Data-driven, cross-disciplinary collaboration: lessons learned at the largest academic health center in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global research efforts to reduce infection impact, highlighting the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance research quality and efficiency. Methods: At the FMUSP-HC academic health system, we implemented innovative flow management routines for collecting, organizing and analyzing demographic data, COVID-related data and biological materials from over 4,500 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from 2020 to 2022. This strategy was mainly planned in three areas: organizing a database with data from the hospitalizations; setting-up a multidisciplinary taskforce to conduct follow-up assessments after discharge; and organizing a biobank. Additionally, a COVID-19 curated collection was created within the institutional digital library of academic papers to map the research output. Results: Over the course of the experience, the possible benefits and challenges of this type of research support approach were identified and discussed, leading to a set of recommended strategies to enhance collaboration within the research institution. Demographic and clinical data from COVID-19 hospitalizations were compiled in a database including adults and a minority of children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, covering 2020-2022, with approximately 350 fields per patient. To date, this database has been used in 16 published studies. Additionally, we assessed 700 adults 6 to 11 months after hospitalization through comprehensive, multidisciplinary in-person evaluations; this database, comprising around 2000 fields per subject, was used in 15 publications. Furthermore, thousands of blood samples collected during the acute phase and follow-up assessments remain stored for future investigations. To date, more than 3,700 aliquots have been used in ongoing research investigating various aspects of COVID-19. Lastly, the mapping of the overall research output revealed that between 2020 and 2022 our academic system produced 1,394 scientific articles on COVID-19. Discussion: Research is a crucial component of an effective epidemic response, and the preparation process should include a well-defined plan for organizing and sharing resources. The initiatives described in the present paper were successful in our aim to foster large-scale research in our institution. Although a single model may not be appropriate for all contexts, cross-disciplinary collaboration and open data sharing should make health research systems more efficient to generate the best evidence.

Feasibility and Colonoscopy Yield Using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Latin America Country.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is not widely practiced in Latin America and the results of regional studies may help overcome barriers for implementation of national screening programs. We aimed to describe the implementation and findings of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based program in Brazil. METHODS: In a prospective population-based study, asymptomatic individuals (50-75 years old) from Sao Paulo city were invited to undergo FIT for CRC screening. Participants with positive FIT (≥10 µg Hb/g feces) were referred for colonoscopy. Subjects were classified into groups according to the presence of CRC, precursor lesions, and other benign findings, possibly related to bleeding. RESULTS: Of a total of 9881 subjects, 7.8% had positive FIT and colonoscopy compliance was 68.9% (n = 535). Boston scale was considered adequate in 99% and cecal intubation rate was 99.4%. CRC was diagnosed in 5.9% of the cases, adenoma in 63.2%, advanced adenoma in 31.4%, and advanced neoplasia in 33.0%. Age was positively associated with CRC (P = .03). Higher FIT concentrations were associated with increased detection of CRC (P < .008), advanced adenoma (P < .001), and advanced neoplasia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a FIT-based CRC screening program was feasible in a low-resource setting, and there was a high yield for neoplasia in individuals with a positive FIT. This approach could be used as a model to plan and disseminate organized CRC screening more broadly in Brazil and Latin America.

TUMOR MARKERS EXPRESSION LEVELS IN GASTRIC CANCER PATIENT'S PERIPHERAL BLOOD BY RT-PCR ASSESSMENT.

BACKGROUND: Hematological recurrence is the second most frequent cause of failure in the treatment of gastric cancer. The detection of circulating tumor markers in peripheral blood by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method may be a useful tool to predict recurrence and determine the patient's prognosis. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the association between the tumor markers level in peripheral blood and its impact on patient survival. AIMS: To evaluate the expression of the circulating tumor markers CK20 and MUC1 in peripheral blood samples from patients with gastric cancer by qRT-PCR, and to verify the association of their expression levels with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively included in this study. CK20 and MUC1 expression levels were analyzed from peripheral blood by the qRT-PCR technique. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) association between CK20 expression levels and clinical, pathological, and surgical features. Higher MUC1 expression levels were associated with female patients (p=0.01). There was a correlation between both gene levels (R=0.81, p<0.001), and CK20 level and tumor size (R=0.39, p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: CK20 and MUC1 expression levels could be assessed by qRT-PCR from total peripheral blood samples of patients with gastric cancer. CK20 levels were correlated to MUC1 levels as well as to tumor size. There was no difference in disease-free survival and overall survival regarding both genetic markers expression in this series.

