Hassan Najafi, May 22, 1930-May 20, 2017.

Dr Hassan Najafi, an immigrant from Iran who became the 18th president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, died on May 20, 2017. He had also served as chair of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the Residency Review Committee for Thoracic Surgery, and was a founding member and first president of the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association. A superb technical surgeon, educator, and investigator, Dr Najafi led the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center for 25 years. Refined and charismatic, he was wholly devoted to his patients, family, trainees, colleagues, and our profession.

The History of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Rush.

The Rush Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery received certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) to train thoracic surgical residents in 1962. The outstanding clinical faculty, with nationally recognized technical expertise, was eager to provide resident education. The hallmark of the program has been clinical excellence, dedication to patient care, and outstanding results in complex cardiac, vascular, and general thoracic surgical procedures. A strong commitment to resident education has been carried to the present time. Development of the sternotomy incision, thoracic and abdominal aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, along with valve replacement, have been the hallmark of the section of cardiovascular surgery. Innovation in bronchoplastic lung resection, aggressive approach to thoracic malignancy, and segmental resection for lung cancer identify the section of general thoracic surgery. A total of 131 thoracic residents have been trained by the Rush Thoracic Surgery program, and many achieved their vascular certificate, as well. Their training has been vigorous and, at times, difficult. They carry the Rush thoracic surgical commitment of excellence in clinical surgery and patient care throughout the country, both in practice groups and academic centers.

Biomarkers of the insulin-like growth factor pathway predict progression and outcome in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) 1 to 7, and C-peptide have been postulated to predict survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studying serum levels in NSCLC patients treated with surgical resection may provide information on the aggressiveness of tumors and be predictive of disease recurrence. METHODS: Immunobead assays were used to measure pretreatment serum levels of IGF-I, IGFBP1 to IGFBP7, and C-peptide in 100 NSCLC patients. Of these, 59 had no metastatic progression (T1 to T4 N0 M0), whereas 41 had positive lymph nodes (T1 to T4 N1 to N3 M0). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney two-sided rank sum test or Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Low serum IGFBP5 levels correlated strongly with a positive nodal status (p < 0.001) and any incidence of disease recurrence (p = 0.003). Low serum levels of IGFBP5 also predicted poor recurrence-free survivals in the overall cohort (p ≤ 0.001) and in patients with no nodal metastases (p = 0.027). Conversely, a high serum level of IGFBP7 correlated with positive nodal status (p = 0.008), but was not prognostic for recurrence-free survival. No significant correlations were found for IGFBP5 or IGFBP7 for sex, age, race, smoking history, tumor histology, or fasting state. CONCLUSIONS: IGFBP5 and IGFBP7 had value as biomarkers for identifying NSCLC progression and patient outcome.

