Surgical and oncological outcome after extended lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the stomach and the esophagogastric junction: a retrospective analysis from an experienced single center.

Introduction: Gastric cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe, while the proportion of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction has risen by more than one third over recent years. In 2018, 14,700 new cases of gastric cancer were estimated in Germany, while the 5-year relative survival rate is reported to be 33% for women and 30% for men; in the USA almost the same rate was reported, with 31% 5-year survival. Material and methods: Between 2001 and 2014, 590 patients with a diagnosis of gastric cancer underwent surgery in our institution, including 120 Siewert type II/III carcinomas of the esophagogastric junction. All patients underwent distal resection of the stomach, gastrectomy or total gastrectomy combined with transhiatal distal esophageal resection. All operations included D2-D3 lymph node dissection (LND). Data were recorded by the cancer registry of the department of surgery and analyzed retrospectively. Results: The patients were classified according to the TNM (UICC 2010) and Lauren classification. 29% of the patients underwent primary surgery and 31% received neoadjuvant therapy. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 33 for patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, and 29 for esophagogastric adenocarcinomas, respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 3%. In this study, the 5-year overall survival rate was 51% concerning gastric carcinomas, 44% for Siewert type II and 47% for Siewert III cancers of the esophagogastric junction. Conclusions: Increased survival with low complication rates were achieved after individualized and multimodal treatment concepts combined with consistently applied extended lymphadenectomy.

Standardization of the Definition and Surgical Management of Splenic Flexure Carcinoma by an International Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Technique: Room for Improvement?

