Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used as standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, response rates are variable and survival outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Research is focused on identifying novel methods for sensitising rectal tumours to RT to enhance responses and improve patient outcomes. This can be achieved through harnessing tumour promoting effects of radiation or preventing development of radio-resistance in cancer cells. Many of the approaches being investigated involve targeting the recently published new dimensions of cancer hallmarks. This review article will discuss key radiation and targeted therapy combination strategies being investigated in the rectal cancer setting, with a focus on exploitation of mechanisms which target the hallmarks of cancer.

Robotic-assisted surgery for left-sided colon and rectal resections is associated with reduction in the postoperative surgical stress response and improved short-term outcomes: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence that the use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in colorectal cancer resections is associated with improved short-term outcomes when compared to laparoscopic surgery (LS) or open surgery (OS), possibly through a reduced systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive SIR biomarker and its utility in the early identification of post-operative complications has been validated in a variety of surgical procedures. There remains a paucity of studies characterising post-operative SIR in RAS. METHODS: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients undergoing OS, LS and RAS for left-sided and rectal cancer in a single high-volume unit. Patient and disease characteristics, post-operative CRP levels, and clinical outcomes were reviewed, and their relationships explored within binary logistic regression and propensity scores matched models. RESULTS: A total of 1031 patients were included (483 OS, 376 LS, and 172 RAS). RAS and LS were associated with lower CRP levels across the first 4 post-operative days (p < 0.001) as well as reduced complications and length of stay compared to OS in unadjusted analyses. In binary logistic regression models, RAS was independently associated with lower CRP levels at Day 3 post-operatively (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21-0.59, p < 0.001) and a reduction in the rate of all complications (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26-0.56, p < 0.001) and major complications (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.26-0.95, p = 0.036). Within a propensity scores matched model comparing LS versus RAS specifically, RAS was associated with lower post-operative CRP levels in the first two post-operative days, a lower proportion of patients with a CRP ≥ 150 mg/L at Day 3 (20.9% versus 30.5%, p = 0.036) and a lower rate of all complications (34.7% versus 46.7%, p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The present observational study shows that an RAS approach was associated with lower postoperative SIR, and a better postoperative complications profile.

The relationship between peri-operative systemic inflammation and survival in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: An association between pre-operative markers of systemic inflammation and inferior mortality following AAA repair has been observed. The prognostic value of the post-operative inflammatory response remains unreported in patients with AAA. The present study aimed to describe the association between the peri-operative inflammatory response & mortality in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) for infrarenal AAA. MATERIALS & METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing either emergency (EVAR or OSR) or elective (OSR) intervention for infrarenal AAA were retrospectively recruited from 3 centres. Pre-operative systemic inflammation was assessed using the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS). Post-operative day 3 CRP (≤ 300mg/L, > 300mg/L) was chosen as the covariate of interest. The primary outcome was thirty-day mortality in the emergency cohort and twelve-month mortality in the elective cohort. RESULTS: There were 167 emergency cases (120 (72%) OSR) and 207 elective (207 (100%) OSR) cases, with a median (IQR) follow-up of 85 (52) months in the emergency cohort and 63 (57) months in the elective cohort. There were 56% vs. 44% of patients in the emergency cohort day 3 CRP ≤300mg/l vs. >300mg/L compared with 82% vs. 18% of patients in the elective cohort (p < 0.001). On univariate binary logistic regression analyses in the emergency cohort, open repair (p < 0.05), pre-operative mGPS 2 (p < 0.05), post-operative mesenteric ischaemia (p < 0.01), and day 3 post-operative CRP > 300mg/L (p < 0.05) were associated with increased odds of thirty-day mortality. On multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, only pre-operative mGPS 2 (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.12 - 3.98, p < 0.05) retained independent association with thirty-day mortality. In the elective cohort, mean (95% CI) survival in the day 3 CRP ≤300mg/l vs. >300mg/L was 112.0 (101.8 - 122.2) months vs. 67.2 (54.1 - 80.2) months (p < 0.001). On univariate binary logistic regression analyses in the elective cohort, age ≥ 75 (p < 0.05), ischaemic heart disease (p < 0.05), and day 3 post-operative CRP > 300mg/L (p < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of twelve-month mortality. On multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, both age ≥ 75 (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.25 - 21.30, p < 0.05) and day 3 post-operative CRP > 300mg/L (OR 15.68, 95% CI 3.61 - 68.15, p < 0.001) retained independent association with twelve-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and post-operative markers of systemic inflammation were independently associated with inferior survival following emergency and elective repair of AAA respectively. Further investigation of the peri-operative systemic inflammatory response is warranted in this patient group, with a particular focus on identifying targets for intervention.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, computed tomography-derived body composition, systemic inflammation and survival after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPEX) is selectively used before intervention for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Sarcopenia, a chronic condition defined by reduced skeletal muscle function and volume, can be assessed radiologically by computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition analysis (CT-BC), and is associated with systemic inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to describe the association between CT-BC, CPEX, inflammation and survival in patients undergoing elective intervention for AAA. SETTING: Patients were recruited retrospectively from a single, secondary-care centre-operative database. Cases undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) between 31 March 2015 and 25 June 2020 were included. PATIENTS: There were 176 patients (130 EVAR, 46 OSR) available for analysis in the final study; median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up was 60.5 [27] months, and all completed a minimum of 2 years follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative CPEX tests were recorded. CT sarcopenia score [CT-SS, range 0 to 2, calculated based on normal/low SMI (0/1) and normal/low SMD (0/1)] assessed radiological sarcopenia. Preoperative modified Glasgow Prognostic score (mGPS) was used to assess systemic inflammation. RESULTS: Mean [95% confidence interval (CI) survival in the CT-SS 0 vs. CT-SS 1 vs. CT-SS 2 subgroups was 80.1 (73.6 to 86.6) months vs. 70.3 (63.5 to 77.1) months vs. 63.8 (53.4 to 74.2) months] ( P  = 0.01). CT-SS was not associated with CPEX results ( P  > 0.05). Elevated CT-SS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.89, P  < 0.01] was independently associated with increased hazard of long-term mortality; however, CPEX results were not ( P  > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CPEX test results were not consistently associated with body composition and did not have significant prognostic value in patients undergoing elective treatment for AAA.

