Should noncurative resection of the primary tumour be performed in patients with stage iv colorectal cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Distinguishing optimal candidates for primary tumor resection in patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma: A predictive model based on propensity score matching

Background

Primary tumor resection is associated with survival benefits in patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (mLUAD). However, there are no established methods to determine which individuals would benefit from surgery. Therefore, we developed a model to predict the patients who are likely to benefit from surgery in terms of survival.

Methods

Data on patients with mLUAD were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Depending on whether surgery was performed on the primary tumor, patients were categorized into two groups: cancer-directed surgery (CDS) and no-cancer-directed surgery (No-CDS). Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was utilized to address bias between the CDS and No-CDS groups. The prognostic impact of CDS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Subsequently, we constructed a nomogram to predict the potential for surgical benefits based on multivariable logistic regression analysis using preoperative factors.

Results

A total of 89,039 eligible patients were identified, including 6.4% (5705) who underwent surgery. Following PSM, the CDS group demonstrated a significantly longer median overall survival (mOS) compared with the No-CDS group (23 [21-25] vs. 7 [7-8] months; P < 0.001). The nomogram showed robust performance in both the training and validation sets (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.698 and 0.717, respectively), and the calibration curves exhibited high consistency. The nomogram proved clinically valuable according to decision curve analysis (DCA). According to this nomogram, surgical patients were categorized into two groups: no-benefit candidates and benefit candidates groups. Compared with the no-benefit candidate group, the benefit candidate group was associated with longer survival (mOS: 25 vs. 6 months, P < 0.001). Furthermore, no difference in survival was observed between the no-benefit candidates and the no-surgery groups (mOS: 6 vs. 7 months, P = 0.9).

Conclusions

A practical nomogram was developed to identify optimal CDS candidates among patients with mLUAD.

Extracellular vesicle expansion of PMIS-miR-210 expression inhibits colorectal tumour growth via apoptosis and an XIST/NME1 regulatory mechanism

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate, and therapeutic approaches to treat these cancers are varied and depend on the metabolic state of the tumour. Profiles of CRC tumours have identified several biomarkers, including microRNAs. microRNA-210 (miR-210) levels are directly correlated with CRC survival. miR-210 expression is higher in metastatic colon cancer cells versus non-metastatic and normal colon epithelium. Therefore, efficient methods to inhibit miR-210 expression in CRC may provide new advances in treatments.

METHODS

Expression of miRs was determined in several metastatic and non-metastatic cell lines. miR-210 expression was inhibited using PMIS-miR-210 in transduced cells, which were transplanted into xenograft mice. In separate experiments, CRC tumours were allowed to grow in xenograft mice and treated with therapeutic injections of PMIS-miR-210. Molecular and biochemical experiments identified several new pathways targeted by miR-210 inhibition.

RESULTS

miR-210 inhibition can significantly reduce tumour growth of implanted colon cancer cells in xenograft mouse models. The direct administration of PMIS-miR-210 to existing tumours can inhibit tumour growth in both NSG and Foxn1nu/j mouse models and is more efficacious than capecitabine treatments. Tumour cells further transfer the PMIS-miR-210 inhibitor to neighbouring cells by extracellular vesicles to inhibit miR-210 throughout the tumour. miR-210 inhibition activates the cleaved caspase 3 apoptotic pathway to reduce tumour formation. We demonstrate that the long non-coding transcript XIST is regulated by miR-210 correlating with decreased XIST expression in CRC tumours. XIST acts as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-210, which reduces XIST levels and miR-210 inhibition increases XIST transcripts in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The increased expression of NME1 is associated with H3K4me3 and H3K27ac modifications in the NME1 proximal promoter by XIST.

CONCLUSION

Direct application of the PMIS-miR-210 inhibitor to growing tumours may be an effective colorectal cancer therapeutic.

Prognostic factors of survival in stage IV colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis: Negative effect of the KRAS mutation

The aim of the present study was to identify predictive parameters of survival in patients affected by stage IV colorectal cancer with synchronous and bilateral liver metastases. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2018 were included in the present study. Data on the histopathological, clinical and treatment factors (chemotherapy as the first measure or resection of the primary tumor) were collected. The effect of each variable on survival was evaluated using Cox regression analysis. A total of 104 patients were included [43 women (41.3%) and 61 men (58.7%); mean age, 63 years]. The long-term survival rate at 36 months was 29% (median, 25 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate that survival was higher in patients with wild-type KRAS tumors (42%) than in patients with mutated KRAS tumors (9%; P=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, KRAS mutation (HR, 2.484; 95% CI, 1.472-4.192), T4 tumors (HR, 1.795; 95% CI, 1.045-3.084), resection/local treatment of hepatic metastases (HR, 0.447; 95% CI, 0.222-0.901), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (HR, 1.632; 95% CI, 1.182-2.254), were revealed to have independent predictive value. The type of treatment (chemotherapy or resection of the primary tumor) did not influence the survival. The results indicated that mutation of the KRAS gene was an important prognostic factor and associated with survival.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy prolongs the progression-free survival and delays the change of systemic therapy regimen in patients with lung oligoprogressive metastatic colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with lung oligoprogression (OP).