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of splenic flexure carcinoma remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish an expert international consensus on splenic flexure carcinoma management. DESIGN: A 3-round online-based Delphi study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. SETTING: The first round included 18 experts from 12 different countries. For the second and third rounds, each expert in the first round was asked to invite 2 more colorectal surgeons (n = 47). Out of 47 invited experts, 89% (n = 42) participated in the second and third rounds of the consensus. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 35 questions were created and sent via the online questionnaire tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of recommendation based on voting concordance were graded as follows: more than 75% agreement was defined as strong, between 50% and 75% as moderate, and below 50% as weak. RESULTS: There was moderate consensus on the definition of splenic flexure (55%) as 10 cm from either side where the distal transverse colon turns into the proximal descending colon. Also, experts recommended an abdominopelvic CT scan plus intraoperative exploration (moderate consensus, 72%) for tumor localization and cancer registry. Segmental colectomy was the preferred technique for the management of splenic flexure carcinoma in the elective setting (72%). Moderate consensus was achieved on the technique of complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation principles for splenic flexure carcinoma (74%). Only strong consensus was achieved on the surgical approach for minimally invasive surgery (88%). LIMITATIONS: Subjective decisions are based on individual expert clinical experience and not evidence based. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first internationally conducted Delphi consensus study regarding splenic flexure carcinoma. The definition of splenic flexure remains ambiguous. To more effectively compare oncologic outcomes among different cancer registries, guidelines need to be developed to standardize each domain and avoid arbitrary definitions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C143 . ESTANDARIZACIN DE LA DEFINICIN Y MANEJO QUIRRGICO DEL CARCINOMA DE NGULO ESPLNICO ESTABLECIDO POR UN CONSENSO INTERNACIONAL DE EXPERTOS UTILIZANDO LA TCNICA DELPHI ESPACIO PARA MEJORAR: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de ángulo esplénico sigue siendo controvertido.OBJETIVO:Establecer un consenso internacional de expertos sobre el manejo del cáncer del ángulo esplénico.DISEÑO:Se condujo un estudio Delphi en línea de 3 rondas entre septiembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021.ESCENARIO:La primera ronda incluyó a 18 expertos de 12 países distintos. Para la segunda y tercera rondas, a cada experto de la primera ronda se le pidió que invitara a 2 cirujanos colorrectales más de su región (n = 47). De los 47 expertos invitados, el 89% (n = 42) participó en la segunda y tercera ronda del consenso.INTERVENCIONES:Se crearon y enviaron un total de 35 preguntas a través de la herramienta de cuestionario en línea.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los niveles de recomendación basados en la concordancia de votos fueron jerarquizados de la siguiente manera: más del 75% de acuerdo se definió como fuerte, entre 50 y 75% como moderado y por debajo del 50% como débil.RESULTADOS:Hubo un consenso moderado sobre la definición de ángulo esplénico (55%) como 10 cm desde cualquier lado donde el colon transverso distal se convierte en el colon descendente proximal. Así también, los expertos recomendaron la tomografía computarizada abdominopélvica más la exploración intraoperatoria (consenso moderado, 72%) para la localización del tumor y el registro del ángulo esplénico. La colectomía segmentaria fue la técnica preferida para el tratamiento del cáncer de ángulo esplénico en el caso de ser electivo (72%). Se logró un consenso moderado sobre la técnica de escisión completa del mesocolon y los principios de ligadura vascular a nivel central para el cáncer de ángulo esplénico (74%). Solo se logró un fuerte consenso sobre el abordaje quirúrgico para la cirugía mínimamente invasiva (88%).LIMITACIONES:Decisiones subjetivas basadas en la experiencia clínica de expertos individuales y no basadas en evidencia.CONCLUSIONES:Este es el primer estudio internacional de consenso Delphi realizado sobre el cáncer de ángulo esplénico. Si bien encontramos un consenso moderado sobre las modalidades de diagnóstico preoperatorio y el manejo quirúrgico, la definición de ángulo esplénico sigue siendo ambigua. Para comparar de manera más efectiva los resultados oncológicos entre diferentes registros de cáncer, se deben desarrollar pautas para estandarizar cada dominio y evitar definiciones arbitrarias. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C143 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Complete mesocolic excision for right colonic cancer: prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colonic cancer is a more complex operation than standard right hemicolectomy but evidence to support its routine use is still limited. This prospective multicentre study evaluated the effect of CME on long-term survival in colorectal cancer centres in Germany (RESECTAT trial). The primary hypothesis was that 5-year disease-free survival would be higher after CME than non-CME surgery. A secondary hypothesis was that there would be improved survival of patients with a mesenteric area greater than 15 000 mm2. METHODS: Centres were asked to continue their current surgical practices. The surgery was classified as CME if the superior mesenteric vein was dissected; otherwise it was assumed that no CME had been performed. All specimens were shipped to one institution for pathological analysis and documentation. Clinical data were recorded in an established registry for quality assurance. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival for stages I-III. Multivariable adjustment for group allocation was planned. Using a primary hypothesis of an increase in disease-free survival from 60 to 70 per cent, a sample size of 662 patients was calculated with a 50 per cent anticipated drop-out rate. RESULTS: A total of 1004 patients from 53 centres were recruited for the final analysis (496 CME, 508 no CME). Most operations (88.4 per cent) were done by an open approach. Anastomotic leak occurred in 3.4 per cent in the CME and 1.8 per cent in the non-CME group. There were slightly more lymph nodes found in CME than non-CME specimens (mean 55.6 and 50.4 respectively). Positive central mesenteric nodes were detected more in non-CME than CME specimens (5.9 versus 4.0 per cent). One-fifth of patients had died at the time of study with recorded recurrences (63, 6.3 per cent), too few to calculate disease-free survival (the original primary outcome), so overall survival (not disease-specific) results are presented. Short-term and overall survival were similar in the CME and non-CME groups. Adjusted Cox regression indicated a possible benefit for overall survival with CME in stage III disease (HR 0.52, 95 per cent c.i. 0.31 to 0.85; P = 0.010) but less so for disease-free survival (HR 0.66; P = 0.068). The secondary outcome (15 000 mm2 mesenteric size) did not influence survival at any stage (removal of more mesentery did not alter survival). CONCLUSION: No general benefit of CME could be established. The observation of better overall survival in stage III on unplanned exploratory analysis is of uncertain significance.

