CANCER SPECIFIC SURVIVAL FOR PATIENTS WITH pT3 RENAL CELL CARCINOMA—CAN THE 2002 PRIMARY TUMOR CLASSIFICATION BE IMPROVED?

Experiences of robot assisted thrombectomy with 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

No consensus has been reached on operative procedures since a limited case series of robot-assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomy (RA-IVCT) and robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (RA-RN) have been described.

METHODS

The clinical data of 21 patients who underwent RA-IVCT and RA-RN were retrieved from the database. Preoperative preparation was used for assessment of the tumour. Surgical procedures were recorded, and operative skills were summarised.

RESULTS

The median IVC clamping time was 23 min, and IVC wall invasion was pathologically found in 2 cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.4 days and most patients recovered to full ambulation and oral feeding on the fourth day. None of the patients had liver or kidney dysfunction at the last follow-up (median, 24 months).

CONCLUSION

RA-IVCT presents technical challenges to surgeons. IVC control is an important part of the surgical process and different sides require different techniques.

Robotic Partial vs Radical Nephrectomy for Clinical T3a Tumors: A Narrative Review

Introduction: T3a renal masses include a diverse group of tumors that invade the perirenal and/or sinus fat, pelvicaliceal system, or renal vein. The majority of cT3a renal masses represent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and have historically been treated with radical nephrectomy (RN) given their aggressive nature. With the adoption of minimally invasive approaches to renal surgery, the combination of improved observation, pneumoperitoneum, and robotic articulation has allowed urologists to consider partial nephrectomy (PN) for more complex tumors. Herein, we review the existing literature regarding robot-assisted PN (RAPN) and robot-assisted RN (RARN) in the management of T3a renal masses. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed for articles evaluating the role of RARN and RAPN for T3a renal masses. Search parameters were limited to English language studies. Applicable studies were abstracted and included in this narrative review. Results: T3a RCC caused by renal sinus fat or venous involvement is associated with ∼50% lower cancer-specific survival than those with perinephric fat invasion alone. CT and MRI can both be used to stage cT3a tumors, however, MRI is more accurate when assessing venous involvement. Upstaging to pT3a RCC during RAPN does not confer a worse prognosis than pT3a tumors treated with RARN; however, patients who undergo RAPN for T3a RCC with venous involvement have relatively higher rates of recurrence and metastasis. Intraoperative tools including drop-in ultrasound, near-infrared fluorescence, and 3D virtual models improve the ability to perform RAPN for T3a tumors. In well-selected cases, warm ischemia times remain reasonable. Conclusions: cT3a renal masses represent a diverse group of tumors. Depending on substratification of cT3a, RARN or RAPN can be employed for treatment of such masses.

Dealing with malignancy involving the inferior vena cava in the 21st century

INTRODUCTION

Malignancies involving the inferior vena cava (IVC) have historically been considered not amendable to surgery. More recently, involvement of the IVC by neoplastic processes in the kidney, liver or in the retroperitoneum can be managed successfully.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this systematic review we summarize the current evidence regarding the surgical management of the IVC in cases of involvement in neoplastic processes. Current literature was searched, and studies selected on the base of the PRISMA guidelines. Evidence was synthesized in narrative form due to heterogeneity of studies.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for the greatest proportion of studied patients and can be managed with partial or complete vascular exclusion of the IVC, thrombectomy and direct closure or patch repair with good oncological prognosis. Hepatic malignancies or metastases may involve the IVC, and the joint expertise of hepatobiliary and vascular surgeons has developed various strategies, according to the location of tumor and the need to perform a complete vascular exclusion above the hepatic veins. In retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, the IVC can be excised en-block to guarantee better oncological margins. Also, in retroperitoneal sarcomas not arising from the IVC a vascular substitution may be required to improve the overall survival by clearing all the neoplastic cells in the retroperitoneum. Leiomyoma can have a challenging presentation with involvement of the IVC requiring either thrombectomy, partial or complete substitution, with good oncological outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary approach with specialist expertise is required when dealing with IVC involvement in surgical oncology. Multiple techniques and strategies are required to deliver the most efficient care and achieve the best possible overall survival. The main aim of these procedures must be the complete clearance of all neoplastic cells and achievement of a safe margin according to the perioperative treatment strategy.

Partial Nephrectomy Versus Radical Nephrectomy for Endophytic Renal Tumors: Comparison of Operative, Functional, and Oncological Outcomes by Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Purpose

The study aimed to compare operative, functional, and oncological outcomes between partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for entophytic renal tumors (ERTs) by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Methods

A total of 228 patients with ERTs who underwent PN or RN between August 2014 and December 2021 were assessed. A PSM in a 1:1 ratio was conducted to balance the differences between groups. Perioperative characteristics, renal functional, and oncological outcomes were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of functional and survival outcomes.

Results

After PSM, 136 cases were matched to the PN group (n = 68) and the RN group (n = 68). Patients who underwent RN had shorter OT, less EBL, and lower high-grade complications (all p <0.05) relative to those who underwent PN. However, better perseveration of renal function was observed in the PN group, which was reflected in 48-h postoperative AKI (44.1% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.002), 1-year postoperative 90% eGFR preservation (45.6% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.004), and new-onset CKD Stage ≥III at last follow-up (2.9% vs. 29.4%, p <0.001). RN was the independent factor of short-term (OR, 2.812; 95% CI, 1.369–5.778; p = 0.005) and long-term renal function decline (OR, 10.242; 95% CI, 2.175–48.240; p = 0.003). Furthermore, PN resulted in a better OS and similar PFS and CSS as compared to RN (p = 0.042, 0.15, and 0.21, respectively). RN (OR, 7.361; 95% CI, 1.143–47.423; p = 0.036) and pT3 stage (OR, 4.241; 95% CI, 1.079–16.664; p = 0.039) were independent predictors of overall mortality.

Conclusion

Among patients with ERTs, although the PN group showed a higher incidence of high-grade complications than RN, when technically feasible and with experienced surgeons, PN is recommended for better preservation of renal function, longer OS, and similar oncological outcomes.

Prognostic significance of extent of venous tumor thrombus in patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from a Canadian multi-institutional collaborative

PURPOSE

The prognostic significance of level of venous tumor thrombus (VTT) extension in patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of VTT extent in patients who underwent surgery for non-metastatic RCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Canadian Kidney Cancer information system database was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for non-metastatic RCC and VTT from January 2011 to December 2019. Association between VTT level and recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) was examined. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to estimate predictors of survival.

