Referral rate of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer and survival: outcomes of a multicentre retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment outcomes of incidental gallbladder cancer generally stem from tertiary referral centres, while many patients are initially diagnosed and managed in secondary care centres. Referral patterns of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer are poorly reported. This study aimed to evaluate incidental gallbladder cancer treatment in secondary centres, rates of referral to tertiary centres and its impact on survival. METHODS: Medical records of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 in 27 Dutch secondary centres were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, surgical treatment, tumour characteristics, referral pattern and survival were assessed. Predictors for overall survival were determined using multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: In total, 382 patients with incidental gallbladder cancer were included. Of 243 patients eligible for re-resection (pT1b-pT3, M0), 131 (53.9%) were referred to a tertiary centre. The reason not to refer, despite indication for re-resection, was not documented for 52 of 112 non-referred patients (46.4%). In total, 98 patients underwent additional surgery with curative intent (40.3%), 12 of these in the secondary centre. Median overall survival was 33 months (95% c.i. 24 to 42 months) in referred patients versus 17 months (95% c.i. 3 to 31 months) in the non-referred group (P = 0.019). Referral to a tertiary centre was independently associated with improved survival after correction for age, ASA classification, tumour stage and resection margin (HR 0.60, 95% c.i. 0.38 to 0.97; P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Poor incidental gallbladder cancer referral rates were associated with worse survival. Age, performance status, resection margin or tumour stage should not preclude referral of a patient with incidental gallbladder cancer to a tertiary centre.

The diagnostic value of staging laparoscopy in gallbladder cancer: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated disease (DD) is often found at (re-)exploration in gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients. We aimed to assess the yield of staging laparoscopy (SL) and identify predictors for DD. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients from all Dutch academic centres with primary GBC (pGBC) and incidentally diagnosed GBC (iGBC) planned for (re-)resection. The yield of SL was determined. In iGBC, predictive factors for DD were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 290 patients were included. Of 183 included pGBC patients, 143 underwent laparotomy without SL, and 42 (29%) showed DD perioperatively. SL, conducted in 40 patients, identified DD in eight. DD was found in nine of 32 patients who underwent laparotomy after SL. Of 107 included iGBC patients, 100 underwent laparotomy without SL, and 19 showed DD perioperatively. SL, conducted in seven patients, identified DD in one. Cholecystitis (OR = 4.25; 95% CI 1.51-11.91) and primary R1/R2 resection (OR = 3.94; 95% CI 1.39-11.19) were independent predictive factors for DD. CONCLUSIONS: In pGBC patients, SL may identify DD in up to 20% of patients and should be part of standard management. In iGBC patients, SL is indicated after primary resection for cholecystitis and after initial R1/R2 resection due to the association of these factors with DD.

Oncological Safety and Potential Cost Savings of Routine vs Selective Histopathological Examination After Appendectomy: Results of the Multicenter, Prospective, Cross-Sectional FANCY Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oncological safety and potential cost savings of selective histopathological examination after appendectomy. BACKGROUND: The necessity of routine histopathological examination after appendectomy has been questioned, but prospective studies investigating the safety of a selective policy are lacking. METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study, inspection and palpation of the (meso)appendix was performed by the surgeon in patients with suspected appendicitis. The surgeon's opinion on additional value of histopathological examination was reported before sending all specimens to the pathologist. Main outcomes were the number of hypothetically missed appendiceal neoplasms with clinical consequences benefiting the patient (upper limit two-sided 95% confidence interval below 3:1000 considered oncologically safe) and potential cost savings after selective histopathological examination. RESULTS: Seven thousand three hundred thirty-nine patients were included. After a selective policy, 4966/7339 (67.7%) specimens would have been refrained from histopathological examination. Appendiceal neoplasms with clinical consequences would have been missed in 22/4966 patients. In 5/22, residual disease was completely resected during additional surgery. Hence, an appendiceal neoplasm with clinical consequences benefiting the patient would have been missed in 1.01:1000 patients (upper limit 95% confidence interval 1.61:1000). In contrast, twice as many patients (10/22) would not have been exposed to potential harm due to re-resections without clear benefit, whereas consequences were neither beneficial nor harmful in the remaining seven. Estimated cost savings established by replacing routine for selective histopathological examination were €725,400 per 10,000 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Selective histopathological examination after appendectomy for suspected appendicitis is oncologically safe and will likely result in a reduction of pathologists' workload, less costs, and fewer re-resections without clear benefit.

