Clinical Application of Liquid Biopsy in Pancreatic Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma contributes significantly to global cancer-related deaths, featuring only a 10% survival rate over five years. The quest for novel tumor markers is critical to facilitate early diagnosis and tailor treatment strategies for this disease, which is key to improving patient outcomes. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, these markers have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in early identification, continuous monitoring, and prediction of its prognosis and have led to better patient outcomes. Nowadays, biopsy specimens serve to ascertain diagnosis and determine tumor type. However, liquid biopsies present distinct advantages over conventional biopsy techniques. They offer a noninvasive, easily administered procedure, delivering insights into the tumor's status and facilitating real-time monitoring. Liquid biopsies encompass a variety of elements, such as circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, extracellular vesicles, microRNAs, circulating RNA, tumor platelets, and tumor endothelial cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the clinical applications of liquid biopsy as a technique in the management of pancreatic cancer.

Time Interval Between the End of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Elective Resection of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in the CRONOS Study.

Importance: The treatment for extraperitoneal locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Robust evidence on the optimal time interval between NAT completion and surgery is lacking. Objective: To assess the association of time interval between NAT completion and TME with short- and long-term outcomes. It was hypothesized that longer intervals increase the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate without increasing perioperative morbidity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included patients with LARC from 6 referral centers who completed NAT and underwent TME between January 2005 and December 2020. The cohort was divided into 3 groups depending on the time interval between NAT completion and surgery: short (≤8 weeks), intermediate (>8 and ≤12 weeks), and long (>12 weeks). The median follow-up duration was 33 months. Data analyses were conducted from May 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The inverse probability of treatment weighting method was used to homogenize the analysis groups. Exposure: Long-course chemoradiotherapy or short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery. Main outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was pCR. Other histopathologic results, perioperative events, and survival outcomes constituted the secondary outcomes. Results: Among the 1506 patients, 908 were male (60.3%), and the median (IQR) age was 68.8 (59.4-76.5) years. The short-, intermediate-, and long-interval groups included 511 patients (33.9%), 797 patients (52.9%), and 198 patients (13.1%), respectively. The overall pCR was 17.2% (259 of 1506 patients; 95% CI, 15.4%-19.2%). When compared with the intermediate-interval group, no association was observed between time intervals and pCR in short-interval (odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-1.01) and long-interval (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.73-1.61) groups. The long-interval group was significantly associated with lower risk of bad response (tumor regression grade [TRG] 2-3; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.91), systemic recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96), higher conversion risk (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.62-6.07), minor postoperative complications (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04-1.97), and incomplete mesorectum (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.02-3.50) when compared with the intermediate-interval group. Conclusions and Relevance: Time intervals longer than 12 weeks were associated with improved TRG and systemic recurrence but may increase surgical complexity and minor morbidity.

Cost-Effectiveness of Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Surgery for Different Surgical Procedures: Protocol for a Prospective, Multicentric Study (ROBOCOSTES).

Background: The studies which address the impact of costs of robotic vs. laparoscopic approach on quality of life (cost-effectiveness studies) are scares in general surgery. Methods: The Spanish national study on cost-effectiveness differences among robotic and laparoscopic surgery (ROBOCOSTES) is designed as a prospective, multicentre, national, observational study. The aim is to determine in which procedures robotic surgery is more cost-effective than laparoscopic surgery. Several surgical operations and patient populations will be evaluated (distal pancreatectomy, gastrectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, inguinal hernioplasty, rectal resection for cancer, Heller cardiomiotomy and Nissen procedure). Discussion: The results of this study will demonstrate which treatment (laparoscopic or robotic) and in which population is more cost-effective. This study will also assess the impact of previous surgical experience on main outcomes.

