Impact of severe postoperative complications on the prognosis of older patients with colorectal cancer: a two-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of postoperative complications may affect short-term outcomes and prognosis of patients with various malignancies. However, the prognostic impact of these complications in older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of severe postoperative complications on the oncological outcomes of older (aged ≥ 80 years) and non-older (aged < 80 years) patients with CRC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 760 patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent curative surgery in two institutions between 2013 and 2019. The patients were categorized into older (aged ≥ 80 years, 191 patients) and non-older (aged < 80 years, 569 patients) groups. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The incidence of severe postoperative complications did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.981). Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was significantly worse in older patients with severe complications than in those without severe complications (p = 0.007); meanwhile, CSS did not differ between the non-older patients with severe complications and those without severe complications. Survival analysis revealed that the occurrence of severe postoperative complications was an independent prognostic factor for CSS in older patients (hazard ratio = 4.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-12.6, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: CRC surgery can be safely performed in older and non-older patients. Moreover, the occurrence of severe postoperative complications might more strongly affect the prognosis of older patients than that of non-older patients.

Have the recent advancements in cancer therapy and survival benefitted patients of all age groups across the Nordic countries? NORDCAN survival analyses 2002-2021.

BACKGROUND: Since the early 2000s, overall and site-specific cancer survival have improved substantially in the Nordic countries. We evaluated whether the improvements have been similar across countries, major cancer types, and age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using population-based data from the five Nordic cancer registries recorded in the NORDCAN database, we included a cohort of 1,525,854 men and 1,378,470 women diagnosed with cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2002-2021, and followed for death until 2021. We estimated 5-year relative survival (RS) in 5-year calendar periods, and percentage points (pp) differences in 5-year RS from 2002-2006 until 2017-2021. Separate analyses were performed for eight cancer sites (i.e. colorectum, pancreas, lung, breast, cervix uteri, kidney, prostate, and melanoma of skin). RESULTS: Five-year RS improved across nearly all cancer sites in all countries (except Iceland), with absolute differences across age groups ranging from 1 to 21 pp (all cancer sites), 2 to 20 pp (colorectum), -1 to 36 pp (pancreas), 2 to 28 pp (lung), 0 to 9 pp (breast), -11 to 26 pp (cervix uteri), 2 to 44 pp (kidney), -2 to 23 pp (prostate) and -3 to 30 pp (skin melanoma). The oldest patients (80-89 years) exhibited lower survival across all countries and sites, although with varying improvements over time. INTERPRETATION: Nordic cancer patients have generally experienced substantial improvements in cancer survival during the last two decades, including major cancer sites and age groups. Although survival has improved over time, older patients remain at a lower cancer survival compared to younger patients.

Area-based disparities in non-small-cell lung cancer survival.

BACKGROUND: In the Nordic countries, universal healthcare access has been effective in reducing socioeconomic disparities in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management. However, other factors, such as proximity to healthcare facilities, may still affect access to care. This study aimed at investigating the influence of residential area on NSCLC survival. METHODS: This population-based study utilized hospital records to identify NSCLC patients who underwent their initial treatment at Vaasa Central Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Patients were categorized based on their postal codes into urban areas (≤50 km from the hospital) and rural areas (>50 km from the hospital). Survival rates between these two groups were compared using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included in the study. Patients residing in rural areas (n = 104) exhibited poorer 12-month survival rates compared to their urban counterparts (n = 217) (unadjusted Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.38; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-1.89; p = 0.042). After adjusting for factors such as performance status, frailty, and stage at diagnosis in a multivariate Cox regression model, the adjusted HR increased to 1.47 (95% CI: 1.07-2.01; p = 0.017) for patients living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas. INTERPRETATION: The study findings indicate that the distance to the hospital is associated with increased lung cancer mortality. This suggests that geographical proximity may play a crucial role in the disparities observed in NSCLC survival rates. Addressing these disparities should involve strategies aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for patients residing in rural areas, to enhance NSCLC outcomes and reduce mortality.

