D2 lymphadenectomy is not only safe but necessary in the era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancers are increasingly offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) following the MAGIC and REAL-2 trials. However, information on the toxicity of NACT, its effects on perioperative surgical outcomes and tumor response is not widely reported in literature. METHODS: Analysis of a prospective database of gastric cancer patients undergoing radical D2 gastrectomy over 2 years was performed. Chemotherapy-related toxicity, perioperative outcomes and histopathological responses to NACT were analyzed. The data is presented and compared to a cohort of patients undergoing upfront surgery in the same time period. RESULTS: In this study, 139 patients (42 female and 97 male patients, median age 53 years) with gastric adenocarcinoma received NACT. Chemotherapy-related toxicity was noted in 32% of patients. Of the 139 patients, 129 underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, with 12% morbidity and no mortality. Major pathological response of primary tumor was noted in 22 patients (17%). Of these 22 patients, lymph node metastases were noted in 12 patients. The median blood loss and lymph node yield was not significantly different to the 62 patients who underwent upfront surgery. Patients who underwent upfront surgery were older (58 vs. 52 years, P <0.02), had a higher number of distal cancers (63% vs. 82%, P <0.015) and a longer hospital stay (11 vs. 9 days, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative outcomes of gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for locally advanced, resectable gastric cancer were not influenced by NACT. The number of lymph nodes harvested was unaltered by NACT but, more pertinently, metastases to lymph nodes were noted even in patients with a major pathological response of the primary tumor. D2 lymphadenectomy should be performed in all patients irrespective of the degree of response to NACT.

Prognosticating Gross Tumor Volume in Head-and-Neck Cancer - Redefining Gross Tumor Volume Beyond Contouring.

Purpose: Precision radiotherapy (RT) requires accurate delineation of gross tumor volumes (GTVs) for targeted dose delivery. Volumetric measurement of this GTV can predict the treatment outcomes. This volume has been limited for mere contouring and its potential as the prognostic factor is less explored. Materials and Methods: The data of 150 patients with oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx cancer undergoing curative intensity-modulated RT and weekly cisplatin between April 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. GTV-P (primary), GTV-N (nodal), and GTV-P+N were defined, and volumetric parameters were generated. Volume thresholds were defined as per the receiver operating characteristics, and the prognostic value of these tumor volumes (TVs) with respect to treatment outcomes was analyzed. Results: All patients completed 70 Gy, median chemotherapy cycles were six. Mean GTV-P, GTV-N, and GTV-P+N were 44.5 cc, 13.4 cc, and 57.9 cc, respectively. Oropharynx constituted 45% of cases. Forty-nine percent had Stage III disease. Sixty-six percent had complete response (CR). As per the defined cutoff values, GTV-P <30cc, GTV-N <4 cc, and GTV-P+N <50 cc had better CR rates with P < 0.05 (82.6% vs. 51.9%; 74% vs. 58.4% and 81.5% vs. 47.8%, respectively). At median follow-up of 21.4 months, overall survival (OS) was 60% and median OS was 32.3 months. The median OS in patients with GTV-P <30 cc, GTV-N <4 cc, and GTV-P+N <50 cc was better with P < 0.05 (59.2 vs. 21.4; 59.2 vs. 22.2, and 59.2 vs. 19.8 months, respectively). Conclusion: GTV should not just be limited for contouring but its role as an important prognostic factor has to be recognized.

Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Carcinoma Oesophagus: Experience at Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka.

Surgery remains the mainstay for curative treatment of carcinoma of midthoracic and lower thoracic oesophagus. In the twentieth century, open esophagectomy was the standard of care. In the twenty-first century, treatment for carcinoma oesophagus has revolutionized with incorporation of neoadjuvant treatment and application of various minimally invasive techniques for esophagectomy. At present, there is no consensus about the optimum position to perform minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). We share our experience of MIE with modification in the port position in this article.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancers by Targeting VPAC Receptors: Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a major health problem. The study of exfoliative cytology material helps in the differentiation of premalignant and malignant alterations of oral lesions. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of detecting oral cancer by targeting genomic VPAC (combined vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide) receptors expressed on malignant oral cancer cells. PATIENTS & METHODS: All patients with suspected oral cavity cancers/lesions formed the study group. The samples from the oral cavity lesion or suspicious area were collected with a cytology brush. The harvested material was examined for malignant cells by 1. the standard PAP stain and 2. targeting the VPAC receptors on the cell surface using a fluorescent microscope. Similarly, malignant cells were identified from cells shed in oral gargles. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients with oral lesions were included in the study. The histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 30 of these. The VPAC receptor positivity both on the brush cytology staining as well oral gargle staining was more sensitive than the brush cytology PAP staining. The accuracy of the various techniques was as follows, brush cytology PAP staining at 86.67%, brush cytology VPAC staining at 91.67% and oral gargle VPAC staining at 95%. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study validates our belief that malignant cells in the saliva can be identified by targeting the VPAC receptors. The test is simple, easy, non-invasive and reliable in the detection of oral cancers.

