The role of urology and radiology in prostate biopsy: current trends and future perspectives.

PURPOSE: Prostate biopsy is central to the accurate histological diagnosis of prostate cancer. In current practice, the biopsy procedure can be performed using a transrectal or transperineal route with different technologies available for targeting of lesions within the prostate. Historically, the biopsy procedure was performed solely by urologists, but with the advent of image-guided techniques, the involvement of radiologists in prostate biopsy has become more common. Herein, we discuss the pros, cons and future considerations regarding their ongoing role. METHODS: A narrative review regarding the current evidence was completed. PubMed and Cochrane central register of controlled trials were search until January 2024. All study types were of consideration if published after 2000 and an English language translation was available. RESULTS: There are no published studies that directly compare outcomes of prostate biopsy when performed by a urologist or radiologist. In all published studies regarding the learning curve for prostate biopsy, the procedure was performed by urologists. These studies suggest that the learning curve for prostate biopsy is between 10 and 50 cases to reach proficiency in terms of prostate cancer detection and complications. It is recognised that many urologists are poorly able to accurately interpret multi parametric (mp)-MRI of the prostate. Collaboration between the specialities is of importance with urology offering the advantage of being involved in prior and future care of the patient while radiology has the advantage of being able to expertly interpret preprocedure MRI. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence to suggest that prostate biopsy should be solely performed by a specific specialty. The most important factor remains knowledge of the relevant anatomy and sufficient volume of cases to develop and maintain skills.

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS): current evidence in the treatment of early rectal neoplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) was introduced in 2012 for the excision of benign rectal polyps and low grade rectal cancer. Ergonomic improvements over traditional laparoscopic TAMIS (L-TAMIS) include increased dexterity within a small operative field, with possibility of better surgical precision. We aim to collate the existing data surrounding the use of R-TAMIS to treat rectal neoplasms from cohort studies and larger case series, providing a foundation for future, large-scale, comparative studies. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched as part of our review. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or large case series (≥ 5 patients) investigating the use of R-TAMIS to resect rectal neoplasia (benign or malignant) were eligible for inclusion in our analysis. Quality assessment of included studies was performed via the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) risk of bias tool. Outcomes extracted included basic participant characteristics, operative details and histopathological/oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen studies on 317 participants were included in our analysis. The quality of studies was generally satisfactory. Overall complication rate from R-TAMIS was 9.7%. Clear margins (R0) were reported in 96.2% of patients. Local recurrence (benign or malignant) occurred in 2.2% of patients during the specified follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Our review highlights the current evidence for R-TAMIS in the local excision of rectal lesions. While R-TAMIS appears to have complication, margin negativity and recurrence rates superior to those of published L-TAMIS series, comparative studies are needed.

Assessing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a prognostic biomarker in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker in various cancer types, including locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), offering potential insights into disease progression, treatment response and recurrence. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the utility of ctDNA as a prognostic biomarker in LARC. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched as part of our review. Studies investigating the utility of ctDNA in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) were assessed for eligibility. Quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) risk of bias tool. Outcomes extracted included basic participant characteristics, ctDNA details and survival data. A meta-analysis was performed on eligible studies to determine pooled recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Twenty-two studies involving 1676 participants were included in our analysis. Methodological quality categorised by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale was generally satisfactory across included studies. ctDNA detected at various time intervals was generally associated with poor outcomes across included studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated a pooled hazard ratio of 8.87 (95% CI 4.91-16.03) and 15.15 (95% CI 8.21-27.95), indicating an increased risk of recurrence with ctDNA positivity in the post-neoadjuvant and post-operative periods respectively. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review provides evidence supporting the prognostic utility of ctDNA in patients with LARC, particularly in identifying patients at higher risk of disease recurrence in the post-neoadjuvant and post-operative periods.

