Tumor Marker Trajectories and Survival Analysis in Patients With Normal Carcinoembryonic Antigen Ranges After Colorectal Cancer Resection.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding postoperative CEA for predicting long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer remains controversial, especially in patients with normal postoperative CEA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk difference among different postoperative CEA trajectories in patients with normal postoperative CEA after curative colorectal cancer resection. DESIGN: This cohort study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center and included data retrieved from a prospectively collected database between January 2006 and December 2018. SETTINGS: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS: Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery for primary stage I to III colorectal adenocarcinoma were included and those with postoperative CEA >5 ng/mL were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Standard curative radical resection was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ten-year overall survival and disease-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS: The study population (n = 8156) was categorized into 6 trajectories: persistent-ultralow (n = 2351), persistent-low (n = 2474), gradually decrease (n = 401), persistent-medium (n = 1727), slightly increase (n = 909), and around-upper-limit (n = 394). The median follow-up time was 7.8 years, and the median time frame in which CEA was measured to determine trajectory was 2.6 years. The persistent-ultralow group had the highest 10-year overall survival (85.1%) and disease-free survival (82.7%). The around-upper-limit group had the lowest 10-year overall survival (55.5%) and disease-free survival (53.4%). The adjusted HR trend was comparable to the crude HR of the persistent-ultralow group. Consequently, the higher initial serum CEA groups had higher HRs of overall survival and disease-free survival. The adjusted HR of overall survival was 2.96 (95% CI, 2.39-3.66) and of disease-free survival was 2.66 (95% CI, 2.18-3.69) for the around-upper-limit groups. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative serum CEA trajectory is an independent factor associated with long-term outcomes. Although CEA levels were all within normal range, higher levels of postoperative serum CEA trajectory correlated with worse long-term oncological outcomes. See Video Abstract. TRAYECTORIAS DE MARCADORES TUMORALES Y ANLISIS DE SUPERVIVENCIA EN PACIENTES CON RANGOS NORMALES DE ANTGENO CARCINOEMBRIONARIO POSTERIOR A RESECCIN DE CNCER COLORRECTAL: ANTECEDENTES:La evidencia sobre el CEA post operatorio para la predicción de los resultados a largo plazo del cáncer colorrectal sigue siendo controversial, especialmente en pacientes con CEA post quirúrgico normal.OBJETIVO:Investigar la diferencia de riesgo entre diferentes trayectorias postoperatorias del CEA en pacientes con CEA post quirúrgico normal tras la resección curativa del cáncer colorrectal.DISEÑO:Este estudio de cohorte se realizó en un centro oncológico integral e incluyó datos recuperados de una base de datos recopilada prospectivamente entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2018.AJUSTES:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes con el diagnostico de CCR que fueron sometidos a cirugía por adenocarcinoma colorrectal primario en estadio I-III. Se excluyeron pacientes con CEA postoperatorio >5 ng/mL.INTERVENCIONES:Se realizó una resección radical curativa estandarizada.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se analizaron la supervivencia general a diez años y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad.RESULTADOS:La población de estudio (n = 8156) fue clasificada en seis trayectorias, que incluyeron ultrabajo persistente (n = 2351), bajo persistente (n = 2474), disminución gradual (n = 401), medio persistente (n = 1727), aumento leve (n = 909) y alrededor del límite superior (n = 394). La mediana del tiempo de seguimiento fue de 7,8 años y la mediana del período de tiempo en el que el CEA fue medido para determinar la trayectoria fue de 2,6 años. El grupo ultrabajo persistente tuvo la mayor supervivencia general a 10 años (85,1 %) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (82,7 %). El grupo alrededor del límite superior tuvo la supervivencia general a 10 años más baja (55,5 %) y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (53,4 %). La tendencia del índice de riesgo ajustado fue comparable al índice de riesgo bruto del grupo ultrabajo persistente. En consecuencia, los grupos con CEA sérico iniciales más altos tenían índices de riesgos más altos de supervivencia general y supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Los índices de riesgos ajustados de supervivencia general/supervivencia libre de enfermedad fueron 2,96/2,66 (intervalo de confianza del 95 %: 2,39-3,66/2,18-3,69) para los grupos cercanos al límite superior.LIMITACIONES:El estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES:La trayectoria del CEA sérico postoperatorio es un factor independiente asociado con resultados a largo plazo. Aunque los niveles de CEA se encontraban todos dentro del rango normal, los niveles más altos de trayectoria del CEA en suero posoperatorio se correlacionaron con peores resultados oncológicos a largo plazo. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto ).

