Prognosis and Adherence with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines of Patients with Biliary Tract Cancers: an Analysis of the National Cancer Database

Association between quality metric adherence and overall survival among patients undergoing resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Process-based quality metrics are important for improving long-term outcomes after surgical resection. We sought to develop a practical surgical quality score for patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative-intent resection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2017 were identified using the National Cancer Database. Five surgical quality metrics were defined: minimally invasive approach, adequate lymphadenectomy, negative surgical margins, receipt of adjuvant therapy, and no prolonged hospitalization. Log-rank test and multivariable Cox regression analysis were used to determine the association of quality metrics with overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 38,228 patients underwent curative-intent resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Median age at diagnosis was 68 years (interquartile range = 61-75), and roughly half the cohort was male (n = 19,562; 51.2%). Quality metrics were achieved on a varied basis: minimally invasive approach (n = 5,701; 14.9%), adequate lymphadenectomy (n = 27,122; 80.0%), negative surgical margin (n = 29,248; 76.5%), receipt of adjuvant therapy (n = 26,006; 68.0%), and absence of prolonged hospitalization (n = 26,470; 69.2%). An integer-based surgical quality score from 0 (no quality metrics) to 16 (all quality metrics) was calculated. Patients with higher scores had progressively better overall survival. Median overall survival differed substantially among the score categories (score = 0-4 points, 8.7 [8.0-9.6] months; 5-8 points, 17.5 [16.9-18.2] months; 9-12 points, 22.1 [21.6-22.8] months; and 13-16 points, 30.8 [30.2-31.3] months; P <  .001). On multivariable analysis, risk-adjusted mortality hazards decreased in a stepwise manner with higher scores (0-4 points: reference; 5-8 points: multivariable adjusted hazard ratio = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.57-0.63; 9-12 points: adjusted hazard ratio = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.47-0.52; 13-16 points: and adjusted hazard ratio = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.34-0.40; all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to quality metrics may be associated with improved overall survival. Efforts aimed at increasing compliance with quality metric measures may help optimize long-term outcomes among patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Association between social determinants of health and delayed postoperative adjuvant therapy among patients undergoing resection of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) requires a multimodality approach. We sought to define the association between social determinants of health (SDOH) and delayed or nonreceipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (aCT) among patients undergoing PDAC resection.

METHODS

Data on patients who underwent PDAC resection between 2014 and 2020 were identified from Medicare Standard Analytic Files and merged with the county-level social vulnerability index (SVI). Mediation analysis defined the association between SVI subthemes and aCT receipt.

RESULTS

Among 24 078 patients, 47.7% received timely aCT, 17.7% received delayed aCT, and 34.6% did not receive any aCT. High SVI was associated with delay (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.34) and nonreceipt of aCT (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.41) (both p < 0.05). 73.1% of the variation in timely aCT receipt was directly attributable to SVI, whereas 26.9% of the effect was due to indirect mediators including hospital volume (6.4%), length-of-stay (7.9%) and postoperative complications (12.6%). Socioeconomic status (delayed aCT: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.38; nonreceipt aCT: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.36) and household composition and disability (delayed aCT: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17-1.43; nonreceipt aCT: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.29) were associated with receipt of aCT (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the disparities in receipt of aCT after PDAC surgery are driven by underlying SDOH such as SVI.

Guideline adherence and implementation of tumor board therapy recommendations for patients with gastrointestinal cancer

PURPOSE

Although participation in multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) is an obligatory quality criterion for certification, there is scarce evidence, whether MTB recommendations are consistent with consensus guidelines and whether they are followed in clinical practice. Reasons of guideline and tumor board deviations are poorly understood so far.

METHODS

MTB's recommendations from the weekly MTB for gastrointestinal cancers at the University Cancer Center Leipzig/Germany (UCCL) in 2020 were analyzed for their adherence to therapy recommendations as stated in National German guidelines and implementation within an observation period of 3 months. To assess adherence, an objective classification system was developed assigning a degree of guideline and tumor board adherence to each MTB case. For cases with deviations, underlying causes and influencing factors were investigated and categorized.

