Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion exacerbates surgical stress-induced postoperative immunosuppression and has a negative effect on prognosis in patients with gastric cancer

Effect of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Complications Following Emergency Non-trauma Laparotomy in Mulago Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Although blood transfusion may be required during emergency non-trauma laparotomy, several retrospective cohort studies have identified blood transfusion as a significant predictor of postoperative infections and mortality. However, no study has explored such an association in a resource-limited setting. This study aims to determine the effect of perioperative blood transfusion on the 30-day risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) and mortality among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy in a large urban tertiary hospital in a resource-limited setting. Methodology In this prospective, single-center, cohort study, we recruited 160 consecutive adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards 48 hours after emergency non-trauma laparotomy. We grouped them based on transfusion exposure status. Transfusion exposure and possible confounders were recorded on entry, while the presence or absence of SSIs and mortality were obtained over 30 days of follow-up. The data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7 and Stata version 14. P-values <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results All 160 participants recruited, 28 (17.5%) transfusion-exposed and 132 (82.5%) non-exposed, were included in the final analysis. Transfusion exposure (relative risk = 8.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.73-24.37; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for SSI after multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. Inverse probability weighting with regression adjustment (IPWRA) revealed that transfusion exposure significantly increased the incidence of SSI by 36.2% (95% CI = 14.2%-58.2%; p = 0.001). Furthermore, transfusion exposure (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.28-10.27; p = 0.015) and age ≥60 years (HR = 5.97; 95% CI = 1.98-18.01; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality after multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for confounders. IPWRA revealed that transfusion exposure significantly increased the incidence of mortality by 17.6% (95% CI = 1.4%-33.8%; p = 0.033). Conclusions This study suggests an independent association between perioperative blood transfusion and the occurrence of SSIs and mortality among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy. A larger multicenter prospective cohort study considering more confounders and the use of established restrictive transfusion protocols is recommended.

Effects of perioperative blood transfusion in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The short-term and long-term effects of perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) on patients with gastric cancer are still intriguing. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of blood transfusion on clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library on December 31th 2021. The main outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DFS), and postoperative complications. A fixed or random-effects model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Fifty-one studies with a total of 41,864 patients were included for this review and meta-analysis. Compared with patients who did not receive blood transfusions (NPBT), PBT was associated with worse 5-year OS (HR = 2.39 [95%CI: 2.00, 2.84]; p < 0.001; Multivariate HR = 1.43 [95%CI: 1.24, 1.63]; p < 0. 001), worse 5-year DFS (HR = 2.26 [95%CI: 1.68, 3.05]; p < 0.001; Multivariate HR = 1.45 [95%CI: 1.16, 1.82]; p < 0. 001), and worse 5-year DSS (HR = 2. 23 [95%CI: 1.35, 3.70]; p < 0.001; Multivariate HR = 1.24 [95%CI: 0.96, 1.60]; p < 0.001). Moreover, The PBT group showed a higher incidence of postoperative complications [OR = 2.30 (95%CI:1.78, 2. 97); p < 0.001] than that in the NPBT group, especially grade III-V complications, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. [OR = 2.50 (95%CI:1.71, 3.63); p < 0.001].

Conclusion

In patients who underwent gastrectomy, PBT was associated with negative survival effects (OS, DFS, DSS) and a higher incidence of perioperative complications. However, more research was expected to further explore the impact of PBT. Meanwhile, strict blood transfusion management should be implemented to minimize the use of PBT.

Prognosis of Stage IIB Early Gastric Cancer Has a Unique and Dismal Property Putatively Requiring Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Pathological T1 (pT1) gastric cancer showed excellent prognosis; however, lymph node metastasis sometimes reflects patients with dismal prognosis. In this study, we investigated prognosis of pT1 gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis to identify prognostic factors. Among 1442 gastric cancer patients between 2002 and 2010, 73 (5%) of pT1 with lymph node metastasis were identified. Univariate prognostic factors were applied to multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. First, among the 1442 patients, pT1 was composed of 333 patients with pT1a and 423 patients with pT1b, which included 9 (2.7%) and 64 cases (15.1%) with lymph node metastasis, respectively. Secondly, 10 (13.7%) patients of the 73 patients with lymph node metastasis showed tumor relapse. Univariate negative prognostic factors were tumor size (P = 0.03), intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.03), and perioperative transfusion (POT; P = 0.001), as well as 14th JGCA (Japanese Gastric Cancer Association) Stage (P &lt; 0.0001), and multivariate analysis identified 14th JGCA Stage (P = 0.0004) and POT (P = 0.03) as independent prognostic factors. Third, pT1 gastric cancer representing pN3 (Stage IIB) was rare (n = 4) and unique entity from a prognostic point of view, exhibiting dismal prognosis (0% at 5 years). We thereafter identified 17 such cases from 5204 gastric cancer cases including the earliest cases. Prognosis of the 17 patients was unique in that recurrences occurred even 5 years after curative operation, and the frequent recurrent sites were bone. pT1 gastric cancer prognosis is robustly affected by pN3 and POT, and Stage IIB disease showed unique prognosis requiring special attention even after 5 years of operation.

