ABSTRACT
Since neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare tumors, registration of patient data in national and multinational registries is recommended. Indeed, this will facilitate multicenter studies on the epidemiology, efficacy and safety of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors as well as for neuroendocrine carcinomas. In Belgium, data on patient and tumor characteristics of all newly diagnosed malignancies have been collected in the Belgian Cancer Registry since 2004 including anonymized full pathological reports. The Digestive Neuroendocrine Tumor (DNET) registry collects information on classification, staging, diagnostic tools and treatment in a prospective national online database. However, the terminology, classification and staging systems of neuroendocrine neoplasms have changed repeatedly over the past 20 years as a result of a better understanding of these rare tumors, by joining forces internationally. These frequent changes make it very difficult to exchange data or perform retrospective analyses. For optimal decision making, for a clear understanding and to allow reclassification according to the latest staging system, several items need to be described in the pathology report. This paper provides an overview of the essential items in reporting neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreaticobiliary and gastrointestinal tract.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Neoplasms , Neuroendocrine Tumors , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Humans , Belgium/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Prospective Studies , Neuroendocrine Tumors/diagnosis , Neuroendocrine Tumors/epidemiology , Neuroendocrine Tumors/pathology , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/pathology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
PRECISION is an initiative from the Belgian Society of Medical Oncology (BSMO) in collaboration with several stakeholders, encompassing four programs that aim to boost genomic and clinical knowledge with the ultimate goal to offer patients with metastatic solid tumors molecularly guided treatments. The PRECISION 1 study has led to the creation of a clinico-genomic database. The Belgian Approach for Local Laboratory Extensive Tumor Testing (BALLETT) and GeNeo studies will increase the number of patients with advanced cancer that have comprehensive genotyping of their cancer. The PRECISION 2 project consists of investigator-initiated phase II studies aiming to provide access to a targeted drug for patients whose tumors harbor actionable mutations in case the matched drug is not available through reimbursement or clinical trials in Belgium.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Precision Medicine , Belgium , Genomics , Humans , Medical OncologyABSTRACT
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is a common condition in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). PEI can be due to the tumor, which, if located in the head, causes obstruction of the pancreatic duct with subsequent atrophy of the pancreatic parenchyma, or it can be the consequence of pancreatic surgical resection. The standard treatment of PEI is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). Clinical data to support the use of PERT in PC are however limited. There are very few randomized clinical trials that evaluated PERT in PC. Most data come from observational studies. Despite this limited clinical evidence, PERT treatment for PEI is an essential part of supportive therapy to ensure optimal nutritional status in PC patients who will receive surgery, neoadjuvant/adjuvant or palliative treatment. The objective of this review is to increase the awareness about PEI in PC patients and to provide expert recommendations on the use of PERT in resected, borderline resectable and unresectable patients, based on clinical experience and literature review.
Subject(s)
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency , Pancreatic Neoplasms , Enzyme Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/drug therapy , Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency/therapy , Expert Testimony , Humans , Pancreas/pathology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Appendiceal neuroendocrine neo-plasms (aNENs) are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms of varying biological behavior for which information about manage-ment and outcome is sparse, with the majority of available studies being retrospective, including only a limited number of patients, and therefore not necessarily reflecting the reality in the community. In the present study clinical, epidemiological and pathological data of appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasms in Belgium is provided and compared with current literature. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted by linking data of the Belgian Cancer Registry with medical procedures in the Belgian Health Insurance database for patients diagnosed with aNEN between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS: We found an aNEN incidence of 0.97/100.000 person years in Belgium. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the appendix are rare. Most appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors (aNETs) are small G1 tumors. Positive lymph nodes are often found in tumors larger than 2cm, especially aNET G2. CONCLUSION: A rapid uptake of changing classifications was seen in the community. However, systematic reporting of risk factors for small aNEN can still be improved and should be stimulated. In 9% of cases, reclassifications had to be made, pointing out that in a retrospective analysis, original pathological reports should be checked for specific parameters, before reliable conclusions can be drawn.
