The Management and Prognostic Prediction of Adenocarcinoma of Appendix

Analysis of survival and prognostic factors in appendix adenocarcinoma and mucinous carcinoma

This study aimed to compare mucinous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the appendix in terms of survival and investigate the risk factors influencing survival. The data for this study were retrieved from the SEER database (SEER Research Plus 17 registries). Patients diagnosed with appendix cancer between 2004 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, such as age, gender, marital status, and year of diagnosis, along with oncological variables like stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and survival time, were extracted from the SEER database. Pathological subtypes were classified as adenocarcinoma (AC) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) based on the College of American Pathologists guidelines. Patients with other pathological subtypes or missing data were excluded from the study. This study included 4524 patients, with 2118 (46.8%) classified as AC and 2406 (53.2%) as MAC. There was no significant difference in mean age between AC and MAC groups (63.22 ± 14.30 vs. 59.46 ± 14.07, p = 0.483). AC was more common in males, while MAC was more prevalent in females (46.8% vs. 53.2%; 55.6% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001, respectively). Married status was high in both groups (p = 0.001). While no difference was found in white race distribution, the black race was more prevalent in the AC group (57.1% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.001). Grade 1 tumors were more frequent in the AC group, whereas Grades 2 and 3 were more common in the MAC group (p < 0.001). Stages 1, 2, and 3 were more prevalent in the AC group, while the majority of MAC cases were at Stage 4. Surgery rates were higher in the AC group (98.6% vs. 96.4%, p < 0.001). Chemotherapy was used more frequently in the MAC group (50.9% vs. 40.6%, p < 0.001), while radiotherapy rates were similar in both groups (p = 0.498). The mean follow-up period was 55.70 ± 47.2 months. Five- and ten-year survival rates for the MAC group were 64.4% and 50.2%, respectively, higher than the AC group's rates of 54.2% and 39.7% (p < 0.001). The overall risk of mortality was 1.4 times higher in the AC group compared to the MAC group (p < 0.001, HR: 1.377 [CI 95% 1.259-1.507]). While adenocarcinomas and mucinous adenocarcinomas have similar incidences, non-metastatic adenocarcinomas were more frequently observed. In contrast, mucinous adenocarcinomas often exhibited distant metastases. Nevertheless, the survival rate was higher in mucinous adenocarcinomas.

A Case of Transduodenal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of an Appendiceal Lesion

Vermiform appendiceal cancers are rare and commonly diagnosed incidentally after appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Establishing a diagnosis and staging appendiceal cancer is important as the treatment options differ based on the subtypes of tumor and their spread in the peritoneum. The role of endosonography in tissue diagnosis of appendiceal cancer is limited. Most cases are diagnosed and staged radiologically and surgically. Tissue diagnosis is key in management, especially when diagnosis is unclear by other modalities. We report a case of transduodenal endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of an appendiceal lesion, which had significant impact on patient outcome.

Who should get a right colectomy in low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas? Association of lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastases

BACKGROUND

There is variation in the probability of nodal metastases from low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas, and the role of right colectomy is unclear. We aimed to define the prevalence and utility of lymphovascular invasion in predicting the risk of nodal metastases to help stratify patients who may benefit from right hemicolectomy.

METHODS

Patients with nonmetastatic low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas were identified from the National Cancer Database (2010-2017). The primary outcome was probability of nodal metastases. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of nodal metastases. A 4-tier risk model-the COH Composite Score-was calculated by assigning 1 point each for a high-risk feature (lymphovascular invasion, T3/T4 T stage, or nonmucinous histology). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

A total of 1,303 patients with nonmetastatic low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas (64.2% mucinous) were identified. Of the 1,133 patients with known lymphovascular invasion status, 78 (6.9%) were lymphovascular invasion positive. In multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion was independently associated with nodal metastases (odds ratio, 8.68; P < .001). Overall accuracy of lymphovascular invasion in predicting nodal metastases was 86%. The COH Composite Score stratified patients in 4 categories with increasing risk of nodal metastases and incrementally worse survival. For patients with the COH Composite Score of 0 (12%), the nodal metastasis rate was 3.1%, and a right hemicolectomy in this group did not improve survival.

CONCLUSION

The presence of lymphovascular invasion is strongly predictive of nodal metastases. Lymphovascular invasion as part of the COH Composite Score may help guide the extent of surgery in low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas.

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma: Current concepts & challenges

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (ApAC) is a rare malignancy, comprising less than 1 % of all gastrointestinal tumors. The current World Health Organization classifies ApAC as mucinous or nonmucinous. Mucinous ApAC are composed of pools of mucin lined by cells with low- and high-grade cytology and areas of infiltrative invasion. Nonmucinous ApAC histologically resemble conventional colorectal adenocarcinomas and have a worse prognosis than their mucinous counterpart. Unfortunately, the nomenclature and histologic classification of ApAC, specifically the mucinous subtype, has changed several times throughout the years, contributing to diagnostic confusion for pathologists. The treatment for mucinous ApAC differs from that of other appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, thus accurate diagnosis is key to patient management and outcome. This review discusses the current classification and staging of ApAC with a particular emphasis on the mucinous subtype and peritoneal disease, as these areas are the most challenging for practicing surgical pathologists.

Appendiceal neoplasms in Saudi Arabia: prevalence and clinicopathological profile

BACKGROUND

The appendix is a small organ with no particular known function. Primary appendiceal neoplasms (ANs) are rare. While the prevalence is increasing worldwide over the past two decades, no apparent increase in the prevalence of ANs has been reported in the Arabian Gulf States. Recently, a significant decline in the age at diagnosis of some types of ANs has been reported worldwide, with a female predominance.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of ANs within our institution in Saudi Arabia and compare them to limited existing studies from different regions as well as the Arabian Gulf States.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Tertiary care center in Riyadh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent appendectomy and had the appendix submitted for histopathological evaluation between May 2015 and June 2020 were included to allow for a follow-up of 5 years or more at the time of data collection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographics, clinical presentations, surgical interventions, histopathological findings, complications, and recurrence rates.

SAMPLE SIZE

25 AN patients.

RESULTS

Of 1110 patients, 25 had ANs (13 female and 12 male participants) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 54.6 (14.1) years. Only 40% presented with acute appendicitis, 64% had comorbidities, and less than 50% underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Histopathologically, 72% were low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs). Complications were minimal grades (Clavien-Dindo classification), with 80% experiencing none. The mean hospital stay was 9.96 days. Local recurrence occurred in 8% of cases, and distant metastasis was documented in one adenocarcinoma case. However, the 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 88% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ANs is increasing in Saudi Arabia with the higher prevalence of LAMNs. The pathological examination of the resected appendix played a pivotal role in the diagnosis of ANs.