METHOD

Patients with lung OP from CRC treated by SBRT at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. The progression-free survival (PFS), change of systemic therapy (CST), local control (LC), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Cumulative incidence was used to report CST, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate PFS and LC.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients with 38 lung OP lesions treated by SBRT from October 2012 to December 2018 were involved. All patients had undergone radical resection for primary CRC and administered with standard systemic therapy regimens (seven for the first line and 10 for the second line). Among them, nine (52.9%) had received targeted therapy before SBRT, 14 (82.4%) patients underwent chemotherapy, and 12 received targeted therapy after SBRT. Six patients (35.3%) underwent CST after a median time of 5.2 months (range: 1.7-27.5 months). The median follow-up was 9.9 months, and the 1-year OS rate for all patients was 73.5%. Progression was observed in of 14 of 17 patients (82.4%), and the 6-month PFS for all patients was 25.9%. Univariate analysis indicated that only targeted therapy before SBRT was a beneficial prognostic indicator for 6-month PFS (P = .026) and N-PFS (P = .013). The 1-year LC for all 38 lesions was 77.8%, and during and after SBRT, no grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSION

SBRT combined with systemic therapy made partial CRC patients with lung OP avoid the progress within 6 months and delayed the need for CST to 5.2 months, and targeted therapy before SBRT was a positive indicator of PFS.

Primary Tumor-Related Complications and Salvage Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Rectal Cancer and an Untreated Primary Tumor

BACKGROUND

For rectal cancer with unresectable metastases, current practice favors omitting interventions directed at the primary tumor in asymptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with primary tumor-related complications, characterize salvage outcomes, and measure survival in patients with metastatic rectal cancer who did not undergo upfront intervention for their primary tumor.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective analysis.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center.

PATIENTS

Patients who presented between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2015, with synchronous stage IV rectal cancer, an unresected primary tumor, and no prior primary tumor-directed intervention were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measured was the rate of primary tumor-related complications in the cohort that did not receive any primary tumor-directed intervention. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to determine whether complications are associated with survival.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 358 patients with a median age of 56 years (22-92). Median follow-up was 26 months (range, 1-93 months). Among the 168 patients (46.9%) who eventually underwent elective resection of the primary tumor, the surgery was performed with curative intent in 66 patients (18.4%) and preemptive intent in 102 patients (28.5%). Of the 190 patients who did not undergo an upfront or elective intervention for the primary tumor, 68 (35.8%) experienced complications. Nonsurgical intervention for complications was attempted in 34 patients with an overall success rate of 61.8% (21/34). Surgical intervention was performed in 47 patients (including 13 patients for whom nonsurgical intervention failed): diversion in 26 patients and resection in 21 patients. Of those 47 patients, 42 (89.4%) ended up with a colostomy or ileostomy.

LIMITATIONS

This study was conducted at a single center.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients with metastatic rectal cancer and untreated primary tumor experience primary tumor-related complications. These patients should be followed closely, and preemptive intervention (resection, diversion, or radiation) should be considered if the primary tumor progresses despite systemic therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B400. COMPLICACIONES RELACIONADAS CON EL TUMOR PRIMARIO Y RESULTADOS DE RESCATE EN PACIENTES CON CÁNCER DE RECTO METASTÁSICO Y UN TUMOR PRIMARIO NO TRATADO: Para el cáncer de recto con metástasis no resecables, la práctica actual favorece la omisión de las intervenciones dirigidas al tumor primario en pacientes asintomáticos.Determinar la proporción de pacientes con complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor primario, caracterizar los resultados de rescate y medir la supervivencia en pacientes con cáncer rectal metastásico que no se sometieron a una intervención inicial para su tumor primario.Análisis retrospectivo.Centro oncológico integral.Pacientes que se presentaron entre el 1 de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015 con cáncer de recto en estadio IV sincrónico, un tumor primario no resecado y sin intervención previa dirigida al tumor primario.Tasa de complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor primario en la cohorte que no recibió ninguna intervención dirigida al tumor primario. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier y el análisis de regresión de Cox para determinar si las complicaciones están asociadas con la supervivencia.La cohorte estuvo compuesta por 358 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 56 años (22-92). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 26 meses (rango, 1 a 93 meses). Entre los 168 pacientes (46,9%) que finalmente se sometieron a resección electiva del tumor primario, la cirugía se realizó con intención curativa en 66 pacientes (18,4%) y con intención preventiva en 102 pacientes (28,5%). De los 190 pacientes que no se sometieron a una intervención inicial o electiva para el tumor primario, 68 (35,8%) experimentaron complicaciones. Se intentó una intervención no quirúrgica para las complicaciones en 34 pacientes con una tasa de éxito global del 61,8% (21 de 34). La intervención quirúrgica se realizó en 47 pacientes (incluidos 13 pacientes en los que falló la intervención no quirúrgica): derivación en 26 pacientes y resección en 21 pacientes. De esos 47 pacientes, 42 (89,4%) terminaron con una colostomía o ileostomía.Único centro.Una proporción significativa de pacientes con cáncer de recto metastásico y primario no tratado experimentan complicaciones relacionadas con el tumor primario. Se debe hacer un seguimiento estrecho de estos pacientes y considerar la posibilidad de una intervención preventiva (resección, derivación o radiación) si el tumor primario progresa a pesar de la terapia sistémica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B400.

