High Risk, High Reward: Frailty in Colorectal Cancer Surgery is Associated with Worse Postoperative Outcomes but Equivalent Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a physiologic state that affects perioperative outcomes. Studies evaluating the impact of frailty on long-term oncologic outcomes are limited. This study evaluated perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes for elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery. METHODS: Patients older than 65 years at the time of colorectal resection between July 2011 and September 2020 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center were identified. Variables from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), the tumor registry, and electronic medical records (EMRs) were used to identify frail patients using the revised Risk Analysis Index (RAI-A) score. A score of 38 or higher defined a patient as "frail." Perioperative outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression and chi-square, and oncologic outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The study analyzed 411 patients. The mean age at surgery was 75.1 years. The median RAI-A score was 37, and 29.9 % of the patients were frail. The frail patients had significantly higher rates of overall complications (30.1 % vs 14.6 %; p < 0.001). They also had significantly higher rates of postoperative hospitalization longer than 30 days, postoperative delirium, and discharge to rehabilitation. No mortality differences were observed. The 318 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative-intent resection were evaluated for oncologic outcomes. No differences with frailty in terms of overall survival, disease-specific survival, or progression-free survival were observed except for frail patients with stage 0 or 1 adenocarcinoma, who had worse overall survival than non-frail patients but equivalent other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: For elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery, frailty is associated with higher postoperative complications, discharge to rehabitation, and prolonged hospitalization rates. Frailty does not affect long-term oncologic outcomes, so frail elderly patients gain the same oncologic benefit with surgery as non-frail patients.

Outcomes After Adjuvant Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for High-Risk Primary Appendiceal Neoplasms After Complete Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon tumors. Optimal treatment for patients with perforation or high-grade pathology after initial resection is unknown. This study evaluated patients with increased risk for peritoneal dissemination after primary resection, but no evidence of peritoneal disease, who underwent adjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: This multi-institutional cohort study evaluated 56 patients with high-risk (HR) appendiceal neoplasms with a peritoneal carcinomatosis index of 0 who underwent HIPEC. The patients were divided into two groups: perforated low-grade appendiceal (LGA) carcinoma and HR neoplasms, which included perforated high-grade appendiceal carcinoma, positive margins after initial resection, minimal macroscopic peritoneal disease that was previously resected or completely responded to systemic chemotherapy prior to HIPEC, goblet cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell features. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of patients had perforated LGA and 68% had HR features. Five-year OS probability was 82.1% for the entire cohort, and 100% and 70.1% for patients with perforated LGA and HR features, respectively (p = 0.024). Five-year RFS probability was 79.3% for the entire cohort, and 90.0% and 72.4% for patients with perforated LGA and HR features, respectively (p = 0.025). Eight patients recurred after HIPEC and their OS was significantly worse (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: While adjuvant HIPEC is both safe and feasible, there appears to be little benefit over close surveillance when outcomes are compared with historical and prospective studies, especially for perforated LGA carcinoma.

Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Retroperitoneal Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma: Early Reoperation may not Provide Benefit.

PURPOSE: Current evidence regarding salvage resection for recurrent retroperitoneal (RP) sarcomas generally lacks detailed histology-specific analyses, but the aggressiveness of these tumors varies widely by histology. We investigated associations between timing and extent of salvage surgery and survival outcomes in patients with recurrent RP well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS). METHODS: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Surgical Oncology sarcoma database was reviewed to identify patients with RP WDLPS who underwent surgical resection for first recurrent disease (salvage surgery) in 1995-2015. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify factors associated with overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS: We identified 52 patients who underwent salvage surgery for RP WDLPS for first local recurrence; 28 (54%) underwent salvage surgery within 6 months after recurrence. Concomitant organ resections were performed in 32 (62%) patients, 4 (13%) of whom had pathologic invasion of resected organs. After R0/R1 resections (n = 45), 38 (84%) experienced a second local recurrence. Multivariable analyses revealed that organ invasion at the primary surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 13.08; p = 0.005] and disease-free interval < 1 year (HR 3.64; p = 0.044) were associated with shorter overall survival. Recurrence-to-salvage interval < 6 months was associated with shorter disease-free survival (HR 2.18; p = 0.025). Concomitant organ resection was associated with a longer hospital stay: ≥ 14 days (odds ratio 21.58; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Early salvage surgery may not always be the best approach for recurrent RP WDLPS patients. Because organ invasion is rare among recurrent RP WDLPS patients and concomitant organ resection is associated with a longer hospital stay, preservation of uninvolved organs should be considered.

