Influence of the centralizing gastric cancer surgery on the health-related quality of life in Brazil.

Background: The assessment of health-related quality of life (QoL) has improved the treatment of gastric cancer. Aiming to compare the influence of skilled surgeons in general hospitals versus specialized hospitals in cancer in Brazil, this study evaluated the relationship between quality of life and types of hospitals (general or cancer) in treating patients with gastric adenocarcinoma operated by surgeons with specific training in Surgical Oncology. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 patients. Inferential analyses were used to compare two Brazilian general hospitals and a cancer center, evaluating scores of the SF-36 and FACT-Ga QoL questionnaires (Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test); gender, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori tests status (Pearson's Chi-Square test); ethnicity, alcoholism, location of the tumor in the stomach, Lauren's histological types, and type of surgery (Fisher's exact test), number of lymph nodes resected by Surgical Oncologists [Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a Fixed Factor], and comparative survival analysis (Log-Rank test). Results: Patients treated at a cancer hospital had higher scores of the FACT-Ga (FACT-G total score, P=0.023; physical well-being, PWB, P=0.006; and functional well-being, FWB, P=0.011). The mean scores of the SF-36 questionnaire showed similar behavior but without reaching a significant difference. Patients operated by Surgical Oncologists at the cancer hospital had better scores in emotional well-being FACT-Ga domain (EWB, P=0.034 and P=0.047) compared to those operated by Surgical Oncologists in general hospitals. There was no significant difference in survival among the three hospitals (P=0.214). Conclusions: In this study, it was possible to suggest the relationship between QoL assessment scores with the centralization of care at specialized cancer hospital in the treatment of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery with curative intent in Brazil.

Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology guidelines for malignant bowel obstruction management.

BACKGROUND: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a frequent complication in advanced cancer patients and especially those with abdominal tumors. The clinical management of MBO requires a specific and individualized approach based on the disease prognosis. Surgery is recommended. Less invasive approaches such as endoscopic treatments should be considered when surgery is contraindicated. The priority of care for inoperable and consolidated MBO is to control the symptoms and promote the maximum level of comfort. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop recommendations for the effective management of MBO. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to all members of the Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology, of whom 41 surgeons participated in the survey. A literature review of studies retrieved from the National Library of Medicine database was conducted on particular topics chosen by the participants. These topics addressed questions regarding the MBO management, to define the level of evidence and strength of each recommendation, and an adapted version of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Health Service rating system was used. RESULTS: Most aspects of the medical approach and management strategies reviewed were strongly recommended by the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines outlining the strategies for management MBO were developed based on the strongest evidence available in the literature.

Health-related quality of life after gastric cancer treatment in Brazil: Narrative review and reflections.

In Brazil, gastric cancer is the third most common type of cancer among men and fifth among women, with an estimated 13360 new cases among men and 7870 among women each year during the 2020-2022 period. This study presents reflections and attempts to add knowledge to the theme of quality of life (QoL) in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and describes some of its characteristics in three regions of Brazil, with an evaluation of the disease's impacts in various dimensions of life, as reported by the patients themselves. We performed a narrative review of the literature and a data analysis of studies on QoL in Brazilian patients treated for gastric adenocarcinoma from three different cities in three geographic regions: Brasília (the midwest), Jaú (the southeast), and Macapá (the north).

IMPACT OF KRAS MUTATIONS IN CLINICAL FEATURES IN COLORECTAL CANCER.

