Cetuximab plus FOLFOXIRI versus cetuximab plus FOLFOX as conversion regimen in RAS/BRAF wild-type patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (TRICE trial): A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether intensification of the chemotherapy backbone in tandem with an anti-EGFR can confer superior clinical outcomes in a cohort of RAS/BRAF wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). To that end, we sought to comparatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of cetuximab plus FOLFOXIRI (triplet arm) versus cetuximab plus FOLFOX (doublet arm) as a conversion regimen (i.e., unresectable to resectable) in CRC patients with unresectable CRLM. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This open-label, randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2018 to December 2022 in 7 medical centers across China, enrolling 146 RAS/BRAF wild-type CRC patients with initially unresectable CRLM. A stratified blocked randomization method was utilized to assign patients (1:1) to either the cetuximab plus FOLFOXIRI (n = 72) or cetuximab plus FOLFOX (n = 74) treatment arms. Stratification factors were tumor location (left versus right) and resectability (technically unresectable versus ≥5 metastases). The primary outcome was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary outcomes included the median depth of tumor response (DpR), early tumor shrinkage (ETS), R0 resection rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (not mature at the time of analysis), and safety profile. Radiological tumor evaluations were conducted by radiologists blinded to the group allocation. Primary efficacy analyses were conducted based on the intention-to-treat population, while safety analyses were performed on patients who received at least 1 line of chemotherapy. A total of 14 patients (9.6%) were lost to follow-up (9 in the doublet arm and 5 in the triplet arm). The ORR was comparable following adjustment for stratification factors, with 84.7% versus 79.7% in the triplet and doublet arms, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 0.70; 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.30, 1.67], Chi-square p = 0.42). Moreover, the ETS rate showed no significant difference between the triplet and doublet arms (80.6% (58/72) versus 77.0% (57/74), OR 0.82, 95% CI [0.37, 1.83], Chi-square p = 0.63). Although median DpR was higher in the triplet therapy group (59.6%, interquartile range [IQR], [50.0, 69.7] versus 55.0%, IQR [42.8, 63.8], Mann-Whitney p = 0.039), the R0/R1 resection rate with or without radiofrequency ablation/stereotactic body radiation therapy was comparable with 54.2% (39/72) of patients in the triplet arm versus 52.7% (39/74) in the doublet arm. At a median follow-up of 26.2 months (IQR [12.8, 40.5]), the median PFS was 11.8 months in the triplet arm versus 13.4 months in the doublet arm (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, 95% CI [0.50, 1.11], Log-rank p = 0.14). Grade ≥ 3 events were reported in 47.2% (35/74) of patients in the doublet arm and 55.9% (38/68) of patients in the triplet arm. The triplet arm was associated with a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia (44.1% versus 27.0%, p = 0.03) and diarrhea (5.9% versus 0%, p = 0.03). The primary limitations of the study encompass the inherent bias in subjective surgical decisions regarding resection feasibility, as well as the lack of a centralized assessment for ORR and resection. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of cetuximab with FOLFOXIRI did not significantly improve ORR compared to cetuximab plus FOLFOX. Despite achieving an enhanced DpR, this improvement did not translate into improved R0 resection rates or PFS. Moreover, the triplet arm was associated with an increase in treatment-related toxicity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03493048.

