Prognosis and postoperative lymphocyte count in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received intraoperative allogenic blood transfusion: a retrospective study

Negative Impact of Intra-Operative Blood Transfusion on Survival Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

Background

Studies have reported that blood transfusion may have an association with survival outcomes of cancer patients. This study was aimed at finding the effect of intra-operative blood transfusion on the prognosis of patients of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This was a retrospective study. HCC patients who underwent tumor resection from January 2013 to November 2018 at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital were included. The survival time of patients receiving or not receiving blood transfusion during the operation were compared.

Results

Of HCC patients, 21.1% (102/484) received intra-operative blood transfusion. After propensity score matching, 87 pairs of patients were included in the study. In the subset of patients with a tumor size of >4 cm, univariable analysis found that there were significant differences in recurrence-free survival (RFS; P=0.004) and overall survival (OS; P=0.028) between blood transfusion and non-blood transfusion groups. After multivariable Cox regression analysis, intra-operative blood transfusion was an independent risk factor for RFS (HR: 2.011, 95% CI: 1.146-3.529, P=0.015), but not for OS (HR: 1.862, 95% CI: 0.933-3.715, P=0.078) in the subset of patients with a tumor size of >4 cm.

Conclusion

Intra-operative blood transfusion was associated with worse RFS in HCC patients with a tumor size of >4 cm.

Influence of Intraoperative Blood Loss on Tumor Recurrence after Surgical Resection in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after surgical resection worsens the long-term prognosis. Besides tumor-related factors, operative factors such as perioperative blood transfusion have been reported to be related to HCC recurrence. However, excessive intraoperative blood loss (IBL) always necessitates blood transfusion, where IBL and blood transfusion may influence oncologic outcomes. We enrolled 142 patients with newly diagnosed single HCC who underwent hepatic resection between March 2010 and July 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups by IBL volume: Group A (IBL ≥ 700 mL, n = 47) and Group B (IBL < 700 mL, n = 95). The clinic-pathologic findings, operative outcomes, and cumulative probability of tumor recurrence and overall survival were compared between the two groups. In the study, increased IBL (1351 ± 698 vs. 354 ± 166, p < 0.001) and blood transfusion (63.8% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001) were common in Group A, with a greater HCC recurrence (p = 0.001) and poor overall survival (p = 0.017) compared to those in Group B. Preoperative albumin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.471; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.244-0.907, p = 0.024), microvascular invasion (HR, 2.616; 95% CI, 1.298-5.273; p = 0.007), and IBL ≥ 700 mL (HR, 2.325; 95% CI, 1.202-4.497; p = 0.012) were significant risk factors for tumor recurrence after surgical resection for HCC. In conclusion, efforts to minimize IBL during hepatic resection are important for improving long-term prognosis in HCC patients.

Intraoperative blood transfusion does not impact overall and recurrence-free survival after curative hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity-score-matched and inverse probability of treatment-weighted study

INTRODUCTION

Our primary objective was to determine if receiving intraoperative blood transfusion was a significant prognostic factor for overall and recurrence-free survival after curative resection of hepatic cellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODOLOGY

Between 2001 and 2018, 1092 patients with histologically proven primary HCC who underwent curative liver resection were retrospectively reviewed. Primary study endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The main analysis was undertaken using propensity-score matching (PSM) to minimize confounding and selection biases in the comparison of patients with or without transfusion.

RESULTS

There were 220 patients who received and 666 patients who did not receive intraoperative blood transfusion. The PSM cohort consisted of 163 pairs of patients. After PSM, the only perioperative outcome that appeared to significantly affect whether patients would receive blood transfusion was median blood loss (p = 0.001). In the PSM cohort, whether patients received blood transfusion was neither associated with OS (p = 0.759) nor RFS (p = 0.830). When the volume of blood transfusion was analyzed as a continuous variable, no significant dose-response relationship between blood transfusion volume and HR for OS and RFS was noted.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative blood transfusion had no significant impact on the survival outcomes in patients who receive curative resection in primary HCC.

Transfusion‑related immunomodulation in patients with cancer: Focus on the impact of extracellular vesicles from stored red blood cells (Review)

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions may have a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with cancer, where transfusion‑related immunomodulation (TRIM) may be a significant contributing factor. A number of components have been indicated to be associated with TRIM. Among these, the impact of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been garnering increasing attention from researchers. EVs are defined as nano‑scale, cell‑derived vesicles that carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, to mediate cell‑to‑cell communication and exert immunoregulatory functions. RBCs in storage constitutively secrete EVs, which serve an important role in TRIM in patients with cancer receiving a blood transfusion. Therefore, the present review aimed to first summarize the available information on the biogenesis and characterization of EVs. Subsequently, the possible mechanisms of TRIM in patients with cancer and the impact of EVs on TRIM were discussed, aiming to provide an outlook for future studies, specifically for formulating recommendations for managing patients with cancer receiving RBC transfusions.

