Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus after R0 resection:a matched study

BACKGROUND： Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） with bile duct tumor thrombus （BDTT） is rare. The present study aimed to determine post-surgical prognoses in HCC patients with BDTT, as outcomes are currently unclear. METHODS： We compared the prognoses of 110 HCC patients without BDTT （group A） to 22 cases with BDTT （group B）. The two groups were matched in age, gender, tumor etiology, size, number, portal vascular invasion, and TNM stage. Additionally, 28 HCC patients with BDTT were analyzed to identify prognostic risk factors. RESULTS： The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 66.9%, and 55.9% for group A and 81.8%, 50.0%, and 37.5% for group B, respectively. The median survival time in groups A and B was 68.8 and 31.4 months, respectively （P=0.043）. The patients for group B showed higher levels of serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transferase, a larger hepatectomy range, and a higher rate of anatomical resection. In subgroup analyses of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection, TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ was an independent risk factor for overall survival; these patients had worse prognoses than those with TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ after R0 resection （hazard ratio=6.056, P=0.014）. Besides, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that non-R0 resection and TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ were independent risk factors for both disease-free survival and overall survival of 28 HCC patients with BDTT. The median overall survival time of patients with BDTT who underwent R0 resection was longer than that of patients who did not undergo R0 resection （31.0 vs 4.0 months, P=0.007）.CONCLUSIONS： R0 resection prolonged survival time in HCC patients with BDTT, although prognosis remains poor. For such patients, R0 resection is an important treatment that determines long-term survival.

Prognostic value of the preoperative fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing R0 resection

BACKGROUND Inflammation plays an important role in tumor progression,and growing evidence has confirmed that the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio(FAR)is an important prognostic factor for overall survival in malignant tumors.AIM To investigate the prognostic significance of FAR in patients undergoing radical R0 resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 282 patients with PDAC who underwent radical R0 resection at The Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2010 to December 2019.The surv_cutpoint function of the R package survminer via RStudio software(version 1.3.1073,http://www.rstudio.org)was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of biological markers,such as preoperative FAR.The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests were used for univariate survival analysis,and a Cox regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis for PDAC patients who underwent radical R0 resection.RESULTS The optimal cut-off value of FAR was 0.08 by the surv_cutpoint function.Higher preoperative FAR was significantly correlated with clinical symptoms(P=0.001),tumor location(P<0.001),surgical approaches(P<0.001),preoperative plasma fibrinogen concentration(P<0.001),and preoperative plasma albumin level(P<0.001).Multivariate analysis showed that degree of tumor differentiation(P<0.001),number of metastatic lymph nodes[hazard ratio(HR):0.678,95%confidence interval(CI):0.509-0.904,P=0.008],adjuvant therapy(HR:1.604,95%CI:1.214-2.118,P=0.001),preoperative cancer antigen 19-9 level(HR:1.740,95%CI:1.288-2.352,P<0.001),and preoperative FAR(HR:2.258,95%CI:1.720-2.963,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with PDAC who underwent radical R0 resection.CONCLUSION The increase in preoperative FAR was significantly related to poor prognosis in patients undergoing radical R0 resection for PDAC.Preoperative FAR can be used clinically to predict the prognosis of PDAC patients undergoing radical R0 resection.

R0 resection in the treatment of gastric cancer:Room for improvement

Gastric carcinoma is one of the most frequent malignancies in the world and its clinical behavior especially depends on the metastatic potential of the tumor.In particular,lymphatic metastasis is one of the main predictors of tumor recurrence and survival,and current pathological staging systems reflect the concept that lymphatic spread is the most relevant prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative resection.This is compounded by the observation that two-thirds of gastric cancer in the Western world presents at an advanced stage,with lymph node metastasis at diagnosis.All current therapeutic efforts in gastric cancer are directed toward individualization of therapeutic protocols,tailoring the extent of resection and the administration of preoperative and postoperative treatment.The goals of all these strategies are to improve prognosis towards the achievement of a curative resection(R0 resection) with minimal morbidity and mortality,and better postoperative quality of life.

