Level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation does not affect rectal cancer treatment outcomes despite better cancer-specific survival after low ligation-randomized trial results.

AIM: In rectal cancer surgery, the problem about which of the mesenteric artery ligation variants (high or low) is more beneficial to the patient remains unsolved. Recent meta-analyses suggest that the risk of surgical complications is similar for both ligation variants. The main objective was to compare the survival time in both groups with a minimum 48 months' follow-up. Secondary objectives were comparison of the number of harvested lymph nodes, the complication rate and other selected data related to the surgery. METHOD: This was a randomized, single-centre, unblinded clinical trial of adult patients (n = 130) with cT1-3M0/ycT0-3M0 rectal and rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma undergoing radical open surgery. The intervention level was inferior mesenteric artery ligation. RESULTS: The mean and median survival in the whole group was 45 months, while in the survivor group it was 83 and 82 months. The survival for 1-5 years, overall survival and disease-free survival were similar in both groups. The cancer-specific survival time was longer in the low inferior mesenteric artery ligation group (P = 0.005 for all and P = 0.02 for pTNM Stage III patients) There were no differences in the incidence of anastomotic leakage and overall morbidity. The median number of lymph nodes located at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery was 1; the mean was 1.7. They were not metastatic in any case. The median total number of harvested nodes was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In radically treated adenocarcinoma of the rectum and the rectosigmoid junction, the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation below the left colic artery branch provides similar treatment results to inferior mesenteric artery ligation just below its branching from the aorta in relation to overall and disease-free survival, and the risk of complications. Low inferior mesenteric artery ligation results in better cancer-specific survival. The risk of metastases at the mesenteric nodes is negligible.

The effect of l-arginine supplementation and surgical trauma on the frequency of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T lymphocytes in tumour and blood of colorectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: l-arginine (L-arg) deficiency causes immunosuppression, but it is unknown if L-arg supplementation in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients restores immune system activity. Our objective was to investigate the effect of L-arg supplementation on the frequency of monocytic (M) and polymorphonuclear (PNM) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs, respectively). METHODS: We enrolled 65 CRC patients (34 males, 31 females) aged 69 â€‹± â€‹10 years into a prospective, randomised, double-blind study. Twenty-eight patients received L-arg and 37 received placebo for 9 days at a dose of 10 â€‹g/day. The frequency changes in MDSC, CD4+ cells and the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed before supplementation with L-arg (test 1), after 9 days of supplementation (test 2), and after surgery on day 11 (test 3). RESULTS: The frequency of M-MDSC in the tumours of patients receiving L-arg supplementation was higher than in placebo-treated patients, as was the frequency of PMN-MDSC and M-MDSC in the mucosa. CRP concentration in the serum of placebo-treated patients in test 2 was higher than in test 1, and the concentration in the serum of patients with L-arg supplementation in test 2 was lower than in test 1. Moreover, the expression pattern of the argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) suggests that CRC is not auxotrophic for L-arg. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that L-arg supplementation in CRC patients can reduce immunosuppression by decreasing the frequency of suppressor cells and increasing the frequency of effector CD4+ T cells.

Impact of chromosome 17 centromere copy number increase on patient survival and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma.

The accurate evaluation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status is essential for the appropriate use of targeted therapies. An increased number of chromosome 17 centromere enumeration probe (CEP17) signals may underrate fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) outcomes, resulting in false-negative or a false-equivocal HER2 status assessment. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of CEP17 copy number increase (CNI), its effects on HER2 protein expression (and the subsequent effects on tumor cells), and the survival outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. Archival primary tumor samples from 244 patients that underwent gastric resection for adenocarcinoma were retrieved for both HER2 protein expression analysis (using immunochemistry) and HER2 gene amplification (using FISH). The associations between HER2 status, CEP17 CNI and multiple clinicopathological parameters (including survival outcome), were assessed. The relationship between CEP17 CNI and HER2 protein upregulation was also investigated. CEP17 CNI was detected in 17.2% of cases, and a strong association between CEP17 CNI and HER2 upregulation was revealed. The impact of CEP17 CNI on survival did not reach statistical significance. Consequently, CEP17 CNI was discovered to be strongly associated with HER2 upregulation in tumor cells, which may characterize a critical issue in HER2 testing. Therefore, the eligibility for HER2-targeted agents in CEP17 CNI-positive patients warrants further recognition.

Extremely High Mortality Rate after a Successful Gastrectomy for Cancer in Older Adults.