LIMITATIONS

Data collected retrospectively, a single institution, and a small population.

Mortality risk prediction for primary appendiceal cancer

BACKGROUND

Accurately predicting survival in patients with cancer is crucial for both clinical decision-making and patient counseling. The primary aim of this study was to generate the first machine-learning algorithm to predict the risk of mortality following the diagnosis of an appendiceal neoplasm.

METHODS

Patients with primary appendiceal cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2000 to 2019 were included. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Extreme gradient boost, random forest, neural network, and logistic regression machine learning models were employed to predict 1-, 5-, and 10-year mortality. After algorithm validation, the best-performance model was used to develop a patient-specific web-based risk prediction model.

RESULTS

A total of 16,579 patients were included in the study, with 13,262 in the training group (80%) and 3,317 in the validation group (20%). Extreme gradient boost exhibited the highest prediction accuracy for 1-, 5-, and 10-year mortality, with the 10-year model exhibiting the maximum area under the curve (0.909 [±0.006]) after 10-fold cross-validation. Variables that significantly influenced the predictive ability of the model were disease grade, malignant carcinoid histology, incidence of positive regional lymph nodes, number of nodes harvested, and presence of distant disease.

CONCLUSION

Here, we report the development and validation of a novel prognostic prediction model for patients with appendiceal neoplasms of numerous histologic subtypes that incorporate a vast array of patient, surgical, and pathologic variables. By using machine learning, we achieved an excellent predictive accuracy that was superior to that of previous nomograms.

Clinicopathological features of non-carcinoid malignant epithelial appendix tumors and risk factors for recurrence, single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Non-carcinoid appendix epithelial tumors are rare. These tumors include low-grade and high-grade mucinous neoplasm also adenocarcinomas. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features, treatment, and risk factors of recurrence.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Categorical variables were expressed as percentages and compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact tests. Overall survival and Disease-free survival of the groups were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included in the study. Of the patients, 19 (54%) were women and the median diagnosis age of patients was 50.4 years (19-76). As for pathological types, a total of 14 (40%) patients were mucinous adenocarcinoma and 14 (40%) patients were Low-Grade Mucinous Neoplasm (LGMN). Lymph node excision and lymph node involvement were 23 (65%) and 9 (25%) patients respectively. The majority of patients were stage 4 (27, 79%) and 25 (71%) of these patients had peritoneal metastasis. A total of 48.6% patients had been treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyper-thermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Median Peritoneal cancer index value was 12 (2-36). The median follow-up time was 20 (1-142) months. Recurrence developed in 12 (34%) of patients. When risk factors for recurrence are considered, there was a statistically significant difference in appendix tumors with high-grade, adenocarcinoma pathology, ones with peritoneal cancer index ≥12 and not having pseudomyxoma peritonei. Median disease-free survival was 18 (13-22, 95% CI) months. Median overall survival could not be reached while the 3-year survival rate was 79%.

CONCLUSION

The risk of recurrence is higher in high-grade appendix tumors, having peritoneal cancer index ≥ 12, not having pseudomyxoma peritonei and adenocarcinoma pathology. High-grade appendix adenocarcinoma patients should be followed closely for recurrence.

Surgical outcomes and predictors of overall survival of stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma: Retrospective cohort analysis of the national cancer database

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) after surgical treatment of stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma and compare the outcomes of partial colectomy and hemicolectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the U.S. National Cancer Database (NCDB) including patients who underwent surgery for stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2019 was conducted. A propensity-score matched analysis was undertaken to compare the outcomes of partial and hemicolectomy and multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictive factors of OS. The main outcome was OS and its independent predictors.

RESULTS

2607 patients (51.6 % male) with a mean age of 61.6 ± 13.9 years were included. 61.7 % of patients underwent hemicolectomy while 31.7 % underwent partial colectomy. After matching, partial colectomy, and hemicolectomy had similar OS (117.3 vs 117.2 months; p = 0.08), positive resection margins, short-term mortality, and 30-day readmission. The hemicolectomy group was associated with more examined lymph nodes and longer hospital stays. Older age (HR: 1.047, p < 0.0001), rural residence area (HR: 3.6, p = 0.025), higher Charlson score (HR: 1.6, p = 0.016), signet-ring cell carcinoma (HR: 2.37, p = 0.009), adjuvant systemic treatment (HR: 1.55, p = 0.015), positive surgical margins (HR: 1.83, p = 0.017), positive lymph nodes number (HR: 1.09, p < 0.0001), and examined lymph nodes number (HR: 0.962, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial colectomy and hemicolectomy had similar OS and clinical outcomes. Older age, rural residence, higher Charlson score, signet-ring pathology, adjuvant systemic treatment, positive surgical margins, positive lymph node number, and examined lymph node number were independent predictors of OS.

Cancer-specific survival in non-mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas after local resection versus right hemicolectomy: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database study

BACKGROUND

Adenocarcinomas of the appendix are rare cancers for which no National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines exist, and for patients who undergo resection with curative intent, there is a paucity of data on prognostic factors affecting long-term cancer-specific survival. We aimed to compare the cancer-specific survival outcomes in adult patients with appendiceal non-mucinous adenocarcinoma undergoing either local resection versus right hemicolectomy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results of patients who underwent curative resection over a 15-year period (2004-2019) for primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Out of 16,699 patients, 14,945 were excluded (exclusion criteria were non-adenocarcinoma histological types and patients with regional or distant metastasis as per National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results stage). Effects of factors (age, race, tumor biology [mucinous versus non-mucinous tumors], the extent of resection of the primary lesion, and lymph nodes) on cancer-specific long-term survival were studied. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival outcomes were reported as mean survival (months).

RESULTS

Of 1,754 patients, 827 (47.1%) were women, and 927 (52.1%) were men. The mean age in years (± standard deviation) was 62.43 ± 14.3. The racial distribution was as follows: Black 237 (13.5%), White 1,398 (79.7%), and Other 119 (6.8%). A total of 771 (44.6%) underwent local resection (appendectomy or segmental resection of colon without lymph node resection), and 983 (55.4%) underwent hemicolectomy with lymph node resection. Favorable survival prognosticators were age <50 years, White race, and well-differentiated histology. Patients with mucinous tumors experienced better survival. Patients who underwent right hemicolectomy with lymph node resection experienced better survival compared with those who had an appendectomy or segmental colonic resection for non-mucinous tumors rather than mucinous tumors.