Split-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a single-institution experience of 144 patients.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a standard of care in the treatment of unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At Rush University Medical Center, patients with locally advanced NSCLC are treated with split-course CRT in an attempt to maximize efficacy and tolerability. We reviewed our experience in advanced NSCLC since 1999. Subset analysis was performed on poor-risk patients. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC and treated with definitive split-course CRT between January 1999 and December 2008 were included in this retrospective study. The primary end point was overall survival. Poor-risk patients were defined in accordance with ongoing cooperative group trials. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were identified, 35% stage IIIA and 65% stage IIIB. There were 52 poor-risk patients and 92 average-risk patients. Median survival for all patients was 20.4 months with an actuarial 32.1% 3-year overall survival rate. Poor-risk patients demonstrated a median survival of 22.1 months, statistically indistinguishable from the remainder of the cohort (p = 0.21). Acute esophagitis was mild, with a 3% rate of grade 3 esophagitis and no cases of grade 4 or 5. CONCLUSIONS: Split-course CRT appeared effective and was delivered with a favorable toxicity profile. Poor-risk patients experienced better than expected survival. Prospective evaluation of split-course CRT must be completed before it can be considered a standard treatment option in locally advanced NSCLC.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for clinically advanced non-small cell lung cancer: an analysis of 233 patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intervention after chemoradiation for locoregionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is controversial. This study evaluated patient survival after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and anatomic pulmonary resections for locoregionally advanced NSCLC. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data were retrospectively collected for 233 patients (110 women, 123 men) with NSCLC who underwent chemoradiation therapy, followed by pneumonectomy, sleeve lobectomy, bilobectomy, and standard lobectomy, from 1989 to 2008. Univariate log-rank analysis of Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Final pathologic stages were complete responders, 52 (22%); I, 56 (24%); II, 39 (17%); and III, 86 (37%). Final pathologic lymph node status was N0, 130 (56%); N1, 28 (12%); and N2, 75 (32%). Overall 5-year survival for the cohort was 43%. The 90-day mortality was 8% (18 of 233). The 5-year survival was 33% for pneumectomy vs 51% for lobectomy (p=0.002). Survival rates at 5 years by stage were complete responders, 58%; I, 50%; II, 41%; and III, 32%; by primary tumor status, T0, 50%; T2, 38%; T3, 29%; and T4, 28%; and by final pathologic nodal status, N0, 51%; N1, 40%; N2, 32% (N0 vs N1, p=0.236; N1 vs N2, p=0.704; N0 vs N2, p=0.019; N0 vs N1+N2, p=0.020). Multivariate analysis demonstrated pneumonectomy was associated with decreased 5-year survival (hazard risk, 1.5162; 95% confidence interval, 10.05028 to 2.189, p=0.0263). CONCLUSIONS: Respectable survival can be achieved after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, followed by anatomic resection, in selected patients with clinically advanced NSCLC. A T0 primary tumor or N0 lymph node status individually, or together as a complete response (T0 N0) status, is associated with the best long-term survival. Survival is most favorable for lobectomies vs pneumonectomies after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

Enhancement of a multianalyte serum biomarker panel to identify lymph node metastases in non-small cell lung cancer with circulating autoantibody biomarkers.

We recently reported the development of a multianalyte serum algorithm to identify nodal status in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients facing an anatomic resection with curative intent. This study aims to enhance the overall performance characteristics of this test by adding autoantibody biomarkers identified through immunoproteomic discovery. More specifically, we used sera from 20 NSCLC patients to probe 2-D immunoblots of HCC827 lysates for tumor-associated autoantigens. Relevant differences in immunoreactivity associated with pathological nodal status were then identified via tandem mass spectrometry. Identified autoantigens were then developed into Luminex immunobead assays alongside a series of autoantigen targets relevant to early-disease detection. These assays were then used to measure circulating autoantibody levels in the identical cohort of NSCLC patients used in our original study. This strategy identified 11 autoantigens found primarily in patients with disease progression to the locoregional lymph nodes. Custom Luminex-based "direct-capture" assays (25 total; including autoantibody targets relevant to early-disease detection) were assembled to measure autoantibody levels in sera from 107 NSCLC patients. Multivariate classification algorithms were then used to identify the optimal combination of biomarkers when considered collectively with our original 6-analyte serum panel. The new algorithm resulting from this analysis consists of TNF-α, TNF-RI, MIP-1α and autoantibodies against Ubiquilin-1, hydroxysteroid-(17-ß)-dehydrogenase, and triosephosphate isomerase. The inclusion of autoantibody biomarkers provided a dramatic improvement in the overall test performance characteristics, relative to the original test panel, including an 11% improvement in the classification efficiency.

