Implications of drug intoxication on donor utilization and outcomes in liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluates the implications of drug intoxication (DI) on donor utilization and outcomes in liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

The UNOS STAR database was evaluated for all potential donors and adult, first-time, whole LT between 2005 and 2019. Logistic regression analyses evaluated liver utilization; proportional hazards modeling assessed risk of 1-year graft loss.

RESULTS

A total of 132 783 potential donors (10 205, 7.7% from DI), and 90 612 adult LT were identified (7490, 8.3% from DI). DI donors had median age 32 years (IQR 26-40 years, p < .001), were 42.6% female (n = 4346), and 15.5% were DCD donors (n = 1583). Utilization of DI donors changed over time, such that by 2015-2019 they were the most likely donor cause of death (COD) to be utilized. Among LT recipients, there were insignificant differences (<2% variance) in age, gender, ethnicity, and etiology of liver disease according to donor COD. Recipients with MELD scores >30 more frequently received grafts from donors with trauma (23.8%) and DI (21.8%) versus cardiovascular (20.0%) and CVA/stroke (19.9%, p < .001). Among DBD donors, DI-COD was associated with superior 1-year graft survival compared to donors from trauma (HR 1.172, 95% CI 1.057-1.300) and CVA/stroke (HR 1.404, 95% CI 1.264-1.561, p < .001). Donor COD was not significantly associated with 1-year graft loss among DCD donors.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increased likelihood of donor utilization when COD is drug overdose and an increased likelihood of 1-year graft survival compared to donors from trauma, CVA/stroke, and other COD.

The Disproportionate Rise in Pancreatic Cancer in Younger Women Is Due to a Rise in Adenocarcinoma and Not Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Nationwide Time-Trend Analysis Using 2001-2018 United States Cancer Statistics Databases

In previous studies, a significant increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer among younger women compared to men in the United States was noted. However, the specific histopathologic characteristics were not delineated. This population-based study aimed to assess whether this disproportionate rise in pancreatic cancer in younger women was contributed by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET). The United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database was used to identify patients with pancreatic cancer between 2001 and 2018. The results showed that, in younger adults, the incidence of PDAC has increased in women [average annual percentage change (AAPC) = 0.62%], while it has remained stable in men (AAPC = -0.09%). The PDAC incidence rate among women increased at a greater rate compared to men with a statistically significant difference in AAPC (p < 0.001), with neither identical nor parallel trends. In contrast, cases of PanNET did not demonstrate a statistically significant sex-specific AAPC difference. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the dramatic increase in the incidence rate of PDAC explains the disproportionate rise in pancreatic cancer incidence in younger women. This prompts further prospective studies to investigate the underlying reasons for these sex-specific disparities in PDAC.

Recent advances in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Liver cancer remains a challenge of global health, being the 4th leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and is usually precipitated by chronic viral infections (hepatitis B and C), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, heavy alcohol use, and other factors which may lead to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver. There have been significant advances in the systemic treatment options for HCC over the past decades, with several approvals of both immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with preserved liver function. These advances have led to improvement in survival outcomes, with expected survival of greater than 18 months, in those with sensitive tumors, adequate liver function, and those functionally fit to receive sequential therapies. Several ongoing and promising trials are now evaluating combinational strategies with novel systemic agents and combinations of systemic therapy with locoregional therapy. In view of these trials, further advances in the treatment of HCC are foreseen in the near future.

Pancreatoblastoma in Elderly Adults: Report of Two Patients

Introduction. Pancreatoblastoma is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas, which often shows multiple lines of differentiation, but is defined by neoplastic cells with acinar differentiation and characteristic squamoid nests. Pediatric patients are most commonly affected, and although a subset is known to occur in adults, the diagnosis is rarely considered in elderly adults. Methods. The clinicopathologic features of two cases of pancreatoblastoma in elderly patients were examined. Results. Two patients (age 80 and 81 years) presented with pancreatoblastoma, including one with early-stage pancreatic disease and one with liver metastasis. Biopsies and one pancreatic resection specimen showed characteristic histomorphologic features, including prominent acinar differentiation and abundant squamoid nests. Both cases had complete loss of SMAD4 (DPC4) immunolabeling. Next generation sequencing was performed on one case and revealed copy number loss of chromosome 11p and 9p21 (CDKN2A/B) and pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in APC, SMAD4, and PIK3CA. The APC and SMAD4 variants occurred at allele frequencies suggestive of germline mutations, raising the possibility that this patient may have an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome. Conclusions. We present two cases which extend the upper age limit for reported pancreatoblastoma, including one with genetic findings suggestive of an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome.

Increasing Pancreatic Cancer Incidence in Young Women in the United States: A Population-Based Time-Trend Analysis, 2001-2018

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Previous studies have shown an increasing incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC), especially in younger women; however, this has not been externally validated. In addition, there are limited data about contributing factors to this trend. We report age and sex-specific time-trend analysis of PC age-adjusted incidence rates (aIRs) using the National Program of Cancer Registries database without Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results data.

METHODS

PC aIR, mortality rates, annual percentage change, and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were calculated and assessed for parallelism and identicalness. Age-specific analyses were conducted in older (≥55 years) and younger (<55 years) adults. PC incidence based on demographics, tumor characteristics, and mortality were evaluated in younger adults.

RESULTS

A total of 454,611 patients were diagnosed with PC between 2001 and 2018 with significantly increasing aIR in women (AAPC = 1.27%) and men (AAPC = 1.14%) without a difference (P = .37). Similar results were seen in older adults. However, in younger adults (53,051 cases; 42.9% women), women experienced a greater increase in aIR than men (AAPCs = 2.36%, P < .001 vs 0.62%, P = 0.62) with nonparallel trends (P < .001) and AAPC difference of 1.74% (P < .001). This AAPC difference appears to be due to rising aIR in Blacks (2.23%; P < .001), adenocarcinoma histopathologic subtype (0.89%; P = .003), and location in the head-of-pancreas (1.64%; P < .001). PC mortality was found to be unchanged in women but decreasing in counterpart men (AAPC difference = 0.54%; P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Using nationwide data, covering ≈64.5% of the U.S. population, we externally validate a rapidly increasing aIR of PC in younger women. There was a big separation of the incidence trend between women and men aged 15-34 years between 2001 and 2018 (>200% difference), and it did not show slowing down.

HCC EV ECG score: An extracellular vesicle-based protein assay for detection of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The sensitivity of current surveillance methods for detecting early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is suboptimal. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising circulating biomarkers for early cancer detection. In this study, we aim to develop an HCC EV-based surface protein assay for early detection of HCC.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Tissue microarray was used to evaluate four potential HCC-associated protein markers. An HCC EV surface protein assay, composed of covalent chemistry-mediated HCC EV purification and real-time immuno-polymerase chain reaction readouts, was developed and optimized for quantifying subpopulations of EVs. An HCC EV ECG score, calculated from the readouts of three HCC EV subpopulations ( E pCAM + CD63 + , C D147 + CD63 + , and G PC3 + CD63 + HCC EVs), was established for detecting early-stage HCC. A phase 2 biomarker study was conducted to evaluate the performance of ECG score in a training cohort ( n  = 106) and an independent validation cohort ( n  = 72).Overall, 99.7% of tissue microarray stained positive for at least one of the four HCC-associated protein markers (EpCAM, CD147, GPC3, and ASGPR1) that were subsequently validated in HCC EVs. In the training cohort, HCC EV ECG score demonstrated an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-0.99) for distinguishing early-stage HCC from cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 90%. The AUROCs of the HCC EV ECG score remained excellent in the validation cohort (0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.99) and in the subgroups by etiology (viral: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-1.00; nonviral: 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99).

CONCLUSION

HCC EV ECG score demonstrated great potential for detecting early-stage HCC. It could augment current surveillance methods and improve patients' outcomes.

Disparities in curative treatments and outcomes for early stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States

BACKGROUND

Curative surgical treatments afford the best prognosis for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA); however, the comparative effectiveness of treatment options and factors associated with curative treatment receipt for early stage iCCA remain unknown.

