Perioperative Chemotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Most patients who undergo resection develop recurrence. Standard treatment confers a median overall survival (OS) of 24 months. Exposure to alternate regimens may prevent chemoresistance. This study evaluated multiagent perioperative therapy for potentially resectable PDA patients to improve OS. METHODS: A single center, phase 2, trial of patients with resectable or borderline resectable PDA. Patients received neoadjuvant therapy with induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine, docetaxel, capecitabine) for 3 cycles, chemoradiation (intensity-modulated radiation therapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin) followed by surgery, and 2 months of adjuvant gemcitabine and oxaliplatin and 2 months of gemcitabine. The primary endpoint was OS. The secondary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Thirty-two eligible patients were enrolled. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical resection. After a median follow-up of 56.8 months, mOS was 31.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2-58.1) for all patients, 58.1 months (95% CI, 31.6 to NR) for those who completed surgery. The mRFS was 31.3 months (95% CI, 12.5 to NR). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative therapy with GTX, chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant GemOx/Gem resulted in promising survival of 58 months for patients who underwent resection and may represent another treatment option for PDA.

Plastic Surgery Reconstruction of Sarcoma Resection Defects: Form and Function.

Surgical wide resection is the mainstay of treatment of sarcomas, but the advent of multimodality therapy has improved outcomes and the rates of limb-sparing resection. Often, wounds are unable to be closed primarily and require plastic surgical reconstruction. Following adequate oncologic resection, reconstruction should focus on maintaining functional and esthetic outcomes with minimal postoperative complications. Reconstruction methods range from simple techniques such as skin grafting and local rotational flaps all the way to more complex procedures such as free flaps. The reconstructive surgeon is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and should be actively involved in treatment planning.

Testicular, Spermatic Cord, and Scrotal Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Treatment Outcomes and Patterns of Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Paratesticular sarcomas are defined as tumors that arise within the scrotum and include the subsites of epididymis, spermatic cord, and tunica vaginalis and represent the most common type of GU sarcoma. The mainstay of treatment is often surgical resection, combined with histology specific chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the rare nature of the disease, there are limited data to guide management. We present our single-institution retrospective experience regarding the management and treatment of paratesticular sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried our oncology registry database for patients treated for testicular, spermatic cord, and scrotal soft tissue sarcomas between 1971 and 2017. Patients in this series had pathological confirmation of a sarcoma diagnosis by a sarcoma-specialized pathologist. Only patients with localized disease were included in this analysis with the exception of patients with a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma where patients with both localized and metastatic disease were included on this study. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. The median was 24 (range, 5-78), and the median tumor size was 6.25 cm. Twenty-six patients had localized disease (76.6%) at the time of diagnosis. A predominance of patients had tumors involving the spermatic cord (45.5%), and the most common histology was rhabdomyosarcoma (35.3%), leiomyosarcoma (26.5%), and well-differentiated liposarcoma (23.5%). The median follow-up was 71.0 months (range, 2.5-534.4 months). A total of 7 patients experienced an isolated local failure (20.6%), four patients developed distant metastatic disease (11.8%), and one patient (2.9%) with synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord experienced a regional recurrence. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 99.6 months, 95% CI (45.8-534.3 months), with a three-year PFS rate of 71%, 95% CI (53%-83%), and a 5-year PFS rate of 64% (range, 46%-78%). We did not find any statistically significant associations based on surgery type (p=0.15), the use of chemotherapy, (p=0.36), or final margin status (p=0.21). Two patients who were treated with preoperative radiotherapy had significant wound healing complication with chronic sinus tracts, though these patients did not experience a local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a characterization of the natural history and treatment patterns of paratesticular sarcomas. While effective at reducing a local recurrence, preoperative radiotherapy was associated with significant toxicity. As a result, we prefer the use of postoperative radiotherapy in patients as clinically indicated. We did not find any specific treatment patterns associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes.