Weight gain in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients during treatment with split-course concurrent chemoradiotherapy is associated with superior survival.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is an accepted treatment for potentially resectable, locally advanced, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We reviewed a decade of single institution experience with preoperative split-course CRT followed by surgical resection to evaluate survival and identify factors that may be helpful in predicting outcome. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All patients treated with preoperative split-course CRT and resection at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) between January 1999 and December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local-regional progression-free survival (LRPFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Patient and treatment related variables were assessed for correlation with outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were analyzed, 76% Stage IIIA, 18% Stage IIIB, and 6% oligometastatic. The pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was 31.5%, and the absence of nodal metastases (pN0) was 64.8%. Median OS and 3-year actuarial survival were 44.6 months and 50%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed initial stage (p < 0.01) and percent weight change during CRT (p < 0.01) significantly correlated with PFS/OS. On multivariate analysis initial stage (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.18-4.90; p = 0.02) and percent weight change (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.93; p < 0.01) maintained significance with respect to OS. There were no cases of Grade 3+ esophagitis, and there was a single case of Grade 3 febrile neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: The strong correlation between weight change during CRT and OS/PFS suggests that this clinical parameter may be useful as a complementary source of predictive information in addition to accepted factors such as pathological response.

Prognostic value of xanthine oxidoreductase expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the purine metabolism pathway. Lack of XOR expression is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to correlate XOR expression with prognosis in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on deparaffinized specimens from 82 patients with stage I-IV NSCLC using a polyclonal anti-XOR rabbit antibody. Cytoplasmic XOR staining was scored on frequency and intensity scales from 0 to 4 with low expression defined as 0-1 and high expression defined as ≥2-4. XOR immunostaining was correlated with clinical characteristics and outcomes and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods. RESULTS: Positive XOR expression was observed in 53/82 cases (65%). Patients with high XOR frequency had a longer median survival of 3053 days (95% CI: 2190-3916) vs. 592 days (95% CI: 492-692 days) for patients with low XOR frequency, p=0.0089, HR 0.47. Neither XOR intensity nor the overall score of XOR frequency multiplied by XOR intensity demonstrated any significant association with survival. Surgical resection was performed on 61 patients of which 34 (56%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with low XOR expression, 15/34 (44%) had a shortened median survival compared with patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with high XOR expression (543 days vs. 2023 days, respectively, p=0.007 and HR=0.33). CONCLUSION: Low XOR expression was associated with shortened survival and also conferred a worse prognosis for patients with NSCLC who received adjuvant chemotherapy. Further studies of the XOR pathway are warranted to validate and mechanistically explain these outcomes.

Development of a multiplexed tumor-associated autoantibody-based blood test for the detection of non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an overall 5-year survival of <15%; however, the 5-year survival for stage I disease is over 50%. Unfortunately, 75% of NSCLC is diagnosed at an advanced stage not amenable to surgery. A convenient serum assay capable of unambiguously identifying patients with NSCLC may provide an ideal diagnostic measure to complement computed tomography-based screening protocols. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Standard immunoproteomic method was used to assess differences in circulating autoantibodies among lung adenocarcinoma patients relative to cancer-free controls. Candidate autoantibodies identified by these discovery phase studies were translated into Luminex-based "direct-capture" immunobead assays along with 10 autoantigens with previously reported diagnostic value. These assays were then used to evaluate a second patient cohort composed of four discrete populations, including: 117 NSCLC (81 T(1-2)N(0)M(0) and 36 T(1-2)N(1-2)M(0)), 30 chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)/asthma, 13 nonmalignant lung nodule, and 31 "normal" controls. Multivariate statistical methods were then used to identify the optimal combination of biomarkers for classifying patient disease status and develop a convenient algorithm for this purpose. RESULTS: Our immunoproteomic-based biomarker discovery efforts yielded 16 autoantibodies differentially expressed in NSCLC versus control serum. Thirteen of the 25 analytes tested showed statistical significance (Mann-Whitney P < 0.05 and a receiver operator characteristic "area under the curve" over 0.65) when evaluated against a second patient cohort. Multivariate statistical analyses identified a six-biomarker panel with only a 7% misclassification rate. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a six-autoantibody algorithm for detecting cases of NSCLC among several high-risk populations. Population-based validation studies are now required to assign the true value of this tool for identifying early-stage NSCLC.

