Historical perspective: Two decades of progress in treating metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. While screening methods strive to improve rates of early stage detection, 25% of patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, with the most common sites being the liver, lung, and peritoneum. While once perceived as hopeless, the last two decades have seen substantial strides in the medical, surgical, and regional therapies to treat metastatic disease offering significant improvements in survival.

Interaction of race and pathology for neuroendocrine tumors: Epidemiology, natural history, or racial disparity?

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Background: The prognostic value of pathologic variables is not consistent for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). We previously demonstrated a limited prognostic role of lymph node (LN) positivity in small bowel NETs (SBNET) compared to pancreatic NETs (panNET). Although minority race is often associated with worse cancer outcomes, the interaction of race with pathologic and oncologic outcomes of pts with GEP-NETS is not known. Methods: Pts with GEP-NETs who underwent curative intent resection at eight institutions of the US NET Study Group from 2000-16 were included. Given few pts of other races, only Black and White race pts were analyzed. Results: Of 2,182 pts, 1,143 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 58 yrs, median follow up was 3 yrs, 48% were male, 14% (n = 157) were Black, and 86% (n = 986) were White. Black pts were more likely uninsured (7 vs 2%, p = 0.005), had symptomatic bleeding (13 vs 7%, p = 0.006), required emergency surgery (7 vs 3%, p = 0.003), and had LN positive disease (47 vs 36%, p = 0.016). Despite this, Black pts had improved 5 yr recurrence free survival (RFS) compared to White pts (90 vs 80%, p = 0.008). The quality of care received was comparable between both groups, demonstrated by similar LN yield at surgery, neg margin resection rate, post-op complications, and need for reoperation or readmission (all p > 0.05). Black pts were more likely to have SBNET (22 vs 13%) and less likely to have panNET (43 vs 68%) compared to White pts (p < 0.001). Consistent with prior data, pts with LN pos panNET had decreased 5yr RFS (67 vs 83%, p = 0.001); however, for SBNET, LN involvement was not prognostic (77 vs 96%, p = 0.08). The prognostic value of LN pos disease was similar between Black and White pts in both SBNET (p = 0.34) and panNET (p = 0.95). Conclusions: Black pts with GEP-NET present with more advanced disease, including higher LN positivity. Despite this, Black pts have improved RFS compared to White pts. Although there may be delays in seeking or reaching care, Black pts received similar quality of care compared to White pts. The improved RFS seen in Black pts may be attributed to the epidemiologic differences in the site of presentation of GEP-NETs and variable prognostic value of LN pos disease.

Differences in overall survival for patients with cholangiocarcinoma: Racial/ethnic disparity or socioeconomic factors?

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Background: Inequities in cancer survival are well documented. Whether disparities in overall survival (OS) result from inherent racial differences in underlying disease biology or socioeconomic factors (SEF) is not known. Our aim was to define the association of race/ethnicity and SEF with OS in pts with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Methods: Pts with CCA of all sites and stages in the National Cancer Data Base (2004-14) were included. Racial/ethnic groups were defined as non-Hispanic White (NH-W), non-Hispanic Black (NH-B), Asian, and Hispanic. Income and education were based on census data for pts’ zip code. Income was defined as high (³$63,000) vs low ( < $63,000). Primary outcome was OS. Results: 27,151 pts were included with a mean age of 68 yrs; 51% were male. 78% were NH-W, 8% NH-B, 6% Asian, and 6% Hispanic. 56% had Medicare, 33% private insurance, 7% Medicaid, and 4% were uninsured. 67% had high income. 21% lived in an area where > 20% of adults did not finish high school. NH-B and Hispanic pts had more unfavorable SEF including uninsured status, low income, and less formal education than NH-W and Asian pts (all p < 0.001). They were also younger, more likely to be female and to have metastatic disease (all p < 0.001). Despite this, NH-B race and Hispanic ethnicity were not associated with decreased OS. Male sex, older age, non-private insurance, low income, lower education, non-academic facility, location outside the Northeast, higher Charlson-Deyo score, worse grade, larger tumor size, and higher stage were all associated with decreased OS (all p < 0.001). On MV analysis, along with adverse pathologic factors, type of insurance (p = 0.003), low income (p < 0.001), and facility type and location of treatment (p < 0.001) remained associated with decreased OS; non-white race/ethnicity was not. Conclusions: Disparities in survival exist in CCA, however they are not driven by race/ethnicity. Non-privately insured and low-income pts had decreased OS, as did pts treated at non-academic centers and outside the Northeast. This suggests that decreased ability to access and afford care results in worse outcomes, rather than biological differences amongst racial/ethnic groups.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: Somewhere between the pancreas and small bowel?

