Retrospective Analysis of Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Small Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma:Survival Outcomes and Development of a Machine Learning Prognostic Model

Background and Objective The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)in improving long-term survival outcomes for patients with a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)measuring 5 cm or less remains uncertain.This study was designed to elucidate the impact of RFA therapy on the survival outcomes of these patients and to construct a prognostic model for patients following RFA.Methods This study was performed using the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database from 2004 to 2017,focusing on patients diagnosed with a solitary HCC lesion≤5 cm in size.We compared the overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS)rates of these patients with those of patients who received hepatectomy,radiotherapy,or chemotherapy or who were part of a blank control group.To enhance the reliability of our findings,we employed stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting(sIPTW)and stratified analyses.Additionally,we conducted a Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic factors.XGBoost models were developed to predict 1-,3-,and 5-year CSS.The XGBoost models were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration plots,decision curve analysis(DCA)curves and so on.Results Regardless of whether the data were unadjusted or adjusted for the use of sIPTWs,the 5-year OS(46.7%)and CSS(58.9%)rates were greater in the RFA group than in the radiotherapy(27.1%/35.8%),chemotherapy(32.9%/43.7%),and blank control(18.6%/30.7%)groups,but these rates were lower than those in the hepatectomy group(69.4%/78.9%).Stratified analysis based on age and cirrhosis status revealed that RFA and hepatectomy yielded similar OS and CSS outcomes for patients with cirrhosis aged over 65 years.Age,race,marital status,grade,cirrhosis status,tumor size,and AFP level were selected to construct the XGBoost models based on the training cohort.The areas under the curve(AUCs)for 1,3,and 5 years in the validation cohort were 0.88,0.81,and 0.79,respectively.Calibration plots further demonstrated the consistency between the predicted and actual values in both the training and validation cohorts.Conclusion RFA can improve the survival of patients diagnosed with a solitary HCC lesion≤5 cm.In certain clinical scenarios,RFA achieves survival outcomes comparable to those of hepatectomy.The XGBoost models developed in this study performed admirably in predicting the CSS of patients with solitary HCC tumors smaller than 5 cm following RFA.

Constructing a nomogram to predict overall survival of colon cancer based on computed tomography characteristics and clinicopathological factors

BACKGROUND The colon cancer prognosis is influenced by multiple factors,including clinical,pathological,and non-biological factors.However,only a few studies have focused on computed tomography(CT)imaging features.Therefore,this study aims to predict the prognosis of patients with colon cancer by combining CT imaging features with clinical and pathological characteristics,and establishes a nomogram to provide critical guidance for the individualized treatment.AIM To establish and validate a nomogram to predict the overall survival(OS)of patients with colon cancer.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the survival data of 249 patients with colon cancer confirmed by surgical pathology between January 2017 and December 2021.The patients were randomly divided into training and testing groups at a 1:1 ratio.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors associated with OS,and a nomogram model was constructed for the training group.Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.The concordance index(C-index)and calibration curve were used to evaluate the nomogram model in the training and testing groups.RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lymph node metastasis on CT,perineural invasion,and tumor classification were independent prognostic factors.A nomogram incorporating these variables was constructed,and the C-index of the training and testing groups was 0.804 and 0.692,respectively.The calibration curves demonstrated good consistency between the actual values and predicted probabilities of OS.CONCLUSION A nomogram combining CT imaging characteristics and clinicopathological factors exhibited good discrimination and reliability.It can aid clinicians in risk stratification and postoperative monitoring and provide important guidance for the individualized treatment of patients with colon cancer.