Age is a strong risk factor for atrial fibrillation after pulmonary lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary lobectomy can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality as well as increased costs. METHODS: The records of 360 patients who underwent lobectomy between 2004 and 2008 at a single institution were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify whether any recorded parameters served as prognostic variables in the development of AF. RESULTS: The overall incidence of AF was 18% (65 of 360). Univariate/multivariate analyses showed that age and preoperative history of AF/antiarrhythmic medications were strongly predictive for the development of AF (P < or = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Age and pre-existing cardiac disease/arrhythmias are strong risk factors for AF after pulmonary lobectomy by both univariate and multivariate analyses. This study suggests that the elderly are at increased risk for AF. Therefore, this population should be monitored closely or targeted for prophylactic therapy.

Bilobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a search for clinical factors that may affect perioperative morbidity and long-term survival.

OBJECTIVE: The resection of two lobes for non-small cell lung cancer has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality as well as a negative impact on survival. The purpose of this study is to analyze our bilobectomy experience. METHODS: Age, gender, diagnosis, bilobectomy type, bilobectomy indication, operative technique, pathologic condition, major complications, stage, and survival were reviewed from 1984 through 2007. Major complications were compared by Fisher's exact testing. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by log-rank and likelihood ratio analysis. RESULTS: Bilobectomies were performed on 92 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. A total of 35 upper-middle and 57 middle-lower bilobectomies were performed. Indications for bilobectomy were bronchial involvement (n = 49), extension across the fissure (n = 36), or other reasons (n = 7). The 5-year survival for all patients was 42%. Significant differences in survival were observed among the different stages (stage I, 65%; stage II, 42%; stage III, 13%; P < .0001). Squamous cell carcinomas had a higher 5-year survival than adenocarcinomas (54% vs 32%), a difference that approached significance by log-rank test (P < .079) and reached significance by likelihood ratios (P < .048). When bilobectomy was performed for extension across the fissure, survival approached significance for squamous cell carcinomas (71%) over adenocarcinomas (42%) by log-rank test (P < .089) and was significant by likelihood ratio (P < .048) when comparing survival between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing age (P = .0102) and upper&middle bilobectomy (P = .0285) adversely affected 5-year survival, whereas early-stage disease (P = .0245) beneficially affected 5-year survival. CONCLUSION: Bilobectomy can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Survival relates to disease stage. Optimal survival benefit occurs when the indication for bilobectomy is squamous cell carcinoma extending across the fissure.

Diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival after curative lung resection for cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We examined the early and late prognostic significance of DLCO and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) in patients who underwent surgical resection of lung cancer. METHODS: From 1997 to 2004, 462 patients underwent successful complete resection of their lung cancer and had full pulmonary function testing including DLCO performed. Mean follow-up was over 5 years (64.8 months--range: 0-158 months). RESULTS: Postoperative 90-day mortality was 2.6% (12/462). At last follow-up, of the remaining 450 patients, 182 patients were alive, 130 had died of cancer, and 138 have died of other causes and did not have recurrent cancer. Mean DLCO values were 69.4%, 66.8%, and 53.9%, respectively. Mean FEV1 values were 81.3%, 78.1%, and 71.5%, respectively. Mean DLCOs and FEV1s between patients who died of cancer versus other causes were significantly different (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0157). When cause-specific survival was analyzed for both DLCO and FEV1 simultaneously, DLCO had a very significant effect on survival from other causes (HR 0.966, P < 0.0001) when adjusted for FEV1. However, when adjusted by DLCO, FEV1 had no significant effect. A DLCO <40% best predicted decreased survival from causes other than cancer within stage I lung cancers (stage IA HR 0.953, P < 0.0001; stage IB HR 0.968, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: DLCO was found to be a significant prognostic factor for long-term survival after lung cancer surgery. This may serve as a surrogate for competing morbidities with declining values predicting a higher risk of late non-cancer-related death.

An unusual case of Aspergillus fibrosing mediastinitis.

