Evaluating the distribution of the locations of colorectal cancer after appendectomy and cholecystectomy

Exploring the Immunological Role of the Microbial Composition of the Appendix and the Associated Risks of Appendectomies

The appendix, an integral part of the large intestine, may serve two purposes. First of all, it is a concentration of lymphoid tissue that resembles Peyer's patches. It is also the main location in the body for the creation of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is essential for controlling intestinal flora's density and quality. Second, the appendix constitutes a special place for commensal bacteria in the body because of its location and form. Inflammation of the appendix, brought on by a variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, or parasites, is known as appendicitis. According to a number of studies, the consequences of appendectomies may be more subtle, and may relate to the emergence of heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), among other unexpected illnesses. A poorer prognosis for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection is also predicted by the absence of an appendix. Appendectomies result in gut dysbiosis, which consequently causes different disease outcomes. In this review, we compared the compositional differences between the appendix and gut microbiome, the immunological role of appendix and appendix microbiome (AM), and discussed how appendectomy is linked to different disease consequences.

Cholecystectomy Is a Risk Factor for Proximal Colon Cancer That May Also Relate to its Aggressiveness

INTRODUCTION

There are studies with mixed conclusions about the role cholecystectomy plays as a risk factor for proximal colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study where the records of patients with CRC were reviewed. Data was collected regarding affected colon subsegment (cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid, or rectum, which were also combined into proximal or distal colon), history and time since cholecystectomy, histopathology reports (TNM classification and clinical stage), and KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutation analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for age, smoking history, body mass index, sex, and family history of cancer were performed. Logistical regression for statistical analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio for the association between cholecystectomy and tumor location.

RESULTS

Four hundred four cases were obtained, of which 52 previously had cholecystectomy. The date of surgery was recorded in 43 patients, with a 5 y median and an interquartile range of 1.5-14 y prior to CRC diagnosis. Both crude and adjusted odds ratio (2.86 and 2.42, respectively) confirmed an associated risk for developing proximal CRC after cholecystectomy. When proximal CRC cases with previous cholecystectomy were directly compared against proximal CRC without cholecystectomy and distal CRC cases, the former had a higher distribution of prevalence for T3, T4b, N1b, M1a, and M1c. KRAS mutation also presented its highest prevalence in this group with 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecystectomy was related to the development of proximal CRC in all its subsegments, seemingly associated with higher stages at diagnosis. Close surveillance should be considered in patients who undergo cholecystectomy.

Epidemiological and anatomopathological profile of colorectal cancer in Northern Morocco between 2017 and 2019

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. CRC represents a major public health problem in many countries, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. In Morocco, CRC is the third most common cancer. However, epidemiological data on CRC in Morocco, especially in the north, are very limited. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of CRC in northern Morocco.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at the Ahmed Ben Zayed Al Nahyan Regional Oncology Center of Tangier between April 2017 and December 2019. Data were collected from the medical records of confirmed CRC patients and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23.

RESULTS

CRC was detected in 142 patients, accounting for 13.0 % of all cancers identified during the study period in the center. The sex ratio (male/female) of all patients was 1.1. The mean age was 58 years, and the most affected group was 60-69 years old (29.0 %). The rectum was the most common anatomical site (44.0 %) compared to the left and right colon. Histologically, adenocarcinomas were the most common type (91.3 %), half of the tumors were moderately differentiated, and only 4.9 % of the patients presented with poorly differentiated tumors. At diagnosis, 83.0 % of patients were already in advanced stages (stage III, or IV), including 40.3 % presenting with metastatic disease. The liver (64.8 %) was the most affected site by metastasis in our series. Relapse was observed in 11.9 % of patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed a younger age at diagnosis and a higher incidence of cancer at the rectal site compared to the Western literature, as well as a high frequency of patients who presented with late-stage disease and other characteristics. However, larger multicenter studies are still needed to confirm our results.

The association of appendectomy with prognosis and tumor-associated macrophages in patients with colorectal cancer

The vermiform appendix plays an important role in colorectal immunity and the homeostasis of the gut microbiome. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of prior appendectomy for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study revealed that prior appendectomy is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with CRC, based on a multicentral CRC cohort. We further demonstrated that appendectomy induced a poor prognosis of CRC through the depletion of M1 macrophage cells in AOM-induced mice, which was confirmed in age-, sex-, and location-matched patients' cohorts and orthotopic model models with the CT26 cell line. Poor responses to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were detected in patients with CRC with appendectomy, and cetuximab is an effective treatment for patients with appendectomy-associated colorectal cancer (APD-CRC) to improve their prognosis. Our study will provide a reference for developing treatment plans for a considerable number of patients with APD-CRC, which is of great clinical significance.