A systematic review of the role of systemic inflammation-based prognostic scores in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Activation of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is associated with inferior outcomes across a spectrum of disease. Routinely available measures of the SIR (neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet:lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory grade (SIG)) have been shown to provide prognostic value in patients undergoing surgical intervention. The present study aimed to review the literature describing the prognostic association of NLR, PLR, SII and SIG in patients undergoing intervention for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: This PRISMA guidelines were followed. The MEDLINE database was interrogated for relevant studies investigating the effect of peri-operative systemic inflammation-based prognostic systems on all-cause mortality in patients undergoing OSR and EVAR for AAA. Inter-study heterogeneity precluded meaningful meta-analysis; qualitative analysis was instead performed. RESULTS: There were 9 studies included in the final review reporting outcomes on a total of 4571 patients; 1256 (27 %) patients underwent OSR, and 3315 (73 %) patients underwent EVAR. 4356 (95 %) patients underwent a procedure for unruptured AAA, 215 (5 %) patients underwent an emergency procedure for ruptured AAA0.5 studies reported early (inpatient or 30-day) mortality; 2 of these found that elevated NLR predicted inferior survival, however PLR did not provide prognostic value. 6 studies reported long-term mortality; elevated NLR (5 studies), PLR (1 study), and SIG (1 study) predicted inferior survival. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that activation of the SIR is associated with inferior prognosis in patients undergoing intervention for AAA, however the evidence is limited by heterogenous methodology and lack of consensus regarding optimal cutoff. PROSPERO DATABASE REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022363765.

A systematic review of the neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios in patients with lower extremity arterial disease.

Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial supply to the lower limbs. The neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR) are established markers of systemic inflammation which are related to inferior outcomes in multiple clinical conditions, though remain poorly described in patients with LEAD. This review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE database was interrogated for relevant studies. Primary outcome was the prognostic effect of NLR and PLR on clinical outcomes following treatment, and secondary outcomes were the prognostic effect of NLR and PLR on disease severity and technical success following revascularisation. There were 34 studies included in the final review reporting outcomes on a total of 19870 patients. NLR was investigated in 21 studies, PLR was investigated in two studies, and both NLR & PLR were investigated in 11 studies. Relating to increased levels of systemic inflammation, 20 studies (100%) reported inferior clinical outcomes, 13 (92.9%) studies reported increased disease severity, and seven (87.5%) studies reported inferior technical results from revascularisation. The studies included in this review support the role of elevated NLR and PLR as key components influencing the clinical outcomes, severity, and success of treatment in patients with LEAD. The use of these easily accessible, cost effective and routinely available markers is supported by the present review.