Fibrosing mediastinitis due to Aspergillus is rare, particularly in the immunocompetent host. Fibrosing mediastinitis due to Aspergillus species in the immunocompetent patient can be indolent and may be treated with antifungal therapy rather than surgery. We present a 78-year-old nonsmoking, nondiabetic woman with chronic fibrosing mediastinitis due to Aspergillus. Multiple attempts at securing a tissue diagnosis were inconclusive. Ultimately, Aspergillus infection was diagnosed by a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical biopsy. The patient was started on oral voriconazole, and she remains clinically stable with radiographic improvement. A prolonged, perhaps lifelong, course of antifungal therapy is planned.

The incidence of perioperative anastomotic complications after sleeve lobectomy is not increased after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can potentially impact on the results of sleeve lobectomy. The purpose of this study was to examine this effect in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: Clinical records of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing sleeve lobectomy between 1983 and 2008 were reviewed for age, sex, type of sleeve resection, clinicopathologic TNM stage, complications, and 90-day mortality. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy regimens were recorded for the patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared. RESULTS: There were 64 patients identified as having undergone sleeve resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Of the 64 total patients, 43 did not receive concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy [NCR] versus 21 patients who did [CRS]. All of the CRS patients underwent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation (range, 2,000 to 6,100 cGy). Thirteen patients (62%) were downstaged, with 4 complete responders. The 90-day mortality was 2.7% (2 patients) in the NCR group and 0% in the CRS group. The incidence of major complications in the NCR group was 46.5% (20 of 43) with 4.7% (2 of 43) anastomosis-related complications (stenosis, 1; bronchovascular fistula, 1). The incidence of major complications in the CRS group was 42.9% (9 of 21) with no anastomosis-related problems. Five-year survival in the NCR group was 48% compared with 41% in the CRS group (p = 0.63). There were 9% (4 of 43) of patients with local recurrence in the NCR group versus 10% (2 of 21) of patients in the CRS group (p = 0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Anastomosis-related complications were not increased among the patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy compared with those who did not. In addition, local recurrence was also similar between the two groups. Furthermore, the survival of the two groups was not statistically different. Sleeve lobectomy after chemoradiotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Pneumonectomy after chemoradiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: does "side" really matter?

BACKGROUND: The long-term benefits and risks of pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy remain controversial. This study evaluated our experience with pneumonectomy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after concurrent chemoradiation therapy. METHODS: We reviewed medical records from patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy, followed by pneumonectomy (1983 to 2007). Clinical variables affecting Kaplan-Meier survival were analyzed. RESULTS: After chemoradiation therapy, 129 pneumonectomies (right, 65; left, 64) were performed. Postoperative pathologic stages were complete responders (CR), 21; I, 23; II, 19; III, 62; and IV, 4. The 90-day perioperative mortality was 20% (13 of 65) after right-sided pneumonectomy vs 9% (6 of 64) after left-sided pneumonectomy (p = 0.084). Complications occurred in 33% (43 of 129), including bronchopleural fistula in 12% (16 of 129) and acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2% (3 of 129). Overall 5-year survival was 33%. Survival was 32% for right-sided sections vs 34% for left-sided. CR patients had a 5-year survival of 48%. Survival of patients with postoperative N0, N1, and N2 nodes was 42%, 26%, and 28%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed the development of major complications negatively affected 5-year survival for patients undergoing right-sided pneumonectomy (hazard ratio, 0.462; p = 0.0399). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonectomy after concurrent chemoradiation therapy achieved long-term survival. When neoadjuvant therapy resulted in complete response or nodal downstaging, survival was improved. The risk of early perioperative death and complications was higher for right-sided procedures, but long-term survival did not differ between right- and left-sided pneumonectomy. Major complications negatively affected 5-year survival with right-sided pneumonectomies.