METHODS

The authors identified patients who were diagnosed with early stage iCCA, defined as a unifocal tumor <3 cm, during 2004-2018 from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with curative treatment and overall survival (OS), respectively.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with early stage iCCA increased from 4.5% in 2004 to 7.3% in 2018, with the odds of early stage detection increasing by 3.1% per year (odds ratio [OR], 1.031; 95% CI, 1.015-1.049). Of 1093 patients who had early stage iCCA, 464 (42.5%) underwent resection, 113 (10.3%) underwent ablation, 62 (5.7%) underwent liver transplantation, and 454 (41.5%) received noncurative treatments. Hispanic patients (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.97) and Black patients (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28-0.77) were less likely to receive curative treatments than White patients. Compared with patients who underwent surgical resection, those who underwent liver transplantation had a trend toward improved OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37-1.08), whereas those who underwent local ablation (aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.01-1.92) and noncurative treatments (aHR, 3.97; 95% CI, 3.24-4.88) experienced worse OS.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one third of patients with early stage iCCA did not receive curative treatment, with Hispanic and Black patients being less likely to receive curative treatments than White patients. Surgical resection and liver transplantation were associated with improved survival compared with local ablation. Future studies should investigate disparities in curative treatment receipt and outcomes for early stage iCCA.

Association between sustained virological response and clinical outcomes in patients with hepatitis C infection and hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Sustained viral response (SVR) improves survival for patients with hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment; however, the benefit of SVR in those with active HCC with a significant competing risk of mortality is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between SVR and outcomes in patients with active HCC.

Methods

The authors performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with HCV cirrhosis and treatment‐naive HCC diagnosed between 2014 and 2018. Patients were stratified into two groups: active viremia (n = 431) and SVR before HCC diagnosis (n = 135). All patients underwent nonsurgical therapy as their initial treatment and were followed until liver transplantation, last follow‐up, or death. The primary outcome was incident or worsening hepatic decompensation within 6 months and the secondary outcome was overall survival. All analyses used inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTW) to account for differences between the nonrandomized cohorts.

Results

Post‐SVR patients had significantly lower odds of hepatic decompensation compared to viremic patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.59). Results were consistent among subgroups of patients with Child Pugh A cirrhosis (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04–0.77), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B/C HCC (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04–0.65), and those receiving nonablative HCC therapies (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07–0.67). However, in IPTW multivariable Cox regression, SVR was not associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.56–1.12).

Conclusions

Patients with HCV‐related HCC and SVR are less likely to experience hepatic decompensation than viremic patients, suggesting patients with HCC who are undergoing nonsurgical therapies may benefit from DAA treatment.

Hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma remains prevalent in clinical practice, however, whether treatment of hepatitis C improves outcomes is unknown. The authors have shown an association between hepatitis C sustained virological response and decreased risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, across stages of disease and types of therapy received. See also pages 000–000.

Circulating Fatty Objects and Their Preferential Presence in Pancreatic Cancer Patient Blood Samples

Human cancers are often complicated with increased incidences of blood vessel occlusion, which are mostly insensitive to anticoagulation therapy. We searched for causal factors of cancer-associated embolism. A total of 2,017 blood samples was examined for visible abnormalities. Examined were peripheral blood samples from cancer patients who were about to undergo surgical treatment for genitourinary, breast, gastrointestinal or abdominal tumors. Samples from ambulatory patients being treated for recurrent or castration-resistant prostate cancers were included in the study. The lipid-rich nature was studied with lipophilic stains and lipid panel analysis, while surface membrane was assessed with specific staining and antibody detection. We identified a new entity, lipid droplet-like objects or circulating fatty objects (CFOs), visible in the blood samples of many cancer patients, with the potential of causing embolism. CFOs were defined as lipid-rich objects with a membrane, capable of gaining in volume through interaction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells in ex vivo culture. Blood samples from pancreatic cancer patients were found to have the highest CFO incidence and largest CFO numbers. Most noticeably, CFOs from many pancreatic cancer samples presented as large clusters entangled in insoluble fiber networks, suggestive of intravascular clotting. This study identifies CFO as an abnormal entity in cancer patient blood, and a contributory factor to intravascular embolism during cancer development and progression.

S-adenosylmethionine inhibits la ribonucleoprotein domain family member 1 in murine liver and human liver cancer cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) is responsible for S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) biosynthesis in the liver. Mice lacking Mat1a have hepatic SAMe depletion and develop NASH and HCC spontaneously. Several kinases are activated in Mat1a knockout (KO) mice livers. However, characterizing the phospho-proteome and determining whether they contribute to liver pathology remain open for study. Our study aimed to provide this knowledge.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We performed phospho-proteomics in Mat1a KO mice livers with and without SAMe treatment to identify SAMe-dependent changes that may contribute to liver pathology. Our studies used Mat1a KO mice at different ages treated with and without SAMe, cell lines, in vitro translation and kinase assays, and human liver specimens. We found that the most striking change was hyperphosphorylation and increased content of La-related protein 1 (LARP1), which, in the unphosphorylated form, negatively regulates translation of 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP)-containing mRNAs. Consistently, multiple TOP proteins are induced in KO livers. Translation of TOP mRNAs ribosomal protein S3 and ribosomal protein L18 was enhanced by LARP1 overexpression in liver cancer cells. We identified LARP1-T449 as a SAMe-sensitive phospho-site of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Knocking down CDK2 lowered LARP1 phosphorylation and prevented LARP1-overexpression-mediated increase in translation. LARP1-T449 phosphorylation induced global translation, cell growth, migration, invasion, and expression of oncogenic TOP-ribosomal proteins in HCC cells. LARP1 expression is increased in human NASH and HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal a SAMe-sensitive mechanism of LARP1 phosphorylation that may be involved in the progression of NASH to HCC.

Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer by Age and Sex in the US, 2000-2018

This study uses data from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database to perform an age- and sex-specific time trend analysis of pancreatic cancer incidence rates in US adults.

Comparison of Clinical Features and Outcomes Between Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the most common primary liver cancers (PLCs). Differences in their clinical features and outcomes are open for investigation in a large-scale study. We aim to investigate the differences in clinical features and outcomes between iCCA and HCC.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program 18 Database (2000-2017) was used to extract demographic and clinical features of HCC and iCCA patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with iCCA diagnosis versus HCC. Cox regression analysis was used to assess factors affecting overall survival (OS). There were 13,611 iCCA and 96,151 HCC patients. Half of iCCA (50.7%) and three quarters of HCC (76.3%) patients were male. Diagnosis in recent year, age (<50 or ≥65), female sex, non-Hispanic White race, higher income, rural area, and higher tumor burden were independently associated with iCCA diagnosis versus HCC. Patients with iCCA had worse OS than those with HCC (9 vs. 13 months; P < 0.001). However, OS was comparable between iCCA and HCC in multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.99-1.05). In subgroup analyses, iCCA was associated with better OS than HCC in patients with tumor ≥5 cm (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80-0.86), lymph node involvement (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.72-0.81), distant metastasis (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.73-0.79), poorly/undifferentiated tumors (aHR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.83-0.94), and those receiving noncurative treatment (aHR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical features associated with iCCA diagnosis over HCC among patients with PLC. Although iCCA patients presented at an advanced stage, OS was similar between iCCA and HCC in multivariable analysis. iCCA was associated with longer OS for subgroups with poor prognostic features.

State-Level HCC Incidence and Association With Obesity and Physical Activity in the United States

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a disproportionate impact on racial/ethnic minority groups. However, state-level variation in racial/ethnic disparities and temporal trends of HCC incidence remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize (1) state-level racial/ethnic disparity in HCC incidence, (2) state-level temporal changes in HCC incidence, and (3) the ecological correlation between HCC incidence and obesity/physical activity levels in the USA.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Trends in HCC incidence between 2001 and 2017 were calculated using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, and annual percent change in rates were calculated. State-level percent of obesity and level of physical activity were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the correlation among obesity, physical activity, and state-specific average annual percent change was tested by Pearson correlation coefficient. There were striking state-level racial/ethnic disparities in HCC incidence; incidence rate ratios ranged between 6.3 and 0.9 in Blacks, 6.1 and 1.7 in Asians/Pacific Islanders, 3.8 and 0.9 in Hispanics, and 6.0 and 0.9 in American Indians/Alaska Natives (compared with Whites as reference). Despite overall decreasing HCC incidence rates after 2015, HCC incidence continued increasing in 26 states over recent years. HCC incidence trends had a moderate correlation with state-level obesity (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and a moderate inverse correlation with state-level physical activity (r = -0.40, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

There is wide state-level variation in racial/ethnic disparity of HCC incidence. There are also disparate incidence trends across states, with HCC incidence continuing to increase in over half of the states. Regional obesity and lack of physical activity have moderate correlations with HCC incidence trends, suggesting that interventions targeting these factors may help curb rising HCC incidence.

