High symptom burden in patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is little data describing symptom burden before or after gastrectomy for patients with cancer. We aimed to examine the perioperative patterns of symptom severity in patients undergoing gastrectomy. METHODS: In this single-institution prospective cohort study, patients scheduled to undergo gastrectomy for cancer completed serial symptom measurement questionnaires preoperatively, at postoperative day (POD) 1-3, and POD 4-7. The percent of patients with moderate to severe scores was calculated at each time point. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients completed 94 surveys. Preoperatively, 46% reported at least one moderate/severe symptom. This increased to 88% during POD 1-3 and 79% during POD 4-7. During the preoperative period, 25% of patients reported moderate to severe interference in at least one aspect of daily life. This increased to 73% of patients at both POD 1-3 and POD 4-7. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer frequently experience symptoms that interfere with daily life. A better understanding of these symptoms may improve patients' experiences with, and recovery from, gastrectomy.

Communication Frameworks for Palliative Surgical Consultations: A Randomized Study of Advanced Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patients with advanced cancer prefer surgeons to use the best case/worst case (BC/WC) communication framework over the traditional risk/benefit (R/B) framework in the context of palliative surgical scenarios. BACKGROUND: Identifying the patient's preferred communication frameworks may improve satisfaction and outcome measures during difficult clinical decision-making. METHODS: In a video-vignette-based randomized, double-blinded study from November 2020 to May 2021, patients with advanced cancer viewed 2 videos depicting a physician-patient encounter in a palliative surgical scenario, in which the surgeon uses either the BC/WC or the R/B framework to discuss treatment options. The primary outcome was the patients' preferred video surgeon. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five patients were approached to participate; 66 were randomized and 58 completed the study (mean age 55.8 ± 13.8 years, 60.3% males). 22 patients (37.9%, 95% CI: 25.4%-50.4%) preferred the surgeon using the BC/WC framework, 21 (36.2%, 95% CI: 23.8%-48.6%) preferred the surgeon using the R/B framework, and 15 (25.9%, 95% CI: 14.6%-37.2%) indicated no preference. High trust in the medical profession was inversely associated with a preference for the surgeon using BC/WC framework (odds ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.98, P = 0.03). The BC/WC framework rated higher for perceived surgeon's listening (4.6 ± 0.7 vs 4.3±0.9, P = 0.03) and confidence in the surgeon's trustworthiness (4.3 ± 0.8 vs 4.0 ± 0.9, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon use of the BC/WC communication framework was not universally preferred but was as acceptable to patients as the traditional R/B framework and rated higher in certain aspects of communication. A preference for a surgeon using BC/WC was associated with lower trust in the medical profession. Surgeons should consider the BC/WC framework to individualize their approach to challenging clinical discussions.

Cytoreduction and HIPEC for Gastric Carcinomatosis: Multi-institutional Analysis of Two Phase II Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: There are no approved locoregional therapies for peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric adenocarcinoma (GA). Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) represents a potential treatment for advanced GA with isolated peritoneal metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two separate single-institution phase II, single-arm studies evaluating CRS-HIPEC using cisplatin with mitomycin C (NIH: NCT03092518, MDACC: NCT02891447) in patients with GA and confirmed peritoneal metastasis were analyzed. The primary endpoint of each trial was overall survival (OS). Clinical, pathologic, and treatment variables were analyzed for association with outcomes. RESULTS: Over 4 years, 41 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from GA underwent CRS-HIPEC. All patients had synchronous peritoneal metastasis and received systemic chemotherapy as front-line therapy. A total of 23 patients also received laparoscopic HIPEC prior to open CRS-HIPEC. The majority (63%, n = 26) were male, and median PCI score at CRS-HIPEC was 2. Median OS was 24.9 months from diagnosis and 14.4 months from CRS-HIPEC. Three-year OS was 25% from diagnosis and 22% from CRS-HIPEC. Median RFS was 7.4 months. The rate of 30-day Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications was 32%; specifically, the rate of anastomotic leak was 22%. Multivariable analysis identified the number of pathologically positive lymph nodes as an independent predictor of postoperative OS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and isolated peritoneal metastasis treated with CRS-HIPEC, 3-year OS was 22% from CRS-HIPEC, and complications were common. The number of pathologic lymph node metastases was inversely correlated with overall survival. Further investigation of CRS-HIPEC for GA should include patient selection based on response to systemic chemotherapy or incorporate novel intraperitoneal treatment strategies.

