POFUT1 and PLAGL2 are characteristic markers of mucinous colorectal cancer associated with MUC2 expression

Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is one of the most lethal histological types of colorectal cancer, and its mechanism of development is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular characteristics of MAC via in silico analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The expression of genes on chromosome 20q (Chr20q) was negatively associated with the expression of MUC2, which is a key molecule that can be used to distinguish between MAC and nonmucinous adenocarcinoma (NMAC). This was consistent with a significant difference in copy number alteration of Chr20q between the two histological types. We further identified 475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MAC and NMAC, and some of the Chr20q genes among the DEGs are considered to be pivotal genes used to define MAC. Both in vitro and in vivo analysis showed that simultaneous knockdown of POFUT1 and PLAGL2, both of which are located on Chr20q, promoted MUC2 expression. Moreover, these genes were highly expressed in NMAC but not in MAC according to the results of immunohistological studies using human samples. In conclusion, POFUT1 and PLAGL2 are considered to be important for defining MAC, and these genes are associated with MUC2 expression.

The Prognostic Impact of Preoperative Osteopenia in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Osteopenia, a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal, is a noted risk factor that leads to a shortened healthy life expectancy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic impact of preoperative osteopenia in patients with colorectal cancer.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 1086 patients with stage I to III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Osteopenia was evaluated with CT. Overall survival, disease-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival were the primary end points.

RESULTS

Osteopenia was identified in 300 patients (27.6%). Compared with the no osteopenia group, the 5-year overall survival (74.0% vs 93.4%, p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (81.6% vs 97.2%, p < 0.001), and recurrence-free survival rates (57.1% vs 88.3%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the osteopenia group. Multivariate analyses showed that preoperative osteopenia was significantly associated with worse overall survival (HR: 4.135; 95% CI, 2.963-5.770; p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (HR: 7.673; 95% CI, 4.646-12.675; p < 0.001), and recurrence-free survival (HR: 5.039; 95% CI, 3.811-6.662; p < 0.001). The prognosis of the osteopenia group was poorer than that of the no osteopenia group in every stage: 5-year overall survival (stage I: 89.4% vs 96.9%, p = 0.028; stage II: 76.5% vs 91.9%, p < 0.001; stage III: 56.4% vs 90.8%, p < 0.001) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (stage I: 85.4% vs 96.6%, p = 0.002; stage II: 62.0% vs 86.5%, p < 0.001; stage III: 26.4% vs 80.0%, p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

The main limitations are retrospective single-institutional features and races of the study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative osteopenia could be a strong predictive marker for long-term prognosis in colorectal cancer regardless of stage.

EL IMPACTO PRONSTICO DE LA OSTEOPENIA PREOPERATORIA EN PACIENTES CON CNCER COLORRECTAL

ANTECEDENTES:La osteopenia, una afección en la que la densidad mineral ósea es más baja de lo normal, es un relevante factor de riesgo que conduce a una expectativa menor de vida saludable.OBJETIVO:Investigar el impacto pronóstico de la osteopenia preoperatoria en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal (CCR).DISEÑO:Un estudio retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Estudio realizado en un hospital universitario.PACIENTES:Un total de 1.086 pacientes con CCR en estadio I-III sometidos a una resección curativa.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La osteopenia se evaluó con imágenes de tomografía computarizada. La supervivencia global la supervivencia específica de la enfermedad y la supervivencia libre de recurrencia fueron los criterios de valoración primaria.RESULTADOS:Se identificó osteopenia en 300 pacientes (27,6%). En comparación con el grupo sin osteopenia, las tasas de supervivencia global a 5 años (74,0% frente a 93,4%, p < 0,001), supervivencia especifica de la enfermedad (81,6 % frente a 97,2%, p < 0,001) tasas de supervivencia libre de recurrencia (57,1% frente a 88,3%, p < 0,001) fueron significativamente más bajas en el grupo de osteopenia. Los análisis multivariados mostraron que la osteopenia preoperatoria se asoció significativamente con una peor supervivencia global (HR 4,135; IC 95% 2,963-5,770; p < 0,001), supervivencia especifica de la enfermedad (HR 7,673; IC 95% 4,646-12,675; p < 0,001) y tasas de supervivencia libre de recurrencia (HR 5,039; IC 95% 3,811-6,662; p < 0,001). El pronóstico del grupo con osteopenia fue peor que el del grupo sin osteopenia en todos los estadios: supervivencia global a 5 años (estadio I: 89,4% frente a 96,9%, p = 0,028; estadio II: 76,5% frente a 91,9%, p < 0,001; estadio III: 56,4% frente a 90,8%, p < 0,001) y tasas de supervivencia libre de recurrencia a 5 años (estadio I: 85,4% frente a 96,6%, p < 0,002; estadio II: 62,0% frente a 86,5%, p < 0,001; estadio III: 26,4% frente a 80,0%, p < 0,001).LIMITACIONES:Las principales limitaciones son las características retrospectivas de una sola institución y las razas de la población de estudio.CONCLUSIONES:La osteopenia preoperatoria puede ser un fuerte marcador predictivo para el pronóstico a largo plazo en CCR independientemente de la etapa. (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

The Prognostic Nutritional Index is a Predictive Marker for Postoperative Complications in Patients with Late-Onset Ulcerative Colitis

PURPOSE

The number of patients with late-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) requiring surgery has increased in recent years. The risk of postoperative complications is higher in the elderly, so preoperative assessment is important. We aimed to explore the performance of preoperative assessment of nutritional markers for predicting postoperative complications in patients with late-onset UC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 140 medically refractory UC patients who underwent surgery. The association between age at UC onset and risk of postoperative complications was explored using a fractional polynomial model. Uni- and multi-variate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify nutritional markers associated with postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The polynomial model showed patients with UC onset after 50 years of age had an increased risk of postoperative complications. Late-onset (LO) UC, an onset occurring after 50 years old, was associated with a higher risk of incisional surgical site infection (SSI) and intra-abdominal abscess than early-onset (EO) UC. Compared with the EO group, the LO group had fewer nutritional markers that were significantly associated with postoperative complications. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was calculated using the albumin level and the total lymphocyte count, and it was the only index that was significant in the LO group (odds ratio 0.872 95% CI 0.77-0.99, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

It was more difficult to use nutritional status to predict the risk of postoperative complications in patients with late-onset UC than in patients with early-onset ulcerative colitis. PNI may be a useful nutritional marker for patients with both late- and early-onset UC.

