Rising incidence of late stage breast cancer after COVID-19 outbreak. Real-world data from the Italian COVID-DELAY study.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer (BC) patients' (pts) management was affected by a global reorganization after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our multicenter study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on access to diagnosis, staging and treatment for BC pts compared to pre-pandemic. METHODS: Medical records of all consecutive newly diagnosed BC pts referred to 6 Italian Institutions between March and December 2020 were assessed. Monthly access rate and temporal intervals between date of symptoms onset, radiological, cytohistological diagnosis and treatment start were analyzed and compared with 2019. RESULTS: A reduction (25%) in newly diagnosed BC was observed compared to 2019 (666 vs 890). New BC pts in 2020 were less likely to be diagnosed with early stage BC (77% vs 83%, p < 0.01), had a worse performance status according to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG PS) (19.8% had PS > 0 in 2020 vs 16.5% in 2019, p < 0.01) and fewer pts were asymptomatic at diagnosis in 2020 (54% vs 71%,p < 0.01). COVID-19 did not negatively impact in terms of access to diagnosis, staging and treatment. Time intervals between symptom onset and radiological diagnosis, symptom onset and cytohistological diagnosis, cytohistological diagnosis and treatment start were maintained or improved. However, less cases were discussed in multidisciplinary tumor meetings during 2020 (60% vs 73%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data proved an alarming reduction of early stage BC associated with the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Despite the upheaval generated by the pandemic, our study shed light on the effective performance delivered by Italian Oncology Departments to guarantee diagnostic-therapeutic pathways.

Fe and As geochemical self-removal dynamics in mineral waters: evidence from the Ferrarelle groundwater system (Riardo Plain, Southern Italy).

A theoretical pattern for Fe and As co-precipitation was tested directly in a groundwater natural system. Several monitoring wells were sampled to identify the different endmembers that govern the hydrodynamics of the Ferrarelle Groundwater System in the Riardo Plain (Southern Italy). In agreement with recent investigations, we found a mix of a deep and a shallow component in different proportions, resulting in a specific chemical composition of groundwater in each well depending on the percentages of each component. The shallow component was characterized by EC ~ 430 µS/cm, Eh ~ 300 mV, Fe ~ 0.06 µmol/L and As ~ 0.01-0.12 µmol/L, while the deep component was characterized by EC ~ 3400 µS/cm, Eh ~ 170 mV, Fe ~ 140 µmol/L and As ~ 0.59 µmol/L. A general attenuation of As and Fe concentration that was not due to a simple dilution effect was observed in the mixing process. The oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) produces solid precipitates which adsorb As from solution and then co-precipitate. The reactions pattern of Fe(II) oxidation and As adsorption gave a linear function between [As] and [Fe], where the angular coefficient depends on the [O2]/[H+] ratio. Chemical data obtained from our samples showed a very good agreement with this theoretical relationship. The investigated geochemical dynamics represented a natural process of attenuation of Fe and As, two undesirable elements that usually affect groundwater quality in volcanic aquifers in central-southern Italy, which are exploited to supply drinking water.

Tracing groundwater circulation in a valuable mineral water basin with geochemical and isotopic tools: the case of FERRARELLE, Riardo basin, Southern Italy.

The Riardo basin hosts groundwater exploited for the production of high quality, naturally sparkling, bottled water (e.g., Ferrarelle water), and circulating in a system constituted by highly fractured Mesozoic carbonates, overlain by more impervious volcanic rocks of the Roccamonfina complex. The two formations are locally in hydraulic connection and dislocated by deep-rooted faults. The study aimed at elucidating groundwater origin and circulation, using isotopic tracers (δ18O, δ2H, δ11B and 87Sr/86Sr) coupled to groundwater dating (Tritium, CFCs and SF6). Besides recharge by local precipitation over the Riardo hydrogeological basin, stable isotope ratios in water indicated an extra-basin recharge, likely from the elevated surrounding carbonate reliefs (e.g., Maggiore and Matese Mts.). The mineralization process, promoted by the deep CO2 flux, controls the B and Sr contents. However, their isotopic ratios did not allow discriminating between circulation in the volcanic and in the carbonate aquifers, as in the latter the isotopic composition differed from the original marine signature. Groundwater model ages ranged from ~ 30 years for the volcanic endmember to > 70 years for the deep, mineralized end-member, with longer circuits recharged at higher elevations. Overall, the results of this study were particularly relevant for mineral water exploitation. A recharge from outside the hydrogeological basin could be evidenced, especially for the more mineralized and valuable groundwater, and an active recent recharge was detected for the whole Riardo system. Both findings will contribute to the refinement of the hydrogeological model and water budget, and to a sustainable development of the resource.

