The perioperative immune/inflammatory insult in cancer surgery: Time for intervention?

Impact of laparoscopic versus open surgery on humoral immunity in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery (LS) is hypothesized to result in milder proinflammatory reactions due to less severe operative trauma, which may contribute to the observed clinical benefits after LS. However, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the impact of LS on immunocompetence are outdated, limited and heterogeneous. Therefore, the humoral response after laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer (CRC) resections was evaluated in a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measuring parameters of humoral immunity after LS compared to open surgery (OS) in adult patients with CRC of any stage. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (SCI-EXPANDED), Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP (World Health Organization) were systematically searched. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Weighted inverse variance meta-analysis of mean differences was performed for C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using the random-effects method. Methods were prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021264324).

RESULTS

Twenty RCTs with 1131 participants were included. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis up to 8 days after surgery was performed. Quantitative synthesis found concentrations to be significantly lower after LS at 0-2 h after surgery (IL-8), at 3-9 h (CRP, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα) and at postoperative day 1 (CRP, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF). At 3-9 h, IL-6 was notably lower in the LS group by 86.71 pg/ml (mean difference [MD] - 86.71 pg/ml [- 125.05, - 48.37], p < 0.00001). Combined narratively, 13 studies reported significantly lower concentrations of considered parameters in LS patients, whereas only one study reported lower inflammatory markers (for CRP and IL-6) after OS.

CONCLUSION

The increase in postoperative concentrations of several proinflammatory parameters was significantly less pronounced after LS than after OS in this meta-analysis. Overall, the summarized evidence reinforces the view of a lower induction of inflammation due to LS.

Distinct immunoreactions after a primary tumor microwave ablation using different heating parameters in a VX2 tumor model

BACKGROUND

Thermal ablation of solid tumors in situ can activate the immune system and produce a specific immune response against the tumor. Microwave ablation (MWA) with different parameters can ablate tumors with similar sizes and cause different local inflammatory effects. Our aim was to determine the immunological effects induced by different energy modes of MWA for a primary tumor.

METHODS

Seventy rabbits with VX2 tumors that were implanted subcutaneously underneath the right second nipple were treated with high-power MWA (40 W for 1 min), low-power MWA (20 W for 2 min), or surgical resection or were left without treatment (control). Survival time was evaluated by log-rank test. On day 14 after ablation, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the T-cell immune responses. In addition, the cytokine patterns were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Tumor eradication was achieved completely in the MWA groups, as proven by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase staining. Compared with the three treatment groups, the control group had a significantly higher number of pulmonary metastases and worse survival; however, no significant difference was observed among the three treatment groups. More intra-tumoral and systemic CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were induced in the MWA groups than in the control group. Compared with operation, MWA induced more systemic CD4+ T-cells. More intra-tumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and systemic CD4+ T-cells were induced by high-power MWA than by low-power MWA. Moreover, MWA increased the interleukin 2 (IL2) and IL12 levels and decreased the IL4, IL6, and IL10 levels. Importantly, the serum IL12 level was significantly higher after high-power MWA than after low-power MWA.

CONCLUSION

High-power MWA enhanced the type 1 T helper immune response and may be selected for the treatment of solid tumors. Future studies are needed to confirm our results.

Immune changes induced by periampullary adenocarcinoma are reversed after tumor resection and modulate the postoperative survival

BACKGROUND

Tumor growth encompasses multiple immunologic processes leading to impaired immunity. Regarding cancer surgery, the perioperative period is characterized by additional immunosuppression, which may contribute to poorer outcomes. In this exploratory study, we assessed plasma parameters characterizing the perioperative immunity with a particular focus on their prognostic value.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

31 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were enrolled (adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head and its periampullary region: n = 24, benign pancreatic diseases n = 7). Abundance and function of circulating immune cells and the plasma protein expression were analyzed in blood samples taken pre- and postoperatively using flow cytometry, ELISA and Proximity Extension Assay.

