Fecal and Tissue Microbiota Are Associated with Tumor T-Cell Infiltration and Mesenteric Lymph Node Involvement in Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with alterations of the fecal and tissue-associated microbiome. Preclinical models support a pathogenic role of the microbiome in CRC, including in promoting metastasis and modulating antitumor immune responses. To investigate whether the microbiome is associated with lymph node metastasis and T cell infiltration in human CRC, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces, tumor core, tumor surface, and healthy adjacent tissue collected from 34 CRC patients undergoing surgery (28 fecal samples and 39 tissue samples). Tissue microbiome profiles-including increased Fusobacterium-were significantly associated with mesenteric lymph node (MLN) involvement. Fecal microbes were also associated with MLN involvement and accurately classified CRC patients into those with or without MLN involvement. Tumor T cell infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD3 and CD8 in tumor tissue sections. Tumor core microbiota, including members of the Blautia and Faecalibacterium genera, were significantly associated with tumor T cell infiltration. Abundance of specific fecal microbes including a member of the Roseburia genus predicted high vs. low total and cytotoxic T cell infiltration in random forests classifiers. These findings support a link between the microbiome and antitumor immune responses that may influence prognosis of locally advanced CRC.

Reducing retraction forces with tactile feedback during robotic total mesorectal excision in a porcine model.

Excessive tissue-instrument interaction forces during robotic surgery have the potential for causing iatrogenic tissue damages. The current in vivo study seeks to assess whether tactile feedback could reduce intraoperative tissue-instrument interaction forces during robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision. Five subjects, including three experts and two novices, used the da Vinci robot to perform total mesorectum excision in four pigs. The grip force in the left arm, used for retraction, and the pushing force in the right arm, used for blunt pelvic dissection around the rectum, were recorded. Tissue-instrument interaction forces were compared between trials done with and without tactile feedback. The mean force exerted on the tissue was consistently higher in the retracting arm than the dissecting arm (3.72 ± 1.19 vs 0.32 ± 0.36 N, p < 0.01). Tactile feedback brought about significant reductions in average retraction forces (3.69 ± 1.08 N vs 4.16 ± 1.12 N, p = 0.02), but dissection forces appeared unaffected (0.43 ± 0.42 vs 0.37 ± 0.28 N, p = 0.71). No significant differences were found between retraction and dissection forces exerted by novice and expert robotic surgeons. This in vivo animal study demonstrated the efficacy of tactile feedback in reducing retraction forces during total mesorectal excision. Further research is required to quantify the clinical impact of such force reduction.

Anal Sphincteroplasty in the Minimally Invasive Era: Assessment of National Trends and Complications.

Fecal incontinence is a debilitating and underreported condition. Despite introduction of novel therapies in recent years, anal sphincteroplasty (AS) remains the surgical choice for certain patients. Previous reports have primarily focused on single-surgeon or single-center experience with AS. The purpose of this study was to assess patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes of AS using a national cohort. Patients (n = 586) who underwent AS as a primary procedure between 2009 and 2015 were identified by the CPT code as recorded in the study and were evaluated and examined for association with 30-day complications. The number of sphincteroplasties performed decreased seven-fold between 2009 and 2015. Wound infection, wound dehiscence, and urinary tract infection were the most common complications, occurring in 30 (5.1%), 12 (2.1%), and 6 (1%) patients, respectively. Preoperative steroid use and surgeon specialty were associated with wound complications on multivariate analysis. We present the first national study of patients undergoing AS and identify factors that predispose to wound complications. In addition, we demonstrate that the number of anal sphincteroplasties performed in the United States is decreasing dramatically, likely because of novel therapy for fecal incontinence. We hope that this study will assist in patient counseling and call attention to preserving surgical training as utilization of AS rapidly declines.

Application of a newly designed microfork probe for robotic-guided pelvic intraoperative neuromapping.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) with pelvic intraoperative neuromapping was recently accomplished. However, neuromapping is conventionally conducted by a hand-guided laparoscopic probe. We introduce a prototype microfork probe to make robotic-guided neuromapping feasible. Experiments and Technical Setup: Two porcine experiments with nerve-sparing TME surgery were performed. A newly designed prototype bipolar microfork probe was inserted intraabdominally and guided with the robotic forceps. Intermittent neuromapping was then conducted and neuromonitoring data integrated in the surgeon console viewer. Conclusion: Robotic-guided neuromapping is shown to be feasible and fully controllable from the surgeon console.