RESULTS

76% of MTBs were fully adherent to guidelines, with 16% showing deviations, mainly due to study inclusions and patient comorbidities. Guideline adherence in 8% of case discussions could not be determined, especially because there was no underlying guideline recommendation for the specific topic. Full implementation of the MTBs treatment recommendation occurred in 64% of all cases, while 21% showed deviations with primarily reasons of comorbidities and differing patient wishes. Significantly lower guideline and tumor board adherences were demonstrated in patients with reduced performance status (ECOG-PS ≥ 2) and for palliative intended therapy (p = 0.002/0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of guideline deviations and adherence to MTB decisions by a systematic and objective quality assessment tool could become a meaningful quality criterion for cancer centers in Germany.

Trends and disparities in the utilization of systemic chemotherapy in patients with metastatic hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers

BACKGROUND

We described trends and disparities in utilization of systemic chemotherapy in metastatic hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers.

METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database for metastatic HPB cancers [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), biliary tract cancers (BTC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC)]. We used multivariable analysis to examine the factors associated with utilization of systemic chemotherapy. We utilized marginal structural logistic models to estimate the effect of health insurance, facility type, or facility volume on utilization of systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

We identified 162,283 patients with metastatic HPB cancers: 23,923 (14.7%) had HCC, 26,766 (16.5%) had BTC, and 111,594 (68.8%) had PDAC. A total of 37.2% patients with HCC, 55.6% with BTC, and 56.4% with PDAC received chemotherapy. Age ≥70 years and Charlson-Deyo score ≥2 were associated with lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy across all cancers. Patients with private health insurance had higher receipt of chemotherapy. Receiving treatment at academic facilities had no effect on the receipt of chemotherapy. Treatment of patients with HCC or PDAC at high-volume facilities resulted in higher receipt of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients with metastatic HPB cancers do not receive systemic chemotherapy. Several disparities in administration of chemotherapy for metastatic HPB cancers exist.

Does Adjuvant Therapy Benefit Low-Risk Resectable Cholangiocarcinoma? An Evaluation of the NCCN Guidelines

BACKGROUND

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The trends in utilization and receipt of adjuvant therapy and its association with overall survival have not been well studied among patients with low-risk CCA.

METHODS

Patients who received systemic chemotherapy for low-risk CCA after surgical resection (2010-2017) were identified in the National Cancer Database. Low-risk CCA was defined according to NCCN guidelines as patients with R0 margins and negative regional lymph nodes. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess predictors of NCCN guideline concordance and its association with overall survival.

RESULTS

Among 4519 patients who underwent resection for low-risk CCA, 55.5% (n = 2510) had intrahepatic, 15.0% (n = 680) had perihilar, and 29.4% (n = 1329) had distal cholangiocarcinoma. Adherence to NCCN guidelines increased from 27.7% in 2010 to 41.6% in 2017 (p_trend < 0.001) for low-risk CCA. On multivariable analysis, receipt of NCCN guideline-concordant care was associated with a nearly 15% decrease in mortality hazards (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.78-0.95, [Formula: see text]). Increased distance travelled (Ref < 12.5 miles, 50-249 miles: OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.49-0.69; ≥ 250 miles: OR 0.41, 95%CI 0.25-0.6), and care in the South (OR 0.78, 95%CI 0.64-0.95) or Midwest (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.53-0.81) of the United States versus the Northeast was associated with not receiving guideline-concordant care.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to evidence-based NCCN guidelines was associated with improved survival among low-risk CCA patients. Geographical disparities in the receipt of NCCN guideline-concordant care exist and may influence long-term outcomes among CCA patients.

Adherence to guidelines at the patient- and hospital-levels is associated with improved overall survival in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adherence to evidence-based guidelines in gastric cancer is low. We aimed to evaluate adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for gastric cancer at both patient- and hospital-levels and examine associations between guideline adherence and treatment outcomes, including overall survival (OS).