Consensus statements on complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer-technical steps and training implications.

BACKGROUND: CME is a radical resection for colon cancer, but the procedure is technically demanding with significant variation in its practice. A standardised approach to the optimal technique and training is, therefore, desirable to minimise technical hazards and facilitate safe dissemination. The aim is to develop an expert consensus on the optimal technique for Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) for right-sided and transverse colon cancer to guide safe implementation and training pathways. METHODS: Guidance was developed following a modified Delphi process to draw consensus from 55 international experts in CME and surgical education representing 18 countries. Domain topics were formulated and subdivided into questions pertinent to different aspects of CME practice. A three-round Delphi voting on 25 statements based on the specific questions and 70% agreement was considered as consensus. RESULTS: Twenty-three recommendations for CME procedure were agreed on, describing the technique and optimal training pathway. CME is recommended as the standard of care resection for locally advanced colon cancer. The essential components are central vascular ligation, exposure of the superior mesenteric vein and excision of an intact mesocolon. Key anatomical landmarks to perform a safe CME dissection include identification of the ileocolic pedicle, superior mesenteric vein and root of the mesocolon. A proficiency-based multimodal training curriculum for CME was proposed including a formal proctorship programme. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus on standardisation of technique and training framework for complete mesocolic excision was agreed upon by a panel of experts to guide current practice and provide a quality control framework for future studies.

The outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease-associated colorectal cancer is not worse than that of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer-a matched-pair analysis of survival.

PURPOSE: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). In IBD patients, cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages and conflicting data on survival compared to sporadic CRC have been reported. The aim of this study was to directly compare clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with IBD-CRC and sporadic CRC. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 63 patients with IBD-CRC and 3710 patients with sporadic CRC treated at the University Hospital of Erlangen between 1995 and 2015 were compared. Forty-seven M0 patients with IBD were matched with sporadic CRC patients after curative resection (R0) according to tumor localization, stage, sex, and year of treatment. Overall and disease-free survival were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients presented IBD-CRC. Fifty were affected with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 13 with Crohn's disease (CD). CRC was diagnosed within 1.45 years since last endoscopic surveillance. Twelve patients (19%) had a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. In matched analysis, IBD patients were diagnosed with CRC at younger age compared to sporadic CRC and were more likely to have right-sided CRC (40% versus 23.3%) and rare histological subtypes (19% versus 9.2%). No differences in 5-year overall (78.7 versus 80.9 months) and 5-year disease-free survival (74.5 versus 70.2 months) were noted. CONCLUSION: IBD-CRC patients were younger and more frequently had right-sided carcinomas compared to sporadic CRC. CRC in IBD patients did not show survival difference compared to matched-pair sporadic CRC patients without distant metastases after curative resection. Surveillance might be important for early detection of CRC in IBD patients.

Surgical Approaches and Oncological Outcomes in the Management of Duodenal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST).

