (28.6% vs 8.6%, p = 0.035). Rates of anastomotic leak (7.1% [n = 1] vs 1.4% [n = 1], p = 0.200) and intraabdominal infections (7.1% [n = 1] vs 2.9% [n = 2], p = 0.430) were similar for IBD vs IBD-free, respectively. IBD did not affect OS (HR [95% CI]: 1.1 [0.4, 2.9]) or PFS (HR [95% CI]: 1.2 [0.4, 3.9]).

Conclusion

IBD is associated with a higher rate of gastrointestinal complications after CRS/HIPEC for appendix/colon cancer; however, it does not affect OS or PFS.

Factors associated with selection of proton therapy (PT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) versus 3-dimensional conformal radiation in breast cancer were evaluated. As PT usage increases, data on local control, survival, long-term sequelae, and patient-reported outcomes of PT vs photon therapy are important to guide optimal application of radiation techniques.

Purpose

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by a germline loss-of-function mutation in a mismatch repair (MMR) gene. While sarcomas are not classically considered LS cancers, we investigated the MMR status and clinical features of sarcomas in LS patients to help inform optimal treatment strategies.

Methods

A prospectively maintained institutional clinical cancer genetics database was queried for LS patients (defined by pathogenic germline mutation in a MMR gene) with a documented diagnosis of sarcoma between 1998–2022. Tumor MMR status was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MMR proteins and secondarily by PCR assay if IHC was normal or intact.

Results

Among the 30 LS patients with sarcoma, germline mutations were most common in MSH2 (50 %). The most common sarcoma subtypes were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (40 %) and leiomyosarcoma (27 %). Median age at diagnosis was 49.2 years (interquartile range 40.4–62.4). 90 % presented with localized disease, and 10 % presented with synchronous metastatic disease. Among 10 patients with tissue available for biomarker determination, dMMR was confirmed in 4 (40 %), while the remaining (60 %) were pMMR. Three patients received immunotherapy. Two of these had confirmed dMMR tumor status: one demonstrated a sustained complete response on pembrolizumab monotherapy for 44 months; the other had a partial response on ipilimumab and nivolumab for 31 months but died from an unrelated cause. In the entire cohort of 30 patients at a median follow-up time of 68.2 months since sarcoma diagnosis (interquartile range 29.0–151.5 months), median overall survival and progression-free survival have not been reached.

Conclusion

While rare, sarcoma can be encountered in patients with LS, particularly those with germline MSH2 mutation. LS-associated sarcomas occur significantly earlier, carry a favorable outcome, and demonstrate the potential for durable response with immunotherapy.

Background

Comparison of laparoscopic (LPD) and robotic (RPD) pancreaticoduodenectomy over time remains limited. This study aims to compare LPD and RPD and to describe the demographics and outcomes of patients undergoing MIS pancreaticoduodenectomy over 5-years.

Methods

The ACS-NSQIP (2016–2021) database was used to evaluate patients undergoing MIS pancreaticoduodenectomy comparing LPD versus RPD. Patient characteristics, and outcomes were compared and multivariable modelling evaluated factors associated with serious complications, and mortality. MIS approach, demographics, and outcomes were assessed yearly to evaluate trends over time.

Results

We evaluated 1707 patients with 1148 (67.3 %) receiving RPD. Cohorts were similar with regards to demographic factors, however, patients undergoing RPD were less likely to be partially dependent (0.5 % vs. 1.6 %; p = 0.024), and more likely to receive neoadjuvant therapy (26.8 % vs. 21.7 %; p = 0.023).

Bivariate analysis demonstrated similar operative duration (444.1 vs 429.9 min; p = 0.074), but shorter LOS (8.5 vs. 9.8 days; p < 0.001), and higher readmission rate (21.5 % vs. 15.6 %; p = 0.004) with RPD. Additionally, RPD required transfusion less often (10.5 % vs. 21.7 %; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that LPD was not independently associated with serious complications (OR 1.27 p = 0.094) or mortality (OR 0.82, p = 0.611).