Multiply recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas (RPLPS) are rare tumors that represent at least 50% of all retroperitoneal sarcomas. Surgical resection remains the standard of care. Unfortunately, many RPLPS patients will develop a local recurrence and subsequently die in the absence of distant metastasis. This review outlines the factors that predict local recurrence and influence the management of first and subsequent multiply recurrent RPLPS.

Analysis of recurrence after the resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Outcomes after recurrence of resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are not well described. We aim to assess the rate and sites of recurrence, and its effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients (n = 83) who underwent surgical resection of PNETs at 2 institutions. Patients were treated from September 2002 to July 2010. RESULTS: There were 13 (16%) recurrences. The most common site of recurrence was the liver (9 patients, 9.6%). The most common treatment of recurrences was chemotherapy (5 patients, 36%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival was 90.9%, 82.7%, and 72.5%, respectively. Median recurrence-free survival was 127 months. The median follow-up for all PNET patients was 25.8 months (range, 1-140 months). The 3-year survival was 97%. The median follow-up of patients after the diagnosis of a recurrence was 13.8 months. The overall survival for those with and without recurrence was 96.3% and 100%, respectively (P = .36). The age ( P = .002) and lymph node ratio ( P < .001) were predictors of recurrence on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Age and lymph node ratio are significant predictors of recurrence after the resection of PNETs with hepatic metastases being the most common. Survival of patients with recurrence is not significantly different from patients without recurrence.

Concomitant organ resection does not improve outcomes in primary retroperitoneal well-differentiated liposarcoma: A retrospective cohort study at a major sarcoma center.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether concomitant organ removal as part of the primary resection of RP WDLPS confers an outcome advantage in patients treated at a major sarcoma center. METHODS: The departmental sarcoma database was reviewed to identify patients with RP WDLPS who underwent initial surgical resection for primary disease at MD Anderson Cancer Center during the study period 1995-2011. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and examined associations between clinicopathologic variables and overall survival (OS) as well as disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Among 83 patients included in this study, 76 patients (92%) underwent complete resection (R0/R1). Concomitant organ resections were performed in 38 patients (46%). Invasion of the resected organ/s was seen in six patients (7%). Estimated OS was 11.3 years (5-year OS, 86%), and DFS was 5.4 years (5-year DFS, 51%). By multivariate analysis, concomitant organ resection was not associated with improved OS (P = 0.428) or DFS (P = 0.946), and lack of organ resection was associated with a lower risk of postoperative complications (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant organ resection was not associated with a survival benefit in RP WDLPS in this study. In patients with primary RP WDLPS, we recommend selective resection of contiguous organs only if there is clinical suspicion of invasion.

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an early marker for patients at risk for complications after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC).