PURPOSE: Poor physiological reserve for withstanding major cancer surgery in older adults is an important concern in the selection of patients for oncologic gastrectomy. The present study aimed to analyze mortality patterns among patients who underwent gastrectomy for cancer according to age groups. The primary outcomes of this study were early- and middle-term results: 30-day and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 36-month mortality rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 288 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer in two centers was carried out. Patients were stratified into four groups according to age: 29-50 years (group I, n=27), 51-65 years (group II, n=117), 66-75 years (group III, n=81), and 76-92 years (group IV, n=58). Statistical calculations focused on the differences in the survival rates between groups I and II as well as between groups II and IV. RESULTS: The middle-aged patients (group II) had significantly better 3-year survival than either the youngest (group I) or the oldest patients (group IV). The 6-month mortality rates were 16.9% in group III and 29.3% in group IV. Two-thirds of the patients from groups III and IV who died between 2 and 6 months after surgery had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: Age is an important prognostic factor of middle-term survival after gastrectomy for cancer. Geriatric assessment and better patient selection for major surgery for cancer are required to improve the outcome of gastrectomy for cancer in patients aged over 75 years.

The relationship between HER2 overexpression and angiogenesis in gastric cancer.

In gastric cancer, HER2 protein overexpression is considered to be conducive to the higher proliferation activity of the tumor cells. Tumor formation is associated with angiogenesis in order to secure an abundant supply of oxygen and glucose to cancer cells. The aim of the study was to assess if HER2 overexpression is related to higher microvessel density (MVD) in the tumor stroma.The archival samples of primary tumor from 144 consecutive patients that underwent gastric resection for cancer between August 1, 2006 and December 31, 2013 in the Department of Oncological Surgery of Medical University of Gdansk were analyzed. CD34 was used as a marker of MVD in the tumor stroma. Both CD34 and HER2 protein expressions were tested by immunohistochemistry.The assays were unsuccessful to estimate HER2 in 10 cases and CD34 in 14 cases due to technical reasons. The results were obtained for 128 patients. HER2 0 and HER2 1+ were considered negative, while HER2+ and HER2 3+ were recognized as positive. Mean MVD (mean number of vessels in the visual field) was 32.4 (median 29.5). Microvessel density was insignificantly higher in HER2 positive tumors. The slight difference was also seen between IHC 2+ and 3+ groups. The differences did not reach the level of statistical significance.Statistical analysis performed in our study did not reveal the significant relationship between HER2 overexpression on the tumor cells and MVD in the tumor stroma.

Analysis of postoperative morbidity and mortality following surgery for gastric cancer. Surgeon volume as the most significant prognostic factor.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical resection is the only potentially curative modality for gastric cancer and it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. AIM: To determine risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality following major surgery for gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1.08.2006 and 30.11.2014 in the Department of Oncological Surgery of Gdynia Oncology Centre 162 patients underwent gastric resection for adenocarcinoma. All procedures were performed by 13 surgeons. Five of them performed at least two gastrectomies per year (n = 106). The remaining 56 resections were done by eight surgeons with annual volume lower than two. Perioperative mortality was defined as every in-hospital death and death within 30 days after surgery. Causes of perioperative deaths were the matter of in-depth analysis. RESULTS: Overall morbidity was 23.5%, including 4.3% rate of proximal anastomosis leak. Mortality rate was 4.3%. Morbidity and mortality were not dependent on: age, gender, body mass index, tumour location, extent of surgery, splenectomy performance, or pTNM stage. The rates of morbidity (50% vs. 21.3%) and mortality (16.7% vs. 3.3%) were significantly higher in cases of tumour infiltration to adjacent organs (pT4b). Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 37.5% and 8.9% for surgeons performing less than two gastrectomies per year and 16% and 0.9% for surgeons performing more than two resections annually. The differences were statistically significant (p = 0.002, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Annual surgeon case load and adjacent organ infiltration (pT4b) were significant risk factors for morbidity and mortality following major surgery for gastric cancer. The most common complications leading to perioperative death were cardiac failure and proximal anastomosis leak.

Same Quality of Life for Polish Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction or Breast-Conserving Therapy.

Breast cancer often requires combined oncologic treatments, the base of which is surgery. Quality of life (QoL) after each surgical procedure may influence the process of decision making among women, who qualify for multiple oncological strategies. Our knowledge about QoL in breast cancer patients is derived from comparative studies. Results may differ, depending on country, culture, and societal relations. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of life of Polish patients treated with breast-conserving therapy (BCT) or mastectomy with breast reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved women who underwent surgery for breast cancer in the Department of Surgical Oncology of the Gdynia Oncology Center from September 2010 to November 2013. Eighty-two breast reconstructions (in 79 patients) and 226 BCT procedures were performed. QoL was measured with the use of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. RESULTS: Global QoL was high in both groups and did not differ significantly. Body image was slightly better after BCT than after mastectomy with breast reconstruction, but sexual QoL was lower. Future perspective was quite low in both groups. Disease symptoms were not bothering. CONCLUSIONS: The global QoL among Polish breast cancer patients treated with BCT or mastectomy with breast reconstruction is high and does not differ between groups. There is a need for anxiety and disease-related fear prophylaxis and for the improvement of sex life of breast cancer survivors.