Subject(s)
Data Analysis , Neuroendocrine Tumors , Belgium/epidemiology , Humans , Neuroendocrine Tumors/epidemiology , Registries , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: After the reversal of the temporary stoma, rectal cancer survivors are often confronted with bowel complaints largely impacting on their quality of life. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise the experiences and needs of patients with rectal cancer confronted with bowel problems after stoma reversal. METHODS: A systematic search was performed through Pubmed, CINAHL and Web of Science. Only studies with a qualitative design were included in this review. Quality assessment was done by the critical appraisal skill programme (CASP) Qualitative Studies Checklist. A thematic-synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Of 2713 identified papers, 10 were included in this systematic review. Two general themes were identified: 'experiences and needs about bowel function before surgery' and 'experiences and needs afterwards'. Before restoration of continuity patients had to cope with the temporary stoma, and they felt uncertain about what to expect. Patients indicated that the timing of providing information was crucial but varied. Bowel problems after surgery had a physical and emotional impact on patients' family life. They were also confronted with shame and stigma. Patients were happy to be alive and cancer free but were hopeful that the bowel problems would resolve. They used several strategies to manage and cope with these symptoms. Peers and healthcare professionals proved valuable resources of support. CONCLUSION: Rectal cancer survivors experience ongoing bowel problems after treatment. Patients describe experiences and needs before rectal cancer surgery and afterwards when confronting with bowel problems. Follow-up care should be organised proactively and focus on management strategies and emotional support.
Subject(s)
Rectal Neoplasms , Surgical Stomas , Adaptation, Psychological , Defecation , Humans , Quality of Life , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Surgical Stomas/adverse effectsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and quality of life (QOL). Furthermore, in patients with major LARS, therapeutic management options were explored. METHODS: A cohort of surviving patients, who underwent a low anterior resection for rectal cancer after long course of radiochemotherapy, were identified. These patients were treated in Ghent University Hospital between 2006 and 2016. QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality Of Life questionnaire-C30 and the bowel function using the LARS-score. The relationship between LARS and QOL was analysed. Patients with major LARS (≥30 points) were contacted to explore their therapeutic management of LARS. RESULTS: 69% of the participants had major LARS. QOL was closely associated with LARS. Significant differences were found between those with and without LARS in the global health status (p ≤ 0.001) and in the following functional scales: physical (p ≤ 0.001), role (p ≤ 0.001), cognitive (p = 0.04) and social (p ≤ 0.001). Patients with major LARS experienced more diarrhea (p ≤ 0.001), fatigue (p = 0.002), insomnia (p ≤ 0.001) and pain (p = 0.02), compared to patient with no/minor LARS. Most patients tried dietary regimens (71%), medication (71%) and incontinence material (63.8%) in an attempt to manage their LARS and found some of them useful. The level of the anastomosis (low) was a significant risk factor for major LARS (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients in this cohort still suffered from major LARS. Patients confronted with major LARS had a lower QOL than patients with no/minor LARS. Currently, there is no gold standard for the management of LARS. Patients manage it through trial and error.
