The prognostic impact of tumor deposits in colorectal cancer: More than just N1c.

BACKGROUND: The identification of tumor deposits (TD) currently plays a limited role in staging for colorectal cancer (CRC) aside from N1c lymph node designation. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic impact, beyond American Joint Committee on Cancer N1c designation, of TDs among patients with primary CRC. METHODS: Patients who had resected stage I-III primary CRC diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were identified from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) stratified by TD status and lymph node (N) status was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 147,783 patients with primary CRC were identified. TDs were present in 15,444 patients (10.5%). The presence of TDs was significantly associated with adverse tumor characteristics, including advanced pathologic stage, nodal status, and metastasis status. The presence of TDs was associated with worse CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.02-3.22), as it was for each given N category (e.g., N2a and TD-negative [HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.37-2.64] vs. N2a and TD-positive [HR, 3.75; 95% CI, 3.49-4.03]). The presence of multiple TDs was also associated with decreased CSS for each given N category compared with a single TD (e.g. N2a with one TD [HR, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.65-3.61] vs. N2a with two or more TDs [HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 3.87-4.82]). CONCLUSIONS: TDs were identified as an independent predictor of a worse outcome in patients with CRC. The presence of TDs confers distinctly different CSS and provides important prognostic information among patients with CRC and warrants further investigation as a unique variable in future iterations of CRC staging.

The Learning Curve for Robotic Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Rectal Cancer: A View From the West.

BACKGROUND: Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is performed for selected patients with rectal cancer with persistent lateral nodal disease after neoadjuvant therapy. This technique has been slow to be adopted in the West because of concerns regarding technical difficulty. This is the first report on the learning curve for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in the United States or Europe. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the learning curve associated with robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort. SETTING: Tertiary academic cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients from 2012 to 2021. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end points were the learning curves for the maximum number of nodes retrieved and urinary retention, which was evaluated with simple cumulative sum and 2-sided Bernoulli cumulative sum charts. RESULTS: Fifty-four procedures were included. A single-surgeon learning curve (n = 35) and an institutional learning curve are presented in the analysis. In the single-surgeon learning curve, a turning point marking the end of a learning phase was detected at the 12th procedure for the number of retrieved nodes and at the 20th procedure for urinary retention. In the institutional learning curve analysis, 2 turning points were identified at the 13th procedure, indicating progressive improvements for the number of retrieved nodes, and at the 27th procedure for urinary retention. No sustained alarm signals were detected at any time point. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature, small sample size, and the referral center nature of the reporting institution may limit generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: In a setting of institutional experience with robotic colorectal surgery, including beyond total mesorectal excision resections, the learning curve for robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is acceptably short. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the acquisition of this technique in a controlled setting, with sufficient case volume and proctoring to optimize the learning curve. See Video Abstract. LA CURVA DE APRENDIZAJE DE LA DISECCIN ROBTICA DE LOS GANGLIOS LINFTICOS PLVICOS LATERALES EN EL CNCER DE RECTO UNA VISIN DESDE OCCIDENTE: ANTECEDENTES:La disección lateral de los ganglios linfáticos pélvicos se realiza en pacientes seleccionados con cáncer de recto con enfermedad ganglionar lateral persistente tras el tratamiento neoadyuvante. La adopción de esta técnica en Occidente ha sido lenta debido a la preocupación por su dificultad técnica. Éste es el primer informe sobre la curva de aprendizaje de la disección de los ganglios linfáticos pélvicos laterales en EE.UU. o Europa.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la curva de aprendizaje asociada a la disección robótica de los ganglios linfáticos pélvicos laterales.DISEÑO:Cohorte observacional retrospectiva.LUGAR:Centro oncológico académico terciario.PACIENTES:Pacientes consecutivos desde 2012 al 2021.INTERVENCIÓN:Todos los pacientes fueron sometieron a disección robótica de ganglios linfáticos pélvicos laterales.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los criterios de valoración primarios fueron las curvas de aprendizaje tomando en cuenta el mayor número de ganglios recuperados y la retención urinaria que fueron evaluados con gráficos de suma acumulativa simple y de suma acumulativa de Bernoulli de dos caras.RESULTADOS:Fueron incluidos 54 procedimientos. En el análisis se presentan una curva de aprendizaje de un solo cirujano (n = 35) y una curva de aprendizaje institucional. En la curva de aprendizaje de un solo cirujano, se detectó un punto de inflexión que marcaba el final de una fase de aprendizaje en el duodécimo procedimiento para el número de ganglios extraídos y en el vigésimo para la retención urinaria. En el análisis de la curva de aprendizaje institucional, se identificaron dos puntos de inflexión en las intervenciones 13.ª y 26.ª, que indicaron mejoras progresivas en el número de ganglios extraídos, y en la 27.ª en la retención urinaria. No se detectaron señales de alarma sostenidas en ningún momento.LIMITACIONES:La naturaleza retrospectiva, el pequeño tamaño de la muestra y la naturaleza de centro de referencia de la institución informante que pueden limitar la capacidad de generalizarse.CONCLUSIONES:En un entorno de experiencia institucional con cirugía robótica colorrectal incluyendo más allá de las resecciones TME, la curva de aprendizaje para la disección robótica de ganglios linfáticos pélvicos laterales es aceptablemente corta. Nuestros resultados demuestran la viabilidad de la adquisición de esta técnica en un entorno controlado, con un volumen de casos suficiente y una supervisión que puede optimizar la curva de aprendizaje. (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Early Postoperative Prediction of Complications and Readmission After Colorectal Cancer Surgery Using an Artificial Neural Network.

