Tumor histopathology predicts outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases treated with and without pre-operative chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Study objectives, included determination of: (i) associations between radiologic and pathologic responses of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) to chemotherapy; and (ii) whether CRCLM histopathology is associated with recurrence free survival (RFS) after resection among patients not treated with pre-operative chemotherapy (untreated). METHODS: Demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, and outcomes among patients who underwent CRCLM resection from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Tumor regression grade (TRG) of 1-2 and 4-5 depict low and high proportions of viable tumor relative to fibrosis, respectively. RESULTS: Of 138 patients, 84 (60.9%) were treated with pre-operative chemotherapy. In these patients, there was no difference in proportions with TRG 1-2 among those with verses without radiologic response (26.9% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.393). TRG 1-2 was associated with superior RFS on univariable (median 15 vs. 6 months, P < 0.001) and multivariable (P = 0.005) analyses. Radiologic response was not associated with RFS. Among untreated patients (n = 54), TRG 4-5 was associated with poor RFS on univariable (median 44 vs. 15 months, P = 0.011) and multivariable (P = 0.012) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of CRCLM fibrosis occur in 20% of patients without radiologic response to chemotherapy. Among untreated patients, high proportion of viable tumor relative to fibrosis is associated with poor RFS after resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:456-462. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Imaging Surveillance of Hypervascular Liver Lesions in Non-Cirrhotic Patients.

A consensus surveillance protocol is lacking for non-cirrhotic patients with hypervascular liver lesions presumed to represent hepatocellular adenomas. Patients with hypervascular liver lesions <5 cm not meeting criteria for focal nodular hyperplasia or hepatocellular carcinoma underwent surveillance with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 6, 12, and 24 months after baseline imaging. If lesions remained stable or decreased in size, then surveillance imaging was discontinued. Between 2011 and 2014, 116 patients with hypervascular liver lesions were evaluated. Seventy-nine patients were eligible for the surveillance protocol. Median follow-up was 24 months (range, 1-144 months). One patient (1 %) continued oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use and presented with hemorrhage requiring embolization 5 months after initial diagnosis. Ten patients (13 %) underwent elective embolization or surgical resection for size ≥5 cm. The remaining 68 patients (86 %) continued surveillance without hemorrhage or malignant transformation. Risk factors for requiring intervention during the surveillance period included younger age, larger lesion size, and estrogen use (all p < 0.05). Patients with hepatocellular adenomas <5 cm can safely be observed after discontinuing OCP with serial imaging 6, 12, and 24 months after diagnosis. If lesions remain stable or decrease in size, then longer-term surveillance is unlikely to identify patients at risk for complications.

Isolated hepatic perfusion for patients with liver metastases.

Up to 80% of colorectal, melanoma, and neuroendocrine liver metastases are unresectable due to excessive tumor burden. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) administers intensive therapy to the liver while limiting systemic toxicity and thus may have an important role in the management of unresectable liver metastases. This review s describes the development of IHP, initial clinical results, open and percutaneous IHP techniques, and contemporary long-term treatment outcomes. IHP with melphalan or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has been shown to achieve hepatic response rates of greater than 50% with progression-free survival of greater than 12 months among patients with refractory ocular melanoma liver metastases. The only series describing outcomes of IHP for neuroendocrine liver metastases notes an overall response rate of 50% and a median actuarial overall survival of 48 months after IHP treatment with melphalan or TNFα. The majority of studies that have evaluated IHP have been performed in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). In aggregate, survival results from retrospective studies and phase I/II clinical trials suggest that IHP demonstrated no significant survival benefit compared with systemic chemotherapy alone as first-line therapy. In contrast, IHP does improve outcomes relative to that provided by second-line chemotherapy for CRCLM, with overall response rates of 60% and median duration of liver response of 12 months. Continued evaluation of IHP for unresectable liver metastases is necessary to establish its role in multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

Long-term influence of chemotherapy on steatosis-associated advanced hepatic fibrosis.