Long-term outcomes of intraoperative chemotherapy with 5-FU for colorectal cancer patients receiving curative resection (IOCCRC): a randomized, multicenter, prospective, phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare combined intraoperative chemotherapy and surgical resection with curative surgical resection alone in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III trial. All eligible patients were randomized and assigned to intraoperative chemotherapy and curative surgical resection or curative surgical resection alone (1:1). Survival actualization after long-term follow-up was performed in patients analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: From January 2011 to January 2016, 696 colorectal cancer patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to intraoperative chemotherapy and radical surgical resection (n=341) or curative surgical resection alone (n=344). Intraoperative chemotherapy with surgical resection showed no significant survival benefit over surgical resection alone in colorectal cancer patients (3-year DFS: 91.1% vs. 90.0%, P=0.328; 3-year OS: 94.4% vs. 95.9%, P=0.756). However, colon cancer patients benefitted from intraoperative chemotherapy, with a relative 4% reduction in liver and peritoneal metastasis (HR=0.336, 95% CI: 0.148-0.759, P=0.015) and a 6.5% improvement in 3-year DFS (HR=0.579, 95% CI: 0.353-0.949, P=0.032). Meanwhile, patients with colon cancer and abnormal pretreatment CEA levels achieved significant survival benefits from intraoperative chemotherapy (DFS: HR=0.464, 95% CI: 0.233-0.921, P=0.029 and OS: (HR=0.476, 95% CI: 0.223-1.017, P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative chemotherapy showed no significant extra prognostic benefit in total colorectal cancer patients who underwent radical surgical resection; however, in colon cancer patients with abnormal pretreatment serum CEA levels (> 5 ng/ml), intraoperative chemotherapy could improve long-term survival.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With CAPOX Versus Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer With Uninvolved Mesorectal Fascia (CONVERT): Initial Results of a Phase III Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) with CAPOX alone versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with capecitabine in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with uninvolved mesorectal fascia (MRF). BACKGROUND DATA: nCRT is associated with higher surgical complications, worse long-term functional outcomes, and questionable survival benefits. Comparatively, nCT alone seems a promising alternative treatment in lower-risk LARC patients with uninvolved MRF. METHODS: Patients between June 2014 and October 2020 with LARC within 12 cm from the anal verge and uninvolved MRF were randomly assigned to nCT group with 4 cycles of CAPOX (Oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 IV day 1 and Capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily for 14 d. Repeat every 3 wk) or nCRT group with Capecitabine 825 mg/m² twice daily administered orally and concurrently with radiation therapy (50 Gy/25 fractions) for 5 days per week. The primary end point is local-regional recurrence-free survival. Here we reported the results of secondary end points: histopathologic response, surgical events, and toxicity. RESULTS: Of the 663 initially enrolled patients, 589 received the allocated treatment (nCT, n=300; nCRT, n=289). Pathologic complete response rate was 11.0% (95% CI, 7.8-15.3%) in the nCT arm and 13.8% (95% CI, 10.1-18.5%) in the nCRT arm ( P =0.33). The downstaging (ypStage 0 to 1) rate was 40.8% (95% CI, 35.1-46.7%) in the nCT arm and 45.6% (95% CI, 39.7-51.7%) in the nCRT arm ( P =0.27). nCT was associated with lower perioperative distant metastases rate (0.7% vs. 3.1%, P =0.03) and preventive ileostomy rate (52.2% vs. 63.6%, P =0.008) compared with nCRT. Four patients in the nCT arm received salvage nCRT because of local disease progression after nCT. Two patients in the nCT arm and 5 in the nCRT arm achieved complete clinical response and were treated with a nonsurgical approach. Similar results were observed in subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: nCT achieved similar pCR and downstaging rates with lower incidence of perioperative distant metastasis and preventive ileostomy compared with nCRT. CAPOX could be an effective alternative to neoadjuvant therapy in LARC with uninvolved MRF. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these results.