Predictors for Perioperative Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Open Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion and Development of a Nomogram: An Observational Cohort Study

Open radical cystectomy is associated with a substantial rate of perioperative blood transfusion. Early detection of potentially modifiable perioperative factors could reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusion and thus positively impact the outcome. We conducted an observational, single-center cohort study of 1168 patients undergoing cystectomy. Perioperative blood transfusion was defined as the need for packed red blood cells and/or fresh frozen plasma units within the first 24 h after the initiation of surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to model the association between risk factors and blood transfusion, and a nomogram was developed. Blood transfusion occurred in 370/1168 patients (31.7%). Significant predictors were age (OR: 1.678, (95% CI: 1.379–2.042); p < 0.001), blood loss ratio (6.572, (4.878–8.853); p < 0.001), preoperative hemoglobin (0.316, (0.255–0.391); p < 0.001), tumor stage (2.067, (1.317–3.244); p = 0.002), use of oral anticoagulants (2.70, (1.163–6.270), p = 0.021), and interaction between female sex and blood loss ratio (1.344, (1.011–1.787); p = 0.042). Of the major predictors found to affect perioperative blood transfusion, two can be influenced: blood loss ratio by meticulous surgery and hemoglobin by preoperative optimization. Others such as age or advanced disease are not modifiable. This emphasizes the importance of optimal management of patients prior to surgery.

A comparison of prognostic performance of perioperative inflammation markers in surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation correlates closely with tumor invasion and may predict survival in cancer patients. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of various inflammation-based markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled 1450 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing surgical resection at the medical center between 2005 and 2016 and assessed them through September 2018. Prognostic nutritional index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio along with their perioperative dynamic changes were analyzed regarding their predictive ability of postoperative disease-free survival and overall survival. We calculated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI of the association between inflammation-based markers and survival using multiple Cox proportional hazards models. Youden's index of receiver operating characteristics curves was used to determine optimal cut-off points.

RESULTS

Prognostic nutritional index was an independent predictor for both disease-free survival (<50.87 vs ≥50.87, HR: 1.274, 95% CI, 1.071-1.517, p = 0.007) and overall survival (<46.65 vs ≥46.65, HR: 1.420, 95% CI, 1.096-1.842, p = 0.008). Besides, the relative change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicted overall survival (<277% vs ≥277%, HR: 1.634, 95% CI, 1.266-2.110, p < 0.001). Combination of both markers offered better prognostic performance for overall survival than either alone. Body mass index, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and tumor diameter were significantly associated with both markers.

CONCLUSION

Prognostic nutritional index and perioperative relative change of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio independently predict postoperative survival in patients undergoing surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. These results provided important evidence for risk stratification and individualized anti-cancer therapy.

Links between Inflammation and Postoperative Cancer Recurrence

Despite complete resection, cancer recurrence frequently occurs in clinical practice. This indicates that cancer cells had already metastasized from their organ of origin at the time of resection or had circulated throughout the body via the lymphatic and vascular systems. To obtain this potential for metastasis, cancer cells must undergo essential and intrinsic processes that are supported by the tumor microenvironment. Cancer-associated inflammation may be engaged in cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Despite numerous reports detailing the interplays between cancer and its microenvironment via the inflammatory network, the status of cancer-associated inflammation remains difficult to recognize in clinical settings. In the current paper, we reviewed clinical reports on the relevance between inflammation and cancer recurrence after surgical resection, focusing on inflammatory indicators and cancer recurrence predictors according to cancer type and clinical indicators.

Prognostic impact of perioperative blood transfusions on oncological outcomes of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy: A systematic review

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of whether blood transfusions may be associated with worse outcomes for patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy (RC), as there has been a recent increase in studies addressing this clinically relevant topic. Methods: PubMed, Ovid Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched with pre-specified search terms for studies published between January 2010 and May 2020. The systemic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 17 studies with 19 627 patients were included after 183 records were screened for eligibility. In all, 10 studies proposed perioperative blood transfusion to be associated with impaired prognosis regarding overall survival, nine studies regarding cancer-specific and four studies regarding recurrence-free survival. The timing of blood transfusion might affect patient outcomes. Notably, several studies did not find a significant correlation between blood transfusions and prognosis. As all studies to date are of retrospective design, the grade of evidence is still limited. Conclusions: Despite the lack of prospective trials, perioperative blood transfusion may lead to worse oncological outcomes. These results, as well as known non-oncological side-effects and associated costs, are important arguments to carefully consider the indication for blood transfusion. Abbreviations BCa: bladder cancer; CSS: cancer-specific survival; HR: hazard ratio; (N)MIBC: (non-) muscle-invasive BCa; OS: overall survival; PBT, perioperative blood transfusion; PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; RC: radical cystectomy; RFS: recurrence-free survival.