The Mortality and Overall Survival Trends of Primary Liver Cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

Recent trends of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality and outcome remain unknown in the United States (US). We investigated the recent trends of primary liver cancer (excluding intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) mortality and HCC stage, treatment, and overall survival (OS) in the US.

METHODS

US Cancer Mortality database was analyzed to investigate the trend of primary liver cancer mortality. We analyzed the SEER 18 database to assess the temporal trend of tumor size, stage, treatment, and OS of HCC. Cox regression analysis investigated the association between HCC diagnosis year and OS. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

RESULTS

During 2000-2018, liver cancer mortality rates increased until 2013, plateaued during 2013-2016 (annual percent change [APC] = 0.1%/yr, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.1% to 2.4%; P=0.92), and started to decline during 2016-2018 (APC = -1.5%/yr, 95% CI= -3.2% to 0.2%; P=0.08). However, mortality continues to increase in American Indians/Alaska Natives, individuals aged 65 or older, and in 33 states. There was a 0.61% (95% CI = 0.53% to 0.69%; P<0.001) increase in localized stage HCC and 0.86 mm (95% CI= -1.10 to -0.62; P<0.001) decrease in median tumor size per year. One-year OS rate increased from 36.3% (95% CI = 34.3% to 38.3%) to 58.1% (95% CI = 56.9% to 59.4%) during 2000-2015, and five-year OS rate almost doubled from 11.7% (95% CI = 10.4% to 13.1%) to 21.3% (95% CI = 20.2% to 22.4%) during 2000-2011. Diagnosis year (per year) (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.96 to 0.97) was independently associated with OS in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary liver cancer mortality rates have started to decline in the US with demographic and state-level variation. With an increasing detection of localized HCC, the OS of HCC has improved over the past decades.

Covalent Chemistry-Mediated Multimarker Purification of Circulating Tumor Cells Enables Noninvasive Detection of Molecular Signatures of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Transcriptomic profiling of tumor tissues introduces a large database, which has led to improvements in the ability of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. However, performing tumor transcriptomic profiling in the clinical setting is very challenging since the procurement of tumor tissues is inherently limited by invasive sampling procedures. Here, we demonstrated the feasibility of purifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from clinical patient samples with improved molecular integrity using Click Chips in conjunction with a multimarker antibody cocktail. The purified CTCs were then subjected to mRNA profiling by NanoString nCounter platform, targeting 64 HCC-specific genes, which were generated from an integrated data analysis framework with 8 tissue-based prognostic gene signatures from 7 publicly available HCC transcriptomic studies. After bioinformatics analysis and comparison, the HCC CTC-derived gene signatures showed high concordance with HCC tissue-derived gene signatures from TCGA database, suggesting that HCC CTCs purified by Click Chips could enable the translation of HCC tissue molecular profiling into a noninvasive setting.

Factors Associated With Detection and Survival of T1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States: National Cancer Database Analysis

Background: It remains unknown to what extent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are detected very early (T1 stage; ie, unifocal <2 cm) in the United States. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends and factors associated with very early detection of HCC and resultant outcomes. Methods: Patients with HCC diagnosed from 2004 through 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with T1 HCC detection, and Cox proportional hazard analyses identified factors associated with overall survival among patients with T1 HCC. Results: Of 110,182 eligible patients, the proportion with T1 HCC increased from 2.6% in 2004 to 6.8% in 2014 (P<.01). The strongest correlate of T1 HCC detection was receipt of care at an academic institution (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.31–5.34). Older age, lack of insurance, high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, high alpha-fetoprotein, increased Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, and nonsurgical treatment were associated with increased mortality, and care at an academic center (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.15–0.48) was associated with reduced mortality in patients with T1 HCC. Liver transplantation (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.20–0.37) and surgical resection (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48–0.93) were independently associated with improved survival compared with ablation. This is the first study to examine the trend of T1 HCC using the National Cancer Database, which covers approximately 70% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States, using robust statistical analyses. Limitations of the study include a retrospective study design using administrative data and some pertinent data that were not available. Conclusions: Despite increases over time, <10% of HCCs are detected at T1 stage. The strongest correlates of survival among patients with T1 HCC are receiving care at an academic institution and surgical treatment.

Outcomes of Vascular Resection in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Single-surgeon Experience

Extension of pancreatic adenocarcinoma into adjacent vasculature often necessitates resection of the portal vein (PV) and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The vein is reconstructed primarily by end-to-end anastomosis of vein remnants or venoplasty or by use of autologous or synthetic vein grafts. The objective of this study was to review outcomes in patients undergoing PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, specifically comparing the short- and long-term outcomes between the patients undergoing vascular resection and those undergoing standard PD. All patients undergoing PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed. Of the 61 patients identified, 18 patients underwent vascular resection of the PV (four patients), SMV (10 patients), or both (four patients). The remaining 43 patients had standard PD. Demographic, perioperative, pathological, and long-term outcomes data were collected and both vascular and standard groups were compared. Both groups had similar demographics. The vascular group had significantly longer operative times (529 vs 406 minutes; P < 0.01) with a trend to greater estimated blood loss (0.64 vs 0.53 L; P = 0.06). Pathological analysis showed no difference between the two groups with regard to lymph node status/ratio and rate of R0 resection (94 vs 91%; P = 0.57); however, the size of the tumor was significantly greater in the vascular group (4.2 vs 3 cm; P < 0.01). Short-term outcomes were similar in the vascular group and standard group, respectively, with no difference in pancreatic fistula rate (6 vs 7%; P = 1.0), transfusion rate (44 vs 35%; P = 0.57), and median length of stay (8 vs 7 days; P = 0.10), and there was no 30-day mortality in either group. Based on Kaplan-Meier methods, the median recurrence-free survival was 18 versus 23 months ( P = 0.37) in the vascular and standard groups, respectively, and the overall survival was almost identical in both groups, each with a median of 31 months ( P = 0.91). In our experience, mesenteric and PV resection during PD was performed safely and without compromise of short- or longer-term outcomes. It can be performed safely and patients have no significant difference in perioperative outcomes or overall survival.

A Simple Algorithm for Drain Management after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreatic fistula (PF) continues to be the Achilles’ heel of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with both morbidity and mortality linked to its occurrence. The optimal drain management strategy after PD remains unclear. We evaluated drain amylase (DA) levels on postoperative Day (POD) 0 to 5 in 76 consecutive patients undergoing PD to determine the patterns associated with PF. Of these 76 patients, eight patients (11%) developed Grade A, B, or C PF by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula criteria. POD 1 DA levels correlated closely with PF rates when high (greater than 5000 U/L, 100% PF rate) and low (less than 100 U/L, 2% PF rate). In patients with intermediate POD 1 DA (100 to 5000 U/L), 42 and 74 per cent had low DA levels on POD 3 and 5, respectively, and the PF rate was four of 31 (13%). Overall, the temporal pattern of decreasing DA levels after PD correlates closely with the risk of PF, and only two patients (5%) developed PF after early DA levels had normalized. Based on these data, we propose an algorithm of monitoring DA daily with drain removal when the level is less than 100 U/L. In our patient group drain removal would have occurred on a mean of 1.8 days and median 1 day after surgery.