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery: A review of 3476 eyes

Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a potentially safer and more efficacious method studied in patients with mild-to-moderate open-angle glaucoma requiring less invasive treatment goals; however, the literature on MIGS must be thoroughly evaluated. We conducted a review of MIGS by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Primary efficacy indicators were reductions in intraocular pressure and topical medication use postoperatively. While all comparative randomized controlled trials assessing MIGS in English peer-reviewed journals were included, only observational studies with a target follow-up of at least one year and a high priority score were analyzed, resulting in a total of 3476 eyes across 20 trials. The mean age was 69.5 ± 2.9 years, 53.7% were female, and 77.4% were Caucasian. One study had last follow-up at less than one year, fifteen studies had follow-up extending 1-2 years, and four had longer than two years of follow-up. A pattern of more significant intraocular pressure and medication reduction was observed in patients who underwent MIGS (n = 2170) relative to control (n = 1306) interventions. iStent had the most literature supporting its efficacy, followed by Hydrus. The most common adverse events after MIGS implantation included stent obstruction, inflammation, and subsequent surgical intervention. Surgical complication rates and efficacy are favorable after MIGS. This review helps to consolidate the high-quality evidence that exists for various MIGS procedures and to identify gaps where further research is needed.

Surgery on primary tumor shows survival benefit in selected stage IV colon cancer patients: A real-world study based on SEER database

Objectives: Most patients with stage IV colon cancer did not have the opportunity for curative surgery, only selected patients could benefit from surgery. This study aimed to determine whether surgery on the primary tumor (SPT) should be performed in patients with stage IV colon cancer and how to select patients for SPT.

Methods: This study included 48,933 patients with stage IV colon cancer who were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2015. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was adopted to balance baseline differences between SPT and non-surgery groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves were utilized to compare the overall survival (OS). Prognostic nomograms were generated to predict survival based on pre- and post-operative risk factors. Patients were divided into low, middle, and high mortality risk subsets for OS by X-tile analyses based on scores derived from above nomograms.

Results: Patients with SPT had a significantly longer OS than those without surgery, regardless of the metastatic sites and diagnostic years. Nomograms, according to the pre- and post-operative risk factors, showed moderate discrimination (all C-indexes above 0.7). Based on X-tile analyses, low mortality risk subset (post-operative score ≤ 22.3, preoperative score ≤ 9.7) recommended for SPT, and high mortality risk was not.

Conclusions: SPT led to prolonged survival in stage IV colon cancer. Our nomograms would help to select suitable patients for SPT.

Quality of Life for Patients With Incurable Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Resection Versus Endoscopic Stenting

BACKGROUND/AIM

A prospective randomized open label parallel trial, comparing the quality of life (QoL) after endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent or primary tumor resection, in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer was performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients affected with stage IV colorectal cancer and unresectable metastases were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (16 patients), that underwent self-expandable metal stent positioning and Group 2 (17 patients), in which primary tumor resection was performed. Karnofsky performance scale and QoL assessment using the EQ-5D-5L™ questionnaire was administered before treatment and thereafter at 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

At 1 month, index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 2 when compared to those of Group 1 (p=0.001; 95%CI=0.065-0.211) whereas, at 6 months, index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 1 (p<0.025; 95%CI=0.017-0.238).

CONCLUSION

QoL in patients affected with stage IV colorectal cancer has a bimodal fluctuation pattern: at 1-month it was better in patients that received stent, but at 6-months it was significantly better in patients submitted to surgical resection.

The impact of postoperative morbidity on survival in patients with metastatic colon and rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Avoiding postoperative morbidity is essential in patients with advanced cancer. To further improve treatment in stage IV colorectal cancer, knowledge about risk factors which effect short- and long-term outcomes is important.

METHODS

All stage IV colon and rectal cancer who underwent elective surgery between 2004 and 2015 were included (n = 345). We compared resectable colon and rectal patients, and unresectable colon and rectal cancer patients.

RESULTS

Median follow-up duration was 22.2 (unresectable) and 56.7 months (resectable) with no difference in tumor location. Colon cancer patients were more often considered unresectable (P < .001). Rectal procedures were correlated with a higher morbidity rate and a longer surgical duration (P < .001). In the resectable cohort, obese patients, open procedures and prolonged surgery were independently associated with postoperative complications. Considering the palliative group, neoadjuvant treatment and age were correlated with worse outcomes. Morbidity was not associated with long-term outcomes in the resectable cohort. However, unresectable patients who developed respiratory (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.53) or cardiac (HR: 3.75) complications and patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists-score III to IV (HR: 1.51) had an impaired survival.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the need for an adequate preoperative assessment to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications and impaired survival.

Survival outcomes following primary tumor resection for patients with incurable metastatic colorectal carcinoma: Experience from a single institution

OBJECTIVE

Palliative primary tumor resection (PTR) has been used for preventing and treating tumor-related complications. We aimed to determine whether PTR can increase overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database in a single center was performed. Patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC from January 2004 to December 2014 were included. Patients who had attained curative resection or had disease recurrence were excluded. All patients were discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board where subsequent treatment decisions were made.