CONCLUSION

We report novel demographic, tumor-related, and operative prognostic factors impacting long-term cancer-specific survival in patients who undergo resection for appendiceal adenocarcinoma. The extent of resection of the primary lesion with draining lymph nodes determines long-term cancer-specific survival in non-mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinomas.

Validation of the AJCC 8th Edition Staging System for Disseminated Appendiceal Cancer Patients Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Multi-institutional Analysis

BACKGROUND

The AJCC 8th edition stratifies stage IV disseminated appendiceal cancer (dAC) patients based on grade and pathology. This study was designed to externally validate the staging system and to identify predictors of long-term survival.

METHODS

A 12-institution cohort of dAC patients treated with CRS ± HIPEC was retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Univariate and multivariate cox-regression was performed to assess factors associated with OS and RFS.

RESULTS

Among 1009 patients, 708 had stage IVA and 301 had stage IVB disease. Median OS (120.4 mo vs. 47.2 mo) and RFS (79.3 mo vs. 19.8 mo) was significantly higher in stage IVA compared with IVB patients (p < 0.0001). RFS was greater among IVA-M1a (acellular mucin only) than IV M1b/G1 (well-differentiated cellular dissemination) patients (NR vs. 64 mo, p = 0.0004). Survival significantly differed between mucinous and nonmucinous tumors (OS 106.1 mo vs. 41.0 mo; RFS 46.7 mo vs. 21.2 mo, p < 0.05), and OS differed between well, moderate, and poorly differentiated (120.4 mo vs. 56.3 mo vs. 32.9 mo, p < 0.05). Both stage and grade were independent predictors of OS and RFS on multivariate analysis. Acellular mucin and mucinous histology were associated with better OS and RFS on univariate analysis only.

CONCLUSIONS

AJCC 8th edition performed well in predicting outcomes in this large cohort of dAC patients treated with CRS ± HIPEC. Separation of stage IVA patients based on the presence of acellular mucin improved prognostication, which may inform treatment and long-term, follow-up strategies.

Appendiceal cancer showing a submucosal tumor-like morphology in the ascending colon on colonoscopy: a case report

Few reports have described a submucosal tumor (SMT)-like colon tumor together with appendiceal cancer. Moreover, some appendiceal tumors may exhibit a cecal protuberance. Here, we report an uncommon case of appendiceal cancer with an SMT-like tumor, which was a protuberant lesion in the ascending colon. To our knowledge, this is the first report in Japan. Our case was a 50-year-old man with an ascending colon tumor presented at our hospital for further evaluation of this lesion. This was discovered as a cystic lesion near the ascending colon on colonoscopy. Our initial diagnosis was an ascending colon SMT-like tumor, and our treatment strategy was laparoscopic resection. The differential diagnosis was appendiceal cancer or mucocele. Postoperative pathological findings led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was followed up with computed tomography and blood sampling on an outpatient basis.

A case report of appendiceal adenocarcinoma extending from the retroperitoneum to the psoas muscle

INTRODUCTION

Invasive appendiceal adenocarcinoma is rare. We describe the first reported case of appendiceal adenocarcinoma invading the psoas muscle in a 27-year-old man.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient presented with lower right quadrant pain, persisting since the last two months. Computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal mass with a central calcified focus in the right iliac fossa, with a mass effect on the adjacent iliopsoas muscle and apparent invasion of the cecal wall.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Magnetic resonance imaging showed a retrocecal appendicular mass with central necrosis. Colonoscopy showed an extra luminal mass effect that caused bulging of the ileocecal valve. Biopsy revealed lymphoid hyperplasia of the mucosa of the terminal ileum, with no malignant changes. An elective right hemicolectomy was done along with ileotransverse anastomosis. Histopathology examination of the surgical specimen revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (Stage IV). Hence, adjuvant chemotherapy followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was employed.

CONCLUSION

Non-specific symptoms and difficulties in reaching a diagnosis pre-operatively, may contribute to underreporting of appendiceal adenocarcinomas. Besides, few therapeutic options are available due to the rarity of this tumor. Complete surgical excision and/or chemotherapy may be lifesaving.

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma is associated with better prognosis than cecal adenocarcinoma: a population-based comparative survival study

OBJECTIVE

Although appendiceal cancer remains a rare gastrointestinal malignancy compared with colorectal cancer, incidence rates of appendiceal cancer have increased in the last two decades. Appendiceal and cecal adenocarcinomas have distinct genomic profiles, but chemotherapy protocols for these malignancies are the same and survival outcomes between them have not been compared extensively. To this end, we conducted a comparative survival analysis of appendiceal and cecal adenocarcinomas.

DESIGN

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, we identified individuals ≥30 years of age with appendiceal or cecal adenocarcinoma from 1975 to 2016. Demographic, clinical and county-level socioeconomic data were extracted using SEER*Stat software. Survival was compared by Mantel-Haenszel log-rank test, and survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Relative HRs for death in the 5-year period following diagnosis were calculated using multivariable Cox regression analysis, adjusted for all other covariates. The significance level was set at p<0.05 for two-tailed tests. Data were analysed using SAS V.9.4 and R software.

RESULTS

We identified 6491 patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma and 99 387 patients with cecal adenocarcinoma. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated significantly higher cancer-specific and overall survival in appendiceal adenocarcinoma compared with cecal adenocarcinoma. Male sex, older age, earlier year of diagnosis, black race, single marital status, non-Hispanic ethnicity, and non-mucinous histology were associated with increased mortality rates. In addition, counties with lower percentage of individuals below the poverty line and higher colorectal cancer screening rates had better survival.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show greater survival in appendiceal adenocarcinoma compared with cecal adenocarcinoma. We also highlighted novel associations of county-level socioeconomic factors with increased mortality in appendiceal adenocarcinoma. Future efforts to develop targeted molecular therapies and reduce socioeconomic barriers to diagnosis and treatment are warranted to improve survival.

The Prognostic Impact of Microsatellite Instability on the Outcome of Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: a National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is recognized as a favorable outcome predictor in colorectal cancer. However, its impact on overall survival (OS) of appendiceal carcinoma has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to assess the impact of MSI on OS of patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma, stratified by disease stage, tumor histology, and patients' demographics.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of the colon cancer National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2005 and 2019. Patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma with known MSI status were included and subdivided according to MSI status into positive and negative. Primary outcome was OS stratified by MSI status.

