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Carvalho A, Limbert M, Cabral F, Fareleira A, Duarte A, Barroca R, Goulart A, Leão P. The impact of methylene blue in colon cancer: a retrospective multicentric study. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024; 39:90. [PMID: 38866990 PMCID: PMC11169040 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Discussions about the optimal lymph node (LN) count and its therapeutic consequences have persisted over time. The final LN count in colorectal tissues is affected by a variety of variables (patient, tumor, operation, pathologist, immune response). Methylene blue (MB) intra-arterial injection is a simple and inexpensive procedure that can be used to enhance lymph node count. AIM Analyze whether there is a statistically significant difference between intra-arterial methylene blue injection and conventional dissection for the quantification of lymph nodes and determine if there is a variation in the quality of lymph node acquisition. METHODS AND RESULTS Between 2015 and 2022, we conducted a retrospective analysis of colon cancer specimens. Data on the tumor's features, the number of lymph nodes, the number of lymph nodes that were positive, and other factors had been collected. The number of identified lymph nodes was highly significantly improved in the study group (P < 0.05). There is not a significant statistical difference between groups regarding the metastatic lymph node harvest. The group with injection of intra-arterial methylene blue shows a significantly decreased (P < 0.05) of the of cases with less than 12 lymph nodes recovered comparing with the control group. CONCLUSION Colon cancer specimens can be easily evaluated concerning lymph nodes using the methylene blue method. Therefore, we strongly advise this approach as a standard procedure in the histological evaluation of colon cancer specimens in order to maximize the identification of lymph nodes. However, the detection of metastatic lymph nodes was unaffected significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Limbert
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | - André Goulart
- General Surgery Department, Grupo Trofa Saúde, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Leão
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- General Surgery Department, Grupo Trofa Saúde, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, /Guimaraes, Braga, Portugal
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2
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Reitsam NG, Grosser B, Enke JS, Mueller W, Westwood A, West NP, Quirke P, Märkl B, Grabsch HI. Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA): a novel histopathologic biomarker in colorectal cancer patients and its association with the luminal tumour proportion. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101913. [PMID: 38593584 PMCID: PMC11024380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroma AReactive Invasion Front Areas (SARIFA) is a novel prognostic histopathologic biomarker measured at the invasive front in haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) stained colon and gastric cancer resection specimens. The aim of the current study was to validate the prognostic relevance of SARIFA-status in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and investigate its association with the luminal proportion of tumour (PoT). METHODS We established the SARIFA-status in 164 CRC resection specimens. The relationship between SARIFA-status, clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and PoT was investigated. RESULTS SARIFA-status was positive in 22.6% of all CRCs. SARIFA-positivity was related to higher pT, pN, pTNM stage and high grade of differentiation. SARIFA-positivity was associated with shorter RFS independent of known prognostic factors analysing all CRCs (RFS: hazard ratio (HR) 2.6, p = 0.032, CSS: HR 2.4, p = 0.05) and shorter RFS and CSS analysing only rectal cancers. SARIFA-positivity, which was measured at the invasive front, was associated with PoT-low (p = 0.009), e.g., higher stroma content, and lower vessel density (p = 0.0059) measured at the luminal tumour surface. CONCLUSION Here, we validated the relationship between SARIFA-status and prognosis in CRC patients and provided first evidence for a potential prognostic relevance in the subgroup of rectal cancer patients. Interestingly, CRCs with different SARIFA-status also showed histological differences measurable at the luminal tumour surface. Further studies to better understand the relationship between high luminal intratumoural stroma content and absence of a stroma reaction at the invasive front (SARIFA-positivity) are warranted and may inform future treatment decisions in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Reitsam
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - B Grosser
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - J S Enke
- Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - W Mueller
- Gemeinschaftspraxis Pathologie, Starnberg, Germany
| | - A Westwood
- Division of Pathology and Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - N P West
- Division of Pathology and Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - P Quirke
- Division of Pathology and Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - B Märkl
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - H I Grabsch
- Division of Pathology and Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Department of Pathology, GROW - Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Carvalho A, Gonçalves N, Teixeira P, Goulart A, Leão P. The impact of methylene blue in colorectal cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis study. Surg Oncol 2024; 53:102046. [PMID: 38377643 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2024.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), the most important factor to decide the need of adjuvant chemotherapy is the histological lymph node (LN) evaluation. Our work aimed to give a broad view over the use of methylene blue and its consequences in the number of lymph node harvest. METHODS PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE and EMBASE databases were consulted, retrieving clinical trials, which mentioned the used of intra-arterial methylene blue in patients with colorectal cancer. RESULTS Eighteen clinical trials analyzing the use of intra-arterial methylene blue in specimens of colorectal cancer were selected. The articles show a statistical difference between the use of methylene blue and the classical dissection in both variable at study. The results of the statistical analysis of the lymph node harvest variable demonstrate a significant statistical difference between the group that received methylene blue injection and the group that underwent conventional dissection. There is a significant statistical difference between the experimental and control groups for the ideal lymph node harvest (lymph node harvest count greater than 12). CONCLUSION The use of intra-arterial methylene blue revealed a high potential for the quantification of lymph nodes, considering the increase of lymph node harvest and the higher percentage of cases with more than 12 lymph nodes count, albeit the high heterogeneity between the studies in terms of reported results. Future investigations with controlled double blinded studies obtaining better categorized results should be conducted in order to better evaluate this technique and compare it to the current paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
| | | | - Pedro Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - André Goulart
- General Surgery Department, Grupo Trofa Saúde, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pedro Leão
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; General Surgery Department, Grupo Trofa Saúde, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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Chilaka S, Samuel EMK, Mude NN, G B, Badhe B, Nagarajan RK. Comparison of conventional unstained lymph nodal harvesting vs methylene blue-stained lymph nodal harvesting in colorectal specimen in staging left-sided colorectal carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial. J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 28:199-204. [PMID: 38445909 DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2023.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management and prognosis of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) are related to the stage of the disease, which, in turn, relies on the lymph node harvest from the surgical specimen. The guidelines recommend that at least 12 lymph nodes are required, which is not achieved in most resections. In this study, we propose a method to improve the lymph node yield in such cases. This study aimed to determine whether ex vivo injection of methylene blue into the inferior mesenteric artery or its branches improves lymph node retrieval in left-sided CRCs. METHODS This study was conducted as a single-center, double-blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial. Patients who underwent elective surgery for left-sided CRCs with curative intent were randomized into 2 groups: stained and unstained. The sample size was calculated as 66. In all patients, details of disease stage, history of neoadjuvant therapy, and number of isolated lymph nodes were recorded. RESULTS The mean number of lymph nodes extracted from the stained group was significantly higher than that from the unstained group (15.9 ± 5.2 vs 9.1 ± 5.7, respectively; P < .001). Among the patients who had received neoadjuvant therapy, the yield was higher in the stained group (P < .001). The yield was found to be greater in patients who had undergone upfront surgery than in those who had undergone neoadjuvant therapy, even in the stained group (100% vs 66.7%, respectively). CONCLUSION The use of methylene blue injection into resected specimens of left-sided CRCs significantly improved the lymph node yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Chilaka
- Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | | | - Naveen Naik Mude
- Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Balasubramanian G
- Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Bhawana Badhe