RESULTS

Prior to surgery, an increased population of Tregs, a lower level of intermediate monocytes, a decreased proportion of activated T-cells, and a reduced response of T-cells to stimulation in vitro were associated with cancer. On the first postoperative day, both groups showed similar dynamics. The preoperative alterations did not persist six weeks postoperatively. Moreover, several preoperative parameters correlated with postoperative survival.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests systemic immunologic changes in adenocarcinoma patients, which are reversible six weeks after tumor resection. Additionally, the preoperative immune status affects postoperative survival. In summary, our results implicate prognostic and therapeutic potential, justifying further trials on the perioperative tumor immunity to maximize the benefit of surgical tumor therapy.

Influence of Laparoscopic Surgery on Cellular Immunity in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The main treatment options are laparoscopic (LS) and open surgery (OS), which might differ in their impact on the cellular immunity so indispensable for anti-infectious and antitumor defense. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (SCI-EXPANDED), the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP (WHO) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing cellular immunity in CRC patients of any stage between minimally invasive and open surgical resections. A random effects-weighted inverse variance meta-analysis was performed for cell counts of natural killer (NK) cells, white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. The RoB2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The meta-analysis was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021264324). A total of 14 trials including 974 participants were assessed. The LS groups showed more favorable outcomes in eight trials, with lower inflammation and less immunosuppression as indicated by higher innate and adaptive cell counts, higher NK cell activity, and higher HLA-DR expression rates compared to OS, with only one study reporting lower WBCs after OS. The meta-analysis yielded significantly higher NK cell counts at postoperative day (POD)4 (weighted mean difference (WMD) 30.80 cells/µL [19.68; 41.92], p < 0.00001) and POD6-8 (WMD 45.08 cells/µL [35.95; 54.21], p < 0.00001). Although further research is required, LS is possibly associated with less suppression of cellular immunity and lower inflammation, indicating better preservation of cellular immunity.

Intraoperative complication of radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: does the surgical approach matter? A retrospective multicenter study using the EAUiaiC classification

PURPOSE

Despite surgical and anesthetic progress, radical cystectomy for bladder cancer remains one of the most morbid surgeries in urology. The objective of our study was to describe intraoperative complications and to assess the impact of surgical approach on morbidity.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients treated by radical cystectomy for localized muscle invasive bladder cancer between 2015 and 2020, following the Martin et al. criteria for complications reports. All intraoperative adverse events were graded according to the EAUiaiC scores. Multivariate regression models were used to determine predicting factors of complications.

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients were included for analysis. Among them, 17 patients (5.4%) presented an intraoperative complication. No preoperative oncological or clinical factor was associated with the occurrence of an intraoperative complication. Surgical approach had no impact on morbidity. Both overall survival (HR 2.02; CI95% 0.87-4.68; p = 0.101) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.856; CI95% 0.804-4.284; p = 0.147) were not associated with intraoperative complication.

CONCLUSION

Radical cystectomy remains a highly morbid surgery and surgical approach did not improve the complication rate. Perioperative morbidity has a significant impact on patient survival. The association between intraoperative and postoperative complications illustrates the cumulative effect of perioperative events that are associated with survival.

Relationship between laparoscopic total gastrectomy-associated postoperative complications and gastric cancer prognosis

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prognosis of postoperative complications after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for gastric cancer (GC). We retrospectively enrolled 411 patients who underwent curative LTG for GC at seven institutions between January 2004 and December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups, complication group (CG) and non-complication group (non-CG), depending on the presence of serious postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III [≥ CD IIIa] or higher complications). Short-term outcomes and prognoses were compared between two groups. Serious postoperative complications occurred in 65 (15.8%) patients. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the median operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes harvested, or pathological stage; however, the 5-year overall survival (OS; CG 66.4% vs. non-CG 76.8%; p = 0.001), disease-specific survival (DSS; CG 70.1% vs. non-CG 76.2%; p = 0.011), and disease-free survival (CG 70.9% vs. non-CG 80.9%; p = 0.001) were significantly different. The Cox multivariate analysis identified the serious postoperative complications as independent risk factors for 5-year OS (HR 2.143, 95% CI 1.165-3.944, p = 0.014) and DSS (HR 2.467, 95% CI 1.223-4.975, p = 0.011). A significant difference was detected in the median days until postoperative recurrence (CG 223 days vs. non-CG 469 days; p = 0.017) between the two groups. Serious postoperative complications after LTG negatively affected the GC prognosis. Efforts to decrease incidences of serious complications should be made that may help in better prognosis in patients with GC after LTG.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio behaves as an independent prognostic factor even in patients with postoperative complications after curative resection for gastric cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine if the prognostic value of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be modified by the presence of postoperative complications (POC) and their severity in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma resected with curative intent.