Adverse Tumour and Host Biology May Explain the Poorer Outcomes Seen in Emergency Presentations of Colon Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between tumor/host factors (including the systemic inflammatory response), mode of presentation, and short/long-term outcomes in patients undergoing curative resectional surgery for TNM I to III colon cancer. BACKGROUND: Emergency presentations of colon cancer are associated with worse long-term outcomes than elective presentations despite adjustment for TNM stage. A number of differences in tumor and host factors have been identified between elective and emergency presentations and it may be these factors that are associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing curative surgery for TNM I to III colon cancer in the West of Scotland from 2011 to 2014 were identified. Tumor/host factors independently associated with the emergency presentation were identified and entered into a subsequent survival model to determine those that were independently associated with overall survival/cancer-specific survival (OS/CSS). RESULTS: A total of 2705 patients were identified. The emergency presentation was associated with a worse 3-year OS and CSS compared with elective presentations (70% vs 86% and 91% vs 75%). T stage, age, systemic inflammatory grade, anemia (all P < 0.001), N stage ( P = 0.077), extramural venous invasion ( P = 0.003), body mass index ( P = 0.001), and American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification classification ( P = 0.021) were independently associated with emergency presentation. Of these, body mass index [hazard ratio (HR), 0.82], American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (HR, 1.45), anemia (HR, 1.29), systemic inflammatory grade (HR. 1.11), T stage (HR, 1.57), N stage (HR, 1.80), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.47) were independently associated with OS. Similar results were observed for CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Within patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer, the emergency presentation was not independently associated with worse OS/CSS. Rather, a combination of tumor and host factors account for the worse outcomes observed.

The prognostic value of preoperative systemic inflammation-based scoring in patients undergoing endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common condition that is predominantly managed in the United Kingdom by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Activation of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) appears to offer prognostic value in patients with vascular disease. The present study examines the relationship between the SIR and survival in patients undergoing standard and complex endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR and fenestrated/branched [F/B]-EVAR). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing elective EVAR and F/B-EVAR were retrospectively identified from three tertiary vascular centers over a 5-year period. Neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score were calculated from preoperative blood results and combined into the systemic inflammatory grade (SIG). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during the follow-up period, which was compared between subgroups of SIGs. RESULTS: There were 506 patients included in the final study, with a median follow-up of 68.0 months (interquartile range, 27.3 months), and there were 163 deaths during the follow-up period. Mean survival in the SIG 0 vs SIG 1 vs SIG 2 vs SIG 3 vs SIG 4 subgroups was 80.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.5-85.0 months) vs 78.7 months (95% CI, 72.7-84.7 months) vs 61.0 months (95% CI, 51.1-70.8 months) vs 65.1 months (95% CI, 45.0-85.2 months) vs 54.9 months (95% CI, 34.4-75.3 months) (P < .05). In the entire cohort, age (P < .001), body mass index (P < .05), high creatinine (P < .05), and SIG (P < .05) were associated with survival on univariate analysis, with retained independent association for age (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.29-2.31; P < .001) and SIG (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40; P < .05) on multivariate analysis. Increasing SIG (area under the curve, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.58-0.78; P < .01) predicted 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Markers of the SIR such the SIG may be used to identify patients at higher risk of adverse outcome in patients undergoing EVAR and F/B-EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysms. These findings warrant further investigation in large prospective cohort studies.