To determine whether chemotherapy treatment at least 6 months prior to the detection of hepatic steatosis is associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis. Demographics, comorbid conditions, and laboratory data for cancer patients with hepatic steatosis were reviewed. The primary end point of this study was a low probability of fibrosis as calculated by the AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI)-a surrogate for the absence of histologic bridging fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. Of 279 patients, 117 (41.9 %) were treated with chemotherapy and 197 (66.3 %) had a low probability of fibrosis by APRI. A smaller proportion of patients treated with chemotherapy had a low probability of hepatic fibrosis compared with untreated patients (64.1 vs. 75.3 %, p = 0.04). On multivariable analysis, chemotherapy treatment was a negative predictive factor for a low probability of fibrosis (OR 0.366 [95 % CI 0.184-0.708], p < 0.01). Among chemotherapy-treated patients, 75 (64.1 %) had a low probability of fibrosis. There were no differences in chemotherapy duration (mean 7.8 vs. 7.5 cycles) and interval from last dose to steatosis diagnosis (24.3 vs. 21.4 months) between patients with and without a low probability of fibrosis. A smaller proportion of patients treated with irinotecan or 5-fluorouracil had a low probability of fibrosis (37.3 vs. 66.7 %, p = 0.04). On multivariable analysis, irinotecan or 5-fluorouracil treatment was a negative predictive factor for low probability of fibrosis (OR 0.277 [95 % CI 0.091-0.779], p = 0.02). Prior chemotherapy treatment, especially with 5-fluorouracil or irinotecan, is a negative predictor for the absence of advanced hepatic fibrosis among patients with steatosis.

Robotic versus laparoscopic hepatectomy: a matched comparison.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a matched comparison of surgical and postsurgical outcomes between our robotic and laparoscopic hepatic resection experience. BACKGROUND: The application of robotic technology and technique to liver surgery has grown. Robotic methods may have the potential to overcome certain laparoscopic disadvantages, but few studies have drawn a matched comparison of outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic liver resections. METHODS: Demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing robotic (n = 57) and laparoscopic (n = 114) hepatic resections between November 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed. A 1:2 matched analysis was performed by individually matching patients in the robotic cohort to patients in the laparoscopic cohort based on demographics, comorbidities, performance status, and extent of liver resection. RESULTS: Matched patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic liver resections displayed no significant differences in operative and postoperative outcomes as measured by blood loss, transfusion rate, R0 negative margin rate, postoperative peak bilirubin, postoperative intensive care unit admission rate, length of stay, and 90-day mortality. Patients undergoing robotic liver surgery had significantly longer operative times (median: 253 vs 199 minutes) and overall room times (median: 342 vs 262 minutes) compared with their laparoscopic counterparts. However, the robotic approach allowed for an increased percentage of major hepatectomies to be performed in a purely minimally invasive fashion (81% vs 7.1%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series comparing robotic to laparoscopic liver resections. Robotic and laparoscopic liver resection display similar safety and feasibility for hepatectomies. Although a greater proportion of robotic cases were completed in a totally minimally invasive manner, there were no significant benefits over laparoscopic techniques in operative outcomes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with benign gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM: To explore associations between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and benign gastrointestinal and pancreato-biliary disorders. METHODS: Patient demographics, diagnoses, and hospital outcomes from the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed. Chronic liver diseases were identified using International Classification of Diseases, the 9(th) Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Patients with NAFLD were compared to those with other chronic liver diseases for the endpoints of total hospital charges, disease severity, and hospital mortality. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses to assess for the independent association of demographic, comorbidity, and diagnosis variables with the event of NAFLD (vs other chronic liver diseases) were also performed. RESULTS: Of 7800441 discharge records, 32347 (0.4%) and 271049 (3.5%) included diagnoses of NAFLD and other chronic liver diseases, respectively. NAFLD patients were younger (average 52.3 years vs 55.3 years), more often female (58.8% vs 41.6%), less often black (9.6% vs 18.6%), and were from higher income areas (23.7% vs 17.7%) compared to counterparts with other chronic liver diseases (all P < 0.0001). Diabetes mellitus (43.4% vs 28.9%), hypertension (56.9% vs 47.6%), morbid obesity (36.9% vs 8.0%), dyslipidemia (37.9% vs 15.6%), and the metabolic syndrome (28.75% vs 8.8%) were all more common among NAFLD patients (all P < 0.0001). The average total hospital charge ($39607 vs $51665), disease severity scores, and intra-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 6.0%) were lower among NALFD patients compared to those with other chronic liver diseases (all P < 0.0001).Compared with other chronic liver diseases, NAFLD was significantly associated with diverticular disorders [OR = 4.26 (3.89-4.67)], inflammatory bowel diseases [OR = 3.64 (3.10-4.28)], gallstone related diseases [OR = 3.59 (3.40-3.79)], and benign pancreatitis [OR = 2.95 (2.79-3.12)] on multivariable logistic regression (all P < 0.0001) when the latter disorders were the principal diagnoses on hospital discharge. Similar relationships were observed when the latter disorders were associated diagnoses on hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is associated with diverticular, inflammatory bowel, gallstone, and benign pancreatitis disorders. Compared with other liver diseases, patients with NAFLD have lower hospital charges and mortality.