METHODS

A retrospective study based on a prospective database of patients with resectable gastric adenocarcinoma treated with radical intention (R0) between January 1998 and February 2012. The primary endpoint was overall survival according to preoperative peripheral blood NLR and postoperative complications. Clinicopathological variables, preoperative blood tests, POC and its severity (Clavien-Dindo classification), type of POC (infectious or not infectious) and mortality were registered. A univariate and multivariate analysis (step forward Cox regression) was performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival.

RESULTS

The 147 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone radical resection were included from an initial cohort of 209 patients. Univariant analysis: type of surgery, pT, pN, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) and preoperative NLR ≥ 2.4 were significantly associated with survival (p < 0.05). Patients with POC showed worse long-term survival (p = 0.000), with no difference (p = 0.867) between infectious or non-infectious POC. NLR ≥ 2.4 was associated with infectious POC (p < 0.001). Patients with preoperative NLR ≥ 2.4 (p = 0.02) had a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis: pN (p < 0.001), postoperative complications (p < 0.001) (HR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.97-4.70) and NLR ≥ 2.4 (p = 0.04) (HR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.02-2.3) were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative inflammatory state of patients with gastric cancer measured by NLR behaves as an independent prognostic factor, even in patients with POC.

Postoperative C-reactive protein concentrations to predict infective complications following gastrectomy for cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Gastrectomy for gastric cancer is associated with significant infective postoperative complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a useful biomarker in the early detection of infective complications following major abdominal surgery. This single-centre retrospective study aimed to determine the relationship between postoperative CRP levels and development of postoperative infective complications after gastrectomy.

METHODS

Daily postoperative CRP levels were analyzed to determine a CRP threshold associated with infective complications. ROC curve analysis was used to determine which postoperative day (POD) gave the optimal cutoff. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine significant factors associated with complications.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-four patients were included. A total of 61 patients (42%) had at least one infective complication. A CRP level of 220 mg/L was associated with the highest AUC (0.765) with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 76% (positive predictive value, 67%; negative predictive value, 78%). More patients with a CRP > 220 mg/L on POD 3 developed infective complications (67% vs. 21%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A CRP of more than 220 mg/L on POD 3 may be useful to alert clinicians to the increased risk of a postoperative infective complication or enable earlier safe discharge from critical care for those with a lower value.

Relationship Between Postoperative Complications and the Prognosis of Gastric Carcinoma Patients Who Underwent Surgical Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Whether the presence of postoperative complications was associated with poor prognosis of gastric carcinoma (GC) patients remain controversial. This meta-analysis was designed and reported to compare the survival difference between patients with complications and non-complications.

Methods:

Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase databases were comprehensively searched for published literatures to review current evidence on this topic. The survival data were extracted, and a random-effect or fixed-effect model was used to analyze the correlation between postoperative complications and oncologic outcome of GC patients.

