Transfusion use and effect on progression-free, overall survival, and quality of life in upfront treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: evaluation of the European Organization for Research and Treatment EORTC-55971 Cohort

Risk factors for blood transfusion in patients undergoing hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

To highlight the risk factors contributing to blood transfusion among patients undergoing surgical intervention for Stage I Endometrial Cancer (EC).

METHOD

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, a nationally validated database dedicated to improving surgical care, females over the age of 18 who underwent surgery for EC stage I between the years 2016-2022 were queried. The cohort was then characterized based on those who received blood transfusion 72 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

27,183 patients with endometrial cancer who received surgical management were identified. 668 (2.5%) of those patients received blood transfusions. A multivariate logistic model found that a medical factor low preoperative Hct % (aOR 22.4, 95% CI[17.7, 28.3]; p < 0.001) and surgical factors such as 180 min or more of operative time (aOR 3.38, 95% CI[2.77, 4.14]; p < 0.001), larger uteri of 250-500 g (aOR 1.93, 95% CI[1.48, 2.49]; p < 0.001) and ≥ 500 g (aOR 2.35, 95% CI[1.77, 3.12]; p < 0.001), and abdominal approach compared to laparoscopic (aOR 6.36,95% CI[4.95, 8.18]; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with receiving blood transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Many significant risk factors were found to be associated with blood transfusions in patients with Stage I endometrial cancer. These findings allow surgeons to proactively prepare adequate measures for patients who may require blood transfusions when they undergo surgery for endometrial cancer.

The impact of perioperative transfusions on the oncologic outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer: A population-based study

Perioperative blood transfusion in ovarian cancer patients was associated with a 28% increase in all-cause mortality. The negative impact of perioperative blood transfusion extends beyond the immediate postoperative period.

OBJECTIVES

The effect of perioperative blood transfusions on long-term oncologic outcomes of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery remains uncertain. Our study aims to determine the association between perioperative blood transfusion and all-cause mortality in this population.

METHODS

Using province-wide administrative databases, patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2021 as part of first-line treatment were identified. Perioperative transfusion was defined as any transfusion from date of surgery to discharge from hospital. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine if there was an independent association of transfusion with all-cause mortality, accounting significant confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 5891 patients had cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer between 2007 and 2021, of which 2898 (49.2%) had interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) and 2993 (50.8%) had primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS). Perioperative blood transfusion was given to 37.3% of patients (40.5% ICS and 34.2% PCS). On multivariable analysis, there was an increased hazard of all-cause mortality for patients receiving perioperative transfusion compared to those who did not (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.20-1.37). The association of increased all-cause mortality was observed starting 1 year after surgery, was sustained thereafter, and seen in both ICS and PCS groups.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative blood transfusion after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer is common in Ontario, Canada and was significantly associated with an increase in all-cause mortality. Blood transfusion is a poor prognostic factor, and the negative impact of blood transfusion persists beyond the immediate postoperative period.

The Association Between Perioperative Red Blood Cell Transfusions and 1-Year Mortality After Major Cancer Surgery: An International Multicenter Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions in patients undergoing surgery for cancer are given to treat anemia or acute hemorrhage. Evidence indicates that pRBC transfusions are associated with poor perioperative and oncological outcomes. The ARCA-1 (Perioperative Care in the Cancer Patient-1) study was designed to test the association between perioperative pRBC transfusions and postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cancer surgery. The primary hypothesis of our study was that perioperative pRBC transfusions have a negative impact on postoperative morbidity and 1-year mortality.

METHODS

ARCA-1 was an international multicenter prospective observational cohort study. Participating centers enrolled a minimum of 30 consecutive adult patients with cancer who underwent surgery with curative intent. The primary end point was all-cause mortality 1 year after major cancer surgery. Secondary end points were rates of perioperative blood product use, 1-year cancer-specific mortality, overall survival, and 30-day morbidity and mortality. We performed a propensity score matching analysis to adjust for selection bias. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the effects of significant covariates on 1-year mortality, cancer-related mortality, and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 1079 patients were included in the study. The rate of perioperative pRBC transfusions was 21.1%. Preoperative comorbidities, including anemia, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of III to IV, a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), myocardial infarction, stroke, need for dialysis, history of blood transfusions, and metastatic disease were statistically significantly more frequent in transfused patients compared to nontransfused patients. The 1-year mortality rate was higher in transfused patients before (19.7% vs 6.5%; P < .0001) and after (17.4% vs 13.2%; P = .29) propensity score matching. 1-year mortality was 1.97 times higher in transfused than in no-transfused patients (odd ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.41). The odds of 1-year cancer mortality for patients who had perioperative pRBCs was 1.82 times higher (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.97-3.43) compared to those who did not receive perioperative pRBC transfusion. The effect of perioperative pRBC transfusion on overall survival was also significant (hazard ratio [HR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.15-2.99). Transfused patients also had a higher rate of 30-day postoperative mortality before (3.5% vs 0.7%; P = .0009) and after propensity score matching (4.2% vs 1.8%; P = .34).

