Comparison of migraine with left- versus right-sided headache: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to clarify whether clinical differences exist between patients with migraine who experience headache that is typically left-sided ("left-migraine") versus right-sided ("right-migraine") during attacks.

BACKGROUND

Migraine has been associated with unilateral headache for millennia and remains a supportive trait for the clinical diagnosis of migraine of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. It is currently unknown why headache in migraine is commonly unilateral, and whether headache-sidedness is associated with other clinical features.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study comparing left- versus right-migraine using all available intake questionnaires of new patients evaluated at an academic tertiary headache center over a 20-year period. Eligibility was based on patient written responses indicating the typical location of headache during attacks. In our analyses, the side of headache (left or right) was the predictor variable. The outcomes included various migraine characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities.

RESULTS

We identified 6527 patients with migraine, of which 340 met study eligibility criteria. Of these, 48.8% (166/340) had left migraine, and 51.2% (174/340) had right migraine. When comparing patients with left- versus right-migraine, patients with left migraine experienced 3.6 fewer headache-free days (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-5.9; p = 0.002) and 2.4 more severe headache days (95% CI 0.8-4.1; p = 0.004) in the previous 4 weeks. No significant differences in age, sex, handedness, migraine characteristics, or psychiatric comorbidities were identified between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with migraine with typically left-sided headache during attacks reported a higher burden of headache frequency and severity than those with typically right-sided headache during attacks. These findings may have implications for our understanding of migraine pathophysiology, treatment, and clinical trial design.

Proof of Concept: Trans-atrial AngioVac Aspiration of Mitral Valve Thrombosis in a COVID-19 Patient

In patients with a prohibitive surgical risk, the AngioVac cannula can be used to remove left-sided cardiac masses, as an off-label adaptation of the device. We herein describe a novel micro-invasive approach to gain access to the left atrium for the aspiration of a mitral valve mass in a patient affected by severe coronavirus disease 2019. Through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy, the right superior pulmonary vein was accessed and used to insert the aspiration cannula. A parallel venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-like circuit provided circulatory and respiratory support to ensure proper intra- and postoperative hemodynamic stabilization.

Electrophysiological characteristics of right- and left-sided Mahaim accessory pathways: A single-center experience in China

Background

Mahaim-type accessory pathways (MAPs) are rare accessory pathways (APs) with specific properties. They are mostly located in the right side of the heart but rarely exist on the left side.

Objectives

This study aims to analyze the clinical and electrophysiological (EP) characteristics of both-sided MAPs.

Methods

A total of 2,249 patients with AP from our center were enrolled between 1 January 2011 and 27 March 2022. During the EP study (EPS) 17 patients were diagnosed with MAPs (right-sided: n = 13, left-sided: n = 4) according to the properties of Mahaim fibers.

Results

MAPs constitute 0.75% of all APs. Out of 1,553 patients with left-sided APs, four patients (0.26%) were diagnosed with Mahaim fiber-mediated tachycardia. Out of 696 patients with right-sided APs, 13 patients (1.9%) were diagnosed with Mahaim fiber. Most Mahaim fibers were located at the free wall of the tricuspid and mitral annuli. Seven patients of right-sided MAPs were of atriofasicular type, six patients had right-sided MAPs, and all of the patients with left-sided MAPs were of atrioventricular (AV) type. The M potential only was detected in long-length MAPs. Coexistence with other supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) was also observed both in patients with right-sided and left-sided MAPs. All the patients underwent radiofrequency ablation successfully. Only one patient had tachycardia recurrence during a follow-up.

Conclusion

Although MAPs are commonly located at right sides, left sites are not impossible. The M potential contributes to the improvement of the successful ablation.

Identification and Validation in a Novel Quantification System of Ferroptosis Patterns for the Prediction of Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Left- and Right-Sided Colon Cancer

Background

This study aimed to establish a novel quantification system of ferroptosis patterns and comprehensively analyze the relationship between ferroptosis score (FS) and the immune cell infiltration (ICI) characterization, tumor mutation burden (TMB), prognosis, and therapeutic sensitivity in left-sided and right-sided colon cancers (LCCs and RCCs, respectively).