Surgical Management of Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A 21-year Population-based Analysis

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a dismal prognosis. When diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, the outcomes of surgical resection are not well understood. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of surgery in patients with advanced ACC. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, we identified patients diagnosed with Stage III and IVACC between 1988 and 2009. A total of 320 patients with Stage III and IV disease were included in our analysis. In patients treated with surgical resection, the Stage III 1- and 5-year survival rates were 77 and 40 per cent, respectively, whereas the Stage IV 1- and 5-year survival rates were 54 and 27.6 per cent, respectively. Patients treated without surgery had poor survival at 1 year for both Stage III (13%) and Stage IV (16%) ( P < 0.01 compared with the surgical groups). Lymph node dissection was performed in 26 per cent of the patients with advanced ACC and was associated with improved survival in univariate analysis of Stage IV patients. Overall, our results indicate that favorable survival outcomes can be achieved even in patients with Stage III and IV disease and surgery should be considered in patients with advanced ACC.

An open-label, single-arm pilot study of EUS-guided brachytherapy with phosphorus-32 microparticles in combination with gemcitabine +/- nab-paclitaxel in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (OncoPaC-1): Technical details and study protocol

Current treatment options for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) include chemotherapy alone or followed by chemoradiation or stereotactic body radiotherapy. However, the prognosis for these patients remains poor, with a median overall survival <12 months. Therefore, novel treatment options are needed. Currently, there is no brachytherapy device approved for pancreatic cancer treatment. Hereby, we present the protocol of a prospective, multicenter, interventional, open-label, single-arm pilot study (OncoPac-1, Clinicaltrial.gov-NCT03076216) aiming to determine the safety and efficacy of Phosphorus-32 when implanted directly into pancreatic tumors using EUS guidance, for patients with unresectable LAPC undergoing chemotherapy (gemcitabine ± nab-paclitaxel).

Combined chemoradiotherapy and PARP inhibition in pancreatic cancer to induce a synchronous inflammatory cytokine response

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Background: Outcomes remain poor for patients with locally advanced pancreas cancer despite advances in combined modality therapy. Radiation and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of treatment for unresectable locally advanced pancreas cancer, and the addition of various agents is currently being assessed in clinical trials. There is increasing evidence that local inflammation and host immune response play a role in anti-tumor activity. We aimed to assess the impact of combined chemoradiotherapy and PARP inhibition on inflammatory cytokine production in pancreas cancer patients. Methods: A clinical trial of concurrent use of a PARP inhibitor with chemoradiation was performed on a cohort of 34 patients. Serum samples were collected at baseline and weekly during intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment. Concentrations of various inflammatory cytokines were measured in picograms per milliliter using a chemiluminescent assay. Comparisons between average percentage change from baseline to peak change of serum cytokine concentration across all patients was performed using a paired T test. Results: Multiple inflammatory cytokines experienced a statistically significant increase after patient treatment. Peak serum increase occurred within 3-5 weeks after treatment initiation for the majority of cytokines tested. The most significantly increased pro-angiogenic cytokines included placental growth factor (p = 2.21x10-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 1.19x10-4), which peaked at weeks 4 and 5, respectively. Multiple members of the interleukin family also increased significantly. Both IL-7 (p = 1.89x10-4) and IL-17a (p = 7.26x10-4) peaked at weeks 4. IL-5 (p = 8.84x10-5) and IL-15 (p = 1.26x10-15) peaked at weeks 3 and 4, respectively. Conclusions: Patients receiving combined PARP inhibitor and chemoradiation experience a stereotyped increase in inflammatory cytokine signaling that peaks at approximately 1 month after initiation of treatment. Changes in serum inflammatory cytokines may serve as biomarkers of response to treatment and could underpin future combined treatment modalities including immunomodulating agents.

Effect of multiagent chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy on rates of resection and survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a National Cancer Database Analysis

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Background: The role of multiagent chemotherapy (MAC) has not been prospectively investigated in LAPC and data are extrapolated from randomized trials in patients with metastatic disease. Data regarding the use of chemoradiation (CRT) for LAPC is mixed and similarly there is no prospective data investigating its use after MAC. Herein, we investigate clinical outcomes associated with the use of MAC and CRT. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized to identify LAPC patients treated with single agent chemotherapy (SAC), MAC, surgery, and/or CRT. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) Cox regression were performed to identify the impact of MAC and CRT on surgical resection and median overall survival (mOS) rates. Results: From 2004-2014, a total of 10139 patients were identified. The median age was 66 years (range 22-90) with median follow up of 49 months (46-52 months); 49.9% were male and 50.1% female. All patients had clinical stage 3/T4 disease irrespective of nodal metastases. All patients who received post-op RT were excluded. Surgical resection was performed in 506 (5%) patients. Median OS rates for patients who received SAC vs. MAC was 9.8 months vs 13.7 months (p < 0.001), respectively. Median OS rates for patients who received SAC/MAC vs. SAC/MAC+CRT was 9.9 months vs. 12.9 months (p < 0.001), respectively. Odds ratio for undergoing surgical resection in patients receiving MAC vs. MAC+RT was not significant. Of the 5% of patients who underwent resection after neoadjuvant therapy, mOS for those who received MAC vs. MAC+RT were 19.4 months and 25.6 months (p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Median OS was improved in patients receiving MAC versus SAC. The use of CRT after chemotherapy led to increased mOS compared to chemotherapy alone. In all patients undergoing surgical resection, the addition of neoadjuvant CRT after MAC led to improved mOS rates. Treatment with MAC followed by CRT should be utilized for all patients with LAPC.

Multifocality in Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) account for 30% of small bowel (SB) neoplasms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of multifocality in primary small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNETs) and to examine the associated outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with multifocal SBNET were compared to those with a solitary lesion. Only patients who underwent diagnostic workup and surgical intervention at our institution were included in this study. The primary aim of our study was surgical outcomes and mortality and recurrence. The second aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and capsule endoscopy.

RESULTS

Of 178 patients with SBNETs during the study period, 85 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 61.0 ± 12.6 years and 44.7% were male. The ileum was the primary tumor site for 66 patients (77.7%). Of DBE patients, 28 (62.2%) had additional lesions identified, of which 23 (82.1%) had NET confirmed on pathology. Average tumor size was 1.8 cm and most were well differentiated (89.9%), with Ki-67 of ≥ 2% (65.8%); 74.4% had nodal metastases and 51% of patients had stage IV disease. Forty-six patients (54.1%) had multifocal disease, of whom 37 (80.5%) had an ileal primary. No differences in survival or recurrence were seen for multifocal versus solitary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

SBNETs have a high incidence of multifocality. DBE can be used in the preoperative assessment to detect multifocal NET. Multifocality has no impact on survival or recurrence outcomes.

Curative intent surgery and associated overall survival variation between elderly and younger patients in the National Cancer Database

373

Background: Margin negative oncologic resection drastically improves survival in pancreatic cancer (PC) with low morbidity and mortality rates. Increasing age at the time of surgery may have an impact on overall survival (OS) in PC. We aimed to describe the likelihood of receiving surgery in elderly patients (EP) compared to younger patients and whether this predicted OS. Methods: Non-metastatic PC patients were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Baseline demographics, clinical, and pathologic factors were compared between patients older (EP) and younger (YP) than age 75. Kaplan-Meier survival methods were used to describe differences in OS. Cox regression methods were performed to describe the impact of multiple variables on OS. Results: From 2004-2014, there were 39,804 PC patients with median age 69 years (range 19-90) and median follow up 47.2 months. Of 12,337 (31.0%) EPs, 2598 (21.1%) underwent surgery, while 9809 of 27467 YPs (35.7%) underwent surgery (p < 0.001). EP were less likely to receive surgery across clinical stages (CS, p < 0.001): CS 1 - 29.5% EP vs. 55.6% YP, CS 2 - 23.4% EP vs. 40.3% YP, CS 3 - 3.1% EP vs. 7.5% YP. EP receiving surgery were more likely to have baseline medical comorbidities (38.8% vs. 35.9%, (p = 0.065) and less likely to receive chemotherapy (47.4% vs. 73.6%, (p < 0.001). Improvement of median OS was seen in EPs undergoing resection (16.9 months vs. 6.4 months, p < 0.001), as well as YP undergoing resection (22.8 vs. 11.2 months, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that surgical intervention (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.45-0.48, p < 0.001) and younger age (0.62, 0.60-0.63, p < 0.001) were highly protective. Patient medical comorbidities (1.15, 1.12-1.18, p < 0.001) and T stage (1.38, 1.31-1.44, p < 0.001) predicted poor OS. Conclusions: EPs with PC are less likely to receive definitive surgical resection in the setting of higher or similar medical comorbidities. EPs are also less likely to receive chemotherapy for their non-metastatic disease. In spite of this, surgery portends a significant increase in median OS for these EPs. Given adequate risk stratification and functional assessment, EPs should be strongly considered for surgical resection.