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Raj Kumar Nagarajan
- Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
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Okamoto N, Al-Difaie Z, Scheepers MHMC, Heuvelings DJI, Rodríguez-Luna MR, Marescaux J, Diana M, Stassen LPS, Bouvy ND, Al-Taher M. Simultaneous, Multi-Channel, Near-Infrared Fluorescence Visualization of Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Using Indocyanine Green and Methylene Blue: A Demonstration in a Porcine Model. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081469. [PMID: 37189570 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) image-guided surgery is a useful tool that can help reduce perioperative complications and improve tissue recognition. Indocyanine green (ICG) dye is the most frequently used in clinical studies. ICG NIRF imaging has been used for lymph node identification. However, there are still many challenges in lymph node identification by ICG. There is increasing evidence that methylene blue (MB), another clinically applicable fluorescent dye, can also be useful in the intraoperative fluorescence-guided identification of structures and tissues. We hypothesized that MB NIRF imaging could be used for lymph node identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative lymph node fluorescence detection using intravenously (IV) administered MB and compare it to ICG via a camera that has two dedicated near-infrared (NIR) channels. Three pigs were used in this study. ICG (0.2 mg/kg) was administered via a peripheral venous catheter followed by immediate administration of MB (0.25 mg/kg). NIRF images were acquired as video recordings at different time points (every 10 min) over an hour using the QUEST SPECTRUM® 3 system (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands), which has two dedicated NIR channels for simultaneous intraoperative fluorescence guidance. The 800 nm channel was used to capture ICG fluorescence and the 700 nm channel was used for MB. The target (lymph nodes and small bowel) and the background (vessels-free field of the mesentery) were highlighted as the regions of interest (ROIs), and corresponding fluorescence intensities (FI) from these ROIs were measured. The target-to-background ratio (TBR) was then computed as the mean FI of the target minus the mean FI of the background divided by the mean FI of the background. In all included animals, a clear identification of lymph nodes was achieved at all time points. The mean TBR of ICG in lymph nodes and small bowel was 4.57 ± 1.00 and 4.37 ± 1.70, respectively for the overall experimental time. Regarding MB, the mean TBR in lymph nodes and small bowel was 4.60 ± 0.92 and 3.27 ± 0.62, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test of the lymph node TBR/small bowel TBR showed that the TBR ratio of MB was statistically significantly higher than ICG. The fluorescence optical imaging technology used allows for double-wavelength assessment. This feasibility study proves that lymph nodes can be discriminated using two different fluorophores (MB and ICG) with different wavelengths. The results suggest that MB has a promising potential to be used to detect lymphatic tissue during image-guided surgery. Further preclinical trials are needed before clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariaki Okamoto
- IRCAD, Research Institute against Digestive Cancer, 67091 Strasbourg, France
- ICube Laboratory, Photonics Instrumentation for Health, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Zaid Al-Difaie
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Max H M C Scheepers
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Danique J I Heuvelings
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - María Rita Rodríguez-Luna
- IRCAD, Research Institute against Digestive Cancer, 67091 Strasbourg, France
- ICube Laboratory, Photonics Instrumentation for Health, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacques Marescaux
- IRCAD, Research Institute against Digestive Cancer, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michele Diana
- IRCAD, Research Institute against Digestive Cancer, 67091 Strasbourg, France
- ICube Laboratory, Photonics Instrumentation for Health, 67081 Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurents P S Stassen
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole D Bouvy
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mahdi Al-Taher
- IRCAD, Research Institute against Digestive Cancer, 67091 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Ahmad NZ, Azam M, Fraser CN, Coffey JC. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of methylene blue to improve the lymph node harvest in rectal cancer surgery. Tech Coloproctol 2023; 27:361-371. [PMID: 36933141 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-023-02779-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylene blue staining of the resected specimen has been described as an alternative to the conventional palpation and visual inspection method to improve lymph node harvest. This meta-analysis evaluates the usefulness of this technique in surgery for rectal cancer, particularly after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lymph node harvest in methylene blue-stained rectal specimens to those of unstained specimens were identified from the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Non-randomized studies and those with only colonic resections were excluded. The quality of RCTs was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. A weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for overall harvest, harvest after neoadjuvant therapy, and metastatic nodal yield. In contrast, the risk difference (RD) was calculated to compare yields of less than 12 lymph nodes between the stained and unstained specimens. RESULTS Study selection comprised seven RCTs with 343 patients in the unstained group and 337 in the stained group. Overall lymph node harvest and harvest after neoadjuvant therapy were significantly higher in stained specimens with a WMD of 13.4 and 10.6 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 9.5-17.2 and 4.8-16.3, respectively. Harvest of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in the stained group (WMD 1.0, 95% CI 0.6-1.4). The yield of less than 12 lymph nodes was significantly higher in the unstained group with RD of 0.292 and 95% CI of 0.182-0.403. CONCLUSION Despite a small number of patients, this meta-analysis confirms improved lymph node harvest in surgical specimens stained with methylene blue compared with unstained specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Zaheer Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, St Nessan's Road, Co. Limerick, V94 F858, Dooradoyle, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Muhammad Azam
- Department of Surgery, Southport and Formby District General Hospital, Southport, PR8 6PN, UK
| | - Candice Neezeth Fraser
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, St Nessan's Road, Co. Limerick, V94 F858, Dooradoyle, Republic of Ireland
| | - John Calvin Coffey
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, St Nessan's Road, Co. Limerick, V94 F858, Dooradoyle, Republic of Ireland
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Xiao J, Shen Y, Yang X, Wei M, Meng W, Wang Z. Methylene blue can increase the number of lymph nodes harvested in colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis. Int J Colorectal Dis 2023; 38:50. [PMID: 36807534 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
AIM The lymph node (LN) status plays an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC), which depends on adequate LN harvest. In some studies, methylene blue has been used to increase the number of LNs harvested in vitro. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of methylene blue staining on LN harvest during radical resection of CRC. METHODS The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from the dates of inception until 15 October 2022. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized controlled trials for radical resection of rectal cancer according to the principle of total mesorectal excision that compared the use of methylene blue with blank control in LN harvest. The primary outcomes were the number of LNs harvested and the incidence of fewer than 12 LNs harvested. RESULT Of 328 articles found, a meta-analysis was conducted of 15 studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 13 non-randomized controlled trials) composed of 3104 patients. Meta-analysis showed that methylene blue could not only significantly increase the number of LNs harvested in CRC specimens (stained group 28.23 vs unstained group 16.15; weighted mean difference 12.08; 95% CI, 8.03-16.12; p < 0.001; I2 = 95%), but also reduce the incidence of fewer than 12 LNs harvested (methylene blue-stained group 7.91% vs unstained group 30.90%; OR 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.26; p < 0.001; I2 = 78%). CONCLUSION Methylene blue can increase the number of LNs harvested in CRC, reduce the incidence of fewer than 12 LNs harvested, and ensure the accuracy of LN staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuyang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingtian Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjian Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Xiao J, Zhang H, Jiang D, Deng X, Wang Z. Lymph node stain after radical resection of rectal cancer mainly increased the harvest of mini lymph node: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Colorectal Dis 2023; 38:48. [PMID: 36800120 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM The lymph node status plays an important role in rectal cancer, which depends on adequate lymph node harvest. Lymph node stain techniques increase the lymph node harvest. