Altered CELF4 splicing factor enhances pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors aggressiveness influencing mTOR and everolimus response

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors with growing incidence. Recent molecular analyses provided a precise picture of their genomic and epigenomic landscape. Splicing dysregulation is increasingly regarded as a novel cancer hallmark influencing key tumor features. We have previously demonstrated that splicing machinery is markedly dysregulated in PanNETs. Here, we aimed to elucidate the molecular and functional implications of CUGBP ELAV-like family member 4 (CELF4), one of the most altered splicing factors in PanNETs. CELF4 expression was determined in 20 PanNETs, comparing tumor and non-tumoral adjacent tissue. An RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset was analyzed to explore CELF4-linked interrelations among clinical features, gene expression, and splicing events. Two PanNET cell lines were employed to assess CELF4 function in vitro and in vivo. PanNETs display markedly upregulated CELF4 expression, which is closely associated with malignancy features, altered expression of key tumor players, and distinct splicing event profiles. Modulation of CELF4 influenced proliferation in vitro and reduced in vivo xenograft tumor growth. Interestingly, functional assays and RNA-seq analysis revealed that CELF4 silencing altered mTOR signaling pathway, enhancing the effect of everolimus. We demonstrate that CELF4 is dysregulated in PanNETs, where it influences tumor development and aggressiveness, likely by modulating the mTOR pathway, suggesting its potential as therapeutic target.

Laparoscopic versus open approach for interval cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a matched comparative study

BACKGROUND

The use of the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of carcinomatosis from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of both laparoscopic and open approach for interval CRS+HIPEC in a matched cohort of patients with advanced EOC.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database including 254 patients treated with interval CRS-HIPEC between January 2016 and December 2021 was performed. Patients with primary disease and limited carcinomatosis (PCI ≤ 10) were selected. A comparative analysis of patients treated by either open (O-CRS-HIPEC) or the laparoscopic (L-CRS-HIPEC) approach was conducted. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and perioperative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were finally selected and enrolled into two comparable groups in this study. Of these, 14 patients were treated by interval L-CRS-HIPEC and 39 by interval O-CRS-HIPEC. The L-CRS-HIPEC group had a shorter hospital stay (5.6 ± 1.9 vs. 9.7 ± 9.8 days; p < 0.001) and a shorter time to return to systemic chemotherapy (4.3 ± 1.9 vs. 10.3 ± 16.8 weeks; p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between both groups. The 2-year OS and DFS was 100% and 62% in the L-CRS-HIPEC group versus 92% and 60% in the O-CRS-HIPEC group, respectively (p = 0.96; p = 0.786).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the use of interval L-CRS-HIPEC for primary advanced EOC is associated with shorter hospital stay and return to systemic treatment while obtaining similar oncological results compared to the open approach. Further prospective research is needed to recommend this new approach for these strictly selected patients.

Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death Simultaneous Pancreas - Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes and renal failure. The use of pancreas grafts from donation after circulatory death (DCD), using normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), is still marginal worldwide, mainly due to possible additional risks of graft dysfunction and complications compared with grafts from donors after brain death.

METHODS

Case series of patients who underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation after DCD-NRP between January 2018 and September 2022. This study evaluated early postoperative grafts and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

Four patients were included. One patient lost the pancreatic graft due to arterial thrombosis requiring transplantectomy. Another patient required a laparotomy due to hemoperitoneum. Overall, 1-year pancreas and kidney graft survival was 75% and 100%, respectively. One patient developed a lymphoma during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The use of pancreas grafts from DCD after NRP preservation is safe and feasible. Comparative studies with donors after brain death grafts and larger series are required to confirm the feasibility of DCD-NRP pancreas transplantation.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Urothelial Origin: a Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Urothelial carcinomas (UC) are the fourth most common tumours. Approximately, 50% of patients with invasive bladder cancer relapse after radical cistectomy (RC). In this report, we present the case of peritoneal carcinomatosis from bladder UC treated with cytoreductive surgery plus the administration of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC).

Case Presentation

A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer with peritoneal recurrence in 2017. She underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC with mitomycin C. Histopathological results showed metastases from UC in the left ovary and right diaphragmatic peritoneum. In 2021, the patient underwent surgery after treatment with atezolizumab for abdominal wall recurrence. Today, the patient is alive and free of tumor recurrence 12 months after the last surgery.

