Quality of life following perioperative optimization with nutritional supplements in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for cancer: A randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to two thirds of patients presenting for abdominal cancer surgery are malnourished pre-operatively. Perioperative nutritional supplementation has been proposed to improve surgical outcomes, though its effect on quality of life (QoL) is not yet understood. METHODS: A randomized controlled feasibility trial for perioperative nutrition among patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery was conducted. Participants in the intervention group received supplements for 30 days before surgery. Participants completed two QoL questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-C-30 and FACT-G) at baseline, then 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Participants were compared between and within groups at baseline, Weeks 4, and 12 using t tests. Minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) were considered as a 10-point worsening from baseline. RESULTS: Sixty-six participants were available for analysis in this study, including 33 in the intervention and 30 in the control arms. Baseline demographics were balanced between groups except for different rates of pancreas cancer (36% intervention vs. 9% control) and colorectal cancer (19% intervention vs. 34% control). At baseline, participants in the intervention group had lower overall QoL (59% vs. 77%, p = 0.01), role functioning (72% vs 88%, p = 0.045), and cognitive functioning (79% vs 90%, p = 0.047). Following surgery, role and physical functioning worsened in the control group, without significant differences between groups. Role functioning was persistently worsened at 12 weeks in the control group. The rates of MCIDs were similar between both intervention and control groups. DISCUSSION: Perioperative nutrition was associated with preservation of QoL in the postoperative period following major abdominal cancer surgery compared to placebo. SUMMARY: Among patients undergoing surgery for cancer, the majority present at high risk for malnutrition. In this placebo-controlled randomized trial among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for cancer, preoperative nutrition supplementation was associated with the preservation of QoL in the postoperative period.

Use of population-based electronic databases for the identification of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases potentially eligible for a surgical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some population-based recruitment methods, such as registries and databases, have been used to increase enrolment in clinical trials by identifying eligible participants based on baseline characteristics; however; these methods have not been tested in surgical trials, in which accrual occurs before surgery. We evaluated the use of population-based electronic databases to identify patients who potentially could be accrued to the Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases (RESECT) trial and compared it to the traditional methods used to accrue patients (e.g., multidisciplinary rounds, letters to community surgeons) for that same trial during the same period. METHODS: An electronic database (ePath) was interrogated every 2 weeks for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from Feb. 1, 2017, to Mar. 30, 2019. A radiologic image database (OneView) was reviewed to identify those with liver metastases (level 1 screening). Reports were interrogated to identify potentially eligible patients for the RESECT trial (level 2 screening). A hepatobiliary surgeon reviewed radiology images to identify eligible patients for the trial (level 3 screening). The primary outcome was patient eligibility for the ongoing RESECT trial. RESULTS: The population-based method identified 90 (11.2%) of 803 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer over the study period. Among the 90 patients, level 2 screening identified 60 (67%) potentially eligible patients for the RESECT trial. Of the 90 patients, 18 (20%) were eligible after radiographic image review (level 3 screening). Traditional accrual methods identified 38 patients with liver metastases, 27 (71%) of whom were identified as potentially eligible on level 2 screening, and 14 (37%) of whom were deemed to be eligible on level 3 screening. Twenty-six patients were identified by both methods. Twelve patients were identified by population-based methods alone, and 8 patients by traditional methods alone. Six eligible patients were identified by both methods. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: A population-based electronic database method of patient accrual was able to identify eligible participants for the RESECT trial. However, optimal accrual likely requires the use of traditional methods as well.

