Population-based survival rates after curative surgical and non-surgical treatment of stage III NSCLC since 2017

OBJECTIVES

In stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), curative treatment approaches used to include neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, and definitive chemoradiotherapy followed by consolidation durvalumab (CRT-ICI). Surgical strategies included either neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx-surg) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT-surg). We studied the outcomes of these three radical intent strategies in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) for patients diagnosed from 2017 to 2021.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with clinical stage III NSCLC (TNM edition 8) were identified in the NCR after excluding patients with known driver mutations, ECOG performance status >=2, N3-disease and those undergoing sequential chemoradiotherapy or single modality/palliative treatments. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of surgery or start of durvalumab.

RESULTS

Treatments delivered were CRT-ICI (n = 1016 patients), CRT-surg (n = 166) and CTx-surg (n = 111). The surgical series comprised 224 lobectomies, 21 bilobectomies and 32 pneumonectomies, with a 90-day postoperative mortality rate of 3.3 %. Use of CRT-surg decreased steeply after 2018, when durvalumab became fully reimbursed, and use of CRT-ICI increased. Three-year OS was better following CRT-surg (78.7 %) compared to CTx-surg (66.7 %) or CRT-ICI (63.2 %). After controlling for age, ECOG performance status and histology, the hazard ratios for CRT-surg and CTx-surg were 0.66 (95 % CI 0.47-0.91) and 0.82 (95 % CI 0.58-1.17), respectively, compared to CRT-ICI.

CONCLUSION

Population survivals after curative strategies for clinical stage III NSCLC in The Netherlands exceed those reported historically for both surgical and non-surgical approaches. Use of surgery decreased from 2018 following the formal reimbursement of durvalumab. While variations in case-mix hamper comparison between curative treatment strategies, there is a clear need for randomized studies in subgroups with potentially resectable disease.

Compact portable higher harmonic generation microscopy for the real time assessment of unprocessed thyroid tissue

During thyroid surgery fast and reliable intra-operative pathological feedback has the potential to avoid a two-stage procedure and significantly reduce health care costs in patients undergoing a diagnostic hemithyroidectomy (HT). We explored higher harmonic generation (HHG) microscopy, which combines second harmonic generation (SHG), third harmonic generation (THG), and multiphoton excited autofluorescence (MPEF) for this purpose. With a compact, portable HHG microscope, images of freshly excised healthy tissue, benign nodules (follicular adenoma) and malignant tissue (papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma and spindle cell carcinoma) were recorded. The images were generated on unprocessed tissue within minutes and show relevant morphological thyroid structures in good accordance with the histology images. The thyroid follicle architecture, cells, cell nuclei (THG), collagen organization (SHG) and the distribution of thyroglobulin and/or thyroid hormones T3 or T4 (MPEF) could be visualized. We conclude that SHG/THG/MPEF imaging is a promising tool for clinical intraoperative assessment of thyroid tissue.

Feasibility of salvage resection following locoregional failure after chemoradiotherapy and consolidation durvalumab for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

In patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer, high-dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by consolidation durvalumab improves the 5-year overall survival compared to CRT alone. The feasibility and safety of salvage surgery for such patients who subsequently develop locoregional failure (LRF) is unclear. We evaluated our institutional experience with radical-intent salvage surgery in this patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Details of patients undergoing salvage surgery for locoregional failure after CRT and durvalumab were identified from an institutional surgical database. Each patient's case underwent multidisciplinary discussion at initial disease presentation, and again at time of progression.

RESULTS

Ten patients underwent salvage surgery for LRF after prior concurrent (n = 9) or sequential (n = 1) platinum-based high-dose chemo-radiotherapy followed by durvalumab. Consolidation durvalumab was completed in 4 patients, and discontinued in 6, due to either toxicity or disease progression. Median time between end of radiotherapy to detection of LRF was 19 months (range 6-75). Seven patients underwent a lobectomy, 1 a bilobectomy and 2 patients a pneumonectomy. Postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V) and 90-day mortality were 10% and 0%, respectively. Median follow-up after surgery was 7 months (range 1-25) during which 2 patients died (both 9 months post-operatively), one due to distant progression, and one of sepsis/bleeding. Eight patients are alive at 1-23 months post-surgery, with 6 showing no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that salvage pulmonary resection can be performed safely in selected patients with LRF following chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab. This radical-intent treatment option merits consideration by multidisciplinary lung tumor boards.