Concurrent Weekly Cisplatin and Simultaneous Integrated Boost-IMRT in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma-An Institutional Experience.

Introduction Concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) is widely practiced in India. Radiation with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) has the advantage of executing IMRT in single phase with better dose distribution. Material and Methods 150 patients with LA-HNSCC treated between April 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients received 70Gy in 33 to 35 fractions with SIB-IMRT and concurrent weekly cisplatin at a dose of 40 mg/m 2 . Treatment compliance and toxicities were assessed. Overall survival (OS) was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates; univariate and multivariate analysis of prognostic factors were also evaluated. Results Median age was 58.5 years. Forty-five percent had primary oropharyngeal cancer. Sixty-two percent had T3 disease, 41% had N2 disease, and 51% had stage IV disease. All patients received 70Gy dose of RT. Median chemotherapy cycles were six, 84.7% received 200 mg/m 2 . Acute grade 2 xerostomia was seen in 79%, grade 3 neutropenia, mucositis and pharyngitis were seen in 11, 15, and 21%, respectively. Complete response was seen in 66.6%. At median follow-up of 21.4 months (3-71) OS was 60% and median OS was 33.2 months. Estimated 2 and 3 year OS was 56 and 48%. On univariate analysis, absence of node, N0-N1, stage III, cisplatin use, dose per fraction 2.12Gy ,and complete response showed good OS ( p <0.05). On multivariate analysis dose per fraction 2.12Gy and complete response showed good OS ( p <0.05). Conclusion Definitive chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin and SIB-IMRT in LA-HNSCC is well tolerated with good clinical outcomes.

Chemoport-associated Complications and Its Management.

Chemoport is being routinely used to administer chemotherapy, blood, blood products, total parenteral nutrition, and also to draw blood for investigations. We started using chemoport in our institute. We use it exclusively to administer chemotherapy. We analyzed our results of chemoport usage and confirm that the rate of complications associated with chemoport usage is at par with the available literature. We also conclude that with regular use, the intra-op and post-op complications will reduce further.

Assessment of Masticatory Function in Oral Cancer Patients with Mandibulectomy Followed by Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction.

Mandibular resections have a dramatic effect on oral cavity functions. Ablative surgical defects are complex which are better reconstructed with free flaps. In developing countries like India, where majority of patients come from low socioeconomic status, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most preferred reconstructive option. A retrospective questionnaire study was carried out to assess the mastication in patients with mandibulectomy followed by pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. At the end of the study, it was observed that 86.6% of the patients had a good performance despite the lack of bony reconstruction. Thus, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap still stands strong in reconstructing large oral cavity defects.

Gastric carcinoid presented as gastric outlet obstruction.

Carcinoids are solid tumors of entero-chromaffin origin classified as neuroendocrine amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) cell tumors and are found throughout the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the rectum, with a predilection for the ileum. These tumors rarely occur in the stomach, constituting only 2% of gastric tumors and 3.3% of all carcinoid tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Localization of gastric tumors can be done by ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, but endoscopic biopsy is required for confirmation; demonstration of neurosecretory granules on microscopy is the most specific feature. Early resection is the treatment of choice. Prognosis of noninvasive tumors <2 cm in size in terms of 5-year survival rate is 100%. The 5-year survival rate declines and prognosis becomes poor with increase in size and with involvement of serosa, perineural infiltration, and lymph node metastasis.

Outcome of Pancreaticoduodenectomy at Low-Volume Centre in Tier-II City of India.