Methods

We comprehensively evaluated the ferroptosis patterns in 444 LCCs and RCCs based on 59 ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). The FS was constructed to quantify ferroptosis patterns by using principal component analysis algorithms. Next, the prognostic value and therapeutic sensitivities were evaluated using multiple methods. Finally, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the key FRGs. The IMvigor210 cohort, TCGA-COAD proteomics cohort, and Immunophenoscores were used to verify the predictive abilities of FS and the key FRGs.

Results

Two ferroptosis clusters were determined. Ferroptosis cluster B demonstrated a high degree of congenital ICI and stromal-related signal enrichment with a poor prognosis. The prognosis, response of targeted inhibitors, and immunotherapy were significantly different between high and low FS groups (HSG and LSG, respectively). HSG was characterized by high TMB and microsatellite instability-high subtype with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, LSG was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. ALOX5 was identified as a key FRG based on FS. Patients with high protein levels of ALOX5 had poorer prognoses.

Conclusion

This work revealed that the evaluation of ferroptosis subtypes will contribute to gaining insight into the heterogeneity in LCCs and RCCs. The quantification for ferroptosis patterns played a non-negligible role in predicting ICI characterization, prognosis, and individualized immunotherapy strategies.

Laparoscopic resection after self-expanding stent insertion for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer: Clinicopathological features and outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic resection for obstructive colon cancer (CC) after insertion of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) is reportedly difficult. However, this has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we investigated the influence of SEMS insertion on laparoscopic resection.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative study included 87 patients with obstructive left-sided CC (December 2011-December 2019). Patients were assigned to two groups based on elective laparoscopic surgery for (1) obstructive CC necessitating emergent decompression with SEMS insertion (SEMS group) and (2) obstructive CC without emergent decompression (control group).

RESULTS

The SEMS group had a longer operation time (283.3 ± 79.3 min vs 222.2 ± 79.4 min, P = 0.002) and greater blood loss (204.8 ± 417.6 mL vs 53.7 ± 166.1 mL, P = 0.029) on univariate analysis; however, in multiple linear regression analysis, SEMS was not an independent risk factor for both operation time (Δ operation time 25.5 min: P = 0.19) and blood loss (Δ blood loss 33.6 mL: P = 0.58). The complication rate based on Clavien-Dindo grade II did not differ significantly (17% vs 20%, P = 1.00), whereas the rates of conversion to laparotomy (17% vs 2%, P = 0.016) and stoma creation (26% vs 2%, P = 0.001) were higher in the SEMS group. In oncological outcomes, there was no intergroup difference in the 5-year disease-free survival (80.0% vs 72.2%, P = 0.76) and overall survival (100% vs 86.3%, P = 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery after SEMS for left-sided CC is demanding due to higher conversion rates to open surgery. However, this study also revealed that it is as safe as laparoscopic surgery for cases without SEMS because of comparable complication rate and long-term outcomes.

Clinical outcome of decompressing colostomy for acute left-sided colorectal obstruction: a consecutive series of 100 patients

PURPOSE

Aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of a consecutive series of patients who were treated with a decompressing colostomy (DC) for acute left-sided colorectal obstruction.

METHOD

A consecutive series of 100 patients with acute left-sided colorectal obstruction who underwent DC from January 2015 to August 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, etiology of the obstruction, postoperative morbidity- and mortality rates, DC-related complication and stoma reversal rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 100 included patients, 64 had malignant- and 36 had benign obstruction. The mean age was 69 years, 42% was male, and the ASA score was 2. Morbidity and mortality rates after DC construction were 20 and 2%, respectively. In 39% of the patients, DC ended up as a permanent stoma and in 61% as bridge to surgery (BtS). DC related complication rate was 32%, with a re-intervention rate of 9%. Elective colorectal resection was performed in 59 cases (59%) with subsequent postoperative morbidity rate of 20%. Stoma reversal rate was 77% for the patients who underwent DC as BtS. Stoma reversal was performed in 66% of the patients with benign obstruction and in 36% for oncological obstruction.

CONCLUSION

DC as bridge to possible elective resection for acute left-sided colorectal obstruction is an effective strategy with low morbidity and mortality rates and a high stoma reversal rate, especially for benign obstruction. However, DC is less appropriate for patients in whom DC turns out to be a permanent stoma due to a relatively high stoma related complications.