The relationship between computed tomography-derived body composition, systemic inflammation, and survival in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: Patient selection and risk stratification for elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), either by open surgical repair or by endovascular aneurysm repair, remain challenging. Computed tomography (CT)-derived body composition analysis (CT-BC) and systemic inflammation-based scoring systems such as the systemic inflammatory grade (SIG) appear to offer prognostic value in patients with AAA undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair. The relationship between CT-BC, systemic inflammation, and prognosis has been explored in patients with cancer, but data in noncancer populations are lacking. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between CT-BC, SIG, and survival in patients undergoing elective intervention for AAA. METHODS: A total of 611 consecutive patients who underwent elective intervention for AAA at three large tertiary referral centers were retrospectively recruited for inclusion into the study. CT-BC was performed and analyzed using the CT-derived sarcopenia score (CT-SS). Subcutaneous and visceral fat indices were also recorded. SIG was calculated from preoperative blood tests. The outcomes of interest were overall and 5-year mortality. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) follow-up was 67.0 (32) months, and there were 194 (32%) deaths during the follow-up period. There were 122 (20%) open surgical repair cases, 558 (91%) patients were male, and the median (interquartile range) age was 73.0 (11.0) years. Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-2.14, P < .001), elevated CT-SS (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.28-1.94, P < .001), and elevated SIG (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07-1.55, P < .01) were independently associated with increased hazard of mortality. Mean (95% CI) survival in the CT-SS 0 and SIG 0 subgroup was 92.6 (84.8-100.4) months compared with 44.9 (30.6-59.2) months in the CT-SS 2 and SIG ≥2 subgroup (P < .001). Patients with CT-SS 0 and SIG 0 had 90% (standard error: 4%) 5-year survival compared with 34% (standard error: 9%) in patients with CT-SS 2 and SIG ≥2 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Combining measures of radiological sarcopenia and the systemic inflammatory response offers prognostic value in patients undergoing elective intervention for AAA and may contribute to future clinical risk predication strategies.

The neoadjuvant rectal score and a novel magnetic resonance imaging based neoadjuvant rectal score are stage independent predictors of long-term outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer.

AIM: Neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score is an early surrogate for longer-term outcomes in rectal cancer undergoing radiotherapy and resection. In an era of increasing organ preservation, resection specimens are not always available to calculate the NAR score. Post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) re-staging of regression is subjective, limiting reproducibility. We explored the potential for a novel MRI-based NAR score (mrNAR) adapted from the NAR formula. METHODS: Locally advanced rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (nCRT) and surgery were retrospectively identified between 2008 and 2020 in a single cancer network. mrNAR was calculated by adapting the NAR formula, replacing pathological (p) stages with post-nCRT MR stages (ymr). Cox regression assessed relationships between clinicopathological characteristics, NAR and mrNAR with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: In total, 381 NAR and 177 mrNAR scores were calculated. On univariate analysis NAR related to OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-3.14, p = 0.001) and RFS (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.77-3.59, p = 0.001). NAR 3-year OS <8 was 95.3%, 8-16 was 88.6% and >16 was 80%. mrNAR related to OS (HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.38-6.34, p = 0.005) and RFS (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.49-6.00, p = 0.002). 3-year OS for mrNAR <8 was 96.2%, 8-16 was 92.4% and >16 was 78%. On multivariate analysis, mrNAR was a stage-independent predictor of OS and RFS. mrNAR corresponded to NAR score category in only 15% (positive predictive value 0.23) and 47.5% (positive predictive value 0.48) of cases for categories <8 and >16, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant rectal score is validated as a surrogate end-point for long-term outcomes. mrNAR categories do not correlate with NAR but have stage-independent prognostic value. mrNAR may represent a novel surrogate end-point for future neoadjuvant treatments that focus on organ preservation.

The Relationship between Clinical Frailty Score, CT-Derived Body Composition, Systemic Inflammation, and Survival in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a chronic condition with complex etiology and impaired functional performance that has been associated with altered body composition and chronic inflammation. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) carries significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with poor quality of life. The present study aims to examine these relationships and their prognostic value in patients with CLTI. METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting as unscheduled admissions to a single tertiary center with CLTI were included over a 12-month period. Frailty was diagnosed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Body composition was assessed using computerised tomography (CT) at the L3 vertebral level (CT-BC) to generate visceral and subcutaneous fat indices, skeletal muscle index, and skeletal muscle density. Skeletal muscle index and skeletal muscle density were combined to form the CT-sarcopenia score (CT-SS). Systemic inflammation was assessed by the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS). The primary outcome was overall mortality. RESULTS: There were 190 patients included with a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 22 (6) months (range 15-32 months) and 79 deaths during the follow-up period. One hundred patients (53%) had a CFS >4. CFS >4 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-3.66, P < 0.01), CT-SS (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.09, P < 0.05), and mGPS (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.11-2.13, P < 0.01) were independently associated with increased mortality. CT-SS (odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.09-3.24, P < 0.01) was independently associated with CFS >4. Patients with CT-SS 0 and CFS ≤4 had 90% (standard error [SE] 5%) 1-year survival, compared with 35% (SE 9%) in patients with CT-SS 2 and CFS >4 (P < 0.001). Patients with mGPS 0 and CFS ≤4 had 94% (SE 4%) 1-year survival compared with 44% (SE 6%) in the mGPS 2 and CFS >4 subgroup (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty assessed by CFS was associated with CT-BC. CFS, CT-SS, and mGPS were associated with poorer survival in patients presenting as unscheduled admissions with CLTI. CT-SS and mGPS may contribute to part of frailty and prognostic assessment in this patient cohort.