BACKGROUND: Elevated BNP is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes after noncardiac surgery. We assessed BNP values as markers of perioperative fluid status and their correlation with major/cardiopulmonary (CP) complications following CRS + HIPEC. METHODS: Fluid balance, BNP levels, and morbidity data were collected for all patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC between 6/2014 and 2/2016. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent CRS + HIPEC for appendiceal adenocarcinoma (n = 99), mesothelioma (n = 16), and colon cancer (n = 14). Less than 10% had CP comorbidities. The median PCI was 14 (range 4-39); 89% underwent CC0/1 resection (n = 115). Median blood loss (EBL) was 497 mL (50-2700). Major complications (Clavien III-V) occurred in 16 (12%), CP in 17 (13%), and major/CP in 24 (18%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 2 (1.5%). Elevated BNP on POD1 correlated with increased risk of major/CP complications (OR 2.2, P = 0.052). This was most pronounced in the 25 patients receiving cisplatin: for each 100 unit increase in POD1 BNP the OR for major/CP complication was 7.4 versus 1.2 for the remaining patients, P = 0.083. Multivariate analysis identified increased EBL (OR 4.1 P = 0.011) and a trend toward increased BNP on POD1 (OR for each 100 unit increase 2.0, P = 0.10) as risk factors for major/CP complications. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative BNP measurement after CRS + HIPEC may guide postoperative fluid resuscitation and facilitate identification of patients at risk for major and/or cardiopulmonary complications.

Adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines is Associated with Improved Survival for Patients with Stage 2A and Stages 2B and 3 Extremity and Superficial Trunk Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has instituted treatment guidelines for stage 2A and stages 2B and 3 extremity and superficial trunk soft tissue sarcomas (ETSTS). This study examined adherence to the NCCN guidelines and factors associated with nonadherent treatment and survival outcomes. METHODS: Patients with stage 2A and stages 2B and 3 ETSTS (n = 15,957) were categorized as undergoing adherent or nonadherent treatment based on the 2014 NCCN guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with nonadherent treatment. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated, and Cox models were used to generate adjusted survival curves and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: The findings showed that 87.2% of the patients with stage 2A disease and 58.3% of the patients with stage 2B or 3 disease received adherent treatment. Community treatment facilities and uninsured or unknown insurance status were associated with nonadherent treatment for both stage groups. Adherent treatment was associated with higher 5-year adjusted OS and DSS for stage 2A and stage 2B or 3 patients. In Cox models, nonadherent treatment was associated with worse survival for both stage 2A disease (HR, 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.63) and stages 2B and 3 disease (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.53-1.73). Increasing age and non-private insurance were associated with poorer outcomes. For stages 2B and 3 disease, treatment at a community center and African American race were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to NCCN guidelines is excellent for stage 2A and poor for stages 2B and 3 ETSTS. Adherent treatment was associated with improved survival outcomes, highlighting the importance of adherence to NCCN guidelines.

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.

Utility of Appendiceal Calcifications Detected on Computed Tomography as a Predictor for an Underlying Appendiceal Epithelial Neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous appendiceal neoplasms can contain radiopaque calcifications. Whether appendiceal radiographic calcifications indicate the presence of an appendiceal epithelial neoplasm is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether appendiceal calcifications detected by computed tomography (CT) correlate with the presence of appendiceal epithelial neoplasms. METHODS: From prospective appendiceal and pathology databases, 332 cases of appendiceal neoplasm and 136 cases of control appendectomy were identified, respectively. Only cases with preoperative CT scans available for review were included in the study. Images were reviewed by two abdominal radiologists. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated, and the kappa statistic was used to determine agreement between the radiologists' interpretations. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement between the radiologists was substantial, with a kappa of 0.74. Appendiceal mural calcifications were identified on CT scans in 106 appendiceal neoplasm cases (32%) and in 1 control case (1%) (P = 0.0001). In the appendiceal neoplasm subgroup, the presence of radiographic calcifications was associated with mucinous histology (35% vs 17%; P = 0.006; odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18-0.78) and with well-differentiated histologic grade (40% vs 24%; P = 0.002; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29-0.76). The findings showed a sensitivity of 31.9% (95% CI, 26.9-37.2%), a specificity of 99.3% (95% CI, 96-100%), a PPV of 99.1% (95% CI, 94.9-100%), and an NPV of 37.4% (95% CI, 32.4-42.6%). CONCLUSION: This case-control study showed that appendiceal mural calcifications detected on CT are associated with underlying appendiceal epithelial neoplasms and that the identification of incidental mural appendiceal calcifications may have an impact on decisions regarding surgical intervention.

