Clinical tumour size and nodal status predict pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer has been associated with improved local control, reduced distant disease and a survival advantage when compared with non-complete responders. Approximately 10-25 % of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer achieve pCR; however, predictors for its occurrence are inadequately defined. This study aimed to identify clinical and tumour factors that predict pCR in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. METHODS: Consecutive rectal cancer patients diagnosed and treated in the Auckland region between 1 January 2002 and 1 February 2013 were retrospectively identified. Cases were stratified by the occurrence of pCR or non-pCR. Predictive capacity of several patient, tumour and treatment-related variables were then assessed by univariate and regression analyses. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, of whom 34 (11.4 %) achieved pCR. There were no significant differences in age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, pretreatment clinical T or N stage, tumour distance from the anal verge, tumour differentiation, chemoradiotherapy regimen and time interval to surgery between the pCR and non-pCR groups. Univariate analysis identified pretreatment serum CEA levels, a reduction in pre- to post-treatment serum CEA and smaller tumours as significant correlates of pCR. Logistic regression analysis found smaller tumour size and pretreatment clinical N stage as independent clinical predictors for achieving pCR. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller tumour size and pretreatment clinical N stage were independent clinical predictors for achieving pCR. Prospective analysis is recommended for more rigorous risk factor assessment.

Restrictive Versus Liberal Fluid Regimens in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality which may be influenced by perioperative fluid management. It remains unclear whether liberal and restrictive fluid regimens impact mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies comparing restrictive and liberal perioperative fluids in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Both prospective and retrospective studies in those undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were eligible for inclusion where the patient outcomes were stratified to restrictive and liberal perioperative fluid management regimens, with mortality as the primary outcome. Following study identification, a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis was completed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies including five prospective trials and eight retrospective analyses totalling 3062 patients were included. Restrictive fluid regimens were associated with a significant reduction in mortality compared to liberal fluid regimens for the overall cohort (odds ratio 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.94, p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in complication profile. Subgroup analysis revealed this result was contributed to significantly by retrospective studies. The results of the trial sequential analysis suggest this mortality benefit may be due to a type I statistical error and that further patient numbers are required for definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive fluid regimens are associated with a reduction in mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy. The clinical relevance of this finding needs to be interpreted pragmatically given the lack of association with significant causes of morbidity and in considering the results of the recently published RELIEF study.