Delayed-Onset Organ/Space Surgical Site Infection Worsens Prognosis in High-Risk Stage II and III Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how early- and delayed-onset organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) affect the long-term prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer, who are potential candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the association between the timing of SSI onset and clinical outcome.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter cohort study evaluated patients who were diagnosed with high-risk stage II or III colorectal cancer and underwent elective surgery between 2010 and 2020. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was the primary endpoint and was compared between early SSI, delayed SSI (divided based on the median date of SSI onset), and non-SSI groups.

RESULTS

A total of 2,065 patients were included. Organ/space SSI was diagnosed in 91 patients (4.4%), with a median onset of 6 days after surgery. The early-onset SSI group had a higher proportion of patients with Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIb SSI than the delayed-onset SSI. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) had earlier organ/space SSI onset than those who did not. The adjusted hazard ratio of 5-year RFS in the delayed-onset SSI was 2.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.43-4.65; p = 0.002): higher than that in the early-onset SSI, with the non-SSI as the reference.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed-onset organ/space SSI worsened long-term prognosis compared to early-onset, and this may be due to delayed initiation of AC. Patients who are clinically suspected of having lymph node metastasis might need additional intervention to prevent delays in commencing AC due to the delayed SSI.

Stratification of Stage II Colon Cancer Using Recurrence Prediction Value: A Multi-institutional International Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To create a recurrence prediction value (RPV) of high-risk factor and identify the patients with high risk of cancer recurrence.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There are several high-risk factors known to lead to poor outcomes. Weighting each high-risk factor based on their association with increased risk of cancer recurrence can provide a more precise understanding of risk of recurrence.

METHODS

We performed a multi-institutional international retrospective analysis of patients with Stage II colon cancer patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2020. Patient data from a multi-institutional database were used as the Training data, and data from a completely separate international database from two countries were used as the Validation data. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

A total of 739 patients were included from Training data. To validate the feasibility of RPV, 467 patients were included from Validation data. Training data patients were divided into RPV low (n = 564) and RPV high (n = 175). Multivariate analysis revealed that risk of recurrence was significantly higher in the RPV high than the RPV low (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.628; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.887-3.660; P < 0.001). Validation data patients were divided into two groups (RPV low, n = 420) and RPV high (n = 47). Multivariate analysis revealed that risk of recurrence was significantly higher in the RPV high than the RPV low (HR 3.053; 95% CI 1.962-4.750; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RPV can identify Stage II colon cancer patients with high risk of cancer recurrence world-wide.

Drainage pattern of the splenic flexure vein and its accompanying arteries using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography: a single-centre study of 600 patients

AIM

The splenic flexure has variable vascular anatomy, and the details of the venous forms are not known. In this study, we report the flow pattern of the splenic flexure vein (SFV) and the positional relationship between the SFV and arteries such as the accessory middle colic artery (AMCA).

METHODS

This was a single-centre study using preoperative enhanced CT colonography images of 600 colorectal surgery patients. CT images were reconstructed into 3D angiography. SFV was defined as a vein flowing centrally from the marginal vein of the splenic flexure visible on CT. AMCA was defined as the artery feeding the left side of the transverse colon, separate from the left branch of the middle colic artery.

RESULTS

The SFV returned to the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) in 494 cases (82.3%), the superior mesenteric vein in 51 cases (8.5%) and the splenic vein in seven cases (1.2%). The AMCA was present in 244 cases (40.7%). The AMCA branched from the superior mesenteric artery or its branches in 227 cases (93.0% of cases with existing AMCA). In the 552 cases in which the SFV returned to the IMV, superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein, the left colic artery was the most frequent artery accompanying the SFV (42.2%), followed by the AMCA (38.1%) and the left branch of the middle colic artery (14.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common flow pattern of the vein in the splenic flexure is from the SFV to IMV. The SFV is frequently accompanied by the left colic artery or AMCA.

Prognostic Impact of Main Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Although extended lymph node dissection during colon cancer surgery is recommended in both Western and Eastern countries, the perception and clinical significance of main lymph node metastasis (MLNM) remains controversial.

METHODS

In total, 1557 patients with colon cancer who underwent curative resection with D3 dissection were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological factors associated with MLNM were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare the prognosis between the MLNM and non-MLNM groups.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio, 2.117 (0.939-4.774), p = 0.071] and recurrence-free survival (RFS) [hazard ratio, 2.183 (1.182-4.031), p = 0.013] were affected by the MLNM status independent of the TNM stage. Survival analysis demonstrated that among patients with stage III disease, the OS and RFS rates were significantly different between patients with and without MLNM (OS: p = 0.0147, RFS: p = 0.0001). However, the OS and RFS rates were not significantly different between patients who had stage III disease with MLNM and patients who had stage IV disease (OS: p = 0.5901, RFS: p = 0.9610).

CONCLUSIONS

MLNM is an independent prognostic factor for patients with colon cancer. The addition of the MLNM status to the current TNM classification may enhance the prognostic value of the TNM staging system and the clinical efficacy of adjuvant therapy in patients with colon cancer.

Mesenteric location of lymph node metastasis for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The number of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a strong prognostic factor in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of the mesentery location on LNM remains unclear. We assessed the impact LNM location on the recurrence of stage III CRC.

METHODS

Subjects with CRC and pathologically positive LNM were enrolled retrospectively. We defined three groups: LNM adjacent to the tumour (group A), metastases with horizontal or vertical spread (group B), and metastases with both horizontal and vertical spread (group C). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was the primary outcome measure used for the study.

RESULTS

A total of 241 (Group A: 121, B: 90, and C: 30) patients were recruited for the study. Multivariate analysis by Cox regression model indicated LNM location to be an independent predisposing risk factor for recurrence [group B: Hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% Confidential interval (CI) 1.12-3.60, P = 0.019; group C: HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.34-6.72, P = 0.008]. Addition of mesentery spread to the N classification was significant risk factor for recurrence (mN2a: HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.07-3.78, P = 0.029; mN2b: HR 3.96, 95% CI 2.12-7.40, P < 0.01). Comparison of Harrell's C-index values was conducted, and the modified N staging risk was 0.6377, whereas the TNM N stage classification was 0.5869.

CONCLUSION

Mesentery location of LNM was a risk factor and consideration of it might be beneficial for accurate prediction of CRC prognosis.

Association of Tumor Pathological Response with the Use of Metformin During Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal and Esophageal/Gastroesophageal Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Metformin has been reported to be associated with improved cancer prognosis when used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies evaluating the association of tumor pathological response with the use of metformin during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in rectal and esophageal/gastroesophageal cancer patients.

METHODS

We systematically searched databases for articles that compared concurrent metformin use with no metformin use in cancer patients treated with NACRT following the PRISMA 2020. The design and quality of the collected studies were reviewed, and meta-analyses were performed on the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate, tumor regression grade (TRG), T factor downstaging, and N factor downstaging.

