Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Team and Quality of Goals of Care Discussions in Palliative Surgical Oncology Patients.

BACKGROUND: Palliative surgical oncology patients represent a unique group with complex needs who often require multidisciplinary input for the provision of timely and holistic care. The authors assembled a multi-disciplinary palliative intervention team and evaluated its association with the quality of discussions on goals of care (GOC) among advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative interventions. METHODS: This prospective cohort study analyzed advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative interventions at a single urban academic center from October 2019 to March 2022. In January 2021, a multi-disciplinary palliative surgical intervention (MD-PALS) team was assembled. All palliative surgical oncology patients were discussed at multi-disciplinary meetings and managed by members of the MD-PALS team. An interrupted time series (ITS) model was built to evaluate the association of MD-PALS implementation and the quality of GOC discussions as measured by a consensus-derived four-point GOC discussion quality score. RESULTS: The study recruited 126 palliative surgical oncology patients: 44 in the pre-MD-PALS group and 82 in the post-MD-PALS group. The two groups did not differ significantly in baseline demographics, treatment, or postoperative and survival outcomes. Compared with the pre-MD-PALS group, the post-MD-PALS group had a significantly higher mean GOC discussion quality score (1.34 vs 2.61; p < 0.001). Based on the ITS model, the average quarterly GOC discussion quality score increased significantly among patients after implementation of the MD-PALS team (change = 1.93; 95 % confidence interval, 0.96-2.90; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The implementation of an MD-PALS team was associated with improvements in the quality of GOC discussions among palliative surgical oncology patients.

The importance of synchronicity in the management of colorectal peritoneal metastases with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) occur in up to 13% of patients with colorectal cancer, presenting either synchronously or metachronously. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC) have been increasingly utilised for selected CPM patients with favourable outcomes, though its benefits may differ for synchronous (s-CPM) and metachronous CPM (m-CPM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of CPM patients treated with CRS and HIPEC at the National Cancer Centre Singapore over 15 years was performed. In the s-CPM group, CPM was diagnosed at primary presentation with CRS and HIPEC performed at the time of or within 6 months from primary surgery. In the m-CPM group, patients developed CPM > 6 months after primary curative surgery. RESULTS: One hundred two patients with CPM were treated with CRS and HIPEC. Twenty (19.6%) patients had s-CPM and 82 (80.4%) had m-CPM. Recurrences occurred in 45% of s-CPM and in 54% of m-CPM (p = 0.619). Median overall survival was significantly prolonged in patients with m-CPM (45.2 versus 26.9 months, p = 0.025). In a subset of m-CPM patients with limited PCI in whom ICU stay was not required, a survival advantage was seen (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: A survival advantage was seen a subset of m-CPM patients, possibly representing differences in disease biology.

Knowledge and thresholds for palliative care and surgery among healthcare providers caring for adults with serious illness.

Introduction: Timely palliative care and surgical interventions improve symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and reduce medical cost for seriously ill adults at end of life (EOL). However, there is still poor delivery and underutilization of these palliative services. We hypothesize that the sub-optimal delivery is due to limited understanding among healthcare providers. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted among primary and tertiary healthcare providers. The survey assessed challenges faced, palliative education, confidence in managing palliative patients, and knowledge on palliative surgery. Overall palliative care awareness and knowledge was assessed using a 6-point score. Likelihood of considering various palliative interventions at EOL was also determined using a threshold score (higher score = higher threshold). Results: There were 145 healthcare providers who completed the survey (81.9% response rate); majority reported significant challenges in providing various aspects of palliative care: 57% (n = 82) in the provision of emotional support. Sixty-nine percent (n = 97) in managing social issues, and 71% (n = 103) in managing family expectations. Most expressed inadequate palliative care training in both under-graduate and post-graduate training and lack confidence in managing EOL issues. Up to 57% had misconceptions regarding potential benefits, morbidity and mortality after palliative surgery. In general, most providers had high thresholds for Intensive Care Unit admissions and palliative surgery, and were more likely to recommend endoscopic or interventional radiology procedures at EOL. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in Singapore have poor knowledge and misconceptions about palliative care and surgery. Improving awareness and education among those caring for seriously ill adults is essential.

The distinct clinical trajectory, metastatic sites, and immunobiology of microsatellite-instability-high cancers.