Treatment at high-volume facilities and academic centers in relation to overall survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis

392

Background: Numerous studies have shown that treatment at a high volume facility (HVF) for patients (pts) with pancreatic cancer is associated with improved outcomes, particularly with pancreatectomy. In fact, a recent study showed that pts undergoing a pancreatectomy at an academic center (AC) is independently associated with improved outcomes. However, the role of chemotherapy (CT) and radiation (RT) in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) at HVF and AC, to our knowledge, has not been studied. Herein, we investigate the benefit of treatment at HVF and AC compared to low volume facilities (LVF) and non-academic centers (NAC) with CT or chemoradiation (CRT) in pts with LAPC. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized to identify LAPC patients treated at all facility types. All patients were treated with CT or CRT. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) Cox regression were performed to identify the impact of HVF and AC on overall survival (OS) when compared to LVF and NAC, respectively. HVF was defined as the top 5% of facilities by number of pts treated. Results: From 2004 – 2014, a total of 10139 pts were identified. The median age was 66 years (range 22-90) with median follow up of 48.8 months (46-52.1 months); 49.9% were male and 50.1% female. All pts had clinical stage 3/T4 disease irrespective of nodal metastases. Of these, 4779 pts were treated at an AC and 5260 were treated at a NAC and 588 were treated at HVF and 9551 were treated at LVF. On UVA, age, high median income, high education level, comorbidities, and recent year of diagnosis were associated with improved OS. ACs were associated with improved OS when compared to non-AC (HR 0.92 95% CI 0.88 – 0.96, p = 0.004), as were HVF when compared to LVH (HR 0.84 95% CI 0.76 – 0.92, p < 0.001). Odds ratio for undergoing surgical resection at HVF and AC was 1.68 and 1.37 (p < 0.001), respectively, when compared to LVF and NAC. Conclusions: The treatment of LAPC patients with CT or CRT at an AC led to significantly improved rate of surgical resection and OS. In the absence of prospective data, these results support the referral of pts with LAPC to HVF and/or AC for evaluation and treatment.

The Braden Scale, A standard tool for assessing pressure ulcer risk, predicts early outcomes after liver transplantation

The Braden Scale is a standardized tool to assess pressure ulcer risk that is reported for all hospitalized patients in the United States per requirements of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Previous data have shown the Braden Scale can predict both frailty and mortality risk in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Our aim was to evaluate the association of the Braden Scale score with short-term outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). We performed a retrospective cohort study of deceased donor LT recipients at 2 centers and categorized them according to the Braden Scale at hospital admission as low (>18), moderate (16-18), or high risk (<16) for pressure ulcer. We created logistic and Poisson multiple regression models to evaluate the association of Braden Scale category with in-hospital and 90-day mortality, length of stay (LOS), nonambulatory status at discharge, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Of 341 patients studied, 213 (62.5%) were low risk, 59 (17.3%) were moderate risk, and 69 (20.2%) were high risk. Moderate- and high-risk patients had a greater likelihood for prolonged LOS, nonambulatory status, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility, as compared with low-risk patients. High-risk patients additionally had increased risk for in-hospital and 90-day mortality after LT. Multiple regression modeling demonstrated that high-risk Braden Scale score was associated with prolonged LOS (IRR, 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-1.65), nonambulatory status at discharge (odds ratio [OR], 4.15; 95% CI, 1.77-9.71), and discharge to a rehabilitation facility (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 2.57-11.80). In conclusion, the Braden Scale, which is currently assessed in all hospitalized patients in the United States, independently predicted early disability-related outcomes and greater LOS after LT. Liver Transplantation 23 1153-1160 2017 AASLD.

Prognostic factors influencing survival in small bowel neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis

e15688

Background: Management of liver metastasis in patients with small bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SBNET) remains unclear. Complete surgical resection improves long term survival however factors that influence overall prognosis are not clear. Methods: Database review identified 301 patients diagnosed with SBNET from 1990 to 2013. Only patients with known liver metastasis who underwent resection of the primary tumor were included. Outcomes among patients who underwent complete surgical resection, incomplete debulking of liver metastasis, and resection of the primary tumor alone were compared. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival estimates and Cox regression was used to identify predictors of death. Results: 111 patients met study criteria. Median age was 59 years (range 16-80); 49% were male. The terminal ileum (47/111, 42%) was the most common primary tumor location. The median number of liver lesions was 8.5 (range 1-31) and median lesions resected was 1 (range 0-31). In addition to resection of the primary tumor, 36 patients (32%) had no liver resection (NR), 41 (36.9%) had complete resection of liver disease (R0) and 34 (30%) had incomplete resection of liver metastasis (R1). 58 patients (36%) had one or more wedge resections, 12 (10.8%) underwent segmentectomy and 5 (4.5%) had a lobectomy. 33 (29.7%) patients underwent post-operative chemoembolization, 25 (22.5%) had radioembolization and 23 (20.7%) had radiofrequency ablation. The R1 group differed from the R0 group in median size of primary tumor (2.5 cm R1 vs 1.6 cm R0, p = 0.05) and median number of positive lymph nodes (5.0 R1 vs 3.0 R0, p = 0.05). The 5-year OS was 80.9%, 81.1% and 100% for NR, R1 and R0 groups respectively (p = 0.01). 10-year OS did not differ between groups (72.8% NR vs 81.1% R1vs 82.5% NR, p = 0.31). Cox regression showed post-operative administration of chemotherapy (HR = 3.68, p < 0.01) and higher tumor grade (HR = 18.4, p = 0.02) increased risk of death. Conclusions: In patients with SBNET with liver metastasis, higher tumor grade and post-operative chemotherapy increased risk of death. However, resection of the primary tumor along with liver metastasis improves the 5-year OS with complete cytoreduction providing the most benefit.

Cultured circulating tumor cells and their derived xenografts for personalized oncology

Recent cancer research has demonstrated the existence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in cancer patient's blood. Once identified, CTC biomarkers will be invaluable tools for clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. In this review, we propose ex vivo culture as a rational strategy for large scale amplification of the limited numbers of CTCs from a patient sample, to derive enough CTCs for accurate and reproducible characterization of the biophysical, biochemical, gene expressional and behavioral properties of the harvested cells. Because of tumor cell heterogeneity, it is important to amplify all the CTCs in a blood sample for a comprehensive understanding of their role in cancer metastasis. By analyzing critical steps and technical issues in ex vivo CTC culture, we developed a cost-effective and reproducible protocol directly culturing whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells, relying on an assumed survival advantage in CTCs and CTC-like cells over the normal cells to amplify this specified cluster of cancer cells.

Peribiliary hepatic cysts presenting as hilar cholangiocarcinoma in a patient with end-stage liver disease

Peribiliary cysts are cystic dilatations of peribiliary glands in the liver. They are present in ~50% of cirrhotic patients, but are underrecognized because they are usually asymptomatic and rarely present as obstructive jaundice. A 63-year-old male with hepatitis C cirrhosis, awaiting liver transplantation, had a new finding of intrahepatic dilatation on magnetic resonance imaging. This was initially concerning for cholangiocarcinoma, but was ultimately diagnosed as peribiliary cysts. Peribiliary cysts can imitate cholangiocarcinoma on imaging. Therefore, awareness of this condition is essential because misdiagnosis may lead to inappropriate delay or denial for liver transplantation. The ideal imaging modalities to identify peribiliary cysts are magnetic resonance cholangiography and drip infusion cholangiographic computed tomography, though hepatic dysfunction may limit the usefulness of the latter. Peribiliary cysts should be considered in cirrhotic patients with cholestasis, biliary dilatations and negative biopsy of the biliary system for malignancy.