Presentation and survival among patients with colorectal cancer before the age of screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer in North America is rising among patients younger than 50 years. Available data are conflicting regarding presentation and outcomes in this population. This review aimed to synthesize literature regarding young patients with colorectal cancer with respect to patient demographics, disease extent and survival, compared with patients older than 50 years. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PubMed for articles published between 1990 and the time of search. Articles comparing North American patients with colorectal cancer younger and older than 50 years were eligible for inclusion. We used a random-effects model to pool odds ratios. Results: Eight retrospective studies were eligible for inclusion (n = 790 959). Mean age was 42.6 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.07) in the younger group, and 69.1 years (SD 9.25) in the older group. Young patients were more likely to present with regional (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-1.40) and distant disease (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.30-1.67). Considering patients at all stages of disease, differences in 5-year overall survival (OR 1.54, 95%CI 0.96-2.47) and cancer-specific survival (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.91-1.13) were not statistically significant between groups. However, when controlling for disease extent, 5-year cancer-specific survival was significantly higher among young patients with local (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.43-1.99), regional (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.16-1.63) and distant disease (OR 1.79, 95%CI 1.45-2.21). Conclusion: North American patients presenting with colorectal cancer before the age of 50 years are more likely to have advanced disease. Although overall and cancer-specific survival is not significantly different between these groups, younger patients have improved survival when controlling for cancer stage.

Contexte: L'incidence du cancer colorectal en Amérique du Nord est en hausse chez les patients de moins de 50 ans. Les données disponibles quant à la présentation et aux issues de la maladie dans cette population sont contradictoires. La présente revue systématique vise à synthétiser les données de la littérature sur les jeunes patients atteints d'un cancer colorectal, entre autres les caractéristiques démographiques des patients, le stade de la maladie et le taux de survie, et à les comparer aux données des patients de plus de 50 ans. Méthodes: Nous avons interrogé les bases de données Medline, Embase, PubMed et le Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials pour repérer les articles publiés entre 1990 et le moment de la recherche. Les études comparants les patients nord-américains atteints d'un cancer colorectal de moins de 50 ans et ceux de plus de 50 ans ont été incluses. Nous avons utilisé un modèle à effets aléatoires pour regrouper les rapports de cotes. Résultats: Huit études rétrospectives ont été retenues (n = 790 959). L'âge moyen était de 42,6 ans (écart type [É. T.] 5,07) pour le groupe des moins de 50 ans, et de 69,1 ans (É.-T. 9,25) pour l'autre groupe. Les jeunes patients étaient plus susceptibles de présenter un cancer régional (rapport de cotes [RC] 1,27; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % 1,16­1,40) ou un cancer à distance (RC 1,47; IC à 95 % 1,30­1,67). Si on ne tenait pas compte du stade de la maladie, la différence entre le taux de survie globale à 5 ans (RC 1,54; IC à 95 % 0,96­2,47) et le taux de survie au cancer à 5 ans (RC 1,01; IC à 95 % 0,91­1,13) n'était pas statistiquement significative. Toutefois, si on tenait compte de l'étendue de la maladie, le taux de survie lié au cancer à 5 ans était significativement plus élevé chez les jeunes patients ayant un cancer localisé (RC 1,69; IC à 95 % 1,43­1,99), régional (RC 1,37; IC à 95 % 1,16­1,63) ou à distance (RC 1,79; IC à 95 % 1,45­2,21). Conclusion: Les patients nord-américains de moins de 50 ans présentant un cancer colorectal sont plus susceptibles d'être à un stade avancé de la maladie. Bien que le taux de survie globale et le taux de survie au cancer ne diffèrent pas de manière significative entre les 2 groupes, les jeunes patients présentaient un meilleur taux de survie lorsqu'on tenait compte du stade de la maladie.