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate which subgroups of lymph nodes harvested were increased mostly. METHODS From May 2020 to May 2022, 172 stage II-III rectal cancer patients were randomized to methylene blue (MB) stained group or unstained group to retrieve the lymph nodes. Methylene blue solution was injected into the inferior mesenteric artery, we dissected lymph nodes by palpation and sight. The lymph nodes were divided into 3 groups depending on the anatomy (main lymph nodes, superior rectal and perirectal lymph nodes (SPLNs), and pericolic lymph nodes located beyond 10 cm proximal to the tumor), and 3 groups depending on the short diameter of the nodes (big: ≥ 5 mm, small: 5-2 mm, mini: ≤ 2 mm). RESULTS The number of lymph nodes harvested with MB was significantly higher (22.0 (14.8, 32.0) vs 14.5 (11.0, 22.0); p < 0.001) without difference in positive patients or number of positive nodes. The positive rate of the big node was 3.5%, the small node was 1.9%, and the mini node was 0.2%. In the subgroup analysis, the median number of mini lymph nodes in the MB-stained group was significantly more than that of the unstained group (median (IQR): 9.0 (6.0, 14.0) vs 4.0 (2.0,6.0), p < 0.001); and the median number of SPLNs in the MB-stained group were significantly more than that of the unstained group (median (IQR): 15.0 (9.0, 19.0) vs 10.0 (6.0, 13.3), p < 0.001); these differences were existing in both patients with and without neoadjuvant treatments. CONCLUSION Intra-arterial injection of MB can significantly increase the number of lymph nodes harvested in rectal cancers, especially those mini lymph nodes. However, methylene blue staining did not significantly increase the number of positive lymph nodes and the proportion of patients with more than 12 lymph nodes, or affect lymph node staging accuracy after radical resection of rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangbing Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Suszták N, Besznyák I, Almási K, Bursics A, Kelemen D, Borowski DW, Bánky B. Improved Accuracy of Lymph Node Staging and Long-Term Survival Benefit in Colorectal Cancer With Ex Vivo Arterial Methylene Blue Infiltration. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610742. [PMID: 36330051 PMCID: PMC9624224 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:Ex vivo methylene blue (MB) injection into the main supplying arteries of the colorectal specimen after surgical removal is an uncomplicated technique to support lymph node harvest during pathological evaluation. The primary aim of this randomized, interventional, bicentric trial was to evaluate the impact of MB injection on lymph node yield, with secondary aims assessing the accuracy of lymph node staging and the effect on 5-year overall survival for patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer. Methods: In the study period between December 2013 and August 2015, 200 colorectal resections were performed at two independent onco-surgery centers of Hungary. Following surgical resection, each specimen was randomly assigned either to the control (standard pathological work-up) or to the MB staining group before formaldehyde fixation. Patient-level surgical and clinical data were retrieved from routinely collected clinical datasets. Survival status data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary. Results: A total of 162 specimens, 82 in the control and 80 in the MB groups, were included for analysis. Baseline characteristics were equally distributed among study groups, except for specimen length. Both the median of total number of lymph nodes retrieved (control 11 ± 8 [0–33] nodes vs. MB 14 ± 6 [0–42] nodes; p < 0.01), and the ratio of cases with at least 12 removed lymph nodes (36/82, 43.9% vs. 53/80, 66.3%; p < 0.01) were higher in the MB group. The rate of accurate lymph node staging was non-significantly improved. As for rectal cancer, nodal staging accuracy (16/31, 51.6% vs. 23/30, 76.7%; p = 0.04) and the proportion with minimum 12 lymph node retrieval (7/31, 22.6%, vs. 18/30, 60%; p < 0.01) was improved by MB injection. In Mantel–Cox regression, a statistically significant survival benefit with methylene blue injection at 5 years post-surgery was proven (51.2% vs. 68.8%; p = 0.04). Conclusion: In our experience, postoperative ex vivo arterial methylene blue injection appears to be an uncomplicated technique, improving lymph node yield and decreasing the chance of insufficient nodal staging. The technique might also associate with a 5-year overall survival benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Suszták
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Surgery, St. Imre University Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Nóra Suszták,
| | - István Besznyák
- Department of Surgery, Uzsoki Street Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Almási
- Department of Pathology, Aladar Petz County Teaching Hospital, Győr, Hungary
| | - Attila Bursics
- Department of Surgery, Uzsoki Street Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Kelemen
- Department of Pathology, Uzsoki Street Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Balázs Bánky
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Li K, Li Z, Yan B, Tan J, Chen D, Chen W, Jiang W, Yan J. Preoperative carbon nanoparticle injection improves inferior mesenteric artery lymph node retrieval in patients with rectal cancer. Surgery 2021; 171:1177-1184. [PMID: 34531032 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inferior mesenteric artery lymph node (station 253 node) metastasis occurs in approximately 0.3% to 13.9% of rectal cancer patients. This study examined whether carbon nanoparticles could aid in harvesting more station 253 nodes and evaluated the relationship between the number of station 253 nodes retrieved and station 253 node metastasis. METHOD A total of 480 consecutive rectal cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study between August 2014 and October 2018. Ninety-one patients (18.96%) received a preoperative submucosal injection of carbon nanoparticles (CN+ group), and 389 patients did not receive an injection (CN- group). The number of lymph node retrievals was analyzed, and the relevant risk factors for station 253 node metastasis were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS The mean number of station 251, 252, and 253 lymph nodes and total lymph nodes retrieved in the CN+ group were higher than that retrieved in the CN- group. The percentage of patients with ≥4 station 253 nodes retrieved (54.0% vs 28.3%, P = .004) were higher in the CN+ group than in the CN- group. Retrieval of ≥4 station 253 nodes was an independent risk factor for station 253 node metastasis (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.22-4.74, P = .012). CONCLUSION The preoperative submucosal injection of carbon nanoparticles was helpful for increasing the number of station 253 nodes harvested, and a minimum of 4 examined station 253 nodes was necessary for standard D3 lymph node dissection in rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Botao Yan
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dexin Chen
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weisheng Chen
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of General Surgery & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Can Ex Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Rectal Cancer Specimens Improve the Mesorectal Lymph Node Yield for Pathological Examination? Invest Radiol 2020; 54:645-652. [PMID: 31219996 PMCID: PMC6738635 DOI: 10.1097/rli.0000000000000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental digital content is available in the text. The aim of this study was to use 7 T ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine the size of lymph nodes (LNs) in total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens and to increase the pathological yield of LNs with MR-guided pathology.
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12
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Yu N, Liu H, Li J, Chen S. Using low concentration sodium hypochlorite to improve colorectal surgical specimen lymph node harvest. Mol Clin Oncol 2020; 12:519-524. [PMID: 32337032 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2020.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nanrong Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
| | - Jianchang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
| | - Shicai Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510095, P.R. China
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The prognostic significance of lymph node size in node-positive colon cancer. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201072. [PMID: 30096142 PMCID: PMC6086396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To (i) show the outcome benefits of enlarged lymph nodes in node-positive colon cancer cases, as it was shown previously in negative node cases; (ii) disprove the stage migration theory and (iii) list the factors affecting lymph node size and yield. METHODS A retrospective study including 234 node-positive colon cancer cases was scheduled and performed. All recovered lymph nodes (6969) from 234 cases were microscopically examined in regard to (a) lymph node size (b) presence of metastasis (c) extent of intra-nodal metastasis. On the basis of resulting data, a statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS Metastases occurred in all size categories, though more often in larger lymph nodes. Fifty-one percent of all metastasised nodes were 2 to 6 mm in size. Approximately half of all nodes >10 mm were microscopically free of cancer. Cases with a small lymph node metastasis to lymph node size ratio (MSR) had a better prognosis than others: 85 months (95% CI: 72-97) vs. 67 months (95% CI: 47-88), p <0.001 (mean, overall survival). To differentiate between cases with the same ratio but different absolute lymph nodes sizes, we divided the cases into two groups that differed in their number of moderate to large lymph nodes. The group with more moderate to large lymph nodes showed a clear outcome benefit: 104 months (95% CI: 86-122) vs. 66 months (95% CI: 54-77), p = 0.014 (mean, overall survival). CONCLUSIONS Metastasised lymph nodes affect all size categories, and large lymph nodes are not always metastasised. The combination of enlarged lymph nodes and a small lymph node metastasis to lymph node size ratio (MSR) is associated with a better prognosis than others. When enlarged lymph nodes were considered as surrogate markers of an effective local immune response due to nodal hyperplasia, the immune system could be seen as the confounder affecting both lymph node size and prognosis. Our results are pointing in this direction and, along with other reasons, are challenging the stage migration theory.