Outcomes After Adjuvant Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for High-Risk Primary Appendiceal Neoplasms After Complete Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon tumors. Optimal treatment for patients with perforation or high-grade pathology after initial resection is unknown. This study evaluated patients with increased risk for peritoneal dissemination after primary resection, but no evidence of peritoneal disease, who underwent adjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: This multi-institutional cohort study evaluated 56 patients with high-risk (HR) appendiceal neoplasms with a peritoneal carcinomatosis index of 0 who underwent HIPEC. The patients were divided into two groups: perforated low-grade appendiceal (LGA) carcinoma and HR neoplasms, which included perforated high-grade appendiceal carcinoma, positive margins after initial resection, minimal macroscopic peritoneal disease that was previously resected or completely responded to systemic chemotherapy prior to HIPEC, goblet cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of patients had perforated LGA and 68% had HR features. Five-year OS probability was 82.1% for the entire cohort, and 100% and 70.1% for patients with perforated LGA and HR features, respectively (p = 0.024). Five-year RFS probability was 79.3% for the entire cohort, and 90.0% and 72.4% for patients with perforated LGA and HR features, respectively (p = 0.025). Eight patients recurred after HIPEC and their OS was significantly worse (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While adjuvant HIPEC is both safe and feasible, there appears to be little benefit over close surveillance when outcomes are compared with historical and prospective studies, especially for perforated LGA carcinoma.

Minimally Invasive Esophageal Cancer Surgery.

Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic or robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy offers benefits in decreased postoperative complications and faster recovery. The choice of operation depends on patient and surgeon factors. McKeown or 3-field esophagectomy requires dissection in the abdomen, chest, and neck, with a cervical anastomosis. Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is performed with abdominal and right chest dissection and intrathoracic anastomosis. Transhiatal or transmediastinal esophagectomy is performed with abdominal and cervical dissections and a cervical anastomosis and is preferential in patients with significant pulmonary risk factors. Preparation and operative conduct for laparoscopic and robotic approaches for these operations, and the expected postoperative recovery are detailed.

Standardization of perioperative care facilitates safe discharge by postoperative day five after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex surgical procedure associated with high morbidity and prolonged length of stay. Enhanced recovery after surgery principles have reduced complications rate and length of stay for multiple types of operations. We hypothesized that implementation of a standardized perioperative care pathway would facilitate safe discharge by five days after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy 18 months prior to and 18 months following implementation of a perioperative care pathway at a quaternary center performing high volume pancreatic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 52% female), 81 before and 64 following pathway implementation, and the groups were similar in terms of preoperative comorbidities. The percentage of patients discharged within 5 days of surgery increased from 36% to 64% following pathway implementation (p = 0.001), with no observed differences in post-operative serious adverse events (p = 0.34), pancreatic fistula grade B or C (p = 0.28 and p = 0.27 respectively), or delayed gastric emptying (p = 0.46). Multivariate regression analysis showed length of stay ≤5 days three times more likely after pathway implementation. Rates of readmission within 30 days (20% pre- vs. 22% post-pathway (p = 0.75)) and 90 days (27% pre- vs. 36% post-pathway (p = 0.27)) were unchanged after pathway implementation, and were no different between patients discharged before or after day 5 at both 30 days (19% ≤5 days vs. 23% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.68)) and 90 days (32% ≤5 days vs. 30% ≥ 6 days (p = 0.81)). CONCLUSIONS: Standardizing perioperative care via enhanced recovery protocols for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy facilitates safe discharge by post-operative day five.