RESULTS

Altogether 408 patients were analyzed. Of these 145 received PTR with palliative chemotherapy (PC; group A), 110 received PC only (group B), 52 received PTR only (group C), while 101 received neither PTR nor PC (group D). Undergoing PTR led to statistically significant improvement in OS (22.7 months vs 12.1 months vs 6.9 months vs 2.7 months, P < 0.001). We performed subgroup analyses to control for potential confounders and found that the influence of PTR on OS persisted. With multivariate analysis, the predictors of poor OS were no PTR (hazards ratio [HR] 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-2.96, P < 0.001), no PC (HR 4.25, 95% CI 3.27-5.33, P < 0.001) and the presence of peritoneal metastases (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06-1.78, P = 0.018). Diversion surgery did not lead to a statistical difference in OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The absences of PTR and PC, and peritoneal metastases are independently associated with decreased OS in patients with unresectable metastatic CRC. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify this observation.

Modern-day palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: does colonic resection affect survival?

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with surgically incurable metastases would be recommended for palliative chemotherapy (PC). The role of surgical intervention is debatable with no conclusive evidence for routine primary tumour resection (PTR) or stoma creation. We aimed to study if surgical intervention conferred a survival benefit in patients with mCRC who received upfront systemic therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database in a single centre was performed. Patients diagnosed with mCRC from January 2004 to December 2014 were included. We excluded patients who had an upfront surgical intervention, had no treatment with systemic therapy or had attained curative resection. The decision for surgery was based on the outcome of a multidisciplinary tumour board. Demographic, clinicopathological, treatment and follow-up data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Out of 408 patients with mCRC with incurable metastases, we analysed 124 patients who had upfront PC. Twenty-nine had PC + PTR (group A), 10 had PC + stoma (group B) and 85 had PC only (group C). Undergoing PTR led to significant improvement in overall survival (OS; 30.8 versus 13.4 versus 11.0 months, P < 0.001). With multivariate analysis, undergoing PTR and receiving biologics were independent good prognostic variables. Surgical resection was safe with minimal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PTR was found to increase OS while stoma creation had no impact on OS. The benefits and safety of undergoing PTR may be a result of selection bias. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the observations of this study.

Association of Metformin with Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Patients with Type II Diabetes: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Preclinical data suggest that metformin may reduce breast cancer incidence and improve cancer prognosis. However, the current evidence in observational studies is inconclusive. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of metformin on the incidence of breast cancer and all-cause mortality in patients with type II diabetes (T2D).Methods: A literature search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from inception to November 2016. Outcomes were incidence of breast cancer and all-cause mortality. Risk of bias and overall certainty of evidence was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively. Meta-analyses were performed using the most fully adjusted ORs or HRs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) as effect measures.Results: A total of 12 observational studies were included for breast cancer incidence and 11 studies for all-cause mortality. No significant association was found between metformin exposure and incidence of breast cancer (OR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.03; I² = 35%). A 45% risk reduction was observed for all-cause mortality (HR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70; I² = 81%). Presence of publication bias is strongly suspected for both outcomes using Egger's funnel plots.Conclusions: The use of metformin may improve overall survival in patients with T2D and breast cancer. No effect of metformin on the incidence of breast cancer was observed. Interpretation of results is limited by the observational nature of the studies and resulting biases.Impact: Clinical trials are warranted to determine the role of metformin in breast cancer risk reduction and prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 627-35. ©2018 AACR.

Outcomes of stage IV patients with colorectal cancer treated in a single institution: What is the key to the long-term survival?

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to summarize our short- and long-term treatment results for stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) and to clarify the factors predicting the favorable long-term survival.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2015, 149 consecutive patients with stage IV CRC underwent initial treatment at Nagoya University Hospital. Their clinical and pathological characteristics, the treatment methods used, and the outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The median observation period was 23 months. All of the primary and metastatic lesions were technically resectable in 74 patients; however, the remaining 75 were judged as initially unresectable. R0/1 resection during the treatment course was achieved in 74 patients (50%). For the cohort as a whole, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 35%. The 5-year OS rate in the R0/1 resection group was 57%, which was significantly better than that of the non-R0/1 resection group (6%, p < 0.001). In the R0/1 resection group, perioperative chemotherapy significantly improved the outcome (5-year OS; 62% vs. 0%, p = 0.03). In the non-R0/1 resection group, primary tumor resection was associated with a significantly higher favorable prognosis (3-year OS; 20.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.026). Moreover, the additional use of molecular targeted drugs significantly improved the survival. In multivariate analysis, the differentiated histologic type, R0/1 resection, and parallel use of molecular targeted drugs remained independent factors of a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that aggressive curative resection with perioperative chemotherapy might improve survival and that primary tumor resection might improve the outcome in the non-R0/1 group.

Survival Benefit of Palliative Local Treatments and Efficacy of Different Pharmacotherapies in Colorectal Cancer With Lung Metastasis: Results From a Large Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

For most colorectal cancer patients with initial lung metastasis (LM), the only suitable treatments are palliative, including palliative local therapy and pharmacotherapy. We investigated the role of palliative local treatments in prolonging survival and the efficacy of different pharmacotherapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After performing a medical record review of 2233 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, 684 were identified as having LM. Their clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

For nonresectable initial LM, patients receiving palliative local therapy had significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those treated with pharmacotherapy alone: PFS 16.1 months versus 7.4 months (P < .001) and OS 51.8 months versus 23.8 months (P < .001), respectively. Cox multivariate analysis confirmed the survival benefit induced by palliative local therapy. Chemonaive patients receiving single-agent fluoropyrimidine had shorter PFS and longer OS compared to oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based doublets when used as first-line treatment (PFS 4.8, 7.4, and 7.3 months; and OS 28.7, 21.2, and 20.1 months, respectively); however, these differences were not statistically significant. The addition of targeted agents to cytotoxic drugs prolonged PFS (10.5 vs. 7.2 months, P = .005) but not OS (27.8 vs. 21.2 months, P = .454). Carcinoembryonic antigen level, LM-associated symptoms, extrapulmonary disease, and histopathologic type were independent pretreatment prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Local treatments of LM may confer a survival benefit in the palliative setting. First-line single-agent fluoropyrimidine may be used in patients with good prognosis.