RESULTS

Three databases were searched, and 220 papers were screened. Five retrospective cohort study papers were eligible for the meta-analysis, with a total of 2041 patients. The included papers contained only rectal and esophageal/gastroesophageal cancers. In the metformin group, the pCR rate was 26% [20-32%], and metformin was associated with the pCR rate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51 [0.34-0.76], p < 0.01). Meta-regression analysis of the pCR rate showed a positive correlation with adenocarcinoma (coefficient = 0.13 [0.02-0.25], p = 0.03) and fluoropyrimidine anticancer drug use (coefficient = 0.01 [0.001-0.02], p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that metformin is associated with pCR rate when used in combination with NACRT. The association of metformin and pCR rate in combination with fluoropyrimidine anticancer drugs was observed mostly for adenocarcinoma patients.

Real-world application of next-generation sequencing-based test for surgically resectable colorectal cancer in clinical practice

Aim: To evaluate the significance of next-generation sequencing-based gene panel testing in surgically resectable colorectal cancer by analyzing real-world data. Materials & methods: A total of 107 colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery were included, and correlations between next-generation sequencing data and clinicopathological findings were evaluated. Results: More combination patterns in gene alteration were identified in advanced-stage tumors than in early-stage tumors. The copy number alteration count was significantly lower in right-sided colon tumors and early-stage tumors. Homologous recombination deficiency was more often identified in advanced-stage tumors, and high homologous recombination deficiency status was useful for identifying high-risk stage II tumors. Conclusion: Homologous recombination deficiency was identified as a useful result of gene panel testing with novel utility in clinical practice.

Usefulness and accuracy of segmental adrenal venous sampling on localisation and functional diagnosis of various adrenal lesions in primary aldosteronism

AIM

To clarify the usefulness and accuracy of segmental adrenal venous sampling (sAVS) on localisation and functional diagnosis of various adrenal lesions in primary aldosteronism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients (n=162) who underwent adrenalectomy and 138 patients indicated for medication following sAVS were analysed retrospectively. Based on immunohistopathological diagnosis, the positive predictive value (PPV) of computed tomography (CT)-detectable aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) was calculated. Moreover, endocrinological and sAVS characteristics were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively among APA, CT-undetectable aldosterone-producing nodules (APNs), multiple aldosterone-producing micronodules (MAPM), and medication groups.

RESULTS

The PPV of APA by sAVS was 137/141 (97.1%; 95% confidence interval, 92.9-99.2%). Compared to the medication cases, the APA group showed stronger disease activity clinically and significant differences in adrenal hormones, such as a higher aldosterone level and aldosterone-to-cortisol ratio, and lower cortisol levels in the adrenal central vein and aldosterone maximum tributaries on the dominant side after cosyntropin stimulation. The APA group shows focal aldosterone hypersecretion, such as mean number of aldosterone elevated segments (1.7 ± 0.7 versus 2 ± 0.9, p=0.003) and presence of aldosterone-not-elevated segments (93% versus 41%, p<0.001). Clinically and in terms of sAVS, APN and MAPM showed similar characteristics to APA and to the medication cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

sAVS can localise functionally active tissues of CT-detectable and CT-undetectable lesions enabling decisions on surgical or medical treatment.

POS1349 IMMUNOGLOBULIN G4-RELATED KIDNEY DISEASE’S PREDISPOSITION TO CHRONIC RENAL DYSFUNCTION, COMPLICATIONS OF MALIGNANCY, AND MORTALITY: A LONG-TERM NATIONWIDE MULTICENTER STUDY IN JAPAN

Background

In immunoglobulin G4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD), persistent renal insufficiency may be observed despite the good initial response to glucocorticoids[1, 2]. However, its long-term prognosis in relation to renal function as well as malignancy and mortality has not been well clarified.

Objectives

To clarify the long-term renal prognosis, complications of malignancy, mortality, and factors related to those outcomes in IgG4-RKD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with IgG4-RKD diagnosed by the expert members of the IgG4-RKD working group in the Japanese Society of Nephrology. We investigated clinical, radiological, and histopathological features at baseline and course of renal function, complications of malignancy, and mortality during the long-term observation periods (median 71 months) in 75 patients. Using collected data, we calculated the crude incidence rates (IR) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) status, malignancy, and death. Cox regression analyses were performed to assess CKD-related factors. Additionally, we calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of malignancy and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) using national Japan statistics.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were male, and 16 were female (median age 70 years). At diagnosis, their median eGFR was 45.1 mL/min/1.73m2 (interquartile range [IQR] 28.6-69.9). Seventy-two patients (96%) were treated with prednisolone at a median initial dose of 30 (IQR 30-39) mg/day, leading to a reasonable initial improvement of renal function. The IR of CKD was 30.2/100 person-years, and 66.7% (50/75) of the patients showed CKD at the last visit. Age- and sex-adjusted Cox regression analyses indicated that lower eGFR (per 10 mL/min/1.73m2, hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.80), pre-existing hypertension (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.32-4.34), and wider areas with inflammation (>50% vs. <10%, HR 2.55, 95% CI 1.07-6.08) or fibrosis (>50% vs. <5%, HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.18-6.85) in the biopsied renal specimens at treatment initiation had a significant impact on the time to CKD. Eight patients (10.7%) died during follow-up due to malignancy, severe infection, cerebral hemorrhage, or myocardial infarction. The crude mortality rate was 1.76/100 person-years, and a SMR calculated according to national Japan statistics was 0.97 (95% CI 0.42-1.90). On the other hand, 15 patients were diagnosed as having malignancies during follow-up. The IR of malignancy was 3.71/100 person-years, and the SIR of malignancy was 1.80 (95% CI 1.03-2.93).

Conclusion

This study suggests that pre-treated renal insufficiency and extensive renal inflammatory and fibrotic lesions are related to CKD under glucocorticoid therapy in IgG4-RKD. Similarly with the whole IgG4-related disease, IgG4-RKD may have an increased incidence of malignancy but a mortality rate equivalent to the age- and sex-matched Japanese population.

References

[1]Saeki T et al. The clinical course of patients with IgG4-related kidney disease. Kidney Int. 2013 Oct;84(4):826-33.

[2]Mizushima I et al. Factors related to renal cortical atrophy development after glucocorticoid therapy in IgG4-related kidney disease: a retrospective multicenter study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2016 Nov 25;18(1):273.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Comprehensive risk score of the E-PASS as a prognostic indicator for patients after elective and emergency curative colorectal cancer surgery: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of the comprehensive risk score (CRS) of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress for managing patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent elective and emergency colorectal cancer surgery with curative intent.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

CRS, which is calculated based on both clinical and surgical factors, is a good predictor of postoperative complications and mortality. However, the impact of CRS in CRC prognosis remains unclear.