Restrictive allogeneic blood transfusion strategy in patients with extremity bone sarcomas

Allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) are common in patients with cancer. The present study investigated the safety of a restrictive ABT strategy in patients with extremity sarcomas.Patients who underwent operations for extremity bone sarcomas between May 2008 and November 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes based on hemoglobin concentrations, postoperative infections, and hospital stay were compared between 20 patients who received liberal ABT (control group) and 19 patients who received restrictive ABT (restrictive group). The rates of distant metastasis and death were compared between the groups.The mean number of ABTs was 3.6 ± 3.8 units in the control group and 0.33 ± 0.74 units in the restrictive group (P < .001). Only 3 of 19 patients received transfusions (2 red cell packs each). The hemoglobin levels tended to fall during the first 3 postoperative days but seemed to stabilize within the first postoperative week in both groups. Postoperative surgical site infections only occurred in the patients who received ABTs regardless of the group. The rates of distant metastasis and death were higher in the control group than in the restrictive group (25.0% vs 15.7% and 10.0% vs 0%, respectively), but the differences were not significant.A restrictive ABT strategy may be safely performed in patients with extremity bone sarcomas depending on the intraoperative status and specific characteristics of each patient.

Gastric cancer surgery: clinical outcomes and prognosis are influenced by perioperative blood transfusions

Gastric cancer in patients is often associated with bleeding; when it occurs, especially in the presence of an anemia, a transfusion is necessary to avoid further deterioration of the patient's clinical state. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the administration of peri-operative transfusions due to the anemia or the clinical status and the post-operative clinical outcomes. 188 patients diagnosed with of gastric cancer were recruited at Surgery 2 of the Department of General and Specialist Surgery of the Tertiary Care Hospital "A. Cardarelli" of Naples. All patients had a total or a subtotal gastrectomy accompanied by D2 lymphectomy for gastric cancer. The clinical data most frequently associated with blood transfusion is the appearance of a post-operative infection (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.87-5.79, P = 0.061). If the administration time of transfusion is considered, the clinical outcomes are different: preoperative transfusions showed a higher incidence of infections (OR 2.26, 95% CI 0.87-5.79, P = 0.061) and acute renal failure (OR 2.82, 95% CI 0.70-10.78, P = 0.078); patients who received intra or post-operative transfusions showed a prolonged hospitalization (OR 8.66, 95% CI 1.73-83.00, P = 0.002). The administration of blood products in the perioperative period is correlated in a statistically significant manner to the incidence of infections, acute renal failure and prolonged hospitalization; therefore, transfusions should be avoided unless clinically necessary and in particular intraoperative transfusions should be avoided because the immunomodulation effect linked to surgical stress may be enhanced hence worsening the prognosis.

Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of high circulating lymphocyte ratio in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer

This study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of circulating blood cell counts and subsets for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the factors determining pathological complete response (pCR). In 112 patients with AGC, we retrospectively examined the ratios of lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil during and after NAC before surgery, and the percentages of CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes as well. We also investigated their associations with the pCR rate and overall survival (OS). The ratios of lymphocyte taken before and after NAC were significantly greater in forty-four pCR cases than that in sixty-eight non-pCR cases. During NAC, the proportion of lymphocyte and the percentages of CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, and CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes were dramatically increased in pCR group. The lymphocyte ratio showed an independent association with pCR by multivariate analysis and maintained at a relatively high level in pCR cases. By mean of 31.53% lymphocyte ratio before-NAC and 41.68% after-NAC, cases with high lymphocyte ratio showed significantly better outcome in OS. High circulating lymphocyte ratios, both before and after NAC, are positively associated with pCR and improved OS in advanced gastric cancer, which may be considered as a new prognostic biomarker.

The prognostic role of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions in gastric cancer patients undergoing curative resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized, adjusted studies

The impact of allogeneic perioperative blood transfusions (APTs) on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients undergoing curative-intent gastrectomy is still a highly debated topic. Two meta-analyses were published in 2015, and new studies report conflicting results. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, updated to March 1, 2016. Thirty-eight non-randomized studies reporting data on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and postoperative complications (PCs) were included. An inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. APTs showed an association with worse OS, DFS, DSS and an increased number of PCs. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 1.49, with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.32-1.69 (p < .00001; Q-test p = .001, I-squared = 56%). After outlier exclusion, the HR for OS was 1.34 (95% CI = 1.23-1.45, p < .00001; Q-test p = .64, I-squared = 0%). The HR for DFS was 1.48 (95% CI = 1.18-1.86, p = .0007; Q-test p = .31, I-squared = 16%), and the HR for DSS was 1.66 (95% CI = 1.5-2.19, p = .0004; Q-test p = .96, I-squared = 0%). The odds ratio for PCs was 3.33 (95% CI = 2.10-5.29, p < .00001; Q-test p = .14, I-squared = 42%). This meta-analysis showed a significant association between transfusions and OS, DFS, DSS and PCs. The quality of the evidence was low. Aggregation, selection and selective reporting bias were detected. The biases shifted the results towards significance. Further studies using accurate adjustment methods are needed. Until such additional studies are performed, caution in administering transfusions and optimization of cancer patient blood management are warranted.

The impact of blood transfusion on perioperative outcomes following gastric cancer resection: an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) carry risk of transfusion-related immunodulation that may impact postoperative recovery. This study examined the association between perioperative RBCT and short-term postoperative outcomes following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we compared outcomes of patients (transfused v. nontransfused) undergoing elective gastrectomy for gastric cancer (2007-2012). Outcomes were 30-day major morbidity, mortality and length of stay. The association between perioperative RBCT and outcomes was estimated using modified Poisson, logistic, or negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

Of the 3243 patients in the entire cohort, we included 2884 patients with nonmissing data, of whom 535 (18.6%) received RBCT. Overall 30-day major morbidity and mortality were 20% and 3.5%, respectively. After adjustment for baseline and clinical characteristics, RBCT was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality (relative risk [RR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-5.0), major morbidity (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.8), length of stay (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.2), infections (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), cardiac complications (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.2) and respiratory failure (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.3).