Surgical prevalence and outcomes in ischemic colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study reviews the literature to examine the proportion of patients requiring surgical management in ischemic colitis (IC) and identify surgical outcomes. METHOD: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in accordance with the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. English language studies and adult patients were included. Studies with fewer than 10 patients, and IC post aortic or cardiac surgery was excluded. We present our systematic review and meta-analysis with pooled proportions of right sided IC distribution and prevalence of surgical treatment. RESULTS: 23 studies with a total of 12,844 patients were included in the systematic review, with 19 studies and 12,420 patients included in the meta-analysis. Four studies were excluded from the meta-analysis due to only including specific cohorts of patients-two with cocaine induced colitis, one with phlebosclerotic colitis, and one with IC associated with acute myocardial infarction. The pooled proportion of right sided IC distribution was 15% (CI 14%-17%, p < 0.001), whilst the pooled proportion of surgical management of IC was 15% (CI 13%-16% p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of surgical management of IC is rare. Right sided IC is associated with higher mortality and higher rates of surgical management. Reporting of surgical outcomes is scant.

Transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) to treat acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) secondary to gastric cancer presents a significant clinical challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for managing this condition, especially in the context of failed endoscopic management. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAE in treating acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding caused by gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of medical databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, was conducted for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Included studies reported on the use of TAE for acute upper GI bleeding specifically due to gastric cancer, including retrospective analyses, case reports, and cohort studies. Demographics and clinical outcomes were reported. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, all being retrospective in nature. The overall technical success rate of TAE was 94.9 %. Overall clinical success rates were 72 % with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of 66-79 %. Overall rebleeding rates were 11 % with a 95 % CI of 3-18 %. Major complications were reported in 2.4 % of patients, including ischemic complications and organ perforation. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 26.4 %, primarily due to underlying disease progression rather than procedural complications. CONCLUSION: TAE is an effective and safe intervention for managing acute upper GI bleeding secondary to gastric cancer, with high success rates. TAE should be considered a viable treatment modality for this challenging condition, particularly for patients who are being considered for neoadjuvant therapy or indeed those not suitable candidates for curative surgical intervention.

Assessing Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a Biomarker for Anal Cancer Management: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates the potential of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a predictive biomarker in the management and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched until 7 January 2024. Selection criteria included research articles exploring ctDNA in the context of anal cancer treatment response, recurrence risk assessment, and consideration of salvage surgery. A total of eight studies were therefore included in the final review, examining a total of 628 patients. These studies focused on three main themes: SCCA diagnosis and staging, treatment response, and patient outcomes. Significant heterogeneity was observed in terms of patient cohort, study methodology, and ctDNA biomarkers. Four studies provided information on the sensitivity of ctDNA biomarkers in SCCA, with a range of 82-100%. Seven studies noted a correlation between pre-treatment ctDNA levels and SCCA disease burden, suggesting that ctDNA could play a role as a biomarker for the staging of SCCA. Across all seven studies with paired pre- and post-treatment ctDNA samples, a trend was seen towards decreasing ctDNA levels post-treatment, with specific identification of a 'fast elimination' group who achieve undetectable ctDNA levels prior to the end of treatment and may be less likely to experience treatment failure. Residual ctDNA detection post-treatment was associated with poorer patient prognosis. This systematic review identifies the broad potential of ctDNA as a useful and decisive tool in the management of SCCA. Further analysis of ctDNA biomarkers that include larger patient cohorts is required in order to clearly evaluate their potential role in clinical decision-making processes.

Evaluating the Educational Value of Cancer Registries - a Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis.

Cancer registries encompass a broad array of functions that underpin cancer control efforts. Despite education being fundamental to improving patient outcomes, little is known regarding the educational value of cancer registries. This review will evaluate the educational value of cancer registries for key stakeholders as reported within published literature and identify opportunities for enhancing their educational value. Four databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched using a predefined search strategy in keeping with the PRISMA statement. Data was extracted and synthesised in narrative format. Themes and frequency of discussion of educational content were explored using thematic content analysis. From 952 titles, ten eligible studies were identified, highlighting six stakeholder groups. Educational outcomes were identified relating to clinicians (6/10), researchers (5/10), patients (4/10), public health organisations (3/10), medical students (1/10) and the public (1/10). Cancer registries were found to educationally benefit key stakeholders despite educational value not being a key focus of any study. Deliberate efforts to harness the educational value of cancer registries should be considered to enable data-driven quality improvement, with the vast amount of data promising ample educational benefit.