Retrospective cohort study on the postoperative survival rate enhancement of patients with colorectal cancer using three traditional Chinese medicine formulations:evidence from 1,361 cases

Background:Prior studies have affirmed the safety and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in treating colorectal cancer patients.However,definitive evidence regarding whether traditional Chinese medicine can significantly enhance the survival of colorectal cancer patients remains elusive.This study seeks to provide conclusive insights by examining the postoperative administration of Xihuang capsules,Pingxiao capsules,and Zilongjin tablets and its impact on the 5-year overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)rates among colorectal cancer patients.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted,involving 1,361 patients selected from the medical center.This retrospective study was carried out at a medical center in Tianjin,China.We assessed differences in postoperative OS and DFS between the control group and the medication group using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling.Additionally,propensity score matching was used to mitigate imbalances in baseline characteristics among patients.Results:Before propensity score matching,Xihuang capsules could prolong the 5-year OS(79.9%vs.81.4%,P=0.0480)and 5-year DFS(74.9%vs.79.5%,P=0.0046)of patients after surgery.Similar conclusions were obtained after propensity score matching:OS(74.8%vs.78.3%,P=0.0084),DFS(72.7%vs.78.9%,P=0.008).Patients taking Pingxiao capsules showed improved 5-year OS(77.2%vs.84.0%,P=0.0383)and 5-year DFS(69.9%vs.80.0%,P=0.0157)after propensity score matching.Patients taking Zilongjin tablets showed improvement in the 2-year OS(84.2%vs.93.1%,P=0.0390)and 1-year DFS(88.2%vs.92.0%,P=0.0320)after propensity score matching.Conclusion:Xihuang capsules and Pingxiao capsules significantly improved the 5-year OS and DFS of patients with colorectal cancer after surgery.Zilongjin tablets showed improvement in the 2-year OS and 1-year DFS after surgery for patients.

Prognostic nutritional index in predicting survival of patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer related death worldwide.Surgery with or without chemotherapy is the most common approach with curative intent;however,the prognosis is poor as mortality rates remain high.Several indexes have been proposed in the past few years in order to estimate the survival of patients undergoing gastrectomy.The preoperative nutritional status of gastric cancer patients has recently gained attention as a factor that could affect the postoperative course and various indexes have been developed.The aim of this systematic review was to assess the role of the prognostic nutritional index(PNI)in predicting the survival of patients with gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent.AIM To investigate the role of PNI in predicting the survival of patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.METHODS A thorough literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane library was performed for studies comparing the overall survival(OS)of patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer after surgical resection depending on the preoperative PNI value.The PRISMA algorithm was used in the screening process and finally 16 studies were included in this systematic review.The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews(PRO) RESULTS Sixteen studies involving 14551 patients with gastric or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma undergoing open or laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this systematic review.The patients were divided into high-and low-PNI groups according to cut-off values that were set according to previous reports or by using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in each individual study.The 5-year OS of patients in the low-PNI groups ranged between 39%and 70.6%,while in the high-PNI groups,it ranged between 54.9%and 95.8%.In most of the included studies,patients with high preoperative PNI showed statistically significant better OS than the low PNI groups.In multivariate analyses,low PNI was repeatedly recognised as an independent prognostic factor for poor survival.CONCLUSION According to the present study,low preoperative PNI seems to be an indicator of poor OS of patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric or gastroesophageal cancer.

Risk stratification in gastric cancer lung metastasis: Utilizing an overall survival nomogram and comparing it with previous staging

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is prevalent and aggressive,especially when patients have distant lung metastases,which often places patients into advanced stages.By identifying prognostic variables for lung metastasis in GC patients,it may be po-ssible to construct a good prediction model for both overall survival(OS)and the cumulative incidence prediction(CIP)plot of the tumour.AIM To investigate the predictors of GC with lung metastasis(GCLM)to produce nomograms for OS and generate CIP by using cancer-specific survival(CSS)data.METHODS Data from January 2000 to December 2020 involving 1652 patients with GCLM were obtained from the Surveillance,epidemiology,and end results program database.The major observational endpoint was OS;hence,patients were se-parated into training and validation groups.Correlation analysis determined va-rious connections.Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses validated the independent predictive factors.Nomogram distinction and calibration were performed with the time-dependent area under the curve(AUC)and calibration curves.To evaluate the accuracy and clinical usefulness of the nomograms,decision curve analysis(DCA)was performed.The clinical utility of the novel prognostic model was compared to that of the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)staging system by utilizing Net Reclassification Improvement(NRI)and Integrated Discrimination Improvement(IDI).Finally,the OS prognostic model and Cox-AJCC risk stratification model modified for the AJCC system were compared.RESULTS For the purpose of creating the OS nomogram,a CIP plot based on CSS was generated.Cox multivariate regression analysis identified eleven significant prognostic factors(P<0.05)related to liver metastasis,bone metastasis,primary site,surgery,regional surgery,treatment sequence,chemotherapy,radiotherapy,positive lymph node count,N staging,and time from diagnosis to treatment.It was clear from the DCA(net benefit>0),time-de-pendent ROC curve(training/validation set AUC>0.7),and calibration curve(reliability slope closer to 45 degrees)results that the OS nomogram demonstrated a high level of predictive efficiency.The OS prediction model(New Model AUC=0.83)also performed much better than the old Cox-AJCC model(AUC difference between the new model and the old model greater than 0)in terms of risk stratification(P<0.0001)and verification using the IDI and NRI.CONCLUSION The OS nomogram for GCLM successfully predicts 1-and 3-year OS.Moreover,this approach can help to ap-propriately classify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups,thereby guiding treatment.