Outcome of right ventricular microaxial pump support in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after cardiac surgery is associated with an in-hospital mortality rate of up to 75%. Microaxial flow pumps are one of the mechanical circulatory supports (MCS) options available for the treatment of RVF, however the specifics of timing and indication for MCS, as well as predictors for survival, remain unclear due to a dearth of published data. We evaluated the clinical outcome of patients treated with Impella-RP for predictors of mortality and the hemodynamic effects of the pump. This is a single-center retrospective observational study involving adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between January 2019 and December 2020 in cardiac surgery and required therapeutic management of RVF with an Impella-RP. Overall, 18 patients were included and analyzed for factors that could be associated with mortality, or that could be predictors of patient outcomes for this population. Treatment of RVF with Impella-RP improved the patient hemodynamics significantly and had a survival rate of 61% within 30 days. Patients with isolated CABG or better liver function before implantation had a better survival rate, which may indicate that underlying disease and timing of implantation are significant for successful treatment of RVF.

Clinical study on simultaneous resection of liver metastases combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical effect of simultaneous resection of liver metastases combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis. METHODS: A total of 144 patients with synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis who were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and January 2019 were randomly assigned into a control group and an intervention group. The patients in the control group received simultaneous resection of liver metastases. The patients in the intervention group obtained simultaneous resection of liver metastases combined with HIPEC. The recent total effective rate of the 2 groups was compared, and the disease control rate of the 2 groups was calculated at 3 months after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3 years. The survival time of the 2 groups was observed and compared. Fasting venous blood was collected from patients in the 2 groups, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level was compared. The level of quality of life scale (Short Form 36-item Health Survey) and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The R0 complete resection rate in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .05). The recent total effective rate in the intervention group (87.50%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (59.72%) (P < .05). The negative change of CEA in the intervention group was 72.22%, which was prominently higher than that in the control group of 43.06% (χ2 = 12.542, P < .001). After a 36-month follow-up, the overall survival rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.05-5.48; P < .001). The patients in the intervention group had significantly higher life quality scores of health status, social function, emotional function, physical function, and mental health than in the control group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups (P > .05). Age > 60 years, preoperative comorbidities, moderate and high differentiation of tumors, intraoperative blood loss > 150 mL, and less experienced surgeons were risk factors affecting the occurrence of complications after treatment and were closely correlated with the prognosis and survival of patients (P < .05). Patients with age ≤ 60 years, no preoperative comorbidities, low tumor differentiation, intraoperative blood loss ≤ 150 mL, more experienced surgeons, and complete R0 resection had a longer survival time. Age > 60 years, preoperative comorbidities, moderate and high differentiation of tumors, intraoperative blood loss > 150 mL, and less experienced surgeons were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (P < .05), whereas R0 surgery was an independent protective factor for the prognosis (P < .05). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases, simultaneous resection of liver metastases in conjunction with HIPEC demonstrated superior efficacy. This approach may potentially extend patient survival and enhance quality of life and deserve to be extensively used in clinical practice.

Integration of pathologic characteristics, genetic risk and lifestyle exposure for colorectal cancer survival assessment.

The development of an effective survival prediction tool is key for reducing colorectal cancer mortality. Here, we apply a three-stage study to devise a polygenic prognostic score (PPS) for stratifying colorectal cancer overall survival. Leveraging two cohorts of 3703 patients, we first perform a genome-wide survival association analysis to develop eight candidate PPSs. Further using an independent cohort with 470 patients, we identify the 287 variants-derived PPS (i.e., PPS287) achieving an optimal prediction performance [hazard ratio (HR) per SD = 1.99, P = 1.76 × 10-8], accompanied by additional tests in two external cohorts, with HRs per SD of 1.90 (P = 3.21 × 10-14; 543 patients) and 1.80 (P = 1.11 × 10-9; 713 patients). Notably, the detrimental impact of pathologic characteristics and genetic risk could be attenuated by a healthy lifestyle, yielding a 7.62% improvement in the 5-year overall survival rate. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the integrated contribution of pathologic characteristics, germline variants, and lifestyle exposure to the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.

Nose-to-brain selective drug delivery to glioma via ferritin-based nanovectors reduces tumor growth and improves survival rate.

Gliomas are among the most fatal tumors, and the available therapeutic options are very limited. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from entering the brain. We designed and produced a ferritin-based stimuli-sensitive nanocarrier with high biocompatibility and water solubility. It can incorporate high amounts of the potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor Genz-644282. Here, we show that this nanocarrier, named The-0504, can cross the BBB and specifically deliver the payload to gliomas that express high amounts of the ferritin/transferrin receptor TfR1 (CD71). Intranasal or intravenous administration of The-0504 both reduce tumor growth and improve the survival rate of glioma-bearing mice. However, nose-to-brain administration is a simpler and less invasive route that may spare most of the healthy tissues compared to intravenous injections. For this reason, the data reported here could pave the way towards a new, safe, and direct ferritin-based drug delivery method for brain diseases, especially brain tumors.