Survival time and prognostic factors of patients with initial noncurative colorectal liver metastases

The true survival benefit of different curative strategies involving type of operative procedure and timing for patients with initial noncurative colorectal liver metastases remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of primary tumor resection on patients' survival and to clarify the predictive factors related to overall survival (OS).This was a retrospective study that included 219 patients with initial noncurative colorectal liver metastases without extrahepatic disease. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients and their survival were examined. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. All variables associated with P <.05 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional-hazard regression model.The 1-, 3-, 5-year OS rates of patients with simultaneous liver resection were 79.1%, 39.1%, and 28.4%, respectively, and those of patients with staged liver resection were 83.3%, 46.7%, and 36.8%, respectively (P = .380). The 1-, 3-, 5-year OS rates of patients with primary tumor resection were 57.0%, 18.2%, and 12.3%, respectively, while for the patients without primary tumor resection were 38.9%, 5.6%, and 0%, respectively (P = .012). Independent prognostic factors for OS were carbohydrate antigen19-9, primary tumor resection, tumor differentiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy.No difference in OS was observed between simultaneous liver resection and staged liver resection, while primary tumor resection was beneficial to noncurative colorectal liver metastases.

Centralization of Liver Cancer Surgery and Impact on Multidisciplinary Teams Working on Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

Surgical resection is the most effective treatment approach for colorectal liver metastases but only a minority of patients is suitable for upfront surgery. The treatment strategies of stage IV colorectal cancer have shifted towards a continuum of care in which medical and surgical treatment combinations are tailored to the clinical setting of the individual patient. The optimization of treatment through appropriate decision-making and multimodal therapy for stage IV colorectal cancer require a joint multidisciplinary meeting in a centralized liver cancer unit.

Meta-analysis of outcomes of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer managed with chemotherapy/radiochemotherapy with and without primary tumor resection

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, novel chemotherapeutic agents are first-line therapy for unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer, while benefits of noncurative primary tumor resection in advanced disease remain debatable.

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated outcomes of patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer receiving systemic chemotherapy with or without primary tumor resection.

Materials and methods

A database search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases identified 167 studies that were screened for relevance. After 119 were excluded, 48 were assessed for eligibility and 26 were included for meta-analysis, including 24 retrospective studies, one prospective study, and one randomized, controlled trial. Extracted data included patient demographics (age, sex), clinical data (tumor stage, metastasis), targeted therapy agents, and surgical data (with/without tumor resection). Patients’ overall and progression-free survival was compared between groups with/without primary tumor resection.

Results

The 26 studies included 43,903 patients with colorectal cancer, with 29,639 receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy plus primary tumor resection, and 14,264 managed medically with chemotherapy/chemoradiotherapy alone without primary tumor resection. Patients receiving primary tumor resection plus chemotherapy/radiotherapy had longer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR 0.59], 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.68; P<0.001), with significant differences in overall survival between patients with and without primary tumor resection (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.49–0.68; P<0.001). Longer overall survival was also found among patients receiving primary tumor resection who were treated with bevacizumab/cetuximab targeted therapy agents (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86; P=0.003). Patients from three studies who received primary tumor resection had longer progression-free survival (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.91; P=0.005). Results are limited by retrospective data, inconsistent complications data, and publication bias.

Conclusion

Study results support primary tumor resection in stage IV colorectal cancer, but significant biases in studies suggest that randomized trials are warranted to confirm findings.

Bevacizumab Efficacy Is Influenced by Primary Tumor Resection in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in a Retrospective Multicenter Study

INTRODUCTION

There is no predictive factor of response to bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, preclinical studies demonstrated an interaction between primary tumor and metastatic sites for the neoangiogenesis regulation. The primary objective of our study was to identify an effect of up-front primary tumor resection (UPTR) on bevacizumab efficacy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2010, we retrospectively analyzed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 316 patients with synchronous and metachronous metastatic colorectal cancer according to bevacizumab addition to first-line chemotherapy and UPTR.

RESULTS

Among 206 patients with UPTR, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy significantly improved OS compared to chemotherapy alone (29.8 vs. 23.9 months respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.83; P = .003). This effect was confirmed in multivariate analysis. There was also a nonsignificant trend toward improved PFS (9.7 vs. 8.4 months respectively; HR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.50-1.02; P = .062). Conversely, among 110 patients without UPTR, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy had no effect on OS compared to chemotherapy alone (18.2 vs. 19.3 months respectively; HR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65-1.42; P = .853). Bevacizumab significantly improved PFS (8.1 vs. 5.7 months respectively; HR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.96; P = .032) without confirmation in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, bevacizumab seems to improve OS only in patients with UPTR, which could suggest a complementarity of both therapeutic modalities for antiangiogenic effect.

