Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gallbladder cancer

Comparison of treatment models for single primary advanced gallbladder cancer

Purpose

Treatment for advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains controversial, with various recommendations regarding the choice and combination of surgery and adjuvant therapy. The present article is targeting for the exploration of optimal treatment models for advanced GBC.

Methods

AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th edition) stage III and stage IV GBC, were defined as advanced GBC. Patients with advanced GBC were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and departmental cohort. Because of the most representative, only gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC) patients were selected. Based on their surgical status (No, Non-radical and Radical surgery), chemotherapy status (Chemotherapy, No chemotherapy), and radiotherapy status (Radiotherapy, No radiotherapy), treatment models were categorized. For the purposes of evaluating the treatment outcomes of various treatment models and determining the risk element for cancer-specific survival (CSS), Cox regression analysis was applied. Kaplan-Meier curves were used before and after adjusting for covariates, with log-rank tests used to analyze discrepancies between curves. Immunotherapy was analyzed using clinical data from departmental cohort. Finally, to compensate for the limitations of the database, a review examines the progress in treatment models for advanced GBC.

Results

5,154 patients aged over 18 years with solitary primary advanced GBC were identified from the SEER database. In advanced GBC patients, the treatment model has emerged as a significant prognostic factor. "Radical surgery + Chemotherapy + Radiotherapy" models maximally improved the CSS of advanced GBC before and after adjusting for covariates, while "No surgery + No chemotherapy + No radiotherapy" model had the lowest CSS. The present conclusions were supported even after subgroup analysis by AJCC stage. The efficacy of immunotherapy was demonstrated in the departmental cohort analysis. Additionally, this article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in various emerging treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Even when optimal treatment model cannot be pursued, providing comprehensive combinations of treatments to advanced GBC patients whenever possible is always beneficial for their survival.

Analysis of neoadjuvant therapy effect on 30-day postoperative outcomes in gallbladder cancer

Background

The role of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is not well established. We sought to evaluate the effect of NAT on postoperative outcomes following surgical resection of GBC. We hypothesized that patients receiving NAT would have similar rates of 30-day mortality, readmission, and postoperative complications (e.g. bile leakage and liver failure) compared to those who did not receive NAT.

Methods

The 2014-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Procedure-Targeted Hepatectomy database was queried for patients that underwent surgery for GBC. Propensity scores were calculated to match patients in a 1:2 ratio based on age, comorbidities, functional status, and tumor staging.

Results

A total of 37 patients undergoing NAT were matched to 74 patients without NAT. There was no difference in any matched characteristics. Compared to the NAT group, the no NAT cohort had similar rates of postoperative bile leakage (NAT 13.5 % vs. no NAT 10.8 %, p = 0.31), postoperative liver failure (5.4 %, vs. 8.1 %, p = 0.60), 30-day readmission (10.8 % vs. 10.8 %, p = 1.00), and 30-day mortality (10.8 % vs. 2.7 %, p = 0.075). All 30-day complications were similar except for a higher rate of postoperative blood transfusion (NAT 32.4 % vs. no NAT 10.8 %, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing surgical resection for GBC, those with and without NAT had similar rates of readmission and 30-day mortality, however NAT was associated with an increased risk for transfusion. Despite use of a large national database, this study may be underpowered to adequately assess the effect of NAT on perioperative GBC outcomes and thus warrants further investigation.

Gallbladder cancer: Progress in the Indian subcontinent

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the commonest biliary malignancies seen in India, Argentina, and Japan. The disease has dismal outcome as it is detected quite late due to nonspecific symptoms and signs. Early detection is the only way to improve the outcome. There have been several advances in basic as well as clinical research in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the West and other developed countries but not enough has been done in GBC. Therefore, it is important and the responsibility of the countries with high burden of GBC to find solutions to the many unanswered questions like etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication. As India being one of the largest hubs for GBC in the world, it is important to know how the country has progressed on GBC. In this review, we will discuss the outcome of the publications from India highlighting the work and the developments taken place in past several decades both in basic and clinical research.

Outcomes of incidental versus non-incidental T2 gallbladder cancer: A single-institute experience of 425 cases

BACKGROUND

Up to 60% of incidentally detected gallbladder cancers (GBCs) have a primary stage of pathologic T2 stage (pT2), defined by invasion of the peri-adventitial tissue by the tumour, a plane breached during a simple cholecystectomy. This study assesses the impact of incidental detection of pT2 GBCs on survival outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of pT2 GBCs undergoing a curative resection was performed. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before an upfront radical resection were excluded. Outcomes of patients undergoing upfront surgery (uGBC) and incidentally detected tumours (iGBC) were compared.

RESULTS

From a total of 1356 patients, 425 patients with pT2 GBCs were included. Of these, 118 (27.7%) and 307 (72.23%) patients were in the uGBC and iGBC groups, respectively. Patients with iGBC had significantly higher locoregional, (62 [19.8%] vs. 11 [9.3%]; p = 0.009), liver, (36 [11.5%] vs. 4 [3.4%]; p = 0.01), and abdominal wall recurrences (23 [7.4%] vs. 1 [0.8%]; p = 0.009). Five-year disease free survival rates were 68.7% and 49.2% in the uGBC and iGBC groups, respectively (p = 0.013). Five-year overall survival rates were 71.7% and 64.6% in the uGBC and iGBC groups, respectively (p = 0.317).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidentally detected pT2 GBCs have significantly poorer outcomes compared to similarly staged patients undergoing an upfront radical cholecystectomy.