Currently, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a common and feasibly performed surgery for periampullary tumours, but it is still a high-risk surgical procedure with potential morbidity and mortality rates. Previously, it was emphasised for the need of high-volume centres to perform specialised surgery such as PD. The authors have made an attempt to know the relation between low-volume centre and outcomes of PD. The study was conducted in a Tier-II city referral hospital located in Karnataka, India. A total of 37 patients with suspected periampullary neoplasms underwent surgical exploration with curative intent over a period of 4 years, i.e. from May 2012 to May 2016. Out of 37 patients, 26 underwent PD, either classic Whipple resection (n = 01) or pylorus-preserving modification (n = 25). In 11 patients, resection was not possible, where biliary and gastric drainage procedures were done. All patients were treated by standardised post-operative care protocols for pancreatic resection used at our centre. We recorded the perioperative outcome along with demographics, indications for surgery, and pre- and intra-operative factors of PD. Post-operative pancreatic fistulae were evident in 4 patients. Two patients had hepaticojejunostomy leak. One patient had chyle leak. Three patients had infection at the surgical site. One patient had post-operative pneumonia leading to mortality. None of the patients had post-op haemorrhage. The surgeon volume and surgeon experience may have minimal contributing factor in post-operative morbidity, especially if there is availability of well-equipped ICU and imaging facilities, along with well-experienced personnel like oncosurgeon, anaesthesiologist, intensivist, radiologist, and nursing staff. There is a need of a multicentre study from Tier-II city hospitals/low-volume centres and high-volume centres to come with perioperative surgical outcomes following PD.

Bladder Invasion in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Carcinoma.

Involvement of the bladder by colorectal cancer is sufficiently rare to be encountered by an individual surgeon on an infrequent basis. Extirpative procedures for advanced colorectal cancers can involve partial/total bladder resections. In patients without evidence of distant metastatic disease, a reasonable therapeutic effect can be expected when negative surgical margins are obtained. The decision to perform a bladder-sparing procedure or a total pelvic exenteration (TPE) will be based on the extent of the primary lesion as well as patient characteristics. In this study, we report our experience in the management of operable locally advanced colorectal carcinomas involving the urinary bladder. We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all patients with advanced colorectal cancer invading the urinary bladder. The age, gender, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and imaging records were noted. Colonoscopy reports and images were noted and biopsy findings recorded. Similarly, cystoscopy findings and biopsy reports were noted and analyzed. Eight (88%) patients had a primary sigmoid tumor and one (11%) had primary rectal tumor. The clinical staging of the primary tumor was T3 in three (33%) and T4 in six (66%). A biopsy taken during cystoscopy confirmed the malignant lesion in all the nine patients. Four (44%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil. Eight (88%) patients underwent bladder-sparing resection and the remaining one underwent total pelvic exenteration with ileal conduit for urinary drainage. The mean overall survival was 44 months. The wide spectrum of possible bladder involvement by colorectal cancer requires individual patient-specific and disease-specific approaches. En bloc bladder resection for adherent or invading colorectal cancers achieves good local control and prognosis. The potential for cure in completely excised, node-negative tumors is good. Bladder reconstruction is achievable in most patients.

Retroperitoneal para-aortic paraganglioma.

Paragangliomas or chemodectomas are neoplasms that arise from neural crest cells and histologically resemble their adrenal counterpart, the pheochromocytoma. Seventy-one percent of the extra-adrenal paragangliomas are located in the superior or inferior para-aortic area. This tumor usually presents as an abdominal mass producing back pain. Tumor localization has improved remarkably through the use of computed tomography and I131MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) scintigraphy, particularly when tumors are hormonally active. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, although vascularity can at times make excision difficult.

Retroperitoneal para-aortic paraganglioma.

Paragangliomas or chemodectomas are neoplasms that arise from neural crest cells and histologically resemble their adrenal counterpart, the pheochromocytoma. Seventy-one percent of the extra-adrenal paragangliomas are located in the superior or inferior paraaortic area. This tumor usually presents as an abdominal mass producing back pain. Tumor localization has improved remarkably through the use of computed tomography and I131 metaiodobenzyl-guanidine scintigraphy, particularly when tumors are hormonally active. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, although vascularity can at times make excision difficult.

Schwannomatosis presenting as a painful gluteal swelling--a case report.

A 58 years old male came with a painful swelling in right gluteal region. On examination a small mass was found which was subsequently excised. Histopathological study reported presence of presumptive schwannomatosis, as there were 4 tumours composed of Antoni A and Antoni B areas along with Verocay bodies. As post-operative MRI scan of base of brain and ophthalmological examination of patient failed to reveal vestibular schwannomas and ocular stigmata of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) respectively, a final diagnosis of definite schwannomatosis was made.

Solid pseudo papillary tumor of pancreas: Presenting as acute abdomen in a female child.

Solid pseudo papillary tumor (SPT) or Frantz's tumor is a slow-growing low-grade malignant tumor, commonly seen in young patients with a female predominance, which is commonly located in the body and tail of the pancreas. We report a case of SPT arising from the body of the pancreas in a 12-year-old girl who presented with acute abdomen and was treated successfully by local excision of the tumor with preservation of head of pancreas and spleen.