CONCLUSION

Red blood cell transfusions are associated with worse postoperative short-term outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Blood management strategies are needed to reduce the use of RBCT after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Impact of Transfusion on Cancer Growth and Outcome

For many years, transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells, platelet concentrates, and plasma units has been part of the standard therapeutic arsenal used along the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of patients with malignancies. Although the benefits of these blood products are not a matter of debate in specific pathological conditions associated with life-threatening low blood cell counts or bleeding, increasing clinical evidence is nevertheless suggesting that deliberate transfusion of these blood components may actually lead to negative clinical outcomes by affecting patient’s immune defense, stimulating tumor growth, tethering, and dissemination. Rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to dimension the clinical relevance, benefits, and risks of transfusion of blood components in cancer patients and understand the amplitude of problems. There is also a need to consider validating preparation methods of blood components for so far ignored biological markers, such as microparticles and biological response modifiers. Meanwhile, blood component transfusions should be regarded as a personalized medicine, taking into careful consideration the status and specificities of the patient, rather than as a routine hospital procedure.

Adverse prognostic impact of perioperative allogeneic transfusion on patients with stage II/III gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic blood transfusions (BTFs) are sometimes required for radical gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer (GC). The prognostic impact of perioperative BTF in GC is controversial.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 250 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastric resection for stage II/III GC. The prognostic impact of BTF on patient survival was evaluated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to units of blood transfused, timing of BTF, type of gastrectomy, splenectomy, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and year of surgery.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven (22.8%) patients underwent perioperative BTF. Patients who received BTF experienced a significantly shorter disease-specific survival after curative surgery, and multivariable analysis identified perioperative BTF as an independent prognostic factor for cancer-related death (hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.02; p = 0.032). The BTF group experienced significantly lower recurrence-free survival rate and a higher rate of initial peritoneal recurrence. The amount of blood cells transfused had less impact on prognosis. Pre- or postoperative BTF without intraoperative BTF had limited influence on postoperative prognosis. Prognosis of patients was affected by splenectomy. Even when intraoperative blood loss exceeded 800 ml, the prognosis of the non-BTF group was more favorable. The prognostic impact of BTF became less clear after introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1.

CONCLUSIONS

BTF was an independent prognostic factor in patients with stage II/III GC after curative gastrectomy. To improve prognosis, BTF should be avoided when possible, particularly during surgery.

Impact of Perioperative Blood Transfusion on Postoperative Complications and Prognosis of Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients with Different Preoperative Hemoglobin Value

Background. The impact of perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients is still controversial. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of perioperative blood transfusion on postoperative complications and prognosis of patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma with different levels of preoperative hemoglobin value (POHb). Method. From 2003 to 2011, 1199 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy were retrospectively enrolled and followed up to December 2014. Clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were compared between transfused and nontransfused patients. Results. In this study, transfused patients had more postoperative complications than nontransfused ones (P = 0.002). In survival analysis, the difference was not significant between transfused and nontransfused patients with POHb between 70 and 100 g/L (P = 0.191). However, in patients with POHb >100 g/L, transfused patients had significantly worse prognosis (P < 0.001), especially in TNM III stage patients (P = 0.002). And intraoperative blood transfusion predicted poor prognosis (P = 0.001). Conclusion. Perioperative blood transfusion might lead to poor survival in gastric adenocarcinoma patients with POHb >100 g/L and transfused patients had more postoperative complications; thus it is better to refrain from unnecessary perioperative blood transfusion especially intraoperative transfusion.

Perioperative Allogenenic Blood Transfusion is Associated With Worse Clinical Outcome for Patients Undergoing Gastric Carcinoma Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

Whether perioperative allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) has adverse effect on patients with gastric carcinoma (GC) surgery or not, that is controversial. Our study evaluated the association between ABT and some clinical outcomes of GC surgery patients. Data of relevant studies were based on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library search. The relative risk (RR) of 5-year survival rates, tumor recurrence, and postoperative complications were performed; subgroup analyses included district, transfusion rates, age, participants, sex, and tumor stage. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the First People's Hospital of Shunde. In total, 9189 participants from 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The 5-year survival rate was decreased for the GC patients with ABT (RR = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-0.79), the risk of tumor recurrence was significantly higher for ABT patients (RR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.32-2.51), and postoperative complications increased in ABT patients (RR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02-1.81), respectively; in subgroup analyses, 5-year survival rates were not associated with the transfusion rates (χ2 = 0.37, P = 0.54). Transfusion for patients undergoing GC surgery, even low transfusion rates, would reduce the 5-year survival rates, and elevated the risk of tumor recurrence and postoperative complication.

Allogeneic blood transfusion and the prognosis of gastric cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) may be a deleterious predictor on the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) for subjects who had undergone curative surgeries. In this article we proposed to figure out the effect of ABT with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified by searching Pubmed and Embase to March 2014. A random-effects model or fixed-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs). Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, stratified analysis, dose-response meta-analysis were conducted, and publication bias tested.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (9120 GC patients) were included, of which 36.3% received transfusions. ABT was associated with increased all-cause mortality (OR, 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-2.74; p<0.001; I2=75%). Sensitivity analysis showed significant changes in ORs while meta-regression had little influence on ORs. Galbraith plot revealed the OR reduced to 2.10 (95% CI, 1.86-2.37; p<0.001) with tau2 reduced to 0.00 and I2 reduced to 0%. RESULTS of stratified analysis were robust and consistent. Dose-response meta-analysis revealed that all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients transfused with ≤800 mL of blood than those transfused with >800 mL (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92; p=0.02; I2=54%). ABT was also associated with increased cancer-related mortality (OR, 2.57, p=0.011) and recurrence (OR, 1.52, p=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

In GC patients undergoing curative surgeries, ABTs are associated with a worse prognosis, including all-cause mortality, cancer-related mortality and recurrence. Patient blood management should be investigated further to minimize use of ABT.