Expansion of screening mammography in the Veterans Health Administration: implications for breast cancer treatment.

IMPORTANCE: Women represent the fastest-growing demographic in the Veterans Health Administration. In 2008, we implemented programmatic changes to expand screening mammography, develop on-site breast care resources, and better coordinate care with non-Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the programmatic changes would increase patient volumes, decrease time to definitive treatment, and increase the rate of breast conservation therapy (BCT). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all breast cancer cases treated from January 1, 2000, to May 31, 2012, at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We compared process-of-care metrics before and after 2008, when programmatic changes were implemented. Metrics evaluated included the number of mammograms performed annually, sex shift, the interval from clinical suspicion to tissue diagnosis and definitive treatment, and the rate of BCT. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2012, a total of 7355 mammograms were performed and 76 patients with breast cancer received treatment. Most mammograms (n = 6720) were performed after 2008. A median of 1453 (interquartile range [IQR], 592-1458) mammograms were performed and 6.33 patients received cancer treatment annually after 2008, representing 1200% and 49% increases, respectively, compared with the 2000 to 2007 interval. Most patients (86.7%) received screening and diagnostic imaging, biopsy, and surgery between multiple institutions. The interval between screening mammography and tissue diagnosis was 34 days (IQR, 20-52), with no significant difference between study intervals (P = .18). Time from tissue diagnosis to initiation of definitive treatment increased from 33 days (IQR, 26-51) to 51 days (IQR, 36-75) (P = .03) between 2008 and 2012. Thirty-three patients eligible for BCT (67.3%) received it, while 16 patients (32.7%) underwent mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our institution has rapidly and successfully expanded screening mammography. Higher mammography volumes have been associated with increased use of non-VA breast care services and increased time to definitive treatment. Appropriate counseling regarding BCT was consistently documented, and mastectomy in BCT-eligible patients was largely the result of patient preference or clinical/social factors. Our data suggest that as patient volumes increase with intensified screening, VA hospitals may benefit from acquiring a full complement of on-site breast care services rather than improving flow between VA hospitals and non-VA breast care centers having specialized resources.