PALLIATIVE GASTRECTOMY VERSUS GASTRIC BYPASS FOR SYMPTOMATIC CLINICAL STAGE IV GASTRIC CANCER: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Patients with clinical stage IV gastric cancer may require palliative procedures to manage complications such as obstruction. However, there is no consensus on whether performing palliative gastrectomy compared to gastric bypass brings benefits in terms of survival. AIMS: To compare the overall survival of patients with distal obstructive gastric cancer undergoing palliative surgical treatment, using propensity score matching analysis. METHODS: Patients who underwent palliative bypass surgery (gastrojejunostomy or partitioning) and resection between the years 2009 and 2023 were retrospectively selected. Initial and postoperative clinicopathological variables were collected. RESULTS: 150 patients were initially included. The derived group (n=91) presented more locally invasive disease (p<0.01), greater degree of obstruction (p<0.01), and worse clinical status (p<0.01), while the resected ones (n= 59) presented more distant metastasis (p<0.01). After matching, 35 patients remained in each group. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, but the derived group had higher 90-day mortality (p<0.01). Overall survival was 16.9 and 4.5 months for the resected and derived groups, respectively (p<0.01). After multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia (hazard ratio - HR=2.02, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.17-3.48; p=0.01), absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=5.97; 95%CI 3.03-11.7; p<0.01), and gastric bypass (HR=3,28; 95%CI 1.8-5.95; p<0.01) were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative gastrectomy was associated with greater survival and lower postoperative morbidity compared to gastric bypass. This may be due to better local control of the disease, with lower risks of complications and better effectiveness of chemotherapy.

PERIOPERATIVE CARE IN DIGESTIVE SURGERY: THE ERAS AND ACERTO PROTOCOLS. BRAZILIAN COLLEGE OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY POSITION PAPER / Cuidados perioperatórios em cirurgia digestiva: protocolos eras e acerto ­ posicionamento do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgia Digestiva

Background: The concept introduced by enhanced recovery after surgery protocols modifies perioperative traditional care in digestive surgery. The integration of these modern recommendations components during the perioperative period are highly important to ensure less postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay and decreased surgical costs. Aims: The aim of this position paper is to emphasize the most important points of a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Methods:  A careful analysis of each recommendation of both ERAS and ACERTO protocols is presented, justifying its inclusion in the recommended multimodal care of digestive surgery patients. Results: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) such as ERAS and ACERTO protocols are a cornerstone in modern perioperative care. Nutritional therapy is highly important in digestive surgery and thus both preoperative and postoperative nutrition care are key to ensure less postoperative complications and to reduce the length of hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation is another key element in ERPs. Management of crystalloid fluids in a perfect balance in vital. Fluid overload may delay the recovery of patients and increase postoperative complications. Abbreviation of preoperative fast for 2h before anesthesia is now accepted by various guidelines of both surgical and anesthesiology societies. Combined with early postoperative refeeding, these prescriptions are not only safe but can also enhance recovery of patients undergoing digestive procedures. Conclusions: This Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery position paper strongly emphasizes that the implementation of ERPs in digestive surgery represents a paradigm shift in perioperative care, transcending traditional practices and embracing an intelligent approach to patient well-being.   Background: The concept introduced by enhanced recovery after surgery protocols modifies perioperative traditional care in digestive surgery. The integration of these modern recommendations components during the perioperative period are highly important to ensure less postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay and decreased surgical costs. Aims: The aim of this position paper is to emphasize the most important points of a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Methods:  A careful analysis of each recommendation of both ERAS and ACERTO protocols is presented, justifying its inclusion in the recommended multimodal care of digestive surgery patients. Results: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) such as ERAS and ACERTO protocols are a cornerstone in modern perioperative care. Nutritional therapy is highly important in digestive surgery and thus both preoperative and postoperative nutrition care are key to ensure less postoperative complications and to reduce the length of hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation is another key element in ERPs. Management of crystalloid fluids in a perfect balance in vital. Fluid overload may delay the recovery of patients and increase postoperative complications. Abbreviation of preoperative fast for 2h before anesthesia is now accepted by various guidelines of both surgical and anesthesiology societies. Combined with early postoperative refeeding, these prescriptions are not only safe but can also enhance recovery of patients undergoing digestive procedures. Conclusions: This Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery position paper strongly emphasizes that the implementation of ERPs in digestive surgery represents a paradigm shift in perioperative care, transcending traditional practices and embracing an intelligent approach to patient well-being.

ROBOTIC ASSISTED VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is associated with less blood loss and faster functional recovery. However, the benefits of robotic assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) are unknown. AIMS: To compare RDP versus LDP for surgical treatment of benign lesions, pre-malignant and borderline malignant pancreatic neoplasias. METHODS: This is a retrospective study comparing LDP with RDP. Main outcomes were overall morbidity and overall costs. Secondary outcomes were pancreatic fistula (PF), infectious complications, readmission, operative time (OT) and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: Thirty patients submitted to LDP and 29 submitted to RDP were included in the study. There was no difference regarding preoperative characteristics. There was no difference regarding overall complications (RDP - 72,4% versus LDP - 80%, p=0,49). Costs were superior for patients submitted to RDP (RDP=US$ 6,688 versus LDP=US$ 6,149, p=0,02), mostly due to higher costs of surgical materials (RDP=US$ 2,364 versus LDP=1,421, p=0,00005). Twenty-one patients submitted to RDP and 24 to LDP developed pancreatic fistula (PF), but only 4 RDP and 7 LDP experienced infectious complications associated with PF. OT (RDP=224 min. versus LDP=213 min., p=0.36) was similar, as well as conversion to open procedure (1 RDP and 2 LDP). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative morbidity of robotic distal pancreatectomy is comparable to laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. However, the costs of robotic distal pancreatectomy are slightly higher.