Comparative analysis of short- and long-term outcomes in laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: Although minimally invasive colorectal surgery has been proven to have a shorter hospital stay and fewer short-term complications than open surgery, the advantages of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis have not been validated. This study compared the outcomes of open and laparoscopic approaches in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2020, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 78 hemodialysis patients who underwent curative-intent, elective colorectal surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method: open and laparoscopic. RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity (p = 0.480) and mortality (p = 0.598) rates and length of hospital stay (28.8 vs. 27.5 days, p = 0.830) were similar between the groups. However, laparoscopic surgery patients had a shorter return to clear liquid, full liquid, or soft food time than open surgery patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p = 0.002, respectively). Disease-free survival and long-term cancer-specific survival rates were also similar between the two groups (p = 0.353 and p = 0.201, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that intraoperative blood transfusion was a risk factor for severe complications and mortality (OR 6.055; p = 0.046), and the odds ratio (OR) of laparoscopic surgery was not significantly greater than that of open surgery (OR = 0.537, p = 0.337). CONCLUSION: Although laparoscopic surgery did not result in hemodialysis patients having a shorter postoperative hospital stay, our results suggest that the laparoscopic approach is as safe as open surgery for hemodialysis patients and may be beneficial for shortening the return time to food intake.

Predictors for temporary stomas non-closure among non-metastatic rectal cancer patients undergoing curative resection: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The primary treatment for non-metastatic rectal cancer is curative resection. However, sphincter-preserving surgery may lead to complications. This study aims to develop a predictive model for stoma non-closure in rectal cancer patients who underwent curative-intent low anterior resection. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with non-metastatic rectal cancer between January 2005 and December 2017, who underwent low anterior resection, were retrospectively included in the Chang Gung Memorial Foundation Institutional Review Board. A comprehensive evaluation and analysis of potential risk factors linked to stoma non-closure were performed. RESULTS: Out of 956 patients with temporary stomas, 10.3% (n = 103) experienced non-closure primarily due to cancer recurrence and anastomosis-related issues. Through multivariate analysis, several preoperative risk factors significantly associated with stoma non-closure were identified, including advanced age, anastomotic leakage, positive nodal status, high preoperative CEA levels, lower rectal cancer presence, margin involvement, and an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. A risk assessment model achieved an AUC of 0.724, with a cutoff of 2.5, 84.5% sensitivity, and 51.4% specificity. Importantly, the non-closure rate could rise to 16.6% when more than two risk factors were present, starkly contrasting the 3.7% non-closure rate observed in cases with a risk score of 2 or below (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prognostic risk factors associated with the non-closure of a temporary stoma include advanced age, symptomatic anastomotic leakage, nodal status, high CEA levels, margin involvement, and an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Hence, it is crucial for surgeons to evaluate these factors and provide patients with a comprehensive prognosis before undergoing surgical intervention.

The prognostic and predictive significance of perineural invasion in stage I to III colon cancer: a propensity score matching-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents with varying prognoses, and identifying factors for predicting metastasis and outcomes is crucial. Perineural invasion (PNI) is a debated prognostic factor for CRC, particularly in stage I-III patients, but its role in guiding adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive colon cancer remains uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a single-center study using data from the Colorectal Section Tumor Registry Database at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. This prospective study involved 3,327 CRC patients, 1,536 of whom were eligible after application of the exclusion criteria, to investigate the prognostic value of PNI in stage I-III patients and its predictive value for node-positive/negative cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize selection bias, and follow-up was performed with standardized procedures. RESULTS: PNI-positive (PNI+) tumors were associated with higher preoperative CEA levels and more frequent adjuvant chemotherapy. After PSM, PNI + tumors were associated with marginally significantly lower 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and significantly lower overall survival (OS) rates in stages III CRC. However, no significant differences were observed in stages I and II. Subgroup analysis showed that among PNI + tumors, only poorly differentiated tumors had higher odds of recurrence. PNI did not predict outcomes in node-negative colon cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy benefited PNI + patients with node-positive but not those with node-negative disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that PNI is an independent poor prognostic factor in stage III colon cancer but does not predict outcomes in node-negative disease. Given the potential adverse effects of adjuvant chemotherapy, our findings discourage its use in node-negative colon cancer when PNI is present.