Evaluando la experiencia local: primeros 50 casos de reparo endovascular de aneurismas aórticos en Manizales, Colombia / Local experience evaluation: first 50 cases of endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms in Manizales, Colombia

Introducción. En las últimas décadas, la terapia endovascular en aneurismas aórticos abdominales ha ganado un papel representativo en los escenarios quirúrgicos, lo que nos motivó a conocer los resultados de este procedimiento en nuestra población. Métodos. Estudio analítico retrospectivo en el cual se incluyeron los primeros 50 casos de aneurismas aórticos abdominales con terapia endovascular, en la ciudad de Manizales, Colombia, entre los años 2015 y 2021. Se describió la población estudiada, la relación de los antecedentes prequirúrgicos con las complicaciones posoperatorias, la estancia hospitalaria y la mortalidad. Resultados.La edad promedio fue de 73 años, el sexo predominante fue el femenino (72 %), el aneurisma fusiforme fue el tipo más frecuente (63,3 %), con un diámetro promedio de 70 mm (+/- 17,3 mm). En relación con los antecedentes, el más frecuente fue hipertensión arterial (86 %), encontrándose una asociación entre la presencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica e hipertensión arterial con las complicaciones. Se encontró también relación entre el valor de creatinina con las complicaciones. Las complicaciones tempranas fueron de carácter leve en la mayoría de los casos (30,6 %), a diferencia de las tardías, que fueron principalmente graves (12,5 %), asociadas a una mortalidad del 10,2 % y una estancia hospitalaria promedio de 10,8 días (mediana de 5 días). Conclusiones. La población analizada tiene una alta carga de morbilidad, en la cual factores como los antecedentes médicos prequirúrgicos y la función renal, se asocian con una mayor morbilidad postquirúrgica y mortalidad.

Introduction. In recent decades, endovascular therapy in abdominal aortic aneurysms has gained a representative role in surgical scenarios, which motivated us to learn about the results of this procedure in our population. Methods. Retrospective analytical study, which included the first 50 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms with endovascular therapy, in the city of Manizales, Colombia, between 2015 and 2021. The study population was described as the relationship between pre-surgical history and post-operative complications, hospital stay and mortality. Results. The average age was 73 years, the predominant sex was female (72%), the fusiform aneurysm was the most frequent type (63.3%), with an average diameter of 70 mm (± 17.3 mm). In relation to history, the most frequent was arterial hypertension (86%), finding an association between the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arterial hypertension with complications. A relationship was also found between the creatinine value and complications. Early complications were mild in most cases (30.6%), unlike late complications, which were mainly serious (12.5%), associated with a mortality of 10.2% and a hospital stay average of 10.8 days (median of 5 days). Conclusions. The analyzed population has a high burden of morbidity, in which factors such as pre-surgical medical history and renal function are associated with greater post-surgical morbidity and mortality.

Rehabilitación temprana de fracturas de radio distal con ortesis robóticas. Reporte de Casos / Early rehabilitation of distal radius fractures with robotic orthosis. Case Report

Introducción Los exoesqueletos robóticos son una nueva alternativa para complementar los procesos de rehabilitación funcional de la muñeca, facilitando la terapia de movilización pasiva temprana posterior a eventos traumáticos locales, con el propósito de mantener o restaurar el arco articular mientras cicatrizan los tejidos o consolidan las fracturas. El objetivo del estudio es presentar los resultados de la terapia de movilización temprana de forma pasiva mediante ortesis robóticas de muñeca. Materiales y Métodos Se seleccionaron cuatro pacientes con fracturas de radio distal, quienes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente con reducción abierta de la fractura más osteosíntesis con sistema de placa de bloqueo volar, fisioterapia convencional y movilización temprana con la órtesis robótica PRO-Wix; además, se hizo seguimiento clínico de la funcionalidad (escala DASH), del dolor (escala EVA), de los arcos de movilidad articular (goniómetro), de la adherencia y los potenciales eventos adversos. Resultados todos los pacientes se reintegraron a sus actividades de la vida diaria luego de tres semanas de rehabilitación, se registró recuperación del arco de movilidad articular, disminución de la intensidad del dolor, recuperación funcional, adecuada adherencia y no se presentaron eventos adversos. Discusión conservar al máximo la anatomía articular en la intervención quirúrgica especializada es la base para iniciar la rehabilitación temprana, y permitirá que el paciente tolere la movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas.