Three-Dimensional Paper-Based Microfluidic Analysis Device for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Biomarkers with a Smartphone

Paper-based microfluidic analysis devices (μPADs) have attracted attention as a cost-effective platform for point-of-care testing (POCT), food safety, and environmental monitoring. Recently, three-dimensional (3D)-μPADs have been developed to improve the performance of μPADs. For accurate diagnosis of diseases, however, 3D-μPADs need to be developed to simultaneously detect multiple biomarkers. Here, we report a 3D-μPADs platform for the detection of multiple biomarkers that can be analyzed and diagnosed with a smartphone. The 3D-μPADs were fabricated using a 3D digital light processing printer and consisted of a sample reservoir (300 µL) connected to 24 detection zones (of 4 mm in diameter) through eight microchannels (of 2 mm in width). With the smartphone application, eight different biomarkers related to various diseases were detectable in concentrations ranging from normal to abnormal conditions: glucose (0–20 mmol/L), cholesterol (0–10 mmol/L), albumin (0–7 g/dL), alkaline phosphatase (0–800 U/L), creatinine (0–500 µmol/L), aspartate aminotransferase (0–800 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (0–1000 U/L), and urea nitrogen (0–7.2 mmol/L). These results suggest that 3D-µPADs can be used as a POCT platform for simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers.

A comparison of inflammation markers for predicting oncological outcomes after surgical resection of non-small-cell lung cancer: a validated analysis of 2,066 patients

Clinical and pathological predictors have proved to be insufficient in identifying high-risk patients who develop cancer recurrence after tumour resection. We aimed to compare the prognostic ability of various inflammation markers in patients undergoing surgical resection of lung cancer. We consecutively included 2,066 patients with stage I-III non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing surgical resection at the center between 2005 and 2015. We evaluated prognostic nutritional index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio along with their perioperative changes. We conducted stepwise backward variable elimination and internal validation to compare the selected markers' predictive performance for postoperative recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio independently predicts recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.267, 95% CI 1.064-1.509, p = 0.0079, on base-2 logarithmic scale) and overall survival (HR: 1.357, 95% CI 1.070-1.721, p = 0.0117, on base-2 logarithmic scale). The cut-off value is 2.3 for predicting both recurrence (sensitivity: 46.1% and specificity: 66.7%) and mortality (sensitivity: 84.2% and specificity: 40.4%). Advanced cancer stage, poor tumour differentiation, and presence of perineural infiltration were significantly correlated with higher preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. We concluded that preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is superior to prognostic nutritional index and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting postoperative recurrence and mortality of patients undergoing surgical resection of non-small-cell lung cancer.

Impact of intraoperative allogenic and autologous transfusion on immune function and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The effect of intraoperative blood transfusion on the immune function and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intraoperative autologous blood transfusion and allogeneic blood transfusion on immune function and prognosis in surgically treated HCC patients. One hundred fourteen primary hepatic carcinoma patients who would undergo selective operations were divided into two groups, 35 patients in the experimental group received intraoperative autologous blood transfusion and 79 patients in the control group received allogeneic blood transfusion. The amount of serum T lymphocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cells and immunoglobulin before and after operation, as well as the recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared. Results shown that, there was no significant difference in the level of immunocytes and immunoglobulin between the two groups before treatment (P > .05). At 1 day after surgery, there were significant differences in T lymphocyte, NK cells and immunoglobulin levels before and after transfusion. CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and NK cells in autologous transfusion group were significantly higher than those in allogeneic transfusion group (P < .05); the level of IgG, IgM, and IgA in allogeneic transfusion group were significantly lower than those before operation (P < .05), the level of IgG, IgM, and IgA in autologous transfusion group did not significantly fluctuate, and significantly higher than those of allogeneic transfusion group (P < .05). At 5 days after surgery, all indexes of autologous transfusion group recovered to the preoperative level, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, NK cells, IgG, IgM, and IgA were significantly higher than those of allogeneic transfusion group (P < .05). The follow-up results showed that the RFS of autologous transfusion group was significantly higher than that of allogeneic transfusion group (P < .05). In conclusion, compared with allogeneic blood transfusion, intraoperative autologous blood transfusion possessed less impact on immune function, it may even improve immune function and RFS in HCC patients after surgery. Therefore, HCC patients should be recommended to receive autologous blood transfusion instead of allogeneic blood transfusion when they need blood transfusion during the perioperative period.

Impact of low skeletal muscle mass index and perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis for HCC following curative resection

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prognostic factors including low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and perioperative blood transfusion for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgery.

METHODS

This study included 139 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2005 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

Low SMI was significantly related with poor OS, while blood transfusion had a strong impact on RFS. The male ratio and body mass index in the low SMI group were significantly higher than those in the high SMI group. There were no significant differences in age, virus etiology, laboratory data, liver function, tumor makers, and operative variables between the groups. Tumor factors such as tumor diameter, tumor number, poor differentiation, and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, and recurrence ratio were significantly higher in the blood transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group. IM was associated with poor OS and RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Low SMI and blood transfusion were independently related with long-term prognosis in patients with HCC following curative surgery.

Impact of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion on the long-term prognosis of patients with different stage tumors after radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) did not affect long-term survival after radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of PABT on the prognosis of HCC patients with different stage tumors.