Upfront primary tumor resection versus upfront systemic therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The standard initial treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains debated. This study investigated whether upfront primary tumor resection (PTR) or upfront systemic therapy (ST) provides better survival outcomes for patients with mCRC. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for studies published at any time from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective or retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) utilizing propensity score matching (PSM) or inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were included. We evaluated overall survival (OS) and short-term (60-day) mortality in these studies. RESULTS: After reviewing 3,626 articles, we identified 10 studies including a total of 48,696 patients. OS differed significantly between the upfront PTR and upfront ST arms (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62; 95% CI: 0.57-0.68; p < 0.001). However, a subgroup analysis identified no significant difference in OS in RCTs (HR 0.97; 95% CI: 0.7-1.34; p = 0.83), whereas significant difference in OS occurred between the treatment arms in RCSs with PSM or IPTW (HR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.54-0.64; p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was analyzed in three RCTs, and 60-day mortality differed significantly between the treatment arms (risk ratio [RR] 3.52; 95% CI: 1.23-10.10; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In RCTs, upfront PTR for mCRC did not improve OS and enhanced the risk of 60-day mortality. However, upfront PTR seemed to increase OS in RCSs with PSM or IPTW. Therefore, whether upfront PTR should be used for mCRC remains unclear. Further large RCTs are required.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of stoma reversal during versus after chemotherapy for rectal cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The optimal timing of stoma closure during or after adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of clinical and oncological outcomes depending on the timing of stoma closure. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2015, we enrolled 244 consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent curative-intent sphincter-preserving surgery with diverting transverse colostomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with stoma closure during (During group) adjuvant chemotherapy were compared to those who had stoma closure after adjuvant chemotherapy (After group). RESULTS: Parastomal hernia occurred more frequently in the after group than in the during group. (10% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.028). Overall, no significant difference was observed in overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups (p = 0.911 for OS, p = 0.505 for DFS). However, an inferior OS occurred if reopen surgery was performed within 30 days of stoma closure in the during group, as compared with the after group (p = 0.004). In addition, a marginally poor DFS was observed in the group of patients who received further operations due to 30-day stoma closure complications compared to the other patients (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: For rectal cancer patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery, attention should be given to avoid 30-day major complications after stoma reversal because patients who require reoperation during adjuvant chemotherapy may have poor long-term survival.

Metformin increases pathological responses to rectal cancers with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To summarize the chemo-radio effect of metformin in rectal cancers with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on pathological response, tumor regression grade (TRG), and T/N downstaging. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of collected reviews were searched up to June 30, 2022. This study conducted systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) sheet. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) which calculated by random-effects models were displayed in forest plots. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias of the observational cohort studies. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis comprised eight cohorts out of seven studies, with 2294 patients in total. We performed two-way comparison for metformin in diabetic patients vs (1) non-metformin drugs in diabetic patients and (2) nondiabetic patients. In diabetes patient studies, the metformin group had a significantly increased pathological response on TRG (OR: 3.28, CI: 2.01-5.35, I2 = 0%, p < 0.001) and T downstaging (OR: 2.14, CI: 1.24-3.67, I2 = 14%, p = 0.006) in comparison with a non-metformin group. When compared with nondiabetic patients, the pathological response on TRG (OR: 2.67, CI: 1.65-4.32, I2 = 43%, p < 0.001) and T downstaging (OR: 1.96, CI: 1.04-3.71, I2 = 66%, p = 0.04) were also higher in metformin group. The limitation was that no randomized controlled trials were available based on current literature review. Small sample sizes for diabetic metformin or non-metformin users in rectal cancer patients reduced the power of the study. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with rectal cancer and treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, metformin administration in diabetic patients increased the pathological response on tumor-regression grade and T downstaging. Further well-designed, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to reveal the actual effect of metformin.