The HER2 gene and HER2 protein status and chromosome 17 polysomy in gastric cancer cells in own material.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to assess the expression of HER2 protein, the amplification of the HER2 gene, and the occurrence of chromosome 17 polysomy in gastric cancer cells and to analyze the relation between the results of such a determination and the selected clinicopathologic parameters in patients treated for gastric cancer. METHODS: Tissue samples of primary tumor from 83 consecutive patients who underwent gastric cancer resection were analyzed by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: A positive result of the IHC test, with a minimum score +, was obtained among 22.8% patients. The FISH test was carried out successfully among 58 patients, including 10.3% cases with a positive result, whereas the presence of chromosome 17 polysomy was confirmed among 13.8% patients. A statistically significant dependence was found between the presence of HER2 overexpression and: the lower stage of tumor infiltration, the higher grade of cancer differentiation, no mucinous component, and the intestinal type according to the Lauren classification. Statistically significant relation was found between chromosome 17 polysomy and the tumor location in the proximal part of the stomach, the performance of the palliative procedure, the presence of distant metastases, and a higher frequency of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: There is no complete coincidence in gastric cancer between the occurrence of the HER2 gene amplification and the HER2 receptor expression. The impact of the HER2 gene status and HER2 protein on prognosis in gastric cancer remains unclear. Chromosome 17 polysomy may be an important negative prognostic factor in gastric cancer.

Multiple colon perforation as a fatal complication during treatment of metastatic melanoma with ipilimumab - case report.

Ipilimumab, an anticancer drug, is an anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody. It is used in treatment of disseminated melanoma. Therapy is associated with high risk of complications. One of the most serious, although one of the rarest is perforation of gastrointestinal tract. In this case report we describe a 52-year old male, with disseminated melanoma with unknown starting point, treated with anti- CTLA4 monoclonal antibody. After 3rd dose of drug administration, bloody diarrhea and acute abdominal pain occurred as a symptom of gastrointestinal perforation. A single perforation was sutured during laparotomy. Symptoms of acute abdomen returned after 10 days. Pus-faecalperitonitis, symptoms of necro-hemorrhagic colitis and multilocal perforation of the colon were found during relaparotomy. Pancolectomy with end ileostomy was performed. Few hours since relaparotomy pacient died due to multiple organ failure. The purpose of this case report is to draw attention to a risk of multilocal colon perforation in patient treated with ipilumumab.

The value of intraoperative liver ultrasound assessment using an intraabdominal probe during laparotomy performed for oncological reasons.

UNLABELLED: The quality of liver assessment in an oncological patient plays an important role in the selection of a proper type of medical intervention. Diagnostic techniques commonly used in liver imaging are still far from perfect. Intraoperative liver evaluation using an intraabdominal ultrasound probe remains an important tool for proper assessment of this organ. The aim of the study was to evaluate suitability of this intraoperative diagnostic method for detection of primary and secondary neoplastic pathologies of the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2010 and the end of December 2011, we performed intraoperative ultrasound examinations of the liver during 220 of 461 laparotomies carried out for oncological reasons. RESULTS: In 72 patients (33%), intraoperative ultrasonography using an intraabdominal probe revealed neoplastic pathologies in the liver. In 16 patients (7%), the pathologies had not been observed in the preoperative imaging examinations. In 7 cases (3%), the detected tumors were impalpable and invisible in macroscopic examination routinely performed during laparotomy. The time of performing preoperative liver examinations did not affect the detection of previously unrecognized liver tumors (p > 0.05). We found progression in the number of liver tumors in 28 patients (39%). In 20 patients (9%), the primary surgical plans were changed intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Liver examination using an intraabdominal ultrasound probe is a useful tool for assessment of neoplastic disease progression. The procedure allows proper choice of an optimal treatment regime and decreases the risk of performing an unnecessary oncological invasive procedure.

Is age a risk factor of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer?

UNLABELLED: Colorectal cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm in elderly with peak of incidence in 7. and 8. decade of life. Elderly patients with colorectal cancer more often require surgery. Advanced age of patients seems to increase the risk of postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to compare the frequency of early complications in two groups of patients: under 75 and over 75, undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 440 consecutive adult patients subjected to colorectal cancer surgery between 08.2006 to 10.2011 in Oncological Surgery Department, Gdynia Centre of Oncology. Group A (over 75 year-of-life): 109 patients, median 79 and group B (up to 75 year-of-life): 331 patients, median 65. Patients requiring emergency surgery were excluded from the study. Postoperative 30-day mortality, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, bowel obstruction, postoperative respiratory and circulatory insufficiency were among analyzed complications. RESULTS: Symptomatic disease was observed in 81.6% of group A and in 83% of group B. Groups A and B were comparable concerning: BMI, gender, tumor staging, rate of curative and palliative resections, and duration of hospital stay. Accompanying diseases were more common in group A (83% vs 65%; p<0.0002). Early complications occurred in 21.1% of patients from group A and in 19.9% from group B. The rate of reoperation in early perioperative period didn't differ (6.4% vs 5.7%). Features like: age, gender, additional illnesses, tumor location and staging did not influence the occurrence of perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Age itself is not a risk factor for postoperative complications in spite of higher rate of accompanying diseases in elderly.