[Gastrointestinal tumour prevention strategies]. / Präventionsstrategien gastrointestinaler Tumoren.

Over the past few decades, substantial advancements have been achieved in the early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal oncological diseases. The survival rates of patients have significantly improved due to the expansion and enhancement of therapeutic and diagnostic options, leading to modifications in (neo-)adjuvant, perioperative, and palliative strategies, as well as the advent of personalized molecular therapy. Noteworthy progress has also been observed in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention domains.Despite these advancements, gastrointestinal tumours continue to be a global health burden, with approximately 4 million new cases diagnosed annually. These constitute over a quarter of all tumour cases, with nearly one-third of all global tumour-related mortalities attributed to gastrointestinal tumours.Emerging evidence implicates aberrant differentiation of stem or progenitor cells in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal tumour diseases. A confluence of clinically recognized risk factors, including high-fat diet, bile acid, microbiome alterations, and host factors, can instigate chronic inflammation. This disrupts stem cell homeostasis and precipitates malignant transformation. Consequently, environmental inflammation emerges as a critical risk factor warranting consideration in clinical cancer prevention and surveillance strategies.This review encapsulates the current understanding and recommendations in the prevention of selected gastrointestinal tumours, aiming to facilitate their integration into clinical practice. It underscores the need for continued research to further refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.

[Cancer survival analysis in Tianjin, 2010 to 2016].

Objective: Survival analysis of cancers' incidence data in Tianjin from 2010 to 2016 was conducted to provide the basis for formulating and evaluating regional health policies on cancer prevention and treatment. Methods: Registration data in Tianjin were used between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 and patients were followed-up till 31 December, 2021. Life-table method was used to calculate the observed survival rate and Edered Ⅱ was used to calculate the relative survival rate. The data were stratified by year, gender, age group and cancer sites. Difference in survival curves between group was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend change. Results: The 5-year relative survival rates of cancer were 41.92% to 53.65% from 2010 to 2016 for residents in Tianjin, with an increasing trend (t=4.81, P=0.005), and the average was 48.56%. The survival rate of females was higher than that of males (57.71%vs. 39.20%), and the survival rate of urban residents was higher than that of rural residents (49.38% vs. 47.24%). The 5-year relative survival rates were 63.14%, 78.39%, 58.25% and 32.67% in 0-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65 and above age groups, respectively. The median relative survival times of all cancer were 2.34 to 6.00 years from 2010 to 2016 in Tianjin, with an increasing trend (t=3.86, P=0.012). The average of median relative survival times was 4.11 years. The median survival time of females was longer than that of males (11.99 years vs. 2.03 years), and the time of urban residents were longer than that of rural residents (4.60 years vs. 3.43 years). The median relative survival time were 12.07, 11.92 and 1.34 years in 15-44, 45-64 and 65 and above age groups, respectively. Conclusions: The cumulative survival rate of cancer increased significantly from 2010 to 2016 in Tianjin, indicating that the prevention and treatment effect of cancer is obvious. The focus should be on male, rural areas, higher age group, and targeted prevention and treatment measures should be taken to lung, esophagus, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancer.

[Analysis of factors influencing the efficacy and prognosis of surgical treatment for primary malignant pelvic bone tumors].