Results:

Of all studies identified, 32 were eligible for this pooled analysis, with a total of 32,067 GC patients. The incidence of postoperative complications was approximately 12.5% to 51.0%. Among them, infectious complications varied from 3.0% to 28.6%, anastomotic leakage varied from 1.1% to 8.7% and postoperative pneumonia varied from 1.6% to 12.8%. The presence of postoperative complications resulted in a significant poorer overall survival (OS) of gastric carcinoma patients (hazard ratio [HR]:1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-1.67, P < 0.001). Additionally, the pooled results showed a significant correlation between infectious complications and decreased OS (HR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.38-1.88, P < 0.001). Concerning specific postoperative complications, we found that both anastomotic leakage (HR: 2.36, 95%CI: 1.62-3.42, P < 0.001) and postoperative pneumonia (HR: 1.74, 95%CI: 1.22-2.49, P = 0.002) impaired the OS of gastric carcinoma patients.

Conclusion:

Postoperative complications were significantly correlated to recurrence and poor survival in gastric carcinoma patients. To gain a better surgical outcome and long-term oncological outcome, postoperative complications should be minimized as much as possible.

The impact of postoperative complications and delay of adjuvant chemotherapy on oncological outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer

AIM

Postoperative complications are believed to result in poorer long-term oncological outcomes. The contribution of time to chemotherapy has not been analysed in detail. Our aim was to examine the association between postoperative complications and long-term oncological outcomes and overall survival, and the influence of delay in chemotherapy on these outcomes.

METHOD

The study was a nationwide register-based observational study that included patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in Denmark between 2010 and 2015. Information regarding postoperative complications was obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group national clinical registry. A Cox regression model was used to estimate disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival and all-cause mortality in patients surviving for 180 days or more after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 4083 patients were included, of whom 690 had postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were associated with increased odds of delay to adjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio 4.56, 95% CI 3.67-5.66, p < 0.0001). An unadjusted analysis revealed that patients with complications had poorer disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival and had increased all-cause mortality. In multivariate analysis, postoperative complications were not associated with poorer disease-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 1.02, 95% CI 0.88-1.18, p = 0.80] recurrence-free survival (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.89-1.25, p = 0.56) or all-cause mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86-1.26, p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

This study showed no association between the occurrence of postoperative complications and long-term prognosis when adjusting for time to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Pathophysiological mechanisms explaining poor clinical outcome of older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass

Low skeletal muscle mass is highly prevalent in older cancer patients and affects 5% to 89% depending on the type and stage of cancer. Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with poor clinical outcomes such as post-operative complications, chemotherapy toxicity and mortality in older cancer patients. Little is known about the mediating pathophysiological mechanisms. In this review, we summarize proposed pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the association between low skeletal muscle mass and poor clinical outcomes in older cancer patients including a) systemic inflammation; b) insulin-dependent glucose handling; c) mitochondrial function; d) protein status and; e) pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs. The mechanisms of altered myokine balance negatively affecting the innate and adaptive immune system, and altered pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs leading to a relative overdosage of anticancer drugs are best-substantiated. The effects of glucose intolerance and circulating mitochondrial DNA as a consequence of low skeletal muscle mass are topics of interest for future research. Restoring myokine balance through physical exercise, exercise mimetics, neuro-muscular activation and adapting anticancer drug dosing on skeletal muscle mass could be targeted approaches to improve clinical outcomes in older cancer patients with low skeletal muscle mass.

The occurrence of high-grade complications after radical cystectomy worsens oncological outcomes in patients with bladder cancer

PURPOSE

Reports frequently describe the worsening of oncologic outcome in patients who developed high-grade complications after curative surgery for esophageal, gastric, and breast cancers. We investigated the extent of this correlation in patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy (RC).

METHODS

During 2002-2017, we performed 326 RC and urinary diversion procedures and collected data regarding complications in these patients within 90 days postoperatively. We evaluated the severity of complications based on the modified Clavien-Dindo classification (grades 0-5). Grade ≥ 3 complications were considered high grade. After adjusting for confounding factors using a Cox regression model, we calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) for high-grade complications associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 61 months, 38 patients (12%) developed high-grade complications (grade ≥ 3). The main causes (76%) of high-grade complications were gastrointestinal and infection problems. The RFS and CSS differed significantly between patients with high-grade complications and those without complications. After adjusting for confounding factors in the multivariate analysis, high-grade complications remained a significant risk factor for both RFS [HR 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-4.15, p = 0.030] and CSS (HR 2.74; 95% CI 1.05-7.14, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

High-grade complications after RC led to worse RFS and CSS outcomes, similar to those observed in patients with other cancers. A large-scale study is needed to further verify these findings, and discussions of knowledge and experiences are required to reduce the incidence of postoperative high-grade complications.