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Tumor size, tumor location, and antitumor inflammatory response are associated with lymph node size in colorectal cancer patients. Mod Pathol 2017; 30:897-904. [PMID: 28233767 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2016.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lymph node size affects lymph node retrieval in surgical specimen and is used as criterion for pre-operative radiological estimation of metastatic disease. However, factors determining lymph node size remain to be established. Therefore, the association between lymph node size and presence of metastatic cancer deposits as well as different primary tumor characteristics was analyzed in a prospective cross-sectional study. Visible and palpable nodes were harvested, and conventional histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analysis were performed. The study cohort comprised 148 patients (median age 69 years, range 36-92). Lymph node dissection rendered 4167 nodes. Mean lymph node count was 28 (median 26, range 9-67). Metastatic disease was detected in 320 (8%) nodes and was associated with lymph node size (P<0.001). Positive nodes measuring ≤2 mm caused upstaging within the N category in one third of cases, but did not identify patients as node-positive as all patients also had positive larger nodes. Large tumor size (P=0.001), right tumor location (P<0.001), and deep tumor penetration (P=0.024) were all independently associated with lymph node size, whereas high lymphocytic antitumor reaction just missed statistical significance (P=0.053) in multivariable analysis. Microsatellite instability had no influence on lymph node size when analysis was restricted to right-sided tumors. In conclusion, analysis of small lymph nodes may lead to upstaging within the N category, but they do not identify a patient as node-positive and do therefore not influence clinical decision-making in the adjuvant setting. The majority of enlarged lymph nodes, including those measuring >1 cm, are not involved by cancer. Different tumor characteristics, such as large primary tumor size, right tumor location, and deep tumor penetration are independently associated with lymph node size and need to be considered when interpreting enlarged nodes detected by radiological imaging.
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Lymphadenectomy in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic Role and How Many Nodes Are Needed for Appropriate Staging? CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11888-017-0349-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Methylene blue intra-arterial staining of resected colorectal cancer specimens improves accuracy of nodal staging: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Surg Oncol 2016; 42:1642-1646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Kreis ME, Maurer CA, Ruppert R, Ptok H, Strassburg J, Junginger T, Merkel S, Hermanek P. [Lymph node dissection after primary surgery and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy of rectal cancer. Interim analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study (OCUM)]. Chirurg 2016. [PMID: 26223668 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-015-0062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The OCUM trial (NCT01325649) aims to clarify whether low rates of local recurrence are also achieved when the indications for neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy are not based on the clinical TNM staging but on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging with measurement of the tumor distance to the circumferential resection margin. In this interim analysis the lymph node status in OCUM patients was investigated as a surrogate parameter for quality of surgery and histopathological work-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS Until now a total of 560 patients have been included in this study. Total mesorectal excision (TME) without pretreatment was undertaken in 338 patients (60.4 %) and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was administered in 222 (39.6 %) patients. The histological work-up was performed according to the guidelines of the German Association of Pathologists. Data are given as median values and ranges in brackets. RESULTS The lymph node yield was 24 (7-79) in 338 patients undergoing primary TME surgery without pretreatment, while 20 (3-56) lymph nodes were identified in patients after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (p = 0.001). A minimum of 12 lymph nodes were analyzed in 335 out of 338 patients (99.1 %) and in 209 out of 222 patients (94.1 %) following neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (p = 0.001). Lymph node metastasis was identified (p = 0.362) in 116 out of 338 patients without pretreatment (34.3 %) and in 71 out of 222 patients after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (32.0 %). Patient age did not influence the number of identified lymph nodes or rate of lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION In this trial the number of identified lymph nodes suggests that the quality of surgery and histopathological work-up were adequate compared to the standards defined by national guidelines. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy led to a reduced lymph node yield compared to surgery without pretreatment; however, this did not influence the rate of lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Kreis
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | | | - R Ruppert
- Klinikum München Neuperlach, München, Deutschland
| | - H Ptok
- Carl-Thiem-Klinikum, Cottbus, Deutschland
| | - J Strassburg
- Vivantes Klinikum Friedrichshain, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - T Junginger
- Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - S Merkel
- Chirurgische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | - P Hermanek
- Chirurgische Klinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Deutschland
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Abbassi-Ghadi N, Boshier PR, Goldin R, Hanna GB. Techniques to increase lymph node harvest from gastrointestinal cancer specimens: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Histopathology 2016; 61:531-42. [PMID: 23551433 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2012.04357.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This review aims to compare different histopathological techniques for lymph node harvest from ex-vivo gastrointestinal cancer specimens and to examine their influence on: (i) lymph node yield; (ii) positive lymph node detection; and (iii) cancer staging. METHOD AND RESULTS Systematic review of the English language literature to 10 October 2011, comparing manual nodal dissection to other techniques for lymph node harvest. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Twenty-seven studies, examining fat clearing, methylene blue staining, fat stretching and use of a dedicated pathology assistant, were assessed. The methodological quality of the majority of included studies was poor. Meta-analysis showed that fat clearing and methylene blue staining increased mean lymph node yield by 13 and 15 nodes, respectively, when compared to manual dissection. Of the 15 studies reporting positive lymph node count, two demonstrated a significant improvement for techniques other than manual dissection. Compared to manual dissection, other techniques were not shown to influence cancer staging. CONCLUSION This review has shown that fat clearing and methylene blue staining increases the mean lymph node yield from gastrointestinal cancer specimens. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that these techniques increase positive lymph node count or lead to upstaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Abbassi-Ghadi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's HospitalCentre for Pathology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
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19
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Yang SH, Li W, Sumien N, Forster M, Simpkins JW, Liu R. Alternative mitochondrial electron transfer for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancers: Methylene blue connects the dots. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 157:273-291. [PMID: 26603930 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain has exceptional high requirement for energy metabolism with glucose as the exclusive energy source. Decrease of brain energy metabolism and glucose uptake has been found in patients of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, providing a clear link between neurodegenerative disorders and energy metabolism. On the other hand, cancers, including glioblastoma, have increased glucose uptake and rely on aerobic glycolysis for energy metabolism. The switch of high efficient oxidative phosphorylation to low efficient aerobic glycolysis pathway (Warburg effect) provides macromolecule for biosynthesis and proliferation. Current research indicates that methylene blue, a century old drug, can receive electron from NADH in the presence of complex I and donates it to cytochrome c, providing an alternative electron transfer pathway. Methylene blue increases oxygen consumption, decrease glycolysis, and increases glucose uptake in vitro. Methylene blue enhances glucose uptake and regional cerebral blood flow in rats upon acute treatment. In addition, methylene blue provides protective effect in neuron and astrocyte against various insults in vitro and in rodent models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. In glioblastoma cells, methylene blue reverses Warburg effect by enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, arrests glioma cell cycle at s-phase, and inhibits glioma cell proliferation. Accordingly, methylene blue activates AMP-activated protein kinase, inhibits downstream acetyl-coA carboxylase and cyclin-dependent kinases. In summary, there is accumulating evidence providing a proof of concept that enhancement of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation via alternative mitochondrial electron transfer may offer protective action against neurodegenerative diseases and inhibit cancers proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Yang
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Wenjun Li
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Michael Forster
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - James W Simpkins
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Neuroscience, Health Science Center, West Virginia University, Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Ran Liu