Objective: To analyze the prognostic factors and the influence of surgical margin to prognosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 208 pelvic tumors who received surgical treatment from January 2000 to December 2017 in our instituition. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, and impact factor analysis was performed using Cox regression models. Results: There were 183 initial patients and 25 recurrent cases. According to Enneking staging, 110 cases were stage ⅠB and 98 cases were stage ⅡB. 19 lesions were in zone Ⅰ, 1 in zone Ⅱ, 15 in zone Ⅲ, 29 in zone Ⅰ+Ⅱ, 71 in zone Ⅱ+Ⅲ, 29 in zone Ⅰ+Ⅳ, 35 in zone Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ, 3 in zone Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅳ, and 6 in zone Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ+Ⅳ. Surgical margins including Intralesional excision in 7 cases, contaminated margin in 21 cases, marginal resection in 67 cases, and wide resection in 113 cases. Local recurrence occurred in 37 cases (17.8%), 25 cases were performed by reoperation and 12 cases received amputation finally. The 5-year recurrence rate of marginal resection was higher than wide resection (P＜0.05), and the recurrence-free survival rate of marginal resection was lower than wide resection (P＜0.05). There was significant differences in recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival rate between R0 and R1 resection (P＜0.05). 92 cases were not reconstructed and 116 cases were reconstructed after pelvic surgery. At the last follow-up, 63 patients (30.3%) died, and the 5-year, 10-year and 15-year survival rates were 70.4%, 66.8% and 61.3%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate of stage ⅠB and ⅡB tumor was 90.4% and 46.8%, respectively. There were 29 cases had postoperative wound complications (13.8%), 1 case with pelvic organ injury. The final function was evaluated in 132 patients, with an average MSTS score of 25.1±3.6. Cox multivariate analysis showed that surgical staging, R0/R1 margin and metastasis were independent prognostic factors for pelvic tumors. Conclusions: The safe surgical margin is the key factor for recurrence-free of pelvic tumor. The survival rate of stage ⅡB pelvic tumors was significantly lower than that of stage ⅠB tumors. Wound infection is the main postoperative complication. Surgical staging, R0/R1 margin and metastasis were independent prognostic factors of pelvic tumors.

[Establishment of a prognostic nomogram and discussion on optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma:a retrospective study based on SEER database and Chinese single-center data].

Objective: To establish and validate a predicting nomogram for cervical adenocarcinoma based on surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database and Chinese single-center data, and to explore the optimal treatment for cervical adenocarcinoma. Methods: This study selected 2 478 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from the SEER database as the training cohort, and 195 cervical adenocarcinoma patients from Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaouing Cancer Hospital and Institute as an external validation cohort. Clinicopathological information and follow-up data of the two cohorts were collected. The radiotherapy group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on concurrent chemoradiotherapy after initial diagnosis, while the surgery group was defined as receiving comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. Log-rank test and cox regression were used to evaluate factors affecting the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. A nomogram was drawn to predict the 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates of cervical adenocarcinoma patients, and then internal validation of the training cohort from SEER database and external validation of the hospital cohort were conducted. Results: (1) In the SEER database training cohort, there were 385 patients (15.54%, 385/2 478) in the radiotherapy group and 2 093 patients (84.46%, 2 093/2 478) in the surgery group. Overall survival time of the radiotherapy group was (55.8±51.3) months, while that of the surgery roup was (94.4±61.7) months, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=256.44, P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that age, marital status, maximum of tumor diameters, pathological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and treatments were all significant factors affecting the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elder (>50 years old), single status, huge tumors (>4 cm), high pathological grades (G2, G3), and advanced FIGO stages (≥Ⅱa2 stage) were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (all P<0.05); compared with radiotherapy, surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients (HR=0.619, 95%CI: 0.494-0.777; P<0.001). Further analysis of locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage of patients showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm (HR=0.414, 95%CI: 0.182-0.942; P=0.036) in locally advanced stage and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.473, 95%CI: 0.307-0.728; P=0.001). (2) The external validation cohort consisted of 39 patients (20.00%, 39/195) in the radiotherapy group and 156 patients (80.00%, 156/195) in the surgery group. The overall survival time of patients in the radiotherapy group was (51.7±34.3) months, while that of the surgery group was (63.1±26.6) months (χ2=28.41, P<0.001). Further analysis was conducted on locally advanced stage and Ⅲc stage patients, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed after propensity score matching, which showed that surgery was a protective factor for the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients with a maximum tumor diameter >4 to <6 cm in locally advanced stage (HR=0.141, 95%CI: 0.023-0.843; P=0.032) and Ⅲc T1 to T2 stage (HR=0.184, 95%CI: 0.036-0.947; P=0.043). (3) Establishment and internal and external validation of nomogram: based on the six factors screened out by the multivariate Cox regression model, the nomogram was developed to predict the prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma patients. The consistency index of the internal and external validation were 0.801 and 0.766, respectively, and the calibration curves matched well with the ideal fitting line. Conclusions: The key to the treatment of cervical adenocarcinoma is to prioritize radical surgery for patients with conditions for radical tumor resection. Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, patients with locally advanced stages (Ⅰb3, Ⅱa2), and Ⅲc (T1, T2) stages cervical adenocarcinoma could benefit from comprehensive treatment based on radical surgery. The nomogram of this study has been validated internally and externally, and show good survival prediction efficacy for cervical adenocarcinoma patients.