Background Robotic exoskeletons are a new alternative to complement the functional rehabilitation processes of the wrist, facilitating early passive mobilization therapy after local traumatic events, with the purpose of maintaining or restoring joint range of motion while the tissues heal. The aim of the study is to present the results of early mobilization therapy in a passive robotic wrist orthosis. Methods Four patients with distal radius fractures were selected, treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture with volar plate locking system. Conventional physiotherapy and early mobilization with the PRO-Wix robotic orthosis was performed. Clinical monitoring of functionality (DASH scale), pain (VAS scale), joint mobility arches (goniometer), adherence and potential adverse events were carried out. Results all patients returned to their daily living activities after three weeks of rehabilitation. Recovery of normal wrist joint range of motion was achieved; decreased in pain intensity, functional recovery, adequate adherence to rehabilitation protocol and adverse events were also recorded. Discussion preserving the joint anatomy as much as possible in specialized surgical intervention is the basis for starting early rehabilitation, and allowing the patient to tolerate passive mobilization with robotic orthoses. Further studies including a wide number of patients have to be conducted.

Rehabilitación robótica en espasticidad de mano y muñeca / Robotic rehabilitation in hand and wrist spasticity

Introducción. El presente estudio es una serie de casos clínicos que describe los resultados en el tratamiento de la espasticidad de mano y muñeca mediante órtesis robóticas realizado por el grupo de investigación F-Ciber-Rehabilitación en Manizales (Colombia). Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron cinco (5) pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca secundaria a lesión de neurona motora superior de diferente etiología, a quienes se les practicó terapia física y movilización pasiva con la órtesis robótica PRO-DWix®. Resultados. Los pacientes presentaron mejoría de la espasticidad según la escala Ashworth Modificada, disminución de la intensidad del dolor según la escala EVA y recuperación gradual del arco de movilidad articular según goniometría; además, luego de tres meses de rehabilitación robótica presentaron beneficios en su calidad de vida. Discusión. Se requieren ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para determinar las ventajas de la terapia física convencional complementada con terapia robótica, frente a la sola terapia convencional. Conclusiones. La movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas en pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca por lesiones de neurona motora superior, favorece la modulación de la espasticidad, la disminución del dolor, la recuperación del arco de movilidad articular y la calidad de vida. Nivel de evidencia. El propósito del estudio es generar evidencia clínica de nivel III respecto de las ventajas de la movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas en la rehabilitación de pacientes con espasticidad de mano y muñeca

Introduction. The present study is a clinical case series describing the results in the treatment of hand and wrist spasticity by means of robotic orthoses carried out by the F-Ciber-Rehabilitation research group in Manizales (Colombia). Materials and methods. Five (5) patients with hand and wrist spasticity secondary to upper motor neuron lesion of different etiology were selected and underwent physical therapy and passive mobilization with the PRO-DWix® robotic orthosis. Results. The patients presented improvement of spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth scale, decrease of pain intensity according to the VAS scale and gradual recovery of joint mobility arc according to goniometry; furthermore, after three months of robotic rehabilitation they presented benefits in their quality of life. Discussion. Randomized clinical trials are required to determine the advantages of conventional physical therapy supplemented with robotic therapy, versus conventional therapy alone. Conclusions. Passive mobilization with robotic orthoses in patients with hand and wrist spasticity due to upper motor neuron lesions favors spasticity modulation, pain reduction, recovery of joint range of motion, and quality of life. Level of evidence. The purpose of the study is to generate level III clinical evidence regarding the advantages of passive mobilization with robotic orthoses in the rehabilitation of patients with hand and wrist spasticity.

Rehabilitación de fracturas de mano con ortesis robóticas / Rehabilitation of hand fractures with robotic orthoses

Introducción: el presente estudio corresponde a una serie de casos clínicos que describe los resultados del tratamiento de fracturas de mano realizado por el grupo de investigación F- CIBER-HAND en Manizales, Colombia; este tratamiento integra el manejo quirúrgico de la fractura, la rehabilitación convencional y la rehabilitación con ortesis robóticas. Objetivo: generar evidencia clínica (nivel III) de que el manejo interdisciplinario especializado y el uso de ortesis robóticas disminuye la rigidez articular en los pacientes post-quirúrgicos de fracturas de la mano. Materiales y métodos: se seleccionaron 10 pacientes con fracturas de mano que presentaron signos clínicos de rigidez articular después de dos semanas del post operatorio, se les practicó terapia física y movilización pasiva con la ortesis robótica PRO-Dix. Resultados: todos los pacientes tuvieron mejoría funcional de la mano según escala DASH, disminución de la intensidad del dolor según escala visual análoga del dolor y recuperación del arco de movilidad articular según goniometría; además, retornaron a las actividades de la vida diaria que realizaban previas a la fractura. Discusión: se requieren ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para determinar las ventajas del protocolo de rehabilitación que incluye ortesis robótica versus la terapia convencional exclusivamente. Conclusiones: la movilización pasiva con ortesis robóticas complementa de forma eficaz la terapia física en pacientes post-quirúrgicos de fracturas de la mano, lo que favorece la recuperación de los arcos de movilidad articular y disminuye la rigidez articular.