Survival After Induction Chemotherapy and Chemoradiation Versus Chemoradiation and Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) improves tumor response in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients compared to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy alone. The effect of TNT on patient survival has not been fully investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of patients with LARC at a comprehensive cancer center. Three hundred and eleven patients received chemoradiotherapy (chemoRT) as the sole neoadjuvant treatment and planned adjuvant chemotherapy, and 313 received TNT (induction fluorouracil and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting). These patients then underwent total mesorectal excision or were entered in a watch-and-wait protocol. The proportion of patients with complete response (CR) after neoadjuvant therapy (defined as pathological CR or clinical CR sustained for 2 years) was compared by the χ2 test. Disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. Cox regression models were used to further evaluate DFS. RESULTS: The rate of CR was 20% for chemoRT and 27% for TNT (P=.05). DFS, local recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were no different. Disease-free survival was not associated with the type of neoadjuvant treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.80; P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Although TNT does not prolong survival than neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus intended postoperative chemotherapy, the higher response rate associated with TNT may create opportunities to preserve the rectum in more patients with LARC.

The role of faecal calprotectin in diagnosis and staging of colorectal neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of inflammation is a key hallmark of cancer and, plays an important role in disease progression and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). Calprotectin detected in the faeces is a sensitive measure of colonic inflammation. The role of FC as a diagnostic test that may categorise patients by risk of neoplasia is poorly defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to characterise the relationship between elevations of FC and colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the keywords (MESH terms) and a statistical and meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 35 studies are included in this review. CRC patients are more likely than controls to have an elevated FC OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.12-8.62, p < 0.001 with a heterogeneity (I2 = 27%). No tumour characteristics significantly correlated with FC, only stage of CRC shows signs that it may potentially correlate with FC. CONCLUSION: FC levels are significantly higher in CRC, with high sensitivity. Its low specificity prevents it from being used to diagnose or screen for CRC.

The role of faecal calprotectin in the identification of colorectal neoplasia in patients attending for screening colonoscopy.

AIM: Although the relationship between colorectal neoplasia and inflammation is well described, the role of faecal calprotectin (FC) in clinical practice to diagnose or screen patients for colorectal neoplasia is less defined. This prospective study characterizes the relationship between FC and colorectal neoplasia in patients within the faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) positive patients in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. METHODS: All FOBT positive patients attending for colonoscopy between February 2016 and July 2017 were invited to participate. Patients provided a stool sample for FC before commencing bowel preparation. All demographics and endoscopic findings were collected prospectively. RESULTS: In all, 352 patients were included. 210 patients had FC > 50 µg. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients had a higher median FC (138.5 µg/g, P < 0.05), in comparison to those without CRC, and 13/14 had an FC > 50 µg/g (93%). FC had a high sensitivity (92.8%) and negative predictive value (99.3%) for CRC, but with a low specificity (41.7%) and positive predictive value (6.2%). FC sensitivity increased sequentially as neoplasms progressed from non-advanced to malignant neoplasia (48.6% non-advanced adenoma vs. 92.9% CRC). However, no significant relationship was observed between FC and non-cancer neoplasia. CONCLUSION: In an FOBT positive screening population, FC was strongly associated with CRC (sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 41.7% for CRC, at 50 µg/g). However, although sensitive for the detection of CRC, FC failed to show sufficient sensitivity or specificity for the detection of non-cancer neoplasia. Based on these results we cannot recommend routine use of FC in a bowel screening population to detect cancer per se, but it is apparent that, with further optimization, faecal assessments including quantification of haemoglobin and inflammation could form part of a risk assessment tool aimed at refining the selection of patients for colonoscopy in both symptomatic and screening populations.

Disease recurrence after right hemicolectomy in Scotland: Is there rationale to adopt complete mesocolic excision (CME)?