Potential short-term outcome advantage of low vs. high ligation of inferior mesenteric artery for sigmoid and rectal cancer: propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Whether to ligate the inferior mesenteric artery at its root during anterior resection for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer is still under debate. This study compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, and anastomotic leakage between high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery through a subgroup analysis. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. All patients who underwent colorectal resection for rectosigmoid cancer between December 2016 and December 2019 were enrolled. According to the surgical ligation level of the inferior mesenteric artery, the patients were categorized into either the high or low ligation group. The investigated population was matched using the propensity score method. RESULTS: Overall, 894 patients with sigmoid or rectal cancer underwent elective anterior resection with high (577 patients) or low (317 patients) ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. After the propensity score matching, 245 patients in each group were compared. High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery was associated with higher incidence of anastomotic leakage (14.9% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.041) for mid- to low-rectum tumors and a higher incidence of complications (8.6% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.013) of grades 1-2 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. CONCLUSION: Compared with high ligation, low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery resulted in lower likelihood of morbidity and mortality in rectal and sigmoid cancers. Moreover, low ligation was less likely to result in anastomosis leakage in mid- to low-rectal cancers.

Transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction in left hemicolectomy for tumours around the splenic flexure: Old wine in new bottles.

AIM: Laparoscopic anterior resection with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) has favourable short-term outcomes. However, NOSE is rarely adopted for left hemicolectomy procedures. This study aimed to review the feasibility, safety and short-term outcomes of transrectal NOSE in patients undergoing laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. METHOD: All consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy surgery with transrectal NOSE in a single institution between January 2018 and December 2020 were reviewed. Transrectal NOSE was performed with an enterotomy at the upper rectum. The specimen was brought out via a transanal endoscopic microsurgery scope inserted through the anus. A supplementary video demonstrates this technique. Surgical outcomes, including complications, postoperative short-term recovery and the level of pain intensity, are presented. RESULTS: Twenty patients were reviewed. There were no immediate postoperative complications and no wound infections in these patients. The average time to tolerate a soft diet was 3.6 days, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 4.5 days. The average score on the numerical rating scale of postoperative pain was 3.0 on postoperative day 1. The median follow-up time was 23.5 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with transrectal NOSE is a safe and feasible procedure that leads to early postoperative recovery and a short hospital stay.

Smoking cessation for less than 10 years remains a risk factor of anastomotic leakage in mid-to-low rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery.

PURPOSE: Although cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for anastomotic leakage during rectal surgery, the proper duration of smoking cessation that can decrease anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the optimal duration of smoking cessation that can reduce this complication. METHODS: Between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, we enrolled 1246 consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent sphincter-preserving surgery without preventive stoma at the Division of Colorectal Surgery of a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. Questionnaires were used to record their pre-surgical smoking status. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off duration of smoking cessation. Multivariate analysis was used to verify the effect of cigarette cessation on anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: The ROC curve showed a cut-off value of 10.5 years of cessation duration. Therefore, the former-smoker group was further divided using a cessation duration of 10 years. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.29%. However, the anastomotic leakage rate in current smokers (9.3%) and in those who quit for < 10 years (12.9%) was significantly higher than that in non-smokers (3.3%) and those who quit for ≥ 10 years (4.5%). On multivariate analysis, current smokers (p = 0.022), former smokers with < 10 years of smoking cessation (OR 2.725; p = 0.029), male sex (p = 0.015), and low rectal cancer (p < 0.001) were all independently related to the development of anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation for < 10 years remains a risk factor for anastomotic leakage in patients with mid-to-low rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery.

Preoperative risk stratification of permanent stoma in patients with non-metastatic mid and low rectal cancer undergoing curative resection and a temporary stoma.