Discussion

Despite advances in surgical technique and patient selection, the risk of relapse remains high among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We face the case of a young female patient with local, peritoneal, and lymphatic recurrence of bladder cancer after RC who had a partial response to chemotherapy. The possibility of CRS + HIPEC is offered by the surgical oncology unit, referent in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Surgery is capable of resecting residual tumor in patients with a partial response or who have been erroneously underdiagnosed.

Conclusion

CRS + HIPEC might be a valid option to be considered in well-selected patients and to be performed in reference units. There is a need for more collaborative clinical trials and prospective studies addressing the role of surgery in patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

Learning curve for minimal invasive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedures

PURPOSE

The benefits of the minimally invasive approach for performing cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (L-CRS + HIPEC) have been described previously, associating an early recovery with similar oncologic outcomes in patients with limited peritoneal carcinomatosis. Currently, no studies are focusing on the learning curve for this emerging procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the L-CRS + HIPEC learning curve and its knock-on effect on the perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

We identified all consecutive unselected patients who underwent L-CRS + HIPEC by a single surgeon between April 2016 and January 2022 (n = 51). Patients who underwent risk-reducing CRS + HIPEC (PCI = 0) or initial conversion due to an intraoperative PCI > 10 were excluded from the final analysis. To evaluate the learning curve, perioperative data were analysed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Major morbidity occurred in one patient (3.8%). The difficulty of the L-CRS + HIPEC procedures was categorised as low in 23.1% (n = 6), intermediate in 19.2% (n = 5), and advanced in 57.7% (n = 15). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.5 days. No patient had a conversion to open surgery. The learning curve was divided into two distinct phases: the learning phase (1-14) and the consolidation phase (15-26). A significant decrease in the operative time (375 ± 103.1 vs 239.2 ± 63.6 min) was observed with no differences in complexity, the number of peritonectomy procedures, or morbidity.

CONCLUSION

L-CRS + HIPEC is a complex procedure that must be performed in a high-volume and experienced oncologic unit, requiring a learning curve to achieve the consolidation condition, which could be established after 14 procedures.

Intraoperative oxygen tension and redox homeostasis in Pseudomyxoma peritonei: A short case series

Introduction

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignant disease characterized by a massive multifocal accumulation of mucin within the peritoneal cavity. The current treatment option is based on complete cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. However, the recurrence is frequent with subsequent progression and death. To date, most of the studies published in PMP are related to histological and genomic analyses. Thus, the need for further studies unveiling the underlying PMP molecular mechanisms is urgent. In this regard, hypoxia and oxidative stress have been extensively related to tumoral pathologies, although their contribution to PMP has not been elucidated.

Methods

In this manuscript, we have evaluated, for the first time, the intratumoral real-time oxygen microtension (pO2mt) in the tumor (soft and hard mucin) and surrounding healthy tissue from five PMP patients during surgery. In addition, we measured hypoxia (Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1a; HIF-1α) and oxidative stress (catalase; CAT) markers in soft and hard mucin from the same five PMP patient samples and in five control samples.

Results

The results showed low intratumoral oxygen levels, which were associated with increased HIF-1α protein levels, suggesting the presence of a hypoxic environment in these tumors. We also found a significant reduction in CAT activity levels in soft and hard mucin compared with healthy tissue samples.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study provides the first evidence of low intratumoral oxygen levels in PMP patients associated with hypoxia and oxidative stress markers. However, further investigation is required to understand the potential role of oxidative stress in PMP in order to find new therapeutic strategies.

Intraoperative metabolic changes associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) causes considerable hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic changes during the perioperative period.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate metabolic changes associated with this procedure. Understanding perioperative factors and their association with morbidity may improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing this treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All consecutive unselected patients who underwent CRS plus HIPEC between January 2018 and December 2020 (n = 219) were included.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58 ± 11.7 years and 167 (76.3%) were female. The most frequent histology diagnosis was serous ovarian carcinoma 49.3% (n = 108) and colon carcinoma 36.1% (n = 79). Mean peritoneal cancer index was 14.07 ± 10.47. There were significant variations in pH, lactic acid, sodium, potassium, glycemia, bicarbonate, excess bases, and temperature (p < 0.05) between the pre-HIPEC and post-HIPEC periods. The closed HIPEC technique resulted in higher levels of temperature than the open technique (p < 0.05). Age, potassium level post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia were identified as prognostic factors for morbidity in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The administration of HIPEC after CRS causes significant changes in internal homeostasis. Although the closed technique causes a greater increase in temperature, it is not related to higher morbidity rates. The patient's age, post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia are predictive factors for morbidity.