Combination of preoperative fibrinogen and D-dimer as a prognostic indicator in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients undergoing R0 resection

BACKGROUND Patients with malignant tumors frequently exhibit hyperactivation of the coagulation system and secondary increased fibrinolytic activity.Fibrinogen and D-dimer are common indicators that are crucial in the coagulation/fibrinolysis system.Both indicators have been verified to have predictive value in the overall survival(OS)of many patients with solid malignancies.AIM To explore the prognostic significance of fibrinogen combined with D-dimer in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)patients undergoing radical R0 resection.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 282 patients with PDAC undergoing radical R0 resection in the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,between January 2010 and December 2019.The surv_cutpoint function of R language was used to determine the optimal cutoff values of the preoperative fibrinogen concentration and preoperative D-dimer concentration.Enrolled patients were further divided into the any-high group(high preoperative fibrinogen concentration and/or high preoperative D-dimer concentration)and the low-low group(low preoperative fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations)according to the optimal cutoff values.RESULTS The optimal cutoff values of the preoperative fibrinogen concentration and preoperative D-dimer concentration were 3.31 g/L and 0.53 mg/L,respectively.Furthermore,multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the preoperative fibrinogen concentration(HR:1.603,95%CI:1.201-2.140,P=0.001)and preoperative D-dimer concentration(HR:1.355,95%CI:1.019-1.801,P=0.036)exhibited obvious correlations with the OS of PDAC patients undergoing radical R0 resection.A prognostic analysis was further performed based on the subgroup results by using fibrinogen combined with D-dimer.The median OS duration of the low-low group(31.17 mo)was significantly longer than that of the any-high group(15.43 mo).Additionally,multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the degree of differentiation(P<0.001),lymph node metastasis(HR:0.663,95%CI:0.497-0.883,P=0.005),preoperative CA19-9 level(HR:1.699,95%CI:1.258-2.293,P=0.001),adjuvant therapy(HR:1.582,95%CI:1.202-2.081,P=0.001)and preoperative combined grouping(HR:2.397,95%CI:1.723-3.335,P<0.001)were independent predictors of OS in PDAC patients undergoing radical R0 resection.CONCLUSION Preoperative fibrinogen combined with D-dimer plays a predictive role in OS,and low preoperative fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations can indicate prolonged OS in PDAC patients undergoing radical R0 resection.

Outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical resection for T4 colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Patients with clinical T4 colorectal cancer(CRC)have a poor prognosis because of compromised surgical margins.Neoadjuvant therapy may be effective in downstaging tumors,thereby rendering possible radical resection with clear margins.AIM To evaluate tumor downsizing and resection with clear margins in T4 CRC patients undergoing neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery.METHODS This study retrospectively included 86 eligible patients with clinical T4 CRC who underwent neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by radical resection.Neoadjuvant therapy consisted of radiation therapy at a dose of 45-50.4 Gy and chemotherapy agents,either FOLFOX or capecitabine.A circumferential resection margin(CRM)of<1 mm was considered to be a positive margin.We defined pathological complete response(p CR)as the absence of any malignant cells in a specimen,including the primary tumor and lymph nodes.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictive factors for p CR.RESULTS For 86 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery,the rate of p CR was 14%,and the R0 resection rate was 91.9%.Of the 61 patients with rectal cancer,7(11.5%)achieved p CR and 5(8.2%)had positive CRMs.Of the 25 patients with colon cancer,5(20%)achieved p CR and 2(8%)had positive CRMs.We observed that the FOLFOX regimen was an independent predictor of p CR(P=0.046).After a median follow-up of 47 mo,the estimated 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)rates were 70.8%and 61.4%,respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that a tumor with a negative resection margin was associated with improved DFS(P=0.014)and OS(P=0.001).Patients who achieved p CR exhibited longer DFS(P=0.042)and OS(P=0.003)than those who did not.CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy engenders favorable p CR and R0 resection rates among patients with T4 CRC.The R0 resection rate and p CR are independent prognostic factors for patients with T4 CRC.