RESULTS

Out of 6,340 patients during the study period, 228 patients (3.6%) had VTT. VTT was level 0 in 84 (37%), level I to II in 112 (49%), and level III to IV in 33 (14%) patients as per the Mayo Clinic classification. Median age was 65.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 57.6-72.2) and 169 (74.1%) were male. After a median follow-up of 21.2 months, VTT level did not significantly impact the RFS, CSS, or OS. For VTT level 0, I to II, and III to IV, there was no significant difference in estimated 5-year RFS (31%, 23%, and 30.5%; P > 0.05), CSS (70%, 69%, and 55%; P > 0.05) and OS (64%, 66%, and 50%; P > 0.05). Adjusting for known prognostic factors, thrombus level was not associated with risk of recurrence or death.

CONCLUSION

In a large, multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing surgery for non-metastatic RCC with tumor thrombus, thrombus extent was not independently associated with recurrence or death.

Perioperative and oncologic outcome in patients treated for renal cell carcinoma with an extended inferior vena cava tumour thrombus level II-IV

PURPOSE

 Surgical treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and an extended tumour thrombus (TT) in the inferior vena cava (IVC) is challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this study was to analyse results in the real-world management of RCC patients with an extended IVC TT (level II-IV according to the Mayo classification of macroscopic venous invasion in RCC) in terms of pre-, peri- and postoperative outcome, complications and oncologic outcome.

METHODS

 We investigated 61 patients with evidence of RCC and an extended TT in the IVC undergoing radical nephrectomy and tumour thrombectomy at our tertiary referral centre. Patients and operative characteristics were recorded and complications were analysed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Follow-up data were retrieved by contacting the treating outpatient urologists, general practitioners and patients.

RESULTS

 The TT level was II in 36, III in 8 and IV in 17 patients. Complications grade IIIb and higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification occurred in n = 3 (8.4 %), n = 2 (25.0 %) and n = 5 (29.5 %) patients with level II, III and IV TT, respectively. The overall survival of patients with TT level II, III and IV at 24 months (60 months) was 66.9 % (41.6 %), 83.3 % (83.3 %) and 64.1 % (51.3 %). Presence of primary metastatic disease was the only significant independent predictor for OS.  CONCLUSIONS:  Radical nephrectomy with tumour thrombectomy appears to be a feasible and effective treatment option in the management of patients with RCC and an extended IVC TT.

Influence of venous tumour extension on local and remote recurrence of stage pT3a pN0 cM0 kidney tumours

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

One of the inherent features of kidney tumours is the capacity to spread inside the venous system as tumour thrombi. The aim of this study was to assess in patients with stage pT3apN0cM0 kidney cancer whether venous tumour involvement influenced tumour recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with stage pT3apN0cM0 kidney cancer treated with radical nephrectomy between 1990-2015. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify predictive variables and independent predictive variables relating to recurrence.

RESULTS

The results of 153 patients were studied. The median follow-up was 82 (IQR 36-117) months. Recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 58.9% with a median of 97 (95% CI 49.9-144.1) months. Seventy-seven (50.3%) patients recurred. Seventy cases 70 (90.9%) had distant metastases, 17 (14.2%) of these patients had local recurrence in the bed of nephrectomy. Tumour necrosis (p=.0001), and microvascular invasion (p=.001) were identified as independent predictors of tumour recurrence in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, after multivariable analysis, venous tumour extension was not related to recurrence. Tumour necrosis and microvascular infiltration did behave as independent predictive factors of tumour recurrence.

Radical nephrectomy and intracaval thrombectomy for advanced renal cancer with extensive inferior vena cava involvement utilising cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest: Is it worthwhile?

Objective

To report our long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of renal tumours with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumour thrombus above the hepatic veins, utilising cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) and hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), as surgical resection remains the only effective treatment for renal cancers with extensive IVC tumour thrombus.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 48 consecutive patients (median age 58 years) who underwent surgical treatment for non-metastatic renal cancer with IVC tumour thrombus extending above the hepatic veins. Perioperative, histological, disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) data were recorded.

Results

Tumour thrombus was level III in 23 patients and level IV in 25 patients. The median (range) CBP and HCA times were 162 (120-300) min and 35 (9-64) min, respectively. Three patients underwent synchronous cardiac surgical procedures. There were three (6.3%) perioperative deaths. American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and perioperative blood transfusion requirement were significant factors associated with perioperative death (P < 0.05). Despite extensive preoperative screening for metastases the median (range) DFS was only 10.2 (1.2-224.4) months. The median (range) OS was 23 (0-224.4) months. Cox regression analysis revealed that perinephric fat invasion conferred a significantly poorer DFS (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Radical surgery for patients with extensive IVC tumour thrombus has acceptable operative morbidity and mortality. It provides symptom palliation and the possibility of long-term survival. Improvements in preoperative detection of occult metastasis may improve case selection and newer adjuvant therapies may improve survival in this high-risk group.

Prognostic heterogeneity in T3aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma according to the site of invasion

PURPOSE

We investigated the influence of the site of invasion on recurrence and survival in patients with pT3aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the data of 266 patients with pT3aN0M0 RCC who underwent nephrectomy and divided them into the following 5 groups according to the site of invasion: perinephric invasion (PNI), sinus fat invasion (SFI), PNI and SFI without renal vein invasion (RVI) (i.e., PNI+SFI), RVI, and RVI with PNI and/or SFI (RVI+PNI±SFI). Subgroup analysis was performed to verify the differences in prognosis according to the extent of renal vein invasion using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (41.7%) experienced recurrence and 59 patients (22.2%) died of disease during follow-up (median = 58.1mo; interquartile range: 37.2-86.5). Patients with RVI showed significantly poorer outcomes than those with fat invasion in terms of 5-year recurrence-free survival (34.3% vs. 62.2%, P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (62.8% vs. 84.1%; P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, RVI was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and survival. In 94 patients with RVI, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 50.0%, 33.9%, and 8.9% for the thrombus-only, the vascular wall invasion with negative surgical margin, and the vascular wall invasion with positive surgical margin groups, respectively (P<0.001), and the cancer-specific survival rates were 82.3%, 56.6%, and 20.0%, respectively (P<0.001). Wall invasion was the only independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pT3aN0M0 RCC with RVI have a significantly poorer prognosis than those with fat invasion. The prognosis differs according to the extent of RVI. Wall invasion should be considered a negative prognostic indicator in patients with T3a RCC.

The Prognostic Impact of a Positive Vascular Margin on pT3 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

We examined the impact of positive vascular margins in patients with pT3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After excluding patients with nonvascular positive margins, metastasis, lymph node involvement, neoadjuvant therapy or nonclear cell histology, we identified 224 patients with venous tumor invasion through our institutional database from 1999 to 2013. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log rank tests were used to evaluate whether positive vascular margins were associated with progression-free survival or cancer specific survival.