Biological and Clinical Characteristics of Proximal Colon Cancer: Far from Its Anatomical Subsite

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease which can be divided into proximal colon cancer, distal colon cancer and rectal cancer according to the anatomical location of the tumor. Each anatomical location of colorectal cancer exhibits distinct characteristics in terms of incidence, clinical manifestations, molecular phenotypes, treatment, and prognosis. Notably, proximal colon cancer differs significantly from cancers of other anatomical subsites. An increasing number of studies have highlighted the presence of unique tumor biological characteristics in proximal colon cancer. Gaining a deeper understanding of these characteristics will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Beyond a vestigial organ: effects of the appendix on gut microbiome and colorectal cancer

The role of appendectomy in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a recent topic of contention. Given that appendectomy remains one of the most commonly performed operations and a first-line management strategy of acute appendicitis, it is inherently crucial to elucidate the association between prior appendectomy and subsequent development of CRC, as there may be long-term health repercussions. In this review, we summarize the data behind the relationship of CRC in post-appendectomy patients, discuss the role of the microbiome in relation to appendectomy and CRC pathogenesis, and provide an appraisal of our current understanding of the function of the appendix. We seek to piece together the current landscape surrounding the microbiome and immunological changes in the colon post-appendectomy and suggest a direction for future research involving molecular, transcriptomic, and immunologic analysis to complement our current understanding of the alterations in gut microbiome.

Trends in colorectal cancer screening compliance and incidence among 60- to 74-year-olds in China

BACKGROUND

Compliance with colonoscopy among elderly individuals participating in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs is unsatisfactory, despite a high detection rate of bowel-related diseases. In this study, our aim was to analyze the impact of risk factors on the trends of compliance and detection rates in colonoscopy among high-risk individuals aged 60-74.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on the high-risk individuals aged 60-74 participating in the 2021 CRC screening program in Tianjin, China. Logistic regression analyses, including both univariate and multivariate analyses, were performed to explore the impact of different risk factors on colonoscopy compliance among the high-risk individuals. Besides, the study investigated the influence of various risk factors on the detection rates of bowel-related diseases among the high-risk individuals who underwent colonoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 24,064 high-risk individuals were included, and 5478 individuals received a free colonoscopy, with an overall compliance of 22.76%. Among them, the adenoma detection rate was 55.46%. Males and individuals with a positive FIT had high compliance and detection rates for CRC, advanced adenomas (AA), advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN), and colorectal neoplasm (CN). Individuals aged 70-74 were associated with low compliance but high CRC, ACN, and CN detection rates. Individuals who reported a history of chronic constipation, bloody mucous, and CRC in first-degree relative showed high compliance but no significantwere associated with the detection rates of CRC, AA, and CN.

CONCLUSION

This study reported several risk factors associated with the screening behaviors for CRC. Patterns and trends in CRC, AA, ACN, and CN compliance and detection rates correlate with risk factors.

Factors influencing advanced colorectal neoplasm anatomic site distribution in China: An epidemiological study based on colorectal cancer screening data

OBJECTIVE

Existing studies indicate that advanced colorectal neoplasms exhibit distinct clinical and biological traits based on anatomical sites. However, in China, especially for advanced colorectal neoplasms, there's limited information available on these traits. Our primary objective is to comprehensively study the characteristics of advanced colorectal neoplasm patients in different anatomical sites in China.

METHODS

We selected information from the colorectal cancer screening database in Tianjin, China, since 2010 as the study subject. We chose valid information from 3113 patients with comprehensive data and diagnosed advanced colorectal neoplasms (ANs) from a pool of 19,308 individuals to be included in the study. We then conducted further analysis to examine the correlation between these epidemiological data and tumor location.

RESULTS

Among the 3113 patients, neoplasms in the left side of the colon accounted for the largest proportion, while neoplasms in the right side of the colon had the smallest proportion, followed by rectal neoplasms. The highest proportion of advanced colorectal neoplasms was found among men. In the age group of 39-49 years old, the proportion of left late-stage advanced colon neoplasms was equal to that of right late-stage advanced colon neoplasms, while late-stage advanced rectal neoplasms increased with age. Smoking, drinking, and a history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives showed statistically significant associations with the location distribution of advanced colorectal neoplasms. A history of appendicitis, appendectomy, cholecystitis, or cholecystectomy did not significantly affect the location distribution of advanced colorectal neoplasms. However, among patients with such histories, there was a statistically significant relationship between advanced colon neoplasms on the right and those on the left and in the rectum. Similar results were observed for BMI.

CONCLUSION

Our research findings demonstrate that advanced colorectal neoplasms display unique epidemiological characteristics depending on their anatomical locations, and these distinctions deviate from those observed in Western populations. These insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and offer valuable guidance for future research in China. We advocate for further investigations centered on the anatomical location of colorectal neoplasms to enhance the precision of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and treatment.

Cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholecystectomy and the associated risk of colorectal cancer

Background

Many studies have suggested that cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy may be associated with risk of colorectal cancer [CRC]. This study aimed to verify CRC risk among cholelithiasis patients who experienced cholecystitis or cholecystectomy or both.