Toxicity Profiles of Systemic Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: The recent development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has made neoadjuvant therapy an attractive option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, surgeons are concerned that adverse effects of neoadjuvant therapy with these agents could lead to delayed or even cancelled surgeries. Objective: To summarize the current evidence regarding toxicity profiles for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) among patients with HCC. Data Sources: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 1990 and December 2021. Study Selection: Single-group, placebo-controlled, and dual-agent clinical trials comparing TKIs and ICIs in patients with HCC were eligible for inclusion. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Following the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guideline, 2 reviewers independently extracted data. A random-effects model was used. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with clinically significant liver-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who experienced clinically relevant (grade 3 or higher) adverse events and significant adverse events (ie, those that were life threatening, required hospitalization, or prolonged disability) as well as the risk ratio (RR) of these complications. Results: Overall, 30 studies with 12 921 patients were included. Patients had a mean (range) age of 62 (18-89) years; a mean (SD) 84% (3) were male; a mean (SD) 82% (16) had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C HCC; and a mean (SD) 97% (6) had Childs A cirrhosis. Overall, 21% (95% CI, 16%-26%) of patients receiving TKIs had liver toxic effects compared with 28% (95% CI, 21%-35%) of patients receiving ICIs. Severe adverse events occurred in 46% (95% CI, 40%-51%) of patients receiving TKIs compared with 24% (95% CI, 13%-35%) of patients receiving ICIs. Compared with patients receiving sorafenib, other TKIs were associated with similar rates of liver toxic effects (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.92-1.24) but higher rates of severe adverse events (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44). Comparing ICIs with sorafenib, there were similar rates of liver toxic effects (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40) and severe adverse events (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.95-1.50). Conclusions and Relevance: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, serious adverse events were lower with ICIs than with TKIs, while liver toxic effects were similar. Combination therapy with novel ICIs is an appealing option in trials of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with HCC, requiring evaluation in preoperative trials.

Pre-operative testing and personal protective equipment in the operating room during a pandemic: A survey of Ontario general surgeons.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had major implications for general surgery practice. We sought to characterize general surgeons' perceptions of their surgical practice in Ontario, Canada, regarding operating room precautions to maximize safety during the pandemic. Methods: A web-administered cross-sectional survey was sent to general surgeons registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario on May 19, 2020. Surgeons were surveyed regarding their practices in pre-operative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing, use of intra-operative personal protective equipment (PPE) given a patient's COVID-19 status, and management of common general surgical emergencies with COVID-19 patients. Responses were compared between surgeons from high- and low-prevalence public health units (PHUs) in Ontario using chi-square tests. Results: There were 81 respondents (rate: 81/271, 30%), 48 (59%) of whom were from a PHU in the top quartile of COVID-19 prevalence. Surgeons from low-prevalence PHUs reported pre-procedural COVID-19 testing rates similar to those reported in high-prevalence PHUs for elective (36% versus 55%), urgent (36% versus 54%), and emergent (20% versus 33%) surgeries. Seventy-eight percent of surgeons with COVID-19-negative patients limited trainees in the operating room compared with 96% of surgeons with COVID-19-positive patients. Use of N95 respirators was 17% for surgeons with COVID-19-negative patients, which dramatically increased to 62% for surgeons with patients whose COVID-19 status was unknown. Conclusions: These findings support a need for improved understanding of local disease prevalence and risk of COVID-19 transmission to conserve PPE and return surgical trainees to pre-pandemic standards.

Historique: La pandémie de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) a eu des conséquences majeures en chirurgie générale. Les chercheurs ont cherché à caractériser le point de vue des chirurgiens généralistes à l'égard des précautions à prendre en salle d'opération pour optimiser la sécurité pendant la pandémie, dans le cadre de leur pratique chirurgicale en Ontario, au Canada. Méthodologie: Le 19 mai 2020, les chercheurs ont expédié un sondage transversal en ligne aux chirurgiens généralistes inscrits au Collège des médecins et chirurgiens de l'Ontario. Ceux-ci ont répondu à des questions sur leurs pratiques à l'égard du dépistage du coronavirus 2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SARS-CoV-2) avant l'opération, du port de l'équipement de protection individuelle (ÉPI) pendant l'opération en fonction de l'infection du patient par la COVID-19 et de la gestion des urgences courantes en chirurgie générale lorsque les patients sont atteints de la COVID-19. Les chercheurs ont utilisé le test du chi carré pour comparer les réponses entre des unités de santé publique (USP) à forte et faible prévalence de l'Ontario. Résultats: Sur un total de 81 réponses (81 sur 271, 30 %), 48 (59 %) provenaient d'une USP du quartile supérieur de prévalence de la COVID-19. Les chirurgiens travaillant dans des USP à faible prévalence ont déclaré des taux de dépistage de COVID-19 avant l'opération semblables à ceux signalés dans les USP à forte prévalence dans le cadre des opérations non urgentes (36 % par rapport à 55 %), urgentes (36 % par rapport à 54 %) et très urgentes (20 % par rapport à 33 %). Ainsi, 78 % des chirurgiens dont les patients avaient obtenu un résultat négatif à la COVID-19 limitaient le nombre de stagiaires dans la salle d'opération par rapport à 96 % de ceux dont les patients avaient reçu un résultat positif. Par ailleurs, 17 % des chirurgiens dont les patients avaient obtenu un résultat négatif à la COVID-19 portaient le masque N95, par rapport à une proportion remarquable de 62 % chez ceux qui ne savaient pas si leur patient était atteint de la COVID-19. Conclusions: Ces résultats démontrent la nécessité de mieux comprendre la prévalence locale et le risque de transmission de la COVID-19 pour maintenir l'ÉPI et le retour des stagiaires en chirurgie aux normes prépandémiques.