Prognostic relevance of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 pathway in thymic malignancies with combined immunohistochemical and biomolecular approach.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate Programmed cell Death protein 1 (PD-1) and Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) and their mRNA expression in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 68 samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (63 thymomas and 5 thymic carcinomas). PD-1 and PD-L1 protein expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: M/F ratio was 33/35, and median age was 60.5 years. Twenty patients had Myasthenia Gravis (MG). In the subgroup with large tumors (>5 cm), PD-L1 mRNA overexpression was significantly associated with worse prognosis vs. patients with no mRNA overexpression (p = 0.0083) and simultaneous PD-L1 immunostaining (>1%); PD-L1 mRNA overexpression was significantly associated with worse prognosis, respect to patient with PD-L1 negative immunostaining, and no PD-L1 mRNA overexpression (p = 0.0178). The elderly patients (>60 years) with large tumors showed worse prognosis (p = 0.0395). PD-L1 immunostaining (>50%) resulted to be significantly associated with MG. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the potential involvement of the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway in TETs' progression. According to our results, it may be helpful to design future trials with anti-PD-1 drugs to establish high-risk patients after surgery.

The role of angiogenetic single-nucleotide polymorphisms in thymic malignancies and thymic benign lesions.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that selected single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in angiogenesis influence the aggressiveness of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). This study analyzes their role in TETs and in thymic benign lesions, in order to investigate potential correlation with risk and outcome. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue of 92 patients, undergoing surgery at our Institution. We investigated by Real-Time PCR the SNPs of the following genes: platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and 3 (VEGF-2, VEGFR-3), excision repair cross-complementation group-1 (ERCC1). RESULTS: Fifty-seven TETs and 35 thymic benign lesions were included into the study. Frequency of SNPs was as follows: rs2057482 C, rs11158358 C and rs11549465 C polymorphisms of HIF1-a: thymomas < general population (P=0.008, P=0.007, and P=0.044 respectively). HIF1-a alleles: general population > study groups, rs1951795C SNP (P=0.026 for benign lesions and P=0.0007 for thymomas), rs10873142T SNP (P=0.008 and P=0.001 respectively), rs12434438 A SNP (P=0.034 and P=0.0007) and rs2301113A SNP (P=0.027 and P=0.010). rs699947C polymorphism of VEGF-A: benign lesions > general population (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study investigating the angiogenetic polymorphisms in thymic benign lesions and TETs. SNPs analysis may represent a further asset in identification of patients who could benefit from anti-angiogenetic therapy.

Randomized Phase II Trial of Chemoradiotherapy Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy as Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: CAO/ARO/AIO-12.