METHODS

Patients with CRC who underwent curative resection between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The cohort was divided into the low and high CRS groups. The prognostic value of CRS was evaluated via Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. The CRS cutoff value was obtained using the Youden index applied to OS curves and have not been validated by any validation cohorts.

RESULTS

In total, 2407 patients, including 1359 and 1048 patients with low and high CRS, respectively, were enrolled in this study. Multivariate analysis revealed that a CRS was an independent prognostic factor of overall and recurrence-free survival regardless of disease stage. Furthermore, adjuvant chemotherapy was beneficial for the survival of patients with stage III CRC in both high and low CRS groups; however, the survival benefit was limited in elderly high CRS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS was a strong prognostic factor for CRC regardless of disease stage and might be considered as a biomarker for selecting elderly patients who are eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Non-operative management after chemoradiotherapy plus consolidation or sandwich (induction with bevacizumab and consolidation) chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: a multicentre, randomised phase II trial (NOMINATE trial)

INTRODUCTION

Total mesorectal excision (TME) and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, neoadjuvant CRT has no recognised impact on reducing distant recurrence, and patients suffer from a long-lasting impairment in quality of life (QOL) associated with TME. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is an alternative approach that could reduce distant metastases and increase the proportion of patients who could safely undergo non-operative management (NOM). This study is designed to compare two TNT regimens in the context of NOM for selecting a more optimal regimen for patients with LARC.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

NOMINATE trial is a prospective, multicentre, randomised phase II selection design study. Patients must have clinical stage II or III (T3-T4Nany) LARC with distal location (≤5 cm from the anal verge or for those who are candidates for abdominoperineal resection or intersphincteric resection). Patients will be randomised to either arm A consisting of CRT (50.4 Gy with capecitabine) followed by consolidation chemotherapy (six cycles of CapeOx), or arm B consisting of induction chemotherapy (three cycles of CapeOx plus bevacizumab) followed by CRT and consolidation chemotherapy (three cycles of CapeOx). In the case of clinical complete response (cCR) or near cCR, patients will progress to NOM. Response assessment involves a combination of digital rectal examination, endoscopy and MRI. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving pathological CR or cCR≥2 years, defined as the absence of local regrowth within 2 years after the start of NOM among eligible patients. Secondary endpoints include the cCR rate, near cCR rate, rate of NOM, overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, locoregional failure-free survival, time to disease-related treatment failure, TME-free survival, permanent stoma-free survival, safety of the treatment, completion rate of the treatment and QOL. Allowing for a drop-out rate of 10%, 66 patients (33 per arm) from five institutions will be accrued.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol was approved by Wakayama Medical University Certified Review Board in December 2020. Trial results will be published in peer-reviewed international journals and on the jRCT website.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

jRCTs051200121.

The prognostic impact of preoperative mean corpuscular volume in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between preoperative mean corpuscular volume and postoperative prognosis has been reported in some cancers recently, but no certain consensus has been reached, especially for colorectal cancer. We evaluated the usefulness of mean corpuscular volume as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

This study included 1003 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent curative surgery in a single institution. The relationship between mean corpuscular volume values and postoperative recurrence was evaluated by fractional polynomial model. Based on the result, patients were divided into groups according to mean corpuscular volume values. Clinicopathological factors and long-term outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The risk of postoperative recurrence according to mean corpuscular volume value showed a J-shaped curve, suggesting that both low and high mean corpuscular volume have high risk. Low mean corpuscular volume (≤84 fl) group was oncologically advanced in terms of pathological tumor stage, histological grade and lymphatic invasion with higher inflammation markers. High mean corpuscular volume (>95 fl) group had higher frequency of drinking habit with higher values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Abnormal mean corpuscular volume group including these two groups showed significantly worse disease-free survival than the other (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that abnormal mean corpuscular volume was an independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.344; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.796; P = 0.046). Furthermore, its prognostic impact was more significant in pStage III than in other stages.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative low and high mean corpuscular volume is a poor prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients. It could be a predictive marker to estimate worse survival outcome after surgery.

Prediction of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis using artificial intelligence and deep learning

BACKGROUND

Pouchitis is one of the major postoperative complications of ulcerative colitis (UC), and it is still difficult to predict the development of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in UC patients. In this study, we examined whether a deep learning (DL) model could predict the development of pouchitis.

METHODS

UC patients who underwent two-stage restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA at Keio University Hospital were included in this retrospective analysis. The modified pouchitis disease activity index (mPDAI) was evaluated by the clinical and endoscopic findings. Pouchitis was defined as an mPDAI ≥ 5.860; endoscopic pouch images before ileostomy closure were collected. A convolutional neural network was used as the DL model, and the prediction rates of pouchitis after ileostomy closure were evaluated by fivefold cross-validation.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients were included (24 males and 19 females, mean age 39.2 ± 13.2 years). Pouchitis occurred in 14 (33%) patients after ileostomy closure. In less than half of the patients, mPDAI scores matched before and after ileostomy closure. Most of patients whose mPDAI scores did not match before and after ileostomy closure had worse mPDAI scores after than before. The prediction rate of pouchitis calculated by the area under the curve using the DL model was 84%. Conversely, the prediction rate of pouchitis using mPDAI before ileostomy closure was 62%.

CONCLUSION

The prediction rate of pouchitis using the DL model was more than 20% higher than that using mPDAI, suggesting the utility of the DL model as a prediction model for the development of pouchitis. It could also be used to determine early interventions for pouchitis.

Angiopoietin-like 4 promotes glucose metabolism by regulating glucose transporter expression in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was recently shown to be associated with cancer progression but little is known about its contribution to cancer metabolism. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of ANGPTL4 in glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining of CRC specimens classified 84 patients into two groups according to ANGPTL4 expression. Clinicopathological characteristics, gene mutation status obtained by next-generation sequencing, and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake measured by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the impact of ANGPTL4 expression on cancer metabolism was investigated by a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model using the ANGPTL4 knockout CRC cell line, and glucose transporter (GLUT) expression was evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significantly more cases of T3/4 tumours (94.3% vs. 57.1%, P < 0.001) and perineural invasion (42.9% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.046) in the ANGPTL4-high group than in the low group. Genetic exploration revealed a higher frequency of KRAS mutation (54.3% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.003) in the ANGPTL4-high tumours. All the FDG uptake parameters were significantly higher in ANGPTL4-high tumours. In vivo analysis showed a significant reduction in tumour size due to ANGPTL4 knockout with lower expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3, and suppression of AKT phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

ANGPTL4 regulates the expression of GLUTs by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway and thereby promoting glucose metabolism in CRC. These findings establish a new functional role of ANGPTL4 in cancer progression and lay the foundation for developing a novel therapeutic target.