Posthospital discharge venous thromboembolism prophylaxis among colorectal and hepatobiliary surgeons: A practice survey.

BACKGROUND: Recent practice guidelines recommend venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for 28 days after cancer surgery. We sought to characterize and compare awareness, agreement, adoption, and adherence to these guidelines among surgeons. METHODS: We electronically surveyed Canadian hepatobiliary surgeons registered with the Canadian Hepatopancreatobiliary Association, general and colorectal surgeons registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the Canadian Society of Colorectal Surgeons who provide colorectal cancer care with a pilot-tested questionnaire. Attitudes to relevant guideline recommendations and perceived barriers to postdischarge venous thromboembolism prophylaxis were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: There were 128 responses (response rate 60%, 128 of 213), including 60 general/colorectal and 68 hepatobiliary surgeons. Most surgeons were aware (122 of 128, 95%), agreed (101 of 122, 83%), adopted (78 of 101, 77%), and adhered (74 of 78, 95%) with guidelines. Preexisting venous thromboembolism-prophylaxis hospital programs, hepatobiliary surgeons, and geographical region were associated with increased likelihood of adherence. Among respondents that did not agree, insufficient evidence (median Likert: 4, interquartile range 3-5) and low incidence of venous thromboembolism (median Likert: 4, interquartile range 3-4) were cited as the strongest barriers. Surgeons who agreed but did not adopt these programs reported that the most significant barriers were "drug cost" (median Likert: 4, interquartile range 3-4) and "subcutaneous injections" (median Likert: 4, interquartile range 3-4). Surgeons that adhered additionally reported "logistical challenges of prescribing" as the greatest implementation barrier. CONCLUSION: Surgeons who remain apprehensive about postdischarge venous thromboembolism prophylaxis cite poor evidence and cost of the medication as the major barriers. Adherence was higher among hepatobiliary surgeons and at hospitals with existing venous thromboembolism-prophylaxis programs.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is safe and effective for the management of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases in a population-based analysis in Ontario, Canada. A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) has been deemed safe, and, in the case of minor hepatectomy, the standard of care. Short-, long-term outcomes and costs of LH compared with open hepatectomy (OH) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases have not been well described at the population level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer undergoing hepatectomy were included in this population-based retrospective cohort study from 2006- to 2014. Postoperative complications (per Clavien-Dindo) and survival were analyzed using a linear mixed model and Cox-Proportional hazards model respectively. Costs of surgery and the 90-day postoperative period were considered in 2018 Canadian dollars and compared from the perspective of a third-party payer. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 56 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): 51 to 68), there were 2991 hepatectomies (OH: 2551 (85%) and LH: 440 (15%)). LH compared to OH was more common for patients >70 years-old (30% vs. 22%, p = 0.004) and for minor hepatectomy (52% vs. 32%, p < 0.001) respectively. By multivariable analyses, OH was associated with similar 90-day mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% CI: 0.56-1.97), and overall survival (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.08, 95% CI: 0.90-1.29), but higher rates of major postoperative complications (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03-1.76), higher cost (median difference $6,163, 95% CI: $3229 to $9096), and longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (mean difference 3.04 days, 95% CI: 2.7 to 3.91). CONCLUSION: LH was associated with lower postoperative complications, shorter LOS, which translated into lower costs to the healthcare system, without differences in postoperative mortality and survival.