Survival Rate and Factors Influencing It in Triptorelin-Castrated Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Most newly diagnosed prostate cancers in Benin are metastatic diseases and patients are reluctant to undergo orchiectomy. Still, chemical androgen deprivation therapy is not always available and not every patient can afford it. Thus, it will be interesting to evaluate the results of that therapy in the country. Objective: To analyze the survival rate and factors influencing it in metastatic prostate cancer patients who underwent triptorelin-based androgen deprivation therapy at the former Military Teaching Hospital of Cotonou from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022. Patients and Method: Metastatic prostate cancer patients received intragluteal injections of triptorelin 11.25 mg every 3 months. We retrospectively collected follow-up data from the patients’ medical records. By means of the software StataTM version 15, we performed a descriptive analysis of qualitative data. We used Kaplan-Meir method to estimate the overall survival rate in the whole cohort and in specific subgroups of patients. We compared survival rates by using the log-rank test. Results: 68 metastatic prostate cancer patients aged 47-86 years (mean = 69.9) with initial PSA ranging from 24.25 to 6334 ng/mL (mean = 666.1) started triptorelin-based castration. The tumor grade in 21 (33.3%), 14 (22.2%), 15 (23.8), 8 (12.7%), and 5 (7.9%) patients was respectively ISUP grade groups 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. 15 (22.1%), 4 (5.9%), 2 (2.9%), 1 (1.5%), 11 (16.2%), and 7 (10.3%) patients respectively had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, asthma, unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis, and paralysis. The mean nadir PSA level was 22.5 ng/mL (range: 0.01-220.25). The mean time to nadir PSA level was 8.9 months (range: 3-57). The overall survival rate was 42.6%. There was no significant survival difference between age groups (p = 0.475), relating to the presence of diabetes or hypertension (p = 0.757) or to the presence of paralysis or hydronephrosis (p = 0.090). The initial PSA level exerted no significant impact on patients’ survival (p = 0.461). Neither did the time to PSA nadir (p = 0.263). The PSA nadir less than 4 ng/mL (p = 0.005) and the PSA nadir less than 4 ng/mL achieved in 12 months or less (p = 0.002) were predictive of longer survival rate. The difference in survival rate through the ISUP grade groups was not significant (p = 0.061). Conclusion: The overall survival rate was 42.6% at 5 years. Achieving PSA nadir of less than 4 ng/mL in less than 12 months of castration was predictive of longer survival rate in triptorelin-castrated metastatic prostate cancer patients.

Nomogram model predicting the overall survival for patients with primary gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