- Center for Neuroscience Discovery, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Liu J, Huang P, Zheng Z, Chen T, Wei H. Modified methylene blue injection improves lymph node harvest in rectal cancer. ANZ J Surg 2014; 87:247-251. [PMID: 25331064 DOI: 10.1111/ans.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of nodal metastases in rectal cancer plays an important role in accurate staging and prognosis, which depends on adequate lymph node harvest. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the feasibility and survival benefit of improving lymph node harvest by a modified method with methylene blue injection in rectal cancer specimens. METHODS One hundred and thirty-one patients with rectal cancer were randomly assigned to the control group in which lymph nodes were harvested by palpation and sight, or to the methylene blue group using a modified method of injection into the superior rectal artery with methylene blue. Analysis of clinicopathologic records, including a long-term follow-up, was performed. RESULTS In the methylene blue group, 678 lymph nodes were harvested by simple palpation and sight. Methylene blue injection added 853 lymph nodes to the total harvest as well as 32 additional metastatic lymph nodes, causing a shift to node-positive stage in four patients. The average number of lymph nodes harvested was 11.7 ± 3.4 in the control group and 23.2 ± 4.7 in the methylene blue group, respectively. The harvest of small lymph nodes (<5 mm) and the average number of metastatic nodes were both significantly higher in the methylene blue group. The modified method of injection with methylene blue had no impact on overall survival. DISCUSSION The modified method with methylene blue injection improved lymph node harvest in rectal cancer, especially small node and metastatic node retrieval, which provided more accurate staging. However, it was not associated with overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpei Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pinjie Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongheng Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tufeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kır G, Alimoglu O, Sarbay BC, Bas G. Ex vivo intra-arterial methylene blue injection in the operation theater may improve the detection of lymph node metastases in colorectal cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2014; 210:818-21. [PMID: 25282546 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lymph node (LN) assessment after colorectal cancer resection is fundamentally important for therapeutic and prognostic reasons. LN positivity is an indication for adjuvant treatment. This study aimed to investigate whether immediate postoperative intra-arterial methylene blue (MB) injection (MBI) into colorectal cancer specimens by a surgeon in the operating room could improve the rate of total LN and metastatic LN recovery for pathological examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-three consecutive patients prospectively enrolled between January 2011 and December 2013 were assigned to the methylene blue (MB)-stained group and compared with 107 controls in the unstained group. RESULTS The median number and range values of metastatic LNs, the number of LNs <0.5 cm, the total number of LNs harvested, and the number of cases with LN metastasis were significantly different between the MB-stained and MB-unstained groups (p = 0.016, p = 0.010, p = 0.025, and p = 0.006 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Immediate MBI (fresh, unfixed samples) by a surgeon in the operating room may result in a significant increase in the number of metastatic LNs diagnosed and the number of cases with positive LNs. Shifting of the injection from the pathology laboratory to the operation theater would be a good alternative whenever the operation theater is not the area located as the pathology department.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kır
- Pathology Department, Umraniye Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - O Alimoglu
- General Surgery Department, Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - B C Sarbay
- Pathology Department, Umraniye Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - G Bas
- General Surgery Department, Umraniye Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Borowski DW, Banky B, Banerjee AK, Agarwal AK, Tabaqchali MA, Garg DK, Hobday C, Hegab M, Gill TS. Intra-arterial methylene blue injection into ex vivo colorectal cancer specimens improves lymph node staging accuracy: a randomized controlled trial. Colorectal Dis 2014; 16:681-9. [PMID: 24911342 DOI: 10.1111/codi.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM A randomized controlled trial was carried out to study the effect of a recently proposed technique of ex vivo intra-arterial methylene blue injection of the surgical specimen removed for colorectal cancer on lymph node harvest and staging. METHOD Between May 2012 and February 2013, 100 consecutive colorectal cancer resection specimens in a single institution were randomly assigned to intervention (methylene blue injection) and control (standard manual palpation technique) groups before formalin fixation. The specimen was then examined by the histopathologist for lymph nodes. RESULTS Both groups were similar for age, sex, site of tumour, operation and tumour stage. In the intervention group, a higher number of nodes was found [median 23 (5-92) vs. 15 (5-37), P < 0.001], with only one specimen not achieving the recommended minimum standard of 12 nodes [1/50 (2%) vs. 8/50 (16%), P = 0.014]. However, there was no upstaging effect in the intervention group [23/50 (46.0%) vs. 20/50 (40.0%); P = 0.686]. With a significantly lower number of nodes harvested in rectal cancer, the positive effect of the intervention was particularly observed in the patients who underwent preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy [median 30 nodes (12-57) vs. 11 (7-15); P = 0.011; proportion of cases with < 12 nodes 0/5 vs. 5/8 (62.5%), P = 0.024]. CONCLUSION Ex vivo intra-arterial methylene blue injection increases lymph node yield and can help to reduce the number of cases with a lower-than-recommended number of nodes, particularly in patients with rectal cancer having neoadjuvant treatment. The technique is easy to perform, cheap and saves time.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Borowski
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
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Märkl B, Schaller T, Krammer I, Cacchi C, Arnholdt HM, Schenkirsch G, Kretsinger H, Anthuber M, Spatz H. Methylene blue-assisted lymph node dissection technique is not associated with an increased detection of lymph node metastases in colorectal cancer. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:1246-54. [PMID: 23599158 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lymph node staging is of paramount importance for prognosis estimation and therapy stratification in colorectal cancer. A high number of harvested lymph nodes is associated with an improved outcome. Methylene blue-assisted lymph node dissection effectively improves the lymph node harvest and ensures sufficient staging. Now, the effect on node positivity rate and stage-related outcome was investigated. The study cohort with advanced lymph node dissection consisted of 669 colorectal cancer cases of all stages, which were collected between 2007 and 2012. A historical collection of 663 cases investigated with conventional techniques between 2002 and 2004 served as control. Lymph node harvest was dramatically improved in the study group with mean lymph node numbers of 34 ± 17 vs 13 ± 5 (P<0.001) and sufficient staging rates of 98% vs 62% (P<0.001). However, neither the rate of nodal positive cases (37% vs 37%; P = 0.98) nor the rate of N2 cases differed between the two groups (14% vs 13%; P = 0.80). Furthermore, no differences were found concerning the outcome in both groups. The advanced lymph node dissection technique guarantees adequate histopathological lymph node staging in virtually all cases of colorectal cancer and is therefore extremely helpful. The hypothesis that it also provides a higher sensitivity in detecting metastases, however, could be not proved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Märkl
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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Märkl B, Arnholdt H. [Lymph node staging in gastrointestinal cancer. Combination of methylene blue-assisted lymph node dissection and ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping]. DER PATHOLOGE 2012; 33 Suppl 2:325-30. [PMID: 23080027 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-012-1636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The histopathological lymph node staging is of crucial importance for the prognosis estimation and therapy stratification in gastrointestinal cancer. However, the recommended numbers of lymph nodes that should be evaluated are often not reached in routine practice. Methylene blue assisted lymph node dissection was introduced as a new, simple and efficient technique to improve lymph node harvest in gastrointestinal cancer. This method is inexpensive, causes no delay and needs no toxic substances. All studies performed revealed a highly significantly improved lymph node harvest in comparison to the conventional technique. Moreover, this technique can be combined with a new ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping that for the first time is based on histological sentinel lymph node detection. The success rate of this method is similar to conventional techniques and it enables an efficient application of extended investigation methods, such as immunohistochemistry or the polymerase chain reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Märkl
- Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156 Augsburg.
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Märkl B, Rößle J, Arnholdt HM, Schaller T, Krammer I, Cacchi C, Jähnig H, Schenkirsch G, Spatz H, Anthuber M. The clinical significance of lymph node size in colon cancer. Mod Pathol 2012; 25:1413-22. [PMID: 22684222 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To date, the clinical value of lymph node size in colon cancer has been investigated only in a few studies. Only in radiological diagnosis is lymph node size routinely recognized, and nodes ≥10 mm in diameter are considered pathologic. However, the few studies regarding this topic suggest that lymph node size is not a reliable indicator of metastatic disease. Moreover, we hypothesized that increasing lymph node size is associated with favorable outcome. By performing a morphometric study, we investigated the clinical significance of lymph node size in colon cancer in terms of metastatic disease and prognosis. A cohort of 237 cases with excellent lymph node harvest (mean lymph node count: 33±17) was used. The size distribution in node-positive and -negative cases was almost identical. In all, 151 out of the 305 metastases detected (49.5%) were found in lymph nodes with diameters ≤5 mm. Only 25% of lymph nodes >10 mm showed metastases. Minute lymph nodes ≤1 mm were involved only very rarely (2 of 81 cases). In 67% of the cases, the largest positive lymph node was <10 mm. The prognostic relevance of lymph node size was investigated in a subset of 115 stage I/II cases. The occurrence of ≥7 lymph nodes that were >5 mm in diameter was significantly associated with better overall survival. Our data show that lymph node size is not a suitable factor for preoperative lymph node staging. Minute lymph nodes have virtually no role in correct histopathological lymph node staging. Finally, large lymph nodes in stage I/II disease might indicate a favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Märkl
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The current recommendation from the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer is that 12 or more lymph nodes should be examined to appropriately stage rectal cancer. It is unclear if this metric is appropriate or achievable for patients who receive neoadjuvant therapy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to review the effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on the lymph node yield in patients with rectal cancer. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive search was made of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published through December 2011. STUDY SELECTION The descriptors rectal neoplasms, lymph nodes, lymph node yield, radiotherapy, and neoadjuvant therapy were used to identify articles that reported the lymph node yield with and without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. INTERVENTIONS Patients received either chemoradiotherapy or no neoadjuvant treatment before undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures included the mean lymph node yield both with and without neoadjuvant treatment, the percentage of patients that received an adequate lymph node dissection, and the number of lymph nodes found to be positive for metastatic disease. RESULTS A total of 7 studies were included in this review. They demonstrated a decrease in lymph node yield in patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, ranging from 7% to 53% based on the articles in this review. LIMITATIONS A meta-analysis was not performed because of the limited complete data published on this subject. Consequently, there is heterogeneity in the studies that were selected for this review. CONCLUSIONS Patients with rectal cancer who receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy should be anticipated to have a lower lymph node yield than patients who receive surgery alone. This calls into question if the current guideline of 12 lymph nodes is relevant, in particular, for those patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy.
