Impact of PET/CT for Restaging Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge in identifying candidates for nonoperative management of locally advanced rectal cancer is predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) following chemoradiation. We evaluated pre- and post-CRT PET-CT imaging to predict pCR and prognosis in this set of patients undergoing resection after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients from 2002 to 2015 with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent CRT, pre- and post-CRT PET-CT imaging, and resection. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the association of PET-CT characteristics with pCR and survival. ROC curves were generated to define optimal cutoff points for predictive PET-CT characteristics. RESULTS: 125 patients were included. pCR rate was 28%, and follow-up was 48 mo. On multivariable analysis, patients who had a pCR had lower median post-CRT maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (3.2 versus 5.2, P = 0.009) and higher median %SUV decrease (72 versus 58%, P = 0.009). ROC curves were generated for %SUVmax decrease (AUC = 0.70) and post-CRT SUV (AUC = 0.69). Post-CRT SUVmax <4.3 and %SUVmax decrease of >66% were equally predictive of pCR with a sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 72%, PPV of 44%, and NPV of 86%. Median 5-y overall and relapse-free survival were improved for patients with post-CRT SUV <4.3 (OS: 86 versus 66%, P = 0.01; RFS: 75 versus 52%, P = 0.01) or %SUV decrease of >66% (OS, 82 versus 66%, P = 0.05; RFS, 75 versus 54%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT may be useful in identifying patients who did not achieve pCR, as well as overall survival in patients undergoing CRT for rectal cancer. Patients with a post-CRT SUV of >4.3 should be considered for operative management, as an estimated 86% of these patients will not have a pCR.

Predictive Value of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Derived Ratios in Rectal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Advances in treatment of rectal cancer have improved survival, but there is variability in response to therapy. Recent data suggest the utility of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting survival. Our aim was to examine these ratios in rectal cancer patients and determine whether any association exists with overall survival (OS). METHODS: Using prospectively maintained institutional data, a query was completed for clinical stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma patients treated from 2002 to 2016. We included patients who had a complete blood count collected before neoadjuvant chemoradiation (pre-CRT) and again before surgery (post-CRT). The LMR, NLR, and PLR were calculated for the pre-CRT and post-CRT time points. Potential cutpoints associated with OS differences were determined using maximally selected rank statistics. Survival curves were compared using log-rank tests and were adjusted for age and stage using Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included. Cutpoints were significantly associated with OS for pre-CRT ratios but not for post-CRT ratios. Within the pretreatment group, a "low" (<2.86) LMR was associated with decreased OS (log-rank P = 0.004). In the same group, a "high" (>4.47) NLR and "high" PLR (>203.6) were associated with decreased OS (log-rank P < 0.001). With covariate adjustment for age, and separately for final pathologic stage, the associations between OS and LMR, NLR, and PLR each retained statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: If obtained before the start of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, LMR, NLR, and PLR values are accurate predictors of 5-y OS in patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma.

Trends in Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Distal Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic surgery remains a challenge even to the most experienced surgeons. Despite significant advances in the field, morbidity and mortality continue to have elevated rates even in specialized, high-volume centers. The rise of laparoscopy in the past decades has improved outcomes for patients, but remains unused due to the technical complexities involved. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key words used in the search include: "robotic surgery," "robotic pancreas surgery," "pancreas surgery," "minimally invasive pancreas surgery," "robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy," and "robotic distal pancreatectomy." The studies included in our review were summarized in a patient intervention comparison and outcome table. RESULTS: The use of a robotic platform has emerged to counteract the more challenging aspects of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, but incurs a high cost. Data, however, show a trend toward ever improving outcomes such as operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay, while still offering the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. CONCLUSION: There is no question that the use of robots in surgery will continue to expand, and with this, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure patient safety in the form of standardized education and certification for the future generation of surgeons considering robotic surgery. As robotic pancreatic surgery grows, encouraging data have emerged-as surgeons become more skilled and programs gain experience, patients are being benefited by this expanding technology. Larger, prospective cohorts will also provide more definitive evidence of the benefits of robotic surgery.