Introduction: the present study corresponds to a series of clinical cases describing the results of the treatment of hand fractures carried out by the F- CIBER-HAND research group in Manizales, Colombia; this treatment integrates surgical management of the fracture, conventional rehabilitation and rehabilitation with robotic orthoses. Objective: to generate clinical evidence (level III) that specialized interdisciplinary management and the use of robotic orthoses reduces joint stiffness in post-surgical patients with hand fractures. Materials and methods: 10 patients with hand fractures who presented clinical signs of joint stiffness two weeks after surgery were selected and underwent physical therapy and passive mobilization with the PRO-Dix robotic orthosis. Results: all patients had functional improvement of the hand according to the DASH scale, reduction of pain intensity according to the visual analog pain scale and recovery of joint mobility arc according to goniometry; they also returned to their pre-fracture activities of daily living. Discussion: randomized clinical trials are required to determine the advantages of the rehabilitation protocol that includes robotic orthosis versus conventional therapy alone. Conclusions: passive mobilization with robotic orthoses effectively complements physical therapy in post-surgical patients with hand fractures, which favors the recovery of joint mobility arcs and reduces joint stiffness.

Rehabilitación de fracturas del radio distal con órtesis robóticas / Rehabilitation of distal radius fractures with robotic orthoses

Introducción. El presente estudio es una serie de casos clínicos que describe los resultados de un tratamiento de fracturas del radio distal realizado en Manizales, Colombia, por el grupo de investigación F-CIBER-HAND y que integra el manejo quirúrgico de la fractura, la rehabilitación convencional y la rehabilitación con órtesis robóticas. Objetivo. Generar evidencia clínica (nivel III) sobre las ventajas de la movilización pasiva temprana con órtesis robóticas en la rehabilitación de pacientes posquirúrgicos de fracturas del radio distal. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron 10 pacientes con fracturas del radio distal que presen- taron limitación funcional de la muñeca después de dos semanas del posoperatorio; a los sujetos se les practicó terapia física y movilización pasiva con órtesis robótica PRO-Wix. Resultados. Los pacientes presentaron mejoría funcional de la muñeca según el cuestionario Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, disminución de la intensidad del dolor según la escala visual analógica y recuperación del arco de movilidad articular según goniometría. Además, luego de tres semanas de rehabilitación retornaron a las actividades que realizaban antes de la fractura. Discusión. Es necesario realizar nuevos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para poder determinar las ventajas de la movilización temprana con órtesis robóticas frente a la implementación exclusiva de la terapia convencional. Conclusiones. La movilización pasiva con órtesis robóticas complementa eficazmente la terapia física en pacientes posquirúrgicos de fracturas del radio distal y favorece la disminución del dolor, la recuperación del arco de movilidad articular y la funcionalidad.

Introduction. The present study is a clinical case series describing the results of a distal radius fracture treatment performed in Manizales, Colombia, by the F-CIBER-HAND research group and integrating surgical fracture management, conventional rehabilitation and rehabilitation with robotic orthoses. Objective. To generate clinical evidence (level III) on the advantages of early passive mobilization with robotic orthoses in the rehabilitation of post-surgical patients with fractures of the distal radius. Materials and Methods. Ten patients with fractures of the distal radius who presented functional limitation of the wrist two weeks postoperatively were selected; the subjects underwent physical therapy and passive mobilization with PRO-Wix robotic orthoses. Results. The patients presented functional improvement of the wrist according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score questionnaire, decrease of pain intensity according to the visual analog scale and recovery of joint mobility arc according to goniometry. In addition, after three weeks of rehabilitation they returned to the activities they performed before the fracture. Discussion. Further randomized clinical trials are needed in order to determine the advantages of early mobilization with robotic orthoses versus the exclusive implementation of conventional therapy. Conclusions. Passive mobilization with robotic orthoses effectively complements physical therapy in postsurgical patients with distal radius fractures and promotes pain reduction, recovery of joint range of motion, and function.