Subject(s)
Digestive System Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Quality of Life , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Aged , Anastomosis, Surgical/adverse effects , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Defecation , Fecal Incontinence/etiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Risk Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are relatively rare, with marked clinical and biological heterogeneity. Consequently, many controversial areas remain in diagnosis and optimal treatment stratification for NEN patients. We wanted to describe current clinical practice regarding controversial NEN topics and stimulate critical thinking and mutual learning among a Belgian multidisciplinary expert panel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 3-round, Delphi method based project, coordinated by a steering committee (SC), was applied to a predefined multidisciplinary NEN expert panel studying the following controversial topics : factors guiding therapeutic decision making, the use of somatostatin analogues (SSA) in adjuvant setting, the interference between non-radioactive and radioactive SSAs, challenging small intestine neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cases, the approach of the carcinoid syndrome, the role of chemotherapy in well differentiated NET, the relevance of NET G3 and neuroendocrine carcinoma subclassification and the role of imaging techniques in NEN management. RESULTS: A high level of consensus exists regarding the necessary diagnostic work-up, use of imaging techniques and interference between non-radioactive and radioactive SSAs. However, the prognostic impact of tumor functionality might be overrated and adequate diarrhea differential diagnostic work-up in these patients is underused. Significant differences are seen between individual experts and centers regarding treatment preferences both on the treatment modality level, as well as the choice of specific drugs (e.g. chemotherapy regimen). CONCLUSIONS: A Delphi-like multi-round expert discussion proves useful to boost critical thinking and discussion among experts of different background, as well as to describe current clinical practice and stimulate mutual learning in the absence of high-level scientific guidance.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine , Intestinal Neoplasms , Neuroendocrine Tumors , Belgium , Humans , Neuroendocrine Tumors/diagnosis , Neuroendocrine Tumors/therapy , SomatostatinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The most important causes of hereditary colorectal cancer are Lynch syndrome (LS) and the adenomatous polyposis syndromes (familial adenomatous poly- posis syndrome or FAP, attenuated FAP or AFAP and MUTYH associated polyposis syndrome or MAP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether all patients with a hereditary syndrome within one center receive uniform advice regarding surveillance and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all electronic patient health records of patients with LS, FAP, AFAP and MAP who received genetic counselling or were followed by a health care specialist at the University Hospital in Ghent. RESULTS: Data from 122 patients were collected. For all patients, recommendations from the medical genetics department were highly consistent. Adherence to their recommendations was good within the center for the management of colon polyps. There was a lack of consistency in the screening and surveillance advice for other tumors in departments other than gastroenterology. Only 33 patients had systematic follow-up consultations to check results and organize surveillance. CONCLUSION: Previously, small studies have suggested that patients with hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes infrequently have surveillance as specified in the guidelines. This study shows almost uniform recommendations and good adherence for surveillance of the colon, but incomplete or contradictory advice for surveillance of other organs. The need for an integrated approach from a multidisciplinary team will only increase in the future, because more families with hereditary cancer are likely to be found due to the increased use of next generation sequencing in cancer diagnostics.
Subject(s)
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli , Colonic Neoplasms , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis , Colorectal Neoplasms , Adenomatous Polyposis Coli/diagnosis , Adenomatous Polyposis Coli/epidemiology , Adenomatous Polyposis Coli/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/epidemiology , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/genetics , Humans , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Anti-Hu antibodies (Hu-Abs) are the most frequent onconeural antibodies associated with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS). PNS include a variety of neurological syndromes, affecting less than 1/10,000 patients with cancer. In the majority of cases, PNS will manifest before the malignancy is diagnosed. We found a case in which PNS was diagnosed without finding a primary malignancy after extensive work-up and even post-mortem autopsy. PATIENT AND METHODS: We present a case report of a 58-year-old man. This article includes extensive clinical work-up, full-body autopsy and brain autopsy with classical histochemical and myelin stainings and immunohistochemistry was performed. RESULTS: The patient developed a progressive trigeminal neuropathy over a period of 5 years, in combination with cerebellar degeneration, asymmetrical brainstem and limbic encephalitis. Serum showed repeatedly high anti-Hu antibodies. Comprehensive cancer screening could not demonstrate any primary malignancy. Therapy with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide and rituximab showed no beneficial effect. He died from the complications of enteric ganglionitis 5 years after onset of the first symptoms. A postmortem autopsy could not detect a primary malignancy either. Brain morphology is described in detail. CONCLUSION: Paraneoplastic anti-Hu encephalitis cases associated with SCLC or other primary neoplasms are well known. An adult with a progressive multifocal neurological syndrome in the presence of positive anti-Hu antibodies, but without any primary neoplasm after a follow-up over 5 years is unusual.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Pain/etiology , Autoimmune Diseases/complications , Limbic Encephalitis/etiology , Trigeminal Nerve Diseases/etiology , Antibodies, Antinuclear , Autopsy , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System/diagnosis , Positron-Emission TomographyABSTRACT
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) represent 3% of all gastrointestinal tumours and can be classified anatomically in 3 types: intrahepatic (ICC), perihilar (PCC) and distal (DCC) cholangiocarcinomas. Resection is the treatment of choice but is only achieved in a few cases (<20%) because of invasion of the biliary tract and/or vascular structures. The outcome of advanced CC is poor with an overall survival (OS) of maximum 15 months with chemotherapy. In the 1990s, CC was regarded as a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). LT has recently been proposed as potentially curative option for ICC and PCC. Careful patient selection has changed OS. This article provides an update on current status of LT for patients with unresectable CC.