BACKGROUND Increasingly extranodal marginal B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue,known as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)lymphoma,is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.The prognosis of primary gastric MALT(GML)patients can be affected by many factors.Clinical risk factors,including age,type of therapy,sex,stage and family hematologic malignancy history,also have significant effects on the development of the disease.The available data are mainly focused on epidemiology;in contrast,few studies have investigated the prognostic variables for overall survival(OS)in patients with primary GML.Based on the realities above,we searched a large amount of data on patients diagnosed with primary GML in the Surveillance,Epidemiology and End Results(SEER)database.The aim was to develop and verify a survival nomogram model that can predict the overall survival prognosis of primary GML by com-bining prognostic and determinant variables.AIM To create an effective survival nomogram for patients with primary gastric GML.METHODS All data of patients with primary GML from 2004 to 2015 were collected from the SEER database.The primary endpoint was OS.Based on the LASSO and COX regression,we created and further verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the survival nomogram model by the concordance index(C-index),calibration curve and timedependent receiver operating characteristic(td-ROC)curves.RESULTS A total of 2604 patients diagnosed with primary GML were selected for this study.A total of 1823 and 781 people were randomly distributed into the training and testing sets at a ratio of 7:3.The median follow-up of all patients was 71 mo,and the 3-and 5-year OS rates were 87.2%and 79.8%,respectively.Age,sex,race,Ann Arbor stage and radiation were independent risk factors for OS of primary GML(all P<0.05).The C-index values of the nomogram were 0.751(95%CI:0.729-0.773)and 0.718(95%CI:0.680-0.757)in the training and testing cohorts,respectively,showing the good discrimination ability of the nomogram model.Td-ROC curves and calibration plots also indicated satisfactory predictive power and good agreement of the model.Overall,the nomogram shows favorable performance in discriminating and predicting the OS of patients with primary GML.CONCLUSION A nomogram was developed and validated to have good survival predictive performance based on five clinical independent risk factors for OS for patients with primary GML.Nomograms are a low-cost and convenient clinical tool in assessing individualized prognosis and treatment for patients with primary GML.

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio predicts overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio(FAR)has been found to be of prognostic significance for several types of malignant tumors.However,less is known about the association between FAR and survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients.AIM To explore the association between FAR and prognosis and survival in patients with HCC.METHODS A total of 366 histologically confirmed HCC patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 in a provincial cancer hospital in southwestern China were retrospectively selected.Relevant data were extracted from the hospital information system.The optimal cutoff for baseline serum FAR measured upon disease diagnosis was established using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the crude and adjusted associations between FAR and the overall survival(OS)of the HCC patients while controlling for various covariates.The restricted cubic spline(RCS)was applied to estimate the dose-response trend in the FAR-OS association.RESULTS The optimal cutoff value for baseline FAR determined by the ROC was 0.081.Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that a lower baseline serum FAR level was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.43(95%confidence interval:1.87–3.15)in the OS of HCC patients,with identifiable dose-response trend in the RCS.Subgroup analysis showed that this FAR-OS association was more prominent in HCC patients with a lower baseline serum aspartate aminotransferase or carbohydrate antigen 125 level.CONCLUSION Serum FAR is a prominent prognostic indicator for HCC.Intervention measures aimed at reducing FAR might result in survival benefit for HCC patients.

Nomogram based on clinical characteristics for predicting overall survival in gastric cancer patients with preoperative anemia

BACKGROUND Preoperative anemia is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and increased perioperative transfusion risk.For surgical patients,this affects physical and cognitive ability and quality of life,but it is an important and modifiable risk factor.AIM To determine the effect of preoperative anemia on the prognosis of gastric cancer(GC)patients and generate a prognostic nomogram to predict the postoperative overall survival(OS)of GC patients with preoperative anemia.METHODS Clinicopathological and follow-up data of GC patients treated at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(China)from 2010 to 2015 were collected.Independent prognostic factors were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Then,these factors were used to construct a nomogram to predict 1-,3-,and 5-year postoperative OS in preoperative anemic GC patients.The nomogram was assessed by calibration curves,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS Nine hundred and sixty GC patients were divided into two groups(preoper atively anemic and nonanemic),and postoperative survival analysis was performed on both groups,yielding a shorter postoperative survival for preoperatively anemic patients than for nonanemic patients.A total of 347 GC patients with preoperative anemia were included.Age,preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level,monocyte count,lymphocyte count,clinicopathological stage,liver metastasis,and GC type were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the nomogram for predicting 1-,3-,and 5-year OS was 0.831,0.845,and 0.840,respectively,for the training cohort,and the corresponding AUC values in the validation cohort were 0.827,0.829,and 0.812,respectively.Calibration curves and DCA indicated good performance of the nomogram.CONCLUSION In all,we have successfully produced and verified a useful nomogram for predicting OS in GC patients with preoperative anemia.This nomogram based on a variety of clinicopathological indices can provide an effective prognostic assessment and help clinicians choose an appropriate treatment strategy for GC patients with preoperative anemia.