Development and External Validation of a Model to Predict Overall Survival in Patients With Resected Gallbladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a clinical prediction model to predict overall survival in patients with nonmetastatic, resected gallbladder cancer (GBC). BACKGROUND: Although several tools are available, no optimal method has been identified to assess survival in patients with resected GBC. METHODS: Data from a Dutch, nation-wide cohort of patients with resected GBC was used to develop a prediction model for overall survival. The model was internally validated and a cohort of Australian GBC patients who underwent resection was used for external validation. The performance of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and the present model were compared. RESULTS: In total, 446 patients were included; 380 patients in the development cohort and 66 patients in the validation cohort. In the development cohort median survival was 22 months (median follow-up 75 months). Age, T/N classification, resection margin, differentiation grade, and vascular invasion were independent predictors of survival. The externally validated C-index was 0.75 (95%CI: 0.69-0.80), implying good discriminatory capacity. The discriminative ability of the present model after internal validation was superior to the ability of the AJCC staging system (Harrell C-index 0.71, [95%CI: 0.69-0.72) vs. 0.59 (95% CI: 0.57-0.60)]. CONCLUSION: The proposed model for the prediction of overall survival in patients with resected GBC demonstrates good discriminatory capacity, reasonable calibration and outperforms the authoritative AJCC staging system. This model can be a useful tool for physicians and patients to obtain information about survival after resection and is available from https:// gallbladderresearch.shinyapps.io/Predict_GBC_survival/.

Comprehensive clinicopathological and genomic profiling of gallbladder cancer reveals actionable targets in half of patients.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 5-10% in advanced cases, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The aim of this study was to identify potentially actionable therapeutic targets for GBC. Specimens and clinicopathological data of 642 GBC patients, diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 were collected using the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) and the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All cases were histologically reviewed and a subset was subjected to a comprehensive next generation sequencing panel. We assessed mutations and gene amplifications in a panel of 54 actionable genes, tumor-mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Additionally, the entire cohort was screened for HER2, PD-L1, pan-TRK, and p53 expression with immunohistochemistry. Histopathological subtypes comprised biliary-type adenocarcinoma (AC, 69.6%), intestinal-type AC (20.1%) and other subtypes (10.3%). The median total TMB was 5.5 mutations/Mb (range: 0-161.1) and 17.7% of evaluable cases had a TMB of >10 mutations/Mb. MSI was observed in two cases. Apart from mutations in TP53 (64%), tumors were molecularly highly heterogeneous. Half of the tumors (50%) carried at least one molecular alteration that is targetable in other tumor types, including alterations in CDKN2A (6.0% biallelically inactivated), ERBB2 (9.3%) and PIK3CA (10%). Immunohistochemistry results correlated well with NGS results for HER2 and p53: Pearson r = 0.82 and 0.83, respectively. As half of GBC patients carry at least one potentially actionable molecular alteration, molecular testing may open the way to explore targeted therapy options for GBC patients.

Metastasis in the gallbladder: does literature reflect reality?

BACKGROUND: Metastases to the gallbladder (GBm) are rare and pose a unique diagnostic challenge because they can mimic a second primary tumor. This study aimed to gain insight into the clinicopathological and epidemiological characteristics of GBm. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed (literature cohort) and compared with a nationwide cohort of GBm patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2015 in the Netherlands, collected via two linked registries (population cohort). Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Hazard ratios were determined by a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The literature cohort and population cohort consisted of 225 and 291 patients, respectively. In the literature cohort, melanoma was the most frequent origin (33.8%), while colorectal cancer was the most frequent origin in the population cohort (23.7%). Prognosis was poor with median OS ranging from 6.0 to 22.5 months in the literature and population cohorts, respectively. Age, timing of GBm (synchronous/metachronous) and primary tumor origin were independent prognostic factors for OS. DISCUSSION: Metastases to the gallbladder are rare and carry a poor prognosis. Differences between both cohorts can be attributable to the biased reporting of tumor types that are more easily recognized as GBm because of distinct histological features.