METHODS

Patients with primary HCC who underwent curative liver resection between 2003 and 2012 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the early-stage (stage I) and non-early-stage (stages II, III and IV) groups. The impacts of PABT on the long-term prognosis of patients in different groups after resection were investigated using propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

We enrolled 426 HCC patients, including 53 matched pairs of patients with early-stage tumors and 51 matched pairs of patients with non-early-stage tumors. Survival analyses of the patients with early-stage tumors showed that the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the transfusion group were significantly worse than those of the nontransfusion group both before and after PSM. Multivariable Cox analyses identified that PABT was an independent predictor of RFS and OS of the patients with early-stage tumors. However, survival analyses of the propensity-matched patients with non-early-stage tumors showed no significant differences in RFS and OS rates between the transfusion and nontransfusion groups (p = 0.296; p = 0.472).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that PABT has negative impacts on the long-term prognosis of patients with early-stage tumors after radical resection of HCC but has no impact on the long-term prognosis of patients with non-early-stage tumors.

The impact of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion on prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after radical hepatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

This meta-analysis aims to clarify the clinical impacts of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) on hepatectomy outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A systematic literature search was performed for relevant articles in international and Chinese databases up to May 2018. Random- or fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool the effect estimates. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's and Peters's test. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic. The strength of evidence was rated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. A total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis showed HCC patients in ABT group had lower survival rate at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after radical hepatectomy than those in no blood transfusion (NBT) group (RR = 0.9, 95%CI: 0.87-0.93, P < .05; RR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.77-0.89, P < .05; RR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.65-0.74, P < .05; RR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.54-0.75, P < .05). Similar results were observed in disease-free survival (DFS) (respectively: RR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.82-0.91, P < .05; RR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.67-0.79, P < .05; RR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.64-0.79, P < .05; RR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.48-0.8, P < .05). Cancer recurrence rate was higher for the patients in ABT group at 1 and 3 years (RR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1-2.24, P < .05; RR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.09-1.49, P < .05, respectively), but not statistically significant at 5years (RR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.98-1.19, P = .512). The HCC patients in ABT group increased postoperative complications occurrence compared with those in NBT group (RR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.42-2.45, P < .05). This meta-analysis demonstrated that ABT was associated with adverse clinical outcomes for HCC patients undergoing radical hepatectomy, including poor survival, DFS, and complications. Surgeons should reduce blood loss during hepatectomy and avoid perioperative allogenic blood transfusion.

Impact of Blood Transfusions on Survival of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Radical Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Transfusions represent one of the main progresses of modern medicine. However, accumulating evidence supports that transfusions correlate with worse survival outcomes in patients affected by solid cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of perioperative blood transfusion in locally advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients affected by locally advanced cervical cancer scheduled to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery were retrospectively searched to test the impact of perioperative transfusions on survival outcomes. Five-year survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models.

RESULTS

The study included 275 patients. Overall, 170 (62%) patients had blood transfusion. Via univariate analysis, we observed that transfusion correlated with an increased risk of developing recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-4.40; P = 0.02). Other factors associated with 5-year disease-free survival were noncomplete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 2.99; 95% CI, 0.92-9.63; P = 0.06) and pathological (P = 0.03) response at neoadjuvant chemotherapy as well as parametrial (P = 0.004), vaginal (P < 0.001), and lymph node (P = 0.002) involvements. However, via multivariate analysis, only vaginal (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.20-7.85; P = 0.01) and lymph node involvements (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.00-6.06; P = 0.05) correlate with worse disease-free survival. No association with worse outcomes was observed for patients undergoing blood transfusion (HR, 2.71; 95% CI, 0.91-8.03; P = 0.07). Looking at factors influencing overall survival, we observed that lymph node status (P = 0.01) and vaginal involvement (P = 0.06) were independently associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of blood transfusions in increasing the risk of developing recurrence in LAAC patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery remains unclear; further prospective studies are warranted.

Allogenic Blood Transfusion is Associated with Poor Perioperative and Long-Term Outcome in Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Esophageal resection for cancer (EC) is still associated with considerable mortality and morbidity rates. Allogenic blood transfusion (aBT) is associated with poor short-term and long-term outcome in surgical oncology. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aBT in a homogeneous population of EC patients undergoing esophagectomy without perioperative treatment.

METHODS

We analyzed 565 esophagectomies performed due to EC. Allogenic blood transfusion was correlated to clinicopathological parameters, perioperative mortality and morbidity as well as the long-term outcome. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI).

RESULTS

Patients receiving aBT (aBT(+)) had no higher tumor stages or higher rates of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.65 and 0.17, respectively) compared to patients without aBT (aBT(-)). Allogenic blood transfusion was strongly associated with perioperative morbidity (OR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.1-3.5, P = 0.02) and mortality (OR 2.9, 95 % CI 1.0-8.6, P = 0.04). Tumor recurrence rate was significantly higher in aBT(+) patients (P = 0.001). The disease-free and overall survival were significantly longer in aBT(-) compared to aBT(+) patients (P = 0.016 and <0.001, respectively). Patients receiving aBT had almost doubled risk for tumor recurrence (HR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.2-2.5, P = 0.001) and death (HR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.5-3.2, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Allogenic blood transfusion has a significant impact on the natural course of EC after complete resection. The poor short-term and long-term outcome warrants further evaluation of the underlying molecular mechanisms induced by allogenic blood transfusion in cancer patients.