BACKGROUND: Although a temporary stoma can mitigate the severity of anastomotic leakage, some rectal cancer patients retain a permanent stoma after sphincter-preserving surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to identify independent preoperative risk factors for permanent stoma and establish a prediction model for mid-and low-rectal cancer patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery and temporary stoma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer between 2000 and 2015. The risk factors for permanent stomas were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1020 rectal cancer patients with temporary stoma were included. The overall rate of permanent stoma was 17.5% (n = 179). Cancer progression and anastomotic complications are major causes of permanent stomas. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative risk factors such as advanced age, male sex, preoperative CEA ≥ 10 ng/ml, T4 stage, N stage, low rectal tumor, and ASA ≥ III were independent preoperative risk factors after adjustment. The ROC curve of the risk factors and permanent stoma showed an AUC of 0.689, a cut-off value of 2.5, a sensitivity of 0.689, and a specificity of 0.622. The permanent stoma rates were significantly higher between risk scores ≤ 2 and > 2 (29.9% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CEA ≥ 10 ng/ml, T4 stage, N stage, low rectal tumor, advanced age, ASA ≥ III, and male sex were independent preoperative prognostic factors for a permanent stoma. The risk was higher with a score greater than two. Therefore, the risk of subsequent permanent stoma should be evaluated and informed to the patient prior to the primary surgery.

Comparison of short-term and medium-term outcomes between intracorporeal anastomosis and extracorporeal anastomosis for laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the feasibility and safety of intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) for left hemicolectomy. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with IA and compare the short- and medium-term outcomes between IA and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 133 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomies from July 2016 to September 2019 and categorized them into the IA and EA groups. Patients with stage 4 disease and conversion to laparotomy or those lost to follow-up were excluded. Postoperative outcomes between IA and EA groups were compared. Short-term outcomes included postoperative pain score, bowel function recovery, complications, duration of hospital stay, and pathological outcome. Medium outcomes included overall survival and disease-free survival for at least 2 years. RESULTS: After excluding ineligible patients, the remaining 117 underwent IA (n = 40) and EA (n = 77). The IA group had a shorter hospital stay, a shorter time to tolerate liquid or soft diets, and higher serum C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3. There was no difference between two groups in operative time, postoperative pain, specimen length, or nearest margin. A 2-year overall survival (IA vs. EA: 95.0% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.747) and disease-free survival (IA vs. EA: 97.5% vs. 90.9%, p = 0.182) rates were comparable between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with IA was technically feasible, with better short-term outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and shorter time to tolerate liquid or soft diets. The IA group had higher postoperative serum C-reactive protein level; however, no complications were observed. Regarding medium-term outcomes, the overall survival and disease-free survival rates were comparable between IA and EA procedures.

Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by Crohn's disease with rectovaginal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease, and few cases combine with Crohn's disease. We present the first SLE patient concurrent with Crohn's disease and rectovaginal fistula. She was successfully treated with vedolizumab and surgical intervention. Besides, she also had a rare opportunistic infection, cryptococcal pneumonia, in previous adalimumab treatment course. CASE: A 57 year-old female had SLE in disease remission for 27 years. She suffered from progressive rectal ulcers with anal pain and bloody stool, and Crohn's disease was diagnosed. She received adalimumab, but the lesion still progressed to a rectovaginal fistula. Besides, she suffered from an episode of cryptococcal pneumonia under adalimumab treatment course. Therefore, we changed the biologics to vedolizumab, and arrange a transverse colostomy for stool diversion. She had clinical remission without active inflammation, but the fistula still persisted. Then, she received a restorative proctectomy with colo-anal anastomosis and vaginal repair. Follow-up endoscopy showed no more rectal ulcers or fistula tracts, and contrast enema also noted no residual rectovaginal fistula. CONCLUSION: When a SLE patient had unusual rectal ulcers, Crohn's disease should be considered. Biologics combined with surgical intervention is an optimal solution for Crohn's disease with rectovaginal fistula. Although cryptococcal pneumonia is a rare opportunistic infection in the biological treatment, we should always keep it in mind.

The risk factors of local recurrence and distant metastasis on pT1/T2N0 mid-low rectal cancer after total mesorectal excision.

