Peri-operative bowel perforation in early stage colon cancer is associated with an adverse oncological outcome

Determinants of survival and recurrence in patients with stage I colorectal cancer

Background

Due to the novel advanced screening methods, the number of patients diagnosed with stage I colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify recurrence and survival risk factors of patients with stage I CRC after surgery.

Materials and methods

Patients with stage I CRC were evaluated, and their demographic and clinicopathologic variables were recorded. The log-rank test assessed the association of variables with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), local recurrence, and distant metastasis.

Results

The median overall survival period was 51 months. The recurrence rate was 13.7%: 7.2% local and 9.3% distant recurrence. One-, two-, three-, and five-year RFS were 92%, 89%, 87%, and 83%, respectively, and OS were 96%, 93%, 90%, and 89%, respectively. Local and distant recurrence rates were higher in patients with higher tumor grades. Additionally, RFS and OS were worse in patients with higher tumor grades, and perforation was associated with worse OS.

Conclusions

The determinants of survival and recurrence identified in the present study can be used to improve patient outcomes by early diagnosis and appropriate management of high-risk patients.

Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on long-term overall survival in patients with high-risk stage II colon cancer: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on long-term survival in unselected patients with high-risk stage II colon cancer including an analysis of each high-risk feature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group, the National Patient Registry and the Danish Pathology Registry from 2014 to 2018 were merged. Patients surviving > 90 days were included. High-risk features were defined as emergency presentation, including self-expanding metal stents (SEMS)/loop-ostomy as a bridge to resection, grade B or C anastomotic leakage, pT4 tumors, lymph node yield < 12 or signet cell carcinoma. Eligibility criteria for chemotherapy were age < 75 years, proficient MMR gene expression, and performance status ≤ 2. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of eligible patients allocated for adjuvant chemotherapy and the time to first administration.

RESULTS

In total 939 of 3937 patients with stage II colon cancer had high-risk features, of whom 408 were eligible for chemotherapy. 201 (49.3%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, with a median time to first administration of 35 days after surgery. The crude 5-year overall survival was 84.9% in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy compared with 66.3% in patients not receiving chemotherapy, p < 0.001. This association corresponded to an absolute risk difference of 14%.

CONCLUSION

5-year overall survival was significantly higher in patients with high-risk stage II colon cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy compared with no chemotherapy. Adjuvant treatment was given to less than half of the patients who were eligible for it.

The Impact of Primary Care Physicians on the Surgical Presentation and Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in Vulnerable Populations

BACKGROUND

Multiple socioeconomic and clinical factors have been implicated in the health disparities that exist amongst vulnerable populations with colorectal cancer. Efforts have been directed toward addressing these factors to improve outcomes. We evaluate the impact of primary care physicians (PCP) on the surgical presentation and outcomes of colorectal cancer at a safety-net hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 331 patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma between 2014 and 2020 at a single-institution urban county medical center.

RESULTS

The cohort was predominantly male (59%) and Hispanic (52.1%). Thirty-two percent of patients had a PCP at time of diagnosis. Patients with PCPs compared to those without PCPs had significantly lower rates of acute presentation (perforation or obstruction) (17.0 vs 38.1%, P < .001), higher rates of surgical resection (83.0 vs 70.7%, P = .016), and were less likely to have metastatic disease at presentation (20.4 vs 33.5%, P = .02). Overall, having a PCP also improved probability of survival (HR 1.36, P < .04).

CONCLUSION

Having a PCP at the time of colorectal cancer diagnosis is associated with improved outcomes in a safety-net population, with significant differences in surgical presentation and resection.

Comparison of long-term recurrence-free survival between primary surgery and endoscopic resection followed by secondary surgery in T1 colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aimed to investigate whether endoscopic resection of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) before surgery (secondary surgery) unfavorably affects long-term recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with surgery without prior endoscopic resection (primary surgery).

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent radical surgery for T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features at a tertiary referral hospital in Korea between 2011 and 2016. The primary outcome was RFS. We performed 2 types of propensity score (PS) analyses to control for confounders.

RESULTS

Of 852 patients, 388 underwent primary surgery and 464 secondary surgery. During the median follow-up period of 57.0 months (range, 41.0-63.0), cancer recurred in 18 patients (2.1%). The 5-year RFS rates did not differ between the primary and secondary surgery groups (97.0 vs 98.5%, P = .194). Further analyses of RFS rates according to nodal stages and number of high-risk histologic features showed no difference between groups. Moreover, RFS rates were not different between the groups after PS matching. In multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis, baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was an independent risk factor for cancer recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.464; 95% confidence interval, 1.242-1.725; P < .001) but prior endoscopic resection of T1 CRC was not (P = .201). Both PS analyses consistently showed no increase in cancer recurrence risk in the secondary surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed no additional cancer recurrence risk by endoscopic resection before surgery of T1 CRC with high-risk histologic features.