The impact of perioperative red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing liver resection: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Liver resection is associated with a high proportion of red blood cell transfusions. There is a proposed association between perioperative transfusions and increased risk of complications and tumor recurrence. This study reviews the evidence of this association in the literature.

METHODS

The Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for clinical trials or observational studies of patients undergoing liver resection that compared patients who did and did not receive a perioperative red blood cell transfusion. Outcomes were mortality, complications, and cancer survival.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies involving 6832 patients were included. All studies were retrospective, with no clinical trials. No studies were scored as low risk of bias. The overall proportion of patients transfused was 38.3%. After multivariate analysis, 1 of 5 studies demonstrated an association between transfusion and increased mortality; 5 of 6 demonstrated an association between transfusion and increased complications; and 10 of 18 demonstrated an association between transfusion and decreased cancer survival.

CONCLUSION

This review supports the evidence linking perioperative blood transfusions to negative outcomes. The most convincing association was with post-operative complications, some association with long-term cancer outcomes, and no convincing association with mortality. These findings support the initiation, and further study, of restrictive transfusion protocols.

Use of a saline-coupled bipolar sealer open liver resection for hepatic malignancy: Medical resource use and costs

AIM

To evaluate outcomes associated with use of a saline coupled bipolar sealer during open partial liver resection.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis utilized the United States Premier™ insurance claims database (2010-2014). Patients were selected with codes for liver malignancy and partial hepatectomy or lobectomy. Cases were defined by use the saline-coupled bipolar sealer; controls had no use. A Propensity Score algorithm was used to match one case to five controls. A deviation-based cost modeling (DBCM) approach provided an estimate of cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-four cases and 720 controls were available for analysis. Patients in the case cohort received fewer transfusions vs controls (18.1% vs 29.4%, P = 0.007). In DBCM, more patients in the case cohort experienced “on-course” hospitalizations (53.5% vs 41.9%, P = 0.009). The cost calculation showed an average savings in total hospitalization costs of $1027 for cases vs controls. In multivariate analysis, cases had lower odds of receiving a transfusion (OR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.27-0.71, P = 0.0008).

CONCLUSION

Use of a saline-coupled bipolar sealer was associated with a greater proportion of patients with an “on course” hospitalization.

Supra-plasma expanders: the future of treating blood loss and anemia without red cell transfusions?

Oxygen delivery capacity during profoundly anemic conditions depends on blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and cardiac output. Oxygen-carrying blood substitutes and blood transfusion augment oxygen-carrying capacity, but both have given rise to safety concerns, and their efficacy remains unresolved. Anemia decreases oxygen-carrying capacity and blood viscosity. Present studies show that correcting the decrease of blood viscosity by increasing plasma viscosity with newly developed plasma expanders significantly improves tissue perfusion. These new plasma expanders promote tissue perfusion, increasing oxygen delivery capacity without increasing blood oxygen-carrying capacity, thus treating the effects of anemia while avoiding the transfusion of blood.

Perioperative blood transfusion does not influence recurrence-free and overall survivals after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Whether perioperative blood transfusions (PBTs) negatively impact oncologic outcomes after curative resection for HCC remains controversial. We aimed to identify the independent predictive factors of PBT for curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to investigate the impact of PBT on long-term recurrence and survivals after resection.

METHODS

Of 1103 patients who underwent curative liver resection for HCC between 1999 and 2010, 285 (25.8%) patients received PBT. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent predictive factors of PBT. Propensity scores and Cox regression analyses were used to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between patients who did and did not receive PBT.

RESULTS

Multivariable regression analysis revealed that performance status, preoperative hemoglobin, cirrhosis, portal hypertension, tumor rupture, tumor size, macroscopic vascular invasion, and intraoperative blood loss were independent predictive factors of PBT for HCC resection. Propensity score matching analysis created 234 pairs of patients. Before propensity matching, PBT was significantly associated with increased risks of OS (HR: 2.455, 95% CI: 2.077-2.901, p<0.001) and RFS (HR: 2.018, 95% CI: 1.718-2.370, p<0.001) in the entire cohort. After propensity matching, PBT was not significantly associated with increased risks of OS (HR: 1.229, 95% CI: 0.988-1.527, p=0.063) and RFS (HR: 1.188, 95% CI: 0.960-1.469, p=0.113). After adjustment for other prognostic variables in the propensity matched cohort, PBT was still found not to be associated with OS and RFS after HCC resection.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified that PBT did not influence RFS and OS after curative resection of HCC.

Prognostic Significance of Preoperative Serum Alpha- fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Correlation with Clinicopathological Factors: a Single-center Experience from China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prognosis significance of preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and the correlation with clinicopathological factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who underwent hepatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinicopathological data of retrospective analysis were collected for 251 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy in this study. According to preoperative AFP level, patients were categorized into AFP-negative (0-20 ng/mL) and AFP-positive (>20 ng/mL) groups for Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression modeling.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that increased AFP was associated with longer prothrombin time (PTs), liver capsule invasion, low grade differentiation, and late Barcelona Clinic Liver Center (BCLC) stage. Moreover, the female patients had a greater prevalence of increased preoperative AFP than male patients [284.8 (3.975-3167.5) vs (3.653-140.65); Z-2.895, p=0.004]. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 78.1, 57.5, and 40.6 % in the AFP-negative group and 61.8, 37.7, and 31.4 %, respectively, in the AFP-positive group (log-rank test 8.312, p=0.004). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 94.4, 83.8, and 62.3% in the AFP-negative group and 87.2, 60.0, and 36.7%, respectively, in the AFP-positive group. The difference was statistically significant (log-rank test, 16.884, p=0.000). Cox proportional-hazards model identified preoperative AFP to be an independent prognostic predictor of overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative serum AFP is an independent predictor of prognosis among HCC patients following surgical resection. Female patients have a higher preoperative AFP than their male counterparts.