Surgical Management of the Primary Tumor in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: A Confirmatory Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have suggested that patients with stage IV colorectal cancer who undergo surgical resection of the primary tumor (SRPT) have better survival. Yet the results are not confirmed in the setting of a randomized controlled trial. Lack of randomization and failure to control prognostic variables such as performance status are major critiques to the findings of the observational studies. We previously have shown that SRPT, independent of chemotherapy and performance status, improves survival of stage IV CRC patients. The current study aims to validate our findings in patients with stage IV CRC who were diagnosed during the period of modern chemotherapy.

METHODS

A cohort of 569 patients with stage IV CRC diagnosed during 2006-2010 in the province of Saskatchewan was evaluated. Cox regression model was used for the adjustment of prognostic variables.

RESULTS

Median age was 69 years (59-95) and M: F was 1.4:1. Fifty-seven percent received chemotherapy, 91.4% received FOLFIRI or FOLFOX & 67% received a biologic agent. Median overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent SRPT and received chemotherapy was 27 months compared with 14 months of the non-resection group (p<0.0001). Median OS of patients who received all active agents and had SRPT was 39 months (95%CI: 25.1-52.9). On multivariate analysis, SRPT, hazard ratio (HR):0.44 (95%CI: 0.35-0.56), use of chemotherapy, HR: 0.33 (95%CI: 0.26-0.43), metastasectomy, HR: 0.43 (95%CI: 0.31-0.58), second line therapy, HR: 0.50 (95%CI: 0.35-0.70), and third line therapy, HR: 0.58 (95%CI: 0.41-0.83) were correlated with superior survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms our findings and supports a favorable association between SRPT and survival in patients with stage IV CRC who are treated with modern therapy.

Control of primary lesions using resection or radiotherapy can improve the prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Control of the primary lesions in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is still controversial. For rectal cancer patients, not only resection but also irradiation is expected to provide palliative effects. We investigated the effects of resection and irradiation of primary lesions (local control) on the prognosis of mCRC patients.

PATIENTS

Forty-seven patients with mCRC at our institute were examined, with 34 in the local controlled group and 13 in the uncontrolled group.

RESULTS

The median survival time (MST) of the local controlled and uncontrolled groups were 2.90 and 1.39 years (P = 0.028). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that local control was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05). The patients who underwent primary lesion resection had significantly longer MST (2.90 vs. 1.39 years, P = 0.032) than those in the uncontrolled group. In rectal cancer patients, the patients who underwent irradiation to control the primary lesions had a significantly longer MST than the uncontrolled patient group (1.97 vs. 1.39 years, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Local control of primary lesions may improve the prognosis in mCRC patients. In rectal cancer patients with metastasis, not only resection but also irradiation of the primary lesions may be a useful therapeutic strategy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:75-79. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regional Lymph Nodes Status and Ratio of Metastatic to Examined Lymph Nodes Correlate with Survival in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Although lymph nodes status and the ratio of metastatic to examined lymph node (LNR) are important prognostic factors in early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), their significance in patients with metastatic disease remains unknown. The study aims to determine prognostic importance of nodal status and LNR in patients with stage IV CRC.

METHODS

A cohort of 1109 eligible patients who were diagnosed with synchronous metastatic CRC in Saskatchewan during 1992-2010 and underwent primary tumor resection was evaluated. We conducted the Cox proportional multivariate analyses to determine the prognostic significance of nodal status and LNR.

RESULTS

Median age was 70 years (22-98) and M:F was 1.2:1. Rectal cancer was found in 26 % of patients; 96 % had T3/T4 tumor, and 82 % had node positive disease. The median LNR was 0.36 (0-1.0). Fifty-four percent received chemotherapy. Median overall survival of patients who had LNR of <0.36 and received chemotherapy was 29.7 months (95 % CI 26.6-32.9) compared with 15.6 months (95 % CI 13.6-17.6) with LNR of ≥0.36 (P < .001). On multivariate analyses, no chemotherapy (HR 2.36 [2.0-2.79]), not having metastasectomy (HR 1.94 [1.63-2.32]), LNR ≥0.36 (HR 1.59 [1.38-1.84]). nodal status (HR 1.34 [1.14-1.59]), and T status (HR 1.23 [1.07-1.40]) were correlated with survival. Test for interaction was positive for LNR and high-grade cancer (HR 1.51 [1.10-2.10]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that nodal status and LNR are important prognostic factors independent of chemotherapy and metastasectomy in stage IV CRC patients.

Colon cancer with unresectable synchronous metastases: the AAAP scoring system for predicting the outcome after primary tumour resection

AIM

The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic scoring system to predict the outcome of patients with unresectable metastatic colon cancer who received primary colon tumour resection.

METHOD

Patients with confirmed metastatic colon cancer treated at the Peking University Cancer Hospital between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The correlation of clinicopathological factors with overall survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Independent prognostic factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and were then combined to form a prognostic scoring system.