Short- and Long-Term Intestinal Complications After Combined Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease, because it improves survival and quality of life. Currently, enteric exocrine drainage is the most commonly used method. Intestinal complications continue to be a major cause of posttransplant morbidity despite improvements in surgical technique. This study analyzed early and late intestinal complications related to SPK transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 100 adult patients undergoing SPK transplantation between January 2009 and December 2019. We performed systemic venous drainage and exocrine enteric drainage with duodenojejunostomy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v2. This study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Istanbul and the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study.

RESULTS

Intestinal complications were reported in 18 patients. Ten patients (10%) had the following early intestinal complications including: ileus (n = 4), intestinal obstruction (n = 2), graft volvulus (n = 1), duodenal graft fistula (n = 1), and jejunal fistula after pancreas transplantation (n = 1). Two cases required relaparotomy: graft repositioning with Roux-en-Y conversion (n = 1) and Y-roux conversion (n = 1). Eight patients had repeated episodes of intestinal obstruction (8%), of whom 2 required surgery for resolution with 100% postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SPK transplantation with enteric drainage via duodenojejunostomy has a low rate of short- and long-term postoperative intestinal complications. Surgery in patients with recurrent intestinal obstruction has a high mortality risk and should be performed in reference transplant centers.

The Role of Intraperitoneal Intraoperative Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel in the Surgical Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Ovarian Cancer—Hyperthermia versus Normothermia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The treatment of ovarian carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is still controversial. The effect and pharmacokinetics of the chemotherapeutics used (especially taxanes) are currently under consideration. Methods: A phase II, simple blind and randomized controlled trial (NTC02739698) was performed. The trial included 32 patients with primary or recurrent ovarian carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel (PTX): 16 in hyperthermic (42–43 °C) and 16 in normothermic (37 °C) conditions. Tissue, serum and plasma samples were taken in every patient before and after intraperitoneal chemotherapy to measure the concentration of PTX. To analyze the immunohistochemical profile of p53, p27, p21, ki67, PCNA and caspase-3 and the pathological response, a scale of intensity and percentage of expression and a grouped Miller and Payne system were used, respectively. Perioperative characteristics and morbi-mortality were also analyzed. Results: The main characteristics of patients, surgical morbidity, hemotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were similar in both groups. The concentration of paclitaxel in the tissue was higher than that observed in plasma and serum, although no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. No statistically significant association regarding pathological response and apoptosis (caspase-3) between both groups was proved. There were no statistically significant differences between the normothermic and the hyperthermic group for pathological response and apoptosis. Conclusions: The use of intraperitoneal PTX has proven adequate pharmacokinetics with reduction of cell cycle and proliferation markers globally without finding statistically significant differences between its administration under hyperthermia versus normothermia conditions.

Deciphering CHFR Role in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Checkpoint with forkhead-associated and ring finger domains (CHFR) has been proposed as a predictive and prognosis biomarker for different tumor types, but its role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was two-pronged: to review the role of CHFR in PDAC and evaluating CHFR as a potential predictive biomarker in this disease. For this purpose, we first explored the CHFR messenger (m)RNA expression and promoter methylation through the TCGA database. Secondly, the CHFR expression and promoter methylation were prospectively evaluated in a cohort of patients diagnosed with borderline (n = 19) or resectable (n = 16) PDAC by immunohistochemistry (IHC), methylation specific-PCR (MSP), and pyrosequencing. The results from the TCGA database showed significant differences in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) based on the CHFR mRNA expression, which was likely independent from the promoter methylation. Importantly, our results showed that in primarily resected patients and also the entire cohort, a higher CHFR expression as indicated by the higher IHC staining intensity might identify patients with longer disease-free survival (DFS) and OS, respectively. Similarly, in the same cohorts, patients with lower methylation levels by pyrosequencing showed significantly longer OS than patients without this pattern. Both, the CHFR expression intensity and its promoter methylation were established as independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS in the entire cohort. In contrast, no significant differences were found between different methylation patterns for CHFR and the response to taxane-based neoadjuvant treatment. These results suggest the potential role of the higher expression of CHFR and the methylation pattern of its promoter as potential prognostic biomarkers in PDAC, thus warranting further comprehensive studies to extend and confirm our preliminary findings.