RESULTS

There were 41 patients (18%) with a positive vascular margin. Margin status was directly related to the level of invasion (p <0.0001). Compared to the negative vascular margin group the positive group had a significantly worse progression-free survival (p=0.01) but not cancer specific survival (p=0.3). Similarly the level of vascular thrombus invasion was significantly associated with worse progression-free survival (p=0.02) but not cancer specific survival (p=0.4). The 3-year progression-free survival was worst with inferior vena cava invasion and best with segmental/muscular venous branch invasion (54%, 95% CI 34-70 vs 76%, 95% CI 64-85). Among patients with only main renal vein thrombus, vascular margin status was not associated with progression-free survival (p=0.5) or cancer specific survival (p=0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with pT3N0/XM0 clear cell renal cell carcinoma positive vascular margins are associated with risk of disease progression. However, the risk of relapse associated with positive vascular margins is driven by the extent of vascular thrombus invasion. These findings suggest that the clinical significance of vascular margin status as currently defined in pT3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma is minimal.

Pathological Stage T3a Significantly Increases Disease Recurrence across All Tumor Sizes in Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Tumor size and stage are important prognostic parameters in renal cell carcinoma. While pathological stage T1 and T2 are defined by size alone, the presence of certain intrinsic features can up stage a tumor to pathological stage T3a regardless of size. We investigate the effect of pathological tumor stage on the relationship between tumor size and risk of disease recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were reviewed on patients who underwent nephrectomy at our institution between 2006 and 2013 to identify all those with pathological stage T1, T2 and T3a tumors. A proportional hazards Cox model was built with time to recurrence as outcome, and pathological stage and tumor size as covariates. An interaction term for stage and tumor size was included.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 1,809 patients. On multivariable analysis, when adjusted for tumor size, patients with pT3a tumors had a greater risk of tumor recurrence compared to those with pT1/T2 tumors (HR 3.70; 95% CI 2.31, 5.92; p <0.0001). The risk of disease recurrence increased more rapidly as tumor size increased only with the presence of perinephric fat invasion (p=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the AJCC 2010 staging criteria we validated pathological stage T3a as a poor prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma regardless of tumor size. Our results also demonstrated an increased rate of risk of recurrence with perinephric fat invasion. Given this increased risk of recurrence, even in tumors less than 4 cm, closer surveillance is warranted in such cases and the role of perinephric involvement necessitates further investigation.

Clinical and prognostic factors for renal parenchymal, pelvis, and ureter cancers in SEER registries: collaborative stage data collection system, version 2

BACKGROUND

The American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) 7th edition cancer staging manual reflects recent changes in cancer care practices. This report assesses changes from the AJCC 6th to the AJCC 7th edition stage distributions and the quality of site-specific factors (SSFs).

METHODS

Incidence data for renal parenchyma and pelvis and ureter cancers from 18 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries were examined, including staging trends during 2004-2010, stage distribution changes between the AJCC 6th and 7th editions, and SSF completeness for cases diagnosed in 2010.

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2010, the percentage of stage I renal parenchyma cancers increased from 50% to 58%, whereas stage IV and unknown stage cases decreased (18% to 15%, and 10% to 6%, respectively). During this period, the percentage of stage 0a renal pelvis and ureter cancers increased from 21% to 25%, and stage IV and unknown stage tumors decreased (20% to 18%, and 7% to 5%, respectively). Stage distributions under the AJCC 6th and 7th editions were about the same. For renal parenchymal cancers, 71%-90% of cases had known values for 6 required SSFs. For renal pelvis and ureter cancers, 74% of cases were coded as known for SSF1 (WHO/ISUP grade) and 47% as known for SSF2 (depth of renal parenchymal invasion). SSF values were known for larger proportions of cases with reported resections.

CONCLUSIONS

Stage distributions between the AJCC 6th and 7th editions were similar. SSFs were known for more than two-thirds of cases, providing more detail in the SEER database relevant to prognosis.

Pre-operative risk stratification for cancer-specific survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous involvement who underwent nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to identify the pre-operative prognostic factors and create a risk stratification model for patients with renal cell carcinoma with extension into the renal vein or inferior vena cava.

METHODS

The study cohort included 61 patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the renal vein or inferior vena cava that underwent operations between 1993 and 2012. Cancer-specific survival rates were estimated, and univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the prognostic factors. A simple risk stratification model was developed for these patients.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period of the current patient cohort was 33.7 months. Their 1, 3 and 5-year cancer-specific survival were 89, 70 and 65%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the level of tumor thrombus extension (extension into the supradiaphragm), presence of distant metastasis and elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were independent negative prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival. Cancer-specific survival rates were clearly discriminated by the stratification according to the scoring model (P < 0.001). The concordance index of the new model was 0.80.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a simple risk stratification model with four pre-operative independent prognostic factors for patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous involvement. This may be a useful decision-making model in the management of such patients.

Oncologic outcomes following surgical resection of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena caval thrombus extending above the hepatic veins: a contemporary multicenter cohort

PURPOSE

Suprahepatic inferior vena caval tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma cases has historically portended a poor prognosis. With advances in perioperative treatment of patients with high level thrombus contemporary outcomes are hypothesized to be improved. We evaluated long-term oncologic outcomes of contemporary surgical treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma in whom level III-IV inferior vena caval thrombus was managed at high volume centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined clinical and pathological data on patients with renal cell carcinoma and level III-IV thrombus treated with surgery from January 2000 to June 2013 at 4 tertiary referral centers. Survival outcomes and associated prognostic variables were assessed by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 166 patients, including 69 with level III and 97 with level IV thrombus. Median postoperative followup was 27.8 months. Patients with no evidence of nodal or distant metastasis (pN0/X, M0) had 5-year 49.0% cancer specific survival and 42.2% overall survival. There was no difference in survival based on tumor thrombus level or pathological tumor stage. Variables associated with an increased risk of death from kidney cancer on multivariate analysis were regional nodal metastases (HR 3.94, p <0.0001), systemic metastases (HR 2.39, p = 0.01), tumor grade 4 (HR 2.25, p = 0.02), histological tissue necrosis (HR 3.11, p = 0.004) and increased preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase (HR 2.30, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary surgical management achieves almost 50% 5-year survival in patients without metastasis who have renal cell carcinoma thrombus above the hepatic veins. Factors associated with increased mortality included nodal/distant metastases, advanced grade, histological necrosis and increased preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase. These findings support an aggressive surgical approach to the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma who have advanced tumor thrombus.