Perioperative Blood Transfusion is Associated with Postoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response and Poorer Outcomes Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Background

The present study investigated relationships between perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative systemic inflammatory response, and outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Data were recorded for patients (n = 544) undergoing potentially curative, elective surgery for colorectal cancer at a single center between 2012 and 2017. Transfusion history was obtained retrospectively from electronic records. Associations between blood transfusion, postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, hemoglobin, complications, cancer-specific survival and overall survival (OS) were assessed using propensity score matching (n =116).

Results

Of 544 patients, the majority were male (n =294, 54%), over 65 years of age (n =350, 64%), and with colonic (n =347, 64%) node-negative disease (n =353, 65%). Eighty-six patients (16%) required perioperative blood transfusion. In the unmatched cohort, blood transfusion was associated with higher median postoperative day (POD) 3 CRP {143 [interquartile range (IQR) 96–221 mg/L] vs. 120 (IQR 72–188 mg/L); p = 0.004}, lower median POD 3 albumin [24 (IQR 20–26 g/L) vs. 27 (IQR 24–30 g/L); p < 0.001], more postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) 3.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.03–5.29] and poorer OS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.18, 95% CI 2.08–4.84]. In the propensity score matched cohort, blood transfusion was similarly associated with higher median POD 3 CRP [130 (IQR 93–196 mg/L) vs. 113 (IQR 66–173 mg/L); p = 0.046], lower median POD 3 albumin [24 (IQR 20–26 g/L) vs. 26 (IQR 24–30 g/L); p < 0.001], more postoperative complications (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.36–6.20) and poorer OS (HR 2.38, 95% CI 0.99–5.73).

Conclusions

Perioperative blood transfusion was associated with postoperative inflammation, complications, and poorer survival in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, with and without propensity score techniques.

Repeat Cytoreductive Surgery-Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion is Feasible and Offers Survival Benefit in Select Patients with Peritoneal Metastases

INTRODUCTION

We hypothesized that repeat cytoreductive surgery-hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (CRS-HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases (PM) may be associated with suboptimal resection, more frequent postoperative complications, and worse oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

Using a prospectively maintained database, we compared clinicopathologic, perioperative, and oncologic outcome data in patients undergoing single or repeat CRS-HIPEC procedures. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. Multivariate analyses identified associations with perioperative and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 1294 patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC procedures at our institution, only one CRS-HIPEC procedure (single HIPEC cohort) was performed in 1169 patients (90.3%), whereas 125 patients (9.7%) underwent repeat CRS-HIPEC procedures (repeat HIPEC cohort). Of the 1440 CRS-HIPEC procedures at our institution, a first CRS-HIPEC procedure was performed in 1294 patients (89.9%), whereas subsequent second, third, and fourth CRS-HIPEC procedures were performed in 125 patients (8.7%), 18 patients (1.3%), and 3 patients (0.2%), respectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) following the second CRS-HIPEC procedure was negatively impacted by shorter PFS following the first CRS-HIPEC procedure, independent of other significant variables related to the second procedure, including completeness of cytoreduction and postoperative complications. Patients undergoing multiple CRS-HIPEC procedures were not at higher risk for suboptimal resection or postoperative complications and demonstrated equivalent PFS following each successive procedure compared to the first procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat CRS-HIPEC procedures for PM were not associated with suboptimal perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Our data confirmed our ability to select patients appropriately for repeat CRS-HIPEC procedures.