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Background: While small sub-2 cm pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often observed given their indolent behavior, small bowel NETs are routinely resected with a regional lymphadenectomy regardless of size given their malignant potential. Considering this variability, our aim was to define the natural history of duodenal (D-NETs) and determine the role of resection. Secondary aim was to define clinicopathologic factors associated with overall survival (OS) in pts who undergo resection. Methods: All pts in the National Cancer Database (2004-14) diagnosed with non-metastatic, non-functional D-NETs were included. Local resection (LR) was defined as local excision, polypectomy, or excisional biopsy. Anatomic resection (AR) was defined as removal with radical surgery. Tumor size was divided into three categories (< 1 cm, 1-2 cm, ≥ 2 cm). Propensity score weighting analysis was used to create balanced cohorts between resection and no-resection pts; this was maintained in all three size categories. Primary endpoint was OS. Results: Among 5,502 pts, median age was 65 yrs; 52% were male. Median f/u was 51 mos. Median tumor size was 0.8 cm. Resection was performed in 72% (n = 3954) of which 61% were LR and 39% were AR. At least one lymph node (LN) was retrieved in 25% of pts, of which 44% had LN metastasis. 74% had negative margins. Resection and no-resection cohorts were propensity score weighted for age, gender, race, Charlson-Deyo score, and tumor grade, all of which were independently associated with OS on MV Cox regression analysis, thus creating balanced cohorts. Resection was associated with improved median OS compared to no-resection (MNR vs 94 mos, p < 0.01); this persisted for all three size categories (< 1 cm: MNR vs 194 mos; 1-2 cm: MNR vs 56 mos; > 2 cm: MNR vs 90 mos; all p < 0.01). Subset analysis of each size cohort who underwent resection showed that neither type of resection, LN retrieval, LN positivity, or margin status was associated with OS (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: All pts with non-metastatic non-functional D-NETs should be considered for resection regardless of tumor size. Given their lack of prognostic value, the type of resection and extent of LN retrieval should be tailored to the patient’s clinical picture and safety profile.

Identifying the barriers to gastric cancer care at safety-net hospitals: A novel comparison of a safety-net hospital to a neighboring quaternary referral academic center in the same healthcare system

BACKGROUND

The three-delays model describes delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving care for vulnerable populations needing treatment. The dominant delay for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is unknown. We aimed to define patients with GAC who reached and received care at our regional safety-net hospital (Grady Memorial Hospital [GMH]) and our neighboring quaternary referral hospital (Emory University Hospital [EUH]).

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data from National Cancer Database (NCDB) participating academic centers were compared with GMH from 2004 to 2014. Outcomes of patients undergoing surgery at GMH were compared to those at EUH.

RESULTS

At presentation, compared to NCDB centers (n = 69 662), GMH patients (n = 154) were more often black (85.1 vs 17.2%; P < 0.001), uninsured (30.5 vs 4.7%; P < 0.001), have stage IV disease (43.5 vs 30.1%; P = 0.017), and received no treatment (40.3 vs 18.4%; P < 0.001). When only comparing patients who underwent curative-intent resection at GMH (n = 23) to EUH (n = 137), median overall survival was similar between both groups (GMH: median not reached; EUH: 59.8 mos; P = 0.785).

CONCLUSION

Although vulnerable patients with GAC within a safety-net hospital present with later stages of the disease, those who received surgery have acceptable outcomes. Thus, efforts should be made to overcome barriers in seeking care.

Recurrence Patterns after Primary Excision of Invasive Melanoma with Melanoma in situ at the Margin