BACKGROUND: Radical resection is associated with good prognosis among patients with cT1/T2Nx rectal cancer. However, still some of the patients experienced cancer recurrence following radical resection. This study tried to identify the postoperative risk factors of local recurrence and distant metastasis separately. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study comprised of 279 consecutive patients from Linkou branch of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2005-2016 with rectal adenocarcinoma, pT1/T2N0M0 at distance from anal verge ≤ 8cm, who received curative radical resection. RESULTS: The study included 279 patients with pT1/pT2N0 mid-low rectal cancer with median follow-up of 73.5 months. Nineteen (6.8%) patients had disease recurrence in total. Nine (3.2%) of them had local recurrence, and fourteen (5.0%) of them had distant metastasis. Distal resection margin < 0.9 (cm) (hazard ratio = 4.9, p = 0.050) was the risk factor of local recurrence. Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥ 5 ng/mL (hazard ratio = 9.3, p = 0.0003), lymph node yield (LNY) < 14 (hazard ratio = 5.0, p = 0.006), and distal resection margin < 1.4cm (hazard ratio = 4.0, p = 0.035) were the risk factors of distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: For patients with pT1/pT2N0 mid-low rectal cancer, current multidisciplinary treatment brings acceptable survival outcome. Insufficient distal resection margin attracted the awareness of risk factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis as a foundation for future research.

Prognostic value of regional lymph node involvement in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: palliative versus curative resection.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer are initially diagnosed with stage IV disease. This study aims to examine the role of regional lymph node (LN) status in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with respect to clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes. METHODS: We investigated 1147 patients diagnosed with mCRC and had undergone surgical resection of the primary CRC. A total of 167 patients were placed in the LN-negative (LN-) group and another 980 in the LN-positive (LN+) group. RESULTS: LN+ patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of T4 tumors (p = 0.008), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), and perineural invasion (p < 0.001) than those in the LN- group. LN- patients had a significantly higher rate of lung metastasis (p < 0.001), whereas the rate of peritoneal seeding (p < 0.001) and systemic node metastasis (p < 0.001) was both significantly higher in the LN+ group. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in the LN+ group was significantly poorer than that in the LN- group (LN- vs. LN+ 23.2% vs. 18.1%; p = 0.040). In patients with curative resection, the 5-year OS rate has no significant difference between the two groups (LN- vs. LN+ 19.5% vs. 24.3%; p = 0.890). CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic CRC patients with LN+ who underwent primary tumor resection may present with more high-risk pathological features, more peritoneal seeding, and systemic node metastasis, but less lung metastasis than LN- patients. LN+ patients had poorer long-term outcomes compared with that in LN- patients. Nevertheless, with curative resection, LN+ patients could have similar survival outcomes as LN- patients.

Short- and medium-term outcomes of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUNDS: Though better short-term outcomes were frequently reported, differences in specimen parameters and the rate of subsequent peritoneal recurrence between intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomoses (EA) for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy have not been analyzed. We aimed to compare the pathologic differences and oncological outcomes between these two approaches. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 217 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomies from September 2016 to April 2018 and classified them into IA and EA groups, based on the approach used. Propensity score matching analysis was performed, after which 101 patients were included in each group with the patients matched for demographics, tumor stage, and localization. RESULTS: The IA group had a longer operative time, shorter length of stay, shorter time to first flatus and tolerating a soft diet, and better pain scale scores at postoperative day 3. No inter-group differences in conversion, postoperative complication, mortality, or readmission rates were found. The IA group had a longer resected colon length (23.67 vs. 19.75 cm, p = 0.010) and nearest resected margin (7.51 vs. 5.40 cm, p = 0.010) for cancer near the hepatic flexure. There are comparable 3-year overall survival (87.7% vs. 89.6%, p = 0.604) and disease-free survival (75.0% vs. 75.7%, p = 0.842) between the IA and EA groups. The rate of peritoneal recurrence was similar between the two groups (5.9% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.580). CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival, disease-free survival, and the rate of peritoneal recurrence were comparable between the IA and EA procedures. IA ensures better recovery and comparable complications to EA and achieved a more precise tumor excision; thus, IA can be considered a safe procedure for patients with right-sided colon lesions.