METHODS

We applied stage-specific, annual NCCN Guidelines (2004-2015) to patients with gastric cancer treated with curative-intent within the National Cancer Database and compared characteristics of patients who did and did not receive guideline-adherent care. Hospitals were evaluated by guideline adherence rate. We identified associations with OS through multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 37 659 patients included, 32% received NCCN Guideline-adherent treatment. OS was significantly associated with both guideline adherence (51 months for patients receiving guideline-adherent treatment vs. 22 for patients receiving nonadherent treatment, p < 0.001). Treatment at a hospital with higher adherence was associated with longer OS (21 months for patients treated at lowest adherence quartile hospitals vs. 37 months at highest adherence quartile hospitals, p < 0.001), regardless of type of treatment received.

CONCLUSIONS

Guideline-adherent treatment was strongly associated with longer median OS. Guideline adherence should be used as a benchmark for focused quality improvement for physicians taking care of patients with gastric cancer and institutions at large.

NCCN resource-stratified and harmonized guidelines: A paradigm for optimizing global cancer care

Clinical practice guidelines in oncology lead to improved outcomes in care. However, the most frequently used guidelines are developed for highly resourced systems. Recognizing the significant and increasing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has developed resource-stratified framework and harmonization processes that allow the NCCN Guidelines to be tailored and optimized for specific geographical areas, resource levels, and settings. The critical need for local expertise and involvement in successful development and uptake is emphasized, and the promise of this collaboration for advancement in oncology programs is illustrated.

Association of ST6GAL1 and CYP19A1 polymorphisms in the 3'-UTR with astrocytoma risk and prognosis in a Chinese Han population

Background

Astrocytoma is a common type of central nervous system tumor. In this study, we investigated the correlation between ST6GAL1 and CYP19A1 polymorphisms and the risk and prognosis of astrocytoma.

Methods

A total of 365 astrocytoma patients and 379 healthy controls were genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY system. The correlation between ST6GAL1 and CYP19A1 variants and astrocytoma risk was calculated using logistic regression. The survival rate of patients with astrocytoma was analyzed to evaluate prognosis.

Results

We found that the ST6GAL1-rs2239611 significantly decreased the risk of astrocytoma in the codominant model (p = 0.044) and dominant model (p = 0.049). In stratified analyses, CYP19A1-rs2255192 might be associated with a higher risk of astrocytoma among the low-grade subgroup under recessive (p = 0.034) and additive (p = 0.030) models. However, CYP19A1-rs4646 had a risk-decreasing effect on the high-grade subgroup in the codominant model (p = 0.044). The results of Cox regression analysis showed that the CYP19A1-rs2239611 and -rs1042757 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with the prognosis of astrocytoma.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ST6GAL1 and CYP19A1 genes may be a potential biomarker of genetic susceptibility and prognosis to astrocytoma in the Chinese Han population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08110-1.

Does resection improve overall survival for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with nodal metastases?

Background

The potential benefit of surgical resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in patients with locoregionally advanced disease has not been definitively determined.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried to identify patients with clinical evidence of node-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Resected patients were stratified by margin status and lymph node ratio (nodes positive to nodes harvested). Risk of death was determined using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival functions.

Results

A total of 1,425 patients with T(any)N1M0 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were identified. Two hundred twelve (14.9%) underwent surgical resection. On multivariable Cox regression, R0 resection afforded a survival benefit regardless of lymph node ratio (lymph node ratio > 0.5: hazard ratio 0.466, 95% confidence interval 0.304–0.715; lymph node ratio ≤ 0.5: hazard ratio 0.444, 95% confidence interval 0.322–0.611), whereas a survival benefit was only seen in R1 patients with lymph node ratio ≤ 0.5 (hazard ratio 0.470, 95% confidence interval 0.316–0.701). On Kaplan-Meier, median survival was 11.6 months with chemotherapy, 15.7 months with R0 resection in lymph node ratio > 0.5, and 22.2 months with R0 resection in lymph node ratio ≤ 0.5 (P < .001).

Discussion

Margin negative resection is associated with a risk-adjusted survival benefit for patients with clinically N1 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma regardless of the degree of regional lymph node involvement.

