Long-term oncological outcomes of 3D versus 2D laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LG) is rapidly gaining popularity owing to its minimal invasiveness. Previous studies have found that compared with two-dimensional (2D)-LG, three-dimensional (3D)-LG showed better short-term outcomes. However, the long-term oncological outcomes in patients with locally resectable gastric cancer (GC) remain controversial.

METHODS

In this noninferiority, open-label, randomized clinical trial, a total of 438 eligible GC participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either 3D-LG or 2D-LG from January 2015 to April 2016. The primary endpoint was operating time, while the secondary endpoints included 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence pattern.

RESULTS

Data from 401 participants were included in the per-protocol analysis, with 204 patients in the 3D group and 197 patients in the 2D group. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were comparable between the 3D and 2D groups (5-year OS: 70.6% vs. 71.1%, Log-rank P = 0.743; 5-year DFS: 68.1% vs. 69.0%, log-rank P = 0.712). No significant differences were observed between the 3D and 2D groups in the 5-year recurrence rate (28.9% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.958) or recurrence time (mean time, 22.6 vs. 20.5 months, P = 0.412). Further stratified analysis based on the type of gastrectomy, postoperative pathological staging, and preoperative BMI showed that the 5-year OS, DFS, and recurrence rates of the 3D group in each subgroup were similar to those of the 2D group (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with locally resectable GC, 3D-LG performed by experienced surgeons in high-volume professional institutions can achieve long-term oncological outcomes comparable to those of 2D-LG.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02327481 ( http://clinicaltrials.gov ).

Radiographic features predictive of recurrence and survival after surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective

To study which radiographic features were associated with recurrence and adverse outcome in patients undergoing surgical resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PCCA), as well as to evaluate the imaging patterns that signify recurrence after the resection of PCCA.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted in a solitary tertiary center and utilized a retrospective, analytical, case-control design. The study population consisted of patients with pathologically confirmed PCCA who underwent surgical resection and were subsequently followed up from January 2009 to December 2017. A total of 77 patients were enrolled in the study and were categorized into two distinct groups, namely recurrent and non-recurrent. The analysis encompassed the examination of demographic data and recurrence patterns. Additionally, survival and multivariate analyses were employed to assess radiographic imaging data and surgical information.

Results

Seventy-seven patients diagnosed with PCCA based on pathological evidence were included in the study. Among the participants, there were 28 females and 49 males, with ages ranging from 41 to 81 years (mean age of 60.65 ± 7.66). A noteworthy finding was the recurrence rate of 65 % observed following surgical resection. The presence of regional lymph node (LN) metastasis, adjacent organ invasion, and surgical margin emerged as the three independent factors that exhibited a significant association with recurrence after post-operative resection (p = 0.023, p = 0.028, and p = 0.010, respectively). The patients with PCCA who experienced regional LN metastasis had a median overall survival (OS) of 22 months, which was significantly lower than the 46 months observed in those without regional LN metastasis (p < 0.018). Furthermore, the individuals with regional LN metastasis had a death rate that was 2.08 times higher than those without (p = 0.040). In addition, those with adjacent organ invasion had an OS duration of 21 months compared with 52 months in those without (p = 0.008), and the rate of death was 2.39 times higher (p = 0.018). Patients with an R1 resection margin had an OS duration of 36 months compared with 51.56 months in those with an R0 resection margin (p = 0.006), as well as a 2.13 times higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.010) and a 2.43 times higher mortality rate (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

The presence of regional LN metastasis, invasion of adjacent organs, and R1 resection margin were identified as distinct factors that are linked to both disease recurrence and reduced OS. Local recurrence, as well as the spread of cancer to distant organs such as the lungs and liver, were frequently observed patterns of recurrence. To enhance the precision of staging, prognosis, and treatment, the inclusion of periductal fat or invasion of adjacent organs should be considered in the staging system for PCCA.

Distinct impacts of radiological appearance on lymph node metastasis and prognosis based on solid size in clinical T1 non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Solid nodules (SN) had more aggressive features and a poorer prognosis than part-solid nodules (PSN). This study aimed to evaluate the specific impacts of nodule radiological appearance (SN vs. PSN) on lymph node metastasis and prognosis based on solid size in cT1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients with cT1 NSCLC who underwent anatomical resection between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively screened. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were adopted to evaluate the associations between nodule radiological appearance and lymph node metastasis. The log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were applied for prognostic evaluation. The cumulative recurrence risk was evaluated by the competing risk model.