Effect of different lymph node dissection methods on the number of lymph nodes detected and prognosis in gallbladder cancer

At present, the extent of lymph node dissection (LND) for radical gallbladder cancer (GBC) is still controversial, and there is no evidence that LND improves prognosis, however, the latest guidelines for GBC recommend that removal of more than 6 lymph nodes facilitates staging of regional lymph nodes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different LND methods on the number of lymph nodes detected and assess the prognostic factors during radical resection of GBC. This study retrospectively analyzed 133 patients (46 men and 87 women; average age: 64.01, range: 40-83 years) who underwent radical resection of GBC in a single center between July 2017 and July 2022, of which 41 underwent fusion lymph node dissection (FLND) and 92 underwent standard lymph node dissection (SLND). Baseline data, surgical results, number of LNDs, and follow-up data were analyzed. Each patient was followed up every 3 months. The total number of lymph nodes detected after the operation was 12.00 ± 6.95 versus 6.10 ± 4.71 (P < .05). The number of positive lymph nodes detected was (mean) 1.85 versus 0.78 and (percentage) 15.45% versus 12.83% (P < .05). Postoperative complications (8 vs 23, P > .05). The progression-free survival was 13 versus 8 months, the median survival time was 17 versus 9 months (P < .05). This study concluded that FLND can increase the detection rate of total lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes after surgery, which can prolong the survival time of patients.

Role of Peri-operative Chemotherapy in Stage II (pT2N0) Gallbladder Cancers

BACKGROUND

Evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is conflicting, with a postulated beneficial effect reported in T2 stage or higher, and node-positive tumours. This study aims to assess the survival benefit of peri-operative chemotherapy in stage II (pT2N0) GBCs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of stage II GBCs who underwent curative surgical resection was done. Patients receiving neo-adjuvant therapy (NACT) prior to resection of the gallbladder primary were excluded. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival, and outcomes of patients who received chemotherapy were compared to those who did not. Survival curves were plotted using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and difference between the survival curves was analysed using a log-rank test.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-six patients of stage II GBC were included, of whom 188 (68.1%) received chemotherapy and 88 (31.8%) did not. Forty-one (21.8%) patients received chemotherapy in the neo-adjuvant setting. There was no significant difference in the survival of patients who did and did not receive chemotherapy (5-year DFS 67.8% vs 66%, p = 0.795). There was no significant difference in the survival of patients who received chemotherapy in the adjuvant or neo-adjuvant setting (5-year DFS 66.4% vs 71.8%, p = 0.541). There was no statistically significant difference in the survival of patients with high-risk histologic features and who did and did not receive chemotherapy (3-year DFS 72.4% vs 56%; p = 0.379).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine use of chemotherapy, either in the adjuvant or neo-adjuvant setting, offers no survival advantage in stage II (pT2N0) gallbladder cancers.

Using machine learning to preoperatively stratify prognosis among patients with gallbladder cancer: a multi-institutional analysis

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive malignancy associated with a high risk of recurrence and mortality. We used a machine-based learning approach to stratify patients into distinct prognostic groups using preperative variables.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative-intent resection of GBC were identified using a multi-institutional database. A classification and regression tree (CART) was used to stratify patients relative to overall survival (OS) based on preoperative clinical factors.

RESULTS

CART analysis identified tumor size, biliary drainage, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as the factors most strongly associated with OS. Machine learning cohorted patients into four prognostic groups: Group 1 (n = 109): NLR ≤1.5, CA19-9 ≤20, no drainage, tumor size <5.0 cm; Group 2 (n = 88): NLR >1.5, CA19-9 ≤20, no drainage, tumor size <5.0 cm; Group 3 (n = 46): CA19-9 >20, no drainage, tumor size <5.0 cm; Group 4 (n = 77): tumor size <5.0 cm with drainage OR tumor size ≥5.0 cm. Median OS decreased incrementally with CART group designation (59.5, 27.6, 20.6, and 12.1 months; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A machine-based model was able to stratify GBC patients into four distinct prognostic groups based only on preoperative characteristics. Characterizing patient prognosis with machine learning tools may help physicians provide more patient-centered care.

Gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common cancer of the biliary tract, characterized by a very poor prognosis when diagnosed at advanced stages owing to its aggressive behaviour and limited therapeutic options. Early detection at a curable stage remains challenging because patients rarely exhibit symptoms; indeed, most GBCs are discovered incidentally following cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones. Long-standing chronic inflammation is an important driver of GBC, regardless of the lithiasic or non-lithiasic origin. Advances in omics technologies have provided a deeper understanding of GBC pathogenesis, uncovering mechanisms associated with inflammation-driven tumour initiation and progression. Surgical resection is the only treatment with curative intent for GBC but very few cases are suitable for resection and most adjuvant therapy has a very low response rate. Several unmet clinical needs require to be addressed to improve GBC management, including discovery and validation of reliable biomarkers for screening, therapy selection and prognosis. Standardization of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesion nomenclature, as well as surgical specimen processing and sampling, now provides reproducible and comparable research data that provide a basis for identifying and implementing early detection strategies and improving drug discovery. Advances in the understanding of next-generation sequencing, multidisciplinary care for GBC, neoadjuvant and adjuvant strategies, and novel systemic therapies including chemotherapy and immunotherapies are gradually changing the treatment paradigm and prognosis of this recalcitrant cancer.