GATIS score for predicting the prognosis of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms:A Chinese multicenter study of 12-year experience

BACKGROUND There is currently a shortage of accurate,efficient,and precise predictive instruments for rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).AIM To develop a predictive model for individuals with rectal NENs(R-NENs)using data from a large cohort.METHODS Data from patients with primary R-NENs were retrospectively collected from 17 large-scale referral medical centers in China.Random forest and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the risk factors for overall survival and progression-free survival,and two nomograms were constructed.RESULTS A total of 1408 patients with R-NENs were included.Tumor grade,T stage,tumor size,age,and a prognostic nutritional index were important risk factors for prognosis.The GATIS score was calculated based on these five indicators.For overall survival prediction,the respective C-indexes in the training set were 0.915(95%confidence interval:0.866-0.964)for overall survival prediction and 0.908(95%confidence interval:0.872-0.944)for progression-free survival prediction.According to decision curve analysis,net benefit of the GATIS score was higher than that of a single factor.The time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the predictive power of the GATIS score was higher than that of the TNM stage and pathological grade at all time periods.CONCLUSION The GATIS score had a good predictive effect on the prognosis of patients with R-NENs,with efficacy superior to that of the World Health Organization grade and TNM stage.

Evaluating the influence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on clinical outcomes in gastric cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor

BACKGROUND The development and progression of gastric cancer(GC)are closely linked to the nutritional status of patients.Although immunotherapy has been demonstrated to be clinically effective,the relationships of sarcopenia and myosteatosis with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)in patients with gastric cancer remain to be characterized.METHODS We performed a retrospective study of patients who were undergoing immuno-therapy for GC.For the evaluation of sarcopenia,the optimal cut-off value for the skeletal muscle index was established using receiver operating characteristic analysis of data obtained from pre-treatment computed tomography images at the L3 vertebral level.Myosteatosis was defined using the mean skeletal muscle density(SMD),with a threshold value of<41 Hounsfield units(HU)for patients with a body mass index(BMI)<25 kg/m^(2)and<33 HU for those with a BMI≥25 kg/m^(2).The log-rank test was used to compare progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS),and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify prognostic factors.Nomograms were developed to predict the PFS and OS of patients on the basis of the results of multivariate analyses.RESULTS We studied 115 patients who were undergoing ICI therapy for GC,of whom 27.4%had sarcopenia and 29.8%had myosteatosis.Patients with sarcopenia or myosteatosis had significantly shorter PFS and OS than those without these conditions.Furthermore,both sarcopenia and myosteatosis were found to be independent predictors of PFS and OS in patients with GC administering an ICI.The prediction models created for PFS and OS were associated with C-indexes of 0.758 and 0.781,respectively.CONCLUSION The presence of sarcopenia or myosteatosis is a reliable predictor of the clinical outcomes of patients with GC who are undergoing treatment with an ICI.

Prognostic factors for overall survival in prostate cancer patients with different site-specific visceral metastases: A study of 1358patients