FAILURE TO RESCUE AFTER GASTRECTOMY: A NEW INDICATOR OF SURGICAL QUALITY.

BACKGROUND: The main treatment modality for gastric cancer is surgical resection with lymphadenectomy. Despite advances in perioperative care, major surgical complications can occur in up to 20% of cases. To determine the quality of surgical care employed, a new indicator called failure to rescue (FTR) was proposed, which assesses the percentage of patients who die after complications occur. AIMS: To assess the rate of FTR after gastrectomy and factors associated with its occurrence. METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent were retrospectively evaluated. According to the occurrence of postoperative complications, patients were divided into FTR group (grade V complications) and rescued group (grade III/IV complications). RESULTS: Among the 731 patients, 114 had major complications. Of these patients, 76 (66.7%) were successfully treated for the complication (rescued group), while 38 (33.3%) died (FTR group). Patients in the FTR group were older (p=0.008; p<0.05), had lower levels of hemoglobin (p=0.021; p<0.05) and albumin (p=0.002; p<0.05), and a higher frequency of ASA III/IV (p=0.033; p<0.05). There were no differences between the groups regarding surgical and pathological characteristics. Clinical complications had a higher mortality rate (40.0% vs 30.4%), with pulmonary complications (50.2%) and infections (46.2%) being the most lethal. Patients with major complications grade III/IV had worse survival than those without complications. CONCLUSIONS: The FTR rate was 33.3%. Advanced age, worse performance, and nutritional parameters were associated with FTR.

PREOPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY VERSUS UPFRONT SURGERY FOR ADVANCED GASTRIC CANCER: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the main curative therapeutic modality for advanced gastric cancer. Recently, the association of preoperative chemotherapy has allowed the improvement of results without increasing surgical complications. AIMS: To evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of preoperative chemotherapy in a real-world setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy was performed. Patients were divided into two groups for analysis: upfront surgery and preoperative chemotherapy. The propensity score matching analysis, including 9 variables, was applied to adjust for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Of the 536 patients included, 112 (20.9%) were referred for preoperative chemotherapy. Before the propensity score matching analysis, the groups were different in terms of age, hemoglobin level, node metastasis at clinical stage- status, and extent of gastrectomy. After the analysis, 112 patients were stratified for each group. Both were similar for all variables assigned in the score. Patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group had less advanced postoperative p staging (p=0.010), postoperative n staging (p<0.001), and pTNM stage (p<0.001). Postoperative complications, 30- and 90-days mortality were similar between both groups. Before the propensity score matching analysis, there was no difference in survival between the groups. After the analysis, patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group had better overall survival compared to upfront surgery group (p=0.012). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that American Society of Anesthesiologists III/IV category and the presence of lymph node metastasis were factors significantly associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chemotherapy was associated with increased survival in gastric cancer. There was no difference in the postoperative complication rate and mortality compared to upfront surgery.

INTRAPERITONEAL CHEMOTHERAPY FOR GASTRIC CANCER WITH PERITONEAL CARCINOMATOSIS: STUDY PROTOCOL OF A PHASE II TRIAL.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer is considered a fatal disease, without expectation of definitive cure. As systemic chemotherapy is not sufficient to contain the disease, a multimodal approach associating intraperitoneal chemotherapy with surgery may represent an alternative for these cases. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in stage IV gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. METHODS: This study is a single institutional single-arm prospective clinical trial phase II (NCT05541146). Patients with the following inclusion criteria undergo implantation of a peritoneal catheter for intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma; age 18-75 years; Peritoneal carcinomatosis with peritoneal cancer index<12; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0/1; good clinical status; and lab exams within normal limits. The study protocol consists of four cycles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel associated with systemic chemotherapy. After treatment, patients with peritoneal response assessed by staging laparoscopy undergo conversion gastrectomy. RESULTS: The primary outcome is the rate of complete peritoneal response. Progression-free and overall survivals are other outcomes evaluated. The study started in July 2022, and patients will be screened for inclusion until 30 are enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Therapies for advanced gastric cancer patients have been evaluated in clinical trials but without success in patients with peritoneal metastasis. The treatment proposed in this trial can be promising, with easy catheter implantation and ambulatory intraperitoneal chemotherapy regime. Verifying the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel with systemic chemotherapy is an important progress that this study intends to investigate.

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

STAGING LAPAROSCOPY IS STILL A VALUABLE TOOL FOR OPTIMAL GASTRIC CANCER MANAGEMENT.

BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection is the main determining factor in the survival of advanced gastric cancer patients, but is not indicated in metastatic disease. The peritoneum is a common site of metastasis and preoperative imaging techniques still fail to detect it. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of staging laparoscopy in the staging of advanced gastric cancer patients in a Western tertiary cancer center. METHODS: A total of 130 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent staging laparoscopy from 2009 to 2020 were evaluated from a prospective database. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to identify factors associated with the presence of peritoneal metastasis and were also evaluated the accuracy and strength of agreement between computed tomography and staging laparoscopy in detecting peritoneal metastasis and the change in treatment strategy after the procedure. RESULTS: The peritoneal metastasis was identified in 66 (50.76%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of computed tomography in detecting peritoneal metastasis were 51.5, 87.5, and 69.2%, respectively. According to the Kappa coefficient, the concordance between staging laparoscopy and computed tomography was 38.8%. In multivariate analysis, ascites (p=0.001) and suspected peritoneal metastasis on computed tomography (p=0.007) were statistically correlated with peritoneal metastasis. In 40 (30.8%) patients, staging and treatment plans changed after staging laparoscopy (32 patients avoided unnecessary laparotomy, and 8 patients, who were previously considered stage IVb by computed tomography, were referred to surgical treatment). CONCLUSION: The staging laparoscopy demonstrated an important role in the diagnosis of peritoneal metastasis, even with current advances in imaging techniques.

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED VERSUS LAPAROSCOPIC INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR: DIFFERENCES IN DIRECT COSTS FROM A BRAZILIAN PUBLIC INSTITUTE PERSPECTIVE.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery research has grown dramatically in the past two decades and the advantages over traditional videolaparoscopy have been extensively debated. For hernias, the robotic system can increase intraoperative strategies, especially in complex hernias or incisional hernias. AIMS: This study aimed to compare the direct cost differences between robotic and laparoscopic hernia repair and determine each source of expenditure that may be related to the increased costs in a robotic program from the perspective of a Brazilian public institution. METHODS: This study investigated the differences in direct costs from the data generated from a trial protocol (ReBEC: RBR-5s6mnrf). Patients with incisional hernia were randomly assigned to receive laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) or robotic ventral incisional hernia repair (RVIHR). The direct medical costs of hernia treatment were described in the Brazilian currency (R$). RESULTS: A total of 19 patients submitted to LVIHR were compared with 18 submitted to RVIHR. The amount spent on operation room time (RVIHR: 2,447.91±644.79; LVIHR: 1,989.67±763.00; p=0.030), inhaled medical gases in operating room (RVIHR: 270.57±211.51; LVIHR: 84.55±252.34; p=0.023), human resources in operating room (RVIHR: 3,164.43±894.97; LVIHR: 2,120.16±663.78; p<0.001), material resources (RVIHR: 3,204.32±351.55; LVIHR: 736.51±972.32; p<0.001), and medications (RVIHR: 823.40±175.47; LVIHR: 288.50±352.55; p<0.001) for RVIHR was higher than that for LVIHR, implying a higher total cost to RVIHR (RVIHR: 14,712.24±3,520.82; LVIHR: 10,295.95±3,453.59; p<0.001). No significant difference was noted in costs related to the hospital stay, human resources in intensive care unit and ward, diagnostic tests, and meshes. CONCLUSION: Robotic system adds a significant overall cost to traditional laparoscopic hernia repair. The cost of the medical and robotic devices and longer operative times are the main factors driving the difference in costs.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TYPOLOGY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is an environment-related disease, and the most important risk factors are alcohol intake and smoking, in addition to gastroesophageal reflux in obese patients. The characterization of the patients' personality can contribute to the perception of how everyone adapts to the social environment and what relationship one can establish with themselves and with others. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the psychological typology in patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS: The psychological typology of patients was defined using the Typological Assessment Questionnaire. In addition, the aspects of psychological assessment were studied to access the particularities of each patient, especially their reaction to the diagnosis and the meaning attributed to the disease. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with esophageal cancer, aged over 18 years, who completed high school, and were interviewed at the first medical appointment, were included. The introverted attitude was predominant (83.33%). The most common psychological type was introverted sensation, with feeling as a secondary function (43.3%), and the second most frequent was introverted feeling, with sensation as a secondary function (24.4%). From this psychological assessment, a variety of defensive mechanisms were found to minimize distress. Most patients made use of adaptive defenses in the face of the illness process. CONCLUSION: The identification of the psychological typology allows the most effective assistance in directing the peculiar needs of each patient. In addition, it contributes to the care team to individualize treatments based on specific psychological characteristics.