Peri-operative blood transfusion in gastric cancer surgery: prognostic or confounding factor?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The relationship between peri-operative blood transfusions (PBTs) and poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC) patients is still debated. The aim of this study is to examine the real prognostic impact of PBTs in comparison to well-known prognostic factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a series of 224 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for GC from January 1995 to December 2011. Among 224 patients, 46 (20%) required PBTs.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival was 77% in non-transfused patients and 65% in patients who received PBTs (p = 0.03). PBTs did not further stratify any recognized prognostic category (such as pT or pN according to the 7th edition of the TNM staging system). Multivariate analysis including all known prognostic variables (both cancer- and non-cancer-related) did not select PBTs as an independent prognostic factor. Only preoperative hemoglobin and albumin level, pT and operative time were significantly associated with the requirement for PBTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed a worse prognosis for transfused patients, but PBTs seem a confounding factor more than a prognostic indicator, as they are obviously affected by other variables.

Association of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

The relationship between perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (PABTs) and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial.

METHODS

Six hundred five consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy from a single center were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical and pathologic variables were prospectively collected. The effect of PABT on the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 65.0%. On univariate analyses, PABT had a statistically significant negative impact on 3-year and 5-year survival rates (66.3% vs 80.5% [P = .005] and 38.7% vs 76.4% [P < .001], respectively). However, multivariate analyses revealed that duration of operation (P = .009), tumor size (P = .001), and tumor stage (P < .001), instead of PABT, were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that PABT is not an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy.

Robotic versus Laparoscopic versus Open Gastrectomy: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To define the role of robotic gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer, the present systematic review with meta-analysis was performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search up to July 2012 was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. All eligible studies comparing robotic gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastrectomy or open gastrectomy were included.

RESULTS

Included in our meta-analysis were seven studies of 1,967 patients that compared robotic (n=404) with open (n=718) or laparoscopic (n=845) gastrectomy. In the complete analysis, a shorter hospital stay was noted with robotic gastrectomy than with open gastrectomy (weighted mean difference: -2.92, 95% confidence interval: -4.94 to -0.89, P=0.005). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss with robotic gastrectomy compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy (weighted mean difference: -35.53, 95% confidence interval: -66.98 to -4.09, P=0.03). These advantages were at the price of a significantly prolonged operative time for both robotic gastrectomy versus laparoscopic gastrectomy (weighted mean difference: 63.70, 95% confidence interval: 44.22 to 83.17, P<0.00001) and robotic gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy (weighted mean difference: 95.83, 95% confidence interval: 54.48 to 137.18, P<0.00001). Analysis of the number of lymph nodes retrieved and overall complication rates revealed that these outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer reduces intraoperative blood loss and the postoperative hospital length of stay compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy and open gastrectomy at a cost of a longer operating time. Robotic gastrectomy also provides an oncologically adequate lymphadenectomy. Additional high-quality prospective studies are recommended to better evaluate both short and long-term outcomes.

Impact of intraoperative blood loss on survival after curative resection for gastric cancer

AIM: To elucidate the potential impact of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on long-term survival of gastric cancer patients after curative surgery.

METHODS: A total of 845 stage I-III gastric cancer patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between January 2003 and December 2007 in our center were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the amount of IBL: group 1 (< 200 mL), group 2 (200-400 mL) and group 3 (> 400 mL). Clinicopathological features were compared among the three groups and potential prognostic factors were analyzed. The Log-rank test was used to assess statistical differences between the groups. Independent prognostic factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Stratified analysis was used to investigate the impact of IBL on survival in each stage. Cancer-specific survival was also compared among the three groups by excluding deaths due to reasons other than gastric cancer. Finally, we explored the possible factors associated with IBL and identified the independent risk factors for IBL ≥ 200 mL.

RESULTS: Overall survival was significantly influenced by the amount of IBL. The 5-year overall survival rates were 51.2%, 39.4% and 23.4% for IBL less than 200 mL, 200 to 400 mL and more than 400 mL, respectively (< 200 mL vs 200-400 mL, P < 0.001; 200-400 mL vs > 400 mL, P = 0.003). Age, tumor size, Borrmann type, extranodal metastasis, tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, chemotherapy, extent of lymphadenectomy, IBL and postoperative complications were found to be independent prognostic factors in multivariable analysis. Following stratified analysis, patients staged TNM I-II and those with IBL less than 200 mL tended to have better survival than those with IBL not less than 200 mL, while patients staged TNM III, whose IBL was less than 400 mL had better survival. Tumor location, tumor size, TNM stage, type of gastrectomy, combined organ resection, extent of lymphadenectomy and year of surgery were found to be factors associated with the amount of IBL, while tumor location, type of gastrectomy, combined organ resection and year of surgery were independently associated with IBL ≥ 200 mL.

CONCLUSION: IBL is an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer after curative resection. Reducing IBL can improve the long-term outcome of gastric cancer patients following curative gastrectomy.