Dysregulated splicing factor SF3B1 unveils a dual therapeutic vulnerability to target pancreatic cancer cells and cancer stem cells with an anti-splicing drug

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer, requiring novel treatments to target both cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Altered splicing is emerging as both a novel cancer hallmark and an attractive therapeutic target. The core splicing factor SF3B1 is heavily altered in cancer and can be inhibited by Pladienolide-B, but its actionability in PDAC is unknown. We explored the presence and role of SF3B1 in PDAC and interrogated its potential as an actionable target.

Methods

SF3B1 was analyzed in PDAC tissues, an RNA-seq dataset, and publicly available databases, examining associations with splicing alterations and key features/genes. Functional assays in PDAC cell lines and PDX-derived CSCs served to test Pladienolide-B treatment effects in vitro, and in vivo in zebrafish and mice.

Results

SF3B1 was overexpressed in human PDAC and associated with tumor grade and lymph-node involvement. SF3B1 levels closely associated with distinct splicing event profiles and expression of key PDAC players (KRAS, TP53). In PDAC cells, Pladienolide-B increased apoptosis and decreased multiple tumor-related features, including cell proliferation, migration, and colony/sphere formation, altering AKT and JNK signaling, and favoring proapoptotic splicing variants (BCL-XS/BCL-XL, KRASa/KRAS, Δ133TP53/TP53). Importantly, Pladienolide-B similarly impaired CSCs, reducing their stemness capacity and increasing their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Pladienolide-B also reduced PDAC/CSCs xenograft tumor growth in vivo in zebrafish and in mice.

Conclusion

SF3B1 overexpression represents a therapeutic vulnerability in PDAC, as altered splicing can be targeted with Pladienolide-B both in cancer cells and CSCs, paving the way for novel therapies for this lethal cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02153-9.

Molecular diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome in obese and non-obese women by targeted plasma miRNA profiling

OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed based on the clinical signs, but its presentation is heterogeneous and potentially confounded by concurrent conditions, such as obesity and insulin resistance. miRNA have recently emerged as putative pathophysiological and diagnostic factors in PCOS. However, no reliable miRNA-based method for molecular diagnosis of PCOS has been reported. The aim of this study was to develop a tool for accurate diagnosis of PCOS by targeted miRNA profiling of plasma samples, defined on the basis of unbiased biomarker-finding analyses and biostatistical tools.

METHODS

A case-control PCOS cohort was cross-sectionally studied, including 170 women classified into four groups: non-PCOS/lean, non-PCOS/obese, PCOS/lean, and PCOS/obese women. High-throughput miRNA analyses were performed in plasma, using NanoString technology and a 800 human miRNA panel, followed by targeted quantitative real-timePCR validation. Statistics were applied to define optimal normalization methods, identify deregulated biomarker miRNAs, and build classification algorithms, considering PCOS and obesity as major categories.

RESULTS

The geometric mean of circulating hsa-miR-103a-3p, hsa-miR-125a-5p, and hsa-miR-1976, selected among 125 unchanged miRNAs, was defined as optimal reference for internal normalization (named mR3-method). Ten miRNAs were identified and validated after mR3-normalization as differentially expressed across the groups. Multinomial least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and decision-tree models were built to reliably discriminate PCOS vs non-PCOS, either in obese or non-obese women, using subsets of these miRNAs as performers.

CONCLUSIONS

We define herein a robust method for molecular classification of PCOS based on unbiased identification of miRNA biomarkers and decision-tree protocols. This method allows not only reliable diagnosis of non-obese women with PCOS but also discrimination between PCOS and obesity.

CAPSULE

We define a novel protocol, based on plasma miRNA profiling, for molecular diagnosis of PCOS. This tool not only allows proper discrimination of the condition in non-obese women but also permits distinction between PCOS and obesity, which often display overlapping clinical presentations.

Epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulation of somatostatin receptor subtype 5 (SST5 ) in pituitary and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Somatostatin receptor subtype 5 (SST₅) is an emerging biomarker and actionable target in pituitary (PitNETs) and pancreatic (PanNETs) neuroendocrine tumors. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of SSTR5 gene expression and mRNA biogenesis is poorly understood. Recently, an overlapping natural antisense transcript, SSTR5‐AS1, potentially regulating SSTR5 expression, was identified. We aimed to elucidate whether epigenetic processes contribute to the regulation of SSTR5 expression in PitNETs (somatotropinomas) and PanNETs. We analyzed the SSTR5/SSTR5‐AS1 human locus in silico to identify CpG islands. SSTR5 and SSTR5‐AS1 expression was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) in 27 somatotropinomas, 11 normal pituitaries (NPs), and 15 PanNETs/paired adjacent (control) samples. We evaluated methylation grade in four CpG islands in the SSTR5/SSTR5‐AS1 genes. Results revealed that SSTR5 and SSTR5‐AS1 were directly correlated in NP, somatotropinoma, and PanNET samples. Interestingly, selected CpG islands were differentially methylated in somatotropinomas compared with NPs. In PanNETs cell lines, SSTR5‐AS1 silencing downregulated SSTR5 expression, altered aggressiveness features, and influenced pasireotide response. These results provide evidence that SSTR5 expression in PitNETs and PanNETs can be epigenetically regulated by the SSTR5‐AS1 antisense transcript and, indirectly, by DNA methylation, which may thereby impact tumor behavior and treatment response.

A Proposal for Modification of the PSOGI Classification According to the Ki-67 Proliferation Index in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare malignancy, classified according to the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) classification, whose response to treatment remains highly heterogeneous within the high-grade (HG) category. Molecular profiling of PMP cases might help to better categorize patients and predict treatment responses.

METHODS

We studied the Ki-67 proliferation rate and P53 overexpression in tissue samples from our historical cohort of HG-PMP patients. We established as cut-off levels the third quartile of each marker to perform univariate and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses. According to these results, the HG-PMP category was divided into subcategories and a new survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 90/117 patients with PMP undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were selected for secondary analysis. The survival analysis of the HG-PMP category for preoperative variables showed that a proliferation index defined by Ki-67 >15% is a bad prognostic factor, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-8.25). Accordingly, the HG-PMP group was divided using the Ki-67 15% cut-off. The new PSOGI/Ki-67 variable was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS), with an HR of 3.74 (95% CI 1.88-7.47), and disease-free survival (DFS), with an HR of 4.184 (95% CI 1.79-9.75). The estimated 5-year OS rate was 100%, 70% and 24% for the LG-PMP, HG-PMP ≤15% and HG-PMP >15% groups, respectively (p = 0.0001), while the 5-year DFS rate was 90%, 44% and 0%, respectively (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Division of the HG-PMP category of the PSOGI classification, according to the Ki-67 proliferation index, provides two well-defined subcategories, with significant differences in terms of OS and DFS, and hence high prognostic value.

From the Ronnett to the PSOGI Classification System for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Validation Study

BACKGROUND

Several classifications have been used for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), and among these, the Ronnett classification is the most commonly used. However, a new consensual Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) classification has recently been proposed. Nonetheless, to date, the ability of the PSOGI classification to predict survival based on its different disease histologic categories has not been validated.

METHODS

This study enrolled 117 patients with PMP who had undergone cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) between 1997 and 2020. Cox proportional hazards regression models and time-dependent curve receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to assess the predictive capacity of both classification systems for the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of these patients.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the 5-year OS rate were found for the different histologic grades according to each of the classifications. The completeness of cytoreduction score (CCS) was identified as a factor that predicted patient OS prognosis (p = 0.006). According to the time-dependent ROC curves at the "100" time point, adjusted by the CCS and DFS, the capacity to predict OS was optimal and achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of about 69% for OS and approximately 62% for DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the Ronnett and PSOGI classifications were able to predict survival optimally for this patient cohort. However, when the classifications were adjusted by the CCS, the predictive availability for OS was better with the PSOGI classification than with the Ronnett classification.