Impact of a Routine Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Surgical Management of Nonmalignant Colorectal Lesions Treated in a Referral Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: Recent data show an increasing number of abdominal surgeries being performed for the treatment of nonmalignant colorectal polyps in the West but in settings in which colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection is not routinely performed. This study evaluated the number of nonmalignant colorectal lesions referred to surgical treatment in a tertiary cancer center that incorporated magnification chromoendoscopy and endoscopic submucosal dissection as part of the standard management of complex colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to estimate the number of patients with nonmalignant colorectal lesions referred to surgical resection at our institution after the standardization of routine endoscopic submucosal dissection and to describe outcomes for patients undergoing colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study from a prospectively collected database of endoscopic submucosal dissections and colorectal surgeries performed between January 2016 and December 2019. SETTING: Reference cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive adult patients with complex nonmalignant colorectal polyps were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with nonmalignant colorectal polyps were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgery (elective colectomy, rectosigmoidectomy, low anterior resection, or proctocolectomy). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients referred to colorectal surgery for nonmalignant lesions. RESULTS: In the study period, 1.1% of 825 colorectal surgeries were performed for nonmalignant lesions, and 97 complex polyps were endoscopically removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates of endoscopic submucosal dissection were 91.7%, 83.5%, and 81.4%, respectively. The mean tumor size was 59 (SD 37.8) mm. Perforations during endoscopic submucosal dissection occurred in 3 cases, all treated with clipping. One patient presented with a delayed perforation 2 days after the endoscopic resection and underwent surgery. The mean follow-up period was 3 years, with no tumor recurrence in this cohort. LIMITATIONS: Single-center retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: A workflow that includes assessment of the lesions with magnification chromoendoscopy and resection through endoscopic submucosal dissection can lead to a very low rate of abdominal surgery for nonmalignant colorectal lesions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C123 . IMPACTO DE LA DISECCIN SUBMUCOSA ENDOSCPICA COLORRECTAL DE RUTINA EN EL MANEJO QUIRRGICO DE LESIONES COLORRECTALES NO MALIGNAS TRATADAS EN UN CENTRO ONCOLGICO DE REFERENCIA: ANTECEDENTES:Datos recientes muestran un número cada vez mayor de cirugías abdominales realizadas para el tratamiento de pólipos colorrectales no malignos en Occidente, pero no en los entornos donde la disección submucosa endoscópica colorrectal se realiza de forma rutinaria. El estudio evaluó el número de lesiones colorrectales no malignas referidas a tratamiento quirúrgico en un centro oncológico terciario, que incorporó cromoendoscopia de aumento y disección submucosa endoscópica como parte del manejo estándar de pólipos colorrectales complejos.OBJETIVO:Estimar el número de pacientes con lesiones colorrectales no malignas referidos para resección quirúrgica en nuestra institución, después de la estandarización de la disección submucosa endoscópica de rutina y describir los resultados para los pacientes sometidos a disección submucosa endoscópica colorrectal.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro, a partir de una base de datos recolectada prospectivamente de disecciones submucosas endoscópicas y cirugías colorrectales realizadas entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019.AJUSTE:Centro oncológico de referencia.PACIENTES:Pacientes adultos consecutivos con pólipos colorrectales no malignos complejos.INTERVENCIONES:Pacientes con pólipos colorrectales no malignos tratados mediante disección submucosa endoscópica o cirugía (colectomía electiva, rectosigmoidectomía, resección anterior baja o proctocolectomía).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La medida de resultado primario fue el porcentaje de pacientes remitidos a cirugía colorrectal por lesiones no malignas.RESULTADOS:En el período, 1,1% de 825 cirugías colorrectales fueron realizadas por lesiones no malignas y 97 pólipos complejos fueron extirpados por. disección submucosa endoscópica. Las tasas de resección en bloque, R0 y curativa de disección submucosa endoscópica fueron 91,7%, 83,5% y 81,4%, respectivamente. El tamaño tumoral medio fue de 59 (DE 37,8) mm. Se produjeron perforaciones durante la disección submucosa endoscópica en 3 casos, todos tratados con clipaje. Un paciente presentó una perforación diferida 2 días después de la resección endoscópica y fue intervenido quirúrgicamente. El seguimiento medio fue de 3 años, sin recurrencia tumoral en esta cohorte.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro.CONCLUSIONES:Un flujo de trabajo que incluye la evaluación de las lesiones con cromoendoscopia de aumento y resección a través de disección submucosa endoscópica, puede conducir a una tasa muy baja de cirugía abdominal para lesiones colorrectales no malignas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C123 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Palliative gastrectomy versus gastric bypass for symptomatic clinical stage iv gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis / Gastrectomia paliativa versus derivação gástrica no câncer gástrico sintomático estadio clínico iv: uma análise empregando escore de propensão