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Jepsen RK, Ingeholm P, Lund EL. Upstaging of early colorectal cancers following improved lymph node yield after methylene blue injection. Histopathology 2012; 61:788-94. [PMID: 22804356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2012.04287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate whether the use of intra-arterial methylene blue injection improves lymph node yield, and to determine whether a higher lymph node count results in upstaging in colorectal cancer. METHOD AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective study of colorectal cancer specimens (n = 234) 1 year after implementation of the method. All colorectal cancer specimens from the previous year served as our control group. Data concerning tumour characteristics, lymph node count, number of positive lymph nodes and success of methylene injection had been prospectively collected in accordance with the department's ongoing registration. The method was easy to implement and perform with a high rate of success (86%). The number of identified lymph nodes was highly significantly improved in the study group (P < 0.0001). In resections with pT1/T2 tumours, we demonstrated a significant increase in the number of resection specimens containing positive lymph nodes, with an increase in pN1 resections from 9.4% in the control group to 26.7% in the study group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS THE methylene blue technique significantly improves lymph node identification in colorectal cancer specimens, and the improved lymph node identification leads to upstaging of International Union Against Cancer (UICC) pT1/pT2 cancers.
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Cacchi C, Arnholdt HM, Jähnig H, Anthuber M, Probst A, Oruzio DV, Märkl B. Clinical significance of lymph vessel density in T3 colorectal carcinoma. Int J Colorectal Dis 2012; 27:721-6. [PMID: 22228115 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-011-1373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study is to characterise the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the T3 colorectal carcinoma and to correlate it with N status, grading and presence of tumour budding. METHODS A total of 56 cases of T3 colorectal carcinoma were retrieved from the pathology's archive of Klinikum Augsburg. All slides were stained immunohistochemically with D2-40 (lymphatic endothelium) and with pancytokeratin to assess the tumour budding. Tumour budding and lymph vessel density were investigated independently by BM and CC. The highest density of lymphatic vessels was counted both in tumour centre (ILVD) and at the periphery of the tumour (PLVD) within an area of 0.24 mm(2). RESULTS Due to the strong intra-observer (BM and CC) difference in ILVD and PLVD, all cases were re-evaluated establishing a consensus that has been used for the further analyses. There was a significant difference between PLVD and ILVD (12 ± 4 versus 6 ± 3; P < 0.001). Moreover, we found a non-significant trend towards high PLVD in the cases with nodal metastasis versus the negative one, 13 ± 5/hpf versus 11 ± 4 (P = 0.072). There was no association between tumour budding and ILVD and PLVD (P = 0.249 and 0.38). CONCLUSION Colorectal carcinoma induces lymphangiogenesis. A higher PLVD could increase the capability of cancer cell to invade the lymphatic system. However, the obvious difficulties in immunohistochemical evaluation and the rather small differences between nodal positive and negative cases in T3 colorectal cancer seem to limit the clinical value of LVD evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cacchi
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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Nash GM. Lymph Node Yield and Oncologic Outcome after Colorectal Cancer Resection. Ann Surg Oncol 2012; 19:2084-5. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-012-2340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Klepšytė E, Samalavičius NE. Injection of methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery of resected rectal specimens for rectal cancer as a method for increasing the lymph node harvest. Tech Coloproctol 2012; 16:207-11. [PMID: 22426928 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-012-0816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to determine whether the injection of methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery could improve the lymph node harvest in rectal specimens of rectal cancer patients treated with rectal resection with total mesorectal excision. METHODS The study group consisted of 20 randomly selected fresh rectal specimens from patients with stages I-III rectal cancer treated at the Surgery Clinic at the Institute of Oncology of Vilnius University during the period from February 2008 to December 2010, and 20 specimens were selected under the same conditions to serve as the control group. The patients underwent conventional rectal resection with total mesorectal excision and coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer performed by the same surgeon, did not receive preoperative radiotherapy and had no distant metastases. After the removal of the specimen, 30 ml of 0.5% methylene blue solution was injected into the inferior mesenteric artery of the specimens in the study group (methylene blue group). The specimens from both the methylene blue and control groups were examined using the standards established by the Lithuanian National Centre of Pathology. The pathologist was not required to make any special macroscopic preparations. A retrospective analysis of clinical and histopathological records was performed. RESULTS Comparison of the mean lymph node harvest showed a significant difference between methylene blue and control groups with average lymph node numbers per specimen of 18 ± 5 and 14 ± 6, respectively (p = 0.025). The specimens from 12 of the 20 patients in the methylene blue group and the specimens from 7 of the 20 patients from the control group had positive nodes. CONCLUSIONS Injecting methylene blue solution into the inferior mesenteric artery is an efficient and simple method for improving the lymph node harvest in the histopathological examination of rectal specimens of rectal cancer patients treated with rectal resection with total mesorectal excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Klepšytė
- Clinic of Surgery, Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, Santariškių str. 1, LT-08660, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Patent blue staining as a method to improve lymph node detection in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant treatment. Eur J Surg Oncol 2012; 38:252-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2011.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Pathological evaluation of mesocolic resection quality and ex vivo methylene blue injection: what is the impact on lymph node harvest after colon resection for cancer? Dis Colon Rectum 2012; 55:197-204. [PMID: 22228164 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0b013e31823bd9c1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the National Quality Forum has endorsed the harvest of ≥12 lymph nodes as a standard quality indicator for colon cancer surgery, this minimum quantity is not reached in many centers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the implementation of a mesocolon evaluation pathological protocol and ex vivo arterial methylene blue injection on the number of nodes harvested after colon cancer resection. DESIGN A prospective series was compared with a historical group. SETTINGS This study was conducted by a specialized colorectal multidisciplinary team at a tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS From June 2009 to December 2009, all the specimens after colon resection for cancer were analyzed with the use of a "mesocolon quality pathological evaluation" protocol. Moreover, a consecutive series of specimens was analyzed after arterial ex vivo injection of methylene blue. We compared the study groups with our previous series (2005-2009). INTERVENTIONS The "mesocolon quality pathological evaluation" protocol was used with or without arterial methylene blue ex vivo injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The primary outcome measure was the number of lymph nodes harvested. RESULTS The mean number (SD) of lymph nodes collected was 20.6 (10.5), 37.1 (12.8), and 47.6 (12.9) (p < 0.0001) in the control, protocol, and methylene blue groups. In the control group, the minimum number of 12 and 18 lymph nodes collected was not reached in 92 (15.9%) and 258 (44.6%) patients. In contrast, all patients in the protocol and methylene blue groups had more than 18 lymph nodes collected. The multivariate analysis confirmed the application of the "mesocolon quality pathological evaluation" protocol and the methylene blue ex vivo injection, along with the type of resection and the length of the specimen, to be independent factors determining the number of nodes collected. LIMITATIONS The patients are not randomly selected and are compared with a retrospective series. CONCLUSION The implementation of a "mesocolon quality pathological evaluation" protocol along with the arterial ex vivo injection of methylene blue can significantly increase the number of nodes isolated after colonic resection, reaching a 100% rate of specimens with more than 12 nodes.