Secondary surgical cytoreduction needs to be assessed taking into account surgical technique, completeness of cytoreduction, and extent of disease

Recent evidence suggested that secondary surgical cytoreduction followed by chemotherapy does not result in longer overall survival in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.

This statement is based on a phase III multicenter, randomized clinical trial that lacks a description of the surgical protocol, the surgical technique, and the surgical variables. In a study that evaluates surgical cytoreduction, it is mandatory to assess the grade of cytoreductive surgery achieved (Sugarbaker PH, Langenbeck’s Arch Surg 384:576–87, 1999), the extent of disease using PCI (Peritoneal Cancer Index), the technique itself, and the existence of a multidisciplinary approach with extensive upper abdominal procedures in experienced centers (Ren et al, BMC Cancer 15:1-12, 2015). There is evidence proving that the quality of cytoreduction (Al Rawahi et al, Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013, 2013), the measurement of the amount of disease by PCI (Elzarkaa et al, J Gynecol Oncol 29, 2018), and a multidisciplinary approach with supramesocolic procedures (Ren et al, BMC Cancer 15:1-12, 2015) impact overall survival.

This study fails to compare chemotherapy with secondary cytoreductive surgery since, due to the lack of variables, we can assess neither the performed surgery nor its criteria. This study should not be taken into account to recommend chemotherapy alone over a surgical approach in this group of patients.

Systemic inflammatory markers for the detection of infectious complications and safe discharge after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) in patients with ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis may be associated with a high postoperative morbidity. An early discrimination of postoperative complications is crucial for both improving clinical outcomes and proposing a safe discharge.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a cohort of 122 patients with advanced ovarian cancer (FIGO III-IV), we analyzed the diagnostic performance of three systemic inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and systemic immune-inflammation index) between the 5th to 8th postoperative days to prediction postoperative infectious complications. An optimal cut-off value was established in order to discriminate between the group of patients who developed infectious complications or not during the postoperative period.

RESULTS

The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was 15. The overall infectious morbidity was 25.4% (31 patients out of 122), of which, 32% (10 patients out of 31) had suffered severe postoperative complications (Dindo-Clavien III-IV). The most accurate results for detecting infectious complications were obtained by using C-reactive protein, which presented an excellent diagnostic performance, especially on the 7th and 8th postoperative days (AUC = 0,857 and 0,920; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results support that it is safe to discharge patients with C-reactive protein concentrations lower than 88 mg/L and 130 mg/L, on the 7th and 8th postoperative days, respectively.

Colorectal peritoneal metastases: Optimal management review

The peritoneum is a common site of dissemination for colorrectal cancer, with a poorer prognosis than other sites of metastases. In the last two decades, it has been considered as a locoregional disease progression and treated as such with curative intention treatments. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the actual reference treatment for these patients as better survival results have been reached as compared to systemic chemotherapy alone, but its therapeutic efficacy is still under debate. Actual guidelines recommend that the management of colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases should be led by a multidisciplinary team carried out in experienced centers and consider CRS + HIPEC for selected patients. Accumulative evidence in the last three years suggests that this is a curative treatment that may improve patients disease-free survival, decrease the risk of recurrence, and does not increase the risk of treatment-related mortality. In this review we aim to gather the latest results from referral centers and opinions from experts about the effectiveness and feasibility of CRS + HIPEC for treating peritoneal disease from colorectal malignancies.

"Super-rapid" Technique in Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Donors: Advantages and Disadvantages

In recent years, donation after circulatory death (DCD) has increased as an option to overcome the organ donor shortage crisis and to decrease the large number of patients on liver transplant waiting lists. The "super-rapid" technique is now the "gold standard" procurement method because of its availability, reproducibility, low cost, and extensive experience. Recently, extracorporeal support has been implemented, with encouraging results. Strict donor acceptance criteria have proven to be essential to optimize the DCD liver graft outcomes and minimize biliary complication rates. In this study we assessed the state of the art of DCD liver transplantation with regard to its development and the actual strategies to prevent graft complications, with aim of expanding the pool of marginal liver donors.

What Is the Influence of Both Risk Donor and Risk Receiver on Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation?

