Application of machine learning in the prediction of deficient mismatch repair in patients with colorectal cancer based on routine preoperative characterization

Finding the minimum number of retrieved lymph nodes in node-negative colorectal cancer using Real-world Data and the SEER database

BACKGROUND

Current clinical guidelines recommend the removal of at least 12 lymph nodes (LNs) in resectable colorectal cancer (CRC). With advancements in lymphadenectomy technologies, the number of retrieved lymph nodes (rLNs) has markedly increased. This study aimed to investigate the lowest number of rLNs in node-negative patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1103 N0 and 208 N1a stage patients were enrolled in our cohort, while 8503 N0 and 1276 N1a patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results CRC database were included. Propensity score matching and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to mitigate the influence of selection bias and control for potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

The median number of rLNs in N0 patients increased from 13.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9-18) in 2013 to 17 (IQR: 15-20) in 2019. The restrictive cubic spline illustrated a nonlinear relationship between rLNs and prognosis (nonlinearity, P =0.009), with a threshold ( N =16) influencing clinical outcomes. Patients at either N0 or N1a stage with sufficient rLNs (≥16) demonstrated superior prognoses to those with a limited rLNs (<16). After adjusting for clinical confounders, similar prognoses were observed in N0 limited and N1a adequate populations. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that N0 limited patients who received chemotherapy exhibited better outcomes than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with node-negative CRC, it is crucial to remove 16 or more LNs effectively. Fewer than 16 rLNs should be regarded as an independent risk factor, implying the need for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Challenges and concepts in the diagnosis and management of ocular graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is characterized by tissue inflammation in the host following an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The pathophysiology is complex and only incompletely understood yet. Donor lymphocyte interaction with the histocompatibility antigens of the host plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Inflammation may affect multiple organs and tissues, e.g., the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, fasciae, vaginal mucosa, and the eye. Subsequently, alloreactive donor-derived T and B lymphocytes may lead to severe inflammation of the ocular surface (i.e., cornea and conjunctiva) and the eyelids. Furthermore, fibrosis of the lacrimal gland may lead to severe dry eye. This review focuses on ocular GVHD (oGVHD) and provides an overview of current challenges and concepts in the diagnosis and management of oGVHD. Ophthalmic manifestations, diagnostic procedures, grading of severity and recommendations for ophthalmic examination intervals are provided. Management of ocular surface disease with lubricants, autologous serum eye drops, topical anti-inflammatory agents and systemic treatment options are described based on the current evidence. Ocular surface scarring and corneal perforation are severe complications of oGVHD. Therefore, ophthalmic screening and interdisciplinary treatment approaches are highly relevant to improve the quality of life of patients and to prevent potentially irreversible visual loss.