BACKGROUND Distant metastasis,particularly visceral metastasis(VM),represents an important negative prognostic factor for prostate cancer(PCa)patients.However,due to the lower rate of occurrence of VM,studies on these patients are relatively rare.Consequently,studies focusing on prognostic factors associated with PCa patients with VM are highly desirable.AIM To investigate the prognostic factors for overall survival(OS)in PCa patients with lung,brain,and liver metastases,respectively,and evaluate the impact of site-specific and number-specific VM on OS.METHODS Data on PCa patients with VM were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database between 2010 and 2015.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the association between clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with different site-specific VM.Kaplan-Meier analyses and Log-rank tests were performed to analyze the differences among the groups.RESULTS A total of 1358 PCa patients with site-specific VM were identified from 2010 to 2015.Older age(>70 years)(P<0.001),higher stage(T3/T4)(P=0.004),and higher Gleason score(>8)(P<0.001)were found to be significant independent prognostic factors associated with poor OS in PCa patients with lung metastases.Higher stage(T3/T4)(P=0.047)was noted to be the only independent risk factor affecting OS in PCa patients with brain metastases.Older age(>70 years)(P=0.010)and higher Gleason score(>8)(P=0.001)were associated with shorter OS in PCa patients with liver metastases.PCa patients with isolated lung metastases exhibited significantly better survival outcomes compared with PCa patients with other single sites of VM(P<0.001).PCa patients with a single site of VM exhibited a superior OS compared with PCa patients with multiple sites of VM(P<0.001).CONCLUSION This is the first Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results-based study to determine prognostic factors affecting OS in PCa patients with different sitespecific VM.Clinical assessments of these crucial prognostic factors become necessary before establishing a treatment strategy for these patients with metastatic PCa.

Development of preoperative prognostic models including radiological features for survival of singular nodular HCC patients

Background:Early singular nodular hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an ideal surgical indication in clinical practice.However,almost half of the patients have tumor recurrence,and there is no reliable prognostic prediction tool.Besides,it is unclear whether preoperative neoadjuvant therapy is necessary for patients with early singular nodular HCC and which patient needs it.It is critical to identify the patients with high risk of recurrence and to treat these patients preoperatively with neoadjuvant therapy and thus,to improve the outcomes of these patients.The present study aimed to develop two prognostic models to preoperatively predict the recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS)in patients with singular nodular HCC by integrating the clinical data and radiological features.Methods:We retrospective recruited 211 patients with singular nodular HCC from December 2009 to January 2019 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital(EHBH).They all met the surgical indications and underwent radical resection.We randomly divided the patients into the training cohort(n=132)and the validation cohort(n=79).We established and validated multivariate Cox proportional hazard models by the preoperative clinicopathologic factors and radiological features for association with RFS and OS.By analyzing the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the discrimination accuracy of the models was compared with that of the traditional predictive models.Results:Our RFS model was based on HBV-DNA score,cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging.RFS nomogram had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.74(95%CI:0.68-0.80).The OS nomogram,based on cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging,had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.81(95%CI:0.74-0.87).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of our model was larger than that of traditional liver cancer staging system,Korea model and Nomograms in Hepatectomy Patients with Hepatitis B VirusRelated Hepatocellular Carcinoma,indicating better discrimination capability.According to the models,we fitted the linear prediction equations.These results were validated in the validation cohort.Conclusions:Compared with previous radiography model,the new-developed predictive model was concise and applicable to predict the postoperative survival of patients with singular nodular HCC.Our models may preoperatively identify patients with high risk of recurrence.These patients may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy which may improve the patients’outcomes.

Incidence,Risk Factors,and Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Brain Metastases

Objective Brain metastases significantly impact the clinical course of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This study aimed to examine the age-related incidence,demographics,and survival of patients with HCC and brain metastases.Methods Data of HCC patients from 2010 to 2015 in the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)Registry were screened for the presence of brain metastases.They were stratified by age and ethnicity.Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with brain metastases and those with overall survival(OS)and liver cancer-specific survival(CSS),respectively.Results A total of 141 HCC patients presenting with brain metastases were identified,accounting for 0.35% of all HCC patients and 2.37% of patients with metastatic disease.Among all HCC patients,the incidence rate was the highest among patients aged 30-49 years old(0.47%).Ethnicity was not associated with the presence of brain metastases at the time of HCC diagnosis.However,African-American patients presented with a significantly lower disease-specific survival[median time:1 month;interquartile range(IQR):0-3.0 months].Initial lung or bone metastasis was independently associated with an increased risk of the presence of brain metastases[odds ratio(OR):12.62,95% confidence interval(CI):8.40-18.97]but was not associated with a worse OS or CSS among those with brain metastases.Conclusion This study identified the age-related incidence and risk factors of brain metastases in HCC patients.These results may contribute to the consideration of brain screening among patients with initial metastatic HCC with lung or bone metastases,and influence the counseling of this patient population regarding their prognosis.