Retrospective study of nonmucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas: role of systemic chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas (AAs) are the most common histological subset of AAs. Nonmucinous AAs have been infrequently studied. We performed a single-center retrospective study to investigate this histological subtype. METHODS: We reviewed 172 patient records with nonmucinous AAs treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center from Jan, 1990 to Jun, 2015 and recorded patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes. Response rate (RR) was assessed semi-quantitatively (response/no response) according to the treating physician's findings. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 52.9 years. Most patients presented with advanced-stage disease: stage I-II (35%), stage III (15%), and stage IV (50%). Moderate and poorly differentiated histology was seen in 56% and 44% tumors, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) of all patients was stage-dependent and was 88.5, 39.2, and 28.3 months for stages I-II, stage III, and stage IV disease, respectively (p < 0.0001). In patients with metastatic disease, only 10% had extraperitoneal disease without peritoneal involvement. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) was attempted in 31/69 (45%) patients with disease confined to the peritoneum. Complete CRS was achieved in 18. Median OS for patients receiving complete CRS was 48.6 months. Systemic chemotherapy was administered to 109 (86%) patients with metastatic disease; a large majority of patients received either an oxaliplatin-based (55%) or irinotecan-based (27%) regimen. Chemotherapy resulted in a semi-quantitative RR of 54% and median time to progression (TTP) of 9.4 months (95% CI, 8.03-11.50). Patients who received combination chemotherapy (either oxaliplatin or irinotecan-based) showed significantly longer median OS (p = 0.003), compared to those receiving fluoropyrimidine monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies to report specifically on nonmucinous AAs. Nonmucinous AAs presented with moderate or poorly differentiated histology with a predilection for peritoneal metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy is active in this AA subtype. Though CRS was infrequently used, complete CRS appears beneficial and warrants further investigation.

Recurrence patterns of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and impact of salvage surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment strategies for retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RPLMS), particularly recurrent disease, are unknown. METHODS: We searched the tumor registry at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) to identify patients with RPLMS treated between 1994 and 2013. RESULTS: We identified 172 patients with a diagnosis of a RPLMS. Among the 85 patients who underwent complete resection included in the survival analysis, the median overall survival (OS) was 8.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-12.3), 5-year local recurrence rate was 21%, and 5-year distant metastasis rate was 47%. Among 114 patients who experienced recurrence, patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent disease had longer OS after recurrence than patients who did not undergo salvage surgery (median survival after recurrence 5.6 vs 3.3 years, 3-year OS rates after recurrence 72.6% vs 58.1%, HR 0.402 [95%CI, 0.243-0.666]; P = 0.0004). Whether salvage surgery was performed for local or distant recurrence was not associated with OS. Patients who had a longer disease-free interval (≥12 months) had better progression-free survival after salvage surgery than those who had a shorter interval (HR, 0.437 [95%CI, 0.244-0.783]; P = 0.0055). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that salvage surgery be considered for selected patients with local or distant recurrence of RP LMS.

Intrathoracic Chemoperfusion Decreases Recurrences in Patients with Full-Thickness Diaphragm Involvement with Mucinous Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the preferred treatment for selected patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Frequently, the hemidiaphragms are infiltrated with tumor, requiring partial diaphragm resection (DR) in order to obtain complete cytoreduction (CC-0). The clinical significance of diaphragmatic invasion and the optimum management to prevent transmission of disease from abdomen to chest is largely unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 78 patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma undergoing cytoreduction and partial DR at a single institution between 2010 and 2014. RESULTS: Partial DR was necessary in 31 (39.7 %) patients in order to obtain CC-0. DR was not associated with increased morbidity or poor survival. Of the 31 patients who had a DR, 26 (83.9 %) were treated with thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion. The remaining five (16.1 %) patients had the diaphragm closed prior to HIPEC. Thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion was not associated with increased 30-day grade III/IV morbidity or respiratory complications. Overall, five (20 %) patients with a DR developed thoracic recurrence. There were two (8 %) thoracic recurrences in the 26 patients treated with thoracic chemoperfusion compared with three (60 %) in the five patients who had their diaphragm closed prior to HIPEC (p = 0.002). In univariate analysis histology, CC-0 and thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion were associated with thoracic disease-free survival; however, none of these were significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: DR is not associated with increased morbidity and should be performed, if needed, to obtain a CC-0. Following DR, patients remain at significant risk of developing thoracic recurrence. Thoracoabdominal chemoperfusion reduces this risk without increasing morbidity.