CONCLUSIONS

This international, multicenter observational study showed that perioperative pRBC transfusion was associated with an increased mortality risk.

Are outcomes of locally advanced cervical cancer associated with prebrachytherapy hemoglobin values and transfusion practice? An observational study comparing two large academic centres with divergent clinical guidelines

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Anemia is common in locally advanced cervical cancer. Clinical practice varies greatly for management of anemia during brachytherapy, with some centres providing red cell transfusion to increase hemoglobin levels above 100 g/L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients with cervical cancer treated with brachytherapy at two academic hospitals. One hospital (H1) uses a liberal transfusion strategy with hemoglobin threshold of 100 g/L during brachytherapy and the other uses a restrictive target of 70 g/L (H2).

RESULTS

Overall, 336 patients met inclusion criteria (H1: 150 patients, H2: 186 patients). 11 patients were excluded (2 at H1, 9 at H2). Demographics at both sites were comparable, except for cancer stage and smoking history. External beam radiation and chemotherapy provided was similar. Hemoglobin values were compared at baseline (within 4 weeks of oncology consult), and prior to the first and second brachytherapy treatments. In total, 101red blood cell (RBC) units were transfused to patients at H1 and 19 units to patients at H2. Patients were followed for a median of 37.0 months (0.6-80.5) at H1, and 33.3 months (1.6-82.0) at H2. There was no significant difference in progression-free or overall survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that FIGO stage was a predictor for both overall survival and cancer progression. Age, tumor size, chemotherapy, and hemoglobin levels were not predictors of disease progression or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of liberal transfusion should be re-evaluated in the absence of robust data to support its use.

Safe to save blood in ovarian cancer surgery - time to change transfusion habits

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) undergoing surgery are often subjected to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Both anemia and RBC transfusion are associated with increased morbidity. The aim was to evaluate patient recovery after the implementation of patient blood management (PBM) strategies.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 354 patients with AOC undergoing surgery at Skane University Hospital Lund, Sweden, between January 2016 and December 2021. The gradual implementation of PBM strategies included restrictive RBC transfusion, tranexamic acid as standard medication before laparotomies and intravenous iron administered to patients with iron deficiency. Severe complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3a. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the differences between three consecutive periods.

RESULTS

After the implementation of new strategies, 52% of the patients had at least one transfusion compared to 83% at baseline (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of severe complications (CD ≥ 3a) between the groups, adjusted odds ratio 0.55 (95% CI 0.26-1.17). The mean difference in hemoglobin before chemotherapy was -1.32 g/L (95% CI -3.04 to -0.22) when adjusted for blood loss and days from surgery to chemotherapy. The length of stay (LOS) decreased from 8.5 days to 7.5 days (p 0.002).

INTERPRETATION

The number of patients transfused were reduced by 31%. Despite a slight increase in anemia rate, severe complications (CD ≥ 3a) remained stable. The LOS was reduced, and chemotherapy was given without delay, indicating that PBM is feasible and without causing major severe effects on short-term recovery.

Feasibility and operative outcomes of surgery in the liver area in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to characterize intra-and postoperative complications according to a standardized anatomo-surgical classification for ovarian cancer metastases in the liver area.

METHODS

Data from all patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing primary or secondary surgery with perihepatic liver involvement (May-2016 to May-2022), were retrospectively retrieved and classified according to a standardized anatomo-surgical classification, and clustered into four Classes: Class I "Peritoneal", Class II "Hepatoceliac-lymph-nodes", Class III "Parenchymal" and Class IV Mixed (≥ 2 classes).