Impacts of clinicopathologic and operative factors on short-term and long-term survival in renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus extension: a multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Although the percentage of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) extending into venous systems is unexpectedly high, the prognostic impact and independency of venous tumor thrombus-related factors on overall survival (OS) remain controversial. Furthermore, the prognostic impact of various clinicopathologic factors including tumor thrombus-related factors on OS may change with elapsed years after the intervention and also with follow-up duration of participants. The aim of the study is to explore independent and universal predictive preoperative and intraoperative clinicopathologic factors on OS in patients with RCC extending into venous systems using subgroup analysis in terms of restricted follow-up duration and yearly-based survivors.

METHODS

Between 1980 and 2009, 292 patients diagnosed with RCC with venous tumor thrombus were retrospectively registered for this study. The prognostic impacts of various clinicopathologic and surgical treatment factors including levels of venous thrombus, venous wall invasion status and likelihood of aggressive cytoreductive operation, were investigated using Kaplan-Meier method and following multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for all patients and those still alive at 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up. To investigate the impact of follow-up duration on the statistical analyses, multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore prognostic factors using restricted data until 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 40.4 months. The 5-year OS was 47.6%. Several independent predictive factors were identified in each subgroup analysis in terms of yearly-based survival and restricted follow-up duration. The presence of tumor thrombus invading to venous wall was independently related to OS in the full-range follow-up data and in survivors at 2 and 3 years of follow-up. Using restricted follow-up data until 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up, many independent predictive factors changed with follow-up duration, but surgical category could be universal and independent predictive factors.

CONCLUSION

The most universal factors affecting improvement both in short-term and long-term survivals could be cytoreductive surgery and absence of venous wall invasion. It may mean that feasible aggressive cytoreductive operation following more reliable preoperative imaging for predicting venous wall invasion status would improve OS for patients with RCC extending into venous systems.

Impact of histologic subtype on cancer-specific survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma and tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND

Although different prognostic factors for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and vena cava tumor thrombus (TT) have been studied, the prognostic value of histologic subtype in these patients remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the impact of histologic subtype on cancer-specific survival (CSS).

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1774 patients with RCC and TT who underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy from 1971 to 2012 at 22 US and European centers.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariable ordered logistic and Cox regression models were used to quantify the impact of tumor histology on CSS.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall 5-yr CSS was 53.4% (confidence interval [CI], 50.5-56.2) in the entire group. TT level (according to the Mayo classification of macroscopic venous invasion in RCC) was I in 38.5% of patients, II in 30.6%, III in 17.3%, and IV in 13.5%. Histologic subtypes were clear cell renal cell carcinoma (cRCC) in 89.9% of patients, papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) in 8.5%, and chromophobe RCC in 1.6%. In univariable analysis, pRCC was associated with a significantly worse CSS (p<0.001) compared with cRCC. In multivariable analysis, the presence of pRCC was independently associated with CSS (hazard ratio: 1.62; CI, 1.01-2.61; p<0.05). Higher TT level, positive lymph node status, distant metastasis, and fat invasion were also independently associated with CSS.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multi-institutional series, we found that patients with pRCC and vena cava TT who underwent radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy had significantly worse cancer-specific outcomes when compared with patients with other histologic subtypes of RCC. We confirmed that higher TT level and fat invasion were independently associated with reduced CSS.

[Relevance of the clinical-pathological predictive factors in force in chromophobe renal cell cancer]

INTRODUCTION

The identification of new subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has made it necessary to re-evaluate the current clinical and pathological predictive factors (stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion [LVI] and sarcomatoid component) in these new subtypes. The chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) is considered a less aggressive subtype of RCC. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the usefulness of current clinicopathologic predictors of RCC in our series of CRCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 63 patients with CRCC treated with radical nephrectomy. The parameters analyzed were tumor extension with the TNM, grade according to Fuhrman classification, LVI, tumor necrosis, tumor thrombus, surgical margin status, and involvement of the collecting system. The results (disease recurrence) were evaluated by Cox regression model with univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

With a median follow up of 60.2 months (0.37-160.2), 8 (11%) patients had recurrence, with median time to recurrence of 31.7 months (5.37-124.33). In the univariate analysis, TNM extension (p=0.0001), Fuhrman grade III or IV (p=0.031), LVI (p=0.0001) and the presence of positive surgical margins (p=0.0001) were statistically significant variables for recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, only tumor stage was confirmed as an independent predictor of recurrence, pT1 versus pT2 (p=0.02, OR 0.27 95% CI 0.03-0.258) and pT2 versus higher stage (p=0.037, OR 0.173 95% CI 0.033-0.896).

CONCLUSIONS

The tumor stage predicts aggressiveness in the CCRC. The classification of Fuhrman nuclear grade is not useful for this histological subtype.

Comparison of the 2002 and 2010 TNM classification systems regarding outcome prediction in clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma

AIMS

  A novel version of the tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) classification system for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was introduced in 2010, although the prognostic significance with regard to different histological subtypes has not been explored. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the predictive ability of the 2002 and 2010 versions of the TNM classification system for clear cell and papillary RCC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

  Data from 2263 consecutive clear cell and 309 papillary RCC patients, operated at a single tertiary academic centre, were evaluated. According to TNM 2010, statistically significant differences for cancer-specific survival (CSS) were observed for pT1a versus pT1b (P < 0.001) and pT3a versus pT3b (P < 0.004) in clear cell RCC; and pT1b versus pT2a (P = 0.002) and pT3b versus pT3c (P = 0.046) in papillary RCC. The c-index for CSS in clear cell RCC was 0.74 and 0.73, and in papillary RCC 0.79 and 0.78, for the 2002 and 2010 versions of the TNM classification system, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

  According to our data, the predictive ability of the 2010 version of the TNM classification system regarding CSS is not superior to the 2002 version, either in clear cell or in papillary RCC.

Tumor thrombus of inferior vena cava in patients with renal cell carcinoma - clinical and oncological outcome of 50 patients after surgery

Background

To evaluate oncological and clinical outcome in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and tumor thrombus involving inferior vena cava (IVC) treated with nephrectomy and thrombectomy.

Methods

We identified 50 patients with a median age of 65 years, who underwent radical surgical treatment for RCC and tumor thrombus of the IVC between 1997 and 2010. The charts were reviewed for pathological and surgical parameters, as well as complications and oncological outcome.