Association of a Preoperative Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Curative Resection for Stage I to III Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity might be directly or indirectly linked to the risk of colorectal cancer and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate whether preoperative physical activity plays a role in reducing short-term postoperative complications and improving long-term survival of patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a department of colorectal surgery in a tertiary teaching hospital between January 1995 and December 2016. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent curative resection for stage I to III primary colorectal cancer were enrolled. According to the preoperative leisure-time weekly metabolic equivalent of task values, patients were divided into 2 groups: the metabolic equivalent of task <12 group and the metabolic equivalent of task ≥12 group. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to reduce imbalance and selection biases based on 6 covariates, namely, age, sex, BMI, tumor location, tumor stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: χ tests were used to analyze short-term postoperative complications. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to evaluate disease-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: In the matched cohort patients, significant differences in overall postoperative complications and mortality were observed in favor of the metabolic equivalent of task ≥12 group, although there was no difference in any single item of postoperative morbidity. The results of the Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test demonstrated a significant survival benefit in the metabolic equivalent of task ≥12 group compared with the metabolic equivalent of task <12 group both for disease-free and overall survival. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: This single-institute study provides evidence of the association of preoperative leisure-time physical activity with short-term postoperative morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term survival. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B189. ASOCIACIÓN DE ACTIVIDAD FÍSICA DE TIEMPO LIBRE PREOPERATORIA CON RESULTADOS A CORTO Y LARGO PLAZO DE PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A RESECCIÓN CURATIVA POR CÁNCER COLORRECTAL EN ESTADIO I-III: UN ANÁLISIS DE COINCIDENCIA DE PUNTAJE DE PROPENSIÓN ANTECEDENTES: LA ACTIVIDAD FíSICA PUEDE ESTAR DIRECTA O INDIRECTAMENTE RELACIONADA CON EL RIESGO DE CÁNCER COLORRECTAL Y EL PRONÓSTICO DE LOS PACIENTES CON CÁNCER COLORRECTAL.: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo dilucidar si la actividad física preoperatoria desempeña un papel en la reducción de las complicaciones postoperatorias a corto plazo y en mejorar la supervivencia a largo plazo de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal.Este fue un análisis retrospectivo de datos recolectados prospectivamente.Este estudio se realizó en un departamento de cirugía colorrectal en un hospital universitario terciario entre Enero de 1995 y Diciembre de 2016.Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a resección curativa por cáncer colorrectal primario en estadio I-III. De acuerdo con el equivalente metabólico semanal en el tiempo libre de los valores de la tarea preoperatorio, los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: el equivalente metabólico del grupo de tarea <12 y el equivalente metabólico del grupo de tarea ≥ 12. Se utilizó una coincidencia de puntaje de propensión 1: 1 para reducir los desequilibrios y los sesgos de selección basados en seis covariables, principalmente, edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, ubicación del tumor, estadio del tumor y administración de quimioterapia adyuvante.Las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado se utilizaron para analizar las complicaciones postoperatorias a corto plazo. Los análisis de Kaplan-Meier se utilizaron para evaluar la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y la supervivencia general.en los pacientes de la cohorte emparejada, se observaron diferencias significativas en las complicaciones postoperatorias generales y la mortalidad a favor del equivalente metabólico del grupo de tareas ≥ 12, aunque no hubo diferencias en ningún elemento único de morbilidad postoperatoria. Los resultados del análisis de Kaplan-Meier y la prueba de log-rank demostraron un beneficio de supervivencia significativo en el equivalente metabólico del grupo tarea ≥ 12 en comparación con el equivalente metabólico del grupo tarea <12 tanto para la supervivencia libre de enfermedad como para la supervivencia general.Este estudio está limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.Este estudio de instituto único proporciona evidencia de la asociación de la actividad física preoperatoria en el tiempo libre con la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatorias a corto plazo, así como la supervivencia a largo plazo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B189. (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Kahlil).