RESULTS

Data from 615 patients were collected. Intraoperative complications were observed in 15%, and severe postoperative complications in 17.6% of cases. While surgical complexity scores were similar, Class IV had longer operative times, higher blood loss, and a 30.4% intraoperative transfusion rate. Class II showed a higher prevalence of vascular injuries (8%). Classes II and IV were significantly associated with severe postoperative complications. Specific complications varied among classes, such as perihepatic collection and intrahepatic hematoma/abscess in Class III (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively), and pleuric effusion, sepsis, anemia, and "other complications" in Class IV (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, p = 0.03, p = 0.03, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified Class II and IV (Class II: OR 4.991, p = 0.045; Class IV: OR 5.331, p = 0.030), Surgical Complexity Score group 3 (OR:3.922, p = 0.003), and the presence of residual tumor (OR:1.748, p = 0.048) as independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver procedures during advanced ovarian cancer surgery are feasible with acceptable complication rates According to the anatomo-surgical classification, metastatic patterns are related to both different surgical outcomes and postoperative complication profiles.

A pre-operative scoring model to estimate the risk of blood transfusion over an ovarian cancer debulking surgery (BLOODS score): a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Team Ovary study

OBJECTIVES

To develop a pre-operative tool to estimate the risk of peri-operative packed red blood cell transfusion in primary debulking surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed an institutional database to identify patients who underwent primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer at a single center between January 1, 2001 and May 31, 2019. Receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated. Five-fold cross-validation was applied to the multivariate model. Significant variables were assigned a 'BLOODS' (BLood transfusion Over an Ovarian cancer Debulking Surgery) score of +1 if present. A total BLOODS score was calculated for each patient, and the odds of receiving a transfusion was determined for each score.

RESULTS

Overall, 1566 patients met eligibility criteria; 800 (51%) underwent a peri-operative blood transfusion. Odds ratios (OR) were statistically significant for American Society of Anesthesiologists scores of 3 and 4 (OR 1.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.09 to 1.63), pre-operative levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.98 to 2.99), platelets (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.45 to 1.74), obesity (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.96), presence of carcinomatosis (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.93 to 3.11), bulky upper abdominal disease (OR 2.86, 95% CI 2.32 to 3.54), pre-operative serum albumin level (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.40), and pre-operative hemoglobin level (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.61). The corrected AUC was 0.748 (95% CI 0.693 to 0.804). BLOODS scores of 0 and 5 corresponded to 11% and 73% odds, respectively, of receiving a peri-operative blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a universal pre-operative scoring system, the BLOODS score, to help identify patients with ovarian cancer who would benefit from surgical planning and blood-saving techniques. The BLOODS score was directly proportional to the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, presence of upper abdominal disease, carcinomatosis, CA125 level, and platelets level. We believe this model can help physicians with surgical planning and can benefit patient outcomes.

Predictors of Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgeries for Ovarian Malignancy

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe the baseline estimated blood loss (EBL) in surgery and transfusion rate in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgeries for ovarian malignancy, and identify perioperative variables associated with blood loss and transfusion.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study at a single institution was performed that included patients with known or suspected ovarian malignancy undergoing cytoreductive surgery between 2016 and 2021. t tests, χ2 tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Among 44 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 61% received perioperative blood transfusion. There were significant differences in EBL and preoperative hemoglobin levels between patients who did and did not receive transfusion (EBL 442.6 vs 236.8 mL, P = 0.0008; preoperative hemoglobin 10.2 vs 11.2 g/dL, P = 0.049). After adjusting for preoperative hemoglobin, the risk of transfusion increased for each additional 200 mL of EBL (odds ratio [OR] 3.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-9.5). Stratified by race, the association between EBL and transfusion risk remained statistically significant only for non-Latinx White patients (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.7-21.9), who made up 77% of the study population, but not for patients of other races and ethnicities (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.16-6.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative blood transfusion is common in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery. In this study, EBL and preoperative hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with transfusion receipt. Clinicians should optimize hemoglobin levels and intraoperative blood conservation strategies to reduce the need for transfusion. The results also highlight the importance of considering racial and ethnic differences when developing strategies to reduce transfusion risk.