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with clinical stage IV gastric cancer may require palliative procedures to manage complications such as obstruction. However, there is no consensus on whether performing palliative gastrectomy compared to gastric bypass brings benefits in terms of survival. AIMS: To compare the overall survival of patients with distal obstructive gastric cancer undergoing palliative surgical treatment, using propensity score matching analysis. METHODS: Patients who underwent palliative bypass surgery (gastrojejunostomy or partitioning) and resection between the years 2009 and 2023 were retrospectively selected. Initial and postoperative clinicopathological variables were collected. RESULTS: 150 patients were initially included. The derived group (n=91) presented more locally invasive disease (p<0.01), greater degree of obstruction (p<0.01), and worse clinical status (p<0.01), while the resected ones (n= 59) presented more distant metastasis (p<0.01). After matching, 35 patients remained in each group. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, but the derived group had higher 90-day mortality (p<0.01). Overall survival was 16.9 and 4.5 months for the resected and derived groups, respectively (p<0.01). After multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia (hazard ratio — HR=2.02, 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.17-3.48; p=0.01), absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=5.97; 95%CI 3.03-11.7; p<0.01), and gastric bypass (HR=3,28; 95%CI 1.8-5.95; p<0.01) were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative gastrectomy was associated with greater survival and lower postoperative morbidity compared to gastric bypass. This may be due to better local control of the disease, with lower risks of complications and better effectiveness of chemotherapy.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Pacientes com câncer gástrico estádio clínico IV podem necessitar de procedimentos paliativos para o manejo de complicações como a obstrução. Contudo, não há consenso se a realização de gastrectomia paliativa em comparação à derivação gástrica traz benefícios em termos de sobrevida. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a sobrevida global de pacientes com câncer gástrico obstrutivo distal submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico paliativo, empregando a análise com pareamento por escore de propensão. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados retrospectivamente pacientes submetidos à cirurgia paliativa de derivação (gastrojejunostomia ou partição) e ressecção entre os anos de 2009 e 2023. Variáveis clínico-patológicas iniciais e pós-operatórias foram coletadas. RESULTADOS: Foram inicialmente incluídos 150 pacientes. O grupo derivado (n=91) apresentou mais doença localmente invasiva (p<0,01), maior garu de obstrução (p<0,01) e pior status clínico (p<0,01), enquanto os gastrectomizados (n=59) mais metástase à distância (p<0,01). Após o pareamento, restaram 35 pacientes em cada grupo. Não houve diferença na incidência de complicações pós-operatórias, mas o grupo derivado apresentou maior mortalidade em 90 dias (p<0,01). A sobrevida global foi de 16,9 e 4,5 meses para o grupo ressecado e derivado, respectivamente (p<0,01). Após análise multivariada, hipoalbuminemia (HR=2,02; IC95% 1,17-3,48; p=0,01), ausência de quimioterapia adjuvante (HR=5,97; IC95% 3,03-11,7; p<0,01) e bypass gástrico (HR =3,28; IC95% 1,8-5,95; p<0,01) foram associados a pior sobrevida. CONCLUSÕES: A gastrectomia paliativa esteve associada a maior sobrevida e menor morbidade pós-operatória quando comparada à derivação gástrica. Isto pode se dever a um melhor controle local da doença, com menores riscos de complicações e melhor efetividade da quimioterapia.

Tumor markers expression levels in gastric cancer patient's peripheral blood by rt-pcr assessment / Avaliação por rt-pcr de expressão de marcadores tumorais em sangue periférico de pacientes com câncer gástrico

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hematological recurrence is the second most frequent cause of failure in the treatment of gastric cancer. The detection of circulating tumor markers in peripheral blood by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method may be a useful tool to predict recurrence and determine the patient's prognosis. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the association between the tumor markers level in peripheral blood and its impact on patient survival. AIMS: To evaluate the expression of the circulating tumor markers CK20 and MUC1 in peripheral blood samples from patients with gastric cancer by qRT-PCR, and to verify the association of their expression levels with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively included in this study. CK20 and MUC1 expression levels were analyzed from peripheral blood by the qRT-PCR technique. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) association between CK20 expression levels and clinical, pathological, and surgical features. Higher MUC1 expression levels were associated with female patients (p=0.01). There was a correlation between both gene levels (R=0.81, p<0.001), and CK20 level and tumor size (R=0.39, p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: CK20 and MUC1 expression levels could be assessed by qRT-PCR from total peripheral blood samples of patients with gastric cancer. CK20 levels were correlated to MUC1 levels as well as to tumor size. There was no difference in disease-free survival and overall survival regarding both genetic markers expression in this series.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A recorrência hematológica é a segunda causa mais frequente de falha no tratamento do câncer gástrico. A detecção de marcadores tumorais circulantes no sangue periférico, pelo método de reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa quantitativa (qRT-PCR) pode ser uma ferramenta útil para prever a recorrência e determinar o prognóstico do paciente. No entanto, ainda não foi alcançado consenso em relação à associação entre o nível de marcadores tumorais circulantes no sangue periférico e seu impacto na sobrevida do paciente. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a expressão de CK20 e MUC1 em amostras de sangue periférico de pacientes com câncer gástrico por meio de qRT-PCR e verificar a associação dos níveis de expressão com características clinicopatológicas e sobrevida. MÉTODOS: Trinta e um pacientes com adenocarcinoma gástrico foram incluídos, prospectivamente. Os níveis de expressão de CK20 e MUC1 foram analisados a partir de sangue periférico por meio de qRT-PCR. RESULTADOS: Não houve associação estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05) entre os níveis de expressão de CK20 com características clínicas, patológicas e cirúrgicas. Níveis mais elevados de expressão de MUC1 estavam associados a pacientes do sexo feminino (p=0,01). Houve correlação entre os níveis de ambos os genes (R=0,81, p<0,001), nível de CK20 e tamanho do tumor (R=0,39, p=0,034). CONCLUSÕES: Os níveis de CK20 e MUC1 podem ser avaliados por qRT-PCR a partir de amostras de sangue periférico total de pacientes com câncer gástrico, os níveis de CK20 estavam correlacionados com os de MUC1, assim como tamanho do tumor. Não houve diferença de sobrevida global ou livre de doença em relação à expressão de ambos marcadores genéticos nesta série.