The significance and management of melanoma in situ (MIS) at the margin of excision of invasive melanoma is debated. Patients undergoing excision of invasive melanoma from 2000 to 2016 with MIS at the margin were identified. A cohort without MIS was matched for age, gender, location, and Breslow depth. Thirty-two patients with 33 cases of MIS at the margin were identified. Melanoma was located on the head/neck (66.7%), extremities (24.2%), and trunk (9.1%). Median Breslow depth was 1.0 mm (range 0.25-10.80). Margin treatment included re-excision (45.5%), re-excision plus imiquimod (3.0%), imiquimod alone (9.1%), and observation alone (42.4%). At a median follow-up of 91 months (range 28-126), five patients (15.2%) with a median Breslow depth of 4.75 mm (range 1.10-6.70) developed local recurrence (LR). Three underwent re-excision of the positive margin and two were observed. Intervention for positive margins did not decrease LR compared with observation (P = 0.905, OR = 1.125, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.162-7.824). All five patients with LR were alive at the last follow-up. There were two recurrences in the matched cohort (6.1%); both were alive at the last follow-up. Risk of LR is higher with MIS at the margin, but this does not seem to impact survival. Larger studies may elucidate predictive factors and interventions that decrease risk for LR.

Recurrence Patterns after Primary Excision of Invasive Melanoma with Melanoma in situ at the Margin

The significance and management of melanoma in situ (MIS) at the margin of excision of invasive melanoma is debated. Patients undergoing excision of invasive melanoma from 2000 to 2016 with MIS at the margin were identified. A cohort without MIS was matched for age, gender, location, and Breslow depth. Thirty-two patients with 33 cases of MIS at the margin were identified. Melanoma was located on the head/neck (66.7%), extremities (24.2%), and trunk (9.1%). Median Breslow depth was 1.0 mm (range 0.25–10.80). Margin treatment included re-excision (45.5%), re-excision plus imiquimod (3.0%), imiquimod alone (9.1%), and observation alone (42.4%). At a median follow-up of 91 months (range 28–126), five patients (15.2%) with a median Breslow depth of 4.75 mm (range 1.10–6.70) developed local recurrence (LR). Three underwent re-excision of the positive margin and two were observed. Intervention for positive margins did not decrease LR compared with observation (P = 0.905, OR = 1.125, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.162–7.824). All five patients with LR were alive at the last follow-up. There were two recurrences in the matched cohort (6.1%); both were alive at the last follow-up. Risk of LR is higher with MIS at the margin, but this does not seem to impact survival. Larger studies may elucidate predictive factors and interventions that decrease risk for LR.

Colon and Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Are They Really One Disease? A Single-Institution Experience over 15 Years

Colon and rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often studied as one entity. Recent evidence suggests that worse outcomes are associated with colon compared with rectal NETs; direct comparisons are lacking. Our aim was to assess clinicopathologic, treatment, and survival differences between these diseases. All patients who underwent resection of colorectal NETs at one institution from 2000 to 2014 were included and analyzed. Of 29 patients, 12(41%) had colon and 17 (59%) had rectal NETs. Baseline demographics were similar between groups, although colon patients tended to be symptomatic at presentation (67% vs 44%, P = 0.41). Eighty-three per cent of colon patients underwent surgical resection, whereas 77 per cent of rectal patients underwent endoscopic or transanal resection ( P = 0.003). Colon patients had larger (3.4 cm vs 0.7 cm, P = 0.03), higher T-stage (T3/T4: 91% vs 14%, P = 0.003), higher grade tumors (42% vs 12%, P = 0.09) with more lymph nodes (58% vs 24%, P = 0.12) and lymphovascular invasion positivity (58% vs 24%, P = 0.32). Five-year disease-specific survival was 53% versus 80 per cent for colon and rectal patients, respectively ( P = 0.22). After excluding high-grade tumors, colon NETs were associated with lymphovascular invasion positivity (100% vs 17%, P = 0.05) and advanced T-stage (80% vs 8%, P = 0.01). Colon and rectal 5-year disease-specific survival was 67 versus 80 per cent ( P = 0.86). Colon and rectal NETs clinically seem to be distinct entities. Colon tumors have more aggressive clinicopathologic features, which may translate to worse outcomes. These differences in tumor biology may demand distinct management and should be further studied in a multi-institutional setting.

Colon and Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Are They Really One Disease? A Single-Institution Experience over 15 Years