BACKGROUND: Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a rare subset of GIST. Their surgical management in this anatomically complex region consists of varied approaches, and the administration of imatinib mesylate (IM) has not been clarified. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with duodenal GIST treated during a 10-year-period. We analysed the clinicopathological characteristics and survival factors and evaluated the perioperative and long-term outcomes based on the extent of resection ((ocal-resection (LR) versus pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)) and the IM-administration. The median follow-up period was 60 months (range, 12-140). RESULTS: A total of thirteen patients (M:F = 7:6) with median age of 64 years (range, 42-77) underwent resection of duodenal GIST. Median tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 1.5-13.3). Eight patients (61.5%) underwent LR and five patients (38.5%) PD. R0-resection was achieved in 92.5%. Neoadjuvant IM-therapy was administered in five patients leading to tumor downsizing and in 40% to less-extended resection. The PD group consisted of larger tumors with higher mitotic count, mostly located in D2 (p = 0.031). The PD group had longer operative time (p = 0.026), longer hospital stay (p = 0.016), and higher rate of postoperative complications (p = 0.128). The actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 92.5%, 84%, and 73.5%, respectively, whereas the disease-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 91.5%, 83%, and 72%, respectively. A tendency towards increased risk of disease recurrence was demonstrated for patients with tumor >5 cm and high-risk potential. There was not statistic survival benefit for one or the other surgical approach. CONCLUSION: The type of resection depends on duodenal site of origin and tumor size. LR can be the treatment of choice for duodenal GIST whenever technically feasible. Recurrence of duodenal GIST is dependent on tumor biology rather than surgical approach. Administration of IM in neaodjuvant setting should be considered in cases with high-risk GIST scheduled for PD since it might facilitate less-extended resection.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Treatment Modalties for Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant treatment modalities in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities have become more popular in recent years, but because of the rarity and heterogeneity of STS, there are yet few studies on the long-term impact of neoadjuvant treatment modalities, especially in terms of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. METHODS: The study enrolled 136 patients with primary STS of the extremities who underwent surgery with curative intent or neoadjuvant therapy, followed by surgery in a 15-year period. Neoadjuvant treatment consisted of radiotherapy (RT) with 60 Gy and in most cases simultaneous chemotherapy (CTx) with ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2/d, d1-5, q28) and doxorubicine (50 mg/m2/d, d3, q28). We investigated the clinical, (post)-operative and histopathological data and the oncological follow-up as well. The median follow-up period was 82 months (range 6-202). RESULTS: A total of 136 patients (M:F = 73:63) with a mean age of 62 years (range; 21-93) was observed. Seventy-four patients (54.4%) received neoadjuvant therapy (NT), 62 patients (45.6%) received primary surgery (PS). When receiving NT, patients with high-risk STS had a lower risk to develop distant metastasis (p = 0.025). Age, histological type, tumor size and surgical margins (R0 vs. R1) had no influence on any survival rates. There was an association between NT and the occurrence of postoperative complications (p = 0.001). The 5-year local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rate of the whole cohort was 89.9%, 77.0%, 70.6% and 72.6%; whereas the 5-year LRFS, MFS, DFS and OS rate was 90.5%, 67.2%, 64.1% and 62.8% for the NT group and 89.5%, 88.3%. 78.4% and 83.8% for the PS group. CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal treatment strategies in patients with STS of extremities lead to excellent oncological outcomes. Patients with high-risk STS had a significantly better MFS when receiving NT than patients with low-risk STS. NT was associated with a higher probability of postoperative but well-manageable complications.

Quality of life in rectal cancer patients with or without oxaliplatin in the randomised CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The CAO/ARO/AIO trial has shown that oxaliplatin added to preoperative chemoradiotherapy and postoperative chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Here, we present a post-hoc analysis of quality of life (QoL) in disease-free patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2010, 1236 patients with LARC were randomly assigned either to preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision and postoperative chemotherapy (N = 623) or combined with oxaliplatin (N = 613). QoL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, colorectal module CR38) were completed at baseline, after postoperative chemotherapy and during follow-up. Analysis was performed according intent-to-treat. RESULTS: Available questionnaires (baseline) were 82% (N = 512) in the control and 84% (N = 513) in the investigational group. Response rates were 49% (533 of 1086) at 1 year and 43% (403 of 928) at 3 years. Global health status (GHS) for disease-free patients was stable in both groups (range 0-100). At baseline: standard arm 62.0 (mean, SD 21.6; N = 491) versus oxaliplatin arm 63.2 (mean, SD 22; N = 503); at 3 years: 69.4 (SD 19.3; N = 187) versus 65.4 (SD 22.2; N = 202). After treatment and at 3 years, no significant differences (≥10 points) between groups were found in QoL subscales. Disease-free patients experiencing neurotoxic side-effects (grade 1-4) showed reduced GHS at 3 years versus patients without neurotoxicity (mean 59.2 versus 69.3; P < 0.001), while grade 3-4 rate was low. CONCLUSION: The addition of oxaliplatin was not associated with worse overall QoL. This information is of interest to patients in many ongoing rectal cancer trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: NCT00349076.