PURPOSE: Total neoadjuvant therapy is a new paradigm for rectal cancer treatment. Optimal scheduling of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and chemotherapy remains to be established. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, randomized, phase II trial using a pick-the-winner design on the basis of the hypothesis of an increased pathologic complete response (pCR) of 25% after total neoadjuvant therapy compared with standard 15% after preoperative CRT. Patients with stage II or III rectal cancer were assigned to group A for induction chemotherapy using three cycles of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin before fluorouracil/oxaliplatin CRT (50.4 Gy) or to group B for consolidation chemotherapy after CRT. Secondary end points included toxicity, compliance, and surgical morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 311 patients enrolled, 306 patients were evaluable (156 in group A and 150 in group B). CRT-related grade 3 or 4 toxicity was lower (37% v 27%) and compliance with CRT higher in group B (91%, 78%, and 76% v 97%, 87%, and 93% received full-dose radiotherapy, concomitant fluorouracil, and concomitant oxaliplatin in groups A and B, respectively); 92% versus 85% completed all induction/consolidation chemotherapy cycles, respectively. The longer interval between completion of CRT and surgery in group B (median 90 v 45 days in group A) did not increase surgical morbidity. A pCR in the intention-to-treat population was achieved in 17% in group A and in 25% in group B. Thus, only group B (P < .001), but not group A (P = .210), fulfilled the predefined statistical hypothesis. CONCLUSION: Up-front CRT followed by chemotherapy resulted in better compliance with CRT but worse compliance with chemotherapy compared with group A. Long-term follow-up will assess whether improved pCR in group B translates to better oncologic outcome.

Real-World Data on Cabozantinib in Previously Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Focus on Sequences and Prognostic Factors.

Cabozantinib is approved for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, prognostic factors are still lacking in this context. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors in RCC patients treated with second- or third-line cabozantinib. A multicenter retrospective real-world study was conducted, involving 32 worldwide centers. A total of 237 patients with histologically confirmed clear-cell and non-clear-cell RCC who received cabozantinib as second- or third-line therapy for metastatic disease were included. We analyzed overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and time-to-strategy failure (TTSF) using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional models were used at univariate and multivariate analyses.The median PFS and OS of cabozantinib were 7.76 months (95% CI 6.51-10.88) and 11.57 months (95% CI 10.90-not reached (NR)) as second-line and 11.38 months (95% CI 5.79-NR) and NR (95% CI 11.51-NR) as third-line therapy. The median TTSF and OS were 11.57 and 15.52 months with the sequence of cabozantinib-nivolumab and 25.64 months and NR with nivolumab-cabozantinib, respectively. The difference between these two sequences was statistically significant only in good-risk patients. In the second-line setting, hemoglobin (Hb) levels (HR= 2.39; 95% CI 1.24-4.60, p = 0.009) and IMDC (International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium) group (HR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.87, p = 0.037) were associated with PFS while ECOG-PS (HR = 2.33; 95%CI, 1.16-4.69, p = 0.018) and Hb levels (HR = 3.12; 95%CI 1.18-8.26, p = 0.023) correlated with OS at multivariate analysis, while in the third-line setting, only Hb levels (HR = 2.72; 95%CI 1.04-7.09, p = 0.042) were associated with OS. Results are limited by the retrospective nature of the study.This real-world study provides evidence on the presence of prognostic factors in RCC patients receiving cabozantinib.

High CTLA-4 expression correlates with poor prognosis in thymoma patients.

Thymomas, tumors that arise from epithelial cells of the thymus gland, are the most common neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum, with an incidence rate of approximately 2.5 per million/year. Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4 or CD152) exerts inhibitory activity on T cells, and since its oncogenic role in the progression of different types of tumors, it has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer patients. In this study, we assessed the expression of CTLA-4 both at mRNA and protein levels in paraffin embedded-tissues from patients with thymomas. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between CTLA-4 expression and the clinical-pathologic characteristics and prognosis in patients with thymomas. Sixty-eight patients with median age corresponding to 62 years were included in this analysis. Thymomas were classified accordingly to the WHO and Masaoka-Koga for histochemical analysis and for prognostic significance. A statistical difference was found between CTLA-4 mRNA levels in human normal thymus compared with thymoma specimens. CTLA-4 expression was statistically found to progressively increase in A, B1, B2, AB and it was maximal in B3 thymomas. According to Masaoka-Koga pathological classification, CTLA-4 expression was lower in I, IIA and IIB, and higher in invasive III and IV stages. By confocal microscopy analysis we identified the expression of CTLA-4 both in tumor cells and in CD45+ tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, mainly in B3 and AB thymomas. Finally, CTLA-4 overexpression significantly correlates with reduced overall survival in thymoma patients and in atypical thymoma subgroup, suggesting that it represents a negative prognostic factor.