SPan-1 is a useful prognostic marker for patients with stage IV gastric cancer who underwent palliative gastrectomy: a retrospective multivariate study

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively investigated prognostic factors to be used in selecting the patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GC) who have an unfavorable prognosis after palliative gastrectomy.

METHODS

A total of 146 GC patients at stage IV who had undergone palliative gastrectomy were enrolled. Various clinicopathological parameters were evaluated for prognosis.

RESULTS

Surgical morbidity and hospital mortality occurred in 35 (23.9 %) and 4 (2.7 %) patients, respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate and the median survival time were 11.2 % and 13.2 months, respectively. Of the 146 patients, 64 had uncomfortable symptoms associated with GC and 76 had no such symptoms. Of the 64 patients with uncomfortable symptoms, 60 (93.7 %) experienced relief of these symptoms after palliative surgery. Multivariate analysis for patients without uncomfortable symptoms associated with GC revealed that the number of incurable factors and serum SPan-1 level were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stage IV GC who had multiple incurable factors and a high level of serum SPan-1 might not be candidates for palliative gastrectomy for the purpose of prognostic benefit.

Quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of gastric cancer: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Quality assurance is increasingly acknowledged as a crucial factor for the (surgical) treatment of gastric cancer. The purpose of the current study was to define a minimum set of evidence-based quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published between January 1990 and May 2011 was performed, using search terms on gastric cancer, treatment, and quality of care. Studies were selected based on predefined selection criteria. Potential quality of care indicators were assessed based on their level of evidence and were grouped into structure, process, and outcome indicators.

RESULTS

A total of 173 articles were included in the current study. For structural measures, evidence was found for the inverse relationship between hospital volume and postoperative mortality as well as overall survival. Regarding process measures, the most common indicators concerned surgical technique, perioperative care, and multimodality treatment. The only outcome indicator with supporting evidence was a microscopically radical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although specific literature on quality of care indicators for the surgical treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer is limited, several quality of care indicators could be identified. These indicators can be used in clinical audits and other quality assurance programs.

Lycopene enhances antioxidant enzyme activities and immunity function in N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-enduced gastric cancer rats

To investigate anticancer effect of lycopene, we examined the effects of lycopene on the oxidative injury and immunity activities of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric cancer rats. The animals were divided into five groups. Group I served as the normal control and was given corn oil orally for 20 weeks. Group II were induced with MNNG 200 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage at days 0 and 14, and saturated NaCl (1 mL per rats) was given once every three days for four weeks until the end of the experimental period. Group III, IV and V were posttreated with lycopene (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight, dissolved in corn oil) from the sixth week of MNNG (as in group II) induction up to the end of the experimental period. In the presence of MNNG, MDA and immunity levels were significantly increased, whereas enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GPx) antioxidant activities were decreased in the treated rats compared with normal control rats. Administration of lycopene to gastric carcinoma-induced rats largely up-regulated the redox status and immunity activities to decrease the risk of cancer compared to group II. We conclude that up-regulation of antioxidants and immunity by lycopene treatment might be responsible for the anticancer effect in gastric carcinoma.

Do perioperative blood transfusions influence prognosis of gastric cancer patients? Analysis of 927 patients and interactions with splenectomy

BACKGROUND

This study was to assess the influence of perioperative blood transfusions on the prognosis of patients undergoing a potentially curative resection for gastric cancer and to investigate the interaction between transfusions and splenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1990 and December 2005, 927 patients from 6 Italian tertiary referral centers underwent curative resections for gastric cancer. Clinical and pathologic variables were prospectively collected. The influence of perioperative blood transfusions on survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. Moreover, the influence of splenectomy both in transfused and nontransfused patients undergoing total gastrectomy was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival was 54.6%. The 5-year survival rate in transfused patients (n = 327) was 50.6% compared with 56.6% in nontransfused patients (n = 600) (P = .094). In the subgroup of patients who underwent total gastrectomy with spleen preservation (n = 209), 5-year survival rate was 46% and 51.4% in transfused and nontransfused patients, respectively (P = .418); those who underwent total gastrectomy with splenectomy (n = 199) presented a 5-year survival rate of 45% in transfused group compared with 39.1% in nontransfused patients (P = .571).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates a slightly, but not significantly, negative effect of allogeneic blood transfusion on prognosis of gastric cancer patients. In the subgroup of patients who underwent total gastrectomy, splenectomy seems to invert this mild effect, with a positive influence on overall survival.

Association of allogeneic blood transfusions and long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of perioperative blood transfusions on long-term survival of patients undergoing curative gastric resection for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Eight hundred fifty-six consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy (R0) from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 2002 were enrolled in this retrospective study.

RESULTS

A multivariate overall survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard regression model revealed macroscopically infiltrative tumor, tumor infiltration of serosa, lymph node metastasis, blood transfusions (hazard ratio, 2.69), pulmonary disease, and liver dysfunction as prognostic factors for long-term survival. Blood transfusion was an independent prognostic factor at all stages of disease. Disease-specific and overall survival showed significant differences between the transfused and nontransfused groups (log-rank, P < 0.0001). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the need for blood transfusion was significantly associated with advanced age (>or=65 years), long duration of operation (>or=300 min), massive blood loss (>or=1,000 ml), and anemia (Hb < 10 g/dl).

CONCLUSIONS

Allogeneic blood transfusion is an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in gastric cancer patients.