Examining reoperation and readmission after hepatic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although the perioperative mortality from hepatic resection has improved considerably, this procedure is still associated with substantial morbidity and resource use. The goal of this investigation was to characterize the incidence, patterns, and risk factors for early reoperation and readmission after hepatectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Perioperative outcomes of 1,281 patients undergoing hepatic resection at an academic center from 1996 to 2009 were analyzed. The indications for early reoperation and readmission (90 days) were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with reoperation and readmission. A scoring system was generated to predict the need for readmission after hepatectomy. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients (6.8%) required reoperation. The perioperative mortality in patients requiring reoperation was significantly higher than for those not requiring reoperation (23.0% vs 3.4%; p < 0.001). Variables associated with reoperation included male sex, performance of concomitant major nonhepatic procedures, and greater intraoperative blood loss. One hundred and eighty-four patients (14.4%) required readmission. Variables associated with readmission included major hepatectomy, development of major postoperative complications, and index hospitalization >7 days. A Readmission Prediction Score ranging from 0 to 4 was generated and directly correlated with need for readmission. CONCLUSIONS: In the current era of hepatic surgery, early reoperation and readmission remain relatively frequent. As we care for patients who are increasingly receiving regionalized care far from home, we must be mindful of patients at increased risk for readmission. The development of strategies to minimize the complications that necessitate reoperation and readmission is critical to improving patient care.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis among patients with resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this report was to determine the prevalence of underlying nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Demographics, comorbidities, clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical treatments, and outcomes from patients who underwent resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at one of eight hepatobiliary centers between 1991 and 2011 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 181 patients who underwent resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 31 (17.1 %) had underlying nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were more likely obese (median body mass index, 30.0 vs. 26.0 kg/m(2), p < 0.001) and had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (38.7 vs. 22.0 %, p = 0.05) and the metabolic syndrome (22.6 vs. 10.0 %, p = 0.05) compared with those without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Presence and severity of hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning were more common among nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients (all p < 0.001). Macrovascular (35.5 vs. 11.3 %, p = 0.01) and any vascular (48.4 vs. 26.7 %, p = 0.02) tumor invasion were more common among patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. There were no differences in recurrence-free (median, 17.0 versus 19.4 months, p = 0.42) or overall (median, 31.5 versus 36.3 months, p = 0.97) survival after surgical resection between patients with and without nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis affects up to 20 % of patients with resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Simultaneous diaphragm and liver resection: a propensity-matched analysis of postoperative morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Although a concomitant diaphragm resection might be required at the time of hepatectomy to achieve tumor-free surgical margins, studies addressing its effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality have been inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine whether the need for diaphragm resection at the time of hepatectomy truly increases 30-day morbidity or mortality using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. STUDY DESIGN: Data were obtained from the 2005-2010 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User Files based on CPT coding. All patients undergoing a simultaneous liver and diaphragm resection were propensity-matched to a subset of liver resection patients not undergoing a diaphragm resection. The main outcomes measures were 30-day mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two patients who underwent combined liver and diaphragm resection were matched to 192 patients treated with liver resection alone. The need for concomitant diaphragm resection was associated with a higher overall complication rate (38.54% vs 28.65%; p = 0.048), major complication rate (33.33% vs 23.44%; p = 0.030), and respiratory complication rate (14.06% vs 7.81%; p = 0.058). Postoperative mortality was similar between groups. Combined diaphragm and liver resection was also associated with longer operative times (median 311 minutes vs 247.5 minutes; p < 0.001), higher rates of intraoperative packed RBC transfusion (33.33% vs 23.44%; p = 0.037), and a longer length of hospitalization (median 7 vs 6 days; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, when taken into account with those reported previously, suggest that the need for diaphragm resection at time of hepatectomy increases postoperative morbidity but not mortality.

Indeterminate pulmonary nodules represent lung metastases in a significant portion of patients undergoing liver resection for malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite detection on imaging before resection of hepatic malignancies, the natural history of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) is unknown. The objective of this study is to determine how often IPN detected on imaging before surgery for hepatic malignancies represent lung metastases. METHODS: Demographics, comorbidities, tumor characteristics, and surgical treatments of patients with pre-operative IPN who underwent liver resection and/or radiofrequency ablation for malignant diagnoses were reviewed. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2010, 90 patients with at least one IPN underwent liver resection or radiofrequency ablation for malignancy. Of these, 44 (48.9 %), 32 (35.6 %), and 14 (15.6 %) patients had colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM), primary hepatobiliary malignancies (HB), and other cancers, respectively. The median number of IPN was 1. The median size was 4 mm. Twenty (22 %) patients had isolated lung recurrence after hepatic surgical therapy. Eighty percent occurred in the exact location of the pre-operative IPN. Isolated lung recurrence was more common among patients with CRCLM compared to those with HB and other cancers (42.9 vs. 9.4 vs. 14.3 %, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Pre-operatively detected IPN represent lung metastases in a substantial portion of patients undergoing surgery for hepatic malignancy. IPN are more likely to represent lung metastases in patients with CRCLM compared to those with primary HB and other cancers.