Prognostic Immunity and Therapeutic Sensitivity Analyses Based on Differential Genomic Instability-Associated LncRNAs in Left- and Right-Sided Colon Adenocarcinoma

Background: The purpose of our study was to develop a prognostic risk model based on differential genomic instability-associated (DGIA) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) of left-sided and right-sided colon cancers (LCCs and RCCs); therefore, the prognostic key lncRNAs could be identified.

Methods: We adopted two independent gene datasets, corresponding somatic mutation and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Identification of differential DGIA lncRNAs from LCCs and RCCs was conducted with the appliance of “Limma” analysis. Then, we screened out key lncRNAs based on univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Meanwhile, DGIA lncRNAs related prognostic model (DRPM) was established. We employed the DRPM in the model group and internal verification group from TCGA for the purpose of risk grouping and accuracy verification of DRPM. We also verified the accuracy of key lncRNAs with GEO data. Finally, the differences of immune infiltration, functional pathways, and therapeutic sensitivities were analyzed within different risk groups.

Results: A total of 123 DGIA lncRNAs were screened out by differential expression analysis. We obtained six DGIA lncRNAs by the construction of DRPM, including AC004009.1, AP003555.2, BOLA3-AS1, NKILA, LINC00543, and UCA1. After the risk grouping by these DGIA lncRNAs, we found the prognosis of the high-risk group (HRG) was significantly worse than that in the low-risk group (LRG) (all p < 0.05). In all TCGA samples and model group, the expression of CD8⁺ T cells in HRG was lower than that in LRG (all p < 0.05). The functional analysis indicated that there was significant upregulation with regard to pathways related to both genetic instability and immunity in LRG, including cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, response to double-strand RNA, RIG-Ⅰ like receptor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Finally, we analyzed the difference and significance of key DGIA lncRNAs and risk groups in multiple therapeutic sensitivities.

Conclusion: Through the analysis of the DGIA lncRNAs between LCCs and RCCs, we identified six key DGIA lncRNAs. They can not only predict the prognostic risk of patients but also serve as biomarkers for evaluating the differences of genetic instability, immune infiltration, and therapeutic sensitivity.

Dissection of 4L lymph node for left-sided non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether dissection of left lower paratracheal (4L) lymph node has any impact on survival of patients with left-sided non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. We conducted the first meta-analysis to compare the survival of patients treated with 4L lymph node dissection (LND) and those without for left-sided NSCLC.

METHODS

We systematically searched relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on February 6, 2020. Data for analysis included 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates, OS, and DFS. We calculated risk ratio (RR) for pooling 5-year OS and DFS rates and extracted hazard ratio (HR) from multivariate analysis for pooling OS and DFS.

RESULTS

We finally included three retrospective cohort studies with propensity score-matched analysis consisting of 2103 patients. Meta-analysis showed that patients treated with 4L LND yielded significantly higher 5-year OS (67.7% vs. 54.6%; fixed effects models: RR = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.67, 0.84]; p < 0.001; I²  = 0%) and DFS (53.3% vs. 44.8%; fixed effects models: RR = 0.85; 95% CI = [0.76, 0.95]; p = 0.003; I²  = 41.7%) rates than patients without 4L LNDS. Moreover, dissection of 4L lymph node was significantly associated with better OS (fixed effects model: HR = 0.66; 95% CI = [0.57, 0.76]; p < 0.001; I²  = 45.7%) and DFS (fixed effects model: HR = 0.67; 95% CI = [0.52, 0.87]; p = 0.003; I²  = 0%). No significant heterogeneities were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Dissection of 4L lymph node could significantly improve both 5-year OS and DFS rates and 4L LND was a favorable prognostic factor for patients with left-sided NSCLC.

Prognostic Immune-Related Analysis Based on Differentially Expressed Genes in Left- and Right-Sided Colon Adenocarcinoma

Background

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) can be divided into left-sided and right-sided COAD (LCCs and RCCs, respectively). They have unique characteristics in various biological aspects, particularly immune invasion and prognosis. The purpose of our study was to develop a prognostic risk scoring model (PRSM) based on differentially expressed immune-related genes (IRGs) between LCCs and RCCs, therefore the prognostic key IRGs could be identified.