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment

Abstract Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

Preoperative chemotherapy versus upfront surgery for advanced gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis / Quimioterapia pré-operatória versus cirurgia de princípio para câncer gástrico avançado: análise por escore de propensão

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the main curative therapeutic modality for advanced gastric cancer. Recently, the association of preoperative chemotherapy has allowed the improvement of results without increasing surgical complications. AIMS: To evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of preoperative chemotherapy in a real-world setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy was performed. Patients were divided into two groups for analysis: upfront surgery and preoperative chemotherapy. The propensity score matching analysis, including 9 variables, was applied to adjust for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Of the 536 patients included, 112 (20.9%) were referred for preoperative chemotherapy. Before the propensity score matching analysis, the groups were different in terms of age, hemoglobin level, node metastasis at clinical stage- status, and extent of gastrectomy. After the analysis, 112 patients were stratified for each group. Both were similar for all variables assigned in the score. Patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group had less advanced postoperative p staging (p=0.010), postoperative n staging (p<0.001), and pTNM stage (p<0.001). Postoperative complications, 30- and 90-days mortality were similar between both groups. Before the propensity score matching analysis, there was no difference in survival between the groups. After the analysis, patients in the preoperative chemotherapy group had better overall survival compared to upfront surgery group (p=0.012). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that American Society of Anesthesiologists III/IV category and the presence of lymph node metastasis were factors significantly associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chemotherapy was associated with increased survival in gastric cancer. There was no difference in the postoperative complication rate and mortality compared to upfront surgery.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A ressecção cirúrgica continua sendo a principal modalidade terapêutica curativa para o câncer gástrico avançado. Recentemente, a associação de quimioterapia pré-operatória tem permitido a melhora dos resultados sem aumentar as complicações cirúrgicas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os resultados cirúrgicos e oncológicos da quimioterapia pré-operatória em um cenário do mundo real. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma revisão retrospectiva de pacientes com câncer gástrico submetidos à gastrectomia. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos para análise: cirurgia inicial e quimioterapia pré-operatória. A análise por escore de propensão, incluindo 9 variáveis, foi aplicada para ajustar possíveis fatores de confusão. RESULTADOS: Dos 536 pacientes incluídos, 112 (20,9%) foram encaminhados para quimioterapia pré-operatória. Antes da análise por escore de propensão, os grupos eram diferentes em termos de idade, nível de hemoglobina, status de node metastasis at clinical stage e extensão da gastrectomia. Após a análise, 112 pacientes foram estratificados para cada grupo. Ambos foram semelhantes para todas as variáveis atribuídas no escore. O grupo da quimioterapia pré-operatória apresentou estágios postoperative p staging (p=0,010), postoperative n staging (p<0,001) e pTNM menos avançados (p<0,001). As complicações pós-operatórias e a mortalidade em 30 e 90 dias foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Antes da análise por escore de propensão, não houve diferença na sobrevida entre os dois grupos. Após a análise, o grupo da quimioterapia pré-operatória apresentou melhor sobrevida global em comparação ao grupo da cirurgia inicial (p=0,012). As análises multivariadas demostraram que a categoria American Society of Anesthesiologists III/IV e a metástase linfonodal foram fatores significativamente associados à pior sobrevida global. CONCLUSÕES: A quimioterapia pré-operatória foi associada à maior sobrevida no câncer gástrico. Não houve diferença na taxa de complicações pós-operatórias e mortalidade em comparação com a cirurgia inicial.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis: study protocol of a phase ii trial / Quimioterapia intraperitoneal para o câncer gástrico com carcinomatose peritoneal: protocolo de estudo de um ensaio de fase ii