Colon and rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often studied as one entity. Recent evidence suggests that worse outcomes are associated with colon compared with rectal NETs; direct comparisons are lacking. Our aim was to assess clinicopathologic, treatment, and survival differences between these diseases. All patients who underwent resection of colorectal NETs at one institution from 2000 to 2014 were included and analyzed. Of 29 patients, 12(41%) had colon and 17 (59%) had rectal NETs. Baseline demographics were similar between groups, although colon patients tended to be symptomatic at presentation (67% vs 44%, P = 0.41). Eighty-three per cent of colon patients underwent surgical resection, whereas 77 per cent of rectal patients underwent endoscopic or transanal resection (P = 0.003). Colon patients had larger (3.4 cm vs 0.7 cm, P = 0.03), higher T-stage (T3/T4: 91% vs 14%, P = 0.003), higher grade tumors (42% vs 12%, P = 0.09) with more lymph nodes (58% vs 24%, P = 0.12) and lymphovascular invasion positivity (58% vs 24%, P = 0.32). Five-year disease-specific survival was 53% versus 80 per cent for colon and rectal patients, respectively (P = 0.22). After excluding high-grade tumors, colon NETs were associated with lymphovascular invasion positivity (100% vs 17%, P = 0.05) and advanced T-stage (80% vs 8%, P = 0.01). Colon and rectal 5-year disease-specific survival was 67 versus 80 per cent (P = 0.86). Colon and rectal NETs clinically seem to be distinct entities. Colon tumors have more aggressive clinicopathologic features, which may translate to worse outcomes. These differences in tumor biology may demand distinct management and should be further studied in a multi-institutional setting.

STAT3 inhibition for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Potential for a new therapeutic target?

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Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are highly vascular tumors with similar treatments applied to all sites. The expression of pro-angiogenic factors (STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α) and their association with known adverse pathologic factors and disease recurrence after resection is not known. Methods: All pts with non-metastatic primary GEP-NETs who underwent curative-intent resection at a single institution from 2000-2013 were included. Immunohistochemistry was performed for STAT3, VEGF, HIF-1α, Ki-67 index, and CD31 using tissue microarrays made in triplicate by a pathologist blinded to other clinicopathologic variables. STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α were categorized into high vs low expression; CD31 was dichotomized at the median value. Primary outcome was 3-yr recurrence-free survival (3-yr RFS); secondary outcomes were correlation of STAT3, VEGF, and HIF-1α expression with Ki-67 index, adverse pathologic factors, and CD31 expression, a marker of microvascular density. Results: Of 265 GEP-NETs resected, 144 had tissue for analysis. STAT3 expression was high in 12 (8%) and low in 132 (92%). VEGF expression was high in 19 (13%) and low in 125 (87%), and HIF-1α was high in 1 (1%) and low in 143 (99%). High STAT3 expression was associated with worse 3-yr RFS compared to low expression (55% vs 84%; p = 0.003). High VEGF expression had a 3-yr RFS of 76% compared to 82% for low expression (p = 0.098); HIF-1α expression was not associated with RFS. Ki-67 ≥3% was associated with worse 3-yr RFS (≥3%: 51% vs < 3%: 84%; p < 0.001), as was the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI: 72% vs 95%; p = 0.001) and increased microvascular density per µm2 (CD31 > median: 75% vs CD31 < median: 86%; p = 0.043). High STAT3 expressing tumors were more likely to have a Ki-67≥3% (42% vs 7%; p < 0.001). LVI was present in 82% of high STAT3 tumors compared to only 50% with low STAT3 (p = 0.058). CD31 overexpression was similar between groups (58% vs 49%; p = 0.5). Conclusions: In resected GEP-NETs, high STAT3 expression is associated with an increased Ki-67 index, presence of lymphovascular invasion, and worse 3-yr RFS. STAT3 inhibition may be a novel therapeutic option for patients undergoing resection of high-risk tumors.

Identifying the barriers to cancer care at safety-net hospitals: A novel comparison of a safety-net hospital to a neighboring quaternary referral academic institution in the same health care system

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Background: The three-delays model for vulnerable and minority populations to receive care include delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving care. The dominant delay for vulnerable patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is not known. Our aim was to define those patients with GAC who reached care at our regional safety-net hospital compared to academic centers from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). We also aimed to compare survival outcomes of patients who received curative-intent resection at our safety-net hospital to those in a nearby quaternary referral hospital. Methods: Grady-Memorial-Hospital (GMH), a safety-net hospital and Emory-University-Hospital (EUH), a quaternary referral hospital, are within the same healthcare-system. Clinicopathologic data of patients at presentation from NCDB-participating academic centers were compared with GMH from 2004-2014. Patients undergoing curative-intent resection of GAC at GMH were compared to those at EUH during a similar time period. Primary outcome for the latter was overall survival (OS). Results: At presentation, compared to NCDB-participating academic centers (n = 69,662), GMH patients (n = 154) were more likely to be black (85.1 vs 17.2%; p < 0.001), uninsured (30.5 vs 4.7%; p < 0.001), have stage IV disease (43.5 vs 30.1%; p = 0.017), and receive no treatment (40.3 vs 18.4%; p < 0.001). When only comparing those who underwent curative-intent resection at GMH (n = 23) to EUH (n = 137), median OS was similar between both groups (GMH: median not reached; EUH: 59.8mos; p = 0.785). Conclusions: Patients with gastric cancer who reached care at our safety-net hospital are more likely to be uninsured, have stage IV disease, and receive no treatment compared to academic centers. When they receive curative-intent resection, however, overall survival is similar. Efforts must be made to identify and overcome the barriers in seeking and reaching care for this vulnerable patient population, as it appears that outcomes are acceptable in those who receive care.