Splenectomy as Part of Maximal-Effort Cytoreductive Surgery in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

INTRODUCTION

A splenectomy is frequently performed during debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. Its impact on perioperative and survival outcomes remains questionable as current evidence is conflicting. In the present study, we sought to determine the factors that affect survival rates in ovarian cancer patients that undergo a splenectomy as part of maximal-effort cytoreduction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted that included all epithelial ovarian cancer patients that had surgical cytoreduction for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Differences among splenectomized and non splenectomized patients were evaluated as well as the impact of known risk factors on survival outcomes of splenectomized patients.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 patients were identified and 223 were included in the present series, of whom 91 had a splenectomy. Recurrence rates as well as death rates were comparable among splenectomized and non-splenectomized patients; however, both the disease-free survival (log-rank = 0.001), as well as the overall survival of splenectomized patients (log-rank = 0.006), was shorter. Thrombotic events as well as rates of pulmonary embolism were comparable. Sepsis was more common among splenectomized patients. The site of splenic metastases did not influence patients' survival. Among splenectomized patients, those offered primary debulking had longer progression-free survival (log-rank = 0.042), although their overall survival did not differ compared to patients submitted to interval debulking. Complete debulking significantly improved the overall survival compared to optimal debulking (log-rank = 0.047). Splenectomized patients that developed sepsis had worse overall survival (log-rank = 0.005).

DISCUSSION

The findings of our study support the feasibility of splenectomy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer; however, its impact on patients' survival is considerable. Therefore, every effort should be made to avoid splenic injury which will result in unintended splenectomy for non-oncological reasons.

Explaining the Elusive Nature of a Well-Defined Threshold for Blood Transfusion in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cytoreductive Surgery

There is no well-defined threshold for intra-operative blood transfusion (BT) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) surgery. To address this, we devised a Machine Learning (ML)-driven prediction algorithm aimed at prompting and elucidating a communication alert for BT based on anticipated peri-operative events independent of existing BT policies. We analyzed data from 403 EOC patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery between 2014 and 2019. The estimated blood volume (EBV), calculated using the formula EBV = weight × 80, served for setting a 10% EBV threshold for individual intervention. Based on known estimated blood loss (EBL), we identified two distinct groups. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed satisfactory results for predicting events above the established threshold (AUC 0.823, 95% CI 0.76-0.88). Operative time (OT) was the most significant factor influencing predictions. Intra-operative blood loss exceeding 10% EBV was associated with OT > 250 min, primary surgery, serous histology, performance status 0, R2 resection and surgical complexity score > 4. Certain sub-procedures including large bowel resection, stoma formation, ileocecal resection/right hemicolectomy, mesenteric resection, bladder and upper abdominal peritonectomy demonstrated clear associations with an elevated interventional risk. Our findings emphasize the importance of obtaining a rough estimate of OT in advance for precise prediction of blood requirements.

Adverse postoperative outcomes associated with perioperative blood transfusion in gynecologic oncology surgery

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence of perioperative blood transfusion and association with 30 day postoperative outcomes in gynecologic cancer surgery.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify all gynecologic oncology cases from 2013 to 2019. Clinical and surgical characteristics and 30 day postoperative complications were retrieved. The primary outcome was 30 day composite morbidity, based on the occurrence of one or more of the 18 adverse events. Secondary outcomes were 30 day mortality, length of stay in hospital, and composite surgical site infection, defined as superficial, deep, or organ space surgical site infection. The χ² test and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the outcomes of patients with and without perioperative blood transfusion.

RESULTS

There were 62 531 surgical gynecologic oncology cases with an overall transfusion incidence of 9.4%. The transfusion incidence was significantly higher at 22.4% with laparotomy compared with 1.7% with minimally invasive surgery (p<0.0001). On multivariable analysis for laparotomy patients, blood transfusion was predictive of composite morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48 to 1.85) and length of stay in hospital ≥5 days (adjusted OR 9.02, 95% CI 8.21 to 9.92). In advanced ovarian cancer patients (n=3890), the incidence of perioperative blood transfusion was 40.8%. On multivariable analysis, perioperative blood transfusion was the most predictive factor for composite morbidity (adjusted OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.07) and length of stay in hospital ≥7 days (adjusted OR 9.75, 95% CI 7.79 to 12.21).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative blood transfusion is associated with increased composite morbidity and prolonged length of stay in hospital. Preoperative patient optimization and institutional practices should be reviewed to improve the use of blood bank resources and adherence to restrictive blood transfusion protocols.