Subject(s)
Bile Duct Neoplasms/surgery , Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic/pathology , Cholangiocarcinoma/surgery , Liver Transplantation , Bile Duct Neoplasms/pathology , Cholangiocarcinoma/pathology , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Despite the growing consensus on the benefits of initiating palliative care early in the disease trajectory, it remains unclear at what point palliative care needs emerge. This study investigates quality of life and unmet palliative care needs at three phases in the cancer trajectory, curative, life-prolonging and most advanced (prognosis <6 months/no further disease-modifying treatment). We collected self-reported data from 620 patients with cancer in the University Hospital of Ghent, Belgium. They completed a questionnaire on quality of life (using the EORTC QLQ-C30) and unmet care needs within the domains of palliative care. We used European reference values of the EORTC QLQ-C30 to compare the mean scores with a norm group. The groups further on in the cancer trajectory reported statistically and clinically poorer functioning compared with earlier phases, also when controlled for the effects of sex, age or type of cancer. Higher symptom burdens for fatigue, pain, dyspnoea and appetite loss were found in groups further into the trajectory, p < .001. Patients in the curative phase experienced physical symptoms and had clinically worse functioning than a European reference group. This paper demonstrates the ongoing need for oncologists to address the broader palliative care needs of patients from diagnosis onwards.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/therapy , Palliative Care/standards , Activities of Daily Living , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Belgium , Cost of Illness , Cross-Sectional Studies , Delivery of Health Care/standards , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Needs Assessment , Neoplasms/psychology , Quality of Life , Spirituality , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have Crohn's disease (CD). AIM: To compare PSC/CD with other PSC patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of 240 PSC patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2012 (median follow-up 12 years). Activity of PSC at diagnosis was assessed by liver biopsy, Mayo risk and ERC scores. Survival without liver transplantation, number of transplantations and liver-related death were endpoints. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent of patients had IBD: 105 UC, 32 CD and 14 IBD unclassified (IBDu). IBD was diagnosed before PSC in 50%. The yearly development of PSC after diagnosing IBD was similar in UC, CD or IBDu. Small-duct PSC was present in 28% of PSC/CD compared to 3% of PSC/UC. Small-duct PSC had a markedly better survival than large-duct PSC: no patient developed cholangiocarcinoma or liver-related death, but colorectal cancer occurred in three patients. In large-duct PSC, a more favourable outcome was evident in patients with CD. The liver disease was less progressive: one patient underwent liver transplantation compared to 28% and liver-related deaths were absent compared to 7% in the other PSC groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of PSC with concomitant Crohn's disease is relatively rare, but the outcome is more benign than PSC with UC or without IBD. Approximately one-fourth has small-duct PSC. In large-duct PSC/CD, liver disease is less aggressive and the outcome is much better. The outcome of PSC patients with UC resembled that of PSC without IBD.