RESULTS

A total of 110 eligible patients were included in the study. The median survival time was 10.4 months and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 21.8%. Age over 70 years, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level over 160 IU/l, ascites, a platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) above 162 and no postoperative therapy were independently associated with a shorter OS in multivariate analysis. Age, ALP, ascites and PLR were subsequently combined to form the so-called AAAP scoring system. Patients were classified into high, medium and low risk groups according to the score obtained. There were significant differences in OS between each group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Age, ALP, ascites, PLR and postoperative therapy were independent prognostic factors for survival of patients with metastatic colonic cancer who underwent primary tumour resection. The AAAP scoring system may be a useful tool for surgical decision making.

[Palliative surgery in visceral medicine. Exemplified by colorectal and gastric cancer]

BACKGROUND

The benefits of primary tumor resection in metastatic disease remains a matter of debate. Existing data are almost exclusively limited to results from retrospective analyses. Data from prospective, randomized trials are currently not available.

AIM

The results from two prospective observational studies involving gastric and rectal cancer patients are presented and discussed in the context of the available literature.

METHOD

Based on data collected within the prospective quality assurance studies on gastric and rectal cancer conducted by the Institute for Quality Assurance in Surgery at Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany, the long-term outcome after palliative primary tumor resection in patients with International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage IV rectal cancer (2005-2008, n = 2046) and metastatic gastric cancer (2007-2009, n = 687) was analyzed and compared to published data.

RESULTS

The median survival time following palliative primary tumor resection of UICC stage IV rectal cancer in the patients analyzed was 20 months. In patients with hepatic metastases undergoing metastasectomy the median survival was 38 months. This increased to 58 months for patients with lymph node negative primary tumors. In metastatic gastric cancer patients undergoing palliative (R2) gastric resection and also patients not undergoing surgery showed a prognostic benefit from palliative chemotherapy; however, the median survival time was significantly prolonged if palliative chemotherapy was preceded by resection of the primary tumor (11 versus 7 months, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Together with previously published data, the results from the two observational studies on rectal and gastric cancer presented here suggest a prognostic benefit from palliative resection of the primary tumor in metastatic disease.

Management of asymptomatic primary tumours in stage IV colorectal cancer: Review of outcomes

AIM: To compare outcomes for patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer and an asymptomatic primary tumour, undergoing primary tumour resection (PTR) plus palliative chemotherapy vs primary chemotherapy up-front.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included perioperative mortality, morbidity and delayed surgical intervention rates in patients undergoing PTR and subsequent complication rates in patients with an un-resected primary tumour. Tertiary outcomes included impact on systemic treatment and identification of prognostic factors relevant for survival in this cohort.

RESULTS: Twenty non-randomised studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies included comparative overall survival data. Three studies showed an overall survival advantage for PTR, 7 studies showed no statistically significant advantage, and 1 study showed a significant worsening in survival in the surgical group. The perioperative mortality rate ranged from 0% to 8.5%, and post-operative morbidity rate from 10% to 35%, mainly minor complications that did not preclude subsequent chemotherapy. The rate of delayed primary-tumour related symptoms, most commonly obstruction, in patients with an un-resected primary tumour ranged from 3% to 46%. The strongest independent poor prognostic factor was extensive hepatic metastases, in addition to poor performance status, M1b stage and non-use of modern chemotherapy agents.

CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, both PTR and up front chemotherapy appear appropriate initial management strategies, with a trend towards an overall survival advantage with PTR. The procedure has a low post-operative mortality, and most complications are transient and minor. The results of recruiting randomised trials are eagerly anticipated.

Primary Tumor Resection Is Associated with Improved Survival in Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: An Instrumental Variable Analysis

Primary tumor resection (PTR) is recommended for patients with unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) who present with symptoms related to their primary tumor. However, the survival benefit of PTR for asymptomatic patients is controversial. We investigated the change in PTR rates and the contribution of PTR to survival in patients with unresectable stage IV CRC over the past two decades in the United States. Clinicopathological factors and long-term survival were compared for 44 514 patients diagnosed with unresectable stage IV CRC from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2010, who had or had not undergone PTR. Multivariable Cox regression and the instrumental variable method were used to identify independent factors for survival. Of the 44 514 patients with unresectable stage IV CRC, 27 931 (62.7%) had undergone PTR. The annual rate of PTR decreased from 74.4% to 50.2% diagnosed in 1988 and 2010, and the median overall survival increased for both PTR and non-PTR patients. Instrumental variable analyses revealed that PTR was associated with better overall, cancer-specific, and other-cause survival of patients with unresectable stage IV CRC.

Maternal Antioxidant Levels in Pregnancy and Risk of Preeclampsia and Small for Gestational Age Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Oxidative stress in preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) birth suggests antioxidant supplementation could prevent these conditions. However, it remains unclear whether maternal antioxidant levels are systematically lower in these pregnancies.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the association between maternal antioxidant levels during pregnancy and preeclampsia or SGA.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and several other databases from 1970–2013 for observational studies that measured maternal blood levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E, and carotenoids) during pregnancy or within 72 hours of delivery. The entire review process was done in duplicate. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and additional questions. We pooled the standardized mean difference (SMD) across studies, stratified by outcome and pregnancy trimester, and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.

Results

We reviewed 1,882 unique citations and 64 studies were included. Most studies were small with important risk of bias. Among studies that addressed preeclampsia (n = 58) and SGA (n = 9), 16% and 66%, respectively, measured levels prior to diagnosis. The SMDs for vitamins A, C, and E were significantly negative for overall preeclampsia, but not for mild or severe preeclampsia subtypes. Significant heterogeneity was observed in all meta-analyses and most could not be explained. Evidence for lower carotenoid antioxidants in preeclampsia and SGA was limited and inconclusive. Publication bias appears likely.

