Epidemiology, Management, and Survival of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Modern chemotherapy aims to improve long-term survival for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Publications suggest promising results, but the spread of these new aggressive treatment strategies in the general population is not well known. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to draw a picture of epidemiology, management, and survival in synchronous and metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. DESIGN: The cumulative risk of metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis was estimated in patients resected for cure. Net survival rates were calculated for synchronous and metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis. SETTINGS: The study was conducted with the use of the Burgundy Digestive Cancer Registry. PATIENTS: Overall, 9174 primary colorectal cancers registered between 1976 and 2011 by the population-based digestive cancer registry were considered. RESULTS: In total, 7% of patients were diagnosed with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis. The 5-year cumulative risk of metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis was 6%, and the stage of the colorectal cancer at diagnosis was the major risk factor. Other independent risk factors were mucinous adenocarcinoma, ulceroinfiltrating tumors, and diagnosis after obstruction or perforation. The proportion of patients resected for cure was 11% and 9% for synchronous and metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis, and 3-year overall net survival was 8% and 5%. The corresponding rates after resection for cure were 21% and 17%. There was a dramatic increase in the proportion of patients receiving systemic chemotherapy: from 11% before 1997 to 48% in 2011 for synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis and from 3% to 38% for metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis. LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective observational population-based study. CONCLUSION: Peritoneal carcinomatosis complicating colorectal cancer is a major reason for treatment failure. This study identified patients at a high risk of developing peritoneal carcinomatosis who may benefit from specific surveillance. New therapeutic modalities are also needed to improve the prognosis.

Accuracy and reproducibility of the peritoneal cancer index in advanced ovarian cancer during laparoscopy and laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) between laparoscopy and laparotomy and to evaluate the reproducibility of this index between 2 surgeons (junior vs senior) in advanced-stage ovarian cancer (ASOC). In ASOC, the quality of cytoreductive surgery, which is the main prognostic factor, is correlated with the extent of the disease and thus with the PCI. The reliability of this scoring index between different surgeons during laparoscopy and laparotomy has not been investigated in this disease. METHODS: Between April 2010 and October 2011, for each of the 29 patients undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery, 1 senior surgeon and 1 junior surgeon quantified the PCI score at 3 time points on the same day: during laparoscopy and during laparotomy, at the beginning and at the end. A concordance analysis was conducted with Bland and Altman's method and estimated by intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: There was high concordance of the PCI score between the junior and senior surgeons during the laparoscopic and laparotomic procedures: the mean differences were not significantly different from 0 (P < 0.05) and 95% limits of agreement were ± 3.5 and ± 3.0, respectively. Laparoscopy underestimated the PCI score by approximately 2 points compared to the beginning of the laparotomy: the mean biases were -2.0 (95% confidence interval, -2.8 to -1.2) for the senior surgeon and -2.2 (95% confidence interval, -3.1 to 1.3) for the junior surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: The PCI is reproducible and reliable for evaluating peritoneal spread in ASOC.

FDG-PET/CT assessment of misty mesentery: feasibility for distinguishing viable mesenteric malignancy from stable conditions.

PURPOSE: "Misty mesentery" is a CT appearance of mesenteric fat changes with increased attenuation often existing with swelled mesenteric lymph nodes. We evaluated diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/CT in distinguishing viable malignant disorders from benign conditions in misty mesentery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4236 FDG-PET/CT images were reviewed to identify patients with appearances of misty mesentery. Only the initial examinations were evaluated. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy within 3 months, patients with bulky mesenteric mass, and patients without follow-up examinations were excluded. Maximum short-axis diameter of mesenteric nodules (Diam-max) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for mesenteric abnormalities were measured, and the diagnostic performance to differentiate between viable malignancy and stable lesions was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, based on final diagnoses obtained by histology or follow-up examinations. Their significance was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: 71 studies met the inclusion criteria with confirmed diagnoses (13 viable malignancies; 58 stable lesions). Of the 13 malignant cases, 12 were lymphoma. ROC curves indicated an optimal Diam-max cut-off value of >10mm and SUVmax cut-off of ≥3.0, with area under the curve of 0.961 and 0.926, respectively. Using the optimal Diam-max cut-off, sensitivity and specificity were 69% and 98%, respectively. Using the optimal SUVmax cut-off, they were 85% and 98%, respectively. The combination of either Diam-max>10mm or SUVmax≥3.0 had a sensitivity of 92%. Both Diam-max and SUVmax were significant independent factors for predicting malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: FDG-PET/CT is feasible for identifying viable malignancy in misty mesentery.

Asbestos-related disease.

Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres causes several diseases. These include asbestosis, lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma as well as pleural effusion, discrete (plaques) or diffuse benign pleural fibrosis and rolled atelectasis. The lag time between exposure and the development of disease may be many decades, thus the health risks of asbestos continue to be relevant despite bans on the use of asbestos and improvements in safety regulations for those who are still exposed. Asbestos was mined and used extensively in Australia for over 100 years and Australia is now experiencing part of a worldwide epidemic of asbestos-related disease. This review provides insight into the history and epidemiology of asbestos-related disease in Australia and discusses relevant clinical aspects in their diagnosis and management. The past and current medico-legal aspects of asbestos as well as currently evolving areas of research and future projections are summarized.

[Medical insurance aspects of peritoneal tumors with particular attention to peritoneal mesotheliomas]. / Versicherungsmedizinische Aspekte bei peritonealen Mesotheliomen und sonstigen peritonealen Tumoren.