Prognostic significance of acellular mucin in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for appendiceal neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal neoplasms have a propensity for peritoneal dissemination. The standard of care for select individuals is CRS/HIPEC. In the current 8th AJCC Staging system, a finding of only intraperitoneal acellular mucin (M1a) is classified as Stage IVa. There is concern that the current AJCC system may over-stage patients. METHODS: This was a single-institution retrospective review of 164 cases of mucinous appendiceal neoplasm. Patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC with M1a disease were compared to patients with peritoneal deposits containing tumor cells (well-differentiated adenocarcinoma; low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei-M1b,G1). Overall and recurrence-free survival were assessed. RESULTS: Median age was 51 years, 70% were female, and 75% White. Sixty-four patients had M1a disease and 100 M1b,G1 disease. M1a disease had a lower median PCI score (11 vs. 20, p = .0001) and a higher rate of complete CRS (62% vs. 50%, p = .021). Median follow-up was 7.6 years (IQR 5.6-10.5 years). For M1a disease, there were no recurrences and only one patient died during the study interval. In comparison, for M1b disease, 66/100 (66%) recurred with a 5-year RFS of 40.5% (HR 8.0, 95% CI 4.9-15.1, p < .0001), and 31/100 (31%) died with a 5-year OS of 84.8% (HR 4.5, 95% CI 2.2-9.2, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Acellular mucin (M1a disease) after CRS/HIPEC for appendiceal neoplasm is associated with longer OS and RFS compared to M1b, G1 disease. Current AJCC staging does not accurately reflect the differing outcomes of these two patient populations. The presence of acellular mucin in the peritoneal cavity should not be perceived as a metastatic equivalent.

Analysis of Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Open Versus Robotic Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive, robotic gastrectomy is associated with better short-term outcomes and quicker functional recovery. However, the degree to which the robotic approach influences postoperative pain and opioid use after gastrectomy is unknown. Our primary aim was to determine whether the robotic approach to gastrectomy reduces postoperative opioid use compared with the open approach. METHODS: Patients who underwent gastrectomy (November 2018 to September 2021) were identified retrospectively. Clinical characteristics, short-term surgical outcomes, oral morphine equivalent (OME) use, and pain scores were collected. Both groups were managed through an enhanced recovery program in the perioperative period. RESULTS: Of 81 patients, 50 underwent open and 31 underwent robotic gastrectomy. Compared with open gastrectomy patients, robotic gastrectomy patients had longer surgery time (360 vs. 288 min), less blood loss (50 vs. 138 mL), and shorter hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days) (all medians, P < 0.001). Robotic gastrectomy patients used lower OMEs on postoperative days 0-4 (all P < 0.05) and in total for days 0-4 (total mean dose 65.0 vs. 169.5 mg; P < 0.001) than did open gastrectomy patients. The robotic gastrectomy patients were prescribed a lower mean OME dose than the open gastrectomy patients (19.0 vs. 29.0 mg, respectively; P = 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that robotic approach was associated with lower opioid use (odds ratio 3.70; 95% CI 1.01-14.3; P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with open gastrectomy, robotic gastrectomy reduces opioid use in the early postoperative period and is associated with fewer OME discharge prescriptions and shorter hospital stay.

Implementation of a perioperative-enhanced recovery protocol in patients undergoing open gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes before and after implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) in gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: We included patients who underwent open gastrectomy for gastric cancer before (January 2016 to September 2018) or after (October 2018 to September 2020) ERP implementation. The primary outcome was the postoperative length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included 90-day readmission rates and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent gastrectomy before (pre-ERP group) and 52 underwent gastrectomy after (ERP group) protocol implementation. Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics were similar. The median (interquartile range) postoperative LOS was shorter in the ERP group (7.0 days [6.0-8.0] vs. 8.0 days [7.0-11.0]; p < 0.001). The ERP group had similar rates of readmission (33% vs. 24%; p = 0.34) and grade ≥ 3 complications (19% vs. 19%; p = 1.0) compared to the pre-ERP group, but experienced lower rates of surgical wound complications (0% vs. 19%; p < 0.001). Rates of other complications were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an ERP in patients undergoing open gastrectomy for gastric cancer is feasible and safe and has the potential to decrease postoperative LOS without increasing complication rates.