Microsatellite-instability-high (MSI-H) cancers form a spectrum of solid organ tumors collectively known as Lynch Syndrome cancers, occurring not only in a subset of colorectal, endometrial, small bowel, gastric, pancreatic, and biliary tract cancers but also in prostate, breast, bladder, and thyroid cancers. Patients with Lynch Syndrome harbor germline mutations in mismatch repair genes, with a high degree of genomic instability, leading to somatic hypermutations and, therefore, oncogenesis and cancer progression. MSI-H cancers have unique clinicopathological characteristics compared to their microsatellite-stable (MSS) counterparts, marked by a higher neoantigen load, immune cell infiltration, and a marked clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade. Patients with known Lynch Syndrome may be detected early through surveillance, but some patients present with disseminated metastatic disease. The treatment landscape of MSI-H cancers, especially colorectal cancers, has undergone a paradigm shift and remains to be defined, with immune checkpoint blockade coming to the forefront of treatment strategies in the stage IV setting. We summarize in this review the clinical features of MSI-H cancers with a specific interest in the pattern of spread or recurrence, disease trajectory, and treatment strategies. We also summarize the tumor-immune landscape and genomic profile of MSI-H cancers and potential novel therapeutic strategies.

Computer-assisted gap balancing technique improves outcome in total knee arthroplasty, compared with conventional measured resection technique.

PURPOSE: The objective of this prospective study was to compare the functional outcome of conventional measured resection technique and computer-assisted gap balancing technique in TKA. METHODS: 140 patients were randomized into two groups. The conventional measured resection technique without computer navigation was performed in Group 1 and the computer-assisted gap balancing technique in Group 2. Range of motion, clinical laxity assessment with KT-1000 arthrometer, postoperative radiological films and various functional knee scores were documented at 6 months and 2 years. RESULTS: At 2 years, there were significantly more patients (five patients, 7%) in the Group 1 with flexion contractures of more than 5° (P = 0.05). There were significantly more outliers in the Group 1 (eight patients, 11%), who demonstrated anterior tibial translation >5 mm, than Group 2 (two patients, 3%) (P = 0.041). The total excursion at 20° was significantly higher in Group 1 at 6 months (P = 0.012) and after 2 years (P = 0.031). Group 2 was able to demonstrate significantly better limb alignment with fewer outliers (more than 3° varus/valgus) than Group 1. At 6-month follow-up, Group 2 demonstrated better outcomes in Function Score (P = 0.040) and Total Oxford Score (P = 0.031). At 2-year review, Group 2 had better outcome in the Total Oxford Score (0.030). CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted gap balancing technique was able to achieve more precise soft tissue balance and restoration of limb alignment with better knee scores as compared to the conventional measured resection technique in total knee arthroplasty.

Treatment of gastrointestinal tumor (GIST) of the rectum requiring abdominoperineal resection following neoadjuvant imatinib: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant imatinib for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of the rectum can reduce, but may not eliminate, risk of surgical morbidity from permanent bowel diversion. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies in rectal GIST patients requiring abdominoperineal resection following neoadjuvant imatinib. METHODS: We developed a Markov model using a healthcare payers' perspective to estimate costs in 2017 Singapore dollars (SGD) and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) for upfront abdominoperineal resection (UAPR) versus continued imatinib until progression (CIUP) following 1 year of neoadjuvant imatinib. Transition probabilities and utilities were obtained from published data, and costs were estimated using data from the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to probe model uncertainty. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below SGD 50,000 per QALY gained was considered cost-effective. RESULTS: In the base case, UAPR dominates CIUP being both more effective (8.66 QALYS vs 5.43 QALYs) and less expensive (SGD 312,627 vs SGD 339,011). These estimates were most sensitive to 2 variables, utility of abdominoperineal resection and annual recurrence probability post-abdominoperineal resection. However, simultaneously varying the values of these variables to maximally favor CIUP did not render it the more cost effective strategy at willingness to pay (WTP) of SGD 50,000. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, UAPR had probability of being cost-effective compared with CIUP greater than 95%, reaching 100% at WTP SGD 10,000. CONCLUSION: UAPR is more effective and less costly than CIUP for patients with rectal GIST requiring abdominoperineal resection following neoadjuvant imatinib, and is the strategy of choice in this setting.