The Effect of Myopenia on the Inflammatory Response Early after Colorectal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Myopenia (low skeletal muscle mass) is associated with an increased risk of complications following colorectal surgery, however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study investigates the effect of myopenia on the early postoperative systemic inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 78 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, the presence of myopenia was preoperatively assessed using computed tomography images of the third lumbar vertebra. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFRSF1A) were measured in plasma before and 4 h after start of surgery as part of a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of perioperative gum chewing on the inflammatory response. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of myopenia on inflammatory markers while correcting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

Four hours after start of surgery, IL-8 was higher in patients with myopenia than in patients without myopenia (352 ± 268 vs. 239 ± 211 pg/ml, P = 0.048), while TNFRSF1A was similar between groups. After adjusting for sex and the intervention with perioperative gum chewing, myopenia remained associated with higher postoperative IL-8 concentrations (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

Myopenia may affect IL-8 early after colorectal surgery. However, more studies are needed to validate these findings.

Characterization of systemic neutrophil function in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND

In patients with colorectal cancer, the generation and maintenance of a systemic inflammatory response is associated with poor outcomes. Neutrophils have been implicated in the prognosis of such patients, but little is known about their functional response to surgery. This study was conducted to characterize neutrophil function of patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systemic neutrophils were isolated from patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection preoperatively (day 0) and postoperatively (day 1 and day 3). Neutrophils were stimulated to produce neutrophil extracellular traps, which were quantified by a measure of the fluorescence of the extracellular DNA. Neutrophil apoptosis and phagocytosis were measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were evaluated. Statistically significant differences were identified in NET formation over the perioperative period (reduced NET production [day 0 to day 1] and restored NET production [day 1 to day 3]) in the absence of stimulation (P = 0.0016) and in response to stimulation with interleukin 8 (P = 0.0045), lipopolysaccharide (P = 0.0025), and N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (P = 0.0014). No statistically significant differences were identified in apoptosis at 4-hour incubation; however, at 24-hours, significant differences were identified in alive (P < 0.0001), early apoptotic (P = 0.0008) and late apoptotic (P = 0.0018) stages (impaired apoptosis [day 0 to day 1] and restored apoptosis [day 1 to day 3]). Demonstrable, but nonsignificant, increases in neutrophil phagocytotic activity were revealed on sequential perioperative days, and a significant increase in phagocytosis was identified from day 1 to day 3 in response to E coli (P = 0.0078).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel neutrophil phenotype demonstrating reduced NET formation, reduced apoptosis, and increased phagocytosis has been demonstrated in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection. As a consequence of impaired cell death, an accumulation of neutrophils in the circulation could be potentially harmful to the host following surgery and an early phenotypic switch may be desirable.

Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Production in Patients with Colorectal Cancer In Vitro

Purpose

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) are extracellular neutrophil derived DNA webs which have been implicated in cancer progression and in the development of metastases. NETs production in patients with colorectal cancer was investigated to elucidate their role and prognostic significance.

Methods

Systemic neutrophils were isolated from consecutive patients with colorectal cancer and from age-matched healthy volunteers. Neutrophils were stimulated to produce NETs which were quantified by a measure of the fluorescence of the extracellular DNA. The impact of cancer location, tumour stage, and patient outcomes (complications, length of stay, and mortality) on NET production was investigated.

Results

Quantification of NET formation was performed in patients with colorectal cancer (n = 45) and in well-matched healthy individuals (n = 20). Significant increases in NETs production in response to no stimulant (9,735 AFU versus 11347 AFU, p = 0.0209), IL-8 (8,644 AFU versus 11,915 AFU, p = 0.0032), and LPS (10,576 AFU versus 12,473 AFU, p = 0.0428) were identified in patients with colorectal cancer. A significant increase in NETs production in response to fMLP was detected in patients who developed significant postoperative complications (11,760 AFU versus 18,340 AFU, p = 0.0242) and who had a prolonged hospital recovery (9,008 AFU versus 12,530 AFU, p = 0.0476). An increase in NETs production was also observed in patients who died, but this did not reach statistical significance. Cancer location and tumour stage did not appear to affect preoperative NETs production.