Conclusions

Small, low-quality studies limit conclusions that can be drawn from the available literature. Observational studies inconsistently show that vitamins C and E or other antioxidants are lower in women who develop preeclampsia or SGA. Reverse causality remains a possible explanation for associations observed. New clinical trials are not warranted in light of this evidence; however, additional rigorous observational studies measuring antioxidant levels before clinical detection of preeclampsia and SGA may clarify whether levels are altered at a causally-relevant time of pregnancy.

Surgical Resection of Primary Tumor in Asymptomatic or Minimally Symptomatic Patients With Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: A Canadian Province Experience

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of the primary tumor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Survival benefit reported in the literature has been attributed to the selection of younger and healthier patients with good performance status. We have recently reported that resection of the primary tumor improved survival of patients with stage IV CRC. In this study we examined survival benefit of surgery in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic primary tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of patients with stage IV CRC and asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic primary tumor, who were diagnosed during the period of 1992 to 2005, in the province of Saskatchewan Canada, was evaluated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine prognostic importance of resection of primary tumor. A test for interaction was performed for resection of primary tumor and other important clinicopathological variables.

RESULTS

A total of 834 patients with a median age of 70 years (range, 22-93) and male:female ratio of 58:42 were identified. Among them 521 (63%) patients underwent surgery and 361 (43.3%) received chemotherapy. Patients who underwent surgery and received any chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 19.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.9-22.6) compared with 8.4 months (95% CI, 6.9-10.0) if they did not have surgery (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.36-0.53), surgical resection of the primary tumor (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.39-0.57), metastasectomy (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.62), and second-line chemotherapy (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58-0.92) were correlated with superior survival. A test for interaction between ≥ 1 metastatic sites and surgery was significant, which suggests a larger benefit of surgery in patients with stage IVA disease.

CONCLUSION

Results of this large population-based cohort study suggest that resection of the primary tumor in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with stage IV CRC improved survival independent of other prognostic variables. The benefit was more pronounced in stage IVA disease.

Advances in the management of colorectal cancer: from biology to treatment

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant neoplasm worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and prognosis of CRC with special emphasis on advances in the management of CRC over the past decade.

METHODS

A review of the published English literature was conducted using the search engines PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. A total of 127 relevant publications were identified for further review.

RESULTS

Most CRC are sporadic and are due to genetic instability and multiple somatic mutations. Approximately 80% of cancers are diagnosed at the early stage and are curable. The pathologic stage at presentation is the most important predictor of outcome after resection of early stage cancer. Surgery is the primary treatment modality for localized CRC. Advances in (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation have reduced the disease recurrence and increased survival in high risk diseases. Although recent advancements in combination chemotherapy and target agents have increased the survival of incurable CRC, it is remarkable that only selected patients with advanced CRC can be cured with multimodality therapy.

CONCLUSION

Over the past decade, there has seen substantial progress in our understanding of and in the management of CRC.

[Metastasized colonic cancer. When are there no indications for primary resection?]

The determination of an optimal treatment protocol for colonic cancer with synchronous incurable metastases remains a challenge, especially if the primary tumor is asymptomatic. Available data on whether resection of the primary tumor means a benefit or a danger to the patient are limited and inhomogeneous. A survival benefit could be shown only in retrospective studies with a bias against primary chemotherapy. The important question of the quality of life (QOL) remains completely unanswered in this respect. There are numerous groups and guidelines in favor of a primary palliative chemotherapy for these patients, possibly intensified by antibodies. The results of the currently ongoing randomized multicenter SYNCHRONUS study will deliver objective data facilitating the decision-making process with respect to the indications for resection of the primary tumor or primary chemotherapy.

Survival impact of surgical resection of primary tumor in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: results from a large population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is very low-quality evidence available regarding benefit of surgical resection of the primary tumor (SRPT), in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC). In the absence of randomization, the reported benefit may reflect selection of younger and healthier patients with good performance status. A large population-based cohort study was undertaken to determine the survival benefit of SRPT in advanced CRC by eliminating various biases reported in the literature.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving patients with stage IV CRC, diagnosed between 1992 and 2005, in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Survival was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival distribution was compared by log-rank test. Cox proportional multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine survival benefit of SRPT by controlling other prognostic variables.

RESULTS

A total of 1378 eligible patients were identified. Their median age was 70 years (range, 22-98 years) and male:female ratio was 1.3:1; 944 (68.5%) of them underwent SRPT. Among 1378 patients, 42.3% received chemotherapy and 19.1% received second-generation therapy. Patients who underwent SRPT and received chemotherapy had median overall survival of 18.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.6-20 months) compared with 8.4 months (95% CI = 7.1-9.7 months) if they were treated with chemotherapy alone (P < .0001). Cox proportional analysis revealed that use of chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.41-0.54), SRPT (HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.41-0.58), second-line chemotherapy (HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.45-0.64), and metastasectomy (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.45-0.64) were correlated with superior survival.

CONCLUSIONS

SRPT improves survival in patients with stage IV CRC, independent of other prognostic variables including age, performance status, comorbid illness and chemotherapy.