A Propensity Score Analysis of Chemotherapy Use in Patients With Resectable Gallbladder Cancer

IMPORTANCE

Gallbladder cancer is uncommon but highly fatal. Surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment for localized or locoregionally advanced gallbladder cancer. The rate of use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in resectable gallbladder cancer is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess factors associated with the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable gallbladder cancer and survival outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The National Cancer Database was used to identify 6391 adults who underwent definitive surgical resection for gallbladder cancers between January 1, 2004, and January 1, 2016. Data analysis was performed from January 15 to February 15, 2020. Patients with localized or locoregionally advanced gallbladder cancers (ie, categories cTx-cT4, cN0-2, and cM0) were categorized as receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, or surgery alone. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test, with 1:3 nearest-neighbor propensity score matching based on neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Survival outcomes between groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The use and survival outcomes of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Of 6391 patients who underwent definitive surgery for gallbladder cancer, 4559 were women (71.3%); median age was 68 (IQR, 59-77) years. A total of 3145 patients (49.2%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, 3145 patients (49.2%) underwent surgery without chemotherapy, and 101 patients (1.6%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use was associated with treatment at an academic facility (61 patients [60%] vs 38 patients [38%] treated in a nonacademic facility; P < .001) and in those with private insurance (65 patients [65%] vs 11 patients [11%] with Medicaid insurance; P < .001). Surgery alone was frequently used in older patients (median age, 72 [IQR, 63-81] years vs 59 [IQR, 52-66] years in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy; P < .001), those with Medicare insurance (1925 patients [57%] vs 1438 patients [43%] with adjuvant chemotherapy; P < .001), and patients with a higher comorbidity index score (326 patients [62%] vs 197 patients [38%] with adjuvant chemotherapy; P < .001). Adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used more frequently than surgery in patients with node-positive cancer (1482 [67.2%] vs 53 [65.4%] vs 912 [49.7%]). On propensity score matching analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with longer survival than surgery alone (22 vs 18 months, hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63-0.96); survival with neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not statistically significant compared with surgery alone and adjuvant chemotherapy groups (27 months, HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.58-1.04). However, in patients with node-positive gallbladder cancer, neoadjuvant therapy was associated with longer median overall survival (30 months [95% CI, 24-36 months] vs 14 months [95% CI, 11-17] in patients with surgery alone; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was low in patients with surgically resected gallbladder cancers. Chemotherapy was used more frequently than surgery in lymph node-positive disease compared with lymph node-negative disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a survival advantage in resectable gallbladder cancer, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with increased survival in node-positive gallbladder cancers. These findings suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be considered in treatment of gallbladder cancer.

Combination of portal vein embolization and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gallbladder cancer requiring extended hepatectomy - A novel approach

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC) may require extended hepatectomy. Portal vein embolization (PVE) can lead to hypertrophy of future liver remnant (FLR), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) can be used in this cohort, with additional advantage of downstaging tumors as well as preventing progression while waiting for liver regeneration. Here, we share our experience of combining NACT along with PVE in locally advanced GBC requiring major hepatectomy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database was conducted for patients with locally advanced GBC who underwent PVE and received NACT between 2012 and 2018.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with locally advanced GBC underwent PVE and NACT. Median baseline FLR volume was 25.09% with a median degree of hypertrophy of 8.8% after PVE. Out of 14 patients, 7 (50%) underwent curative resection. Median overall survival in resectable and unresectable patients was 27 months and 15 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

PVE along with NACT made curative surgery feasible in half of the patients who were deemed unresectable initially.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: Do We have Enough Evidence? A Systematic Review

Background

Recently for advanced gallbladder carcinoma, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has emerged as an important strategy in place of adjuvant chemotherapy with the hope that it will help to improve the resectability and survival.

Aim and objective

The goal was to conduct a systematic review of published publications on the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gallbladder cancer treatment.

Materials and methods

This systematic review followed the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology standards. The clinical benefit rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, curative resectability rate, and R0 resection were the major outcomes of interest. The secondary outcomes of interest were overall and disease-free survival.

Results

Six published papers were included (n = 420). One-hundred and twenty-eight cases (30.47%) despite receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had disease progression. Although 67.38% of patients (283 of 420) in this systematic review showed good response to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, just 51.66% (217 of 420 cases) were operated, out of which only 171 cases were deemed to be feasible for surgical resection and had curative resection. Out of the cases that underwent curative surgery, 91.81% had R0 resection (157 out of 171 patients). The overall survival rate was found to be 18.5–50.1 months for patients in whom curative surgery was done and 5.0–10.8 months for nonsurgery patients.

Conclusion

No sufficient data exist to advocate the regular use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gallbladder carcinoma, as data showed that only 1/3 of patients benefited and had a R0 resection. Further research should be the randomized controlled trials to further quantify the benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gallbladder carcinoma.