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer is considered a fatal disease, without expectation of definitive cure. As systemic chemotherapy is not sufficient to contain the disease, a multimodal approach associating intraperitoneal chemotherapy with surgery may represent an alternative for these cases. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in stage IV gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis. METHODS: This study is a single institutional single-arm prospective clinical trial phase II (NCT05541146). Patients with the following inclusion criteria undergo implantation of a peritoneal catheter for intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma; age 18-75 years; Peritoneal carcinomatosis with peritoneal cancer index<12; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0/1; good clinical status; and lab exams within normal limits. The study protocol consists of four cycles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel associated with systemic chemotherapy. After treatment, patients with peritoneal response assessed by staging laparoscopy undergo conversion gastrectomy. RESULTS: The primary outcome is the rate of complete peritoneal response. Progression-free and overall survivals are other outcomes evaluated. The study started in July 2022, and patients will be screened for inclusion until 30 are enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Therapies for advanced gastric cancer patients have been evaluated in clinical trials but without success in patients with peritoneal metastasis. The treatment proposed in this trial can be promising, with easy catheter implantation and ambulatory intraperitoneal chemotherapy regime. Verifying the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel with systemic chemotherapy is an important progress that this study intends to investigate.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A carcinomatose peritoneal no câncer gástrico é considerada uma doença fatal, sem expectativa de cura definitiva. Como a quimioterapia sistêmica não é suficiente para conter a doença, uma abordagem multimodal associando a quimioterapia intraperitoneal à cirurgia pode representar uma alternativa para esses casos. OBJETIVOS: Investigar o papel da quimioterapia intraperitoneal em pacientes com câncer gástrico estágio IV com metástases peritoneais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico prospectivo unicêntrico, braço único, fase II (NCT05541146). Pacientes com os seguintes critérios de inclusão serão submetidos à implantação de cateter peritoneal para quimioterapia intraperitoneal: adenocarcinoma gástrico estágio IV; idade 18-75 anos; carcinomatose peritoneal com índice de câncer peritoneal<12; ECOG 0/1; bom estado clínico e exames laboratoriais dentro da normalidade. O protocolo do estudo consiste em 4 ciclos de quimioterapia intraperitoneal com Paclitaxel associado à quimioterapia sistêmica. Após o tratamento, os pacientes com resposta peritoneal avaliada por laparoscopia serão submetidos à gastrectomia de conversão. RESULTADOS: O desfecho primário é a taxa de resposta peritoneal completa. A sobrevida livre de progressão e global são outros desfechos avaliados. O estudo foi iniciado em julho de 2022 e os pacientes serão selecionados para inclusão até que 30 sejam inscritos. CONCLUSIONS: Terapias para pacientes com câncer gástrico avançado foram avaliadas em ensaios clínicos, mas sem sucesso em pacientes com metástase peritoneal. O tratamento proposto neste estudo pode ser promissor, com fácil implantação do cateter e regime de quimioterapia intraperitoneal ambulatorial. Verificar a eficácia e segurança do Paclitaxel associado à quimioterapia sistêmica é um progresso importante que o presente estudo pretende investigar.

Robotic assisted versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a retrospective study / Pancreatectomia distal robótica versus laparoscópica: um estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is associated with less blood loss and faster functional recovery. However, the benefits of robotic assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) are unknown. AIMS: To compare RDP versus LDP for surgical treatment of benign lesions, pre-malignant and borderline malignant pancreatic neoplasias. METHODS: This is a retrospective study comparing LDP with RDP. Main outcomes were overall morbidity and overall costs. Secondary outcomes were pancreatic fistula (PF), infectious complications, readmission, operative time (OT) and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: Thirty patients submitted to LDP and 29 submitted to RDP were included in the study. There was no difference regarding preoperative characteristics. There was no difference regarding overall complications (RDP - 72,4% versus LDP - 80%, p=0,49). Costs were superior for patients submitted to RDP (RDP=US$ 6,688 versus LDP=US$ 6,149, p=0,02), mostly due to higher costs of surgical materials (RDP=US$ 2,364 versus LDP=1,421, p=0,00005). Twenty-one patients submitted to RDP and 24 to LDP developed pancreatic fistula (PF), but only 4 RDP and 7 LDP experienced infectious complications associated with PF. OT (RDP=224 min. versus LDP=213 min., p=0.36) was similar, as well as conversion to open procedure (1 RDP and 2 LDP). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative morbidity of robotic distal pancreatectomy is comparable to laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. However, the costs of robotic distal pancreatectomy are slightly higher.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A pancreatectomia distal minimamente invasiva (PDMI) está associada a menos perda sanguínea e recuperação funcional mais rápida, no entanto, os benefícios da pancreatectomia distal robótica (PDR) são desconhecidos quando comparada a pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica (PDL). OBJETIVOS: Comparar PDR versus PDL no tratamento cirúrgico de lesões benignas, neoplasias pancreáticas malignas, pré-malignas e limítrofes. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo comparando PDL com PDR. Os desfechos primários avaliados foram morbidade e custos hospitalares. Os desfechos secundários foram fístula pancreática (FP), complicações infecciosas, readmissão, tempo cirúrgico e tempo de internação hospitalar (TIH). RESULTADOS: Trinta pacientes submetidos a PDL e 29 submetidos a PDR foram incluídos no estudo. Não houve diferença em relação às características pré-operatórias. Não houve diferença em relação às complicações gerais (PDL - 72,4% versus PRD - 80%, p=0,49). Os custos foram superiores para PDR (PDR=US$ 6688 versus PDL=US$ 6149, p=0,02), principalmente devido aos custos mais elevados de materiais cirúrgicos (PDR=US$ 2364 versus PDL=1421, p=0,00005). Vinte e um pacientes submetidos a PDR e 24 submetidos a PDL desenvolveram fístula pancreática (PF), no entanto, apenas 4 submetidos PDR e 7 a PDL apresentaram complicações infecciosas associadas a FP. O tempo cirúrgico (PDR=224 min. versus PDL=213 min., p=0,36) e a conversão para cirurgia aberta (1 PDR e 2 PDL) não tiveram diferença estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A morbidade pós operatória da pancreatectomia distal robótica é comparável à pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica. Entretando, os custos da pancreatectomia distal robótica são mais elevados.