The Role of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery in Surgical Therapy of Soft Tissue Sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treatment is an interdisciplinary challenge. Along with radio(chemo)therapy, surgery plays the central role in STS treatment. Little is known about the impact of reconstructive surgery on STS, particularly whether reconstructive surgery enhances STS resection success with the usage of flaps. Here, we analyzed the 10-year experience at a university hospital's Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on the role of reconstructive surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of STS-patients over 10 years. We investigated patient demographics, diagnosis, surgical management, tissue/function reconstruction, complication rates, resection status, local recurrence and survival. RESULTS: Analysis of 290 patients showed an association between clear surgical margin (R0) resections and higher-grade sarcoma in patients with free flaps. Major complications were lower with primary wound closure than with flaps. Comparison of reconstruction techniques showed no significant differences in complication rates. Wound healing was impaired in STS recurrence. The local recurrence risk was over two times higher with primary wound closure than with flaps. CONCLUSION: Defect reconstructions in STS are reliable and safe. Plastic surgeons should have a permanent place in interdisciplinary surgical STS treatment, with the full armamentarium of reconstruction methods.

The long-term influence of hospital and surgeon volume on local control and survival in the randomized German Rectal Cancer Trial CAO/ARO/AIO-94.

BACKGROUND: The association of treatment volume and oncological outcome of rectal cancer patients undergoing multidisciplinary treatment is subject of an ongoing debate. Prospective data on long-term local control and overall survival (OS) are not available so far. This study investigated the long-term influence of hospital and surgeon volume on local recurrence (LR) and OS in patients with locally advanced rectal cancers. METHODS: In a post-hoc analysis of the randomized phase III CAO/ARO/AIO-94 trial after a follow-up of more than 10 years, 799 patients with stage II/III rectal cancers were evaluated. LR-rates and OS were stratified by hospital recruitment volume (≤20 vs. 21-90 vs. >90 patients) and by surgeon volume (≤10 vs. 11-50 vs. >50 procedures). RESULTS: Patients treated in high-volume hospitals had a longer OS than those treated in hospitals with medium or low treatment volume (p = 0.03). The surgeon volume was adversely associated with LR (p = 0.01) but had no influence on overall survival. The positive effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) on local control was the strongest in patients being operated by medium-volume surgeons, less in patients being operated by high-volume surgeons and missing in those being operated by low-volume surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancers might benefit from treatment in specialized high-volume hospitals. In particular, the surgeon volume had significant influence on long-term local tumour control. The effect of neoadjuvant CRT on local tumour control may likewise depend on the surgeon volume.

Mesentery - a 'New' organ.

The mesentery is the organ in which all abdominal digestive organs develop, and which maintains these in systemic continuity in adulthood. Interest in the mesentery was rekindled by advancements of Heald and Hohenberger in colorectal surgery. Conventional descriptions hold there are multiple mesenteries centrally connected to the posterior midline. Recent advances first demonstrated that, distal to the duodenojejunal flexure, the mesentery is a continuous collection of tissues. This observation explained how the small and large intestines are centrally connected, and the anatomy of the associated peritoneal landscape. In turn it prompted recategorisation of the mesentery as an organ. Subsequent work demonstrated the mesentery remains continuous throughout development, and that abdominal digestive organs (i.e. liver, spleen, intestine and pancreas) develop either on, or in it. This relationship is retained into adulthood when abdominal digestive organs are directly connected to the mesentery (i.e. they are 'mesenteric' in embryological origin and anatomical position). Recognition of mesenteric continuity identified the mesenteric model of abdominal anatomy according to which all abdominal abdomino-pelvic organs are organised into either a mesenteric or a non-mesenteric domain. This model explains the positional anatomy of all abdominal digestive organs, and associated vasculature. Moreover, it explains the peritoneal landscape and enables differentiation of peritoneum from the mesentery. Increased scientific focus on the mesentery has identified multiple vital or specialised functions. These vary across time and in anatomical location. The following review demonstrates how recent advances related to the mesentery are re-orientating the study of human biology in general and, by extension, clinical practice.