Methods

Data of a cholelithiasis cohort (n = 28,267) and a noncholelithiasis cohort (n = 112,948) were retrieved (1:4 ratio) from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for comparison of CRC risk. Confounding factors were adjusted in multivariate analysis. A hospital-based cancer registry containing 8156 CRC patients was also examined. Data were statistically analyzed using χ2 test, t test, and Cox proportional-hazards model.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that having cholelithiasis was associated with increased risk of CRC (crude hazard ratio: 1.533 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.423–1.652); adjusted HR: 1.481 [95% CI: 1.375–1.597], respectively, p < 0.001) relative to not having cholelithiasis. Increased CRC incidence among patients with cholelithiasis was higher in the right-sided colon (adjusted HR: 1.452 [95% CI: 1.234–1.709], p < 0.001), and higher in female patients. The trend of higher incidence of right-sided colon cancer was also seen in the hospital-based cancer registry. Of note, cholecystitis or cholecystectomy was associated with mildly increased CRC risk among cholelithiasis patients. Cholecystitis was associated with increased risk of left-sided CRC. Cholecystitis plus cholecystectomy was associated with increased risk of rectal cancer.

Conclusions

These results support that cholelithiasis is associated with increased risk of CRC especially in the right-sided colon and among female patients. Cholecystitis and cholecystectomy may shift cancer to the distal part of the large bowel.

Does postcholecystectomy increase the risk of colorectal cancer?

With the increasing number of cholecystectomy and the high proportion of colorectal cancer in malignant tumors, the question of whether cholecystectomy is a risk factor for colorectal disease has been widely concerned. After reviewing the literature at home and abroad, the authors will summarize the research progress of the correlation between the occurrence of colorectal tumors after cholecystectomy, in order to provide help for the prevention and treatment of colorectal tumors.

The role of appendectomy and cholecystectomy in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Several alterations in the gastrointestinal tract which occur after appendectomy or cholecystectomy have been suggested to raise the risk of developing colorectal carcinoma. Given the frequency that these procedures are performed, we sought to determine whether a history of either cholecystectomy or appendectomy increased the risk of future colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

We determined the number of patients with a history of appendectomy and cholecystectomy who developed colorectal carcinoma between January 2018 and February 2021, as well as the latency time between the two diseases. Secondly, we carried out a data-collection spanning 15 years after the primary surgery (January 2005-December 2006).

RESULTS

The post-cholecystectomy state is significantly more frequently observed in patients treated for colorectal carcinomas (both male and female), especially among those who developed right-sided or left-sided colon cancer, as opposed to anorectal cancer (p = 0.53). However, the time elapsed between the two diseases is 20-25 years, which appears to be markedly long regarding such a multifactorial disease as the colorectal carcinoma. No similar extra risk was observed among patients having appendectomy. Secondly, we found no extra risk during the first 15 years after cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Although a statistically higher risk of colon cancer is observed after the removal of the gallbladder, but the latency time is long. Thus, cholecystectomy may not be an independent risk factor for colorectal carcinogenesis. Altogether, the patient is not exposed to a higher risk of colorectal carcinogenesis after having cholecystectomy.

Features of colorectal cancer in China stratified by anatomic sites: A hospital-based study conducted in university-affiliated hospitals from 2014 to 2018

OBJECTIVE

The clinical and biological characteristics of colorectal cancer have been found to differ depending on the anatomic site of the cancer. However, for Chinese patients, there is limited information on the proportion of cases at each site and the related features. In this study, we explored the location, distribution and other features of colorectal cancers at each anatomic site in Chinese patients.

METHODS

We conducted a hospital-based study using hospitalization summary reports from 10 Peking University-affiliated hospitals from 2014 to 2018; the reports covered a total of 2,097,347 hospitalizations. Incident cases were chosen as the study population, and their epidemiological features were further analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 20,739 colorectal cancer patients were identified. Rectum was the most common location (48.3%) of the cancer, whereas the proportions of patients with distal and proximal colon cancer were 24.5% and 18.6%, respectively. Patients with rectal cancer were predominantly male and were the youngest for all anatomical sites (each P<0.001). The highest proportion of emergency admissions, the longest hospital stays and the highest hospitalization costs were found in patients with proximal colon cancer (each P<0.001). The proximal colon cancer subgroup included the highest proportions of patients with medical histories of cholecystectomy, cholecystolithiasis and/or gallbladder polyps and appendectomy (P=0.009, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The distal colon cancer subgroup included the highest proportions of patients with medical histories of diabetes and hypertension (P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns of colorectal cancer observed in this study differ from those reported for Western patients and show a significantly higher proportion of patients with rectal cancer. Different epidemiological features were also found based on anatomic sites. Further studies based on tumor location should be conducted to facilitate more accurate screening and treatment.