Transfusion alert for patients with curable cancer

BACKGROUND

Perioperative transfusion (POT) is a negative prognostic factor for outcome in cancer patients undergoing surgery, and splenectomy (SPL) has been suggested to help obviate this negative effect. However, the prognostic independence among related factors and clinical significance of the interaction remains elusive.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1, 1990 and January 31, 2005, a total of 200 patients with proximal gastric cancer classified as having stage IB to III disease after curative resection were enrolled at Kitasato University Hospital in a retrospective manner, according to a previous report by Weitz et al.

FINDINGS

POT was reconfirmed to be a potent univariate prognostic predictor in this model (p < 0.0001). The tendency was further augmented in patients without SPL, suggesting that SPL can counteract the negative aspects of POT. A multivariate analysis including related factors revealed that POT was one of the most potent independent prognostic factors, as were stage and age. Stratification analysis following the JCGC staging system revealed that the outstanding prognostic difference according to POT was recognized in patients anticipated to be cured, such as those with stage IB (p = 0.012) or II (p = 0.003) but not stage III. SPL could dramatically improve the prognosis with POT in stage IB patients but modestly if at all in those with stage II or III.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings support the need for a clinical alert against POT throughout the course of cancer treatment, especially for curable disease; thus, POT should be carefully considered from an oncologic point of view. Appropriate strategies to minimize POT should be urgently developed.

VEGF signaling inhibitors: more pro-apoptotic than anti-angiogenic

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of polypeptide growth factors regulates a family of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinases with pleiotropic downstream effects. Angiogenesis is the best known of these effects, but additional VEGF-dependent actions include increased vascular permeability, paracrine/autocrine growth factor release, enhancement of cell motility, and inhibition of apoptosis. In theory, therapeutic inhibition of angiogenesis should reduce tumor perfusion and thus increase tumor hypoxia and chemoresistance, but in clinical practice the VEGF antibody bevacizumab acts as a broad-spectrum chemosensitizer. Since VEGFR expression occurs in many tumor types, such chemosensitization is more readily explained by direct inhibition of tumor cell survival signals than by indirect stromal/vascular effects. The emerging model of anti-VEGF drug action being mediated primarily by tumoral (as distinct from endothelial) VEGFRs has clinically important implications for optimizing the anti-metastatic efficacy of this expanding drug class.

Interaction of Splenectomy and Perioperative Blood Transfusions on Prognosis of Patients With Proximal Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

Purpose: To assess the interaction of splenectomy and perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions on the prognosis of patients undergoing a potentially curative resection of proximal gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, because reports from the transplantation literature demonstrated that the immunosuppressive effects of transfusions are dependent on the presence of an intact spleen.

Patients and Methods: Between July 1, 1985, and July 30, 2001, 240 patients underwent complete resection (R0) of a proximal gastric or GEJ cancer (Siewert type II or III). Clinical and pathologic factors were collected in a prospective database. The survival data were modeled using the method of Kaplan and Meier and analyzed by the log-rank test and Cox regression.

Results: The median follow-up of the patients was 25 months (40 months for survivors). The median relapse-free survival was 30 months, and the median disease-specific survival was 45 months. Univariate analysis suggested an interaction of splenectomy and perioperative transfusion in their effect on relapse-free survival. Patients who received a perioperative transfusion but did not undergo splenectomy demonstrated the worst prognosis on multivariate analysis independent of other prognostic factors. In patients who underwent splenectomy, perioperative transfusion had no effect on relapse-free survival on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: Our study suggests an interaction of blood transfusion and splenectomy in their effect on survival paralleling the findings in the transplantation literature. The adverse effect of allogeneic blood transfusion on prognosis in patients with gastric cancer seems to be associated with the presence of an intact spleen and is abrogated by its absence.

Effect of surgical treatment on the cellular immune response of gastric cancer patients

Patients with gastric cancer have a variety of immunological abnormalities. In the present study the lymphocytes and their subsets were determined in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer (N = 41) both before and after surgical treatment. The percent of helper/inducer CD4 T cells (43.6 +/- 8.9) was not different after tumor resection (43.6 +/- 8.2). The percent of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell population decreased significantly, whether patients were treated surgically (27.2 +/- 5.8%, N = 20) or not (27.3 +/- 7.3%, N = 20) compared to individuals with inflammatory disease (30.9 +/- 7.5%) or to healthy individuals (33.2 +/- 7.6%). The CD4/CD8 ratio consequently increased in the group of cancer patients. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of gastric cancer patients showed reduced responsiveness to mitogens. The defective blastogenic response of the lymphocytes was not associated with the production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF- ) since the patients with cancer had reduced production of TGF- Beta1 (269 +/- 239 pg/ml, N = 20) in comparison to the normal individuals (884 +/- 175 pg/ml, N = 20). These results indicate that the immune response of gastric cancer patients was not significantly modified by surgical treatment when evaluated four weeks after surgery and that the immunosuppression observed was not due to an increase in TGF- 1 production by peripheral leukocytes.

Adverse effects of perioperative transfusion on patients with stage III and IV gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The degree of immunomodulation by perioperative blood transfusion and its resultant effects on cancer surgery are a subject of controversy. We evaluated the prognostic effects of perioperative blood transfusion on gastric cancer surgery.

METHODS

A total of 1710 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 1991 to 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. Uni- and multivariate analyses of the incidence, amount, and timing of perioperative blood transfusions and a comparison of the clinicopathological features were performed.