Association of Pharyngocutaneous Fistula With Cancer Outcomes in Patients After Laryngectomy: A Multicenter Collaborative Cohort Study

Importance

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) results in an inflammatory reaction, but its association with the rate of locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and overall survival in laryngeal cancer remains uncertain.

Objective

To determine if pharyngocutaneous fistula after salvage laryngectomy is associated with locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and/or overall survival.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A multicenter collaborative retrospective cohort study conducted at 5 centers in Canada and the US of 550 patients who underwent salvage laryngectomy for recurrent laryngeal cancer from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014. The median follow-up time was 5.7 years (range, 0-18 years).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes examined included locoregional and distant control, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Fine and Gray competing risk regression and Cox-proportional hazard regression models were used for outcomes. Competing risks and the Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate outcomes at 3 years and 5 years.

Results

In all, 550 patients (mean [SD] age, 64 [10.4] years; men, 465 [85%]) met inclusion criteria. Pharyngocutaneous fistula occurred in 127 patients (23%). The difference in locoregional control between the group of patients with PCF (75%) and the non-PCF (72%) group was 3% (95% CI, -6% to 12%). The difference in overall survival between the group with PCF (44%) and the non-PCF group (52%) was 8% (95% CI, -2% to 20%). The difference in disease-free survival between PCF and non-PCF groups was 6% (95% CI, -4% to 16%). In the multivariable model, patients with PCF were at a 2-fold higher rate of distant metastases (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.27). Distant control was reduced in those with PCF, a 13% (95% CI, 3% to 21%) difference in 5-year distant control.

Conclusions and Relevance

This multicenter retrospective cohort study found that development of PCF after salvage laryngectomy is associated with an increased risk for the development of distant metastases.

Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Trigger for Liver Metastases Development? New Insights into the Underlying Mechanisms

Surgery is a crucial intervention and provides the best chance of cure for patients with colorectal cancer. Experimental and clinical evidence, however, suggests that paradoxically surgery itself may precipitate or accelerate tumor recurrence and/or liver metastasis development. This review addresses the various aspects of surgery-induced metastasis formation and sheds light on the role of inflammation as potential trigger for metastasis development. Understanding these mechanisms may provide potential new perioperative interventions to improve treatment outcomes, and as such could transform the perioperative timeframe from a facilitator of metastatic progression to a window of opportunity to reduce the risk of liver metastasis development. Ultimately, this can potentially improve long-term survival rates and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer.

Factors associated with colon cancer early, intermediate and late recurrence after surgery for stage I-III: A 5-year prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with early, intermediate or late recurrence colon cancer recurrence.

METHODS

A total of 1,732 consecutive patients with colon cancer were recruited and followed for a period of 5 years. Recurrence at 1 year (early), from 1 to 2 (early), from 2 to 3 (intermediate) and from 3 to 5 years (late) was the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

Predictors of early recurrence (AUC (95% CI):0.74 (0.70-0.78) were as follows: TNM stage II and III, more than one type of invasion, haemoglobin <10 g/dl, residual tumour (R1), ASA IV, log odds of positive lymph nodes ratio ≥-0.53, perforation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, infectious complications within 1 year and CEA pre- and post-intervention. These factors remained significant for predicting intermediate (AUC [95% CI]: 0.72 [0.67-0.77]) and late (AUC [95% CI]: 0.68 [0.63-0.74]) recurrence, except for ASA class, log lymph node ratio, perforation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, laterality (left) and medical complications up to 2 years were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These risk factors show good predictive ability of early, intermediate and late recurrence, confirming factors established by guidelines and adding some others. They could serve to provide more appropriate and accurate treatment and follow-up tailored to patient characteristics.

The prognostic value of organ/space surgical site infection in stage I colorectal cancer recurrence

PURPOSE

Evidence on risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) confined to pathological stage I is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors for recurrence in patients with stage I CRC.