Factors Predictive of Outcomes after Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colon and Appendiceal Carcinomatosis: A Single-Institution Experience.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), although considered an acceptable treatment option in the management of selected patients with colon and appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), concerns about morbidity have limited its acceptance. Our objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of CRS/HIPEC for appendix and colon PC performed at our institution and to elucidate factors predictive of patient outcomes. All patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC for appendix or colon PC from 2011 to 2017 were identified from our institution's prospective database. Postoperative outcomes, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival were assessed. Of 125 patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC during the study period, 45 patients were eligible (appendix n = 26; colon n = 19). The median postoperative length of stay was nine days (5-28 days). Grade III/IV complications occurred in 4/45 (8.8%) patients. There were no postoperative mortalities. Median DFS and overall survival have not yet been reached, in both the colon and appendix groups. As of the study conclusion date, 37/45 (82.2%) patients were alive with or without disease. Lymph node status was predictive of recurrence in appendix PC. In our experience, CRS/HIPEC can be safely performed with acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. Lymph node status is an important predictor of recurrence.

Sustaining Improvement: Implementation and Spread of a Surgical Site Infection Bundle.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered a quality metric across surgical specialties and are a major cause of increased readmissions and overall costs to surgical patients. Bundled interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing SSIs in various surgical fields, yet the ability to sustain and spread interventions while continuing to reduce infection rates is a significant challenge. This study assessed the implementation and sustainability of an SSI bundle, which was initially piloted within the colorectal surgery division and then spread to additional general surgery services. Outcomes (risk-adjusted ACS-NSQIP odds ratio and observed to expected (O:E) SSI rates) and process measures were monitored on run charts throughout the course of the intervention. By the end of the study period, ACS-NSQIP risk-adjusted odds ratios for SSIs decreased from 1.22 to 0.95 for colorectal procedure targeted and 1.32 to 1.04 for all general surgery procedures (P < 0.05). O:E ratios showed similar reductions. SSI reductions were associated with process measure compliance. This study demonstrates that effective implementation within a single surgical division provides the foundation for spread of a SSI bundle, which results in continued and sustained reductions in SSI rates.

Impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Opioid-Free Anesthesia on Opioid Prescriptions at Discharge From the Hospital: A Historical-Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, and opioid use disorder often begins with a prescription for acute pain. The perioperative period represents an important opportunity to prevent chronic opioid use, and recently there has been a paradigm shift toward implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols that promote opioid-free and multimodal analgesia. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an ERAS intervention for colorectal surgery on discharge opioid prescribing practices. METHODS: We conducted a historical-prospective quality improvement study of an ERAS protocol implemented for patients undergoing colorectal surgery with a focus on the opioid-free and multimodal analgesia components of the pathway. We compared patients undergoing colorectal surgery 1 year before implementation (June 15, 2015, to June 14, 2016) and 1 year after implementation (June 15, 2016, to June 14, 2017). RESULTS: Before the ERAS intervention, opioids at discharge were not significantly increasing (1% per month; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1% to 3%; P = .199). Immediately after the ERAS intervention, opioid prescriptions were not significantly lower (13%; 95% CI, -30% to 3%; P = .110). After the intervention, the rate of opioid prescriptions at discharge did not decrease significantly 1% (95% CI, -3% to 1%) compared to the pre-period rate (P = .399). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with a combination of low discharge pain scores, no preoperative opioid use, and low morphine milligram equivalents consumption before discharge, the rate of discharge opioid prescription was 72% (95% CI, 61%-83%). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report discharge opioid prescribing practices in an ERAS setting. Although an ERAS intervention for colorectal surgery led to an increase in opioid-free anesthesia and multimodal analgesia, we did not observe an impact on discharge opioid prescribing practices. The majority of patients were discharged with an opioid prescription, including those with a combination of low discharge pain scores, no preoperative opioid use, and low morphine milligram equivalents consumption before discharge. This observation in the setting of an ERAS pathway that promotes multimodal analgesia suggests that our findings are very likely to also be observed in non-ERAS settings and offers an opportunity to modify opioid prescribing practices on discharge after surgery. For opioid-free anesthesia and multimodal analgesia to influence the opioid epidemic, the dose and quantity of the opioids prescribed should be modified based on the information gathered by in-hospital pain scores and opioid use as well as pain history before admission.