BACKGROUND: KRAS mutations are important events in colorectal carcinogenesis, as well as negative predictors of response to EGFR inhibitors treatment. AIM: To investigate the association of clinical-pathological features with KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients treated. METHODS: Data from 69 patients with colorectal cancer either metastatic at diagnosis or later, were retrospectively analyzed. The direct sequencing and pyrosequencing techniques were related to KRAS exon 2. The mutation diagnosis and its type were determined. RESULTS: KRAS mutation was identified in 43.4% of patients. The most common was c.35G>T (p.G12V), c.35G>A (p.G12D) and c.38G>A (p.G13D). No correlation was found between KRAS mutation and age (p=0.646) or gender (p=0.815). However, mutated group had higher CEA levels at admission (p=0.048) and codon 13 mutation was associated with involvement of more than one metastatic site in disease progression (p=0.029). Although there was no association between primary tumor site and mutation diagnosis (p=0.568), primary colon was associated with worse overall survival (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: The KRAS mutation was identified in almost half of patients. Mutated KRAS group had higher levels of CEA at admission and the mutation at codon 13 was associated with involvement of more than one metastatic site in the course of the disease. Colon disease was associated with the worst overall survival.

Impact of kras mutations in clinical features in colorectal cancer / Impacto das mutações kras e características clínicas em câncer colorretal

ABSTRACT Background: KRAS mutations are important events in colorectal carcinogenesis, as well as negative predictors of response to EGFR inhibitors treatment. Aim: To investigate the association of clinical-pathological features with KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients treated. Methods: Data from 69 patients with colorectal cancer either metastatic at diagnosis or later, were retrospectively analyzed. The direct sequencing and pyrosequencing techniques were related to KRAS exon 2. The mutation diagnosis and its type were determined. Results: KRAS mutation was identified in 43.4% of patients. The most common was c.35G>T (p.G12V), c.35G>A (p.G12D) and c.38G>A (p.G13D). No correlation was found between KRAS mutation and age (p=0.646) or gender (p=0.815). However, mutated group had higher CEA levels at admission (p=0.048) and codon 13 mutation was associated with involvement of more than one metastatic site in disease progression (p=0.029). Although there was no association between primary tumor site and mutation diagnosis (p=0.568), primary colon was associated with worse overall survival (p=0.009). Conclusion: The KRAS mutation was identified in almost half of patients. Mutated KRAS group had higher levels of CEA at admission and the mutation at codon 13 was associated with involvement of more than one metastatic site in the course of the disease. Colon disease was associated with the worst overall survival.

RESUMO Racional: Mutações KRAS são eventos importantes na carcinogênese colorretal como preditores negativos de resposta ao tratamento. Objetivo: Investigar a associação de características clinicopatológicas com mutações no KRAS em pacientes com câncer colorretal tratados. Métodos: Sessenta e nove pacientes com câncer colorretal metastáticos ao diagnóstico ou posteriormente foram analisados. As técnicas de sequenciamento direto e pirosequenciamento foram relacionadas ao éxon 2 do KRAS e o diagnóstico da mutação e seu tipo foram determinados. Resultados: A mutação KRAS foi identificada em 43,4% dos pacientes, c.35G>T (p.G12V), c.35G>A (p.G12D) e c.38G>A (p.G13D). Não foi encontrada correlação entre a mutação KRAS e a idade (p=0,646) ou o gênero (p=0,815). No entanto, o grupo mutado apresentou níveis mais altos de CEA na admissão (p=0,048). A mutação do códon 13 foi associada ao envolvimento de mais de um local metastático na progressão da doença (p=0,029); não houve associação entre o local primário do tumor e o diagnóstico de mutação (p=0,568); a doença primária do cólon foi associada com pior sobrevida global (p=0,009). Conclusão: A mutação KRAS foi identificada em quase metade dos pacientes. O grupo KRAS mutado apresentou níveis mais altos de CEA na admissão e a mutação no códon 13 foi associada ao envolvimento de mais de um local metastático no curso da doença. A doença do cólon foi associada com pior sobrevida global.