Assessment of nephrotoxicity associated with combined cisplatin and mitomycin C usage in laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used to treat various peritoneal malignancies. Cisplatin and mitomycin C (MMC) are agents commonly used in these procedures and, individually, each has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). There is limited literature on the complications associated with the use of both agents in HIPEC. Therefore, we sought to determine the incidence of nephrotoxicity and electrolyte abnormalities in patients undergoing laparoscopic HIPEC using this chemotherapeutic combination. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients undergoing laparoscopic HIPEC for gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma using both cisplatin and MMC. Sodium thiosulfate was given for renal protection and kidney function was evaluated daily up to postoperative day #2. Details regarding patient characteristics, selection criteria, chemotherapeutic regimen, perioperative lab values and anesthetic management were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients underwent 31 laparoscopic HIPEC procedures. Fifteen (65%) were male and the median age was 57 (range 21-75). Thirteen procedures were associated with an elevation in creatinine (Cr) with the median difference between POD#2 and baseline being 0.09 mg/dL (range 0-0.43). The glomerular filtration rate median difference between POD#2 and baseline was -17 mL/min/1.37 sq. m (range -42 to 11). No cases demonstrated AKI, defined as a 50% increase in Cr levels above baseline. An 84% incidence of postoperative hypophosphatemia (26/31) and 94% incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia (29/31) was observed. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to HIPEC using both cisplatin and MMC in our cohort was not associated with an increased incidence of AKI. The incidence of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia needs further evaluation to determine the exact etiology. Precis' statement: We retrospectively studied the association of AKI with the combined use of cisplatin and MMC in laparoscopic HIPEC.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Moderately and Poorly Differentiated Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: Survival Outcomes and Patient Selection.

BACKGROUND: Moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the appendix represents an aggressive histological variant with a high risk of recurrence and death. METHODS: Overall, 178 patients with moderately and poorly differentiated appendiceal adenocarcinoma were identified from a prospective database. Clinical, pathologic, and treatment factors were analyzed for outcomes. RESULTS: Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) identified radiographic occult peritoneal metastasis in 25 (42%) patients. These patients had a significantly lower peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) and improved overall survival (OS) compared with those with radiographic disease. Twenty-seven (41%) patients were excluded from cytoreductive surgery (CRS) because of findings on DL, while 116 (65%) patients underwent CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 23 months. Mucinous histology (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, p = 0.04) and PCI (HR 1.054, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of DFS. The median OS following CRS and HIPEC was 48 months. Mucinous histology (HR 0.352, p = 0.018), signet ring cells (HR 3.34, p = 0.02), positive peritoneal cytology (HR 0.081, p = 0.04), and PCI (HR 1.076, p = 0.004) were independently associated with OS. Eight-five (73.3%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 40 (47.1%) patients achieved a radiographic response; 36 (42.3%) had stable disease, while 9 (10.6%) had progressive disease. Stable or responsive disease was associated with improved median OS of 44 months, compared with 21 months for those with progressive disease (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, long-term survival can be obtained. Mucinous histology, absence of signet ring cells, negative peritoneal cytology, PCI ≤ 20, and response/stable disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are important selection criteria for CRS and HIPEC.

Home and community-based service and other senior service use: Prevalence and characteristics in a national sample.

We report on the use of home and community-based services (HCBS) and other senior services and factors affecting utilization of both among Americans over age 60 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Those using HCBS were more likely to be older, single, Black, lower income, receiving Medicaid, and in worse health. Past use of less traditional senior services, such as exercise classes and help with tax preparation, were found to be associated with current use of HCBS. These findings suggest use of less traditional senior services may serve as a "gateway" to HCBS that can help keep older adults living in the community.

Feeding tube placement during cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy does not improve postoperative nutrition and is associated with longer length of stay and higher readmission rates.

BACKGROUND: Patients with colorectal cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRC/PC) may benefit from cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Nutritional support is frequently required for patients after CRS/HIPEC. It remains unclear if placement of feeding access is of benefit in regard to improving postoperative nutrition in this patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with CRC/PC who underwent complete cytoreduction were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative nutritional data and discharge outcomes were retrospectively recorded. The presence of a feeding tube and PCI scores were recorded by review of operative notes. Readmission rates were calculated for patients at 30 d and 60 d after discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent CRS/HIPEC, 25 had feeding tube placement at the time of surgery. Weight loss was common after HIPEC as 38 of 41 patients demonstrated weight loss. The mean weight loss was 7.6%. total parenteral nutrition was required at discharge in four patients (7.9%); three of these patients had feeding access placed. There was no difference in the degree of weight loss between groups (7.1 ± 3.7% no tube versus 7.9 ± 5.8% patients with tube; P = 0.608). The mean decrease in albumin was 12.7% but was not significantly different in patients with feeding access and those without (10.0% versus 14.75%; P = 0.773). Sixty-day readmission rates were higher in patients with feeding tubes (36% compared with 0%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant nutritional loss is common after CRS/HIPEC for patients with CRC/PC. Feeding tube placement does not prevent this and appears to be related to higher readmission rates and longer length of stay.