Factors associated with adherence to colonoscopy among individuals who were positive in the preliminary screening for colorectal neoplasms.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential factors associated with adherence to colonoscopy among participants who were preliminarily screened positive in a community-based colorectal cancer screening program in China. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 1219 out of 6971 community residents who were identified as positive cases by the well-validated high-risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the preliminary screening stage for colorectal neoplasms. Patients showing adherence to colonoscopy were defined as those who received positive results in a preliminary screening for colorectal neoplasms and later received a colonoscopy examination as required. The associations of social-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), and risk factors in the HRFQ with adherence to colonoscopy were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 1219 participants who preliminarily screened positive, the top five risk factors reported by the participants were chronic constipation (25.9%), hematochezia (23.5%), family history of CRC in first-degree relatives (22.1%), chronic diarrhea (21.8%), and history of polyps (16.6%). Around 14.2% of participants who preliminarily screened positive reported three or more risk factors, and the proportion was 26.2% among participants who were positive according to both HRFQ and FIT. Among all participants who were preliminarily screened positive, the multivariable results showed that those who were married (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.25, p = 0.01), had chronic diarrhea (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.78, p = 0.047), and had a positive FIT (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.10, p < 0.001 for patients who were negative according to HRFQ but positive according to FIT; OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.78, p = 0.002 for patients who were positive for both HRFQ and FIT) were more likely to adhere to colonoscopy, while participants with a history of cancer (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.79, p = 0.003) were less likely to adhere to colonoscopy. The results among participants who were tested positive according to only HRFQ were similar to those among all participants who were tested positive according to HRFQ or FIT. However, among participants who were tested positive according to only FIT, we only found that those who were married (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.90, p = 0.033) had a higher odds of adhering to colonoscopy, while those with a history of diabetes (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.96, p = 0.042) were less likely to adhere to colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence supporting the development of tailored interventional strategies that aim to improve adherence to colonoscopy for individuals with a high risk of colorectal neoplasms. Both barriers and facilitators associated with adherence to colonoscopy should be considered in supportive systems and health policies. However, further well-designed prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Public awareness of colorectal cancer in the Chinese population: An online cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate public awareness of colorectal cancer (three components: total knowledge, confidence and anticipated delay) in the Chinese population, to explore factors associated with total knowledge and to elucidate relationships among three components of public awareness of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We recruited 562 adult Chinese participants with no history of colorectal cancer between March and May 2020 by convenience sampling method. Data were collected online using a self-designed demographic questionnaire and a simplified Chinese version of the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were applied. RESULTS: The mean score for total knowledge was 10.56 (SD: 5.89). Over half of the participants (58.2%) lacked confidence about detecting warning signs. For 42.7% of participants, the anticipated delay was not within the acceptable range (2 weeks). Totally eight demographic variables were identified as significant predictors of total knowledge, accounting for 36.2% of the variance. Total knowledge was positively correlated with confidence (r = 0.126, p < 0.01) and negatively associated with anticipated delay (F = 8.891, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Public awareness of colorectal cancer was low in the Chinese population. Hence, educational interventions targeted for improving knowledge, enhancing individuals' confidence in detecting symptoms and reducing barriers to seeking medical help may be urgently required.

Factors associated with positive predictive value of preliminary screening in a two-step screening strategy for colorectal neoplasms in China.

BACKGROUND: The positive predictive value (PPV) of high risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) plus fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as preliminary screening strategy for colorectal-related neoplasia is relatively low. We aim to explore independent factors associated with PPVs of HRFQ combined FIT for selecting high risk individuals for colonoscopy. METHODS: A total of 6971 residents were enrolled in a community-based screening program. Participants who had positive results of HRFQ and/or FIT and subsequently received colonoscopy were involved. The associations of socio-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and high risk factors of colorectal cancer with PPVs of HRFQ, FIT, and their combination were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 572 involved cases, 249 (43.5%) colorectal neoplasms were detected by colonoscopy, including 71 advanced adenoma (12.4%) and 9 colorectal cancer (CRC) (1.6%). The PPVs of preliminary screening were 43.5% for total colorectal neoplasms, 14.0% for advanced neoplasm, and 1.6% for CRC. Adding positive HRFQ to FIT could improve the PPV from 3.5 to 8.0% for detecting CRC. Preliminarily screened positive individuals who were males [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95, 95% CI 1.31, 2.90; p < 0.001], elders (> 60 years) (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.17, 2.46; p = 0.005), or ex-/current smokers (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI 1.31, 7.09; p = 0.10) had higher odds of PPVs of detecting colorectal neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Combining HRFQ and FIT could largely improve PPVs for screening advanced neoplasm and CRC. Gender and age-specific FIT cut-off values as well as initiating ages for CRC screening might be recommended to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of current screening algorithm.

Universal germline testing among patients with colorectal cancer: clinical actionability and optimised panel.