Minimally Invasive and Open Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optimal surgical management for gastric cancer remains controversial. We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes after open gastrectomy (OG), laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), and robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. An NMA was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny. RESULTS: Twenty-two RCTs including 6890 patients were included. Overall, 49.6% of patients underwent LAG (3420/6890), 46.6% underwent OG (3212/6890), and 3.7% underwent RG (258/6890). At NMA, there was a no significant difference in recurrence rates following LAG (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-1.49) compared with OG. Similarly, overall survival (OS) outcomes were identical following OG and LAG (OS: OG, 87.0% [1652/1898] vs. LAG: OG, 87.0% [1650/1896]), with no differences in OS in meta-analysis (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77-1.52). Importantly, patients undergoing LAG experienced reduced intraoperative blood loss, surgical incisions, distance from proximal margins, postoperative hospital stays, and morbidity post-resection. CONCLUSIONS: LAG was associated with non-inferior oncological and surgical outcomes compared with OG. Surgical outcomes following LAG and RG superseded OG, with similar outcomes observed for both LAG and RG. Given these findings, minimally invasive approaches should be considered for the resection of local gastric cancer, once surgeon and institutional expertise allows.

What works best in hiatus hernia repair, sutures alone, absorbable mesh or non-absorbable mesh? A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR) and fundoplication is a common low risk procedure providing excellent control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and restoring of normal anatomy at the hiatus. HHR may fail, however, resulting in hiatus hernia (HH) recurrence, and the use of tension-free mesh-augmented hernioplasty has been proposed to reduce recurrence. Previous research on this topic has been heterogeneous, including study methods, mesh type used and technique performed. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were carried out. An electronic systematic research was carried out using 'PUBMED', 'EMBASE', 'Medline (OVID)' and 'Web of Science', of articles identifying HHR with suture cruroplasty, non-absorbable mesh (NAM) and absorbable mesh (AM) reinforcement. Eight RCTs with 766 patients were evaluated. NAM had significantly (P < 0.05) lower early recurrence rates (OR: 0.225, 95% CI 0.0342, 0.871) compared with suture repair alone; however, no differences in late recurrences were evident. For AM, no difference in early (0.508, 95% CI 0.0605, 4.81) or late (1.07. 95% CI 0.116, 11.4) recurrence rates were evident compared with the suture only group. Major complication rates were similar in all groups. NAM reinforcement significantly reduced early HH recurrence when compared with sutured cruroplasty alone; however, late recurrence rates were similar with all techniques. Given the limited data in comparing AM with NAM, this study was unable to conclude which composition was significant. We emphasize caution when interpreting small sample size RCTs, and recommend more research with larger randomized studies.

Is the use of a routine intraoperative cholangiogram necessary in laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been standard of care for symptomatic gallstone disease for almost 30 years, the use of routine intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) remains controversial. There are marked variations in the use IOC during LC internationally. Debate has continued about its benefit, in part because of inconsistent benefit, time, and resources required to complete IOC. This literature review is presented as a debate to outline the arguments in favour of and against routine IOC in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A standard literature review of PubMed, Medline, OVID, EMBASE, CINHIL and Web of Science was performed, specifically for literature pertaining to the use of IOC or alternative intra-operative methods for imaging the biliary tree in LC. Two authors assembled the evidence in favour, and two authors assembled the evidence against. RESULTS: From this controversies piece we found that there is little discernible change in the number of BDIs requiring repair procedures. Although IOC is associated with a small absolute reduction in bile duct injury, there are other confounding factors, including a change in laparoscopic learning curves. Alternative technologies such as intra-operative ultrasound, indocyanine green imaging, and increased access to ERCP may contribute to a reduction in the need for routine IOC. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of 30 years of accumulating evidence, routine IOC remains controversial. As technology advances, it is likely that alternative methods of imaging and accessing the bile duct will supplant routine IOC.