Results

The median follow-up was 26 months. In 21 patients (42%) distant metastases were already present at the time of surgery. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy, thrombectomy and lymph node dissection through a flank (15 patients/30%), thoracoabdominal (14 patients/28%) or midline abdominal approach (21 patients/42%), depending upon surgeon preference and upon the characteristics of tumor and associated thrombus. Extracorporal circulation with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was performed in 10 patients (20%) with supradiaphragmal thrombus of IVC. Cancer-specific survival for the whole cohort at 5 years was 33.1%. Survival for the patients without distant metastasis at 5 years was 50.7%, whereas survival rate in the metastatic group at 5 years was 7.4%. Median survival of patients with metastatic disease was 16.4 months.

On multivariate analysis lymph node invasion, distant metastasis and grading were independent prognostic factors. There was no statistically significant influence of level of the tumor thrombus on survival rate. Indeed, patients with supradiaphragmal tumor thrombus (n = 10) even had a better outcome (overall survival at 5 years of 58.33%) than the entire cohort.

Conclusions

An aggressive surgical approach is the most effective therapeutic option in patients with RCC and any level of tumor thrombus and offers a reasonable longterm survival. Due to good clinical and oncological outcome we prefer the use of CPB with extracorporal circulation in patients with supradiaphragmal tumor thrombus. Cytoreductive surgery appears to be beneficial for patients with metastatic disease, especially when consecutive therapy is performed. Although sample size of our study cohort is limited consistent with some other studies lymph node invasion, distant metastasis and grading seem to have prognostic value.

IVC Thrombectomy in Renal Cell Carcinoma-Analysis of Out Come Data of 100 Patients and Review of Literature

To review our experience of RCC with IVC thrombus in terms of clinical presentation, principles of surgical management in contemporary era, also an impact of clinico-pathological factors on prognosis. Total 100 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy between 1991-2008 were included in this retrospective analysis. Data was analysed in terms of clinical pathological factors, survivals and compared with contemporary literature. The extent tumour thrombus was infrahepatic in 58 retro hepatic in 28 and suprahepatic in 14 patients including 6 with right atrial thrombus. The immediate postoperative mortality was 2% and incidence of major postoperative non fatal complications was 38%, which were managed conservatively. The overall and disease free 5 year survival was 63% and 55%. Further amongst the histological types, patients with clear cell tumours had the best (DFS- 71.42%), and those with papillary had the poor (DFS- 30.76%) outcome. Grade II tumors had better survivals as compared to grade IV (DFS 75.39% vs 23.52%, p < 0.05). Loco- regional extent wise 74% patients without perinephric fat invasion were free from disease at 5 years as compared to 30% of those who had perinephric fat invasion (p < 0.01). Similarly 5 year DFS was 76.11% in patients with negative nodes as compared to 12% in positive nodes (p < 0.01). In conclusion radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy still remains the most effective therapeutic option in management in this clinical setting. Although this is complicated surgery success with multi disciplinary approach excellent survival outcome can be obtained. Further pathological factors, such as loco-regional spread and grade of tumor, rather than clinical factors influence long term survival.

Recurrence pattern in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma: The implications of clinicopathological variables

Objectives

Recurrence rates for patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (LARCC) remain high. To date the predictors of recurrence in those patients remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the relapse pattern in those patients and identify predictors for recurrence.

Patients and methods

We evaluated retrospectively 112 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for LARCC (T3–T4N0M0) between January 2000 and December 2010. Clinical and pathological data were collected from hospital medical records and compiled into a computerized database. Studied variables were age, mode of presentation, Tumour-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade, histological subtype, tumour size, venous thrombus level, collecting-system invasion and sarcomatoid differentiation. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

Patients were followed for a mean and median follow-up of 33 and 24 months, respectively, after surgery. During the follow-up, recurrences (distant and/or local) were recorded in 58 patients, representing 52% of the cohort. The mean and median times to recurrence were 25 and 13 months, respectively. Sites of recurrence were multiple in 36 patients (62%), lung only in 14 (24%), and local in eight (14%). RFS rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 50%, 43% and 34%, respectively, while the median RFS was 23.7 months. Using univariate analysis, RFS after nephrectomy was significantly shorter in patients aged <70 years, symptomatic at presentation, with larger tumours, higher nuclear grade, collecting-system invasion, and/or sarcomatoid differentiation. After multivariate analysis, T-stage, nuclear grade and sarcomatoid differentiation retained their power as independent predictors of RFS (P = 0.032, <0.001 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

For patients with LARCC, T-stage, grade and sarcomatoid differentiation independently dictate the risk of tumour recurrence. Considering these variables in the postoperative surveillance protocols and in the need for a multimodal therapeutic approach is highly recommended.

Validation of the 2009 TNM Classification for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Comparison with the 2002 TNM Classification by Concordance Index

PURPOSE

To assess the validity of the 2009 TNM classification for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and compare its ability to predict survival relative to the 2002 classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 1,691 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy for unilateral, sporadic RCC between 1989 and 2007. Cancer-specific survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and was compared among groups by the log-rank test. Associations of the 2002 and 2009 TNM classifications with death from RCC were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. The predictive abilities of the two classifications were compared by using Harrell's concordance (c) index.

RESULTS

There were 234 deaths from RCC a mean of 38 months after nephrectomy. According to the 2002 primary tumor classification, 5-year cancer-specific survival was 97.6% in T1a, 92.0% in T1b, 83.3% in T2, 61.9% in T3a, 51.1% in T3b, 40.0% in T3c, and 33.6% in T4 (p for trend<0.001). According to the 2009 classification, 5-year cancer-specific survival was 83.2% in T2a, 83.8% in T2b, 62.6% in T3a, 41.1% in T3b, 50.0% in T3c, and 26.1% in T4 (p for trend<0.001). The c index for the 2002 primary tumor classification was 0.810 in the univariate analysis and increased to 0.906 in the multivariate analysis. The c index for the 2009 primary tumor classification was 0.808 in the univariate analysis and increased to 0.904 in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the predictive ability the 2009 TNM classification is not superior to that of the 2002 classification.

Staging of renal cell carcinoma: Current concepts

The most important and widely utilized system for providing prognostic information following surgical management for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is currently the tumor, nodes, and metastasis (TNM) staging system. An accurate and clinically useful staging system is an essential tool used to provide patients with counseling regarding prognosis, select treatment modalities, and determining eligibility for clinical trials. Data published over the last few years has led to significant controversies as to whether further revisions are needed and whether improvements can be made with the introduction of new, more accurate predictive prognostic factors. Staging systems have also evolved with an increase in the understanding of RCC tumor biology. Molecular tumor biomarkers are expected to revolutionize the staging of RCC by providing more effective prognostic ability over traditional clinical variables alone. This review will examine the components of the TNM staging system, current staging modalities including comprehensive integrated staging systems, and predictive nomograms, and introduce the concept of molecular staging for RCC.