How to cite this article

Naveed S, Qari H, Thau CM, et al. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: Do We have Enough Evidence? A Systematic Review. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2021;11(2):87–94.

Towards standardization of management of gallbladder carcinoma with obstructive jaundice: Analysis of 113 cases over 10 years at a single institution

BACKGROUND

Presence of jaundice in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is considered a sign of inoperability with no defined treatment pathways.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all surgically treated GBC patients from January 2010 to December 2019 was performed for evaluating etiology of obstructive jaundice, resectability, postoperative morbidity, mortality, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Out of 954 patients, 521 patients (54.61%) were locally advanced gallbladder carcinoma (LAGBC: Stage III and IV) and 113 patients (11.84%) had jaundice at presentation. Thirty-four (30%) patients had benign cause of obstructive jaundice. Median OS of the whole cohort (n=113) was 22 months (16.5-27.49 months) with resectability rate of 62% (70/113). Median OS of curative resection group (n=70) was 32 months and DFS was 25 months. Treatment completion was achieved in 30% (n= 21/70) patients with median OS of 46 months and median DFS of 27 months. Isolated bile duct infiltration subgroup fared the best with median OS of 74 months with a 5-year survival of 66.7%.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection as a part of multimodality treatment improves survival in carefully selected locally advanced gallbladder cancer patients with jaundice. Early introduction of systemic therapy is the key in the management of this disease with aggressive tumor biology.

Locally advanced gallbladder cancer: a review of the criteria and role of imaging

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is among one of the gastrointestinal malignancies with extremely dismal prognosis. This is due to the advanced stage at presentation. Majority of the patients with GBC are not considered candidates for surgery because of the locally advanced disease or metastases. However, with the accumulating evidence regarding the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there is a need to correctly identify a subset of patients with locally advanced GBC who will benefit maximally from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and will be successfully downstaged to receive curative (R0) surgery. In this context, there is a lack of consensus and different groups have resorted to criteria for locally advanced disease eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on personal or institutional experiences. Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of patients with GBC as it helps stratify patients into resectable and unresectable. Imaging also has the potential to identify patients with locally advanced GBC and hence facilitate neoadjuvant chemotherapy and improve outcomes. In this review, we evaluate the various criteria for locally advanced GBC and the role of imaging in this scenario.

Revision Surgery for Incidental Gallbladder Cancer-Challenging the Dogma: Ideal Timing and Real-World Applicability

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of consensus on the ideal time interval and therapeutic value of revision surgery in patients with incidental gallbladder cancer (iGBC) in the context of multimodality management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of an institutional database of patients with iGBC who underwent surgery from January 2010 to December 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent upfront surgery were divided into four time interval groups: A, B, C, and D (< 6 weeks, 6-10 weeks, 10-14 weeks, and > 14 weeks, respectively).

RESULTS

A cohort of 517 patients planned for revision surgery was analyzed. Overall, 382 (73.9%) patients underwent upfront surgery while 135 (26.1%) were given neoadjuvant treatment. With median follow-up of 18 months, 2-year overall survival (OS) was 66% and disease-free survival (DFS) was 52.6%, with inferior survival outcomes observed with advancing stage and presence of residual disease on final histopathology. Propensity score-matched analysis after matching for pT stage of cholecystectomy specimen suggested a survival benefit for patients operated between 10 and 14 weeks in terms of OS (p = 0.049) and DFS (p = 0.006). Patients with locally advanced iGBC at presentation had superior OS when operated after neoadjuvant therapy [3-year estimated OS of 59.9% vs 32.3%, respectively (p = 0.001)].

CONCLUSIONS

Revision surgery is at best the most accurate staging procedure guiding timely initiation of systemic therapy. Patients with iGBC operated between 10 and 14 weeks after initial cholecystectomy tend to have favorable survival outcomes, although this depends on final disease stage. Revision surgery should also be offered to all patients presenting at any later point of time, if deemed operable.

Gallbladder cancer revisited: the evolving role of a radiologist

Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. It is also the most aggressive biliary tumor with the shortest median survival duration. Complete surgical resection, the only potentially curative treatment, can be accomplished only in those patients who are diagnosed at an early stage of the disease. Majority (90%) of the patients present at an advanced stage and the management involves a multidisciplinary approach. The role of imaging in gallbladder cancer cannot be overemphasized. Imaging is crucial not only in detecting, staging, and planning management but also in guiding radiological interventions. This article discusses the role of a radiologist in the diagnosis and management of gallbladder cancer.

Risk factors for dysfunction of preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant hilar biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

Few studies have focused on the risk factors for dysfunction of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) in preoperative patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

METHODS

We searched the database between February 2011 and December 2018 and identified patients with MHBO who underwent radical operation. The rate of dysfunction of the initial EBD, risk factors for dysfunction of the initial EBD and survival after surgery were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 131 patients [95 males (72.5%); mean age, 69.5 (±7.3) years; Bismuth-Corlette classification (BC) I/II/IIIa/IIIb/IV, 50/26/22/17/16; hilar cholangiocarcinoma/gall bladder cancer, 115/16]. Dysfunction of the initial EBD occurred in 28 patients (21.4%). The cumulative incidences of dysfunction of the initial EBD in all patients were 18.4%, 38.2% and 47.0% at 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively (Kaplan-Meier method). The rate of dysfunction of the initial EBD increased in patients with BC-IV (P = .03). Multivariate analysis showed that BC-IV and pre-EBD cholangitis were significantly associated with the occurrence of dysfunction of the initial EBD. Survival rates were not significantly different according to the initial biliary drainage methods and presence/absence of the initial EBD dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysfunction of the initial EBD frequently occurs in patients with the BC-IV and those with pre-EBD cholangitis.