Analysis of recurrence after the resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Outcomes after recurrence of resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are not well described. We aim to assess the rate and sites of recurrence, and its effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients (n = 83) who underwent surgical resection of PNETs at 2 institutions. Patients were treated from September 2002 to July 2010. RESULTS: There were 13 (16%) recurrences. The most common site of recurrence was the liver (9 patients, 9.6%). The most common treatment of recurrences was chemotherapy (5 patients, 36%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival was 90.9%, 82.7%, and 72.5%, respectively. Median recurrence-free survival was 127 months. The median follow-up for all PNET patients was 25.8 months (range, 1-140 months). The 3-year survival was 97%. The median follow-up of patients after the diagnosis of a recurrence was 13.8 months. The overall survival for those with and without recurrence was 96.3% and 100%, respectively (P = .36). The age ( P = .002) and lymph node ratio ( P < .001) were predictors of recurrence on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Age and lymph node ratio are significant predictors of recurrence after the resection of PNETs with hepatic metastases being the most common. Survival of patients with recurrence is not significantly different from patients without recurrence.

Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Retroperitoneal Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma: Early Reoperation may not Provide Benefit.

PURPOSE: Current evidence regarding salvage resection for recurrent retroperitoneal (RP) sarcomas generally lacks detailed histology-specific analyses, but the aggressiveness of these tumors varies widely by histology. We investigated associations between timing and extent of salvage surgery and survival outcomes in patients with recurrent RP well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS). METHODS: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Surgical Oncology sarcoma database was reviewed to identify patients with RP WDLPS who underwent surgical resection for first recurrent disease (salvage surgery) in 1995-2015. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify factors associated with overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS: We identified 52 patients who underwent salvage surgery for RP WDLPS for first local recurrence; 28 (54%) underwent salvage surgery within 6 months after recurrence. Concomitant organ resections were performed in 32 (62%) patients, 4 (13%) of whom had pathologic invasion of resected organs. After R0/R1 resections (n = 45), 38 (84%) experienced a second local recurrence. Multivariable analyses revealed that organ invasion at the primary surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 13.08; p = 0.005] and disease-free interval < 1 year (HR 3.64; p = 0.044) were associated with shorter overall survival. Recurrence-to-salvage interval < 6 months was associated with shorter disease-free survival (HR 2.18; p = 0.025). Concomitant organ resection was associated with a longer hospital stay: ≥ 14 days (odds ratio 21.58; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Early salvage surgery may not always be the best approach for recurrent RP WDLPS patients. Because organ invasion is rare among recurrent RP WDLPS patients and concomitant organ resection is associated with a longer hospital stay, preservation of uninvolved organs should be considered.

Multiply recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas (RPLPS) are rare tumors that represent at least 50% of all retroperitoneal sarcomas. Surgical resection remains the standard of care. Unfortunately, many RPLPS patients will develop a local recurrence and subsequently die in the absence of distant metastasis. This review outlines the factors that predict local recurrence and influence the management of first and subsequent multiply recurrent RPLPS.

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an early marker for patients at risk for complications after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC).

BACKGROUND: Elevated BNP is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes after noncardiac surgery. We assessed BNP values as markers of perioperative fluid status and their correlation with major/cardiopulmonary (CP) complications following CRS + HIPEC. METHODS: Fluid balance, BNP levels, and morbidity data were collected for all patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC between 6/2014 and 2/2016. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent CRS + HIPEC for appendiceal adenocarcinoma (n = 99), mesothelioma (n = 16), and colon cancer (n = 14). Less than 10% had CP comorbidities. The median PCI was 14 (range 4-39); 89% underwent CC0/1 resection (n = 115). Median blood loss (EBL) was 497 mL (50-2700). Major complications (Clavien III-V) occurred in 16 (12%), CP in 17 (13%), and major/CP in 24 (18%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 2 (1.5%). Elevated BNP on POD1 correlated with increased risk of major/CP complications (OR 2.2, P = 0.052). This was most pronounced in the 25 patients receiving cisplatin: for each 100 unit increase in POD1 BNP the OR for major/CP complication was 7.4 versus 1.2 for the remaining patients, P = 0.083. Multivariate analysis identified increased EBL (OR 4.1 P = 0.011) and a trend toward increased BNP on POD1 (OR for each 100 unit increase 2.0, P = 0.10) as risk factors for major/CP complications. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative BNP measurement after CRS + HIPEC may guide postoperative fluid resuscitation and facilitate identification of patients at risk for major and/or cardiopulmonary complications.