Improved long-term survival rate in the responders to bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone induction therapy in a transplant-eligible cohort of predominantly middle-age multiple myeloma patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) represents the second most common hematologic malignancy (15%). Induction with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamthasone VCd (d: low dose dexamthasone) regimen is widely used due to its high effectiveness, low toxicity and good tolerability, particularly with renal impairment. Real-world data on the use of VCD in clinical practice is lacking. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the real-world experience of the VCD regimen. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tumor registry database of tertiary cancer care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: newly diagnosed MM patients who received VCD induction and underwent autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) from July 2007 to July 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: response evaluation, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SAMPLE SIZE: 87 patients. RESULTS: Of 102 patients who started induction with VCd, 87 patients experienced a partial response or more overall response rate of 85%). The median age of these 87 patients at diagnosis was 52 years, of which 29.9% presented with renal impairment and 60.3% of patients had stage 2 by the Revised International Staging System (R-ISS). Patients with a standard cytogenetic risk achieved a better response compared to those with a poor cytogenetic risk (P=.044). The post-induction response rates were 6.9% stringent complete remission (sCR), 35% complete remission (CR); 41.4% very good partial response (VGPR), and 16.1% partial response (PR), respectively; the response rates became greater for sCR and CR post-transplantation at day 100 with 16.1% sCR, 35.6% CR, 32.2% VGPR and 16.1% PR, respectively. The median PFS was 49 months and 5 years OS was 84%. PFS was better in patients who achieved sCR vs PR (83 vs 35 months, P=.037). High LDH, high-risk cytogenetic and stage 3 R-ISS showed a worse median PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: VCD induction in newly diagnosed MM is highly effective, convenient, tolerable and affordable regimen, especially in low and middle-income countries with limited resources, also with favorable outcomes and survival. while those who did not respond successfully shifted to VRD or VTD. LIMITATIONS: The usual limitations of a retrospective analysis using registry-level data, no data on quality of life.

Survival analysis of Sudanese oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with field of cancerization.

BACKGROUND: The late presentation and diagnosis of OSCC account for the large number of patients with the advanced form of the disease. In Sudan, cases with delayed presentation, particularly those with risk factors such as Toombak dipping and alcohol consumption, frequently present with extensive lesions and a wide area of Field cancerization which characterized by the presence of genetic and epigenetic changes in histologically normal-appearing tissues, and have increased risk for recurrent and second primary tumors. This necessitates more aggressive treatment and is usually associated with poorer outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with a wide field of cancerization. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study includes ninety-three oral cancer patients with extensive fields of cancerization who underwent surgical treatment at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital (KTDH) conducted from 2019 to 2023. These patients were regularly assessed for clinical changes such as recurrence, the development of second primary tumours, and overall survival over a period of one year. RESULTS: Out of the 93 patients, 57 (61.3%) were males, and 36 (38.7%) were females. The majority of the patients (82%) had stage IV tumours, and 62.3% had nodal metastasis. Twenty-eight (30%) patients developed recurrences, and 14 (15%) developed second primary tumours. The overall one-year survival rate was 89%, and all deceased patients passed away within 12 months. The survival rate for patients with different types of recurrences varied, with patients who had regional, local, and locoregional recurrences having survival rates of 87%, 74%, and 72%, respectively. Patients who did not experience a recurrence had a one-year survival rate of 92%. Patients who developed second primary tumours had an 86% survival rate. The survival rates for OSCC patients at stages III, IVa, and IVb were 90%, 90%, and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, 62% of patients had nodal metastasis, 30% developed recurrence, and 15% developed second primary tumours. The overall one-year survival rate was 89%, although the development of recurrences and second primary tumours had a negative impact on the survival rate.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) are present in 10-20% of patients at the time of their initial cancer diagnosis, and affects over 20% of those who develop colorectal cancer recurrence. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with HIPEC is firmly established as the optimal surgical treatment, but there is very little known about the benefit of repeat or iterative CRS. The aim of this review is to provide a systematic evaluation of the perioperative complications, survival outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing repeat CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all studies that reported outcomes for repeat CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-three manuscripts were screened, and 15 retrospective studies were suitable for inclusion. Sample sizes ranged from 2 to 30 participants and comprised a total of 229 patients. HIPEC was used in all studies, but exact rates were not consistently stated. Perioperative morbidity was reported in four studies, between 16.7% and 37.5%. Nine studies reported mortality rate which was consistently 0%. The median overall survival after repeat CRS ranged from 20 to 62.6 months. No studies provided quality of life metrics. CONCLUSION: Repeat CRS for CRPM has perioperative morbidity and mortality rates comparable to initial CRS, and offers a potential survival benefit in selected patients. There is however limited high-quality data in the literature.