Complications of Diverting Ileostomy after Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Carcinoma.

There have been few studies directly comparing the postoperative complications in patients with a diverting ileostomy to patients who were not diverted after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal carcinoma. This study is a retrospective chart review of all rectal carcinoma patients (99) who underwent a LAR from January 2009 to December 2014 at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System. A majority of patients were diverted (58% vs 42%). The diverted patients were more likely to have a low tumor location (P < 0.01), preoperative chemoradiation (P < 0.01), and more intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.01). Our study shows a statistically significant higher overall complication rate among patients receiving a diverting ileostomy in the six months after LAR (61% vs 38%, P = 0.02). The difference is due to a higher rate of readmission (27% vs 14%) and acute kidney injury (14% vs 5%) in patients with a diverting ileostomy. It also shows that there is a higher rate of unplanned reoperation (11% vs 6%) due to anastomotic leak (17% vs 5%) in nondiverted patients. Further studies are needed to refine the specific indications to maximize the benefit of diverting ileostomy after LAR for rectal carcinoma.

Alcohol fat clearing increases lymph node yield after surgery for colorectal cancer.

Lymph node (LN) yield is associated with oncologic outcome in patients who undergo surgery for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Standards to maximize LN yield have been initiated to enhance treatment of patients with CRC. This study evaluates the impact of a simple alcohol-based preparation protocol on LN yield. Surgical specimens from patients with CRC were prepared using either the alcohol protocol or standard formalin fixation and LN yield was compared. In total, 80 consecutive patients (n = 40 formalin, n = 40 alcohol) were examined. Overall, median LN yield increased from 17 to 29 (P < 0.01) with the alcohol fat clearance protocol. For patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent proctectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, LN yield increased from 15 to 23 (P = 0.02). The frequency of need for additional sampling to achieve a minimum 12 LN count was also reduced. Initiation of a standardized alcohol fat-clearing protocol increased LN yield after surgery for CRC. This simple, cost-effective measure may improve the efficiency of LN assessment and accurate staging, which may impact oncologic outcomes.

Down-regulation of LXR/RXR activation and negative acute phase response pathways in colon adenocarcinoma revealed by proteomics and bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Deficiency of vitamin D could be a major cause of colon cancer as suggested as early as 1980 by Drs. Cedric and Frank Garland of the University of California and has recently been underscored by a large European case control study. Whether vitamin D deficiency is because of inadequate intake (food and sunshine) or because of vitamin D metabolism disorder in the patient body is unknown. A proteomics approach to identify protein pathways associated with vitamin D transportation and metabolism pathways will help us understand better the pathology of the colon cancer. METHODS: Lysates of colon adenocarcinoma tissues and their matched healthy tissues, from seven colon cancer patients, have been evaluated by quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis to determine protein expression profiles. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and principle component analysis (PCA) were utilized for protein expression profiling and biomarker identification, while the reporter ion ratios from tandem-mass-tagging (TMT) labeled peptides were used for quantification. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze protein pathways. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Proteomics analyses demonstrated that the proteins involved in vitamin D/E binding, heme/iron binding and transportation, and lipid/steroid transportation/metabolic systems were down-regulated in colon cancer and the same set of proteins were down-regulated in the LXR/RXR activation and acute-phase response pathways, revealing a plausible mechanistic connection between vitamin D deficiency, iron homeostasis, and colon cancer.

Surgical and radiation therapy management of recurrent anal melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma of the anorectal mucosa is a rare but highly aggressive tumor. Its presenting symptoms are frequently confused with hemorrhoids, thereby causing a delay in diagnosis. Anorectal melanoma carries with it a very poor prognosis. There is a paucity of data investigating management options for anorectal melanoma, and even fewer data reporting recurrent or refractory cases. CASE PRESENTATION: This case documents a 41-year-old female with a long history of hemorrhoids presenting with anorectal discharge. She was incidentally found have anorectal melanoma following surgical resection. Systemic diagnostic work-up demonstrated PET-avid lymphadenopathy in her right groin. She underwent right groin dissection. However, seven months later she recurred in her right groin and a new recurrent mass was found in her pelvis. She underwent a second groin dissection and resection of the pelvic recurrence. This was followed by a course of hypofractionated radiation therapy then systemic immunotherapy. DISCUSSION: Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment. However, the extent of surgery has been the topic of investigation. Historically, radical resections have been performed but they result in high rates of post-operative morbidity. Newer studies have compared radical resection with wide local excisions and found comparable outcomes. Anorectal melanoma is frequently a systemic disease. The ideal systemic therapy regimen has not yet been determined but numerous studies show a benefit to multi-agent treatments. Radiation therapy is typically given in the post-operative or palliative setting. CONCLUSIONS: Anorectal mucosal melanoma is a very rare but aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. The overall treatment goal should strive to optimize quality of life and tumor control while minimizing treatment-related morbidities.