Failure to administer multimodality therapy leads to sub-optimal outcomes for patients with node-positive biliary tract cancers in the United States

BACKGROUND

Lymph node-positive biliary tract cancers have poor overall survival. Surgical resection followed by systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. We sought to assess the delivery of multimodality therapy in the United States.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database was used to identify patients with node-positive biliary tract cancers without distant metastases from 2000 to 2014. Patients were stratified by disease subtype (gallbladder cancer, intrahepatic, extrahepatic, or hilar cholangiocarcinoma) and treatment received (surgery alone, chemotherapy alone, or surgery + chemotherapy). Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 3226 patients with node-positive biliary tract cancers were identified. Of 2837 patients who underwent surgical resection, 1386 (49%) received no systemic chemotherapy following surgery, while 1451 (51%) received surgery + chemotherapy. A total of 389 patients (12%) received chemotherapy alone. Median overall survival was longer for patients who underwent surgery + chemotherapy (19 months, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in survival for those who received surgery alone versus chemotherapy alone (10 months for both, p = NS). Receipt of surgery + chemotherapy was independently associated with survival on Cox proportional hazard ratio modeling compared to surgery alone (HR for mortality 1.71, 95% CI 1.56-1.87, p < 0.0001) or chemotherapy alone (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.46-1.92, p < 0.0001). These trends were consistent across all disease subtypes.

DISCUSSION

Optimal survival for node-positive biliary tract cancers depends on multimodality therapy. Following surgery, a substantial proportion of patients do not receive guideline recommended adjuvant therapy.

Trends of gallbladder cancer incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach in urban Shanghai between 1973 and 2009

PURPOSE

To describe and interpret secular time trends in gallbladder cancer (GBC) incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach using 37 years of cancer registry data in urban Shanghai.

METHODS

Data on registration of GBC in urban Shanghai during 1973 and 2009 were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. To describe time trends and to identify specific time points when significant changes occurred, we used joinpoint regression analysis.

RESULTS

The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence increased from 1.1/100,000 (1973-1975) to 2.9/100,000 (2006-2009) in men and from 1.7/100,000 (1973-1975) to 3.9/100,000 (2006-2009) in women. ASRs of incidence increased significantly with estimated annual percent changes (EAPCs) of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The mortality trends increased significantly, with EAPCs of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The increasing incidence and mortality rates were primarily observed in men ⩾60 years of age and in women ⩾70 years of age. Notable downward trends in incidence and mortality were identified among women age 60-69 years over the last decade. The percentage of GBC diagnosed by pathology increased steadily over the years while the percentage of GBC diagnosed by imaging, surgery, and biochemistry sharply increased from 1987 onwards.

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty-seven years of cancer registry data document a tremendous increase in incidence/mortality and a slight decline in incidence/mortality over the last decades for GBC, especially among women, in Shanghai. The development of diagnostic approaches and aging population may play important roles.

Evolution of surgical management of gallbladder carcinoma and impact on outcome: results from two decades at a single-institution

BACKGROUND

The surgical approach to gallbladder cancer (GBCA) has evolved in recent years, but the impact on outcomes is unknown. This study describes differences in presentation, surgery, chemotherapy strategy, and survival for patients with GBCA over two decades at a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

A single-institution database was queried for patients with GBCA who underwent surgical evaluation and exploration and was studied retrospectively. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between time and treatment. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the association between year of diagnosis and survival.

RESULTS

From 1992 to 2015, 675 patients with GBCA were evaluated and 437 underwent exploration. Complete resection rates increased over time (p < 0.001). In those submitted to complete resection (n = 255, 58.4%), more recent years were associated with lower likelihood of bile duct resection and major hepatectomy but greater odds of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between year of diagnosis and OS or RFS (p > 0.05) for patients with complete resection.

CONCLUSION

Over the study period, GBCA treatment evolved to include fewer biliary and major hepatic resections with no apparent adverse impact on outcome. Further prospective trials, specifically limited to GBCA, are needed to determine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of T2 gallbladder carcinoma is pivotal to improvement in the overall prognosis for this disease

Since the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) subdivided the T2 stage of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) into T2a and T2b, the diagnosis and treatment of those stages have been a subject of heated discussion and controversy. T2 is a stage of GBC that might be treatable. Based on the extent of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, T2 GBC can be classified into various pathological stages such as IIA, IIB, IIIB, and IVB, leading to controversy in clinical settings. This review aims to discuss the effectiveness of and controversies concerning S4b+5 resection, the acceptable extent of lymph node dissection, the timing for treatment of incidental gallbladder cancer, and adjuvant therapy. This review also aims to suggest directions for and recommendations regarding clinical research in the future.