Patient's quality of life after surgery and radiotherapy for extremity soft tissue sarcoma - a retrospective single-center study over ten years.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze major complication rates and different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients treated with or without radio (chemo) therapy and surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent Extremity STS excision from 2004 to 2014 (182 patients included). Patients' data were collected from patients' records. HRQoL was assessed by using EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients underwent sarcoma resection. After neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCT), the major-complication rate amounted to 28% (vs. 7%, no radiotherapy, p <  0.001). Major-complication rates after adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) occurred in 8% (vs. 7%, no radiotherapy, p = 0.265). Comparison QoL scores between treating with neoadjuvant RCT or without RT revealed significant worse scores with neoadjuvant RCT. Further stratification of disease control of these patients showed significant reduced scores in the group of disease-free patients with neoadjuvant RCT compared to irradiated disease-free patients. DISCUSSION: To date, there have only been a few investigations of QoL in STS. Retrospective study on quality of life have limitations, like a lack of baseline evaluation of QoL. Patient candidated to radiation therapy could have had worse QoL baseline due to more advanced disease. Disease status of the patients who answered the questionnaires could have been an influence of QoL and we could show reduced scores in the group of disease-free patients with neoadjuvant RCT, but not for the patients with recurrence or metastasis, so it is very hard to discriminate whether radiation therapy could really have an impact or not. CONCLUSION: This study might assist in further improving the understanding of QoL in STS patients and may animate for prospective studies examining the oncological therapies impact on HRQoL.

Introduction of complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation as standardized surgical treatment for colon cancer in Greece. Results of a pilot study and bi-institutional cooperation.

INTRODUCTION: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is generally accepted as state of the art in colon cancer surgery. However, the long-term impact of CME has not been systematically examined. Therefore cohort studies might be a possible way to clarify any differences between conventional resections and CME. Following bilateral cooperation between the Department of Surgery/University Hospital of Erlangen and the 1st Surgical Department of the General Hospital of Nikaia/Piraeus, including teaching activities for introduction of CME, a cohort study was performed, considering surgical quality criteria and clinical outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with colon carcinomas (CME group, n = 31) referred to the 1st Surgical Department of General Hospital, Nikaia/Piraeus, Greece for surgery from January 2012 to December 2013 were prospectively analyzed and compared with patients who underwent conventional surgery for colon cancer between January 2008 and December 2011 (non-CME group, n = 35). Patients' follow-up was at least 48 months. RESULTS: There were significantly better results in terms of lymph node yield (CME group: 29.6 vs. non-CME group: 17.85; p < 0.001) and lymph node ratio (LNR) (CME group: 0.12 vs. non-CME group: 0.24; p < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival in favor of the CME group (CME group: n = 0 vs. non-CME group: n = 5) without any increase in surgical morbidity (CME group: n = 6 vs. non-CME group: n = 11; p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Complete mesocolic excision appears to offer a superior oncological result without any increase of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, CME represents a surgical technique which can be established in a surgical department after previous teaching without increasing the postoperative complication rate.

Final Analysis of DeCOG-SLT Trial: No Survival Benefit for Complete Lymph Node Dissection in Patients With Melanoma With Positive Sentinel Node.