Malignant peritoneal mesotheliomas arise mainly in male patients and the median age of initial diagnosis is about 56 years. Epitheloid subtype predominates in peritoneal mesotheliomas. Asbestos exposure is the best-known and most common risk factor associated with the development of both pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas and, therefore, about 90% of cases can be assessed as asbestos-associated. Patients with peritoneal mesotheliomas have distinctly higher asbestos burden of the lungs than patients with pleural mesotheliomas. The mean latency period between exposure and diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma ranges from 35 to 40 years and is comparable to that of pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis also belongs to the group of peritoneal mesotheliomas. No significant evidence exists for the classification of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma, solitary fibrous tumor, adenomatoid tumor, primary peritoneal serous borderline tumor, and benign multicystic mesothelioma as asbestos-associated tumors. Except malignant mesotheliomas, the induction of other abdominal tumors is independent of an exposure to asbestos dust.

Under-reporting of compensable mesothelioma in Alberta.

BACKGROUND: When combined with a history of occupational asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is often presumed work-related. In Canada, workers diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by occupational asbestos exposure are often eligible for compensation under provincial workers' compensation boards. Although occupational asbestos exposure causes the majority of mesothelioma, Canadian research suggests less than half of workers actually apply for compensation. Alberta's mandatory reporting requirements may produce higher filing rates but this is currently unknown. This study evaluates Alberta's mesothelioma filing and compensation rates. METHODS: Demographic information on all mesothelioma patients diagnosed between 1980 and 2004 were extracted from the Alberta Cancer Board's Cancer Registry and linked to Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta claims data. RESULTS: Alberta recorded a total of 568 histologically confirmed mesothelioma cases between 1980 and 2004. Forty-two percent of cases filed a claim; 83% of filed claims were accepted for compensation. CONCLUSIONS: Patient under-reporting of compensable mesothelioma is a problem and raises larger questions regarding under-reporting of other asbestos-related cancers in Alberta. Strategies should focus on increasing filing rates where appropriate.

Risk-reducing surgery for ovarian cancer: outcomes in 300 surgeries suggest a low peritoneal primary risk.

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is currently advocated for the reduction of both breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1/2 carriers, but residual risk of peritoneal primary cancer remains a concern. A sequential series of women attending a single institution for ovarian risk management underwent either risk-reducing surgery or screening. A person-years at risk analysis was used to compare observed versus expected cancers. In total, 300 women underwent risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy, including 160 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Three occult ovarian cancers were detected at surgery. There have been 2400.4 years of follow-up and 15.79 expected cancers. No peritoneal cancers have occurred. Amongst 503 women controls with 3444.3 years of follow-up, 15.93 ovarian cancers were expected and 17 were found. There were six ovarian cancer-related deaths in the control group compared with one in the surgery group. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in a single institution has so far avoided peritoneal cancer incidence.

A study to explore the patient's experience of peritoneal surface malignancies: pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare tumour originating from the appendix and producing extensive mucus accumulation within the abdomen and pelvis. Since UK government policy reinforces the importance of involving patients in the delivery of healthcare, it is essential to explore patients views so that service development can be fully responsive to the patients need. The primary objective of this study was to explore the impact of PMP on the lives of patients. The secondary objectives were to explore the sources of psychological support for patients, the symptoms experienced and their information concerns. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 13 patients. The interviews were tape recorded, with permission, transcribed in full and analysed for content and emerging themes. The emergent themes included significant uncertainty about the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition. The difficulties associated with confirming an initial diagnosis and living with an uncertain prognosis were highlighted. Patients' choice and access to support by a specialist team were important themes. The data highlighted the particular needs of this under-researched patient group and provided evidence to further develop patient support, particularly using the Internet.

Morbidity and mortality assessment of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma--a prospective study of 70 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Although many reports regarding morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy are available, there are no prospective data on morbidity and mortality limited to patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). METHODS: This prospective morbidity and mortality assessment was performed on 70 consecutive cytoreductive procedures with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for DMPM. Forty-seven adverse events by eight categories were rated from grades I to IV with increasing severity. Grade I morbidity was self-limiting; grade II required medical treatments; grade III required an invasive intervention; grade IV required returning to the operating room or intensive care management. Risk factors for grades III and IV morbidity were determined. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality rate was 3%. The grades III and IV morbidity rates were 27 and 14%, respectively. Primary colonic anastomosis (P = 0.028), more than four peritonectomy procedures (P = 0.015), duration of the operation of more than 7 h (P = 0.027) were the risk factors for grade IV morbidity. Survival analysis of these 70 patients was provided. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity and mortality results for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with DMPM were within the acceptable range for major gastrointestinal surgery. Grade IV morbidity was associated with more extensive cytoreduction.

[Assessment of cancer risk in the general population of Poland due to asbestos exposure. I. Basis of methodology]. / Szacowanie ryzyka choroby nowotworowej zwiazanej z ekspozycja populacji generalnej na pyl azbestu. Podstawy metodyczne.

Two mathematical models facilitating calculation of cancer risk in people exposed to asbestos dust in the communal environment are discussed. The first helps determine a dose-response relationships when lung cancer is the exposure effect whereas the second permits calculating the probability of pleural or peritoneal mesotheliomas induction based on the level of asbestos exposure. In the case of lung cancer, the exposure is measured as a cummulated dose which equals to a product of an average concentration of asbestos fibres in 1 ml of the air multiplied by duration of exposure (in years). Thus determined relationship between asbestos exposure and the risk involved is a linear function. The effect of smoking, which undoubtedly accounts for lung cancer induction, is an element of the assessment in this model. The relationship between the risk of mesothelioma and exposure level, which is a non-linear function, is associated with the duration of exposure (in years) and the number of years since first asbestos exposure, however, it is not related to the age of person when first exposure occured or smoking habit. It may assumed that, in the case of environmental exposures, the level of exposure could be measured by the duration of exposure to a determined concentration (the exposure starts at birth to be continued throughout the whole lifetime until death). The models presented allow forecasting cancer risk based on the adopted level and duration of exposure to asbestos dust.