Multimodality management of incidentally detected gall bladder cancer: long term results from a tertiary care cancer centre

BACKGROUND

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignancy in India. GBC present either with incidental diagnosis after simple cholecystectomy (SC) or with a primary gall bladder mass. Incidentally detected gall bladder cancer (ICGB) has traditionally been thought to be a relatively early stage disease but there are controversies associated with various aspects of its management. In this article we describe our experience with multimodality management of ICGB.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of incidentally detected GBC patients was performed to analyze the profile of presentation and treatment outcome. After initial radiological evaluation for operability, all the patients underwent surgical exploration. If found resectable, revision surgery including 2 cm wedge resection of liver and lymphadenectomy was done followed by concurrent chemo-radiation for tumors T2 and above stages.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients with incidentally detected GBC with a male to female ratio of 1:3 and mean age of 47.5 years were included in the study. Thirty-four (63%) patients underwent curative resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The remaining 20 patients had metastatic/unresectable disease. The 5 years disease free and overall survival (OS) for patients receiving curative treatment was 64% and 72% respectively. On univariate analysis, presence of residual disease in the gallbladder fossa and liver were significant risk factors for disease recurrence. Depth of invasion, adjuvant treatment received and stage were significant prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidentally detected GBC is increasing in incidence. A multi-modality approach with revision surgery and adjuvant chemo-radiation treatment may yield better outcome. Presence of residual disease is a poor prognostic factor. Optimal evaluation before SC and early referral to specialty center is therefore important in patients with suspicion of gallbladder malignancy because first chance is probably the best chance.

Outcomes of surgical resection of gallbladder cancer in patients presenting with jaundice: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative jaundice is considered a relative contraindication to radical gallbladder cancer (GBC) resection due to poor prognosis and high postoperative morbidity. Recent reports have indicated that aggressive surgery may improve long-term survival for patients with advanced GBC who present with obstructive jaundice. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare postoperative outcomes among jaundiced and non-jaundiced patients with resectable GBC.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed using several Medical Subject Headings terms: cholecyst, gallbladder, tumor, cancer, carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, neoplasia, neoplasm, jaundice, and icterus. Overall survival after surgery was the primary outcome; resectability and postoperative morbidity were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall survival was shorter among patients who presented with jaundice (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-2.97; P < 0.001). Patients with jaundice were less likely to have resectable disease (odds ratio: 0.27, 95% CI, 0.17-0.43; P < 0.001). The jaundice group had higher odds of postoperative morbidity, bile-leak, and posthepatectomy failure versus the non-jaundiced control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgery for GBC resection for patients presenting with obstructive jaundice was associated with reduced overall survival and increased postoperative morbidity. Jaundiced patients with advanced GBC should be considered for surgical resection but need careful evaluation and counseling before undertaking extensive surgical resection.

Outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in "locally advanced/borderline resectable" gallbladder cancer: the need to define indications

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) exclusively in gallbladder cancer (GBC) are few and there are no randomized trials on the subject. Locally advanced GBC and indications for NACT in GBC are not yet clearly defined.

METHODS

We analysed 160 consecutive GBC patients who received NACT based on clinico-radiologic criteria suggesting high-risk disease (TMH Criteria) from January 2010 to February 2016.

RESULTS

On initial assessment, 140 (87.5%) patients had T3/T4 disease and 105 (65%) patients were node positive. Response rate and clinical benefit rate was 52.5% and 70% respectively. Sixty six (41.2%) patients could undergo curative intent resection. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the median OS and EFS of the entire cohort were 13 and 8 months respectively. Patient undergoing curative surgery had a statistically superior OS (49 vs. 7 months; p = 0.0001) and EFS (25 months vs. 5 months; p = 0.0001) compared to those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Locally advanced GBC remains a disease with poor prognosis. Chemotherapy with neoadjuvant intent in locally advanced/borderline resectable GBC showed good response rates. This resulted in curative surgical resection or disease stabilisation in significant proportion of patients. Patients who undergo definitive surgery after favourable response to NACT experience good survival.

Pancreatic, periampullary and biliary cancer with liver metastases: Should we consider resection in selected cases?

AIM

To analyse the safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery in biliary and pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

An extensive literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Google Scholar and EMBASE to identify articles regarding hepato-pancreatoduodenectomy or resection of liver metastasis in patients with pancreatic, biliary tract, periampullary and gallbladder cancers.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies were identified and reviewed. Major hepatectomy was undertaken in 391 patients. The median overall survival for pancreatic cancer ranged from 5-36 mo and for biliary tract/gallbladder cancer, it was 8-38 mo. The 30 d mortality rate was only 1%-9%. Overall Survival was significantly better for patients, who had good response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, underwent metachronous liver resection and who had intestinal type tumours.

CONCLUSION

Resection of liver metastases in pancreatic and biliary cancers may provide survival benefit without compromising safety and quality of life in a very select group of patients. These data may be utilised to formulate selection criteria that may allow future investigation of resection in the era of more effective systemic therapy.