Quality of life as a fundamental outcome after curative intent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma: lessons learned from patients.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer has an important epidemiologic impact, and the main curative therapeutic modality for gastric cancer is surgical resection. However, even curative intent therapy can have negative effects on the quality of life (QoL) of these patients, which is undesirable; thus, it is difficult to balance the standardized treatment reported in the literature and treatment response to achieve full patient satisfaction. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the QoL and identify the association of scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric (FACT-Ga) and Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF36v2) questionnaires with sociodemographic, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of gastric adenocarcinoma patients undergoing curative surgery. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 104 patients from three regions of Brazil. Inferential analyses were used to compare (multiple regression and Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests) the relationships between these scores and variables (Spearman's coefficient). RESULTS: In the multiple regression analysis, we found correlations between Helicobacter pylori status and physical well-being (PWB) (P=0.026), between gender and emotional well-being (EWB) (P=0.008), between Lauren's histology and physical functioning (P=0.009), as well as the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) role-physical (P=0.027), between the tumor site and EWB (P=0.038), between the SF-36v2 mental health and N (the lower the staging, the better the score, P=0.006) and between the SF-36v2 mental health and lymph nodes removed (P=0.029). According to the Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test, women had worse FACT-Ga total (P=0.049), PWB (P=0.005), EWB (P=0.007), gastric cancer subscale (GaCS, P=0.011), trial outcome index (TOI, P=0.030) and mental health scores than men (P=0.011). Patients with distal tumors had better scores (FACT-Ga, P=0.018; GaCS, P=0.014; TOI, P=0.020) than patients with proximal tumors. Patients with tumors located in the cardia had better physical functioning than those with proximal tumors (P=0.042). Patients who underwent partial gastrectomy had better FACT-Ga total scores (P=0.011), PWB (P=0.033), GaCS scores (P=0.006) and TOI scores (P=0.008) than those who underwent total gastrectomy. Patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy had worse bodily pain as reported on the SF-36v2 than those who received therapy (P=0.048). According to Spearman's coefficient, a higher lymph node stage corresponded to worse FACT-Ga total (s=-0.200, P=0.034), GaCS (s=-0.206, P=0.037), TOI (s=-0.216; P=0.028) and vitality (s=-0.215, P=0.029) scores. A longer time after treatment corresponded to a better SF-36v2 role-physical domain score (s=0.223; P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The type of treatment instituted, postoperative time and sociodemographic and anatomopathological factors influence the QoL.

MINILAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY.

BACKGROUND: Minilaparoscopy is considered one of the minimally invasive options available for acute appendicitis treatment, although not always employed in less complexity public health services. AIM: Report surgical outcomes of minilaparoscopy use in acute appendicitis treatment. METHOD: The study included 21 patients undergoing minilaparoscopic appendectomy with instrumental of 3 mm. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, body mass index, stage of appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, surgical complications, conversion rate to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, pain after surgery and aesthetic result. RESULTS: Twelve men and nine women underwent minilaparoscopic appendectomy. The average age was 27,8 years, the mean BMI was 24,8 kg/m2. The operative time ranged from 33 to 160 min and the average of hospital stay was three days. Among the 21 patients, 20 reported mild pain or no pain in the first postoperative day. The aesthetic result was considered "satisfactory" and "very satisfactory" by 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The minilaparoscopy is viable technique for treating acute appendicitis with a satisfactory recovery. It combines the benefits of minimally invasive procedures with results similar to conventional techniques.

Minilaparoscopic appendectomy / Apendicectomia minilaparoscópica

Background: Minilaparoscopy is considered one of the minimally invasive options available for acute appendicitis treatment, although not always employed in less complexity public health services. Aim: Report surgical outcomes of minilaparoscopy use in acute appendicitis treatment. Method : The study included 21 patients undergoing minilaparoscopic appendectomy with instrumental of 3 mm. The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, body mass index, stage of appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, surgical complications, conversion rate to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, pain after surgery and aesthetic result. Results: Twelve men and nine women underwent minilaparoscopic appendectomy. The average age was 27,8 years, the mean BMI was 24,8 kg/m2. The operative time ranged from 33 to 160 min and the average of hospital stay was three days. Among the 21 patients, 20 reported mild pain or no pain in the first postoperative day. The aesthetic result was considered "satisfactory" and "very satisfactory" by 95% of the patients. Conclusions: The minilaparoscopy is viable technique for treating acute appendicitis with a satisfactory recovery. It combines the benefits of minimally invasive procedures with results similar to conventional techniques.