Optimal surgical management strategy for treatment of primary anorectal malignant melanoma-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary mucosal anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is an invasive malignancy with poor survival. Management options have been variable, due to limited data and lack of randomised control trials available on the optimal surgical strategy. The aim of this review was to compare local excision versus radical resection. METHODS: A systematic search of articles in PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library database was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The outcomes of interest were the impact that surgical strategy had on survival (primary) and recurrence rates (secondary) for the treatment of AMM, comparing sphincter sparing local excision (LE) versus extensive abdominoperineal resection (APR). RESULTS: Ten studies met the predefined criteria. Overall, there were 303 patients, with a median age of 58.2 years. Sixty-one percent (n = 187/303) had radical surgery (abdominoperineal resection) for the primary treatment of AMM. Overall, 5-year survival for the APR and LE was 23% and 32% respectively. Meta-analysis on the median OS noted no statistical difference between the two groups. However, local recurrence occurred in 20.82% and 47.04% in the APR and LE groups respectively. Meta-analysis observed a statistically significant reduction in recurrence when patients had an APR as primary treatment (OR 0.15, 95% CI = 0.08-0.28, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Though local recurrence rates are more common with local excision of AMM, this does not confer an inferior OS when comparing LE versus APR. The decision to proceed with LE vs. APR should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Role of radiomics as a predictor of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer: a systematic review.

Ovarian cancer is associated with high cancer-related mortality rate attributed to late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and frequent disease recurrence. As a result, careful patient selection is important especially in setting of radical surgery. Radiomics is an emerging field in medical imaging, which may help provide vital prognostic evaluation and help patient selection for radical treatment strategies. This systematic review aims to assess the role of radiomics as a predictor of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria investigating the use of radiomics to predict post-operative recurrence in ovarian cancer were included in our qualitative analysis. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. Six retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 952 participants. Radiomic-based signatures demonstrated consistent performance in predicting disease recurrence, as evidenced by satisfactory area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (AUC range 0.77-0.89). Radiomic-based signatures appear to good prognosticators of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer as estimated by AUC. The reviewed studies consistently reported the potential of radiomic features to enhance risk stratification and personalise treatment decisions in this complex cohort of patients. Further research is warranted to address limitations related to feature reliability, workflow heterogeneity, and the need for prospective validation studies.

Current applications and future potential of ChatGPT in radiology: A systematic review.

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the current utilization and future potential of ChatGPT, an AI-based chat model, in the field of radiology. The primary focus is on its role in enhancing decision-making processes, optimizing workflow efficiency, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and teaching within healthcare. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Key aspects, such as its impact on complex decision-making, workflow enhancement and collaboration, were assessed. Limitations and challenges associated with ChatGPT implementation were also examined. Overall, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All studies were prospective in nature. A total of 551 chatGPT (version 3.0 to 4.0) assessment events were included in our analysis. Considering the generation of academic papers, ChatGPT was found to output data inaccuracies 80% of the time. When ChatGPT was asked questions regarding common interventional radiology procedures, it contained entirely incorrect information 45% of the time. ChatGPT was seen to better answer US board-style questions when lower order thinking was required (P = 0.002). Improvements were seen between chatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 in regard to imaging questions with accuracy rates of 61 versus 85%(P = 0.009). ChatGPT was observed to have an average translational ability score of 4.27/5 on the Likert scale regarding CT and MRI findings. ChatGPT demonstrates substantial potential to augment decision-making and optimizing workflow. While ChatGPT's promise is evident, thorough evaluation and validation are imperative before widespread adoption in the field of radiology.