Impact of resection margins on long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head carcinoma

BACKGROUND The impact of resection margin status on long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) for patients with pancreatic head carcinoma remains controversial and depends on the method used in the histopathological study of the resected specimens. This study aimed to examine the impact of resection margin status on the long-term overall survival of patients with pancreatic head carcinoma after PD using the tumor node metastasis standard.METHODS Consecutive patients with pancreatic head carcinoma who underwent PD at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between May 2010 and May 2016 were included. The impact of resection margin status on long-term survival was retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS Among the 124 patients, R0 resection was achieved in 85 patients(68.5%), R1 resection in 38 patients(30.7%) and R2 resection in 1 patient(0.8%). The 1-and 3-year overall survival(OS) rates were significantly higher for the patients who underwent R0 resection than the rates for those who underwent R1 resection(1-year OS rates: 69.4% vs 53.0%;3-year OS rates: 26.9% vs 11.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that resection margin status and venous invasion were significant risk factors for OS.CONCLUSION Resection margin was an independent risk factor for OS for patients with pancreatic head carcinoma after PD. R0 resection was associated with significantly better OS after surgery.

Survival outcomes and prognostic indicators for gastric cancer patients with positive peritoneal wash cytology but no peritoneal metastasis after radical gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Positive peritoneal wash cytology with no peritoneal metastasis(CY1P0)is a special type of distant gastric cancer metastasis,which describes a patient with positive peritoneal lavage cytology,but no definitive peritoneal metastasis,and there are no widely accepted treatment guidelines.We enrolled 48 primary CY1P0 gastric cancer patients treated by radical gastrectomy in this study.Our study illustrated the efficacy of radical gastrectomy for CY1P0 gastric cancer patients,and suggested that the pathological N factor and vascular invasion were significant independent risk factors for overall survival(OS).AIM To assess the survival of CY1P0 gastric cancer patient post-radical gastrectomy,and to identify factors associated with long-term prognosis.METHODS Our study included 48 patients with primary CY1P0 gastric cancer who had radical gastrectomies at the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,Beijing,China between 2013 and 2018.R0 resection was achieved in all 48 patients.Twelve patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Thirty patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and four received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.OS statistics were available for 48 patients.Follow-up continued through March 2020.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to identify prognostic factors.RESULTS Median OS was 22.0 mo(95%confidence interval:13.366-30.634 mo)post-surgery.Univariate analyses demonstrated that tumor site(P=0.021),pathological N factor(P=0.001),pathological T factor(P=0.028),vascular invasion(P=0.046),and the level of CA199 prior to initiating therapy(P=0.002)were significant risk factors for OS.Multivariate analyses demonstrated that pathological N factor(P=0.001)and vascular invasion(P=0.031)were significant independent risk factors for OS.CONCLUSION This study suggested that radical gastrectomy may be efficient for CY1P0 gastric cancer patient post-radical gastrectomy and the pathological N factor and vascular invasion are significant independent risk factors for OS.

Retrospective analysis of surgically treated pT4b gastric cancer with pancreatic head invasion