RESULTS

The study included 1681 (50.1% male) patients with a mean age of 58.9 ± 14.2 years; 211 (12.5%) had MSI-positive tumors (69 MSI low, 53 MSI high, and 89 not specified). Mean 5-year OS of patients with MSI-positive and MSI-negative carcinomas was similar (81.9 versus 78.6 months, p = 0.747). Patients with stage IV MSI-positive carcinomas had significantly longer OS than patients with MSI-negative carcinomas of the same stage (41.3 vs 26.5 months, p = 0.02). Differences in OS for patients with stages I-III were not statistically significant. Compared to MSI-negative/low carcinomas, MSI-high tumors had more advanced pathologic TNM stage (stage III: 23.9% vs 17.8%-stage IV: 41.3% vs 35.4%, p = 0.003), received more chemotherapy (56% vs 41%, p = 0.04), yet had similar OS (81.9 vs 78.9 months, p = 0.357).

CONCLUSIONS

MSI status of appendiceal adenocarcinomas did not significantly impact survival, except for stage IV disease in which a survival benefit of MSI was noted.

Appendectomy Is Oncologically Equivalent to Right Hemicolectomy for Well-Differentiated T1 Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Right hemicolectomy is recommended for appendiceal adenocarcinoma but may not be needed for early stage disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether appendectomy offers adequate oncologic outcomes for T1 appendiceal adenocarcinoma from a national cohort of patients.

DESIGN

Patients with T1 appendiceal adenocarcinoma (mucinous and nonmucinous histology) treated with either a right hemicolectomy or appendectomy between 2004 and 2016 were retrieved. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of overall survival.

SETTING

The study was conducted using a national cancer database.

PATIENTS

A total of 320 patients (median age, 62 y; 47% women) were identified: 69 (22%) underwent an appendectomy and 251 (78%) underwent a right hemicolectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Overall survival was measured.

RESULTS

Nonmucinous adenocarcinoma was identified in 194 (61%), whereas 126 (39%) had mucinous adenocarcinoma. Of the overall cohort, 43% had well-differentiated histology, 39% had moderately differentiated disease, and 4% had poorly differentiated tumors. The rate of lymph node metastasis was lower in well-differentiated tumors (3%) compared with moderately (10%) or poorly differentiated tumors (25%). On univariate survival analysis, right hemicolectomy was associated with improved 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival in patients with moderately/poorly differentiated disease ( p < 0.001) but not for well-differentiated disease ( p = 1.000). After adjustment, right hemicolectomy was associated with overall survival improvement for moderately/poorly differentiated T1 adenocarcinoma (HR = 0.26 [95% CI, 0.08-0.82]; p = 0.02) but not for well-differentiated disease.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis from the National Cancer Database demonstrates that appendectomy is associated with equivalent survival to right hemicolectomy for well-differentiated T1 adenocarcinoma, whereas for moderately and poorly differentiated disease, right hemicolectomy is oncologically superior to appendectomy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B689 .

LA APENDICECTOMA ES ONCOLGICAMENTE EQUIVALENTE A LA HEMICOLECTOMA DERECHA PARA EL ADENOCARCINOMA APENDICULAR T BIEN DIFERENCIADO

ANTECEDENTES:La hemicolectomía derecha se recomienda para el adenocarcinoma apendicular, pero puede no ser necesaria para la enfermedad en estadio temprano.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar si la apendicectomía ofrece resultados oncológicos adecuados para el adenocarcinoma apendicular T1 de una cohorte nacional de pacientes.DISEÑO:Se recuperaron pacientes con adenocarcinoma apendicular T1 (histología mucinoso y no mucinoso) tratados con hemicolectomía derecha o apendicectomía entre 2004-2016. Se utilizó un análisis de regresión de Cox multivariante para identificar los predictores de la supervivencia global.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Base de datos nacional sobre cáncer.PACIENTES:Se identificaron un total de 320 pacientes (mediana de edad 62 años, 47% mujeres): 69 (22%) se sometieron a una apendicectomía y 251 (78%) se sometieron a una hemicolectomía derecha.PRINCIPAL MEDIDA DE RESULTADO:Sobrevida global.RESULTADOS:Se identificó adenocarcinoma no mucinoso en 194 (61%) mientras que 126 (39%) tenían adenocarcinoma mucinoso. De la cohorte general, el 43% tenía una histología bien diferenciada, el 39% tenía una enfermedad moderadamente diferenciada y el 4% tenía tumores poco diferenciados. La tasa de metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos fue menor en los tumores bien diferenciados (3%) en comparación con los tumores moderadamente (10%) o pobremente diferenciados (25%). En el análisis de sobrevida univariante, la hemicolectomía derecha se asoció con una mejor sobrevida general a 1, 3, y 5 años en pacientes con enfermedad moderada / pobremente diferenciada ( p < 0,001) pero no para la enfermedad bien diferenciada ( p = 1,000). Después del ajuste, la hemicolectomía derecha se asoció con una mejora de la sobrevida general para el adenocarcinoma T1 moderadamente / poco diferenciado (HR = 0,26, IC del 95%: 0,08-0,82, p = 0,02) pero no para la enfermedad bien diferenciada.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES:El análisis actual de la base de datos nacional de cáncer demuestra que la apendicectomía se asocia con una sobrevida similar a la hemicolectomía derecha para el adenocarcinoma T1 bien diferenciado, mientras que para la enfermedad moderada y pobremente diferenciada, la hemicolectomía derecha es oncológicamente superior a la apendicectomía. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B689 . (Traducción-Dr. Yazmin Berrones-Medina ).

Establishment and validation of the survival prediction risk model for appendiceal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Establishing a risk model of the survival situation of appendix cancer for accurately identifying high-risk patients and developing individualized treatment plans.