Methods

The gene sets and clinical information of COAD patients were derived from TCGA and GEO databases. The comparison of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of LCCs and RCCs were conducted with appliance of “Limma” analysis. The establishment about co-expression modules of DEGs related with immune score was conducted by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Furthermore, we screened the module genes and completed construction of gene pairs. The analysis of the prognosis and the establishment of PRSM were performed with univariate- and lasso-Cox regression. We employed the PRSM in the model group and verification group for the purpose of risk group assignment and PRSM accuracy verification. Finally, the identification of the prognostic key IRGs was guaranteed by the adoption of functional enrichment, “DisNor” and protein-protein interaction (PPI).

Results

A total of 215 genes were screened out by differential expression analysis and WGCNA. A PRSM with 16 immune-related gene pairs (IRGPs) was established upon the genes pairing. Furthermore, we confirmed that the risk score was an independent factor for survival by univariate- and multivariate-Cox regression. The prognosis of high-risk group in model group (P < 0.001) and validation group (P = 0.014) was significantly worse than that in low-risk group. Treg cells (P < 0.001) and macrophage M0 (P = 0.015) were highly expressed in the high-risk group. The functional analysis indicated that there was significant up-regulation with regard of lymphocyte and cytokine related terms in low-risk group. Finally, we identified five prognostic key IRGs associated with better prognosis through PPI and prognostic analysis, including IL2RB, TRIM22, CIITA, CXCL13, and CXCR6.

Conclusion

Through the analysis and screening of the DEGs between LCCs and RCCs, we constructed a PRSM which could predicate prognosis of LCCs and RCCs, and five prognostic key IRGs were identified as well. Therefore, the basis for identifying the benefits of immunotherapy and immunomodulatory was built.

Bridge to Surgery for Obstructing Colonic Cancer: A Comparison between Right- and Left-sided Lesions

Objectives:

Few studies have compared management and outcomes of bridge to surgery (BTS) for obstructive colonic cancer according to the location of the tumor. Additional information is needed about this procedure's characteristics and short-term and long-term outcomes. We aimed to compare patient and tumor characteristics, and outcomes of BTS for obstructive right-sided versus left-sided colonic cancers.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, single center, cohort study. The study cohort comprised 149 patients, including 48 with right-sided and 101 with left-sided obstructive colonic cancers, who were treated with BTS between January 2007 and December 2017. Data on medical history, investigations, treatments, and prognosis were collected from an electronic database of a single hospital. The primary end points were overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival and short-term surgical outcomes.

Results:

Significantly more patients with right-sided cancers had postoperative complications (29.2% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.039). Additionally, postoperative chemotherapy was administered to a marginally significantly greater proportion of patients with left-sided cancers (29.2% vs 45.5%, p = 0.057). The long-term outcomes were comparable between the two groups (the 5-year OS rates were 67.6% and 80.9% [p = 0.117] and the 5-year DFS rates were 62.2% and 58.6% [p = 0.671]). Multivariate analyses using all studied variables showed that lymphovascular invasion, advanced T stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent poor prognostic factors.

Conclusions:

The long-term outcome was not different between the right- and left-sided groups. In a BTS setting, postoperative complications may reduce the compliance of adjuvant chemotherapy in right-sided cancers and affect long-term outcomes.

Comparison of electrophysiological characteristics of right- and left-sided Mahaim-type accessory pathways

AIMS

Mahaim-type accessory pathways (MAPs) are generally right-sided due to the embryological differentiation, but left-sided localization is also possible. This study aims to compare the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of right- and left-sided MAPs.

METHODS

Of 251 patients diagnosed with AP by electrophysiological study between November 2015 and February 2020, 12 patients with MAP were included (right sided n = 8, left sided n = 4). MAP was diagnosed if; (1) no retrograde conduction; (2) anterograde decremental conduction; (3) adenosine sensitivity; and (4) Mahaim potential at successful ablation site were present.

RESULTS

Ten of twelve MAPs were clustered on the lateral walls of the mitral (n = 3, 75%) and tricuspid annuli (n = 7, 87.5%). Right-sided MAPs were mostly long pathways extending toward the conduction system whereas left-sided MAPs were short extending toward the neighboring myocardium. For right- and left-sided APs, the median QRS times were 129 and 156 ms (p = .042), the median V_Abl -RV_Apex intervals were -12 and 64 ms (p = .007), the median QRS-V_(His) intervals were 16 and 86 ms (p = .120), and the median V_Abl -QRS interval was -8 and 12 ms (p = .017), respectively. Coexistence of dual atrioventricular node physiology was observed only in right-sided APs (n = 3, 37.5%).