Safety and economic analysis of selective histopathology following cholecystectomy: multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional FANCY study.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing debate concerning the necessity of routine histopathological examination following cholecystectomy. In order to reduce the pathology workload and save costs, a selective approach has been suggested, but evidence regarding its oncological safety is lacking. METHODS: In this multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study, all gallbladders removed for gallstone disease or cholecystitis were systematically examined by the surgeon for macroscopic abnormalities indicative of malignancy. Before sending all specimens to the pathologist, the surgeon judged whether histopathological examination was indicated. The main outcomes were the number of patients with hypothetically missed malignancy with clinical consequences (upper limit two-sided 95 per cent c.i. below 3:1000 considered oncologically safe) and potential cost savings of selective histopathological examination. RESULTS: Twenty-two (2.19:1000) of 10 041 specimens exhibited malignancy with clinical consequences. In case of a selective policy, surgeons would have held back 7846 of 10041 (78.1 per cent) gallbladders from histopathological examination. Malignancy with clinical consequences would have been missed in seven of 7846 patients (0.89:1000, upper limit 95% c.i. 1.40:1000). No patient benefitted from the clinical consequences, while two were harmed (futile additional surgery). Of 15 patients in whom malignancy with clinical consequences would have been diagnosed, one benefitted (residual disease radically removed), two potentially benefitted (palliative systemic therapy), and four experienced harm (futile additional surgery). Estimated cost savings established by replacing routine for selective histopathological examination were €703 500 per 10 000 patients. CONCLUSION: Selective histopathological examination following cholecystectomy is oncologically safe and could reduce pathology workload, costs, and futile re-resections.

Quality Assessment of Gallbladder Cancer Pathology Reports: A Dutch Nationwide Study.

Adequate reporting of pathological findings is essential for optimal patient management and to perform high-quality research. The aim of this study was to assess the completeness of pathology reports of gallbladder cancer (GBC) at the nationwide level to assess guideline adherence and make recommendations for improvement. A retrospective population-based cohort of GBC patients diagnosed in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2019 was collected using data from the Dutch Cancer Registry and the nationwide network and registry of histology. Pathology reports were scored on the presence and content of essential and optional items according to the Dutch consensus-based guideline on biliary tract cancer. By histopathological review of cases, we compared findings with the conclusion of the corresponding pathology report. All pathology reports (n = 849) had a narrative, nonstructured format. Overall completeness was low. Information on key prognostic factors, such as tumor side (hepatic vs. serosal), status of cystic duct and liver surgical margins and venous and perineural invasion, was frequently lacking (80%, 23%, 59%, 74% and 74% missing, respectively). Whereas certain items were often missing from the report, they could be retrospectively detected in a substantial proportion of cases during pathology review (n = 738). In conclusion, significant improvements could be made in the reporting of GBC in the Netherlands. Synoptic reporting could greatly enhance the completeness of reports, as already demonstrated for tumor types.

Gallbladder carcinoma outcomes in an Australian tertiary referral hospital.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the presentation, treatment, and long-term outcomes of patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) managed in a surgical unit of an Australian tertiary referral hospital of a 19-year period. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients with GBC managed in the Royal North Shore Upper GI Surgical department from October 1999 to March 2018. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with GBC were identified: 36 patients underwent palliative treatment, 61 patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma underwent resection with curative intent. Seven patients were excluded. 'Simple cholecystectomy' was undertaken in eight patients, 'standard radical cholecystectomy' in 37 and 'extended radical resection' in 16. The median survival in these patients was 35 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.29-55.10), with a median follow up of 60 months (95% CI 38.18-78.39). This compares with an overall median survival of only 4.00 months (95% CI 2.79-6.24) in patients who did not undergo a potentially curative resection. Independent predictors of poor long-term survival included an elevated preoperative serum tumour marker, advanced tumour stage (T3/T4) or node positive disease (N1/N2). CONCLUSION: The biology and stage of GBC at presentation are major factors in determining patient outcome. There is a need for better pre- and post-operative predictors to improve risk stratification, and these are likely to be in the form of molecular markers. Although the focus of surgery should be to ensure an R0 resection, patients with advanced stage disease need to be carefully selected for surgical intervention, and ideally should be managed by a multidisciplinary team in a specialist centre.

Imaging based flowchart for gallbladder polyp evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative differentiation between neoplastic and nonneoplastic gallbladder polyps, and the subsequent indication for cholecystectomy remains a clinical dilemma. The current 1 cm size threshold for neoplasia is unspecific. The aim of this study was to improve diagnostic work-up for gallbladder polyps using sonographic and MRI characteristics of neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. METHODS: A prospective, exploratory study including patients undergoing cholecystectomy for gallbladder polyp(s) was conducted. Patients underwent targeted transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) and MRI. Outcomes were sensitivity and specificity for polyp diagnosis, and the radiological characteristics of neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyp types. Histopathology after cholecystectomy was used as reference standard. RESULTS: Histopathology demonstrated gallbladder polyps in 20/27 patients (74%): 14 cholesterol polyps, three adenomyomatosis, two adenomas and one gastric heterotopia. Sensitivity of polyp identification were 72% (routine TAUS) and 86% (targeted TAUS and MRI). Both adenomas were identified as neoplastic on targeted TAUS and MRI. Sonographic presentation as multiple, pedunculated polyps, either heterogeneous or with hyperechoic foci, or as single polyps containing cysts were limited to nonneoplastic polyps. On MRI hyperintense polyps on T1-weighted image were cholesterol polyps. An adenoma with high-grade dysplasia showed foci of decreased ADC values. We propose a checklist for polyp evaluation by targeted TAUS and a flowchart for radiological work-up of gallbladder polyps. CONCLUSIONS: The presented checklist and flowchart could aid diagnostic work-up for gallbladder polyps compared to current routine ultrasound, by elimination of nonneoplastic polyps and ultimately improve treatment decision for patients with gallbladder polyps.