BACKGROUND: Early predictors of postoperative complications can risk-stratify patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. However, conventional regression models have limited power to identify complex nonlinear relationships among a large set of variables. We developed artificial neural network models to optimize the prediction of major postoperative complications and risk of readmission in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop an artificial neural network model to predict postoperative complications using postoperative laboratory values and compare the accuracy of models to standard regression methods. DESIGN: This retrospective study included patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer resection between January 1, 2016, and July 31, 2021. Clinical data, cancer stage, and laboratory data from postoperative days 1 to 3 were collected. Complications and readmission risk models were created using multivariable logistic regression and single-layer neural networks. SETTING: National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. PATIENTS: Adult patients with colorectal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The accuracy of predicting postoperative major complications, readmissions, and anastomotic leaks using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Neural networks had larger areas under the curve for predicting major complications compared to regression models (neural network 0.811; regression model 0.724, p < 0.001). Neural networks also showed an advantage in predicting anastomotic leak ( p = 0.036) and readmission using postoperative day 1 to 2 values ( p = 0.014). LIMITATIONS: Single-center, retrospective design limited to cancer operations. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we generated a set of models for the early prediction of complications after colorectal surgery. The neural network models provided greater discrimination than the models based on traditional logistic regression. These models may allow for early detection of postoperative complications as early as postoperative day 2. See the Video Abstract . PREDICCIN POST OPERATORIA TEMPRANA DE COMPLICACIONES Y REINGRESO DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA DE CNCER COLORRECTAL MEDIANTE UNA RED NEURONAL ARTIFICIAL: ANTECEDENTES:Los predictores tempranos de complicaciones postoperatorias pueden estratificar el riesgo de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer colorrectal. Sin embargo, los modelos de regresión convencionales tienen un poder limitado para identificar relaciones no lineales complejas entre un gran conjunto de variables. Desarrollamos modelos de redes neuronales artificiales para optimizar la predicción de complicaciones postoperatorias importantes y riesgo de reingreso en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer colorrectal.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un modelo de red neuronal artificial para predecir complicaciones postoperatorias utilizando valores de laboratorio postoperatorios y comparar la precisión de estos modelos con los métodos de regresión estándar.DISEÑO:Este estudio retrospectivo incluyó a pacientes que se sometieron a resección electiva de cáncer colorrectal entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 31 de julio de 2021. Se recopilaron datos clínicos, estadio del cáncer y datos de laboratorio del día 1 al 3 posoperatorio. Se crearon modelos de complicaciones y riesgo de reingreso mediante regresión logística multivariable y redes neuronales de una sola capa.AJUSTE:Instituto Nacional del Cáncer designado Centro Oncológico Integral.PACIENTES:Pacientes adultos con cáncer colorrectal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Precisión de la predicción de complicaciones mayores postoperatorias, reingreso y fuga anastomótica utilizando el área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor.RESULTADOS:Las redes neuronales tuvieron áreas bajo la curva más grandes para predecir complicaciones importantes en comparación con los modelos de regresión (red neuronal 0,811; modelo de regresión 0,724, p < 0,001). Las redes neuronales también mostraron una ventaja en la predicción de la fuga anastomótica ( p = 0,036) y el reingreso utilizando los valores del día 1-2 postoperatorio ( p = 0,014).LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo de un solo centro limitado a operaciones de cáncer.CONCLUSIONES:En este estudio, generamos un conjunto de modelos para la predicción temprana de complicaciones después de la cirugía colorrectal. Los modelos de redes neuronales proporcionaron una mayor discriminación que los modelos basados en regresión logística tradicional. Estos modelos pueden permitir la detección temprana de complicaciones posoperatorias tan pronto como el segundo día posoperatorio. (Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer: Which Regimens to Use?