Impact of VEGF, VEGFR, PDGFR, HIF and ERCC1 gene polymorphisms on thymic malignancies outcome after thymectomy.

We aimed to analyze genotypes of VEGF-A, VEGFR2, Flt4, PDGFRα, HIF-1α and ERCC1 and their correlation with thymic tumor risk and patient outcome. DNA of 57 consecutive patients (43 thymomas and 14 thymic carcinomas) who underwent total thymectomy at our Institution was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue. We selected polymorphisms in the following genes:HIF1-α (rs2057482T > C, rs1951795A > C, rs2301113C > A, rs10873142C > T, rs11158358G > C, rs12434438G > A, rs11549465C > T, rs11549467G > A), VEGF-A (rs2010963G > C, rs699947A > C), VEGFR-2 (rs2305948C > T, rs1870377T > A), VEGFR-3 (rs307826T > C, rs307821C > A), PDGFR-α (rs35597368C > T) and ERCC1 (rs11615A > G). Gene polymorphisms were determined by Real-Time PCR using TaqMan assays. As compared to the general population, the allele frequency of PDGFR-α rs35597368T was significantly higher (95% vs. 87%, p = 0.036), while the frequency of alleles HIF1-α rs2057482C (78% vs. 90%), rs1951795C (69% vs. 87%), rs2301113A (70% vs. 83%), rs10873142T (70% vs. 87%), rs11158358C (75% vs. 88%), rs12434438A (67% vs. 84%) were significantly lower. VEGFR-3 rs307821C frequency was significantly higher in thymomas vs. thymic carcinomas (79% vs. 72%, p = 0.0371). The following factors were significantly correlated with a longer overall survival: VEGFR-3 rs307826C, VEGFR-2 rs1870377A, PDGFR-α rs35597368T/C, HIF1-α rs2301113C, rs2057482C/T, rs1951795C, rs11158358G/C and rs10873142T/C, ERCC1 rs11615A (p < 0.05). Our results suggest, for the first time, that PDGFR-α, HIF-1α and VEGFR-3 SNPs are associated with thymic cancer risk and survival.

Influence of high- and low-volume liver surgery in gallbladder carcinoma.

AIM: To clarify whether the performance of liver resections (LR) for incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC)'s depends more on the experience of the hospitals in liver surgery than on complying with the guidelines in Germany. METHODS: For data analysis, we used the Surgical Association of Endoscopy and Ultrasound and Minimally Invasive Surgery Central Registry of "IGBC" of the German Society of Surgery (the German Registry). In 2010, we started a second form by requesting the frequency of LR at the various hospitals in Germany. The indication for LR was irrelevant. The aim was to determine the overall frequency of liver resections at the hospitals. We divided the hospitals according to their experience in liver surgery into high- (HV), mid- (MV), and low-volume (LV) LR hospitals. RESULTS: This study includes 487 IGBC's from 167 centers. There were 36 high-volume, 32 mid-volume, and 99 low-volume centers. In the high-volume centers, the mean (range) number of liver resections was 101 (40-300). In the mid-volume centers, the mean (range) number of liver resections was 26 (20-39). In the low-volume centers, the mean (range) number of liver resections was 6.5 (0-19) (P < 0.001). LV's perform LR for T2-3 gallbladder carcinomas significantly less often than high-volume or mid-volume centers (χ(2) = 13.78, P = 0.001). In HV's and MV's, 61% of the patients with an indication for liver resection underwent LR, but in LV centers, only 41% with an indication for LR underwent LR (P < 0.001). In cases of T1b carcinomas, LR was performed significantly more often in HV's (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The central problem is that the performance of the required liver resection in IGBC in Germany depends on the hospital experience in liver surgery and not on the recommendations of the German guidelines.

Prognosis of incidental gallbladder carcinoma is not influenced by the primary access technique: analysis of 837 incidental gallbladder carcinomas in the German Registry.