Thyroid Lobectomy for Low-Risk 1-4 CM Papillary Thyroid Cancer is not Associated with Increased Recurrence Rates in the Dutch Population with a Restricted Diagnostic Work-Up

INTRODUCTION

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend to de-escalate treatment such as Thyroid lobectomy instead of total thyroidectomy for 1-4 cm papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Dutch guidelines endorse restricted work-up for thyroid incidentalomas recommending only fine needle aspiration in case of a 'palpable thyroid nodule'. This diagnostic work-up algorithm may result in the identification of less indolent PTCs and may lead to a patient population with relatively more aggressive PTCs. This study aims to retrospectively analyze recurrence rates of low-risk 1-4 cm PTC in the Netherlands.

METHODS

From the national cancer registry, patients with low-risk 1-4 cm PTC between 2005 and 2015 were included for analysis. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival were compared between patients who underwent TT ± RAI and TL without RAI. Post-hoc propensity score analysis was performed correcting for age, sex, T-stage, and N-stage.

RESULTS

In total 901 patients were included, of which 711 (78.9%) were females, with a median follow-up of 7.7 years. TT was performed in 893 (94.8%) patients. Recurrence occurred in 23 (2.6%) patients. Multivariable analysis showed no significant correlation between extent of surgery and DFS (p = 0.978), or overall survival (p = 0.590). After propensity score matching, multivariable analysis showed no significant difference on extent of surgery and recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Low-risk PTC patients with 1-4 cm tumor who underwent TL showed similar recurrence rates as those who underwent TT ± adjuvant RAI, which suggests that TL can be sufficient in treating low-risk 1-4 cm PTC, possibly reducing morbidity of these patients in the Netherlands.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical care in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption of regular healthcare leading to reduced hospital attendances, repurposing of surgical facilities, and cancellation of cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on surgical care in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A nationwide study was conducted in collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing. Eight surgical audits were expanded with items regarding alterations in scheduling and treatment plans. Data on procedures performed in 2020 were compared with those from a historical cohort (2018-2019). Endpoints included total numbers of procedures performed and altered treatment plans. Secondary endpoints included complication, readmission, and mortality rates.

RESULTS

Some 12 154 procedures were performed in participating hospitals in 2020, representing a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared with 2018-2019. The largest reduction (29.2 per cent) was for non-cancer procedures during the first COVID-19 wave. Surgical treatment was postponed for 9.6 per cent of patients. Alterations in surgical treatment plans were observed in 1.7 per cent. Time from diagnosis to surgery decreased (to 28 days in 2020, from 34 days in 2019 and 36 days in 2018; P < 0.001). For cancer-related procedures, duration of hospital stay decreased (5 versus 6 days; P < 0.001). Audit-specific complications, readmission, and mortality rates were unchanged, but ICU admissions decreased (16.5 versus 16.8 per cent; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in the number of surgical operations was greatest for those without cancer. Where surgery was undertaken, it appeared to be delivered safely, with similar complication and mortality rates, fewer admissions to ICU, and a shorter hospital stay.

A nationwide population-based cohort study of surgical care for patients with superior sulcus tumors: Results from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery (DLCA-S)

OBJECTIVES

Data on national patterns of care for patients with superior sulcus tumors (SST) is currently lacking. We investigated the distribution of surgical care and outcome for patients with SST in the Netherlands.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data was retrieved from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery (DLCA-S) for all patients undergoing resection for clinical stage IIB-IV SST from 2012 to 2019. Because DLCA-S is not linked to survival data, survival for a separate cohort (2015-2017) was obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR).

RESULTS

In the study period, 181 patients had SST surgery, representing 1.03% (181/17488) of all lung cancer pulmonary resections. For 2015-2017, the SST resection rate was 14.4% (79/549), and patients with stage IIB/III SST treated with trimodality had a 3-year overall survival of 67.4%. 63.5% of patients were male, and median age was 60 years. Almost 3/4 of tumors were right sided. Surgery was performed in 20 hospitals, with average number of annual resections ranging from ≤ 1 (n = 17) to 9 (n = 1). 39.8% of resections were performed in 1 center and 63.5% in the 3 most active centers. 12.7% of resections were extended (e.g. vertebral resection). 85.1% of resections were complete (R0). Morbidity and 30-day mortality were 51.4% and 3.3% respectively. Despite treating patients with a higher ECOG performance score and more extended resections, the highest volume center had rates of morbidity/mortality, and length of hospital stay that were comparable to those of the medium volume (n = 2) and low-volume centers (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

In the Netherlands, surgery for SST accounts for about 1% of all lung cancer pulmonary resections, the number of SST resections/hospital/year varies widely, with most centers performing an average of ≤ 1/year. Morbidity and mortality are acceptable and survival compares favourably with the literature. Although further centralisation is possible, it is unknown whether this will improve outcomes.