Intraoperative blood loss is not a predictor of prognosis for pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

The relationship between intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and prognosis has been reported for some types of cancer, but not for pancreatic cancer, which has one of the highest mortality rates of any cancer. We conducted this study to analyze the relationship between IBL and clinical outcome for patients undergoing radical surgery for pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were 144 patients who underwent curative pancreatectomy for invasive pancreatic cancer between 2002 and 2014. Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded and prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Large IBL was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage, a long operation time, a large tumor, portal vein resection, and blood transfusion. According to univariate analysis, IBL was also significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS); however, it was not an independent prognostic factor for OS and RFS in multivariate analysis. According to multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis and R-status were independent prognostic factors for OS and RFS. A subgroup analysis of patients who received no blood transfusion showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Minimizing IBL is very important; however, the present study found that positive lymph node metastasis and R-status were stronger independent prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer.

Clinical comparison of laparoscopic and open liver resection after propensity matching selection

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the radicality for and clinical advantages of laparoscopic liver resection, which is increasingly used, and the corresponding open procedure by propensity score matching analysis.

METHODS

We analyzed 260 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent initial liver resection at our department between January 2003 and June 2011, including 60 laparoscopic (the Lap group) and 200 open cases (the Open group). Propensity scores were calculated for each patient via the use of various clinicopathologic features as covariates, and patients' survival was compared.

RESULTS

The Lap group had more women and patients of advanced age (n = 60) than the Open group (n = 200). Tumor size (2.3 cm vs 3.5 cm median), multiple tumors (18.3% vs 41.0%), vascular invasion (15.0% vs 36.5%), poor differentiation status (11.2% vs 24.5%), intraoperative bleeding (110 mL vs 420 mL; median), and operative time (277 minutes vs 312 minutes; median) were significantly more favorable in the Lap group than in the Open group because of a selection bias of the patients (Lap vs Open). The postoperative recurrence-free and overall survival rates were greater in the Lap group than in the Open group; however, when 35 patients from each group were analyzed after propensity score matching of clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients, intraoperative bleeding was lesser in the Lap group. The recurrence-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 75.0%, 43.8%, and 43.8%, respectively, in the Lap group and 73.6%, 49.3%, and 37.2%, respectively, in the Open group, which indicated no significant differences (P = .954). Similarly, the overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 93.9%, 82.1%, and 82.1%, respectively, in the Lap group and 94.3%, 85.2%, and 61.8%, respectively, in the Open group, indicating no significant differences between the 2 groups (P = .672).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that laparoscopic liver resection is comparable with the corresponding open procedure in clinical safety and prognostic efficacy.

Perioperative Blood Transfusion Promotes Worse Outcomes of Bladder Cancer after Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have investigated the effect of perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) for patients with radical cystectomy (RC), but the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between PBT and the clinical outcomes of RC patients.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and BIOSIS previews to identify relevant literature for studies that focused on the relationship of PBT and outcomes of patients undergoing RC. A fixed or random effects model was used in this meta-analysis to calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 7080 patients in 6 studies matched the selection criteria. Aggregation of the data suggested that PBT in patients who underwent RC correlated with increased all-cause mortality, cancer-specific mortality and cancer recurrence. The combined HRs were 1.19 (n = 6 studies, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27, Z = 4.71, P<0.00001), 1.17 (n = 4 studies, 95% CI: 1.06-1.30, Z = 3.06, P = 0.002), 1.14 (n = 3 studies, 95% CI: 1.03-1.27, Z = 2.50, P = 0.01), respectively. The all-cause mortality associated with PBT did not vary by the characteristics of the study, including number of study participants, follow-up period and the median blood transfusion ratio of the study.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that PBT significantly increased the risks of all-cause mortality, cancer-specific mortality and cancer recurrence in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer.

Inflammatory response, immunosuppression, and cancer recurrence after perioperative blood transfusions

Debate on appropriate triggers for transfusion of allogeneic blood products and their effects on short- and long-term survival in surgical and critically ill patients continue with no definitive evidence or decisive resolution. Although transfusion-related immune modulation (TRIM) is well established, its influence on immune competence in the recipient and its effects on cancer recurrence after a curative resection remains controversial. An association between perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood products and risk for recurrence has been shown in colorectal cancer in randomized trials; whether the same is true for other types of cancer remains to be determined. This article focuses on the laboratory, animal, and clinical evidence to date on the mechanistic understanding of inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of blood products and their significance for recurrence in the cancer surgical patient.