Venous thromboembolism after hepatic resection: analysis of 5,706 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The routine use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis after hepatic surgery remains controversial due to the relatively low incidence of this complication and the significant risk of perioperative bleeding. The objective of our analysis was to identify perioperative predictors of postoperative VTE in patients undergoing resection. METHODS: All patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User File from 2005 to 2009 who underwent hepatic resection were included for analysis. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine perioperative variables that are significantly associated with VTE after hepatic surgery. RESULTS: The overall incidence of VTE after hepatic resection was 2.9 %. Significant predictors of VTE after hepatic resection included preoperative mechanical ventilation, male gender, operative time > 3 h, age ≥ 70 years, intraoperative transfusion, and extended hepatectomy. Several non-VTE postoperative complications were also associated with subsequent VTE, including prolonged mechanical ventilation, need for early reoperation, and postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Many perioperative factors, including extended hepatectomy as well as several postoperative non-VTE complications, are associated with an increased risk of VTE after hepatic resection. Knowledge of these factors may assist surgeons in deciding which patients merit more aggressive prophylaxis against this complication.

Underlying steatohepatitis, but not simple hepatic steatosis, increases morbidity after liver resection: a case-control study.

UNLABELLED: Despite the high prevalence of fatty liver disease, the safety of liver resection in settings of steatohepatitis (SH) or hepatic steatosis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether underlying SH or simple hepatic steatosis increases morbidity after liver resection. We compared patients undergoing liver resection with underlying SH or greater than 33% simple hepatic steatosis to controls selected for similar demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, preoperative chemotherapy treatments, and extent of partial hepatectomy. Primary endpoints included postoperative overall and hepatic-related morbidity. One hundred and two patients with SH and 72 with greater than 33% simple hepatic steatosis who underwent liver resection from 2000 to 2011 were compared to corresponding controls. There were no differences in extent or approach of liver resection, malignant indications, preoperative chemotherapy treatment, elements of metabolic syndrome, alcohol use history, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age, or gender between patients with SH or simple steatosis and corresponding controls. Ninety-day postoperative overall morbidity (56.9% versus 37.3%; P = 0.008), any hepatic-related morbidity (28.4% versus 15.7%; P = 0.043), surgical hepatic complications (19.6% versus 8.8%; P = 0.046), and hepatic decompensation (16.7% versus 6.9%; P = 0.049) were greater among SH patients, compared to corresponding controls. In contrast, there were no differences in postoperative overall morbidity (34.7% versus 44.4%; P = 0.310), any hepatic-related morbidity (19.4% versus 19.4%; P = 1.000), surgical hepatic complications (13.9% versus 9.7%; P = 0.606), or hepatic decompensation (8.3% versus 9.7%; P = 0.778) between simple hepatic steatosis patients and corresponding controls. Using multivariable logistic regression, SH was independently associated with postoperative overall (odds ratio [OR], 2.316; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.267-4.241; P = 0.007) and any hepatic-related (OR, 2.722; 95% CI: 1.201-6.168; P = 0.016) morbidity. CONCLUSION: Underlying SH, but not simple hepatic steatosis, increases overall and hepatic-related morbidity after liver resection.