RESULTS

There were 958 and 665 NSCLC patients with PSN and SN. Compared to the PSN group, the SN arm had a higher overall lymph node metastasis rate (21.7% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), including nodal metastasis at N1 stations (17.7% vs. 2.1%), N2 stations (14.0% vs. 1.6%), and skip nodal metastasis (3.9% vs. 0.6%). However, for cT1a NSCLC, no significant difference existed between SN and PSN (0 vs. 0.4%, P = 1). In addition, the impacts of nodule radiological appearance on lymph node metastasis varied between nodal stations. Solid NSCLC had an inferior prognosis than part-solid patients (5-year disease-free survival: 79.3% vs. 96.2%, P < 0.001). The survival inferiority only existed for cT1b and cT1c NSCLC, but not for cT1a. Strikingly, even for patients with nodal involvement, SN still had a poorer disease-free survival (P = 0.048) and a higher cumulative incidence of recurrence (P < 0.001) than PSN. Specifically, SN had a higher recurrence risk than PSN at each site. Nevertheless, the distribution of recurrences between SN and PSN was similar, except that N2 lymph node recurrences were more frequent in solid NSCLC (28.21% vs. 7.69%, P = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

SN had higher risks of lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis than PSN for cT1b and cT1c NSCLC, but not for cT1a. SN exhibited a greater proportion of N2 lymph node recurrence than PSN. SN and PSN needed distinct strategies for nodal evaluation and postoperative follow-up.

Dynamic Analysis of the Impact of Micropapillary Component on Different Recurrence Patterns of Pathological Stage IA3 Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic impact of the micropapillary (MIP) component on local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and multiple recurrence (MR) of pathological stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Between July 2012 and July 2020, a total of 351 patients at two medical institutions were enrolled in this study. Cumulative incidence of curves, dynamic risk curves, and time-dependent multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the MIP component on patients.

RESULTS

The 5-year cumulative incidence of total recurrence with or without an MIP component was 34.2% and 12.3%, respectively (p = 0.001). In three recurrence patterns, our findings revealed that the 5-year cumulative incidence of LR (p = 0.048) and DM (p = 0.005) was higher in the 'MIP-present' group than in the 'MIP-absent' group. In the dynamic recurrence curve, the risk of the three recurrence patterns was different and varied over time between the two groups, especially in DM. Moreover, the dynamic cumulative event curve showed that after 1, 2, and 3 years of survival, the cumulative incidence of DM in the group with MIP continued to be higher than that in the group without MIP (all p < 0.05). Time-dependent Cox regression analysis indicated that the MIP component continued to be an independent risk factor for the cumulative incidence of DM in patients with 3-year survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the three recurrence patterns, the MIP component mainly aggravated the risk of DM in patients with pathological stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma, which persisted for 3 years.

Long-Term Survival and Recurrence Patterns in Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery

BACKGROUND

The higher pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not translated into significant gains in overall survival. Data on the long-term survival of patients who obtained a pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term prognosis and recurrence patterns in these patients.

METHODS

The study enrolled patients with locally advanced ESCC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in the authors' hospital between January 2007 and December 2020. The factors predictive of pCR were analyzed. Furthermore, propensity score-matching was performed for those who did and those who did not have a pCR using 1:5 ratio for a long-term survival analysis. Finally, the survival and recurrence patterns of patients obtaining pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed.

RESULTS

A pCR was achieved for 61 (8.70%) of the 701 patients in the study. Univariate analysis showed that the patients without alcohol drinking had a higher possibility of obtaining a pCR, although multivariate analysis failed to confirm the difference as significant. After propensity score-matching, the 5-year overall survival was 84.50% for the patients who had a pCR and 52.90% for those who did not (p < 0.001). Among the 61 patients with a pCR, 9 patients (14.80%) experienced recurrence, including 6 patients with locoregional recurrence and 3 patients with distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Advanced ESCC patients with pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a favorable prognosis, yet some still experienced recurrence, particularly locoregional recurrence. Therefore, for this group of patients, regular follow-up evaluation also is needed.

Feasibility of clinical target volume reduction for glioblastoma treated with standard chemoradiation based on patterns of failure analysis

PURPOSE

To analyze recurrence patterns in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) after standard chemoradiation according to different target volume delineation strategies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Two hundred seven patients with GBM who recurred after standard chemoradiation were evaluated. According to ESTRO target volume delineation guideline, the CTV was generated by adding a 2-cm margin to the GTV, defined as the resection cavity plus residual tumor. Patterns of failure were analyzed using dose-volume histogram. Recurrent lesions were defined as in-field, marginal, or distant if > 80 %, 20-80 %, or < 20 % of the intersecting volume was included in the 95 % isodose line.For each patient, a theoretical plan consisting of reduced 1-cm GTV-to-CTV margin was created to compare patterns of failure and radiation doses to normal brain.

RESULTS

Median overall survival and progression-free survival times were 15.3 months and 7.8 months, respectively, from the date of surgery. Recurrences were in-field in 180, marginal in 5, and distant in 22 patients. According to MGMT promoter methylation, distant recurrences occurred in 18.6 % of methylated and 6 % of unmethylated tumors (p = 0.0046). Following replanning with 1-cm reduced margin, dosimetric analysis showed similar patterns of failure. Recurrences were in-field, marginal, and distant in 177, 3, and 27 plans, respectively, although radiation doses to the healthy brain and hippocampi were significantly lower compared with standard target delineation (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Current provide the rationale for evaluating GTV-to-CTV margin reduction in future clinical trials with the aim of limiting the cognitive sequelae of GBM irradiation while maintaining survival benefits of standard chemoradiation.