Advantage of laparoscopy surgery for elderly colorectal cancer patients without compromising oncologic outcome.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has achieved significant results in elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of open surgery and laparoscopic surgery in patients with CRC aged above 75 years at a single tertiary medical center. METHODS: We analyzed 967 patients who underwent curative resection for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma without distant metastasis between January 2009 and December 2015, in a single institution. Of the enrolled patients, 305 underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 662 received open laparotomy surgery. RESULTS: Compared to the patients who underwent open surgery, those who received laparoscopic surgery had significantly shorter postoperative stay (10.3 vs. 13.5 days p < 0.001) and similar postoperative morbidity (p = 0.354) and mortality (p = 0.082). In the laparoscopy cohort, six of 305 patients were converted to open surgery and one died. The long-term overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and recurrence rate were similar between both cohorts in each stage. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery is suitable for elderly patients owing to shorter postoperative stay, similar long-term outcomes with open surgery, and acceptable low conversion rates. For long-term overall and oncological outcomes, the results of laparoscopic surgery were similar to that of open surgery in each TNM stage.

Preoperative Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Stage I-III Colorectal Cancer After Curative-Intent Resection: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has yet to be used as a prognostic or adjuvant chemotherapy factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all stage I-III CRC patients with different preoperative serum CEA levels (≤ 5, 5-10, and > 10 ng/ml) at a single center between 1995 and 2010. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio between the two elevated CEA groups (5-10 ng/ml and > 10 ng/ml) and in a 1:2 ratio between the elevated and non-elevated groups (≤ 5 ng/ml), with a caliper of 0.05. RESULTS: After exclusion and matching, 3857 patients had preoperative CEA levels ≤ 5 ng/ml, 1121 patients had CEA levels between 5 and 10 ng/ml, and 1121 patients had CEA levels > 10 ng/ml. Elevated preoperative CEA showed an increased risk of overall survival (5-10 ng/ml: hazard ratio [HR] 1.376; > 10 ng/ml: HR 1.523; both p < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (5-10 ng/ml: HR 1.404; > 10 ng/ml: HR 1.712; both p < 0.001), and recurrence free interval (5-10 ng/ml: HR 1.190; > 10 ng/ml: HR 1.468; both p < 0.05). Patients with negative lymph node staging (LNs) and CEA > 10 ng/ml, as well as those with positive LNs and CEA ≤ 5 ng/ml, showed similar overall survival (5-year survival: 72% vs. 69%; p = 0.542) and recurrence free intervals (19.9 vs. 21.72 months; p = 0.662). CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative CEA level can be an independent prognostic factor for stage I-III CRC after curative resection. Patients with negative LNs and preoperative CEA level > 10 ng/ml should be considered for intensive follow-up or adjuvant chemotherapy.

Survival analysis of local excision vs total mesorectal excision for middle and low rectal cancer in pT1/pT2 stage and intermediate pathological risk.

BACKGROUND: Local excision (LE) is a feasible treatment approach for rectal cancers in stage pT1 and presents low pathological risk, whereas total mesorectal excision (TME) is a reasonable treatment for more advanced cancers. On the basis of the pathology findings, surgeons may suggest TME for patients receiving LE. This study compared the survival outcomes between LE with/without chemoradiation and TME in mid and low rectal cancer patients in stage pT1/pT2, with highly selective intermediate pathological risk. METHODS: This retrospective study included 134 patients who received TME and 39 patients who underwent LE for the treatment of intermediate risk (pT1 with poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, relatively large tumor, or small-sized pT2 tumor) rectal cancer between 1998 and 2016. RESULTS: Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cumulative recurrence rate (CRR) were similar between the LE (3-year DFS 92%) and TME (3-year DFS 91%) groups. Following subgrouping into an LE with adjuvant therapy group and a TME without adjuvant therapy group, the compared survival outcomes (OS, DFS, and CRR) were found not to be statistically different. The temporary and permanent ostomy rates were higher in the TME group than in the LE group (p < 0.001). Rates of early and late morbidity following surgery were higher in the TME group (p = 0.005), and LE had similar survival compared with TME. CONCLUSION: For patients who had mid and low rectal cancer in stage pT1/pT2 and intermediate pathological risk, LE with chemoradiation presents an alternative treatment option for selected patients.