Overtreatment of Nonneoplastic Gallbladder Polyps due to Inadequate Routine Ultrasound Assessment.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of routine ultrasound assessment for gallbladder polyps. The secondary aim was to identify the characteristics that differentiate neoplastic polyps from nonneoplastic polyps. METHODS: A total of 156 patients with histopathologically proven gallbladder polyps in 4 Dutch hospitals between 2003 and 2013 were included. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for polyp size, number of polyps, and polyp type were assessed using histopathological findings as a reference standard. In addition, diagnostic accuracy of sonographic size ≥1 cm for neoplasia was assessed. Subgroup analysis for patients with polyps as primary indication for cholecystectomy was performed. The sonographic polyp characteristics on preoperative routine ultrasound were described. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of gallbladder polyps were preoperatively identified on ultrasound, of which 31% were neoplastic. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to estimate polyp size were 93 and 43% (subgroup; 92 and 33%). Sensitivity and specificity of sonographic polyp size ≥1 cm for neoplasia were 86 and 32% (subgroup; 94 and 26%). No specific sonographic characteristics for neoplastic polyps could be established due to lack of reporting. CONCLUSION: Routine ultrasound assessment of polyps is associated with overestimation of polyp size and low specificity of sonographic size ≥1 cm for neoplasia, which contributes to surgical overtreatment of nonneoplastic polyps.

Should jaundice preclude resection in patients with gallbladder cancer? Results from a nation-wide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) presenting with jaundice benefit from resection. This study re-evaluates the impact of jaundice on resectability and survival. METHODS: Data was collected on surgically explored GBC patients in all Dutch academic hospitals from 2000 to 2018. Survival and prognostic factors were assessed. RESULTS: In total 202 patients underwent exploration and 148 were resected; 124 non-jaundiced patients (104 resected) and 75 jaundiced patients (44 resected). Jaundiced patients had significantly (P < 0.05) more pT3/T4 tumors, extended (≥3 segments) liver- and organ resections, major post-operative complications and margin-positive resection. 90-day mortality was higher in jaundiced patients (14% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 months in jaundiced patients (2-year survival 17%) vs. 26.1 months in non-jaundiced patients (2-year survival 39%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, jaundice (HR1.89) was a poor prognostic factor for OS in surgically explored but not in resected patients. Six jaundiced patients did not develop a recurrence; none had liver- or common bile duct (CBD) invasion on imaging. CONCLUSION: Jaundice is associated with poor survival. However, jaundice is not an independent adverse prognostic factor in resected patients. Surgery should be considered in patients with limited disease and no CBD invasion on imaging.

Re-resection in Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: Survival and the Incidence of Residual Disease.

BACKGROUND: Re-resection for incidental gallbladder cancer (iGBC) is associated with improved survival but little is known about residual disease (RD) and prognostic factors. In this study, survival after re-resection, RD, and prognostic factors are analyzed. METHODS: Patients with iGBC were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, and pathology reports of re-resected patients were reviewed. Survival and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 463 patients were included; 24% (n = 110) underwent re-resection after a median interval of 66 days. RD was present in 35% of patients and was most frequently found in the lymph nodes (23%). R0 resection was achieved in 93 patients (92%). Median overall survival (OS) of patients without re-resection was 13.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.6-15.6), compared with 52.6 months (95% CI 36.3-68.8) in re-resected patients (p < 0.001). After re-resection, median OS was superior in patients without RD versus patients with RD (not reached vs. 23.1 months; p < 0.001). In patients who underwent re-resection, RD in the liver (hazard ratio [HR] 5.54; p < 0.001) and lymph nodes (HR 2.35; p = 0.005) were the only significant prognostic factors in multivariable analysis. Predictive factors for the presence of RD were pT3 stage (HR 25.3; p = 0.003) and pN1 stage (HR 23.0; p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Re-resection for iGBC is associated with improved survival but remains infrequently used and is often performed after the optimal timing interval. RD is the only significant prognostic factor for survival after re-resection and can be predicted by pT and pN stages.