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review

Background

The neoadjuvant use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently an area of active ongoing research. The place of neoadjuvant ICIs in the treatment guidelines needs to be determined. We carried out a systematic review of published data on neoadjuvant ICIs in resectable NSCLC to study its efficacy and safety.

Patients and methods

A literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase databases to retrieve articles and conference abstracts of clinical trials measuring the efficacy [major pathological response (MPR) and pathological complete response (pCR)] and safety (failure to undergo resection, surgical delay, treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) grade ≥3) of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC until July 2021.

Results

Nineteen studies with a total of 1066 patients were included in this systematic review. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy was associated with improved pathological response rates, especially in combination with chemotherapy. Using mono ICI, dual therapy–ICI, chemoradiation–ICI, radiotherapy–ICI, and chemo–ICI, the MPR rates were 0%-45%, 50%, 73%, 53%, and 27%-86%, respectively. Regarding pCR, the rates were 7%-16%, 33%-38%, 27%, 27%, and 9%-63%, respectively. Safety endpoints using monotherapy–ICI, dual therapy–ICI, chemoradiation–ICI, radiotherapy–ICI, and chemo–ICI showed a failure to undergo resection in 0%-17%, 19%-33%, 8%, 13%, and 0%-46%, respectively. The trAEs grade ≥3 rates were 0%-20%, 10%-33%, 7%, 23%, and 0%-67%, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with resectable NSCLC stage, neoadjuvant immunotherapy can improve pathological response rates with acceptable toxicity. Further research is needed to identify patients who may benefit most from this approach, and adequately powered trials to establish clinically meaningful benefits are awaited.

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Neoadjuvant strategies involving immunotherapy are currently being investigated in NSCLC.

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Neoadjuvant immunotherapy was associated with improvement in pathological response rates.

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Neoadjuvant immunotherapy can be safe and feasible with acceptable surgical delay and trAEs.

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Further research is needed to identify patients benefiting most from these approaches.

Hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy for well differentiated T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence for limiting the extent of surgery in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer is lacking.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines to assess the effect of total thyroidectomy (TT) with or without radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment versus hemithyroidectomy (HT) on recurrence and overall mortality in patients with differentiated (papillary or follicular) T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched, and two authors independently assessed the articles.

RESULTS

A total of ten eligible articles were identified. All were observational cohort series, representing a total of 23 134 patients, of which 17 699 were available for meta-analysis. Six studies included patients who had TT followed by RAI treatment. The pooled recurrence rate after TT ± RAI and HT was 2·3 and 2·8 per cent respectively (odds ratio (OR) 1·12, 95 per cent c.i. 0·82 to 1·53; P = 0·48). The pooled 20-year overall survival rate after TT ± RAI was 96·8 per cent, compared with 97·4 per cent for HT (OR 1·30, 0·71 to 2·37; P = 0·40). Overall, higher complication rates were found in the TT ± RAI group.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence rates after HT for treatment of well differentiated T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer were similar to those after TT ± RAI, with a lower incidence of treatment-related complications.

Endobronchial Treatment of Bronchial Carcinoid in the Elderly

Purpose of the Review

Although surgical resection is considered the gold standard of curative treatment for bronchial carcinoid, endobronchial treatment (EBT) can serve as a less invasive curative or palliative treatment in a selection of patients. It is unclear whether elderly patients with bronchial carcinoid should be treated in the same way as younger patients. In order to study the characteristics and treatment of elderly patients with bronchial carcinoid, we analyzed data from a cohort of patients that have been treated for bronchial carcinoid with EBT, surgical resection, or a combination of both. We used our existing database of patients referred for EBT and defined two groups of patients: ≥ 65 and < 65 years. We compared the characteristics, treatment, and causes of death between these groups. Successful EBT was defined as definitive treatment without signs of recurrence during follow-up with CT and bronchoscopy.

Recent Findings

Thirty-five patients (19%) were ≥ 65 years. The incidence of atypical carcinoid was the same in both age groups (31%). Thirty-six of 184 patients (20%) were directly referred for surgical resection and 148 (80%) underwent EBT. There was no significant difference in success of EBT between patients <65 years (58/122, 48%) and patients ≥ 65 years (15/26, 58%) (p = 0.347). Complication rates were similar in both groups. After unsuccessful EBT, only 70% (14/20) of the elderly patients was operated, whereas 93% (85/91) of the patients < 65 years was operated (p = 0.001). Disease specific mortality was 6% (2/35) in the group ≥ 65 years and 2% (3/149) in the group < 65 years.