A nationwide phase II study of delayed local treatment for children with high-risk neuroblastoma: The Japan Children's Cancer Group Neuroblastoma Committee Trial JN-H-11.

PURPOSE: Survival rates of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma are unacceptable. A time-intensified treatment strategy with delayed local treatment to control systemic diseases has been developed in Japan. We conducted a nationwide, prospective, single-arm clinical trial with delayed local treatment. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of delayed surgery to increase treatment intensity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were enrolled in this study between May 2011 and September 2015. Delayed local treatment consisted of five courses of induction chemotherapy (cisplatin, pirarubicin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide) and myeloablative high-dose chemotherapy (melphalan, etoposide, and carboplatin), followed by local tumor extirpation with surgery and irradiation. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), response rate, adverse events, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were enrolled, and 64 were evaluable (stage 3, n = 8; stage 4, n = 56). The estimated 3-year PFS and OS rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 44.4% [31.8%-56.3%] and 80.7% [68.5%-88.5%], resspectively. The response rate of INRC after completion of the treatment protocol was 66% (42/64; 95% CI: 53%-77%; 23 CR [complete response], 10 VGPR [very good partial response], and nine PR [partial response]). None of the patients died during the protocol treatment or within 30 days of completion. Grade 4 adverse effects, excluding hematological adverse effects, occurred in 48% of patients [31/64; 95% CI: 36%-61%]. Major Surgical complications were observed in 25% of patients [13/51; 95% CI: 14%-40%]. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that delayed local treatment is feasible and shows promising efficacy, suggesting that this treatment should be considered further in a comparative study of high-risk neuroblastoma.

Postoperative outcomes of acute-on-chronic liver failure in infants and children with biliary atresia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with biliary atresia (BA). Data on impact of ACLF on postoperative outcomes, however, are sparse. METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with BA aged <18 years who underwent LT between 2011 and 2021 at our institution. ACLF was defined using the pediatric ACLF criteria: ≥1 extra-hepatic organ failure in children with decompensated cirrhosis. RESULTS: Of 107 patients (65% female; median age 14 [9-31] months) who received a LT, 13 (12%) had ACLF during the index admission prior to LT. Two (15%) had Grade 1; 4 (30%) had Grade 2; and 7 (55%) had Grade ≥3 ACLF. ACLF cohort was younger at time of listing (5 [4-8] vs. 9 [6-24] months; p < .001) and at LT (8 [8-11] vs. 16 [10-40] months, p < .001) compared to no-ACLF group. Intraoperatively, ACLF patients had higher blood loss (40 [20-53] vs. 10 [6-19] mL/kg; p < .001) and blood transfusion requirements (33 [21-69] vs. 18 [7-25] mL/kg; p = .004). Postoperatively, they needed higher vasopressor support (31% vs. 10.6%; p = .04) and had higher total hospital length of stay (106 [45-151] vs. 13 [7-30] days; p = .023). Rate of return to the operating room, hospital readmission rates, and 1-year post-LT survival rates were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Despite higher perioperative complications, survival outcomes for ACLF in BA after LT are favorable and comparable to those without ACLF. These encouraging data reiterate prioritization during organ allocation of these critically ill children for LT.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival for patients with high volume colorectal peritoneal metastases undergoing cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) affects 15% of patients at initial colorectal cancer diagnosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been demonstrated to be a safe and feasible option, however there is limited data describing its efficacy in advanced peritoneal disease. This study evaluated the effect of NAC on survival in patients with high volume CRPM undergoing CRS with or without HIPEC. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC for CRPM from 2004 to 2019 at our institution was performed. The cohort was divided based on peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) at surgery: Low Volume (PCI ≤ 16) and High Volume (PCI > 16). RESULTS: A total of 326 patients underwent CRS with HIPEC for CRPM. There were 39 patients (12%) with High Volume disease, and 15 of these (38%) received NAC. Patients with High Volume disease had significantly longer operating time, lower likelihood of complete macroscopic cytoreduction (CC-0 score), longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital stay compared to Low Volume disease. In High Volume disease, the NAC group had a significantly shorter median survival of 14.4 months compared to 23.8 months in the non-NAC group (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Patients with High Volume CRPM achieved good median survival following CRS with HIPEC, which challenges the current PCI threshold for offering CRS. The use of NAC in this cohort did not increase perioperative morbidity but was associated with significantly shorter median survival compared to upfront surgery.