Management of Recurrence in Retinoblastoma Based on the Source of Tumor Cells

PURPOSE

The aim was to study the characteristics of recurrence patterns in the form of scar recurrence, new lesions, and vitreous seeds which is necessary in anticipating future events for the management of retinoblastoma (RB).

METHODS

This retrospective analytical observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India; we included 64 eyes of 45 patients having RB from January 2019 to July 2020. The inclusion criterion was treatment-naïve patients with > 12 months of follow-up period. Recurrence patterns were defined as Pattern 1a and Pattern 1b: local and diffuse dissemination of vitreous seeds, respectively. Pattern 2: Scar recurrences: these are new tumor growths over chemoreduced lesions. Pattern 3: New lesions: local dissemination of subretinal seeds leading to new lesions elsewhere in the retina.

RESULTS

A noncomparative analysis of 64 eyes of 45 patients having 108 lesions was studied; of which 28/45 (62.22%) were male and 17/45 (37.78%) were female. The mean time of presentation since the first clinical sign was 40 days (range: 10-180). The most common sign at presentation was leukocoria 42/64 (65.6%), followed by squint 4/64 (6.34%). Nineteen patients (42.22%) had bilateral RB, while 26 patients (57.78%) had unilateral RB. Primary enucleation was done for 19/26 eyes with advanced unilateral disease. Out of the total 32 eyes with subretinal tumor seeds at presentation, 17/32 eyes had a recurrence in the form of new lesions (Pattern 3) and 22/32 eyes had scar recurrence (Pattern 2). All of these 32 eyes were salvaged by local tumor consolidation methods. Recurrence due to vitreous seed dissemination was found in 18/64 eyes, in which diffuse dissemination (Pattern 1b) was present in 8/18 eyes (44.4%); all required enucleation even after local and systemic chemotherapeutic measures. Rest 10/18 eyes with local vitreous seeds (Pattern 1a) were cured at the end of the follow-up. Globe salvage was more with Pattern 1a rather than Pattern 1b even after additional intravitreal chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

All eyes with Patterns 2 and 3 were salvaged at the end of follow-up with local tumor consolidation methods, while the globe salvage rate with Pattern 1 was poor even with multiple doses of intravitreal chemotherapy. The rate of successful treatment for managing these recurrence patterns depends on early identification by regular follow-ups with detailed retina examination.

The patterns and spatial locations of local recurrence in breast cancer with implant-based reconstruction after mastectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) recently defined delineation guidelines for the clinical target volume for postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) after immediate implant-based reconstruction for early-stage breast cancer. We analyzed the three-dimensional location and pattern of local recurrence in accordance with the reconstruction type and ESTRO-target volume.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study involved patients who had undergone mastectomy with implant reconstruction between 2010 and 2019 and who had local recurrence as the first event. For mapping analysis, one subpectoral and one prepectoral implant patient were selected. All recurrence lesions were contoured and mapped in a representative case.

RESULTS

A total of 1,327 patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction were identified; 51 were enrolled with a total of 65 lesions. In subpectoral implant patients, 93% of recurrences were located in the ESTRO-target volume. No recurrence occurred in the implant pocket, but 7% of the recurrent tumors developed in the pectoralis major and deep thoracic muscle. In prepectoral implant patients, all recurrent tumors occurred within the ESTRO-target volume.

CONCLUSION

The ESTRO-target volume in PMRT after reconstruction encompassed most local recurrences in patients who underwent mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. Our results support the application of the ESTRO Advisory Committee for Radiation Oncology Practice consensus guideline for target volume of PMRT after immediate implant-based reconstruction for early-stage breast cancer.

Patterns and timing of recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus esophagectomy

Background

Tumor regression grade (TRG) after neoadjuvant therapy is reportedly predictive of prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, as lack of a response to neoadjuvant therapy is associated with a poor prognosis. However, there is little information available on the timing and pattern of recurrence after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) that takes into consideration TRG after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). Here, in an effort to gain insight into a treatment strategy that improves the prognosis of NACRT non-responders, we evaluated the patterns and timing of recurrence in TESCC patients, taking into consideration TRG after NACRT.

Methods

A total of 127 TESCC patients treated with NACRT and esophagectomy between 2009 and 2017 were enrolled in this observational cohort study. TRGs were assigned based on the proportion of residual tumor cells in the area (TRG1, ≥1/3 viable cancer cells; 2, < 1/3 viable cancer cells; 3, no viable cancer cells). We retrospectively investigated the timing and patterns of recurrence and the prognoses in TESCC patients, taking into consideration TRG after NACRT.