Liver Transplantation in a Patient With CD40 Ligand Deficiency and Hyper-IgM Syndrome: Clinical and Immunological Assessments

Monoclonal antibodies that disrupt CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions are likely to have use in human transplantation. However, the extent of the immunosuppressive effects of CD40-CD40L blockade in humans is unknown. Hyper-IgM syndrome (HIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by defects in the CD40-CD40L pathway, severe immune deficiency (IgG), and high or normal IgM levels. However, the effects of CD40L deficiency on T- and natural killer (NK)-cell function is not established. Here, we present a patient with HIGM syndrome who underwent liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus infection. Posttransplantation, NK-cell antibody-dependent cytokine release (γ-interferon) to alloantigens and T cell responses to viral antigens and mitogens were assessed and showed normal CD4⁺ , CD8⁺ , and NK-cell responses. We also examined antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against a CD40⁺ and HLA-expressing cell line. These experiments confirmed that the patient's NK cells were equivalent to those of normal subjects in mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity despite the absence of CD40-CD40L interactions. Mitogenic stimulation of the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed no expression of CD40L on T and NK cells compared with increased expression in normal subjects. Taken together, these data suggest that absence of CD40L expression is responsible for aberrant B cell immunity but had little impact on NK- and T cell immune responses in vitro.

Impact of margin status and lymphadenectomy on clinical outcomes in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: implications for adjuvant radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is controversial. Minimal data exists regarding the clinical significance of margin clearance distance and lymph node (LN) parameters, such as extent of dissection and LN ratio. We assessed the impact of these variables on clinical outcomes to more clearly define the subset of patients who may benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

We identified 106 patients with resected stage 1-3 PDA from 2007-2013. Resection margins were categorized as positive (tumor at ink), ≤1, or >1 mm. LN evaluation included total number examined (NE), number of positive nodes (NP), ratio of NP to NE (NR), extent of dissection, and positive periportal LNs. The impact of these variables was assessed on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using multivariate cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

In patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) alone, greater margin clearance led to improved DFS (P=0.0412, HR =0.51). Range of NE was 4-37, with a mean of 19. NE was not associated with DFS or OS, yet absolute NP of 5 or more was associated with a significantly worse DFS (P=0.005). Whereas periportal lymphadenectomy did not result in improved DFS or OS, patients with positive periportal LN had worse clinical outcomes (DFS, P=0.0052; OS, P=0.023). The use of adjuvant CRT was associated with improved OS (P=0.049; HR=0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients receiving adjuvant CT alone, there was a clinically significant benefit to clearing the surgical margin beyond tumor at ink. Having ≥5 NP and positive periportal LN led to significantly worse clinical outcomes. The addition of adjuvant RT to CT in resected PDA improved OS. A comprehensive evaluation of resection margin distance and LN parameters may identify more patients at risk for locoregional failure who may benefit from adjuvant CRT.

Phase I study of veliparib with gemcitabine and radiation therapy in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer

TPS487

Background: Targeted inhibition of PARP1/2 is one way to further exploit the well-known synergy between gemcitabine (G) and radiotherapy (RT) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). PARP1/2 inhibitors, such as veliparib (V), have shown excellent anti-tumor activity when used with other cytotoxic therapies. This synergy may be further exploited in pancreatic cancer by targeting tumors with pre-existing defects in double- strand DNA repair. Extrapolating from our own laboratory findings (Tuli et al, Transl Oncol, 2014) and based on our hypothesis that PARP1/2 inhibition with G and RT will result in enhanced tumor control, we are conducting an IRB- approved phase I study in patients with borderline resectable and LAPC. Methods: The primary objective of this study is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of V, which is defined as the dose level resulting in a probability (θ = 0.4) that a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) will occur within six weeks. Treatment cycle is 3 weeks followed by weekly evaluation for an additional 3 weeks. G (1000 mg/m2) is administered on days 1, 8, 15. RT (36 Gy) is given in 15 fractions (2.4 Gy/day). V is administered BID in 20 mg increments beginning at a dose of 20 mg. Inclusion criteria: histolopathological diagnosis of borderline resectable or LAPC, age > 18 years, KPS > 70%, life expectancy > 6 months, normal organ and marrow function, and negative pregnancy test. Dose escalation follows a Bayesian escalation without control (EWOC) design, where time to DLT is modeled using a proportional hazards model with constant baseline hazard rate. Secondary objectives: 1) measure clinical activity using RECIST 1.1 for PFS, OS; 2) evaluate pre-treatment tumor biopsy specimen and longitudinal blood samples for baseline levels of DNA repair proteins (ERCC1, XRCC1, PAR, etc.) as potential prognostic, predictive and correlative biomarkers; and 3) assess BRCA1/2, PALB2, PTEN germline and somatic mutations using validated gene sequencing, immunohistochemical and quantitative PCR methods. Since December 2013, 26 patients have consented with 22 enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT01908478.

Differences and Similarities in the Clinicopathological Features of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in China and the United States: A Multicenter Study

The presentation, pathology, and prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) in Asian patients have not been studied in large cohorts. We hypothesized that the clinicopathological features of PNETs of Chinese patients might be different from those of US patients. The objectives of this study were to address whether PNETs in Chinese patients exhibit unique clinicopathological features and natural history, and can be graded and staged using the WHO/ENETS criteria. This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients with PNETs in multiple academic medical centers in China (7) and the United States (2). Tumor grading and staging were based on WHO/ENETS criteria. The clinicopathological features of PNETs of Chinese and US patients were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find associations between survival and patient demographics, tumor grade and stage, and other clinicopathological characteristics. A total of 977 (527 Chinese and 450 US) patients with PNETs were studied. In general, Chinese patients were younger than US patients (median age 46 vs 56 years). In Chinese patients, insulinomas were the most common (52.2%), followed by nonfunctional tumors (39.7%), whereas the order was reversed in US patients. Tumor grade distribution was similar in the 2 countries (G1: 57.5% vs 55.0%; G2: 38.5% vs 41.3%; and G3: 4.0% vs 3.7%). However, age, primary tumor size, primary tumor location, grade, and stage of subtypes of PNETs were significantly different between the 2 countries. The Chinese nonfunctional tumors were significantly larger than US ones (median size 4 vs 3 cm) and more frequently located in the head/neck region (54.9% vs 34.8%). The Chinese and US insulinomas were similar in size (median 1.5 cm) but the Chinese insulinomas relatively more frequently located in the head/neck region (48.3% vs 26.1%). Higher grade, advanced stage, metastasis, and larger primary tumor size were significantly associated with unfavorable survival in both countries. Several clinicopathological differences are found between Chinese and US PNETs but the PNETs of both countries follow a similar natural history. The WHO tumor grading and ENETS staging criteria are applicable to both Chinese and US patients.

Obesity is independently associated with infection in hospitalised patients with end-stage liver disease

BACKGROUND

Infection is the most common cause of mortality in end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The impact of obesity on infection risk in ESLD is not established.

AIM

To characterise the impact of obesity on infection risk in ESLD.

METHODS

We evaluated the association between infection and obesity in patients with ESLD. Patients grouped as non-obese, obesity class I-II and obesity class III were studied using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Validated diagnostic code based algorithms were utilised to determine weight category and infections, including bacteraemia, skin/soft tissue infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia/respiratory infection, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Risk factors for infection and mortality were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 115 465 patients identified, 100 957 (87.5%) were non-obese and 14 508 (12.5%) were obese, with 9489 (8.2%) as obesity class I-II and 5019 (4.3%) as obesity class III. 37 117 patients (32.1%) had an infection diagnosis. Infection was most prevalent among obesity class III (44.0%), followed by obesity class I-II (38.9%) and then non-obese (31.9%). In multivariable modelling, class III obesity (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.32-1.51; P < 0.001), and class I-II obesity (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.15; P = 0.026) were associated with infection. Compared to non-obese patients, obese individuals had greater prevalence of bacteraemia, UTI, and skin/soft tissue infection as compared to non-obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is newly identified to be independently associated with infection in end-stage liver disease. The distribution of infection sites varies based on weight category.