Trends in the Number of Lymph Nodes Evaluated Among Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in the United States: A Multi-Institutional and National Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of routine lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) remains poorly defined. The objective of the current study was to investigate trends in the number of lymph nodes (LN) evaluated for pNET treatment at a nationwide level.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery for pNET between 2000 and 2016 were identified in the U.S. Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group (US-NETSG) database as well as the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The number of LNs examined was evaluated over time.

RESULTS

The median number of evaluated LNs increased roughly fourfold over the study period (US-NETSG, 2000: 3 LNs vs. 2016: 13 LNs; SEER, 2000: 3 LNs vs. 2016: 11 LNs, both p < 0.001). While no difference in 5-year OS and RFS was noted among patients who had 1-3 lymph node metastases (LNM) vs. ≥ 4 LNM between 2000-2007 (OS 73.5% vs. 69.9%, p = 0.12; RFS: 64.9% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.39), patients who underwent resection and LN evaluation during the period 2008-2016 had an incrementally worse survival if the patient had node negative disease, 1-3 LNM and ≥ 4 LNM (OS 86.8% vs. 82.7% vs. 74.9%, p < 0.001; RFS: 86.3% vs. 64.7% vs. 50.4%, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, a more recent year of diagnosis, pancreatic head tumor location, and tumor size > 2 cm were associated with 12 or more LNs evaluated in both US-NETSG and SEER databases.

CONCLUSION

The number of LNs examined nearly quadrupled over the last decade. The increased number of LNs examined suggested a growing adoption of the AJCC staging manual recommendations regarding LN evaluation in the treatment of pNET.

Association Between Travel Distance, Hospital Volume, and Outcomes Following Resection of Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to characterize the association between travel distance/hospital volume relative to outcomes following resection of cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

Patients were identified using the 2004-2015 National Cancer Database and stratified into quartiles according to travel distance/hospital volume. Multivariable regression models were utilized to examine the impact of travel distance and hospital volume on quality-of-care metrics and overall survival.

RESULTS

Among 5125 patients, the majority of patients had T1/2 (N = 2006, 41.1%) and N0 disease (N = 2498, 50.9%). Median hospital quartile surgical volumes in cases/year were low volume (LV) 6, intermediate low volume (ILV) 7, intermediate high volume (IHV) 12, and high volume (HV) 24 cases/year. Median travel distance quartiles in miles were short travel (ST) 2.7, intermediate short travel (IST) 7.9, intermediate long travel (ILT) 18.9, and long travel (LT) 84.7. Longer travel distances were associated with better overall survival, as every 10 miles was associated with a 2% decrease in mortality (p = 0.02). Differences in quality-of-care metrics were largely mediated through travel distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Travel distance and hospital volume were associated with certain quality-of-care metrics among patients with cholangiocarcinoma. After controlling for hospital volume and travel distance simultaneously, only travel distance was associated with decreased risk of mortality.

Management and outcomes among patients with mixed hepatocholangiocellular carcinoma: A population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

We sought to define the management of mixed hepatocellular carcinoma-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-ICC) as well as characterize short- and long-term outcomes of patients with mixed HCC-ICC.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with HCC-ICC, HCC, or ICC between 2004 and 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Data Base using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology codes. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Among 174 454 patients, 86.8% had HCC, 12.1% ICC, and 1.1% HCC-ICC. The incidence of lymphadenectomy was 55.6% among ICC patients vs 15.1% and 34.2% for HCC and HCC-ICC patients, respectively (P < 0.001). A 90-day mortality was comparable among patients with HCC (9.1%), ICC (8.8%), and HCC-ICC (10.5%) (all P > 0.2). While 42.0% of ICC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy among HCC and HCC-ICC patients was 13.1% and 27.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). A 5-year survival was 43.5% (95% CI, 42.5-44.5), 33.3% (95% CI, 31.4-35.3), 34.4% (95% CI, 29.1-39.8) for HCC, ICC, and HCC-ICC patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent resection of mixed HCC-ICC had a prognosis that was comparable to ICC, yet worse than HCC. Utilization of lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapy were low. HCC-ICC remains a rare disease with a guarded prognosis that should be treated in a multidisciplinary setting.