Racional: A minilaparoscopia é um dos métodos considerados minimamente invasivos disponíveis para o tratamento da apendicite aguda; porém, nem sempre empregada em serviços públicos de saúde de menor complexidade. Objetivo: Relatar os resultados cirúrgicos do uso da minilaparoscopia para tratamento da apendicite aguda. Método: Estudo com 21 pacientes submetidos à apendicectomia por minilaparoscopia com instrumental de 3 mm. Analisaram-se as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal, fase da apendicite, tempo cirúrgico, período de permanência hospitalar, complicações cirúrgicas, taxa de conversão para laparoscopia convencional ou laparotomia, dor em pós-operatório e resultado estético. Resultados: Doze homens e nove mulheres foram submetidos à apendicectomia por minilaparoscopia. A média de idade foi de 27,8 anos e o IMC médio de 24,8 kg/m2. O tempo operatório variou de 33-160 min, com período médio de três dias de internação. Dos 21 pacientes, 20 relataram dor de leve intensidade ou nenhuma dor no primeiro dia de pós-operatório. O resultado estético foi considerado "satisfatório" e "muito satisfatório" por 95% dos pacientes. Conclusões: A minilaparoscopia é técnica viável para tratar apendicite aguda com recuperação satisfatória. Ela agrega os benefícios dos procedimentos minimamente invasivos com resultados semelhantes às técnicas convencionais.

Profile of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

BACKGROUND: There is an improvement on the GIST treatment in last decade due to biomolecular research and adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinases inibitors. However, both modalities of treatment rarely are available in Brazilian public hospital. AIM: Evaluate GIST patients profile in public oncologic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was made on patients with GIST diagnosed and treated between 2001 and 2013. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included, mean age 59 years with slight predominance in females (51%). The main symptom was abdominal pain associated with incidental imaging finding. The occurrence of other associated neoplasm was in 28.8% of cases. The positivity of CD117 was 97.1%. The most frequent location was the stomach in 55.1% of cases. The R0 resection was possible in 63.8% and the recurrence rate was 20.3 %, with liver and peritoneum the main affected sites. Overall survival in the whole sample was 71%. Free survival rate of disease was 64%. The use of imatinib was limited to patients with residual disease (unresectable disease, R2 and R1 resection), metastatic disease or recurrence. CONCLUSION: In order to improve GIST treatment is necessary to add the biomolecular analysis to risk stratification. However, for this to occur, incentive in biomolecular research is required, to increase the possibility of patient survival.

Profile of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) / Perfil de pacientes portadores de tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GIST)

BACKGROUND: There is an improvement on the GIST treatment in last decade due to biomolecular research and adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinases inibitors. However, both modalities of treatment rarely are available in Brazilian public hospital. AIM: Evaluate GIST patients profile in public oncologic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study was made on patients with GIST diagnosed and treated between 2001 and 2013. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included, mean age 59 years with slight predominance in females (51%). The main symptom was abdominal pain associated with incidental imaging finding. The occurrence of other associated neoplasm was in 28.8% of cases. The positivity of CD117 was 97.1%. The most frequent location was the stomach in 55.1% of cases. The R0 resection was possible in 63.8% and the recurrence rate was 20.3 %, with liver and peritoneum the main affected sites. Overall survival in the whole sample was 71%. Free survival rate of disease was 64%. The use of imatinib was limited to patients with residual disease (unresectable disease, R2 and R1 resection), metastatic disease or recurrence. CONCLUSION: In order to improve GIST treatment is necessary to add the biomolecular analysis to risk stratification. However, for this to occur, incentive in biomolecular research is required, to increase the possibility of patient survival. .