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is a novel strategy for rectal cancer that administers both (chemo)radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy before surgery. TNT is expected to improve treatment compliance, tumor regression, organ preservation, and oncologic outcomes. Multiple TNT regimens are currently available with various combinations of the treatments including induction or consolidation chemotherapy, triplet or doublet chemotherapy, and long-course chemoradiotherapy or short-course radiotherapy. Evidence on TNT is rapidly evolving with new data on clinical trials, and no definitive consensus has been established on which regimens to use for improving outcomes. Clinicians need to understand the advantages and limitations of the available regimens for multidisciplinary decision making. This article reviews currently available evidence on TNT for rectal cancer. A decision making flow chart is provided for tailor-made use of TNT regimens based on tumor location and local and systemic risk.

Para-aortic Lymph Node Dissection for Colorectal Cancer: Predicting Pathologic Lymph Node Positivity and Optimizing Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: In colorectal cancer, the presence of para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) indicates extraregional disease. Appropriately selecting patients for whom PALN dissection will provide oncologic benefit remains challenging. This study identified factors to predict survival among patients undergoing PALN dissection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: An institutional database was queried for patients who underwent curative-intent resection of clinically positive PALN for colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2020. Preoperative radiologic images were reviewed, and patients who did and did not have positive PALN on final pathology were compared. Survival analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of pathologically positive PALN on recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of 74 patients who underwent PALN dissection, 51 had PALN metastasis at the time of primary tumor diagnosis, whereas 23 had metachronous PALN disease. Preoperative chemotherapy ± radiotherapy was given in 60 cases (81.1%), and 28 (37.8%) had pathologically positive PALN. Independent factors associated with positive PALN pathology included metachronous PALN disease and pretreatment and posttreatment radiographically abnormal PALN. On multivariable analysis, pathologically positive PALN was significantly associated with decreased RFS (hazard ratio 3.90) and OS (HR 4.49). Among patients with pathologically positive PALN, well/moderately differentiated histology was associated with better OS, and metachronous disease trended toward an association with better OS. CONCLUSIONS: Pathologically positive PALN are associated with poorer RFS and OS after PALN dissection for colorectal cancer. Clinicopathologic factors may predict pathologic PALN positivity. Curative-intent surgery may provide benefit, especially in patients with well-to-moderately differentiated primary tumors and possibly metachronous PALN disease.

The current multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer.

Multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer has rapidly evolved over the last several years. This review describes recent data surrounding total neoadjuvant therapy, organ preservation, and management of lateral pelvic lymph nodes. It then presents our treatment algorithm for management of rectal cancer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the context of this and other existing literature. As part of this discussion, the review describes how we tailor management based upon both patient and tumor-related factors in an effort to optimize patient outcomes.

Perioperative and oncological outcomes following robotic en bloc multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer.

AIM: As multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative-intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long-term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer. METHOD: We describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short- and long-term outcomes, using the Kaplan-Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Among the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three-year overall survival was 88% and median progression-free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Performance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer.

Evolving survival gains in patients with young-onset colorectal cancer and synchronous resectable liver metastases.

We aimed to evaluate the practice and the associated outcomes of surgical treatment for young-onset colorectal cancer (YOCRC) patients presenting with synchronous liver metastases. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to surgery date: 131 patients in the early era (EE, 1998-2011) and 179 in the contemporary era (CE, 2012-2020). The CE had a higher rate of node-positive primary tumors, higher carcinoembryonic antigen level, and lower rate of RAS/BRAF mutations. The CE had higher rates of reverse or combined resection, multi-drug prehepatectomy chemotherapy, and two-stage hepatectomy. The median survival was 8.4 years in the CE and 4.3 years in the EE (p = 0.011). On multivariate analysis, hepatectomy in the CE was independently associated with improved overall survival (HR 0.48, p = 0.001). With a combination of perioperative systemic therapy, careful selection of treatment approach, and coordinated resections, durable cure can be achieved in YOCRC patients.