International consultation on urologic diseases and the European Association of Urology international consultation on locally advanced renal cell carcinoma

CONTEXT

Although an ever-increasing number of patients are being incidentally diagnosed with small renal masses, there is still a sizable portion of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Those with locally advanced disease present a challenge because they may be difficult to distinguish from those with organ-confined disease at the time of diagnosis. However, this distinction is important because they may require a different management strategy. These advanced RCC patients include those with venous tumour thrombi, extracapsular tumour extension, adjacent organ involvement, as well as nodal disease.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A thorough literature search of the following terms was undertaken: advanced renal cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma venous tumour thrombi, renal cell carcinoma extra-capsular extension, renal cell carcinoma nodal metastasis, and locally recurrent renal cell carcinoma. An international expert panel convened by the International Consultation on Urologic Diseases and the European Association of Urology reviewed these articles.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Review of the available literature allowed for assessment of the level of evidence for the diagnosis, management, and therapy of locally advanced RCC with the ultimate goal of providing a synthesis of this information with a consensus statement from leaders in the field.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the advances in prognostic markers and targeted molecular therapies for RCC, currently the only curative treatment for locally advanced RCC is aggressive surgical resection.

Urinary collecting system invasion is a predictor for overall and disease-specific survival in locally invasive renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of urinary collecting system invasion (UCSI) on survival in patients with pathologic stage T3 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 1420 patients who underwent nephrectomy at a single institution between 1988 and 2008. Patients with pT3 RCC and data on UCSI were examined (n=303). Clinicopathologic variables were compared using chi-square tests, and a multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards method was used to evaluate the relationship between UCSI and survival.

RESULTS

Of 303 patients with pT3 RCC, 67 (22.1%) had UCSI. UCSI was associated with higher T3 substage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and sarcomatoid features, as well as a shorter 5-year overall (51.9% vs 30.4%; P=.003) and disease-specific survival (59% vs 33.9%; P<.001) compared with those without USCI. On multivariate analysis, UCSI was independently associated with overall (HR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.17) and disease-specific survival (HR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.15-2.68).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of UCSI is independently associated with higher overall and disease-specific mortality in patients undergoing nephrectomy for pT3 RCC. Locally advanced tumors crossing an additional anatomic boundary into the urinary collecting system appear to represent a particularly aggressive form of disease. These data suggest consideration for including UCSI in the next TNM staging system for RCC.

Independent validation of the 2010 American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification for renal cell carcinoma: results from a large, single institution cohort

PURPOSE

In 2010 the American Joint Committee on Cancer updated the renal cell carcinoma TNM classification. Without independent validation of the new classification its predictive ability for cancer specific survival and generalizability remains unknown. In this setting we determined the predictive ability of the 2010 TNM classification compared to that of the 2002 classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the nephrectomy registry at our institution we retrospectively reviewed the records of 3,996 patients with unilateral or bilateral synchronous renal cell carcinoma treated with radical nephrectomy or nephron sparing surgery between 1970 and 2006. Cancer specific survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and predictive ability was evaluated using the concordance index.

RESULTS

There were 1,165 deaths (29.1%) from renal cell carcinoma a median of 1.9 years after surgery compared to a median followup of 7.4 years for survivors. The estimated 10-year cancer specific survival rate was 96%, 80%, 66%, 55%, 36%, 26%, 25% and 12% for patients with 2010 primary tumor classifications of pT1a, pT1b, pT2a, pT2b, pT3a, pT3b, pT3c and pT4, respectively (p <0.001). The multivariate concordance index for the 2002 and 2010 TNM classifications was 0.848 and 0.850, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The new 2010 classification remains a robust predictor of cancer specific survival compared to the 2002 classification by dividing pT2 lesions into pT2a and pT2b, reclassifying ipsilateral adrenal involvement as pT4, reclassifying renal vein involvement as pT3a and simplifying nodal involvement as pN0 vs pN1. However, the 2010 TNM classification showed only modest improvement in predictive ability compared to the 2002 classification.

Oncological outcomes in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and vena cava thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma with venous extension: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To report on the effectiveness of the surgical management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with a neoplastic thrombus of the vena cava.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined pre- and post-operative clinical data for all patients who had received a nephrectomy for the management of RCC with a neoplastic thrombus of the vena cava between spanning 10 years. The procedure depended on the exact location and size of the thrombus according to the Mayo Clinic and the 2009 TNM classifications.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients underwent surgery. Eight of these patients had stage I, nine had stage II, six had stage III and nine had stage IV thrombi according to the Mayo Clinic staging, and twenty were T3b, eight were T3c and four were T4 according to the 2009 TNM classifications. An open abdominal approach was performed in patients with stage I and II thrombi, whereas five of the stage III patients and all of the stage IV patients required combined sternotomies. Five patients whose thrombi extended to the right atrium were treated with a cardiac bypass. The complication rate was 53% and the peri-operative mortality rate was 12.5%. The median follow-up interval was 64 months. The overall and cancer-specific five-year survival rates for all stages combined were 47% and 52%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection remains the first-line treatment for patients with RCC infiltrating the vena cava, but surgical morbidity is prevalent and survival is poor.

The extent of tumour fat invasion affects survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumour thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

• To investigate the effect of presence and extent of tumour fat invasion (TFI) - perinephric invasion (PFI), renal sinus fat invasion (RSFI) or both PFI and RSFI - on cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and venous tumour thrombus (VTT).

METHODS

• We examined 184 consecutive patients with RCC with VTT treated with nephrectomy between 1987 and 2007. Associations with CSM were evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

• Median follow up was 21 months. The 5-year CSM-free survival estimates were 75%, 36% and 20% in patients with VTT without TFI, those with VTT with PFI or RSFI, and those with VTT with both PFI and RSFI, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, presence of either PFI or RSFI was associated with a two-fold increased risk of CSM, whereas presence of both PFI and RSFI was associated with a three-fold increased risk of CSM, relative to VTT-only cases. • The inclusion of the variable describing the presence and extent of TFI in a base model including pT stage, Fuhrman grade and presence of nodal disease and metastatic disease significantly increased the accuracy in predicting CSM (+2.1%; P < 0.001) in patients with VTT.

CONCLUSIONS

• Patients affected by RCC with VTT and TFI have a higher risk of CSM relative to cases with VTT only. Patients with both PFI and RSFI showed increased CSM compared with patients with either PFI or RSFI. • Our results suggest TFI should be accurately evaluated and included in routine pathological reports to provide better patient risk stratification.