AIMS: Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been proposed as a way to improve the oncological outcomes in patients with colon cancer. To investigate whether there is rationale for adopting the technique in Scotland, our aim was to define the incidence of disease recurrence following standard right hemicolectomy and to compare this with published CME outcomes. METHODS: Data was collected on consecutive patients undergoing right or extended right hemicolectomy for colonic adenocarcinoma (2012-2017) at three hospitals in Scotland (Raigmore Hospital, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Glasgow Royal Infirmary). Emergency or palliative surgery was excluded. Patients were followed up with CT scans and colonoscopy for a minimum of 3 years. RESULTS: 689 patients (M 340, F 349) were included. 30-day mortality was 1.6%. Final pathological stage was Stage I (14%), Stage II (49.8%) and Stage III (36.1%). During follow-up, 10.5% developed loco-regional recurrence and 12.2% developed distant metastases. The 1, 3 and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 94%, 84% and 82% respectively. Primary determinants of recurrence were T stage (p < 0.001), N stage (p < 0.001), apical node involvement (p < 0.001) and EMVI (p < 0.001). When compared to the literature, 30-day mortality was lower than many published series and DFS rates were similar to the largest CME study to date (4 year DFS 85.8% versus 83%). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of patients undergoing right hemicolectomy in Scotland compare favourably with many published CME studies. The technique demands further evaluation before it can be recommended for adoption into routine surgical practice.

The prognostic value of combined measures of the systemic inflammatory response in patients with colon cancer: an analysis of 1700 patients.

BACKGROUND: The pre-operative systemic inflammatory response (SIR) measured using an acute-phase-protein-based score (modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)) or the differential white cell count (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)) demonstrates prognostic significance following curative resection of colon cancer. We investigate the complementary use of both measures to better stratify outcomes. METHODS: The effect on survival of mGPS and NLR was examined using uni/multivariate analysis (UVA/MVA) in patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer. The synergistic effect of these scores in predicting OS/CSS was examined using a Systemic Inflammatory Grade (SIG). RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred and eight patients with TNM-I-III colon cancer were included. On MVA both mGPS and NLR were significant for OS (HR 1.16/1.21, respectively). Three-year survival stratified by mGPS was 83-58%(TNM-I-III), 87-65%(TNM-II) and 75-49%(TNM-III), and by NLR was 84-62%(TNM-I-III), 88-69%(TNM-II) and 77-49%(TNM-III). When mGPS and NLR were combined to form an overall SIG 0/1/2/3/4, this stratified 3-year OS 88%/84%/76%/65%/60% and CSS 93%/90%/82%/73%/70%, respectively (both p < 0.001). SIG stratified OS 93-68%/82-48% and CSS 97-80%/86-58% in TNM Stage II/III disease, respectively (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the pre-operative SIR in patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer is best measured using a SIG utilising mGPS and NLR.

The Glasgow Microenvironment Score associates with prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy response in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The Glasgow Microenvironment Score (GMS) combines peritumoural inflammation and tumour stroma percentage to assess interactions between tumour and microenvironment. This was previously demonstrated to associate with colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis, and now requires validation and assessment of interactions with adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Two cohorts were utilised; 862 TNM I-III CRC validation cohort, and 2912 TNM II-III CRC adjuvant chemotherapy cohort (TransSCOT). Primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Exploratory endpoint was adjuvant chemotherapy interaction. RESULTS: GMS independently associated with DFS (p = 0.001) and RFS (p < 0.001). GMS significantly stratified RFS for both low risk (GMS 0 v GMS 2: HR 3.24 95% CI 1.85-5.68, p < 0.001) and high-risk disease (GMS 0 v GMS 2: HR 2.18 95% CI 1.39-3.41, p = 0.001). In TransSCOT, chemotherapy type (pinteraction = 0.013), but not duration (p = 0.64) was dependent on GMS. Furthermore, GMS 0 significantly associated with improved DFS in patients receiving FOLFOX compared with CAPOX (HR 2.23 95% CI 1.19-4.16, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the GMS as a prognostic tool for patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer, independent of TNM, with the ability to stratify both low- and high-risk disease. Furthermore, GMS 0 could be employed to identify a subset of patients that benefit from FOLFOX over CAPOX.