PURPOSE: We have previously reported on the 3-year results of the phase III German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group trial (DeCOG; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02434107) comparing distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with positive sentinel lymph-node biopsy who were randomly assigned to complete lymph node dissection (CLND) or observation. Here, we report the final analysis with 72 months of median follow up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The multicenter randomized phase III trial included patients with cutaneous melanoma of the trunk and extremities who were randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo CLND or observation. DMFS was analyzed as the primary end point, and RFS, OS, and recurrences in the regional lymph node basin were secondary end points. The analysis was by intention to treat. Disease and survival information were collected quarterly. RESULTS: From January 2006 to December 2014, 5,547 patients were screened to identify 1,256 with metastases in the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Of these, 483 (39%) were included: 241 in the observation arm and 242 in the CLND arm. In the final analysis, median follow up was 72 months (interquartile range, 67-77 months). No significant treatment-related difference was seen in the 5-year DMFS between the observation and CLND arms (67.6% v 64.9%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; P = .87). The 5-year RFS and OS also showed no difference (HR, 1.01 and 0.99, respectively). Grade 3 and 4 adverse effects occurred in 32 patients (13%) in the CLND arm; lymphedema (n = 20) and delayed wound healing (n = 5) were most common and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The final results of the German Dermatologic Cooperative Oncology Group trial with a median follow up of 72 months showed higher event rates, but similar HRs compared with those at the 3-year analysis. These results confirm that immediate CLND in SLN-positive patients is not superior to observation in terms of DMFS, RFS, or OS and support not recommending CLND in patients with SLN metastasis.

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer reveals comparable oncological outcome even in context of worse short-term results-long-term analysis of nearly 500 patients from two high-volume centers.

PURPOSE: Large randomized controlled trials have investigated the oncological value of the laparoscopic approach to colorectal cancer. Mainly, non-inferiority for the laparoscopic approach regarding long-term survival could be shown. Nevertheless, some recent trials revealed inferiority especially due to histopathological quality of specimen or location of the tumor in the rectum. The main objective of this study was to compare two historical patient collectives of specialized centers for either the laparoscopic or the open resection approach, regarding long-term survival and disease progression of rectal cancer according to tumor localization in a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis, based on two prospectively maintained institutional colorectal cancer databases, was performed. The database of the reference center in Erlangen maintained almost exclusively open operations whereas the database in Lübeck maintained to a vast majority laparoscopic operations. To adjust risk profiles, a 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty-five patients of both centers (Erlangen, n = 507, Lübeck n = 248) were included. Propensity score matching resulted in two equalized groups with 248 patients. Regarding the postoperative complications, advantages for the open approach were seen. Analyzing the survival data, no differences in disease-free as well as overall survival were shown. Also, no differences in the overall loco-regional recurrence and distant metastasis rate were detected. CONCLUSION: In centers with adequate expertise, open and laparoscopic procedures result in equivalent oncologic long-term outcomes. Advantages for the open resected group concerning short-term results and complications were detected, due to remarkably low rates of anastomotic leakage.

Prognostic subdivision of pT2 rectal carcinomas.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to explore the prognostic impact of a subdivision of pT2 by the depth of invasion into the muscularis propria in rectal carcinomas. METHODS: Data from 269 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma treated with primary tumor resection and lymph node dissection between 1986 and 2012 were analyzed with respect to locoregional and distant recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival. The depth of invasion into the muscularis propria of pT2 carcinomas was categorized by the pathologist into two groups: pT2a, invasion into the inner half of the muscularis propria; pT2b, invasion into the outer half of the muscularis propria. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen of the 269 patients (44.2%) were classified pT2a and 150 patients (55.8%) were classified pT2b. In univariate analysis, significant differences between pT2a and pT2b carcinomas were found for locoregional recurrences (5-year rates 5.3 vs 14.0%; p = 0.025), distant metastases (14.1 vs 18.7%; p = 0.026), disease-free survival (78.2 vs 62.5%; p = 0.022), and overall survival (87.4 vs 72.5%; p = 0.013). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the pT2 subdivision was found to be an independent risk factor for locoregional recurrence (hazard ratio 2.6; p = 0.023), disease-free survival (HR 1.4; p = 0.022), and overall survival (HR 1.5; p = 0.020), but only marginally for distant metastasis (HR 1.7; p = 0.083). Other independent prognostic factors were lymph node status, lymphatic invasion, and grading. CONCLUSIONS: The depth of invasion into the muscularis propria is an independent prognostic factor for pT2 rectal carcinomas that will support decision-making for preoperative, surgical, and postoperative treatment.