Outcomes of multimodality therapies for patients with stage II or III rectal cancer in California, 1994-2009.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative chemoradiotherapy is being used for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer to improve survival and reduce recurrence. Although several studies have prompted these changes, the survival benefits of additional chemoradiotherapy have not been adequately tested in a large-scale, population-based setting. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival differences between perioperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery alone for the treatment of rectal cancer. DESIGN: : This was a nonconcurrent cohort study of patients treated for rectal cancer stages II and III between 1994 and 2009. SETTING: The study was conducted through the California Cancer Registry. PATIENTS: Eligible patients were those with rectal cancer stage II or III who received either radical surgery alone (N = 2988) or perioperative chemoradiotherapy (N = 8852) during the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the risk of mortality associated with perioperative chemoradiotherapy versus surgery alone, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, tumor stage, month/year of surgery, and hospital factors. RESULTS: In multivariable binomial log-linear regression, the adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) for receiving perioperative chemoradiotherapy was lower among patients in the older age groups, especially among those ≥75 years of age (PR = 0.52 [95% CI, 0.49-0.55]), and increased monotonically from lowest (PR = 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89-0.95]) to highest socioeconomic status group (referent). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, adjusting for demographic factors, tumor stage, and hospital identification number, showed that perioperative chemoradiotherapy, relative to surgery alone, was associated with lower mortality during the entire study period, with survival benefit increasing over time (1994-1997: HR = 0.76 [95% CI, 0.66-0.88]; 1998-2001: HR = 0.71 [95% CI, 0.64-0.79]; 2002-2005: HR = 0.63 [95% CI, 0.55-0.71]; 2006-2008: HR = 0.47 [95% CI, 0.39-0.56]). LIMITATIONS: No information was available on comorbidities or specific surgeon factors, which could contribute to survival differences. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative chemoradiotherapy, compared with surgery alone, was associated with significantly improved survival during the entire study period, with increasing benefit among those treated during the latter years of our studied time period. (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A120).

When is a lymph node dissection a lymph node dissection? The number of lymph nodes resected in sentinel and axillary lymph node dissections.

PURPOSE: We sought to compare the number of lymph nodes (LN) resected in axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) and sentinel lymph node dissections (SLND), and to assess the validity of registry reporting for axillary staging in breast cancer. METHODS: Women in the California Cancer Registry who underwent surgical axillary staging for T1/T2, M0 breast cancer between 2004 and 2008 were evaluated. The number of LN resected in patients reported as having SLND+ALND and ALND were assessed for compliance with 6 and 10 LN threshold definitions for ALND. The proportion of patients with ≤3 LN removed was assessed for patients receiving SLND only. RESULTS: Of 71,907 patients, 45.5 % had SLND, 24.0 %, SLND+ALND, and 30.5 %, ALND. The median number of LN resected with SLND cases was 2 (range 1-41); SLND+ALND, 9 (range 1-63); and ALND, 11 (range 1-81) (p < 0.0001). Of patients undergoing ALND, 56.7 % had ≥10 LN removed; 46.2 % of patients with SLND+ALND had ≥10 LN removed (p < 0.0001). Overall, 75.5 % of patients with ALND had ≥6 LN removed and 67.8 % of patients with SLND+ALND had ≥6 LN removed (p < 0.0001). Of those receiving only SLND, 83.4 % had ≤3 LN removed. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients did not meet the minimum LN count thresholds for full ALND or had excess LN removed in a SLND. Further investigation is required to determine whether absolute LN number or reported operative procedure and implied surgical technique better defines axillary staging in a registry database.

Predictors of delayed-stage colorectal cancer: are we neglecting critical demographic information?