Prognostic impact of muscular venous branch invasion in localized renal cell carcinoma cases

PURPOSE

Beginning with the 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, renal sinus muscular venous branch invasion has prognostic equivalence with renal vein invasion in renal cell carcinoma cases. To validate this presumed equivalence we compared patients with isolated muscular venous branch invasion to those with renal vein invasion and those with no confirmed vascular invasion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From routine cataloging at our institution we identified 500 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy from 2003 to 2008. After excluding patients with metastasis or noncortical renal cell carcinoma pathology we identified 85 with positive muscular venous branch invasion (+). The 259 patients with pT1-2 muscular venous branch (-) invasion and the 71 with renal vein (+) invasion served as comparison groups. We used a multivariate Cox model to control for tumor characteristics using the Kattan renal cell carcinoma nomogram.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis the risk of recurrence in the pT1-2 muscular venous branch invasion (-) group was lower than in the muscular venous branch invasion (+) group (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02-0.18, p < 0.001). Patients with renal vein invasion (+) had a recurrence rate similar to that in those with muscular venous branch invasion (+) (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.39-1.65, p = 0.6). The overall survival rate was higher in the muscular venous branch invasion (-) group than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with muscular venous branch invasion have an outcome inferior to that in patients with pT1-2 disease. This confirms the adverse prognosis of muscular venous branch invasion and supports pathological up-staging. The prognosis of muscular venous branch invasion is similar to that of renal vein invasion, although we cannot exclude the possibility of a difference. Our findings underscore the importance of close patient followup and careful pathological assessment of the nephrectomy specimen.

Prognostic impact of the 2009 UICC/AJCC TNM staging system for renal cell carcinoma with venous extension

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of venous involvement and tumour thrombus level in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains highly controversial. In 2010, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union International Centre le Cancer (UICC) revised the RCC staging system (7th edition) based on tumour thrombus level, differentiating the T stage of tumours limited to renal-vein-only involvement.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the impact of tumour thrombus extension in a multi-institutional cohort of patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An international consortium of 11 institutions was established to retrospectively review a combined cohort of 1215 patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and tumour thrombectomy for RCC, including 585 patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement or higher.

MEASUREMENTS

Predictive factors of survival, including histology, tumour thrombus level, nodal status, Fuhrman grade, and tumour size, were analysed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 1122 patients with complete data were reviewed. The median follow-up for all patients was 24.7 mo, with a median survival of 33.8 mo. The 5-yr survival was 43.2% (renal vein involvement), 37% (IVC below the diaphragm), and 22% with caval involvement above the diaphragm. On multivariate analysis, tumour size (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.64 [range: 1.03-2.59]; p=0.036), Fuhrman grade (HR: 2.26 [range: 1.65-3.1]; p=0.000), nodal metastasis (HR: 1.32 [range: 1.09-1.67]; p=0.005), and tumour thrombus level (HR: 2.10 [range: 1.53-3.0]; p=0.00) correlated independently with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on analysis of the largest known cohort of patients with RCC along with IVC and atrial thrombus involvement, tumour thrombus level is an independent predictor of survival. Our findings support the changes to the latest AJCC/UICC staging system.

Validation of the 2009 TNM version in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients treated for renal cell carcinoma: are further improvements needed?

BACKGROUND

A new edition of the TNM was recently released that includes modifications for the staging system of kidney cancers. Specifically, T2 cancers were subclassified into T2a and T2b (< or =10 cm vs >10 cm), tumors with renal vein involvement or perinephric fat involvement were classified as T3a cancers, and those with adrenal involvement were classified as T4 cancers.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to validate the recently released edition of the TNM staging system for primary tumor classification in kidney cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Our multicenter retrospective study consisted of 5339 patients treated in 16 academic Italian centers.

INTERVENTION

Patients underwent either radical or partial nephrectomy.

MEASUREMENTS

Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models addressed cancer-specific survival (CSS) after surgery.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In the study, 1897 patients (35.5%) were classified as pT1a, 1453 (27%) as pT1b, 437 (8%) as pT2a, 153 (3%) as pT2b, 1059 (20%) as pT3a, 117 (2%) as pT3b, 26 (0.5%) as pT3c, and 197 (4%) as pT4. At a median follow-up of 42 mo, 786 (15%) had died of disease. In univariable analysis, patients with pT2b and pT3a tumors had similar CSS, as did patients with pT3c and pT4 tumors. Moreover, both pT3a and pT3b stages included patients with heterogeneous outcomes. In multivariable analysis, the novel classification of the primary tumor was a powerful independent predictor of CSS (p for trend <0.0001). However, the substratification of pT1 tumors did not retain an independent predictive role. The major limitations of the study are retrospective design, lack of central pathologic review, and the small number of patients included in some substages.

CONCLUSIONS

The recently released seventh edition of the primary tumor staging system for kidney tumors is a powerful predictor of CSS. However, some of the substages identified by the classification have overlapping prognoses, and other substages include patients with heterogeneous outcomes. The few modifications included in this edition may have not resolved the most critical issues in the previous version.

[Significance of anemia as an independent prognostic factor in patients with renal cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the significance of anemia as well as other prognostic factors influencing survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of data of 316 patients who underwent surgery between 1970 and 2003 was performed. Most important known prognostic factors of RCC were investigated.

RESULTS

Most of patients had T1b-T2, low nuclear grade and single tumours. In 8.2% and 9% of cases, lymph node and metastatic dissemination were detected at the time of diagnosis, respectively. At the beginning, most frequent symptoms were hematuria and pain, with anemia (Hb >10g/dl) in 69 patients. After a median follow-up of 50 months, 24.1% of patients had a recurrence. From these, more than 50% developed recurrence within one year after nephrectomy. Advanced tumours (T3-4) consisted of high nuclear grade (III-IV) tumours, larger size tumours, with necrosis and vascular infiltration in surgical specimen, as well as lymph node and metastatic dissemination. In multivariate analysis, anemia, time to recurrence, type of treatment for recurrence as well as lymph node dissemination were independent factors of cancer specific survival.

CONCLUSION

Anemia seems to be a marker of recurrence and progression in patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing nephrectomy. From our point of view, anemia could be considered a significantly high mortality rate for renal cancer in these patients.

Reassessing the current UICC/AJCC TNM staging for renal cell carcinoma

CONTEXT

The outcome prediction for renal cell cancer (RCC) remains controversial, and although many parameters have been tested for prognostic significance, only a few have achieved widespread acceptance in clinical practice. The TNM staging system defines local extension of the primary tumour (T), involvement of regional lymph nodes (N), and presence of distant metastases (M).