RACIONAL: O tratamento do GIST tem se aprimorado muito na última década através das pesquisas biomoleculares e o uso adjuvante dos inibidores das tirosinas quinases. Entretanto, nos hospitais públicos brasileiros nem sempre são disponíveis tais ferramentas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes portadores de GIST em hospital público oncológico. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de todos os casos de GIST tratados no período de 2001 a 2013. RESULTADOS: Analisaram-se 69 pacientes, com média de idade de 59 anos e com discreto predomínio no sexo feminino (51%). A principal forma de apresentação clínica foi dor abdominal associada com achado de exame de imagem. A ocorrência de outra neoplasia associada foi de 28,8%. A positividade do CD117 foi de 97,1%. A localização mais frequente foi o estômago em 55,1%. A ressecção R0 foi possível em 63,8% dos casos e a taxa de recidiva foi de 20,3%, sendo fígado e peritôneo os sítios principais acometidos. A sobrevida global na amostra toda foi de 71%. A taxa de sobrevida livre de doença foi de 64%. A utilização do imatinibe ficou restrita aos pacientes com doença residual (ressecção R2, R1 ou metastáticos), irressecáveis ou com recidiva. CONCLUSÃO: Afim de aprimorar o tratamento do GIST é necessário acrescentar a análise biomolecular à estratificação de risco. Porém, para que isto ocorra, políticas de incentivo e fomento na pesquisa biomolecular são necessárias, ampliando a possibilidade de sobrevida dos pacientes. .

Colon and rectum neuroendocrine tumors: experience of the National Cancer Institute in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, comprising nearly 0.49% of all malignancies. The majority occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. AIM: To analyze the demographic factors, clinicopathologic features, treatment employed, prognostic factors and the oncologic results related to colorectal NETs. METHODS: Between the period from 1996 to 2010 174 patients were treated. From these, 34 were localized in the colon and rectum. Demographic factors, stage, therapeutics and its results were analyzed. All patients were followed for more than three years with image exams, urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIIA), serum chromogranin A and prostatic acid phosphatase. RESULTS: The median age was 54,4 years (22-76), the majority was female (64,7%). Out of the 12 patients with colon NETs, one (8.3%) patient was classified as Stage IA; one (8.3%) as Stage IB; three (25%) as Stage IIIB and seven (58.4%) as Stage IV. Out of the 22 patients with rectum NETs, six (27.3%) were classified as Stage IA; four (18.2%) as IB; three (13.6 %) as IIIA; one (4.5%) as IIIB and eight (36.4%) as IV. Of rectal NETs, nine (41%) were treated with endoscopic resection, six (27.2%) underwent conventional surgical treatment and six (27.2%) were treated with chemotherapy. Eleven patients with colon NETs (91.6%) were surgically treated, seven of them with palliative surgery, one (8.4%) was treated with endoscopic resection and no patient was submitted to chemotherapy. After an average follow-up of 55 months, 19 (55%) patients were alive. Analyzing the overall survival was obtained an average overall survival of 29 months in Stage IA, 62 months in IB, 12 months in IIIA, 31 months in IIIB and 39 months in IV. CONCLUSION: The treatment of colon and rectal NETs is complex, because it depends of the individuality of each patient. With adequate management, the prognosis can be favorable with long survival, but it is related to the tumor differentiation degree, efficacy of the chosen treatment and to the patient adhesion to the follow-up after treatment.