CONCLUSION

MAPs are more typically located on the right but may rarely be seen on the left. Catheter ablation was associated with high success without complications.

Brachysyndactyly in Poland Syndrome

A 36-year-old man presented with incidental findings of an asymmetric chest with hypoplastic and flattened left anterior chest wall due to absent left pectoralis major. He also had short and webbed fingers in the left hand. These deformities were present since birth. Chest X-ray showed hyperlucency on the left side. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed an absence of the left pectoralis major. X-ray of the left hand showed hypoplasia of the proximal phalanx and aplasia of the middle and distal phalanges of the second digit, and aplasia of the middle phalanges of the third and fourth digits. A diagnosis of left-sided Poland syndrome with associated ipsilateral brachysyndactyly, which is a very rare entity, was made. The patient opted against any reconstructive procedure as he had a minimal functional limitation.

Tumor LINE-1 methylation level and colorectal cancer location in relation to patient survival

Colorectal tumors arise with genomic and epigenomic alterations through interactions between neoplastic cells, immune cells, and microbiota that vary along the proximal to distal axis of colorectum. Long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) hypomethylation in colorectal cancer has been associated with worse clinical outcome. Utilizing 1,317 colon and rectal carcinoma cases in two U.S.-nationwide prospective cohort studies, we examined patient survival according to LINE-1 methylation level stratified by tumor location. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess a statistical interaction between LINE-1 methylation level and tumor location in colorectal cancer-specific mortality analysis, controlling for potential confounders including microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, and KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations. A statistically significant interaction was found between LINE-1 methylation level and tumor location in colorectal cancer-specific mortality analysis (Pinteraction = 0.011). The association of LINE-1 hypomethylation with higher colorectal cancer-specific mortality was stronger in proximal colon cancers (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 2.28) than in distal colon cancers (multivariable HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.72) or rectal cancers (multivariable HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.34). Our data suggest the interactive effect of LINE-1 methylation level and colorectal cancer location on clinical outcome.

The prognostic implications of primary colorectal tumor location on recurrence and overall survival in patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastasis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The prognostic impact of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) location following resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) remains largely unknown. We sought to characterize the prognostic implications of primary tumor location among patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for CRLM.

METHODS

Tumors of the cecum, ascending, and transverse colon were defined as right-sided; tumors of the sigmoid flexure, descending, and sigmoid colon were defined as left-sided. Clinicopathologic and long-term survival data were collected and assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

About 475 patients who underwent CRLM resection at a single institution were included; most patients had left-sided tumors (n = 284). Median and 5-year RFS was 20.2 months and 28.0%, respectively. Patients who had a left-sided primary tumor had a shorter RFS compared with patients who had a right-sided tumor (P = 0.01). Although site of and time to recurrence did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05), patients with right-sided primary tumors were more likely to recur with advanced disease (i.e., ≥4 recurrent lesions) (P < 0.01). In turn, patients with right-sided tumors had both worse OS (P = 0.03) and worse survival after recurrence (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

While patients with right-sided tumors experienced longer RFS, when these patients did recur following CRLM resection, disease extent was more advanced. In turn, OS following recurrence was shorter among patients with right-sided CRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:803-809. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Right- and left-sided colon cancer - clinical and pathological differences of the disease entity in one organ

INTRODUCTION

Some researchers suggest that cancers located in the right vs. the left side of the colon are different and they can be regarded as distinct disease entities. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in clinical, epidemiological and pathological features of patients with right-sided (RCC) and left-sided (LCC) colon cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One thousand two hundred and twenty-four patients were operated on due to colorectal cancer. A group of 477 patients (254 women, mean age 65.5 ±11 for the whole group) with colon cancer was included (212 RCC vs. 265 LCC).

RESULTS

Right colon cancer patients were older (67.8 ±11.3 vs. 63.2 ±11.2; p = 0.0087). Left colon cancer patients underwent surgery for urgent indications more often (17.0% vs. 8.5%; p = 0006). Tumor diameter was greater in the RCC group (55 ±60 mm vs. 38 ±21 mm; p = 0.0003). Total number of removed lymph nodes was higher in the RCC group (11.7 ±6 vs. 8.3 ±5; p = 0.0001). Lymph node ratio was higher in the LCC group (0.45 ±0.28 vs. 0.30 ±0.25; p = 0.0063). We found a strong positive correlation between tumor diameter and the number of removed lymph nodes in the LCC group (r = 0.531).