'Super Rehab': can we achieve coronary artery disease regression? A feasibility study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) are currently treated with medications and lifestyle advice to reduce the likelihood of disease progression and risk of future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Where obstructive disease is diagnosed, revascularisation may be considered to treat refractory symptoms. However, many patients with coexistent cardiovascular risk factors, particularly those with metabolic syndrome (MetS), remain at heightened risk of future MACE despite current management.Cardiac rehabilitation is offered to patients post-revascularisation, however, there is no definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit in a primary prevention setting. We propose that an intensive lifestyle intervention (Super Rehab, SR) incorporating high-intensity exercise, diet and behavioural change techniques may improve symptoms, outcomes, and enable CAD regression.This study aims to examine the feasibility of delivering a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing SR for patients with CAD, in a primary prevention setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre randomised controlled feasibility study of SR versus usual care in patients with CAD. The study aims to recruit 50 participants aged 18-75 across two centres. Feasibility will be assessed against rates of recruitment, retention and, in the intervention arm, attendance and adherence to SR. Qualitative interviews will explore trial experiences of study participants and practitioners. Variance of change in CAD across both arms of the study (assessed with serial CT coronary angiography) will inform the design and power of a future, multi-centre RCT. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was granted by South West-Frenchay Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/SW/0153, 18 January 2022). Study findings will be disseminated via presentations to relevant stakeholders, national and international conferences and open-access peer-reviewed research publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN14603929.

Rectal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Cervical Mass: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Invasive cervical tumors are often seen in clinical practice. However, there are multiple structures within the pelvis, and invasion of the cervix from another site must be included in the differential diagnosis. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to define the organ of tumor origin. Ensuring proper staging and histologic analysis are critical for optimal management. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 68-year-old woman who presented to her gynecologist with painless post-menopausal vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with a locally aggressive cervical adenocarcinoma, which was histologically confirmed by an in-office biopsy. She was referred to the gynecologic oncology service at a tertiary care hospital for definitive management, where a thorough clinical workup was performed. Physical exam revealed that the mass had invaded the anterior rectal wall. Through a multidisciplinary approach and a repeat biopsy, she was correctly diagnosed with an invasive rectal adenocarcinoma. She was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and underwent curative surgery. Had she been incorrectly treated as having a primary cervical adenocarcinoma, there would have been no role for surgery. The change in the organ of primary drastically altered the patient's management and outcome. She is currently undergoing surveillance with cross-sectional imaging. CONCLUSIONS Cervical masses originating from non-gynecologic organs can be difficult to differentiate on physical exam and histologic analysis. When a mass involves the rectum, an invasive primary rectal adenocarcinoma must be included in the differential. This will have a significant impact on patient management and ultimately on patient survival.

Reporting of Circumferential Resection Margin in Rectal Cancer Surgery.

Importance: Circumferential resection margin (CRM) in rectal cancer surgery is a major prognostic indicator associated with local recurrence and overall survival. Facility rates of CRM positivity have recently been established as a new quality measure by the Commission on Cancer (CoC); however, the completeness of CRM status reporting is not well characterized. Objective: To describe the changes in CRM reporting and factors associated with low rates of reporting. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Cancer Database between January 2010 and December 2019. Data were analyzed between October 1, 2021, and February 1, 2022. Data from the National Cancer Database included patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma receiving surgical treatment at CoC-accredited facilities throughout the US. Exposures: Patient, tumor, and facility-level factors. Facilities were divided by surgical volume, safety-net status, and CoC facility type. Main Outcomes and Measures: Circumferential resection margin missingness rates. Results: A total of 110 571 patients (59.3% men) with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent curative-intent surgery at 1307 CoC-accredited hospitals were included for analysis. Reporting of CRM improved over the study period, with a mean (SE) missing 12.0% (0.32%) decreased from 16.3% (0.36%). Academic facilities had a higher missingness than other facility types (14.3% vs 10.5%-12.7%; P < .001). Mean (SE) rates of missingness were similar between hospitals of varying volume (lowest quartile: 12.2% [0.93%] vs highest quartile: 12.4% [0.53%]; P = .96). Cases in which fewer than 12 lymph nodes were removed had higher rates of missingness (18.1% vs 11.4%; P < .001). Increased odds of CRM missingness were noted with T category (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.35-1.65) and N category (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.82-2.20). Black race was associated with missingness (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14). Conclusion and Relevance: Although CRM positivity reporting has improved over the last decade, the findings of this study suggest there is substantial room for improvement as it becomes a quality standard. Missingness appears to be associated with poor performance on other quality metrics and facility type. This measure appears to be ideal for targeted institution-level feedback to improve quality of care nationally.