Aortic calcification is associated with non-infective rather than infective postoperative complications following colorectal cancer resection: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Complications following colorectal cancer resection are common. The degree of aortic calcification (AC) on CT has been proposed as a predictor of complications, particularly anastomotic leak. This study assessed the relationship between AC and complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection. METHODS: Patients from 2008 to 2016 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) scale. Calcification was quantified on preoperative CT by visual assessment of the number of calcified quadrants in the proximal and distal aorta. Scores were grouped into categories: none, minor (< median AC score) and major (> median AC score). The relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and complications was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 657 patients, 52% had proximal AC (> median score (1)) and 75% had distal AC (> median score (4)). AC was more common in older patients and smokers. Higher burden of AC was associated with non-infective complications (proximal AC 28% vs 16%, p = 0.004, distal AC 26% vs 14% p = 0.001) but not infective complications (proximal AC 28% vs 29%, p = 0.821, distal AC 29% vs 23%, p = 0.240) or anastomotic leak (proximal AC 6% vs 4%, p = 0.334, distal AC 7% vs 3%, p = 0.077). Independent predictors of complications included open surgery (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.43-2.79, p = 0.001), rectal resection (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.07-2.12, p = 0.018) and smoking (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.42-4.64, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that high levels of AC are associated with non-infective complications after colorectal cancer surgery and not anastomotic leak. KEY POINTS: • Aortic calcification measured by visual quantification of the number of calcified quadrants at two aortic levels on preoperative CT is associated with clinical outcome following colorectal cancer surgery. • An increased burden of aortic calcification was associated with non-infective complications but not anastomotic leak. • Assessment of the degree of aortic calcification may help identify patients at risk of cardiorespiratory complications, improve preoperative risk stratification and assign preoperative strategies to improve fitness for surgery.

Postimplantation syndrome in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair - a systematic review.

Postimplantation syndrome (PIS) following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a poorly understood phenomenon occurring in the early post-operative course. The underlying aetiology, risk factors, clinical sequalae, and treatment options, are largely unknown. The lack of any standardised diagnostic criteria limits current research in this field. The MEDLINE database was interrogated using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) search strategy. Five search terms were used; "postimplantation syndrome" AND "aneurysm", AND "infection", AND "complications", AND "biomarkers", AND "outcomes". 19 studies were included in the review process, reporting a 17.4%-39.0% incidence of PIS. IL-6 was the most commonly elevated biomarker in PIS vs. non-PIS patients. There was a higher incidence of PIS in patients who received polyester rather than expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. There was a lower rate of type 2 endoleaks observed in patients who developed PIS. Early major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were higher in PIS patients, however there were no studies reporting long-term MACE. Length of stay was higher in PIS patients. Current data support the role of IL-6 as being key to the development of PIS following EVAR. Further work describing the effect that PIS has on long-term clinical outcomes is needed. Lack of standardised diagnostic criteria limit the reporting of PIS between centres, the criteria proposed by this review may resolve this.

Perioperative Blood Transfusion is Associated with Postoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response and Poorer Outcomes Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated relationships between perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative systemic inflammatory response, and outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Data were recorded for patients (n = 544) undergoing potentially curative, elective surgery for colorectal cancer at a single center between 2012 and 2017. Transfusion history was obtained retrospectively from electronic records. Associations between blood transfusion, postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, hemoglobin, complications, cancer-specific survival and overall survival (OS) were assessed using propensity score matching (n =116). RESULTS: Of 544 patients, the majority were male (n =294, 54%), over 65 years of age (n =350, 64%), and with colonic (n =347, 64%) node-negative disease (n =353, 65%). Eighty-six patients (16%) required perioperative blood transfusion. In the unmatched cohort, blood transfusion was associated with higher median postoperative day (POD) 3 CRP {143 [interquartile range (IQR) 96-221 mg/L] vs. 120 (IQR 72-188 mg/L); p = 0.004}, lower median POD 3 albumin [24 (IQR 20-26 g/L) vs. 27 (IQR 24-30 g/L); p < 0.001], more postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) 3.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.03-5.29] and poorer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.18, 95% CI 2.08-4.84]. In the propensity score matched cohort, blood transfusion was similarly associated with higher median POD 3 CRP [130 (IQR 93-196 mg/L) vs. 113 (IQR 66-173 mg/L); p = 0.046], lower median POD 3 albumin [24 (IQR 20-26 g/L) vs. 26 (IQR 24-30 g/L); p < 0.001], more postoperative complications (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.36-6.20) and poorer OS (HR 2.38, 95% CI 0.99-5.73). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative blood transfusion was associated with postoperative inflammation, complications, and poorer survival in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, with and without propensity score techniques.