High-quality results of cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy perfusion for carcinomatosis at a low volume institution.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maximal cytoreductive surgery (CS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy perfusion (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis can improve oncologic outcomes, but is associated with significant morbidity. Whether low-volume experience with CS/HIPEC results in acceptable outcomes is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing CS/HIPEC by a single surgeon. Experience was divided into first versus second 50 cases, and patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent 100 CS/HIPEC procedures (mean age 57 years, 68% female). -Compared to the initial experience, the second 50 cases included more high grade tumors (68 vs. 52%) and greater disease burden (PCI 14.2 vs. 12.4). Operative times remained unchanged and mean blood loss decreased (978 vs. 684 ml). Hospital stay (mean 18.1 vs. 12.6 days), major complications (24 vs. 16%), and perioperative mortality (8 vs. 2%) declined. Overall median survival was 18 months and was longer with low grade tumors (26 vs. 16 months, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Patients experienced reduced EBL, fewer major complications, and shorter hospital stay, despite having higher disease burden and higher grade tumors. This suggests that even low-volume experience with CS/HIPEC can lead to a trend in reduction of adverse perioperative events with acceptable oncologic outcomes.

A contemporary large single-institution evaluation of resected retroperitoneal sarcoma.

PURPOSE: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare malignancies, comprising just 10-15 % of all soft-tissue sarcomas. These are challenging tumors to treat, with surgical resection being the only modality capable of providing a cure. This study analyzed the management and survival of patients resected at a large academic institution. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients with primary localized RPS referred to the University of Washington between January 2000 and January 2013 was performed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by patient, tumor, and treatment variables. RESULTS: The study identified 132 patients. Median follow-up was 31.8 months. Median PFS was 33 months, and median OS was 111 months. Sixty patients (45.5 %) underwent a margin-negative resection (R0), 59 (44.7 %) had a microscopic margin-positive resection (R1), and 7 (5.3 %) had a macroscopic margin-positive resection (R2). Forty (30.3 %) patients received preoperative radiation, 28 (21.2 %) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 7 (5.3 %) received both. Tumor grade and microscopic margin status emerged as statistically significant predictors for both PFS and OS. Tumor size was also found to correlate with PFS. No significant difference in OS or PFS was observed for histologic subtype, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or neoadjuvant radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Complete surgical resection should remain the mainstay of management for RPS, with emphasis on achieving negative microscopic margins. Neither neoadjuvant chemotherapy nor radiation was shown to significantly improve survival, and their unclear role in the management of RPS requires evaluation in a prospective setting.

Palliative Management of Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction: Prospective, Open Label, Phase 2 Study at an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center.

CONTEXT: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common complication of intra-abdominal cancer, frequently seen in advanced gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancer. Management of MBO can be challenging, particularly if the patient is not a surgical candidate. No consensus exists on how best to manage these patients medically. Retrospective studies suggest that the combination of dexamethasone, octreotide and metoclopramide may lead to relief of obstruction and improvement in symptoms associated with the obstruction. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to prospectively evaluate the combination of drug "triple therapy" dexamethasone 4 mg BID, metoclopramide 10 mg Q6 and octreotide 300 mcg TID to assess tolerability, safety, and effect on symptoms and deobstruction. METHODS: Adults admitted at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center with malignant bowel obstruction were eligible. Eligible patients who constented to the study were started on the triple therapy with close monitoring of symptoms and for adverse effects. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients enrolled in the study. Two patients experienced bradycardia as adverse effect and there was no incidence of bowel perforation. All patients who completed the study had complete resolution of their nausea, and improvement in other symptoms including pain, constipation, tolerance of oral intake and resumption of bowel movements. Only two of the 15 patients were alive to complete the six-month post study follow up. CONCLUSION: "Triple therapy" with dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and octreotide for management of nonsurgical MBO in this small sample size appears safe and well tolerated however a diagnosis of inoperable MBO remains associated with poor prognosis and death within months.