Subject(s)
Cholangitis, Sclerosing/epidemiology , Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology , Crohn Disease/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biopsy , Child , Child, Preschool , Cholangitis, Sclerosing/classification , Cholangitis, Sclerosing/mortality , Cholangitis, Sclerosing/surgery , Colorectal Neoplasms/complications , Female , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/epidemiology , Liver Transplantation , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) confers a survival benefit in locally advanced esophageal cancer. The optimal dose of radiotherapy remains undefined. METHODS: From a prospective database, we identified patients who received CRT followed by Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Surgical complications, pathological response, and oncological outcome were compared between patients who received a radiotherapy (RT) dose of 36 Gy (group 1) versus a dose of > 40 Gy (group 2). RESULTS: 147 patients were evaluated : 109 received 36 Gy, while 38 received 41-50 Gy. Mean age was 61 ± 9 years (84% male). Median hospital stay was 16 days. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.0%. Pulmonary complications occurred in 41.8%, neither being influenced by RT dose. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 95% (group 1) and 100% (group 2), P = 0.3. Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 19% (group 1) and 37% (group 2), P = 0.04. Local recurrence developed in 9% in group 1, and 3% in group 2 (P = 0.3), but regional recurrence developed significantly higher in the low dose group (28% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Metastatic recurrence occurred in 48% in group 1 and 13% in group 2 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer a higher RT dose does not affect surgical outcome, enhances pCR rate, and reduces the locoregional and metastatic recurrence risk.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma/therapy , Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant , Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy , Esophagectomy , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Aged , Carcinoma/mortality , Carcinoma/pathology , Cohort Studies , Esophageal Neoplasms/mortality , Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Radiotherapy Dosage , Survival Rate , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) confers a survival benefit in locally advanced esophageal cancer. The optimal dose of radiotherapy remains undefined. METHODS: From a prospective database, we identified patients who received CRT followed by Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Surgical complications, pathological response, and oncological outcome were compared between patients who received a radiotherapy (RT) dose of 36 Gy (group1) versus a dose of > 40 Gy (group 1). RESULTS: 147 patients were evaluated: 109 received 36 Gy, while 38 received 41-50Gy. Mean age was 61 ± 9 years (84% male). Median hospital stay was 16 days. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 4.0%. Pulmonary complications occurred in 41.8%, neither being influenced by RT dose. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 95% (group 1) and 100% (group 2), P = 0.3. Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 19% (group 1) and 37% (group 1), P = 0.04. Local recurrence developed in 9% in group 1, and 3% in group 2 (P = 0.3), but regional recurrence developed significantly higher in the low dose group (18% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Metastatic recurrence occurred in 48% in group 1 and 13% in group 1 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer a higher RT dose does not affect surgical outcome, enhances pCR rate, and reduces the locoregional and metastatic recurrence risk.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/radiotherapy , Esophageal Neoplasms/mortality , Esophageal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery , Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant , Databases, Factual , Disease-Free Survival , Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Esophageal Neoplasms/surgery , Esophagectomy/methods , Female , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Radiotherapy Dosage , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Survival AnalysisABSTRACT
AIMS: Liver resection is considered the standard treatment of colorectal metastases (CRLM). However, to date, no long term oncological results and data regarding repeat hepatectomy after laparoscopic approach are known. The aim of this study is to analyze single center long-term surgical and oncological outcomes after liver resection for CRLM. METHODS: A total of 57 open resections (OR) were matched with 57 laparoscopic resections (LR) for CRLM. Matching was based mainly on number of metastases, tumor size, segmental position of lesions, type of hepatectomy and type of resection. RESULTS: Morbidity rate was significantly less in the LR group (p = 0.002); the length of hospital stay was 6.5 ± 5 days for the LR group and 9.2 ± 4 days for the OR group (p = 0.005). After a median follow up of 53.7 months for the OR group and 40.9 months for the LR group, the 5-y overall survival rate was 65% and 60% respectively (p = 0.36) and the 5-y disease free survival rate was 38% and 29% respectively (p = 0.24). More patients in the LR group received a third hepatectomy for CRLM relapse than in the OR group (80% vs. 14.3% respectively; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection for CRLM offers advantages in terms of reduced blood loss, morbidity rate and hospital stay. It provides comparable long-term oncological outcomes but can improve further resectability in patients with recurrent disease.