PURPOSE: We sought to distinguish roles of demographic variables and bowel segments as predictors of delayed versus early stage colorectal cancer in California. METHODS: Demographic and anatomic variables for 66,806 colorectal cancers were extracted from the California Cancer Registry for 2004-2008 and analyzed using logistic regression as delayed versus early stage. RESULTS: Odds ratios (OR) for binary stage categories comparing age <40 (OR=2.58; 95% CI=2.26-2.94), 40-49 (1.71; 95%=1.60-1.83) and 75+ (1.05; 1.02-1.09) relative to 50-74 years were computed. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, ORs for stage categories were: 1.05; 0.99-1.13 (non-Hispanic blacks), 1.08; 1.02-1.13 (Hispanics), and 1.05; 1.00-1.10 (Asian/others). Females had higher odds of delayed diagnosis (1.09; 1.06-1.13) than males. Descending ORs were measured for successively lower to highest socioeconomic status (SES) quintiles (OR 4:5=1.08; 1.03-1.14, OR 3:5=1.13; 1.08-1.19, OR 2:5=1.18; 1.12- 1.24, and OR 1:5=1.21; 1.14-1.28). CONCLUSIONS: Younger and older than age 50-74; females; Hispanic ethnicity; bowel segment contrasts (right/left, proximal/distal, cecum plus appendix/distal), and lower SES were independent predictors of delayed diagnosis. Low SES was the most robust predictor of delayed diagnosis, independent of other covariates. Approximately 77% of delayed diagnoses were in non-Hispanic whites and Asian/others. These findings illustrate the value of a community SES index for targeting egalitarian colorectal cancer screening.

Accuracy and upgrade rates of percutaneous breast biopsy: the surgeon's role.

We sought to evaluate the impact of needle core size and number of core samples on diagnostic accuracy and upgrade rates for image-guided core needle biopsies of the breast. A total of 234 patients underwent image-guided percutaneous needle biopsies and subsequent surgical excision. Large-core needles (9 gauge or less) were used in 14.5 per cent of cases and the remainder were performed with smaller core needles. More than four core samples were taken in 78.9 per cent of patients. In 71.8 per cent of cases, needle biopsy pathology matched surgical excision pathology. After surgical excision, upgraded pathology was revealed in 10.7 per cent of cases. Of 11 patients (52.4%) with benign needle core pathology who had upgraded final pathology on surgical excision, 10 had a Breast Imaging Recording and Data System score 4 or 5 imaging study. Lesions smaller than 10 mm were more likely to be misdiagnosed (P = 0.01) or have upgraded pathology (P = 0.009). Other predictors of upgraded pathology were patient age 50 years or older (P = 0.03) and taking four or fewer core samples (P = 0.003). Needle core size did not impact accuracy or upgrade rates. Surgeons should exercise caution when interpreting needle biopsy results with older patients, smaller lesions, and limited sampling. Discordant pathology and imaging still mandate surgical confirmation.

The use of pelvic radiation in stage II rectal cancer: a population-based analysis.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines recommend the use of pelvic radiation in T3N0 rectal cancer. We sought to determine the rate of compliance with NIH radiation guidelines for patients with T3N0 rectal cancer. We performed a retrospective cohort study of T3NO rectal cancer diagnosed between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2003, in Region 5 of the California Cancer Registry (R5 CCR). Three hundred twenty-nine patients with T3N0 rectal cancer were identified. The mean age of the study population was 68 years (range, 28 to 93 years). Only 54.1 per cent of patients with T3N0 cancer received pelvic radiation. There was no difference in gender (P = 0.13) or the number of nodes examined (P = 0.19) between patients who had treatment with pelvic radiation and those who did not. However, patients receiving radiation were significantly younger (mean 64 years with radiation therapy [XRT] vs. 72 years without XRT, P < 0.001) and significantly more likely to be treated with systemic chemotherapy (75% with XRT vs. 8.6% without XRT, P < 0.001). Significant numbers of patients with T3N0 rectal cancer are not receiving pelvic radiation in R5 CRR. NIH guidelines are not being translated into clinical practice. The reasons for this warrant continued investigation.

Time from diagnosis to surgical treatment of breast cancer: factors influencing delays in initiating treatment.