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Abstract
AIM The review aimed to offer a contemporary perspective of the quality of current colorectal surgery. METHOD A literature search was undertaken to identify relevant indicators. Citations were included if they related to quality in colorectal surgery. The search terms used included the Medical Subject Heading terms and Boolean characters: 'colon' OR 'colorectal', OR 'rectal' OR 'rectum' AND 'Quality Indicators', OR 'Quality Assurance', OR 'Quality of healthcare', OR 'Reference Standards', OR 'Quality' plus a variable floating term. A two-person independent review was undertaken from resulting citations and their consequent reference lists. The search was limited to citations from 2000 to 2010 in humans and to the English language. RESULTS Metrics identified as potential quality indicators in colorectal surgery are discussed according to the structure, process and outcome framework. CONCLUSION A clear appreciation of the scope of individual metrics for quality appraisal purposes is necessary if they are to be used meaningfully for performance benchmarking.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Almoudaris
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
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TNM staging system of colorectal carcinoma: surgical pathology of the seventh edition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a predictive model of lymph node yield in a series of colon cancer resection specimens with detailed anatomic and surgical technique data. BACKGROUND Lymph node yield in colon resection specimens has been associated with accuracy of staging and cancer outcomes. We hypothesized that lymph node yield is associated with multiple factors including patient, tumor,and surgical variables. METHODS The pathology specimens from 152 elective colon neoplasm resections were prepared so that the lymph nodes were separated according to their anatomic relationship to the vascular pedicles and to the tumor. Prior to dissection, the specimen was measured. A linear regression analysis of a priori identified predictors and confounders of lymph node quantity was performed. Potential predictors in the model were age, gender, tumor stage, size, location,and differentiation, presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion,mucinous histology, number of vascular pedicles, and use of endoscopic tattoo. Potential confounders were American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, count of lymph node metastasis, and specimen length. RESULTS Tumor size, tumor location, number of resected pedicles, and use of tattoo had a significant linear or quadratic relationship with lymph node yield when controlling other variables. 23% of the variation in lymph node count was explained by the 15 variables in the model. A model with the 4 significant variables explained 19% of the variation. CONCLUSION Multiple tumor and surgical factors are associated with lymph node yields in colon specimens. A standard minimum of lymph nodes may not be applicable to all colon cancer resections.
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Guo X, Lan P, Wang L, Peng H, Wang J. Metastasis and micrometastasis in ultra-low rectal cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10330-010-0608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Puppa G, Sonzogni A, Colombari R, Pelosi G. TNM staging system of colorectal carcinoma: a critical appraisal of challenging issues. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2010; 134:837-52. [PMID: 20524862 DOI: 10.5858/134.6.837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and death among gastrointestinal tumors and ranks fourth after lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. Despite a continuous refinement of the T (tumor), N (node), and M (metastasis) staging system to express disease extent and define prognosis, and eventually to guide treatment, the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer may vary considerably even within the same tumor stage. Therefore, the need for new factors, either morphologic or molecular, that could more precisely stratify patients into different risk categories is clearly warranted. OBJECTIVES To present the state of the art with regard to the colorectal cancer staging system and to discuss confusing and/or challenging issues, including the assessment of peritoneal membrane involvement, vascular invasion, tumor deposits, and pathologic tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. DATA SOURCES Literature review of relevant articles indexed in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) and primary material from the authors' institutions. CONCLUSIONS Two emerging needs exist for the TNM system, namely, further stratification of patients with the same tumor stage and incorporation of nonanatomic factors, the latter including molecular and treatment factors. The identification and classification of morphologic features encountered in the pathologic examination of colorectal cancer specimens may be difficult and a source of subjective variability. Enhanced pathologic analysis, agreed-upon standard protocols, and standardization should improve the completeness and accuracy of pathology reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Puppa
- Division of Pathology, G. Fracastoro City Hospital, Verona, Italy.
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Märkl B, Arnholdt HM, Jähnig H, Spatz H, Anthuber M, Oruzio DV, Kerwel TG. A new concept for the role of ex vivo sentinel lymph nodes in node-negative colorectal cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2010; 17:2647-55. [PMID: 20333553 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1030-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently introduced ex vivo, intra-arterial methylene blue injection as a simple method to improve the lymph node (LN) harvest in gastrointestinal cancer. We now combined it with a novel ex vivo sentinel lymph node (evSLN) mapping technique. METHODS evSLN mapping was performed by subserosal (n = 20) or submucosal (n = 30) India ink injection. Subsequently, methylene blue was injected intra-arterially to enhance visibility of all LNs to improve the overall LN harvest. Manual LN dissection was carried out after fixing overnight. evSLNs nodes were identified by detecting carbon particles during histological examination. In primary node-negative cases, all detected LNs were step sectioned and immunohistochemically stained for pan-cytokeratin. RESULTS India ink injection was easy to perform. Methylene blue injection failed in 1 case. The mean lymph node harvest was 42 ± 18 LNs, and the SLN detection rate was 78%. The sensitivity for detecting metastases was 75%. The mean SLN number was 3 ± 1. LN metastases were found in 20 of 47 malignant cases (43%). Skip metastases occurred in 4 cases. Of these cases, 3 showed involvement of at least 1 entire LN. True upstaging (N0 → N1mi) was found in 1 of 23 cases (4%) within a SLN after advanced evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Combination of methylene blue technique and ex vivo sentinel mapping is feasible, easy to perform, and cost effective. It guarantees an optimal LN harvest and has the potential to heighten the sensitivity of metastasis detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Märkl
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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Lymph node retrieval in rectal cancer is dependent on many factors--the role of the tumor, the patient, the surgeon, the radiotherapist, and the pathologist. Am J Surg Pathol 2010; 33:1547-53. [PMID: 19661781 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0b013e3181b2e01f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lymph node status is the strongest prognostic factor for survival in colorectal cancer. There are several guidelines concerning the minimum numbers of lymph nodes that need to be examined to make reliable staging possible, but there is no consensus in the available literature. In this study, we determine in patients with rectal cancer factors that relate to the number of lymph nodes found and the presence of lymph node metastasis. In addition, the number of examined lymph nodes was correlated with prognosis. A total of 1227 patients were selected from a multicenter prospective randomized trial investigating the value of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The median number of examined lymph nodes in all patients was 7.0. The number of retrieved lymph nodes in patients with node metastasis was significantly higher than in node negative patients. After neoadjuvant radiotherapy fewer lymph nodes were retrieved (6.9 vs. 8.5; P<0.0001). Variations in lymph node yield between pathology laboratories and individual pathologists were striking. The following patient and tumor characteristics are associated with a significant lower lymph node retrieval: age over 60 years, overweight, small size, and low invasion depth of the tumor, poor differentiation grade, and absence of a lymphoid reaction. Node negative patients in whom seven or less lymph nodes were examined had a lower recurrence free interval than patients in whom at least 8 lymph nodes were examined (17.0% vs. 10.7%, P=0.016). We conclude that in pathology laboratories a median of at least 8 lymph nodes need to be examined in rectal cancer specimens, but that higher numbers are desirable and achievable in most cases, even after preoperative radiotherapy.
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Wünsch K, Müller J, Jähnig H, Herrmann RA, Arnholdt HM, Märkl B. Shape is not associated with the origin of pericolonic tumor deposits. Am J Clin Pathol 2010; 133:388-94. [PMID: 20154277 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpawolx7adzq2k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericolonic tumor deposits (PTDs) are associated with an adverse outcome in colorectal cancer. According to the International Union Against Cancer they are classified as N1 or V1/V2 depending on their shape. This recommendation, however, is not well supported by the literature. To elucidate the origin of PTDs, we performed a histomorphologic study of 69 PTDs, which were found in 7 of 21 colorectal specimens using the whole-mount step-section technique. Depending on the origin, the nodules were classified as venous invasions, lymphatic invasions, nerve sheath infiltrations, free PTDs, and continuous growth in 18 (26%), 3 (4%), 6 (9%), 34 (49%), and 8 (12%) of 69 PTDs, respectively. Polycyclic and oval-round shapes were identified in all categories. Continuous growth was found only within the inner third of the adhering fat, whereas the other morphologic features were found in all regions. The data of this study do not support PTD classification on the basis of their shape.