Health care disparities among octogenarians and nonagenarians with stage II and III rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Octogenarians and nonagenarians with stage II/III rectal adenocarcinomas are underrepresented in the randomized trials that have established the standard-of-care therapy of preoperative chemoradiation followed by definitive resection (ie, chemoradiation and then surgery [CRT+S]). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapies on overall survival (OS) for patients with stage II/III rectal cancers and determine predictors of therapy within the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

METHODS

In the NCDB, patients who were 80 years old or older and had clinical stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2013 were queried. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank testing, logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression, interaction effect testing, and propensity score-matched analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The criteria were met by 2723 patients: 14.9% received no treatment, 29.7% had surgery alone, 5.0% underwent short-course radiation and then surgery (RT+S), 45.3% underwent CRT+S, and 5.1% underwent surgery and then chemoradiation (S+CRT). African American race and residence in a less educated county were associated with not receiving treatment. Male sex, older age, worsening comorbidities, and receiving no treatment or undergoing surgery alone were associated with worse OS. There was no statistical difference in OS between RT+S, S+CRT, and CRT+S. Interaction testing found that CRT+S improved OS independently of age, comorbidity status, sex, race, and tumor stage. In the propensity score-matched analysis, CRT+S was associated with improved OS in comparison with surgery alone.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant portion of octogenarians and nonagenarians with stage II/III rectal adenocarcinomas do not receive treatment. African American race and living in a less educated community are associated with not receiving therapy. This series suggests that CRT+S is a reasonable strategy for elderly patients who can tolerate therapy. Cancer 2017;123:4325-36. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Redefining the Ki-67 Index Stratification for Low-Grade Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Improving Its Prognostic Value for Recurrence of Disease

BACKGROUND

The Ki-67 index is an established prognostic marker for recurrence after resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) that groups tumors into three categories: low grade (< 3%), intermediate grade (3-20%), and high grade (> 20%). Given that the majority of resected PanNETs have a Ki-67 less than 3%, this study aimed to stratify this group further to predict disease recurrence more accurately.

METHODS

The Ki-67 index was pathologically re-reviewed and scored by a pathologist blinded to all other clinicopathologic variables using tissue microarray blocks made in triplicate. All patients who underwent curative-intent resection of non-metastatic PanNETs at a single institution from 2000 to 2013 were included in the study. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

Of 113 patients with well-differentiated PanNETs resected, 83 had tissue available for pathologic re-review. The Ki-67 index was lower than 3% for 72 tumors (87%) and between 3 and 20% for 11 tumors (13%). Considering only Ki-67 less than 3%, the tumors were further stratified by Ki-67 into three groups: group A (< 1%, n = 43), group B (1-1.99%, n = 23), and group C (2-2.99%, n = 6). Compared with group A, groups B and C more frequently had advanced T stage (T3: 44% and 67% vs 12%; p = 0.003) and lymphovascular invasion (50% and 83% vs 23%; p = 0.007). Groups B and C had similar 1- and 3-year RFS, both less than group A. After combining groups B and C, a Ki-67 of 1-2.99% was associated with decreased RFS compared with group A (< 1%). This persisted in the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 8.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-70.7; p = 0.045), with control used for tumor size, margin-positivity, lymph node involvement, and advanced T stage.

CONCLUSIONS

PanNETs with a Ki-67 of 1-2.99% exhibit distinct biologic behavior and earlier disease recurrence than those with a Ki-67 lower than 1%. This new stratification scheme, if externally validated, should be incorporated into future grading systems to guide both surveillance protocols and treatment strategies.