CONCLUSIONS

These differences may result from the fact that RCC patients are diagnosed at an older age. The smaller number of removed lymph nodes in LCC patients may result in incorrect staging. It is still necessary to find other biological dissimilarities of adenocarcinoma located on different sides of the colon.

Primary tumor site and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

AIM

This meta-analysis aimed to document the impact of primary tumor site on anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb) benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Tumors with metastatic left-sided colorectal cancer (LCC) were compared with tumors with metastatic right-sided colon cancer (RCC) with respect to anti-EGFR mAb objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) benefit.

RESULTS

Comparing LCC with RCC, LCC was found to have significantly superior anti-EGFR mAb ORR (p < 0.00001), OS (p < 0.00001) and PFS (p < 0.00001) benefit. Additionally, anti-EGFR mAb therapy significantly improved both OS and PFS for LCC compared with no anti-EGFR mAb therapy, but not for RCC. The test of interaction was also apparent for OS (p = 0.0002) and PFS (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that LCC had markedly superior anti-EGFR mAb treatment benefit compared with RCC.

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open surgery in a three-stage operation for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCC) typically consists of a three-staged procedure. During the first stage, the obstruction is managed with diversion colostomy. Traditionally in the second stage, we perform open resection for the primary tumor. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of OLCC with diversion colostomy in terms of operative results and short-term outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 20 patients underwent laparoscopic resection for OLCC (study group), 48 patients underwent open resection for OLCC (control group 1), and 53 patients underwent laparoscopic resection for non-OLCC (control group 2). Afterwards, results from the procedures were obtained and clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

The operative time was significantly longer in the study group than in the control group 1 (153 minutes vs. 126 minutes, p = 0.041), and the length of hospitalization was shorter in the study group than in the control group 1 (5.3 days vs. 7.6 days, p = 0.032). Regarding the operative results and short-term outcomes, there were no significant differences between the study group and control group 2. Colostomy retraction was a specific morbidity which occurred in two patients of the study group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of OLCC with diversion colostomy is feasible. Abdominal cavity adhesion is only limited. We strongly recommend that laparoscopic resection should be performed at least 2 weeks after diversion colostomy, and the plastic rod should be left in place during the pneumoperitoneum to reduce the risk of colostomy retraction.

Right-sided colon cancer and left-sided colorectal cancers respond differently to cetuximab

INTRODUCTION

Right-sided colon cancer (RSCC) and left-sided colorectal cancer (LSCRC) differ with respect to their biology and genomic patterns. This study aimed to examine whether the primary tumor location is associated with the response to cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

METHODS

Patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab and standard chemotherapy as first- or second-line treatments were compared with randomly chosen patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone between 2005 and 2013. The main outcome measures were the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The differences in the outcome were analyzed by using the chi-squared test, Student's t test, and Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The treatment results of 206 patients with mCRC treated with cetuximab and standard chemotherapy as first- or second-line treatments were compared with those of 210 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone. As a first-line treatment, cetuximab with chemotherapy was associated with a significantly higher ORR (49.4 % vs. 28.6 %, P = 0.005) as well as longer PFS (9.1 vs. 6.2 months, P = 0.002) and OS (28.9 vs. 20.1 months, P = 0.036) than chemotherapy alone in patients with LSCRC. However, cetuximab neither improved the ORR (36.4 % vs. 26.2 %, P = 0.349) nor prolonged PFS (5.6 vs. 5.7 months, P = 0.904) or OS (25.1 vs. 19.8 months, P = 0.553) in patients with RSCC. As a second-line treatment, cetuximab exhibited a tendency to improve the ORR (23.5 % vs. 10.2 %, P = 0.087) and prolong PFS (4.9 vs. 3.5 months, P = 0.064), and it significantly prolonged OS (17.1 vs. 12.4 months, P = 0.047) compared with chemotherapy alone in the patients with LSCRC. In contrast, as a second-line treatment, cetuximab neither improved the ORR (7.1 % vs. 11.4 %, P = 0.698) nor prolonged PFS (3.3 vs. 4.2 months, P = 0.761) or OS (13.4 vs. 13.0 months, P = 0.652) in patients with RSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy in both first- and second-line treatments of mCRC may only benefit patients with primary LSCRC.