Predictors of adaptive functioning and psychosocial adjustment in children with pediatric brain tumor: a report from the Brain Radiation Investigative Study Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Children are at risk for psychosocial and adaptive morbidities following diagnosis of and treatment for a pediatric brain tumor. This study examined whether familial/demographic, developmental, diagnostic, or treatment-related variables best predict the acute psychosocial adjustment and adaptive functioning of children soon after an initial diagnosis. PROCEDURE: Participants included 56 children (mean age = 10.72, SD = 4.02) newly diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor. Parents completed background/demographic forms and completed ratings of children's behavioral and emotional symptoms, and adaptive behavior. Diagnostic and treatment-related information was abstracted from medical records. RESULTS: Parent ratings of behavioral symptoms and adaptive functioning were within normative expectation, although rates of clinical impairment in adaptive functioning exceeded expected rates. A combination of familial/demographic and diagnostic variables were associated with acute functioning. In multiple regressions, tumor size best predicted adaptive functioning after initial diagnosis, whereas tumor location best predicted variance in behavioral symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Children may be more vulnerable to acute impairment in adaptive functioning following diagnosis of a pediatric brain tumor, but rates of behavioral symptoms were within expectation. Familial, sociodemographic, and diagnostic variables may help to identify those most at risk of impairment. Screening of these factors within tertiary care settings will be useful to identify those most in need of psychosocial care during the initial phases of treatment.

A Prospective, Longitudinal Study of Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Stratified by Gender.

This study aimed to compare temporal trends in outcomes between men and women following TKA. A database of 272 TKAs at 7 years follow-up were evaluated for survivorship, functional, activity, and quality of life outcomes. Evaluation of implant survivorship, KSS scores, and ROM showed no significance differences between men and women, but both functional KSS scores and LEAS showed that men had significantly higher functional scores. The SF-36 physical component was found to be significantly better in men at multiple time points, whereas, the mental component was significantly better in men at pre-operative and 2 years. Both men and women benefit from TKA, however, men have higher levels of function and activity both prior to and after TKA than women.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive interventions for children with central nervous system disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of cognitive interventions for children with neurological disorders, acquired brain injuries, and neurodevelopmental disorders. METHOD: We searched for randomized controlled trials of cognitive interventions; 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was rated for each study. Standardized effect size estimates were examined in 7 outcome domains. The overall quality of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Significant positive treatment effects were found in all outcome domains aside from inhibitory control. Effects were large for attention, working memory, and memory tasks, and small for academic achievement and behavior rating scales. Results exhibited substantial heterogeneity in all domains. Overall quality of evidence was rated very low in all domains, suggesting substantial uncertainty about effect size estimates. DISCUSSION: The results provide some evidence of a positive benefit from cognitive interventions, but cannot be regarded as robust given the overall very low quality of the evidence.

Making the right moves: promoting smart growth and active aging in communities.

This article describes an award program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for excellence in smart growth and active aging. Having examined qualitative and quantitative data, we suggest that any community can foster changes to improve the health and well-being of its aging population. Diverse winners took unique paths to change their built environments and encourage physical activity. The policy changes undertaken by the award winners have both short- and long-term benefits that are important for persons of all ages, but especially for an aging society.

What Drove Program Participants to Initially Attend Congregate Meals? Socialization, Health, and Other Reasons.

The Congregate Nutrition Services support efforts to keep older Americans independent and engaged in their communities. We examined participants' self-reported reasons for initially attending the congregate meals program and whether reasons differed by participant characteristics. Descriptive statistics and tests of differences were used to compare participants (n = 1,072). Individuals attended congregate meals for several reasons, with the top two being socialization (36.3%) and age- or health-related reasons (18.7%). Those attending for socialization were less likely to be lower income, have food insecurity, or live with 3+ ADL limitations while participants who first attended due to age or health-related reasons were more likely to be low income, food insecure, and from historically marginalized populations. Health and social service professionals and community organizations could expand data collection on older adults in their communities and partner with congregate meal providers to encourage participation for individuals with unmet nutritional, health, and socialization needs.

Neurocognitive late effects of pediatric brain tumors of the posterior fossa: a quantitative review.

Deficits in neurocognitive functioning are an important area of late effects in survivors of pediatric brain tumors; however, a quantitative analysis of the magnitude of these deficits in survivors of brain tumors of the posterior fossa has not been conducted. Despite tumor locations in the posterior regions of the brain, individual studies have documented deficits in a variety of domains, reflective of impairment in other brain regions. The current study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of literature on neurocognitive late effects found in survivors of posterior fossa tumors. Results indicated significant deficits in both specific and broad indices of neurocognitive functioning, and the overall magnitude of effects across domains ranged from medium to large (g = -0.62 to -1.69) with a large mean overall effect size (g = -1.03). Moderator analyses indicated significantly greater effects for survivors diagnosed at a younger age and those who received radiation therapy. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring neurocognitive late effects in survivors of pediatric brain tumors of the posterior fossa, as well as the need for more consistent consideration of demographic, diagnostic, and treatment-related variables to allow for examination of factors that moderate these deficits.