Results

The 127 participating TESCC patients were categorized as TRG1 (42 patients, 33%), TRG2 (56 patients, 44%) or TRG3 (29 patients, 23%). The locoregional recurrence rate was higher in TRG1 (36.4%) patients than combined TRG2–3 (7.4%) patients. Patients with TRG3 had better prognoses, though a few TRG3 patients experienced distant recurrence. There were no significant differences in median time to first recurrence or OS among patients with locoregional or distant recurrence. There was a trend toward better OS in TRG2–3 patients with recurrence than TRG1 patients with recurrence, but the difference was not significant.

Conclusions

NACRT non-responders (TRG1 patients) experienced higher locoregional recurrence rates and earlier recurrence with distant or locoregional metastasis. TRG appears to be useful for establishing a strategy for perioperative treatments to improve TESCC patient survival, especially among TRG1 patients. (303 words).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08918-x.

Tumour grade and primary site predict patterns of recurrence and survival in patients with resected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND

Patterns of recurrence help to inform surveillance of patients with resected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

METHODS

Patients with GEP-NETs in British Columbia, Canada (2004-2015) were reviewed. Associations between tumor characteristics, recurrence and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 759 patients, 41%, 25%, and 17% had grade 1, 2, and 3 disease, respectively. 387 patients had R0/R1 resections, of which 30% recurred (median 25 months). 5-year incidence of recurrence was 22% (grade 1), 46% (grade 2), and 59% (grade 3) (p < 0.001). Grade predicted distant recurrence (Grade 2 HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16-3.07; p = 0.011; Grade 3 HR 3.29, 95% CI 1.81-5.99; p < 0.001). Compared to small bowel NETs, pancreas NETs had less peritoneal recurrence (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.68, p = 0.014). No patients had isolated pulmonary recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Higher grade tumors and pancreatic NETs require more frequent surveillance. Evidence is limited for pulmonary surveillance.

Patterns, timing, and predictors of recurrence after laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: results from a high-volume HPB center

Background

Although long-term outcomes may be comparable between laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there has been little discussion regarding the patterns of recurrence after LLR.

Methods

Patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between April 2015 and November 2018 were included in this study. The recurrence patterns were analyzed in detail. The recurrence outcomes following laparoscopic versus OLR for HCC were compared after 1:2 propensity score matching. Potential risk factors for recurrence were also assessed with Cox proportional risk models.

Results

Among 425 patients after LLR, 144 (33.8%) experienced recurrence at the last follow-up, with a median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 10.0 months (range 1–58 months). The most frequent recurrence site was the liver (n = 99, 68.8%), followed by the surgical margin (n = 15, 10.4%) and distant metastases (n = 12, 8.3%). Liver recurrence with distant metastasis (n = 10, 6.9%) tended to occur early (median 8.0 months), while peritoneal recurrence (n = 8, 5.6%) occurred later (median 14.0 months). A total of 120 (83.3%) patients had recurrence within 2 years after LLR. No trocar site recurrence was observed in this study. The recurrence patterns, timing, and treatment did not show significant differences between the LLR and OLR. The independent risk factors for recurrence included ALBI grade, postoperative α-fetoprotein > 8 ng/ml, tumor size > 5 cm, surgical margin ≤ 1 cm, and multiple tumors. Patients with recurrence had 1- and 5-year overall survival rates of 81.1% and 60.7%, respectively, compared with rates of 95.8% and 92.9% for patients without recurrence (P < 0.000).

Conclusion

This study suggested that intrahepatic recurrence was still the most common recurrence pattern for HCC after LLR and that LLR did not increase the risk of trocar hole recurrence or implantation. Most cases of recurrence occurred within 2 years after LLR, suggesting that surveillance should be targeted to early recurrence.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-021-08390-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of prognostic factors and clinicopathological patterns of recurrence after curative surgery for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a common tumor with a quite high-related mortality. Despite the used curative treatments, patients will develop cancer recurrence in up to 50% of the cases and/or other primary neoplasms. Although most of the recurrences are discovered within 3 years from the first treatment, a small percentage is found after 5 years. The early detection of recurrence is crucial to allow further therapies improving patients’ survival. Several follow-up programs have been developed but the optimal one is far from being established.

AIM

To evaluation of potential prognostic factors for timing and patterns of recurrence in order to plan tailored follow-up programs.

METHODS

Perioperative and long-term data of all consecutive patients surgically treated with curative intent, from January 2006 to June 2009, for colorectal adenocar-cinoma, were retrospectively reviewed to find potential prognostic factors associated with: (1) Recurrence incidence; (2) Incidence of an early (within 3 years from surgery) or late recurrence; and (3) Different sites of recurrence. In addition, the incidence of other primary neoplasms has been evaluated in a cohort of patients with a minimum potential follow-up of 10 years.