Efficacy of side-to-end anastomosis to prevent anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer

The present study aimed to investigate whether side-to-end anastomosis could provide an improved surgical outcome, such as lower anastomotic leakage rate, compared with end-to-end anastomosis, following anterior resection for rectal and rectosigmoid cancer. This retrospective study included 162 patients with rectal cancer who underwent elective anterior resection between January 2012 and October 2019 at a single institution. Patients with double cancers or colonic J-pouch were excluded. Anastomotic leakage was defined clinically and radiologically. Side-to-end anastomosis was introduced in the International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital in January 2017. Side-to-end anastomosis was performed in 63 patients, while end-to-end anastomosis was performed in 99 patients. Tumors tended to be located lower in the rectum in the side-to-end anastomosis group than in the end-to-end anastomosis group. No significant differences were observed in other patient characteristics. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly lower in the side-to-end anastomosis group than in the end-to-end anastomosis group (3/63, 4.8% vs. 18/99, 18.2%, respectively, P=0.02). No significant differences were observed in the incidence rates of other complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that a smoking habit (P=0.04) and side-to-end anastomosis (P=0.02) were significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. In conclusion, side-to-end anastomosis using a double-stapling technique following anterior resection for rectal cancer may prevent anastomotic leakage.

Horizontal spread of pericolic lymph node metastasis as a prognostic factor for recurrence in Stage III colorectal cancer

AIM

Main lymph node (LN) metastasis dissected with a high vascular tie at the root of the feeding artery is a poor prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the effects of horizontal spread on recurrence after curative resection remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the horizontal spread of LN metastasis and recurrence in CRC.

METHOD

In this retrospective study, 189 CRC patients (98 men, 91 women) who underwent curative resection at our hospital from 2003 to 2018 and had only pericolic LN metastasis were divided into two groups: patients with LN metastasis beside the tumour only (T group, n = 121) and those with LN metastasis with horizontal spread (S group, n = 68) (mean follow-up period 50.9 ± 34.1 months). The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). We investigated the correlation between clinicopathological background factors and recurrence using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fewer than three LN metastases (N1) were found in 157 patients (107 T group, 50 S group), and four or more metastases (N2a) were found in 32 patients (14 T group, 18 S group). Univariate analyses revealed significantly shorter RFS in the S group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.95, 95% CI 1.07-3.55; p = 0.03). Multivariate analyses revealed that horizontal spread is an independent risk factor for recurrence (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.05-3.68; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Although further investigation is needed, horizontal spread of LN metastasis is a prognostic factor for recurrence in Stage III CRC.

Lymph node metastasis is strongly associated with lung metastasis as the first recurrence site in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The lymphatic system is known to be the primary pathway of metastasis for colorectal cancer. However, beyond regional lymph node metastases, little is known about the pathway of lymphatic metastases and the differences in the recurrence site risk. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between lymph node metastasis and the first recurrence site in colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection in our institution between January 2003 and December 2016 were included in this analysis. The relationship between the first recurrence site and clinicopathological factors was analyzed by the Cox regression model and competing risk regression model.

RESULTS

In total, 1,249 patients with colorectal cancer were included in this analysis. We found that the stages of lymph node metastases (N0 vs N1: P = .008, N0 vs N2a: P < .001, N0 vs N2b: P < .001) were significantly associated with lung metastasis in the multivariate analysis. Furthermore, in the competing risk analysis, the stages of lymph node metastases were significantly correlated with lung metastasis (N0 vs N1: P = .002, N0 vs N2a: P < .001, N0 vs N2b: P < .001) but were not correlated with other recurrence sites.

CONCLUSION

The severity of lymph node involvement had a strong correlation with lung metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

Effect of high ligation on survival of patients undergoing surgery for primary colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases

Background

Although R0 surgery is recommended for stage IV colorectal cancer, the degree of required lymphadenectomy has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of high ligation (HL) of the feeding artery and the number of retrieved lymph nodes after R0 surgery for colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM).

Methods

This was a multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM who had R0 surgery between January 1997 and December 2007. Clinical and pathological features were compared in patients who underwent HL and those who had a low ligation (LL). Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to estimate the effect of HL on overall survival (OS). The impact of several risk factors on survival was analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of 549 patients, 409 (74·5 per cent) had HL. Median follow‐up was 51·4 months. HL significantly improved the 5‐year OS rate (58·2 per cent versus 49·3 per cent for LL; P = 0·017). Multivariable analysis revealed HL to be a significant prognostic factor compared with LL (5‐year mortality: hazard ratio (HR) 0·68, 95 per cent c.i. 0·51 to 0·90; P = 0·007). In subgroup analysis, the positive effect of HL on OS was greatest in patients with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

HL of the feeding artery was associated with improved OS in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CRLM after R0 surgery.

Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery for ileal lipoma: A case report

This is the first report of laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for an ileal tumor. A 50-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy detected a submucosal tumor with intussusception located in the ileum, 10 cm oral from the Bauhin valve. On further examination, he was diagnosed with an ileal lipoma. There were no signs of malignancy. LECS was performed for the ileal tumor. After submucosal elevation by injecting saline solution, a mucosal incision was made circumferentially along the tumor. A full-thickness incision was created endoscopically and laparoscopically on the circumferential mucosal incisional line. The tumor was withdrawn intraluminally by endoscopy. The defect of the ileal wall was closed laparoscopically in an axial direction with linear staplers. Histologically, the tumor was a 25-mm ileal lipoma with negative resection margins and no malignancy.

Interleukin-13 and its signaling pathway is associated with obesity-related colorectal tumorigenesis

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been on the rise, which is linked to the increasing prevalence of obesity, based on global epidemiological evidence. Although chronic inflammation is implicated in tumor development, the mechanisms underlying obesity‐associated CRC remain unknown. Here, we sought to identify the inflammatory cytokines and their roles in obesity‐related colorectal tumorigenesis using cytokine array analyses in a mouse model. Colorectal tumorigenesis was induced through i.p. injection of azoxymethane once a week for 6 weeks in 6‐week‐old female WT C57Black/6J mice and the obesity diabetes model mouse KK/TaJcl, KK‐Ay/TaJcl. The formation of aberrant crypt foci and colorectal tumors were more frequent in obese mice compared with WT mice, and both serum interleukin (IL)‐13 and IL‐13 receptor (R) expression in the normal intestinal mucosal epithelium were significantly increased in the obese mice. Furthermore, addition of IL‐13 to a human CRC cell line and a human colon organoid culture altered the phenotype of intestinal epithelial cells. Knockdown experiments further revealed that IL‐13Rα1 dominantly induced mucosal proliferation. Collectively, These results suggest an association between anti‐inflammatory cytokines and colorectal carcinogenesis, and provide new research directions for cancer prevention strategies. In particular, inflammation provoked by obesity, notably by increased expression of the cytokine IL‐13, could play an important role in the carcinogenesis of obesity‐related CRC.