Enhancing prognostic accuracy in predicting rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

The recently published retrospective study introduces the GATIS score,a new predictive model for rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms.By analyzing data from a large Chinese multicenter cohort,the study shows that the GATIS score,incor-porating tumor grade,T stage,tumor size,age,and prognostic nutritional index,demonstrates superior predictive power for overall survival and progression-free survival compared to traditional World Health Organization grade and tumor,nodes and metastases staging systems.This editorial aims to discuss the impor-tance of the GATIS score,its potential impact on clinical practice,and the strengths and limitations of the study.Finally,it explores the significance,methodology,and clinical implications of these findings.

Diagnosis and treatment of biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms: A single-center experience

Background: Biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms(BMCNs) are rare hepatobiliary cystic tumors, which can be divided into noninvasive and invasive types. This study aimed to investigate the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BMCNs in a large single center. Methods: We analyzed 49 patients with BMCNs confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Afflliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2007 and December 2021. Results: Among the 49 patients, 37 were female(75.5%), and the average age was 57.04 years. Common symptoms included abdominal discomfort, jaundice and fever, while 22 patients(44.9%) had no symptoms. Serum carbohydrate antigen(CA) 19-9 and CA125 concentrations were elevated in 34.8% and 19.6% of patients, respectively. Forty-eight patients had tumors in the intrahepatic bile ducts and only one had a tumor in the extrahepatic bile duct. Forty-eight patients with noninvasive intrahepatic BMCNs were further analyzed in terms of pathological features: 34(70.8%) had low-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(LGINs), and 14(29.2%) had high-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(HGINs). The potential immunohistochemical markers of BMCNs were cytokeratin(CK) 19, CK7, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Follow-up data for 37 patients with intrahepatic BMCNs were obtained. The median overall survival(OS) of BMCNs was not reached. The longest survival time was 137 months.The 5-and 10-year OS rates were 100% and 85.4%, respectively. The 5-and 10-year recurrence-free survival(RFS) rates were 93.9% and 80.2%, respectively. Conclusions: BMCNs are rare cystic neoplasms that commonly occur in middle-aged females. BMCNs can only be diagnosed and classified by postoperative pathology, as there are no specific clinical presentations, serological indicators or imaging modalities for preoperative diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is necessary for BMCNs, and the postoperative prognosis is favorable.

Machine learning algorithms able to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

BACKGROUND Although immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have demonstrated significant survival benefits in some patients diagnosed with gastric cancer(GC),existing prognostic markers are not universally applicable to all patients with advanced GC.AIM To investigate biomarkers that predict prognosis in GC patients treated with ICIs and develop accurate predictive models.METHODS Data from 273 patients diagnosed with GC and distant metastasis,who un-derwent≥1 cycle(s)of ICIs therapy were included in this study.Patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 7:3.Training set data were used to develop the machine learning models,and the test set was used to validate their predictive ability.Shapley additive explanations were used to provide insights into the best model.RESULTS Among the 273 patients with GC treated with ICIs in this study,112 died within 1 year,and 129 progressed within the same timeframe.Five features related to overall survival and 4 related to progression-free survival were identified and used to construct eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost),logistic regression,and decision tree.After comprehensive evaluation,XGBoost demonstrated good accuracy in predicting overall survival and progression-free survival.CONCLUSION The XGBoost model aided in identifying patients with GC who were more likely to benefit from ICIs therapy.Patient nutritional status may,to some extent,reflect prognosis.