No clear guidelines exist defining the appropriate time frame from diagnosis to definitive surgical treatment of breast cancer. Studies have suggested that treatment delays greater than 90 days may be associated with stage migration. We sought to evaluate demographic factors that influence 30-day and 90-day benchmarks for time from diagnosis to definitive surgical treatment of breast cancer. Between 2004 and 2007, 19,896 women with stage I to III invasive breast cancer were treated with primary surgical therapy and did not receive preoperative systemic therapy in the California Cancer Registry. Overall, 75.7 per cent of patients were treated within 30 days of diagnosis, and 95.5 per cent of patients were treated within 90 days of diagnosis. Multivariate analyses revealed that treatment delays were associated with smaller tumor size, use of total mastectomy, lower socioeconomic status, and Hispanic and nonHispanic black race/ethnicity. Furthermore, disparities in those that did not meet 30-day benchmark timeframes were exaggerated with 90-day treatment delays. These benchmarks can be used to measure disparities in health care delivery.

Are percutaneous biopsy rates a reasonable quality measure in breast cancer management?

BACKGROUND: Utilization of percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) has been proposed as a quality measure of breast cancer care. We evaluated rates and reasons for failure of patients undergoing PNB as the initial diagnostic procedure for evaluation of breast pathology. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of sequential patients undergoing image-guided PNB and open surgical excisional breast biopsies from January 2006 to July 2009 at our institution. Factors associated with failure to undergo a percutaneous approach were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 1196 breast biopsies were performed; 87 (7.3%) were open surgical biopsies, and 1109 (92.7%) were PNB. Imaging used for percutaneous guidance or needle localization was ultrasound in 58.9%, mammogram in 40.0%, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 0.9%. Open surgical excisional biopsy was associated with mammographic guidance (P < .001), location in the central or lower inner quadrant of the breast (P = .002), BIRADS score of 1 or 6 (P < .001), or calcifications as target (P < .001). There were no differences in rates of PNB by age, size of lesion, or breast density. Reasons for failure of PNB were technical (calcifications not visualized, proximity to implant, etc.) in 86.2% of cases. No reason was documented in 10.3%, and 3.4% of patients refused a percutaneous approach. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients in this series underwent PNB as an initial diagnostic approach. Most percutaneous failures are due to technical reasons. PNB rates are a reasonable quality measure in breast cancer care. Documentation of failure to meet this benchmark should be stringently monitored.

Factors associated with variance in compliance with a sentinel lymph node dissection quality measure in early-stage breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) for patients with clinical stage I/IIA/IIB breast cancer; however, a significant fraction of patients do not undergo this procedure. We sought to identify factors associated with noncompliance with the SLND benchmark in early-stage breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with an initial diagnosis of Stage I/IIA/IIB invasive breast carcinoma who were treated between 2004 and 2007 with records in the California Cancer Registry were evaluated. Odds ratios evaluating receipt of SLND were compared for sex, age, stage, socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, surgery type, year of diagnosis, and hospital cancer program approval from the American College of Surgery (ACOS). RESULTS: Of 55,207 patients identified, 66% underwent SLND. On multivariable analyses, patients were significantly less likely to undergo SLND if they were >65 years of age, stage IIA or IIB, of lower socioeconomic status, of nonwhite race/ethnicity, treated with total mastectomy, treated during 2004-2005, or at a non-ACOS approved institution. CONCLUSIONS: SLND use in California has increased over time; however, only two-thirds of eligible patients undergo this recommended procedure. Using SLND as a quality measure demonstrates significant disparities that have implications not only for patient and provider education, but also for health care policy and reform.

Impact of splenectomy on thrombocytopenia, chemotherapy, and survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (PDAC) or endocrine tumors (PET) often develop splenic vein thrombosis, hypersplenism, and thrombocytopenia which limits the administration of chemotherapy. METHODS: From 2001 to 2009, 15 patients with recurrent or unresectable PDAC or PET underwent splenectomy for hypersplenism and thrombocytopenia. The clinical variables of this group of patients were analyzed. The overall survival of patients with PDAC was compared to historical controls. RESULTS: Of the 15 total patients, 13 (87%) had PDAC and 2 (13%) had PET. All tumors were either locally advanced (n = 6, 40%) or metastatic (n = 9, 60%). The platelet counts significantly increased after splenectomy (p < 0.01). All patients were able to resume chemotherapy within a median of 11.5 days (range 6-27). The patients with PDAC had a median survival of 20 months (range 4-67) from the time of diagnosis and 10.6 months (range 0.6-39.8) from the time of splenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy for patients with unresectable PDAC or PET who developed hypersplenism and thrombocytopenia that limited the administration of chemotherapy, significantly increased platelet counts, and led to resumption of treatment in all patients. Patients with PDAC had better disease-specific survival as compared to historical controls.