RESULTS

A higher incidence of blood transfusions was associated with female sex, large tumors, upper-body location, Borrmann type III or IV lesions, longer operations, total gastrectomies, splenectomies, and D3 or more extended lymphadenectomy. The tumors in the transfused group were more advanced in depth of invasion and nodal classification. More frequent tumor recurrences were found in the transfused group. A dose-response relationship between the amount of transfused blood and prognosis was evident. Subgroup analyses of prognosis according to stage showed significant differences in stages III and IV between the transfused and nontransfused groups. On multivariate analysis, transfusion was shown to be an independent risk factor for recurrence and poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that perioperative transfusion is an unfavorable prognostic factor. It is thus better to refrain from unnecessary blood transfusion and to give the least amount of blood to patients with gastric cancer when transfusion is inevitable, especially for those with stage III and IV gastric cancers.

Same-day versus staged anterior-posterior spinal surgery in a neuromuscular scoliosis population: the evaluation of medical complications

The medical complications occurring in 29 patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity undergoing two-stage anterior-posterior spinal fusion ("staged") were compared with 16 neuromuscular patients undergoing single-stage anterior-posterior spinal fusion ("same day"). Thirty-six (124%) major and minor medical complications occurred postoperatively in the staged patients, whereas 14 (88%) major or minor complication were present in same-day surgery patients. Thirty-five percent of staged patients had no complications, whereas 63% of same-day patients were without complications. Associated findings comparing the two-stage procedure to the single-stage surgery included operative and anesthesia time increase, increased blood-volume loss, increased blood transfusion, decreased nutritional parameters, and longer hospital stays. With either approach, there is the risk of significant complications in this vulnerable population.

The influence of perioperative blood transfusion on intrahepatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study retrospectively evaluated the association between perioperative blood transfusion and intrahepatic recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had undergone curative hepatic resections.

METHODS

Hepatic resection was performed with curative intent in 195 patients with primary HCC between 1985 and 1996. Patients who had received perioperative blood transfusion (transfused group: n = 117) and those who had no perioperative blood transfusion (nontransfused group: n = 78) were compared in terms of conventional prognostic variables and cancer-free survival by the univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-yr cancer-free survival rates in the nontransfused and transfused groups were 83.4% and 67.9%, 43.0% and 36.7%, and 23.1% and 24.6%, respectively (p = 0.175). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in all patients revealed that vascular invasion, tumor size (> or =5 cm), and Child's class were independent factors for intrahepatic recurrence. Further analyses in various stratified groups showed that perioperative blood transfusion was an independent predictor of prognosis in HCC patients with portal vein invasion (RR: 2.8, p = 0.0038). The 1-, 3-, and 5-yr survival rates in the nontransfused and transfused groups with portal vein invasion were 71.9% and 41.6%, 54.5% and 10.9%, and 26% and 0%, respectively (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that perioperative blood transfusions enhance the risk of intrahepatic recurrence of HCC in patients with portal vein invasion. As well, the more difficult surgery and the increased manipulation of the liver that occur in these cases create a greater possibility of tumor dissemination.

The effect of surgical stress and endotoxin-induced sepsis on the NK-cell activity, distribution and pulmonary clearance of YAC-1 and melanoma cells

Following surgery the activity of natural killer (NK) cells is decreased in the blood. It is possible that sepsis with release of endotoxin will further decrease the NK-cell activity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the NK-cell cytotoxicity, the clearance in the lungs of YAC-1 and melanoma cells, as well as the distribution of NK-cells in the liver, following abdominal surgery and intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered endotoxin. Ten mice in each group were allocated to abdominal surgery, i.p. endotoxin or anaesthesia alone. Following abdominal surgery, the cytotoxicity of NK-cells isolated from the spleen was decreased and 4 h after injection the clearance of YAC-1 cells from the lungs was only 79.5+/-6.1% compared to 99.5+/-0.3% in the control group. The number of NK-cells in the liver was also significantly reduced following abdominal surgery. In contrast, i.p. endotoxin increased the activity of NK-cells by 28.5% compared to 11.8% in the control group and 8.1% in the surgery group, lowered the number of melanoma metastases in extrapulmonary organs and significantly increased the number of NK-cells in the liver. Following abdominal surgery, activity of NK-cells, pulmonary clearance and number of NK-cells in the liver were decreased. The number of NK-cells in the liver correlated with the NK-cell activity throughout the study. The increased NK-cell cytotoxicity and the increased number of NK-cells in the liver following i.p. administered endotoxin might initially be an appropriate measure against intra-abdominal infection.

Perioperative blood transfusions reduce long-term survival following surgery for colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of the study contained herein was to investigate the association between blood transfusion and long-term outcome for patients treated for colorectal cancer, controlling for the effect of other prognostic factors. We also wanted to study whether blood storage time influenced the prognosis.

METHODS

Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze data from 336 patients who survived resection with curative intent. Median follow-up was 5.8 (2-16.8) years or until death.

RESULTS

Local recurrences and distant metastases were significantly more frequent when more than two units of blood had been transfused. In the multivariate Cox's analysis, with backward elimination of nonsignificant factors at the 10 percent level, the following risk factors were significantly related to death by colorectal cancer: tumor stage (T stage and N stage), perforation of tumor, age, and the need for a blood transfusion. Transfusions of more than two units of blood were independently and significantly associated with death from colorectal cancer (relative hazard, 2.7; 95 percent confidence intervals, 1.4-5.2). Time of blood storage had no effect on the prognoses. In patients dying from diseases unrelated to colorectal cancer, age and American Society of Anesthesiologists group were significantly related to death, whereas blood transfusion was not.