Tumores neuroendócrinos do cólon e reto: experiência do Instituto Nacional do Câncer no Brasil / Colon and rectum neuroendocrine tumors: experience of the National Cancer Institute in Brazil

RACIONAL: Os tumores neuroendócrinos (TNEs) são raros e compreendem apenas 0,49% de todas as neoplasias malignas. A maioria acomete o trato gastrointestinal. OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores demográficos, características clinicopatológicas, tratamento empregado, fatores prognósticos e resultados oncológicos relacionados aos TNEs colorretais. MÉTODOS: No período compreendido entre 1996 e 2010 foram tratados 174 pacientes. Destes, 34 localizavam-se no cólon e reto. Foram analisados fatores demográficos, estadiamento, os procedimentos terapêuticos aplicados e seus resultados. No seguimento todos os pacientes foram acompanhados acima de três anos com exames de imagem, dosagem de 5-HIIA urinário, cromogranina-A sérica e fosfatase ácida prostática. RESULTADOS: A média de idade no diagnóstico foi de 54,5 anos (22-76), com predominância do sexo feminino (64,7%). Dos 12 com TNEs de cólon, um (8,3%) foi classificado como estádio IA; um (8,3%) em IB; três (25%) em IIIB e sete (58,4%) em IV. Dos 22 pacientes com TNEs de reto, seis (27,3%) foram classificados como estádio IA; quatro (18,2%) em IB; três (13,6%) em IIIA; um (4,5%) em IIIB e oito (36,4%) em IV. Dos TNEs de reto, nove (41%) foram tratados com ressecção endoscópica, seis (27,2%) com procedimento cirúrgico e seis (27,2%) somente com quimioterapia. Onze pacientes com TNEs de cólon (91,6%), foram tratados cirurgicamente, sendo sete paliativamente, um (8,4%) com ressecção endoscópica e nenhum foi submetido à quimioterapia no primeiro momento. Após seguimento médio de 55 meses, 19 (55%) pacientes estavam vivos. Analisando a sobrevida global obteve-se média de 29 meses no estádio IA, 62 meses no IB, 12 meses no IIIA, 31 meses no IIIB e 39 meses no IV. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento dos TNEs de cólon e reto é complexo, pois depende de variáveis que são individuais a cada paciente. Com adequado manuseio, o prognóstico pode ser favorável e a sobrevida longa, mas ela está relacionada ao grau de diferenciação tumoral, tamanho, localização do tumor, estadiamento no momento do diagnóstico, eficácia da terapêutica adotada e à aderência do paciente ao seguimento após o tratamento.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, comprising nearly 0.49% of all malignancies. The majority occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. AIM: To analyze the demographic factors, clinicopathologic features, treatment employed, prognostic factors and the oncologic results related to colorectal NETs. METHODS: Between the period from 1996 to 2010 174 patients were treated. From these, 34 were localized in the colon and rectum. Demographic factors, stage, therapeutics and its results were analyzed. All patients were followed for more than three years with image exams, urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIIA), serum chromogranin A and prostatic acid phosphatase. RESULTS: The median age was 54,4 years (22-76), the majority was female (64,7%). Out of the 12 patients with colon NETs, one (8.3%) patient was classified as Stage IA; one (8.3%) as Stage IB; three (25%) as Stage IIIB and seven (58.4%) as Stage IV. Out of the 22 patients with rectum NETs, six (27.3%) were classified as Stage IA; four (18.2%) as IB; three (13.6 %) as IIIA; one (4.5%) as IIIB and eight (36.4%) as IV. Of rectal NETs, nine (41%) were treated with endoscopic resection, six (27.2%) underwent conventional surgical treatment and six (27.2%) were treated with chemotherapy. Eleven patients with colon NETs (91.6%) were surgically treated, seven of them with palliative surgery, one (8.4%) was treated with endoscopic resection and no patient was submitted to chemotherapy. After an average follow-up of 55 months, 19 (55%) patients were alive. Analyzing the overall survival was obtained an average overall survival of 29 months in Stage IA, 62 months in IB, 12 months in IIIA, 31 months in IIIB and 39 months in IV. CONCLUSION: The treatment of colon and rectal NETs is complex, because it depends of the individuality of each patient. With adequate management, the prognosis can be favorable with long survival, but it is related to the tumor differentiation degree, efficacy of the chosen treatment and to the patient adhesion to the follow-up after treatment.