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BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis is a primary contributor to tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the appropriate number of lymph nodes to be dissected in pT1-2Nany stage ESCC to achieve the best prognosis and avoid missing positive lymph nodes (PLNs). METHODS: A total of 497 patients with pT1 to pT2 esophageal cancer from two institutions were retrospectively analyzed and their surgical and pathological records were critically reviewed. Stepwise analyses were conducted by calculating a serial of hazard ratios and odd ratios to determine the optimal range of lymphadenectomy for overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The best survival outcome can be obtained when the number of lymph node examined (NLNE) is 10-18 in pT1N0 ESCC, while the NLNE should exceed 24 in pT2N0 diseases. In patients with pT1-2Nany and pT2Nany ESCC, resection of 15-25 and 24-37 lymph nodes, respectively, could provide significant added value for identifying positive nodal metastasis. When the NLNE exceeds this appropriate range, resection of extra lymph node is not helpful to improve the probability of finding PLNs. CONCLUSIONS: For ESCC patients undergoing radical esophagectomy, the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy is 15-25 for pT1Nany disease and 24-37 for pT2Nany disease.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To detect serum content of cofilin protein in patients with lung cancer and investigate its clinical value. METHODS: The serum content of cofilin protein was detected in 30 cases of lung cancer and 30 healthy control subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean serum content of cofilin protein was 0.485∓0.465 ng/ml in patients with lung cancer and 0.203∓0.102 ng/ml in the control subjects, showing a significant difference between them (P<0.05). The content of cofilin protein in patients with stage III and IV lung cancer 0.744∓0.584 ng/ml, significantly higher than that in stage II patients (0.257∓0.126 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: Serum cofilin protein is elevated in patients with lung cancer, especially in cases in advanced stages, suggesting its relation with lung cancer staging.