Navigating the global IV contrast shortage: The experience of a comprehensive cancer center.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S): In March 2022, a COVID-19 associated lockdown at an intravenous (IV) contrast production facility resulted in global shortages. We report our experience as a comprehensive cancer center navigating the IV contrast shortage. METHODS: A triage prioritization system was developed to serve as a guideline for ordering clinicians to reduce contrast use. The triage team reviewed all requests and made final determination based on patient history, treatment plan, prior imaging, possible alternative modalities, and competing requests. RESULTS: Our institution performed a median of 194 CT studies per day. Contrast utilization as a percentage of all CTs ordered was approximately 80% prior to the shortage, nadired at 9% during peak shortage, and has since returned to pre-shortage levels. Over the study period, 132 requests were reviewed. Fifty studies (38%) were approved by the team for contrast administration, 56 (42%) were recommended to be performed without contrast, 15 (11%) for a change in modality, and 11 (8%) were felt suitable for delay. There was overall general concordance between the recommendations of the triage team and studies conducted without significant distributional differences (χ2 = 4.004, two-tailed p = 0.2610). CONCLUSION: The concept of resilience involves the development of system-based practices that allow for sustained operations during periods of sudden change, or loss of critical supplies. The effort to optimally allocate limited supply of contrast was an extensive effort across the organization including from senior leadership, IT, radiology, nursing, physicians, and APPs. Concepts from heuristics and behavioral science can aid the conservation of a scarce resource. Decisions made by the team appeared to be sound without any known patient harm associated with a lack of contrast.

Perioperative Chemotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Most patients who undergo resection develop recurrence. Standard treatment confers a median overall survival (OS) of 24 months. Exposure to alternate regimens may prevent chemoresistance. This study evaluated multiagent perioperative therapy for potentially resectable PDA patients to improve OS. METHODS: A single center, phase 2, trial of patients with resectable or borderline resectable PDA. Patients received neoadjuvant therapy with induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine, docetaxel, capecitabine) for 3 cycles, chemoradiation (intensity-modulated radiation therapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin) followed by surgery, and 2 months of adjuvant gemcitabine and oxaliplatin and 2 months of gemcitabine. The primary endpoint was OS. The secondary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Thirty-two eligible patients were enrolled. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical resection. After a median follow-up of 56.8 months, mOS was 31.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2-58.1) for all patients, 58.1 months (95% CI, 31.6 to NR) for those who completed surgery. The mRFS was 31.3 months (95% CI, 12.5 to NR). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative therapy with GTX, chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant GemOx/Gem resulted in promising survival of 58 months for patients who underwent resection and may represent another treatment option for PDA.

Plastic Surgery Reconstruction of Sarcoma Resection Defects: Form and Function.

Surgical wide resection is the mainstay of treatment of sarcomas, but the advent of multimodality therapy has improved outcomes and the rates of limb-sparing resection. Often, wounds are unable to be closed primarily and require plastic surgical reconstruction. Following adequate oncologic resection, reconstruction should focus on maintaining functional and esthetic outcomes with minimal postoperative complications. Reconstruction methods range from simple techniques such as skin grafting and local rotational flaps all the way to more complex procedures such as free flaps. The reconstructive surgeon is an integral member of the multidisciplinary team and should be actively involved in treatment planning.