RESULTS

Our study included 234 patients. The median follow-up period has been 119 ± 46.2 mo. The recurrence rate has been 25.6%. Patients with a higher chance to develop recurrence had also the following characteristics: Higher levels of preoperative glycemia and carcinoembryonic antigen, highest anaesthesiologists Score score, occlusion, received a complex operation performed with an open technique, after a longer hospital stay, and showed advanced tumors. The independent prognostic factors for recurrence were the hospital stay, N stage 2, and M stage 1 (multivariate analysis). Younger ages were significantly associated with an early recurrence onset. Patients that received intermediate colectomies or segmental resections, having an N stage 2 or American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 3 tumors were also associated with a higher risk of liver recurrence, while metastatic diseases at diagnosis were linked with local recurrence. Neoadjuvant treatments showed lung recurrence. Finally, bigger tumors and higher lymph node ratio were associated with peritoneal recurrence (marginally significant). Thirty patients developed a second malignancy during the follow-up time.

CONCLUSION

Several prognostic factors should be considered for tailored follow-up programs, eventually, beyond 5 years from the first treatment.

Reappraise role of lymph node status in patterns of recurrence following curative resection of gastric adenocarcinoma

Objective

To examine the association between lymph node status and recurrence patterns in completely resected gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 1,694 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy from January 2010 to August 2014. Patients stratified according to lymph node status and recurrence patterns among different subgroups were compared.

Results

Of all, 517 (30.5%) patients developed recurrent disease, and complete data of recurrence could be obtained in 493 (95.4%) patients. For pN0 patients, the patterns of recurrence were different according to pT stage: locoregional recurrence was most common in patients with pT1−2 disease (57.1%), distant recurrence was most common in patients with pT3 disease (57.1%), and peritoneal recurrence was most common in patients with pT4a disease (66.7%). For pN+ patients, distant metastasis was most common pattern irrespective of pT stage. The site-specific trend of recurrence showed that locoregional recurrence increased within 5 years in patients with pN0−2 disease but plateaued 3 years after surgery in patients with pN3 disease. Time to recurrence was significantly longer for the pN0 patients compared with the pN+ patients (median: 25 vs. 16 months, P=0.001). Moreover, post-recurrence survival was significantly better for the pN0 patients than for the pN+ patients (median: 12 vs. 6 months, P<0.001), especially in patients with non-peritoneal recurrence, late recurrence, single recurrence, and receipt of potential curative treatment.

Conclusions

Among clinicopathologic factors, lymph node status is the most important factor associated with recurrence patterns after curative gastrectomy. Lymph node status may be used as an adjunct in clinical decision-making about postoperative therapeutic and follow-up strategies.

Data on patterns of initial recurrence after curative surgery for rectal cancer with neoadjuvant therapy

This paper accompanies the paper titled "Defining and predicting early recurrence in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy" presented by the same authors to the European Journal of Surgical Oncology [1]. The present article describes the relevant clinical data of patterns of initial recurrence after curative surgery for rectal cancer with neoadjuvant therapy. This data was collected from the hospital records, Chinese Population Registration and Health Insurance System.

Cervical cancer recurrence presenting as abdominal wall mass and accompanying cellulitis

Background

Most recurrences of early stage cervical cancer occur in the pelvis or lymphatic system. Distant metastases occur in a minority of patients. Large abdominal wall recurrence presenting as cellulitis and intra-abdominal mass is unusual and presents diagnostic as well as treatment challenges.

Case

A 46-year-old woman with a history of stage 1B1 poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix 2 years earlier presented with infraumbilical abdominal wall erythema, tenderness and warmth to the touch. She had a subcutaneous mass in that area with associated abdominopelvic pain. Imaging showed a 9.5 × 11 cm lobulated mass in the anterior lower abdominal wall, encompassing the width of the lower rectus muscles also invading the small bowel and the bladder. Superimposed cellulitis led to the symptoms with which she presented. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics, and biopsy of the mass revealed squamous cell carcinoma consistent with her prior cervical cancer. She was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical debulking with negative margins and adjuvant chemotherapy. Three months after completing treatment she recurred in the inguinal lymph nodes and restarted multimodality treatment. She was without evidence of disease for the entire 18 months of follow up following treatment to the lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer recurrence patterns can be unique. Surveillance for recurrence may also include consideration of these unusual patterns of recurrence.

Gallbladder Cancer: Managing the Incidental Diagnosis

Managing patients with incidental gallbladder cancer requires stratifying patients risk for recurrence and an appreciation for the recurrence patterns characterizing this malignancy. Although standard management includes reresection to remove sites at risk of harboring residual disease and to achieve negative resection margin status, the decision to perform surgery is tempered by an early and frequent distant recurrence, the most common cause of surgical failure. High-risk patients may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy before reresection. The goal of curative-intent reresection is achieving R0 margin status and optimal staging while limiting morbidity and mortality.