Concomitant organ resection does not improve outcomes in primary retroperitoneal well-differentiated liposarcoma: A retrospective cohort study at a major sarcoma center.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether concomitant organ removal as part of the primary resection of RP WDLPS confers an outcome advantage in patients treated at a major sarcoma center. METHODS: The departmental sarcoma database was reviewed to identify patients with RP WDLPS who underwent initial surgical resection for primary disease at MD Anderson Cancer Center during the study period 1995-2011. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and examined associations between clinicopathologic variables and overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Among 83 patients included in this study, 76 patients (92%) underwent complete resection (R0/R1). Concomitant organ resections were performed in 38 patients (46%). Invasion of the resected organ/s was seen in six patients (7%). Estimated OS was 11.3 years (5-year OS, 86%), and DFS was 5.4 years (5-year DFS, 51%). By multivariate analysis, concomitant organ resection was not associated with improved OS (P = 0.428) or DFS (P = 0.946), and lack of organ resection was associated with a lower risk of postoperative complications (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant organ resection was not associated with a survival benefit in RP WDLPS in this study. In patients with primary RP WDLPS, we recommend selective resection of contiguous organs only if there is clinical suspicion of invasion.

Stratification of outcomes for mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis by histological grade.

AIM: To investigate the importance of a three-tiered histologic grade on outcomes for patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma (MAA). METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-five patients with MAA undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were identified from a prospective database from 2004 through 2014. All pathology was reviewed by our gastrointestinal subspecialty pathologists and histological grade was classified as well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: There were 201 (75.8%) well-, 45 (16.9%) moderately- and 19 (7.2%) poorly-differentiated tumors. Histological grade significantly stratified the 5-year overall survival (OS), 94%, 71% and 30% respectively (P < 0.001) as well as the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) 66%, 21% and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Independent predictors of DFS included tumor grade (HR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.21-2.63, P = 0.008), lymph node involvement (HR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.11-0.98, P < 0.02), previous surgical score (HR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.1-1.65, P = 0.03) and peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.08, P = 0.002). Independent predictors of OS include tumor grade (HR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.26-6.21, P = 0.01), PCI (HR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.16, P = 0.002), and complete cytoreduction (HR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.11-0.92, P = 0.03). Tumor grade and PCI were the only independent predictors of both DFS and OS. Furthermore, histological grade and lymphovascular invasion stratified the risk of lymph node metastasis into a low (6%) and high (40%) risk groups. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates that moderately differentiated MAA have a clinical behavior and outcome that is distinct from well- and poorly-differentiated MAA. The three-tier grade classification provides improved prognostic stratification and should be incorporated into patient selection and treatment algorithms.

Utility of Appendiceal Calcifications Detected on Computed Tomography as a Predictor for an Underlying Appendiceal Epithelial Neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms can contain radiopaque calcifications. Whether appendiceal radiographic calcifications indicate the presence of an appendiceal epithelial neoplasm is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether appendiceal calcifications detected by computed tomography (CT) correlate with the presence of appendiceal epithelial neoplasms. METHODS: From prospective appendiceal and pathology databases, 332 cases of appendiceal neoplasm and 136 cases of control appendectomy were identified, respectively. Only cases with preoperative CT scans available for review were included in the study. Images were reviewed by two abdominal radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated, and the kappa statistic was used to determine agreement between the radiologists' interpretations. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement between the radiologists was substantial, with a kappa of 0.74. Appendiceal mural calcifications were identified on CT scans in 106 appendiceal neoplasm cases (32%) and in 1 control case (1%) (P = 0.0001). In the appendiceal neoplasm subgroup, the presence of radiographic calcifications was associated with mucinous histology (35% vs 17%; P = 0.006; odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.78) and with well-differentiated histologic grade (40% vs 24%; P = 0.002; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29-0.76). The findings showed a sensitivity of 31.9% (95% CI, 26.9-37.2%), a specificity of 99.3% (95% CI, 96-100%), a PPV of 99.1% (95% CI, 94.9-100%), and an NPV of 37.4% (95% CI, 32.4-42.6%). CONCLUSION: This case-control study showed that appendiceal mural calcifications detected on CT are associated with underlying appendiceal epithelial neoplasms and that the identification of incidental mural appendiceal calcifications may have an impact on decisions regarding surgical intervention.

Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines is Associated with Improved Survival for Patients with Stage 2A and Stages 2B and 3 Extremity and Superficial Trunk Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has instituted treatment guidelines for stage 2A and stages 2B and 3 extremity and superficial trunk soft tissue sarcomas (ETSTS). This study examined adherence to the NCCN guidelines and factors associated with nonadherent treatment and survival outcomes. METHODS: Patients with stage 2A and stages 2B and 3 ETSTS (n = 15,957) were categorized as undergoing adherent or nonadherent treatment based on the 2014 NCCN guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with nonadherent treatment. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated, and Cox models were used to generate adjusted survival curves and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: The findings showed that 87.2% of the patients with stage 2A disease and 58.3% of the patients with stage 2B or 3 disease received adherent treatment. Community treatment facilities and uninsured or unknown insurance status were associated with nonadherent treatment for both stage groups. Adherent treatment was associated with higher 5-year adjusted OS and DSS for stage 2A and stage 2B or 3 patients. In Cox models, nonadherent treatment was associated with worse survival for both stage 2A disease (HR, 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.63) and stages 2B and 3 disease (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.53-1.73). Increasing age and non-private insurance were associated with poorer outcomes. For stages 2B and 3 disease, treatment at a community center and African American race were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to NCCN guidelines is excellent for stage 2A and poor for stages 2B and 3 ETSTS. Adherent treatment was associated with improved survival outcomes, highlighting the importance of adherence to NCCN guidelines.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Moderately and Poorly Differentiated Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: Survival Outcomes and Patient Selection.

BACKGROUND: Moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the appendix represents an aggressive histological variant with a high risk of recurrence and death. METHODS: Overall, 178 patients with moderately and poorly differentiated appendiceal adenocarcinoma were identified from a prospective database. Clinical, pathologic, and treatment factors were analyzed for outcomes. RESULTS: Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) identified radiographic occult peritoneal metastasis in 25 (42%) patients. These patients had a significantly lower peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) and improved overall survival (OS) compared with those with radiographic disease. Twenty-seven (41%) patients were excluded from cytoreductive surgery (CRS) because of findings on DL, while 116 (65%) patients underwent CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 23 months. Mucinous histology (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, p = 0.04) and PCI (HR 1.054, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of DFS. The median OS following CRS and HIPEC was 48 months. Mucinous histology (HR 0.352, p = 0.018), signet ring cells (HR 3.34, p = 0.02), positive peritoneal cytology (HR 0.081, p = 0.04), and PCI (HR 1.076, p = 0.004) were independently associated with OS. Eight-five (73.3%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 40 (47.1%) patients achieved a radiographic response; 36 (42.3%) had stable disease, while 9 (10.6%) had progressive disease. Stable or responsive disease was associated with improved median OS of 44 months, compared with 21 months for those with progressive disease (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, long-term survival can be obtained. Mucinous histology, absence of signet ring cells, negative peritoneal cytology, PCI ≤ 20, and response/stable disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are important selection criteria for CRS and HIPEC.