Performance verification of a precise vibrating-wire magnet alignment technique for next-generation light sources

The high-accuracy alignment of magnets is a key issue in the development of next-generation light-source rings. To obtain adequate dynamic apertures, the magnets must be aligned to an accuracy of 10 µm or better. Recently, a new technique that utilizes a vibrating wire has attracted attention for this purpose as it can directly determine with high resolution the magnetic centers in a series of multipole magnets on a straight section between bending magnets. In conventional vibrating-wire alignment techniques, wire sag, which causes alignment errors, is determined from the theoretical catenary curve. By contrast, in the present study, we have measured the sag profiles of various wires in the longitudinal direction to micrometer-order accuracy. We concluded that we can reduce deviations of the actual wire sag from the theoretical curve by choosing a suitable wire. By setting up a test bench of a vibrating-wire alignment system for a series of multipole magnet on a straight section, we have achieved the total error of the magnetic-center measurements of micrometer-order in the standard deviation. Moreover, two systematic error factors, the drift of the magnetic centers due to thermal deformations of the magnets after they are excited and the change in the magnetic centers due to reassembly of the magnets after installing the vacuum chamber, are included in practical magnet alignments. We have experimentally investigated these error factors using the test bench.

TCR sequencing analysis of cancer tissues and tumor draining lymph nodes in colorectal cancer patients

Tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are located in the routes of lymphatic drainage from a primary tumor and have the highest risk of metastasis in various types of solid tumors. TDLNs are also considered as a tissue to activate the antitumor immunity, where antigen-specific effector T cells are generated. However, T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires in TDLNs have not been well characterized. We collected 23 colorectal cancer tumors with 203 lymph nodes with/without metastatic cancer cells (67 were metastasis-positive and the remaining 136 were metastasis-negative) and performed TCR sequencing. Metastasis-positive TDLNs showed a significantly lower TCR diversity and shared TCR clonotypes more frequently with primary tumor tissues compared to metastasis-negative TDLNs. Principal component analysis indicated that TDLNs with metastasis showed similar TCR repertoires. These findings suggest that cancer-reactive T cell clones could be enriched in the metastasis-positive TDLNs.

A Case of T-Cell Lymphoma Accompanying Marked Eosinophilia, Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia and Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion. A Case Report

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for lumbago, weight loss and weakness of her right lower extremity. Leukocytosis was evident with marked eosinophilia (65.5 % = 46,000/mm3), and the chest roentgenogram showed diffuse reticular shadows throughout both lung fields and a left pleural effusion. The pleural effusion contained 22.4 % eosinophils with no immature cells. Biopsy of a thumb-sized mass on the chest wall revealed a T-cell lymphoma of pleomorphic type. The diffuse pulmonary shadow was diagnosed as chronic eosinophilic pneumonia by autopsy. This was a relatively rare case of T-cell lymphoma, in which an eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic pleural effusion were observed.

Laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal hernia repair for bilateral Spigelian hernias and coincident inguinal hernia: A case report

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Laparoscopic exploration is important to precise diagnosis of ventral hernia.

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Laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal repair is feasible for Spigelian hernia.

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Laparoscopic exploration is also important after repairing ventral hernia.

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Abdominal CT in the abdominal position is useful to precise diagnosis of hernia.

Introduction

Spigelian hernia (SH) is a rare ventral hernia occurring near the lateral border of the rectus muscle. The treatment remains controversial and depends on institutional expertise. Although laparoscopic surgery is a good adaptation for the repair of ventral hernias, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair for bilateral SHs.

Presentation of case

A 74-year-old Japanese man presented with asymptomatic bulges in the right lower abdominal quadrant. On physical examination, the bulges were located to the right of the lateral border of the abdominal rectus muscle and the right inguinal region in an upright position. We diagnosed right SH and coincident homonymous ipsilateral inguinal hernia (IH) by abdominal computed tomography and planned a curative operation by laparoscopy. By first laparoscopic exploration, we found an asymptomatic SH to the left of the lateral border of the abdominal rectus muscle and performed TEP repair for all hernias. The second laparoscopic exploration after fixing the mesh in place revealed that the orifice of the right SH was scarred and stiffened by repeated prolapse. We finally eliminated the sac by ligation because of a fear causing of reduction en masse of the SH.

Discussion and conclusion

The use of laparoscopy simplified the diagnosis and facilitates the subsequent repair of the hernia. TEP approach is the ideal treatment for the simultaneous laparoscopic repair of SH and IH.

Energy deposition evaluation for ultra-low energy electron beam irradiation systems using calibrated thin radiochromic film and Monte Carlo simulations

For evaluation of on-site dosimetry and process design in industrial use of ultra-low energy electron beam (ULEB) processes, we evaluate the energy deposition using a thin radiochromic film and a Monte Carlo simulation. The response of film dosimeter was calibrated using a high energy electron beam with an acceleration voltage of 2 MV and alanine dosimeters with uncertainty of 11% at coverage factor 2. Using this response function, the results of absorbed dose measurements for ULEB were evaluated from 10 kGy to 100 kGy as a relative dose. The deviation between the responses of deposit energy on the films and Monte Carlo simulations was within 15%. As far as this limitation, relative dose estimation using thin film dosimeters with response function obtained by high energy electron irradiation and simulation results is effective for ULEB irradiation processes management.

Right lateral decubitus approach to a laparoscopic modified Hassab's operation

INTRODUCTION

The lateral approach is the standard for laparoscopic splenectomy. However, when the modified Hassab's operation is performed laparoscopically, the patient is placed in the supine position and then the right semi-lateral or lateral decubitus position. Based on our experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy and splenectomy, we laparoscopically performed the modified Hassab's operation with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Indications for the modified Hassab's operation for patients with portal hypertension in our institute include both gastric varices and hypersplenism resistant to endoscopic or radiologic procedures. We performed splenectomy and devascularization of the greater curvature and then dissected adhesions between the stomach, pancreas, and gastrohepatic ligament. With the patient in the right lateral decubitus position, the lesser curvature could be identified from both the ventral and dorsal sides.