Treatment patterns and survival outcomes in patients with nonmetastatic early-onset pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND The incidence of patients with early-onset pancreatic cancer(EOPC;age≤50 years at diagnosis)is on the rise,placing a heavy burden on individuals,families,and society.The role of combination therapy including surgery,radiotherapy,and chemotherapy in non-metastatic EOPC is not well-defined.AIM To investigate the treatment patterns and survival outcomes in patients with non-metastatic EOPC.METHODS A total of 277 patients with non-metastatic EOPC who were treated at our institution between 2017 and 2021 were investigated retrospectively.Overall survival(OS),disease-free survival,and progression-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Univariate and multivariate analyses with the Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify prognostic factors.RESULTS With a median follow-up time of 34.6 months,the 1-year,2-year,and 3-year OS rates for the entire cohort were 84.3%,51.5%,and 27.6%,respectively.The median OS of patients with localized disease who received surgery alone and adjuvant therapy(AT)were 21.2 months and 28.8 months,respectively(P=0.007).The median OS of patients with locally advanced disease who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy(RCT),surgery after neoadjuvant therapy(NAT),and chemotherapy were 28.5 months,25.6 months,and 14.0 months,respectively(P=0.002).The median OS after regional recurrence were 16.0 months,13.4 months,and 8.9 months in the RCT,chemotherapy,and supportive therapy groups,respectively(P=0.035).Multivariate analysis demonstrated that carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level,pathological grade,T-stage,N-stage,and resection were independent prognostic factors for non-metastatic EOPC.CONCLUSION AT improves postoperative survival in localized patients.Surgery after NAT and RCT are the preferred therapeutic options for patients with locally advanced EOPC.

Optimal sequential therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors as the first-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A nationwide multicenter study

Objective:The purpose of the study was to identify the best sequence of therapy beginning with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI)as the first-line therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC)in terms of overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),and rates of discontinuation and adverse effects during the treatment period.Methods:This is a retrospective,nationwide multicenter study of patients with mRCC after diagnosis at 10 different tertiary medical centers in Korea from January 1992 to December 2017.We focused on patients at either“favorable”or“intermediate”risk according to the International mRCC Database Consortium criteria,and they were followed up(median 335 days).Finally,a total of 1409 patients were selected as the study population.We generated a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for covariates,and the different therapy schemes were statistically tested in terms of OS as well as PFS.In addition,frequencies of discontinuation and adverse events were compared among the therapy schemes.Results:Of the primary patterns of treatment sequences(24 sequences),“sunitinib epazopanib”and“sunitinibeeverolimuseimmunotherapy”showed the most beneficial results in both OS and PFS with significantly lower hazards than“sunitinib”,which is the most commonly treated agent in Korea.Considering that the“TKIeTKI”structure showed relatively higher discontinuation rates with higher adverse effects,the overall beneficial sequence would be“sunitinibeeverolimuseimmunotherapy”.Conclusion:Among several sequential therapy starting with TKIs,“sunitinibeeverolimuse immunotherapy”was found to be the best scheme for mRCC patients with“favorable”or“intermediate”risks.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in two site-specific categories of ampullary cancer

BACKGROUND Ampullary cancer is a relatively rare malignant tumor in the digestive system.Its incidence has increased in recent years.As for now,its biological characteristics have not been fully clarified.Recent studies have primarily focused on the histological classification and genetic changes,but there are fewer investigations into the differences among site-specific subgroups.The clinicopathological charac-teristics of ampullary cancer occurring in different positions have not been elucidated.Furthermore,the role of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of patients with ampullary cancer remains controversial.ampullary cancer and explore the factors affecting prognosis.METHODS A total of 356 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled.Patients were divided into ampulla of Vater cancer(AVC)and duodenal papilla cancer(DPC)based on the gross and microscopic findings.Baseline data,admission examination results,and perioperative outcomes were collected and analyzed.The Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis.Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to explore the independent risk factors affecting the overall survival(OS)of both groups.RESULTS The preoperative total bilirubin level in patients with AVC was significantly higher than those with DPC(P=0.04).The OS for patients with DPC was 58.90±38.74 months,significantly longer than 44.31±35.90 months for patients with AVC(P<0.01).The independent risk factors affecting the OS of AVC included:Preoperative albumin level(P=0.009),total bilirubin level(P=0.017),and number of positive lymph nodes(P=0.005).For DPC,risk factors included:Age(P=0.004),tumor size(P=0.023),number of positive lymph nodes(P=0.010)and adjuvant treatment(P=0.020).Adjuvant therapy significantly improved the OS rate of patients with DPC,but not for those with AVC.CONCLUSION Patients with AVC had a shorter OS compared to those with DPC.The prognosis factors and the role of adjuvant therapy of two groups were different.