Prognostic value of radiological recurrence patterns in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the prognostic value of CT assessed recurrence patterns on survival outcomes in women with epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

CT scans were systematically re-evaluated on predefined anatomical sites for the presence of tumor in all 89 patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between January 2008 and December 2013 who underwent cytoreductive surgery at our institution and developed a recurrence. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to test the effect of recurrence patterns on survival.

RESULTS

The median survival time for patients grouped as predominantly intraperitoneal (n = 62), hematogenous (n = 13) or lymphatic (n = 14) recurrence was 25.8 (95% CI 18.4-33.2), 27.6 (95% CI 18.5-36.6) and 52.9 months (95% CI 42.1-63.7), respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified the following prognostic factors: lymphatic recurrence pattern (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.85), ascites at diagnosis (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.46-3.79), residual tumor at initial surgery (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.36-3.44) and FIGO stage (I-IIIB: HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.33-1.06). The median time to recurrence was 19.5 month for patients after complete debulking surgery, 13.1 months for patients with residual disease ≤1 cm and 8.2 months for patients with residual disease >1 cm after surgery (P < 0.001). No differences in recurrence patterns between patients with complete and incomplete surgery were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged survival rates were found in ovarian cancer patients with a predominantly lymphatic recurrence compared to patients with a predominantly peritoneal or hematogenous recurrence. Completeness of surgery was associated with time to recurrence. Classification of recurrence patterns can help counsel patients on their prognosis at the time of recurrence.

Nodal recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RTOG-based nodal radiotherapy for prostate cancer

•

Recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+ were correlated with nodal fields.

•

In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon.

•

Out-field nodal recurrences occurred mostly just above the elective nodal field.

•

Expanding elective fields to the aorta bifurcation may prolong disease-free survival.

Purpose

Biochemical failure after external beam radiotherapy (RT) for node-positive prostate cancer (PC_N+) frequently involves nodal recurrences, in most cases out of field. This raises the question if current RTOG-based elective nodal fields can still be considered optimal. Modern diagnostic tools like PSMA PET/CT and choline PET/CT can visualize nodal recurrences with unprecedented accuracy. We evaluated recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+, with the aim to explore options for improved nodal target definition.

Methods and materials

Data of all patients treated with curative intent EBRT for PC_N+ in NKI-AVL from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. EBRT comprised 70 Gy to the prostate or 66–70 Gy to the prostate bed, 60 Gy to involved nodes, and 52,5–56 Gy (46 Gy EQD2) to RTOG-based elective nodal fields, in 35 fractions. Locations of recurrences on PET/CT were noted, and nodal locations were correlated with the applied EBRT fields.

Results

42 patients received PSMA (28) or choline (14) PET/CT at biochemical recurrence. 35 patients (83%) had a positive scan. At their first positive scan 17 patients had nodal metastasis, in some cases together with a local recurrence or distant disease. In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon (n = 3). Out-field nodal recurrences occurred more frequently (n = 14), with the majority (n = 12) just above the elective nodal field. These nodes were the single area of detectable failure in 6 patients (14%).

Conclusions

Current RT with RTOG-based nodal fields for PC_N+ provides good in-field tumour control, but frequent out-field nodal recurrences suggest missed microscopic locations. Expanding elective fields to include the aorta bifurcation may prolong recurrence-free survival. Future research must address whether the potential benefits of this strategy outbalance additional toxicity.

Does three-dimensional surgery affect recurrence patterns in patients with gastric cancer after laparoscopic R0 gastrectomy? Results from a 3-year follow-up phase III trial

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown that the short-term efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LG) is comparable to that of two-dimensional (2D)-LG. Whether 3D-LG affects the recurrence patterns of gastric cancer (GC) patients has not been investigated.

METHODS

From January 2015 to April 2016, a total of 419 patients were recruited for a phase III clinical trial (NCT02327481), which compared the short-term outcomes between the 2D and 3D groups. The long-term efficacy including recurrence patterns was compared between the 2D and 3D groups in this retrospective study. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether 3D-LG affects the recurrence patterns.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 401 patients were analyzed (197 in the 2D-LG group and 204 in the 3D-LG group), and no differences were observed in the clinicopathological data between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the recurrence types, first recurrence time or recurrence-free survival (RFS) (all p > 0.05). According to the 7th American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system, both groups were stratified into pathological stages I, II, and III. The stratified analysis showed no significant differences in RFS or overall survival (OS) among patients in each subgroup (all p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis of RFS showed that tumor diameter, pTNM stage, lymphovascular invasion, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent factors (all p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis of post-recurrence survival (PRS) showed that adjuvant chemotherapy was an independent protective factor (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

3D-LG for GC did not differ significantly from 2D-LG in the effects on 3-year recurrence patterns, RFS and OS, which provides more tumor-related evidence for 3D technology. And due to the technological similarity, it may have certain reference value for robotic-assisted gastrectomy. Further multicenter, large-scale clinical trials are warranted.