Novel prognostic score for outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine pre- and peri-operative parameters with significant predictive value for post-operative outcomes in patients with recurrent colorectal cancer presenting as peritoneal carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC), and to develop a novel prognostic scoring system for prediction of survival outcomes. METHODS: A single-institution review of prospectively collected data from all patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC between October 2005 and October 2017 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant parameters for prediction of post-CRS-HIPEC disease-free survival and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 278 patients underwent CRS-HIPEC, of whom 72 were for peritoneal carcinomatosis from recurrent colorectal cancer. Disease-free interval (DFI; P = 0.006), peritoneal cancer index (PCI; P = 0.001) and left upper quadrant disease (P = 0.023) were significant independent predictors of 3-year OS. DFI (0.007), PCI (P < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (BL; P = 0.001) were significant independent predictors of 5-year OS. PCI and BL were significant independent predictors of both 3-year (P = 0.026, PCI; P = 0.009, BL) and 5-year (P = 0.002, PCI; P = 0.011, BL) disease-free survival. Predictive models were developed for risk stratification of OS. CONCLUSION: PCI, DFI, left upper quadrant disease and BL have significant predictive value for post-CRS-HIPEC outcomes. Risk stratification models allow for more prudent patient selection and ultimately more accurate prognostication of post-operative outcomes.

Treatment and outcomes of melanoma in Asia: Results from the National Cancer Centre Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Acral melanoma (AM) and mucosal melanoma (MM) make up more than half of melanomas in Asia but comprise only 5% of cases in Caucasians, where cutaneous melanoma (CM) predominates. AM and MM are thought to be genetically and biologically distinct from CM. We report the characteristics and outcomes of melanoma patients from the National Cancer Centre Singapore. METHODS: Case records of 210 patients treated between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2.5 years. CM, AM and MM made up of 37.6%, 33.8% and 16.2% of cases, respectively, with 6.2% each having ocular melanoma and unknown primary. Caucasians made up 16.2% of patients, accounting for 36.7% of CM but only 2.8 of AM and 2.9% of MM. Patients with MM (2.9% stage I, 14.7% stage IV) presented with higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage than those with AM (16.9% stage I, 5.6% stage IV) or CM (24.1% stage I, 8.9% stage IV) (P = 0.01). Median overall survival (OS) was 5.7 years for all patients, and 1.0 year for metastatic disease. Considering stage I-III disease, multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated age ≥60 years and higher stage to be independent adverse prognostic factors for RFS and OS. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, undertaken for 56 stage I-III patients (25 AM, 31 CM) did not influence outcome. CONCLUSION: Our study reinforces the known unique clinicopathologic features of melanomas in Asians where AM and MM predominate. Age and stage remain the most critical prognostic factors across all subtypes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma masquerading as a bleeding gastric ulcer: a case report and a review of the surgical management.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy worldwide. While bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (BGIT) has a well known association with HCC, such cases are mainly due to gastric and esophageal varices. BGIT as a result of invasion of the gastrointestinal tract by HCC is extremely rare and is reportedly associated with very poor prognosis. We describe a 67-year-old male who presented with BGIT. Endoscopy showed the site of bleeding to be from a gastric ulcer, but endoscopic therapy failed to control the bleeding and emergency surgery was required. At surgery, the ulcer was found to have arisen from direct invasion of the gastrointestinal tract by HCC of the left lobe. Control of the bleeding was achieved by surgical resection of the HCC en-bloc with the lesser curve of the stomach. The patient remains alive 33 mo after surgery. Direct invasion of the gastrointestinal tract by HCC giving rise to BGIT is very uncommon. Surgical resection may offer significantly better survival over non-surgical therapy, especially if the patient is a good surgical candidate and has adequate functional liver reserves. Prognosis is not uniformly grave.

Continuous infiltration of local anaesthetic following total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine whether continuous infiltration of local anaesthetic can reduce the pain score and morphine use over 48 hours after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: 11 men and 43 women aged 50 to 82 years who underwent unilateral TKA for osteoarthritis were recruited. They were randomised into 3 groups. In group 1, 17 patients who acted as controls received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine for 48 hours. In group 2, 16 patients received continuous infiltration of bupivacaine to the subcutaneous tissue and intra-articular space for 48 hours, in addition to PCA. In group 3, 21 patients received an intra-articular injection of local anaesthetic, followed by continuous infiltration of bupivacaine to the subcutaneous tissue and intraarticular space for 48 hours, in addition to PCA. For each patient, a visual analogue score (VAS) for pain was recorded postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The total amount of morphine used was recorded at 24 and 48 hours. RESULTS: Over 48 hours, the VAS for pain and morphine use was significantly higher in controls than patients in groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Continuous infiltration of local anaesthetic into the intra-articular space and subcutaneous tissues, in addition to PCA with intravenous morphine, provides significantly more pain relief and reduces morphine use.