DISCUSSION

For the modified Hassab's operation, as in laparoscopic gastrectomy, many operators select the supine position for lesser curvature devascularization and gastric vessel ligation. However, after sufficient adhesion dissection around the stomach, anatomical structures can be identified in the right lateral decubitus position. For this approach, gravity is not an issue on the dorsal side, and the lesser curvature can be observed from both the ventral and dorsal sides with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position. Laparoscopically performing the modified Hassab's operation with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position is a feasible method.

Abstract 5193: Ataxia telangiectasia mutated relates to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer

Background: The Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is recruited and activated by DNA double-strand breaks. Recently, ATM was reported to correlate with breast cancer metastasis by regulating phosphorylated Snail which was known as a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), however, it remains unclear in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study we attempted to clarify the impact of ATM on the mechanism of EMT in CRC.

Methods: Potential ATM levels were evaluated in human CRC cells (HT29 and SW480) by qPCR and western blot analysis. Cells were induced EMT by treated with TGF-b, were confirmed by the change of EMT markers (i.e. N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Snail and twist). Next, ATM levels were down-regulated by siRNA and the impact on EMT were evaluated by EMT markers. Invasive potential was evaluated by scratch assay.

Results: HT29 showed significantly higher levels of ATM comparing to SW480 (p = 0.042). N-cadherin (p = 0.065), Snail (p = 0.034) and twist (p = 0.052) were highly observed in HT-29, while similar level of E-cadherin in SW480 (p = 0.692). Scratch assay revealed that approximately 4 times high migration was observed in HT29. TGF-b induced EMT such as elevation of N-cadherin and Snail (E-cadherin was not affected), leading to promotion of cell migration in SW480. ATM was successfully 48.4% down-regulated (p = 0.001) in SW480, which resulted in reducing cell migration (p = 0.033).

Conclusions: ATM might be a critical regulator of EMT in colorectal cancer invasion.

Citation Format: Hidena Takahashi, Masashi Tsuruta, Hirotoshi Hasegawa, Koji Okabayashi, Ryo Seishima, Shimpei Matsui, Toru Yamada, Takayuki Kondo, Takehiro Shimada, Mutsuhito Matsuda, Masashi Yahagi, Yusuke Yoshikawa, Yusuke Asada, Kiyoaki Sugiura, Yoshiyuki Suzuki, Yuki Tajima, Junpei Nakadai, Yuko Kitagawa. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated relates to epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5193. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5193

Is laparoscopic colorectal surgery beneficial for elderly patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients who undergo major abdominal surgery are potentially at a higher risk of perioperative mortality and postoperative complications. Although laparoscopic surgery has been widely accepted as a less invasive surgical procedure for colorectal diseases, the benefits for elderly patients have not been validated.

AIM

To compare postoperative outcomes and long-term survival between laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in the elderly population.

METHODS

A literature search was electronically performed to identify all studies comparing postoperative outcomes between laparoscopic and open colorectal resections in the elderly population. Primary outcomes were postoperative mortality and complications, and the secondary outcome was long-term survival.

RESULTS

Overall, 30 studies (70,946 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic surgery was significantly associated with a decreased risk of perioperative mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45-0.68; P < 0.01] and postoperative complications (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48-0.63; P < 0.01) compared with open surgery. There was no significant difference in long-term survival between the two procedures (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72-1.07; P = 0.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the elderly population has significant advantages in terms of short-term outcomes. Aggressive application of laparoscopic colorectal surgery should be considered for the elderly population.

Age, Preoperative Subcutaneous Fat Area, and Open Laparotomy are Risk Factors for Incisional Hernia following Colorectal Cancer Surgery

BACKGROUND

Although incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication of abdominal surgery, the incidence rate and risk factors are not well known. The objectives of this study are to determine the incidence rate of IH following colorectal cancer surgery and to describe the associated risk factors.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2010, patients who underwent surgery to treat colorectal cancer were examined. The diagnosis of IH was performed by CT scan, and the visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the level of the umbilicus were calculated using a 3D-image analysis system. Survival analysis was used to assess the incidence and risk factors of IH.

RESULTS

A total of 626 patients (326 open, 300 laparoscopic) were included in this study, with median follow-up of 54 (range 2-97) months. Forty patients were diagnosed with postoperative IH, and the cumulative, 5-year incidence of IH was 7.3 %. Univariate analysis revealed that age, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, open laparotomy, wound infection, VFA, and SFA were significantly associated with incidence of IH. Multivariate analysis revealed that age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.043 (1.005-1.083), p = 0.027], open laparotomy [HR 4.410 (1.018-19.095), p = 0.047], and SFA [HR 1.013 (1.004-1.022), p = 0.005] were significant risk factors for developing IH.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher age and SFA, along with open surgery, are risk factors for developing IH.

Three-year denosumab treatment in postmenopausal Japanese women and men with osteoporosis: results from a 1-year open-label extension of the Denosumab Fracture Intervention Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial (DIRECT)

SUMMARY

A 12-month extension phase of DIRECT in Japanese subjects with osteoporosis showed that total 3 years of denosumab treatment in Japanese postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis was associated with low fracture rates, persistent bone turnover marker (BTM) reductions, continuous bone mineral density (BMD) increases, and a favorable overall benefit/risk profile.

INTRODUCTION

The DIRECT trial demonstrated that 2 years of treatment with denosumab 60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months significantly reduced the incidence of vertebral fracture compared to placebo in Japanese postmenopausal women and men with osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab treatment for up to 3 years.

METHODS

This study includes a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase and a 1-year open-label extension phase in which all subjects received denosumab. The data correspond to 3 years of denosumab treatment in subjects who received denosumab (long-term group) and 1 year of denosumab treatment in subjects who received placebo (cross-over group) in the double-blind phase.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and ten subjects who completed the double-blind phase enrolled into the extension phase, and 775 subjects completed the study. All subjects received denosumab with daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D. The cumulative 36-month incidences of new or worsening vertebral fractures and new vertebral fractures were 3.8 and 2.5 %, respectively, in the long-term group. In this group, the BMD continued to increase, and the reduction in BTMs was maintained. In the cross-over group, comparable BMD increases and BTMs reductions to those of in their first year of the long-term group were confirmed. Adverse events did not show a notable increase with long-term denosumab administration. One event of osteonecrosis of the jaw occurred in the cross-over group.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-year denosumab treatment in Japanese subjects with osteoporosis showed a favorable benefit/risk profile.