PURPOSE: Universal germline testing in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with a multigene panel can detect various hereditary cancer syndromes. This study was performed to understand how to choose a testing panel and whether the result would affect clinical management. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 486 eligible patients with CRC, including all patients with CRC diagnosed under age 70 years and patients with CRC diagnosed over 70 years with hereditary risk features between November 2017 and January 2018. All participants received germline testing for various hereditary cancer syndromes. RESULTS: The prevalence of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer susceptibility genes was 7.8% (38/486), including 25 PVs in genes with high-risk CRC susceptibility (the minimal testing set) and 13 PVs in genes with moderate-risk CRC susceptibility or increased cancer risk other than CRC (the additional testing set). All the clinically relevant PVs were found in patients diagnosed under age 70 years. Among them, 11 patients would not have been diagnosed if testing reserved to present guidelines. Most (36/38) of the patients with PVs benefited from enhanced surveillance and tailored treatment. PVs in genes from the minimal testing set were found in all age groups, while patients carried PVs in genes from the additional testing set were older than 40 years. CONCLUSION: Universal germline testing for cancer susceptibility genes should be recommended among all patients with CRC diagnosed under age 70 years. A broad panel including genes from the additional testing set might be considered for patients with CRC older than 40 years to clarify inheritance risks. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03365986.

A novel prognostic nomogram for colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients with recurrence after hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to construct a nomogram to predict personalized post-recurrence survival (PRS) among colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients with post-hepatectomy recurrence. METHODS: Colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients who received initial hepatectomy and had subsequent recurrence between 2001 and 2019 in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from China were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a training cohort and a validation cohort on a ratio of 2:1. Univariable analysis was first employed to select potential predictive factors for PRS. Then, the multivariable Cox regression model was applied to recognize independent prognostic factors. According to the model, a nomogram to predict PRS was established. The nomogram's predictive capacity was further assessed utilizing concordance index (C-index) values, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: About 376 patients were finally enrolled, with a 3-year PRS rate of 37.3% and a 5-year PRS rate of 24.6%. The following five independent predictors for PRS were determined to construct the nomogram: the largest size of liver metastases at initial hepatectomy, relapse-free survival, CEA level at recurrence, recurrent sites, and treatment for recurrence. The nomogram displayed fairly good discrimination and calibration. The C-index value was 0.742 for the training cohort and 0.773 for the validation cohort. Patients were grouped into three risk groups very well by the nomogram, with 5-year PRS rates of 45.2%, 23.3%, and 9.0%, respectively (p < 0.001) in the training cohort and 36.0%, 9.2%, and 4.6%, respectively (p < 0.001) in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: A novel nomogram was built and validated to enable the prediction of personal PRS in CRLM patients with post-hepatectomy recurrence. The nomogram may help physicians in decision making.

Low prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency in Chinese colorectal cancers: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although universal testing for mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) has been recommended to all colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, related evidence for the Chinese population is lacking. Here, we investigated the prevalence and clinicopathological features of dMMR patients in a large Chinese CRC cohort. METHODS: We included 7,373 CRC patients treated at four Chinese medical centers between August 2010 and September 2016. Patients' baseline characteristics and pathological features were recorded. The clinicopathological features were compared between patients with MLH1/PMS2 deficiency (dMLH1/PMS2) and MSH2/MSH6 deficiency (dMSH2/MSH6). RESULTS: Among the investigated patients, 654 (8.9%) were identified with dMMR CRCs and, of them, 401 (61.3%) were males, with a median age of 55 years (range, 22-87 years); 355 (54.3%) had stage II CRC based on American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition. The prevalence of the dMLH1/PMS2 group and the dMSH2/MSH6 group were 51.5% (337/654) and 25.1% (164/654), respectively. Compared with dMSH2/MSH6 patients, those with dMLH1/PMS2 were older (57 vs 52 years, P < 0.001), more likely to be female (45.7% vs 31.5%, P = 0.004), prone to having tumors located in the right-hand side of the colon (59.0% vs 47.6%, P = 0.015), and less likely to have a family history of tumors (29.7% vs 43.3%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dMMR in Chinese CRC patients was low, especially in the dMLH1/PMS2 group. The clinicopathological features were different between dMMR subgroups.