Retrospective study of nonmucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas: role of systemic chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas (AAs) are the most common histological subset of AAs. Nonmucinous AAs have been infrequently studied. We performed a single-center retrospective study to investigate this histological subtype. METHODS: We reviewed 172 patient records with nonmucinous AAs treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center from Jan, 1990 to Jun, 2015 and recorded patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Response rate (RR) was assessed semi-quantitatively (response/no response) according to the treating physician's findings. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 52.9 years. Most patients presented with advanced-stage disease: stage I-II (35%), stage III (15%), and stage IV (50%). Moderate and poorly differentiated histology was seen in 56% and 44% tumors, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) of all patients was stage-dependent and was 88.5, 39.2, and 28.3 months for stages I-II, stage III, and stage IV disease, respectively (p < 0.0001). In patients with metastatic disease, only 10% had extraperitoneal disease without peritoneal involvement. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) was attempted in 31/69 (45%) patients with disease confined to the peritoneum. Complete CRS was achieved in 18. Median OS for patients receiving complete CRS was 48.6 months. Systemic chemotherapy was administered to 109 (86%) patients with metastatic disease; a large majority of patients received either an oxaliplatin-based (55%) or irinotecan-based (27%) regimen. Chemotherapy resulted in a semi-quantitative RR of 54% and median time to progression (TTP) of 9.4 months (95% CI, 8.03-11.50). Patients who received combination chemotherapy (either oxaliplatin or irinotecan-based) showed significantly longer median OS (p = 0.003), compared to those receiving fluoropyrimidine monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to report specifically on nonmucinous AAs. Nonmucinous AAs presented with moderate or poorly differentiated histology with a predilection for peritoneal metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy is active in this AA subtype. Though CRS was infrequently used, complete CRS appears beneficial and warrants further investigation.

Recurrence patterns of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and impact of salvage surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment strategies for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RPLMS), particularly recurrent disease, are unknown. METHODS: We searched the tumor registry at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) to identify patients with RPLMS treated between 1994 and 2013. RESULTS: We identified 172 patients with a diagnosis of a RPLMS. Among the 85 patients who underwent complete resection included in the survival analysis, the median overall survival (OS) was 8.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-12.3), 5-year local recurrence rate was 21%, and 5-year distant metastasis rate was 47%. Among 114 patients who experienced recurrence, patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent disease had longer OS after recurrence than patients who did not undergo salvage surgery (median survival after recurrence 5.6 vs 3.3 years, 3-year OS rates after recurrence 72.6% vs 58.1%, HR 0.402 [95%CI, 0.243-0.666]; P = 0.0004). Whether salvage surgery was performed for local or distant recurrence was not associated with OS. Patients who had a longer disease-free interval (≥12 months) had better progression-free survival after salvage surgery than those who had a shorter interval (HR, 0.437 [95%CI, 0.244-0.783]; P = 0.0055). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that salvage surgery be considered for selected patients with local or distant recurrence of RP LMS.

Intrathoracic Chemoperfusion Decreases Recurrences in Patients with Full-Thickness Diaphragm Involvement with Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the preferred treatment for selected patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Frequently, the hemidiaphragms are infiltrated with tumor, requiring partial diaphragm resection (DR) in order to obtain complete cytoreduction (CC-0). The clinical significance of diaphragmatic invasion and the optimum management to prevent transmission of disease from abdomen to chest is largely unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 78 patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma undergoing cytoreduction and partial DR at a single institution between 2010 and 2014. RESULTS: Partial DR was necessary in 31 (39.7 %) patients in order to obtain CC-0. DR was not associated with increased morbidity or poor survival. Of the 31 patients who had a DR, 26 (83.9 %) were treated with thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion. The remaining five (16.1 %) patients had the diaphragm closed prior to HIPEC. Thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion was not associated with increased 30-day grade III/IV morbidity or respiratory complications. Overall, five (20 %) patients with a DR developed thoracic recurrence. There were two (8 %) thoracic recurrences in the 26 patients treated with thoracic chemoperfusion compared with three (60 %) in the five patients who had their diaphragm closed prior to HIPEC (p = 0.002). In univariate analysis histology, CC-0 and thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion were associated with thoracic disease-free survival; however, none of these were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: DR is not associated with increased morbidity and should be performed, if needed, to obtain a CC-0. Following DR, patients remain at significant risk of developing thoracic recurrence. Thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion reduces this risk without increasing morbidity.