Can clinicopathological parameters predict for lymph node metastases in ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma? Results of the CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and CAO/ARO/AIO-04 phase 3 trials.

BACKGROUND: The advent of less radical surgical approaches has generated concern about leaving locoregional lymph node metastases (LNM) unresected that could lead to adverse outcome. We examined the prognostic role of clinicopathological factors for ypN-positivity in patients with ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma treated within the CAO/ARO/AIO-94 and CAO/ARO/AIO-04 randomized phase 3 trials. METHODS: The correlation of clinicopathological factors with ypN-status (ypN0 vs ypN1/2) was examined in n = 776 patients with ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma after preoperative CRT and total mesorectal excision surgery using Pearson's Chi-squared test for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis' test for continuous variables. Multivariable analysis was performed using binary logistic regression to identify independent prognosticators for ypN-positivity. RESULTS: Residual LNM (ypN+) were found in 6%, 20.8% and 21.4% of patients with ypT0, ypT1 and ypT2 carcinomas, respectively. Independent prognosticators for LNM were advanced ypT category (p = 0.002) and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.020). In a separate multivariable analysis performed upon exclusion of ypT-category due to multicollinearity with residual tumor diameter (RTD), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.015) and RTD ≥10 mm (p = 0.005) demonstrated strong correlation with LNM. CONCLUSION: Advanced ypT-stage, lymphatic invasion and RTD ≥10 mm were prognostic factors for LNM in patients ypT0-2 rectal carcinoma treated with CRT and surgery within both phase 3 trials. The high incidence of LNM in the ypT1-2 group needs to be taken into consideration in the context of oncological safety and indicate that LE should be advocated with great caution in this patient subgroup. The prognostic pathological factor identified here could help guide decision of LE vs TME after standard CRT.

The influence of tumour site on prognosis in metastatic colorectal carcinomas with primary tumour resection.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics and prognosis between right- and left-sided metastatic colorectal carcinomas. METHODS: Data from 937 patients with stage IV colorectal carcinomas (synchronous distant metastasis) who had a resection of the primary tumour between 1985 and 2014 were analysed. Carcinomas in the caecum to transverse colon were defined as right-sided (n = 250; 26.7%). They were compared to tumours located from the splenic flexure to the rectum categorised as left-sided (n = 687; 73.3%). RESULTS: In right-sided carcinomas, we observed significantly more female patients (50.8 vs 36.2%; p < 0.001), more unfavourable histological types (24.0 vs 8.6%; p < 0.001), more M1c carcinomas (metastases to the peritoneum ± others; 32.0 vs 14.4%; p < 0.001) and more emergencies (11.6 vs 7.1%; p = 0.029), while multimodal treatment was utilised in fewer patients (51.6 vs 63.8%; p = 0.001) and curative resections were less frequently (24.1 vs 35.4%; p = 0.002). Prognosis was significantly worse in patients with right-sided carcinomas (2-year-survival 27.2 vs 44.6%, p < 0.01). This difference was more pronounced after R2 resection (15.3 vs 29.7%; p < 0.001), than after macroscopic curative resection (2-year-survival 63.9 vs 71.9%; p = 0.106). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, tumour site was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.5; p = 0.012). During the three 10-year periods, the prognosis improved equally in patients with right- and left-sided carcinomas, while the differences in survival remained identical. CONCLUSIONS: In a surgical patient cohort undergoing primary tumour resection, significant differences in prognosis were observed between patients with metastatic right- and left-sided colorectal carcinomas.