Are incidentally detected gall bladder cancers really incidental? A report of two cases from a developing nation

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare gastrointestinal tumour. It occurs in women with pre-existing cholelithiasis. These tumours pose therapeutic as well as diagnostic challenges to treating clinicians. Early suspicion and optimal surgery for suspected GBC results in the best outcome. We describe two cases of metastatic GBC initially treated by simple cholecystectomy for gallstone despite disease pointers towards a malignant pathology. Subsequent presentation was with histopathologically proven metastatic GBC. In an area of high gallsone prevalence, a high index of suspicion and correct management of patients with suspicion of GBC is mandatory.

Gallbladder cancer: a journey of a thousand steps

This article traces the journey of one of the teams from India that has been actively managing and researching gallbladder cancer for more than a decade, providing insights into the work carried out and highlighting areas that warrant future research in this cancer traditionally known for its dismal outcomes.

Impact of insurance status on the survival of gallbladder cancer patients

The prognostic significance of insurance status has been investigated in many types of malignancies, however, its impact on gallbladder cancer is yet not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between insurance status and gallbladder cancer survival. We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset, and identified 1,729 gallbladder cancer cases. Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyze survival outcomes and risk factors. We found that individuals who had non-Medicaid insurance were more likely to be male, older, from wealthier area, and better-educated. Insurance status was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for gallbladder cancer patients. Stratified analysis revealed that the uninsured status independently predicted unfavorable survival outcome at localized tumor stage and in white individuals. To conclude, insurance status is an important predictive factor for gallbladder cancer, and uninsured individuals are at the highest risk of death.

Systemic Chemotherapy Combined with Resection for Locally Advanced Gallbladder Carcinoma: Surgical and Survival Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemotherapy is a strategy for converting to resection and/or assessing disease biology before operation. The utility of such an approach in gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) is unknown. This study evaluated outcomes of GBCA patients treated with chemotherapy for locally advanced or lymph node-involved tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients who received systemic chemotherapy for locally advanced or lymph node-positive GBCA were identified from a departmental database. Patients were excluded if there was any evidence of distant metastases or if records were inadequate to determine initial chemotherapy and response. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), operative results, and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients were included, from 1992 to 2015. Eighty-nine percent of patients (n = 64) were treated with gemcitabine and 57% with gemcitabine/platinum (n = 42). At initial response assessment, 17 patients (23%) had progression. The remaining patients had stable disease (n = 38, 51%) or partial response (n = 19, 26%). Twenty-two patients (30%) underwent attempt at resection, which was definitive for 10 patients (14%). Median OS for the entire cohort was 14 months (95% CI 11.3 to 17.9). Among patients with surgery, definitive resection was associated with a median OS of 51 months (95% CI 11.7 to 55.3) compared with 11 months (95% CI 4.1 to 23.6) for those with unresectable disease (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Even without distant metastases, locally advanced or lymph node-positive GBCA is associated with poor outcomes. Definitive resection was possible in a subset of patients selected for surgery after a favorable response to chemotherapy and was associated with long-term survival. We recommend surgical re-evaluation after chemotherapy to select potential operative candidates.

Radiological Downstaging with Neoadjuvant Therapy in Unresectable Gall Bladder Cancer Cases

BACKGROUND

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) usually presents as unresectable or metastatic disease. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) on radiologic downstaging and resectability in unresectable GBC cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with locally advanced disease were treated with chemoradiotherapy [CTRT] ( external radiotherapy (45Gy) along with weekly concurrent cisplatin 35mg/ m2 and 5-FU 500 mg) and those with positive paraaortic nodes were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NACT (cisplatin 25mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1gm/m2 day 1 and 8, 3 weekly for 3 cycles). Radiological assessment was according to RECIST criteria by evaluating downstaging of liver involvement and lymphadenopathy into complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD).

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were evaluated from January 2012 to December 2014 (CTRT=25, NACT=15). Pretreatment CT scans revealed involvement of hilum (19), liver infiltration (38), duodenum involvement (n=22), colon involvement (n=11), N1 involvement (n=11), N2 disease (n=8), paraaortic LN (n=15), and no lymphadenopathy (n=6). After neoadjuvant therapy, liver involvement showed CR in 11(30%), PR in 4 (10.5%), SD in 15 (39.4%) and lymph node involvement showed CR in 17 (50%), PR in 6 (17.6%), SD in 4 (11.7 %). Six patients (CTRT=2, NACT=4) with 66.6 % and 83% downstaging of liver and lymphnodes respectively underwent extended cholecystectomy. There was 16.6 % and 83.3% rates of histopathological CR of liver and lymph nodes. All resections were R0.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy in unresectable gall bladder cancer results in a 15% resectability rate. This approach has a strong potential in achieving R0 and node negative disease. Radiologic downstaging (CR+PR) of liver involvement is 40.5% and lymphadenopathy is 67.5%. Nodal regression could serve as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Gastrointestinal cancers in India: Treatment perspective