Impact of simultaneous diaphragm resection during hepatectomy for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: For colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases involving the hepatic dome or invading the diaphragm, a concomitant diaphragm resection is often required to achieve negative surgical margins. The purpose of this study is to determine whether diaphragm resection during partial hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer influences short-term perioperative outcomes and overall survival. METHODS: Demographics, treatments, and outcomes of 442 patients who underwent hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer from 1996 to 2010 at a high-volume center were reviewed. Recurrence and survival were measured from the date of metastectomy. Actuarial curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-ranks testing. Multivariate predictors of worse survival were compared using a Cox-proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients underwent hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Of these, 34 required simultaneous diaphragm resection (DR) and 408 did not (LR). No significant differences existed in patient demographics or comorbidities. The DR group had longer median operative times (336 vs. 267 min, p = 0.0008) but had comparable rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Median overall survival was shorter in the DR group compared to the LR group (18.8 vs. 36 months, p = 0.0017). When controlling for potential cofounders, liver metastases size > 5 cm (HR 1.45 95 % CI (1.08-1.99), p = 0.015) and diaphragm resection (HR = 1.72 95 % CI (1.03-2.86), p = 0.038) predicted worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous diaphragm resection during partial hepatectomy does not significantly influence perioperative morbidity or mortality despite longer operative times. However, patients who require diaphragm resection have less favorable survival rates as compared to those who do not.

Hepatectomy for noncolorectal non-neuroendocrine metastatic cancer: a multi-institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although hepatic metastasectomy is well established for colorectal and neuroendocrine cancer, the approach to hepatic metastases from other sites is not well defined. We sought to examine the management of noncolorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review from 4 major liver centers identified patients who underwent liver resection for noncolorectal non-neuroendocrine metastases between 1990 and 2009. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival, and Cox regression models were used to examine prognostic variables. RESULTS: There were 420 patients available for analysis. Breast cancer (n = 115; 27%) was the most common primary malignancy, followed by sarcoma (n = 98; 23%), and genitourinary cancers (n = 92; 22%). Crude postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 20% and 2%, respectively. Overall median survival was 49 months, and 1, 3, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 73%, 50%, and 31%. Survival was not significantly different between the various primary tumor types. Recurrent disease was found after hepatectomy in 66% of patients. In multivariable models, lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.05) and metastases ≥5 cm (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of poorer survival. Median survival was shorter for resections performed between 1990 and 1999 (n = 101, 32 months) when compared with resections between 2000 and 2009 (n = 319, 66 months; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic metastasectomy for noncolorectal non-neuroendocrine cancers is safe and feasible in selected patients. Lymphovascular invasion and metastases ≥5 cm were found to be associated with poorer survival. Patients undergoing metastasectomy in more recent years appear to be surviving longer, however, the reasons for this are not conclusively determined.

Comparison of outcomes and the use of multimodality therapy in young and elderly people undergoing surgical resection of pancreatic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes and the use of multimodality therapy in young and elderly people with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgical resection. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-institution study. SETTING: National Cancer Institute/National Comprehensive Cancer Network cancer center. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred three individuals who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at Duke University Medical Center comprised the study population. Participants were divided into three groups based on age (<65, n = 97; 65-74, n = 74; ≥75, N = 32). MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative outcomes, the use of multimodality therapy, and overall survival of the different age groups were compared. RESULTS: Similar rates of perioperative mortality and morbidity were observed in all age groups, but elderly adults were more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. A similar proportion of participants received neoadjuvant therapy, but a smaller proportion of elderly participants received adjuvant therapy. Overall survival was similar between the age groups. Predictors of poorer overall survival included coronary artery disease, positive resection margin, and less-differentiated tumor histology. Treatment with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy were predictors of better overall survival. CONCLUSION: Carefully selected elderly individuals experience similar perioperative outcomes and overall survival to those of younger individuals after resection of pancreatic cancer. There appears to be a significant disparity in the use of adjuvant therapy between young and elderly individuals.