Young-onset Rectal Cancer: Unique Tumoral Microbiome and Correlation With Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: External exposures, the host, and the microbiome interact in oncology. We aimed to investigate tumoral microbiomes in young-onset rectal cancers (YORCs) for profiles potentially correlative with disease etiology and biology. BACKGROUND: YORC is rapidly increasing, with 1 in 4 new rectal cancer cases occurring under the age of 50 years. Its etiology is unknown. METHODS: YORC (<50 y old) or later-onset rectal cancer (LORC, ≥50 y old) patients underwent pretreatment biopsied of tumor and tumor-adjacent normal (TAN) tissue. After whole genome sequencing, metagenomic analysis quantified microbial communities comparing tumors versus TANs and YORCs versus LORCs, controlling for multiple testing. Response to neoadjuvant therapy (NT) was categorized as major pathological response (MPR, ≤10% residual viable tumor) versus non-MPR. RESULTS: Our 107 tumors, 75 TANs from 37 (35%) YORCs, and 70 (65%) LORCs recapitulated bacterial species were previously associated with colorectal cancers (all P <0.0001). YORC and LORC tumoral microbiome signatures were distinct. After NT, 13 patients (12.4%) achieved complete pathologic response, whereas MPR occurred in 47 patients (44%). Among YORCs, MPR was associated with Fusobacterium nucleaum , Bacteroides dorei, and Ruminococcus bromii (all P <0.001), but MPR in LORC was associated with R. bromii ( P <0.001). Network analysis of non-MPR tumors demonstrated a preponderance of oral bacteria not observed in MPR tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial signatures were distinct between YORC and LORC. Failure to achieve an MPR was associated with oral bacteria in tumors. These findings urge further studies to decipher correlative versus mechanistic associations but suggest a potential for microbial modulation to augment current treatments.

Patient-clinician dynamics in remote consultations: a qualitative study of cardiology and rheumatology outpatient clinics in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the experiences of patients and clinicians in rheumatology and cardiology outpatient clinics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impact of remote consultations on interpersonal dynamics. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews, conducted between February and June 2021. SETTING: The rheumatology and cardiology departments of a general hospital in England, UK. PARTICIPANTS: All clinicians and a convenience sample of 100 patients in each department who had taken part in a remote consultation in the past month were invited to take part. Twenty-five interviews were conducted (13 with patients, 12 with clinicians). RESULTS: Three themes were developed through the analysis: adapting to the dynamics of remote consultations, impact on the patient's experience and impact on the clinician's experience. The majority of remote consultations experienced by both patients and clinicians had been via telephone. Both clinicians and patients found remote consultations to be more business-like and focused, with the absence of pauses restricting time for reflection. For patients with stable, well-managed conditions, remote consultations were felt to be appropriate and could be more convenient than in-person consultations. However, the loss of visual cues meant some patients felt they could not give a holistic view of their condition and limited clinicians' ability to gather and convey information. Clinicians adjusted their approach by asking more questions, checking understanding more frequently and expressing empathy verbally, but felt patients still shared fewer concerns remotely than in person; a perception with which patients concurred. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of ensuring, for each patient, that remote care is appropriate. Future research should focus on developing ways to support both clinicians and patients to gather and provide all information necessary during remote consultations, to enhance communication and trust.

Phosphate Loading Does not Improve 30-km Cycling Time-Trial Performance in Trained Cyclists.

Phosphate is integral to numerous metabolic processes, several of which strongly predict exercise performance (i.e., cardiac function, oxygen transport, and oxidative metabolism). Evidence regarding phosphate loading is limited and equivocal, at least partly because studies have examined sodium phosphate supplements of varied molar mass (e.g., mono/di/tribasic, dodecahydrate), thus delivering highly variable absolute quantities of phosphate. Within a randomized cross-over design and in a single-blind manner, 16 well-trained cyclists (age 38 ± 16 years, mass 74.3 ± 10.8 kg, training 340 ± 171 min/week; mean ± SD) ingested either 3.5 g/day of dibasic sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4: 24.7 mmol/day phosphate; 49.4 mmol/day sodium) or a sodium chloride placebo (NaCl: 49.4 mmol/day sodium and chloride) for 4 days prior to each of two 30-km time trials, separated by a washout interval of 14 days. There was no evidence of any ergogenic benefit associated with phosphate loading. Time to complete the 30-km time trial did not differ following ingestion of sodium phosphate and sodium chloride (3,059 ± 531 s vs. 2,995 ± 467 s). Accordingly, neither absolute mean power output (221 ± 48 W vs. 226 ± 48 W) nor relative mean power output (3.02 ± 0.78 W/kg vs. 3.08 ± 0.71 W/kg) differed meaningfully between the respective intervention and placebo conditions. Measures of cardiovascular strain and ratings of perceived exertion were very closely matched between treatments (i.e., average heart rate 161 ± 11 beats per minute vs. 159 ± 12 beats per minute; Δ2 beats per minute; and ratings of perceived exertion 18 [14-20] units vs. 17 [14-20] units). In conclusion, supplementing with relatively high absolute doses of phosphate (i.e., >10 mmol daily for 4 days) exerted no ergogenic effects on trained cyclists completing 30-km time trials.