Summary

The incidence of atypical carcinoid is similar between the elderly and younger patients. Success rate and complication rate of EBT do not differ significantly between the age groups. After unsuccessful EBT, elderly patients were less likely to undergo surgical resection, which does not seem associated with excess disease specific mortality, although the number of events in this study is low.

Endobronchial and surgical treatment of pulmonary carcinoid tumors: A systematic literature review

The treatment of pulmonary carcinoid has changed over the last decades. Although surgical resection is still the gold standard, minimally invasive endobronchial procedures have emerged as a parenchyma sparing alternative for tumors located in the central airways. This review was performed to identify the optimal treatment strategy for pulmonary carcinoid, with a particular focus on the feasibility and outcome of parenchyma sparing techniques versus surgical resection. A systematic review of the literature was carried out using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane databases, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. Two separate searches of publications in endobronchial and surgical treatment in patients with pulmonary carcinoid, were performed. Outcomes were overall survival, disease free survival, recurrence rate, complications, quality of life, and healthcare costs. Combining the two main searches for endobronchial therapy and surgical therapy yielded 3111 records. Finally, 43 studies concerning surgical treatment and 9 studies related to endobronchial treatment for pulmonary carcinoid were included. Assessment of included studies showed that lymph node involvement, histological grade, tumor location and tumor diameter were identified as poor prognostic factors and seem to be important for patients with pulmonary carcinoid. For patients with a more favorable prognosis, tumor location and tumor diameter are important factors that can help decide on the optimal treatment strategy. Centrally located small intraluminal pulmonary carcinoids, without signs of metastasis can be treated with minimally invasive alternatives such as endobronchial treatment or parenchyma sparing surgical resection. Patients with parenchyma sparing resections should be followed with long term follow up to exclude recurrence of disease. In a multidisciplinary setting, it should be determined whether individual patients are eligible for parenchyma sparing procedures or anatomical resection. Overall evidence is of low quality and future studies should focus on prospective trials in the treatment of pulmonary carcinoid.

[A woman with severe abdominal pain and endometriosis in the past]

A 44-year-old woman came to the emergency department with severe pain in the right upper abdomen. Her medical history mentioned a low anterior resection 8 years ago because of severe endometriosis. The CT scan showed a ruptured right hemidiaphragm with herniation of the small intestine.

Good's syndrome: an uncommon cause of therapy-resistant diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common symptom for which the aetiology will be straightforward in many cases. However, when a common aetiology is not found, the wide variety of other options can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. In this case report, we describe a patient who was referred to our centre with therapy-resistant, secretory diarrhoea, which was the presenting symptom of Good's syndrome, a rare form of adult-onset immunodeficiency associated with thymoma. The conclusions from this case report give direction for 'finding the needle' and contribute to a focused approach to patients who present with therapyresistant diarrhoea.

Outcome of 232 morbidly obese patients treated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding between 1995-2003

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is widely used for the treatment of morbidly obese patients. We prospectively evaluated the effect of LAGB since 1995.

METHODS

Between March 1995 and August 2003, 232 morbidly obese patients underwent LAGB. The pars flaccida technique was used in the majority of the patients. Data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

The median age was 35 years and 93% were female. Initial median body weight was 129 kg with a median BMI of 46. After 5 years of follow-up, median BMI decreased to 36 and the median body weight decreased to 98 kg. Median excess weight loss was 37% after 1 year, 42% after 3 years and 42% after 5 years of follow-up. Late postoperative complications were pouch dilatation (n = 33), port revision (n = 19), erosion (n = 4) and necrosis (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

LAGB is a safe and successful treatment for patients with morbid obesity. Maximal weight reduction is achieved within 12 months and remains stable up to at least 5 years. These results suggest that LAGB could have a positive outcome on morbid obesity-associated morbidity and overall life expectancy.

Urachus fistula: a rare first presentation of diverticulitis

Urachus fistulas are rare, especially in adulthood. In grown-ups urachus fistulas are usually a reflection of Crohn's disease. We present a patient in whom an urachus fistula was the first presentation of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. The need for proper preoperative diagnostic imaging is discussed.

Giant rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a report of two cases

Giant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the rectum are rare and often difficult to remove surgically. At the time metastases are found, GISTs are considered to be incurable and until recently no adequate therapy was of any value for these patients. Recently, imatinib was introduced: a signal transducing inhibitor acting specifically on the KIT-tyrosine kinase, which can be used to downsize giant GIST (neo-adjuvant) before surgery or induce stable disease in case of metastases with few minor side-effects. Two patients with giant rectal GIST are presented, one of which was treated before the imatinib era, the other when imatinib was available.