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on reassessing the current TNM staging system for RCC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search in English was performed using the National Library of Medicine database and the following keywords: renal cell cancer, kidney neoplasm, and staging. We scrutinized 1952 references, and 62 were selected for review based on their pertinence, study size, and overall contribution to the field.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The prognostic significance of tumour size for localized RCC has been investigated in a large number of studies. As a consequence, many modifications of the TNM staging system were primarily made to the size cut points between stage I and II tumours. The latest three revisions of the TNM system are systematically reviewed. For the heterogeneous group of locally advanced RCCs, involving different anatomic structures surrounding the kidney, the situation is still the subject of controversial scientific dispute. In detail, perirenal fat invasion, direct infiltration of the ipsilateral adrenal gland, invasion of the urinary collecting system, infiltration of renal sinus fat, and vena cava and renal vein thrombosis are disputed. Finally, staging of lymph node metastases and distant metastatic disease is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Special emphasis should be put on renal sinus invasion for stage evaluation. Retrospective studies relying on material collected at a time when no emphasis was placed on adequate sampling of the renal sinus should be treated with caution. In view of new treatment opportunities, the current TNM staging system of RCC and any other staging system must be dynamic.

Long-term survival in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy: single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a tumor thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC) demands aggressive surgical management.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term survival in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 87 patients undergoing surgery between 1997 and 2008. The patients were grouped according to the extent of tumor thrombus, with level I involving the IVC at the level of the renal vein, level II being infrahepatic IVC, level III being intrahepatic IVC, and level IV being suprahepatic IVC or right atrium. Relevant clinical and pathologic data were analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS

Disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were studied.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The median follow-up was 22 mo, and 19, 14, 40, and 14 patients had level I, II, III, and IV IVC thrombus, respectively. Among patients with M0 disease, 22 developed metastases. The 5-yr DFS was 64% for all levels and 74%, 69.5%, 59.5%, and 58% for levels I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Of the level I group, 16% of patients died of disease compared to 57% of the level IV group. The 5-yr DSS for all levels was 46% and 71%, 48%, 40%, and 35% for levels I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Patients with level IV thrombus had a significantly lower 5-yr DSS compared to level I (p=0.03). However, when analyzed in two groups-supradiaphragmatic and infradiaphragmatic-there was no significant difference in DSS (P=0.14). On univariate analysis, metastasis at presentation, non-clear-cell histology, lymph node metastases, and higher nuclear grade were statistically significant prognostic factors influencing DSS. Only higher nuclear grade (p=0.03), metastasis at presentation (p<0.01), and non-clear-cell histology (p=0.03) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy offer reasonable long-term survival. The level of tumor thrombus is not an independent prognostic factor. Distant metastasis at presentation, higher nuclear grade, and non-clear-clear cell histology are significant prognostic factors influencing DSS.

Advances and controversies in grading and staging of renal cell carcinoma

Despite the considerable progress made in our understanding of the pathogenesis, genetics, and pathology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), difficulties remain relating to the prediction of clinical outcome for individual cases. Although there is evidence to show that high-grade tumors have a poorer prognosis when compared to those of low grade, debate remains regarding the predictive value of grading, especially for those tumors classified into the intermediate grades. Numerous composite morphologic and nuclear grading systems have been proposed for RCC and although that of the Fuhrman classification have achieved widespread usage, the validity of the grading criteria of this classification has been questioned. In addition, there are few studies that have attempted to validate the Fuhrman system for RCCs beyond that of the clear cell subtype. Recent studies have indicated that grading of papillary RCC should be based on nucleolar prominence alone and that the components of the Fuhrman grading classification do not provide prognostic information for chromophobe RCC. Independent of tumor grade, the prognostic importance of tumor stage for RCC is well recognized. The Union Internationale Contre le Cancer/American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging and End Results Reporting TNM staging system is now in its sixth edition (2002) and recent refinements have focused on defining size cut points that will identify apparently localized tumors that will develop recurrence and/or metastases despite attempted curative surgery. In parallel with these studies it has been shown that infiltration of the renal sinus is an important prognostic factor, being observed in almost all tumors >7 cm in diameter. Questions remain as to the appropriate stratification of regional extension of RCC, as defined in the T3 tumor-staging category. Recent modifications to this category have been suggested combining the level of infiltration of the venous outflow tract with the presence or absence of infiltration of the adrenal gland and/or perirenal fat. Similarly, the utility of classifying lymph node involvement by tumor is debated, although it is well recognized that lymph node infiltration is associated with a poor prognosis. Although the current TNM classification does provide useful prognostic information it would appear that further modifications are justified to enhance the predictive value of staging for RCC.

Impact of several histopathological prognosticators and local tumour extension on oncological outcome in pT3b/c N0M0 renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic relevance of different histopathological features and local tumour extension in patients with pT3b/c N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as recently new proposals of reclassifying tumour fat invasion in pT3b/c RCC have been made but the effect of other histopathological tumour characteristics and combinations thereof with tumour invasion has yet to be determined in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 2006, 1943 patients underwent surgical treatment for renal tumours in our institution, of which 175 patients (8.7%) had pT3b/c RCC. After exclusion of 57 patients (32.6%) with lymph node and/or distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, 118 (67.4%) remained for retrospective analysis. Different histopathological features and local tumour extension were studied for their association with cancer-specific-survival (CSS) and progression-free-survival (PFS) by univariate and multivariate analyses. Histopathology was reviewed and revised according to the 2002 Tumour-Nodes-Metastasis (TNM) classification system by one pathologist (S.B.). CSS and PFS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were obtained from 110 patients at a median (range) of 3.2 (0.3-16.1) years. In univariate analysis, microvascular invasion (MVI) and capsular invasion increased the risk of tumour progression by 2.05- and 2.72-times (P = 0.037 and P < 0.001). Overall, tumour fat invasion (TFI) and the presence of areas composed by cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm were associated with a higher risk of progression (P = 0.001 and P = 0.011) and reduced CSS (P = 0.037 and P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, MVI and capsular invasion were associated with a two-fold increased risk of dying from cancer (hazard risk ratio, HR 2.22, P = 0.045 and HR 2.31, P = 0.011). TFI in general (P = 0.004) and specifically coexistent perirenal fat invasion (PFI) and renal sinus fat invasion (RSFI) were associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing tumour progression (HR 3.36, P = 0.001). The 10-year CSS and PFS rates were 39% and 36% for all patients, 47% and 45% for pT3b/c RCC with no PFI or RSFI, and 25% and 10% for PFI + RSFI.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pT3b/c RCC with MVI, capsular invasion, TFI and especially PFI + RSFI, have a markedly reduced prognosis compared with patients with pT3b/c RCC without these features. When these results are corroborated by additional studies and external validation, modification of the TNM classification system would be a sensible consequence.