METHODS

A total of 4,691 patients who were diagnosed with primary appendix cancer from 2010 to 2016 were extracted using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) * Stat software. The total sample size was divided into 3,283 cases in the modeling set and 1,408 cases in the validation set at a ratio of 7:3. A nomogram model based on independent risk factors that affect the prognosis of appendix cancer was established. Single-factor Cox risk regression, Lasso regression, and multifactor Cox risk regression were used for analyzing the risk factors that affect overall survival (OS) in appendectomy patients. A nomogram model was established based on the independent risk factors that affect appendix cancer prognosis, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used for evaluating the model. Survival differences between the high- and low-risk groups were analyzed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. Single-factor Cox risk regression analysis found age, ethnicity, pathological type, pathological stage, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, number of lymph nodes removed, T stage, N stage, M stage, tumor size, and CEA all to be risk factors for appendiceal OS. At the same time, multifactor Cox risk regression analysis found age, tumor stage, surgery, lymph node removal, T stage, N stage, M stage, and CEA to be independent risk factors for appendiceal OS. A nomogram model was established for the multifactor statistically significant indicators. Further stratified with corresponding probability values based on multifactorial Cox risk regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found the low-risk group of the modeling and validation sets to have a significantly better prognosis than the high-risk group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The established appendix cancer survival model can be used for the prediction of 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and for the development of personalized treatment options through the identification of high-risk patients.

Misdiagnosed appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and primary ovarian mucinous tumors present with different pre- and intraoperative characteristics

Objective

To identify the differences between the pre- and intraoperative characteristics in misdiagnosed appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) and those in primary ovarian mucinous tumors (POMTs) and to establish an effective model for differentiating AMNs from pelvic mucinous tumors.

Methods

This study enrolled 70 AMN patients who were misdiagnosed with ovarian tumors and 140 POMT patients who were treated from November 1998 to April 2021 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The clinical features and operative findings of the two groups of patients were collected and compared.

Results

There were significant differences in age and menopausal status, but no difference in the patients’ clinical manifestations between the two groups. The preoperative serum CA125 and CA199 levels were not different between the two groups. The CEA level (31.04 ± 42.7 vs. 7.11 ± 24.2 ng/ml) was higher in the misdiagnosed AMN group (P < 0.001). The AMNs were smaller than the POMTs that were measured preoperatively by ultrasonography (US) (P<0.05) and measured at surgery (P<0.05). Furthermore, the patients with AMNs more commonly had multinodularity and ascites noted on the preoperative US (P<0.001), on CT (P<0.001), and at surgery (P< 0.001). The two groups also differed in the presence of bilateral disease, in the appendiceal appearance and peritoneal dissemination. Subsequently, a prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression, which was evaluated through internal validation.

Conclusions

The suspicion of a nongenital organs originated tumor especially origing from appendiceal should be considered in a patient who is older, tumor size less than 12cm, multinodular, presence of mucinous ascites, and elevated serum CEA levels. Bilateral ovarian involvement, peritoneal dissemination, and an abnormal appendiceal appearance found during surgery were the typical features associated with AMNs.

Clinical Significance of Lymph Node Dissection and Lymph Node Metastasis in Primary Appendiceal Tumor Patients After Curative Resection: a Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Due to its rarity and biological heterogeneity, guidelines for primary appendiceal tumor (PAT) are based on scarce evidence, resulting in no strong recommendations. The present study explored prognosis-related factors, including the timing of lymph node dissection (LND), in PAT patients after curative resection (CR) to determine the optimal surgical therapies.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 404 patients with PATs who underwent CR at 43 tertiary hospitals from 2000 to 2017. This manuscript is based on revised manuscript during review process. Please, change the bold characters to normal characters in the manuscript.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, there were no marked differences in the recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS) between the primary and secondary LND groups (P = 0.993 and 0.728). A multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis (LNM) was an independent factor for the RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-6.13; P = 0.031) and OS (HR 4.70; 95% CI 1.40-15.76; P = 0.012). There were significant associations between the LNM rates and tumor depth (P < 0.0001) and the histological type (P = 0.006). There was no LNM in patients with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) or well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma (G1) or patients with any Tis or T1 PATs.

CONCLUSIONS

LNM was an independent prognostic predictor in PATs after CR with LND. Tumor depth and histological type were not prognostic predictors but were LNM predictors. Secondary LND based on the pathological findings of resected specimens is considered an acceptable surgical management without a worse prognosis than primary LND, and it may be omitted in LAMN+G1 or in any Tis and T1 PATs.

Retrospective analysis of the appendiceal neoplasms: sampling technique may influence neoplasm detection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon entities that are usually determined incidentally during the histopathological examination. Different techniques used for the macroscopic sampling of appendectomy material may affect the determinating neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H&E-stained slides of 1280 cases who underwent appendectomy between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively for histopathological features.

RESULTS

Neoplasms were determined in 28 cases (3.09%); 1 lesion was observed in the proximal part of the appendix, 1 covering the entire length from proximal to distal and 26 in the distal part. In the 26 cases that observed in the distal part, the lesion was seen on both sides of the longitudinal section of the distal appendix in 20 cases, while it was seen on only one distal longitudinal section in the remaining 6 cases.

CONCLUSION

The vast majority of appendiceal neoplasms are seen in the distal part of the appendix, and, in some cases, neoplasms might be seen on only one side of the distal section. Sampling only one-half of the distal part of the appendix, where tumours are most often observed, could result in some neoplasms being missed. Therefore, sampling the whole distal part would be more beneficial to determine small diameter tumours that do not create macroscopic findings.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix presenting with fresh bleeding per rectum: A case report

Introduction

Primary adenocarcinoma of appendix is a rarely diagnosed malignancy accounting for less than 6% of appendiceal neoplastic lesions and less than 0.5% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. It is mostly diagnosed as an incidental finding after appendicectomy.

Case summary

An 81 year old male patient presented with bleeding per rectum in a background of previous rectal polyp, hypertension, diabetes and hypothyroidism. CECT of whole abdomen findings revealed thickening at the appendix and base of the caecum. Colonoscopy showed a sessile polypoid growth at appendicular orifice, at the base of the caecum. Laparoscopy confirmed the clinical suspicion of appendicular carcinoma and laparoscopy assisted radical right hemicolectomy was performed. Final histopathology revealed well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the appendix with no lymph node involvement (pT3N0M0).

Discussion

Patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix present with features similar to acute appendicitis whereas anaemia or fresh bleeding per rectum is a rare presentation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, the extent of which will depend upon the stage. Tumours staged as T1 may be managed by appendicectomy alone provided the base is free and there are no lymphadenopathies. T2 or above require right hemicolectomy as chances of lymph node metastasis are high. Nodal involvement warrants the need for adjuvant chemotherapy. Distant metastasis to the peritoneum or liver and lungs is very rare.

Conclusion

While investigating unexplained anaemia or bleeding per rectum, full colonoscopic examination up to the appendicular orifice is important and if required, should be combined with CT scan of abdomen, to clinch the rare but possible and potentially curable diagnosis of appendicular carcinoma.