Usefulness of large-section cytokeratin 20 in the detection of intestinal wall infiltration and mesangial metastasis in patients with middle and lower rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of large-section cytokeratin 20 (CK20) staining technique in the detection of infiltration on the distal wall and mesangial metastasis in patients with middle and lower rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients with rectal cancer in the middle and lower segment were studied on large slices stained with CK20. Logistic regression was used to analyze the clinicopathologic factors related to distal low and middle rectal cancer metastasis to the mesorectum and rectal wall. RESULTS: Two types of distal metastasis of the tumor were observed in the rectal wall in 18% (11/62) of the patients: submucosal invasion and muscularis propria invasion. The extent of distal metastasis to the rectal wall was around 0.5-1.0 cm. Four types of distal metastasis occurred in the mesorectum: lymph node invasion, blood and lymphatic vessel invasion, perineural invasion, and isolated neoplastic microfoci. Distal metastasis to the mesorectum was observed in 24% (15/62) of the patients. The extent of metastasis to the mesorectum was around 0.5-4.0 cm. Another three patients with microcapillary invasion in the distal mesorectum were observed by immunohistochemistry, as it was difficult to determine the spread by conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining. CONCLUSION: The large-section CK20 staining technique is useful for the detection of infiltration on the distal wall and mesangial metastasis in patients with middle and lower rectal cancer.

Universal screening for Lynch syndrome in a large consecutive cohort of Chinese colorectal cancer patients: High prevalence and unique molecular features.

The prevalence of Lynch syndrome (LS) varies significantly in different populations, suggesting that ethnic features might play an important role. We enrolled 3330 consecutive Chinese patients who had surgical resection for newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. Universal screening for LS was implemented, including immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, BRAFV600E mutation test and germline sequencing. Among the 3250 eligible patients, MMR protein deficiency (dMMR) was detected in 330 (10.2%) patients. Ninety-three patients (2.9%) were diagnosed with LS. Nine (9.7%) patients with LS fulfilled Amsterdam criteria II and 76 (81.7%) met the revised Bethesda guidelines. Only 15 (9.7%) patients with absence of MLH1 on IHC had BRAFV600E mutation. One third (33/99) of the MMR gene mutations have not been reported previously. The age of onset indicates risk of LS in patients with dMMR tumors. For patients older than 65 years, only 2 patients (5.7%) fulfilling revised Bethesda guidelines were diagnosed with LS. Selective sequencing of all cases with dMMR diagnosed at or below age 65 years and only of those dMMR cases older than 65 years who fulfill revised Bethesda guidelines results in 8.2% fewer cases requiring germline testing without missing any LS diagnoses. While the prevalence of LS in Chinese patients is similar to that of Western populations, the spectrum of constitutional mutations and frequency of BRAFV600E mutation is different. Patients older than 65 years who do not meet the revised Bethesda guidelines have a low risk of LS, suggesting germline sequencing might not be necessary in this population.

Diagnostic value, safety, and histopathologic discrepancy risk factors for endoscopic forceps biopsy and transrectal ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy in rectum lesions.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative pathologic diagnosis is very important for making appropriate therapeutic decisions for patients with rectal lesions. This study aimed (I) to determine diagnostic value and safety of endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB), and (II) to analyze the risk factors for their histopathologic discrepancies, with a particular focus in identifying the indicators for re-biopsy using TRUS-guided CNB after EFB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 102 patients who received EFB and TRUS-guided CNB before surgery. The histopathologic concordance and risk factors for underdiagnosis by EFB and TRUS-guided CNB were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with postoperative pathology, the histopathologic discrepancy rate of EFB and TRUS-guided CNB was 51.0% (52/102 lesions) and 8.8% (9/102 lesions), respectively. The kappa value for consistency with postoperative pathology findings was 0.420 for EFB and 0.876 for TRUS-guided CNB. The multivariate analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that lesions thickness ≥13.5 mm [OR 1.080 (95% CI: 1.021-1.142), P=0.007] and flat/depressed shape [OR 0.206 (95% CI: 0.076-0.564), P=0.002] were significantly associated with histopathologic discrepancies in EFB. CONCLUSIONS: EFB was of limited clinical value in identifying the preoperative diagnosis of rectal lesions. Lesions thickness and flat/depressed shape at EFB were independent risk factors for pathologic discrepancies. TRUS-guided CNB may serve as a safe and effective supplement to routine EFB.