Multimodality management, recurrence patterns, and long-term outcome of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Progress over 17 years

BACKGROUND

Many advances in the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) happened in the last two decades. This study highlights the progress in its management over 17 years, outcomes, recurrence patterns, and follow up protocols.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database at a single tertiary center included GEP-NEN patients from January 2001 to August 2017. Management protocols were based on European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society guidelines. Recurrences were categorized as follows: localized nodal, regional, distant hepatic, or combined. Patients were divided into cohorts: cohort 1 (2001-2006), cohort 2 (2007-2011), and cohort 3 (2012-2017). Survival patterns were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-two patients were included with 98 (51.04%) grade (G) 1, 64 (33.34%) G2, and 30 (15.63%) G3. One hundred and four (54.16%) underwent curative surgery (58 G1, 27 G2, and 19 G3). Overall follow up ranged from 3 to 276 months; 39 were lost to follow up. Ninety-six patients had recurrences: 44 regional + distant and 40 liver-limited recurrences. One-, 3-, and 5-year survivals show significant differences among different treatment groups (p < 0.05). Significant increase in curative resections, chemotherapy utilization, and reduced recurrences were noted in cohort 3. Curative (R0) resection offered 1- and 3-year overall survival of 93.3% and 66.7% in cohort 1; 95.8% and 83.1% in cohort 2; and 100% and 92.9% in cohort 3.

CONCLUSION

Curative resection is the most significant factor for improved survival. Debulking surgerical procedure have a role whereas upfront peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is questionable. Chemotherapy improves overall survival in inoperable/metastatic setting. Recurrence patterns indicate that a long-term follow up greater than 10 years is necessary.

Results of a combination treatment with intensity modulated radiotherapy and active raster-scanning carbon ion boost for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the minor salivary glands of the nasopharynx

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to present the first clinical results for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the nasopharynx after primary radiotherapy (RT) with the focus on local control (LC) and patterns of recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 59 patients with ACC of the nasopharynx, who were treated with bimodal radiotherapy (RT) consisting of intensity modulated radiotherapy and carbon ion boost at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center between 2009 and 2018. The patients had predominantly inoperable (n = 42, 72%) or incompletely resected (n = 17, 29%) tumors. Kaplan-Meier estimates and the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 32 months. At last follow-up, 67% of the patients were still alive (n = 39/58), of whom 74% were free of progression (n = 29/39). The 2-year LC, distant progression-free survival (DPFS) and overall survival (OS) were 83%, 81%, 87% and the estimated 5-year LC, DPFS and OS were 49%, 54%, 69%, respectively. LC was significantly inferior in patients with large tumor volumes (gross tumor volume, GTV > 100 cc, p = 0.020) and T4 tumors (p = 0.021). The majority of the recurrences occurred at the margin, where critical structures were spared (n = 11/19, 58%). Overall, grade 3 toxicity was moderate with 12% acute and 8% late side effects.

CONCLUSION

Bimodal RT including active raster-scanning carbon ion boost for nasopharyngeal ACC resulted in adequate LC and OS rates with moderate toxicity. T4 stage, large tumor volume and the necessary dose sparing in critical structures, i.e. optic nerves, brain stem and orbit, negatively affected LC.

Evaluation of high-grade astrocytoma recurrence patterns after radiotherapy in the era of temozolomide: A single institution experience

AIM

Evaluating the recurrence patterns of high-grade astrocytomas in patients who were treated with radiotherapy (RT) plus temozolomide (TMZ).

BACKGROUND

The current literature suggests that reducing the margins added to the CTV does not significantly change the risk of recurrence and overall survival; thus, we decided to analyze our data and to examine the possibility of changing the adopted margins.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2008 till September 2013, 55 patients were treated for high-grade astrocytomas, 20 patients who had been confirmed to have recurrence were selected for the present study. Post-operative MRI was superimposed on the planning CT images in order to correlate the anatomical structures with the treatment targets. Recurrences were defined according to the Response Assessment Criteria for Glioblastoma. The mean margins of the PTVinitial and PTVboost were 1.2 cm and 1.4 cm, respectively. The analysis of the percentage of the recurrence volume (Volrec) within the 100% isodose surface was based on the following criteria: (I) Central: >95% of the Volrec; (II) In-field: 81-95% of the Volrec; (III) Marginal: 20-80% of the Volrec; and (IV) Outside: <20% of the Volrec.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients, 13 presented with central recurrences, 3 with in-field recurrences, 2 with marginal recurrences and 2 with outside recurrences. Therefore, the lower Volrec within 100% of the prescribed dose was considered in the classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the selected patients, 80% had ≥81-95% of the Volrec within 100% of the prescribed dose and predominantly had central or in-field recurrences. These results are comparable with those from the literature.