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Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare malignancy. Presentation as bleeding per rectum is extremely rare.

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While investigating unexplained anaemia or bleeding per rectum, full colonoscopic examination up to the appendicular orifice and if required CECT scan of whole abdomen are to be done to clinch the diagnosis.

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Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for appendicular adenocarcinoma, the extent of which will depend upon the stage. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be required based on the histopathology report and nodal involvement.

Development and External Validation of Survival Prediction Model for Pancreatic Cancer Using Two Nationwide Database: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) and Korea Tumor Registry System-Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP)

Background/Aims

Several prediction models for evaluating the prognosis of nonmetastatic resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been developed, and their performances were reported to be superior to that of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We developed a prediction model to evaluate the prognosis of resected PDAC and externally validated it with data from a nationwide Korean database.

Methods

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were utilized for model development, and data from the Korea Tumor Registry System-Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) database were used for external validation. Potential candidate variables for model development were age, sex, histologic differentiation, tumor location, adjuvant chemotherapy, and the AJCC 8th staging system T and N stages. For external validation, the concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were evaluated.

Results

Between 2004 and 2016, data from 9,624 patients were utilized for model development, and data from 3,282 patients were used for external validation. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, age, sex, tumor location, T and N stages, histologic differentiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for resected PDAC. After an exhaustive search and 10-fold cross validation, the best model was finally developed, which included all prognostic variables. The C-index, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year time-dependent AUCs were 0.628, 0.650, 0.665, 0.675, and 0.686, respectively.

Conclusions

The survival prediction model for resected PDAC could provide quantitative survival probabilities with reliable performance. External validation studies with other nationwide databases are needed to evaluate the performance of this model.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Tumors of the Appendix: a Critical Review

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the current paper was to critically collect, select and summarize the evidence regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow up of primary tumors of the appendix.

METHODS

A literature review was performed by search and review of the scientific studies pertaining to the subject of our inquiry.

RESULTS

Recommendations regarding pimary tumors of the appendix were formulated on the basis of the collected evidence. CONCLUSION : Primary tumors of the appendix are rare and a high index of suspicion is required not to miss a potentially life threatening medical condition.

Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Presenting As Perforated Appendicitis

Primary tumors of the appendix, specifically appendicular adenocarcinoma, are a rare malignant neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of a 64-year-old female who had significant peritoneal adhesions from a previously perforated appendix involving the right ureter, bladder, and anterior abdominal wall after a course of perforated appendicitis, which was managed conservatively with drain placement with interval appendectomy. We are discussing this case in hopes of bringing awareness to the possibility of underlying malignancy in the setting of perforated appendicitis in patients of advanced age.

Impact of high-risk features for stage II adenocarcinoma of the appendix

BACKGROUND

Clinico-pathological high-risk features are frequently utilized in adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) decisions in stage II colorectal cancer and their utility in stage II appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is not established. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of high-risk features in clinical outcomes and whether high risk features are predictive of AC benefit in stage II AA.

METHODS

Patients with pathological stage II AA between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using ICD-O-3 morphology and topography codes: 8140, 8480 and C18.1. High risk stage II AA was defined as having at least one of the following clinicopathological features: T4 tumor, <12 lymph nodes examined, poorly differentiated histology, positive margins, or lymphovascular invasion. Patients with none of these features were defined as low-risk.

RESULTS

A total of 1040 patients with pathological stage II AA were identified. 51.0% males, 84.5% Caucasian; median age 61 (range, 19-90). 46.4% were determined to have high-risk stage II AA. High-risk status was associated with worse OS compared to low-risk in univariate (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.18-2.02; p = 0.001) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03-1.79; p = 0.028). High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients (67.1% vs. 74.5%, p = 0.0013). AC was administered in 34.4% (n = 166) of high-risk patients and in 36.5% (n = 203) of low-risk patients. Among high-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.59-1.26; p = 0.448) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.35; 95% CI 0.90-2.04; p = 0.151) compared to no AC. Similarly, among low-risk patients, AC was not associated with better OS in univariate (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.60-1.39; p = 0.679) and multivariable analyses (HR 1.27; 95% CI 0.81-2.02; p = 0.299) compared to no AC. For high-risk patients, 5-year OS was 68.3% in patients that received AC vs. 66.5% in patients that did not (p = 0.722). For low-risk patients, 5-year OS was 74.0% in patients that received AC vs. 76.3% in patients that did not (p = 0.813).

CONCLUSION

High-risk stage II AA patients had significantly worse 5-year OS compared to low-risk patients. AC did not improve survival regardless of high-risk features in stage II AA in this retrospective study. A prospective randomized clinical trial would be required to determine the impact of high-risk features on AC in stage II AA.

Synchronous primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix and colon: Case report and literature review

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Primary adenocarcinoma of appendix is rare pathology that is discovered usually on histopathologic examination of resected appendix.

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It is important to report all pathologic reports to the primary physician in order to confirm primary diagnosis and discuss it with their patients.

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If a diagnosis of PAA is reported, a surveillance lifelong colonoscopy screening is mandatory to rule out synchronous or metachronous occurrence of colonic malignances.

Introduction

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix (PAA) is rare with fewer than 300 cases reported from 1882 Up to 2004. Synchronous occurrence of PAA with a second primary colonic carcinoma is even more unusual. Literature review shows a total of 40 reported synchronous cases in the English literature from the first case reported in1947 up to 2017. Hereby, an additional case is presented, which is the first case reported in Jordan.

Presentation of case

A 39-year-old woman presented in October 2016 with persistent right lower quadrant abdominal pain diagnosed clinically as acute appendicitis. Abdominal computed tomography showed an oval shaped 3 × 3.4 cm mass at the sub-hepatic region, associated with increased attenuation of surrounding mesenteric fat and multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Three days later, a right hemicolectomy was carried out. A diagnosis of invasive primary adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon with an incidental, microscopic primary adenocarcinoma of the distal part of the appendix was reported.

Discussion

Primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma is rare pathology with an incidence ranges from 0.01% to 0.3% that is characterized by presence of adenocarcinomatous cells originating in the appendix that are in direct continuity with the normal appendiceal mucosa. Even it is less common, synchronous primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix and the colon has been reported in literature, with less than 37 cases being reported in literature so far. PAA are seldom suspected in preoperative phase or even intraoperatively, and it is diagnosed based on histopathologic examination of the resected appendix. Once PAA is diagnosed, a lifelong surveillance with colonoscopy is mandatory to detect synchronous or metachronous colonic malignancies.