Neoadjuvant oxaliplatin and capecitabine combined with bevacizumab plus radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: results of a single-institute phase II study.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is recommended as the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer, reducing local recurrence but not distant metastasis. Intensified systemic therapy is warranted to reduce the risk of distant metastasis. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant oxaliplatin and capecitabine (XELOX) combined with bevacizumab plus radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients with stages II to III rectal cancer received one cycle of induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy with XELOX plus bevacizumab. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, and postoperative chemotherapy with three cycles of XELOX and two cycles of capecitabine were given. The primary endpoints were pathologic complete response (pCR) rate and safety, and the secondary endpoints were 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enrolled between February 2013 and April 2015. All completed the neoadjuvant therapy. Seven patients (15.6%) refused subsequent surgical therapy for personal reasons, and the other 38 patients received radical resection, with a sphincter preservation rate of 84.2% and a pCR rate of 39.5%. Toxicity was acceptable, with grades 3-4 hematological toxicity and diarrhea observed in six and two patients, respectively. Incidence of anastomotic leak that required surgical intervention was 13.3%. After a median follow-up period of 37 months, five patients developed disease progression and two died of cancer. The 3-year overall survival rate and 3-year progression-free survival rate were 95.3% and 88.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy resulted in a satisfying pCR rate and 3-year survival, but also may increase the risk of anastomotic leak, thus this regimen is not suitable to be considered for regular recommendation for locally advanced rectal cancer. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.govidentifierNCT01818973.

Dihydroartemisinin inhibits colon cancer cell viability by inducing apoptosis through up-regulation of PPARγ expression.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of dihydroartemisinin on the colon cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. The results from MTT assay revealed a concentration and time dependent relation between the inhibition of SW 948 cell viability and dihydroartemisinin addition. The viability of SW 948 cells was reduced to 45 and 24% on treatment with 30 and 50 µM, respectively concentrations of dihydroartemisinin after 48 h. Morphological examination of SW 948 cells showed attainment of rounded shape and cluster formation on treatment with dihydroartemisinin. Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the activation of caspase-3 and expression of cleaved PARP by dihydroartemisinin treatment. The activation of PPARγ was increased significantly in SW 948 cells by treatment with dihydroartemisinin. Compared to control, the migration potential of SW 948 cells was reduced significantly (p < 0.005) and the expression levels of MMP-2 and -9 inhibited by dihydroartemisinin at 50 µM concentration. In the dihydroartemisinin treatment group colon tumor formation was significantly inhibited on treatment with 20 mg/kg doses of dihydroartemisinin after 30 days. Therefore, dihydroartemisinin inhibits colon cancer growth by inducing apoptosis and increasing the expression of PPARγ. Thus dihydroartemisinin can be used for the treatment of colon cancer.

Programmed death-ligand 1 expression correlates with diminished CD8+ T cell infiltration and predicts poor prognosis in anal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: Increased expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells can be found in various malignancies; however, very limited information is known about its role in anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). This study explored PD-L1 expression in ASCC patients and its association with patients' clinicopathological features, CD8+ T cell infiltration, and prognosis. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 26 patients with ASCC were retrieved. The levels of PD-L1 expression on the membrane of both tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cells (TIMCs) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. CD8+ T cell densities, both within tumors and at the tumor-stromal interface, were also analyzed. Baseline clinicopathological characteristics, human papilloma virus (HPV) status, and outcome data correlated with PD-L1-positive staining. RESULTS: PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and TIMCs was observed in 46% and 50% of patients, respectively. Nineteen patients (73%) were HPV positive, with 7 showing PD-L1-positive staining on tumor cells and 9 showing PD-L1-positive staining on TIMCs. Increasing CD8+ density within tumors, but not immune stroma, was significantly associated with decreased PD-L1 expression by both tumor cells and TIMCs (P=0.0043 and P=0.0007). Patients with negative PD-L1 expression had significantly better progression-free survival (P=0.038 and P=0.0443) and a non-statistically significant trend toward longer overall survival (P=0.0882 and P=0.1222) compared with patients with positive PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSION: PD-L1 is widely expressed on the membrane of tumor cells and TIMCs in ASCCs. Its negative impact on prognosis may be due to the diminished CD8+ T cell infiltration within tumors.