BACKGROUND For advanced gastric cancer patients with pancreatic head invasion,some studies have suggested that extended multiorgan resections(EMR)improves survival.However,other reports have shown high rates of morbidity and mortality after EMR.EMR for T4b gastric cancer remains controversial.AIM To evaluate the surgical approach for pT4b gastric cancer with pancreatic head invasion.METHODS A total of 144 consecutive patients with gastric cancer with pancreatic head invasion were surgically treated between 2006 and 2016 at the China National Cancer Center.Gastric cancer was confirmed in 76 patients by postoperative pathology and retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the gastrectomy plus en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy group(GP group)and gastrectomy alone group(GA group)by comparing the clinicopathological features,surgical outcomes,and prognostic factors of these patients.RESULTS There were 24 patients(16.8%)in the GP group who had significantly larger lesions(P<0.001),a higher incidence of advanced N stage(P=0.030),and less neoadjuvant chemotherapy(P<0.001)than the GA group had.Postoperative morbidity(33.3%vs 15.3%,P=0.128)and mortality(4.2%vs 4.8%,P=1.000)were not significantly different in the GP and GA groups.The overall 3-year survival rate of the patients in the GP group was significantly longer than that in the GA group(47.6%,median 30.3 mo vs 20.4%,median 22.8 mo,P=0.010).Multivariate analysis identified neoadjuvant chemotherapy[hazard ratio(HR)0.290,95%confidence interval(CI):0.103–0.821,P=0.020],linitis plastic(HR 2.614,95%CI:1.024–6.675,P=0.033),surgical margin(HR 0.274,95%CI:0.102–0.738,P=0.010),N stage(HR 3.489,95%CI:1.334–9.120,P=0.011),and postoperative chemoradiotherapy(HR 0.369,95%CI:0.163–0.836,P=0.017)as independent predictors of survival in patients with pT4b gastric cancer and pancreatic head invasion.CONCLUSION Curative resection of the invaded pancreas should be performed to improve survival in selected patients.Invasion of the pancreatic head is not a contraindication for surgery.

Local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of multiple recurrences of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a type of soft tissue sarcoma,the histologic origin and differentiation direction of which are still unclear.There are few treatment options for UPS other than surgery.Herein we describe a patient who had multiple recurrences of UPS postoperatively,but R0 resection was achieved by local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy,thus providing a new treatment approach for similar situations.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old man sought evaluation from a physician for a mass on his right back.After surgery,the pathologic diagnosis was fibrosarcoma.During the follow-up evaluations until 2021,the patient had four relapses of varying degrees.Postoperative pathology confirmed the recurrence of UPS on the right back.In March 2021,he underwent local hyperthermia combined with two cycles of chemotherapy for recurring lesions.After magnetic resonance imaging reexamination and preoperative examination,the patient chose surgery again.During the operation,the tumors were easy to excise,the amount of bleeding decreased significantly,and the pathologic evaluation confirmed that one of the specimens was an R0 excision.CONCLUSION Local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy enables R0 resection to be achieved in patients with advanced UPS recurrence.

No long-term survival benefit with sustained-release 5-fluorouracil implants in patients with stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The prognosis of gastric cancer in an advanced stage remains poor. The exact efficacy of the use of intraoperative sustained-release chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) in advanced-stage gastric cancer is still unelucidated.AIM To explore the long-term survival benefit of using sustained-release 5-FU implants in stage Ⅱ and stage Ⅲ gastric cancer patients.METHODS Patients with gastric cancer in a locally advanced stage and who underwent an R0 radical resection between Jan 2014, to Dec 2016, in this single institution were included. Patients with pathological diagnoses other than adenocarcinoma were excluded. All included patients were grouped according to whether intraoperative sustained-release(SR) chemotherapy with 5-FU was used or not(NSR). The primary end-point was 5-year overall survival. Kaplan–Meier method with logrank test was used to analyze the overall survival of patients and Cox analysis was used to analyze prognosis factors of these patients.RESULTS In total, there were 563 patients with gastric cancer with locally advanced stage, who underwent an R0 radical resection. 309 patients were included in the final analysis. 219(70.9%) were men, with an average age of 58.25 years. Furthermore, 56(18.1%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 191(61.8%) were in TNM stage Ⅲ. In addition, 158 patients received intraoperative sustainedrelease chemotherapy with 5-FU and were included in the SR group, while the other 161 patients were included in the NSR group. The overall complication rate was 12.94% in the whole group and 10.81%, 16.46% in SR and NSR groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in overall survival and complication rate(P > 0.05). The multivariate cox analysis indicated that only N Stage and neoadjuvant therapy were independent influencing factors of survival.CONCLUSION Intraoperative sustained-release chemotherapy usage with 5-FU, did not improve the survival of patients who underwent an R0 radical resection in locally advanced stage of gastric cancer.