INTRODUCTION

Some factors affect the pancreas of a marginal donor, and although their influence on graft survival has been determined, there is an increasing consensus to accept marginal organs in a controlled manner to increase the pool of organs. Certain factors related to the recipient have also been proposed as having negative influence on graft prognosis. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of these factors on the results of our simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 126 SPK transplants. Donors and recipients were stratified in an optimal group (<2 expanded donor criteria) and a risk group (≥2 criteria). A pancreatic graft survival analysis was performed using a Kaplan-Meier test and log-rank test. Prognostic variables on graft survival were studied by Cox regression. Postoperative complications (graded by Clavien classification) were compared by χ² test or Fisher test.

RESULTS

Median survival of pancreas was 66 months, with no significant difference between groups (P > .05). Multivariate analysis showed risk factors to be donor age, cold ischemia time, donor body mass index, receipt body mass index, and receipt panel-reactive antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, the use of pancreatic grafts from donors with expanded criteria is safe and has increased the pool of grafts. Different variables, both donor and recipient, influence the survival of the pancreatic graft and should be taken into account in organ distribution systems.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei treated by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: results from a single centre

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, slowly progressive disease whose prognosis depends primarily on the completeness of cytoreduction. The value of intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and of additional factors predicting long-term outcome and disease-free survival (DFS) remains poorly understood. This study aims to analyse survival rates and prognostic factors in patients undergoing maximal cytoreduction and HIPEC.

METHODS

Thirty patients were selected from a prospective database of records for patients undergoing cytoreduction and HIPEC with mitomycin C or paclitaxel. Overall survival (OS), DFS, and the prognostic factors influencing them, were examined using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 44 months (range, 8-144). Histological classification of PMPs was DPAM in 6/30 of cases, PMCA-I in 10/30 and PMCA in 14/30. Complete cytoreduction (CC-0 and CC-1) was achieved in 28/30 of patients and CC-2 in 2/30. Median OS was 111 months (range 0-230) and five-year OS rate was 67%. Median DFS was 53.5 months (range 0-120) and 5-year DFS rate was 44%. Incomplete cytoreduction, lymph node involvement and PCI>20 were associated with poor prognosis for OS, while lymph node involvement, elevated CA-125 levels, unfavourable histology and previous chemotherapy were associated with poor outcomes for DFS. There was morbidity of Grade 3 or higher in 9/30. Post-operative mortality occurred in 1 case.

CONCLUSION

Cytoreduction plus peritonectomy procedures combined with HIPEC is a safe treatment and could improve survival rates. Since the optimal cytoreduction is the primary prognostic factor, patients should be centralised under the care of experienced teams.

Neoadjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy with paclitaxel for the radical surgical treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis in ovarian cancer: a prospective pilot study

PURPOSE

The admitted benefits of intraperitoneal chemotherapy during postoperative administration for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian origin are limited by their associated morbidity and restricted diffusion by the presence of multiple intra-abdominal adherences. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the security, effectiveness, and cytoreduction optimization of intraperitoneal paclitaxel administration previously to radical surgery/peritonectomy/HIPEC (hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy) either in monotherapy or combined with intravenous carboplatin.

METHODS

Prospective pilot study of 10 patients with ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis in stage IIIc-FIGO without previous treatment. After staging of the diseases by laparoscopy, five patients received paclitaxel by weekly intraperitoneal administration (60 mg/m(2), 10 cycles), and other five patients additionally received intravenous carboplatin every 21 days (AUC 6, 4 cycles). Subsequently radical surgery/peritonectomy with HIPEC was performed.

RESULTS

The presence of moderate abdominal pain was the most common (70%) side effect associated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel intraperitoneal administration. The intravenous carboplatin administration was not associated with significant increase in adverse effects. It boosted intraperitoneal paclitaxel-associated antitumoral activity with a high average decrease in Index Cancer Peritoneal (21.2 vs. 14.4, P = 0.066) and CA 125(1,053 vs. 346, P = 0.043). All the patients who received combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy obtained R0 cytoreduction. Five-year overall survival was 62%.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraperitoneal paclitaxel weekly administration combined with intravenous carboplatin administration prior to radical surgery/peritonectomy with HIPEC is a safe and effective option in the treatment of ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis. This study shows the possibility to investigate other forms of intraperitoneal chemotherapy and their combinations thoroughly.