"Textbook outcome(s)" in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite measure used in surgery to evaluate post operative outcomes. No review has synthesised the evidence in relation to TO regarding the elements surgeons are utilising to inform their TO composite measure and the rates of TO achieved. METHODS: Our systematic review and meta analysis was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central registry of controlled trials were searched up to 8th November 2023. Pooled proportions of TO, clinical factors considered and risk factors in relation to TO are reported. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 301,502 patients were included in our systematic review while fourteen studies comprising of 247,843 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled rates of TO achieved were 55% with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 54-55%. When stratified by elective versus mixed case load, rates were 56% (95% CI 49-62) and 54% (95% CI 50-58), respectively. Studies reported differing definitions of TO. Reported predictors of achieving TO include age, left sided surgery and elective nature. CONCLUSIONS: TO is achieved, on average in 55% of reported cases and it may predict short and long term post operative patient outcomes. This study did not detect a difference in rates between elective versus mixed case load TO proportions. There is no standardised definition in use of TO. Standardisation of the composite is likely required to enable meaning comparison using TO in the future and a Delphi consensus is warranted.

Efficacy of embolotherapy for the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome: A systematic review.

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) poses a significant health, diagnostic, and economic challenges. Transcatheter embolisation has emerged as a promising treatment for PCS. A systematic review was performed in order to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter embolisation in the treatment of PCS. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed using 'PubMed', 'Embase', 'Medline (OVID)', and 'Web of Science', for articles pertaining to efficacy of embolotherapy for the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome. A total of 25 studies were included in this systematic review with a combined total of 2038 patients. All patients included were female with a mean average age of 37.65 (31-51). Of the 25 studies, 18/25 studies reported pre- and post-procedural pelvic pain outcomes using a visual analogue scale (VAS). All studies showed a reduction in VAS post-procedure. Transcatheter embolisation had a high technical success rate (94%) and an overall complication rate of 9.0%, of which 10.4% were major and 89.6% were minor. Fifteen out of 19 (78.9%) major complications required a subsequent intervention. Transcatheter embolisation using various techniques is effective and safe in treating PCS. A low quality of evidence limits the currently available literature; however, embolisation has shown to improve symptoms in the majority of patients with low complication rates and recurrence rates.

Radiomics; Contemporary Applications in the Management of Anal Cancer; A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The management of anal cancer relies on clinical and histopathological features for treatment decisions. In recent years, the field of radiomics, which involves the extraction and analysis of quantitative imaging features, has shown promise in improving management of pelvic cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current application of radiomics in the management of anal cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized and non-randomized trials investigating the use of radiomics to predict post-operative recurrence in anal cancer. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. RESULTS: The systematic review identified a total of nine studies, with 589 patients examined. There were three main outcomes assessed in included studies: recurrence (6 studies), progression-free survival (2 studies), and prediction of human papillomavirus (HPV) status (1 study). Radiomics-based risk stratification models were found to provide valuable insights into treatment response and patient outcomes, with all developed signatures demonstrating at least modest accuracy (range: .68-1.0) in predicting their primary outcome. CONCLUSION: Radiomics has emerged as a promising tool in the management of anal cancer. It offers the potential for improved risk stratification, treatment planning, and response assessment, thereby guiding personalized therapeutic approaches.

The Optimal Approach to Surgical Management of Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare and poorly understood appendiceal neoplasm, exhibiting mixed histological and aggressive clinical features. Current guidelines recommend right hemicolectomy in all cases, although there is conflicting evidence that appendicectomy alone may be sufficient. This review aims to identify the optimal surgical management for appendiceal GCC. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies or large case series (>5 patients) reporting clinical outcomes for patients undergoing surgical management of GCC of the appendix were included. Outcomes extracted included participant and tumour characteristics, type of surgery and survival data. RESULTS: A total of 1341 studies were retrieved. After duplicate removal, 796 titles were screened for relevance prior to abstract and full text review. A total of six studies were included for analysis, comprising 3177 patients-1629 females and 1548 males. The median age ranged from 51 to 72 years. A total of 2329 patients underwent right hemicolectomy, while 824 were treated with appendicectomy only. Overall, the included studies report increased survival in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy compared to appendicectomy alone. A meta-analysis was not possible due to insufficient data reported in the published literature to date. CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical management of appendiceal GCC, as outcomes-based data comparing surgical interventions are lacking. It is possible that some patients with favourable features are overtreated. The absence of robust evidence to support a more conservative approach means that right hemicolectomy remains the standard of care for all patients, in keeping with current international guidelines. The rarity of this condition and limited data in the published studies remain barriers to evidence-based best clinical practice.