Conclusions

Once a diagnosis of primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma is proved histologically, it is it is warranted to perform surveillance for synchronous or metachronous tumors because of the increased risk of a second primary malignancy in the gastrointestinal tract.

A rare case of signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix

Primary appendiceal carcinoma itself comprises less than 0.5% of all gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms. However, signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix is an extremely rare subset of primary appendiceal carcinomas. This sub-type of appendiceal carcinoma represents only 4% of all appendiceal carcinomas. In this case report, we present a case of signet ring cell carcinoma found in a 65-year-old male patient which presented as acute appendicitis. He was diagnosed after a laparoscopic appendectomy by histopathological evaluation.

Clinicopathologic Features and Survival Outcomes of Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Appendix: An Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Background and objective

Signet ring cell carcinoma of the appendix (SRCCA) is an exceedingly rare tumor, and very limited data are available regarding its characteristics and survival probabilities. Our objective in this study was to utilize the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to explore the patient and tumor characteristics and to characterize the three- and five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) probabilities of SRCCA.

Methods

Patients with SRCCA diagnosed between 2000 and 2015 were analyzed using the SEER database. The three- and five-year CSS probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the groups were compared using log-rank comparisons and multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis.

Results 

A total of 527 patients were identified. The median age of the participants at diagnosis was 56 years, with a majority of them being female and white. Histologically, 60% of the tumors were high grade, and 61.3 % of the tumors were found to be metastatic on presentation. Three- and five-year CSS probabilities were 39% and 18.4%, respectively, and median survival was 26 months. Best survival outcomes were noted in males (five-year CSS: 25.4%, p=0.027), unmarried patients (five-year CSS: 19.1%, p=0.042), tumors <2 cm in size (five-year CSS: 50.5%, p<0.001), and low-grade tumors (five-year CSS: 44.8%, p<0.001). Subtotal colectomy yielded better three- and five-year CSS probabilities compared to no surgery and partial colectomy (48.5% and 26.5%, respectively, p<0.001). On the multivariate analysis, it was found that age and stages T4, N1, and M1 were associated with an increased risk of mortality, while surgery, regardless of the extent, was a protective factor.

Conclusion 

SRCCA is a rare tumor with a high prevalence among old-aged white females. This tumor is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage and has a dismal prognosis. Surgical intervention, regardless of the extent, showed better survival probabilities compared to no surgery.

Nomogram-based prediction of pre-eclampsia in the first trimester of gestation

OBJECTIVES

Pre-eclampsia is a specific disease during gestation without a clear etiology. The lack of effective forecasting and prevention methods threatens the safety of maternal and infant lives.

STUDY DESIGN

We prospectively evaluated 356 pregnancies in their first trimester at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University and followed up the whole gestation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pre-eclampsia correlation parameters were subjected to dimensionality reduction analysis using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method.

RESULTS

Of the 356 pregnancies, 25 developed pre-eclampsia during late gestation. Sonographic parameters of the placenta, uterine artery, and umbilical artery were calculated using LASSO regression analysis. Five factors (vascularization and blood flow index of the placenta, peak systolic velocity and peak systolic to end-diastolic artery ratio of the left uterine artery, and pulse index of the umbilical artery) were applied in a final nomogram model. The fitting curve was closely correlated with the actual situation, with a C-index of 0.877.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram described here could be used to predict the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women and provide strong support for early intervention.

Predictors of lymph node metastases in patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis (LN+) is a prognostic factor in appendiceal cancers, but predictors and outcomes for LN+  in mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma (MAC) remain poorly defined.

METHODS

Patients were identified from the 2010 to 2016 NCDB who underwent surgical resection as first-line management for Stage I-III mucinous appendiceal cancer. A LN+ risk-score model was developed using multivariable regression on a training data set and internally validated using a testing data set. Three-year overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of 1158 patients, LN+ (N = 244, 21.1%) patients were more likely to have higher pT group and grade of disease, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and positive margins on univariate analyses. Predictive factors associated with LN+ on multivariable analysis included positive surgical margins (odds ratio [OR] 3.00, P <.0001), higher grade (moderately differentiated: OR, 2.16, P < .0001; poorly or undifferentiated: OR, 3.07, P < .0001), and LVI (OR, 7.28, P < .0001). A validated risk-score model using these factors was developed with good performance (AUC 0.749). LN+ patients had a worse 3-year OS compared with LN- patients (17.4% vs 82.6%, hazard ratio 1.96, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

LN+ is associated with worse survival in patients with MAC. A risk-score model using margin status, LVI, and grade can accurately risk stratify patients for LN+.

Management and prognostic prediction of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis: a single center study in China

Background

To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis and analyze the prognostic factors.

Methods

A retrospective analyses of clinicopathological features of 50 patients with appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma with peritoneal metastasis from January, 2013 to December, 2017 in Aerospace Central Hospital, Beijing, China. Survival data calculation and comparison were respectively performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression method was used for multivariate survival analyses.

Results

Cytoreduction for appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma was conducted on 50 patients (24 males and 26 females), with a median age of 52.5 years at the time of surgery (range 31–71 years). The median overall survival (OS) time was 24 months, with 2-,3- and 5-year survival rates of 53, 24 and 8%, respectively. At the last follow-up in December 2018, 13 patients were still alive. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who had low Ki-67 expression (less than 50%) and CCR (completeness of cytoreduction) 0/1/2 score had significantly better OS rate than their respective counterparts.

Conclusions

Ki-67 expression statue and CCR score could be employed as the prognosis prediction in patients with appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Incidence and survival trends for appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma: an analysis of 3237 patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

Aim: To characterize the epidemiology of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Methods: Prognostic factors were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The results were used to generate a nomogram. Results: The incidence of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma showed a significant upward trend. Multivariate Cox analysis identified 11 independent prognostic factors. The nomogram was based on independent risk factors that were significant in multivariate Cox analysis, and the concordance-index for overall survival and cancer-specific survival were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71-0.79) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.79), respectively. Conclusion: Advanced age, single relationship status, male sex, black race, the presence of distant and regional lymph node metastases, poor differentiation or lack of differentiation, advanced SEER extent of disease, cancer-directed surgery and chemotherapy were independently associated with prognosis.

Role of right hemicolectomy in patients with low-grade appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is little consensus with regards to the most appropriate surgical management for low-grade appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinomas (LAMA), though right hemicolectomy is usually recommended.