Perioperative allogenenic blood transfusion is associated with worse clinical outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background and Objective

The impact of perioperative allogenenic blood transfusion (ABT) on clinical outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is conflicting and unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between ABT and HCC clinical outcomes. Outcomes evaluated were all-cause death, tumor recurrence and postoperative complications.

Methods

Relevant articles were identified through MEDLINE search (up to November 2012). Meta-analyses were performed by using the fixed or random effect models. Study heterogeneity was assessed by Q-test and I² test. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots, Egger′s and Begg’s test.

Results

A total of 5635 cases from 22 studies finally met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated HCC patients with ABT had an increased risk of all-cause death at 3 and 5 years after surgery (respectively: OR = 1.92, 95% CI, 1.61–2.29,P<0.001; OR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.47–1.73,P<0.001 ) compared with those without ABT. The risk of tumor recurrence was significantly higher for ABT cases at 1, 3 and 5 years (respectively: OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.38–2.10, P<0.001; OR = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.08–1.38, P<0.001; OR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.08–1.24, P<0.001). The HCC cases with ABT significantly increased postoperative complications occurrence compared with non-ABT cases (OR = 1.78,95% CI, 1.34–2.37, P<0.001).

Conclusions

The findings from the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ABT was associated with adverse clinical outcomes for HCC patients undergoing surgery, including increased death, recurrence and complications. Therefore, ABT should not be performed if possible.

Perioperative allogenic blood transfusions and the risk of endometrial cancer recurrence

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of perioperative blood transfusions on the risk of recurrence of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of 358 consecutive patients, without a history of other tumors, who underwent surgery for endometrial cancer between January 2000 and April 2010.

RESULTS

Women who did not need any transfusion (N = 331) and patients who received allogenic blood donations (N = 27) were compared in terms of risk of cancer recurrence. The surgical standard procedure included peritoneal washing for cytologic examination, total hysterectomy + bilateral adnexectomy (N = 358), and pelvic lymphadenectomy (N = 227). The two groups were homogeneous in term of age, BMI, previous abdominal surgery, type of intervention, operative time, nodal count, and hospital stay. The median (range) estimated blood loss was higher in the transfusion group, 400 mL (100-2,000 mL), than in the non-transfusion group, 150 mL (10-1,000 mL). Median (range) follow-up was 67.5 months (6-132.4 months). Blood transfusions were associated with a higher relapse rate (P = 0.0021). At multivariate analysis, administration of packed red blood cells remained independently associated with recurrence (OR 4.64; CI 95 % 1.45-14.9), as well as myometrial invasion ≥50 % (OR 2.88; CI 95 % 1.18-7.07) and stage >1 (OR 4.24; CI 95 % 1.75-10.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of allogenic blood transfusions is associated with a higher risk of recurrence. We hypothesize that this could be due to a transitory perioperative immunodepression that promotes the spread of neoplastic cells.

The effectiveness of postoperative neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio in predicting long-term recurrence after stomach cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Immunosuppression is a characteristic of cancer recurrence after curative resection. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NL ratio) in peripheral blood is associated with immune function. However, it is not clear whether the postoperative NL ratio is a predictor for cancer relapse after resection. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of the short-term postoperative NL ratio in the prediction of disease recurrence within 5 years after stomach cancer surgery by a retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients with stomach cancer were enrolled. Significant risk factors for cancer recurrence were determined by multivariate Cox regression. Independent variables to increase the NL ratio to >7.7 by postoperative day (POD) 3 were examined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The 5-year risk of cancer recurrence after gastrectomy was 4.2 times higher for patients with a POD3 NL ratio of >7.7 (P = 0.005), 3.4 times higher for normal-weight patients compared with overweight patients (P = 0.008), and 20 times higher for stage III compared with stage 0 according to the tumor-node-metastasis cancer staging system (P = 0.003). The surgical duration (hours) increased the chance of high NL ratio >7.7 (odds ratio, 2.5; P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The postoperative NL ratio, especially the POD3 NL ratio, predicts long-term recurrence after stomach cancer surgery.

Perioperative change in peripheral blood monocyte count may predict prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastasis after hepatic resection

BACKGROUND

Prognostic value of perioperative change in peripheral blood leukocyte subset count of cancer patients have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the relation between perioperative change in peripheral blood monocyte count and disease-free as well as overall survival after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

METHODS

The subjects were 64 patients who underwent hepatic resection for CRLM between January 2000 and December 2008. We retrospectively investigated the relation between perioperative change in peripheral blood monocyte count and disease-free as well as overall survival.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, more than four lymph node metastases (P = 0.0298) and extrahepatic disease (P = 0.0423) were significant predictors of disease-free survival, while significant predictor of overall survival were more than four lymph node metastases (P = 0.0011), bilobar disease (P = 0.0024), and increase in perioperative monocyte less than twice (P = 0.0029). Morover, increase in perioperative monocyte of less than twice positively correlated with intraoperative blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative change in peripheral blood monocyte count is an independent risk factor for overall survival after hepatic resection for CRLM, and may reflect immunosuppressive state.