Surgery for gallbladder cancer in the US: a need for greater lymph node clearance

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare malignancy with a dismal prognosis. Often identified incidentally after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for presumably benign biliary disease, reoperation with partial hepatic resection and periportal lymph node dissection (LND) is frequently performed. The impact of lymph node (LN) clearance for GBC remains unclear.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for patients diagnosed with GBC between 1988 and 2009. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of survival.

RESULTS

A total of 11,815 patients diagnosed with GBC were identified. Cancer-directed surgery was performed in 8,436 (71.3%) patients. Optimal LN clearance (defined as ≥4 LNs) is associated with young age, advanced T-stage, no radiation therapy, and radical surgery (all <0.001). Greater LND improves survival for all stages (P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariable analysis of patients with node-negative disease demonstrated that early stage, greater LND, and radical surgery were strong independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive lymphadenectomy correlates with longer survival even in node negative patients. Extensive LND should be performed in patients with GBC as many patients in the USA are undertreated.

Can Transfusions be Eliminated in Major Abdominal Surgery? Analysis of a Vive-Year Experience of Blood Conservation in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has historically required perioperative blood transfusion in 40 to 60 per cent of cases. Growing data suggest that transfusions may be deleterious in the surgical patient. We recently initiated a minimal transfusion approach to PD consisting of limited postoperative blood draws, early iron supplementation, changes in surgical technique, and elimination of hemoglobin transfusion triggers. Predictors of perioperative transfusion were analyzed in 130 consecutive patients undergoing PD by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2013, divided into two eras with 65 patients each. Patients in each era were similar with respect to age, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, and diagnosis. The transfusion rate for the entire group was 22 per cent. Nonsignificant predictors of perioperative transfusion include American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 ( P = 0.41), vascular resections ( P = 0.56), body mass index ≥30 ( P = 0.72), and intraoperative blood loss ( P = 0.89). Significant predictors of transfusion include PD performed in Era 1 as well as preoperative hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL. In Era 1, 38 per cent of patients required transfusion compared with 6 per cent in Era 2 ( P < 0.01). Shorter length of stay and a trend toward decreased pancreatic fistulae were seen in Era 2. Transfusions can be almost completely eliminated in PD and this may contribute to improved outcomes.

Can Transfusions Be Eliminated in Major Abdominal Surgery? Analysis of a Five-Year Experience of Blood Conservation in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has historically required perioperative blood transfusion in 40 to 60 per cent of cases. Growing data suggest that transfusions may be deleterious in the surgical patient. We recently initiated a minimal transfusion approach to PD consisting of limited postoperative blood draws, early iron supplementation, changes in surgical technique, and elimination of hemoglobin transfusion triggers. Predictors of perioperative transfusion were analyzed in 130 consecutive patients undergoing PD by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2013, divided into two eras with 65 patients each. Patients in each era were similar with respect to age, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, body mass index, and diagnosis. The transfusion rate for the entire group was 22 per cent. Nonsignificant predictors of perioperative transfusion include American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 (P = 0.41), vascular resections (P = 0.56), body mass index ≥30 (P = 0.72), and intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.89). Significant predictors of transfusion include PD performed in Era 1 as well as preoperative hemoglobin levels <10 g/dL. In Era 1, 38 per cent of patients required transfusion compared with 6 per cent in Era 2 (P < 0.01). Shorter length of stay and a trend toward decreased pancreatic fistulae were seen in Era 2. Transfusions can be almost completely eliminated in PD and this may contribute to improved outcomes.

Primary intra-aneurysmal surgical repair of a celiomesenteric trunk aneurysm

We describe the surgical management of an asymptomatic 3-cm saccular aneurysm originating from a celiomesenteric trunk in a 45-year-old man. Surgical management was influenced by the location of the aneurysm, involving hepatic, splenic, and superior mesenteric arterial branches, by the young age of the patient, which made use of a synthetic graft less ideal, and by the lack of endovascular options.

Impact of margin status and lymphadenectomy on clinical outcomes in resected pancreatic cancer: Implications for adjuvant radiotherapy

429

Background: Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is controversial. Minimal data exists regarding the clinical significance of margin clearance distance and lymph node (LN) parameters, such as extent of dissection and LN ratio. We assess the impact of these variables on clinical outcomes to identify the subset of patients who may benefit from adjuvant CRT. Methods: We identified 106 patients with resected stage 1-3 PDA from 2007-13. Resection margins were categorized as positive (tumor at ink), ≤ 1 mm, or > 1 mm. LN evaluation included total number examined (NE), number of positive nodes (NP), ratio of NP to NE (NR), and presence of periportal adenopathy. The impact of these variables was assessed on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using multivariate cox proportional hazards modeling. Actuarial estimates for DFS and OS were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Margin status was highly correlated with NP (p=0.012). Margin status adjusted for NP was a significant predictor of DFS in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) alone with greater margin clearance leading to improved DFS for all 3 groups (p=0.0412, HR = 0.51). Range of NE was 4-37, with a mean of 19. NE was not associated with DFS or OS, yet absolute NP of 5 or more was associated with a significantly worse DFS (p=0.005). A median NR of 0.11 was associated with inferior DFS (p=0.0043; HR=4.04), but was not associated with OS. Whereas periportal lymphadenectomy did not result in improved DFS or OS, patients with positive periportal LN had worse clinical outcomes (DFS, p=0.0052; OS, p=0.023). The use of adjuvant CRT was associated with improved OS (p=0.049; HR=0.29). Conclusions: In patients receiving adjuvant CT alone, there was a clinically significant benefit in clearing the surgical margin beyond tumor at ink. Higher NR, having 5 or more NP and presence of periportal adenopathy clearly led to worse clinical outcomes. A more comprehensive evaluation of margins and LN parameters may identify an increasing number of patients at risk for locoregional failure who may benefit from adjuvant CRT.

18F-FDG PET as a predictor of resectability and clinical outcomes in locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients treated with radiotherapy

378

Background: Surgical resection is the preferred approach for localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma, yet likelihood of margin positive resection precludes its use in patients with locally advanced (LAPA) disease. Whereas CT imaging is the standard for defining resectability, studies suggest reduced accuracy following radiotherapy (RT). Given the potential clinical implications, improved methods to define resectability are needed. We investigate whether PET and other clinical factors can be used to predict likelihood of margin negative resection in LAPA patients. Methods: We reviewed LAPA patients treated with RT from 2011-2013 who also underwent pre- and 6-week post-RT PET/CT. Mann-Whitney test and Cox modeling were used to identify predictors of margin negative resection and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. Variables assessed included: pre- and post-RT SUV max, mean, coefficient of variation (CV), total lesion glycolysis, CA19-9 and tumor size. Results: Eighteen LAPA patients treated with RT were identified. Median age was 66 years. Seven were considered resectable following RT. 6 patients underwent margin negative resection, while the 7thpatient refused surgery. An additional 2 patients were technically resectable, but developed metastatic disease. Mean value for post-RT SUV max was 3.5 in resected patients versus 4.9 in unresected patients. This difference was borderline significant (p=.08) for predicting resectability. Similarly, pre- to post-RT change in SUV max was -4.37 in resected patients and -1.26 in unresected patients, which was also not significant (p=.17). Median PFS was 13 months for resected patients and 8.5 months for unresected patients (p=.06). Predictors of PFS included post-RT SUV CV (p=.05) and pre-RT CA19-9 (p=.03). Conclusions: Mean post-RT SUV max was borderline significant for predicting which LAPA patients may undergo successful margin negative resection. Post-RT metabolic response was also predictive of improved PFS, further validating PET/CT as an important prognostic imaging tool. Studies are ongoing to further validate these predictors of resectability given the potential clinical significance.

Recurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Is there a role for locoregional treatment?