The Immunoscore system predicts prognosis after liver metastasectomy in colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: The Immunoscore was initially established to evaluate the prognosis of stage I/II/III colorectal cancer patients. However, the feasibility of the Immunoscore for the prognosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) has not been reported. METHODS: Liver metastases in 249 CRCLM patients were retrospectively analyzed. The Immunoscore was assessed according to the counts and densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in the central- and peritumoral areas by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic role of the Immunoscore for relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox multivariate models, and confirmed via an internal validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to compare the prognostic values of the Immunoscore and the clinical risk score (CRS) system. RESULTS: CRCLM patients with high Immunoscores (> 2) had significantly longer RFS [median RFS (95% confidence interval; 95% CI) 21.4 (7.8-35.1) vs. 8.7 (6.8-10.5) months, P < 0.001] and OS [median OS (95% CI): not reached vs. 28.7 (23.2-34.2) months, P < 0.001] than those with low Immunoscores (≤ 2). After stratification by CRS, the Immunoscore retained a statistically significant prognostic value for OS. The areas under the ROC curves (AUROCs) of the Immunoscore and the CRS system for RFS were 0.711 [95% CI 0.642-0.781] and 0.675[95% CI 0.601-0.749] (P = 0.492), whereas the AUROC of the Immunoscore system for OS was larger than that of the CRS system [0.759 (95% CI 0.699-0.818) vs. 0.660 (95% CI 0.592-0.727); P = 0.029]. CONCLUSIONS: The Immunoscore of liver metastases can be applied to predict the prognosis of CRCLM patients following liver resection.

Pim-3 as a potential predictor of chemoradiotherapy resistance in locally advanced rectal cancer patients.

Approximately 30% of locally advanced rectal cancer patients might not benefit from chemoradiotherapy; however, the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in these cases is difficult to predict. Pim-3 is a member of the provirus integration site for a moloney murine leukemia virus family of proteins that contributes to cell proliferation, survival, and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, the relationship between Pim-3 expression and response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer patients is important to evaluate. 175 rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment enrolled in this study. The relationship between Pim-3 expression on immunohistochemical analysis of rectal cancer tissue, which was obtained before treatment, the response to chemoradiotherapy and survival was investigated. The patients with no Pim-3 expression were more likely to achieve a pathologic complete response to chemoradiotherapy than patients with Pim-3 expression (P = 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that the significant prognostic factors were Pim-3 expression (P = 0.003) and the number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.005) for overall survival. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.007), adjuvant chemotherapy cycles (P = 0.004) and pathology types (P = 0.049) were significant prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Pim-3 is a potential predictive biomarker for the response of rectal cancer to chemoradiotherapy.