Conclusions

Patients with colorectal cancer have significantly increased NETs production in vitro when compared to healthy volunteers, possibly implicating them in cancer development. Adverse patient outcomes were associated with increased preoperative NETs production, which highlights them as potential therapeutic targets.

Clinicopathological Determinants of an Elevated Systemic Inflammatory Response Following Elective Potentially Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer

Introduction

The postoperative systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is related to both long- and short-term outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer. However, it is not clear which clinicopathological factors are associated with the magnitude of the postoperative SIR. The present study was designed to determine the clinicopathological determinants of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response following colorectal cancer resection.

Methods

Patients with a histologically proven diagnosis of colorectal cancer who underwent elective, potentially curative resection during a period from 1999 to 2013 were included in the study (n = 752). Clinicopathological data and the postoperative SIR, as evidenced by postoperative Glasgow Prognostic Score (poGPS), were recorded in a prospectively maintained database.

Results

The majority of patients were aged 65 years or older, male, were overweight or obese, and had an open resection. After adjustment for year of operation, a high day 3 poGPS was independently associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (hazard ratio [HR] 1.96; confidence interval [CI] 1.25–3.09; p = 0.003), body mass index (BMI) (HR 1.60; CI 1.07–2.38; p = 0.001), mGPS (HR 2.03; CI 1.35–3.03; p = 0.001), and tumour site (HR 2.99; CI 1.56–5.71; p < 0.001). After adjustment for year of operation, a high day 4 poGPS was independently associated with ASA grade (HR 1.65; CI 1.06–2.57; p = 0.028), mGPS (HR 1.81; CI 1.22–2.68; p = 0.003), NLR (HR 0.50; CI 0.26–0.95; p = 0.034), and tumour site (HR 2.90; CI 1.49–5.65; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

ASA grade, BMI, mGPS, and tumour site were consistently associated with the magnitude of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response, evidenced by a high poGPS on days 3 and 4, in patients undergoing elective potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer.

The Impact of Preoperative Dexamethasone on the Magnitude of the Postoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response and Complications Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The magnitude of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response (SIR), as evidenced by C-reactive protein (CRP), is associated with both short- and long-term outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer. The present study examined the impact of preoperative dexamethasone on the postoperative SIR and complications following elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients who underwent elective surgery, with curative intent, for colorectal cancer at a single center between 2008 and 2016 were included (n = 556) in this study. Data on the use of preoperative dexamethasone were obtained from anesthetic records, and its impact on CRP on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 4, as well as postoperative complications, was assessed using propensity score matching (n = 276).

RESULTS

In the propensity score-matched cohort, preoperative dexamethasone was associated with fewer patients exceeding the established CRP threshold of 150 mg/L on POD 3 (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-0.70, p < 0.001) and fewer postoperative complications (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.86, p = 0.009). Similar results for both POD 3 CRP and complications were observed when using propensity score-adjusted regression (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.28-0.57 and OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41-0.80, respectively) and propensity score stratification (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.57 and OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.86, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative dexamethasone was associated with a lower postoperative SIR and fewer complications following elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

Postoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response, Complication Severity, and Survival Following Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

This study examined the relationship between the magnitude of the postoperative systemic inflammatory response (SIR), the severity of complications, and long-term outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Data were recorded prospectively for patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer in a single centre between 2008 and 2013. The magnitude of the SIR was measured using C-reactive protein (CRP). Complications were classified by Clavien-Dindo grade. The impact on disease specific and overall survival was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 377 patients included, the majority were male (55 %), older than age 65 years (68 %), with colonic (63 %) and node-negative disease (66 %). A total of 138 patients (37 %) had a complication, of which 26 (6 %) were Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 severity. Complication severity was significantly associated with the established CRP thresholds of 150 mg/L on postoperative day (POD) 3 (p < 0.001) and POD 4 (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 42 months with disease-specific survival 86 % and overall survival 78 %. On univariate analysis, complication severity [hazard ratio (HR) 1.66, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.43, p = 0.009], and POD 4 CRP > 150 mg/L (HR 2.53, 95 % CI 1.43-4.48, p = 0.001) were associated with disease-specific survival. On multivariate survival analysis, POD 4 CRP > 150 mg/L (HR 2.00, 95 % CI 1.12-3.59, p = 0.020), but not complication severity, was significantly associated with disease-specific survival independent of TNM stage (HR 2.46, 95 % CI 1.52-4.12, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The magnitude of the postoperative SIR, evidenced by CRP, was significantly associated with long-term outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer, independent of complications and stage.