Patient-reported Bowel Function and Bowel-related Quality of Life After Pelvic Radiation for Rectal Adenocarcinoma: The Impact of Radiation Fractionation and Surgical Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Multimodality treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) can include long-course radiotherapy (LCRT) or short course radiotherapy (SCRT). Nonoperative management is increasingly pursued for those achieving a complete clinical response. Data regarding long-term function and quality-of-life (QOL) are limited. METHODS: Patients with LARC treated with radiotherapy from 2016 to 2020 completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- General (FACT-G7), the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS) and the Fecal Incontinence QOL Scale (FIQOL). Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses identified associations between clinical variables including radiation fractionation and the use of surgery versus non-operative management. RESULTS: Of 204 patients surveyed, 124 (60.8%) responded. Median (interquartile range) time from radiation to survey completion was 30.1 (18.3-43) months. Seventy-nine (63.7%) respondents received LCRT, and 45 (36.3%) received SCRT; 101 (81.5%) respondents underwent surgery, and 23 (18.5%) pursued nonoperative management. There were no differences in LARS, FIQoL or FACT-G7 between patients receiving LCRT versus SCRT. On multivariable analysis, only nonoperative management was associated with lower LARS score signifying less bowel dysfunction. Nonoperative management and female sex were associated with a higher FIQoL score signifying less disruption and distress from fecal incontinence issues. Finally, lower BMI at the time of radiation, female sex, and higher FIQoL score were associated with higher FACT-G7 scores signifying better overall QOL. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest long-term patient-reported bowel function and QOL may be similar for individuals receiving SCRT and LCRT for the treatment of LARC, but nonoperative management may lead to improved bowel function and QOL.

Patient-Reported Sexual Function, Bladder Function and Quality of Life for Patients with Low Rectal Cancers with or without a Permanent Ostomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing utilization of sphincter and/or organ-preservation treatment strategies, many patients with low-lying rectal cancers require abdominoperineal resection (APR), leading to permanent ostomy. Here, we aimed to characterize overall, sexual-, and bladder-related patient-reported quality of life (QOL) for individuals with low rectal cancers. We additionally aimed to explore potential differences in patient-reported outcomes between patients with and without a permanent ostomy. METHODS: We distributed a comprehensive survey consisting of various patient-reported outcome measures, including the FACT-G7 survey, ICIQ MLUTS/FLUTS, IIEF-5/FSFI, and a specific questionnaire for ostomy patients. Descriptive statistics and univariate comparisons were used to compared demographics, treatments, and QOL scores between patients with and without a permanent ostomy. RESULTS: Of the 204 patients contacted, 124 (60.8%) returned completed surveys; 22 (18%) of these had a permanent ostomy at the time of survey completion. There were 25 patients with low rectal tumors (≤5 cm from the anal verge) who did not have an ostomy at the time of survey completion, of whom 13 (52%) were managed with a non-operative approach. FACTG7 scores were numerically lower (median 20.5 vs. 22, p = 0.12) for individuals with an ostomy. Sexual function measures IIEF and FSFI were also lower (worse) for individuals with ostomies, but the results were not significantly different. MLUTS and FLUTS scores were both higher in individuals with ostomies (median 11 vs. 5, p = 0.06 and median 17 vs. 5.5, p = 0.01, respectively), suggesting worse urinary function. Patient-reported ostomy-specific challenges included gastrointestinal concerns (e.g., gas, odor, diarrhea) that may affect social activities and personal relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a limited sample size, this study provides patient-centered, patient-derived data regarding long-term QOL in validated measures following treatment of low rectal cancers. Ostomies may have multidimensional negative impacts on QOL, and these findings warrant continued investigation in a prospective setting. These results may be used to inform shared decision making for individuals with low rectal cancers in both the settings of organ preservation and permanent ostomy.