CONCLUSION

We found an independent and significant association between perioperative blood transfusion and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. Blood storage time was not a prognostic factor.

Distinct effects of allogeneic blood transfusion on splenocyte cytokine production after hemorrhagic shock

Allogeneic blood transfusion is known to be immunosuppressive in the settings of cancer and transplantation, but the contribution of blood transfusion to immunomodulation after hemorrhage is unknown. Our purpose was to determine the influence of allogeneic blood transfusion upon cytokine profiles following hemorrhagic shock, using a model which approximates the clinical setting.

METHODS

Male C3H/HeN mice were hemorrhaged via femoral arterial catheters to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35 +/- 5 mm Hg, which was maintained for 1 h. Mice were resuscitated with autologous blood (auto BT) or allogeneic blood (allo BT) from Balb/c mice (both equivalent to volume of shed blood), and crystalloid (2X the volume of shed blood)-infused at 0.05 ml/min. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 5 days postshock, and splenocytes were cultured for 24 h with anti-CD3 antibody. Supernatants were assayed for IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and gamma-IFN by ELISA.

RESULTS

Regardless of transfusion status, hemorrhagic shock resulted in increased IL-6 and gamma-IFN by Day 2 postshock. Distinct cytokine alterations after allogeneic transfusion were as follows. IL-2: transient elevation of splenocyte IL-2 production in the shock + allo BT group (P < 0.005 vs. shock + auto BT) at Postshock Day 2. IL-6: suppression in IL-6 production in the shock + allo BT group by Postshock Day 5 (P < 0.05 vs. shock + auto BT). IL-10: persistently elevated IL-10 production following shock + allo BT (Day 1, P < 0.001 vs. shock + auto BT; Day 5; P < 0.05 vs. shock + auto BT). gamma-IFN: elevation in gamma-IFN production by Day 5 in the shock + allo BT group (P < 0.0005 vs. shock + auto BT).

CONCLUSIONS

Allogeneic blood transfusion results in distinct alterations in splenocyte production of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and gamma-IFN after hemorrhagic shock. This model reflects the clinical usage of blood products and demonstrates some of the immune alterations after transfusion.

Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion does not cause adverse sequelae in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis of unconfounded studies

BACKGROUND

There is controversy over whether perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusions are associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence, postoperative infection or death in patients with cancer undergoing surgery.

METHODS

A systematic meta-analysis was performed to answer this question. Studies were identified from electronic databases (Medline 1966-1997, Cancerlit 1983-1997, Current Contents, Cinahl 1982-1996, Healthstar 1990-1997, Bioabstracts 1990-1996 and Embase), by hand search of the bibliographies of identified studies and relevant journals, and by contact with experts in the field. All randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies with active comparator controls (autologous or leucocyte-depleted allogeneic blood) were eligible for inclusion if they reported on mortality, infection or recurrence rate in patients with cancer undergoing potentially curative surgical resection. The validity of the identified studies was assessed by means of a standardized scale, and data abstraction was carried out by two investigators independently. A random effects model was used for data synthesis.

RESULTS

Of the 2172 references identified, only 17 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After exclusion of duplicate publications, six randomized controlled trials and two prospective cohort studies with appropriate concurrent controls were included in the analysis. The summary risk ratios were 0.95 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.79-1.15) for all-cause mortality and 1.06 (95 per cent c.i. 0.88-1.28) for cancer recurrence, the two endpoints that were appropriate to combine statistically. There was significant heterogeneity (explainable by differences in study design and patient characteristics) in the postoperative infection data and the summary risk ratio was 1.00 (95 per cent c.i. 0.76-1.32) for the four studies that were appropriate to subject to meta-analysis. Given the sample sizes of these eight studies, this meta-analysis had insufficient power to detect a relative difference of less than 20 per cent in the frequency of death, cancer recurrence or infection between the allogeneic and control transfusion arms.

CONCLUSION

Although more studies are required before a definitive statement can be made, at this time there is no evidence that allogeneic blood transfusion increases the risk of clinically important adverse sequelae in patients with cancer undergoing surgery.

The influence of peri-operative blood transfusion during radical hysterectomy on the prognosis of uterine cervical cancer

To evaluate the clinical implications of peri-operative transfusion in the surgical treatment of uterine cervical cancer, a detailed analysis of the cumulative survival rate was performed using clinical data from 145 patients with FIGO stage Ib cervical cancer of the squamous cell type acquired between 1982 and 1989 at the Center for Adult Diseases. The cumulative survival rate was statistically analyzed using the Kaplan Meier method. Of the 145 patients with stage Ib cancer, 103 were considered to have undergone complete excision and received no further treatment post-operatively, and 42 were considered to have undergone incomplete excision because of the involvement of lymph nodes or the lymphovascular space. Of the 79 patients in the former group who received peri-operative transfusion, 69 received less than seven units (1400 mL) and 10 received more than eight units (1600 mL). The cumulative 5-year survival rate was 100% in the 24 patients who received no transfusions, 91.7% in those who received less than 1400 mL, and 90.0% in those who received more than 1600 mL. Similarly, of the 42 patients in the incomplete excision group, nine did not receive any peri-operative transfusion, 27 received less than 1400 mL, and six received more than 1600 mL. The 5-year survival rate in these groups was 88.9, 77.8 and 50.0%, respectively. The survival rate of our patients with stage Ib cervical cancer without peri-operative transfusion was significantly higher than that of those with transfusion, regardless of post-operative irradiation therapy status, indicating that peri-operative transfusion has an adverse influence on the prognosis in cervical cancer.