METHODS

The SEER database was queried for all patients with non-metastatic LAMA. Disease specific and overall survival was compared by surgery type: 1) appendectomy, 2) formal right hemicolectomy 3) non-formal colectomy (including ileocecectomy).

RESULTS

A total of 579 patients with non-metastatic LAMA were identified. 133 (23%), 404 (70%), and 42 (7%) of patients had stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. 99 (17.1%) had appendectomy, 87 (15%) had non-formal colectomy, and 302 (52.2%) had formal right hemicolectomy. We observed no significant differences in disease specific or overall survival by surgery type. Controlling for age and stage, surgery type was not a significant predictor of disease specific or overall survival.

CONCLUSION

In patients with localized LAMA, right hemicolectomy did not increase disease specific or overall survival. Right hemicolectomy should be reserved for LAMA patients with positive margins post appendectomy.

Nomograms to predict survival of stage IV tongue squamous cell carcinoma after surgery

To develop clinical nomograms for prediction of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with stage IV tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) after surgery based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database.We collected data of resected stage IV TSCC patients from the SEER database, and divided them into the training set and validation set by 7:3 randomly. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis were adopted to distinguish independent risk factors for OS and CSS. Clinical nomograms were constructed to predict the 3-year and 5-year probabilities of OS and CSS for individual patients. Calibration curves and Harrell C-indices were used for internal and external validation.A total of 1550 patients with resected stage IV TSCC were identified. No statistical differences were detected between the training and validation sets. Age, race, marital status, tumor site, AJCC T/N/M status, and radiotherapy were recognized as independent prognostic factors associated with OS as well as CSS. Then nomograms were developed based on these variables. The calibration curves displayed a good agreement between the predicted and actual values of 3-year and 5-year probabilities for OS and CSS. The C-indices predicting OS were corrected as 0.705 in the training set, and 0.664 in the validation set. As for CSS, corrected C-indices were 0.708 in the training set and 0.663 in the validation set.The established nomograms in this study exhibited good accuracy and effectiveness to predict 3-year and 5-year probabilities of OS and CSS in resected stage IV TSCC patients. They are useful tools to evaluate survival outcomes and helped choose appropriate treatment strategies.

Clinicopathological Criteria Defining Mucinous Appendiceal Tumors from 2476 Appendectomies: a Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Mucinous appendiceal tumors (MATs) constitute 0.2-0.3% of appendectomies. This retrospective chart review study determines the incidence of MATs among appendectomies at King Abdul-Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2009 to December 2014. The clinicopathological features, histopathological criteria, management, outcomes of patients, and the impact of histopathological classification on the follow-up period and recurrence are evaluated.

METHODS

Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected from medical records. Microscopic slides from 2476 appendectomies were re-examined to diagnose and classify MATs into low-grade mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) and mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACAs). CK20, CK7, and cdx2 immunohistochemistry was applied for evaluating pseudomyxoma peritonei. Data were expressed as numbers, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

Nine MATs were diagnosed with an incidence of 0.36% of appendectomies, a male:female ratio of 1.25:1 and a mean age of 57.2 years. Acute appendicitis was the commonest clinical presentation. About 66.7% were LAMNs and 33.3% MACAs. Beside appendectomy, MACAs were managed with right hemicolectomy and chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 34 months with recurrence and liver metastases in two MACAs. No recurrences for LAMNs.

CONCLUSIONS

MATs constitute 0.36% of all appendectomies. Classifying MATs into LAMNs and MACAs is more applicable for both clinical and pathology practices as compared to the three- or four-tiered classification schemes.

Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Diagnosed during Exploratory Laparoscopy for a Presumed Pelvic Mass

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate a surgical video of laparoscopic management of an appendiceal mass preoperatively misdiagnosed as a pelvic mass. This study was deemed to be exempt from the Yale New Haven Hospital Institutional Review Board.

DESIGN

A step-by-step explanation of the diagnosis and laparoscopic management of an appendiceal mass using an instructive video (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

A teaching hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

PATIENT

A 53-year-old multiparous perimenopausal woman.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic management of an appendiceal mass.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A 53-year-old multiparous perimenopausal patient underwent workup for pelvic pain. Pelvic imaging revealed a 72 × 35 × 28 mm cystic structure abutting the uterine fundus with thin partial septum but no mural nodules or concomitant pelvic lymphadenopathy. Exploratory laparoscopy showed unremarkable pelvic anatomy. After the entire small bowel was run, the cystic structure abutting the uterine fundus was deemed to be an appendiceal mass. The observed convergence of the 3 taeniae coli at the junction of the cecum with the cystic mass confirmed the diagnosis. For laparoscopic resection the umbilical fold port site was extended to 12 mm to introduce the Endo GIA stapler (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). The appendiceal mass was stabilized in view with a laparoscopic grasper, and the stapler was articulated to fit the base of the appendix without narrowing the lumen of the cecum. The specimens were removed through the umbilical port site in a laparoscopic bag without spillage. Pathology returned low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with no evidence of invasion. The patient was managed appropriately with laparoscopic appendectomy and discharged home on the day of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Appendiceal masses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a presumed pelvic mass. For low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms that are diagnosed intraoperatively, laparoscopic resection without spillage or rupture is a feasible and appropriate approach for treatment [1-3].

Appendiceal carcinoma associated with microsatellite instability

Approximately 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI), which appears to be associated with unique biological behavior. The present study presents a case of appendiceal carcinoma associated with MSI that responded well to adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics have been described. The 60-year-old male patient had suffered from recurrent lower abdominal pain associated with abdominal distention for 6 months; then, following an acute attack, he was subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy. The histopathological examination revealed moderately differentiated appendiceal adenocarcinoma with mucinous areas, without lymphovascular or perineural invasion. The IHC examination was positive for keratin-20 and caudal type homeobox 2, and negative for MutL Homolog 1, MutS Homolog (MSH) 2 and MSH-6. A postoperative colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis, without the presence of polyps or tumors. However, an abdominal axial computerized tomography scan revealed thickening of the distal portion of the appendix, increased density of the greater omentum, and metastases to the liver capsule, spleen and peritoneum. The treatment of choice was right hemicolectomy with peritoneal debulking, followed by 10 cycles of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX regimen). After 5 years of follow-up, the patient remains in good condition, without clinical or radiological signs of recurrence. The good response to chemotherapy corresponds with the observations made in other colon cancers with MSI. Therefore, testing for MSI in appendiceal carcinomas may provide useful information on prognosis and predict response to chemotherapy.