Impact of liver fibrosis on effects and adverse effects of unresectable colorectal cancer under first line chemotherapy including CPT-11

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Background: Liver dysfunction is one of the irritating adverse effects in chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Polymorphisms of UGTIA1, which is related to metabolism of CPT-11 in the liver, cause severe adverse events. In addition, long-term induction of CPT-11 may involve steatohepatitis. Thus, it is critical to surrogate liver dysfunction in chemotherapy including CPT-11. In this current study, we evaluated whether NAHLD fibrosis score (NFS) which is liver fibrosis marker of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is feasible for predicting the effects and adverse events of chemotherapy including CPT-11 for colorectal cancer. Methods: From January 2007 to May 2013, of 118 patients who were diagnosed with unresectable advanced/recurrent colorectal cancer in our hospital, we retrospectively analyzed 89 patients who underwent first line chemotherapy including CPT-11. We statistically analyzed the value of the pretreatment NFS on response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and hematologic or non-hematologic toxicity of chemotherapy including CPT-11. Results: The median NFS was -1.302 (range=-5.158 to 2.62). Multivariate analysis revealed that NFS was an independent negative predictive marker for RR (coef -0.373 (-0.712 to -0.035), p = 0.031), although no contribution of NFS was observed to PFS (coef 0.958(0.786|1.168), p=0.672). In terms of the adverse events, high value of NFS is an independent risk factor in hematological toxicity (coef 0.93 (0.20 to 1.65), p = 0.012), while not in non-hematological toxicity (coef 0.198 (-0.218|0.613), p=0.351). Conclusions: The pretreatment NFS might be a feasible for predicting response and hematological toxicity in first line chemotherapy including CPT-11 against colorectal cancer.

The impact of hepatic fiblosis on the incidence of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer

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Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is closely associated with hepatic fibrosis (HF). The number of patients who have NASH is increasing by eating high-calorie diet. It remains unclear how much impact such NASH and HF on the development of liver metastasis by colorectal cancer (CRC). The objectives of this study is to clarify the influence of HF on metachronous liver-specific recurrence in colorectal cancer patients who underwent colorectal surgery with curative intent. Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, patients who underwent a curative surgical resection for CRC were included in this study. We evaluated the progression of HF by using non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) based on preoperative blood test result, age, BMI and DM. The patients with NFS higher than 0.676 were objectively defined as HF. The influence of HF on hepatic recurrence was assessed by survival analyses. Results: A total of 953 CRC patients were enrolled, comprised of 293 in stage I, 327 in stage II and 333 in stage III. The mean of NFS was 1.32±1.55, where the included patients were categorized into 77 HF and 876 non-HF. 5-year liver-specific disease-free survival rate in HF was significantly poorer than non-HF (HS 87.0% vs. non-HF 94.5%, log-rank p=0.009). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that HF significantly promoted liver-specific recurrence compared to non-HF (HR=2.16, 95% CI, 1.00 to 4.64; p=0.049). Conclusions: Hepatic fibrosis had a great impact on hepatic recurrence after curative surgical resection of CRCs. These findings indicated that HF might be a favorable microenvironment in developing colorectal liver metastasis. The evaluation of the degree of HF can be useful in selection of adjuvant chemotherapy and postoperative surveillance.

Muscle volume loss after the induction of first-line chemotherapy as a novel prognostic factor in metastatic colorectal cancer patients

558

Background: Muscle volume loss (MVL) is observed in end-stage cancer patients as cachexia. However, the impact of MVL on tumor response and survival still remains unclear during chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate correlation between MVL and oncologic outcomes in mCRC patients. Methods: A total of 91 mCRC patients who received first-line chemotherapy were identified in our prospective registry between February 2007 and April 2013. Skeletal muscle index at the level of L3 vertebra (SMI) was calculated by muscle volume normalized by stature at the time of the induction of first-line chemotherapy (bSMI) and first evaluation of tumor response (fSMI). Patients whose SMI decreased more than 10% were classified as MVL group. The impact of these variables on oncologic outcomes (overall survival [OS], progression free survival [PFS], and tumor response rate [RR]) were analyzed. Results: Mean bSMI and fSMI were 35.0 (SD: 7.11) cm2/m2, and 34.2 (SD: 6.85) cm2/ m2, respectively. Eighteen patients were classified into the MVL group. The patients in MVL group significantly responded to the chemotherapy (RR of MVL: 11.1% vs. RR of non-MVL: 49.3%, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in terms of high grade adverse effect between MVL and non-MVL group. Patients in MVL group had a significant shorter median PFS (MVL: 5.5 [2.5 - 10.1] months vs. non-MVL: 12.8 (3.8-80.5) months, p < 0.01) and median OS (MVL: 13.9 [6.2-61.2] months vs. non-MVL: 29.3 (8.2-94.0) months, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with MVL had significantly worse prognostic factor (OS: HR 3.51 [1.99-6.21], p < 0.01 and PFS: HR 8.27 [2.91-23.5], p < 0.01. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggested that MVL after the induction of the first line chemotherapy could be a novel predictive factor for chemotherapy response and prognosis. Further investigation should be required to clarify the mechanistic background.

The impact of oral anticancer drugs on recurrence pattern after adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients

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Background: In colorectal cancer (CRC), liver metastasis is one of the critical prognostic factors. However, its pathogenesis still remains unclear. “Stream line theory” is known to be in the liver, where the bloodstream from superior and inferior mesenteric vein make a laminar flow in portal vein, and pour into the right and left hepatic vein, respectively. Recently we have elucidated that stream line theory might affect the pattern of liver metastasis in CRC. We anticipated that the way how to administrate anticancer drug also influence on the effectiveness for liver metastasis in CRC, namely oral administrated drug is absorbed in small intestine and delivered to the right lobe in the liver mainly. We hypothesized that oral intake of anticancer drug suppressed especially recurrence in the right hepatic lobe. The aim of this study is to elucidate the specific pattern of recurrence after curative resection of CRC depending on the way to administrate anticancer drug as adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). Methods: Between January 2003 and September 2013, of 365 patients who were received AC following R0 excision of primary CRC in our institution, we analyzed 94 patients who were diagnosed recurrence. They were divided into 2 groups: 64 patients were received only oral anticancer drug as AC following curative resection of CRC (PO group), and the others are distributed into IV group. A comparative review of clinicohistopathological factors and recurrence pattern were statistically performed. Results: Preoperative CEA levels were significantly higher in IV group than PO group (3.3 vs. 7.6, p=0.03). No other difference was observed in background factor of 2 groups. Comparing the recurrence pattern, 11 (17.2%) were diagnosed recurrence in the right hepatic lobe in PO group while 11 (36.7%) in IV group. There was significantly lower incidence of recurrence in the right hepatic lobe in PO group comparing with IV group (HR=2.79, 95% CI=0.92 to 8.37; p=0.04). Conclusions: AC by oral anticancer drug might specifically suppressed recurrence in the right hepatic lobe behind “stream line theory” in which oral anticancer drug is absorbed in small intestine and mainly drained into the right hepatic lobe.