BACKGROUND: The use of the laparoscopic approach (LC) for gallbladder carcinoma and incidental gallbladder carcinomas (IGBC) remains controversial. However, recent studies suggest that LC has no adverse effects relative to the open approach. A definitive conclusion regarding the safety of LC that is based on data from a large patient cohort is needed. METHODS: To draw a definite conclusion about the safety of LC in IGBC, data from the 837 patients with IGBC [registered in the German Registry (GR)] were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 837 patients, 492 underwent LC, 200 underwent open surgery (OC), and 142 initially underwent LC, but the approach was converted to OC. The 5-year survival rates of the three groups indicated that LC was associated with significantly better survival. LC was not associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with T1, T2, or T3 stage disease or in patients who underwent immediate radical re-resection (IRR; n = 330). LC was associated with a significant survival benefit in the 490 patients who did not undergo IRR. LC was comparable with OC in terms of overall recurrence rates and the rate of accidental intraoperative perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The GR data, which relate to a large homogenous patient cohort, showed that when other potential influencing factors, e.g., IRR were eliminated, the primary access technique had no effect on prognosis. Stage-adjusted therapy should always be performed irrespective of the primary access technique.

The prognostic impact of positive lymph nodes in stages T1 to T3 incidental gallbladder carcinoma: results of the German Registry.

BACKGROUND: In the literature, the 5 year survival rates for incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) show large variations in the different T-stages because the lymph node status often is not addressed. Most early-stage carcinomas are identified by laparoscopy as IGBC, and radical re-resection is needed. Staging is impossible without lymph node dissection, so comparison between various survival rates is impossible. This study aimed to determine the influence of lymph node status on the survival of patients with stages T1 to T3 IGBC. METHODS: For data analysis, the German Registry was used. RESULTS: In this study, 709 patients with IGBC were analyzed. The re-resected nodal-negative patients had a significant survival advantage over the re-resected nodal-positive patients. The 5 year survival rate for the patients with nodal-negative re-resected T1 carcinomas was 75%. The re-resected T2 and T3 nodal-negative patients had significantly better survival than the corresponding nodal-positive patients. The influence that the radicalness of the different liver resection techniques had on these results was excluded. 53 patients without radical resection had a known nodal-positive status. Nodal-positive patients with radical re-resection always show a better survival rate than nodal-positive patients without radical re-resection, stage for stage. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal-positive status is a significant negative prognostic factor in T1 to T3 IGBC. Patients with radical re-resection show a better survival rate than those without it. Lymph node dissection is to be highly recommended up to stage T1b. In the case of T2 carcinomas, lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament seems to be the minimum volume of lymph node dissection required, but more radical procedures could be beneficial for tumors infiltrating the serosa or beyond.

Problems of randomization to open or laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease.

PURPOSE: Although complicated sigmoid diverticulitis is the most common reason for laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, the level of evidence for preference of the laparoscopic approach is low. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic and open sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis was conducted to evaluate the short- and mid-term outcome after both techniques. Data were assessed from randomized patients and from patients who refused randomization. Results of the here presented interim analysis describe the difficulties in randomization leading to abortion of recruitment. RESULTS: 149 patients were enrolled in the randomized trial within 36 months until the interim analysis. A further 294 nonrandomized patients who preferred one of both surgical approaches were assessed. Several differences between these groups were apparent including simple epidemiological characteristics such as age (65 vs. 60 years, p < 0.001), gender (65% vs. 55% female, p = 0.05), BMI (27 vs. 26 kg/m(2), p = 0.01), and ASA class < III (72% vs. 87%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of eligible patients refused a random allocation. A widespread presumption of the advantages of laparoscopic surgery was probably the main reason for refusal. Patients participating in randomization did not reflect the general population in recruiting hospitals. Future trials comparing minimal invasive procedures should be conducted before presumptions concerning the outcome are widespread in the general population.

Adequate extent in radical re-resection of incidental gallbladder carcinoma: analysis of the German Registry.

BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment of gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder carcinoma is suspected preoperatively in 30% of patients, and 70% are incidentally discovered by the pathologist (incidental gallbladder carcinoma, IGBC). If IGBC is detected postoperatively, a re-resection, including liver resection and lymph node dissection, in T2 tumor cases and more advanced stages is recommended. It remains unclear whether the prognosis of wedge resection (2-3-cm margin) of the gallbladder bed is the same as that of resection of segments IVb/V. METHODS: The German Registry, founded in 1997, aims to prospectively record all IGBC cases in Germany. In this study patients with a radical re-resection were treated according to the S3 Guidelines in Germany. The aim of this study was to clarify whether different techniques of liver re-resection show comparable results or if they differ depending on the tumor stage in IGBC patients (n = 624). RESULTS: A significant survival advantage in patients who have an early re-resection was observed. There was a trend of better survival in T1 tumor stage patients who undergo the less radical re-resection, especially the wedge-resection technique of 3 cm in the gallbladder bed. In T2 tumor stage patients there is a tendency for better survival with the IVb/V-resection technique compared to the 3-cm wedge resection in the gallbladder bed, and a significant survival benefit for these two techniques compared to less radical resection was evident. T3 tumor cases showed better survival with the more radical resection techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The wedge-resection technique combined with lymph node dissection may be the surgical strategy of choice in T1 tumor cases. For T2 tumors, IVb/V resection combined with lymph node dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament appears to be the minimum volume of resection required. More radical procedures are needed for tumors infiltrating the serosa or beyond.

Use of retrieval bags in incidental gallbladder cancer cases.

INTRODUCTION: Accidental intraoperative gallbladder perforation is a problem in laparoscopic surgery, especially in cases with incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC). The question is whether intraoperative gallbladder perforation has a prognostic disadvantage or a retrieval bag provides protection against tumor dissemination. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was sent to all German surgical clinics based on the central register of "incidental gallbladder carcinoma" of the German Society of Surgery founded in 1997. RESULTS: In 592 IGBC-registered cases, there were 330 laparoscopies, 154 open surgeries, and intraoperative conversion was performed in 106 cases. Of laparoscopic surgeries (n = 330), the recurrence rate was 30%. The recurrence rate for cases with (174/330) and without (156/330) the use of retrieval bag was 32.2% and 27%, respectively. In laparoscopies with intraoperative gallbladder perforation (73/330 cases), the recurrence rate was 38.4%. Of these cases the recurrence rate with (51/73) and without (22/73) the use of retrieval bags was 39.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In 257 cases without intraoperative perforation, tumor recurrence rate was 27.2%, and it was 29.3% or 25.4% with (123/257) and without (134/257) the use of retrieval bags. CONCLUSIONS: According to the registry data, the intraoperative gallbladder perforation results in significant (P = 0.047) prognostic disadvantage and in these cases retrieval bags were used more often (P = 0.001). However, in IGBC cases if intraoperative gallbladder perforation has already happened, the use of retrieval bags had no protective effects.

Benefits of reoperation of T2 and more advanced incidental gallbladder carcinoma: analysis of the German registry.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine which T stages of incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) actually benefit from an early reresection (ERR). BACKGROUND: The IGBC is a carcinoma first detected by the pathologist. The indication for the cholecystectomy was a benign disease. The indication for an ERR is debated in the literature, and different recommendations are often drawn based on data collected from only small groups. METHODS: A register was founded in 1997 to prospectively record all IGBCs in Germany. All the patients who had a reresection in this study were treated according to the German Guidelines of Surgery and Oncology. This study analyzes 439 cases of IGBC. RESULTS: There was a significant benefit for the 85 of 200 T2 patients who did have an ERR. There was no benefit though for the 32 of 85 T3 patients who did have an ERR. There is a significantly better survival rate for T2 patients with negative lymph nodes, and there is a trend for better survival for T3 patients with negative lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: An ERR should be highly recommended for patients with IGBC in the T2 stage, because it improves their survival positive. Without an ERR, it is almost impossible to definitively determine the nodal status or to obtain exact staging for estimating the prognosis.