Mapping patterns of locoregional recurrence following contemporary treatment with radiation therapy for breast cancer: A multi-institutional validation study of the ESTRO consensus guideline on clinical target volume

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To validate the ESTRO guideline on clinical target volume (CTV) delineation for breast cancer using a multi-centre dataset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with axial imaging of gross locoregional recurrence (LRR) were identified from 10 participating institutions. All patients received RT, albeit not to all regional node. The location of LRR was transferred to the corresponding area on representative axial computed tomography images and compared with ESTRO-CTV.

RESULTS

The locations of LRRs in 234 patients with 337 recurrence lesions were mapped. The ESTRO-CTV encompassed 97.6% of all LRRs, except in lymph node level 4 and the pectoralis muscle. Although 8.8% of level 4 failures occurred outside the ESTRO-CTV, cranial to the subclavian artery, all nodes were located within 6 mm cranially. Another 20% occurred posterolateral to anterior scalene muscles; however, 11/16 cases had simultaneous multiple lymph node recurrences, and 8/16 initially had N2-3 tumours. Local recurrence at the pectoralis muscle was prominent in patients undergoing mastectomy but not breast-conservation surgery (28% vs. 2.9%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our mapping data demonstrated that the ESTRO-CTV, with some considerations, successfully encompassed most LRRs in patients undergoing contemporary management, thus validating ESTRO-CTV to be valuable for highly conformal radiation therapy techniques.

Patterns and predictors of first and subsequent recurrence in women with early breast cancer

Purpose

Little is known about the occurrence, timing and prognostic factors for first and also subsequent local (LR), regional (RR) or distant (DM) breast cancer recurrence. As current follow-up is still consensus-based, more information on the patterns and predictors of subsequent recurrences can inform more personalized follow-up decisions.

Methods

Women diagnosed with stage I-III invasive breast cancer who were treated with curative intent were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (N = 9342). Extended Cox regression was used to model the hazard of recurrence over ten years of follow-up for not only site-specific first, but also subsequent recurrences after LR or RR.

Results

In total, 362 patients had LR, 148 RR and 1343 DM as first recurrence. The risk of first recurrence was highest during the second year post-diagnosis (3.9%; 95% CI 3.5–4.3) with similar patterns for LR, RR and DM. Young age (<40), tumour size >2 cm, tumour grade II/III, positive lymph nodes, multifocality and no chemotherapy were prognostic factors for first recurrence. The risk of developing a second recurrence after LR or RR (N = 176) was significantly higher after RR than after LR (50 vs 29%; p < 0.001). After a second LR or RR, more than half of the women were diagnosed with a third recurrence.

Conclusions

Although the risk of subsequent recurrence is high, absolute incidence remains low. Also, almost half the second recurrences are detected in the first year after previous recurrence and more than 80% are DM. This suggests that more intensive follow-up for early detection subsequent recurrence is not likely to be (cost-)effective.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10549-017-4340-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Patterns of failure for patients with glioblastoma following O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine PET- and MRI-guided radiotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the patterns of failure following clinical introduction of amino-acid O-(2-[¹⁸F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET)-PET-guided target definition for radiotherapy (RT) of glioblastoma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The first 66 consecutive patients with confirmed histology, scanned using FET-PET/CT and MRI were selected for evaluation. Chemo-radiotherapy was delivered to a volume based on both MRI and FET-PET (PET_vol). The volume of recurrence (RV) was defined on MRI data collected at the time of progression according to RANO criteria.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were evaluable, with median follow-up of 45months. Central, in-field, marginal and distant recurrences were observed for 82%, 10%, 2%, and 6% of the patients, respectively. We found a volumetric overlap of 26%, 31% and 39% of the RV with the contrast-enhancing MR volume, PET_vol and the composite MRPET_vol, respectively. MGMT-methylation (p=0.03), larger PET_vol (p<0.001), and less extensive surgery (p<0.001), were associated with larger PET_vol overlap.

CONCLUSION

The combined MRPET_vol had a stronger association with the recurrence volume than either of the modalities alone. Larger overlap of PET_vol and RV was observed for patients with MGMT-methylation, less extensive surgery, and large PET_vol on the RT-planning scans.

Recurrence patterns and management options in aggressive fibromatosis

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare neoplasm arising from musculoaponeurotic structures. Our aim is to share our experience with this rare tumor in our institute and to discuss the more perplexing recurrence patterns and the management options. This is a retrospective study of the disease, treated in our institute for the past fourteen years. A total of 36 patients were analyzed. The demographic pattern of the disease, various treatment modalities offered and their outcome along with patterns of recurrence were studied. Our study showed a demographic pattern mostly similar to the rest of the world. But the pattern of recurrence and the multicentric and the non-random pattern of presentation observed in our study showed some difference from the other studies. We suggest surgery as the primary modality with radiation reserved for select patients with margin positivity, inoperable tumors, and multiple tumors. Since the disease has a long natural history a wait and watch policy can be observed for giving adjuvant RT. There is need for prospective multi-institutional RCTs to shed light on the unknown facts about this disease.