Pathologic and Prognostic Implications of Incidental versus Nonincidental Gallbladder Cancer: A 10-Institution Study from the United States Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancy Consortium

Most gallbladder cancers (GBCs) are discovered incidentally after routine cholecystectomy. The influence of timing of diagnosis on disease stage, treatment, and prognosis is not known. Patients with GBC who underwent resection at 10 institutions from 2000 to 2015 were included. Patients diagnosed incidentally (IGBC) and nonincidentally (non-IGBC) were compared. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Of 445 patients with GBC, 266 (60%) were IGBC and 179 (40%) were non-IGBC. Compared with IGBC, non-IGBC patients were more likely to have R2 resections (43% vs 19%; P < 0.001), advanced T-stage (T3/T4: 70% vs 40%; P < 0.001), high-grade tumors (50% vs 31%; P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (64% vs 45%; P = 0.01), and positive lymph nodes (60% vs 43%; P = 0.009). Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy was similar between groups (49% vs 49%). Non-IGBC was associated with worse median OS compared with IGBC (17 vs 32 months; P < 0.001), which persisted among stage III patients (12 vs 29 months; P < 0.001), but not stages I, II, or IV. Despite accounting for other adverse pathologic factors (grade, T-stage, lymphovascular invasion, margin, lymph node), adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS only in stage III IGBC, but not in non-IGBC. Compared with incidental discovery, non-IGBC is associated with reduced OS, which is most evident in stage III disease. Despite being well matched for other adverse pathologic factors, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival only in stage III patients with incidentally discovered cancer. This underscores the importance of timing of diagnosis in GBC and suggests that these two groups may represent a distinct biology of disease, and the same treatment paradigm may not be appropriate.

Can we eliminate neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in favor of neoadjuvant multiagent chemotherapy for select stage II/III rectal adenocarcinomas: Analysis of the National Cancer Data base

BACKGROUND

Stage II and III rectal cancers have been effectively treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by definitive resection. Advancements in surgical technique and systemic therapy have prompted investigation of neoadjuvant multiagent chemotherapy (NMAC) regimens with the elimination of radiation (RT). The objective of the current study was to investigate factors that predict for the use of NCRT versus NMAC and compare outcomes using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) for select stage II and III rectal cancers.

METHODS

In the NCDB, 21,707 patients from 2004 through 2012 with clinical T2N1 (cT2N1), cT3N0, or cT3N1 rectal cancers were identified who had received NCRT or NMAC followed by low anterior resection. Kaplan-Meier analyses, log-rank tests, and Cox-proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted along with propensity score matching analysis to reduce treatment selection bias.

RESULTS

The 5-year actuarial overall survival (OS) rate was 75% for patients who received NCRT versus 67.2% for those who received NMAC (P < .01). On MVA, those who received NCRT had improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.77. P < .01), and this effect was confirmed on propensity score matching analysis (hazard ratio, 0.72; P = .01). In the same model, the following variables improved OS: age < 65 years, having private insurance, treatment at an academic center, living in an affluent zip code, a low comorbidity score, receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy, and a shorter interval before surgery (all P < .05). African Americans, men, patients with high-grade tumors, those with cT3N1 tumors, and those who underwent incomplete (R1) resection had worse OS (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, the elimination of neoadjuvant RT for select patients with stage II and III rectal adenocarcinoma was associated with worse OS and should not be recommended outside of a clinical trial. Cancer 2017;123:783-93. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

HSP90 expression and early recurrence in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Potential for novel therapeutic targets