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Wang H, Safar B, Wexner SD, Denoya P, Berho M. The clinical significance of fat clearance lymph node harvest for invasive rectal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy. Dis Colon Rectum 2009; 52:1767-73. [PMID: 19966611 DOI: 10.1007/dcr.0b013e3181b14eaf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the application of fat clearance in cases of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. METHODS All patients who underwent proctectomy (R0 resection) from 1998 to 2007 were included. N1 and N2 stages were regarded as N+ stage. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-seven patients were identified, including 157 patients in the neoadjuvant group and 80 patients in the nonneoadjuvant group. In both groups, patients were assigned to receive the traditional method of harvesting lymph nodes, or the fat clearance method. Before July 2001, the patients received the traditional method, and after July 2001, they received exclusively the fat clearance method. In the nonneoadjuvant group, there was no significant difference in the number of positive lymph nodes (0.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.3, P = 0.235), N stage (P = 0.265), or patients with N+ stage (7/31 vs. 16/49, P = 0.332) between the two methods, even though the total lymph node harvest was significantly increased by use of the fat clearance method (9.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 27.6 +/- 2.5, P < 0.001). In contrast, the total lymph node retrieval (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 20.4 +/- 1.2, P < 0.001), number of positive lymph nodes (0.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.3, P = 0.007), N stage (P = 0.005), and patients with N+ stage (6/51 vs. 34/106, P = 0.006) were all increased by fat clearance in the neoadjuvant group. Moreover, the number of patients with N+ stage was stratified by T stage level (T0-T4) to eliminate the background bias, and the results were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS The utilization of the fat clearance technique significantly influences lymph node staging in patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. These findings suggest that fat clearance may represent a useful tool in all patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy; a more generalized application in colorectal carcinoma specimens remains controversial and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida 3333, USA
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Sentinel lymph node mapping as a side-effect of colonoscopic tattooing. Surg Endosc 2009; 24:589-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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van Steenbergen LN, van Lijnschoten G, Rutten HJT, Lemmens VEPP, Coebergh JWW. Improving lymph node detection in colon cancer in community hospitals and their pathology department in southern Netherlands. Eur J Surg Oncol 2009; 36:135-40. [PMID: 19576723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2009.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim was to investigate whether a set of measures directed at increasing lymph node (LN) detection among colon cancer patients led to clinically relevant changes in LN detection rate. METHODS Data of all patients with curative colon cancer (pT(any) N(any) M0) diagnosed in 1999-2007 whose resection specimens were evaluated by the Institute for Pathology and Medical Microbiology in Eindhoven (n=1501) were included. Feedback to specialists, increased fixation time, and ex-vivo injection of the specimen with Patent blue V dye were used to increase LN detection rate. Trends in the proportion of patients with insufficient LNs examined were investigated; moreover, the Patent blue-stained patients (n=86) were compared with a group of unstained patients (n=84). Based on the decrease in the proportion of high-risk node-negative patients, a calculation of chemotherapy-related costs saved was made. RESULTS The proportion of patients with <12 LNs examined decreased from 87% in 1999 to 48% in 2007 (p(trend)<0.0001). In the stained group this was 37%, versus 56% for the unstained group (p=0.010). In 1999, 79% of stage II patients were high-risk compared to 55% in 2007, which translates to a saving of almost 1,000,000 euro based on 92 stage II patients diagnosed in 2007. CONCLUSION A diverse set of measures increased the number of examined lymph nodes among patients with colon cancer. Large savings can be made due to the reduced proportion of high-risk node-negative patients who would otherwise have received adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L N van Steenbergen
- Eindhoven Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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Märkl B, Wünsch K, Hebick KU, Anthuber M, Probst A, Arnholdt HM, Spatz H. Methylene blue-assisted lymph node dissection in combination with ex vivo sentinel lymph node mapping in gastric cancer. Histopathology 2009; 54:433-41. [PMID: 19309395 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2009.03243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Lymph node (LN) stage is still the strongest prognostic marker in potentially curable gastric cancer. Accuracy of histopathological lymph node assessment depends on the number of investigated LNs and detection rate of metastases and micrometastases. The aim was to perform a feasibility study employing intra-arterial methylene blue injection - a novel method to improve LN harvest - and ex vivo sentinel LN mapping. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 33 cases were enrolled, including 14 retrospective cases that served as a control group. The methylene group showed a highly significant improved mean LN harvest compared with unstained cases, with 38 +/- 14 versus 21 +/- 10 LNs (P < 0.001), respectively. The detection rate of ex vivo sentinel mapping was 88%. No skip metastases occurred. CONCLUSION Both techniques have the potential to improve the accuracy of histopathological LN staging and can be combined successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Märkl
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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Märkl B, Kerwel T, Jähnig H, Anthuber M, Arnholdt H. [Lymph node preparation in colorectal cancer. Ex vivo methylene blue injection as a novel technique to improve lymph node visualization]. DER PATHOLOGE 2009; 29:274-9. [PMID: 17926038 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-007-0950-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The UICC requires investigation of a minimum of 12 lymph nodes for adequate lymph node staging in colorectal cancer. Despite that, many authors recommend investigation of a larger number, and different techniques, such as fat clearance, have therefore been developed. In this study we introduce a novel technique involving ex vivo lymph node staining with intraarterial methylene blue injection in colon cancer. We compared 14 cases in which methylene injection was used with 14 cases from our records in which conventional investigation techniques were applied. The lymph node harvest differed highly significantly (p<0.001) between the two groups, with average numbers of 28+/-7 and 14+/-3 in the methylene blue group and the unstained group, respectively. The largest difference occurred in the size group 2-4 mm (191 vs 70 lymph nodes). In 6 cases in the unstained group additional embedding of fatty tissue was necessary to reach an adequate number of investigated lymph nodes. Methylene blue injection is a novel and highly effective method that will improve lymph node preparation in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Märkl
- Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156, Augsburg.
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Pirro N, Pignodel C, Cathala P, Fabbro-Peray P, Godlewski G, Prudhomme M. The number of lymph nodes is correlated with mesorectal morphometry. Surg Radiol Anat 2008; 30:297-302. [PMID: 18309450 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-008-0322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node involvement is one of the most significant prognostic factors of patients with rectal cancer. However, the distribution of mesorectal lymph nodes is not well known. This study was designed to assess lymph nodes in the mesorectum and to evaluate the correlation between the volume and weight of the mesorectum and the number of lymph nodes. METHODS The mesorectums of 20 human cadavers were studied. The volume and weight of the superior rectal mesentery, superior mesorectum and inferior mesorectum were measured. Lymph nodes were sought by manual dissection and were submitted for histological examination. The correlation between the number of lymph nodes and the volume and weight of the mesorectum was evaluated by non-parametric Spearman test. RESULTS A total of 178 lymph nodes were identified. The mean number of lymph nodes per specimen was 9.2 +/- 4.5. The lymph nodes were mostly smaller than 3 mm and located in the superior and posterior parts of the mesorectum. A positive correlation was found between the number of mesorectal lymph nodes and the volume and weight of the mesorectum. The number of lymph nodes in the superior rectal mesentery was independent of its volume and its weight. CONCLUSIONS Mesorectal lymph nodes are mainly located above the peritoneal reflection within the posterior mesorectum. The positive correlation between the volume or the weight of the mesorectum and the number of mesorectal lymph nodes should be considered as a possible means to determine the minimum number of mesorectal lymph nodes required for histological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pirro
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hôpital La Timone, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France.
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