Factors Influencing Outcomes and Survival in Anal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aim to ascertain prognostic factors in the current management of anal cancer within this study. METHODS: We reviewed the management and outcomes of anal cancer cases over a seven-year period, inclusive (2016-2023). The primary objectives were to assess the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes of all anal cancer patients within our institution. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate survival differences between cohorts, with statistical significance determined using log-rank testing. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilised to identify prognostic factors. Cox regression hazard ratios were reported along with confidence intervals and p-values. RESULTS: The median follow-up time for the study was 29.8 months. Seventy-five patients with anal cancer were included in this study, with 88% (66/75) being squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the majority having regional disease (82.7% (62/75)). The median age at diagnosis was 63.4 years (36-94). There was a female preponderance (57.3% (43/75)). In total, 84% (63/75) underwent definitive chemoradiation (dCRT), with 7/63 (11.1%) requiring a salvage abdomino-perineal resection (APR) for residual or recurrent disease. Adverse prognostic indicators include those with T4 disease hazard ratio = 3.81, (95% CI 1.13-12.83, * p = 0.04), poorly differentiated tumour disease HR = 3.37, (95% CI 1.13-10.02, * p = 0.04), having N2 nodal status HR = 5.03, (95% CI 1.11-22.8, * p = 0.04), and having metastatic disease at diagnosis HR = 5.8, (95% CI 1.28-26.42, * p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Presenting characteristics including stage, nodal, and differentiation status remain key prognostic indicators in those diagnosed with anal malignancy.

Computed tomography (CT) derived radiomics to predict post-operative disease recurrence in gastric cancer; a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Radiomics offers the potential to predict oncological outcomes from pre-operative imaging in order to identify 'high risk' patients at increased risk of recurrence. The application of radiomics in predicting disease recurrence provides tailoring of therapeutic strategies. We aim to comprehensively assess the existing literature regarding the current role of radiomics as a predictor of disease recurrence in gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed retrospective and prospective studies investigating the use of radiomics to predict post-operative recurrence in ovarian cancer. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 6,662 participants. Radiomic-based nomograms demonstrated consistent performance in predicting disease recurrence, as evidenced by satisfactory area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (AUC range 0.72 - 1). The pooled AUCs calculated using the inverse-variance method for both the training and validation datasets were 0.819 and 0.789 respectively CONCLUSION: Our review provides good evidence supporting the role of radiomics as a predictor of post-operative disease recurrence in gastric cancer. Included studies noted good performance in predicting their primary outcome. Radiomics may enhance personalised medicine by tailoring treatment decision based on predicted prognosis.

Primary closure versus vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap closure of perineal wound following abdominoperineal resection-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE/AIM: Perianal wound healing and/or complications are common following abdominoperineal resection (APR). Although primary closure is commonly undertaken, myocutaneous flap closure such as vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM) is thought to improve wound healing process and outcome. A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes of primary closure versus VRAM flap closure of perineal wound following APR. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched until the 8th of August 2023. Included studies underwent meta-analysis to compare outcomes of primary closure versus VRAM flap closure of perineal wound following APR. The primary outcome of interest was perineal wound complications, and the secondary outcomes were abdominal wound complications, dehiscence, wound healing time, length of hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Ten studies with 1141 patients were included. Overall, 853 patients underwent primary closure (74.8%) and 288 patients underwent VRAM (25.2%). Eight studies reported on perineal wound complications after APR: 38.2% (n = 263/688) in the primary closure group versus 32.8% (n = 80/244) in the VRAM group. Perineal complication rates were statistically significantly lower in the VRAM group versus primary closure ((M-H OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.04-2.49;