Establishment of a multi-analyte serum biomarker panel to identify lymph node metastases in non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the presence of locoregional lymph node metastases remains the most important prognostic factor and significantly guides treatment regimens. Unfortunately, currently-available noninvasive staging modalities have limited accuracy. The objective of this study was to create a multianalyte blood test capable of discriminating a patient's true (pathologic) nodal status preoperatively. METHODS: Pretreatment serum specimens collected from 107 NSCLC patients with localized disease were screened with 47 biomarkers implicated in disease presence or progression. Multivariate statistical algorithms were then used to identify the optimal combination of biomarkers for accurately discerning each patient's nodal status. RESULTS: We identified 15 candidate biomarkers that met our criteria for statistical relevance in discerning a patient's preoperative nodal status. A 'random forest' classification algorithm was used with these parameters to define a 6-analyte panel, consisting of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, carcinoembryonic antigen, stem cell factor, tumor necrosis factor-receptor I, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, that was the optimum combination of biomarkers for identifying a patient's pathologic nodal status. A Classification and Regression Tree analysis was then created with this panel that was capable of correctly classifying 88% of the patients tested, relative to the pathologic assessments. This value is in contrast to our observed 85% classification rate using conventional clinical methods. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a serum biomarker panel with efficacy in discerning preoperative nodal status. With further validation, this blood test may be useful for assessing nodal status (including occult disease) in NSCLC patients facing tumor resection therapy.

Repeat pulmonary resection for metachronous colorectal carcinoma is beneficial.

BACKGROUND: Initial pulmonary metastatectomy for limited colorectal carcinoma metastases is associated with improved survival. The role of repeat thoracic interventions is less well defined. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of repeat pulmonary resection for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using patients who underwent pulmonary metastatectomy for colorectal carcinoma at a single academic institution between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 2007. Sex, age at colorectal operation, colorectal TNM stage, and operative procedures for pulmonary metastases were recorded. Intervals between the original colorectal operation and thoracic operation and between the first pulmonary metastatectomy and repeat thoracic interventions were calculated. Log-rank comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival curves and covariate analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were identified as having undergone at least 1 pulmonary metastatectomy. There were 32 female and 37 male patients with a mean age of 57 +/- 11 years. The median disease-free interval from original colorectal operation to first pulmonary metastatectomy for all the patients was 27 months. A total of 125 pulmonary resections were performed: 64 wedge resections, 27 segmentectomies, 30 lobectomies, and 4 pneumonectomies. Of the 69 patients, 41 underwent a single thoracic metastatectomy, whereas 28 underwent at least 1 second thoracic metastatectomy (2nd, 17 patients; 3rd, 6; 4th, 4; 5th, 1). There were no perioperative mortalities. From the original colorectal resection, the 5-year survival was 59% (median, 52 months). From the initial pulmonary metastatectomy, the 5-year survival for all patients was 25% (median, 36 months). The 5-year survival for patients undergoing only 1 thoracic resection was 23% (median, 24 months), which was not significantly different compared to patients undergoing repeat thoracic resections, 29% (median: 42 months). In the covariate analysis, no parameters significantly impacted survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing multiple pulmonary resections have the same survival as patients undergoing a single pulmonary resection for metachronous colorectal carcinoma. These findings indicate pulmonary metastases may be favorably treated with repeat thoracic interventions.

Perioperative stroke caused by arterial tumor embolism.

UNLABELLED: Rarely, cancer invades a pulmonary vein and subsequently embolizes to the cerebral circulation, causing a stroke. Tumor embolism typically involves large, centrally located lung tumors. We report a case of immediate postoperative stroke caused by an arterial tumor embolism during pulmonary resection of metastatic sarcoma. This case is unique because the resected lesions were smaller than those previously associated with tumor embolism and unusual in that the tumors were peripherally located. Tumor embolization should be considered in the differential diagnosis of stroke after lung cancer surgery even with small, peripherally located pulmonary malignancies. IMPLICATIONS: We present a case of stroke diagnosed in the recovery room after lung cancer resection. The cause of the stroke was tumor that embolized from the lung to the middle cerebral artery. Tumor embolism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immediate postoperative stroke after lung cancer surgery.