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Hepatectomy/methods , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Liver/surgery , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Aged , Case-Control Studies , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Humans , Laparoscopy/methods , Length of Stay , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/secondary , Postoperative Complications , Reoperation , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The histologic examination of endoscopic biopsies or resection specimens remains a key step in the work-up of affected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and can be used for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, particularly in the differentiation of UC from CD and other non-IBD related colitides. The introduction of new treatment strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) interfering with the patients' immune system may result in mucosal healing, making the pathologists aware of the impact of treatment upon diagnostic features. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) jointly elaborated a consensus to establish standards for histopathology diagnosis in IBD. The consensus endeavors to address: (i) procedures required for a proper diagnosis, (ii) features which can be used for the analysis of endoscopic biopsies, (iii) features which can be used for the analysis of surgical samples, (iv) criteria for diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and (v) special situations including those inherent to therapy. Questions that were addressed include: how many features should be present for a firm diagnosis? What is the role of histology in patient management, including search for dysplasia? Which features if any, can be used for assessment of disease activity? The statements and general recommendations of this consensus are based on the highest level of evidence available, but significant gaps remain in certain areas.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Gastrointestinal Tract/pathology , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/pathology , Biopsy , Colitis, Microscopic/pathology , Colitis, Ulcerative/complications , Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology , Colorectal Neoplasms/complications , Crohn Disease/complications , Crohn Disease/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Humans , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/diagnosisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Standardized added metabolic activity (SAM) is a PET parameter for assessing the total metabolic load of malignant processes, avoiding partial volume effects and lesion segmentation. The potential role of this parameter in the assessment of response to chemotherapy and bevacizumab was tested in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with potentially resectable liver metastases (mCRC). METHODS: (18)F-FDG PET/CT was performed in 18 mCRC patients with liver metastases before treatment and after five cycles of FOLFOX/FOLFIRI and bevacizumab. Of the 18 patients, 16 subsequently underwent resection of liver metastases. Baseline and follow-up SUVmax, and SAM as well as reduction in SUVmax (∆SUVmax) and SAM (∆SAM) of all liver metastases were correlated with morphological response, and progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS). RESULTS: A significant reduction in metabolic activity of the liver metastases was seen after chemotherapy with a median ∆SUVmax of 25.3% and ∆SAM of 94.5% (p = 0.033 and 0.003). Median baseline SUVmax and SAM values were significantly different between morphological responders and nonresponders (3.8 vs. 7.2, p = 0.021; and 34 vs. 211, p = 0.002, respectively), but neither baseline PET parameters nor morphological response was correlated with PFS or OS. Follow-up SUVmax and SAM as well as ∆SAM were found to be prognostic factors. The median PFS and OS in the patient group with a high follow-up SUVmax were 10.4 months and 32 months, compared to a median PFS of 14.7 months and a median OS which had not been reached in the group with a low follow-up SUVmax (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). The patient group with a high follow-up SAM and a low ∆SAM had a median PFS and OS of 9.4 months and 32 months, whereas the other group had a median PFS of 14.7 months and a median OS which had not been reached (p = 0.002 for both PFS and OS). CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET imaging is a useful tool to assess treatment response and predict clinical outcome in patients with mCRC who undergo chemotherapy before liver metastasectomy. Follow-up SUVmax, follow-up SAM and ∆SAM were found to be significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS.
Subject(s)
Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/pharmacokinetics , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Positron-Emission Tomography , Radiopharmaceuticals/pharmacokinetics , Aged , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols , Bevacizumab , Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives , Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Fluorouracil , Humans , Leucovorin , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Multimodal Imaging , Organoplatinum Compounds , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Serrated polyps of the colorectum have received much attention in recent literature. Several classifications have been proposed and created considerable confusion. Morphology and molecular biology have greatly contributed to the better identification of these entity. The recently published WHO classification, proposed using the term of "serrated polyp" as a generic term and defined sporadic serrated polyps as "a heterogeneous group" of lesions characterized morphologically by a serrated (sawtooth or stellate) architecture of the epithelial component which include hyperplastic polyps (HP), sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/P) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA). With the development of molecular biology, it is now clear that the serrated pathway is one of the new carcinogenic pathways in the colon. There is now strong evidence that some serrated polyps correspond to precursors of some sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this article is to summarize the present data concerning the morphological and molecular characteristics of these serrated lesions and to give some recommendations for the management of such lesions.