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Background: The majority of patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) will face recurrence. While other types of metastatic tumors are often treated with loco-regional therapy, this approach is rarely applied to metastatic PDA. We examined recurrence patterns of PDA and the potential application of loco-regional treatment. Methods: Evaluation of a prospective database of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenctomy at an academic institution by a single surgeon. Patients: Pancreaticoduodenectomy for PDA was performed in 95 patients between 2002 and 2012. Margin status was R0 in 88 (93%) and R1 in the remainder. Results: Overall median survival was 27 months and 1 and 3 year survival was 68% and 41%. Known recurrence occurred in 44 of 64 patients (69%) at a median of 20.9 months, while the status of 31 patients was unknown. The most common site of initial recurrence was liver (n=19, median 9.2 months post-surgery), followed by local recurrence (n=15; median 18.7 months) and lung (n=5; median 5.2 months). Patients with R0 margin vs R1 recurred at a median 21 vs 5 months. In our series, 6 patients (5/6 treated in the last 2 years) underwent loco-regional treatment of recurrent disease, including liver resection (n=2), stereotactic radiotherapy (n=2), hepatic ablation (n=1) or radioembolization (n=1). All 6 patients treated with loco-regional therapy are alive at a median of 15.6 months after recurrence and a median of 25.3 months since initial surgery. Conclusions: The initial site of recurrent PDA after pancreaticoduodenectomy is usually liver, and the major risk factor for recurrence is the margin status at resection. Loco-regional modalities for the treatment of recurrent PDA hold promise in select patients. The tendency to utilize loco-regional therapy for recurrent PDA is increasing and warrants continued consideration.

Pretreatment [18F] FDG-PET texture analysis to predict local response of pancreatic cancer to radiotherapy

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Background: Accurate assessment of radiographic response following radiotherapy (RT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma is challenging. Morphologic and textural features of FDG-PET have been shown to correlate with pathologic response and clinical outcomes in other solid tumors (PMID 23204495). The goal of this study was to develop a predictive algorithm derived from textural features of PET scans to predict response to RT. Methods: With IRB approval, we reviewed 10 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (25-30 Gy in 5 daily fractions). 18FDG-PET/CT scans were obtained 2 weeks pre-RT and 6 weeks post-RT. Pre-RT PET/CT images were deformably registered to the RT planning CT. Tumor volumes of interest were divided into (4.8mm)^3 subvolumes and characterized by mean SUV uptake, RT dose and comprehensive texture analysis. These pre-RT variables were correlated to post-RT mean SUV to identify potential predictors of treatment response. Response prediction was modeled by logistic regression with the Lasso algorithm and validated by 10-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Results: Mean uptake, RT dose and 6 texture features (energy, correlation, variance, sum mean, cluster tendency, and inverse variance) on pre-RT PET scans were significant in predicting treatment response (AUC 0.85). Within this model, each of the above noted variables was predictive of post-RT response (p<.05). Conclusions: Subvolume-based metabolic and texture features of pre-treatment PET scans were predictive of response following RT. Studies are ongoing to further correlate these variables to RECIST and pathologic response. This should serve as a useful model to help direct response-driven adaptive radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Increasing age and survival after orthotopic liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular cancer

BACKGROUND

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the gold standard treatment for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are concerns about the efficacy of OLT for HCC in older patients, who we hypothesized might have poorer outcomes. Therefore, we sought to examine advanced age and its impact on OLT outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for patients who underwent OLT for HCC from 1987 to 2009. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: 35 to 49 years old, 50 to 64 years old, and 65 years or older, and patient characteristics were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of age on OLT outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 10,238 patients with OLT for HCC, 16.5% (n = 1,688) of patients were 35 to 49 years old, 67.8% (n = 6,937) were 35 to 49 years old, and 15.8% (n = 1,613) were 65 years and older. By Kaplan-Meier method, the 50- to 64-year-old age group had the highest overall survival, despite having one of the highest rates of hepatitis C positivity (70%), but this group also had the lowest rate of diabetes mellitus (8.7%). The lowest overall survival was observed in the 65-year or older age group (p < 0.001). Finally, there was no difference in disease-specific survival among the age groups (p = 0.858), and patients aged 65 years and older had the highest rate of death from nonhepatic causes (17.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although OS was prolonged in younger patients who underwent OLT for HCC, there was no observed difference in disease-specific survival among the age groups. Our results suggest that carefully selected patients 65 years of age and older can derive equal benefit from OLT for HCC when compared with their younger counterparts.

Surgical management of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma: a 21-year population-based analysis

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a dismal prognosis. When diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, the outcomes of surgical resection are not well understood. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of surgery in patients with advanced ACC. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, we identified patients diagnosed with Stage III and IV ACC between 1988 and 2009. A total of 320 patients with Stage III and IV disease were included in our analysis. In patients treated with surgical resection, the Stage III 1- and 5-year survival rates were 77 and 40 per cent, respectively, whereas the Stage IV 1- and 5-year survival rates were 54 and 27.6 per cent, respectively. Patients treated without surgery had poor survival at 1 year for both Stage III (13%) and Stage IV (16%) (P < 0.01 compared with the surgical groups). Lymph node dissection was performed in 26 per cent of the patients with advanced ACC and was associated with improved survival in univariate analysis of Stage IV patients. Overall, our results indicate that favorable survival outcomes can be achieved even in patients with Stage III and IV disease and surgery should be considered in patients with advanced ACC.

Outcomes of vascular resection in pancreaticoduodenectomy: single-surgeon experience

Extension of pancreatic adenocarcinoma into adjacent vasculature often necessitates resection of the portal vein (PV) and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The vein is reconstructed primarily by end-to-end anastomosis of vein remnants or venoplasty or by use of autologous or synthetic vein grafts. The objective of this study was to review outcomes in patients undergoing PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, specifically comparing the short- and long-term outcomes between the patients undergoing vascular resection and those undergoing standard PD. All patients undergoing PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed. Of the 61 patients identified, 18 patients underwent vascular resection of the PV (four patients), SMV (10 patients), or both (four patients). The remaining 43 patients had standard PD. Demographic, perioperative, pathological, and long-term outcomes data were collected and both vascular and standard groups were compared. Both groups had similar demographics. The vascular group had significantly longer operative times (529 vs 406 minutes; P < 0.01) with a trend to greater estimated blood loss (0.64 vs 0.53 L; P = 0.06). Pathological analysis showed no difference between the two groups with regard to lymph node status/ratio and rate of R0 resection (94 vs 91%; P = 0.57); however, the size of the tumor was significantly greater in the vascular group (4.2 vs 3 cm; P < 0.01). Short-term outcomes were similar in the vascular group and standard group, respectively, with no difference in pancreatic fistula rate (6 vs 7%; P = 1.0), transfusion rate (44 vs 35%; P = 0.57), and median length of stay (8 vs 7 days; P = 0.10), and there was no 30-day mortality in either group. Based on Kaplan-Meier methods, the median recurrence-free survival was 18 versus 23 months (P = 0.37) in the vascular and standard groups, respectively, and the overall survival was almost identical in both groups, each with a median of 31 months (P = 0.91). In our experience, mesenteric and PV resection during PD was performed safely and without compromise of short- or longer-term outcomes. It can be performed safely and patients have no significant difference in perioperative outcomes or overall survival.

Clinical utility of FDG-PET for diagnosis of adrenal mass: a large single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for diagnosing whether an adrenal mass is malignant, in contemporary clinical practice.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review of patients from 2 databases at a large hospital. The first database consisted of patients who underwent FDG-PET between the years 2009 to 2011 while the second database included patients who had histological diagnosis of adrenal mass between the years 1997 to 2011.

RESULTS

3.4% of 2921 patients had adrenal FDG uptake. Approximately 43% of them did not exhibit corresponding adrenal mass. FDG-PET performance parameters were better if a cutoff of SUV (standardized uptake value) ≥3 was used to define positivity. The imaging characteristics of malignant adrenal masses and pheochromocytoma were similar but differed remarkably compared to those of benign tumors. Serial imaging revealed that the malignant adrenal masses consistently exhibited high CT attenuation, while more than half of them initially exhibited SUV<3 and in some cases FDG uptake indistinguishable from the background. The FDG-PET results were confirmatory in 87% of patients, contributory in 11%, but definitely misleading in 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

FDG-PET is not required for adrenal mass diagnosis in most patients in contemporary practice but may help clinical decision making in specific situations.