[Role of neoadjuvant rectal score in prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy].

Objectives: To assess the prognostic impact of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), as well as its value in guiding decisions for adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Between August 2015 and August 2018, patients were eligible from the STELLAR phase III trial (NCT02533271) who received short-course radiotherapy plus consolidation chemotherapy and for whom the NAR score could be calculated. Based on the NAR score, patients were categorized into low (＜8), intermediate (8-16), and high (＞16) groups. The Kaplan-Meier method, log rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the impact of the NAR score on disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Out of the 232 patients, 24.1%, 48.7%, and 27.2% had low (56 cases), intermediate (113 cases), and high NAR scores (63 cases), respectively. The median follow-up period was 37 months, with 3-year DFS rates of 87.3%, 68.3%, and 53.4% (P＜0.001) for the low, intermediate, and high NAR score groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the NAR score (intermediate NAR score: HR, 3.10, 95% CI, 1.30-7.37, P=0.011; high NAR scores: HR=5.44, 95% CI, 2.26-13.09, P＜0.001), resection status (HR, 3.00, 95% CI, 1.64-5.52, P＜0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 3.25, 95% CI, 2.01-5.27, P＜0.001) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. In patients with R0 resection, the 3-year DFS rates were 97.8% and 78.0% for those with low and intermediate NAR scores who received adjuvant chemotherapy, significantly higher than the 43.2% and 50.6% for those who did not (P＜0.001, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in the 3-year DFS rate (54.2% vs 53.3%, P=0.214) among high NAR score patients, regardless of adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: The NAR score is a robust prognostic indicator in LARC following neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy, with potential implications for subsequent decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy. These findings warrant further validation in studies with larger sample sizes.

Prognostic and predictive value of tumor deposits in advanced signet ring cell colorectal cancer: SEER database analysis and multicenter validation.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare cancer with a bleak prognosis. The relationship between its clinicopathological features and survival remains incompletely elucidated. Tumor deposits (TD) have been utilized to guide the N staging in the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual, but their prognostic significance remains to be established in colorectal SRCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects of this study were patients with stage III/IV colorectal SRCC who underwent surgical treatment. The research comprised two cohorts: a training cohort and a validation cohort. The training cohort consisted of 631 qualified patients from the SEER database, while the validation cohort included 135 eligible patients from four independent hospitals in China. The study assessed the impact of TD on Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS) and Overall Survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression models. Additionally, a prognostic nomogram model was constructed for further evaluation. RESULTS: In both cohorts, TD-positive patients were typically in the stage IV and exhibited the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) (P < 0.05). Compared to the TD-negative group, the TD-positive group showed significantly poorer CSS (the training cohort: HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.52-2.31; the validation cohort: HR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.55-3.81; all P values < 0.001). This association was significant in stage III but not in stage IV. In the multivariate model, after adjusting for covariates, TD maintained an independent prognostic value (P < 0.05). A nomogram model including TD, N stage, T stage, TNM stage, CEA, and chemotherapy was constructed. Through internal and external validation, the model demonstrated good calibration and accuracy. Further survival curve analysis based on individual scores from the model showed good discrimination. CONCLUSION: TD positivity is an independent factor of poor prognosis in colorectal SRCC patients, and it is more effective to predict the prognosis of colorectal SRCC by building a model with TD and other clinically related variables.

Individual and contextual factors associated with the survival of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome by COVID-19 in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of individual and contextual factors of the hospital and the municipality of care on the survival of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to COVID-19. METHODS: Hospital cohort study with data from 159,948 adults and elderly with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to COVID-19 hospitalized from January 1 to December 31, 2022 and reported in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System. The contextual variables were related to the structure, professionals and equipment of the hospital establishments and socioeconomic and health indicators of the municipalities. The outcome was hospital survival up to 90 days. Survival tree and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. RESULTS: Hospital lethality was 30.4%. Elderly patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation and were hospitalized in cities with low tax collection rates had lower survival rates compared to other groups identified in the survival tree (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study indicated the interaction of contextual factors with the individual ones, and it shows that hospital and municipal characteristics increase the risk of death, highlighting the attention to the organization, operation, and performance of the hospital network.