GI cancer is not one cancer but is a term for the group of cancers that affect the digestive system including gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), esophageal cancer (EC), and pancreatic cancer (PC). Overall, the GI cancers are responsible for more cancers and more deaths from cancer than any other organ. 5 year survival of these cancers remains low compared to western world. Unlike the rest of the world where organ based specialities hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal and esophagogastric exist, these cancers are managed in India by either a gastrointestinal surgeons, surgical oncologist, or a general surgeon with varying outcomes. The aim of this review was to collate data on GI cancers in indian continent. In colorectal cancers, data from tertiary care centres identifies the unique problem of mucinous and signet colorectal cancer. Results of rectal cancer resection in terms of technique (intersphincteric resection, extralevator aper, minimal invasive approach) to be comparable with world literature. However long term outcome and data regarding colon cancers and nationally is needed. Gastric cancer at presentation are advanced and in surgically resected patients, there is need for a trial to compare chemoradiation vs chemotherapy alone to prevent loco regional recurrence. Data on minimal invasive gastric cancer surgery may be sparse for the same reason. Theree is a lot of data on surgical techniques and perioperatve outcomes in pancreatic cancer. There is a high volume of locally advanced gallbladder cancers with efforts on to decide whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is better for down staging. Considering GI cancers, a heterogeneous disease with site specific treatment options and variable outcomes, the overall data and outcomes are extremely variable. Young patients with pathology unique to the Indian subcontinent (for example, signet ring rectal cancer, GBCs) need focussed attention. Solution for such pathology needs to come from the Indian continent itself. Joint efforts to improve outcomes for GI cancer can be integrated under the national cancer grid program.

IL17 producing γδT cells induce angiogenesis and are associated with poor survival in gallbladder cancer patients

Despite conventional treatment modalities, gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains a highly lethal malignancy. Prognostic biomarkers and effective adjuvant immunotherapy for GBC are not available. In the recent past, immunotherapeutic approaches targeting tumor associated inflammation have gained importance but the mediators of inflammatory circuit remain unexplored in GBC patients. In the current prospective study, we investigated the role of IL17 producing TCRγδ(+) (Tγδ17), CD4(+) (Th17), CD8(+) (Tc17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in pathogenesis of GBC. Analysis by multi-color flow cytometry revealed that compared to healthy individuals (HI), Tγδ17, Th17 and Tc17 cells were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of GBC patients. Tregs were decreased in PBMCs but increased in TILs of GBC patients. The suppressive potential of Tregs from GBC patients and HI were comparable. Serum cytokines profile of GBC patients showed elevated levels of cytokines (IL6, IL23 and IL1β) required for polarization and/or stabilization of IL17 producing cells. We demonstrated that Tγδ17 cells migrate toward tumor bed using CXCL9-CXCR3 axis. IL17 secreted by Tγδ17 induced productions of vascular endothelial growth factor and other angiogenesis related factors in GBC cells. Tγδ17 cells promote vasculogenesis as studied by chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. Survival analysis showed that Tγδ17, Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood were associated with poor survival of GBC patients. Our findings suggest that Tγδ17 is a protumorigenic subtype of γδT cells which induces angiogenesis. Tγδ17 may be considered as a predictive biomarker in GBC thus opening avenues for targeted therapies.

Gall Bladder Cancer

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common biliary epithelial malignancy, with an estimated 10,910 new cases and 3700 deaths per year (Siegel et al. in CA Cancer J Clin 65:5–29, 2015 [1]). This disease’s insidious nature and typically late presentation place it among the most lethal of invasive neoplasms. Gallbladder cancer spreads early by lymphatic or hematogenous metastasis and by direct invasion into the liver. While surgery may well be curative at early stages, both surgical and nonsurgical treatments remain largely unsuccessful in patients with more advanced disease.

Neoadjuvant treatment of biliary tract cancer: state-of-the-art and new perspectives

Gall bladder cancer (GBC), and intrahepatic and extrahepatic (perihilar or distal bile duct's) cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are usually diagnosed in locally advanced or node-positive stage, with a short survival rate. Thus, it appears essential to explore novel strategies for improving disease downstage and radical surgery. Chemoradiotherapy followed by liver transplantation seems to be one of the most promising approaches for intrahepatic or perihilar disease while chemotherapy with novel radiotherapy techniques (such stereotactic body radiation) emerged as an attractive preoperative treatment in distal diseases. In this paper, we will review currently available knowledge about neoadjuvant treatment of biliary tract cancers (BTC) paying attention to challenges that make this type of management in clinical practice difficult.

Indian Council of Medical Research consensus document for the management of gall bladder cancer

The document is based on consensus among the experts and best available evidence pertaining to Indian population and is meant for practice in India.

All postcholecystectomy gallbladder specimens should be opened and examined carefully by the operating surgeon and be sent for histopathological examination.

All “incidental” gall bladder cancers (GBCs) picked up on histopathological examination should have an expert opinion.

Evaluation of a patient with early GBC should include essential tests: A computed tomography (CT) scan (multi-detector or helical) of the abdomen and pelvis for staging with a CT chest or chest X-ray, and complete blood counts, renal and liver function tests. magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography (PET)-CT are not recommended for all patients.

For early stage disease (up to Stage IVA), surgery is recommended. The need for adjuvant treatment would be guided by the histopathological analysis of the resected specimen.

Patients with Stage IVB/metastatic disease must be assessed for palliative e.g. endoscopic or radiological intervention, chemotherapy versus best supportive care on an individual basis. These patients do not require extensive workup outside of a clinical trial setting.

There is an urgent need for multicenter trials from India covering various aspects of epidemiology (viz., identification of population at high-risk, organized follow-up), clinical management (viz., bile spill during surgery, excision of all port sites, adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy) and basic research (viz., what causes GBC).