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Background: Heat shock protein (HSP) 90 promotes tumor growth and is overexpressed in many malignancies. HSP90 expression profile and its potential as a therapeutic target in primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are not known. Methods: HSP90 cytoplasmic expression and Ki-67 index were re-reviewed and scored by a pathologist blinded to all other clinicopathologic variables using tissue microarray (TMA) blocks created in triplicate for patients who underwent resection of primary and metastatic gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors at a single institution from 2000-2013. Primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: Of 278 tumors reviewed, 194 (68%) were primary GEP NETs, and 31 (11%) were NET liver metastases. Of the primary GEP NETs, mean age was 56yrs, 42% were male; 103 (53%) were pancreas and 44 (23%) were small bowel. HSP90 expression was high in 66 (34%) and low in 128 (66%). Compared to low expression, high HSP90 was associated with lymphovascular invasion (70vs42%; p = 0.049) and advanced T-stage (T3/T4: 48vs27%; p = 0.01). Among patients who underwent curative-intent resections for primary, non-metastatic NETs (n = 147), high HSP90 was associated with decreased 1-, 3-, and 5-yr RFS (80%, 72%, 62%) compared to low (89%, 86%, 83%; p = 0.03), which persisted on multivariable analysis (HR 5.2, 95%CI 1.7-16.0; p = 0.004), after accounting for positive margin, LN involvement, increased tumor size, site of primary tumor, and Ki-67 index. When assessing NET liver metastases, high HSP90 expression was seen in 4 (13%) patients and low in 27 (87%). Similar to primary GEP NETs, patients with liver metastases that exhibited high HSP90 expression had decreased 1-, 3-, and 5-yr progression-free survival (25%, 25%, 0%) compared to those with low HSP90 (69%, 49%, 33%; p = 0.052). Conclusions: Heat shock protein 90 exhibits differential expression in resected GEP NETs and liver metastases. High cytoplasmic expression is associated with early recurrence of disease, even after accounting for other adverse pathologic factors, including Ki-67 index. HSP90 inhibition is a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies for neuroendocrine tumors.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A critical analysis of diagnostic work-up and operative approach

BACKGROUND

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SB-NETs) are often small, multifocal, difficult to localize preoperatively, and can be overlooked during operative exploration. The optimal work-up and operative approach is unknown.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection of SB-NETs at a single-institution from 2000 to 2014 were included. Primary aim was to describe the diagnostic work-up and compare minimally invasive (MIS) to open resection.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients underwent resection for SB-NETs. About 71% were symptomatic and on average underwent three diagnostic tests: 45% had octreoscans (85% diagnostic yield); 11% had SB-enteroscopy (10% yield); 19% had capsule endoscopy (83% yield, but identified the correct tumor number in only 21%). About 27 pts underwent MIS versus 66 open. MIS pts were younger (56 vs. 61 yrs; P = 0.035), and less likely to have obstruction (4% vs. 24%; P = 0.019) and metastases (19% vs. 44%; P = 0.038). Compared to open, MIS had smaller (1.7 vs. 2.4 cm; P = 0.03) and fewer tumors resected (2 vs. 5; P = 0.049), but similar LN yield (13 vs. 12; P = 0.7). In non-metastatic, curative-intent resections, MIS still resected fewer tumors compared to open (1.5 vs. 4; P = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Capsule endoscopy may be better than small bowel enteroscopy at identifying occult SB-NETs, but may underestimate tumor burden. While MIS may be appropriate in select patients, recognizing the limitations of preoperative evaluation is critical for these tumors, as heightened operative vigilance is often required. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:671-676. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of neoadjuvant versus a surgery first approach for gastric and esophagogastric cancer

Gastric cancer remains a significant worldwide health concern. While surgery is required for cure, all but the earliest of cancers will require multimodality therapy. Chemotherapy and chemoradiation in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings have shown to improve overall survival, but the sequencing of treatment is controversial. As healthcare expenses surge, it is increasingly important to impart value to these treatments. This review will look at the intersection of effective treatment and costs for gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:296-303. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A 15-year experience with gastric neuroendocrine tumors: Does type make a difference?

BACKGROUND

Gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs) are rare and classified into three types by disease etiology and typical behavior.

METHODS

The aim was to describe outcomes after GNET resection at a single institution from 2000 to 2014, stratified by tumor type. Given the small patient number, P-values were not assigned.

RESULTS

Of 22 patients, 12 patients (55%) had Type 1, none (0%) had Type 2, and 10 (45%) had Type 3 tumors. Compared to Type 3, Type 1 patients were younger (mean age: 52 vs. 59 years) with similar rates of endoscopic resection (25% vs. 20%). Type 1 GNETs often had multiple tumors (60% vs. 10%) and were not poorly differentiated (0% vs. 11%). Only 33% of Type 1 had nodal metastases compared to 71% of Type 3. Type 1 GNETs presented with metastatic disease less often (17% vs. 40%). Three year recurrence-free survival was 33% for Type 1 compared to 86% for Type 3. Disease-specific survival at 3-years was 100% and 75% for Types 1 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Type 1 GNETs are often indolent and multifocal without nodal involvement, but have high recurrence risk. Type 3 is more aggressive with increased nodal involvement; nodal evaluation should be routinely performed. Determination of GNET type is paramount to treating patients with this rare disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:576-580. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.