Analysis of trends from 2016 to 2021 demonstrated similar patient selection and outcomes but a significant increase in MIS pancreaticoduodenectomy (281 to 428), primarily driven by an increase in RPD.

Conclusions

Comparing LPD and RPD there is no difference in serious complications or mortality. MIS pancreaticoduodenectomy has increased over the last 5 years but volumes remain small with similar demographics and outcomes over time.

Background

Neurovascular involvement of extremity neoplasms is historically considered a contraindication for limb-salvage surgery, due to concerns of limb dysfunction secondary to motor and/or sensory loss. Theoretically, large nerve defects may be amenable to reconstruction using grafts, but the outcomes of these techniques in irradiated oncologic patients remain unclear.

Methods

This study investigates reconstruction of oncologic nerve defects in the extremities in patients who underwent (neo)adjuvant radiotherapy. A retrospective series of ten patients with extremity sarcoma is provided, with six lower extremity and four upper extremity cases. Reconstruction consisted of nerve grafting with or without the addition of tendon transfers. The mean duration of clinical follow-up was 42.5 months.

Results

Nerve graft reconstruction led to recovery of motor or sensory function in eight out of ten patients thereby allowing functional limb preservation, with none of the patients developing significant neuropathic pain, a common complication in oncologic resections of the extremities with nerve involvement or following amputation. Thus, radiotherapy does not seem to completely preclude successful graft reconstruction of large oncologic extremity nerve defects.

Conclusions

Although the oncologic disease itself is associated with significant mortality, the results of the nerve reconstruction were encouraging despite the concomitant use of radiation. Based on the available data and literature, we recommend to at least discuss the option of graft-based nerve reconstruction with affected patients if relevant characteristics such as patient comorbidities and the viability of recipient muscle are favorable.

Synopsis

In this study, the results of nerve graft reconstruction of large sarcoma-related nerve defects were evaluated. This type of reconstruction seems feasible even in irradiated limbs, thereby aiding in functional limb preservation.

Ultrasound provides essential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in almost every medical and surgical field. In breast surgery, the importance of ultrasound cannot be overstated as it plays a critical role in both radiographic and tissue diagnosis, and can be used to guide surgical resection. Newer, cheaper, and more portable ultrasounds facilitate its use in the clinic and the operating room, making it a cost-effective, patient-centered tool in the management of benign and malignant breast conditions. This paper provides an overview of the evolution of breast ultrasound in surgical practice, its potential underuse in surgery, and explores emerging applications in breast surgery. Lastly, we identify opportunities for improvement in education, training, and access to ultrasound to overcome some of the barriers to ultrasound use by surgeons.

Introduction

Axillary surgery has been de-escalated in invasive breast carcinoma and may be omitted in certain age groups. Up to 10–20 % of patients with ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) will have an element of invasion. Therefore, SLNB is indicated to rule out nodal metastasis. Our purpose was to identify the rate and possible risk factors for lymph node metastasis in DCIS, and to measure oncological outcome of positive SLNB in this group.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 female patients with DCIS, who underwent mastectomy and SLNB. Their clinical and radiological features, as well as pre and post-operative histopathological characteristics were evaluated and data was reported over an average follow up period of 48 months.

Result

DCIS was upgraded to invasive cancer in 11 patients out of 113 (9.7 %). Five patients had positive SLNB (4.4 %), one micro-metastasis (0.8 %) and four macro-metastasis (3.5 %) All the five underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and all additional nodes retrieved were negative. High nuclear grade, Her2 neu overexpression, and palpable mass showed higher odds of association with metastasis to sentinel nodes. However, due to the low event rate, the association did not reach statistical significance. Seven patients (6.2 %) developed lymphedema, 4 of which after SLNB only. No regional recurrence was reported among our study sample.

Conclusion

This study confirms the very low rate of positive SLNB in patients with DCIS. It is time to de-escalate axillary surgery for patients with DCIS undergoing mastectomy and consider delayed SLNB for high risk group of patients.