METHODS

Data on clinicopathological factors and blood tests of patients diagnosed with pathological stage I CRC at Hiroshima University Hospital between April 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, were retrospectively obtained. The statistical significance between the clinical factors and postoperative recurrence was also investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients were included. The median observation period was 45 months. There were 17 patients (6.6%) with a postoperative recurrence (8 local and 9 distant recurrences). In the log-lank test, rectal cancer (p = 0.004), pT2 (p = 0.020) and organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with postoperative recurrence. In a multivariate analysis, rectal cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 3.678, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.184-11.425, p = 0.024) and organ/space SSI (HR 3.137, 95% CI 1.013-9.713, p = 0.047) were independently associated with a higher recurrence rate. Among 18 patients with organ/space SSI, 4 recurrences occurred, all of which were distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

Organ/space SSI significantly affects the postoperative recurrence in patients with stage I CRC.

Clinical characteristics and oncologic outcomes in patients with preoperative clinical T3 and T4 colon cancer who were staged as pathologic T3

Purpose

Clinically suspected T4 stage colon cancer from a preoperative exam is often diagnosed as T3 stage colon cancer pathologically after surgery, raising concerns about understaging. The aims of this study were to compare the survival of clinical T3 and T4 colon cancer patients who had received a pathologic T3 stage diagnosis postoperatively.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with pathologic T3 stage colon cancer postoperatively were reviewed. Patients with clinically suspected T3 or T4 stage cancer on preoperative exam were enrolled in the study. We compared patient demographics and survival of the cT3 and cT4 groups.

Results

Out of the 536 patients with pT3 colon cancer, 503 patients were cT3 (93.8%) and 33 patients were cT4 (6.2%) preoperatively. The most common reason for suspected clinical T4 stage cancer was free perforation (78.8%). There were no statistically significant differences between the 5-year overall survival and the total 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) between the cT3 and cT4 groups; however, local recurrence was significantly higher in the cT4 group (local 5-year DFS: 98.6% vs. 84.0%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed cT stage was associated with local recurrence, but the association was not statistically significant (P = 0.056).

Conclusion

Preoperative clinically suspected T4 stage colon cancer showed inferior local recurrence despite a postoperative pathologic diagnosis of T3 stage cancer. It is necessary to address the shortcomings of pathologic exams in the matter of the understaging of T4 colon cancer, and to reinforce the treatment for local control in patients with cT4 colon cancer.

Influence of Conversion and Anastomotic Leakage on Survival in Rectal Cancer Surgery; Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Conversion and anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer surgery have been suggested to have a negative impact on long-term oncologic outcomes. The aim of this study in a large Dutch national cohort was to analyze the influence of conversion and anastomotic leakage on long-term oncologic outcome in rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

Patients were selected from a retrospective cross-sectional snapshot study. Patients with a benign lesion, distant metastasis, or unknown tumor or metastasis status were excluded. Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between laparoscopic, converted, and open surgery as well as between patients with and without anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS

Out of a database of 2095 patients, 638 patients were eligible for inclusion in the laparoscopic, 752 in the open, and 107 in the conversion group. A total of 746 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent low anterior resection with primary anastomosis, including 106 (14.2%) with anastomotic leakage. OS and DFS were significantly shorter in the conversion compared to the laparoscopic group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.001, respectively) as well as in anastomotic leakage compared to patients without anastomotic leakage (p = 0.002 and p = 0.024, respectively). In multivariable analysis, anastomotic leakage was an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 2.167, 95% confidence interval 1.322-3.551) and DFS (1.592, 1077-2.353). Conversion was an independent predictor of DFS (1.525, 1.071-2.172), but not of OS.

CONCLUSION

Technical difficulties during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery, as reflected by conversion, as well as anastomotic leakage have a negative prognostic impact, underlining the need to improve both aspects in rectal cancer surgery.

Spillage of bacterial products during colon surgery increases the risk of liver metastases development in a rat colon carcinoma model

Surgical resection of the primary tumor provides the best chance of cure for patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, bacterial translocation during intestinal surgery has been correlated with poor long-term oncological outcome. Therefore, we investigated the influence of bacterial contamination during colon surgery on CRC liver metastases development. Blood and liver samples of patients undergoing resection of primary CRC or liver metastases were collected. Cell numbers, activation markers and inflammatory mediators were determined. Tumor cell adhesion and outgrowth after sham- or colectomy operations were determined in a rat model, in which tumor cells had been injected into the portal vein.

White blood cells and granulocytes were increased in per- and post-operative patient blood samples. IL-6 was also increased post-operatively compared to the preoperative level. Expression of NOX-2, NOX-4 and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) numbers were elevated in post-operative human liver samples. In vitro stimulation of macrophages with plasma of rats after colectomy resulted in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colectomy in rats increased D-lactate levels in plasma, supporting bacterial translocation. Decreased expression of tight junction molecules and increased tumor cell adhesion and outgrowth was observed. Treatment with a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) cocktail decreased tumor cell adherence after colectomy.