Prognostic factors after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience from China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for survival and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a cohort of Chinese HCC patients after hepatectomy and to compare 6 developed staging systems.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 165 consecutive patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival. Postoperative prognostic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The overall predictive power of each staging system was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

The overall survival rates of 1, 3, and 5 years were 81.2%, 58.6%, and 56.7%, respectively, and the corresponding disease-free survival rates were 52.9%, 23.3%, and 15.5%, respectively. α-fetoprotein level and blood transfusion were correlated significantly with patients' overall survival, and portal vein thrombosis and tumor size (>5 cm) were correlated significantly with poor disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The French staging system is better for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients receiving surgical treatment.

Role of alpha-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostication, treatment monitoring or both?

Despite recent breakthroughs in the treatment for both early and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, the development of markers for prognostication and treatment monitoring remains to be explored. Serum alpha-fetoprotein has been frequently measured at diagnosis and serially during treatment by clinicians for decades, with an aim for prognostication of disease and monitoring of treatment response. In this review, the evidence regarding the prognostic value of serum alpha-fetoprotein and the value of serial alpha-fetoprotein in the monitoring of treatment efficacy will be discussed, with emphasis on recent data.

Advances in no-touch isolation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Lymphovascular ligation before surgical resection of a tumor to avoid the spread of tumor cells is termed no-touch isolation technique. During traditional liver surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma, full mobilization of hepatic lobes to be resected and rotation of the liver are often needed before resection of liver parenchyma for safe extrahepatic control of the hepatic veins and blood vessels in the third porta hepatis. This procedure may lead to ischemia-reperfusion injury, induce the release of pro-angiogenic factors from dormant tumor cells, promote the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and thereby accelerate the outgrowth of micrometastatic lesions. Tumor manipulation during liver surgery may increase the dissemination of tumor cells into the blood circulation or the intrahepatic portal venous system. As no-touch isolation technique can reduce the occurrence of liver injury, intraoperative metastasis and postoperative recurrence, it is a promising strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Negative impact of blood transfusion on recurrence and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection

BACKGROUND

In perioperative management of hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma, excessive blood loss and blood transfusion greatly influence postoperative complications and prognosis of the patients. We evaluated the influence of blood products use on postoperative recurrence and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The subjects were 66 patients who underwent elective hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma without concomitant microwave or radiofrequency ablation therapy nor other malignancies between January 2001 and June 2006. We retrospectively investigated the influence of the use of blood products including red cell concentration and fresh frozen plasma on recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and overall survival.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, the dose of blood products transfusion was a significant predictor of disease-free and overall survival. Both disease-free and overall survival rates of those who were given blood products were significantly worse than those who did not receive. On the other hand, in univariate analysis of disease-free and overall survival after hepatic resection and clinical variables, the amount of blood loss was not a significant predictor of recurrence or death.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion of blood products is associated with increased recurrence rate and worse survival after elective hepatic resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

The silent risks of blood transfusion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clinical research has identified blood transfusion as an independent risk factor for immediate and long-term adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, infection and malignancy. New findings have called into question the traditional assumptions clinicians utilize in evaluating the risks and benefits of blood transfusion. Appreciation of newly recognized risks is important for conserving scarce resources and optimizing patient outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent clinical outcomes research has examined the impact of blood transfusion on critically ill patients, trauma patients, patients undergoing cardiac surgery, patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes, oncology patients and others. These studies provide additional evidence of adverse outcomes associated with blood transfusion in a wide variety of clinical contexts.

SUMMARY

The benefits of blood transfusion have never been conclusively demonstrated, but evidence of transfusion-related harm continues to accumulate. Given the transfusion triggers that currently predominate in clinical practice it appears that clinical outcomes could improve significantly with more widespread adoption of restrictive transfusion strategies.

Prognosis of patients with intrahepatic recurrence after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study

AIMS

Hepatic resection is the most effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, intrahepatic recurrence is common. Predictors of survival after intrahepatic recurrence have not been fully investigated. To clarify the prognosis and choice of treatment of intrahepatic recurrence after hepatic resection, we conducted a comparative retrospective analysis of 147 patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the relations between clinicopathologic factors, including the number of recurrent intrahepatic tumors and long-term prognosis after recurrence in 147 HCC patients who underwent resection. We also examined long-term survival after recurrence based on treatment types and recurrence pattern.

RESULTS

Patients with multiple tumors (n=83) showed less tumor differentiation, more frequent portal invasion, a higher alpha-fetoprotein level, and larger tumors than did patients with solitary tumor (n=64). In the solitary tumor group, local ablation therapy and repeat hepatic resection were performed in 25 and 10, respectively. In the multiple tumor group, 59 were treated by transarterial chemoembolization. Multivariate analysis showed intraoperative blood transfusion and multiple tumors to be independent risk factors for poor cancer-related survival after recurrence. By subset analysis based on treatment types and recurrence pattern, survival after recurrence was significantly better in patients treated by local ablation therapy than those treated by other therapies in both solitary and multiple tumor groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with solitary recurrence, a good prognosis is predicted. Local ablation therapy is a best candidate for treatment of solitary and multiple intrahepatic recurrences after hepatic resection.