Pathologic response after preoperative therapy predicts prognosis of Chinese colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic response is evaluated according to the extent of tumor regression and is used to estimate the efficacy of preoperative treatment. Several studies have reported the association between the pathologic response and clinical outcomes of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases who underwent hepatectomy. However, to date, no data from Chinese patients have been reported. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the pathologic response to pre-hepatectomy chemotherapy and prognosis in a cohort of Chinese patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 380 liver metastases in 159 patients. The pathologic response was evaluated according to the tumor regression grade (TRG). The prognostic role of pathologic response in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test and multivariate Cox models. Factors that had potential influence on pathologic response were also analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Patients whose tumors achieved pathologic response after preoperative chemotherapy had significant longer RFS and OS than patients whose tumor had no pathologic response to chemotherapy (median RFS: 9.9 vs. 6.5 months, P = 0.009; median OS: 40.7 vs. 28.1 months, P = 0.040). Multivariate logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney U tests showed that metastases with small diameter, metastases from the left-side primary tumors, and metastases from patients receiving long-duration chemotherapy had higher pathologic response rates than their control metastases (all P < 0.05). A decrease in the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level after preoperative chemotherapy predicted an increased pathologic response rate (P < 0.05). Although the application of targeted therapy did not significantly influence TRG scores of all cases of metastases, the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy resulted in a higher pathologic response rate when combined with irinotecan-based regimens rather than with oxaliplatin-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the evaluation of pathologic response may predict the prognosis of Chinese colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases after preoperative chemotherapy. Small tumor diameter, long-duration chemotherapy, left primary tumor, and decreased serum CEA level after chemotherapy are associated with increased pathologic response rates.

Endocrine therapy inhibits proliferation and migration, promotes apoptosis and suppresses survivin protein expression in colorectal cancer cells.

The majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are hormone­dependent. Thus, endocrine therapy has become an attractive strategy to treat CRC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of combined tamoxifen (TAM) plus ß­estradiol (E2) treatment on human DLD­1 CRC cells. The human DLD­1 CRC cell line was treated with different concentrations of TAM, ß­estradiol, or a combination of these two agents. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, while apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry analysis. Alterations in the RNA and protein levels of the apoptosis­associated factors cyclin D1 and survivin were measured in the treated DLD­1 cells using semi­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (sqPCR) and western blot analyses. Alterations in cellular migration ability were monitored using a Transwell migration assay. Treatment with TAM, ß­estradiol and TAM plus ß­estradiol inhibited DLD­1 cell viability. The flow cytometry results revealed that these drugs promoted cell apoptosis, and the Transwell migration assay results indicated that the reduction in cell migration was greater in the TAM+E2 treatment group when compared with each treatment alone. sqPCR and western blot analysis results demonstrated that TAM, E2 and a combination of the two affected survivin expression based on the drug concentration and the treatment duration; however, they demonstrated no significant effect on cyclin D1 expression. In conclusion, treatment of DLD­1 cells with TAM, ß­estradiol, or a combination of these two drugs, inhibited cell viability and migration, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of survivin in a dose­ and time­dependent manner. These results provide novel experimental basis for hormonal adjuvant therapy for the treatment of CRC.

Safety of intraoperative chemotherapy with 5-FU for colorectal cancer patients receiving curative resection: a randomized, multicenter, prospective, phase III IOCCRC trial (IOCCRC).

PURPOSE: The safety and efficacy of intraoperative chemotherapy in colorectal cancer have not yet been extensively investigated. This randomized control trial was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of intraoperative chemotherapy in combination with surgical resection to those of traditional surgical resection alone. METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2016, 696 colorectal cancer patients were enrolled in this study: 341 patients were randomly assigned to the intraoperative chemotherapy, which consist of portal vein chemotherapy, intraluminal chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy, plus surgery group, whereas 344 patients were randomized to the control group to undergo surgery alone. Eleven patients withdrew consent. RESULTS: Intraoperative chemotherapy did not increase the rate of surgical complications, and no severe chemotherapy-associated side effects were observed. Four patients in each of the intraoperative chemotherapy and the control groups experienced anastomotic leakage and underwent a second operation (1.2 vs. 1.2%, P = 0.99). There were no deaths within 90 days after surgery in the chemotherapy group, whereas one patient died in the control group. Intraoperative chemotherapy did not decrease the rate of patients who received postoperative chemotherapy between the intraoperative group and control group (29.3 vs. 30.2%, P = 0.795). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative chemotherapy can be safely performed during colorectal surgery; however, follow-up is necessary for a better assessment of its efficacy. ClinicalTrial.gov Register Number: NCT01465451.