In conclusion, postoperative bacterial translocation may activate liver macrophages and PMNs, resulting in ROS production. As we previously showed that ROS release led to liver vasculature damage, circulating tumor cells may adhere to exposed extracellular matrix and grow out into liver metastases. This knowledge is pivotal for development of therapeutic strategies to prevent surgery-induced liver metastases development.

Prognostic Impact of Intra-abdominal/Pelvic Inflammation After Radical Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The influence of postoperative infectious complications, such as anastomotic leakage, on survival has been reported for various cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, it remains unclear whether intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer is relevant to its prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with survival after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer.

DESIGN

The prospectively collected data of patients were retrospectively evaluated.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a single-institution tertiary care cancer center.

PATIENTS

Between 1983 and 2012, patients who underwent radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer with curative intent at the National Cancer Center Hospital were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Factors associated with overall and relapse-free survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 180 patients were eligible for analyses. Median blood loss and operation time for locally recurrent rectal cancer were 2022 mL and 634 minutes. Five-year overall and 3-year relapse-free survival rates were 38.6% and 26.7%. Age (p = 0.002), initial tumor stage (p = 0.03), pain associated with locally recurrent rectal cancer (p = 0.03), CEA level (p = 0.004), resection margin (p < 0.001), intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p < 0.001), and surgery period (p = 0.045) were independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival, whereas CEA level (p = 0.01), resection margin (p = 0.002), and intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p = 0.001) were associated with relapse-free survival. Intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation was observed in 45 patients (25.0%). A large amount of perioperative blood loss was the only factor associated with the occurrence of intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation (p = 0.007).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective nature and heterogeneous population.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal/pelvic inflammation after radical surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer is associated with poor prognosis. See Video Abstract at http://journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/Pages/videogallery.aspx.

Anastomotic Leaks After Restorative Resections for Rectal Cancer Compromise Cancer Outcomes and Survival

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leaks after restorative resections for rectal cancer may lead to worse long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the best current evidence assessing anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer resections with curative intent and their impact on survival and cancer recurrence.

DATA SOURCES

A meta-analysis was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane search engines for relevant studies published between January 1982 and January 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was used to screen and select relevant studies for the review using key words "colorectal surgery; colorectal neoplasm; rectal neoplasm" and "anastomotic leak."

INTERVENTION

Anastomotic leak groups were compared with nonanastomotic leak groups.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

ORs were calculated from binary data for local recurrence, distant recurrence, and cancer-specific mortality. A random-effects model was then used to calculate pooled ORs with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 13,655 patients met the inclusion criteria. This included 5 prospective cohort and 6 retrospective cohort studies. Median follow-up was 60 months. Higher cancer-specific mortality was noted in the leak group with an OR of 1.30 (95% CI, 1.04-1.62; p < 0.05). Local recurrences were more likely in rectal cancer resections complicated by anastomotic leaks (OR = 1.61 (95% CI, 1.25-2.09); p < 0.001). Distant recurrence was not more likely in the anastomotic leak group (OR = 1.07 (95% CI, 0.87-1.33); p = 0.52).

LIMITATIONS

All 11 studies are level 3 evidence cohort studies. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed to minimize cross-study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomotic leaks after restorative resections for rectal cancer adversely impact cancer-specific mortality and local recurrence.

Early stage colon cancer

Evidence has now accumulated that colonoscopy and removal of polyps, especially during screening and surveillance programs, is effective in overall risk reduction for colon cancer. After resection of malignant pedunculated colon polyps or early stage colon cancers, long-term repeated surveillance programs can also lead to detection and removal of asymptomatic high risk advanced adenomas and new early stage metachronous cancers. Early stage colon cancer can be defined as disease that appears to have been completely resected with no subsequent evidence of involvement of adjacent organs, lymph nodes or distant sites. This differs from the clinical setting of an apparent “curative” resection later pathologically upstaged following detection of malignant cells extending into adjacent organs, peritoneum, lymph nodes or other distant sites, including liver. This highly selected early stage colon cancer group remains at high risk for subsequent colon polyps and metachronous colon cancer. Precise staging is important, not only for assessing the need for adjuvant chemotherapy, but also for patient selection for continued surveillance. With advanced stages of colon cancer and a more guarded outlook, repeated surveillance should be limited. In future, novel imaging technologies (e.g., confocal endomicroscopy), coupled with increased pathological recognition of high risk markers for lymph node involvement (e.g., “tumor budding”) should lead to improved staging and clinical care.