Does neoadjuvant chemotherapy reveal disease precluding surgical treatment of initially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy reveals occult disease precluding surgical extirpation of initially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). METHODS: Demographics, clinicopathologic tumor characteristics, treatments, and post-operative outcomes of patients aged 18-80 years, with one to four initially resectable CRCLM, and without concurrent extra-hepatic (EHMD) or previous metastatic disease were reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred and two patients evaluated from 2000 to 2010 met study criteria; 88 (43.6%) were given neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were younger (median 58 years vs. 65 years, P = 0.0096), had shorter disease free interval from resection of primary tumor to CRCLM diagnosis (median 0 months vs. 12 months, P < 0.0001), and had more CRCLM (median 1 [1-3] vs. 1 [1-2], P = 0.0096) compared to untreated counterparts. There were no differences in rates of concurrent EHMD noted intra-operatively and not on pre-operative imaging (4.5% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.7290), greater intra-operatively observed CRCLM compared to pre-operative imaging (25.3% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.2449), hepatic resection and/or ablation (97.7% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.9853), or 6-month disease recurrence after surgical treatment (25.6% vs. 14.9%, P = 0.0882). Only two (2.3%) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy had disease progression precluding surgical extirpation. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for initially resectable CRCLM does not reveal occult disease precluding surgical treatment.

Hepatic resection for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era.

BACKGROUND: Before the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), surgical resection was the primary treatment for hepatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) metastases. Although TKIs have improved survival in the metastatic setting, outcomes after multimodal therapy comprised of hepatectomy and TKIs for GIST are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether combination therapy for hepatic GIST metastases is associated with improved overall survival compared with reported outcomes from surgery or TKI therapy alone. METHODS: Demographics, clinicopathologic tumor characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients who underwent hepatic resection at 3 high-volume centers from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 39 patients underwent hepatectomy for metastatic GISTs, and 27 patients received postoperative TKI therapy. At a median follow-up of 39.7 months, 23 patients (59%) experienced recurrence at a median of 18 months. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year overall survival rates were 96.7%, 76.8%, and 67.9%, respectively. Median survival was not reached at 5 years. The rates of severe complication and mortality were 10.2% (4 patients) and 2.5% (1 patient), respectively. When controlling for confounders, postoperative TKI therapy was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.50; P = .006), and extrahepatic disease was associated with worse survival (hazard ratio, 9.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-55.7; P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival after combination therapy exceeded previous reports for the treatment of metastatic GIST with hepatic resection or TKI therapy alone and was significantly enhanced by postoperative TKI therapy. The results from this study support findings that combination therapy for GIST liver metastases comprised of surgical resection and TKI therapy is more effective than surgery or TKI therapy alone.

Outcomes of curative treatment for hepatocellular cancer in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis versus hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease.

UNLABELLED: Concomitant increasing incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) suggest that a substantial proportion of HCC arises as a result of hepatocellular injury from NASH. The aim of this study was to determine differences in severity of liver dysfunction at HCC diagnosis and long-term survival outcomes between patients undergoing curative therapy for HCC in the background of NASH compared to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Patient demographics and comorbidities, clinicopathologic data, and long-term outcomes among patients who underwent liver transplantation, hepatic resection, or radiofrequency ablation for HCC were reviewed. From 2000 to 2010, 303 patients underwent curative treatment of HCC; 52 (17.2%) and 162 (53.5%) patients had NASH and HCV and/or alcoholic liver disease. At HCC diagnosis, NASH patients were older (median age 65 versus 58 years), were more often female (48.1% versus 16.7%), more often had the metabolic syndrome (45.1% versus 14.8%), and had lower model for end-stage liver disease scores (median 9 versus 10) (all P < 0.05). NASH patients were less likely to have hepatic bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis (73.1% versus 93.8%; P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 50 months after curative treatment, the most frequent cause of death was liver failure. Though there were no differences in recurrence-free survival after curative therapy (median, 60 versus 56 months; P = 0.303), NASH patients had longer overall survival (OS) (median not reached versus 52 months; P = 0.009) independent of other clinicopathologic factors and type of curative treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients with HCC in the setting of NASH have less severe liver dysfunction at HCC diagnosis and better OS after curative treatment compared to counterparts with HCV and/or alcoholic liver disease.