The impact of preoperative corticosteroids on the systemic inflammatory response and postoperative complications following surgery for gastrointestinal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis examined the impact of preoperative corticosteroids on interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and complications following surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using appropriate keywords. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

11 RCTs with 474 patients, were included. Corticosteroids were significantly associated with lower IL-6 on postoperative day 1 (mean difference -148pg/mL, 95% CI -205 to -92, p<0.001), 2 (-33pg/mL, 95% CI -58 to -8, p=0.01), and 3 (-31pg/mL, 95% CI -52 to -11, p=0.002), lower CRP on day 3 (-45mg/L, 95% CI -68 to -21, p<0.001), and 7 (-14mg/L, 95% CI -27 to -1, p=0.04), and fewer postoperative infective complications (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.83, p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroids were associated with reduction in the postoperative systemic inflammatory response and complications following surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.

Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO)-diclofenac as an anti-cancer agent

Diclofenac (DCF) is a well-known and widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with a range of actions which are of interest in an oncological context. While there has long been an interest in the use of NSAIDs in chemoprevention, there is now emerging evidence that such drugs may have activity in a treatment setting. DCF, which is a potent inhibitor of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 synthesis, displays a range of effects on the immune system, the angiogenic cascade, chemo- and radio-sensitivity and tumour metabolism. Both pre-clinical and clinical evidence of these effects, in multiple cancer types, is assessed and summarised and relevant mechanisms of action outlined. Based on this evidence the case is made for further clinical investigation of the anticancer effects of DCF, particularly in combination with other agents - with a range of possible multi-drug and multi-modality combinations outlined in the supplementary materials accompanying the main paper.

The impact of the type and severity of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes following surgery for colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review investigated the impact of complications by type (infective vs. non-infective) and severity (using the Clavien Dindo scale) on long-term outcome following surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using appropriate keywords. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed.

RESULTS

14 studies were included with a total 18,611 patients. Infective complications had a significant impact on disease free (HR 1.41, 95%CI 1.08-1.83, p=0.01) and overall survival (1.37 95%CI 1.22-1.55, p<0.001). Non-infective complications had no significant impact on either disease free (HR 1.21, 95%CI 0.97-1.52, p=0.09) or overall survival (HR 1.35, 95%CI 0.92-1.97, p=0.12). Complication severity had a significant impact on both disease free (HR 1.41, 95%CI 1.18-1.68, p<0.001) and overall survival (HR 1.45, 95%CI 1.25-1.69, p<0.001).

DISCUSSION

Both type and severity of postoperative complications have an impact on long-term survival following surgery for colorectal cancer.

Neutrophil count is the most important prognostic component of the differential white cell count in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammatory scoring systems such as the NLR have been reported to have prognostic value in many solid organ cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the components of the white cell count (WCC) and survival in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective resection at a single center (1997 to 2008) were identified from a prospective database (n = 508). Patient demographics and preoperative laboratory measurements including the differential WCC and their association with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival were examined.

RESULTS

There were 172 cancer deaths and 120 noncancer deaths. On Kaplan-Meier analysis of the whole cohort, age, Tumor, Nodal, and Metastasis stage, venous invasion, margin involvement, peritoneal involvement and tumor perforation, and white cell and neutrophil count (all P < .05) were associated with CSS. In those with node-negative colon cancer (n = 226), on multivariate analysis, age, venous invasion, modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, and neutrophil count (all P < .05) were independently associated with CSS.

CONCLUSION

Of the components of a differential WCC, only the neutrophil count was independently associated with survival, particularly in node-negative colon cancer.